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No Noon Meeting Thurs. Sept 29 2022
Mesa West Rotary Club does not meet on the 5th Thursday of any month with five Thursdays.  
Postponement of Chili Cook-off
 
It was with extreme apprehension that I decided not to have the Chili Cook-off tomorrow, but here is the reason why.  I feel that all of you are like family to me, and in a effort not to keep you in the dark, I want you to know that I have been battling a particular health issue for a while now.
 
Two days ago, I went to urgent care with an extreme infection from an abscess in my breast.  They did what they could and said the appropriate thing for me to do would be to go the ER and be admitted for IV antibiotic fluids.  Finally (I will spare the details) I was put on the IV and admitted to the hospital the next morning.  They contacted my doctor to see how to proceed and he requested that I be moved to a different surgical facility as he had no privileges at Banner Gateway.  
 
They removed my breast tissue yesterday as it was becoming septic and eventually I made it home.  Thank you Scott for the Uber services and care to and from the hospital.  I knew the subsequent recovery would not be conducive to setting up, entertaining, and breaking down what would have been an extremely fun and informative event, even with all of you pitching in to cook, clean and help.  If it hadn’t been as serious as this – the show would have gone on ðŸ˜Š
 
This all being said – I do not want anyone to worry, things are progressing beautifully and I look forward to a speedy recovery.  I am mobile and able to take care of myself.  I even drove my car this morning.  I’m not taking any pain killers – Ibuprofen definitely, but doing just fine.  I wouldn’t have shared all this detail, but it’s pretty apparent what happened and we are all adults here – except Ray, hahaha!
 
Please do not send flowers, I think they are dead when they are cut – no chocolate, it takes me a whole year to eat a box of Thin Mints – so I think you get the picture.  Your prayers, good wishes and understanding are enough.
 
Very soon, Team Shelly and I will come up with another date and we will get this thing done!
 
Love to all of you and thank you again for your understanding.
 
As ever,
 
Pam
Upcoming Service Projects
UPDATE - Midwest Food Bank still needs our help.  They are having a food drive soliciting donations of specific items.  Each week, we will focus on collecting a different item on their list.  
  • October 6 - please bring canned soup or stew to our Mesa West Rotary Club meeting.  
 
Help the Chef - Salvation Army heat relief project
  • Wednesday mornings 8-10 through October 26
  • CLICK HERE to sign up
Rock relocation project at the Y has been rescheduled.
  • Saturday, October 15 8-10 AM  - move a pile of small decorative rocks from the parking lot to be used as ground cover around their grounds
  • CLICK HERE to sign up
 
Rotarian Volunteers Needed for Guaymas Hearing Project
 
The Guaymas Mission to provide hearing aids and medical treatment is planned for November 9th through November 12th.
 
We invite Rotarians to go on the trip and provide support to the medical team as they provide services.  Anyone who speaks Spanish would be most  helpful to the project.
 
Please contact Ray Smith to express your interest, questions, etc.  480-766-0565.
 
Thank you for your support!
Fanny's Corner
 
CVHS JV team continues to win, and I believe it is because of Fanny and the rest of her cheer team!!  
 
Saturday. What a day. Starts with Cheer Practice in the morning. Bowling with her cheer team and then a night of baseball at a RYE game with the Diamond Backs. 
 
Sunday, we all went to the Cardinals games, ate way too much food and had a wonderful time. 
 
Asking Fanny which sport is more interesting???  Take a guess. 
Highlights of September 22 Meeting
Welcome and Opening Remarks - President Pam Cohen
 
After explaining she would be using the "gavel" Colleen brought back from Africa, Pam told everyone why the day was special. September 22 is the first day of fall - otherwise known as the autumnal equinox.  In ancient times the pagans celebrated the equinox and solstice as part of their belief system.  Equinox is when day is equal to night.  They would take a look at themselves, looking back at the year past and prepare for the year forward.  They would try to reconcile what they did did right in the past and what they needed to improve going forward.  Yom Kippur is a similar celebration of introspection in the Jewish faith.  
 
When going through this introspection she suggested we look at everyone we meet as our equal just as night and day are equal.  Look at the differences as well as the similarities.  Strive to understand the differences.  
 
Thought for the Day was presented by Dick Myren, and the Pledge of Allegiance was led by Ray Smith.
 
President Pam thanked Diane Ware for serving as greeter welcoming members and guests to the meeting.
 
