Highlights of June 6 Meeting

Opening and Welcome to Meeting - President Colleen Coons
 
 
President Colleen thanked the following individuals:
  • Eric Silverberg for serving as greeter
  • Jim Erickson for leading the Pledge of Allegiance
  • John Pennypacker for providing the Thought for the Day.  John shared two things:
    • RI President Gordon McInally's Call to action on page 1 of the July 2023 issue of the Rotary Magazine.  During his year, he wanted to prioritize projects to support mental health - a topic which is deeply personal to him.  In his article, he shared an inspiration from Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns, who in the 18th century spoke of all the world becoming kin, promoting "sense and worth, over all the earth."  RIP McInally encouraged readers to build peace within and spread it freely.  "Let us create belonging and imagine the future of Rotary afresh.  Let us work together joyously and Create Hope in the World."
    • John also shared a challenge from Harry Higgs, PGA Tour professional golfer during his remarks following his victory in the Knoxville Korn Ferry Tournament:
      • "It is OK to not be OK - to reach out," he said. "The world is tough.  Social media is awesome but also a pain in the you-know-what.  People can be mean.  I'm mean sometimes, too.  I'm certainly not perfect, but I'm going to certainly try to live what I said."
      • "That will be part of my routine, part of the things that I can control outside the golf course and hopefully bring light to somebody that may be having a hard time.  Hopefully, make a difference in a few people's lives."
      • "I would challenge everybody her, and I'm going to do this myself as well each day; say something nice to someone you love and also make a point to say something nice to someone you do not even know," Higgs said.
      • "Brighten up somebody's day - it could mean the world.  Everyone here could be a difference.  The difference."
  • She thanked Jeanie Morgan for handling check-in.
  • Ed Koeneman for being Chief of Technology
  • John Pennypacker for managing room setup.
  • Ron Thompson for serving as Sgt at Arms
  • Dick Myren for handling the Ace of Clubs Raffle.
Introduction of Guests
 
  • Don LaBarge introduced his daughter, Tammi Allen.
  • The incoming District Governor for the Interact District Council, Anise Carroll Covarrubias, is a member of the Westwood High School Interact Club.  She will also be an ambassador on one of the Interact C4A adventures this summer.  She was introduced and given the opportunity to speak briefly.  
  • Mary Horstmann was introduced as a friend of Colleen's from her Yoga class.  Mary has recently retired and is considering becoming a member of our club.
  • Polly Cady introduced Braly Morales, a McKinney Vento student.  She also introduced Margaux, an exchange student from Belgium.  Two of Olivia's host mothers were introduced - Carla Rowe-Malcolm from the Gilbert Rotary Club and Kelly Lewis, who is the current host mom. Polly also introduced RaeAnne Pedregon from Homeless Youth Connection and Yuledi Carbajal, a recent graduate from Westwood High School.
  • Ariana Lujan, was introduced as another recent McKinney Vento graduate.  She was accompanied by Isaiah Navarro.
  • Morgan Hill was introduced as a friend of Olivia.
  • Ty Pennypacker was introduced as Olivia's golf coach.
  • Olivia's parents - Camilla and Jan Lundqvist - were introduced.  They were attending via Zoom.  Pai Bethea was also attending via Zoom.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Dick Myren
 
 
Dick explained that the weekly pot was $40, and the big pot was up to $611.  He asked Tammi Allen to draw the winning ticket, which was held by Warren Williamson.  Warren automatically won the weekly pot of $40.  He also won the opportunity to try to draw the Ace of Clubs from the cards remining in the deck.  After carefully shuffling the cards, the card he selected was the Five of Clubs.
 
Happy Bucks - Sgt at Arms - Ron Thompson
 
  • Allan Cady contributed to test John Pennypacker's knowledge of military aircraft.  He wanted to know what John could tell us about the B-22 Osprey.  We learned that is is a "stealth aircraft."
  • Warren Williamson contributed for the opportunity to share a story about an elderly man who was admitting he was having trouble hearing and told the audiologist he didn't want anything bulky and was hoping for something barely noticeable in the way of a hearing device.  They were able to fit him with hearing aids that fit his specifications and he was told to come back in two weeks to see if they needed any adjustments.  When he returned in two weeks, he was very excited.  He could hear very well.  He hadn't told his family that he had them, and he had changed his will three times.
  • Harry Grossman contributed.  His grandson in Southern California had graduated and been promoted to the grown-up table at family events.
  • Jim Schmidt pledged $10 to the sponsor program.  He said he thoroughly enjoyed the Rotary International Convention in Singapore.  He enjoyed spending time with Ed and Deb Koeneman while there as well as Incoming DG Michelle and her husband, Gary Holcomb.
  • Pam Cohen said she was Olivia's 4th host mom.  They have been busy crossing things off Olivia's bucket list.  One of the things they did was visit Tortilla Flats near Canyon Lake.  Coincidentally, while they were there, they ran into Don LaBarge, with his daughter, Tammi.  Pam was very happy that Ed was back managing the technical equipment.
  • Polly Cady was happy that Braly had a full-ride scholarship to attend Benedictine University.  She was also happy to see Olivia's parents attending on Zoom.  She informed them that she would love to adopt their daughter.
  • Jay Paulus was happy to have Margaux back in their home, but sad because she would soon be leaving again, going back to the Koenemans.
  • Liz Paulus was happy to promote College Bound at the Salute to Vets.
  • Chuck Flint was happy to be able to be at the meeting.
  • Don LaBarge was happy to have Tammi with him.  He shared a little about his recent Viet Nam reunion in Nashville where he said it rained every day they were there.
  • Tammi Allen was very happy to be visiting her dad.  She said it had been five years - much too long!
  • Dick Myren was happy to see so many young people at our meeting.
  • Ed Koeneman was also happy to see so many youth at the meeting.  He said the RI Convention was fabulous, Singapore was fabulous.  He was also very happy to announce that the release date for the next Star Wars movie has been moved up to May 22, 2026 - only 715 days away.
  • Colleen Coons was happy she would only be President for three more meetings.  She was also very proud of her father who was awarded two Purple Hearts for his service during World War II.
Sponsor Program Update - Steve Ross
 
Steve reported that recent activity has been slow, but we were near $52,000.  He's been informed more donations can be expected.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Auctions to Raise Funds for Sponsor Campaign
 
 
The first two items auctioned were fused glass plates crafted by Jack Rosenberg.  The first plate auctioned was purchased by Jim Erickson with his bid of $35.  The second plate had brought a high bid of $50, but Pam Cohen had a commitment from Past President Chris Krueger, who now lives in Nebraska, to bid $5 more on that plate.  If the top bidder matched her bid of $55, it would go to them, but they did not raise their bid, so Chris will be the new proud owner.  The third item auctioned was a bag of goodies Ed and Deb Koeneman brought back from Singapore.
Ray Smith's bid of $40 made him the proud owner and happy consumer (candy was involved.)
 
Rotary Builds Bridges
 
 
Braly was briefly acknowledged, but Ariana and Yuleidi were invited to the front to share how the Rotary Builds Bridges (McKinney Vento) program had made a difference in their lives. 
 
Ariana said the program helped by providing the motivation she needed to raise her grades.  She said the supplies provided were very much appreciated.  She plans to study cosmetology at EVIT.
 
Yuleidi said the program helped her stay motivated and on track.  She also needed the clothes and supplies.  It was nice to know someone was checking on her.  Her next step will be joining the US Army.  She wants to focus on psychiatry.  She has learned the importance and value of good mental health.
 
Pam Cohen presented medals to both girls as well as the Dr. Seuss Book, "Oh, the Places You'll go."  It may appear to be a children's book, but it has some very deep content.  Each of the girls also received a Rotary Coin with the Four-Way-Test.  They were encouraged to keep the coin handy and use it to make decisions about all the things they think, say, and do.
 
Each received a graduation stipend of $100.

 
Olivia's Youth Exchange Presentation
 
 
 
Olivia's presentation to Mesa West Rotary Club was coincidentally scheduled on Swedish National Day - June 6.
 
