https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85900479873
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.
Event: GAIN Webinar: Emergency Preparedness & Neighborhood Communication Date: Wednesday 3/26 Time: 11:15AM – 12PM Guest Speaker: Robert Campa, City of Mesa Emergency Manager
Emergencies can strike at any time, and a community’s response plays a crucial role in how quickly and effectively it recovers. This GAIN Webinar will equip neighborhoods with the knowledge and tools needed to stay prepared and connected during crises as we cover the following topics:
Types of emergencies most likely to impact the City of Mesa
Essential steps you can take now to be prepared
Real-life examples of communities working together in times of crisis
Plus, one registered attendee will receive a Walmart gift card to help them put together their own emergency preparedness kit.
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.
Members are encouraged to invite family and friends to join us for this activity. Each participant should register.
CLICK HERE or on the image above to register to participate in our club's Rotary Week of Service project
Midwest Food Bank generally has opportunities for adults, families, and teens. Specific age requirements or limitations can determine on the type of task assigned. It's best for younger volunteers (under 18) to be accompanied by an adult.
Parking is limited, so carpooling is encouraged. Please plan to arrive early so everyone can be in place to receive instructions promptly at 9:00 a.m.
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 Cohen
Pam 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.
District Governor Michelle Holcomb did a great job of promoting the Rotary license plate that is now available when she made her official visit to our club September 26. Mesa West Rotary members often lead the way. We want to encourage our members to get their plates purchased so we can be known for having the highest percentage of members displaying the Rotary license plate on their car(s). To that end, we have two incentives to offer:
The first Mesa West Rotary Club member who can honestly tell a story about how they met someone who showed interest in Rotary because of their plate AND that conversation resulted in an approved membership application into Mesa West Rotary or any other Rotary District 5495 club will get one free quarter of their Mesa West Rotary Club dues.
CLICK HERE or on Michelle's photo to go to the order form on the MVD website, scroll down alphabetically and get yours ordered.
Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet.
Westwood Interact Club will again be making dog chew toys for a couple of animal shelterswhere the Paws For Peers program rescues and trains dogs to work as therapy animals with teachers within Mesa Public Schools. .They make these dog toys out of old t-shirts. So, dig way back into your closet, or that drawer where all your old stuff is, and bring a shirt or two to lunch at one of our Thursday meetings this September.
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.
If 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.
.png)
Sponsor Program Update - Pam Cohen
Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet. 
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.
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: