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Volunteers Needed This Saturday

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED FOR MESA SPRINT TRIATHLON. Mesa West Rotarian, Bert Millett, has appealed to fellow Rotarians to volunteer. Here are the details regarding this community service opportunity benefiting the Foundation for Mesa Parks and Recreation.

"Race Day is this Saturday, September 29 at Skyline High School. We could use help with set up at 5:00. Volunteers are assigned to a place on the bike or run course by 6:30, where they encourage the participants and help them know where to go. The kids Splash and Dash begins around 9:00. We’re all cleaned up and done by 10:30 or so."

To volunteer, CLICK HERE to send your contact information to bert@orangewoodlaw.com.

To learn more about the event, visit https://mesasprinttriathlon.com

Highlights of September 20, 2018 Meeting
President Chris Krueger opened the meeting asking Immanuel Beeson to offer the invocation and Pam Cohen to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.  In remembrance of 9/11, Ray Smith led those in attendance in singing My Country Tis of Thee.  Steve Ross was thanked for serving as official greeter for the meeting.
 
Guests
John Benedict introduced his wife, Jane, and Daughter, Julie.  He also introduced Colb Arbin, Executive Director of Friendship Village, Tempe.  Dr. Steve Ferrara was introduced.  Bert Millett introduced Ryan Ellis of the YMCA.  Immanuel Beeson introduced his wife, Holly, and daughter, McKenna.  Penny May, a regular visitor during our cooler months, was back, stating she has made a "note to self" to wait until October 1 to return to Arizona next year.
 
Drawings
Chuck Flint was the $5 winner when the token with his badge number was drawn.  Penny May won the $22 weekly drawing, but failed to win the initial $22 in the accumulating pot when she drew a club from the deck, but not the ace of clubs.  
 
Buck Board
Before circulating with the board, Chuck Flint took time to explain the Buck Board in light of so many visitors in the room.  To do good in the world, Rotary operates The Rotary Foundation.  Those who donate $1,000 or more are recognized as Paul Harris Fellows, honoring one of the original four individual founders of Rotary in Chicago in 1905.  The Buck Board has ten vertical columns and ten horizontal rows, making a total of 100 squares available to be sold at a price of $10 each.  Visitors must pay cash, but members can charge the cost of their square(s) to their membership account.  When all squares are sold, cards will be drawn to assign values to the columns and rows.  Those twenty cards will be shuffled and redrawn to eliminate columns and rows until only one square remains.  The holder of that square will have $1,000 donated in their name to The Rotary Foundation, and receive a receipt for that tax deductible donation.
 
Announcements
  • Allan Cady announced that we are weeks away from the Guaymas mission.  Funding of the Gift of Hearing Mission comes from "a 4-legged stool:  Mesa West Foundation, Mesa Baseline Foundation, volunteer participant contributions, and contributions from Mesa West Rotary Club and its members.  This year, Rotarians who contribute $100 or more will be entered in a drawing.  Four winners will each win one of three available purses or an afghan - all made and contributed by Son Hee Williamson.  Polly Cady was the first to contribute $100 in honor of Allan's recent birthday.
  • Brian Goetzenberger announced that we are kicking off our second annual sponsorship program, which produced $40,000 in contributions last year.  Updated brochures were distributed to members present for their use in approaching those who donated through them last year or new donors.  Letters will be sent to last year's donors.  We will have a team approach to the drive again this year.  Allan Cady mentioned that he and Polly had attended a Rotary meeting in Pt. Loma the prior week.  One of their members suggested that for those who are uncomfortable asking for money, that they pass on information about potential donors so that others in their club could make the "ask."  Brian and Allan both thought that was a good idea and encouraged members to provide potential donor information to them so they can approach the donor.
  • Bert Millett reminded members that remembered when he was involved in a project several years ago to build a park in Mesa.  He was energized by that project and has been involved with Mesa Parks since that time.  One fundraising project supporting parks he has been involved with is the Mesa Sprint Triathlon.  Volunteers are needed - Caiu is already scheduled to help.  (See a separate letter in this e-mail.)
Trivia
President Chris is starting a new practice to encourage members to read the weekly newsletter and monthly Rotarian magazine.  Steve Ross was the first winner, correctly answering that A.T.Still University is the location of a new Rotaract Club soon to be launched.  There was some debate about the accuracy of the Rotarian trivia question, but the correct answer to the number of countries where polio cases have been diagnosed this year is three.
 
Auction Item
Bob Zarling has recently returned from an extended vacation in Wisconsin.  He had a bag to auction containing a variety of unique-to-Wisconsin items (some perishable):  pecan kringle, Spotted Cow Beer, Cheese, Sausage, Wisconsin BBQ Sauce, Craisins (Wisconsin is the largest cranberry state in the nation), cheese-head socks, canned green beans from the green bean Green Bay packers.  Chuck Flint's bid of $40 made him the proud owner of the bag.
 
Happy Bucks
Polly Cady enjoyed celebrating Allan's birthday in Pt. Loma.  Jane Benedict was wished a happy birthday by all.  Dr. Steve Ferrara was happy to be at his first Rotary meeting.  Penny May's Alaskan Club hosted a delegation from Russia wanting to learn more about good business practices.  Immanuel Beeson says with the holidays approaching, his favorite time of year - Salvation Army Kettle Season - is coming.  He and his wife, Holly, met during kettle season.  He introduced Holly who shared that this year in mesa they will have a Kettle Kickoff Dinner on November 8.  They will have celebrity Bell Ringers, a silent auction, and will sell tables to raise fund to support the work they do.  In another Salvation Army post, Holly reported that their kick off dinner raised as much as the entire crew of bell ringers raised during the rest of the season.
 
Paul Harris Recognition
Chuck Flint invited Karen Chavez to be honored with recognition for her generosity to The Rotary Foundation as a Paul Harris Plus 2 donor.  In doing so, he reminded members that one of the focuses of The Rotary Foundation is education, and important focus because 10% of the world population is illiterate.
Pam Cohen introduced the representatives of Child Crisis Arizona to provide the program:
 
Jodi Stoken, with more than 16 years of fundraising experience, has lead the philanthropic efforts of Child Crisis Arizona since 2001. Jodi began her tenure with the organization as a volunteer in 1998 when she became a member of the Board of Directors. Her passion for the agency’s mission lead her to leave her career in the for-profit sector and join the Child Crisis Arizona team.  She has served on the Board of Directors of the Greater Phoenix Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).  In 2017, Jodi was awarded Fundraising Executive of the Year by AFP Greater Phoenix Chapter. As Chief Development Officer, Jodi directs and oversees the Child Crisis Arizona's philanthropic and marketing efforts and has a deep passion for connecting people to their philanthropy goals.  She serves Child Crisis Arizona as their Chief Development Officer.
 
Sue Gifford, has over 30 years of combined customer relations, real estate, and fundraising experience, serving communities in Michigan and Arizona.  She has an impressive history of successful fundraising experience prior to joining Child Crisis Arizona.  Sue is committed to make a difference to improve child welfare in Arizona. She is a participant of Scottsdale Leadership Class 33, is currently serving on the Board of Directors of ArtWins Arizona, the Greater Arizona Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), on the committee for the National Philanthropy Day luncheon.  Sue builds relationships with donors who are passionate about making a significant difference to support the mission and vision of Child Crisis Arizona. She serves as their Director of Major and Legacy Gifts.
 
In beginning her presentation, Jodi acknowledged the long connection of Mesa West Rotary to Child Crisis Arizona - especially the influence of Mesa West member, John Benedict.
 
A brief video helped establish the theme of intervention, prevention, and long term solutions to provide a legacy of love.  In 2017, Child Crisis Arizona provided 78,000 nights of safe sleep for children.  The other statistic shared, which is very concerning, is that in 2017, Mesa Arizona was number 1 as the fastest growing in childhood poverty.  Unfortunately, with poverty, abuse and family violence are, too often, associated problems.
 
Child Crisis Arizona has a model program of providing services that make a difference for families in crisis - especially the children:
Parent Classes & Workshops
Home Visitation Program
Emergency Children's Shelter
Foster Care and Adoption
Counseling
Early Education Services
 
John Benedict was honored by Jodi and Sue for his years of service with Child Crisis Arizona.  In 1988, he was already a legend.   He served on their board from 1984 to 2004, and on their foundation board.  One of his major contributions was the development of a long-range plan, the establishment of a thrift store, and the establishment of a program attracting endowments to their foundation.  John was supported in his volunteer service to Child Crisis Arizona by his wife, Jane and his daughter, Julie.  A feeling that kept him going was his memory of being struck with how starved the children in the shelters were for love and affection.  He was presented with a very special lifetime of service award.
 