Introduction of Guests 
 
  • John Pennypacker introduced returning visitors Gina and Mike Schroeder.
  • Ted Williams introduced Roger and Judi Edmonds from the Sun Lakes Club
  • Pam pointed out that our current District Governor, Larry Horton was present and would be introduced in more detail later.  She also acknowledged the Past District Governors who were present: Ted Williams, Jim  Erickson, John Pennypacker, and Jeanie Morgan were present and Lucinda General was attending via Zoom.
  • Frank Rosenberg introduced Jim and Beth Hoban who were visiting Rotarians from Hawaii.
  • Francisco Mendoza was a guest representing the East Valley Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
  • Mike Whalen introduced Mike Tanner a member of Phoenix West  Rotary  Club and owner of Trustarian - a company encouraging networking of Rotarians.
  • Pam welcomed Lucinda General, Logan Harper, Lola McClane, and Shelly Romine who were attending via Zoom.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Steve Ross
 
Steve asked DG Larry Horton to draw the winning raffle ticket, which was held by Allen Cady.  Allen did not draw the Ace of Clubs, so the big pot will be even larger when we next meet on October 6.
 
 
Happy Bucks - Mike Whalen
 
  • Pam explained that Ron Thompson's mother-in-law had suffered a serious stroke and was on a breathing tube. Pam asked for prayers for Ron, Toni, Toni's mother and the rest of their family.
  • Dick Myren contributed his traditional $2 thankful that he and Honorary Member Rod Daniels are affiliated with the Ace of Clubs.  He made an additional contribution thankful the district governor was present and would inspire everyone with his message.
  • Polly Cady contributed.  She was happy to have our District Governor present, and also very happy that Gina and Mike Schroeder were again present.  She then contributed $14 to celebrate the total of the digits in Allan's age since his recent (77th) birthday.
  • Dave Brauchler spent the prior week on Maui.  He said the sunsets were incredible.  He said it was overcast, which made the sunsets even more incredible.  He saw a bunch of eels and a turtle outside its home when snorkeling.  He said he had a wonderful time - very relaxing.
  • Beth Hoban said she and Jim were happy to be here and glad Dave enjoyed himself in Maui.  She said their District Conference would be in Hilo, Hawaii in May and Mesa West Rotarians would be welcome to join them.
  • Colleen Coons was happy, as Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEU( Chair our club, for Pam's opening remarks.  Colleen was also happy to know that our current District Governor strongly supports DEI.  We are a better club because of diversity - new experiences, new freedoms and more knowledge.   Honor people and their gifts and talents and we create equity.  "Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves." (The Rotary Vision Statement).  That is how we create inclusion.  Second $5 - Dan has to match.  On September 16, Dan attended his first football homecoming game and Campo Verde won 42-27.  Fanny has been cheering at every single game and doing an awesome job.  Colleen is pretty sure Campo Verde won because of Fanny's cheering.
  • John Pennypacker was happy to have DG Larry at the meeting.  He remembered seeing Larry at a social activity during a Rotary Convention in Sydney Australia.  When he asked Larry if he remembered, he answered, "barely."  John also remembered Larry riding around a parking lot with Polio Plus Promoter Ann Lee Hussey on the back of his motorcycle.
  • Dan Coons clarified facts about the gavel Pam said Colleen brought back from Africa.  Dan said that Colleen bought so much stuff that not all of it fit in her suitcase.  The gavel was actually in Dan's bag, so in fact it is something he brought back from Africa.  He was also happy to have Larry at the meeting.
  • Ed Koeneman was happy to know our DG is also a Star Wars fan.  It is only 457 days until the next Star Wars movie will be released.  He was also happy Mike and Gina are back.  He was also happy that Diane and John helped him out with taking Interactors to visit and tour two animal shelters and deliver the chew toys the members had made at their meetings using old t-shirts.  
  • Pam Cohen had $5 happy to be leading this incredible club this year - our 50th anniversary year - with an awesome district governor.
Auction Item - from Hawaii - Dave Brauchler
 
