President-Elect Jim Schmidt opened the meeting by asking Greg Okonowski to offer the invocation and Bob Zarling to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  He noted that Steve Ross had served as greeter making everyone feel warmly welcomed.

 

Wendell Jones introduced Kenny Johnson, a Past President of Mesa Baseline and Commissioner of the Boy Scouts.  This year, this very special guest contributed $7,500 to the Mesa West Foundation during our recent sponsorship campaign.

 

President-Elect Jim reminded members that they need to register if they plan to attend the District Conference which will be held June 21-22 at the Hilton Paradise Valley Scottsdale.  Those who have not done so yet, can CLICK HERE to register.  He noted that Friday evening, the beach party featuring the Southwest Surfers (a Beach Boys Tribute Band) is open to Rotarians and their families without registering for the entire conference.

 

Melodie Jackson was the winner of the attendance drawing.  Warren Williamson won the weekly raffle, but did not draw the joker or the ace of clubs, so the accumulating ace of clubs winning will continue to grow.

 

Dr. Ron served as Sgt. at Arms collecting Happy Bucks.  Don Boucher was happy to be at the meeting and for the opportunity to do a little story telling today.  He also noted how thankful he is for his "better half" noting that she is the more accomplished public speaker in their family.  Ted Williams was very happy that his grandson was voted the most valuable offensive volleyball player in the state championships.  He scored 80% of the points scored by the Casteel High School team.  The team came in second in the state.  Ted was also happy about a recent Williams family gathering at his place in Show Low.  All eight of his children and 46 grandchildren participated in a softball tournament.  Team Williams won after playing five straight games.  John Pennypacker wondered if any of the members noted the irony in the banner display on the east wall of the room.  Pam Cohen was not allowed to answer because she had noted it right away.  For those who still haven't figured it out - the irony was "the rose between two thorns."  Lola McClane enjoyed a recent trip to the Midwest to spend time with her sister even though they had to spend one night in the basement because of tornado warnings.  Andrea Murphy was able to attend our meeting because school is out at Westwood High School.  Pam Cohen gave a shout out for Andrea and the wonderful work she does with the youth in Interact and her students at Westwood.  Chuck Flint said the Westwood Interact Club is the greatest Interact Club anywhere.  Chuck thanked members for the donations sent with him on his recent trip to Puerto Lobos, Mexico.  Greg Okonowski donated $50 for his Paul Harris.  John Benedict explained his recent absence.  He had watched his niece graduate with honors from West Point.  Her brother is also a West Point graduate - he graduated two years ahead of her.  Daryl Bethea was happy to have former Mesa Baseline member Kenny back.  Warren Williamson contributed sad dollars because he failed to recognize Kenny.  Wendell Jones contributed because his friend Ray Smith was absent.  President-Elect Jim shared some sobering news.  He noted that Jack Rosenberg and Cindy had left early.  Jack has recently been diagnosed with cancer in his kidney and will be facing surgery in the near future.  Jack is pretty private when it comes to emotionally charged happenings in his life.  He didn't want to be present when the announcement was made, but he did want his Mesa West family to be aware so we can keep him in our thoughts and prayers.

 

Before moving on to the program, Jim shared a quote from the Phoenix Suns:  You can make excuses or make progress, but you can't do both.