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Club Information
Welcome to our Rotary Club of Mesa West!
Mesa West
THE ACE OF CLUBS
Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Via Zoom or in-person with reservation
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.
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Stories
June 10 Program - "My Story as a Veteran," John Pennypacker
Highlights of June 3 Hybrid Meeting
President Dan Coons opened the meeting by reciting the 2020-21 International President's theme - Rotary Opens Opportunities.  He then recited 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
 
Invocation/Thought for the Day - John Pennypacker
 
John bowed his head and began, "Lord, I hate lard," then followed with "Lord, I ain't too crazy about plain flour. But after you mix 'em all together and bake 'em in a hot oven, I just love biscuits."  He continued saying, "Lord help us to realize when life gets hard, when things come up that we don't like, whenever we don't understand what You are doing, that we need to wait and see what You are making. After you get through mixing and baking, it'll probably be something even better than biscuits. Amen.
 
In a more somber tone, John remarked that we have all gone through a lot of things we never dreamed we'd experience and some of it has been very difficult.  If we wait and see, there may be some good emerge out of these difficult times.
 
Ed Koeneman led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Dan Lamborn was thanked for serving as greeter.
 
Introduction of Guests
  • District Governor Elect, Bret McKeand  was introduced,
  • Jay Stuckey introduced his guest - his wife, Melissa Stuckey, and announced she would be turning in a membership application.
  • Donna Goetzenberger introduced her daughter, Paige Goetzenberger, and reminded members that Paige had been sponsored by Mesa West Rotary as an outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student.  She was in Austria for the 2019-20 school year.  This is the first meeting Paige has been able to attend since her year abroad.
  • Dave Brauchler was introduced as a guest with a membership application being processed.
  • It was noted that Lola McClane, Jack Rosenberg and Bob Zarling were all attending via Zoom.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
 
Before explaining the raffle, Chuck noted that someone observing the way Greg Okonowski loads his plate at our weekly meetings might be a situation that would require a building permit.  Looking at the plate Greg loaded at this meeting, Chuck thought Greg might additionally need a variance. Chuck explained that each week tickets are sold at $5 each.  The amount collected is divided in thirds with 1/3 going to the club operating account, 1/3 being added to the "big pot," and the other 1/3 going to the holder of the lucky ticket drawn.  The lucky winner would then have an opportunity to draw a card from the eleven remaining cards in the deck.  If they draw the ace of clubs, they will win the "big pot" which is up to $1,592.  DGE Bret McKeand  drew Jeanie Morgan's ticket.  Her luck did not hold out - the card she drew was the seven of clubs, which was immediately destroyed.  Next week the "big pot" will be bigger and the odds of drawing the elusive ace of clubs will be better.
 
Happy Bucks - Greg Okonowski
  • Jim LeCheminant was happy to be at the meeting
  • Ted William contributed $10.  All but three of hi grandchildren were with him on a recent trip to their place in the high country.
  • Dick Myren contributed saying the club was blessed to have Jeanie doing all the things she does for the club.
  • Donna Goetzenberger was happy to have 3/4 of her family at the meeting.  Emilee was in Costa Rica with friends.  She put in a plug for Rotary Youth Exchange (Donna is District 5495 Youth Exchange Chairperson), saying they are taking applications for outbound students for the 2022-23 school year.  The age qualifications are no younger than 15 - generally the outbounds go during their sophomore through "gap" year.  Gap year is the year following high school graduation but before starting college.  They need to finish their exchange before they turn nineteen.
  • Colleen Coons contributed because she was so happy to have Dan reach his new member goal, she contributed $100 to our club foundation to be used for Youth Exchange.
  • Warren Williamson contributed, buying permission to tell an Irish joke.  An Irishman who was new in town started frequenting the local pub.  Each evening he would order three pints of beer.  The barkeep noticed this habit and suggested that it would be more affordable if he would order a mug and a pitcher.  The customer explained that he was one of three brothers.  One brother was on the high seas, and the other was working on an oil rig, but he liked to think of himself drinking with and enjoying his brothers each evening as he drank the pints he ordered.  A short time later, the same customer's habits changed.  He consistently ordered only two pints.  Not only the barkeep, but many of the regulars were concerned that something might have happened to one of the brothers.  The barkeep finally asked if one of the brothers was no longer with us.  The custoemr replied, No, me brothers are well, but I've stopped drinkin'."
  • Jim Erickson contributed.  He has a grand-nephew who recently had a motorbike accident.  He broke his arm, but it doesn't seem to have slowed him down much - in fact the stories about how it happened keep getting better.
  • Pam Cohen contributed $50 making good on her pledge if Kayla followed through and joined the club.  She reminded Greg Okonowski he had made a pledge as well.
  • Greg Okonowski said he was going to contribute $500 to The Rotary Foundation and take Chuck Flint up on his offer to match donated dollars two for one with recognition points transferred ad the donor designated.  Greg said to transfer the points to the member Pam was reminding him about -  Kayla Mudge.
  • Jim Schmidt shared a couple of heartwarming stories about individuals to whom he had given one each of the helping hands kits we had packed in April.
  • Ron Thompson was $25 worth of happy to be at the meeting.
  • Lu General had to brag about Mesa West Rotary a bit.  She is active at the Zone level and has been on some virtual meetings where she has heard a lot of bad news about how clubs are struggling.  She is very happy and proud that Mesa West has the Nike "Just Do It" spirit.   
New Member Induction - DGE Bret McKeand
 