Dave Brauchler auctioned a CD purchased at a jam session featuring George Kahumoku they attended in Maui.  Steve Ross was the lucky winner with his $30 bid.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Announcements
  • Pam announced that due to unforeseen circumstances, the rock moving project at the Y had to be moved to Saturday, October 15 from 8-10 AM.  They learned only recently that the parking lot at the Y would be packed with little league parking overflow making movement of the rock next to impossible when originally planned for September 24.  The good news is - outside temps should be cooler on the newly scheduled date. 
  • Colleen Coons announced the change of dates for rock-moving at the Y eliminates a scheduling conflict that might have prevented some from attending a Rotaract activity at the Coons residence on September 24 at 4:00 PM.
  • Dave Brauchler announced that Chef support at Salvation Army will continue to be needed on Wednesday mornings from 8-10 through October.
  • He also announced the change in date for the rock-moving project at the Y - Now scheduled for October 15 from 8-10 AM.
  • The Midwest Food Bank food collection will continue through October.  On October 6, members should bring canned soups or stews.  Midwest Food Bank will be presenting a program at a future Mesa West Rotary Club meeting
  • Pam announced that a Big Reveal of the Club Visioning Plan would be presented at our November 10 meeting.
  • Shelly was sorry reminded members there would be no noon meeting Thursday, September 29.  She reminded members to attend the Chili Cookoff to be held that evening.  There will be a soft rollout of the Visioning Plan at the event.  THE CHILI COOKOFF HAS SINCE BEEN CANCELLED and will be rescheduled at a later date.
  • Polly Cady announced there would be an orientation event held at the Coons home on Saturday, October 15 from noon to 4:00 PM.
Pre-Program - Mike Tanner - Trustarian
 
Mike Tanner has a website, which Mike Whalen helped him put together where Rotarians can list themselves and their business to enable Rotarians to network with each other.  He encouraged members who have not yet listed themselves on the website to do so.  He grew up in  Rotary hearing about how Mesa West Rotarians are people of action.  Mike put out a call for action to get more Mesa West members to go on the website and list themselves.  The value of the website increases with each new contact added.
 
Program - Official Visit District Governor Larry Thornton
 
Dan Coons, as our current Assistant Governor, has the honor of introducing our District Governor.  Dan has known Larry Thornton since 2011, prior to Larry being a Rotarian.  Larry and Dan spent a month or so together in Australia when Larry was a participant and Dan was a team leader for a Group Study Exchange.  Dan was able to observe Larry in action as he met with others in his profession (he was a police officer at the time) and how he took care of others in the group at times.  Dan saw him as a great guy with lots of leadership skills.  GSE was a great program, but didn't have the hoped-for result of team members coming back and joining Rotary.  Larry was the exception.  He not only came back and joined Rotary, he started the District's first Satellite Club - a vibrant club with lots of young members.   Larry has held various offices in his club.  He has been a strong supporter of RYLA and other Rotary youth activities.  Larry has a couple of children - a son who is a little bit older and a three-year-old daughter.  He retired from his police work in 2016 and is now a self-storage asset-class investor.   He likes the Arizona Diamondbacks.  He has a motorcycle.  Larry is impressed with the power of Rotary and is passionate about increasing its relevancy.  He has a servant-leadership mindset.  He asked the members and guests to rise and welcome District Governor Larry Horton.
 
After saying how happy he was to be at Mesa West Rotary, the first question Larry asked was "If you were going to carve a road through a mountain, what would you use.  Bulldozers and dynamite were suggested.  He then told about a pregnant lady, from the lowest caste, who lived in a small, remote village in India.  She knew she was having a problem and left to walk about 30 miles over a mountain to get to someone who could provide medical care.  In crossing the mountain, she fell.  Her husband, Dashrath Manjhi, was summoned by other villagers.  She died in his arms, but the baby was saved.  He didn't want anyone else to suffer a similar fate.  He used a sledge hammer, a chisel, a crow bar to start carving a road through the mountain.  He started in 1960.  It took 22 years.  The distance was reduced from 34 miles to 9 miles.  You can drive a car through that mountain now.  Dashrath saw a problem and decided he would provide a solution and leave a lasting legacy to that village.  
 
We want to leave lasting change - with lasting impact.  Our district does a better job than most in utilizing the district grant and global grant systems to create lasting change.  Donations to The Rotary Foundation are necessary to ensure that continues to happen.  We hear about Every Rotarian Every Year.  The goal of 100% participation is not being met.  Rotary Direct makes it easy to do that.
 
RI President wants percentage of women participating in Rotary to be 30%.  To us that sounds shocking, but we have to understand there are many countries that have not actively tried to involve women in Rotary.  We need to be more inclusive.  It is rare to see a high chair at a Rotary meeting.  Larry has three-year-old daughter.  We can do better to make our meetings and activities more family-friendly.  
 
Rotaract is already at 50% female participation.  
 
7th Area of Focus is the Environment.  This creates an amazing opportunity.  District 5500 chartered an on-line club focused on the environment.  They chartered with 45 new Rotarians under the age of 50.  He talked about the End Plastic Soup cleanup in Lake Havasu.  Rotary partnered with 27 other organizations to make it happen.
 
Larry asked if anyone had participated in administering Polio vaccine drops.  In Rochester New York, a polio case was recently diagnosed in an unvaccinated young man.  It was the first case in the US in over 50 years.  Rotary's relevance is again in the forefront. 
 
We have a plan to raise awareness.  We have a District Brewmaster - Steve Cervantes.  For a $50 donation, individuals will receive a glass, a t-shirt and information.  There will be a number of participating establishments where Rotarians will be present to raise awareness and deliver the kits.  By next spring, we should have our own brew and offer it for sale with proceeds going to Polio Plus.
 
Larry wants to put the onus on recruitment of new members on the Service Project Chair.  We need to shift to doing a better job of comfort and cars and engagement of our existing members.  We need to improve retention by making sure our members are getting what they want out of their Rotary membership.
 
Rotary Week of Service in 2023 will involve a project greatly influenced greatly by Mesa West.  It will start April 15 and end April 22.  He asked John Pennypacker to model and hand out work gloves to those present.  We will be partnering with Sleep in Heavenly Peace.  We will be building around 150 beds for children who do not have beds.  We will have media coverage.  We will also have the opportunity to deliver those beds.  They also want clubs to partner with other clubs or organizations to accomplish other projects.  
 
What Dashrath Manjhi did not have was a network, a vision statement, multiple hands to do the work.  Collaboration makes miracles happen.  
 
Pam thanked Larry for his wonderful presentation.  The told members we have two grants going on right now.  We have a district grant to provide equipment for the Salvation Army to support the after-school program they are starting at the Mesa facility.  We also have the Aqua Africa global grant to bring water to a community of 20,000 in South Africa.  
 
 
Read more...
Something to Ponder
Today's Chuckle
What did the octogenarian pirate say on his birthday?
 
Aye Matey!
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
THE ACE OF CLUBS
Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Via Zoom or in-person
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
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.
DistrictSiteIcon
District Site
VenueMap
Venue Map
Speakers
Sep 30, 2022
We will be dark - 5th Thursday
Oct 06, 2022
Service Learning and Vocational Programs at Westwood High School
Oct 13, 2022
Child Crisis Arizona
Oct 20, 2022
Medicare
Nov 10, 2022
Big Reveal - Club Visioning Project
View entire list
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Membership Dir "23
 
Director '23
 
Director '23
 
Director '24
 
Director '24
 
Public Image Co-Chair
 
Public Image Co-Chair
 
TRF Chair
 
Executive Secretary
 
Upcoming Events
Salvation Army chef support
Salvation Army Mesa, AZ
Aug 24, 2022 – Oct 26, 2022
 
Salvation Army chef support (replacement event)
Salvation Army Mesa, AZ
Aug 31, 2022 8:00 AM –
Oct 26, 2022 10:00 AM
 
Member Orientation - Committee Speed Dating
Colleen and Dan Coons Home
Oct 15, 2022
12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Via Zoom
Oct 18, 2022 5:30 PM
 
Child Crisis Arizona Lunch for Love
Arizona Biltmore
Oct 26, 2022
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
 
Mexico USA Friendship Conference
Oct 27, 2022 12:00 PM –
Nov 01, 2022 11:00 AM
 
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Via Zoom
Nov 15, 2022 5:30 PM
 
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Allan Cady
September 16
 
Jim McGown
September 18
 
Robin Harris
September 18
 
Bob Jensen
September 19
 
Wendell Jones
September 25
 
John Benedict
September 30
 
Spouse Birthdays
Allan Cady
September 16
 
Marsha Harvey
September 17
 
Jane Benedict
September 20
 
Andrea White
September 22
 
Anniversaries
Darl Andersen
Kaye Andersen
September 1
 
Keith Deering
Kim Deering
September 15
 
Warren Williamson
Sunny Williamson
September 30
 
Join Date
Allan Cady
September 1, 2010
12 years
 
Jim McGown
September 2, 1994
28 years
 
Greg Bouslog
September 5, 2019
3 years
 
Bob Zarling
September 8, 2000
22 years
 
Ray Smith
September 19, 2000
22 years
 
Erika Yost
September 24, 2020
2 years
 
James Crutcher
September 29, 1998
24 years
 
Rotary District 5495 Links
District Links
Arizona Rotaract
Rotary District 5495
Rotary Interact District 5495
The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA)
Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - RYLA
RYLA Service Project Support
Bulletin Editor
Jeanie Morgan
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