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.
We need to provide a headcount by Monday November 10. If you plan to attend this meeting, CLICK HERE to email Jeanie Morgan. Please let her know if you will be bringing a guest.
Includes: Continental Breakfast Lunch Study Materials
CLICK HEREto register or contact Polly Cady at pcady@cadyfam.com
Why Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)? Participant Interaction and FUN!
Come interact with fellow Rotarians about:
Rotary Basics
Community Service Ideas
Leadership Styles
Ethics & Vocation
Rotary’s Impact Worldwide
Engaging Members
RLI is a world-wide organization that some refer to as Rotary’s “College of Knowledge.” RLI touches on “everything Rotary” and is not a “leadership” course to become an officer of your Club. RLI is made up of three one-day Sessions to give you an overview of what Rotary is and what it does worldwide. Its goal is to create ENTHUSIASM for Rotary and show the enormous potential of Rotary service and how with knowledge and excellent leadership in Clubs, the world will benefit.
The Rotaract Club from Benedictine University marched with College Bound AZ in the Veterans Day Parade in Mesa. CLICK HERE to see a reel posted on our club's Facebook page.
Those who attended the breakfast Friday, November 8 were welcomed to a beautifully decorated room. Our newly inducted member, Gaby Duran, was present for the event and was photographed with other Mesa PD representatives who were in attendance. Thanks to John Pennypacker for the photo of the decor and to Gaby for obtaining the photo of the PD crew.
Opening and Welcome to Meeting - President-Elect Kayla Mudge
Warren Williamson led the Pledge of Allegiance. The invocation was offered by Dick Myren.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Steve Ross
Steve asked Ted Williams to draw the winning raffle ticket. It was held by Kayla Mudge. When she attempted to draw the Ace of Clubs from the cards remaining in the deck, the card she drew was the Seven of Hearts.
Happy Bucks - Sgt at Arms Andy Bradford
Ron Thompson contributed. He was happy to have officially retired after selling his dental practice. He was glad to finally be done.
Allan Cady, who was attending via Zoom pledged $25 to support the Guaymas hearing project. He was very aware that several members of our club were in Guaymas the day of the meeting working with the team of professional audiologists and students to serve the many who take advantage of this wonderful program each year. Allan has been among those volunteers in the past and said he has many fond memories of those experiences.
John Pennypacker contributed remembering his 21st birthday, which took place while John was serving in Viet Nam. His father had sent him a special birthday message: “For those who have fought for it, life has a flavor the protected shall never know.”
Shawn Buntin contributed celebrating that he would soon be leaving with his wife, Retta, to celebrate her 60th birthday on a cruise.
Harry Grossman contributed. He was happy that the Cardinals are at the top of their division. He was also happy that his daughter and son would soon be arriving to enjoy a famly get together!
Colleen Coons was happy that she and Dan would be spending the next week in Chicago spending time on the Magic Mile holding hands, enjoying good music, and good food. She wished a happy Veterans Day to all the Veterans in the club.
Jim McGown contributed. He had taken his wife to the kidney doctor, and was thankful to learn her numbers are much better. When they left for the summer, he knew her car would need a new battery when they returned. What he did not know was that his car battery also needed to be replaced shortly after they arrived back in Arizona. And..golf cart batteries joined their cousins in death. Jim said he has spent over $1,000 on batteries in the last month.
Brian Harvy said he has three sons, which made him very aware of the importance of education. He very much appreciates what Mesa West is doing with the McKinney Vento youth in the Mesa Schools. He pledged $100 to support stipends helping those youth be motivated to succeed.
Erwin Reimann was happy to be back from Minneapolis. They also had a nice trip to Boston. He got good news from his cardiologist. They have lots of reasons to be happy.
Don LaBarge reminded members he needs volunteers to deliver water along the Veterans Day Parade route on the 11th. He said Ron Thompson had volunteered.
Allan Cady said that earlier in the week, his won and his wife announced that his granddaughter Caroline is engaged. There will be a July 18 wedding. Her fiance is in Italy where she will join him after the wedding and will complete her degree on line. He pledged $10 happy bucks to celebrate her engagement.
Kayla Mudge contributed her $40 raffle winnings to Polio Plus.
