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Ignite Innovation
 
ASU Edson Entrepreneurship+Innovation Institute and The Mesa West Rotary Club Present the Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge to Support Young Entrepreneurs.

It was recently announced to the public that the Mesa West Rotary Club, in partnership with ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute (Edson E+I), is thrilled to announce the community pitch competition, Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge. This event is designed to empower young local entrepreneurs by providing a platform for them to pitch innovative business ideas that address community needs and drive sustainable impact in the creative technology industries. The Challenge is the culminating event for the 3-month Innovation Series being hosted by Edson E+I at The Studios @ Mesa City Center.

The Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge will feature a panel of esteemed judges, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, government and business leaders, who will offer mentorship, guidance, and funding for promising ventures. This exciting event showcases the spirit of innovation in Mesa and ASU, highlighting ventures that have the potential to transform the local  economy and inspire the next generation of business leaders.

"We’re excited to bring the Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge to our community," said Gerald Paulus, President of the Mesa West Rotary Club. "Our Theme This year within our District, is “Rotary Means Business” and this initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering young entrepreneurship, local economic development and supporting innovative thinkers. By giving young entrepreneurs a stage to present their ideas and learn from experienced professionals, we’re helping them turn their visions into reality." Applications will open on January 27, 2025 and close on February 21st 2025.  https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/e_i_events/

The Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge in person event will take place on March 27, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm  at The Studios @ Mesa City Center. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their applications by February 21st 2025. Selection criteria include the originality of the business venture and demonstrate that income is already being generated, the feasibility of the business plan, and the potential for growth and community impact.

In addition to the opportunity to pitch their ideas, selected entrepreneurs will benefit from:
  • Mentorship: Direct guidance and expert advice from the panel of judges. 
  • Networking: Access to a network of professionals who can provide valuable connections and resources. 
  • Exposure: Increased visibility through media coverage and community support. 
  • Funding: Potential investment from the judges and other investors attending the event.
"We have created a supportive, inclusive environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive," said Kristin Slice, Director of Community Entrepreneurship, Edson E+I. "Our goal is to empower participants with the knowledge, resources, and confidence they need to succeed in today’s competitive business world."

Registration for the event may be found here and applications may also be found there. Community members are encouraged to attend to support local entrepreneurs, and witness firsthand the innovative ideas shaping our community.
 
For more information about the Venture Challenge, including application details and registration, please visit Edson E+I’s event page. For additional information about the Innovation Series, please visit https://specialevents.asu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=825684&. For questions, contact Edson E+I at info.studiosmesa@asu.edu
Highlights of January 16 Meeting
Opening and Welcome - President Jay Paulus
 
 
Polly Cady led the Pledge of Allegiance and John Bunyard offered the invocation.
 
Curt Ward, from the Rotary Club of Gilbert invited members to participate in their annual Gilbert Rotary Trivia Night.
 
The event will be held February 1 at 6:30 PM at the SW Regional Library in Gilbert.
 
Members were encouraged to attend, compete for prizes, have fun and show off their smarts.  More information is available at www.gilbertrotary.org.  CLICK HERE to download the flyer that was available on the tables at the meeting.
 
Introduction of Guests
 
  • Lu General introduced visiting Rotarians Tom Yuzer from Minnesota and Pamela Woodard George from Arkansas.  
  • Al Nunez proudly introduced his wife Suzanne.
  • Brian Harvey introduced Neil Theobald, a visiting Rotarian from Laramie Wyoming.  Neil said he retired two weeks prior.  He said they have two grandchildren here.  In Wyoming, he would be up before daybreak clearing his driveway.  He was glad to be in Arizona.
  • Wayne Barefoot introduced himself as a visiting Rotarian from Easton Pennsylvania and formerly from Toronto Canada.  He was wearing shorts, saying the current weather was summer weather where he comes from.
Certificate of Appreciation presented
 
President Jay has been honoring members who go above and beyond each month.  This month, Lola McClane was honored for her service in providing photo journalism for our Messenger.  Jay said a picture is worth 10,000 words.  He expressed his appreciation for her contribution and her dedication to excellence in taking the photos.
 
In addition to the nice certificate, she also received a gift card for a local steakhouse.
 
 
 
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
 
 
Before getting started with the raffle, it was pointed out that Jack Rosenberg was sporting Ace of Clubs socks...
 
Chuck explained the raffle.  Tickets are sold for $5 each  1/3 of the proceeds goes to the club operating account.  1/3 is given to the winner of the weekly raffle.  The final 1/3 is added to the growing balance of the large pot which accumulates until the Ace of Clubs is drawn from the cards remaining in the deck.  The card drawn each week is destroyed so the chances of winning and the size of the pot bot improve each week.  At this meeting the weekly pot was $40 and the large pot was up to $605.  After the large pot exceeds $500. ticket sales are restricted to club members.
 
Chuck asked John Bunyard to draw the winning ticket which was held by Brian Harvey.  The card Brian drew from the deck was the Six of Clubs.
 
Happy Bucks - Andy Bradford - Sgt at Arms
 
  • John Pennypacker had a video chat with his primary care doctor and was happy to report his was still healthy.
  • Pam Cohen fined herself for not remembering the gift to be auctioned at the club which she purchased on her recent 10-day cruise with Melodie Jackson
  • Harry Grossman wanted to do something to benefit the areas affected by the recent fires in California.  He pledged $20 toward that effort.  He then told about another disaster which happened January 15, 1919.  The Boston Molasses Disaster occurred on that date in the North End neighborhood of Boston, Massachusetts.  A large storage tank filled with 2.3 million US gallons (8,700 cubic meters) of molasses, weighing approximately 13,000 short tons (12,000 metric tons) burst.  The resultant wave of molasses rushed through the streets at an estimated 35 miles per hour killing 21 people and injuring 150.  The event entered local folklore and residents reported for decades afterward that the area still smelled of molasses on  hot summer days.  Harry thought it would put things in perspective to know that 106 years ago there was a sticky situation on the East Coast.
  • Dick Myren was happy to report a wonderful family celebration which included four grandsons among the family members visiting from Iowa City, Boston, and Illinois.
  • Polly Cady was happy to be at the meeting in person.  She said Allan was recovering from COVID.
  • Jim Schmidt was happy his scalp had healed enough he could get a hair cut again.  
  • Brian Harvey was happy to be at a meeting where we can enjoy each other and happy we live in a society where we can.
  • Shelly Romine had happy/sad dollars.  When they put their home on the market, it sold in two days.  They will be moving to Washington state in February.
  • Andy Bradford was happy be be in an organization where we build relationships.
  • President Jay was happy Mesa West is involved in forming a Satellite Club in Southeast Mesa.  There are many young leaders in businesses in that area.  It should be a great project.  Through getting to know Andy better, Jay learned that he worked with Andy's dad for twenty years.
New Member Induction - Al Nunez
 
 
Membership Chair Polly Cady asked Al to share a little bit about he choice to join Mesa West Rotary.  He said he met Jay Paulus when Jay was delivering some food for the food pantry at Benedictine University.  They spent some time talking.  Jay invited Al to attend a couple of meetings.  Al said Mesa West was the kind of group that "speaks to" him.  He learned there are multiple Rotary Clubs in Mesa, but understands we are the best one so he joined ours.  He is from Illinois.  They moved to Arizona in 2020.  He learned of the opportunity at Benedictine as was glad to be a part of his Alma Mater.  He said he was honored to be part of our club.
 
Jay thanked Suzanne for attending this special occasion.  He remarked that the Rotaract Club at Benedictine is small and we'd  like to see it grow to at least twenty members, so help with their "pledge drive" would be appreciated.  Jay said it was a privilege to welcome Al as an official member of the club and Rotary International.  He recited the vision statement, and our principal of Service Above Self, and that we are People of Action.  Suzanne pinned Al and everyone present gave Al a standing ovation.
 
Update on Potential Ways to Help Those Affected by California Wildfires
 
  • Gary Whitehill shared an idea about developing a spreadsheet offering available housing for those who will be unable to return to their homes in the foreseeable future.  It could include casitas, vacation homes, finished basements, etc.  The spreadsheet could also include extra vehicles that could be used to fill transportation voids.  It could also include available spaces in schools.  Financial support could also be pledged.  Gary told about one of his best friends who had started an alternative Charter school in one of the areas affected.  The school burned down.  Their CEO lived on top of the school, which caused the loss of his home and his job.  When a house burns, money is not the only problem.  Many have to move.  Some may never be able to go back.  The average rent in California is $6,000 per month.  This creation of housing inventory is a simple way to put families in housing all around the world.  Affected people need hope.   It is not his intent to push things through.  What does the club want to do?  
  • As Distric Treasurer, Lucinda General said that the District Budget is solely used for operating costs of running the district.  There are no line items for this sort of thing.  There is a District Foundation, but it is not cash rich. 
  • Jim Schmidt said he is are of $11,000 remaining in District Designated funds that could be used to match club giving.  The housing idea is a good one.  There are no hard costs  to the club.
  • Dick Myren mentioned that he was aware that the Mesa West Rotary Foundation has a significant balance of "undesignated" funds.
  • President Jay said he wants these discussions to be very transparent.  One idea was to adopt-a-family to give gift cards to handle basic needs of $250.  He said he had learned that American Leadership Academy had plenty of capacity to add students.
Read more...
Highlights of January 9 Meeting
Opening and Welcome - President Jay Paulus
 
 
President Jay asked Jack Rosenberg to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  He then asked Dick Myren to offer the invocation.
 
Introduction of Guests
 
  • Lu General introduced Tom Hutchinson, who was visiting from the E-Club of the Southwest.
  • Shelly Romine introduced two new members who have not yet been formally inducted into the club - Al Nunez and Exavier King.
  • Ron Thompson introduced Neil Theobald, a visiting Rotarian from Laramie Wyoming.  Neil just retired after a 40-year career in higher education.
  • Miss Ahwatukee Katlyn Gallo, 2023 Miss Arizona Tiffany Ticlo and Tiffany's mother Gianiany Ticlo were introduced.  
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
 
 
Chuck explained that after selling tickets for $5 each, the sales proceeds were divided three ways - 1/3 to the club operating account, 1/3 to the small weekly pot, and the final 1/3 was added to the big pot.  The person holding the winning ticket would win the small weekly pot and the opportunity to draw a card from the deck.  If they draw the Ace of Clubs, they will win the large pot.  If they draw the joker, they will win an additional $20.  Chuck asked Miss Ahwatukee to draw the winning ticket.  President Jay was holding the winning ticket.  He gave his opportunity to draw from the deck to the former Miss Arizona.  After she shuffled the cards, the card she drew was the Ten of Diamonds.  She donated the winnings back to the club.
 
Happy Bucks - Sgt at Arms Andy Bradford  
 
  • Dick Myren donated $5 - He was happy he and Honorary Member Rod Daniels are part of the Ace of Clubs.  He felt we all should be proud of the service we are a part of around the world.
  • Harry Grossman contributed and pointed out he was wearing his red shoes because the Cardinals won their final game of the season.
  • Ted Williams was celebrating the season of special life events - their anniversary and his birthday - and pledged $79.
  • Brian Harvey contributed celebrating Ed Koeneman's new knee.
  • Jim McGown reported that while he was shopping for bargains in mobility devices, he cam across an opportunity to purchase communication devices used with special education kids.  They are worth much more than what he paid for them.  He purchased seven of the devices for $16.
  • Gaby Duran celebrated her daughter's 20th birthday on January 3.  She is in her second semester at NAU.
  • Shelly Romine was thankful for our successful blood drive.  There were 28 donors.  The next drive will be April 3.
  • Erwin Reimann contributed $20.  $10 was for a wonderful Christmas spent in South Dakota.  He and Joan provided the table and chairs - everyone else provided the food!  He was also happy about the work done through Paul Harris giving - it exemplifies Service Above Self.
  • Joan Reimann told of attending a Rotary International Convention many years ago.  She visited a booth at the convention about water purification in the world.  She was impressed with the lives which are truly changed forever, when a community finally has access to clean water.  She told about a community in Tanzania where it was common knowledge that you had to go early to get your water before the animals went in.  Continuing to work to provide clean water is something she will always support.
  • Jim Schmidt was thankful for those who want to help those in Districts 5280 and 5300 where the fires were raging and impacting the lives of many people.  He encouraged giving to support the many needs that will result.
  • Colleen Coons pledged $50.  She will turn sixty this month.  She was happy the stipends for McKinney Vento students totaled $690 this month which means the students are doing well.  She encouraged members to attend the May 2-3 District Conference.  She is the conference chair this year.
  • Don LaBarge said he is dealing with chaos at work.  He was happy to report that our Salvation Army station brought in $31,800 this year.  He was very thankful for all the club members who responded and helped keep the shifts at the station covered.
  • Eric Silverberg wondered how much in donations the dinosaur costumes worn by Kayla Mudge and Logan Harper inspired.
  • Miss Arizona's mom was happy to be at our meeting.
  • Waume Barefoot was happy to be at the meeting.
  • John Pennypacker was glad to have received his new credit card.  He had shared some information received from some of his Rotary friends in California about wildfire response.  CLICK HERE to see what he shared with your Messenger editor January 8, but too late to get in last week's edition.
  • Ed Koeneman was happy about a few things:
    • It was three weeks post-op. and rehabilitation with his new knee was going well.
    • Marilyn Klingler is getting involved with Westwood HS Interact, and that is going well.
    • He was sad that a Rotarian he had visited with at the Singapore RI Convention had passed.
    • He was happy to announce that it was only 498 days until the next Star Wars movie will be released.
  • Connie Bunyard thanked Andy Bradford for a referral.
  • Warren Williamson  recalled the 1968 Presidential election when comedian Pat Paulson ran a tongue-in-cheek campaign.  His campaign slogan was that "All the problems today can be traced to an unenlightened immigration policy on the part of the American Indian."
  • Polly Cady, who was attending via Zoom, pledged $20.  She was happy to announce that Dick Myren will graduate from Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) at the January 25 session to be held in Anthem.  She thanked him for his testimonial about the value of RLI which appeared in the District Newsletter.  President Jay echoed the value of RLI and encouraged members who've not yet attended to go.
Announcements
  • Shelly said that we need to put in some more time in the Rose Garden at MCC.  She has sent out volunteer solicitations for the afternoons of January 19 and 26 from 1-5 PM.  
  • February 8 - is the "girl power" women-only Bed Build event for Sleep in Heavenly Peace.
  • February 12 - Westwood High School Interact is planning a Senior Prom at Aster Aging.  They will need volunteers to dance with the ladies.
  • March 27 Mesa West will host an event in downtown Mesa -The Venture Challenge.".  We are working with ASU to invite entrepreneurs to make pitches about their business plans to compete for awards.  Their presentations will be judged by distinguished judges.  $5,000 will be awarded.
 
