This past weekend brought many memories to mind – some good, some great, some funny and some not to be mentioned again.
I have not been a regular church goer except for funerals (all too many lately) and weddings, which I thoroughly enjoy. However, while watching way too much television, I could not help but notice the Easter services that would be broadcast live from St Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. Having never been to Rome, I decided to record this (it aired at 2:00 a.m. local time).
When I was a young lad, I served as an acolyte in the Episcopal Church. And, yes, I did attend church regularly in those days. While watching the entire service on Easter morning, I recalled the pageantry of the services in which I participated. To say the splendor of the services from St. Peter’s was a bit more would be an extreme understatement. However, I did enjoy it all.
The marvelous architecture also captured my eye. Beautiful is the only word to adequately describe these magnificent structures. The vastness and beauty all rolled into one edifice is simply stunning – and these were built without computer generated renderings.
I was aware that the service would be in Latin and learned that some portions were done in Greek. There was some explanation of this, but I cannot remember why.
Watching these services was not only delightful, but also awe inspiring. All together the services were a great ending to a memorable weekend. I hope our Mesa West Rotary Club can meet in person soon – I miss the camaraderie.
I saw this news report on Channel 3 in the morning (of April 10) about a local nurse, Alana Comeau, who is going to New York to help out the nurses who are over-worked with the COVID 19. In the story, she requested little things that could be donated so that she could take them with her to lift the nurses’ spirits. Sooooo, I tried to have a baby shower for my daughter in March but couldn’t because of the virus. I had bought 40 of these cute little key chains for the shower that I was going to return but thought they might work for Alana to give to the health care workers.
I met her at the Costco on 44th and Thomas. She was parked as FAR AWAY from everyone that she possibly could, but let me take a photo of her with the box. Just a reminder that you don’t have to do BIG things to bring a smile to someone’s face.
CLICK HERE to read the story and video published about Alana
Polly Cady - I have a renewed relationship with my vacuum cleaner. It’s not intimate but there is a lot of contact. I’ve been very spoiled. I couldn’t remember which was supposed to be first: dusting or vacuuming. I had to Google it!
Warren Williamson - I overheard two thoughts on our isolation routine: 1. It's better to be 6 feet apart than 6 feet under. 2. It's just like it was in high school -- gas is cheap and I'm grounded.
Chris Krueger - A co-worker of mine has a son in Denver. There was a fire in his condo, and he didn’t make it. Please keep this family in your thoughts and prayers.
Lola McClane - On Thursday the 9th, my daughter who lives here defended her thesis and has now officially earned her doctorate. Sadly, there will be no ceremony, but we’re still gratefully happy!
John Pennypacker - I was just thinking how happy we would all be if our club giving to The Rotary Foundation (TRF) was just a bit more. Right now, with only 50% of our members having made a donation to TRF, Mesa West is the 4th highest giving club per capita in our District 5495. It is not a contest, but I wonder where we would rank if ALL our members gave some.
There are 16 clubs wherein all members have made a donation. There are 16 more clubs with greater than 50% of members having given.
As the "Ace of Clubs” I cannot envision us being in the bottom half of clubs in our district in giving to TRF.
Ed Koeneman - Only one more week of classes! My first graduating class is doing fine, as are all the rest of my students.
Jeanie Morgan – I am very thankful for all the Mesa West members and bulletin subscribers who have responded to my requests to submit information to be published in the Messenger. It has helped me feel connected while in isolation!
Jim Schmidt – It is April 15, and tax-day is still three months away.
Daryl Pai Bethea -
Last evening sat out front of the house and enjoyed, at a safe distance, neighbors passing by with warm hellos and "How ya doin".What a blessing to live here and feel loved!
