Three new members were inducted into the Goodyear PebbleCreek Rotary Club on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. All three have a common thread having lived in the State of Washington.
Grant Neiss is new to Rotary and fairly new to Arizona. He was looking for an avenue to become acquainted, give back, and get involved in the Goodyear community. Grant’s first career was in construction. When he retired from building, he entered his last
career as an insurance agent. Grant’s enthusiasm and knowledge are a welcome addition to our club.
Janet Fontaine first joined Rotary in 2017 in Lynnwood, Washington. Janet has been visiting Arizona for many years and has made the decision to become a full time resident who snowbirds in the summer. Janet is retired from International marketing – food and agriculture. She has had experience with Rotary International and was the International Service Committee chair from 2019 – 2024 in her club in Washington. She transferred her membership from Rotary Club of Lynnwood Washington on August 1, 2026. Janet brings an enthusiasm for making a difference in the world.
Ed Willborn is new to Rotary. He recently moved to Arizona full-time after making several winter visits. He has had several recent life-altering events and finds relocating to Arizona a most pleasant choice. Ed became a banker in 2007 and retired from commercial lending. Ed found great satisfaction in his career guiding business owners with appropriate ways to financially strengthen their business. Ed looks forward to making friends and assisting with community projects.
It was an honor to have our Rotary District Governor Joe Sweeney observe and assist with the induction of our 3 new members!
District Governor Joe Sweeney spoke at the October 7 th meeting. In his message, he gave us two words to consider as we interact with each other and in the community. Attraction and engagement. Attraction: As Rotarians, the warmth and friendliness that we show to each other and as we engage with the community reflect upon our club. The community wants to be part of our activities when we promote the heart of Rotary to others: service to our community. Engagement: Each member will get the most out of their Rotary experience when they find something to do that fits their passion. As a club, we can encourage each other to join a service activity or be part of a fundraiser. When we feel part of a project, our commitment to our community and our club deepens.
As part of his time with our club, DG Joe Sweeney participated in the welcoming of 3 new members. Assistant Governor Joan Smith and DG Joe Sweeney awarded a Paul Harris Fellow +1 pin to new member Janet Fontaine.
The Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek celebrated another milestone in its literacy mission on Sept. 24 with the opening of its 13th Little Lending Library.
Financial support for the new library was provided by Goodyear Councilwoman Vicki Gillis. According to the club, Gillis has now sponsored three of its lending libraries and has committed to sponsoring a fourth location that will open soon. She has also been a consistent supporter of the club’s work with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.
Arizona State Representative Mariana Sandoval joined Rotarians and community members for the dedication. Sandoval previously served on the Agua Fria Union High School District Governing Board and has remained actively involved in supporting West Valley students and public education.
Also participating was Jim Frey, past president of the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek and coordinator of the club’s Dolly Parton Imagination Library program. Frey has been a driving force behind the club’s early-literacy efforts. The club currently pays for approximately 1,700 West Valley children to receive a new, age-appropriate book in the mail every month through the Imagination Library.
The new lending library was made possible in part by local business owner Oscar Gomez who provided space in front of Hovak Fine Jewelers for its installation. His support gives nearby children and families a convenient place to find free books close to home.
Alex Morales, a supporter of West Valley students and the arts, also attended the dedication. Rotarian Bill Stipp, a former Goodyear City Council member, has volunteered to serve as the steward of the new library. He will make sure it remains filled with books and that its selections are regularly rotated.
The dedication brought together representatives from education, city government, local business and community service—all united by the belief that access to books can change lives.
The Rotary Club places its lending libraries in areas where families may have limited access to books. By bringing free reading materials directly into neighborhoods, the club hopes to encourage children and adults alike to discover the enjoyment and lifelong benefits of reading.
With 13 libraries now open and the Rotary Club of Goodyear PebbleCreek continues working toward a simple but important goal: placing more books into the hands of West Valley readers.
Laura Colantoni, President of the All Faith Community Services in Buckeye, was our speaker. Some of the highlights from her presentation: approximately 2,500 pieces of clothing go back into the community each month, 3,700 clients are served monthly, twice a month 50-60 pound food boxes are distributed to clients, and a new food distribution location is at Goodyear High School.
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Goodyear, AZ 85395
United States of America