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Special Valentine's Day Meeting - February 14

The Arizona School for the Arts Choir will perform a repertoire of music to entertain our members and their guests. Please plan to attend and bring someone special. In addition to this Valentine treat, Cupid will present a token of appreciation, on your behalf, to all our visitors!

To help the Hilton staff be prepared, e-mail Aubrey to let her know if you will be bringing a guest.

CLICK HERE or on the image to download the flyer.

Highlights of February 7, 2019 Meeting

President Chris Krueger opened the meeting with Bert Millett offering the invocation and Polly Cady leading the Pledge of Allegiance. She thanked Bob Jensen for greeting members and guests as they arrived for the meeting. Ray Smith led everyone in singing "Let Me Call You Sweetheart" to start celebrating Valentine's week!

Guests

Visiting Rotarians, Erwin and Joan Reiman from Rapid City, South Dakota were present. Dil Brinton from the Mesa Club was present and introduced our soon-to-be-member, Lola McClane. Bert Millett introduced his guest, Tony Caliendo, who recently joined Bert's practice, Orangewood Law Group, as a partner. Bruce Dransfeldt, from Chandler Horizon Rotary, was back as a visitor. Dick Myren introduced Tom Mellen, visiting from Farmington Maine Rotary. Rik Bucy was visiting from the Soldotna, Alaska club. PDG Lloyd Gnirk from District 5650 was visiting from Omaha, Nebraska.

Drawings

Jim McGown won $10 in the weekly attendance drawing, since $5 had rolled over unclaimed from the January 31 meeting. Dr. Ron Thompson handled the weekly raffle. He announced that the lucky ticket holder would win $37.00, and if they were lucky, and drew the ace of clubs from the remaining cards in the deck, they would win $447.00. Having pooled their money to purchase raffle tickets, the three musketeers, Jack Rosenberg, John Benedict, and Steve Ross held the winning ticket. They appointed John to attempt to draw, but he drew the wrong ace - the ace of spades.

Happy Bucks

John Benedict reported that while caring for his daughter's dog, he took the dog on a walk and tripped over a speed bump and sustained an injury requiring stitches, but not a cast. Dick Myren paid his traditional Rod Daniels tribute $1 - happy to be a member of Mesa West Rotary. He paid an additional $1 because he was going to have to leave the meeting early. Penny May was happy to be back at Mesa West Rotary, although she clearly wished she was still on her recent island vacation to the Cook Islands. Penny explained that one of the major differences in meeting places for Rotary between Alaska and Arizona, is that in Arizona there are no coat and hat racks. John Pennypacker was happy to be heading to his niece's rehearsal dinner later and would be enjoying her wedding on Friday. Bruce Dransfeldt paid to promoting their annual hole-in-one fundraising competition. CLICK HERE to see a You-tube video about the event. He also announced that he is preparing tax returns for AARP at the Chandler Library. Allan Cady was happy that Larry Fitzgerald will be coming back to the Cardinals. Polly Cady was happy to be a Rotarian and had enjoyed their recent visit to the Verrado Rotary Club. Donna Goetzenberger announced that even though her Short Term Youth Exchange Chair and Inbound Chair had both resigned their positions, she was happy to have recruited Machel Considine from Tempe Kyrene Rotary to fill one of those positions and was very thankful that Dan Coons had attended her recent Youth Exchange Committee meeting. Donna is trying to expand her committee to a larger number of working members, so the volume of tasks involved in managing Youth Exchange can be accomplished by a broader number of Rotarian volunteers. The additional workers will make the program much more manageable and sustainable. Donna also reminded members that Colton Cagle, the current Interact District Governor, and a member of Westwood High School Interact Club (which is sponsored by Mesa West) will be an outbound Rotary Youth Exchange Student next year. One of his obligations for being selected is to come up with three host families to house an inbound student next year. They do not need to be in the Westwood High School district. Interested members were urged to contact Donna. Rotarians were urged to spread this opportunity to others outside Rotary. Lucinda was happy to have recognized her 2005-6 District Governor classmate, Lloyd Gnirk from Omaha, visiting our meeting. Dil Brinton with the Mesa Club announced that their club would be celebrating their 97th birthday soon and hoped many Mesa West Rotarians would celebrate with them. Chris Krueger was happy that one of her employees was going to receive the Chairman's Award from her bank that afternoon, and she might have to leave before the meeting was over to be there for the occasion.

