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.
The MCC Rose Garden Project turned out to be bigger than originally anticipated. After three shifts of great volunteers putting in a fine effort, there remains some work to be done.
If you can make yourself available this coming Saturday morning, September 21, from 7:30 to 11:00 to help with some final painting, weeding and concrete work, it would be very much appreciated.
Members should have received an email with a signup link. If you have not yet responded to the link, please do so. If you did not receive the email with the link, please EMAIL SHELLY ROMINE to let her know you will be glad to help.
There have been at least two publications carry stories about this project - Mesa Tribune and Ahwatukee Foothills, calling the Rotarian volunteers "Rosarians."
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.
Our current District Governor, Michelle Holcomb will be making her official visit to Mesa West Rotary September 26. Please plan to attend so we can give her a warm, enthusiastic Mesa West Rotary welcome!
Just so you know, there are plans to get a group photo of those in attendance on September 26, The photo taken that day just might be sent to the moon in September 2025...
Mesa West Rotary will be participating in a Bed Build for SIHP on Sept. 28th where the club will also be honored with a Plaque on the Wall of Dreams in their warehouse. This recognition is for the prior donations and partnerships in bed builds including a District supported bed build in 2023. I will be sending out a separate sign-up sheet for volunteers, but we will also be hosting a bedding drive during the month of September.
If you would like to donate, please bring any of the following items to our Club Meetings during the month of September and I will collect and deliver them on the 28th:
Twin Size Sheets
Twin Size Blankets
Twin Size Comforter
Twin Size "Bed in a Bag" Sets
Pillows
All items must be new for health reasons. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Mesa West Rotary has committed to a table for six for this event. The first six members to respond will be our representatives at this fundraising breakfast to be held at the Mesa Senior Center on Thursday, October 17. Respond by sending email to Jeanie Morgan
When the Mesa Baseline Rotary Club merged with Mesa West Rotary Club in 2015, they brought with them their long-running Hearing Project in Guaymas, Mexico.
Erica Williams is a member of our club. Her profession is Audiology Instruction at ASU. She and Bob Jensen, who originally started the program in Mexico, recruit audiology students and professionals to go on the annual trip as volunteers. Mesa West Rotarians and interested family members are needed to handle logistical support during the busy four-day commitment.
Ray Smith coordinates recruitment and assignments for the lay-volunteers. If you are interested in participating this year, please Email Ray or contact him at one of our upcoming meetings.
This year's trip will take place November 6th through 9th. Ray already has two volunteers committed to participate - Frank Rosenberg and his daughter, Sam Rosenberg, who recently returned from her youth-exchange adventure.
Registration Link: D5495 RLI Session I, II, & III You can also register on the District website at: rotary5495.org, or contact Polly Cady at pcady@cadyfam.com
Learn more about Rotary beyond the club level through facilitated discussions with other Rotarians from our District.
Mesa West Rotary Club will reimburse members who register and attend any session they have not previously attended.
Come interact with fellow Rotarians about:
Rotary Basics
Community Service Ideas
Leadership Styles
Rotary’s Impact Worldwide
Ethics & Vocation
Engaging Members
RLI is a world-wide organization that some refer to as Rotary’s “College of Knowledge.” RLI touches on “everything Rotary” and is not a “leadership” course to become an officer of your Club. RLI is made up of three one-day Sessions to give you an overview of what Rotary is and what it does worldwide. Its goal is to create ENTHUSIASM for Rotary and show the enormous potential of Rotary service and how with knowledge and excellent leadership in Clubs, the world will benefit.
CLICK HERE or on the image to download event flyer
This event is intended to help us get better acquainted and engage with our newest members, informing them about our club. All members and their guests are welcome to attend
2024-25 Rotary International Theme - The Magic of Rotary
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.
To commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, Mesa West Rotary and Tempe South Rotary Clubs joined forces to conduct a week of service project refreshing the Rose Garden at MCC. At the time of the meeting, two work days had already taken place - on September 7 and September 11. Another work-day was scheduled for Saturday, September 14. Jay recounted an incident that took place while they were working. There was a woman in the area with a baby carriage which contained two dogs. At first, they thought she was just out for a normal Saturday walk. They offered her some water and a Burrito. Two hours later, she was still there with her dogs. They offered her another water. She asked if she could have their help in accessing a restroom. She opened up, in tears relating that she was homeless. Jay called 911 to get assistance in referring her to homeless services in Mesa. Jay said the police did an amazing job handling her situation. He was so impressed he wrote a letter to the media about the quality service provided by Mesa PD.
Jack Rosenberg led the Pledge of Allegiance
Dick Myren offered the invocation
On a recent trip, Jay was in New York. While there, he visited the 9/11 Memorial and the museum. He asked a docent to tell him about something he might not know. She pointed to a post. It was the last post standing in the buildings. She knew her husband, who was a first responder, would have died near that post. For about seven years, it was too painful to think about. After his body was found by that pillar, she asked to be assigned to that area of the museum so she could feel close to him.
Introduction of Guest
Colleen Coons introduced potential member Gabby Duran with the Mesa Police Department. The group from the club that attended the community breakfast hosted by the police department met Gabby at the event and invited her to attend our meeting and consider becoming a member. Prior to her service with Mesa PD, Gabby spent fifteen years in McKinney Vento program in Phoenix. Each year, she hosts a holiday wish program in Rocky Point. She was born in Mexico, came to the US when she was five. She became a citizen seven years ago. Gabby has three daughters - one in college, one in high school, and a 12-year-old. She wants to give back. She has worked with students of all ages. She is a volunteer coordinator with the Mesa Police Department.
Attending via Zoom were Pai Bethea, Deb Koeneman, Lola McClane and Jeanie Morgan.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Chuck Flint
Chuck explained that the person who held the ticket drawn would automatically win the daily pot of $25 and a chance to try to draw the Ace of Clubs which would allow them to win the accumulating pot of $155. He asked Warren Williamson to draw the winning ticket. Warren was actually the holder of the stub of the ticket he drew making him the daily winner. When he attempted to draw the Ace of Clubs, he was not so lucky, the the large pot will be even larger next week.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition
Foundation Chair, John Pennypacker, invited Dan Coons to come forward to help him with a special Paul Harris Fellow recognition. There are two ways to receive Paul Harris Fellow recognition. One way is by making cash donations to The Rotary Foundation. The other way is to benefit from the transfer of "recognition points." In Mesa West Rotary, after a member has given $500 in cash, the club will use club recognition points to transfer 500 points to complete the member's first Paul Harris Fellow. After a member is a Paul Harris fellow, when they continue to give, both their balance and recognition point balance grow by amounts equal to their cash donation. They can transfer their recognition points to honor another individual.
There are certain aspects of leadership that touch John, and during her year as our Club President, as well as in other Rotary-related responsibilities Colleen has carried out relative to Rotaract, Interact Ambassador missions, and the start-up of McKinney Vento, Colleen has exhibited those qualities again and again. To thank Colleen for all that she has done, she was awarded her Paul Harris plus two recognition pin.
Introduction of Assistant Governor
Jay asked Dan Coons to stay and apologized for failing to introduce him as a guest earlier in the meeting. Dan said that he doesn't visit our club as often as he visits his other assigned clubs knowing that Mesa West is operating very smoothly and accomplishing a great deal. He reminded members that RLI would be coming up September 28 at the Thunderbird School of International Management in downtown Phoenix. It is an opportunity for members to learn about the larger organization of Rotary and get more involved.
Auction of Cardinals Memorabilia Contributed by Harry Grossman
Mark Newell served as auctioneer after mentioning that 9/11 was his 31st wedding anniversary, adding that his wife is a saint. There were a number of items in the collection donated by Harry: Cardinals Hat, Superbowl 49 hat, NFL hat, short-sleeve shirt, Cardinals tie, T-shirt with Nike logo, a book "When Football was Football (and the Cardinals were in Chicago)" "100 things Cardinals fans should know before they die, mini helmet signed by a former ASU quarterback. The opening bid was $50. Jay Paulus' final bid of $100 made him the proud new owner.
Happy Bucks - Sgt at Arms, Andy Bradford
Eric Silverberg was happy that the Messenger reminded him that September 12 marked his 12-year anniversary as a Rotarian.
Colleen Coons was happy to have Gabby Duran as a guest.
Dan Coons appreciated John Pennypacker's honoring of his wife and for his support of her while she served as Club President.
Marilyn Klingler was glad to be back.
Machel Considine celebrated her first year as a member of Mesa West Rotary and expressed her appreciation of how welcome the club members have made her feel.
Polly Cady was happy. She had found a wonderful paper towel holder while visiting in South Carolina. It came apart. Ed fixed it. Polly also was sad that she didn't make it to the Rose Garden on the 7th. She had set an alarm, but confessed, she turned it off...
John Pennypacker contributed sad dollars. He had travelled to California for services for Candy Pierce. He had gone through DG training under her leadership. She was delightful, energetic, accomplished lots of good things. She was way too young, at age 63. Her daughter organized a service for over 250 people. It was a beautiful sendoff for a very nice lady.
Ed Koeneman is looking for ratty old t-shirts. Westwood Interactors will turn them into dog chew toys. Multi-colors are great and all are welcome.
Jay Paulus was thankful for all who came out for the Rose Garden project, saying it has been amazing work they are getting accomplished.
Dick Myren contributed his traditional $2 for he and Rod Daniels.
Warren Williamson told about an off-season coach of the Chicago Bears. They had a fantastic team, but not a good quarterback. There was no-one available. He heard about a young Afghani soldier who threw a grenade 100 yards through a 7th story window. He soon thereafter saw another similar situation involving the same guy. Jamal was his name. They brought him to Chicago to be their starting quarterback. They won the Superbowl and Jamal was the MVP. He called his mother to celebrate. She said, "You called me about a silly game while your brothers are being attacked or shot at and your sisters are constantly in danger - I'll never forgive you for moving us to Chicago.
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.
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.
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Well, maybe NOT the shirt off your back, but instead some old t-shirts out of the back of your closet. 
When the Mesa Baseline Rotary Club merged with Mesa West Rotary Club in 2015, they brought with them their long-running Hearing Project in Guaymas, Mexico. 
Saturday, September 28, 2028
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:
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.