New members and their sponsors were called to the front of the room.  Jeane Crouse was accompanied by her sponsor, Daryl Bethea and Ray Smith, who has been reminding her regularly that she needed to get back into Rotary.  Kayla Mudge was accompanied by her sponsor, Polly Cady.  Jeanie Morgan was the sponsor for both Jay Stuckey and Logan Harper.
John Pennypacker was the sponsor for Jim Erickson.
 
DGE Bret McKeand welcomed the new members not only into Mesa West Rotary, but reminded them they are now part of a worldwide association and by virtue of their membership in our club whey will be welcomed into the fellowship of any Rotary club in the world.  
 
He also reminded them there are duties and obligations - they are now trustees of Rotary's ideals.  Being known to be a Rotarian, others will judge Rotary by each Rotarian's conduct.  Bret said Rotary is more than a club - it is a way of life, and Mesa West Members because Mesa West Members believed each new member would be a good fit for that way of life.
 
The new members received membership packets and Rotary pins.  Members stood and gave them a standing ovation to welcome them into the club.
 
Recognition for Support of The Rotary Foundation
 
DGE Bret McKeand and Chuck Flint worked together to get the abundant awards distributed to those who had earned them.  It had been quite some time since the club had had the opportunity to meet in person and see their fellow members receive their earned recognition materials.  
 
The generosity of Mesa West members continued during the many months we were isolated from seeing each other due to COVID-19 precautions.  There will be at least one more event after some of our members return from their summer travels when a higher than usual number of recognitions will be acknowledged.
 
 
Receiving their first Paul Harris Fellow
 
Donna Goetzenberger and Colleen Coons each were given their first Paul Harris Fellow recognition.  Each received a lapel pin and a certificate.
 
To receive this recognition, either up to $1,000 in dollars actually donated or a combination of dollars donated and/or recognition points were transferred to honor them.
 
 
 
 
Paul Harris Fellow Plus 1
 
Daryl Bethea was happy to receive recognition of his second $1,000 in recognition points or dollars actually donated.
 
Bob Jensen designated Ray Smith to accept his recognition in his absence.
 
 
 
Paul Harris Fellow Plus 3
 
Wayne General designated Lucinda General to accept his recognition in his absence.  She actually accepted three pins on his behalf, PHF+1, PHF+2, and PHF+3.
 
Frank Rosenberg accepted his own Paul Harris Fellow level 3 recognition.  He also accepted for Jack Rosenberg who was attending via Zoom
 
Christine Krueger was presented with her Paul Harris plus four, which means she has accumulated a total of $5,000, which can be in dollars or transferred recognition points or a combination of the two totaling $5,000.
 
Chris has been championing a Global Grant from TRF to partner with Aqua Africa to provide clean drinking water for a community in South Sudan.  
 
This recognition has a lot to do with her support of the way dollars given can be increased through the global grant process and much of the work and materials are at greatly reduced costs, making every dollar go farther in changing lives than most of us can imagine.
 
 
Paul Harris Fellow Plus 5
 
President Dan Coons has many things to be proud of during his year of service.  Achieving this level of 
recognition for his support of The Rotary Foundation is a significant addition to that growing list of accomplishments.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Paul Harris Fellow Plus Six
 
Polly Cady and Warren Williamson were each recognized for reaching the the threshold of a total of $7,000 in either dollars given or recognition points transferred or any combination of the two.  
 
