Stories

New Members Phil Hagen 2026-05-30 07:00:00Z 0

5 Nonprofits Receive Rotary Grants

The Flagstaff Rotary Club has awarded $5,000 in grants to local nonprofits from funds raised at its sixth annual golf tournament. 

“As is our tradition, club members nominate a variety of local causes,” said Rotary Club President Mike Williams, “and this year our board approved five organizations, each of which we are proud to present $1,000.”

Checks were presented at the May 19 Flagstaff Rotary Club meeting to:

  • Chinle Planting Hope, which practices “creative community development” on the Navajo Nation. The money will go toward installing a permanent irrigation system for its Garden of Dreams, which grows vegetables to the rural community of Chinle.
     
  • The Boys & Girls Club of Flagstaff, whose myriad community offerings range from after-school care for kids to character and leadership programs for teens. 
     
  • The Northern Arizona Alzheimer’s and Dementia Alliance, an organization that offers support and resources to local caregivers.
     
  • 928 Central, an initiative that helps dozens of Northern Arizona nonprofits realize their full potential through grant research, networking, collaboration, mentoring, and facility usage.
     
  • Flagstaff Pro Rodeo, which will use the grant money to buy prizes for its youth events—from sheep riding to the calf scramble—held during the annual rodeo, which will be June 4-6 at Fort Tuthill.

The Rotary’s 2025 golf tournament was conducted in partnership with the Flagstaff Symphony, which was also a beneficiary. For more information about the grants, this year’s golf tournament (which will take place in October), or the Flagstaff Rotary Club, send an email to philhagen@mac.com or visit flagstaffrotary.com. 

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5 Nonprofits Receive Rotary Grants Phil Hagen 2026-05-20 07:00:00Z 0

Rotaract Returns 

NAU students revive impactful mission in Flagstaff

Rotaract is a network of young-adult service clubs affiliated with Rotary International. There are more than 10,000 such clubs worldwide, with most based in universities. 

Sophia Brown is president of the club, with classmate Hugo Garcia Duran serving as vice president. Both have been driving forces in bringing back Rotaract, which has not been active on campus for several years.

The Flagstaff Rotary Club, the sponsoring organization, is very excited about this initiative.

“Our Rotarians are looking forward to working closely with the NAU Rotaract Club to mentor and support their activities and service projects,” Flagstaff Rotary Club President Mike Williams said. "Our two clubs share the goals of exchanging ideas with community leaders in and near Flagstaff, developing leadership and professional skills, and having fun together through service.”

Sophia, an English major from Prescott, was a member of Rotary's Interact in high school, serving on the Interact District Council and as president of her school's club during her senior year. Interact clubs are run by youths 18 and under. 

“Rotary really changed my life,” she said during a presentation at a recent Flagstaff Rotary Club meeting, “and now I want to share that opportunity with others.”

Sophia’s life-changing involvement began during the summer of 2024 when she served as Interact ambassador to Kenya, helping distribute mobility devices to various organizations and communities.

“Getting to see the impact of our fundraisers, mobility equipment drives, and advocacy firsthand was so impactful,” Sophia said. “I came back wanting to share the story of what I experienced and encourage people to keep participating, because every little thing can help build a larger picture of impact.

“Interact, Rotaract and Rotary touches so many lives,” she continued, “and I am so grateful to be a part of it. They have given me a purpose, a role in my communities, and I look forward to continuing this impact at Northern Arizona University.”     

Sophia has nearly a dozen prospective members lined up for NAU Rotaract. Starting this fall, the club will fully begin its focus on community service, leadership development and professional networking.

The club is open to NAU students who are committed to serving the Flagstaff community and creating lasting connections between the club and local and worldwide organizations. To learn more, visit @rotaract_nau on Instagram.

 Rotaract Returns Phil Hagen 2026-04-14 07:00:00Z 0

New Rotarians

Flagstaff club inducts three members

Rotary President Mike Williams and membership director Mike Casey welcomed three new members into the Flagstaff service club in February.
 
Davin Chambers, an NAU graduate, is a financial advisor with the Edwin Jones investment firm and board chairman of the local Boys and Girls Club.  

Daniel Maurer is founder and president of Elevate Nepal, a nonprofit organization based in Flagstaff that is registered with Nepal’s Social Welfare Council.

Mike Hickey, a retired engineer whose focus was on water and wastewater management, settled in Flagstaff with his wife, Renata, after a decade traveling the country in an RV. 

Each new member was nominated by a local Rotarian and approved by the Board. Each received a red badge, which they’ll wear to meetings until they earn the permanent Blue membership badge through service and participation. 