Alan Cady - Why am I so happy? Let me explain. First of all, I have a wonderful wife of 23 years. She is my love, my companion, my friend and sometimes my critic. She is my everything! The life we enjoy together is simply put, the BEST, particularly since we both retired. I have three grown sons, three special daughters-in-law, eight grandchildren and three step grandchildren. How can it get better than that? Then we come to ROTARY. It’s a special club that we have at Mesa West Rotary. Friends one and friends all! Our members are fun, engaged, enthusiastic and very giving. I enjoy our time together and look forward to every occasion. So to repeat, I’m happy! Allan
Where do I start. My daughter Alex and her husband Joey were expecting my first and only grandbaby (their son) on May 20th. I was very excited to meet the little man when he came into the world. Then the Coronavirus happened and I had to cancel Alex’s baby shower in March. On the morning of April 1st (Joey’s birthday), I got a text saying that Alex had gone into labor at 1:50 in the morning. A wave of fear and Déjà vu swept over me. She had gone into labor at nearly the same time in her pregnancy that I did when Alex was born – almost two months early. I immediately headed to Flagstaff knowing that a C-Section was imminent – the baby was breach. The thing that was the most painful about the trip, was knowing that I couldn’t be with them for my first and only grandbaby’s birth. We had planned that I would be there with them when the baby was born ☹ Lots of stuff happened, as with any delivery, but Wilder Cohen Gray was born at 11:18 on the morning of April 3rd, Alex’s paternal grandfather’s birthday, a beautiful tribute to Edwin Cohen and Alex’s love for him. Wilder arrived weighing 4 lbs. 6 oz, Alex weighed 4 lbs. 10 oz, the biggest difference is, she came home the next day (crazy, I know) and little Wilder will be in the hospital for a few weeks – we will see.
I have included some photos of him. You can see how beautiful and pink he is now. I am so blessed – thank you for letting me take up your time with my little story about my tiny grandson, you know you will get many more updates as time goes on.
Friendship Trees: Paul Harris' Lasting Symbol of Goodwill
As Rotary's president emeritus, Paul Harris traveled extensively during the 1920's and 1930's, often accompanied by his wife, Jen. During these trips, the nature-loving Harris planted trees to symbolize goodwill and friendship.
In the fall of 1932, Harris embarked on a five-week tour of European Rotary clubs and planted trees along the way.
"Wednesday forenoon I planted my first tree of friendship in European soil. It seemed to me especially appropriate that it took place in Germany - in its metropolis - Berlin. The planting occurred in a sports platz formerly devoted to war purposes, and a large number including Rotarians, city officials, and others were in attendance."
Ever since, Rotarians have planted trees in the name of fellowship, friendship, and community service. These trees, which can be found worldwide, have grown into enduring monuments of Rotary's ideals.
Later in his tour of Europe, Harris also planted trees in Estonia, Norway, and Sweden.
Planting trees became a hallmark of his travels, including in Australia, Brazil, Japan, Mexico, and New Zealand. In "My Road to Rotary," Harris recalled, "With the cooperation of Rotarians and local governments, I have planted friendship trees in the parks and playgrounds on five continents of the world and even on some of the major islands of the seas. Our trees stood as symbols of international understanding and good will."
Other Rotary presidents also observed the tradition. In 1931-32, then RI president Sydney W. Pascall planted trees at the sites of Rotary clubs he visited, reportedly at Paul Harris' suggestion.
Not all of the trees were planted outside the United States. The Harris's often entertained visiting Rotarians and Dignitaries in their Chicago home and planted trees with their guests to mark the occasion. They called the garden their Friendship Garden.
Rotarians continue to plant trees to symbolize enduring friendships and fellowship to beautify parks and communities, and to contribute to a greener world.
In the photo, Paul Harris and members of the Rotary Club of Tallinn, Estonia, are shown at a tree planting in 1932.
Melodie Jackson, our Community Service Chair, asked me to share the following update on volunteer needs/opportunities in the City of Mesa:
In response to the recent events surrounding the CORVID-19 pandemic, Mayor John Giles has issued the following statement in regards to needs in the City of Mesa and how you can help while the City is experiencing closures based on the recommendations of the CDC:
-Many of our local organizations reported a need for volunteers. If you are well and have additional time to help, please consider volunteering through www.justserve.org.
The United Food Bank has successfully restructured their Help Yourself program to streamline the process and maintain social distancing. Their greatest need right now is bread and volunteers. To find out more about how you can help, visit www.unitedfoodbank.org.
If you find your family in need of food go to www.azfoodbanks.org to find a local food bank near you or click on the link below for locations in Mesa. Be sure to call ahead for days and times that they are open.
For this information and more regarding COVID-19 please visit www.mesaaz.gov/ coronavirus or the City of Mesa social media channels. I hope these resources help and I know that in Mesa we take care of each other and will continue to do our best to make sure that our community remains safe and healthy.
On April 7, the Mesa West Board Members received the following message from Robert LaBarge:
:First off, I hope that you are all doing okay and staying healthy! I am doing well despite being a little cooped up and missing my students. As you may know, the COVID-19 situation on the Navajo Nation is grim. Navajo county itself currently has the 12th highest per capita rate of the coronavirus in the nation. President Nez has issued advisories that all tribal members and nation residents limit travel and wear face masks in public.
There are many crafty and otherwise bored teachers up here who have begun to hand-make cloth face masks for free distribution (both to tribal members and to the front-line workers at the Pinon Health Center). Unfortunately, we are running out of supplies. I am asking the board if they would be so generous as to approve a stipend for supplies. I think $500 would go a long way in helping us to reach every member of our larger community (Pinon Chapter). We already have an excellent distribution network in place for food and homework, as well as connections to the health center, so I can personally assure that every mask made will be put to good use.
I've been in touch with Melodie, Pam, and my dad, who have agreed to help pick-up and ship the necessary materials. Melodie is already in possession of the list of what we need. But we are going to need our materials very quickly, as the Navajo Nation has issued a full lockdown starting Friday night. If we Melodie and Pam can get what we need by tomorrow, my dad can have it shipped so it arrives here Thursday, and I can have it distributed to the mask-makers that evening. Please consider helping us out. Thanks for everything you and Rotary does, and as always, I'm proud to be a member of Mesa West.
Take care,
Robert LaBarge
With an e-mail vote of the Mesa West board, the project was recommended to be approved by the Mesa West Rotary Foundation. After being thanked for presenting this opportunity to serve a COVID-19-related need, Robert declined to take credit. Robert said he overheard some women talking about the project and offered to try to get help from Mesa West. He said that LeAndra Begay (shown in the photo) deserves the credit for making the project idea become a reality.
Joan Reimann was born in Mitchell South Dakota. She was the firstborn of three children with one brother and one sister.
Joan has enjoyed the opportunity to travel to eighteen foreign countries: Canada, China, Germany, Egypt, Mexico, Belgium, Israel, Bahamas, Lichtenstein, Austria, Costa Rica, Netherlands, Switzerland, France, New Zealand, Slovakia, Italy, and Hungary.
Before calling Arizona her home, Joan resided in South Dakota, Wisconsin, California, Ohio, Tennessee, and Washington.
As a teen, Joan dreamed of becoming a parish worker or medical worker. Between her career as a Medical Clerical Specialist and a vast array of volunteer work, she followed that dream, but took a different turn in a final two-year career as a restaurant owner.
Joan has been married to Erwin for fifty-eight years. They have one son, one daughter, two grandsons, three granddaughters, and three great-grandsons.
The best vacation Joan can remember was a Rotary Friendship trip to New Zealand in November, 2002. "We stayed with five different Rotarian families and one of these families were Maori. Each home was in a different part of North Island."
When Joan and Erwin lived in Madison, Wisconsin, she was a volunteer for Bethel Lutheran Outreach Program. Over the years, she has volunteered in many areas including being a Sunday School teacher to young children, room mother at their children's schools, operating room greeter, eye clinic greeter, after school activity mother in Rapid City school system and also greeted patients at their local hospital in Rapid City.
Jeanie Morgan ran across this article recently and thought this perspective on the birth of service might be interesting to her fellow-Rotarians.
Years ago, anthropologist Margaret Mead was asked by a student what she considered to be the first sign of civilization in a culture.
The student expected Mead to talk about fishhooks or clay pots or grinding stones. But no. Mead said that the first sign of civilization in an ancient culture was a femur (thighbone) that had been broken and then healed. Mead explained that in the animal kingdom, if you break your leg, you die. You cannot run from danger, get to the river for a drink or hunt for food. You are meat for prowling beasts. No animal survives a broken leg long enough for the bone to heal.
A broken femur that has healed is evidence that someone has taken time to stay with the one who fell, has bound up the wound, has carried the person to safety and has tended the person through recovery. Helping someone else through difficulty is where civilization starts, Mead said."
We are at our best when we serve others. Be civilized. - Ira Byock.
Now is the time to be civilized. Do your part. Stay home.
This came from Garnet Ward, one of our members at Red Deer East, who was the speaker last Tuesday at our Zoom meeting.
Garnet offers the following sage wisdom:
Half of us are going to come out of this quarantine as amazing cooks. The other half will come out with a drinking problem.
I used to spin that toilet paper like I was on Wheel of Fortune. Now I turn it like I'm cracking a safe.
I need to practice social-distancing from the refrigerator.
Still haven't decided where to go for Easter - the Living Room or The Bedroom.
PSA - every few days try your jeans on just to make sure they fit. Pajamas will have you believe all is well in the kingdom.
Homeschooling is going well. 2 students suspended for fighting and 1 teacher fired for drinking on the job.
I don't think anyone expected that when we changed the clocks we'd go from Standard Time to the Twilight Zone.
This morning I saw a neighbor talking to her cat. It was obvious she thought her cat understood her. I came into my house, told my dog... we laughed a lot.
So, after this quarantine... will the producers of My 600 Pound Life just find me or do I find them?
Quarantine Day 5: Went to this restaurant called THE KITCHEN. You have to gather all the ingredients and make your own meal. I have no clue how this place is still in business.
Day 5 of Homeschooling: One of these little monsters called in a bomb threat.
I'm so excited - it's time to take out the garbage. What should I wear?
I hope the weather is good tomorrow for my trip to Puerto Backyarda. I'm getting tired of Los Livingroom.
Classified Ad: Single man with toilet paper seeks woman with hand sanitizer for good clean fun.
Day 6 of Homeschooling: My child just said "I hope I don't have the same teacher next year"...I'm offended.
Rotary makes high-quality health care available to vulnerable mothers and children so they can live longer and grow stronger.
We expand access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future. An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented.
The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary that enables the amazing work we, as Rotarians, are all proud to be a part of. Every Rotarian is strongly encouraged to support TRF every year by donating to the General Fund of TRF. The target gift is $100 per year per member. That has been the target for a very long time and in the US the average family income has multiplied a few times since that target was set. Many Rotarians who have the means to do so have set their personal target at the $1,000 per year mark making them eligible for the Paul Harris Society level of donor recognition.
The End Polio Now campaign is a separate fund to which gifts are matched two-for-one by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Many Rotarians choose to support both the general fund and the fight to end polio.
No matter what level you decide to donate, please support the Foundation by giving through Rotary Direct. CLICK HERE to get answers to commonly asked questions about this program. DOWNLOAD A FORM to authorize your Rotary Direct donations. By giving through Rotary direct, the opportunity for human error is eliminated and recognition credit for the Rotarian and their club is much more accurate and timelier.
Donations to The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona made through April 15, can be used to qualify for the
Arizona's Credit for Contribution to a Qualifying Charitable Organization for the 2019 or 2020 tax year, but not both! Their QCO Code is 20698.
When everything starts to settle after our current pandemic-related business slow-down is history, some things may never to back to the way they were. There may well be a shortage of workers that require vocational certifications available to those in low-income groups through TRVFA grants. Your gift today may help someone have a better tomorrow! CLICK HERE to donate on-line or CLICK HERE to download a mail-in form.
President Jim
This past weekend brought many memories to mind – some good, some great, some funny and some not to be mentioned again.
I saw this news report on Channel 3 in the morning (of April 10) about a local nurse, Alana Comeau, who is going to New York to help out the nurses who are over-worked with the COVID 19. In the story, she requested little things that could be donated so that she could take them with her to lift the nurses’ spirits. Sooooo, I tried to have a baby shower for my daughter in March but couldn’t because of the virus. I had bought 40 of these cute little key chains for the shower that I was going to return but thought they might work for Alana to give to the health care workers. 
Polly Cady - I have a renewed relationship with my vacuum cleaner. It’s not intimate but there is a lot of contact. I’ve been very spoiled. I couldn’t remember which was supposed to be first: dusting or vacuuming. I had to Google it!
On April 7, the Mesa West Board Members received the following message from Robert LaBarge:
Joan Reimann was born in Mitchell South Dakota. She was the firstborn of three children with one brother and one sister.
This came from Garnet Ward, one of our members at Red Deer East, who was the speaker last Tuesday at our Zoom meeting. 
Donations to The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona made through April 15, can be used to qualify for the