Read more...
Save the Date - November 10 - Foundation Dinner
You're a Good Rotarian
Producer - ALAN HAVIR
Charlie Brown - JOHN PENNYPACKER
Linus - JIM ERICKSON
Lucy - COZETTE VERGARI
Sally - SHERRY MISCHEL
Snoopy - LARRY HORTON
Schroeder - JIM BISSONETT
Special Guest Star - JOHN ABBS/GIFT OF LIFE 
 
The District 5495 Foundation Dinner will be held Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel, 1600 South 52nd St., Tempe, AZ 85281.  A reception will begin at 5:00 PM with dinner and show at 6:00 PM.  Seating will be limited so plan to make your reservation early.
 
Today's Chuckle
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month
Basic Education and Literacy is one of the six "Areas of Focus" of The Rotary Foundation.  Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy.
 
Realizing that getting children into schools isn't enough to solve illiteracy, Rotary shifts to mentoring and coaching teachers.
 
CLICK HERE to read a story featured on the RI Website telling how Rotarians are making a difference with a program which teaches teachers how to integrate critical thinking skills into the process of teaching basic literacy.
Caiu's Wish List
As you all know our club has taken on the opportunity of hosting an exchange student from Ecuador.  Caiu has a great personality with a sense of humor and is fun to be around.  We would really like as many club members as possible to take advantage of the opportunity of getting to meet Caiu by sharing some time with him.  As such I have attached a list of activities that Caiu, Allan Cady, Frank Rosenberg and myself would like to make happen while he is here this school year.  We’ll call it his bucket list.  If you have an interest in sharing one or more of these activities with Caiu, sign up on the list I will bring to Rotary each week.  You could also send me an e-mail.  You can add your own activity – even dinner at your home would be great.
 
  1. Lake Havasu City
  2. Karchner Caverns
  3. Pinetop
  4. Flagstaff
  5. San Diego
  6. Navajo Reservation
  7. Monument Valley
  8. Universal Studios
  9. Snowbowl - Skiing
  10. Desert Museum
  11. Barrett-Jackson Car Show
  12. Arizona Museum of Natural History
  13. Magic Mountain
  14. Arizona Science Center
  15. Phoenix City Library
  16. Musical Instrument Museum
  17. Cardinal Football Game
  18. Suns Basketball Game
  19. Church Experience
  20. Christmas Presentation
  21. Christmas Caroling
  22. Rotaract Meeting - GCU (Allan and Polly Cady already committed)
  23. Interact Meeting - Westwood High School
  24. Hoseback Riding
  25. Hiking
  26. Mesa West Rotary Meeting
  27. Service Projects/Fundraisers
Upcoming Events
Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Oct 04, 2018 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Oct 11, 2018 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Webinar
Oct 17, 2018
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM
 
Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Oct 18, 2018 12:10 PM
 
WORLD POLIO DAY
Oct 24, 2018 11:59 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Oct 25, 2018 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Nov 01, 2018 12:10 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Nov 08, 2018 12:10 PM
 
Rotary District 5495 - Foundation Dinner and Show
Sheraton Phoenix Airport Hotel
Nov 10, 2018
5:00 PM – 9:30 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting
Mesa Hilton
Nov 15, 2018 12:10 PM
 
Speakers
Oct 04, 2018
Navajo Water Project
Oct 11, 2018
Official District Governor Visit
Nov 01, 2018
The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona
Nov 08, 2018
Interact Ambassador - Crutches for Africa Mission
Nov 29, 2018
Hearing for Humanity
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Don LaBarge
October 12
 
Scott Morris
October 13
 
Warren Williamson
October 15
 
Greg Okonowski
October 25
 
Pamela Cohen
October 29
 
Spouse Birthdays
Sandy Myren
October 20
 
Scott Williams
October 25
 
Anniversaries
Dick Myren
Sandy Myren
October 15
 
Join Date
Andrea Murphy
October 1, 2017
1 year
 
Shane Buntrock
October 1, 2012
6 years
 
Sharon Spane
October 1, 1988
30 years
 
Melodie O. Jackson
October 4, 2007
11 years
 
John M. Hunt
October 7, 1999
19 years
 
Brian Harvey
October 20, 2010
8 years
 
Ed Koeneman
October 28, 2010
8 years
 
Aaron Huber
October 30, 2001
17 years
 
Rotary District 5495 Links
District Links
Rotary District 5495
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards - RYLA
RYLA Service Project Support
The Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (TRVFA)
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Club Service Director
 
Service Projects Director
 
The Rotary Foundation Director
 
Membership Director (480) 213-1617
 
Public Image Director
 
Executive Secretary
 
Bulletin Editor
Jeanie Morgan
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