Olivia provided a lot of information about herself using a slide presentation which can be downloaded if you CLICK HERE or on the image above.  It's hard to believe someone who is only seventeen can be so poised, self-confident, warm and genuine.  She loves running, baking, traveling and fashion.  She will still have two years of high school remaining when she returns to Sweden.  In her immediate family are her mom, dad, her sister Johanna (age 21), brother Theo (age 15) and an obviously adored dog Elvis (age 5). Their family home is in a beautiful, wooded area.
 
In her hometown there are four Rotary Clubs.  The population is about 100,000.  It is surrounded by forest and lakes.  It is "Europe's greenest city."  IKEA was founded nearby.  Private automobiles are not as widely used there.  Public transportation is used and many ride bikes everywhere they go whenever possible.  Sweden is far enough north that in the summer they can enjoy the Midnight sun.  In northern Sweden, there are weeks when the sun never sets in the summertime.  In winter, the daylight hours are brightened by snow-covered landscapes and it is very cold.
 
Olivia said fall is her favorite season, when the trees are vibrant with color.
 
Her high school has 1400 students.  She is in their three-year business administration program.
 
When Olivia arrived in Arizona on July 22 at 11:00 PM, she was welcomed by her first host family.  At Mesquite High School, she was on the cross-country team and medaled for long-distance.  She served on the student council which gave her the opportunity to meet lots of people.  She said Fashion Design was her favorite class.
 
She had the opportunity to go on several trips.  
  • Youth Exchange trip to Sedona
  • Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon in December
  • Las Vegas - her favorite
  • California and Big Bear with Carlotta from Spain
  • RYLA
Highlights.
  • Among her highlights were things she enjoyed with friends - track, prom, paddle-boarding, etc.
  • In December, she participated in a Hot Chocolate Run in downtown Phoenix.  She opted for the 15K option.
Olivia thanked the club for making it all possible.  Her mom helped her create her bucket list.  Among the many things she enjoyed were the State Fair, hot Yoga, Flagstaff, helping with a service project (made dog toys), went trick or treating, and went to a lantern festival.  She has met friends from all over the world and now has a larger family.  Polly Cady was her Youth Exchange advisor and Olivia said Polly is the "kindest person I ever met."
 
Jay Paulus remarked that the bucket list was an excellent idea.  If she hasn't done them all there might be a couple left undone.  
 
Jim Erickson asked Oliva what her biggest surprise was.  She said it was that within a couple of hours drive from Phoenix, the scenery changes completely.  She anticipated that all of Arizona would be desert.  
 
Olivia impressed us.  She makes commitments and plans ahead.  She made a plan and did it.  She knows how to take life and live it to the fullest.
 
Dick Myren was especially appreciative of the way she was able to arrange her school schedule so she could attend so many of our Rotary meetings.
 
Pam Cohen commented that she had seen a photo of Olivia's parents taken at the airport when she was leaving to come to the US.  Her dad was crying.  Pam thanked her parents for sharing Olivia with us this year.
 
 
House of Refuge Casino Night
 
John Bunyard announced that House of Refuge was planning a Casino Night fundraiser on Saturday, June 22.  A table can be sponsored for $500.  Individual admission is $75.  
 
House of Refuge provides safe shelter for abused women and children.
 
See a separate article in the June 12 Messenger to connect and make your reservation.
 
 
 
 
 
Mesa Has Heart Event - Friday, June 14
 
Jay Paulus announced this event.  For more information, CLICK HERE.  The event will be held at the Mesa Convention Center.  It will honor businesses and individuals making a difference in the Mesa community.
 
Connie Bunyard is our Chamber Ambassador.  Contact her if you would like to receive the Chamber newsletter.  Mesa West Rotary is now a member organization in the Mesa Chamber of Commerce, making the Chamber events and activities accessible to all our members.
 
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
 
 
John Pennypacker announced that Mesa West Rotary is close to achieving our goal of raising $15,000 for the Annual Fund of The Rotary Foundation this year.  He encouraged members to go on-line and give soon so their donation can be included this year.  Our club is still leading the district in Polio Plus contributions.
 
Warren Williamson was presented his Paul Harris Fellow Plus 8 recognition pin.  That is the highest level of Paul Harris recognition that can be achieved.  The next level of recognition for Warren will come when his cash donations to The Rotary Foundation total $10,000 or more.  At that point, he will become a Major Donor.