Ed Koeneman said the Interact Club is planning an outing to Paws and Peers. They need a couple of volunteer drivers. He also announced that there were 571 days remaining until the next Star Wars movie will be released.
Warren Williamson was happy to have Son Hee with him at the meeting. He told a story about a french English teacher who worked for the king. The king had absolute power and had a Jester who used a lot of puns. One the guards was sick and tired of puns and thought the king should order the jester to be hung. The jester responded to the guard's anger by saying "No noose is good noose!"
Introduction of Guests
Colleen Coons introduced Mariana Meraz, President of the Benedictine University Rotaract Club. She also introduced Braly Moreno who is handling social media for the Ben U Rotaract Club. Colleen then introduced Gaby Duran who would be inducted later in the meeting. Gaby's husband, David Cutlip, was also introduced.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
John Pennypacker invited Erwin Reimann to come forward to be recognized for his generous support of The Rotary Foundation. Erwin had achieved Paul Harris Plus Eight recognition level.
Major Donor Recognition
John Pennypacker invited Ted Williams, our club's longest-term member and one of our first major donors, to come forward to help with handing out recognition materials. He then invited Son Hee Williamson to come forward to be recognized for her and Warren's generous support of The Rotary Foundation by reaching Major Donor Level I status. She was presented with her Major Donor pendant. Warren was then presented with his Major Donor lapel pin. They were then given a Major Donor crystal to display in their home. Major Donor status is reached when a couple has reached $10,000 or more in monetary donations to The Rotary Foundation. John made sure Warren knew he was appreciated as much for his generosity as he is for his entertaining stories!
Induction of New Member - Gaby Duran
Colleen Coons joined John Pennypacker at the front and invited Gaby Duran and David Cutlip to join them. Colleen and John first met Gabby when attending a Mesa PD event for youth last spring. They learned that Gaby worked with McKinney Vento youth in phoenix for fifteen years. She has joined the group of Mesa West Rotarians mentoring McKinney Vento youth this year. Gaby and David have three daughters, ages 19, 17, and 12. She is a Volunteer Coordinator with the Mesa Police Department. She loves baking, Rocky Point and going to their cabin. She also loves her husband. She said John Pennypacker is one of the reasons she first became interested in Mesa West Rotary. John had complimented her attractive shoes, and she appreciates groups who attract people with good taste. She enjoys many little things in life like the Pink Breakfast for Breast Cancer Survivors. She loves giving back, and said Colleen has been great. Colleen handled Gaby's formal induction into the club after which David pinned her and John gave Gaby her permanent name badge. She was welcomed to the club with a standing ovation.
Announcements
Westwood HS Interact club will be visiting Paws for Peers Wednesday, November 13. They provide therapy dogs for classrooms. Drivers are needed to get the youth to the facility. They are also selling fundraising calendars with cute animals featured in them.
Volunteer help is needed for two separate activities at the Veterans Day Parade on November 11.
Thursday, November 14, Mesa West Rotary will meet at Longbow Golf Club from 5-7 rather than meet at the Doubletree.
Some seats are still available at the Mesa West Rotary table at the College Bound Luau for Love event to be held Friday, November 15.
RLI is being held on Fountain Hills Saturday, November 16. See separate article in this newsletter.
Phoenix 100 Rotary is hosting a Life Skills workshop Saturday November 16. President-Elect Kayla would like to duplicate the event in the east valley next year. Anyone wanting to learn more should try to attend the event being held this year. Follow this link for more information:
Program - Tim Jackson - Flying Cars
CLICK HERE or on the image to view the slides shared during Tim's energetic presentation. During his presentation, Tim shared a lot of history about human progress in recent years in the area of personal mobility. The first bicycles had no brakes or pedals. We've come a long way since then. Your editor has to admit that the more engaging a program, the harder it is to take good notes.
You are strongly encouraged to view the slide deck. If that doesn't satisfy your curiosity about what this gentleman had to share, buying his book would be a good option. It is available on Amazon.
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.
This is the joy your old t-shirts will provide if you give Ed Koeneman your old shirts so the Interactors can use them to make more dog toys like these!
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.
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.
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Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet. 
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:
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.
