Because of our Rotary Day at the Ball Park Friday, March 21, our regular meeting Thursday, March 20 has been cancelled.
ASU Edson Entrepreneurship+Innovation Institute and The Mesa West Rotary Club Present the Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge to Support Young Entrepreneurs.
It was recently announced to the public that the Mesa West Rotary Club, in partnership with ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute (Edson E+I), is thrilled to announce the community pitch competition, Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge. This event is designed to empower young local entrepreneurs by providing a platform for them to pitch innovative business ideas that address community needs and drive sustainable impact in the creative technology industries. The Challenge is the culminating event for the 3-month Innovation Series being hosted by Edson E+I at The Studios @ Mesa City Center.
The Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge will feature a panel of esteemed judges, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, government and business leaders, who will offer mentorship, guidance, and funding for promising ventures. This exciting event showcases the spirit of innovation in Mesa and ASU, highlighting ventures that have the potential to transform the local economy and inspire the next generation of business leaders.
"We’re excited to bring the Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge to our community," said Gerald Paulus, President of the Mesa West Rotary Club. "Our Theme This year within our District, is “Rotary Means Business” and this initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering young entrepreneurship, local economic development and supporting innovative thinkers. By giving young entrepreneurs a stage to present their ideas and learn from experienced professionals, we’re helping them turn their visions into reality." Applications will open on January 27, 2025 and close on February 21st 2025. https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/e_i_events/
The Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge in person event will take place on March 27, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at The Studios @ Mesa City Center. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their applications by February 21st 2025. Selection criteria include the originality of the business venture and demonstrate that income is already being generated, the feasibility of the business plan, and the potential for growth and community impact.
In addition to the opportunity to pitch their ideas, selected entrepreneurs will benefit from:
- Mentorship: Direct guidance and expert advice from the panel of judges.
- Networking: Access to a network of professionals who can provide valuable connections and resources.
- Exposure: Increased visibility through media coverage and community support.
- Funding: Potential investment from the judges and other investors attending the event.
"We have created a supportive, inclusive environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive," said Kristin Slice, Director of Community Entrepreneurship, Edson E+I. "Our goal is to empower participants with the knowledge, resources, and confidence they need to succeed in today’s competitive business world."
Registration for the event may be found here and applications may also be found there. Community members are encouraged to attend to support local entrepreneurs, and witness firsthand the innovative ideas shaping our community.
For more information about the Venture Challenge, including application details and registration, please visit Edson E+I’s event page. For additional information about the Innovation Series, please visit https://specialevents.asu.edu/ereg/newreg.php?eventid=825684&. For questions, contact Edson E+I at info.studiosmesa@asu.edu
CLICK HERE or on the image to download the event flyer
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 1-800-
RED CROSS (1-800-733-2757 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor
RED CROSS (1-800-733-2757 or visit redcrossblood.org and use sponsor
code: rotarymesawest.
If you prefer to use a QR code to make your appointment, here you go:
Opening and Welcome - President Jay Paulus
Prior to the meeting, Ed Koeneman and Amyla Buckhannon, President of Westwood High School Interact were selling raffle tickets to help raise funds to support the Crutches 4 Africa Interact mission to Africa this summer. Ed will be an adult advisor and Amyla will be an ambassador. Jay announced that happy bucks collected at the meeting would go to support the mission.
President Jay asked those who had attended and/or helped with the February Senior Prom to stand while he shared highlights of a story written by one of the senior gentlemen who attended the gala. CLICK HERE to read the full article, which illustrates The Magic of Rotary.
Ron Thompson offered the invocation and Deb Koeneman led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Introduction of Guests
- Ron Thompson introduced Greg Okonowski, a visiting Rotarian from the Queen Creek Rotary Club and former member of Mesa West Rotary.
- Ed Koeneman introduced Brianna Rodriguez, President of West Valley Rotaract, Amyla Buckhannon, President of Westwood High School Interact, and Courtney Sigler, Assistant Principal at Westwood High School.
- Chad Reid introduced Ramesh Pallavoor, a visiting Rotarian from Thane Northend Club in India.
- Melodie Jackson introduced her sister-in-law and driver, Carrie Wilkerson.
- Those who were attending on line were welcomed - Pai Bethea, Colleen Coons, and Gary Whitehill.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
Chuck asked Bert Millett to draw the winning ticket, which was held by John Pennypacker. Chuck said the small weekly pot was $40 and the large pot was up to $890. Chuck had a couple of tests before letting John try to draw the Ace of Clubs. He wandered what was the difference between black-eyed peas and chick peas. The answer was black-eyed peas can play a tune, while chick peas can only hum it. The second question was 'If lightning were to strike an orchestra, who would be most likely to be struck?" The answer - the conductor. The third question was "What can a man do standing, woman do sitting, and a dog by lifting a leg. The answer was "Shake Hands." By the time the riddles were answered, John had already shuffled accepted his $40 winnings and drawn a card. The card he drew was the Joker which entitled him to an additional $20.
Happy Bucks - Andy Bradford - Sgt At Arms
- John Pennypacker made a contribution. He had spent an hour on the phone with Delta Airlines and found an ideal customer service person who helped use awards, points, etc. to get his daughter and her family from Virginia on flights to come to Arizona in April. He was very excited. It will be the first time in seventeen years his family to have his family in one place to enjoy a good time together.
- Ron Thompson contributed since the money would support C4A,, rather than offer to cover the cost of Greg's lunch.
- Harry Grossman contributed. He was supposed to be in Flagstaff meeting friends from Illinois. After he found out they were expecting 10" of snow in Flagstaff, he was happy to be at our meeting instead.
- Dick Myren contributed his traditional $2 celebrating his and honorary member Rod Daniel's good fortune in being associated with the Ace of Clubs. He also contributed $100 to celebrate his 89th birthday. He's been in Rotary 54 of those years.
- Connie Bunyard was happy to have spent time with a friend the prior week.
- John Bunyard said he had suffered with vertigo for a week. He said he's feeling better and glad to be at the meeting.
- Melodie Jackson said she thru out her knee at an Eagles concert. She spent 3 days in a wheel chair. She's glad to be walking again - though not swiftly.
- Chad Reid celebrated renewing an old hobby. He recently did his first solo skydive in twelve years. He's glad to be back in the hobby.
- Jim McGown contributed enthusiastically, but this notetaker didn't catch why. (Sorry, Jim)
- Ed Koeneman was happy for all the visitors. He was also happy that Andy Bradford had helped their daughter with her first home purchase. He's very proud of her. She has worked hard, saved, and aquired good credit. Her proud papa thinks she's pretty amazing!
- Deb Koeneman was happy for C4A opportunities. She attended CLA and learned a lot. She said Jim Schmidt made a wonderful speech.
- Chuck Flint reminded John Bunyard it was Connie's birthday.
- Jay Paulus contributed and shared a Paul Harris quote, which (again) this note taker didn't catch. (Sorry, Jay).
- Warren Williamson told about a visitor to Ireland who was on his way to Killarney, and tried to correct a wrong turn by taking what he thought was a short-cut but turned out to be a little-traveled country road. He saw a local out working in the field and asked if he could tell him how to get to Killarney, and didn't get a positive response. He asked if he could tell him how to find the main highway again with no help. He asked if he could tell him how to find the closest town, and again - no idea. He remarked, "You sure don't know much." The local responded, "I ain't lost!"
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition - John Pennypacker
John Pennypacker was happy to present Dick Myren with his Paul Harris Plus Four recognition pin. Dick said his father-i-law was the one who introduced him to Rotary, but had never achieved his first Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Dick hopes everyone in Mesa West will make it a goal to support The Rotary Foundation and become Paul Harris Fellows.
Sponsor Program Update - Pam CohenPam reported that since the prior week another $1,500 in donations had come in. So far this year, we have raised $17,348.
Members are encouraged to ask for donations from people in their circle of influence - family, friends, frequently-used-vendors, associates, etc.
Announcements
- Neil Theobald, who has visited a few times, and recent retiree from the University of Wyoming has submitted an application to transfer his membership to Mesa West.
- There will be a gala on March 15th at the Mesa Arts Center. Jay thought some members might want to participate.
- March 21 is Rotary Day at the Park. Those who purchased tickets will enjoy lunch and get to watch the Cubs play the Padres in a spring-training game. There will be no regular meeting March 20.
- There will be visitors from the Guaymas Rotary Club in town and there will be a breakfast meeting with them and a few Mesa West members to discuss the Guaymas hearing project the morning of March 21.
- On March 27 we will have a regular meeting at noon, but members are encouraged to bring their significant others to the Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge in-person event which will take place on March 27, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at The Studios @ Mesa City Center. Those who come will get to hear the five finalists tout their project and a team of judges will decide which innovator receives our $5,000 grant to support their endeavor.
- Mesa West is hosting a blood drive at the YMCA on April 2. Please sign up to donate.
- Our annual Spring Olympics will be held at Ed and Debbie Koeneman's home on Saturday, April 5
- On April 8, Jay has been invited by Chad Reid to talk to Toastmasters at their 7:00 a.m. meeting at Oak For Less Furniture at 1660 S Alma School, Unit 100. Mesa West members who would like to attend are also invited.
- On Saturday, April 19, Mesa West's Rotary Week of Service project will take place at Midwest Food Bank on Baseline Road in Mesa. See a separate article in this newsletter for the sign-up link.
- May 2-3 is the District 5495 Conference of Clubs. Thursday evening, May 1, the district will be holding a sunset cruise on Saguaro Lake to benefit The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona. Members are encouraged to attend the cruise and as much of the conference as they can. CLICK HERE to get to the registration link.
- The Rotary International Convention will be held June 21-25 in Calgary, Canada.
Opening and Welcome - President Jay Paulus
Al Nunez led the Pledge of Allegiance. Dick Myren offered the invocation.
Harry Grossman enthusiastically led everyone in reciting The Four-Way Test.
Introduction of Guests
Melody Jackson introduced her sister-in-law, Carrie Wilkerson. Several members who were attending via Zoom were acknowledged: Lizzy Barron, Pai Bethea, Shawn Buntin, Shelly Romine and Gary Whitehill.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
Chuck asked Kayla Mudge to draw the winning raffle ticket, which was held by Eric Silverberg. After delivering the $35 weekly pot to Eric, he let Eric shuffle the cards face down. Eric then attempted to draw the Ace of Clubs, which would have made him the winner of the large, accumulating pot of $855. Sadly (for Eric) the card he drew was the Jack of Spades, which was destroyed. Each week the odds get better the the accumulating pot gets larger. After the accumulating pot is over $500, the raffle is not available to guests. It's not unusual for member attendance to improve when the pot reaches this level.
Happy Bucks - Sgt at Arms - Andy Bradford
- Chad Reid announced that he has been nominated in Toastmasters for their #3 position in Arizona. He said he is the only candidate, which improves his odds of being elected.
- Penny May, our favorite visiting Rotarian from Alaska, contributed saying she was happy for support received when she recently posted about the 3rd anniversary of the loss of her husband, Charlie. She was very happy to be at the meeting.
- Eric Silverberg donated his raffle winnings to the Sponsor Campaign. He was happy Jim Schmidt and the others from Mesa West who were there enjoyed a great President Elect Training Seminar (PETS). He was also happy for the guests at his table who would be speaking later.
- Dick Myren contributed his traditional $2 - happy that he and honorary member Rod Daniels were associated with the Ace of Clubs. He added some additional $$ confessing he'd left his Rotary badge in his car. His great grandson in Washington Iowa was in 3rd place in state competition on an archery team that was also in 3rd place in the state. He was soon going to be headed to national competition in Kentucky. The school system was paying his parent's expenses to travel with the team to the competition. Dick asked to be billed $20 for the sponsor program to celebrate his second granddaughter to get married. The wedding was in Willard, Missouri (near Springfield) and her husband prepared all the food.
- Allan Cady was happy they had company from Charlotte. Polly was absent because she was with them. Allan made a pledge of $100 to the Sponsor Program for Polly's team.
- Pam Cohen contributed for her recent missed meetings and also pledged $100 to the Sponsor Campaign. She went on to mention information on the table about the sponsor campaign, saying it was time "to get this party started." The campaign will be in sprint mode between now and the end of the Rotary fiscal year - June 30. She said that, so far, $16,000 has been donated to Mesa West Rotary Foundation this year. Pam said she would use matching points from her Paul Harris recognition account to match donations made between now and the end of March. The five team leaders are: Ed Koeneman, John Pennypacker, Kayla Mudge, Ray Smith, and Chuck Flint.
- Kayla Mudge enjoyed PES. She tended bar at the hospitality suite hosted by District 5495. She confessed the drinks might have been a little heavy.
- Warren Williamson said even though he is an electrical engineer, he is not in love with technology - especially not in love with cyber security and the necessity of creating and recreating passwords. We're advised not to use pet names as they are too easy to hack. In an attempt to make life easier for himself, he named his Chihuahua 43L92&g, but the dog won't come when he calls her.
Auction - Chuck Flint Auctioneer, Melodie Jackson Donor
A bag of items purchased by Melodie Jackson on her recent European vacation was auctioned. Jim Schmidt began the bidding at $25 and the bidding was pretty lively and competitive until Connie Bunyard verified that she could designate her bid to go to her team in the Sponsor Campaign and bid $75. There were a variety of items in the bag, including a beach towel, wooden spoon, sea salt, Cypress Delights, lemon rice, an orange/honey mixture and more.
Announcements
- Jay Paulus announced that those who have signed up to attend Rotary Day at the Park March 21 will be able to pick up their ticket at the will call window on the south side of Sloan Park. He also encouraged those who plan to attend to carpool. There will be no regular meeting March 20.
- March 27 we will have a regular meeting at noon. That evening will be the Ignite Innovation competition. It will be free for those who attend. Members were encouraged to arrive at the Studios at Mesa City Center at 4:30. Because it is an ASU facility, alcohol will not be available.
- Jay announced that several possibilities are being considered for our Rotary Week of Service Project the week of April 14-19. Possibilities are House of Refuge or Midwest Food Bank. More to come in the near future on this subject.
- John Pennypacker announced that he had been looking into an alternative solution to adding a new banner for each new district governor in our club, now that we are up to seven PDG's and two DG's to be. He showed a sample of what it would look like to list several listed on the same pull-up banner. He learned he can purchase two pull-up banners for the cost of one felt banner as we have been displaying. It will make getting the room ready for each meeting much easier, and allow more space to enjoy socializing with one another.
- Members were encouraged to register for the District Conference which will be held May 2-3. Thursday evening May 1, there will be a steamboat cruise on Saguaro Lake to raise funds for The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona.
- Members were reminded of the Blood Drive to take place at the YMCA on April 2.
- Ed reminded members to put the April 5 Spring Olympics on their calendar at the Koeneman hacienda. There might be a new event - the Great Chicken Chase!
- President Jay was happy to have completed what was needed for the etched disk that will be launched to the moon in September: it will include our club photo, our roster of club members, the Rotary Four Way test and a letter from our President to the future - for whoever might one day find the disk as part of a Time Capsule on the moon. Exciting Project...
Mesa West Rotary Club's volunteer service vests were very visible the evening of November 8 after the Gift of Hearing 2023 volunteers arrived at their destination and were enjoying an evening meal.After returning to Arizona Sunday, Erica Williams expressed appreciation for all the volunteer hours invested in this year's mission. She reported 232 patients were served, again making an impact for the hearing health of the Guaymas community. True to the Rotary Service above Self motto, Rodolfo will continue to travel back a few times during the year for mini clinics to help meet needs until next November. She said they have been training the Mexican doctors on some of the more advanced testing needs as well to bring back to their community.
Erica said they are targeting the same week/weekend for 2024, with more information to follow in the future. CLICK HERE for a link to an article Bob Jensen came across to reflect about why the team does what they do.
If you haven't already seen the reel about the project that was posted on our club's Facebook page, CLICK HERE or on the image to view it.
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.
Or go straight to 
https://mpsaz.sites.thrillshar
https://mpsaz.sites.thrillsharIf 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.
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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Welcome to our Rotary Club of Mesa West!
Executive Secretary/Director
President
President Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Director '26
Director '26
Director '25
Director '25
Director '25
Membership Chair
Rotary Foundation Chair
Club Service Chair
Community Service Chair
Fundraising Chair
Public Image Chair
Sergeant-at-Arms
Vocational Service Chair
Youth Services Chair
Executive Secretary
Mesa West Foundation President
Mesa West Foundation Vice Pres.
Mesa West Foundation Secretary
Mesa West Foundation Treasurer
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
Mesa West Foundation Trustee
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Mesa West Blood Drive at Ross Farnsworth YMCA
Ross Farnsworth EV YMCAApr. 02, 2025
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. -
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Via ZoomApr. 15, 2025 5:30 p.m.
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Rotary District 5495 Conference of Clubs
Fountain HillsMay 01, 2025 5:00 p.m. –
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Transforming Communities, Creating Opportunities, Impacting Youth
Doubletree, 1011 W Holmes
Mesa, AZ 85210
United States of America