https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85900479873
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.
I am excited to share that we have the distinct honor of participating in the Pasadena Rose Parade pre-parade Rotary International Float setup this year! We are placing roses on the Rotary float, titled “On the Road with Rotary.” What better way than a road trip in keeping with the theme “Best Day Ever.”
This event holds a special significance for me, as I have the pleasure of brining my mom, Marie, with me on this memorable “road trip.”
Attending the Rose Parade has always been on her bucket list, and thanks to the Magic of Rotary, we are able to experience this incredible moment together. She is soon to be 89 years young.
The beauty and creativity of each float at the Rose Parade is a sight to behold, and I look forward to sharing this journey with all of you when I return. Let’s celebrate the joy of the season and impact of Rotary as we create lasting change in the world, in our community and in ourselves.
Happy New Year! Jay
Also in Pasadena for the parade is Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick
Lola McClane's youngest granddaughter graduated from high school and her oldest granddaughter graduated from the University of Arizona.
Bob Jensen submitted a picture of the Guaymas school principal and teachers who worked so hard to make our last (hearing) mission possible. They have let us come into the school for 32 years and take over and put in ten to twelve hour days so that we can concentrate on seeing our patients. They are fully committed to the mission.
Chad Reid during his first stand-up comedy routine at the Tempe Improv a few months ago.
Erwin Reimann - In December, Joan’s oncologist said there is no sign of the breast cancer that was diagnosed and treated conservatively 5 years ago. When we went out to celebrate Joan’s good news, the restaurant surprised us with a wonderful chocolate cake and a beautifully decorated plate.
Erwin and Joan Reimann - In August, we spent 6 days touring New York City with our son and his wife who are living in Manhattan this year.
Lu General shared, "One day on the Oregon coast, Wayne and I came upon this woman creating something unique in the sand. The beauty of watching while leaning in close to someone you love, created one of those lovely moments that will linger for years."
Polly Cady celebrated the many wonderful times she and Allan enjoyed with our 2023-24 Rotary Youth Exchange student from Sweden, Olivia Lundqvist. Polly said is was a special year, and wished she could have adopted Olivia.
John Benedict: I celebrated my 80th birthday in 2024. To commemorate the occasion, my daughters reached out to friends and family to collect some of their memories with me. Many responded, including my Rotary friends, with stories and photos. The girls put it all together in a beautiful Shutterfly album that I’m enjoying.
Melodie Jackson wrote: "Pam and I had a fabulous time on our 10 day Caribbean cruise. We saw beautiful islands, met really fun people, ate great food and drank nice wines. Cheers to 2025!
Shelly Romine shared: "This is my family. I do not recall seeing this photo before, but my Aunt shared it at my Dad's memorial late this summer. Below me (I am the baby in my Daddy's arms) is my sister Tammy who we also lost this year. By my Dad is my beautiful Mom who looks too young to have 3 children. Below her is my sister Liz. I wish the picture was in better condition. The last year actually was filled with wonderful memories with family and friends interspersed with moments of deep sadness. I am very thankful for all I have and the experiences in life that shape us into who we are. Wishing everyone a blessed New Year.
Erica Williams sent these family images saying "In a year filled with health challenges on many levels, we are thankful for time spent as a family, seeing our girls blossom as performers, and the many blessings in our lives. Happy new year!"
Jeanie Morgan - I enjoyed the casual atmosphere of the evening meeting held at Long Bow Golf Club. I especially enjoyed the pleasant temperatures and the opportunity to see the full moon rising creating a beautiful, memorable image to help her remember a pleasant evening with her Rotary friends who are like family.
I retired this year. Toni became president of Strayer University.
Andy Bradford said, "This past year was full of great memories. Traveling as far north as Ketchikan, Alaska and as far south as the Yucatan Peninsula. However there are few things this year that I am as increasingly excited about as joining Rotary Mesa West! Thank you all for your warm welcome!
