John Spooler named Rotarian of the Year

New officers to lead the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek during the 2019-2020 program year were recently installed at their installation dinner. The end of the year celebration was attended by District Governor Elect David Simmer and Assistant District Governor Debra Undhjem. The incoming officers are Charlie Miller, President, Chuck Streeter, President Elect and Tom Leyda, Secretary/Treasurer.

The dinner was hosted by out-going club president Joan Smith at her beautiful PebbleCreek home. Smith was the inaugural president leading the club following its charter launch in November 2018. She reviewed the club’s progress and achievements over the past 18 months. Major milestones recognized included membership growth of 30 members and over $35,000 donated to charitable good works in the greater Goodyear community, including Agua Fria Food and Clothing Bank, SW Family Advocacy Center, Mutts on A Mission, SW Lending Closet, Hope Community Services and four high school scholarships to name a few.

The club has also planted trees at Goodyear Community Park, partnered with Kare Bears in PC collecting 2800 pounds of canned food for the food bank, delivered food and book boxes during the holidays, rang bells for the Salvation Army, donated emergency clothing boxes to Litchfield School District Title I elementary schools and club members participate monthly in the adopt-a-road cleanup.

The highlight of the evening was the recognition of John Spooler as Rotarian of the Year. “John has been a dedicated Rotarian for over 20 years and he was the inspiration and driving force to organize our Goodyear PebbleCreek Club,” said Smith. “His spirit of service and charitable giving really reflects the heart and soul of our club.”

Spooler, in addition to his long tenure of Rotary Club volunteer work, is also recognized as a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow for generous financial giving to Rotary International. “John is the epitome of Rotary’s ethic of service above self and we are fortunate to benefit from his decades of Rotary experience,” noted Smith.

President Joan also recognized her leadership team and all club members for their commitment to “Service Above Self” and working to make a difference in our community.

The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek meets from 7:00-8:00 a.m. each Wednesday morning at the PebbleCreek Tuscany Falls Clubhouse Chianti Room. Guests are encouraged to visit and check out the club. For further information, contact Joan Smith at 503-348-9468.