 
 
 
Paul Harris Fellow Plus Eight
 
This is the last level of recognition that can be achieved using recognition points.  The next level after this is Major Donor, which requires a total of $10,000 in monetary donations be received in the donor's name.
 
Allan Cady and Greg Okonowski were both recognized for reaching this level.  
 
Allan and Polly Cady as a married couple have already reached major donor status.  That is one advantage of being married to a Rotarian.
 
Major Donor
 
Pam Cohen and Jeanie Morgan were both very happy and to have reached this milestone in giving.  The traditional crystal they each received is beautiful and personalized with engraving in the outside circumference.
 
At the close of the recognition presentations, DGE Bret presented a 2021-22 Rotary International theme banner to President Dan.  It is shown at the top of this article, and the theme will be "Serve to Change Lives."
 
 
 
 
Supporting The Rotary Foundation
As Rotarians, we enjoy hands-on service with members of our local and neighboring clubs.   When that is our primary focus, it is easy to forget that we are part of a much larger organization that is able to support projects all over the world, effecting positive change, because of the generosity of donors to The Rotary Foundation.  An occasion celebrating that generosity, like the awards presented to Mesa West Rotary Club members at our June 3 meeting is a good time to review the various levels of individual donor recognition available through The Rotary Foundation.
  • Sustaining Member - personally contributes $100 or more each Rotary year to the Annual Fund.  These donations count toward Paul Harris Fellow, Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society, and Major Donor recognition.
  • Paul Harris Fellow recognition is given to anyone who contributes (or in whose name is contributed, using Foundation recognition points) a gift of $1,000 or more.  The donations or point transfers can accumulate over time.  Donations to the Annual Fund, the Polio Plus Fund, or an approved global grant all qualify.  Recognition consists of a certificate and a pin.
  • Multiple Paul Harris Fellow recognition is given at subsequent $1,000 levels of cash contributions and transferred Foundation recognition points.  Recognition consists of a pin set with additional stones corresponding to the level of the recipient's recognition amount.
    • Level 1 - $2,000 to $2,999 - one sapphire
    • Level 2 - $3,000 to $3,999 - two sapphires
    • Level 3 - $4,000 to $4,999 - three sapphires
    • Level 4 - $5,000 to $5,999 - four sapphires
    • Level 5 - $6,000 to $6,999 - five sapphires
    • Level 6 - $7,000 to $7,999 - one ruby
    • Level 7 - $8,000 to $8,999 - two rubies
    • Level 8 - $9,000 to $9,999 - three rubies
  • Paul Harris Society recognizes individuals who choose to contribute $1,000 or more each Rotary year to the Annual Fund, the Polio Plus Fund, or an approved global grant.  Members who give at this level receive a chevron-style medalion to be worn behind a Rotary or Paul Harris recognition pin.
  • Major Donor recognition is given when individuals or couples whose combined personal monetary contributions to The Rotary Foundation(not transferred recognition points) have reached $10,000, regardless of the gift designation.  Major donors receive a crystal recognition piece and pin(s) commemorating their gift at each new recognition level.
    • Level 1 - $10,000 to $24,999
    • Level 2 - $25,000 to $49,999
    • Level 3 - $50,000 to $99,999
    • Level 4 - $100,000 to $249,999
  • Arch Klumph Society - Donors who contribute $250,000 or more become members of the Arch Klumph Society.  Portraits, biographies, and, in some cases, video clips are housed in the digital Arch Klumph Gallery on the 17th Floor of the Rotary International World Headquarters.  Another digital gallery travels to Rotary events around the world.   Members receive lapel pins and pendants, signed certificates, and invitations to the society's exclusive events, held worldwide.  New members are invited to a special induction ceremony. 
    • Trustees Circle - $250,000 to $499,999
    • Chair's Circle - $500,000 to $999,999
    • Foundation Circle - $1 million to $2,499,000
    • Platinum Trustees Circle -  $2.5 million to $4,999,999
    • Platinum Chair's Circle - $5 million to $9,999,999
    • Platinum Foundation Circle - $10 million and above
  • Benefactor - someone who informs The Rotary Foundation in writing that they have made a provision in their estate plan for the Foundation or who makes an outright gift of $1,000 or more to the Endowment Fund.  Benefactors receive a certificate and insignia to be worn with a Rotary or Paul Harris Fellow pin.  
  • Bequest Society - couples or individuals who have made commitments in their estate plans totaling $10,000 or more.  Donors may elect to receive an engraved piece and a pin commemorating the commitment at each new recognition level.  
    • Level 1 - $10,000 to $24,999
    • Level 2 - $25,000 to $49,999
    • Level 3 - $50,000 to $99,999
    • Level 4 - $100,000 to $249,999
    • Level 5 - $250,000 to $499,999
    • Level 6 - $500,000 to $999,999
    • Level 7 - $1 million to $2,499,999
    • Level 8 - $2.5 million to $4,999,999
    • Level 9 - $5 million to $9,999,999
    • Level 10 - $10 million and above.
For newer members, the easiest way to start accruing recognition points is to sign up for Rotary Direct, and make recurring monthly donations.  This can be done online through the RI website or by completing and sending a downloadable form.  You will hear about the EREY goal fairly often in the world of Rotary, "Every Rotarian Every Year" gives something, preferably at least at the Sustaining Member level of $100 or more each year.  Take time to read your monthly Rotary Magazine and learn about some of the projects your giving will make you a part of.  
Hands On Service Project - Tuesday June 22
Shelly Romine shared a hands-on service project for June which will help the United School for Autism move their library and one of their classrooms.  
 
