ROTARY CLUB of PRESCOTT-FRONTIER

Newsletter

April - May 2026

From our Club President

Rotary – People of Action. Leaders of Change.

Those of us in Rotary are often asked, “What is Rotary?” or “What do you do?” It’s a simple question—but the answer is anything but small.

We are a global network of leaders. Across the world, more than 1.4 million neighbors, professionals, and problem-solvers come together through Rotary clubs to create meaningful change. Rotary is not just an organization—it’s a leadership journey. Over the past two months, we’ve seen this firsthand as 650 Rotarians gathered in the Los Angeles area for the President-Elect Leadership Academy, and then in our district’s Club Leadership Academy in Phoenix. These experiences remind us that Rotary develops leaders not only within our clubs, but in every aspect of life. We learn, we connect, and we leave inspired.

At the heart of everything we do is our guiding principle: Service Above Self. Rotary calls us to uphold high ethical standards and use our professions and talents to serve others. Recently, Joe and I had the opportunity to visit two clubs and participate in their service projects. In those moments, you see Rotary at its best—hands-on, compassionate, and deeply connected to the needs of others.

We are people of action, committed to creating lasting change. Whether it’s through local service projects or global initiatives, Rotary addresses real challenges—clean water, education, health, and peacebuilding. Just a few days ago, our local paper featured not one, but two of our members. Their stories highlighted something we all know: Rotarians don’t just show up-they step up. They are active not only in Rotary but are influencers throughout our community.

Rotary is both local and global. Each club is uniquely rooted in its community, responding to local needs with care and creativity. At the same time, we are connected to something much larger - a worldwide network working toward shared goals of service and understanding. Together, we advance international goodwill and peace through a fellowship united in service.

And perhaps most importantly, membership in Rotary is about engagement. It’s not just about meetings - it’s about relationships, service, leadership, and impact. We engage with one another at meetings, through service projects, and at social events. Our St. Patrick's celebration was a perfect example—a night filled with laughter, connection, and fellowship that strengthens the bonds that make our club so special.

Rotary is who we are, and it’s what we do—together.

If you’re looking for a way to use your skills to make a difference locally and globally—Rotary may be for you. Want to learn more? On our website, click the Interested in Membership button: https://prescottfrontierrotary.com

– Linda Sweeney, President, Rotary Club of Prescott-Frontier

Excellence, Impact, Celebration: 20 Years of Grapes 4 Good

SPONSORSHIP and Early Bird Tickets Now Open

Our 20th Anniversary Grapes 4 Good (G4G) is full steam ahead! We look forward to seeing you at our 20th Anniversary Grapes 4 Good on September 20th at Watter’s Garden Center. Tickets are on sale now at an early-bird discount of 25%. Use the QR code or click this link, Grapes 4 Good Tickets & Sponsorships, for more information.

Linda Crogan, one of our Prescott Frontier Rotary members, shared a recent Arizona Republic article about the passing of coach Lou Holtz that inspired many comments. Reflecting on the life of the late Notre Dame head football coach Lou Holtz, the author included some of Holtz’s “life lessons” for success in both life and the competitive business arena. His principles resonate with our Rotary goals, especially as we are working to make this year our best yet!  

Holtz said there are 4 things any person or organization needs to be a champion:   

  1. “You have to have a commitment to excellence. When you’re committed to something, you accept no excuses, only results.” (As our Rotary founder, Paul Harris, said, “Whatever Rotary may mean to us, to the world it will be known by the results it achieves.”   
  2. “An individual’s mindset or an organization’s culture must be ‘complete attention to detail.’ You can’t just talk about it; you have to practice it.”  
  3. “You have to have sound fundamentals. Keep learning and practicing the right concepts.”   
  4. “ You must have discipline. Most people aim to do right, but they fail to pull the trigger. They just don’t have the wherewithal to finish the job.”

Holtz simplified life into 3 simple rules:  

  1. Do right.   
  2. Do everything to the best of your ability with the time allotted.  
  3. Show people you care.  

We Rotarians share the same values!

