President Kayla Mudge opened the meeting, Jack Rosenberg led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Ted Williams gave an invocation. To continue, click on the blue "Read More" to the right & below the line!!
Several guests were introduced, including Irene Wharry (Connie's friend), Suzanne Vitale (Blaise's spouse), Monse Rodriguez from the Rio Salado Rotaract Club, Santiago (former Rotary Builds Bridges student), Harry Short (visiting Rotarian), and Lisa Grant.
Next, the club honored the hotel service staff with Christmas gifts!
Connie Bunyard introduced the proposed slate of officers and directors for the next Rotary year. Jeanie Morgan made a motion that the slate of officers be accepted by acclamation rather than by ballot. Warren Williamson seconded the motion. No objections were made, and the slate was accepted.
Chuck Flint had Ted Williams draw the raffle ticket, and Monse Rodriguez won the small pot of $30. She did not draw the Ace of clubs, so the big pot carries over.
Next, Andy Bradford collected Happy Bucks:
- Brian Harvey was happy to contribute Jack Rosenberg’s fine for being late to Bell Ringing, was happy to have Santiago here today, and noted that Santiago is looking for a part-time job
- Polly Cady was happy to have done Bell Ringing, announced the Scottsdale club’s car raffle, and announced that the exchange students will have a fundraiser dinner on January 31st
- Connie Bunyard was happy that a little girl with cystic fibrosis was able to get an electric wheelchair because of Mesa West Rotary club members (John Bunyard called John Pennypacker, who called Jim McGown!)
- Monse Rodriguez was happy that TRVFA exists to help young people with vocational scholarships
- Gaby Cutlip was happy for the Rotary Builds Bridges gift donation and for the Emerson School toy donation
- Pam Cohen was happy that the club has done a great job in filling the Bell Ringing slots
- Harry Grossman was happy to have a locksmith fix his condo lock!
- Jack Rosenberg was happy to pay Brian Harvey’s fine for forgetting that he was supposed to be the Greeter today
- Kayla Mudge was just happy!
- Ed Koeneman was happy that the original 1977 Star Wars movie will be re-released in February 2027!
- John Pennypacker was happy to encourage members to donate to The Rotary Foundation and was happy that a former Ireland group-study exchange member Lindsey Moodie sent him a Christmas card with a picture of her 1-year-old baby girl, Mya
- Lizzy Barron was happy that she could attend virtually from Disneyland via Zoom!
- Bob Jensen was happy to donate happy bucks today since they will be going to the Salvation Army
- Warren Williams was happy to tell his weekly joke
Deb Koeneman announced the selection for December’s Rotarian of the Month! It is a very deserving person who does many behind-the-scenes things to help others and the club. However, this person was not in attendance today, so we will surprise them at the next meeting they attend.
Kayla Mudge also gave out three more awards:
- The Senior Elf in Charge Paper plate award was given to Gaby Cutlip
- The North Pole Excellence Paper plate award was given to Don LaBarge
- The December Partner in Crime award was given to Pam Cohen
Today’s speaker was Christine Veverka, a retired Field Service Officer of USAID. Christine’s work focused on education, which both USAID and Rotary International believes is very important for all, is a great equalizer, and helps promote peace. Unfortunately, the education component of USAID is no longer operational.
