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Club Information
Welcome to our Rotary Club of Mesa West!
Mesa West
Transforming Communities, Creating Opportunities, Impacting Youth
Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Via Zoom or in-person
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.
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Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)
Rotary Leadership Institute offers a leadership development program in three full-day sessions (Parts I, II and III). Each time RLI is scheduled, all three parts are offered.  The courses are designed to provide Rotary knowledge beyond the club level in a sharing environment where those in attendance learn from each other.  The intent is to develop leadership skills for Rotary which are also relevant in other volunteer organizations.
 
Often RLI is scheduled in the Phoenix Metro area, but in some cases, it is scheduled in an outlying area, creating an opportunity for Rotary tourism.
 
The next RLI will be held at the Riverside Resort & Casino in Laughlin, NV on November 19, 2022.  All the information is given in the link(below). 
 
Here is the link for the upcoming RLI in November:   https://www.crsadmin.com/EventPortal/Registrations/PublicFill/EventPublicFill.aspx?evtid=5a94dd8b-c021-4368-a55b-42de32d6af2d
Upcoming Service Projects
UPDATE - Midwest Food Bank still needs our help.  They are having a food drive soliciting donations of specific items.  Each week, for the last several weeks, we have been focusing on collecting a different item on their list  We have completed that effort, but are glad to continue to collect any of the items listed if members wish to bring them to the next two meetings prior to our hands-on service project at their facility on November 19.  Their list includes:  
  • Peanut Butter & Jelly
  • Canned Ravioli, Tuna or Chicken
  • Canned Fruit or Vegetables
  • Canned Soup or Stew
  • Pasta and Rice
  • Boxed Meals
  • Breakfast Cereals
  • Granola or Snack Bars 
Hands-on Project Saturday, November 19 at Midwest Food Bank Facility
  • 10 volunteers needed.
  • Saturday November 19th
  • Time: 9am-12pm 
  • What will the task be: TBD. It depends on what product we have to be completed at that time. There's a good possibility it could be repackaging bulk cereal
  • Where is it: Indoors. 725 E Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85233. The warehouse is on Baseline in between Mesa and Stapley 
  • Extras: Please carpool if possible - Midwest has very limited parking.
  • Please wear close-toed shoes to volunteer and wear warehouse appropriate clothing.
  • CLICK HERE to sign up
 
Member Matchup - October 15
 
Mesa West Rotary tried something new on Saturday, October 15.  New members and seasoned members were all welcome to attend to enjoy the opportunity to get better acquainted with each other and hear from the various committees operating within our club to see where their own talents and passions would be a good fit.  The October 20 club meeting will provide an opportunity for those who missed the event to hear summaries of the information that was shared.  
 
 
Highlights of October 13 Meeting
Welcome and opening of meeting - President Pam Cohen
 
Thought for the Day - President Pam
 
Pam opened the meeting with an unusual Thought for the Day.  It seems October 13 is national M&M Day.  She asked all the veterans to stand to be honored as she talked about a candy that was created for soldiers to enjoy.  She wanted to honor them for their service.  She hoped most, if not all of them, had the opportunity to enjoy M&M's while they served.
 
When Forrest Mars, Sr., Son of Mars candy founder Franc C Mars, was in Spain during the 1930's, he came across a candy being eaten by British volunteer soldiers taking part in the Spanish Civil War.  It consisted of chocolate pellets with hard tempered chocolate shells - shells that kept the candy from melting.  Mars used this candy as a model for M&M's, which he thought would be ideal to sell during the warmer months.
 
When Mars returned to the United States, he reached out to Bruce Murrie, son of William Murrie, an executive at Hershey.  He thought there may be a shortage of chocolate as World War II started and that by partnering with Murrie it could be guaranteed that there would be no shortage of supplies for his candy.  Murrie and Mars became partners, and the candy was named M&M's in their honor.
 
 
Jay Stuckey led the Pledge of Allegiance.
 
Diane Ware was thanked for serving as Greeter - welcoming visitors and guests as they arrived at the meeting.
 
Jeanie Morgan shared a Rotary Minute about Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA).  When she lived in Lake Havasu a student who was the daughter of one of Jeanie's co-workers attended RYLA as a sophomore.  Jeanie knew she had fun at RYLA, but one day, when she was about to graduate, the student was in the bank waiting to see her mother.  Jeanie invited her into her office and asked her if she felt like her RYLA experience had influenced her life since.  After some thoughtful consideration, the student replied, "It's not like I returned from RYLA and decided I needed to find new friends, but I did start making better daily decisions using the skills I learned at RYLA.  Gradually - over time - I gravitated to a different set of close friends.  All my current friends have clear goals of where they want to go after high school.  I cannot say the same for the crowd I was running with before.  Some of them have already had babies.  They all have reputations of regularly being drunk or high.  I guess I have to say, RYLA did create a positive turning point in my life."  This prompted others present at the meeting to share some RYLA moments.  Mesa West has been very involved in RYLA Ponderosa.
 
