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Mesa West Rotary - Zoom Meeting 
 
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Meeting ID: 922 628 1770
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Meeting ID: 922 628 1770
Find your local number: https://zoom.us/u/acqirdt6D0
 
Highlights of April 30 Meeting
As members and guests were being welcomed to the zoom meeting, the protective gear Lucinda was wearing could not be ignored.  She explained how she had constructed it, and I am sure she would be glad to share details upon receipt of request.
 
A pleasant surprise for most who were attending was that lunch had been delivered to them compliments of the club prior to the start of the meeting, thanks to an exhaustive effort in coordination by Club Service Chair, Pam Cohen.
 
After welcoming everyone, President Jim brought the meeting to order.
 
Invocation
John Pennypacker offered an invocation honoring the one-year anniversary of his grandson's bar mitzvah - a Jewish blessing for a meal.
 
Patriotic Moment
Colleen Coons shared some  interesting facts about how she has seen the shipping and transportation industry coordinate efforts to embrace the necessary changes to accommodate the increased demand for medical supplies - masks, respirators, goggles, etc - from the point of origin to the end users.  With one photo she shared, we saw the passenger space of an Asia to US flight filled with packages.  The incredible amount of coordination required to get the packages loaded and secured on the plane(s), optimizing the use of available space in and around the seats was impressive.  What she shared was clearly more evidence of the new heroes who are emerging during the current pandemic.  The coordinated effort of various corporations has created project airbridge with 220+ flights to bring healthcare items to their destinations.  We all need to be celebrating truckers.  She often thinks of what she hears from Dan on a regular basis - "Share Rotary - we are People of Action - Together we're Stronger."
 
Happy Bucks
President Jim asked Greg Okonowski to manage Happy Bucks.  
  • Colleen Coons was happy their little man was coming home from California.
  • Allan Cady pledged $10 - happy he and Polly were able to be on the call.
  • Tim Troy pledged $43 to celebrate his recent birthday.  He also thanked Pam for his lunch.
  • Dan Coons also thanked Pam for lunch.  Dan was especially pleased to receive two lunches, although he acknowledged some regret that Colleen, who was in a different location than Dan, did not receive a lunch.
  • Lola McClane pledged $50 to honor Chuck Long, her brother-in-law, who recently lost his life to the corona virus.
  • Bob Zarling pledged $10 after viewing a virtual meeting and learning Blessing International in Africa is on military lockdown.
  • John Pennypacker was wearing a U.S.Army shirt thankful that 45 years ago - April 30, 1975 - the Vietnam War ended.  He was also celebrating the birth of his daughter 45 years ago.  To celebrate both occasions, he pledged $100 to the bed project Andrea Murphy told the club about earlier this year.
  • Greg Okonowski had some sad bucks as his wife, Laura, had been let go from her job.
  • Donna Goetzenberger pledged $20, thankful that Bryan had surprised her on their 20th anniversary with red roses, dinner, dessert, wine and a video collage celebrating their many wonderful memories which was created by their daughters.
  • Bryan Goetzenberger, said that what he did was a good template of what one should do to get out of the doghouse.
  • Pam Cohen pledged $5 hopeful dollars, believing that Wilder will be home from the hospital by Mother's Day, but a bit frustrated that she will have to be quarantined two weeks before she can touch her little grandson.
  • Dan Coons was happy to introduce a guest he had invited - Ben Yanofsky, President-Elect of Mesa Rotary.  They are becoming friends as they both prepare to lead their clubs next year.
  • Lucinda General was happy Rotary leaders are embracing change and encouraging many clubs to have virtual meetings on Zoom.  Lucinda recommended doing a little homework and doing an international Rotary makeup by attending a virtual meeting being held in another country.
  • Assistant Governor, Lee Holmes, reminded everyone that April 24-30 was World Immunization Week.  To honor Rotary's work to end Polio, Lee had made a donation of $250 to Polio Plus the night before the meeting.
  • President Jim pledged $10.  He has a son in New York, who thankfully is COVID-free, and who is trying to get to Phoenix for a job.  He has three friends who have tested positive and either have recovered or are recovering.
Rotary Minute
 
Chuck Flint shared some information about The Rotary Foundation.  Many members of the club have supported The Rotary Foundation for quite some time.  The most common funds supported are the Annual Fund.  Donors to the fund receive Paul Harris credit.  The fund is the primary source of funding for projects in the Areas of Focus.  Funds donated to the Annual Fund are invested for three years.  Earnings from those invested funds are used to pay operating expenses of TRF.  Half of the total amount donated by our district comes back at the end of the three years as District Designated Funds (DDF), which is the source of funding for District Grants.  The investments are very conservative with an emphasis on liquidity and income.  100% of the investments are in fixed income assets.  Last year, they earned 2.8%.  They currently total $433,000,000.  Historical donations total in billions.
 
Another fund Rotarians can donate to is the Endowment Fund, which is intended to provide permanent and sustained funding.  Donors can have a fund in their own name or in honor of someone and can designate the purpose for which funds can be paid out.  85% of those funds are invested in private equity accounts - much like retirement accounts.
 
Polio Plus donors also receive Paul Harris credit.  This fund is always invested in fixed income securities - primarily bonds.  Today, it is fully invested in short-term fixed income securities so that funds raised can be disbursed in shorter timeframes as we get closer to reaching our goal.
 
Last year, Mesa West invested in TRF grants originated by other clubs and are committed to grants like the one Chris Krueger is working with Aqua Africa to fund where we have more investment of our own members' time and passion in addition to our Mesa West Foundation dollars.
 
General Discussion
  • Members shared feedback about the District Governor's presentation April 23 on the Rotary Vision Statement.
  • President Jim said he was out of accounting jokes.  He was reminded of Art Linkletter  who used to share "Kids Say the Darndest Things,"  Art had shared that one needs to keep their sense of humor as they grow old. and if you need a laugh just look in the mirror to see what mother nature has done to your body as you prepare to bath.  He also reminded everyone of the Phyllis Diller quote - "A smile is a curve that sets everything straight."
  • Dan Coons shared that Kathleen Duncan from Steps of Love, the organization that is helping local kids in Rocky Point, Mexico get an education and was a speaker at our club in January, has temporary changed her focus to meet the food needs in the community of Rocky Point.  She is looking for contributions to help fill that need.  President Jim asked Dan to provide details to share in this Messenger:  Here is their website with a link for donations:  https://stepsoflove.org.  Dan has indicated if members prefer, they can give their donation to him and he will make sure the funds get to the Steps of Love office.
  • Jim thanked Pam for coordinating lunch.
  • Since we did not have a program, Jim asked members to use the fifteen minutes saved to reach out to someone and make a meaningful connection letting them know that they are cared for.
  • He also asked members to make a generous contribution to The Rotary Foundation if they are able.
 
COVID-19 Pandemic and TRF
The generosity of Rotarians has made it possible for TRF to fund 159 Disaster Response Grants and 101 global grants directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  
 
There are some temporary changes from the recently passed CARES Act, which might impact Rotarians and their charitable planning:
  • Required minimum distributions (RMD) for the 2020 tax year are optional.
  • Itemizers can deduct up to 100% of their adjusted gross income for charitable gifts of cash in 2020.
  • Non-itemizers can now deduct up to $300 in charitable giving.
Individuals age 70 1/2 and older can still make a qualified charitable distribution (QCD) from their IRA, which offers these important benefits:
  • You pay no federal income taxes on the gift.  The transfer generates neither taxable income nor a tax deduction, so you benefit even if you do not itemize your deductions.
  • Your gift will be put to use immediately, allowing you to see the difference your donation is making.
Rotarians are encouraged to consult their financial or legal advisor to learn more about the CARES Act and how the legislation may enhance their charitable goals for the year.  
 
Beth Garrow, is a regional Major Gift Officer with TRF is located in Carlsbad, California.  She is glad to help Rotarians who want to make a significant difference with their giving.  If you are interested in learning more, click on her name at the beginning of this paragraph to send her an e-mail.
 
Thanks to John Pennypacker for providing this information.
Know Your Fellow Rotarian - Greg Bouslog
Greg Bouslog was born in Princeton, Illinois.  He was the middle child and the only boy, with one older sister and a younger sister.  
 
Greg has been an Arizona resident for eleven years.  He has visited two foreign countries - Mexico and Costa Rica.  He is not fluent in any language other than English.  To date, Greg has only called two states home - Illinois and Arizona.
 
As a teen, Greg dreamed of becoming a sports journalist.  Sports is still very much a part of his life.  He is the Sports Director at the Ross Farnsworth East Valley YMCA located at 1807 S Sunview in Mesa.
 
Greg and his wife, Sheena, have been married for seven years and have three young sons.
 
When asked about his most rewarding volunteer experience, Greg said that every Thanksgiving, they take food baskets around to families in need.  "It is very rewarding to see their reactions and how thankful they are to have help."
Wilder is Home! - Let the Spoiling Begin!
Well, it has been a long road, but our tiny human is now in his own bed, in his own room, at home.  He made it out of the hospital on the 4th of May – 32 days into being born.  He is perfect and doing well, all 5 pounds of him.  He passed all of his milestones with flying colors and promises to be a handful for his mom and dad.  I’ve been told that I have to go into strict quarantine for 2 weeks and then I will be able visit and hold him for the first time.  Alex and Joey have been wonderful about FaceTime, photos and updates, but there’s nothing like holding my grandson in my own arms.  Trust me, there will be many updates and pictures for the club in the future – so please be prepared to indulge me – as I have indulged a few of you, pleasurably so.
 
Pam Cohen's first grandchild was due May 20 but made an early entrance to this world on April 3, causing a need for extra care during his first weeks of life.  Thankfully, Wilder Cohen-Gray has finally been released from the hospital!
Today's  Chuckle
May is Youth Services Month
Interact
 
Rotaract
 
Youth Exchange
 
RYLA
(Rotary Youth Leadership Awards)
 
Rotary Programs open the world for our youth, while our youth light up the lives of Rotarians!
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.
Upcoming Events
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Teleconference
May 20, 2020 5:30 PM
 
Mesa West Rotary Board Meeting
Teleconference
Jun 17, 2020 5:30 PM
 
View entire list
Speakers
May 28, 2020
Gift of Hearing
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Bryan Goetzenberger
May 11
 
Carolyn Jones
May 14
 
Chuck Flint
May 16
 
Ed Koeneman
May 20
 
Greg Bouslog
May 21
 
Spouse Birthdays
David Murphy
May 8
 
Bryan Goetzenberger
May 11
 
Michelle LeCheminant
May 17
 
Anniversaries
Bob Jensen
Nancy Jensen
May 16
 
Shelly Romine
Scotty Romine
May 25
 
Jim LeCheminant
Michelle LeCheminant
May 29
 
Join Date
Amanda Rosenberg
May 1, 2019
1 year
 
Erwin Reimann
May 1, 1988
32 years
 
Jack A. Rosenberg
May 1, 1980
40 years
 
Joan Reimann
May 1, 2017
3 years
 
Shelly Romine
May 1, 2005
15 years
 
Polly Cady
May 6, 2010
10 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
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Club Service Director
 
Service Projects Director
 
Foundation Director
 
Membership Director
 
Public Image Director
 
Executive Secretary
 
Bulletin Editor
Jeanie Morgan
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THE FOUR WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do

first  Is it the TRUTH?
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fourth Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?