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.
April 8 Mesa West Rotary members and friends gathered at the home of Ed and Debbie Koeneman to enjoy good fun, food, and fellowship at the Mesa West Rotary 2023 Spring Olympics.
CLICK HERE or on the image to see a slide show of the awesome photos taken by Wayne General capturing memorable moments throughout the evening.
Welcome and Opening of Meeting - President Pam Cohen
Invocation
Because Passover began April 5, Pam thought it might be of interest to members to have information about the traditional Seder dinner held the first night of Passover. She had information on the tables for members to read from and take with them. The blessing for the bread was written in Hebrew, which is read right to left, the transliteration and the English translation. Jack Rosenberg, Melissa Stuckey, and John Pennypacker volunteered to read it aloud. John had learned to speak some Hebrew when his grandson went through his Bar Mitzvah a few years ago.
Pledge of Allegiance
Jack Rosenberg led the Pledge of Allegiance.
President Pam thanked Jack Rosenberg and John Benedict for serving as greeters, welcoming members and guests as they arrived for the meeting.
Introduction of Guests
President Pam introduced Jeanie Morgan, Lucinda General, Melodie Jackson Sean Green, Logan Harper, and Daryl Bethea who were all attending via Zoom.
John Pennypacker introduced David Kline, a visiting Rotarian from the Kyrene Rotary Club.
Ted Williams introduced his friend, Reed Hittle, a Kiwanian from South Dakota. Reed's dad was a WWII Pilot, and a great inspiration. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals. His father-in-law was a long-time Rotarian.
President Pam introduced Harry Grossman, a visiting Rotarian from the Sedona Village Club. Pam had met him when helping facilitate a visioning exercise with his club. She enticed him to visit Mesa West by telling him she'd treat him to lunch. The Sedona Village Club started out as a satellite club. Their first major fundraiser netted $40,000 half of which stayed with the parent club. Pam was impressed with their community garden. Harry said he was enjoying our lively group.
Jack Rosenberg introduced three individuals who would be presenting our program later in the meeting: Chantelle Lentini, Mike Roenke, and Randy Livingston.
Raffle - Chuck Flint
Chuck explained that our raffle tickets are purchased for $5 each. The sales are divided with 1/3 being added to the large pot, which was up to $320, 1/3 going to the holder of the ticket drawn, and 1/3 going to the club operating fund. In addition to winning $20, the lucky ticket holder would get to attempt to draw the Ace of Clubs from the cards remaining in the deck. Should they be so lucky, they would win the large pot. Chuck asked Chantelle Lentini to draw the winning ticket. After a brief wait, President Pam checked her ticket stub and found that she was the winner.
Pam interrupted long enough to introduce Chef Brandon from the Doubletree, who had come in to say "Hello." Brandon welcomed everyone and thanked them for being loyal guests. He was given a round of applause in return.
Pam then shuffled the cards and drew the Three of Diamonds.
Happy Bucks - Ron Thompson
John Pennypacker contributed thanking Colleen Coons for hosting the April 1 District Fundraising event in their home.
Warren Williamson told a story about a bartender in Pittsburgh who was known as the strongest bartender in the country. After he had squeezed a lemon, no-one could ever get another drop to squeeze out. He always won bets from those who thought they could be the first to beat him. One day a small, scrawny-looking guy bet that he could get more juice out of a lemon the bartender had squeezed dry. The bartender was almost ashamed to take him up on it, but handed him a lemon to squeeze. Much to everyone's surprise, the little guy squeezed out seven more drops of lemon juice. Curious, the bartender asked, "You must be pretty wiry - do you work in one of the steel mills?" The little guy replied, "No, I work for the IRS."
Dick Myren contributed his traditional $2 for he and Honorary Member Rod Daniels having the privilege of being members of Mesa West Rotary. He also contributed an additional $3, very happy about the Iowa Hawkeyes Women's Basketball team and their star, Caitlin Clark, and the great game he had the opportunity to watch. Ron Thompson had also watched and enjoyed the game.
Ed Koeneman was happily looking forward to the Spring Olympics at his home.
Lu General was happy she had been able to attend part of the meeting. She was going to have to leave early to work with a very demanding client. She had worked hours and hours to get what he needed. Lu said if you haven't already registered to attend Spring Olympics, you should "just do it." It represents 30 years of a fun tradition. There will be new events this year. Anyone can compete. Some games are corny, all are fun. The made a $10 pledge to support her Spring Olympics sales pitch.
Pam Cohen contributed. She went to Flagstaff the prior weekend to celebrate Wilder's 3rd birthday. She claims he is the cutest 3-year-old in the entire world.
Jim McGown was happy to have a new roof on his house, although he admitted he was not very happy about the cost of the roof. He had checked with neighbors who had recently gotten new roofs and the roofer came highly recommended. Jim said he could highly recommend him also!
Gina Schroeder said that Mike has been absent for a few weeks. Last week, Mike was in downtown Phoenix in a jury pool. He couldn't get out of it. He had to go back the day of the meeting. He's hoping he doesn't have to do three weeks of a capital murder trial.
Jim McGown shared a jury-duty story. His wife's mother was called for jury duty. When the jury was asked if anyone knew the defendent, she responded that she did. She said she had called the police when he was robbing her neighbor's home. The entire jury pool was released.
Dick Myren told about a juror in a small town in Iowa carried an NRA magazine with him when he was questioned. He was dismissed.
Lu General said that 9-10 years ago, she served on jury duty on a week-long, complicated sexual incest trial. The defendant was acquitted because of the way the jury saw the evidence.
Pam had served on a double murder/double rape trial several years ago. She was glad to have served and encouraged others to do the same if called.
Colleen Coons wanted to mimic Dick, saying she was glad to be part of the best club. She was very proud of how Mesa West supported the fundraising dinner at her home. She was so proud, she pledged to pay it forward by contributing $800 to TRVFA.
Ron Thompson was looking forward to the Spring Olympics and promised not to beat everyone too bad.
Announcements
Shelly Romine and Ed Koeneman encouraged everyone to attend Spring Olympics on April 8. Arrive at Ed's home at 4:00 PM. Potential new events this year: javelina roping challenge, pin the rattler on the snake, chicken chase, etc. There are lots of Saguaro Cacti - may be wise to wear body armor. If you don't want to participate, come watch, tally votes, etc. Ed wanted to set a realistic expectation. In the past, the event has often been held in John Benedict's carefully manicured back yard. Ed said he saw John trimming some grass with scissors one year just prior to the guests starting to arrive. He did say the desert is in bloom. "If you have allergies, take Clariton."
David Kline promoted the Kyrene Rotary Club Celebration Dinner to be held Sunday April 23 at 5:30 PM at The Hilton Hotel - Phoenix Airport, 245 S 47th St., Phoenix, just off 48th St. and University. Tickets are $75 and must be purchased in advance. CLICK HERE or on the red button above to order your ticket (and make a donation should you choose to do so). It is a fundraising event, but there will be no active fundraising at the dinner. Guests will enjoy good food and entertainment provided by Tony Vicich, who began his stand-up comedy career in Los Angeles in 1985.
Program - Chantelle Lantini and Mike Roenke
The speakers and the program was briefly introduced by Ed Koeneman. Mike Reinke and Chanelle Lantini would be discussing obstructive sleep apnea, which is a pretty common problem. They are very excited about introducing people to the Inspire device for treatment of Sleep Apnea. The slide presentation they used during their presentation can be viewed if you CLICK HERE.
The Inspire device is similar in size to a pacemaker. It is installed in the chest and has an eleven-year battery. An ear, nose and throat specialist does the implant, and a sleep doctor monitors its effectiveness. They stated that the number one cause of Atrial fibrillation (AFIB) is obstructive sleep apnea. Once the Inspire device is implanted and adjusted to the "therapeutic" level, it is said to be life-changing. The device monitors breathing and stimulates a motor reflex pushing the tongue forward as needed to allow air flow. Because it is a motor reflex that is stimulated, there is no pain or "shock" sensation experienced by the patient - they are virtually unaware of it.
Randy Livingston provided a testimonial. Over five years ago, he was his doctor's first patient to use Inspire. Before his device was implanted, he dozed off easily which created lots of problems. He said it was quite a process to get. He had to undergo tests prior to the implant, then allow about a month of healing before the device was activat4ed. They gradually increased the level of stimulation until he reached the "therapeutic level." Since it was implanted, he has more energy, and weighs less. He is glad to go out and make these testimonial presentations. He does not get paid for doing so, but often gets a free meal.
Jack Rosenberg has an Inspire device. He said he was on CPAP before. He called Randy and others to get their testimonies prior to getting his. He didn't hear many cons, but lots of pros. He could tell Randy loves it.
Randy said, one time, when he was awakened to go someplace unexpectedly, he forgot to hit the "stop" button on his control device. It didn't take him long to figure that out when he had a hard time talking to a convenience store employee and appeared to be "on something." He said he talks to 2-15 patients a week encouraging them about the Inspire treatment option. He doesn't see a down side.
Additional Announcements
Jim Erickson said Mesa West Rotary has a very good chance of winning the End Polio Now Championship award back. We are currently leading the district with our Polio Plus giving. There are only about two more weeks to donate prior to the District Conference when the traveling trophy will be presented.
President Pam said Mesa West would be hosting a hospitality suite Friday night at the District Conference. The theme this year is "family reunion." Our family theme will be the Duttons. Depending on which Dutton you want to be, western wear from a few decades would be appropriate.
For our 50th Anniversary celebration, Ed is putting together a collection of photos of our members taken during the year when our club was formed. Please look through your old photos and send one or more to Ed
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.
Pledge of Allegiance
Jim Erickson said Mesa West Rotary has a very good chance of winning the End Polio Now Championship award back. We are currently leading the district with our Polio Plus giving. There are only about two more weeks to donate prior to the District Conference when the traveling trophy will be presented.
This is a REALLY big year for Mesa West.
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:.png)