 New Rotarians Phil 2026-02-13 07:00:00Z 0

Rotarians judge county spelling bee 

 
The Flagstaff Rotary Club sponsored the 2026 Coconino County Spelling Bee on Feb. 7 at the Flagstaff High auditorium. The club provided three judges (Laura Trout, Mike Williams and Mike Hickey) at the annual event, which featured participants from 16 local elementary and middle schools. Rotary funded the prizes, which were $250 for first place, $150 for second, and $100 for third. 
 
 Rotarians judge county spelling bee Phil 2026-02-13 07:00:00Z 0

WHAT EVERY ROTARIAN SHOULD KNOW


WHAT IS ROTARY?  WHAT EVERY ROTARIAN SHOULD KNOW
 
Condensed and adapted from an article 
By Past District Governor, Wilma Basnett Emerson

Rotarians are frequently asked “What exactly is Rotary?” and “What do you do?”

Here is some information we as Rotarians can share when we are asked these questions.

WHAT IS ROTARY?
 
Rotary is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers
who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe, in our communities,
and in ourselves.

WHAT IS OUR MISSION?
 
We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and
peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. Our motto is Service Above Self. We try to live by the Four Way Test of the things we think, say or do.
 
First, is it the truth?
Second, is it fair to all concerned?
Third, will l it build good will and better friendships?
Fourth, will it be beneficial to all concerned?

WHAT DO WE DO?
 
Rotary members believe that we have a shared responsibility to take action on our world’s most persistent
issues. Our 35,000+ clubs work together to:

 Promote peace
 Fight disease—the eradication of polio from the face of the earth is one of our long standing goals—we’re getting close!
 Provide clean water, sanitation, and hygiene
 Save mothers and children
 Support education
 Grow local economies

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A ROTARIAN

What Rotarians get out of Rotary depends largely on what they put into it. Many membership requirements are designed to help club members more fully participate in and enjoy their Rotary experience.

Attendance:   Attending weekly club meetings allows members to enjoy fellowship, enrich their professional and personal knowledge, and meet other business leaders in their community. If members miss a meeting of their own club, they’re encouraged to expand their Rotary horizons by attending a meeting of any other Rotary club in the world.

Service:   By participating in local and international service projects, club members can volunteer their time and talents where they’re most needed.

The Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based:
 
Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the club’s effective functioning. Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.
 
Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community.
 
International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace.
 
New Generations Service recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, service projects, and exchange programs.

Finding and keeping members: To keep clubs strong, every Rotarian must share the responsibility of bringing new people into Rotary. Even new members can bring guests to club meetings or invite them to participate in a service project. Keeping members involved in Rotary is another responsibility. Fostering strong fellowship and encouraging early participation in service projects are two of the best ways to sustain a club’s membership.

Dues Club members are required to pay annual dues to their clubs, districts, and Rotary International, as well as the subscription fee to The Rotarian magazine.
 WHAT EVERY ROTARIAN SHOULD KNOW Michael Hosking 2019-06-18 07:00:00Z 0
Rotarians assist with Postal Service Food Drive Mike Hosking 2019-05-07 07:00:00Z 0
NAU Rotaract and Flagstaff Rotary Team Up Mike Hosking 2019-04-26 07:00:00Z 0
Rotary Sponsors County Spelling Bee Mike Hosking 2019-02-16 07:00:00Z 0
Rotarians Play Santa Claus for Flag Families Mike Hosking 2018-12-19 07:00:00Z 0
Flagstaff Rotarians in the Holiday Spirit Mike Hosking 2018-12-15 07:00:00Z 0

Party in the Pines

 

Last Saturday was the clearest and driest night in many weeks as Flagstaff and Phoenix West Rotarians, friends and guests gathered under the stars at the annual Phoenix West Rotary Party in the Pines.  We enjoyed the generous hospitality of Phoenix West Rotary.  We were treated early to a deer walking across the front yard, squirrels in the back watching us eat and later to Rotarians learning to enjoy jello shots along with Bigfoot BBQ.  As the night progressed the air was filled with lively conversation and laughter.  A good time was had by all.  A big thank you to Phoenix West Rotary President Sandy for inviting us to share in the festivities.
 
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Party in the Pines Michael Hosking 2018-08-07 07:00:00Z 0

Helping people with disabilities make their own music

Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.
 
After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.
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Helping people with disabilities make their own music 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

India celebrates three years without polio

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."
 
The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.
 
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India celebrates three years without polio 2014-02-26 00:00:00Z 0