Announcements

Allan Cady announced that the Sponsorship Campaign is just over half way to our goal of raising $40,000. Allan really believes we could raise $50,000 if members were to really get behind the program this year. He had a progress thermometer prepared by Paige Goetzenberger to illustrate our progress. He said there were brochures on the table, and Dan Coons had printed an additional supply for the meeting, and he was happy to report there is some action starting to happen.
Dick Myren announced that he had thank-you notes to hand out from Rod Daniels, who had prepared notes for those Rotarians who had reached out to him recently following the loss of his wife.
Dan Coons announced that he had visited the Westwood High School Interact Club. They were selling stickers to raise money for Crutches 4 Africa. Dan brought some of the stickers to the meeting to sell for $3 each. Members said it would be easier and faster to buy them for $5 each. Dan sold all the stickers he had brought to the meeting plus some invisible stickers at that price. Crutches 4 Africa is an Interact District 5495 service project. All Interact clubs have worked to collect mobility devices and raise money for them to be transported to Kenya to be delivered by a team of Interact Ambassadors and adult chaperones who will travel to Kenya this coming summer. The mission is coordinated with a partnership of Kenyan Rotarians and Rotaractors and Crutches 4 Africa, a US non-profit which strives to fill mobility needs in deprived communities of Africa.
Melody Jackson announced a grand opening of a new revolutionary skin care business one of her friends was starting.

Program

Pam Cohen introduced our guest speaker - Shamus the Insulter - from the Renaissance Festival. She reminded members that the renaissance was a period from the 14th to 17th centuries which marked a cultural awakening in Europe which was rich with transformations in language, art and music.

Shamus is a street act at the Arizona Renaissance Festival which will be open Saturdays and Sundays February 9 - March 31, 2019 during the hours of 10am to 6pm. Shamus gets paid to insult or compliment people for others. The Arizona festival is one of 61 across our country. Other festivals run from two weekends to two months in length. The local festival is run by a for-profit organization.

Shamus and his wife are full-time "renies" - modern nomads. During the week to supplement his insulting income, he teaches self-defense. He is a registered "Officiate" and over the years has officiated at 108 weddings at the renaissance festivals where he has worked. He has done this for twenty-seven years. He and his wife live in a yurt.

Renaissance performers and workers are not part of a troupe that picks up and moves from one festival to another. They are all independent. About half of the performers at the Arizona festival are local actors. About half of the vendors are on the road full time. He says it is a 24/7 lifestyle. They will be here in Arizona for two months for this festival. They do five festivals each year. They see a lot of the same people at the festivals they participate in and they have become a very tight and generous community which is there for each other when needed. The festivals he and his wife participate in are Arizona, Muskogee OK, Colorado, Minnesota, and North Carolina.

Shamus' wife is not a performer but has jewelry that she offers for sale at the festivals. His mission is to make people laugh and provide others with tools to be able to defend themselves. They have been married for eight years.

One of the things he prides himself in is that he is willing to answer any question. Taking him up on that challenge, Lolita Weisner asked him to tell her the meaning of life. In very flowery language, Shamus finally summed it up with "curiosity and kindness."

The site where the Arizona festival is held is owned privately. It was purchased over thirty years ago. The parcel contains almost 300 acres with the festival itself covering an enclosed 32 acres of the site.

Shamus said you cannot see the entire festival in one day. You can get a good flavor for it in one day - but won't see it all. It really has something for everyone and is very family friendly. The more adult themed "loose cannon" entertainment is found furthest from the admission gate.

Attending the festival is a great way to walk away from the stress of life for a day. They actually have added something similar to the "escape rooms" people pay dearly to spend an hour in. The festival's escape rooms provide only 15-minutes of relief.

The oldest festival in the United States started more than 50- years ago in southern California. In the mid to late 60's, they started trending to be more professional and more successful.

Dr. Ron finally couldn't stand it any longer. He wanted to hear Shamus ply his trade. He volunteered Greg Okonowski to be the recipient of a professionally delivered insult. Later in the meeting, Dr. Ron was the recipient of Shamus' talent.

Once in the festival, most acts are free, but tips are gladly accepted. Shamus has a square will gladly electronically process tips to insult or compliment people. Festival goers should expect to pay for food, rides and items purchased from vendors. An additional service he offers is setting the mood for a marriage proposal. So far, the success rate is 18/18.

