banner
 
Stories
Highlights of November 14, 2019 Meeting
President Jim Schmidt opened the meeting asking Ray Smith to lead everyone present in singing America the Beautiful.  Dick Myren offered the invocation and Tim Troy led the Pledge of Allegiance.  
 
Guests
President Jim introduced his wife, Rosalyn.  Jeanie Morgan introduced PDG Jim Erickson and Amber Zenteno who had been interviewed prior to the meeting for consideration by Mesa West Rotary Club to sponsor her grant request from The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona to study at East Valley Institute of Technology to become certified as a surgical technologist.
 
Drawings
Carolyn Jones was the lucky $5 winner in the weekly attendance drawing.  Chuck Flint explained the weekly raffle.  Of each $5 ticket sold, part goes to the club operating account, part becomes the daily raffle prize, which at the November 14 meeting would be $35, and part goes into the accumulating prize (now $681) to be won if the holder of the winning ticket should be lucky enough to draw the ace of clubs (which we believe we are) from the dwindling deck of cards.  Any card drawn other than the ace of clubs or the joker, the card is destroyed.  Should the ticket holder draw the joker, they would win $20, and the joker would be returned to the deck.  Looking for an honest face, Chuck asked PDG Jim Erickson to draw the winning ticket, which was held by Chris Krueger.  Chris drew the king of hearts from the deck.
 
Happy Bucks
Dr. Ron Thompson served as Sgt. at Arms and said he planned to "fill the bucket" as he began collecting happy bucks.  The first to contribute was Chuck Flint who reported that he had enjoyed the Guaymas trip.  He had a great time with all the Rotarians who were there.  He reported that Wendell Jones and Ray Smith "lived on candy" while they were there.  Chris Krueger also contributed for a great time on the Guaymas trip, and thanked Bob Jensen and Ray Smith for doing so much work in preparation for and during the trip.  Tim Troy contributed.  He was happy to be able to attend the meeting as he has missed several this year.  He reported that he and Angie had purchased a house in Cornville, Arizona.  He announced that in the near future, he would make a three-night stay at the new house available for the club to auction.  Pam Cohen had a birthday (somewhat) recently.  One of her gifts was a new nickname - Bubbe. The reason for the nickname - Pam's daughter, Alex, will be presenting her with a grandbaby next spring.  To celebrate this exciting family event, Pam contributed $100 toward Alex' 2nd Paul Harris.  Don Boucher contributed sad dollars for the shooting victims at Saugus High School in California.  Don has many reasons to feel close to that community and was deeply saddened by this tragic event.  Lucinda General contributed - she was Jim's seatmate on the trip to Guaymas and now "has all the dirt on him."  She said she began her term as District Governor scooping poop at a parade in Springerville and has not been elevated much as her official duty at the Guaymas Gift of Hearing mission was that of bathroom monitor attempting to ensure that only one gender at a time was using the only available working restroom.  Wendell and Ray's sweet tooth tendencies are apparently epic.  Story is that some cookies fell to the floor, but Ray ate them anyway.  A confession that Ray and Wendell were NOT served key lime pie as they were told, but instead were served margarita pie.  Polly Cady contributed, happy to be a member of the best Rotary Club ever.  While she and Allan were at the Friendship Conference at the Grand Canyon, they could see the pictures posting on Mesa West's Facebook page and know what was going on in Guaymas.  Shelly Romine reported that President Jim's company made the list of top Corporate Volunteer Programs in the state.  They were ranked 24, but made that achievement with only 38 employees who contributed 1900 hours of volunteer service.  The firms that placed higher on the list were MUCH larger than Jim's.  Dick Myren contributed in the tradition of honorary member Rod Daniels as a proud member of Mesa West Rotary.   John Pennypacker contributed for a very special Veterans Day experience.  He was at a park in Anthem where there are five pillars lined up representing the five branches of the US Armed Forces.  They are lined up so that holes in each pillar align perfectly on the 11th day of the 11th month at 11 minutes after the 11th hour, the sun shines through the holes and illuminates the Seal of the United States.  John also had the opportunity at the event to meet an Admiral who was instrumental in the development of the Anthem Veterans Memorial.    He was Captain of the battleship USS New Jersey and was in command when it was taken out of service in the late 80's or perhaps a few years later.  In 1968, John's unit flew several combat assaults with supporting fire from the New Jersey.  "The rounds they fired were 2000 lb. bombs and an entire grid square (1000m x 1000m) was obliterated.  It definitely got their undivided attention the first time they fired for us."  John's experience with this awesome war machine preceded the Admiral's time by two decades plus.  Bob Jensen contributed celebrating 33 years of doing the Gift of Hearing project.
 
Reports
Ray smith reported on highlights of the Guaymas trip.  The Gift of Hearing mission had the entire front page of the local newspaper and the story continued onto the second page.  Ray reported that President Jim cannot roll his r's, as required to properly pronounce some words in Spanish.  Ray advised anyone to stand back should Jim attempt to roll his r's.  Failing to stand back could cause you to get wet.  Several on the trip ordered local tortillas while in Guaymas.  On the bus ride home, the tortillas were distributed, but at the end of the distribution, they were short - not good when at least three CPA's were on the trip.  It was particularly vexing for Ray Smith who was in charge of keeping the mission in balance.  It was discovered that one of the CPA's (President Jim) had ordered two packages but received and accepted six packages without pointing out the discrepancy.  The extra tortillas have been retrieved and have been delivered to Allan and Polly Cady.  
 
Bob Jensen thanked all who went on the trip and the club in general for supporting the trip.  He is not certain how the tortillas are prepared, but they do not deteriorate.  All prior records were broken with this year's Gift of Hearing Mission.  450 patients were seen.  287 devices were distributed, and 80 devices are left to begin the inventory to take in 2020.
 
Allan Cady was sorry to miss the Guaymas trip.  It was unfortunate that the Mexico/USA Friendship Conference overlapped.  He reported that 90 were present at the conference at the Grand Canyon.  It was about an even split between US Rotarians and Rotarians from Mexico.  Allan had the opportunity to present the Aqua Africa project.  The reception for the project was good.  $1,950 was donated by seven other clubs.  $2,000 was committed by District 4185 in Mexico,  so the support was just under $4,000.  The strength of the project is the water tower which will serve 10,000 people.  Allan was also able to secure commitments form Bret McKeand (who will be District Governor in 2021-22) and Patrick Walsh from Tempe South that their clubs will contribute if Allan or Chris Krueger will make presentations at a meeting of each of their clubs.  Allan and Polly hosted three people.  Pita and Rosa were from Vera Cruz and Paco Romero was from Puebla, Mexico.  Donna, Bryan and Emilee Goetzenberger were also at the conference.
 
Program
Chuck Flint, is the Club's Foundation Chair.  The focus of the program was The Rotary Foundation.  He announced that Lucinda General had brought her laptop to the meeting to help members sign up for Rotary Direct to enable them to make their contributions to TRF the most efficient and effortless way possible.  He made it clear that Rotarians who wanted to take advantage of that option were free to quietly have Lucinda help them as the program continued.  It was also pointed out that John Pennypacker had put paper forms to enroll in Rotary Direct and a paper containing answers to commonly asked questions about Rotary Direct on each of the tables.  Contributions can be set up as small as $10 and can repeat monthly, quarterly or annually.  While the most common choice is for donations to go to the Annual Fund, Rotarians can opt to have their donation go to End Polio Now.  TRF funds many projects ranging from polio immunizations to providing clean water.  The funds donated are held three years with the interest earned during those years used to support operating costs.  On the third year, some of the donations are allocated to the control of each district to be used their district designated fund projects.  92% of the donations are used for doing good in the world, which is a very admirable percentage in the non-profit world.  TRF has received the 4-Star rating (it's highest rating) from Charity Navigator for the 12th consecutive year.  TRF is the second largest charity in the world - only surpassed by Salvation Army.  
 
There are a variety of levels of recognition for giving to The Rotary Foundation, ranging from $1,000 to receive a Paul Harris Fellow to $1,000,000 or more.  The following Rotarians were recognized at the meeting:
 
Recognized for their first Paul Harris Fellow:
Darl Andersen
Rosalyn Schmidt
Warren Williamson (accepting for Son Hee)
Bryan Goetzenberger
 
Recognized for Paul Harris Plus One
Don Boucher
 
Recognized for Paul Harris Plus Two
Jim Schmidt
 
Recognized for Paul Harris Plus Three
Chris Krueger
 
Recognized for Paul Harris Plus Seven
Allan Cady
 
Chuck reminded members that Allan and Polly Cady have already been recognized as Major Donors but can continue to receive recognition for their individual contributions.   To that end, they have both recently enrolled in Rotary Direct.  It was noted that during the meeting Dr. Ron had signed up for his annual donation.  John Pennypacker quietly assisted Chuck with his very smooth presentation ceremony.
 
Chuck pointed out that several recipients were not present to receive their recognition.  Don Boucher reminded members that they should investigate whether or not matching gifts are available through their employer as they are through his broker-dealer.  Chuck pointed out that appreciated investments can be donated directly and in doing so the capital gains tax can be avoided.  In preparing for the meeting, Chuck discovered that it appears the giving of Mesa Baseline members prior to their merger into Mesa West may not be being reported accurately and has committed to look into getting that discrepancy resolved. He urged Rotarians who have been members of other Rotary Clubs to look to see if their past giving is being property allocated to Mesa West.
 
The meeting ended with a better than usual attempt at humor by our Club President.  In light of the recent Gift of Hearing mission, Jim thought a joke on the subject of hearing would be appropriate: 
 
A gentleman told his doctor that his wife needed a hearing aid refused to talk to her doctor about it.  The doctor said it would be impossible for him to be of any assistance without her hearing being properly evaluated.  The patient persisted, and the doctor suggested a simple "test" to enable the husband to discover for himself the level of his wife's hearing loss.  When the husband arrived home, from the door, he called "Honey, I'm home.  What's for dinner?"  Receiving no response, he moved a few steps closer and again repeated a little louder, "Honey, I'm home.  What's for dinner?"  Again, no response.  He repeated this two more times, a few feet closer each time as well as increasing his volume.  After the 4th time, his wife shouted, "For the fourth time, I'm glad you are home, and we are having carne asada for dinner!"
 
Read more...
Paul Harris Society - One Rotarian's Legacy
A Tribute to a Legend
Wayne Cusick
20 October 1943 – 30 October 2019
 
The Paul Harris Society (PHS) is a special level of recognition of Rotarians and friends who contribute $1,000 or more each year to The Rotary Foundation’s humanitarian, educational and cultural programs.

In 1999, Past District Governor Wayne Cusick created the first Paul Harris Society in District 5340. Wayne had this idea for creating a special group of individuals who made an annual commitment of $1,000 (or more) to The Rotary Foundation. Before that year ended, fifty-five Rotary members signed up to be part of this Society. The following year, that number doubled.

What began as an idea as a program in one District, has now spread throughout Rotary Clubs worldwide and is now responsible for the financial stability of The Rotary Foundation. Today, more than 119 districts around the world have a PHS program with a total membership of more than 25,000.

Effective 2006 – 2007, The Rotary Foundation Trustees adopted the Paul Harris Society as an official recognition program to be administered at the district level. By 2012, the Paul Harris Society had donated $39.1 million of the $110.7 million that The Rotary Foundation received in donations. The program has become so successful that Trustees of The Rotary Foundation adopted the program as an official Rotary recognition program in January of 2013.

All because of this idea that one man had that there may be (are) members who are willing and able to provide this level of giving making both our local communities and the world better places to live.

PDG Wayne on the 30th of October passed away. Let us honor his legacy by making this a banner year for him and the Paul Harris Society by highly encouraging ‘all’ of our members to become Paul Harris Society members. This is easily done by registering at:
 
www.rotary.org/paulharrissociety or, going to Rotary Direct (www.rotary.org/give)
 
and selecting the Paul Harris Society checkbox. There you will be able to set up your recurring contributions as well.
 
By giving from the heart every year, we as Paul Harris Society members support and change lives all around the world.
 
 
A Message from our District Governor

T’is the season to support Rotary’s great work AT NO COST TO YOU!  

I am asking a huge favor in the spirit of Rotary.  I am asking that EVERY ROTARIAN in District 5495 take advantage of the Arizona Credit for Contributions to Qualified Organizations by donating to charities that will benefit Rotary programs.  If you support one or both of the programs outlined below you will get dollar-for-dollar offset of your Arizona Tax.  It is not necessary to itemize deductions to receive this tax benefit.  (See the contribution caps outlined below.)  

If you are an Arizona taxpayer, you have the incredible privilege of directing tax dollars to causes that benefit those who need a helping hand or a nutritious meal.

Here are the two AZ tax credit programs that benefit Rotary programs.

  • The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA) provides vocational scholarships to those who just need a bit of help to get an education that can transform their lives.  (More information on donating below.)
  • Manzanita Outreach provides everything necessary for our RYLA campers to have fun while helping others — packing nutritious meals for those who are food insecure.  (More information on donating below.)
  • OR SPLIT YOUR TAX CREDIT DONATION.   The main thing is to GIVE NOW TO BENEFIT ROTARY PROJECTS!!!

Here are the rules applicable for the AZ tax credit:

    • Single or Married Filing Joint Arizona taxpayers can take a credit against their Arizona taxes for donations up to a maximum  of $400 made to a Qualified Organization (or divided among multiple organizations) like TRVFA and/or Manzanita Outreach.  
    • Married Filing Joint taxpayers can take a credit against their Arizona taxes for donations up to a maximum of $800 made to a Qualified Organization (or divided among multiple organizations).
    • NOTE:  you are not limited on how much you can donate to these charities — only on the amount that you can take as a 2019 AZ tax credit.  If the causes move you, please feel free to make a larger donation to either (or both!) of these worthy organizations.

The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona

    • TRVFA is looking to raise at least $225,000 to assist over 100 worthy applicants over the next year who qualify under Arizona law to obtain financial assistance to further their vocational studies.  The mission of TRVFA is to partner with Rotary Clubs to provide assistance to Qualified Candidates in obtaining education, training, and skill development so they may, in turn, attain career-oriented employment and financial stability and contribute to their communities.  Please consider donating to this life-changing program.
    • Potential Vocational Fund beneficiaries are identified by financial aid counselors and Rotary clubs that nominate applicants for assistance from the program. Funds for the assistance come from the funds we donate to TRVFA.
    • Learn more about TRVFA here: https://www.trvfa.org/
    • Mailing Address: TRVFA, PO Box 14412, Scottsdale, AZ  85267
    • The five-digit Qualified Charitable Organization Code for TRVFA is 20698.

Manzanita Outreach doing business as Kids Against Hunger - Verde Valley

    • Our Rotary Youth Leadership Awards Committee is looking to raise $20,000 to cover the costs of a high-energy, team-building, food-packing exercise for RYLA students at the three RYLA camps to be held during 2020.  Every year this is one of the most memorable and impactful programs for students and leaders alike at RYLA.  We expect that if we raise enough to fund the program this year, our RYLA students will provide over 75,000 meals for those who are food-insecure right here in Arizona while building the pride of service to others for the food-packing teams.  Please consider donating to this incredible service experience for our RYLA students.
    • Direct Link for Donations to RYLA food-packing: https://secure.lglforms.com/form_engine/s/udBHGy986JDH34wp6iky3.
    • Phone: (928) 649-5772 — NOTEIf you are calling Manzanita to make your donation please make sure to indicate that your donation is being made to support “RYLA 2020” so that it is credited specifically to the food-packing that will occur at District 5495 RYLA camps.
    • The five-digit Qualified Charitable Organization Code for Manzanita is 20701.

ONE MORE NOTE: Invite friends, neighbors and every taxpayer in Arizona to support these wonderful causes.  You don’t have to be a Rotarian to support this great work….anyone can help by donating and taking the credit against their Arizona taxes.

* Consult with your tax advisor or the Arizona Department of Revenue website (https://azdor.gov/tax-credits/contributions-qcos-and-qfcos) for more information.

With warm regards and deep appreciation for your generous support of Rotary programs,

David

David Simmer, District 5495 Governor, 2019-20

Today's Chuckle
November is Foundation Month in Rotary

The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.

Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.

With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.

Our mission

The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.

What impact can one donation have?

  • For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
  • $50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.
  • $500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.
 
Upcoming Events
Mesa West Rotary Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Dec 05, 2019 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Dec 12, 2019 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Schmidt Westergard & Company PLLC
Dec 18, 2019
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Dec 19, 2019 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Jan 02, 2020 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Jan 09, 2020 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Schmidt Westergard & Company PLLC
Jan 15, 2020
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Jan 16, 2020 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Monthly Evening Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Jan 23, 2020
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
 
View entire list
Speakers
Nov 28, 2019
Happy Thanksgiving!!!
Dec 05, 2019
Nutritional and Educational Health & Hygiene
Dec 12, 2019
Official Visit to Mesa West Rotary Club
Dec 26, 2019
Enjoy the Holiday Season!
Jan 09, 2020
Hydrogen Bomb Radiation and PTSD
Jan 16, 2020
Arizona Republic and USA Today
Jan 23, 2020
Smoke Alarms and Fire Danger in Homes
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Keith Deering
November 24
 
Spouse Birthdays
Chris LaBarge
November 21
 
Anniversaries
Christine Krueger
Mike Krueger
November 8
 
Scott Morris
Tracy
November 10
 
Erwin Reimann
Joan Reimann
November 25
 
Joan Reimann
Erwin Reimann
November 25
 
Join Date
Alex Cohen
November 1, 2016
3 years
 
Dick Myren
November 1, 1995
24 years
 
J. Daryl Bethea
November 1, 1977
42 years
 
Wayne General
November 1, 2016
3 years
 
John Bethea
November 4, 2014
5 years
 
Geoff White
November 13, 2001
18 years
 
John Benedict
November 21, 2000
19 years
 
Rodney Daniels
November 30, 2003
16 years
 
Download Files
October, 2019 Mesa West Rotary Calendar
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
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Club Service Director
 
Service Projects Director
 
Foundation Director
 
Membership Director
 
Public Image Director
 
Executive Secretary
 
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?