Read more...
Guaymas Gift of Hearing 2023 Memorialized
Mesa West Rotary Club's volunteer service vests were very visible the evening of November 8 after the Gift of Hearing 2023 volunteers arrived at their destination and were enjoying an evening meal.
 
After returning to Arizona Sunday, Erica Williams expressed appreciation for all the volunteer hours invested in this year's mission.  She reported 232 patients were served, again making an impact for the hearing health of the Guaymas community.  True to the Rotary Service above Self motto, Rodolfo will continue to travel back a few times during the year for mini clinics to help meet needs until next November.  She said they have been training the Mexican doctors on some of the more advanced testing needs as well to bring back to their community.  
 
Erica said they are targeting the same week/weekend for 2024, with more information to follow in the future.  CLICK HERE for a link to an article Bob Jensen came across to reflect about why the team does what they do.
 
If you haven't already seen the reel about the project that was posted on our club's Facebook page, CLICK HERE or on the image  to view it.  
 
 
Support Westwood HS Interact with Tax Credit Donation
Posted by Ed Koeneman
As most of you know, Arizona has a very unique state tax credit program.  If you pay taxes to the state of Arizona, you can specify where your tax dollars go (state taxes only).  These instructions are for your reference only.  Please consult a tax prep professional with any specific questions about state tax credits.

There are many different nonprofit organizations that AZ recognizes as authorized recipients of these tax funds.  Mesa West sponsors the Interact Club at Westwood High School, and they are a qualified recipient of these tax credit funds in the Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) category.  Here's how you can donate up to $200 as an individual or $400 as a couple filing jointly and deduct that amount from your state tax burden.

Go to https://westwood.mpsaz.org/page/eca/ and click on the link to pay on the district's website. 
Or go straight to https://mpsaz.sites.thrillshare.com/o/mpsaz/page/pay-donate  in lower right, click on Pay Online


If you have children currently enrolled in Mesa Public Schools, you can use your existing login information.  Otherwise, it's easy to setup a guest account.

Once you are logged in, select 'Items At All Schools' under the 'Shop/Donate' list on the Home page.

On the next page select 'High Schools', then select 'Westwood High'

Select the link for 'ECA Tax Credit', and then 'Programs G-K' on the following page.

Interact - ECA is under code 8646.  Enter a dollar amount in the box, and click the Add button.  That dollar amount should then appear in your cart (highlighted in green at the top of the page).

You can then proceed to the Checkout process and pay with a credit card.  You will receive a receipt that you can print out and save for when you do your taxes.

Thank you for supporting Westwood Interact and all of our youth programs.
The Big Four - Ways to Support Rotary in Mesa West
As Rotarians, we are regularly exposed to opportunities to support various causes with our time, talent and treasure.  Sometimes it is hard to sift through all the information and decide where we are going to use our available financial resources. 
 
It would be wonderful if every Arizona Rotarian would make the following BIG FOUR their Rotary charities of choice and support every one of them every year, we could make a bigger difference than we are making today.
  1. The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Annual Fund - The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world."  Giving a small amount each month adds up.  CLICK HERE to download a form you can use to sign up for Rotary Direct, electing "Annual Fund - Share" for your recurring donation.  
  2. The Rotary Foundation (TRF) Polio Plus - Rotary's commitment to eradicate polio is so well known and respected that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matches donations $2 for $1.  To take advantage of this opportunity to multiply the effect of your giving, CLICK HERE and download a second Rotary Direct form, this time electing electing "Polio Eradication" for your recurring donations.  Those who donate $100 or more annually to Polio Plus qualify in District 5495 as Polio Plus Society Members.  If you would like to make that commitment, CLICK HERE to download the commitment form.
  3. The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA) provides vocational education grants to Arizona Residents who meet specific low-income guidelines.   The grants enable the recipients to lift themselves out of poverty, benefitting themselves, their families and the economy of our state.  TRVFA is a 501(c)(3) charity.  They also are a Qualifying Charitable Organization for Arizona Tax Credit Donations.  Their QCO Code is 20698.  Many Arizona Rotarians say giving to TRVFA is a "no brainer."  If you can help someone lift themselves out of poverty and it won't end up costing you anything why would you not do it?  Mesa West Rotary has the highest number of members who have signed up for automated monthly recurring donations by electing that option on the "Donate Now" button on the TRVFA website.  Click the image to learn more or CLICK HERE to DONATE NOW.  
  4. Mesa West Rotary Foundation, Inc. is the funding and fundraising arm of our own Mesa West Rotary Club.  It is a 501(c)(3) charity.  We have had successful sponsorship campaigns the last few years enabling us to spend our energy on service rather than on holding fundraising events.  Charitable grants that we get involved with are funded through our charitable foundation, Our signature Gift of Hearing Project in Guaymas Mexico is funded through this foundation.  Scholarships are awarded annually to Westwood High School Students (the high school where Mesa West Rotary sponsors an Interact Club).  Funds are used to support a variety of activities in four of the Rotary Avenues of Service:
    1. Community Service
    2. International Service 
    3. Vocational Service
    4. Youth Service
The process isn't quite automated at this point in time, but we hope it soon will be.  For now, you can email our executive secretary who can help you work out a recurring donation plan should you wish to make that arrangement to support our own club's charitable activity.
 
Club Information
Welcome to our Rotary Club of Mesa West!
Mesa West

Transforming Communities, Creating Opportunities, Impacting Youth

We meet In Person & Online
Thursdays at 12:00 p.m.
Via Zoom or in-person
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85900479873
Doubletree, 1011 W Holmes
Mesa, AZ 85210
United States of America
Our hybrid meetings are held weekly on the 1st thru 4th Thursdays of each month. The meetings are broadcast via Zoom to include all, whether attending virtually or in person.
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Club Executives & Directors
Executive Secretary/Director
Jeanie Morgan
President
Jay Paulus
President Elect
Kayla Mudge
Secretary
Debbie Koeneman
Treasurer
Dick Myren
Director '26
Allan Cady
Director '26
Warren Williamson
Director '25
Connie Bunyard
Director '25
Polly Cady
Director '25
Bryan Goetzenberger
Membership Chair
Polly Cady
Rotary Foundation Chair
John Pennypacker
Club Service Chair
Pam Cohen
Community Service Chair
Shelly Romine
Fundraising Chair
Pam Cohen
Public Image Chair
Kayla Mudge
Sergeant-at-Arms
Andy Bradford
Vocational Service Chair
Bryan Goetzenberger
Youth Services Chair
Ed Koeneman
Executive Secretary
Jeanie Morgan
Mesa West Foundation President
Pam Cohen
Mesa West Foundation Vice Pres.
Colleen Coons
Mesa West Foundation Secretary
Ron Thompson
Mesa West Foundation Treasurer
Chuck Flint
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
Bob Jensen
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
John Pennypacker
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
Ray Smith
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
Ed Koeneman
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
Erica Williams
Speakers
Erica Williams
Feb 06, 2025
Guaymas Project Update
James Arrowood
Feb 13, 2025
Alcor Cryonics
Susan Wahlers-Makers of Care
Feb 20, 2025
Encouragement and Support of Care Givers
Terri Alexon-Arizona Corporation Commission
Feb 27, 2025
Avoiding Scams
Representative Greg Stanton
Mar 13, 2025
No Speaker
Mar 20, 2025
Wayne General
Apr 10, 2025
Photography
View entire list...
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