One of the Rotarians noticed a unique mug hanging from Shamus' belt. Shamus explained that it has lasted him a very long time. He crushes metal mugs, breaks ceramic mugs, and plastic just doesn't fit his persona. The wooden mug seems to be nearly indestructible. Similar mugs are available at Mug O' The Woods.

In answer to a question, Shamus explained that jousting is kind of like football where the participants are frequently sidelined from injuries, but said the horses do not get injured. He offered cards good for a free insult or compliment at the festival.

Jim Schmidt wanted to hear one of Shamus' compliments and suggested he compliment Jeanie Morgan. It was the best compliment Jeanie remembered ever receiving. It was priceless.

Read more...

Sponsorship Campaign Tips

WHY A SPONSOR PROGRAM?

Donors appreciate that all their donation will be used for good rather than support event costs.
Opportunity for both private and business donors to support our causes.
Past and potential members can support what we do even though they don't currently have time to participate as members.
MOST OF THESE DONORS WILL SUPPORT THE SAME CHARITIES EACH YEAR IF/WHEN ASKED.
One successful sponsorship program is the foundation for annual campaign successes.

Successful sponsorship programs are annual programs that take advantage of the needs all of types of donors. Our sponsorship program will be at its best when all of our members get involved by sharing their "Rotary Moments" with the people they come in contact with.

What is a "Rotary Moment?" It is any moment that grabs our heart and makes us want to enthusiastically tell our family friends and business associates why we are active Rotarians. Typically it involves a service project we've participated in. Sometimes it is something like polio eradication - especially for Rotarians who are old enough to remember when polio was epidemic in the United States. We are most effective when talking to potential sponsors if our Rotary experience is shared in a way that is personal, heartfelt and sincere.

In our sponsorship brochure there are several specific ways to direct donations, but we will have the greatest capacity to respond to needs presented to the Mesa West Foundation for funding if the majority of donations are received marked "Undesignated (to be used most needed)."

Allan Cady, said that members have asked him how he was so successful last year, and already this year in securing donations or pledges. When he reaches out to those he knows have the means to be generous, he spends some time on their existing relationship, catching up on what is happening in their family, their business, and their known hobbies. Then he moves on to talk about some of the things he is passionate about, ending with the things he enjoys most about his involvement in Rotary. It frequently results in the person he is talking to indicating that they are impressed with all that Rotary does and admire his involvement. It is then easy to offer to share a brochure that tells about some things we, as Mesa West Rotarians, specifically do. Some offer to make a donation on the spot. Sometimes it is a pleasant surprise after-the-fact to see how much they mail in after looking the brochure over. Some of his donors are family - others are long-time business associates or friends. The people who are closest to us are the ones most likely to support what we care about. CLICK HERE or on the image to download this year's Sponsorship Brochure.

Some ideas of potential donors each of us can reach out to are: school associates ♦ other professionals ♦ adult friends of our young children ♦ old business associates ♦ people frequently seen ♦ owners of our health club ♦ old neighbors ♦ children's school and PTA ♦ spouse's friends ♦ waiters/waitresses ♦ church associates ♦ cleaning establishments ♦ civic activities ♦ hair/barber salon ♦ insurance agent ♦ previous job ♦ real estate agents ♦ bankers or credit union ♦ doctor ♦ dentist ♦ restaurants ♦ country club ♦ neighbors ♦ relatives ♦ sports/hobbies ♦ accountant.

TEAMS

Chuck Flint

Melodie Jackson, Aubrey Luma, Steve West, Sharon Spane, Ted Williams, Darl Andersen, Karen Chavez, and Immanuel Beeson

Frank Rosenberg

Rick Deponte, Dick Myren, Polly Schumacher, Daryl Bethea, Keith Deering, Robert LaBarge, and Kristen Klein

Steve Ross

Bob Jensen, Jim McGown, John Benedict, Donna Goetzenberger, Don LaBarge, Jim Crutcher, Bert Millett, and Mai Ly Duong

Tim Troy

Kevin Gustafson, Jack Rosenberg, Don Boucher, John Bethea, Brian Harvey, Mike Whalen, and Mike Polley

Dan Coons - Team Ribeye

Wendell & Carolyn Jones, Aaron Huber, Jim Schmidt, Ray Smith, Polly Cady, John Pennypacker, and Colleen Coons

Terry Diedrick

Kurt Klingenberg, Chris Krueger, Jeanie Morgan, Geoff White, Lucinda General, Wayne General, and Erica Williams

Bob Zarling

Pam Cohen, Ed Koeneman, Greg Okonowski, Alex Cohen, Shane Buntrock, Warren Williamson, and Ron Thompson

Grant Management Seminar (GMS)

REQUIRED by The Rotary Foundation to qualify for Global Grants and District Grants

For a club to qualify for grants funds in the Rotary year 2019-20, at least one club member must have attended GMS. (See all qualification requirements posted on the District website.)

Who should attend: It is recommended that the club’s Chair for The Rotary Foundation and President-Elect attend. Please note: A Club can send as many participants as desired!

What will be learned: This 90-minute seminar will cover the responsibilities for grant stewardship, the application process, and the reporting requirements. This seminar will help a club start planning early for a District Grant. A District Grant provides additional funds for a club’s local/community project in 2019-20.

A club can apply for a 2019-20 District Grant between April 1 and June 30, 2019.

No cost to attend this seminar!

REGISTRATION - Choose any of the following:

Saturday March 16, 10 AM, at Larry Miller (formerly Berge) Ford community room, 460 E. Auto Center Dr., Mesa, AZ 85204 https://www.123signup.com/register?id=rxfyf

Saturday March 30, 10 AM, at Huntington University Arizona, 8385 W Mariners Way, Peoria, AZ 85382 https://www.123signup.com/register?id=rxfnm

Webinar on Saturday, April 6, 10 AM.

Webinar instructions will be emailed prior to the seminar.

https://www.123signup.com/register?id=rxfhf

Contacts for District Rotary Foundation Committee of D5495:

Jim Bissonett, Chair, 480-299-4441, jim@jbsolutions.com

Dale Gray, Grants Sub-Committee Chair, 602-418-5316, dale@grayds.com

Today's Chuckle

Aqua Africa - the change we can help effect

CLICK HERE or on the image to view a video that will create understanding about why our President, Chris Krueger is passionate about wanting to support Aqua Africa with a first-time Arizona awareness and fund-raising event during her presidential year.

February is Peace and Conflict Resolution Month

Rotary wages peace through:

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Feb 14, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting

Webinar

Feb 20, 2019
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Feb 21, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Feb 28, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Mar 07, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Mar 14, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Mar 20, 2019
7:30 AM – 9:30 AM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Mar 21, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Mar 28, 2019 12:10 PM

Mesa West Rotary Weekly Meeting

Mesa Hilton

Apr 04, 2019 12:10 PM

Feb 14, 2019

Special Valentine's Day Program

Arizona School for the Arts Choir - Valentine Serenade

Feb 21, 2019

Chuck Flint, Jim Erickson, and John Pennypacker

Foundation Day

Feb 28, 2019

Johrita Solari

Rotary International Board Initiatives

Mar 07, 2019

Claire McWilliams

ASU Hospitality and Tourism

Mar 14, 2019

Meredith Potts

The Mongolian Project

Mar 28, 2019

General Mick McGuire

Arizona National Guard

Apr 04, 2019 12:00 PM

Graeme Sellers

Rotary Scholar Experience in Scotland

View entire list

Member Birthdays

Jeanie Morgan

February 10

Melodie O. Jackson

February 17

Bert Millett

February 18

Kurt Klingenberg

February 27

Spouse Birthdays

Kaye Andersen

February 10

Anniversaries

Kurt Klingenberg

Randi

February 24

Join Date

Alan Ramsdell

February 1, 1985

34 years

Bert Millett

February 1, 2007

12 years

Erica Williams

February 1, 2018

1 year

James Schmidt

February 1, 1984

35 years

Kristin Klein

February 1, 2018

1 year

Christine Krueger

February 13, 2006

13 years

President

Christine Krueger

President Elect

James Schmidt

Secretary

Donna Goetzenberger

Treasurer

Lucinda General

Club Service Director

Pamela Cohen

Service Projects Director

Melodie O. Jackson

The Rotary Foundation Director

Charles F. Flint

Membership Director (480) 213-1617

Don LaBarge

Public Image Director

Jeanie Morgan

Executive Secretary

Aubrey Luma

Jeanie Morgan
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