banner
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.
DistrictSiteIcon
District Site
VenueMap
Venue Map
Stories
May 22 Service Project
Volunteers Tim Troy, Juli Kelly, Pam Cohen, Chuck Flint, Shelly & Scott Romine and Carla Krcmarik painted a home on the House of Refuge campus.  This home will be rented to a family for $350 per month to help them save until they can get into sustainable housing.  The program for transitional housing is up to twelve months where families stay at a reduced rent but also go through a program that helps them budget, find jobs, and access other services that help them transition from homelessness to a situation where they are able to find housing on their own that they can stay in.
 
Highlights of May 20 Hybrid Meeting
President-Elect Pam Coons introduced herself and called the meeting to order, explaining that our President Dan Coons was out of town.  Pam quickly apologized for the fact that the meeting would not be our best hybrid effort to date.  Some of the Mesa West equipment was not where it was normally stored, so Pam was going to have to carry her laptop around so the laptop camera could capture images for those attending via Zoom to see activity at the in-person gathering.  As soon as Pam was aware of the issue she let the speaker off the hook, since she would have been presenting from a remote location and with the projector missing, those in the room would not have been able to see what those on Zoom could see.
 
Pam 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
 
The invocation was offered by Ray Smith, and Pam led the Pledge of Allegiance. She thanked Ed Koeneman for serving as greeter welcoming members and guests to the meeting. 

Early in the meeting Wendell Jones' cell phone rang. 
 
Rotary Minute - Shelly Romine
 
For the benefit of newer members and guests, Shelly explained that in Rotary we regularly hear about giving opportunities and the terms can be confusing.  When it is suggested that members support the "foundation,"  it is important to get a little more detail to know exactly what specifically is being suggested.
  • Mesa West Rotary Club has it's own 501(c)(3) charitable foundation - The Mesa West Rotary Foundation.  The foundation was formed so that donations to support our charitable and service activities would be tax deductible for our donors.
  • The Rotary Foundation (TRF) is also a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.  It is our the charitable arm of Rotary International and is one of the top rated charities in the world.  There are two common ways for Rotarians to support TRF.  Giving to either fund will accrue credit toward becoming a Paul Harris Fellow (for those who are not familiar, Paul Harris was the original founder of Rotary).  The two common funds supported are:
    • The Annual Fund - The goal to keep this fund, which funds the charitable work of Rotary globally, healthy is for Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) to give something to the annual fund.  To be a "Sustaining Member" requires at least $100 annually to be given.  To be a Paul Harris Fellow $1,000 of accumulated donations must be made.  Donations to The Annual Fund are invested for three years.  The gain on investments during those years is used to offset the operating costs of the foundation.  After that investment period is over, half of the funds are shared back to each district in proportion to the amount produced by that district the year the funds were gathered.  Those funds that come back to each district are called District Designated Funds (DDF).   The district foundation committee in each district then allocates the use of those funds.  In our district, they are used for District Grants, which are used for service projects.  If clubs have not supported the annual fund adequately, they are disqualified from applying for those district grants.
    • Polio Plus - This initiative with the ambitious goal to eradicate Polio was started in 1985.  In 1988, when the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was formed, The Rotary Foundation was a founding member.  Last year, Africa was declared Polio Free.  The only two countries still reporting cases of the wild polio virus are Pakistan and Afghanistan.  So far, in 2021, there have been only two cases of the wild polio virus reported - one in Pakistan and one in Afghanistan.  We will have to go ten years with no cases of wild polio virus reported for the world to be declared polio free.
Introduction of Guests
  • Carla Krcmarik introduced her guest, Christa Morgan
  • Ron Russell was again attending as a guest via Zoom.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
 
Chuck explained that each week the proceeds of raffle ticket sales is divided with 1/3 going to the club operating account, 1/3 going to the holder of the weekly winning ticket, and the other 1/3 being added to the accumulated winnings which will eventually go the the lucky person who draws the ace of clubs from the deck.  Any other card drawn is destroyed, making the odds of drawing the Ace of Clubs a bit better each week.  The holder of the winning ticket at this meeting would receive $40 and a chance to try to draw the ace.  Chuck had our guest, Christa Morgan draw a ticket.  John Benedict was the holder of the winning ticket.  Ron Thompson's phone rang as the suspense was building.  John Benedict made everyone happy but himself when he drew the six of hearts.  The $1,472 will roll over to next week when only twelve cards will remain in the deck.
 
Happy Bucks - Greg Okonowski
  • Ron Thompson contested being fined for his phone ringing.  He gladly contributed $5 because he was happy to be at the meeting.
  • After trying to throw Ray Smith under the bus indicating it was Ray's phone, Wendell Jones went on to throw Lola McClane, who was attending via Zoom, under the bus indicating she was the one who had called his phone.  He did contribute a fine, however.
  • Ray Smith made a $20 complaining pledge indicating there was something very unfair about Jim Schmidt and Dick Myren both retiring as accountants prior to tax season making Ray the only Mesa West member who had to suffer through tax season's long hours this year.
  • President-Elect Pam contributed and apologized for failing to introduce PDG Jim Erickson as a guest, noting he has a membership application being processed, and noted the entire table where Jay Stuckey was seated should contribute for failing to introduce Jay as a guest since his membership application is also still being processed.
  • Shelly Romine contributed.  The reason she missed the May 13 meeting was because her son had been in town for a visit.  She was also happy to have flown to Idaho to surprise her mother with a visit on Mothers Day.
  • Don LaBarge tried to use up most of the time that the speaker would not be using
    • He announced he had attended his Viet Nam reunion which was held in Mississippi
    • He also announced he is thinking of moving to Mississippi.  He said while he was there at least 200 girls called him "honey."
    • He told of being extremely busy at work - they are four employees down - among the reasons:
      • One had a heart attack at work
      • Another was in a car accident
  • Chuck Flint was happy to share some humor indicating he was trying to continue Jim Schmidt's tradition:
    • If you have to wear both a mask and glasses, you may be entitled to condensation.
    • When you teach a wolf to meditate he becomes an aware wolf.
    • The girl in the middle of the tennis court is Anette.
    • Water is heavier than butane because butane is a lighter fluid.
    • My son wants to study burrowing rodents so I told him to gopher it.
    • About this time the applause was so loud, Chuck could no longer continue with the remaining 11 quips.
Auction - John Pennypacker
 
John had a gift to auction which he had purchased on his recent trip to The Commonwealth (The Commonwealth of Virginia).  He said the bag contained staples from the area, and that the bidding could start as low as $5.  Shelly Romine won the gift with her $20 bid for which she asked to be billed.  In the bag, she found Apple Butter, which she loves and a can of Virginia-grown and locally-roasted peanuts.
 
Announcements
  • Pam explained the reason she was wearing red sneakers was because May 20 is International Red Sneaker Day.  Red Sneakers for Oakley (RSFO) brings global awareness of the dangers of food allergies and anaphylaxis to millions around the world.   Parents of a child named Oakley whose life was lost from food allergy complications worked to established RSFO in honor of Oakley who loved his red sneakers. They have spent the last few years promoting Red Sneaker Days as a simple program that allows everyone to come together wearing their red sneakers or cleats in recognition of those who suffer from food allergies.   The red sneakers Pam was wearing were her Rotary Polio Plus sneakers.
  • May 20 is also National Be A Millionaire Day - if you've ever dreamed of being a millionaire - May 20 is your day to celebrate and knuckle down and get started.
  • At the May 27 meeting. All members in attendance whether in person or on Zoom will be in a drawing.  The $1,000 the Mesa West Foundation will be sending to The Rotary Foundation for Polio Plus in honor of our 2020-21 District Governor, Elizabeth Mahoney will be sent in the name of the winner of the drawing, making that individual elligable for their first or next Paul Harris Fellow recognition. 
  • Save the date of July 1, 2021 on your calendar for the annual Changing of the Guard.  Also being celebrated that night will be the successful sponsorship campaign, so it will be a steak and beans dinner and will be held at the Doubletree at 6:00 in the evening.  We will not have a lunch meeting on July 1.  
 
Program - Favorite Service Project Memories
  • John Pennypacker enjoyed the project at St. Vinny's garden in late 2020.  Dan and Colleen Coons turned compost, and Ray Smith and John worked together to clean the chicken coop.
  • Dick Myren remembered helping build a chicken coop mansion several years ago.  He remembered it being air conditioned and being so nice they had to put a lock on it to keep the homeless out.
    • John Benedict had arranged for the material which was delivered to Don LaBarge's shop. 
    • When it was delivered, Don thought it must be being delivered to the wrong location - seeing there was far too much material for an ordinary chicken coop.
    • Dick, John, and Don constructed the coop at Don's shop and needed to get three large local boys to help them load it onto the trailer, Don added that it was easier to unload when it reached its destination.
  • Bert Millett shared that the recent Rotary Week of Service project where we packed hygiene kits and helping hands kits was a highlight for him.  His wife and children participated with him.  Since the work was finished early, several volunteers had left before the pizza was delivered for lunch - much to the delight of his children.  There was so much pizza, that the Gilbert volunteers were bagging the pizza and offering it to anyone who wanted to take some home with them.  They took some.  On their way home, they saw a homeless amputee who had a sign that said he was "on his last leg."  They stopped and gave the man a bag of pizza and a helping hands kit.  The day created a valuable lasting memory for his children.
  • Through connections with Wells Fargo Bank and Mesa West Rotary, and other organizations including a grant from the city, John Benedict was instrumental in coordinating provision of a four-bedroom home which was turned over to Save the Family.
  • Bert Millet was able to take a personal passion and with the help of Mesa West Rotary and a $195,000 grant from the city transform an area that was a drug den into a lovely park with a fantastic playground for children.
  • Don LaBarge is working on a 2021-22 District Grant application to benefit House of Refuge.  He and Tim Troy have been in discussions with them.  They are applying for $4,000, but Don put the club on notice - it may cost more...
Read more...
Today's Chuckle
Something to Ponder
Prosperity makes friends and adversity tries them.  A true friend is one soul in two bodies
-- Aristotle 
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 03, 2021
Rotary Foundation Program and Awards Recognition
Jun 10, 2021
Rotary experiences and suggestions
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
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jun 03, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jun 10, 2021
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
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
 
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
 
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
Please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca to your safe sender list or address book.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
 
ClubRunner
102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7
Russell Hampton
ClubRunner
ClubRunner Mobile

THE FOUR WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do

first  Is it the TRUTH?
second  Is it FAIR to all concerned?
third  Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
fourth Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?