Highlights of September 12 Meeting

TOGETHER, we see a world

where PEOPLE unite and take action

to CREATE lasting CHANGE 

across the globe, in our communities

and in ourselves.

 

To commemorate the anniversary of 9/11, Mesa West Rotary and Tempe South Rotary Clubs joined forces to conduct a week of service project refreshing the Rose Garden at MCC.  At the time of the meeting, two work days had already taken place - on September 7 and September 11.  Another work-day was scheduled for Saturday, September 14.  Jay recounted an incident that took place while they were working.  There was a woman in the area with a baby carriage which contained two dogs.  At first, they thought she was just out for a normal Saturday walk.  They offered her some water and a Burrito.  Two hours later, she was still there with her dogs.  They offered her another water.  She asked if she could have their help in accessing a restroom.  She opened up, in tears relating that she was homeless.  Jay called 911 to get assistance in referring her to homeless services in Mesa.  Jay said the police did an amazing job handling her situation.  He was so impressed he wrote a letter to the media about the quality service provided by Mesa PD.

 

On a recent trip, Jay was in New York.  While there, he visited the 9/11 Memorial and the museum.  He asked a docent to tell him about something he might not know.  She pointed to a post.  It was the last post standing in the buildings.  She knew her husband, who was a first responder, would have died near that post.  For about seven years, it was too painful to think about.  After his body was found by that pillar, she asked to be assigned to that area of the museum so she could feel close to him.

 

 

 

 

 

Chuck explained that the person who held the ticket drawn would automatically win the daily pot of $25 and a chance to try to draw the Ace of Clubs which would allow them to win the accumulating pot of $155.  He asked Warren Williamson to draw the winning ticket.  Warren was actually the holder of the stub of the ticket he drew making him the daily winner.  When he attempted to draw the Ace of Clubs, he was not so lucky, the the large pot will be even larger next week.

 

 

 

Foundation Chair, John Pennypacker, invited Dan Coons to come forward to help him with a special Paul Harris Fellow recognition.  There are two ways to receive Paul Harris Fellow recognition.  One way is by making cash donations to The Rotary Foundation.  The other way is to benefit from the transfer of "recognition points."  In Mesa West Rotary, after a member has given $500 in cash, the club will use club recognition points to transfer 500 points to complete the member's first Paul Harris Fellow.  After a member is a Paul Harris fellow, when they continue to give, both their balance and recognition point balance grow by amounts equal to their cash donation.  They can transfer their recognition points to honor another individual.  

 

There are certain aspects of leadership that touch John, and during her year as our Club President, as well as in other Rotary-related responsibilities Colleen has carried out relative to Rotaract, Interact Ambassador missions, and the start-up of McKinney Vento, Colleen has exhibited those qualities again and again.  To thank Colleen for all that she has done, she was awarded her Paul Harris plus two recognition pin.

 

 

 

Jay asked Dan Coons to stay and apologized for failing to introduce him as a guest earlier in the meeting.  Dan said that he doesn't visit our club as often as he visits his other assigned clubs knowing that Mesa West is operating very smoothly and accomplishing a great deal.  He reminded members that RLI would be coming up September 28 at the Thunderbird School of International Management in downtown Phoenix.  It is an opportunity for members to learn about the larger organization of Rotary and get more involved.

 

 

 

Mark Newell served as auctioneer after mentioning that 9/11 was his 31st wedding anniversary, adding that his wife is a saint.  There were a number of items in the collection donated by Harry:  Cardinals Hat, Superbowl 49 hat, NFL hat, short-sleeve shirt, Cardinals tie, T-shirt with Nike logo, a book "When Football was Football (and the Cardinals were in Chicago)" "100 things Cardinals fans should know before they die, mini helmet signed by a former ASU quarterback.  The opening bid was $50.  Jay Paulus' final bid of $100 made him the proud new owner.

 

 

  

The Mesa West Board of Directors recently met for a Saturday retreat.  Jay said he felt like he was standing on the backs of giants.  The club is all about giving back - service above self - people of action.  Wonderful friendships are formed through Rotary connections.  Jay had a few thoughts to share on the subject of friendship:

He then asked each table to spend a few minutes talking about what we have accomplished in Rotary, what we should continue doing, and how we can improve, spending about 5 minutes doing so.   Each table was asked to appoint a spokesperson to report back.

Jay said that in looking at the club's visioning from a couple of years ago, one of the things suggested was a community assessment of need.  There are needs out there.  We have a great focus with our youth programs.  He said he had been asked on September 11 if our club would help with the Mesa Itnernational Film Festival.

 

Rotary Action Plan

Eric Silverberg spoke briefly about our weekly programs.  He asked for suggestions and input from members.

 

Ed Koeneman talked about youth programs

We will have several social activities

 

Ongoing activities

Allan Cady did not talk about TRVFA as time had been exhausted.  He pledged $79 to the 2024-25 sponsor program to celebrate his 79th birthday September 17.