The meeting began with Ray Smith leading the club in a rendition of White Christmas. The invocation was by Wendell Jones and the pledge was led by Frank Rosenberg.
Guests
We could all tell what a great job Pam Cohen did in promoting our program as the guest list was long and distinguished. The list included Nick Revell and Kati Campbell, guests of Lucinda and contributors to our sponsorship program; Carmen Gillette, guest of Frank Rosenberg; Brian Harvey’s wife Marsha; Suzanne and Morgan Davis; guests of Wendell Jones; Jim LeCheminant’s wife Michelle; Major Scott Ramsey of the Salvation Army and hopefully soon-to-be our newest member, guest of Don LaBarge; Frank Robison and Paul Vander Haden, guest of Bob Zarling; and Ron Thompson’s wife Toni.
Drawings
Pam Cohen won the attendance drawing. The weekly raffle drawing was $40 with the cumulative pot at $851 which would be awarded if the raffle winner drew the Ace of Clubs from the diminishing deck of cards. Tim Troy was the raffle winner of the $40 but chose to draw the Jack of Diamonds. The cumulative pot lives on until next year.
Happy Bucks
Pam Cohen was happy she won the attendance drawing and happy for the program we were about to enjoy. Collen Coons was happy her husband wasn’t as wimpy with his foot surgery as he was with his past knee surgery. Dan Coons initially had a happy dollar that his wife was there but rescinded it after listening to her happy dollar story. Tim Troy was happy he was there. Lola McClane was happy for the opportunity to ring the Salvation Army bell. Marsha Harvey was happy it is the bell ringing time of year. Brian Harvey was happy that Shelly Romine gave him perspective on cold weather as he was ringing the Salvation Army Bell (Shelly has the Idaho perspective...it’s not that cold in Mesa!). Warren Williamson was happy his wife Son Hee was there and that he is in good health unlike the other two club members who have Asian spouses. Warren indicated that he has never been in the hospital and the only bone he has ever broken was in his sister's leg. Chris Krueger was happy her father is doing well after getting a pace maker and happy that she was heading to Nebraska to visit her grandchildren. Darl Andersen was happy that John and Daryl Bethea were both there at the same time. Steve Ross was happy his hip surgery went well, and his son is on his way to Arizona for a visit. Ron Thompson is having a birthday and contributed $100 to his Paul Harris. Bob Zarling was happy the Highland High School Strolling Strings performed at his community last week. Don LaBarge was happy for all of the support and contributions to the club project of ringing the Salvation Army bell at Bass Pro Shop. Don also presented a list of some of his friends, relatives and neighbors that gave him additional contributions. Jim Schmidt was happy for all the guests and attendees at the meeting.
Presidential Humor
President Jim recalled a story from his childhood where his 3rd grade teacher asked anyone in her class to stand up if they thought they were stupid. After some hesitation one boy in the room slowly stood up. The teacher asked, “Johnny, do you think you are stupid?” Johnny responded, “No, but I felt bad that you were the only one standing.”
The club noted that Jim quickly sat down after telling that joke!
Program
The club was gifted with having the Dickens Carolers perform numerous holiday songs for our enjoyment. There were four carolers in period costumes with beautiful voices. After their first song they passed out gifts of popcorn to all attendees. They then sang several other holiday songs for about 30 minutes including a personal serenade of Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer and Santa Claus is Coming to Town to Aubrey’s son Zane. They finished with We Wish You A Merry Christmas. A big thank you to Pam Cohen for arranging this program.
Announcements
Jim presented the four Hilton employees that provide our luncheon service with gift cards thanking them for their efforts.
Jim also auctioned off three hand-made purses made by Son Hee Williamson. Thanks to Son Hee for her generosity and talent.
On December 23, Don LaBarge wrote: "For the first time in all the years of ringing our kettle received a $1,475.00 gold coin. This happened on Dec 20th a Friday during Lucinda & Wayne's shift around 3:30pm. Lu will tell the story when we meet."
At that time, he reported 2019 income at $11,000 with four kettles not yet counted - including the one with the gold coin.
Tis 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.
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.
Phone: (928) 649-5772 — NOTE: If 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.
We believe good health care is everyone's right. Yet 400 million people in the world can't afford or don't have access to basic health care.
Disease results in misery, pain, and poverty for millions of people worldwide. That's why treating and preventing disease is so important to us. We lead efforts both large and small. We set up temporary clinics, blood donation centers, and training facilities in underserved communities struggling with outbreaks and health care access. We design and build infrastructure that allows doctors, patients, and governments to work together.
Our members combat diseases like malaria, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and polio. Prevention is important, which is why we also focus on health education and bringing people routine hearing, vision, and dental care.
How Rotary Makes Help Happen
We educate and equip communities to stop the spread of life-threatening diseases. Rotary members have hundreds of health projects underway around the world at any given time.
The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary that enables the amazing work we, as Rotarians, are all proud to be a part of. Every Rotarian is strongly encouraged to support TRF every year by donating to the General Fund of TRF. The target gift is $100 per year per member. That has been the target for a very long time and in the US the average family income has multiplied a few times since that target was set. Many Rotarians who have the means to do so have set their personal target at the $1,000 per year mark making them eligible for the Paul Harris Society level of donor recognition.
The End Polio Now campaign is a separate fund to gifts are matched by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Many Rotarians choose to support both the general fund and the fight to end polio.
No matter what level you decide to donate, please support the Foundation by giving through Rotary Direct. CLICK HERE to get answers to commonly asked questions about this program. DOWNLOAD A FORM to authorize your Rotary Direct donations. By giving through Rotary direct, the opportunity for human error is eliminated and recognition credit for the Rotarian and their club is much more accurate and timely.
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On December 23, Don LaBarge wrote: "For the first time in all the years of ringing our kettle received a $1,475.00 gold coin. This happened on Dec 20th a Friday during Lucinda & Wayne's shift around 3:30pm. Lu will tell the story when we meet."
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We believe good health care is everyone's right. Yet 400 million people in the world can't afford or don't have access to basic health care.
