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.
A crew of Mesa West Rotarians and family members had fun preparing and serving dinner August 31 at Paz de Cristo in Mesa. The individuals who benefitted from their work enjoyed a delicious meal. Most of the food used to prepare the meal was donated by local grocery stores and restaurants, so it was a very nice meal. Second helpings were not allowed, but before leaving, those who attended were given "clamshells" to fill with leftovers. They were also given bags with water, peanut butter/jelly sandwiches, etc. so each diner really received three meals.
The crew from Mesa West included Pam Cohen, Chuck Flint, Robin Harris, Wendell and Sandra Jones, Chris and Mike Krueger, Lola McClane, Jim Schmidt, Ray Smith, Jay and Melissa Stuckey, and Steve West who brought his granddaughter, Carolyn, and son, Russell.
Randy Spencer, Partnerships/Development officer for Alice Cooper's Solid Rock Teen Centers sent an invitation for Mesa West Rotary Club members to attend the Mesa teen center Grand Opening event on September 3rd from 5:30-8:30 pm, saying "It is FREE for anyone to attend."
CLICK HERE or on the image to learn more about the event.
Randy will be the speaker at our club's regular meeting Thursday, November 4.
Eric Sheldahl, who presented our program about the Midwest Food Bank, Arizona on Thursday, August 19, mentioned this upcoming fundraising golf tournament to benefit the food bank.
Dave Brauchler is putting together a foursome to play in the tournament. If you are interested in joining his foursome, click here or on his name to send him an email message.
To learn more about the tournament, click here or on the image at right.
President-Elect Pam Cohen opened the meeting by asking Jeanie Morgan to lead everyone in reciting The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do (which was displayed on the screen):
first...
Is it the TRUTH?
second...
Is it FAIR to all concerned?
third...
Will it build GOOD WILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
fourth...
Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
The invocation was offered by Dick Myren, and Polly Cady led the Pledge of Allegiance.
Pam made note of the fact that August 26 was National Women's Equality Day - the 101st anniversary of when women were given the right to vote in the United States. She asked the women present to stand so they could be applauded.
Words of the day - Jeane Crouse
First a tale about Jeane's tail. Wendell and Ray always pick Jeane up to take her to Rotary. Ray called ahead to say they would be running late and that she should be watching for them.
Jeane responded that she would be waiting at the door with her tail wagging.
Ray expressed his doubt - since she is not a dog and does not have a tail.
Jeane proved him wrong. . .
Jeane's lesson in words was to explain the difference between evoke and invoke.
Invoke - is more of a "call upon"
while
Evoke - is more of a "call to mind."
Example: When the congressman invoked his right to not incriminate himself, it evoked memories of past political scandals.
Introduction of Guests
Wendell Jones introduced his beautiful wife, Sandra. He also introduced Sandra's daughter-in-law, Erica Anderson, stating she would be introduced with more detail later in the meeting as Erica would be presenting the program.
Tim Troy introduced his guest, David Barwick. Tim met David through the Gilbert Chamber of Commerce. He works for American Financial, a Credit Card Processing Company stating that the way David conducts his business by the Four-Way Test, trying to get his customers the best processing rates possible.. Tim apologized not arriving early to serve as greeter as members and guests arrived. He apologized if he missed anyone when he rushed about prior to the start of the meeting trying to greet everyone who had arrived before he did.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
Chuck explained that the stub of each $5 ticket purchased had been placed in the hat. The holder of the ticket drawn would win the small pot of $45.00. They would also win the right to try to draw the Ace of Clubs from the deck of cards, with would make them the lucky winner of the large, accumulating pot of $315.00. Should they draw the joker, they would win $20. Any card drawn - other than the Ace of Clubs - would be destroyed. Each week the large pot gets bigger and the number of cards to draw from gets smaller.
Dan Lamborn was asked to draw the winning ticket, which was held by Steve Ross. Steve drew the joker, which he exchanged for a $20.00 bill and Chuck destroyed the joker.
Happy Bucks - Allan Cady
Allan began by stating his bid of $20 was the high and final bid on the auction of a Star Wars Skywalker bobble-head he had purchased at a Diamondbacks game. He gave the bobble-head to Ed Koeneman because of Ed's well known love for (addiction to) Star Wars. Allan also contributed $2 because he was happy to be at the meeting!
Jack Rosenberg contributed $5 to celebrate Frank and Amanda Rosenberg's 19th wedding anniversary.
Dick Myren contributed for himself and Rod Daniels for their good fortune to be members of the best Rotary club in the world.
Jim Crutcher contributed $100 thankful to have done business with a member of our club through their sister.
Chuck Flint challenged everyone present with a test to see if anyone knew why the Norwegian Navy places barcodes on the hulls of their ships. The answer was so that when they come to port, they can "scan de navy in."
Ted Williams was thankful that their daughter, Susan, who is a respiratory therapist, had been diagnosed with COVID-19. He said it was touch and go for a while, but she has started to improve and is getting better.
Frank Rosenberg said that since his dad had already contributed $5 to celebrate their anniversary, he was going to contribute $20 because he gets to spend the day with Amanda every day.
Polly Cady contributed. She was happy that our guest - David - was alive and well. She said she and Allan nearly ran him down in the parking lot prior to the meeting.
Chris Krueger said the octet (four men and four women) have begun rehearsing for the September 30 event at the Cady's new home. She said she had the "best time" at their first rehearsal, saying the group contains some great singers. When asked if it was true Chris broke a glass mirror, she replied, "Yes, two."
Tim Troy fined himself for dereliction of greeter duty.
Darl Andersen contributed saying he was thankful for Jeanie Morgan because without her at his table, he would have been stuck with four losers.
John Pennypacker who was attending via Zoom pledged $10. He had been present when his two young grandsons zoomed off to school on their bikes and very happy when roared home safely at the end of their day. The youngest is in kindergarten.
Ed Koeneman was happy for his new bobblehead and also happy that it was only 847 days until the next Star Wars movie.
Jeanie Crouse contributed asking everyone to pray for Ted's daughter. Her granddaughter who had been working in Neuro had been transferred back to COVID unit. She understands Ted's concern.
Ray Smith reminded everyone that old accountants never die - they just lose their balance. He reported that our relatively recently-retired accountant Jim Schmidt had literally lost his balance and fell into his pool and now his smart phone doesn't work.
Wendell Jones contributed - thankful to have his two lovely guests at the meeting with him.
Pam Cohen contributed saying she was thankful for the privilege of representing our Club President Dan Coons.
Ron Thompson contributed saying his wife had written a book on female equity and adding his own comment, "Women should have their day!"
Don LaBarge made good on his promise to re-tell a story told earlier in the year when one of the members contributed asking Don to do so. Don had a big machine that needed to be transported from South Dakota to Mesa. Don had a dispute with the freight company about the price they were going to charge to deliver the machine - which Don felt was more than the machine itself was worth. He decided to pick it up himself. On his way back, he stopped at a hotel in New Mexicio. He wasn't sure of the name of the town. He remembered seeing a "population 4800" sign on the way into town. He also remembered it was an Indian name that started with a "T." He asked the hotel clerk to suggest a good place to eat. They suggested the Pow Wow Restaurant. He said it was packed. He sat next to a guy at the bar. The guy had big muscles, lots of tats and was mean looking. When Don asked him where he was from, he said Abilene. When Don asked what he did, he said he was into art, saying he designed big metal swirly things, saying he gets lots of work from the US Government because 5% of the Federal Housing budgets for new buildings is required to be spent on art. He was on his way home from installing a piece of his art in Mesa, Arizona. Don learned he would be coming back to our area for a job in Gilbert. Don suggested he would be an interesting speaker for our Rotary Club. Don's newfound friend was pleasantly surprised to learn Don was a Rotarian. Rotary had sent his daughter to Spain as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student. She now speaks two languages and is asked to talk to groups all the time. Someone sitting on the other side asked "What's Rotary?" He was quickly told "You see the Rotary wheel everywhere. They send exchange students all over the world." He gave Don a card and a beer holder. Both said "Drinking beer and welding shit since 2000." Don wants him to be a speaker when he comes to Gilbert. He told him to arrive on Wednesday so they could drink beer, speak to the club on Thursday, and do his install on Friday before heading home."
Announcements
Healing Chickadees Donor Project was briefly explained. It is a project to provide care packages for grieving children who have lost a loved ones. The children receive a cuddly, plush chickadee along with a code that will unlock access to a website filled with videos, music, and activities to inspire and enlighten children as they navigate their journey of grief. The Valley of the Sun Passport Rotary Club is trying to bring this project to Arizona. To learn more, CLICK HERE to see a YouTube video about the origination of the project. If you want to register to be a part of bringing this program to Arizona, CLICK HERE.
Program - There's No Place Like Hope - Erica Anderson
Wendell Jones introduced Erica who has lived in the valley for over twenty years. After fifteen years working in the Medical Transcription industry, she retired and began her work in administration for the Mesa Public Schools. She is the Principal's Secretary at Patterson Elementary School.
An adventure outside of her work in education played a pivotal role in the direction of Erica's life. On June 26, 2015, she was diagnosed with what appeared to be a cancerous tumor. Two weeks later, following surgery and biopsy, she learned she had stage three colon cancer. After seven months and twelve rounds, she finished chemotherapy in February, 2016.
The following month, Erica was named 2016's Arizona Mother of the Year and was invited to Washington DC to participate in the American Mothers Conference. Unfortunately, a compromised immune system and complications with infections led to more surgery and she was unable to attend the conference. As Arizona's Mother of the Year, she committed to serve her community, but had to put that on hold. She did, however, manage to complete her college degree in April, 2016.
After taking a year to get her strength back, Erica honored her commitment to serve the community. She reflected on one small moment which occurred right after her cancer diagnosis. A friend who had battled breast cancer visited her. She brought Erica what she called a "cemo bag." It was stuffed with a warm blanket, a water bottle, socks, journal and a pen. Erica took that bag with her to each chemo treatment. It became her lifeline for comfort, hope and job. She decided to hold a chemo bag drive to honor this precious gift and in February, 2018, 80 chemo bags were assembled thanks to family, friends, and the generous community. The bags were donated to Banner MD Anderson...the same cancer clinic where she received her treatment.
That summer, Erica and members of her family formed the nonprofit There's No Place Like Hope, Inc. The organization is dedicated to helping patients face cancer treatment comfortably with a positive and hopeful attitude. Since that time, Hope Totes (chemo bags) have been donated to Ironwood Cancer Center, Phoenix Children's Hospital and Cancer Treatment Centers of America.
Erica enjoys serving cancer patients throughout the valley, but her best and most precious moments are with her family. She has been married to Doug Anderson for twenty-nine years. They have four children and a very handsome dog. She and her family reside in San Tan Valley, Arizona.
When Erica began speaking, she shared that she was really nervous. She said she normally is not intimidated by public speaking, but she knew she was talking to a group of people who know what it means to serve. She was very emotional early in the meeting when the club recited the Pledge of Allegiance. She said when she first started with the school system, her first principal did not say the Pledge. They were the boss and she did not question it. Her current principal starts every day with the Pledge of Allegiance. Erica said she cried every day for a month. For her, it is a very precious thing.
In talking about her cancer journey, Erica began by saying there are three main types of cancer treatment.
Surgery
Chemotherapy
Radiation
Surgery is either an initial procedure or after chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. Recovery time from surgery can range from days to weeks.
Chemotherapy sessions can range from minutes to days. In her case, following four hours of chemo, she had to wear a bag and continue the chemo treatment for days. The frequency varies as does the length of time. Four to six months is common. The average number of hours is 48.
Radiation treatments are typically ten to 30 minutes. They are repeated several times a week and can range from a few days to weeks. The average time is ninety minutes.
Cancer patients have a lot of time to "just sit there thinking..." In those circumstances, the mind can go to dark places.
Erica wanted to focus on that idle time.
After incorporating in 2018, it seemed like they were barely getting started when COVID interrupted. She was able to confirm with a single question that all present could put a face on cancer because all had either had cancer or had a loved one who had experienced cancer. She wanted to focus on doing something that would bring hope. They spent a lot of time talking about their name. They chose to use the word hope because it is typically used in a much deeper and more assuring way than other similar words such as "wish." They decided to overuse hope, but use it correctly.
Erica shared what was in the bags - they have Hope Totes for adults and Totes for Tots as well as Totes for Teens. The average cost of a bag and its contents is $40. Everyone involved works as a volunteer. There are no paid employees. They plan to stay that way.
The Rotary Club of Camelback Crossroads and their partners invite you to donate your gently used or new suitcases to assist foster kids in our community.
A tax deductible donation is available to you by specifying "Rotary Suitcase" at ocjkids.org/donate
Our Mesa West Rotary President, Dan Coons, has a history with two of the members of Camelback Crossroads Rotary. Their President, Mariel Olson and another member - DGE Larry Horton - were both team members on the GSE team Dan led to Australia several years ago.
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.
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.
Enjoy an evening at the new home of Allan and Polly Cady enjoying music performed by a special octet who will perform:
Words of the day - Jeane Crouse
Announcements
Program - There's No Place Like Hope - Erica Anderson
Erica shared what was in the bags - they have Hope Totes for adults and Totes for Tots as well as Totes for Teens. The average cost of a bag and its contents is $40. Everyone involved works as a volunteer. There are no paid employees. They plan to stay that way. 
The Rotary Club of Camelback Crossroads and their partners invite you to donate your gently used or new suitcases to assist foster kids in our community. 
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:
