|
Welcome and Opening of Meeting - President Jay Paulus As members and guests arrived at Longbow Golf Club for the meeting, they were welcomed with a sign directing them to the meeting location. They were welcomed by John Pennypacker, who had made the meeting arrangements. Before the meeting was called to order, there was opportunity to socialize and enjoy the cool fall temperatures in the pleasant patio area outside the clubhouse. President Jay Paulus called the meeting to order and invited those present to join him in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance. Introduction of Guests - Kayla Mudge introduced her guest, Mariel Olson, President Elect of Camelback Crossroads Rotary Club.
- Pam Cohen introduced Braly Moreno and Mariana Meraz from Benedictine University Rotaract Club. President Jay noted that the Rotaract Club at Benedictine is doing a great job of managing the food pantry at the University. He also mentioned that on November 20, they will be hosting a pizza party to recruit new members to their Rotaract Club.
- President Jay introduced his guests, Johnie and Mike from Mega Events. They were in town to assist with the College Bound AZ Luau for Love fundraising event Friday, November 15.
- Pam Cohen introduced returning seasonal visitor from Minnesota - PDG Tom Yuzer.
- Spouses of several members were acknowledged - Son Hee Williamson, Jane Benedict, Sharon Boucher, and Luin Ross
- Logan Harper was welcomed to the first meeting he's been able to attend in several months.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition Lizzy Barron was recognized by Foundation Chair John Pennypacker for her generous support of The Rotary Foundation. She received her Paul Harris Plus 5 recognition pin. Lizzy went to Guaymas this year. It turned out she served as "interpreter extraordinaire" while volunteering during her first participation with our annual hearing mission. Guaymas Hearing Project A few of our Mesa West Rotary Club members who participated in the 2024 Guaymas Hearing Mission were Gary Whitehill, Lizzie Barron, Lu General and Ray Smith. Not in this photograph, but additional participating members were Bob Jensen, Erica Williams, Jay Paulus, Jim Schmidt, and Chuck Flint. In an amazing two-day clinic, they saw 98 kids and 180 adults for a total of 278. 224 earmolds were made and 119 hearing aids delivered. Son Hee Williamson was recognized for the small purses and backpacks she sent with the volunteers to serve as incentive gifts for children at the school where the clinic is held each year. Announcements  - Ed Koeneman said
- The Interact Club recently delivered pet toys, which they had made from old tee shirts, to the Arizona Animal Welfare League. He said he will be continuing to collect old t-shirts to use for this ongoing project.
- RYLA signups are being processed.
- Westwood HS Interact assisted College Bound with the Veterans Day Parade in Mesa.
- Logan Harper will be staying in the states - is currently in Arizona. More updates to come.
- Melodie Jackson has volunteered to coordinate fulfillment efforts for the holiday wish lists submitted by our McKinney Vento students. You can see her to sign up to be responsible for specific items on the list(s) or you can donate VISA cash cards and they will do the shopping for you. There will be a wrapping party on December 4.
- Shelly Romine reminded members
- We need to respond to Don LaBarge's e-mails soliciting commitments to fill shifts ringing the Salvation Army bell at Bass Pro Shop from the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. The first couple of weeks are the most difficult to fill. Sign up early and often for as many two-hour shift commitments as you can possibly fit in. For several years, the Mesa West Kettle has been the most productive in the southwest region. We want to continue that tradition. Along that line, during the bell-ringing season, happy bucks at club meetings will go to our kettle donation total. Please put your annual Salvation Army donation in the kettle rather than sending it in the mail.
- There will be a blood drive at the YMCA. Only a couple of volunteers are needed at the event. but when you receive the information in your e-mail, members are encouraged to share it with their family, friends, and business associates.
- President Jay announced a New Year's Eve celebration in the east valley he thought some members might want to take advantage of:
Roaring 20s Night at the Museum! Step Back in Time and Celebrate with Style at Arizona Heritage Center Ready for a New Year’s Eve celebration like no other—where the charm of the Roaring 20s meets the timeless elegance of Arizona’s rich history! Hosted at the stunning Arizona Heritage Center in Tempe, this night promises a blend of excitement, nostalgia, and purpose, all while supporting public art in our community. This is more than a party—it's your chance to make history, leave a lasting legacy, and dance the night away under the stars! All for a Great Cause. Date: December 31, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM – 12:30 AM
Location: Arizona Heritage Center, 1300 N. College Ave, Tempe, AZ 85288
Under 21 welcome, with a parent or legal guardian Tickets Can be purchased by following the QR: Auction - Gifts obtained while on her fantastic European vacation were donated by Melodie Jackson President Jay's guest, Mike, served as the auctioneer. Kayla Mudge started the bidding, but Luin Ross' high bid of $75 made her the proud new owner. New Member Induction - Gary Whitehill Membership Chair Polly Cady invited Gary Whitehill to come forward for his induction into Mesa West Rotary Club. She asked Gary, "Why Rotary?" Gary said he had been in both Kiwanis and Lions while living on the east coast. He was briefly in the Sedona Rotary Club. His home is in Sedona. His schedule makes it difficult to attend more than two meetings each month. He travels in and out of Phoenix. He met the Cady's while attending RLI. He affectionately calls Allan "Big Bear," saying he found him to be very heartfelt. Allan is Gary's sponsor into Mesa West. Gary feels like Allan is his "brother from another mother." DGE Jim Schmidt handled the actual induction. He had worked with Gary, and found him to be a lot of help" on the recent Guaymas trip. Being a member of Mesa West makes Gary part of a global network of 1.2 million Rotarians. Jim recited the Rotary Vision statement without notes: TOGETHER, we see a world where PEOPLE unite and take action to CREATE lasting CHANGE across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves. He reminded Gary our motto is "Service above self," and the Mesa West Rotary club has it's own vision - Transforming Communities, Creating Opportunities, and Impacting Youth. Gary was welcomed as the newest member of our club with a standing ovation. Pam Cohen pinned him and Polly Cady presented him with his Membership Certificate. Eve of the Final Super Moon of 2024 Members and guests continued to socialize while enjoying a pleasant, outdoor, moonlit evening. |
.png)
Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet. 
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:
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.