The school will provide supplies (boxes, moving dolly, etc) so volunteers only need to bring themselves.
 
Shelly explained that the work will be physical, and encouraged those who feel they might not be suited for the project to participate in the Paz de Cristo food drive.  She said, for those who feel they are physically up for the challenge, the school would really love our help!  As of Tuesday afternoon, June 8, Shelly reported she already had six volunteers!
 
If you would like to add your name to the volunteer list, CLICK HERE or on the school logo at right to view available slots and book yourself on line.
 
The United School is located at 9590 E. Shea Blvd, Building C., Scottsdale, AZ 85260.  The work will take place between 9:30 AM and 1:00 PM Tuesday, June 22.
Mesa West Collecting Food Pantry Needs in June
For the month of June, Mesa West members and guests are urged to bring non perishable food to our in-person meetings.  The food collected will be delivered to Paz de Cristo.
 
Recommended Items:
Pasta - spaghetti, macaroni, etc.
Peanut Butter
Jelly
Canned foods:  tuna, chicken, vegetables, and fruits, etc.
Hydration drinks (Gatorade) 16 oz
Pint-sized water bottles
Flag Day is Sunday, June 14
CLICK HERE or on Red Skelton's photo at right to hear him explain the Pledge of Allegiance.  Hearing these words from him brings back memories from the early days of television when families sat around the room watching such things together . . .
 
When I was a small boy in Vincennes, Indiana, I heard, I think, one of the most outstanding speeches I ever heard in my life. I think it compares with the Sermon on the MountLincoln’s Gettysburg Address, and Socrates’ Speech to the Students.

We had just finished reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and he [Mr. Lasswell, the Principal of Vincennes High School] called us all together, and he says, “Uh, boys and girls, I have been listening to you recite the Pledge of Allegiance all semester, and it seems that it has become monotonous to you. Or, could it be, you do not understand the meaning of each word? If I may, I would like to recite the pledge, and give you a definition for each word:

I -- Me; an individual; a committee of one.

Pledge -- Dedicate all of my worldly good to give without self-pity.

Allegiance -- My love and my devotion.

To the Flag -- Our standard. “Old Glory”; a symbol of courage. And wherever she waves, there is respect, because your loyalty has given her a dignity that shouts “Freedom is everybody's job.”

of the United -- That means we have all come together.

States -- Individual communities that have united into 48 great states; 48 individual communities with pride and dignity and purpose; all divided by imaginary boundaries, yet united to a common cause, and that’s love of country --

Of America.

And to the Republic -- A Republic: a sovereign state in which power is invested into the representatives chosen by the people to govern; and the government is the people; and it's from the people to the leaders, not from the leaders to the people.

For which it stands

One Nation -- Meaning "so blessed by God."

[Under God]1

Indivisible -- Incapable of being divided.

With Liberty -- Which is freedom; the right of power for one to live his own life without fears, threats, or any sort of retaliation.

And Justice -- The principle and qualities of dealing fairly with others.

For All -- For All. That means, boys and girls, it's as much your country as it is mine.

Now let me hear you recite the Pledge oAllegiance:

I pledge allegiance
to the Flag of the United States of America,
and to the Republic, for which it stands;
one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.

Since I was a small boy, two states have been added to our country, and two words have been added to the Pledge of Allegiance: Under God. Wouldn't it be a pity if someone said, "That is a prayer" -- and that be eliminated from our schools, too?

The above was found on the internet with the statement that it was a certified text version transcribed directly from the audio.

Today's Chuckle
Help us Keep Polio Champion Traveling Trophy
Last year Mesa West Rotary qualified to be the first club named on the travelling trophy to be awarded each year to the club in District 5495 providing the highest level of support for the End Polio Now program of The Rotary Foundation (TRF).  As of April 1, we were in third place in District 5495.
 
What many may not know - because we get so much information that we fail to absorb much of it - is that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will match donations to End Polio Now with $2 for every $1 donated. 
 
You can CLICK HERE to donate online through your "My Rotary" account.  If you are intimidated by that, you can EMAIL JEANIE to ask her to invoice you now for a donation. Once the payment for your invoice is deposited, she will transfer the donation to RI in your name.
Motivating Donations to TRF - Recognition Point Match
Foundation Chairman Chuck Flint has offered to use some of his accumulated recognition points to increase Mesa West support of The Rotary Foundation.  For the foreseeable future, he will match donations, in $100 increments two for one.  If you donate $100, he will transfer $200 in recognition points to your account.  Whether you are striving to receive your first Paul Harris Fellow or striving to reach the next level, this is a great way to move that achievement closer.
 
You can donate through your "My Rotary" account on the RI website
 
Rotary Direct is the best way to establish a habit of regularly supporting the Rotary Foundation with minimal effort.  CLICK HERE to learn more about Rotary Direct.  CLICK HERE to download a form to sign up for Rotary Direct. 
 
If you have questions about Chuck's offer - CLICK HERE to send him an email. 
Help TRVFA Help Others Help Themselves
CLICK HERE or on the "Donate Now" button to go to the on-line donation page for The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona.  Your donation will help fund vocational education grants to Arizona residents who meet specific low-income guidelines.  You will literally help someone lift themselves out of poverty.  Several Mesa West Rotarians have chosen the option near the bottom of the page to have their donations recur monthly to ensure they remember painlessly to make their tax-credit donation each year.
 
If you prefer to mail your donation, CLICK HERE to download a mail-in donation form.
 
TRVFA is a 501(c)(3) public charity.  They are also a Qualifying Charitable Organization with the State of Arizona allowing them to receive tax credit donations.  Their QCO number is 20698.
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Foundation Director
 
Public Image Director
 
Club Service Director
 
Service Projects Director
 
Director
 
Membership
 
Executive Secretary
 
Speakers
Jun 17, 2021
Review Special Accomplishment of 2020-21 Year
Jun 24, 2021
Law Enforcement and Special Olympics Program and Support
Jul 01, 2021
Club will hold Changing of Guard and Sponsorship Program Celebration in Evening at Doubletree
Jul 15, 2021
Hearing Loss - The Silent Epidemic
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Monthly Board Meeting
Jun 15, 2021
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jun 17, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
The United School for Autism Service Project
The United School
Jun 22, 2021
9:30 AM – 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jun 24, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jul 01, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jul 08, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jul 15, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jul 22, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jul 29, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Aug 05, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Erika Yost
June 2
 
Pai Bethea
June 9
 
Carla Krcmarik
June 23
 
Spouse Birthdays
Cindy Rosenberg
June 10
 
Sunny Williamson
June 24
 
Sheena Bouslog
June 29
 
Anniversaries
Tim Troy
Angie Troy
June 13
 
Jim Schmidt
Rosalyn Schmidt
June 24
 
Join Date
Robert LaBarge
June 15, 2012
9 years
 
Colleen Coons
June 27, 2018
3 years
 
Rotary District 5495 Links
District Links
Rotary Interact District 5495
Rotary District 5495
The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA)
Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - RYLA
RYLA Service Project Support
Bulletin Editor
Jeanie Morgan
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first  Is it the TRUTH?
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