Our club’s Shari Legate is a former world- class competitive athlete. Her reflection on Coach Holtz’s philosophy was “Coach Holtz’s lessons weren’t just motivational, they were lived, real truths. They not only shaped us as better athletes, but also made us better people. Coach Holtz was a stickler for attention to detail, and if we use his mindset for G4G, we’ll be hugely successful and make this event exceptional. Just like in sports, it’s the little things that win. We’re elevating G4G for this 20th anniversary year by refining the guest experience and elevating sponsorship value. Together, we won't lose sight of why this event exists: to raise money and make a positive impact on the community. 

This is our club’s major fundraiser for the year. Please join us in making this our most successful Grapes 4 Good yet. Be a part of our commitment to make a positive impact on our community. We welcome businesses and individuals in our community to be a Sponsor this year.

To learn more about Grapes 4 Good, who benefits from the foundation's proceeds, and the impact it makes in our community: 👉🏻 Grapes 4 Good Event Details

Become a Sponsor now! Please contact our co-chairs, Donna Jacobs (thejacobs789@gmail.com) or Linda Mast (mastlinda@sbcglobal.net), to learn how you can become a sponsor or to ask any questions. 

Rotarians Unite at the Arizona Liberty Bell

Prescott’s Rotary Clubs recently came together to support something pretty special—the kickoff of the Arizona Liberty Bell – Road to 250 Arizona Traveling Museum.

Held right here in Prescott, the launch marked the start of a statewide journey that will bring this traveling museum to communities across all 15 Arizona counties. As Arizona’s original territorial capital, Prescott was the perfect place to get things rolling.

At the center of the exhibit is a replica of the Liberty Bell, giving visitors a chance to get up close to an iconic symbol of American history. But it’s more than just a display—the museum is designed to be interactive and engaging, connecting our nation’s story with Arizona’s unique history in a way that’s meaningful for all ages.

Rotarians from across the Prescott area showed up in full support, helping create a welcoming and energetic atmosphere for the event. It was a great example of what Rotary does best—bringing people together, supporting community events, and helping tell stories that matter.

As the “Road to 250” museum travels across the state, it’s a reminder of where we’ve been—and an invitation to think about where we’re going. Prescott was proud to help lead the way.

Learn more about the Arizona Road to 250 Traveling Museum: https://www.america250az.org/travelingmuseum/ 

Rotary Spirit Goes Green For a Night of Irish Cheer

Prescott-area Rotarians traded their usual meeting spots for a little Irish cheer this St. Patrick’s Day, gathering at the historic Hassayampa Inn for an evening full of laughter, connection, and celebration.

Members from across Prescott’s Rotary Clubs came together with friends and family to enjoy great conversation, festive touches of green, and plenty of Rotary spirit. It was one of those nights that reminded everyone what Rotary is really about—friendship, community, and showing up for each other.

The room was filled with stories, smiles, and the kind of energy that happens when people who care about their community get together just to celebrate. Whether reconnecting with familiar faces or welcoming guests curious about Rotary, the evening struck the perfect balance of fun and purpose.

Events like this don’t just celebrate a holiday—they strengthen the bonds that make Rotary clubs so impactful. And if St. Patrick’s Day is about good fortune, Prescott Rotary is certainly rich in community spirit.

Curious about Rotary and how you can get involved? Just reach out, and we'll connect you with our club to learn more by either emailing our Membership Chair, Diane Meek, dmeek9@gmail.com, or by clicking the Interested in Membership button on our website: https://prescottfrontierrotary.com

Rotarians in the Spotlight

It’s always exciting to see Rotary members making an impact—and even more so when that impact gets recognized in the community. Recently, several Rotarians from our club were featured in local media, shining a light on the incredible work happening right here in Prescott and beyond.

Wendi Lancy was highlighted in The Daily Courier for her involvement with Gardeners of Destiny, a hands-on gardening education program that teaches people how to grow their own food and live healthier lives. Their passion for community education and sustainability is a great example of Rotary values in action.

Through this program, participants—many of them students—learn practical skills such as planting, harvesting, and caring for a garden, all while gaining a deeper appreciation of where their food comes from. It’s not just about gardening; it’s about empowerment, health, and building a stronger, more connected community.

Meanwhile, Rotarian Amoré Cianciola was recently featured on the popular Arizona PBS show Check, Please! Arizona, highlighting the vibrant local dining scene. Her appearance showcased not only great food but also the enthusiasm and community pride that Rotarians bring to everything they do.

Seeing our fellow Rotarians recognized in the news and on screen is a great reminder that Rotary's impact reaches far beyond our meetings. Whether through education, community engagement, or the celebration of local culture, Rotarians continue to make a meaningful difference every day.

Congratulations to Wendi and Amoré for representing Rotary so well—and for continuing to put our community in the spotlight.

Articles courtesy of The Daily Courier, your trusted source for local news and information in the vibrant community of Prescott, Arizona: https://www.dcourier.com 

SERVICE PROJECT RECAP

Spreading the Love at The Valentine’s Day Food Sort

On Valentine’s Day, February 14th, members of the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club came together in the spirit of service to support Yavapai Food Neighbors during a community-wide food drive and sorting event at Prescott High School.

Rotarians sorted thousands of pounds of donated food, carefully packing items into plastic bins and loading them onto trucks bound for the Community Cupboard Food Bank. Their efforts helped ensure that donations were efficiently processed and delivered where they are needed most.

The Prescott High School location alone collected an incredible 23,460 pounds of food, a testament to the generosity of our community and the power of teamwork. From organizing donations to lifting and loading, every volunteer played a vital role in making the day a success.

Prescott Frontier Rotary Club is proud to partner with Yavapai Food Neighbors and the Community Cupboard to help strengthen food security across our region.

Learn more and contribute to the Community Cupboard Food Pantry, or join your local neighborhood Green Bag Program: https://thecommunitycupboard.org 

Bringing Joy, One Birthday at a Time

Sometimes, the smallest gestures can create the biggest smiles. For children facing hardship, a simple birthday celebration can feel like a dream. That’s why the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club came together to assemble dozens of Community Cupboard Birthday Bags, each filled with cake mix, frosting, a foil cake pan, candles, and balloons—everything needed to make a child’s birthday special.

The Community Cupboard Food Pantry supports over 1,000 children, and these birthday bags ensure that families can celebrate their children’s milestones with joy and dignity. From toddlers to teens, up to age 17, these little packages help turn an ordinary day into a memory worth cherishing.

Through this effort, our club was able to sprinkle a bit of happiness and show that even small acts of kindness can create a lasting impact.

Check out the Community Cupboard for ways you too can help children and families in need: https://thecommunitycupboard.org/

Rotary Delivers Love (and Food!) to Local Pets

The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club recently came together in March to collect pet food donations for United Animal Friends, supporting the care of animals in need throughout our community. United Animal Friends is a volunteer-driven nonprofit dedicated to rescuing animals, supporting pet owners, and promoting compassionate care for dogs and cats in our community. Their programs—including a Community Pet Food Bank that distributes tens of thousands of pounds of food each year—help ensure that pets can stay healthy and remain with the families who love them.

Thanks to the generosity of our members and neighbors, countless dogs and cats awaiting loving homes now have full bowls and happy tummies. Every donation—whether dry kibble or canned food—makes a tangible difference in the lives of these animals.

We are grateful to everyone who helped make this project a success! To continue supporting the wonderful work of United Animal Friends, visit: https://unitedanimalfriends.org

Thank you for helping ensure that every pet has a chance at a healthy, happy life. 🐾

Upcoming Service Projects

Food Sort: Community Cupboard Food Pantry

Rotarians are rolling up their sleeves once again to support Yavapai Food Neighbors by sorting donated food for the Community Cupboard Food Pantry.

The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club will be at Prescott High School on Saturday, April 11th, from 8:45 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., collecting non-perishable donations from the neighborhood Green Bag Program. Every can, box, and bag helps families in need right here in our community.

Want to make a difference? Learn more and contribute to the Community Cupboard Food Pantry or join your local neighborhood Green Bag Program: https://thecommunitycupboard.org 

Together, we can ensure no child or family goes hungry. 💛 

Granite Creek Cleanup

Prescott-wide Rotarians will partner with Prescott Creeks to help with the Granite Creek Cleanup at Granite Creek Park, 554 N 6th St, Prescott, AZ 86301, on Saturday, April 18th, from 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. All supplies needed for the cleanup will be provided by Prescott Creeks to help ensure our community and recreational areas remain pristine.

Want to join us? You can register to help the Rotary team here: https://prescottcreeks.org/cleanup/ or contact Wendi Lancy at rotarywendi5495@gmail.com. (Registrations due by Friday, April 3rd, for a T-shirt.)

Steps for Vets 🇺🇸

Our Prescott Frontier Rotary Club is proud to be participating in Steps for Vets Prescott, supporting the vital work of U.S. VETS to help end veteran homelessness.

We are inviting our community to join us—either by walking alongside our “Frontier Rotary Prescott” team or by making a donation to support this meaningful cause. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps provide critical services and support for those who have served our country.

Saturday, May 16th | Registration 8:00 a.m. | Race 9:00 a.m.

Founding Fathers Collective | 218 N Grantite Street | Prescott, AZ 86301

Join our “Frontier Rotary Prescott” team or contribute today—we’d love to have you be part of the difference we are making. 

Register/Donate: https://honor.usvets.org/event/steps-for-vets-prescott/e713496. If you choose Register, select the “Frontier Rotary Prescott” team and walk with us!

Courthouse Plaza Statue Maintenance

Prescott’s Courthouse Plaza is more than just a park—it’s the heart of our community and a place we all cherish. The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club invites you to join us in maintaining and caring for the historic statues that make this space so special.

Come lend a hand, meet great people, and take pride in preserving one of Prescott’s most beloved landmarks. Together, we can keep the Plaza beautiful for generations to come.

We’d love to have you join us!

Saturday, May 16th, 8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Meet at the statue on Goodwin St. Contact Wendi Lancy at rotarywendi5495@gmail.com if you would like to join!

Honoring those who served 🇺🇸

On May 24th, the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club will gather at Rolling Hills Cemetery to place flags in honor of our veterans. This meaningful tradition is a small but powerful way to recognize the courage, sacrifice, and service of those who have given so much for our country.

We invite our community to join us in this heartfelt tribute as we come together to remember and honor our heroes.

Contact Diane Meek at dmeek9@gmail.com if you would like to honor our veterans with us.

Upcoming Speakers
Apr 07, 2026 12:00 PM
Dogtree Pines
Apr 14, 2026 12:00 PM
Women's Self Protection
Apr 21, 2026 12:00 PM
Watters Garden Center (on location)
Apr 28, 2026 12:00 PM
Touchmark
View entire list

Join Us

The Prescott‑Frontier Rotary Club meets each Tuesday at noon. Members and guests gather in a comfortable dining room—complete with a private banquet space—where a full lunch menu is served.

We warmly welcome our community speakers, visiting Rotarians, prospective members, and the Club’s expanding lineup of service projects—from food drives to mentorship initiatives. 

We look forward to seeing you at the next meeting!

 

Weekly Meeting Schedule

March - April
Tuesdays, 12:00 p.m.
(April 21st see below)

The Hassyampa Inn
122 E Gurley St
Prescott, AZ 86301

April 21st
Tuesday, 12:00 p.m.

Watter's Garden Center
1815 W Iron Springs Rd,
Prescott, AZ 86305

May
We will return to our home location at The Club at Prescott Lakes

Contact Us

For information about Rotary, please contact Diane Meek:
Phone:  (520) 705-3446
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