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Welcome to our Rotary Club of Mesa West!
Mesa West
THE ACE OF CLUBS
We meet Thursdays at 12:00 PM
Via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Mesa, AZ
United States of America
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Stories
Message from our President

At our Changing of the Guard ceremony last Thursday I had a few notes of what I wanted to say but I missed a few points.   But first I will start by another big thank you to all of  the Club Presidents who served before me and the entire Club membership.  Their collective work has made Mesa West the great club that it is and has built the foundation that allows me to enjoy the position of Club President even more.

The points that I missed last Thursday are a couple of big thank yous.  There is one individual in the club that I give credit to for enhancing my viewpoint of Rotary to a level much larger than the club level and allowed me to enjoy the personal growth that Rotary has to offer.  That individual is Past District Governor Don LaBarge.  Long before I transferred my membership to Mesa West Don asked me to participate in some district events and I accepted that invitation.  That was the beginning.  To me Don can be a bit intimidating at times (Vietnam veteran, Phoenix police including undercover work, etc.) so I don’t always think of him as using finesse with a gentle nudge.  But looking back that is exactly what happened as he mentored me.  A big thank you to Don.

The other thank you I missed is to my wife Colleen.  She has inspired me to make major changes in my life and is someone I will be leaning on daily to accomplish my duties as Club President.  Thank you Colleen.

Let’s enjoy our year ahead.

Dan

Changing of the Guard - July 2, 2020
The Changing of the Guard celebration for Mesa west Rotary began with a PowerPoint slide presentation showing highlights from Jim Schmidt's year of service as our Club President.  It was Mesa West's first attempt to combine an in-person meeting with fewer attending (to allow optimal social distancing) with Zoom technology.  CLICK HERE to see the PowerPoint slides.
 
Wendell Jones and Ray Smith made a surprise visit and presented Jim and Dan with balloons and  a card showing a couple of friendly dogs on the front and expressing they felt "so lucky to have friends like you."  Inside the card said "All our other friends are normal."
 
Before passing the gavel, Jim had some remarks he wanted to share:
  • A highlight of the year was when Rotary International's highest honor - the Service Above Self Award was presented by District Governor David Simmer to our own Bob Jensen for his dedicated life of service to provide hearing to the people of Guaymas, Mexico.
  • Jim recognized Wendell Jones as the President's most appreciated Club Chair for his tireless well-planned work in arranging for our Speakers.
  • A Major Donor to Rotary International is one who has made cumulative donations to the Rotary Foundation of  $10,000 or more. This is Level one. Level Two recipients have given more than $25,000. Level Three Donors have given more than $50,000. And Level 4 cumulatively more than $100,000.  Dan Coons who is a member of the District's Foundation Committee assisted Jim in presenting the next award. Chuck Flint has been our Mesa West Foundation Chair and championed the cause with his enthusiasm, his time and his means. With Chuck's help we were awarded the District's top prize of the most members who signed up with Rotary Direct, for which we received $2,000 of district grant funds to be spent as we please. Jim was sure Dan and the new Board will make good use of it. Chuck was presented with his Major Donor Level Three Award and Pin. 
  • Jim thanked our Assistant District Governor Lee Holmes who has been terrific is supporting our club and attending our meetings and events. He also voiced his appreciation for District Governor David Simmer who has been exceptional. In David's video listing year-end District Credits, Mesa West Rotary was well represented by Chris Krueger who sat on 6 District Committees, Polly Cady 5, Jeanie Morgan 5, Pam Cohen, Allan Cady, John Pennypacker, Dan Coons, and Lucinda General all 3 each! Others included Donna Goetzenberger and Don LaBarge.  Our District involvement is second to none.
  • Each year it has been the Club's tradition to honor one Rotarian who stands out. Usually, as it is this year, their service above self stands out not only for the year in question, but winners seem to emulate a lifetime of Rotary service. This year is no exception.
    • This person devotes her time to Rotary, at all levels. She is the District Treasurer, and is a member of the District Membership, PETS, CLI, and Interact Committees. She is on the Board of TRVFA, The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona.
    • In her spare time, she serves us. She is on our Club's Board of Directors, always prepared and insightful, and Chairs Public Image and Youth Service. She writes the most amazing weekly newsletter called the Messenger that keeps us all aware and up to date each week. It is amazing. She takes pictures and notes at every meeting. When Aubrey stepped down to accept another position, she took over Aubrey's job, doing it superbly in a highly elevated fashion, and did so without remuneration, saving all of us and the Club a lot of money. She has cleaned up the books, moved it online with Lucinda's help, secured updated arrangements, cleaned up all past due accounts, and developed budgets and plans. She guides, suggests and enhances everything she touches. She is also humble and reliable and probably thinks she is not deserving. But she is, and the Board agrees. You all know her!  Jeanie will receive a beautiful clock as her award for the Mesa West Rotarian of the Year 2019-20 Award.
    • Jeanie was close, and hoped to complete her lifetime giving and become a major donor before she passes on. In her honor, we have made a contribution to get her to that level this year. 
  • Jim closed his presentation with a poem he had written:
A Tribute to the members of The Rotary Club of Mesa West, 2019-2020
 
Our members simply are the best!
Connections, friendships, we are blessed,
Like family welcome each new guest.
The Ace of Clubs is Mesa West!
 
This has been a different year
With COVID, loss, and racial fear.
Yet Rotary’s vision is crystal clear:
“Take Action” is our rally cheer.
 
We listen, connect, and find a way
To meet the needs of those whose pay
Is not enough for shelter lay,
Or have a running water day.
 
Hear ye Latins, Bob’s team has come!
A bus of docs, students, then some,
To help our friends whose hearing’s bum,
Or a carload of all Christendom.
 
They shout Bob’s praise, love gifts Chuck bears,
Pam’s jovial heart, Lucinda’s dare,
We feel their joy, embrace them there,
While “Logistics Ray” pulls out his hair.
 
Ray speaks their language, Wendell Chuck too,
The rest of us can barely do,
Chris organizes a thing or two,
Guaymas is blessed, and we are too!
 
Wendell, Chairman of the Speeches,
Steve Ross helped find these blathering leeches,
Wrapped in thought with what they teach us,
Instead we dreamed of white sand beaches.
 
Especially during isolation
Connecting Zoom increased frustration
Techie Greg, whose innovation
Distracting banners during invocation.
 
President Jim was always there,
Even in COVID with 8-week hair.
And Bunion Coons he didn’t care,
His locks are short and hardly there.
 
 
Banner John and AV Pam C.
Always early and sometimes fancy,
Hanging banners big and burly,
Usually straight, but sometimes squirrely.
 
Ray-O-vac Smith, with pep and fizz,
Led the singing, a tenor whiz,
Eating dessert—whatever there is,
And always conducting Guaymas biz.
 
Daryl Darl, Wendell Jim Ray,
After piling plates from the buffet,
Could always call on them to pray,
And they would know just what to say.
 
The Elder table “reserved” each day
Wendell Carolyn Bob and Ray,
Daryl, Darl, Warren will say
We’re not a clique, we’ll befriend a stray.
 
Chuck’s at the table, Aubrey there too,
Selling a raffle, a ticketing zoo,
Quality control our club was not
But all the money went in the pot.
 
New Members Jim LeChem-i-what?
And Shelley Romine, a banker’s glut.
Lola’s talk was full of smut.
John jokes a lot, can’t roll a putt.
 
Six dedicated PDG’s
They joke and serve and often tease,
Their year as gov, no job of ease,
Yet still they serve on bended knees.
 
Don’s dedicated Army bell,
The ringing I could never quell.
The merry ringers that he’d compel
To keep families from hunger hell….
And remember Alan Ramsdell.
 
Financial planner Don Boucher
Took us to task when wrong, Touché’!
Sergeant Greg would make us pay
For anniversary and birthday.
 
The surgeon thought he’d take a whack
And cut on Jack the Ripper’s back,
Still greets and yacks when Chuck’s out back,
Now fine, he has no place to snack.
 
Evening meetings did never jell,
In COVID bid them fond farewell
The food at night was their death knell
Will we get back to our Hotel?
 
Allan and Polly travel away
They say its Rotary business day
Instead on boat sailing away.
Chris goes to Ron for her inlay.
 
Frank sits at the family table,
His family’s there when they are able.
Pam wants fiber optic cable
And good Wi-Fi for speaker’s table.
 
John takes the books the speakers signed,
Bert greets with smiles, is rarely fined,
Melody serves, gets us assigned,
And Dick keep Rod each week in mind.
 
Large global grant with Chris and Buey
Son Hee’s eggrolls, crisp and chewy.
Microcredit loans aren’t screwy
Cause Darl’s tough and won’t take hooey.
 
Tom and Polly, devoted Zoomers,
Looking good, must be late bloomers,
Poor Jim Crutcher, lost Mom too sooner,
Those baby boomer car consumers.
 
Youth are Donna’s claim to fame,
She loves and knows each student’s aim.
COVID travel knew no shame,
The District all her work proclaim.
 
Lifetime awards to Pam and Chuck,
With them our Club won’t run amok!
Training, youth, Foundation, luck,
District, giving, won’t pass the buck.
 
Although awards this year are few,
One’s so deserving, she got us through!
Yes, Jeanie Morgan in her debut
No type of task did she eschew.
 
Cleaned up the books, we went on line,
Recorded every joke of mine,
The Messenger, detailed, so fine
Never a project she’d decline.
 
Behind the scenes she gives great counsel,
Her wisdom’s clear and always thoughtful,
She cleans up District and club financial,
The choice for her was never doubtful.
 
The Board’s exciting, insightful group,
When talking, sound like chicken coop,
But always kept me in the loop.
A dedicated amazing group!
 
Colleen and Dan, our awesome host,
Dan’s leadership you’ll love the most!
To this New Year, let’s give a toast!
Hope you enjoyed this rhyming roast!
 
With Jim playing the role of The Lone Ranger and Dan appearing as Tonto the brave masked man handed over his white hat and mask to Tonto who will be our hero for the coming year.  Dan said the club can look forward to lots of projects in 2020-21 including making use of the $2,000 district grant we won for having the most members utilizing Rotary Direct.  He indicated he would like to support the projects in Rocky Point, Mexico that were introduced to us by one of our 2019-20 speakers - Kathleen Duncan from Steps of Love.  He mentioned the obvious "Elephant in the Room" COVID-19 which is causing us to continue meeting via zoom in the foreseeable future.  There is some talk about starting to get back together with mini -small group - meetings where social distancing could be more easily achieved.  More to come as this idea is explored.  Dan's board will be President-Elect Bob Zarling, Secretary Lola McClane, Treasurer Geoff White, and directors, Don Boucher, Allan Cady, Pam Cohen, Chuck Flint and Shelly Romine,
 
See the Mesa West Rotary Facebook page for more photos from the event.
 
Call to Action - Community Service Project
Hello Rotarians.  If you have been listening to President Dan you will know we are going to be having monthly volunteer opportunities to demonstrate that we are truly people of action.  Our first opportunity is with the United Food Bank at a food distribution event.  The details are below:
 
Date: Wednesday July 29th
Time: 5-8:30 pm (could end sooner if food runs out)
Location: Wells Fargo Bank 1860 E University Drive, Mesa AZ 85203
 
This is an outdoor event so if you are heat sensitive you may wish to consider a small cash contribution instead of attending.
 
Masks, gloves and closed toed shoes are required.  They will provide latex gloves but if you have a latex allergy you would need to bring your own gloves.
 
They would like us to have a minimum of 12 volunteers for the evening, so I need to let them know ASAP how many volunteers to expect.  Please let me know if you will be attending by Friday.
 
Please let me know if you have any questions.
You can CLICK HERE to email me or call me at 480.299.4533
 
Thank you!!
Shelly Romine
Today's Chuckle
Something to Ponder
You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do   ~    Henry Ford
The Most Efficient Way to Support The Rotary Foundation
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 which gifts are matched two-for-one 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 timelier.
Support TRVFA
Donations to The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona made through April 15, can be used to qualify for the
Arizona's Credit for Contribution to a Qualifying Charitable Organization for the 2019 or 2020 tax year, but not both!  Their QCO Code is 20698.
 
When everything starts to settle after our current pandemic-related business slow-down is history, some things may never to back to the way they were.  There may well be a shortage of workers that require vocational certifications available to those in low-income groups through TRVFA grants.  Your gift today may help someone have a better tomorrow!  CLICK HERE to donate on-line or CLICK HERE to download a mail-in form.
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Public Image Director
 
Club Service Director
 
Service Projects Director
 
Director
 
Foundation Director
 
Executive Secretary
 
Upcoming Events
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jul 09, 2020
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jul 16, 2020
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Monthly Board Meeting
Jul 21, 2020
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jul 23, 2020
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Service Project - United Food Bank
Wells Fargo Bank
Jul 29, 2020
5:00 PM – 8:30 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Jul 30, 2020
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Aug 06, 2020
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Aug 13, 2020
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
Monthly Board Meeting
Aug 18, 2020
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting via Zoom
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3748672091
Aug 20, 2020
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
 
View entire list
Speakers
Jul 09, 2020
Youth Exchange and Interact
Jul 16, 2020
Certified Business Coach
Jul 23, 2020
Clydesdale Preservation Foundation
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Donna Goetzenberger
July 3
 
Lola McClane
July 3
 
Erwin Reimann
July 26
 
Spouse Birthdays
Donna Goetzenberger
July 3
 
Kelli Millett
July 13
 
Mike Krueger
July 15
 
Erwin Reimann
July 26
 
Anniversaries
Sharon Spane
Ron L Spane
July 2
 
Steve Ross
Luin Ross
July 4
 
Dan Coons
Colleen Coons
July 5
 
Brian Harvey
Marsha Harvey
July 19
 
Join Date
Darl Andersen
July 1, 1974
46 years
 
Chuck Flint
July 8, 2004
16 years
 
Tim Troy
July 17, 2008
12 years
 
Download Files
October, 2019 Mesa West Rotary Calendar
Rotary District 5495 Links
District Links
Rotary Interact District 5495
Rotary District 5495
The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA)
Rotary Youth Exchange
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - RYLA
RYLA Service Project Support
Bulletin Editor
Jeanie Morgan
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