Introduction of Guests
 
  • Jay Stuckey introduced Gabby Turner who was attending her first meeting since being elected as a member of Mesa West.
  • It was noted that Sue Gifford would be introduced later as our speaker from Child Crisis Center.
  • President Pam introduced visiting Rotarians from Honolulu  Sunset Rotary Club, Jim and Beth Hoban.  They explained they had missed attending Mesa West the prior week as they had travelled to Tennessee to attend a wedding which was held in an old farmhouse.  While there, they had the dubious pleasure of using porta-potties for their personal comfort needs. 
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Dick Myren
 
 
After Dick explained that the money taken in from raffle ticket sales is split three ways with 1/3 going to the club operating account, 1/3 going to the person holding the stub of the raffle ticket drawn, and 1/3 being added to the large pot.  In addition to winning $30, the lucky ticket holder would have the opportunity to try to draw the Ace of Clubs from the cards remaining in the deck.  Should they draw a joker, they would get at extra $20.  If they draw the Ace of Clubs, they would win the large pot which is now up to $262.00.  Dick asked Gabby Turner to draw the winning ticket, which was held by Ed Koeneman.  After shuffling the cards, the card Ed drew was the Jack of Hearts.
 
Happy Bucks - Ron Thompson
  • Ron contributed first.  He was happy to be back after missing a couple of meetings.  He had missed those meetings because his mother-in-law had suffered a stroke.  She is now back at home.  Ron expressed appreciation for the prayers on her behalf offered by many members.
  • Polly Cady was happy to have Sue Gifford at the meeting and very happy to finally get to meet Gabby Turner in person.
  • Allan Cady to have remembered to donate his past Rotary Magazines thanks to regular encouragement from Ed Koeneman.
  • Dick Myren continued his tradition of donating $2 thankful that he and Honorary Member Rod Daniels are associated with Mesa West Rotary.
  • Jack Rosenberg was happy to be seated next to his son, Frank.  Ron wondered if Frank was equally happy to be next to his dad...
  • Ed Koeneman indicated he was going to donate the $30 he won in the raffle to Interact.  He said he would miss the next two meetings as he would be out of town.
  • John Pennypacker shared a fun RYLA memory.  One of the delegates was a very small, somewhat mousy, young lady was at first afraid to try the "trust fall."  John would have wagered that if she did it once, she would want to do it again.  John was right.  She almost did a back flip the second time.  After that, she was a leader rather than a follower.
  • President Pam contributed remembering Ron Thompson making it up the climbing wall at RYLA, saying Ron was heavier then.  The kids were able to catch him when he participated in the trust fall.
Announcements
 
  • President Pam announced that former member Chris Krueger was in town on business, and would be at the Doubletree that afternoon at 4:00 for any members who could take the time to get to a central location to visit with Chris.
  • Polly Cady announced the next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) would be held in Laughlin, Nevada Saturday, November 19.  The Clubs in Mohave County and along the Colorado River are very excited RLI is coming to them.  For any members who want to travel to Laughlin for some Rotary-related educational tourism, all three sessions will be offered concurrently on that date.
  • Polly also announced that the venue for the October 15 Member Matchup had to change from the Coons residence to President Pam's home.  She said it was still possible to sign up to participate in the event and encouraged all members to consider attending and learning more about the various committees in Mesa West.
  • Dave Brauchler reminded members of the October 15 opportunity to help move a pile of decorative rocks from a parking lot at the Mesa Y to where they were needed to upgrade the landscaping at the facility.  Dave reported that our member and Y Manager, Greg Bouslog would make arrangements to have appropriate equipment on site to work with.
  • President Pam said the outreach coordinator at the House of Refuge community invited Mesa West to participate in their Halloween Trunk or Treat event to be held Friday, October 28.  Pam will don a costume, decorate her car and have candy available in the trunk.  She hopes at least one additional Mesa West vehicle will be present to participate.  The community is located near the Gateway Airport.  There are 80 families in the community with about 150 children living there.
 
Program - Sue Gifford - Child Crisis Arizona
 
 
John Pennypacker introduced Sue Gifford.  She brings a lot of talent to her position as Director of Individual and Legacy Gifts for Child Crisis Arizona (CCA).  With more than 30 years of customer relations and twelve years of fundraising experience, Sue has helped contribute to the philanthropic efforts and expansion of Child Crisis Arizona since 2018.
 
Sue directs major and legacy gift efforts by working closely with donors and connecting people to their philanthropic goals.  Prior to moving to Arizona, Sue worked with donors at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine to raise funds for a state of the art Med School expansion campaign for Clark Retirement Community Foundation that resulted in raising $0M.
 
Sue holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science/International Studies from Aquinas College, is a graduate of Landmark International's Curriculum of Living Program, a Certified Fund Raising Executive, member of the Greater Arizona Association of Fundraising Professionals, Planned Giving Round Table and alumnus of Scottsdale Leadership Class 33.  She is also an active volunteer.
 
The Mission of Child Crisis Arizona is to provide children and youth in Arizona a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect, by creating strong and successful families.  Their vision - "Safe Kids.  Strong Families."
 
For forty-five years, they have been responding to community need to prevent and intervene in cases of child abuse or neglect and to strengthen families.  They provide both Prevention and Intervention Programs.
 
Intervention can include emergency shelter for children and youth with 24/7 care in a home-like setting.  The children receive medical screenings, counseling, behavioral health support, educational support and activities for foster children in Maricopa County.  They now serve both children and youth.  In FY2022, Arizona Department of Child Safety reports there are currently 12,604 children and youth are in out-of-home care.
 
There are long term foster care services for teenage boys ages 10-17.  For youth ages 16-21, who will be aging out of the foster care system, there are transitional housing, educational support, job placement, and life-skills training available.
 
The license and certify parents for foster care and adoption for children from the state child welfare system.
 
They serve single and two-parent families of all religious beliefs, ethnicities and sexual orientations, and have the Human Rights Campaign Seal of Recognition.
 
They have a 3% disruption rate, which is far below the national average of 12%.  Disruption occurs when a child is removed unexpectedly from a foster home.
 
Prevention is achieved through no-cost resources, now online, for families through different parenting classes, workshops, support groups and quarterly family events.  CCA partners with over 20 nonprofits to meet families where the need is, remove transportation barriers and time constraints.  They focus on improving the security and well-being of families.
 
They offer free programs for relatives and foster and adoptive family caregivers.  Arizona has more than 198,000 "kinship care" who are caring for one or more related children.  
 
Early education services provided by CCA include Early Head Start (ages 1-3), Head Start (ages 3-5) and Child Crisis Arizona Preschool (ages 4-5).  They serve families 100-200% below Federal Proverty Rate in Mesa and Phoenix.  Early Head Start requires 25% philanthropic support.  611 individuals are served through that program.  The Child Crisis Arizona Preschool relies on 100% philanthropic support for the 108 individuals served.  There were 30 preschool graduates in 2022.
 
Evan Komar and his brother were placed in an emergency shelter when they were 8 and 6 years old, after being in several foster homes.  The brothers and a sister were adopted by a loving family through Child Crisis Arizona.  CLICK HERE to view a YouTube video of Evan telling their story at a pre-COVID Lunch for Love.
 
Coming soon in Mesa is a New Child & Family Wellness Campus.  CLICK HERE to see the slides Sue shared.  The final slides effectively highlight the growing needs this center will enable their organization to serve.  
 
Read more...
Save the Date - June 29, 2023
This is a REALLY big year for Mesa West.
 
We will celebrate our 50th Anniversary June 29, 2023 at the Doubletree where we regularly meet.
 
The details for this event are evolving.  Please say "yes" if you are asked to help!
 
SAVE THE DATE!  You won't want to miss this celebration!
Something to Ponder

 The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain.

-- Kahlil Gibran (20th century)

Today's Chuckle
Hear about the new restaurant called "Karma?"
There's no menu - you get what you deserve.
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.
 
Speakers
Jul 13, 2023
Foster 360
Jul 20, 2023
Changing of the Guard
Jul 27, 2023
Incoming Leadership
Aug 03, 2023
A New Leaf
Aug 10, 2023
The Mesa House, Inc.
Aug 17, 2023
Sunshine Acres Children's Home, Inc.
Aug 24, 2023
Membership
View entire list
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Director '24
 
Director '24
 
Director '25
 
Director '25
 
Director '25
 
Mesa West Foundation President
 
Club Service Chair
 
Fundraising Chair
 
Membership Chair
 
Public Image Chair
 
Rotary Foundation Chair for Mesa West
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Vocational Service Chair
 
Youth Services Chair
 
Executive Secretary
 
Upcoming Events
Farewell to Fannie
Dan & Colleen Coon's Home
Jul 12, 2023 5:00 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Via Zoom
Jul 18, 2023 5:30 PM
 
Midwest Food Bank Service Night
Midwest Food Bank
Jul 25, 2023
5:30 PM – 7:00 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Via Zoom
Aug 15, 2023 5:30 PM
 
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Don Boucher
July 2
 
Donna Goetzenberger
July 3
 
Lola McClane
July 3
 
Polo Santiago
July 10
 
Erwin Reimann
July 26
 
Bob Zarling
July 30
 
Spouse Birthdays
Donna Goetzenberger
July 3
 
Kelli Millett
July 13
 
Sandra Jones
July 14
 
Erwin Reimann
July 26
 
Anniversaries
Sharon Spane
Ron L Spane
July 2
 
Steve Ross
Luin Ross
July 4
 
Colleen Coons
Dan Coons
July 5
 
Jim Erickson
Maryann Erickson
July 10
 
Andrea Murphy
David Murphy
July 20
 
Join Date
David Brauchler
July 1, 1996
27 years
 
Tim Troy
July 17, 2008
15 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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