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.
Many thanks to President Jay and Liz Paulus for opening their home for our annual Post Holiday Celebration. It was a fun and enjoyable evening enjoyed by many members of Mesa West Rotary and friends of the club.
Your editor tried to get the photos (over 150 of them) loaded into a video so subscribers to our weekly Messenger could enjoy them. Unfortunately, time expired before getting the job accomplished. It's time to get this week's Messenger on its way. Hopefully, by next week, the reel will be available.
ASU Edson Entrepreneurship+Innovation Institute and The Mesa West Rotary Club Present the Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge to Support Young Entrepreneurs.
It was recently announced to the public that the Mesa West Rotary Club, in partnership with ASU J. Orin Edson Entrepreneurship + Innovation Institute (Edson E+I), is thrilled to announce the community pitch competition, Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge. This event is designed to empower young local entrepreneurs by providing a platform for them to pitch innovative business ideas that address community needs and drive sustainable impact in the creative technology industries. The Challenge is the culminating event for the 3-month Innovation Series being hosted by Edson E+I at The Studios @ Mesa City Center.
The Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge will feature a panel of esteemed judges, including successful entrepreneurs, investors, government and business leaders, who will offer mentorship, guidance, and funding for promising ventures. This exciting event showcases the spirit of innovation in Mesa and ASU, highlighting ventures that have the potential to transform the local economy and inspire the next generation of business leaders.
"We’re excited to bring the Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge to our community," said Gerald Paulus, President of the Mesa West Rotary Club. "Our Theme This year within our District, is “Rotary Means Business” and this initiative aligns with our commitment to fostering young entrepreneurship, local economic development and supporting innovative thinkers. By giving young entrepreneurs a stage to present their ideas and learn from experienced professionals, we’re helping them turn their visions into reality." Applications will open on January 27, 2025 and close on February 21st 2025. https://entrepreneurship.asu.edu/e_i_events/
The Igniting Innovation Venture Challenge in person event will take place on March 27, 2025 from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm at The Studios @ Mesa City Center. Aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to submit their applications by February 21st 2025. Selection criteria include the originality of the business venture and demonstrate that income is already being generated, the feasibility of the business plan, and the potential for growth and community impact.
In addition to the opportunity to pitch their ideas, selected entrepreneurs will benefit from:
Mentorship: Direct guidance and expert advice from the panel of judges.
Networking: Access to a network of professionals who can provide valuable connections and resources.
Exposure: Increased visibility through media coverage and community support.
Funding: Potential investment from the judges and other investors attending the event.
"We have created a supportive, inclusive environment where young entrepreneurs can thrive," said Kristin Slice, Director of Community Entrepreneurship, Edson E+I. "Our goal is to empower participants with the knowledge, resources, and confidence they need to succeed in today’s competitive business world."
Registration for the event may be found here and applications may also be found there. Community members are encouraged to attend to support local entrepreneurs, and witness firsthand the innovative ideas shaping our community.
President Jay led the Pledge of Allegiance and Ron Thompson offered the invocation.
Visiting Rotarian Wayne Barefoot from the Rotary Club of Easton, Pennsylvania introduced his guest, Natalie Barefoot. who he proudly informed everyone she was a whale expert and well-educated and respected marine biologist.
Rotary Means Business - Vocational Service Moments
Connie Bunyard shared that they have two businesses:
Valley Remodeling -
Use My Guy Services - making your honeydo list your honeydone list
Andy Bradford - his real estate business, Be the Good Group, thrives because of referrals of his satisfied customers.
Ron Thompson boosted Frank Rosenberg's new Family Practice - Tempe Primary Care.
Pam Cohen told about a stylist who leases from Melodie Jackson in her Salon Suites facility. The stylist told Pam Melody takes such good care of the facility that there is virtually no turnover.
President Jay shared a thought for the day: It's always best to do the right thing. Nest best is to do the wrong thing. The worst wrong thing is to do nothing,
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
Chuck asked Connie Bunyard to draw the winning ticket, which made Frank Rosenberg the winner of the weekly pot of $40. Frank then shuffled the cards remaining in the deck before attempting to draw the Ace of Clubs which would have made him the winner of the large, accumulating pot, which was up to $645. The card he drew was the Three of Hearts.
Auction
There were two items to be auctioned. The first was a bag that was filled by Pam Cohen and Melodie Jackson with memorabilia from their recent ten-day island-hopping cruise. Knowing the shopping expertise of these two members, the bidding was brisk! Colleen Coons was made the top bid $80.00. Lola McClane did a great job of capturing the variety of goodies in the bag as Colleen pulled them out and unwrapped them.
The second item was a box of Rose Bowl commemorative cards with a sketch of the 2025 Rose Bowl Rotary Float. The box was signed by Rotary International President Stephanie Urchick. Bob Zarling made the top bid of $40.00.
Happy Bucks - Sgt at Arms Andy Bradford
John Pennypacker was adding onto the California Fire disaster information shared by Gary Whitehill at our January 16 meeting. John suggested members try to imagine an area starting at the 60 (next to the Doubletree) north to Westwood High School and east from Alma School to Val Vista drive being destroyed by fire.
Connie Bunyard shared that their daughter had been bitten by a Great Dane and was at the ER getting stitches. She also share the great experience she had enjoyed at RYLA the prior weekend. She said there is a generation of kids coming along who want goodness in the world. Being able to experience a weekend where they were exposed to other cultures was eye-opening for many of them.
Colleen made a donation telling about a girl who claimed to have zero friends when she left for RYLA. In four days that number went from zero to ten friends she felt she could call at any time. At the closing ceremony, the girl said her family was in that room. She was also confident she could go back to school and make friends there.
Shelly Romine said her McKinney Vento student who went to RYLA texted her Monday to thank her for getting to attend RYLA and raving about what an awesome experience it was. She also shared that her niece who was in San Diego was told there was a fire that was eight miles away, so they left right away.
Wayne Barefoot shared that Natalie's sister, his oldest daughter, was operated on January 15, and that was why Natalie was here.
Jim McGown told about a year when he was transporting students up the hill to RYLA. On the way up, one student was skeptical that the weekend would be worthwhile. On the way back home, he asked the same student if they felt like the weekend had made a difference in their life. The student said, "I hate to admit it, but it did."
Marilyn Klingler said her McKinney Vento student wants to be a Jaycee next year and help with middle-school RYLA next summer. He said it was the most amazing weekend he'd had.
Gaby said she had missed the prior week, she just got married and she has a new last name - Cutlip.
Colleen Coons talked about her son being on an evacuation order because of the California fires.
Frank Rosenberg contributed for winning the raffle. He said he and Ron had traded tickets just before the raffle. He thanked Ron for the free ad about his practice, and was proud of Ron for volunteering as a navigator at the airport.
Ray Smith talked about the gift from Idaho Mesa West Rotary has enjoyed since Shelly transferred her membership to our club. Shelly received a standing ovation from other members who agreed with Ray's assessment. President Jay asked for anyone interested in filling the Community Service Chair vacancy contact him.
Ed Koeneman was happy to have been able to attend Interact in person for the first time in a while. He said some members would be at the Post-Holiday Celebration and encouraged members to take time to get to know them.
Dick Myren contributed his traditional $2 happy he and Honorary Member Rod Daniels are members of the Ace of Clubs. He added an additional $7 because he would be graduating from RLI Saturday. He was proud to still be learning about Rotary at age 88. He stated he's been a member of Rotary since 1970.
Harry Grossman was wearing a heavy hooded Rotary Youth Exchange sweatshirt which his grandson got for him the year the grandson was an exchange student in Sweden. Harry said that it had finally gotten cold enough in Arizona that he could wear it.
Pam Cohen said it was good there was a whale expert in the room because there was a small pod of Jims at one of the tables.
Jay Paulus had been in Washington DC for the inauguration. He was in contact with his son, who is a weatherman, asking him to do something about the weather. His son said he was not in the business of controlling the weather, but that if he was Jay might not like the weather he would send for the inauguration.
Warren Williamson told his Little Johnie whale story. It seems that Little Johnie was telling his class that according to the Bible, Jonah was swallowed by a whale. The teacher said that it would be impossible for a whale to swallow anything the size of a man. Little Johnie said, "I don't care. It's in the Bible. When I get to Heaven, I'm going to ask Jonah." The teacher said, "What if Jonah is not in Heaven?" Little Johnie responded, "Then, you ask him!"
Announcements
February 8 - Girl Power Bed Build
February 11 - Decorating help needed for Senior Gala
February 12 - Hosting help needed for Senior Gala
March 21 - Rotary at the Park - Cubs Spring Training Lunch and Game
March 27 - Ignite Innovation hosted by Mesa West in partnership with ASU
March 21 - Rotary Day at the Park - Cubs Spring Training Game. $49/person for full-dues members - $74/person for discounted dues-paying members and guests. CLICK HEREto email Jeanie Morgan to register.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Visiting Rotarian Wayne Barefoot from the Rotary Club of Easton, Pennsylvania introduced his guest, Natalie Barefoot. who he proudly informed everyone she was a whale expert and well-educated and respected marine biologist.
Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet. 
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.
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: