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.
Be prepared to donate or pledge Happy Bucks to End Polio Now at our October 24 club meeting. Be sure to fill out a happy bucks form so your donation can be credited to you when it is forwarded to The Rotary Foundation. At their October 15 Board Meeting, Mesa West Directors were in favor the suggestion to have Happy Bucks on October 24 be designated for this purpose.
World Polio Day is a time for Rotary members, public health advocates, and all who want a world free from polio to come together, recognize our progress in the fight to end polio, and talk about the actions we need to take in order to end polio for good.
All donations are matched 2:1 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, tripling your impact!
Our Community Service Chair, Shelly Romine recently sent out an email to active member to participate in this annual event hosted by the Fiesta Division of the Mesa Police Department Friday, October 25. The event is led by the Mesa Police Department. Two shifts are needed. We can help during the day (from 11:00 to 2:00) to set up (decorating, blowing up inflatables, etc.).
The evening shift (from 5:30 - 8:00 PM) will be handing out candies. This is a drive through event so passing out candy will require you to be able to stand on concrete during the event. Volunteers will also need to park off site (maybe at the Hilton) and walk over as there will not be room for volunteer parking for the event. They typically get about 700 kids at the event.
If you want to volunteer for either shift and cannot locate Shelly's email. CLICK HERE to let her know which shift you would like to work and if anyone will be accompanying you, let her know their name(s)
Includes: Continental Breakfast Lunch Study Materials
CLICK HEREto register or contact Polly Cady at pcady@cadyfam.com
Why Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI)? Participant Interaction and FUN!
Come interact with fellow Rotarians about:
Rotary Basics
Community Service Ideas
Leadership Styles
Ethics & Vocation
Rotary’s Impact Worldwide
Engaging Members
RLI is a world-wide organization that some refer to as Rotary’s “College of Knowledge.” RLI touches on “everything Rotary” and is not a “leadership” course to become an officer of your Club. RLI is made up of three one-day Sessions to give you an overview of what Rotary is and what it does worldwide. Its goal is to create ENTHUSIASM for Rotary and show the enormous potential of Rotary service and how with knowledge and excellent leadership in Clubs, the world will benefit.
At our September 26 meeting, Liz Paulus made an announcement inviting members to attend this fundraising event to benefit College Bound. She followed up on that announcement by providing this information:
"Join us for an unforgettable evening of Hawaiian-style hospitality at the Luau of Love Tropical Fundraiser Dinner, benefiting College Bound AZ. Immerse yourself in the spirit of aloha with authentic food, music, and entertainment. College Bound AZ is dedicated to helping low-income and disadvantaged students realize their dreams of attending college through advising, mentoring, and scholarships, paving the way for a brighter future through education.
"Relax in the intimate setting of Modern Moments, located at Val Vista Drive and East Baseline Road in Gilbert. Your dinner ticket includes island-inspired appetizers, a sumptuous luau dinner, haupia for dessert, and a drink ticket for beer, wine, or one of our signature island cocktails. Enjoy mesmerizing performances by the Royal Islander dancers, featuring graceful hula and high-energy fire dances, all set to live music.
"The evening will also feature an exciting array of auction items, including travel experiences, balloon rides, beauty treatments, golf packages, and more. Mega Events Auctions will ignite the night with opportunities for you to make a meaningful impact on our youth, who will be sharing their inspiring personal journeys.
"Bring your aloha spirit and experience a Hawaiian adventure like no other, all while supporting a cause that transforms lives through education!"
If the QR code in the image does not work, CLICK HERE or on the invitation to go to the event registration site.
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.
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.
President Jay asked Colleen Coons to lead the Pledge of Allegiance. He then asked Dick Myren to offer the invocation. He welcomed Erica Williams and Deb Koeneman who were attending via Zoom.
Introlduction of Guests
John Benedict's daughter, Kelly, was introduced.
Guaymas Mayor, Karla Cordova Gonzales was introduced.
Anthony Proto, a representative to the City of Phoenix from Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico was introduced.
Wayne Balmer was introduced and serving to introduce and assist our visitors from Mexico.
Fernanda Vazquez, who was serving as the group's interpreter, was introduced.
Polly Cady introduced Dave Pauley as a former Rotarian and former Kiwanian. He is a retired banker who has volunteered a lot. He is from Wisconsin and owns one share of stock in the Green Bay Packers.
Gary Whitehall was introduced as a potential member. He announed that he has volunteered to travel to Guaymas to volunteer during our Gift of Hearing mission this year.
Machel Considine introduced her husband, Tom, saying he is a wonderful human being who has been very supportive during their 42 year marriage.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
Chuck explained that the proceeds of raffle ticket sales are divided three ways. The club operating budget receives 1/3. Another 1/3 is added to the accumulating large pot - which was up to $350.
The final 1/3 goes to the person whose ticket is drawn. They also win the opportunity to try to draw the Ace of Clubs from the cards remaining in the deck. Should they be so lucky, they would win the large pot. If they draw the joker, they will receive another $20. If they draw any other card, it will be destroyed. Each week the large pot gets bigger and the odds of drawing the Ace of Clubs get better. Chuck asked Tom Considine to draw the winning ticket which was held by Pam Cohen. Pam checked to be sure the Ace of Clubs was in the deck, then shuffled the cards face down. The card she drew was the Eight of Hearts.
Happy Bucks - Sgt at Arms Andy Bradford
John Benedict introduced his beautiful daughter, Kelly.
Kelly Benedict shared that her dad had recently celebrated his 80th birthday. Last July, the family started a process of putting together a memory book to celebrate the occasion. They asked his friends to share images and stories. She mentioned that several from the club had responded to that request and mentioned a few - Jeanie, Warren, Lucinda, Ed and Jack. Jeanie shared stories about his ornery fun at bank managers meeting back when they worked for the same bank in the same district. Someone shared about recognition plaques John created mounting cow patties on the plaques and shellacking them to keep them in place and contain the odor. Kelly remembered her mother's tolerance in allowing the process to take up space on their kitchen counter. Jack remembered helping set up for Spring Olympics. He would set up a game and John, being a perfectionist, would come along behind him and fix it. Ed had remembered helping with 3,000 flags on Veterans Day and a woman who spent a lot of time chatting with John. She thought he was the Mayor. Some members remembered traveling to a Rotary event in Lake Havasu with John. Someone remembered a wheel barrow of cement being spilled on John when they were getting the home ready to occupy that John had facilitated being donated to Child Crisis Arizona - Save the Family. There were stories about ringing the Salvation Army bell. She donated $80 happy bucks and returned the white collection tool previously used by the club and created by John.
Dick Myren donated his traditional $2 - happy that he and honorary member Rod Daniels were associated with the Ace of Clubs. He contributed another $ because he was happy Jeanie was back.
Jack Rosenberg contributed. He was happy that Ed and Polo had sold some of his glasswork at an art fair over the weekend.
Jim McGown was happy to be back in Arizona.
John Pennypacker said his grandson had gone to the Cardinals game against Green Bay.
Don LaBarge said John Benedict was his Wells Fargo guy, and that John had invited Don to join Rotary. The first meeting he attended, there were only three cards left. Don's ticket was drawn and he drew the Ace of Clubs. His winnings made it possible for him to donate and become a Paul Harris Fellow right away. Expect to hear from Don a lot in coming weeks as he manages the Salvation Army bell ringing shifts at Bass Pro in Mesa.
Jeanie Morgan was happy to be back from Michigan and glad that cooler temps arrived about the same time she did.
Ed Koeneman said the art fair over the weekend had been a good one.
Colleen Coons was happy. She would be finishing up the last of training of sixteen mentors of McKinney Vento students in our Rotary Builds Bridges program. The students would be visiting Helens Hope Chest for clothing and receive Compudopt computers. They will have the opportunity to earn incentives for good grades and attendance. Last year the students reported that the incentive payments had helped them stay fed so they could stay in school.
Chuck Flint donated. He was happy about the event at the library on October 10 and complimented Colleen on a job well done. He said that thanks to Pam eeryone was well fed and he enjoyed Warren's jokes. Chuck had a joke of his own. He said Colonel Sanders contacted the Pope and wondered if he gave $50,000,000 would they change the Lord's prayer from "Give us each day our daily bread" to "daily chicken.." He was turned down. A couple months later, he gave it another try and offered $100,000,000. The pope said "I'll get back to you." The offer was accepted. The pope told the Vatican staff. "I've got good news and bad news. We're receiving a $100,000 donation, but we've lost the Wonder Bread account."
Pam Cohen pledged $20 to hurricane relief and was happy the student she is mentoring had earned $85 in incentives.
Ron Thompson said John's stories reminded him of when his mother used to accompany him to Rotary. John would always ask her to share some bad news about Ron. His mom would laugh and say he'd been a great kid every time.
Brian Harvey was glad to be back.
Shelly Romine was happy for all the caring messages after the loss of her father.
Lucinda General told about Barb and Abe Feder - both Past District Governors in 5510. Barb has suffered with weakness and back pain for years. It got severe enough that she spent some time in the hospital a couple of weeks ago. Abe had prostate issues requiring surgery. The surgery went well but he had to spend a couple of days in the hospital. Barb is in need of a recumbent bike. Lucinda asked anyone to let her know if they had a way to help her get one.
Polly Cady thanked Kelly Benedict for the great stories. She was also happy to have the Guaymas contingent at the meeting as well as the prospective members who were visiting.
Allan Cady was happy to provide an update about his grandson who is now stationed in San Diego. He saw photos taken of him after spending a week in survival training. He looked a little rough, but survived!
Lizzy Barron was happy the Dodgers had won their game the day before.
Connie Bunyard was happy to get to know Kelly at the recent Lunch for Love event. She made a pledge toward hurricane relief.
Erica Williams made a $10 pledge. She was happy for all the wonderful help the club is providing for this year's Guaymas mission. The club volunteers make the work of the audiologists much easier and lighter. There will be 35 volunteers and about 10 are Rotarians. She is glad for additional volunteer help through the club's new connection with Mesa Sister Cities.
Warren Williamson told about a young man whose girlfriend wanted him to attend a formal wedding with her. He stood in line to get a tux. He had to stand in line again to get a corsage. He encountered another line when arranging to rent a limo. At the reception after the wedding, his girlfriend wanted some punch. He went over to the punch bowl. There was no punchline.
Guaymas Hearing Project - Ray Smith
For the sake of the Guaymas contingent, Ray Smith provided some information about the project. He had given a more complete outline to the Mayor. Bob Jensen began the first mission in 1993. Rotary was not yet involved at that time. Eventually the Mesa Baseline Rotary Club got involved with helping with the program. When they merged into Mesa West, the program became a primary focus for ongoing international service for our club. Erica Williams has been involved for the last five years or so. We partner with a Rotary club in Guaymas and they assist with local arrangements. Jay Paulus gave the Mayor a hand-made pen to thank her for visiting our club and mentioned that there would be an additional opportunity to see and visit with her at an event in Mesa over the weekend. The Mayor said a few words and Fernanda interpreted what she had said - Thank you. She is open and wants to help 100%.
Recognition of Pam Cohen - Jay Paulus
Jay honored Pam Cohen for all her work as our Community Service chair. The effort she puts forth is a big part of our being the Ace of Clubs. She plans great social events like the recent Soup to Nuts event at her home. She is helping plan the Shark Tank event that will be held next year to identify and help an entrepreneur in the Mesa Community get a start.
Announcements
October 25 Mesa West Rotary volunteers will help the Mesa Police Department with their Trunk or Treat event.
October 31 we will meet offsite for a tour of the Cubs stadium, lunch and the opportunity to watch a farm team game.
November 6-9 will be the Guaymas hearing mission.
November 11 volunteers are needed to help in the staging area at the Veterans Day Parade
November 15 Mesa West has a table at the College Bound fundraising luau. If you are interested in attending, contact President Jay.
We will be ringing the bell for Salvation Army at Bass Pro from Black Friday through Christmas Eve. Plan to sign up for as man shifts as you can fit into your schedule.
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.
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.
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Our Community Service Chair, Shelly Romine recently sent out an email to active member to participate in this annual event hosted by the Fiesta Division of the Mesa Police Department Friday, October 25. The event is led by the Mesa Police Department. Two shifts are needed. We can help during the day (from 11:00 to 2:00) to set up (decorating, blowing up inflatables, etc.). 
Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet. 
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:
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.