Colleen Coons shared an update from Yuleidi Contreras - last year's McKinney Vento graduate who is finishing up her training to be an llB (infantry). Check out these images from her training.
Gaby Duran says a highlight of her year was being able to attend AZWIN Conference and grow her network.
Start the year with a personal trainer and get my health in better shape but also my mind by starting to read more as well - Gaby Duran
Stay Active - Lola McClane
To get more steps each day, I will leave a note about what I plan to do when I go to another room. When I get to the other room and can't remember why, I'll go back and read the note. I hope to triple my average number of steps per day - Jeanie Morgan
Eat healthier and lose weight - Erwin and Joan Reimann
Avoid doctors, hospitals, lawyers, and courtrooms - Warren Williamson
The post-holiday celebration will be the evening of January 25 at the home of Jay and Liz Paulus - Watch your email for information on how to register and more specific details.
January 31 is the 5th Thursday in January. Instead of meeting at the Doubletree, we will visit the Mesa Historical Museum.
March 21 - Rotary Day at the Park - Cubs Spring Training Game. $49/person for full-dues members - $74/person for discounted dues-paying members and guests. CLICK HEREto email Jeanie Morgan to register.
March 27 - Ignite Innovation - a Venture Capital Challenge from 5-7 pm. Partnering with ASU, to host the event utilizing District Grant funding, a total of $5,000 will be awarded.
If you are interested in donating blood, please email Shelly Romine @ shellyromine@yahoo.com for additional details. This sign up is to help register donors coming in on the day of the blood drive.
Volunteers are required for the following event.
At this time, there is still a need for a volunteer to work the second time slot.
CLICK HERE to email Shelly Romine if you are interested and available.
Event:
Red Cross Blood Drive
Date:
Jan. 04, 2025 at 9:00 a.m. - Jan. 04, 2025 at 2:00 p.m.
Chair:
Shelly Romine 4802994533
Location:
Ross Farnsworth EV YMCA 1807 S Sunview Mesa, AZ United States of America 85206
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) will next bew held at the Anthem Civic Building, 3701 W Anthem Way, Anthem, AZ 85086 on Saturday, January 25, 2025 from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. All three sessions will be offered. CLICK HERE or on the logo to register.
Registration fees for Mesa West Rotary Club members in good standing will be refunded through their dues account. The only stipulation is that their attendance be confirmed.
Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet.
Westwood Interact Club will again be making dog chew toys for a couple of animal shelterswhere the Paws For Peers program rescues and trains dogs to work as therapy animals with teachers within Mesa Public Schools. .They make these dog toys out of old t-shirts. So, dig way back into your closet, or that drawer where all your old stuff is, and bring a shirt or two to lunch at one of our Thursday meetings this September.
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.
There are many different nonprofit organizations that AZ recognizes as authorized recipients of these tax funds. Mesa West sponsors the Interact Club at Westwood High School, and they are a qualified recipient of these tax credit funds in the Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) category. Here's how you can donate up to $200 as an individual or $400 as a couple filing jointly and deduct that amount from your state tax burden.
If you have children currently enrolled in Mesa Public Schools, you can use your existing login information. Otherwise, it's easy to setup a guest account.
Once you are logged in, select 'Items At All Schools'under the 'Shop/Donate' list on the Home page.
On the next page select 'High Schools', then select 'Westwood High'
Select the link for 'ECA Tax Credit', and then 'Programs G-K' on the following page.
Interact - ECA is under code 8646. Enter a dollar amount in the box, and click the Add button. That dollar amount should then appear in your cart (highlighted in green at the top of the page).
You can then proceed to the Checkout process and pay with a credit card. You will receive a receipt that you can print out and save for when you do your taxes.
Thank you for supporting Westwood Interact and all of our youth programs.
