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Program President Jim began his presentation by explaining the difference between lawyers and accountants. He explained, "accountants know they are boring." Jim feels honored to be President of our truly awesome club. He acknowledged it is somewhat intimidating to be president of a club which is the Rotary home of five living Past District Governors who are all committed to Mesa West and the larger world of Rotary. They all understand what Rotary International is all about and the difference it can make. We are a legacy club. Jim's first goal, "Don't blow it!" He went back to the way he began the meeting with Rotary's vision statement. He considers it both impressive and inspiring. He repeated it a second time: "Together we see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change - across the globe, in our communities, and in ourselves." Jim referred to the message featured in the July 3 Messenger with RI President Mark Maloney's action plans. In the message RIP Maloney reminded readers of Rotary's influence in the formation of the United Nations and our continuing relationship with the UN. He would like to grow Rotary, expanding our reach through a genuine effort to become more family-friendly and increasing our ability to adapt. Jim spoke of three key words - Connect - reach out and get to know each other, and reach out to get to know others in our community
- Unite - take action and serve together
- Change - when we see the difference we make, we will change
The club's board of directors held an all-day strategic planning meeting last spring. One of the goals was to identify a signature community service project. In the near future, Jim will hold a Club Assembly where other things discussed at that meeting will be rolled out. He is proud of what we do in Guaymas, what we plan to do in Sudan, what we help accomplish through microcredit in Hermosillo Mexico, Interact and Youth Exchange. Through the financial strength provided by the sponsorship team, this year we will leave no hearing aid need behind. He is impressed by Chris Krueger's passion for the Aqua Africa project and appreciates her willingness to be involved as a Past President in Community Service. He appreciates Darl Andersen's involvement in and commitment to the microcredit program. Jim stated that service to the unfortunate is a lifting balm to the recipient and to the one(s) who serve. Members were encouraged to involve family whenever possible. As part of our outreach growth, he encouraged members to change up tables occasionally, indicating it would be nice to look out and see two dark-haired individuals seated with four white-haired members. He encouraged us to truly get to know each other. At the strategic planning meeting the board decided that once a month, the club should hold an evening meeting to improve ability of some members to attend. One thing that attracts new members and improves attendance is excellent programs. Jim appreciates the willingness of Wendell Jones, Lola McClane, Steve Ross and John Pennypacker to serve on the Program team. Good programs enable us to connect with and broaden our view of our community. Jim reported that the club is financially healthy. He thanked Chris for operating the club in a fiscally sound manner during her term as our leader. He announced the two charitable foundations of Mesa West and Mesa Baseline have been merged with the help of member Steve West who handled the necessary legal paperwork. The charitable funds raised are held in the newly consolidated foundation. Jim wants members to see the process of identifying projects, which the club board will approve for recommendation to the board of the charitable foundation for their approval and funding as a transparent process. There is representative membership of both of the prior foundation boards on the board of directors of the now combined foundation. The name and taxpayer identification number of the Mesa West Foundation will be used going forward for the consolidated foundation. Club fundraising donations will go to the Mesa West Foundation. Dues payments are deposited to the Club Operating Account. Members are urged to pay their dues on time. They can pay with credit card at meetings or electronically with a link found on their invoice. Members were encouraged to sign-up for Rotary Direct to make their donations to The Rotary Foundation. Rotary Direct is the easiest error-free way to set up your donation to meet the "every member every year" goal of supporting the amazing work of TRF that unites Rotarians throughout the world. CLICK HERE to sign up for Rotary Direct. If you don't know your member ID number, look on the label of your Rotarian magazine. To meet the ideal of $100 per Rotarian per year, you can set-up an automatic donation of $10 a month or $25 a quarter to the annual fund. You likely won't miss it, but the beneficiaries of your generosity will be forever changed. No one will complain if you choose to donate more. Club goals will be board generated with input from club members. Jim admits he likes to make decisions and move forward. He likes things "done now and done perfect." He knows this method of operation can be offensive. He wants all to know if he does offend, it is not his intention and asks that we please rein him in. He knows he will have to rely on the efforts of others, and sincerely appreciates those efforts. Jim asked that Rotarians let him know what they would like to do to serve. He wants those who are currently serving to be good mentors of future leaders for our club. He wants us to connect, unite, and take action to create lasting changes. He asked that we each commit to, not just do what we've done in the past, but do more than is comfortable. We will all be better for it. He pointed out Allan and Polly Cady who do a good job of connecting and being ambassadors. He sees the club as having the capacity to be more impactful and finding greater meaning in our membership. When asked, Jim admitted this is the beginning of his second term as a Club President. He served as President of Mesa Baseline in 1994-95.
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President Jim Schmidt opened the first meeting of his year reminding members and guests of the Rotary 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.
Saturday, July 13, four club members represented MESA West Rotary for the Stuff the Bus event held at Arizona Walmart’s cosponsored by AZTV7. Walmart shoppers purchased and donated a bin full of school supplies for Arizona school kids. Thanks to Steve Ross, Dan and Colleen Coons for joining Melodie and her daughter Tanina (official sign-maker). 
Saturday, July 13, nine members of the Mesa West Rotary family travelled to beautiful Sedona, Arizona for the installation of our new District Governor, David Simmer. Enjoying the getaway were, Allan and Polly Cady, Pam Cohen, Lucinda General, Chris and Mike Krueger, Jeanie Morgan, and John Pennypacker, .jpg)
Each Year, on July 1, the leadership in Rotary changes. Mesa West Rotary Club has a new President - Jim Schmidt. He is the leader we, as members, will know best. He will be supported by Rosalyn, who has been by his side for over 42 years. 
