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Highlights of February 28 Meeting

President Chris Krueger called the meeting to order asking Lolita Wiesner to offer the Invocation and Ted Williams to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. She thanked Polly Cady for serving as greeter as members and guests arrived for the meeting.

District Governor Jim Erickson again highlighted Mesa West in his weekly video message. CLICK HERE to view it.

Guests

Rotarian Richard Capan was visiting from Kansas City, Missouri. Allan Cady introduced Bill Cole from Estes Park, Colorado and Bruce Solari from Anaheim, California. Jeanie Morgan introduced her 2009-10 District Governor classmate, Steve Dimuzio from Casa Grande. Lola McClane introduced Mesa Rotary Club visitors President Craig Henry and President-Elect Tom Schildgen. John Pennypacker introduced District Governor Jim Erickson. Dick Myren introduced Assistant District Governor Lee Holm and Sharon Boyd from the Superstition Mountain Rotary Club. Eileen, from the Rotary Club of Cayman Islands exchanged flags with President Chris. Eileen's husband was a founding member of the Cayman Island club. Rotarians, Erwin and Joan Reiman, were visiting from Rapid City, South Dakota. Tom Mellen, who is almost a member, was introduced. His last step to become a Mesa West Rotarian will be his induction, which will be scheduled soon. Fountain Hills Rotarians, Tony and Michelle were in attendance. Frank Ewer, originally from England, is now residing in Jalisco, Mexico. He is President Elect of his club there, and chose to attend Mesa West while in the Phoenix area to attend Grand Canyon President-Elect Training Seminar (PETS). Carla Rowe and Curt Ward from the Gilbert Rotary Club were both in attendance. Last, but not least, District Governor Elect David Simmer was introduced.

Drawings

Allan Cady won the $5 attendance drawing proceeds, when his badge number was drawn. Chuck Flint explained that the weekly raffle winnings would be $58 and if the person holding the winning ticket were lucky enough to draw the ace of clubs from the remaining cards in the deck, they would win $572. Looking for an honest face, Chuck asked DGE David Simmer to draw the winning ticket. He drew his own, but was not lucky enough to draw the ace of clubs.

Happy Bucks

Greg Okonowski served as Sgt. at Arms collecting happy bucks from those present. Allan Cady paid $5 because he was happy to be at the meeting so he donated back his attendance drawing winnings. He paid an additional $2. He and Polly are enjoying being aids to and getting acquainted with Rotary International Director-Elect Johrita Solari and her husband Bruce. John Pennypacker contributed because he is always happy. Ray Smith informed everyone that February 28 is hump day for tax season. He seemed glad to be on the downhill side of that mountain of work. He was also happy and a little amazed that all the club members who are in professions that get buried in work during tax season were present at the meeting. Steve Ross was proud to announce that the Gilbert High School basketball team, whose members always help as referees at our spring Olympics, finished at the top of their league. Members were sad to hear of the death of Sherry Mathis. Sherry's husband was a member of Mesa West and Sherry played the piano at club meetings for several years. Kurt Klingenberg celebrated his birthday by donating $100 each to Sarah's and Jenna's Paul Harris Fellows. Dick Myren continued Rod Daniel's tradition of giving a dollar for being "happy to be a member of Mesa West." Penny May was happy to have survived difficult driving conditions between Yuma and Phoenix during a rainstorm. Warren Williamson contributed, confessing he had accidentally taken his Rotary badge home and left it there. Lola McClane contributed "buying happiness." Jim Schmidt contributed, happy about the 10th straight grandbaby boy born into his family. DGE David Simmer contributed all of his raffle winnings back to the club. Dan Coons contributed, sharing that when he first joined Rotary, he was a member of the Gilbert Club. He thanked their members who were guest for the life lessons he learned about giving while a member of their Club. Don LaBarge contributed. He had recently been in the Indianapolis Convention Center. It was very cold there with 50-60 mph winds, but on TV in the lobby were scenes of snow in Arizona. Pam Cohen paid happy dollars. She and Chuck Flint had gone to California to visit Fred and Billie Scott who formerly visited Mesa West regularly. Fred is turning 94 this year. When they visited in Mesa, He made toys and donated them. Billie is recovering from breast cancer for the second time.