District Governor Michelle Holcomb did a great job of promoting the Rotary license plate that is now available when she made her official visit to our club September 26. Mesa West Rotary members often lead the way. We want to encourage our members to get their plates purchased so we can be known for having the highest percentage of members displaying the Rotary license plate on their car(s). To that end, we have two incentives to offer:
The first Mesa West Rotary Club member who can honestly tell a story about how they met someone who showed interest in Rotary because of their plate AND that conversation resulted in an approved membership application into Mesa West Rotary or any other Rotary District 5495 club will get one free quarter of their Mesa West Rotary Club dues.
CLICK HERE or on Michelle's photo to go to the order form on the MVD website, scroll down alphabetically and get yours ordered.
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.
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Lola McClane's youngest granddaughter graduated from high school and her oldest granddaughter graduated from the University of Arizona.
Bob Jensen submitted a picture of the Guaymas school principal and teachers who worked so hard to make our last (hearing) mission possible. They have let us come into the school for 32 years and take over and put in ten to twelve hour days so that we can concentrate on seeing our patients. They are fully committed to the mission. 
Chad Reid during his first stand-up comedy routine at the Tempe Improv a few months ago.
Erwin Reimann - In December, Joan’s oncologist said there is no sign of the breast cancer that was diagnosed and treated conservatively 5 years ago. When we went out to celebrate Joan’s good news, the restaurant surprised us with a wonderful chocolate cake and a beautifully decorated plate.
Erwin and Joan Reimann - In August, we spent 6 days touring New York City with our son and his wife who are living in Manhattan this year.
Lu General shared, "One day on the Oregon coast, Wayne and I came upon this woman creating something unique in the sand. The beauty of watching while leaning in close to someone you love, created one of those lovely moments that will linger for years."
Polly Cady celebrated the many wonderful times she and Allan enjoyed with our 2023-24 Rotary Youth Exchange student from Sweden, Olivia Lundqvist. Polly said is was a special year, and wished she could have adopted Olivia.
John Benedict: I celebrated my 80th birthday in 2024. To commemorate the occasion, my daughters reached out to friends and family to collect some of their memories with me. Many responded, including my Rotary friends, with stories and photos. The girls put it all together in a beautiful Shutterfly album that I’m enjoying.
Melodie Jackson wrote: "Pam and I had a fabulous time on our 10 day Caribbean cruise. We saw beautiful islands, met really fun people, ate great food and drank nice wines. Cheers to 2025!
Shelly Romine shared: "This is my family. I do not recall seeing this photo before, but my Aunt shared it at my Dad's memorial late this summer. Below me (I am the baby in my Daddy's arms) is my sister Tammy who we also lost this year. By my Dad is my beautiful Mom who looks too young to have 3 children. Below her is my sister Liz. I wish the picture was in better condition. The last year actually was filled with wonderful memories with family and friends interspersed with moments of deep sadness. I am very thankful for all I have and the experiences in life that shape us into who we are. Wishing everyone a blessed New Year.
Erica Williams sent these family images saying "In a year filled with health challenges on many levels, we are thankful for time spent as a family, seeing our girls blossom as performers, and the many blessings in our lives. Happy new year!"
Jeanie Morgan - I enjoyed the casual atmosphere of the evening meeting held at Long Bow Golf Club. I especially enjoyed the pleasant temperatures and the opportunity to see the full moon rising creating a beautiful, memorable image to help her remember a pleasant evening with her Rotary friends who are like family.
I retired this year. Toni became president of Strayer University.
Andy Bradford said, "This past year was full of great memories. Traveling as far north as Ketchikan, Alaska and as far south as the Yucatan Peninsula. However there are few things this year that I am as increasingly excited about as joining Rotary Mesa West! Thank you all for your warm welcome!
Colleen Coons shared an update from Yuleidi Contreras - last year's McKinney Vento graduate who is finishing up her training to be an llB (infantry). Check out these images from her training.
Gaby Duran says a highlight of her year was being able to attend AZWIN Conference and grow her network.
Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet. 
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.
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: