At the Mesa West Rotary meeting Thursday, June 9, Tim Troy and his wife Angie will be offering a three night stay at one of their short-term rentals. The person making the winning bid will have their choice between Pine Arizona or Lake Arrowhead California. Proceeds of the sale will go to the Mesa West Rotary Foundation to be credited to the fundraising efforts of Tim's team.
Following are images and descriptions of the properties:
Pine Arizona
Sleeps 6 comfortably - 8 maximum.
Home is a two-bedroom plus loft.
Master has 1 king bed.
Guest room has 1 queen bed.
Loft has 2 Full size beds and its own full bathroom.
3 bathrooms total.
Link below is all the information for the rental including photos. Dates subject to availability (non holiday weekend if possible). Value - typical weekend night is $225 plus $150 cleaning plus taxes etc. (value $825)
This is the Troys newest property and is still going through a remodel so it is not currently for rent and they don't have full photos.
Three Bedroom Home
Sleeps 6 Comfortably - 8 maximum
Master has 1 king bed
Guest room has 1 queen bed
Other guest room has 1 queen bed and twin bunk beds
2 full bathrooms
The link has some photos going back to when they purchased the property last year. Remodel will be done by the end of June so will be ready to go very soon.
President Dan opened the meeting by thanking Dick Myren and John Benedict for serving as greeters. He thanked the members for the gift of being able to serve as Club President He then reminded Rotarians and guests of the Rotary International 2021-22 theme - Serve to Change Lives - after which he recited the Rotary Vision Statement:
Together we see a world where people unite and
take action to create lasting change -
across the globe, in our communities and in ourselves.
Thought for the Day - John Pennypacker - Four Things Positively "Not To Do" on Memorial Day:
DON'T WISH ANYONE A "HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY!" It's not a holiday. This day was not created to bring glee! It was established to reflect, honor and remember America's military fallen.
DON'T DISREGARD ITS IMPORTANCE. Sure - enjoy the sales, grill some amazing steaks, and find the perfect mattress on sale - just don't forget to raise a glass in honor of those servicemen and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice.
DON'T FORGET IT EXISTS. It exists for a reason. Use this day to reflect and honor our fallen heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice for you!
DON'T LET POLITICS KEEP YOU FROM RENDERING RESPECT! Even if you don't agree with the idea of war, or the reasons America goes to war, or the policies of a particular president who was the Commander in Chief during a specific war, it doesn't matter. People have defended the people and interests of America for over 200 years, and your right to disagree with the reasons for war should be separate from your opinion of the troops.
And while we are at it, let's take a moment to reflect on the families in TX who are suffering right now.
Pledge of Allegiance was led by Dave Brauchler.
Introduction of Guests
Don LaBarge introduced Owen Crandall, an Eagle Scout candidate, Owen's father Raymond Crandall and Troop Master Rick Cannon.
Mike Whalen introduced Mike Tanner, a member of Phoenix West Rotary Club, and Mike's wife Devon Whalen.
Frank Rosenberg introduced his daughter Sami Rosenberg.
President Dan introduced Nick Taylor who resides locally, but works remotely as an officer of Rotary International providing Club and District Support. Attending with Nick was his wife, Iris Taylor. Colleen Coons had invited Iris to the meeting with the condition that she bring Nick with her in turn for Dan printing business cards for Iris. Dan delivered the cards.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
For the sake of the guests, Chuck explained that raffle tickets are sold at each meeting for $5 per ticket. The revenue from the ticket sales is split three ways with 1/3 going to the club operating budget, 1/3 added to the "big pot" which was now up to $500, and the final 1/3 composing the "small pot" which would go to the lucky person whose ticket would be drawn. In addition to winning the small pot, the winner would have an opportunity to draw a card from the cards remaining in the deck. Each week, the card drawn is destroyed. If the card drawn is the Ace of Clubs, the lucky winner receives the "big pot." If the card drawn is the joker, the winner would receive an additional $20.
Chuck asked Iris Taylor to draw the winning ticket, which was held by Ed Koeneman. Ed instructed Chuck to have Owen Crandall draw the card. Owen drew the Ten of Clubs.
Happy Bucks - Ron Thompson
Mike Whalen was fined for failing to introduce Devon before he introduced our speaker.
Shelly Romine contributed - happy that she and Scott had celebrated their 33rd wedding anniversary on May 25. She was also very pleased at the number of volunteers and their effort at the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Building service project May 21.
John Pennypacker contributed saying the service project the prior Saturday had been a great day. He was glad to have heard the Sleep in Heavenly Peace program at the May 19 meeting.
Dan Coons contributed - happy to have Nick and Iris Taylor at our club meeting.
Dan Lamborn was happy to announce one of his daughters graduated high school and really happy to announce all three daughters have summer jobs lined up.
