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.
UPDATE - Midwest Food Bank still needs our help. They are having a food drive soliciting donations of specific items. Each week, we will focus on collecting a different item on their list.
November 3- please bring granola or snack bars to our Mesa West Rotary Club meeting.
Hands-on Project Saturday, November 19 at Midwest Food Bank Facility
10 volunteers needed.
Saturday November 19th
Time: 9am-12pm
What will the task be: TBD. It depends on what product we have to be completed at that time. There's a good possibility it could be repackaging bulk cereal
Where is it: Indoors. 725 E Baseline Rd. Gilbert, AZ 85233. The warehouse is on Baseline in between Mesa and Stapley
Extras: Please carpool if possible - Midwest has very limited parking.
Please wear close-toed shoes to volunteer and wear warehouse appropriate clothing.
Rotary Leadership Institute offers a leadership development program in three full-day sessions (Parts I, II and III). Each time RLI is scheduled, all three parts are offered. The courses are designed to provide Rotary knowledge beyond the club level in a sharing environment where those in attendance learn from each other. The intent is to develop leadership skills for Rotary which are also relevant in other volunteer organizations.
Often RLI is scheduled in the Phoenix Metro area, but in some cases, it is scheduled in an outlying area, creating an opportunity for Rotary tourism.
The next RLI will be held at the Riverside Resort & Casino in Laughlin, NV on November 19, 2022. All the information is given in the link(below).
The competing chefs were pretty serious about getting the chili's set up, but other members and guests enjoyed socializing in the cool evening temperatures out on President Pam's patio. Some guests even had time for a little Corn Hole competition before the feasting began.
Polo Santiago was officially inducted and welcomed into the Mesa West Rotary Club membership with his family present and participating in the brief ceremony.
Assistant Governor Dan Coons was honored by John Pennypacker by being presented with his Paul Harris Fellow Plus Seven recognition pin, representing a total of $8,000 in donations from Dan to The Rotary Foundation.
The sampling of the chili's was taken pretty seriously by all those who were going to vote to choose the winners of the competition.
President Pam and Vickie Smith were both celebrating their birthday, and Ray Smith was kind enough to lead everyone in singing "Happy Birthday" to them.
The winner of the Most Unique Chili competition was Logan Harper. Winning the Mas Picante Caliente competition was Lu General. Club President and hostess Pam Cohen was the winner of the Best Overall Chili in the competition. There were no losers. All were delicious! Shelly Romine explained that this will likely be an annual event with a traveling trophy which will be presented to Pam at an upcoming meeting.
President Pam Cohen's call for members to show up and help her distribute candy to children living in the House of Refuge community at the Trunk or Treat Event Friday evening, October 28. Dave and Lynn Brauchler and Polo Santiago got into the Halloween Mood, and showed up in their costumes to help. Pam's SUV looked appropriately ghoulish. Mesa West's presence will create some special memories for the children who received treats!
President Pam Cohen Welcomed Members and Guests to the Meeting
Shelly Romine offered the invocation:
In a world where many are lonely
We give thanks for friendship and community.
In a world where many are despairing
We give thanks for hope.
In a world that many find meaningless
We give thanks for faith.
In a world where many are hungry
We give thanks for this food.
In a world full of needs
We give thanks for Rotary and the opportunity to serve
Amen
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Warren Williamson. President Pam thanked Steve Ross for serving as greeter, welcoming members and guests as they arrived.
Melodie Jackson and Bob Jensen who were attending the meeting via Zoom were welcomed to the meeting.
Introduction of Guests
Before introducing guests, Pam welcomed member Erwin Reimann back from his summer travel.
President Pam introduced Beth and Jim Hoban, visiting Rotarians from the Honolulu Sunset Rotary Club. They will be heading back to Hawaii before we meet again, but plan to return to Mesa early in 2023.
Carla Krcmarik introduced her mother, Cindy Baier.
Steve Ross introduced his guest, Corey Poore. Steve met Corey at LA Fitness. Steve apparently goes there to hang out while Luin works out. Corey knows Pam. Pam put in a plug for him. Corey handled a property of hers as a short-term rental and did a fabulous job.
Ace of Clubs Raffle - Dick Myren
After explaining that the holder of the winning ticket would automatically win $40 plus the opportunity to try to draw the Ace of Clubs from the deck of cards, which would net them another $332, he asked Corey Poore to draw the ticket. Lu General was the lucky winner. After very purposefully laying out the cards face-down on the table, the card she selected was the five of clubs. There will be one less card in the deck next week and the large pot will be larger.
Happy Bucks - Ron Thompson
John Pennypacker made an offer he hoped would inspire a generous donation to Child Crisis Arizona. He had attended their annual Lunch for Love October 26, and saved a very delicious-looking cookie to give to the person who committed to the donation plus he got up on a chair to model the unique Child Crisis Arizona socks he had purchased at the event, saying the donor could have the socks, as well. There were a few groans. No one seemed to want the socks until they were certain they'd been laundered...
There were no happy bucks commitments from the Zoom attendees.
Dick Myren contributed his traditional $2 for himself and Honorary Member Rod Daniels, happy they both have the privilege of being associated with Mesa West Rotary.
Polly Cady shared her brief Rotary Moment during Happy Bucks. They had been out of town and she nearly forgot to get something ready. She shared a fact from The Rotary Foundation focus on Community and Economic Development. She said nearly 800 million people on our planet live on less than $1.90/day, adding Rotary members are passionate about providing sustainable solutions to poverty. One solution - one which Mesa West is involved with in Mexico - is micro-credit. Another is skills training. She encouraged members to learn more at rotary.org.
Erwin Reimann was happy to be back. He said that Joan had recently had a light case of COVID, but thought it best, even though she is recovering, to stay away from the meeting.
Shelly Romine was pleasantly surprised that, after the rushed rescheduling of the Chili Cook-Off, there were already 40 signed up to attend the October 29 event. It is shaping up to be not only well-attended, but a lot of fun.
Beth Hoban paid Aloha dollars saying she was happy they found Mesa West and will definitely be back when they come again to visit family in Arizona. President Pam added a comment of her own saying she wants to visit their club in Honolulu
Warren Williamson shared a story about a socially awkward young engineer's interaction with am attractove young woman sitting on the grass strumming a guitar in downtown Scottsdale many years ago. Those who want to know more will need to ask Warren. Your editor's notes did not adequately capture the essence of the story.
Lu General challenged Don LaBarge to solve a mystery, since it is common knowledge that Don has an answer for everything. She has been seeing spinning things on buildings. There is one on the front of the Hilton. Some businesses have lots of them. Before Don could answer, Mike Whalen suggested the "spinning things" were pigeon deterrents. Don confirmed that he believed Mike was correct, so Lu paid up.
President Pam thanked Carla Krcmarik and Kevin Flegge for handling the club's Pints for Polio obligation on Saturday, October 22.
Bob Jensen pledged $5 happy bucks - one for each of the Mesa West Rotary Club members who would be traveling to Guaymas to help with the first hearing mission since COVID: Chuck Flint, Ray Smith, Jim Schmidt, Polo Santiago, and Erica Williams.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition - John Pennypacker
John invited Erwin Reimann to come forward to be recognized for his generous giving to support The Rotary Foundation. Erwin received his Paul Harris Fellow Plus Six recognition pin. John said that it would be hard to find a better organization to support. Erwin said he and Joan both contribute. President Pam explained the math. Paul Harris Plus Six represents a total of $7,000 having been given.
Program - Laird of Glencoe, John Pennypacker, Presenting Rotary International
Council on Resolutions (COR) and Council on Legislation (COL)
John shared information about something he is involved with in Rotary. Rotary worldwide is divided into Zones, and within each Zone, are Districts. Every three years, each district elects Primary and Alternate Representatives to represent their district at
Council on Resolution (COR) - which meets yearly online
Resolutions are requests to the Rotary International (RI) Board or the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation (TRF)
Adopted Resolutions are considered by the RI Board or TRF Trustees
Some Resolutions are requests by the RI Board to be considered for "Urgent Enactment" When adopted, these would result in a change to the RI Constitutional Documents. "Urgent" means these enactments must be adopted before the next COL.
Council on Legislation (COL) - which meets in-person every three years in Chicago. In recent years a Zoom option has been added enabling participation by those representatives who cannot travel to Chicago.
Representatives from each District review and vote on Enactments, which are proposed changes to the legislation that governs Rotary. They consider enactments, which change Rotary's governing documents, and position state of the RI Board.
John Shared some lists for members to get an idea of the kind of decisions the representatives are asked to decide. They are shown here with the results below each item considered.
2021 Council on Resolution
21R-05 To request the RI Board to consider replacing the annual presidential theme with the permanent theme of "Service Above Self.
Rejected Yes:181 No: 296 (John had voted "yes" thinking of the cost savings, but understands why it was rejected)
21R-14 To request the RI Board to consider ensuring that at least 30 percent of Future Rotary Foundation Trustees are women, and set a goal to have a female chair of The Rotary Foundation.
Rejected Yes: 185 No: 289
21R-16 To request the RI Board to consider setting an upper age limit of 35 for membership in a Rotaract Club.
Adopted Yes: 263 No: 213
21R-17 - To request the RI Board to consider changing Rotary Youth Leadership Awards to Rotary Youth Leadership Academy.
Adopted Yes: 357 No: 118
21R-19 - To request the Trustees to consider amending the fourth area of focus to include senior health.
Adopted Yes: 261 No: 213
21R-30 - To request the RI Board to consider ensuring the Rotary brand is adequately protected and that there is no association of the brand with firearms or ammunition.
Council on Legislation 2022
22-13 - from United States - Removed requirement that a member must work or reside in the locality of their club.
Adopted Yes: 402 No: 75
22-18 - from the RI Board of Directors - To state that Rotaractors may be members of RI committees.
Adopted Yes: 393 No: 79
22-27 - from the RI Board of Directors - RI Board is permitted to remove "past officer status" with 2/3 vote of board.
Adopted Yes: 295 No: 164
22-46 - from the RI Board of Directors - Enactment was to increase member dues to maintain 55% reserve level. This enactment was preceded by a lengthy presentation of the RI budget.
Adopted Yes: 285 No: 205
22-44 - To establish a two-term limit for the general secretary
Rejected Yes: 173 No: 304
22-45 - To establish a four-year term for the general secretary with a two-term limit
Rejected Yes: 142 No: 328
22-93 - To set qualifications and a compensation limit for the general secretary
Rejected Yes: 135 No: 336
Council on Resolution 2022 - voting was still underway, so final decisions were not yet available
22R-01 - To request the RI Board to consider encouraging senior members to increase their level of engagement with new members
22R-04 - To request the RI board to consider allowing retired professionals to add the word "retired" to their classification in Rotary's member database.
22R-07 - To request the RI Board to consider eliminating the logo and pin of the RI President
22R-08 - To request the RI Board to consider relaxing the qualification requirements for assistant governor and granting districts the discretionary authority to make their selections fo this role based on local conditions.
John shared a little bit about the protocol at the in-person meetings where these decisions are rendered. He showed the laminated cards they could hold up
Green indicates a "yes" vote
Red indicates a "no" vote
Yellow indicates the holder wishes to ask a question - questions are limited to a single sentence.
The striped card indicates the holder wants to end the discussion and effectively "call for the question."
It was clear that our club members have not yet learned how to ask a question in a single sentence. Since most of the elected representatives are Past District Governors, it is speculated that it is difficult for them as well. They can be cut off if their questions is too long. When club members voiced concern that perhaps there was too little information to make a sound decision, John held up a three-ring binder with close to half a ream of paper in it with pro and con comments on the various items being considered.
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.
Paul Harris Fellow Recognition - John Pennypacker
John shared a little bit about the protocol at the in-person meetings where these decisions are rendered. He showed the laminated cards they could hold up 
This is a REALLY big year for Mesa West.
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:.png)
