PLEASE NOTE - The July 21 Mesa West Rotary Club meeting will be held at:
Salvation Army – Mesa location
241 E 6th St, Mesa, AZ 85201
Please CLICK HERE by Sunday evening, July 17, to let us know if you plan to attend so the Salvation Army staff can be prepared with an adequate number of meals.
Immediate Past President Dan Coons and First Lady Colleen are in Africa accompanying the students who were selected as ambassadors, distributing mobility devices to those in need in Kenya. Dan shared this photo of Huda and Alondra - the two Westwood High School Interact members who were selected to participate on the mission.
Dan sent the following message with the photo:
"This trip is changing everyone’s lives on both ends.
"We can only get very limited Wi-Fi in the evenings and need to respect the bandwidth available so sending only one picture now. I’ll send more later and have a ton for you when we get back."
CLICK HERE to cast your vote for Child Crisis Arizona in the first round of voting. There is one vote per person during each round. The current round ends July 31. On August 1, you can vote again.
Mesa West Rotary has a long history of supporting Child Crisis Arizona. Your vote(s) will help propel them to the next level in this competition. They currently are sitting in second place.
Just before the 2021-22 fiscal year ended, Mesa West Rotary Foundation sent a $2,000 donation. CLICK HERE to read the letter of appreciation received from Child Crisis Arizona. You may want to have a tissue box handy...
Welcome and Opening Remarks - President-Elect Robin Harris
Robin said that as he is participating in Mesa West club leadership and looking forward to serving as Club President in 2023-24, he is thinking more and more about the Rotary International Vision Statement:
Together we see a world
where people unite and take action
to create lasting change -
across the globe,
in our communities
and in ourselves.
Dick Myren offered the invocation and Sean Green led the Pledge of Allegiance. Diane Ware was thanked for serving as greeter as members and guests arrived for the meeting.
Rotary Minute - Ed Koeneman - Youth Services Chair
Ed said Mesa West Rotary is very active in Rotary Youth Services. We sponsor a Rotaract Club at Grand Canyon University. We also sponsor an Interact Club at Westwood High School. Our Honorary Member, Daniel Becker, who was in attendance at the meeting is the Faculty Advisor for the Westwood HS Interact Club.
Westwood HS Interact is one of over 50,000 Interact Clubs in the world with a total membership over 340,000 in 145 countries. Outside the United States, Interact for Middle-School-age students is very common. Interact for that age group is growing in our District. A few weeks ago District 5495 hosted their first middle-school RYLA.
Mesa West Rotary will be hosting a Rotary Youth Exchange student from France this year. She is due to arrive July 23. Her name is "Fanny." Ed assigned homework t all Mesa West Rotarians. If we are planning to attend an activity as a family, purchase an extra ticket and invite Fanny. From friend and family celebrations to sporting and entertainment events, include her as often as possible. We want her to experience our Arizona lifestyle at its best! Coordinate with Fanny's host family - Dan and Colleen Coons - or her YE Counsellor - Ed Koeneman.
PE Robin asked Ed to present Daniel Becker with a Rotary Pin. Ed explained that Daniel was "voluntold" to be the Interact Advisor at Westwood when that position became vacant during the 2020-21 school year, but has gladly continued serving in that capacity. As Interact Advisor, the Mesa West Board of Directors has named Daniel as an honorary member of Mesa West Rotary.
Daniel was given the opportunity to tell a bit about himself. Daniel said it came as a surprise when he was asked to be the Interact Faculty Advisor at Westwood, but it was a good fit. Daniel is a graduate of Westwood High School. This is his fifth year teaching. He is also involved in another activity where he helps students get workplace skills while still in high school. He works with other nearby schools doing this project. It opens opportunities for service and partnerships.
Introduction of Guests
PE Robin welcomed PP Chris Krueger visiting from Nebraska. He also welcomed President Pam Cohen, Jeanie Morgan, Chuck Flint, Pai Bethea and Bob Zarling who were all attending virtually via Zoom.
Reminder - Dick Myren
While Jeanie is away, there will be an attendance sheet at the welcome table. Dick asked members to check their name as they arrive at each meeting. He also pointed out the slips available on each table for members to complete if they want to be billed for a happy bucks fine or donations. He thanked members in advance for their cooperation.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Steve Ross
Steve explained that the proceeds of ticket sales were divided three ways with $30 going to the club, $30 to the holder of the ticket drawn, and $30 added to the large pot which is now up to $670. The holder of the ticket drawn not only wins $30, they also win the opportunity to try to draw the Ace of Clubs from the cards remaining in the deck. If the Ace is drawn, they also win the large pot. Steve asked Carla Krcmarik to draw the winning ticket which was held by Jim Erickson. Jim's luck stopped there. He did not draw the Ace of Clubs.
Happy Bucks - John Pennypacker
Before collecting fines and pledges, John mentioned Mesa West recently received a thank-you letter from Child Crisis Arizona for our $2,000 donation from Mesa West Rotary Foundation. John contributed for the opportunity to read a paragraph describing a situation involving three siblings, ages 5, 3, and 1: "Having been left on their own for days, the two oldest siblings were found on the street looking for help. Child Crisis Arizona stepped in and matched them with an incredible couple, Keri and Dan, who opened their hearts and home to adopt all three! Being so young, the children had difficulty expressing what they had been though and trusting new adults. Dan wondered how he could take care of this little boy that he couldn't even connect with or talk to. Then one night, Joseph came to him and said, '"Excuse me dad? I love you. I need a hug.'" To read the full letter, CLICK HERE.
Jay Stuckey contributed for something related to Facebook.
Shelly Romine missed happy bucks when attending virtually, but all came out well.
Dick Myren made his traditional contribution for himself and Honorary Member Rod Daniels for the privilege of being members of Mesa West Rotary - The Best Club in the World.
Don LaBarge said he'd had a surprise call from an author who wanted to write a book about one of the major cases Don had been involved with during his years as a police officer. The case involved the Cartel and the killing of a police officer. He will let us know if he becomes famous.
Jack Rosenberg said one of his puppies swallowed one of his hearing aids, but he could happily report the VA was going to replace the hearing aid.
Kayla Mudge contributed happy to report she recently enjoyed a wonderful mother/daughter trip to Europe.
Chris Krueger was happy her work required her to be in Arizona. Her work responsibilities had ended Wednesday. She stayed an extra day so she could attend our meeting and arrange for a late flight back to Omaha. She is enjoying being close to family - especially her kids and grandbabies. She planned to spend Friday looking at properties for the pilates studio she plans to open
Announcements
Ed Koeneman pointed out that this is the first opportunity Daniel Becker has had to see where all the Rotary Magazines come from that the Interact members enjoy receiving. He said that it is not necessary to cut out the address information when members donate them at our club meetings. Ed consistently uses a permanent black marker to black out that private information. They will have magazines available at the Interact Recruitment table as students return to school later this summer.
Dave Brauchler announced we have a service opportunity at Salvation Army. They are experiencing an increase in volume of visitors to their center. They need more help - especially on weekends. Beginning Saturday, July 23, two shifts of volunteers are needed. From 8-10 AM volunteers will make sandwiches to be served for lunch. From 10-12 volunteers are needed in each of the two rooms where lunch will be served. CLICK HERE to go to the volunteer link and sign up.
Robin reminded members of the planned August 6 Visioning Event which President Pam described at the June 23 Changing of the Guard. He encouraged everyone to take time to complete the electronic visioning survey for which they recently received a link. It is important to have input from all members whether they are able to attend the August 6 event or not. It will be held at the Salvation Army, 241 E 6th St., Mesa from 9-1. Lunch will be served. To be most effective, at least 50% of members need to participate in person if at all possible. It will be available via Zoom for those who are unable to attend in person.
Robin reminded all present that the July 21 meeting would be at the Salvation Army (same location as visioning event).
Auction Item - Warren Williamson
Warren said Son Hee created an item to be auctioned at our Mesa West Meeting. Shelly Romine received great value for her top bid of $35.00. PE Robin fined himself for calling on "Wendell" instead of "Warren" to handle the auction.
Program - Five Mistakes of Estate Planning - Shelce and Jason Millett
Introduction of Speaker - Melissa Stuckey
Shelce Allen Millett was born and raised in Arizona. Shelce earned her Bachelors of Science in Business Management from Brigham Young University Idaho and is a licensed fiduciary. Shelce is married to Jason Millett and together they run Millett Law Office and Caring 4 Mom and Dad. Jason and Shelce have seven children.
Shelce loves the work she does! She brings compassion and knowledge to her work at both Millett Law Office and Caring 4 Mom and Dad. She loves serving people and helping families and is an advocate for those who are seeking her services. She believes that everybody should have access to the help and care they need. Shelce comes to her clients with a lens of both compassion and education. She has spent over 15 years doing the work she loves.
Shelce has spent time serving with the youth and women's programs in her church. She was named 2006 young mother of the year and represented Arizona at the national convention for American Mothers. Shelce is passionate about issues that affect women and families. She has spent time at the United Nations and with non-profits defending women and motherhood.
CLICK HERE to view all the slides viewed during the presentation.
Shelce talked about the dangers of adding someone as a joint owner on accounts. Once that is established, you also share liability with that person. If they are successfully sued, that joint asset can be attached. A better alternative is to name them as Power of Attorney on a durable POA document which is still good if you become incapable of handling your own affairs. Medical Power of Attorney is also a good idea.
Powers of Attorney should be refreshed every 5-7 years. Their validity might be questioned if they are older.
A Living Will is also a good idea. It specifies your end-of-life wishes such as how much trouble you want taken to keep you alive.
A Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) document is separate from a Living Will. It needs to be posted in a prominent location so EMT's don't try to revive if this order is in place.
Settling an estate is a lot of work. You can make it easier for your executor if you keep it organized. Let them know where you keep key contact information for kids, clergy, birth certificates, social security, immunization records, list of assets, If this is all in one place, it will save a lot of time and effort. In today's world of technology, this should include usernames and passwords - especially for insurance policies.
The purpose of a will is NOT to avoid probate. A will does not transfer ownership. Instructions in a will are read and followed in the court where the probate is handled. The will needs to be filed with a court and an executor appointed. Basically, the court will use the will to determine who owns your stuff next.
Trusts are separate entities and can own property. When you transfer property to a trust, it is owned by an entity that will not die. It can avoid involvement of the court. A common mistake made by people who have created trusts is the failure to actually transfer ownership of assets to the trust.
In a trust, you can set up times for disbursing to beneficiaries in various manners to fit each situation depending on age, capacity, etc.
Final reminder - July 21 we will meet at Salvation Army.
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.
Club Information
Welcome to our Rotary Club of Mesa West!
THE ACE OF CLUBS
Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Via Zoom or in-person
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Doubletree, 1011 W Holmes
Mesa, AZ 85210 United States of America
Our hybrid meetings are held weekly on the 1st thru 4th Thursdays of each month. The meetings are broadcast via Zoom to include all, whether attending virtually or in person.
Immediate Past President Dan Coons and First Lady Colleen are in Africa accompanying the students who were selected as ambassadors, distributing mobility devices to those in need in Kenya. Dan shared this photo of Huda and Alondra - the two Westwood High School Interact members who were selected to participate on the mission. 
Welcome and Opening Remarks - President-Elect Robin Harris
Rotary Minute - Ed Koeneman - Youth Services Chair
Introduction of Guests
Announcements
Introduction of Speaker - Melissa Stuckey
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:
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