Dick Myren made his traditional contribution happy that he and honorary member Rod Daniels are associated with the best club in Rotary. He added that he was very happy that Rod is making a good recovery from the heart health problems he experienced a few months ago.
Chuck Flint announced he had taken some bedding to Mexico to deliver to a widow he has helped support for a number of years. While there, one of his tires was punctured by a bolt. Chuck attempted to use patching supplies, but the tire blew, causing him to have to use his under-sized spare. After limping 70 miles or so, he arrived in Rocky Point where he was able to purchase a used tire. When he arrived home following an 18-hour day, he had the additional "pleasure" of getting his garage door fixed.
Don LaBarge was happy to see another Troop 451 Eagle Scout was about to finish.
Ed Koeneman was happy about Fan Fusion being held locally during the coming weekend.
Pam Cohen announced that Chris and Mike Krueger had closed on the purchase of their new home in Omaha.
Mike Whalen contributed saying he thought he should be given a "meeting makeup" for being present at the meeting both in person and on Zoom.
Sad dollars donated by Jim Erickson - two more new polio cases of wild poliovirus reported. For newer Rotarians or those who want to be reminded, a history of polio and and Rotary's involvement in polio eradication efforts, can be viewed at https://www.endpolio.org/rotary-and-the-fight-against-polio.
Announcement
President Dan announced that Thursday, June 9, Tim Troy has authorized the club to Auction a stay and one of two of his vacation properties. Proceeds of the auction will go to his team's contribution to this year's sponsor campaign. See a separate article in the June 1 Messenger for details.
Shelly Romine said Mesa West Rotary had sixteen volunteers participating in the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Bed Build on May 21. Sami Rosenberg was one of the volunteers as was Greg Okonowski's son Dennis. Potential member Leidy Caro also showed up to help. It has already been decided District 5495 will participate in a bed-build project during Rotary Week of Service in April, 2023.
Pam Cohen announced members would soon be receiving information about the June 23 Changing of the Guard event. See a separate article in the June 1 Messenger for details. A focus will be honoring President Dan for his two years of service as Mesa West Club President.
President Dan reported sad news received from Lu General. Lu's father, Tony Rose, had passed away. It is always difficult to lose a close family member, but it can also feel like a peaceful blessing when the loss has ended the deterioration of that person's ability to function and enjoy life.
Reinduction of Former Member - Mike Whalen
Pam Cohen, as the sponsor of Mike's membership application, was very happy to induct Mike into the club, using the opportunity to share some facts about Mike that members might not have the opportunity to learn otherwise:
Mike married his wife Devon in June of 2013, but here is what led up to that:
They met in 2011 when Devon came to a small group Mike was leading at his church. After a few social events, Mike asked Devon out. things progressed and...
Mike proposed to Devon on April 20, 2012 after a run at Papago Park which Devon did not want to do because it was so hot. Somehow, he talked her into it, which was good because Mike had planned a mountain top proposal, including champagne and a violinist.
They were married June 13 in Devon's hometown of Meeker, Colorado in what Mike describes as the most beautiful destination wedding location in the world next to the White River. They were blessed by an amazing sunset that was fueled by smoke from a forest fire in the horizon.
Since their wedding, Mike and Devon have adopted two children - Olivia who is 5 and Joshua, who is tow. They are a lot of fun, but create a challenge in juggling schedules. They find it is all worth it!
In additional Olivia and Joshua, Mike has three children from a previous marriage - Kyle 29 now married to Emma. There are now two Emma's in the family with son Ryan, who is 25 and Emma who is 20.
For Rotarians who knew Mike before he had gray hair, this is what the older kids are up to:
Kyle has graduated from Pomona College and lives in Tempe.
Emma is going into her junior year at NAU studying Interior Design
Devon is an amazing mother to all five kids, and somehow keeps the schedules working.
Mike's prior Rotary experience
Joined Mesa West Rotary in 1995 sponsored by Dan Kendree
Mike served as President of Mesa West in 2004-05 making him our Centennial President
Business experience
Former owner of Newline Trophy, a manufacturer of corporate recognition products with a local footprint and online store NewlineTrophy.com
Currently the owner of Noptim, a Digital Strategies consulting and marketing company
Mike works with clients to plan, develop and implement ecommerce web applications that are designed to scale based on client goals, marketing budgets, projected and actual performance data.
Later in the meeting, Mike and one of his clients, Mike Tanner (a Phoenix West Rotarian) will introduce a project that has been developed by Noptim to encourage worldwide networking of Rotarians via an easy-to-use search engine.
Little-known fact about Mike
A week before his sixth birthday, make started his neighbor's trashcan on fire. While trying to put it out with a Coke bottle that he was filling from the hose and dumping the water on the fire because the hose was not long enough, his mother saw the smoke, ran to the alley, and proceeded to place the can lid over the fire to snuff it out.
Mike learned a couple of things that day:
You can snuff a trash can fire with the can lid faster than running back and forth to the hose.
If you're gong to play with matches, you'd better have a plan to stop the fire if it gets out of control.
The punishment: Mike was grounded for a week, including his 6th birthday party being cancelled. The joke around his house is that since he missed his 6th birthday, he is only 54!
The induction was finalized with Mike receiving his new member packet and Devon placing his Rotary pin on his collar. When given the opportunity to comment, Mike said he didn't have much to add. He said he still had his original new-member packet. He has really appreciated the friendly reception he has received by currently-active Mesa West members. He said it was a difficult decision he had to make when he resigned from the club to handle family priorities after his father passed away.
The photo on the bottom left of the collage was a photo of their entire family the day Joshua's adoption was final. The photo on the bottom right is a group image of Mike's children including Kyle's wife Emma and Ryan's girlfriend Sam: l-r Olivia, Sam, Ryan, Emma, Kyle, Joshua and Kyle's wife Emma.
Eagle Scout Project Presentation
Ed Koeneman introduced Owen Crandall so he could explain his Eagle Scout project. Own plans to construct twelve fish-habitat structures to place in local waterways. The structures will be constructed with the help of troop volunteer as well as friends and family members. They will be weighted so they will stay where placed and allow small fish a safe place to grow until they can safely survive in their larger environment. His budget for the project is $1,074. Ed presented Owen with a $100 check from the Mesa West Rotary Foundation. Ed also gave him the $35 he had won in the raffle. Pam Cohen donated another $15. After the meeting, Own reported that with donations from others at the meeting, he had $232 plus other commitments to contribute.
Program - Mike Tanner - Trustarian
Mike Whalen introduced Mike Tanner, a member of Phoenix West Rotary Club to share about the vision he has for what Trustarian can become.
He began by asking members and guests to "imagine that you are on a road trip to Flagstaff, when an elk runs out in front of your vehicle with no time to avoid hitting the elk." Once Trustarian has begun to evolve into what it has the capacity to be, you would pull out your phone, open your Trustarian app and search for an auto body shop near you. Because you were using "Trustarian" you would find a body shop owned and/or operated by a Rotarian in good standing who would arrange for a tow truck to pick up your vehicle and help you connect with a rental car resource so you could continue your journey with peace of mind.
The goal is to develop a single-source website to connect with Rotarian Business owners. In addition to business referrals, vacation home options will also be available through Trustarian.
Mike has been a member of Phoenix West Rotary since 2004, and served as their Club President in 2009-10. After he closed his own auto body shop in June, 2020, He'd had this dream of finding a way to connect people with trusted Rotarian businesses. At age 65, following four heart operations, he decided to just go for it. He had known Mike Whalen for a long time and with his new business, knew he was the right person to help him develop it. The original URL name purchased fell in the category of infringing on the Rotary trademark. After months of debate/discussion, it was decided to purchase a new URL combining the words "Trusted Rotarian," leaving out the letters "ted" and "Ro," resulting in "Trustarian."
Trustarian hosted a hospitality suite at the recent District Conference to introduce Trustarian to Rotary members in our own district. Long-time Phoenix West Member, PDG Rod Roderique remembers when it was common to keep track of Rotary leads, but it has long been a problem being able to network into other clubs. It is easy to create a free profile. There are currently two upgrade options available.
To learn more, Mike Whalen provided three sites within the Trustarian website to visit:
There is a verification process to ensure profiles are only created by active Rotarians in good standing. Those of us who have enjoyed the privilege of being introduced to a new Rotary resource for making trusted business connections will get to be a part of watching it grow exponentially, but that will happen much more quickly if we each share the news with our own Rotary network and encourage others to do the same.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
Community Service
International Service
Vocational Service
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!
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.
Pine Arizona
Lake Arrowhead California 
Thought for the Day - John Pennypacker - Four Things Positively "Not To Do" on Memorial Day:
The induction was finalized with Mike receiving his new member packet and Devon placing his Rotary pin on his collar. When given the opportunity to comment, Mike said he didn't have much to add. He said he still had his original new-member packet. He has really appreciated the friendly reception he has received by currently-active Mesa West members. He said it was a difficult decision he had to make when he resigned from the club to handle family priorities after his father passed away.
He began by asking members and guests to "imagine that you are on a road trip to Flagstaff, when an elk runs out in front of your vehicle with no time to avoid hitting the elk." Once Trustarian has begun to evolve into what it has the capacity to be, you would pull out your phone, open your Trustarian app and search for an auto body shop near you. Because you were using "Trustarian" you would find a body shop owned and/or operated by a Rotarian in good standing who would arrange for a tow truck to pick up your vehicle and help you connect with a rental car resource so you could continue your journey with peace of mind.
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:
