There are three awards clubs can strive and work for all year long. Now is the time for reporting your progress and make sure you and your club get the awards you qualify for.
RI Citation - Clubs also need to update information in the Goals sections of My Rotary > Rotary Club Central. This is how RI determines if you qualify for the RI citation.
I hope you and your community are safe and healthy.
I would like to report that ShelterBox is working hard to provide families with shelter and other vital aid in global areas that are most susceptible to, and least prepared for, the covid-19 pandemic. We have active response work going on in Syria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Somalia, Burkina Faso, and Tanzania.
While this health danger is impacting all of us, people living in refugee camps or makeshift settlements are particularly vulnerable. The pandemic is a complex global challenge, some of which we at ShelterBox can plan for or adjust through, and some we simply can’t under such dynamic circumstances.
2020 ROTARY LOCAL AND AREA FOUR-WAY SPEECH CONTEST WINNER
Picture:
Alyssa Hinojosa, Winner, Rotary Local and Area Four-Way Speech Contest
Alyssa Hinojosa who competed in the 2020 Rotary International Four-Way Speech Contest is being awarded $1700.00 in Rotary Scholarships. In 2019 she placed 1st at both the Local and Area District 5930 Contests receiving $300.00 for each 1st place win. In 2020 she did it again placing 1st at both the Local and Area District 5930 Contests receiving $300.00 for each 1st place win. Both years she competed at the District 5930 Contest receiving $250.00 each year. Upon graduation she is receiving $1200.00 from the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass and she has already received her 2 - $250.00 Scholarships from District 5930. Our Club is proud of Alyssa for her excellent representation of Rotary, APISD, and the City of Aransas Pass.
Submitted May 5, 2020 by Karen Gayle, Secretary/Treasurer
Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
Picture submitted by Alyssa Hinojosa
Aransas Pass - 4 Way Speech Contest Club & Area Winner
On May 12, 1999, I raised my hand at my Rotary meeting in Vermont to volunteer to represent my Rotary district and go to Honduras to see what we could do to help after Hurricane Mitch. It has been 23 years and I am still doing what I can to improve the lives of Hondurans. Hands to Honduras is our tax deductible organization. It has built about 60 classrooms, electrified 5 communities, provided over 2 dozen communities with water, provided 2 ambulances, built over 100 homes, and provided over 700 computers and so much more thanks to Rotary and community volunteers utilizing donations from Rotarians, their clubs, their districts, and the Rotary Foundation. Many non Rotarians have also volunteered and donated.
The immediate future after the quarantine:
Finish a water project serving the 1128 families in 8 communities in the Agua Amarilla water district in Trujillo Begin a water project serving the 5000 people in the five barrios of Rigores in Trujillo Finish a water project funded by Engineers Without Borders serving Guadalupe Carney Provide electrical connections for the Electrical Engineering program at the Technical school in Trujillo Paint two classrooms at the United Nations school in Trujillp Build a second kindergarten classroom in Maranones Complete a kindergarten in Agua Amarilla funded by the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan Rotary Cĺub Build a kindergarten in the community of April the 18th And build two classrooms or kindergartens in two as yet undetermined communities. Our US sponsor is the Port Isabel Texas Rotary Club and our Honduran sponsor is the Trujillo Rotary Club. I am a volunteer. Labor is provided by the communities. We couldn't do any of this without donations...we are $2000 short on our fundraising goal for a kindergarten....and there are many more needs...addressing them little by little. A classroom only costs about $5000...a person who donates that total gets naming rights.
This is our Sunburst Rotary District Grant, a $5035.00 project with First United Methodist Church of Harlingen, TX. Our grant and participation in the project enabled the church's Backpacks for Kids program to expand from six to seven schools in 2029-2020, and plan for future expansion in upcoming years. Our program ran from about August 30, 2019 to March 13, 2020, when schools were shut down by COVID-19. The Backpacks program has been extremely well received by the Harlingen Consolidate School District. Our participation has enhanced our standing in the school district as an advocate for education, and in the community as well as a group of Rotarians who are willing to support local programs with our hearts and hands, as well as our funds. In addition to the report and the financial record, I have included a power point that depicts our efforts in the Backpacks program. I hope that this report meets with your satisfaction.
When I turned in our report on our COVID-19 grant, I had mentioned to Juan that I was trying to get an article published in our local newspaper. It was published today, and I am attaching a copy. I am also attaching pics of the organizations to which we gave our own funds to for COVID. The article only included pics from the Harlingen Food Pantry. The other pictures are from our donations to La Posada (5930 Grant) as well as the Culture of Life Medical Ministry, the Rio Grande State Center, and the Walgreen's Red Nose Day for children.
I hope some of these will be useful in promoting Rotary and Rotarians.
On May 16, Part 3 of the Virtual District Conference with DG Ellison Crider was held. It was a collection of stories of projects and personal stories from the clubs and Rotarians in District 5930. I have received letters from two participants of detailing the impact of videos and presentations that were shared. They truly how we are Rooted in Service and are Connect to the World.
This past February, I found myself over 8,500 miles from my current home of Corpus Christi, Texas exchanging a Rotary club flag in my birthplace, Karachi, Pakistan. What began as a trip to visit the Artificial Limb Center with fellow Pakistani Rotarians has turned into something much more for me, for the Center, and for Kinza. Kinza is a 7-year-old Pakistani girl who lost both her leg and brother at the age of 3. Since then, she has visited the Artificial Limb Center, which is funded by the Rotary, each year to get a prosthetic leg. At the center, she is able to have a custom fit and measured prosthetic made for her within four hours, free of charge. I was able to accompany Kinza for her fifth visit to the Center, because as she grows, she needs a new leg each year. After returning home to Texas, I shared Kinza’s story at the District 5930 Virtual Conference. By sharing my experience, Kinza’s story spread far and wide. On the same day when the video became available on social media, an individual who saw the video committed to fund all of Kinza’s educational expenses and has also started planning a fundraiser for the Artificial Limb Center. The power of a story can only be amplified by those who share it, so what story will you share?
From Linda Marrin - a Rotarian from Minnesota
Many thanks to my Rotarian teammates in D5930 for including this Rotarian from central Minnesota in Saturday's "Telling Rotary's Stories" event. I was inspired by so many of the stories I heard and proud to be a part of an organization that is providing service to so many near and far. I was particularly touched by Lionel Betancourt's Adoption Awareness story. My own club in Minnesota had a speaker from a local foster care organization. Seeing their needs we provided a donation and stuffed Christmas stocking for the younger foster care children. We discussed the struggles and needs of the children in foster care. Lionel's story gave me a vision of so much more that we could be doing for these children and I look forward to having him Zoom into a future meeting of my club.
I was also impressed and intrigued by Enrique Medellin's International Project Fair. So much has been accomplished in only a few years; I look forward to seeing the amazing accomplishments that will certainly continue to come from this effort. As a member of a district that includes clubs in Canada, I see opportunities for similar efforts our north country.
Every story told was a source of pride for every Rotarian and I thank you for sharing them all. I look forward to meeting many of the 5930 team when I can travel to Texas!
Linda Marrin 218-820-1772
Executive Assistant to RI Director 2020-22 Suzi Howe
Assistant Rotary Coordinator 2018-21, Zones 25 & 29
Last year at this time our team was planning the District installation to be held later in June 2019. Little did we know then what awaited us the last half of this Rotary year. It was not a hurricane or other natural disaster but rather a pandemic that would sweep across the world and throw our Rotary world into a place we never thought we would go. Who could have imagined a Rotary world where there are no in person meetings or events? Not me.
Then we discovered the world of Zoom (at least those of us who had not used it before did). And now we are at least able to see and talk to each other electronically. I applaud all the clubs that continue to meet online until they feel it is safe to meet in person.
Speaking of meeting in person, I have been asked what Rotary’s position is on that as of now. As far as Rotary International meetings like board and committee meetings
We have been offered the opportunity for our clubs to partner with our great partner United By Friendship to provide a medical grade thermometer for each village in a Northern Guatemala so they can attempt to identify potential infected COVID victims and isolate them to avoid spread.
Corpus Christi Rotary Club has committed $6000 which would Fund about 100 villages . This would work well as a District Grant $3000/$3000. Timing would be important - with a Covid District Grants it is possible to advance funds prior to obtaining the grant and the reimburse out of the grant funds (which normally you cannot do).
I need to find out whether a Club would be interested. First come first served - more than club could partner up.
United by Friendship could handle the funds and obtain receipts from the health authorities - as they did on the recent Corpus Christi Rotary medical motorcycle transportation project. There are more than 100 villages so UBF will pick up the remainder. These type of small quality international projects with a reliable partner aren’t easy to come by. We were lucky to come with a few each year.
Click the Read More Link to read the full grant paperwork.
Please contact Art Zeitler at (361) 947-3830 or azeitler@sbcglobal.net if you are interested in this project.
Thanks to very generous donation from two individuals and one club...as well as two $1000 donations...we are close to being able to build four new kindergartens...in addition to one we are currently building in Agua Amarilla thanks to funding from the Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada Rotary Club. A photo of the current construction is attached.
We have sufficient funds....it takes $5000.00 to build a 20 x 25 kindergarten or classroom.....full funding allows a club or individual naming rights.....to build two of them and the other two still needs $1000.00 each.
Rotary Club of Chicago formed on February 23, 1905 by Paul P. Harris
Established as a professional club to exchange professional and social interests
Called “Rotary” from early practice of rotating meetings among members’ offices
Motto: “Service Above Self”
The Four-Way Test was developed by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor in 1932 and was adopted as a Code of Ethics in 1943
Is it the Truth?
Is it Fair to All Concerned?
Will it Build Good Will and Better Friendships?
Will it Be Beneficial To All Concerned?
One of our Service Projects is to Award Scholarships to deserving APISD seniors. Each year the President of the Aransas Pass Rotary Club appoints a committee who has the arduous task of selecting a limited number of deserving students from the many who apply. This year the Committee selected (3) $1000.00 scholarship recipients.
The Scholarship Recipients are: Abriee Shae Mendoza
Tylar Joseph Murphy
Jaclyn Elizabeth Rios
This year one of our long term Rotarians, Robert Branch, who enjoys 31 years of perfect attendance, lost his wife, Patricia. Patricia Branch was a long term resident of Aransas Pass graduating from APISD. She taught school in the Aransas Pass System for 35 years from 1977 to 2012 and spent 8 years serving the School District by serving on the APISD School Board from her retirement to her death. Patricia was an asset to Aransas Pass, APISD, and the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass. For this reason the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass has set up the 2020 Rotary Club of Aransas Pass Patricia Branch Memorial Scholarship. The recipient of that Scholarship is Lalu Christiana Perez. She will receive $1,350.00.
In view of the annual turnover of Rotary leadership each year, special effort is required to provide club leaders with appropriate instruction for the tasks they will assume. The annual district assembly is the major leadership training event in each Rotary district of the world. The workshops offer motivation, inspiration, Rotary information and new ideas for club officers, directors and key committee chairmen of each club. Some of the most experienced district leaders conduct informative discussions on all phases of Rotary administration and service projects. The sessions give all participants valuable new ideas to make their club more effective and interesting.
Normally eight to ten delegates from each club (officers, directors, committee chairs, and all interested Rotarians both experienced and new to Rotary, etc.) are invited to attend the training session.
Join club officers, chairs, and emerging leaders and learn more about what Rotary has to offer. We do this by offering different training tracks — so you can pick and choose which topics you want to learn more about. Stick with one track or get a taste of more than one.
:15am - 8:45am: Fun and Fellowship 8:45am - 9:00am: Welcome and introductions by DG Ellison Crider 9:00am - 11:00am: Videos and personal stories of YOUR service, grants, and activities.
Rotary International is always searching for strategies to renew and energize our Rotary Clubs. The best way to attract and retain members is to have a strong and vigorous Rotary Club, whose members are knee deep in exciting service in the community and beyond. But how can we bring new life and direction to our Clubs?
Rotary International recently introduced the new Club Leadership Plan, based on the best practices of successful clubs. The plan calls for a simplified board and administrative structure. The plan also encourages clubs to develop long-range goals and annual objectives to support them.
The leadership in District 5930 has developed an effective format for guiding a Rotary Club through strategic planning and renewal.
Our model is called Visioning. The model involves: 1) developing a core District training team, 2) holding individual "Vision Facilitation" sessions with individual Rotary Clubs, one at a time, and 3) assuring regular follow up after the initial Vision session. Too often Clubs operate in a reactive fashion, without clear long terms goals, and this' Visioning 'process is designed to help Clubs more clearly identify long term priorities.
Rotary Clubs that have participated in this strategic planning and re-visioning process typically show a clearer Club vision -- a sense of mission and purpose as a Club - and a revitalization of members' involvement in the Club.
The District 5930 Vision team now invites you to schedule an evening for strategic planning for your Club. Clubs wishing to participate will need to select 20 club members, including a mixture of current leaders, experienced Rotarians, and newer members. We will identify a date, and schedule an evening to be led by three of our District facilitators. The evening begins with a meal together for all participants, followed by 3 hours of discussion and planning exercises.
A lot of people have been thrown into the online meeting ring the past few weeks, companies like Zoom, Google (Meet) and GoToMeeting have seen millions of new users. Using these online conferencing tools have gotten a lot easier over the past few years, especially when using tablets or phones that have great cameras and microphones.
For those that are new to online conference meetings, it can feel a little foreign. Just like a face to face meeting, online meetings have their own little intricacies around the expected and often unspoken rules.
Here’s the TL:DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read) version of online meeting etiquette. If you want more details on each item, read on after the list.
Be ready: Be sure to test your setup. You’re going to be using a laptop, phone or desktop so use the device you plan on using to attend the meeting. Make sure the mic, speakers and video work BEFORE attending your first meeting.
Run a test meeting: To help everyone to be ready, book a test meeting specifically to help people get setup properly.
Mute is your friend: If you’re not talking, mute your mic. Every conferencing system has a way to mute, usually a microphone icon will toggle your mic on and off.
Turn on video: Don’t be shy, turn on your camera if you have one. It feels more like a meeting if you see people’s faces.
Use chat: If there are a lot of people in the meeting, use the chat to ask questions or to express interest to talk.
Use a moderator: For really big meetings with 20+ people, assign one person to monitor the chat to handle questions.
Don’t troubleshoot during the meeting: If you’re struggling with connecting, don’t hijack the meeting. This is why you test before you join.
Use the views: Most conferencing software will have more than one way to view the people on the call. Gallery or tile view is great when collaborating as a group as you get to see many faces. Speaker view is good when one person is doing a lot of talking.
Leave pauses: When you talk, it actually takes a second or so before everyone will hear what you said (it’s called latency). So after you ask a question or if you expect a response, leave a pause of a second or two before you jump back in.
Use a headset: If you have a headset, use it. You’ll hear better, you’ll sound better, and it stops sound from echoing.
Speaker etiquette: If you have someone who’s speaking, make sure you are muted! But keep your camera on, the speaker will appreciate being able to see faces. And maybe switch to speaker view so you can see their face clearly.
For those would like a little more details on each if these items, keep on reading.
Be Ready
It’s good to give your setup a test before the first time you use a new conferencing system. And don’t test just before the meeting, test it out the day before! You can often test by trying the meeting link before the meeting. You might have to download and install software, just follow the instructions (usually with the first time).
Most systems will give you a chance to test your setup before joining, but don’t actually join the meeting if you’re just testing.
At the very least, make sure you can hear. There should be a “button” to test sound or your speakers. It will play a sound — if you don’t hear it, turn up the volume!
There should also be a way to test your microphone — there should be some kind of level meter (usually green or coloured bars that go up and down as you talk).
And finally, turn on the video if you have a camera. You should see video of yourself. If you’re on a phone or tablet, you might see video from your back camera — there should be a little icon somewhere on the screen to flip to your front camera.
Doing this test will make sure that you’re ready to join the real meeting. The host will appreciate you being prepared.
Run a Test Meeting
If you have a lot of people that are new to online meetings, it’s a good idea to book a meeting specifically to help people get setup. Invite two or three people who can help those that need help. Make sure you have an alternate way to contact attendees — if someone is having a problem connecting, you can contact them via email or phone to help walk them through it.
Mute is Your Friend
There is often more background noise happening around you that you’re not really aware of. It’s always good to mute your microphone when you’re not talking — just remember to un-mute when you are talking.
Since people are often joining meetings from home, muting can block out those unexpected noise situations like dogs barking, kids asking questions or someone knocking at your door.
Muting can also help with sound echos, which happens when your microphone is picking up the sound coming out of your speaker.
There will be a “button” on the screen, usually with a microphone icon on it. Clicking that will turn your microphone on and off. To keep you from having to search around for that button, there should be a keyboard shortcut to mute/un-mute. Google Meet uses the ‘M’ key for example, so hitting the key will turn the microphone on/off.
Turn On Video
Not everyone is a fan of this one. If you have a camera, it’s considered polite to turn it on. There’s a lot to be said for seeing people’s faces when communicating which is especially helpful during online meetings.
Try to be setup in a place where there is minimal distractions, but if you’re connecting from home, it’s not the end of the world if your kids or pets come into view. With the increased use of online meetings, the people in the meeting with you are pretty forgiving of these little random happenings. At least they should be.
Use Chat
When there are a lot of people in a meeting, it can get pretty unruly with people talking over each other. Every conferencing system has a text chat option. Don’t be afraid to use it! You can ask a question via chat which should prompt a moderator to give you an opportunity to talk.
Also, be sure to pay attention to what’s happening in the chat. Most chats can be viewed by clicking on a “button” with a talk bubble on it. If someone added a message to the chat, it usually highlights in some way (Zoom turns the button orange).
And finally, when you use chat, pay attention to whom you’re chatting with. You often can pick if you’re talking to everyone or an individual or in some cases, just the panelists (if you’re in a webinar for example).
Use a Moderator
If you’re running a meeting with 20+ people, it’s a good idea to assign one person as the moderator. This should be someone who’s very comfortable with the conferencing software and is not one of the key people speaking or presenting. The moderator can choose to mute everyone or individuals.
The moderator should also be monitoring the chat so they can direct questions to the right person or open up the microphone of people that would like to talk. Some systems will also allow attendees to “raise hand” to let a moderator know that they would like to talk.
Don’t Troubleshoot During the Meeting
If you neglected to test before the meeting or if you’re having technical difficulties connecting, don’t hijack the meeting! This meeting you’re trying to join most likely wasn’t called to help you with your connection. It’s very frustrating to the other attendees if the first 10 minutes of the meeting is trying to get you connected properly.
If you’re having difficulty, then try using the phone number and code to just call in (the meeting invite should have the dial-in details). That way you can at least hear and talk using a regular phone call. If you still have issues, you might have to miss the meeting or ask someone who isn’t presenting to help you.
Use the Views
This one is pretty straight forward but it can help improve your personal conference call experience. Most systems have what’s called a gallery or tile view. This puts up a grid of everyone’s video so that you can see everyone’s faces (like a big version of the Brady Bunch credits). This is a great view to use during more social parts of the meeting.
When there is one person who is presenting or speaking, it’s good to switch to the Speaker view. This will make the person talking the focus, so their video will be large and the other people are usually much smaller. This lets you see the expressions on the speakers face as they present.
Most systems also have the ability to “pin” an attendee, which means they will also show as the person in the speaker view.
A presenter can also share their screen. When that happens, you’ll see their screen. You can still switch views, but it’s best to stay on the speaker view so that you can clearly see their screen.
Leave Pauses
The nature of online meetings results in some delay between when you talk and when all attendees will hear what you said. If you’ve heard of the term “latency,” this is what they mean.
If you ask a question or are expecting a response from someone, give a pause of a second or two to give this delay some time. It takes some getting used to, but it prevents you talking over each other. What often happens is you ask a question, the other person doesn’t seem to be responding, so you start talking. But they’ve started their reply and you just haven’t gotten it yet… so now you hear both what you just said and their response. It sounds messy.
Use a Headset
Most of the problems you encounter can be avoided if you use a headset. It for sure will stop any echo, a common problem for people connecting to an online meeting. If you’re using a headset for the first time, you should test it out with a friend before you join a meeting. Most headsets have a setup that will help you out too. Headsets on phones and tablets generally “just work” and you most likely are already using them.
If you don’t have a headset, even just using headphones can help with echo. Echo is caused by your microphone picking up the sound from your speakers. If you put on headphones, the microphone won’t pick up the sound and cause the echo.
If a headset or headphones aren’t an option, just keep the volume down on your speaker to help with the echo.
Speaker Etiquette
If you’re featuring a guest speaker during your meeting, you want to make sure they feel welcomed and comfortable. If they have accepted to be a guest speaker, make sure they know what conferencing system that you will be using. That way they can be prepared to successfully connect.
Be sure to introduce the speaker and make sure all attendees are muted. Hopefully everyone will self-mute, but if not, it’s OK to force mute everyone — just be sure the speaker doesn’t get muted.
When viewing the speaker, switch to the speaker view. This lets you see their face better.
Let the speaker decide how to address questions. They will most likely leave questions to end. Have a moderator to pass questions on to the speaker.
Chair, The Rotary Foundation Peace – Major Gifts Initiative Committee
Member - Rotary Peace Centers Committee Rotary Club of Ladner – District 5040
Chris is currently the chair of the Rotary Peace Major Gifts Initiative Committee. The committee’s goal is to raise $75 million for the Rotary Peace Centers and Rotary’s peace area of focus.
Chris has served on a variety of Rotary committees involved in training, fundraising and membership development. He is a member of the Rotary Club of Ladner in Metro Vancouver. He served as Governor of District 5040.
He has been a Rotary volunteer in Philippines, Russia, China, Laos and India. In 2016, he was part of a team including WHO, CDC and Gates Foundation evaluating the polio surveillance initiative in Nigeria. He served on similar polio surveillance teams in South Sudan and Sudan.
Chris retired from the Vancouver Police after 31 years of police service. He served in a variety of senior operational and administrative positions retiring as a District Commander. He has a degree in Criminology (Simon Fraser University, Burnaby, BC), Graduate Diploma in Public Sector Management (University of Victoria) and a Master of Arts in Public Administration (Carleton University, Ottawa).
Chris is an accomplished photographer. His photos have been published in local and national newspapers, books and calendars. He enjoys street and nature photography. He is a frequent speaker at Rotary events.
Introducing Chris Offer - RI President's Representative
Vice President 2019-20 Rotary Club of Trans Amadi Rivers State, Nigeria
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola is regional safety manager responsible for Shell Petroleum’s upstream oil and gas activities in sub-Saharan Africa and chair of the board of directors of Riviera Nigeria Ltd., an oil and gas engineering consortium.
Babalola has served Rotary as an endowment/major gifts adviser, RI training leader, member of the Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers, committee member, and president’s representative.
Babalola has received the Service Above Self Award, the Rotary Foundation Citation for Meritorious Service, and the Service Award for a Polio-Free World. He and his wife, Precy, are Foundation Benefactors and Major Donors. They support the Foundation through a named endowed fund and as members of the Arch Klumph Society.
Introducing Rotary International Vice President Yinka Babalola
Strategic planning is not top down – its grass roots up.
We need to hear the voices of our members to help identify the strategic path forward for our Rotary clubs and our district.
Join us Saturday, May 9th at 9 am for a fun, interactive Zoom meeting to help us decide where our district should go next as we develop a shared vision of the future.
For the Kahoot game:
- It is recommended to you use a computer to attend the Zoom meeting and your smart phone to participate in the Kahoot game.
- You DO NOT need to download the Kahoot app.
- On your smartphone, when it is time to play Kahoot, you go to safari/google/yahoo and type in www.Kahoot.it
- On Kahoot.it, you will see a screen which will ask for a pin number.
- On your computer (in the zoom meeting), a pin number will show on the screen and I will send it in the chat as well, which you will simply type in on your phone, select a username, and you are in the game
- All the questions will show up on zoom and you respond on your phone
- We will collect all the data/answers on the back-end and the poll percentage will show up on the screen after question
Woven through the fabric of virtually every community on earth, service clubs of Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, Optimist International, and Rotary International are working safely and diligently to maintain connections with each other and our neighbors so that we can cope with and overcome the effects of COVID-19.
We are leveraging the strength of our combined networks of 3.2 million members to provide comfort and hope to those feeling the effects of isolation and fear. And we are focusing our collective skills, resources and ideas to support frontline health workers and first responders as they battle this disease and save lives. In these times of uncertainty, your local service clubs remain committed to meeting the challenge of finding innovative ways to take action together to help communities around the globe heal and thrive – and become more united than ever.
“The global effort against COVID-19 depends on actions taken in every country. As people of action, this is our time to connect with each other to offer immediate help to people in need.” – Mark Daniel Maloney, Rotary International President, 2019-2020.
"The scale and magnitude of this global pandemic requires our world's citizenry to heed the advice and cautions of the experts. The work and plans of our collective members and volunteers must not cease! Our immediate response after the crisis will be necessary to support local Governments respond to the many social and economic challenges that will ensue in its aftermath." – Adrian Elcock, Optimist International President, 2019-2020.
“Great challenges test us, but they also bring us together. Lions are finding new ways to safely serve. Our Lions Clubs International Foundation has granted over one million dollars to help communities facing extreme rates of COVID-19, and additional grant requests are being received daily. Our communities depend on service clubs, and we will be there, supporting and strengthening them just as we always have together.” – Dr. Jung-Yul Choi, Lions Clubs International President, 2019-2020.
“During these difficult times, we’re seeing everyday heroism across the globe. I encourage us all to recognize the health and safety professionals who are putting their own health at risk for the greater good. To the educators, grocery workers, delivery drivers and the countless professionals who can’t stay home, the Kiwanis family thanks you. We all play an important role in keeping our friends and neighbors safe. Please follow the advice of the World Health Organization, your local health agencies and the instructions given by your Government. Please, stay safe.” – Daniel Vigneron, Kiwanis International President, 2019-2020.
Joint Statement from Kiwanis International, Lions Clubs International, Optimist International, and Rotary International
We recognize that social distancing and hardships may limit some of the goals that clubs are able to achieve this year. Because of this, the requirements for achieving the 2019-20 awards have been revised.
Most importantly the date has been extended. Both awards are now extended to June 30, 2020 for completion. A form for each award will be posted on the district website by June 1, 2020. These forms will also be emailed to each Club President, Secretary, and Executive Secretary/Director when it is posted on the website. Submission deadline for the forms will be July 1, 2020.
Click the Read More button for the specific revisions.
Earning the Rotary Citation is an honor that RI President Mark D. Maloney hopes clubs strive to achieve. To earn the citation, please complete activities and report your accomplishments to Rotary by 30 June.
What if social distancing makes it hard to achieve some goals? We recognize that social distancing and hardships may limit some of the goals that clubs are able to achieve this year. Because of this, the requirements for achieving the 2019-20 citation will be revised.
Help spread the word to School District superintendents near you by using the email message and attachments below as a template to communicate this USDA Emergency Meals To You initiative to assist eligible rural School Districts.
This is a Collaboration involving Baylor University, USDA, Texas Department of Agriculture, and Rotarians in Rotary District 5930 to support the Texas Hunger Initiative.
Be sure to copy Elaine Hernandez (e-mail address included) when you reach out to your School superintendents. A friendly follow up call with your school superintendent is recommended to confirm he/she has received this information and if interested in taking advantage of this wonderful opportunity.
Not long ago, we introduced Becky & Lin’s Apple Orchard Park, a children’s picture book that demonstrates Service Above Self. We have now expanded the project to include an Activity Book, Bookmark and Poster.
These are the same materials that we offer for Andy & Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure, a children’s picture book that demonstrates The Four-Way Test.
We hope that these new materials will be beneficial to your current literacy project or that they may inspire a new project.
By the way, we are in the process of changing our website name from andyandelmer.com to rotaryidealsliteracy.com. But you will always be able to reach us at either address.
Thanks for your time. And if you have any questions, just let us know. :-)
Not so ho hum anymore. As a project exhibitor at PETS last week the time was not business as usual. Here to fore Rotarians would see the banner with the word "Adoption" and run the other way. This year participants went to all vendors and exhibitors to collect a sticker for their door prize book. This required making contact with each. This provided the opportunity for us to explain what we do.
Dear District 5930 Club Presidents and Presidents-Elect for 2019-2020 and 2020-2021:
In this most challenging time when we are doing our best to serve others, while still remaining safe, I am pleased to report that Rotary districts throughout the world and The Rotary Foundation are joining forces to provide assistance to those in need.
The Rotary Foundation is strongly encouraging districts to earmark a portion of their 2020-2021 District Designated Funds to support local activities designed to address COVID-19 needs. Examples of such activities include the purchase and distribution of thermometers and protective gear for medical professionals, the purchase and delivery of food to those in need, and other activities. Districts can also use contingency funds from an open district grant or repurpose previously planned activities as a COVID-19 response.
As everyone is well aware of, we are all going through a very stressful time. We are literally in “uncharted waters”. I am sure each of you are concerned for the health and well-being of your family members, just as I am. So, we must take the necessary steps to protect ourselves, our loved ones and those around us. Rotary International is recommending that we cancel or postpone our upcoming Rotary meetings. Rotary is also asking that we continue to follow the guidelines set by the World Health Organization and your national, regional, or local health authorities.
So, with this in mind, I find it necessary to postpone our District Assembly that was scheduled for May 16, 2020.
ROTARY CLUB OF SOUTHSIDE CORPUS CHRISTI CANCELS ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS LUNCHEON DUE TO CORONA VIRUS CONCERNS
Following the advice of Rotary International and our South Texas Rotary District, the Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi deeply regrets the cancellation of our annual Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon, which had been scheduled for Wednesday, April 22, 2020at the Corpus Christi Country Club.
We thank Dr. Amy Aldridge Sanford for her willingness and preparation as our keynote speaker, and we hope Amy will be available for this event next year. We pray that all of you and your loved ones will remain healthy through this very difficult and scary time.
We fully expect that we will get past this so look for an announcement early in 2021 for our almost-annual Administrative Professionals Day Luncheon, on Wednesday, April 21, 2021.
SOUTHSIDE CORPUS CHRISTI CANCELS ANNUAL ADMINISTRATIVE PROFESSIONALS LUNCHEON
Sent to Rotarians on March 14, 2020 4:40 pm • Posted on March 15, 2020 at 5:45 pm
Dear Fellow Rotarian,
The COVID-19 coronavirus is affecting every aspect of our lives in real time, and this puts Rotarians in an unfamiliar place. As People of Action, we are most comfortable when we are fully engaged in the world – moving freely, meeting openly, and offering helping hands. These are very difficult times for people who, like us, are at our best when we are learning, growing, and serving – together.
As you are all aware we are now in the midst of the COVID19 pandemic. We as a District must take this seriously. We as a nation have been asked to avoid gathering in large groups and to observe social distancing in order to help quell the spread of this virus. Although online meetings are becoming more popular; unfortunately, most of our interactions today as Rotarians are still face to face.
As your District Governor and on behalf of your District 5930 Advisory Committee and at the direction of RI President Mark Maloney, we would suggest you cancel your club meetings for the short term. It is possible that you could alternatively hold meetings online using video conferencing and the District would be willing to help you with that. If your club has fundraisers planned over the next month we would further suggest you postpone them to a future date.
The following Resolution will be voted on by all members at the Business Meeting at the District Conference 2020. This meeting will be held at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi at 8:00 am on May 2, 2020.
To request the Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees to consider adding Ecologically Sustainable Initiatives and Environment Protection as an Area of Focus.
Proposer: Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Texas, District 5930; U.S.A.
Endorsed by: District 5930 by vote of its District Conference on __________________, 2020.
WHEREAS, according to a U.N. Biodiversity Report issued on May 6, 2019, more than 33% of marine mammals, almost a third of the reef-forming coral and 40% of amphibians are threatened with extinction; and,
WHEREAS, human life is inextricably connected with natural ecosystems, with, for example, three quarters of crops dependent on animal pollination; and,
WHEREAS, the destruction of coastal habitation has heightened flood and hurricane risks for
The Council on Legislation is held every three years and is the legislative body of RI. The Council has the authority to amend the constitutional documents of RI, as well as adopt resolutions. Every district selects a representative to attend the week-long meeting and vote on legislation.
Every district selects a representative to serve at the Councils on Resolutions and the Council on Legislation that take place during their Council term from 1 July 2020 through 30 June 2022. The Council representatives will represent their district at the: • 2020, 2021, and 2022 Councils on Resolutions • 2022 Council on Legislation
Information on Rotary Family Member who passed SINCE June, 2019 Please submit the following information as soon as possible:
Full Name & Club Name
Date of Birth and Date of Death
Rotary club Offices/Positions held and any other noteworthy Rotary achievements
A JPG photo in color, if possible, of the deceased
The information is being compiled by Sonata Sanchez of Rio Grande City Rotary Club at sonata1956_jrs@yahoo.com. If you are unable to provide all the requested information, please send what you have. The above information is needed ASAP and prior to April 15, 2020, if possible.
Checklist for What We Need from Clubs & Rotarians for the District Conference 2020
We are having the 29th Annual McAllen South Rotary Crawfish Boil, Friday April 24th at 6:30pm at Las Palmas Race Park. Details of the event can be found on our website at TheCrawfishBoil.com.
Since 1991 the Rotary Clubs of McAllen have held The Crawfish Boil. A reason for the success of The Crawfish Boil is simple: every year we bring together great food, great music, cold drinks and great friends which equals one great time. But in the beginning, The Crawfish Boil was just an outing for about two hundred or so who had a craving for some fresh Louisiana Crawfish.
Now The Crawfish Boil will be held at the Las Palmas Racepark in Mission and has grown into one of the largest crawfish boils in Texas! This year, approximately 3,000 people are expected to attend. And once they make their way into the building, they will feast their eyes on a spread that would make a Cajun feel at home! The Crawfish Boil is proud to prepare live Louisiana crawfish, andouille sausage, potatoes, corn, soft drinks and plenty of ice cold refreshments! If that wasn’t enough, The Crawfish Boil wouldn’t be complete without great live music.
So bring your appetite and your dancing shoes to the one and only Crawfish Boil. Tickets are $75 per person and the proceeds benefit many local charities through the Rotary Clubs of McAllen. Get your tickets at any of these local authorized ticket locations. Whatever you do, get your tickets now because space is limited and they will go fast! And make sure you’re not late because the food is served from 6:30pm - 8:30pm.
The U.S. Rotary Clubs and Districts Liability Insurance Program ("Program") provides all U.S. Rotary clubs and districts and Rotaract clubs with general liability (GL) and directors' and officers'/employment practices liability (D&O/EPL) insurance.
Over the past five years, one third (33%) of all claims reported under the Program were related to injuries resulting from a slip, trip or fall. Half (50%) of all claim costs paid under the Program’s self-insured retention were related to slip, trip or fall injuries. Some of these injuries could have been prevented, if tripping risks were recognized and removed before the start of the event.
As clubs and districts begin planning outdoor fundraising events,
The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass congratulates Deacon Arrington for participating in the Rotary International District 5930 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program held January 31 through February 2, 2020 at Camp Zephyr on Lake Corpus Christi. Alyssa Hinojosa, a 2019 RYLA participant, is also congratulated. Alyssa returned in 2020 as a “Trailblazer” counselor.
Students from Victoria to the Rio Grande Valley participated in leadership, motivational, and team building events while at RYLA. Approximately150 Students participated in RYLA weekend 2020. RYLA is Rotary’s leadership training program for youth. Program activities focus on development of communication, critical
You’re invited to attend the 2020 Rotary International Convention, 6-10 June in Honolulu, Hawaii, to find and share your aloha.
The Rotary Convention offers something for all members. It’s where Rotarians unite and take action to create positive, lasting change in the world. Whether you’re new to our club or a longtime member, you’ll have an unforgettable experience at the convention. Visit riconvention.org to learn
I have attached a current funding status for this project and a current bidded budget.
The project entails a deep well with submersible pump, the construction of an 85000 gallon tank, tubes from the well to the tank, pipeline to the first community for hookup to existing pipeline in communities, and then pipeline to two communities without water, a clhorinator, a pump and pipeline to a school without water, supervising engineer, and community education.
I need to apply in March for a decision in June....so I am getting a little nervous.
The budget that has up to date quotes stands at $110,398.00 which includes
On February 8 we celebrated last year’s successes with Rotary Foundation giving. It was a great turnout in Harlingen of District 5930 Rotarians and a few guests from as far away as Nepal that joined us. Rotary International Director Elect Suzi Howe was very impressed with our attendance as well as the enthusiasm in the room. Thanks to DGE Eddie Bartnesky and AG Kathy Preddy for making all the arrangements for the dinner at the Harlingen Convention Center.
One day full of activities in any of the following tracks:
Social Media and Social Justice
Creating Personal Peace with a Healthy Mind and Body
Protecting and Rehabilitating your Community
Sessions designed to deliver proven solutions for you to bring back to your club or organization. Take the #peaceborderchallenge and take action towards a peaceful community
The health and safety of our members are our top priorities. We are closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) and continuously assessing its potential impact on our operations, meetings, trainings, and other events.
Due to the rapidly changing nature of this situation, I encourage you to use your discretion when it comes to club and district meetings and events, and Rotary programs and activities. Canceling or postponing meetings or Rotary-related travel might be appropriate. Even if events are held as scheduled, some people may choose not to take part. And, of course, if the World Health Organization and your national, regional, or local health authorities discourage or prohibit gathering or traveling because of the risk of spreading COVID-19, follow their recommendations.
I encourage you, as leaders in your community, to provide whatever assistance your community needs at this time. Contact your local health authorities to learn what your Rotary club can do to help prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Please accept my best wishes for the health and safety of your family and of all the members of the Rotary family in your area.
Kindest regards,
Mark Daniel Maloney 2019-2020 President, Rotary International
We have several opportunities for sponsorships at this year District Conference. Please consider if your business, club or family would like to support and expand the fun and excitement at this year's conference.
(This can be split between several sponsors.) $1000 from DeeAnna & Kevin Heavilin
Governor’s Banquet, May 2
$5000
(This can be split between several sponsors.)
Items for Service Project All items need to be travel size or individual packages; minimum 200 needed for each item. Prices are based on Walmart.com (rounded up and no shipping or tax) and 200 items.
Beef Jerky
$200
Tuna in a pouch
$330
Nuts
$100
Sunflower Seeds
$200
Corn Nuts
$350
Peanut butter Crackers
$75
Cheese Crackers
$75
Gum
$200
Drink mixes with electrolytes for 16 oz bottle of water
$50
Mouth Wash
$500
100 items from Corpus Christi Evening
Dental Floss
$430
Lip Balm
$300
200 items from DeeAnna Heavilin
Eye Drops
$120
Donate to cover the postage - $10 per box
???
What do you get as a sponsor:
Marketing as Sponsor on all District media platforms for donations $500 and above
Social Media Recognition, District website & mobile app logo with links for donations $200 and above
Program Recognition for all donations
Please contact any one of these folks if you want to be a sponsor or need more information:
By sponsoring Rotary International District 5930, you:
Gain additional exposure for yourself, your business, or your organization.
Support a charitable, diverse organization of over 1.2 million community leaders who are committed to creating positive, lasting change in our local and global communities by providing resources to them.
Enable Rotary International District 5930 with the ability to expand training opportunities, youth, and conference events for our volunteers, which include guest speakers and facilitators.
Allow Rotary International District 5930 the means to provide additional support to our organized events.
Coastal Bend Troop Support has been chosen as the Service Project for our District Conference 2020.
About this 501c3 nonprofit public charity:
We are friends, neighbors, and a community sending care packages to our American troops deployed to combat zones. We are all volunteers.
Thanks to all of the wonderful supporters over the last 9 plus years our organization has continued to grow. We are committed to send care packages as long as we have means and the need is there.
We pack and mail boxes monthly to 50-80 individuals. Troop names that are deployed to combat zones are given to the group and we support that person until his or her deployment ends. Items to be sent are donated or purchased with donated funds. Postage costs are approximately $1200 monthly.
Names can be given to us of deployed troops to combat zones on this site by going to “sign up” or e-mailing. We need their full address, where they are deployed and approximate return date along with your contact information.
Letting them know we care is our mission.
We will be collecting the following items and packing them for mailing. Time and location during the District Conference will be announced later. Can you or your club donate these items? We can also take your monetary donation to purchase or provide the mailing cost.
Activity
Amt
Sponsor
Items for Service Project All items need to be travel size or individual packages; minimum 200 needed for each item. Prices are based on Walmart.com (rounded up and no shipping or tax) and 200 items.
Beef Jerky
$200
Tuna in a pouch
$330
Nuts
$100
Sunflower Seeds
$200
Corn Nuts
$350
Peanut butter Crackers
$75
Cheese Crackers
$75
Gum
$200
Drink mixes with electrolytes for 16 oz bottle of water
$50
Hand Sanitizer (plain no fragrance)
$50
Mouth Wash
$500
100 items from Corpus Christi Evening
Dental Floss
$430
Lip Balm
$300
200 items from DeeAnna Heavilin
Eye Drops
$120
Donate to cover the postage - $10 per box
???
Conference Service Project - Coastal Bend Troop Support
A visit to the Texas State Aquarium is a chance to connect with nature…and protect nature.
And your experience here isn’t just a vacation, it’s a contribution to conservation.
That’s because your visit helps support environmental education programs, scientific research, beach cleanups, and the rescue of sick and injured birds and sea turtles. During your visit, you’re not just making memories, you’re making a difference.
Do all this and have some Rotary Fellowship!
May 1 Fun starts at 6 pm
Dinner & Family Fun at the Texas State Aquarium - $25
This is a night for fun and fellowship. Meet and greet family members, Rotarians from all over the district, and of course the animals and fish of the Aquarium.
IBC Bank wants us to enjoy this evening with our family and friends, so they have generously donated so that the cost is only $25 per person. No charge for children 5 years and under. Please bring your children and grandchildren to this special event.
We won’t have access to the entire aquarium, but will have access to the Caribbean exhibit and new Shark tank area. Watch the website for details; see if we can add more areas.
Interested in seeing more areas of the Aquarium - Help us by sponsoring an area or show. Expand what we can do and see at the Texas State Aquarium on Friday night:
Parrot show - $200
Raptor show - $200
Mammal-porcupine show - $200
Dolphin show - $750
Dive/Feeding demo - $500
What do you get as a sponsor:
Marketing as Sponsor on all District media platforms
Social Media Recognition, District website & mobile app logo with links
Program Recognition
Please contact any one of these folks if you want to be a sponsor or need more information:
Inside back cover - width 4.75 inches by height 7.75 inches - $750
Outside back cover - width 4.75 inches by height 7.75 inches - $1000
Additional comments - All ads are full color, no bleed, artwork must be camera-ready (no faxes or photocopies). Please submit as .jpeg, .jpg, .png, or .pdf. NO MS Word docs. Submit document to nancy@rockportwebsites.com by April 10.
Benefits of Sponsoring and purchasing an ad By sponsoring Rotary International District 5930, you:
Gain additional exposure for yourself, your business, or your organization.
Support a charitable, diverse organization of over 1.2 million community leaders who are committed to creating positive, lasting change in our local and global communities by providing resources to them.
Enable Rotary International District 5930 with the ability to expand training opportunities, youth, and conference events for our volunteers, which include guest speakers and facilitators.
Allow Rotary International District 5930 the means to provide additional support to our organized events.
Rotary is Family. We annually celebrate the lives of those Rotarians and spouses of Rotarians who have passed from this life. Do you know of such Rotary Family Member who passed since June 2019?
Your contribution of the following information, concerning those who have died, will ensure that recognition of our Rotary Family Member is given.
Please submit the following information as soon as possible:
Full Name
Club Name
Date of Birth and Date of Death
Rotary club Offices/Positions held and any other noteworthy Rotary achievements
A JPG photo in color, if possible, of the deceased
The information is currently being compiled by Sonata Sanchez of Rio Grande City Rotary Club and all information can be sent to her at sonata1956_jrs@yahoo.com.
If you are unable to provide all of the requested information, please send what you have.
The above information is needed ASAP and prior to April 15, 2020, if possible.
Thank you for your kind cooperation in planning for this special Celebration of Life. Please email info or questions to me at sonata1956_jrs@yahoo.com.
The 2020 High School Student Four-Way Test Speech Competition/Contest
will be held during our District Conference.
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2020
Location: Omni Hotel, 900 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Who: The winners from the 13 Areas will complete for the the 2020 District Contest.
Area Coordinators need to submit their 1st and 2nd place AREA winners’ contact information to the District chair, Tim Dowling, along with the name of the Rotary Club sponsoring Area winner. This must be provided to Tim by April 20, 2020. Area competitions should be completed by April 19, 2020. Tim’s email address is tdowling@albmlaw.com, and his phone number is (361) 884-4981.
The District competition will be held at the District Conference at Omni Hotel Corpus Christi on Saturday, May 2, 2020 starting at 9: 00 am; students need to arrive by 8:15 am.
The District Conference is an opportunity to celebrate our
members,
club Presidents,
President-Elects,
District officers and
the many ways that Rotary Connects the World through our efforts to tackle life’s biggest challenges in Communities and Globally.
We are opening the Conference with a fun evening at the Texas State Aquarium. This fun, low cost, family- and kid-friendly event will showcase how the world is connected. We will be in the new Caribbean exhibit and new Shark tank areas.
We will recognize the many Rotarians who have been a part of the Rotary Team that has led our district in 2019-2020.
Our challenge this year from President Mark Maloney was to Celebrate Rotary, Grow Membership, and help make Rotary more Family Friendly.
As I visited each of the 50+ Clubs in our District, I
met the most amazing Rotarians,
had fun,
fundraiser events,
Polio and Foundation events and
saw firsthand many great projects implemented by Rotary clubs.
Come to the conference to be reacquainted with old friends, meet new ones and leave inspired to Connect the World!
See you in Corpus Christi on May 1st through May 3rd.
Rotary truly does Connect the World!
Ellison Crider
District Governor 2019-2020
District Conference 2020 - Are you ready for some Fun
January was a busy start to the year for Rotary District 5930.
I started off the month by going to Los Fresnos for the presentation of a fire pumper truck and various essential firefighting equipment to the city of Matamoros, across the border from Brownsville. Matamoros is a very large city with very limited firefighting resources. Thanks to this project, a direct result of our International Project Fair in September last year, and the Los Fresnos Rotary Club, fighting fires there will be easier now. This project has the potential to save lives and property through faster response and with the proper resources. The next week I was in Brownsville to witness the loading of approximately $1.2 million of medical equipment and furniture that was donated to the state of Tamaulipas in Mexico to help equip under-equipped hospitals there. This was another project that was a direct result of the International Project Fair. Enrique Medellin, a member of the Brownsville Sunrise Club, worked with the proper authorities to organize the project and make it happen. The Brownsville Sunrise Club helped load the equipment and furniture into a semi truck. This project will also save lives because more hospitals in Tamaulipas will have the proper equipment to treat patients.
Congratulations Donald and to your Los Fresnos Rotary club as well as members of the Club De Rotario de Matamoros Industrial for an “Outstanding” job partnering in an International project in Matamoros, Mexico to protect and save lives throughout our communities at large.
The fire equipment, fire truck, and emergency response training provided by the City of Los Fresnos EMS/Fire Department for the Matamoros emergency response teams will prove to be invaluable when called upon in emergency situations.
Thanks to you and the Rotary Club Of Los Fresnos for your participation in our 2019 Rotary International project fair whereby you convened and connected with our Club de Rotario de Matamoros Industrial to address a community’s unmet emergency response needs. A special thanks is extended to the City Of Los Fresnos, Texas EMS Department for their commitment, utilization of their highly trained emergency response leadership team, and generosity to make this all possible.
It has been a while since I sent photos of th progress being mad on the Agua Amarilla water project funded by the Rotary Foundation. I have attached photos of the continuing...eternal...work of pipe laying down the 12 kilometers from the dam to the tank. It is now nice to see the results of that work. The pressure breaker is now receiving an incredible flow of water and the lines have been attached to both the reserve and primary tanks. Water pressure has increased dramatically allowing water to flow to the furthest of the 8 communities. The reserve tank has been repaired and except some minor remaining work on the pipeline lik securing pipes over ravines..., we will begin the extension of electricity to the yet to be built chlorination building.
Thank you for your support... We are continue to raise funds for our next Global Grant to provide clean water through a deep well system that will serve 5000 residents of 5 rural communities. Please consider helping us with this Global Grant...we are halfway to our goal.
SOUTHSIDE ROTARY HONORS HOMETOWN HERO KELLY M. MILLER, Ph.D.
Southside Rotary honors Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi (TAMU-CC) President Kelly M. Miller, Ph.D. as our 2020 “Hometown Hero” at a fundraising dinner to be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 13, 2020 in TAMU-CC’s Anchor Ballroom. The club will present Dr. Miller with an honorary Paul Harris Fellow Award. The award signifies collective contributions of $1,000 from club members to the Rotary Foundation in her honor.
The tribute will celebrate Dr. Miller’s outstanding service to the people of South Texas for over 25 years in various capacities at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi enriching the lives of South Texans as well as students from throughout Texas, the nation and the many countries from which TAMU-CC students have come.
Her efforts benefit our state, our local communities, and the Texas A&M University System. Festivities will include a silent auction and a Paul Harris Award raffle. The main feature will be a video chronicling her accomplishments.
Proceeds from the event will benefit Southside Rotary service projects including the construction of wheelchair ramps, K-12 character and leadership programs throughout the community including Early Act First Knight Character Education, Interact and Rotaract Clubs, and scholarships to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi among other projects benefitting Rotary International initiatives.
Tickets are $75 individual; $120 Couple; or $480 per table. $1500, $2500, $5000, and $10,000 sponsorship levels are also available.
It is my honor to announce the nomination of Kent Grier as the District Governor for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. Kent is a member of the Rotary Club of Victoria Northside.
Kent Grier, the current Assistant Governor (AG) for Rotary District 2 covering Victoria, Texas has been a member of Victoria Northside Rotary since 1996 and it’s Past President in 2003-2004. He returned for a second three year term as AG following his year as District Treasurer serving DG Debbie High in 2015-2016. He is Paul Harris Fellow +8 and a Major Donor to Rotary International Foundation.
Kent has recently retired as a VP-Investments and Financial Advisor for 13 years for Wells Fargo Advisors in Victoria. He served a total of 30 years for Wells Fargo and it related companies of A.G. Edwards & Sons and Victoria Bank and Trust since 1989. He had a brief temporary duty leave to help Frost Bank of Texas in their development of the Bank’s Capital Market Division in 2005 in San Antonio, Texas.
Besides Rotary International Kent has served for 25 years as a Boy Scout Leader for the South Texas Council in Corpus Christi, Texas having served as their Council Commissioner (lead for BSA volunteers), a Scoutmaster and Cubmaster. He has been honored with BSA’s top Council award of the Silver Beaver, District Award of Merit and is a proud Eagle for BSA’s Advance Leader Training of Wood Badge. He is also a James E West Fellow, the Boy Scout’s National Endowment.
Yours in Rotary Service, Ellison
Ellison Crider Rotary International District 5930 District Governor, 2019-2020 Corpus Christi Evening Rotary Club
This training is designed to help club Presidents for 2020-2021 and at least one other club member understand how to successfully prepare and submit a district and/or global grant application to the District 5930 Leadership Team for consideration.
If anyone has any questions, they are welcome to contact me.
Thank you very much for your continued cooperation and support.
This training is designed to help club Presidents for 2020-2021 and at least one other club member understand how to successfully prepare and submit a district and/or global grant application to the District 5930 Leadership Team for consideration.
If anyone has any questions, they are welcome to contact me.
Thank you very much for your continued cooperation and support.
Never think you need to apologize for asking someone to give to a worthy objective, any more than as though you were giving him an opportunity to participate in high-grade investment. The duty of giving is as much his as the duty of asking yours. Whether or not he should give to that particular enterprise, and if so, how much, it is for him alone to decide.
The Rotary Club Officers for Rotary year 2020-2021were to be entered into ClubRunner by Dec 31, 2019. At a minimum, you need the President, President-Elect, Secretary and Treasurer entered so the District can plan for the next Rotary year.
A very big THANK YOU to the following clubs who met the deadline: Alice, Aransas Pass, CC Evening, Downtown Victoria, Historic Brownsville, Kingsville, Laredo Daybreak, McAllen Evening, Southside CC, and Victoria Northside. (Note, that is only one fifth of clubs.)
These clubs have a partial list entered, but need the notated officers:
Edinburg - need Secretary
Kingsville Sunrise - need President Elect
Pharr - need Secretary and Treasurer
Rockport - need PE, Secretary and Treasurer.
If your club is not listed, then you need to get the officers elected and posted to ClubRunner. I will be willing to post any officers to ClubRunner, just send me an email with the names and positions for your club. Otherwise, have a current officer in your club complete the task.
Rotary International will be checking January 31st to see which clubs have not designated officers for the next Rotary year. That list will be sent to the District Governor requesting his assistance in getting compliance. Please avoid getting your club name on that list.
Please let me know if I can be of any assistance to your club, or seek assistance from your Assistant Governor.
Happy New Year! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.
January is always an opportunity for a new start. For Rotarians it marks the middle of the Rotary year and leads us into additional opportunities for service, learning, and fellowship.
One of the service projects of note is the donation of $1.5 million worth of used medical equipment from Valley Regional Medical Center in Brownsville to the medical community of Tamaulipas state across the border in Mexico. DIF Tamaulipas will in turn distribute the equipment to hospitals and rural clinics to provide medical support to a population of approximately 2 million. This project is being coordinated by Brownsville Sunrise Rotary Club Rotarian Enrique Medellin. We are truly Connecting the World with this project!
Just before Thanksgiving we celebrated the opening of a new school in the remote village of Las Cabras in Trujillo. The children there had to walk long distances to get to the nearest school. Now they will have a community school. It is a one classroom school....remember those...with one teacher teaching all six grades. 25 children will attend this school. This was made possible thanks to a generous donation to Hands to Honduras from Nianna Gustovich, a member of the McAllen, Texas, Evening Rotary Club. The community provided the labor.
From JD Simpson, member and a Past District Governor:
After a long battle with Alzheimer's, my very loving Dad passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon (10/3/2019) at his home in College Station. He was 91 years old.
As you know he was a dedicated Rotarian for many years. I'm going to miss him as will others.
JAMES H. “JIM” SIMPSON, JR.
January 8, 1928 – November 3, 2019
James Hendley “Jim” Simpson, Jr. was born in Hallettsville, Texas on January 8, 1928 to James Hendley Simpson, Sr. and Alma (Carpenter) Simpson. After completing high school he attended Texas A&M University, where he graduated in 1949 with a B. S. degree in Business. Jim was a proud member of the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Band during his college years. After college he served in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. There he met the love of his life, Lois. They were married in Springfield, Missouri in 1954 and returned to Hallettsville that same year. Jim joined the First National Bank of Hallettsville, where he ultimately retired as Chairman of the Board in 1983. Jim and Lois moved to College Station in 1984 to become “fulltime Texas Aggies.” They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on November 6th.
Jim was active in a number of civic organizations throughout his life. His primary focus was as a member of Rotary International, where he served as President of the Hallettsville Club in 1960-1961 and as Governor of Rotary District 5870 in 1962-1963. He served for more than 60 years in Rotary, and traveled all over the world participating in Rotary projects, including leading a Group Study Exchange group to Australia in 1993 and traveling to Kenya to help deliver school supplies to local children in 2000. He was the epitome of the Rotary motto “Service Above Self.”
Jim is survived by his wife Lois; his children, Scott (and Stephanie George Simpson) of College Station, JD of Rockport, Texas; and Stephanie McDonald of Buena Vista, Colorado; and his grandchildren, Matthew McDonald of Nashville, Tennessee, and Jamie McDonald (and fiancé Troy Johnson) of Kirkland, Washington.
In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Hospice Brazos Valley (hospicebrazosvalley.org), the Texas Aggie Band Association (tabaonline.com) or the Bryan Rotary Club (bryan-rotary.org).
Visitation will occur between 5 pm and 7pm Sunday, November 10, at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home, in Bryan, Texas. Funeral service will begin at 11:30am Monday, November 11, also at Callaway-Jones. Interment will immediately follow at the College Station City Cemetery.
I want to wish the Rotarians of District 5930 Happy Holidays! It’s a time to be with family and celebrate the successes of the last year. For many of us our Rotary friends are a big part of our family. And we are all part of the Family of Rotary. In this newsletter article I want to remind you of several events we are gearing up for as we start the New Year.
On January 18 we will offer Rotary Leadership Institute Sessions 1 and 2. This is a great opportunity for upcoming club leaders as well as new Rotarians
In today’s technology-driven world, members are turning to Rotary.org, our social media accounts, and other online Rotary channels to get the information they need. Fewer and fewer members are using Rotary Shop to order printed materials or to purchase Rotary-branded merchandise. Because of our members’ changing needs, we will cease operating Rotary Shop in April.
Instead, our most popular publications will be available digitally on various Rotary websites. Some publications will even be offered as print-ready files that you can take to a printer to produce locally. Rotary merchandise can be purchased directly from approved, licensed vendors.
More information will be available in the coming months.
Attached is my summary of my October 2019 voting as a Delegate to Council of Resolutions. This report should be made available to our members in whatever method you believe is appropriate.
Art Zeitler, COR and COL District 5930 Delegate
Click the read More Link to read the full Summary Report
Victoria Northside used October to raise $1,616 for Polio Plus in memory of Rex Horst. JoAnn Settles delivered Thursday's World Polio Day message at Victoria Northside.
Visiting Rotarian's were President Elect Marilyn Horst of Port Lavaca, President Patricia Rehak of Downtown Victoria, President Elect Eric Balsadua of Cuero, Victoria Rotarian Bud Oliver, CEO of the YMCA of the Golden Crescent.
Pictures and display information are available by clicking the Read More Link.
On September 9, 2019 Meg Reese was inducted into the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass. On October 28, 2019 Meg was presented with her New Member Badge and the Rotary Shirt she had purchased to wear at upcoming Rotary Events. Watch for Meg in November at the Aransas Pass Feast and on December 14 at the Rotary Club Comedy Night, an event to raise money for the Early Act First Night Program.
Submitted by:
Karen Gayle
Secretary and Treasurer
Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
October 29, 2019
Pictures are available by clicking the Read More Link.
Last month we welcomed 7 Russian Rotarians to the District on a Peace Exchange arranged through the Russia-USA Intercountry Committee. Although communication was challenging at times we ended up making new friends from Russia and the Peace Exchange was successful in Connecting the World through Rotary. The reports we have gotten back from Russia from our visitors is that they thoroughly enjoyed their visit to South Texas and have invited a group of us to come over to Russia. I want to thank Alissa Adkins, past president of the Corpus Christi Evening Club, for having the vision to arrange the Peace Exchange and making sure it was successful. Great work!
I want to congratulate the San Benito Rotary Club on a wonderful
Join us for a set of seminars on how to effectively build leaders in your club. Facilitators will share experiences and knowledge on how to move beyond simply managing to truly leading your club by building effective leaders. These seminars will provide the basics on powerful strategies you can use to boost morale and energize your club.
Registrations must be paid in advance and with a credit card.
Rockport Rotary Club hosted a Peace Exchange group from Russia for the day on October 8, 2019.The group is part of a Peace Friendship Exchange under the auspices and guidelines of the Russia-United States lntercountry Committee (ICC). The hosting Rotary districts are South Texas 5930 and District 5020 in Washington State with an assist from the Houston District 5890.
They spent the day in Rockport and Fulton. Activities included a meal at Paradise Key, visits to the Texas Maritime Museum and Rockport-Fulton Visitor Center, shopping time on Austin Street, and a dinner hosted by the Rockport Rotary Club at the Rockport Beach Park. A signature event that was a highlight was the planting of a Peace Pole at the Aransas Pathways Pavilion area.
The Rotary District represented by the Russian delegation made donations to the cause of humanitarian needs in response to Hurricane Harvey impact in Rockport and Fulton.
There will be seven visiting Russians, additional persons (our leaders, translators, and other participants) and local Rotarians.
On October 8 & 9, 2019, the Early Act First Knight (EAFK) program was kicked off in the Faulk and Charlie Marshall Elementary Schools. This positive, behavior modification program was brought to the Aransas Pass School System by the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass in September 2012. It was initially introduced in Charlie Marshall Elementary, but due to the positive behavior changes noticed, the program was expanded to include Kieberger Elementary in September 2013. This initially covered grades 2 – 5. However with the construction of the new Faulk Elementary, the EAFK program was expanded in 2018 by the Rotarians to include the first grade.
Lone Star P.E.T.S., Inc. (Lone Star PETS or LSPETS) – the premier training event that prepares Rotary Club President Elects for their year of service as President of their Rotary club in Texas and Southern Oklahoma. P.E.T.S. (PETS) is the acronym for “President Elect Training Seminar”.
Lone Star PETS is the combined efforts of ten Rotary International Districts. They all converge on the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the DFW International Airport to jointly provide the best possible training for future Presidents of Rotary clubs.
DGE Eddie Bartnesky is planning valuable and exciting training for all President Elects. This is required training before taking office. Please contact DGE Eddie is you are unable to attend.
Russian Peace Exchange to Visit South Texas District 5930
South Texas District 5930 will be hosting a Peace Exchange group from Russia for two weeks. The group is part of a Peace Friendship Exchange under the auspices and guidelines of the Russia-United States lntercountry Committee (ICC). The hosting Rotary districts are South Texas 5930 and District 5020 in Washington State with an assist from the Houston District 5890.
A signature event in Rockport that will highlight the primary purpose is the planting of a Peace Pole at the Aransas Pathways Pavilion area.
The full agenda can be read by click the Red More Link.
Who will be the next in line to be District Governor for Rotary District 5930?
Will it be a member of your Club? Will it be someone you know? Will it be you?
Now that your first few Rotary months are out of the way, I’d like to ask you and your club members’ assistance in identifying potential candidates for our District’s 2022 – 2023 Governor. I know that seems like a long way into the future but in order to comply with Rotary International’s Manual of Procedure, this is the required protocol.
The deadline for 2022-2023 Nominations for District Governor is December 15, 2019.
Interviews will be conducted on Jan. 11, 2020 at La Quinta in Kingsville.
I wanted to share this email message relating to our International Peace Pole (IPP) initiatives with Suzi Howe and Larry Dimmitt to follow up about the many extraordinary and impactful things Rotarians are doing in addition to our collaborative International service projects and recent International Project Fair in Brownsville!
Our IPP dedications at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, Texas and CalAllen, Texas occurred in February 2019 to compliment our District sponsored Peace Symposium held in Corpus Christi, Texas. Cameron Chisholm, our Rotary Peace Scholar alumnus accompanied us and spoke with elementary, high school, and University students as part of the International Peace Pole dedication ceremonies.
As Andy Hagan, 2018-2019 District Governor Rotary District 5930, completed his term of office, he made a special gift to all Rotary Presidents in District 5930 who served under his term. He presented all with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. Everyone who donates $1000.00 to the Rotary Foundation, or to whom $1000.00 is donated in their name, becomes a Paul Harris Fellow and is presented with an Award. The monies donated are used by the Foundation to promote good Health, reduce Hunger and promote Humanity throughout the world.
The 2018-2019 Rotary Club of Aransas Pass President was Robert Branch. Robert was already a Paul Harris Fellow so he became a Paul Harris Fellow + 1, which means an additional $1000.00, has been donated to the Rotary Foundation in his name.
Unfortunately Andy was unable to come to personally present Robert with his Sapphire Paul Harris Pin, so on Monday, September 23, 2019 the presentation was made by 2013-2014 District Governor Maxie Houser.
Submitted by,
Karen Gayle
Sec./Tres.
Aransas Pass Rotary Club
September 25, 2019
Picture: Left to Right
Maxie Houser, 2013-2014 District Governor Rotary District 5930
Robert Branch, PHF + 1, 2018-2019 President Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
It’s hard to believe it is already October. We continue to have a busy District schedule. Fay and I just returned from the Zone Institute in Kansas City and are filled with excitement and ideas for the rest of the Rotary year to come. And DGE Eddie Bartnesky, along with his wife Sue, was formally presented as our District Governor Elect. Eddie, we are looking forward to your leadership next Rotary year!
A group of 20 Rotary Leadership Institute graduates will gather on October 5 for RLI facilitator training. I want to thank all those who have taken the time to participate in this program and are now ready to step up to the plate and become leaders in it. We will be offering RLI Sessions 1 and 2 on January 18 at the Grace United Methodist Church in Corpus Christi. Please plan to attend and join this dynamic group of Rotary leaders.
I want to thank those who helped organize the first annual Multi-District Project Fair in Brownsville last month. Special thanks go out to Brownsville Sunrise member Enrique Medellin for leading the effort. And to the Brownsville Sunrise club for providing the bulk of the manpower during the event. It was a wonderful example of how we are “Connecting the World” in our District. We are already planning next year’s Project Fair on September 26, 2020. Stay tuned for more details.
On October 6 a group of 7 Russian Rotarians will arrive in Houston and be brought down to Corpus Christi. They will spend 2 weeks in our District meeting Rotarians and enjoying our South Texas culture. I hope if there is an event with them in your area you will take a little time to get out and meet them. Their goal is to meet as many Americans as possible. We need to show them our South Texas Rotarian hospitality! And a special thanks to Corpus Christi Evening Club member Alissa Adkins for leading and planning this visit.
I will be visiting many of your clubs in October. I’m looking forward to seeing you and hearing all about how your clubs are doing good in the world and our District. Have a great October!
This week we had the dedication of the new kindergarten in Maranones. Donations to construct the kindergarten were provided by numerous Rotary Clubs and the labor was provided by the community. It seemed fitting to recognize the original club that sponsored the creation of Hands to Honduras, Inc. 21 years ago after the devastation caused by Hurricane Mitch...my original club in Middlebury, Vermont. They have funded our efforts in Honduras the longest and most reliably every year since then.
That is why our Rotary Action Group Global Network for Blood Donation is committed to promoting voluntary blood donation around the world.
Probably many of your Clubs are already involved in community motivation, promoting or organizingvoluntary blood drives or collection sessions (we would be interested in receiving some information about these collections).
Thank you for encouraging them to do so: they actively implement the motto of Rotary International ‘Service above Self’
Our Rotary meeting on Thursday, August 22 was profoundly sad and a difficult one to get through.
Rex Horst… our friend, colleague, mentor and this year’s President, passed away earlier that week. All of us still in shock and a state of disbelief, we gathered together to be close to each other and share our grief.
We hugged each other. We told each other “you matter to me”. We shared stories about Rex. “Rex saved my life bringing me into his Church.” “Good times on Harley road trips.” “Rex introduced me to Rotary.” “Rex built my home.” “What struck me most was his devotion to his family and his church.” Many members had been given a book he liked to share “Muscle and a Shovel”. So instead of our usual business meeting, we put aside an agenda, we didn’t have a guest speaker. We took time to honor Rex and strengthen the bonds of friendship we have with each other. Rex, we miss you. We thank you for your years of service in Rotary, rarely missing a meeting or event. We’ll miss your smile, your laugh, your devotionals, your encouraging words, the way you would kick us in the pants when we needed it. Rest in peace dear friend.
It is important that every Rotary club has the tools and tactics needed to fulfill our goal of eradicating polio worldwide. I am pleased to share with you two new videos that have been developed to help ensure that your club is in-the-know about the global fight to eradicate polio and Rotary’s decades-long role in that effort.
These special programs on polio give background on the status of our efforts, provide historic insight into Rotary’s contribution, and outline the actions we can take to join together to end polio. The two videos, which are 10 and 15 minutes long, can serve as a program for your club’s meeting, or can be shown at public events to ensure that your community is familiar with Rotary and polio.
We have come a long way since we started PolioPlus in 1985, but we still have work to do, and I need your help in empowering Rotarians in your club to join the fight.
I challenge each of you to use these videos as a tool this year to help raise funds and build awareness for Rotary’s flagship cause.
Click here to view or download the videos on Vimeo and see descriptions of the videos.
Yours in Rotary,
Mark Daniel Maloney President, Rotary International 2019-2020
On Monday, August 5, 2019, outgoing Rotary Club of Aransas Pass President, Robert Branch presented incoming President, James Hollan with his President’s Name Badge. Shortly thereafter, President James Hollan presented outgoing President Robert Branch with a plaque recognizing his one-year of service as president of the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass. Karen Gayle continues as Secretary-Treasurer, Juli Blanda serves as President-Elect, and Robert Branch continues as Sergeant at Arms.
I will be in south Texas from September 3 until the 14th and have 11 clubs (including PI) and the Zone project fair booked. I will be running between Laredo and Port Lavaca and most points in between.
I have agreed to act as liaison between Engineers Without Borders: Portland, Oregon--and the community of Guadalupe Carney for a.water project they are funding that will serve over 3500 people. EWB headquarters has determined Honduras is too dangerous for them to allow their engineers to come to Honduras...which is odd because, well, I feel perfectly safe here.