Program

A reporter from the Associated Press named Lucinda was introduced. Lucinda wanted to interview some interested people who were present: Johrita and Bruce Solari. She understood they were trying to get a zoning permit for their home. Johrita Solari, RI Director-Elect for Zones 26 and 27 and her favorite husband, Bruce want to install a transmitter of airwaves for their home which would communicate: "Be a Rotarian." "Do good things." "Service above self." They know the airwaves work. Their daughter, Teresa, is a Rotary e-club member and in the Governor line in her District.

When asked, Bruce said that he first joined Rotary in 1994 in the East Anaheim club. He was looking for a deeper connection with their community.

Johrita said she joined in 1993. They had started a business in 1993. Bruce received a letter from the Rotary Club, but he sent her, because the letter was addressed to the president of their company, and that was her position. The club had erroneously sent the letter to the Vice President. When she went to the meeting, Johrita admitted she went with a large gender chip on her shoulder, but said she was wrong. The men in the club were very welcoming.

Johrita said her most rewarding Rotary experience was a trip with a team of 10 to Nigeria. In two weeks, 7,400,000 children were immunized. On their last day there, a bus delivered tricycle wheel chairs for polio survivors. The chairs were given to "crawlers," people who had been crippled by polio and if they got around at all, they had to pull themselves along the ground any way they could. One girl had flip flops on her hands. She made her way to the cycle Johrita was standing by. She pulled herself up and for the first time, she was out of the dirt and mobile. It is still the proudest moment of her Rotary career, causing her to have a true and deep understanding of Rotarians being the change makers and peace makers of this world. Johrita went behind the bus to cry and found the rest of her team members there for the same reason.

Lucinda asked Bruce what he believes is Rotary's biggest challenge. He talked about the need to find an answer to revitalize clubs and encourage membership growth with a focus on retention. The club he first joined was small and declining. It eventually dissolved.

Rotary.org has an excellent resource for new Rotarians or members who want to learn more about the larger organization they are a part of "basics of Rotary." Members can go on line and take it at their own pace.

Johrita is on the RI Membership committee. She mentioned grant resources as she was talking about this, but didn't go deep into the subject. An "outside the box" thinker might want to explore this and brainstorm with a few others to see if an innovative way to attract and focus on retaining members could be explored through a grant to develop new best practices in this challenging area.

The Solaris' business is property management and development with a focus on affordable housing. They now have over thirty staff and 120 buildings. They also manage for other entities. They specialize in housing for seniors, people with special needs, low to moderate income, beginning police officers, veterans, etc.

Business skills that have aided Johrita in her Rotary career are: writing, business writing, public speaking, team building, but over time, Johrita found that her experiences in Rotary honed all of these skills and it is hard today to tell whether business helped her advance in Rotary, or skills learned in Rotary helped them grow their business, or if the real benefit has been being immersed in both.

Lucinda told Bruce it was time for true confessions. She asked him what his real reaction was when he learned that Johrita would be our next RI Zone Director. He said his first reaction was OMG - he was losing a bet with their youngest daughter, who had predicted her mom would one day be a director, and he had indicated he didn't think that would ever happen. The daughter's reaction at the time was "Have you met your wife?" He said, in truth, he is very excited. He knows she will bring a lot to the position and her influence improve Rotary.

Johrita said her key question will be "Why?" She said leaders who inspire exude their belief and passion. These essential qualities make it easier to answer the inevitable "How?" and "When?" questions. If we can answer why we do what we do, we will be better people.

Johrita had already formed some opinions about Mesa West Rotary. She enjoyed the obvious camaraderie, leadership, and record of service. She was aware that two declining clubs had merged into Mesa West. She said "This club rocks." We should continue to be who we are and tell our stories. She said, "You have great stories! Tell them!" She also had learned about the Rotary vocational scholarship program in Arizona. She had a good suggestion about finding ways to get on Public Television stations, since they are required to air local good news stories.

