Rotary Club of Mesa West was well-represented by a group of nine hard-working volunteers at the service project on the evening of Tuesday, July 25 at Midwest Food Bank.  

 

 

Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can,

to all the souls you can, in every place you can, 

at all the times you can, with all the zeal you can,

as long as ever you can.

 

 

President Colleen asked members to shout out words or phrases that describe Pam:

 

Elegant and stylish - Loving person who is always there - Wonderful person - Lots of fun - Huggingest person I know - Emergency contact - Dependable/every-ready - Exceptional human being - Service above self - Fun to be around - Great Friend - Gread leadership - Always smiling - Polly Cady wants to be Pam - Loving - Artistic and thorough - always happy - Nice eyelashes - Smiley - Winner - Exuberant - Knows how to make things special - Friend - Compassionate - 

Bubbly - We love her very much

 

Colleen related that when Pam was becoming President she was nervous because she had "big shoes to fill."  Colleen is nervous because she has to follow Pam - yet she knows with our outstanding members, the club can get even better..

 

Colleen introduced the Mystery Guest who was attending via Zoom - it was Past President Chris Krueger.  She said she was honored to be able to be with her Mesa West friends and speak about one of her favorite persons in the entire world (she does have grandchildren).  Chris knew Pam was awesome when she first met her.  There is nothing better than being a recipient of a smile and hug from Pam - it warms the heart all the way through.  Pam doesn't say "no" to needs.  She does so much work ahead of time and afterward.  When Chris was President, Pam did lots of behind-the-scenes work to support her and never expected thanks or gratitude.  Chris feels blessed to call Pam her friend as well as her sister-in-law.  She was honored to be able to speak a few words about her.  Pam is a wonderful mother and grandmother.  Chris expressed her thanks for the opportunity.  CLICK HERE to see the collection of photos Chris prepared to share on this special day.

 

Colleen invited Pam to the front to be pinned as Past President.  It was a very touching moment.  In addition to the pin, a banner and flowers were presented as well as a gift from the club to say "Thank you!" - a very classy blue Michael Kohrs backpack - for a very classy hard-working lady.

 

 

 

District Governor Kevin Pitts drew the winning raffle ticket which was held by Don Boucher.  After Don shuffled the cards remaining in the deck, the card he drew was the 8 of Hearts, making him the winner of $37 rather than $720, which he would have won had he drawn the Ace of Clubs.

 

 

 

 

DG Kevin Pitts expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to be present for this very special occasion.  Mesa West Rotary is a major cog in the district and each member is an important cog in making the club run.  As he prepared to swear Colleen into her role as President, he said members rely on their President to inspire them and keep them busy.  We can create hope in the world - every act of service is an act of peace. He challenged Colleen and the Club to find ways to expand our reach and adapt to change - we live in a changing world.  We must change with it.  He offered a toast to Rotary Club of Mesa West which is about to start a new chapter.  After cheers, he administered the oath, which was followed by a standing ovation.

 

Past President Pam said she had something for Shelly she forgot to give her - flowers!.  She also had something for Colleen - a scepter, smart water (to stay hydrated) - melatonin - vitamins - tums, and acetaminophen - and drinks high n protein - Red Bull - chocolate.  She indicated it was a care package for the Colleen's first week as the club's official President.

 

Colleen's board of Directors was invited to the front to be installed:

 

 

Elsa Beljean is a Project Manager in Economic Development with the City of Mesa.  She has a strong desire to be an active Rotarian, and is trying to figure out how she can make that happen with her complex work responsibilities.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The July 27 meeting will be a Club Assembly where members will hear in more detail some of the plans that will be put into action to make our club's vision a reachable reality.  Logan shared a brief overview of what we can all look forward to hearing more about.

In a society that functions optimally, 

those who can should naturally 

want to provide for those who can't.

That's how it's designed to work.

I truly believe we're here to take

care of one another.

At church one Sunday, a teenager made a contribution to the collection plate by dropping in a coin from him pocket.  

 

As he passed the plate along, someone behind him tapped him on the shoulder and handed him a $20 bill.  Impressed by the person's generosity, the teenager added the $20 to the collection plate.

 

But then he received another tap on his shoulder and heard a whisper, "Son, that was your $20.  It fell out of your pocket."

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.

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.