It Happened at Rotary...June 26, 2026
On Friday, June 26th we celebrated the induction of Dave Howell as the 113th president of Phoenix Rotary 100 and thanked outgoing president, Kathy Mitchell for her exemplary year of service to our club. There were many visitors at today’s meeting to honor Dave and Kathy but also to recognize the winners of special awards from the club.
President Kathy Mitchell introduced our club secretary, Bernadette Hirsch, who announced the following events and service opportunities. As part of the America 250 Arizona initiative, Rotary District 5495 has reserved a volunteer shift at St. Mary's Food Bank to help pack Emergency Food Boxes for Arizona families in need. Rotarians, family members, and friends can join us for Thursday, July 9th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at St. Mary’s Food Bank on 2804 North 29th Avenue in Phoenix. Registration is required.
.png)
Project Cure is another service opportunity held from 9:30 AM to noon on July 18th at 3701 West Cambridge Avenue in Phoenix. Come lend a hand as we prepare life-saving medical supplies for shipment to hospitals and clinics in need around the world. Volunteers will help with sorting, packing, organizing, and warehousing medical supplies—an active, hands-on experience that’s both fun and meaningful. Finally St. Luke’s Pantry on the second and fourth Saturdays at 848 East Dobbins Road from 5:30 AM to 8:00 AM could use the help of all early birds.
Today’s Sergeant-at-Arms, Jake Adams, recognized Lionel McCray’s birthday and noted that Lionel (Chip) is a graduate of NAU and Thunderbird School of Global Management with an MBA. Jake then called on Evalyne Cambron who graduated college in two years and according to Jake has a whopping IQ. Her birthday was June 11th and her wish ii to live a life well lived. The final birthday boy was Phil Geiger asking the secret to being married 51 years, to which Phil said it was knowing how to say “yes”. Jake also acknowledged several of his degrees from Columbia University and the Wharton School.
Numerous “Happy Hamiltons” for important events in our members’ lives were offered including Steve Goldston who said his grandson graduated from Georgetown with a master’s degree and now working in security at an agency in Washington DC; Roger Marce’s granddaughter who also graduated from Georgetown last year and now a Lieutenant Colonel in the Airforce space program in Colorado; Ian Amberson was grateful to announce that his friend, 40 years old with two children was now cancer free: Lisa Henning was glad to have been able to spend time with her niece in Iowa; Bernadette Hirsch lamented that she and Jeff are now “empty nesters” to which the members said, :you’ll happily get over it”. Sorry if anyone was missed.
Past President Angela Lopez commenced the presentation of the Dave Wasatch Award by explaining why
Dave is honored annually. Dave was only one of 150 people who received the prestigious “Service Above Self” award from Rotary International, the highest award given and the following year, received the second highest award. He started the Arizona Rotary Vocational Fund which to date has been awarded more than $1.1 million in grants and scholarships and he also brought RYLA Leadership to Phoenix 100. PP Angela then introduced last year’s Dave Wasatch award winner, Lisa Henning to announce this year’s recipient.
She described this year’s recipient of the Dave Wasatch Spirit of Rotary Award as having hunger, hustle, heart, and humility. Also, a board member who joined Rotary with drive who established a major project “ dorm room” when she joined. Not only is she an Honorary Commander for Luke AirForce Base but she is also a member of Junior League. The winner-Evalyn Cambron! President Kathy then recognized former Wasatch recipients: PP Angela Lopez, PP Dan Capote, Pres. Kathy Mitchell, Ted Haynes and Jake Adams and Lisa Henning. At the end of ceremony, Daran Wasatch and his three daughters, there to honor their dad and grandfather, were introduced to the club.
Phil Geiger, last year’s recipient of the Tim Creedon Quiet Confidence Award described Tim Creedon’s incredible life having been president of both Phoenix 100 and the Tucson Rotary clubs and district governor. Tim was the consummate gentlemen who emigrated from Ireland and started at the bottom rung of banking to ultimately become the executive VP of both Valley National bank and M&I Thunderbird Bank. This year’s recipient genuinely reflects the values and good work that Tim Creedon exemplified. He has been co-chair of the club service committee, a frequent greeter at our meetings, a board member, and a stalwart volunteer at South Mountain Food Pantry in the early morning. The award winner- William Francis, an 8 year member of the club who has quietly made a difference.
President Kathy Mitchell awarded the Rotarian of the Month to Sarah Desnond for her work on “Take Flight” and to Barry Patterson for the month of June for his constant support of Rotary programs and projects. President Kathy briefly discussed our search for a permanent meeting venue stating that current viable locations are Embassy Suites, the Old Spaghetti Factory, and Aunt Chiladas and said that the members will be asked to vote once we have visited all of the prospects.
PP Angela Lopez reminded members that Rotary 100 received the Impact Award for our Zambia Water Project at the District Conference in May.
The highlight of the meeting was the induction of Dave Howell as our 113th club president. PP Dan Capote, Jake Adams, April Miller, Evalyne Cambron, and PP Jay Murphy turned into reporters for Rotary TV, a perfect method of celebrating Dave since he was a leader in the TV industry for many years here in Phoenix but also in Tucson, Atlanta, Denver and Tulsa before he became the Senior VP for Public Affairs for Bank of America and then Wells Fargo Bank. Married for 52 years to his wife, Joan, Dave has also been an extraordinary community leader having been on the Board of Directors for the Arizona Chamber of commerce, the Arizona Science Center, the Phoenix Theater, the Phoenix Symphony, and the Arizona Commission for the Arts. He also served as the chairperson for Rotary 100’s youth exchange.
Dave’s TV induction included aliens, a major hurricane and “real” rain, and a PP Jay Murphy remote report from cattle country. The entire event was funny, heartwarming, and a testimony to the many extraordinary things Dave has done in his career, his community service and his most important aspect of his life, his family. Following his induction incoming President Dave gave President Kathy Mitchell a fine bottle of wine to thank her for her year of service as president. Kathy then thanked her officers and board members for their support.
In closing, President Kathy said that our July 10th meeting will feature the Chair of Arizona Fish and Game at the Biltmore Embassy /suites starting at noon. Member are asked to bring canned foods and non-perishable staples at our next meeting as the District is working to collect a ton of food for those in need.
To see photos click here
Rotarizonian Report By: Dr. Philip GeigerRead More