Bruce said their personal relationship is solid and fun-loving. He said Johrita is so special. She is a rock-solid achiever. She values people and relationships. She has a deep-seated passion for the underdog. Having grown up in the Salinas Valley of Central California, she befriended migrants. She spent time in their homes and learned Spanish, but not so well that she didn't make mistakes. One was apparently bad enough that her friend's mother angrily chased her out of the house when she misspoke.

Bruce and Johrita both enjoy scuba diving. They are members of the Rotary Scuba Fellowship. He has logged over 600 and she over 500 dives all over the world.

Switching gears, Johrita honed in on membership. Rotary is losing people in North America. The problem is not about attracting members, but about retaining members. We have to figure out ways to make the club experience better. While discussing this, Daryl Bethea suggested that we contact past members of our club. Johrita mentioned that Rotary International has a membership leads program, but that North America is the worst about failing to follow up on those leads.

Johrita will be one of 17 directors in the world. Delegates at the Rotary International Convention vote for the directors. She will be the first woman to serve as director for our zones. The directors are responsible for making policy and managing implementation.

Lucinda asked Johrita if there was any chance of her one day being the first woman to be Rotary International President. She answered that once she has served as director, she would not have to wait any specific time period to qualify to run for that position, so it would be possible, but likely - probably not. Some interesting facts relayed during this portion of the conversation:

To be a District Governor, one must have been a Rotarian seven years.
One must be a Past District Governor for three years before applying to be a Zone Director
At this time, there are no females serving as zone directors
As of July 1, 2019, Johrita will be one of two women serving as zone directors.

Lucinda asked Bruce if he wanted to make a prediction. He said he would not be making any bets. He believes that two years from now the first woman will be nominated for RI President. He did not go so far as to state whether or not it would be Johrita.

Announcement

Before adjourning the meeting, Chris announced that everyone should be ready for a community service hands on project doing some interior painting. More specific news will follow.

Read more...

March 14 - TRF Dollars at Work

On March 14, Mesa West Rotarians and Guests will have an opportunity to learn more about how a grant using The Rotary Foundation grant process successfully improved health in Mongolia. The first Hepatitis Free Mongolia project was completed in 2017.

Meredith Potts will provide information about the initial project, and an amazing Rotary tour opportunity which will take place in September of this year. Phase 2 of the project, which is in the final fund-gathering and planning stages will become a reality in the fall of 2019. The Hepatitis Free Mongolia project and the Rotary Tour Trip to Mongolia were both featured in the March District 5495 electronic monthly newsletter.

The 2017 project was supported by 31 Rotary clubs, 17 individuals, and 8 districts with six countries represented. In addition to Rotary Clubs, the pivotal partner was FIRE - Flagstaff International Relief Effort. Meredith Potts, our March 14 speaker, is the Executive Director for FIRE and a member of the Flagstaff Rotary Club.

The grant to support Phase 2 of the Hepatitis Free Mongolia project was presented to the USA/Mexico Friendship Conference and Grants Exchange Workshop held in Acapulco, Mexico In the fall of 2018.

This program will be interesting and will be an excellent way for Rotarians to understand how the dollars they give to The Rotary Foundation are multiplied through the matching grant process combined with voluntary efforts and collaborative partnership.

Sponsorship Campaign Tips

WHY A SPONSOR PROGRAM?

Donors appreciate that all their donation will be used for good rather than support event costs.
Opportunity for both private and business donors to support our causes.
Past and potential members can support what we do even though they don't currently have time to participate as members.
MOST OF THESE DONORS WILL SUPPORT THE SAME CHARITIES EACH YEAR IF/WHEN ASKED.
One successful sponsorship program is the foundation for annual campaign successes.

Successful sponsorship programs are annual programs that take advantage of the needs of all types of donors. Our sponsorship program will be at its best when all of our members get involved by sharing their "Rotary Moments" with the people they come in contact with.

What is a "Rotary Moment?" It is any moment that grabs our heart and makes us want to enthusiastically tell our family friends and business associates why we are active Rotarians. Typically it involves a service project we've participated in. Sometimes it is something like polio eradication - especially for Rotarians who are old enough to remember when polio was epidemic in the United States. We are most effective when talking to potential sponsors if our Rotary experience is shared in a way that is personal, heartfelt and sincere.

In our sponsorship brochure there are several specific ways to direct donations, but we will have the greatest capacity to respond to needs presented to the Mesa West Foundation for funding if the majority of donations are received marked "Undesignated (to be used most needed)."

Allan Cady, said that members have asked him how he was so successful last year, and already this year in securing donations or pledges. When he reaches out to those he knows have the means to be generous, he spends some time on their existing relationship, catching up on what is happening in their family, their business, and their known hobbies. Then he moves on to talk about some of the things he is passionate about, ending with the things he enjoys most about his involvement in Rotary. It frequently results in the person he is talking to indicating that they are impressed with all that Rotary does and admire his involvement. It is then easy to offer to share a brochure that tells about some things we, as Mesa West Rotarians, specifically do. Some offer to make a donation on the spot. Sometimes it is a pleasant surprise after-the-fact to see how much they mail in after looking the brochure over. Some of his donors are family - others are long-time business associates or friends. The people who are closest to us are the ones most likely to support what we care about. CLICK HERE or on the image to download this year's Sponsorship Brochure.

Some ideas of potential donors each of us can reach out to are: school associates ♦ other professionals ♦ adult friends of our young children ♦ old business associates ♦ people frequently seen ♦ owners of our health club ♦ old neighbors ♦ children's school and PTA ♦ spouse's friends ♦ waiters/waitresses ♦ church associates ♦ cleaning establishments ♦ civic activities ♦ hair/barber salon ♦ insurance agent ♦ previous job ♦ real estate agents ♦ bankers or credit union ♦ doctor ♦ dentist ♦ restaurants ♦ country club ♦ neighbors ♦ relatives ♦ sports/hobbies ♦ accountant.

TEAMS

Chuck Flint

Melodie Jackson, Aubrey Luma, Steve West, Sharon Spane, Ted Williams, Darl Andersen, Karen Chavez, and Immanuel Beeson

Frank Rosenberg

Rick Deponte, Dick Myren, Polly Schumacher, Daryl Bethea, Keith Deering, Robert LaBarge, and Kristen Klein

Steve Ross

Bob Jensen, Jim McGown, John Benedict, Donna Goetzenberger, Don LaBarge, Jim Crutcher, Bert Millett, and Mai Ly Duong

Tim Troy

Kevin Gustafson, Jack Rosenberg, Don Boucher, John Bethea, Brian Harvey, Mike Whalen, and

Mike Polley

Dan Coons - Team Ribeye

Wendell & Carolyn Jones, Aaron Huber, Jim Schmidt, Ray Smith, Polly Cady, John Pennypacker, and Colleen Coons

Terry Diedrick

Kurt Klingenberg, Chris Krueger, Jeanie Morgan, Geoff White, Lucinda General, Wayne General, and Erica Williams

Bob Zarling

Pam Cohen, Ed Koeneman, Greg Okonowski, Alex Cohen, Shane Buntrock, Warren Williamson, and

Ron Thompson

Grand Canyon University Rotaract Club Update

Members of the GCU Rotaract Club have been busy learning, socializing, and doing service above self this academic year:

October 17 - Members had the privilege of hearing from Josephine Godwyll. They were inspired by her service and passion to help people with technology.
November 4 - GCU Rotaract helped set up encouragement signs for the MS Walk supporters as well as set up the post-race activities area. The Rotaract workers met other volunteers and were able to learn more about the importance of raising money to beat MS.
November 14 - GCU Rotaractors packed 50 boxes to send out for Christmas presents! It was a great way to wrap up their semester at Rotaract. Everyone had a great time preparing the presents and imagining who would open them on Christmas Day.
January 26 - ASU and GCU Rotaract members had a Pick-ink. They spent the afternoon at Tempe Town Park together and had fun playing games and socializing.
January 30 - Members had the privilege of hearing from Michael Kruk who represented US Vets of Phoenix. He told members his story along with how his organization reaches out to homeless veterans in the area and how Rotaract could help.
February 2 - GCU Rotaract was featured at the third quarter on the court at the GCU Women's Basketball Game. The Rotaract mission statement was announced and members had fun attending the game.
February 6 - Members had the privilege of hearing from David Cogan, a radio talk show host who has owned many of his own businesses. He provided entrepreneurial insight and encouraged members to "Do."
February 16 - Members were able to help get Grant Community Garden ready for the 2019 growing season by securing a shelter, painting numbers, and planting seeds.

Grant Management Seminar (GMS)

REQUIRED by The Rotary Foundation to qualify for Global Grants and District Grants

For a club to qualify for grants funds in the Rotary year 2019-20, at least one club member must have attended GMS. (See all qualification requirements posted on the District website.)

Who should attend: It is recommended that the club’s Chair for The Rotary Foundation and President-Elect attend. Please note: A Club can send as many participants as desired!

What will be learned: This 90-minute seminar will cover the responsibilities for grant stewardship, the application process, and the reporting requirements. This seminar will help a club start planning early for a District Grant. A District Grant provides additional funds for a club’s local/community project in 2019-20.

A club can apply for a 2019-20 District Grant between April 1 and June 30, 2019.

No cost to attend this seminar!

REGISTRATION - Choose any of the following:

Saturday March 16, 10 AM, at Larry Miller (formerly Berge) Ford community room, 460 E. Auto Center Dr., Mesa, AZ 85204 https://www.123signup.com/register?id=rxfyf

Saturday March 30, 10 AM, at Huntington University Arizona, 8385 W Mariners Way, Peoria, AZ 85382 https://www.123signup.com/register?id=rxfnm

Webinar on Saturday, April 6, 10 AM.

Webinar instructions will be emailed prior to the seminar.

https://www.123signup.com/register?id=rxfhf

Contacts for District Rotary Foundation Committee of D5495:

Jim Bissonett, Chair, 480-299-4441, jim@jbsolutions.com

Dale Gray, Grants Sub-Committee Chair, 602-418-5316, dale@grayds.com

Today's Chuckle

Aqua Africa - the change we can help effect

CLICK HERE or on the image to view a video that will create understanding about why our President, Chris Krueger is passionate about wanting to support Aqua Africa with a first-time Arizona awareness and fund-raising event during her presidential year.

March is Water and Sanitation Month

$24 is all it takes to provide one person with safe water
23 million people now have safe water because of Rotary
21 million people have access to sanitation and hygiene thanks to Rotary projects
2030 is the year Rotary hopes to finish providing everyone with safe water, sanitation, and hygiene

CLICK HERE to view a short video with more information about the importance to all of us in making clean water and sanitation available to everyone on our planet.

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Mar 14, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Mar 20, 2019
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Mar 21, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Mar 28, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Apr 04, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Apr 11, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting

Webinar

Apr 17, 2019
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Apr 18, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Apr 25, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Spring Olympics

Apr 27, 2019
5:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Mar 14, 2019

Meredith Potts

The Mongolian Project

Mar 28, 2019

General Mick McGuire

Arizona National Guard

Apr 04, 2019 12:00 PM

Graeme Sellers

Rotary Scholar Experience in Scotland

Apr 25, 2019

NO MEETING

Mesa West Rotary will not have a regular meeting this week.

View entire list

Member Birthdays

Dick Myren

March 3

Richard DePonte

March 12

Erica Williams

March 31

Join Date

Wendell Jones

March 1, 1989

30 years

Warren Haeussler

March 3, 2001

18 years

Michael Whalen

March 9, 1995

24 years

Kurt Klingenberg

March 17, 1994

25 years

President

Christine Krueger

President Elect

James Schmidt

Secretary

Donna Goetzenberger

Treasurer

Lucinda General

Club Service Director

Pamela Cohen

Service Projects Director

Melodie O. Jackson

The Rotary Foundation Director

Charles F. Flint

Membership Director (480) 213-1617

Don LaBarge

Public Image Director

Jeanie Morgan

Executive Secretary

Aubrey Luma

Jeanie Morgan
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THE FOUR WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do

first Is it the TRUTH?

second Is it FAIR to all concerned?

third Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

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