Congratulations to the first District 5930 Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) graduating class. Twenty-one Rotarians, representing all of our “population” hubs, 13 Rotary Clubs, and two Districts, completed RLI 3 on Saturday August 17, 2019.
Who is your hero? The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi invites you to honor your hero by sponsoring an American flag during our annual Flags for Heroes event. 1,000 flags will line City parks along Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi November 9 – 17, 2019 honoring heroes of all types.
You can sponsor a flag for only $50. Each flag will have a recognition tag with the sponsors name on it and the individual’s name they are honoring. Sponsors will receive their recognition tags after the event.
Also, join us for a special dedication ceremony on Veterans Day, November 11th, at Ropes Park in Corpus Christi at 5:05 pm. This emotional display is definitely worth the drive.
Greetings from our Dist. Governor of Dist. 3190, Rtn. Dr. Sameer Hariani, his gracious First Lady Rtn. Dr. Roopa Hariani and the Public Image team of Dist. 3190.
On our DG's behalf I am privileged to extend this invitation to you and the talented singers of your District. Come January 2020 Rotary India is looking forward to celebrate 100 years of Rotary service in India.
As part of the celebrations for this historic moment in our District, a mega event, Rotary Idol International 2020 been scheduled on 1st February 2020 This is a singing contest to crown the best singer in Rotary worldwide. I am sure there are great singers in your Dist. who can walk away with this prestigious title.
Happy September to everyone! August was my first full month of club visits. We have a diverse group of clubs in District 5930 and I’ve enjoyed all the visits. The Rotarians have been welcoming and eager to hear what is going on in the larger Rotary world. And thanks to all the assistant governors who have made arrangements for each visit. During the visits I’ve been telling my Rotary story with the hope that those who hear it will be inspired to think about and tell their story. To motivate others to join and “Grow Rotary” we must tell our stories, which are as varied as the Rotarians that tell them.
The Port Isabel, Texas, and Trujillo, Honduras, Rotary Clubs are preparing a Global Grant to provide clean water to 872 families comprising 5000 people in 5 rural communities near Trujillo. These communities currently receive their water primarily from a 200,000 gallon tank that was built in 2006. It serves 7 additional communities. Ilanga Viejo and Rigores (and its 3 barrios) only receive water every 2-4 days if at all. 10 hand pumps spread around Rigores provide water as available and many homes have created their own pumping systems on their properties.
Please consider funding this matching grant water and sanitation project. If interested contact me at tomplumb315@yahoo.com. I have attached a project description and photos.
ALL ARE INVITED TO THE PROJECT FAIR. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BRING A PROJECT.
What is a Rotary International Multi-District Project Fair?
It’s an event where Clubs from multiple countries (in this case Mexico and the United States) showcase their Projects to with the objective of potentially partnering with each other.
What’s the purpose of a Rotary International Multi-District Project Fair?
There are 3 key purposes:
Promote friendship between all clubs of different international districts.
Help small and/or new Rotary Clubs get involved in International Projects, learn how District and Global Grants work and can help them with their community projects
Partnership with Clubs to leverage Rotary Foundation funds to maximize funding possibilities for projects. In some cases this may lead to completion of a project that otherwise could not be completed because of lack of funding.
Who can attend a RIPF?
Whether or not your club has a project, all clubs are invited.
How can a Club showcase a Project at a RIPF?
Clubs presenting Projects must be prepared with complete information. This would include type of project, location, how many people will be benefit, if there are more sponsors, how much time will it take to complete, total cost, who will be in charge of the completion, how much money is the club investing, how much money is needed for completion, type of grant requested, pictures, video, etc.
Can a Club with no projects to showcase attend?
Sure, the RIPF needs Clubs with no projects and clubs with projects, to explore working together for a completion of a project.
Are there other benefits for Rotarians that attend?
Yes, all attendees will Connect with Rotarians from their District and Districts from other areas and countries. You will share ideas and plan future partnerships for the 2020 Rotary International Multi-District Project Fair.
Can a Club partner with another Club?
Yes, one Club can partner with another for years, but need to be open to participate with other Clubs too. The purpose of the RIPF is that all clubs participate with different clubs not just one.
The U.S. Rotary Clubs and Districts Liability Insurance Program ("Program") provides all U.S. Rotary clubs and districts and Rotaract clubs with general liability (GL) and directors' and officers'/employment practices liability (D&O/EPL) insurance.
The Program’s insurance policies have been renewed for the policy term 1 July 2019-2020. The 2019-20 Certificate of Insurance is posted on the broker website, Gallagher Insight. Rotary July Club Invoice includes insurance assessments (for general liability and D&O/EPL), which pay for this Program.
General liability insurance coverage remains the same, with exception of the changes noted in this letter and on the Gallagher Insight broker website. There are no changes to D&O/EPL insurance coverage.
As you approach the new Rotary year, your Zone Regional team has three (3) exciting opportunities for your club's Trilogy Continuum (Foundation, Membership, and Public Image, Chairs).
1. October 24, 2019: World Polio Day: One Day. One Focus: Ending Polio
Rotarians—Feel free to change the form with your club’s contact information. But if you don’t, that’s fine—I’ll make sure Lysa credits the correct Corpus Christi club for sponsors.
This is not a District 5930 event. The monies raised through sponsorships and ticket sales are donated by the CC Clubs to Polio Plus.
Last year was a smashing success and this year will be even better! Save the date and plan to attend. We look forward to seeing you!
We are “this close” to eradicating Polio. Let’s get this done.
Thanks,
Alissa Adkins
District 5930 End Polio Now Coordinator (Central)
Past President, Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Evening
In May 1919 several businessmen in Victoria, TX began organizing a Rotary Club. It was chartered on June 1919 and be came an official Club of Rotary International on July 1, 1919. The Victoria Rotary Club celebrated its Centennial on June 20, 2019.
As I reflected back on the amazing journey of our Rotary Club vis-à-vis mementos such as past bulletins, a piece of sheet music written for the club in 1919, photos and stacks of miscellaneous, I hoped to find a project that would secure our legacy for the next 100 years. I realized that among my personal prized possessions, there is a Mickey Mouse watch my Dad gave me when I was 5, a grandfather clock that has been wound by the Caldwell clan for over 100 years and a cuckoo clock that hung in my grandmother’s house. The significance of these timeless heirlooms, obviously, is they are all designed to keep track of time, yet they are timeless.
One day in November I was reading the Rotarian and stumbled on a post clock made for another Rotary Club. It caught my eye and I approached our Club President, Neal Stevenson, about making that our centennial project. We proceeded in the planning, selecting the entry to DeTar Hospital as the ideal location. We introduced the project at the Centennial Party in June and invited our members to have their names cast in bronze at the base of the clock with a donation of $500 per line (25 characters including spaces). We raised $17,000 that evening and are on our way to being able to purchase the clock.
We are extending an invitation to all Rotarians throughout the district to become part of this project. If you would like to have your name on the clock, please send me an email, secretaryvrc@gmail.com. We can invoice you or charge your credit card.
We also invite your club to consider having its name on the base of the clock with a $500 donation. Of course, all donations of any size will be gratefully accepted. Our goal is to have the clock in place for the Christmas season which requires the order be placed by September 1. Visualize your great grandchildren seeing a clock with their ancestors embedded on the base.
Tune up your wing-shooting skills on Saturday, August 24, 2019 before the Whitewing-DoveSeason in south Texas at the North Brownsville Rotary Club's 12th Annual Whitewing Tune Up Shoot at Loma Alta Trap & Skeet Club on Old Port Isabel Road in Brownsville. Proceeds from the event go towards funding Jerome “Jerry” Jokl Educational Scholarships for area college and associates’ degree-bound students with over $250,000.00 having been awarded since 1985.
Event registration begins at 8:00 AM. with commencement at 9:30 AM. Entry fees are: Adults - $125.00, Junior - $75.00, Teams - $500 for teams (4 participants). Mulligans are $10.00 each. All entries include a unique and challenging multi-station sporting clay course, tacos and beans a-la-charro lunch, refreshments and lots of door prizes, like ice chests, wine basket, shotgun shells and beach gear. Trophies will be awarded for 1st, 2nd & 3rd place Teams, Individuals (Men’s, Women’s & Youth Divisions), plus Modified Lewis Class A, B, C & D. Adult entry fee includes entry in the Calcutta with $1,500.00 guaranteed payout.
Shotgun Raffle tickets available from club members at $100.00 each with drawing on the day of the event. 1st Prize is a performance sporting clays shotgun – a new Cesar Guerini Summit Sporting Over/Under 12 Gauge with 32” barrels. 2nd Prize is $500.00 cash, 3rd Prize is 50 boxes of Clever Mirage T1 12 Ga. Ammunition, and 4th Prize is an Artic Backpack Soft-side Cooler. Only 100 tickets will be sold. Need not be present to win!
Register at the event or entry forms are available from committee members and on Loma Trap & Skeet Club’s Facebook page. No experience is necessary as we have knowledgeable “clay shooters” who will be glad to help you if needed. Additional BBQ plates available for non-participants at $10.00 each at the event.
Practice rounds available at the club on the Wednesday prior from 5 PM. until closing at a special $6 per round.
Today's District Foundation Committee organizational and grants meeting in Calallen laid the groundwork for a successful Rotary Foundation year. This shows this inspired committee's working lunch.
Hands to Honduras has three school projects going on now. The new kindergarten in Maranones has been completed except for adding logos and recognitions...we will have the dedication soon. The new school in Las Cabras has just broken ground.
And, last week we had two volunteer electricians rewire the kindergarten in Trinidad near Trujillo. The light serving the kinder was turned on by connecting two wires and there were no fans. Our volunteers installed a light switch, corrected other electrical problems and installed three fans. Previously we had providing the cyclone fencing (to keep the children on school grounds and horses and dogs outside. We also provided the paint the kinder and my wife, son and I helped local volunteers do the painting.
I have attached some photos of the Trinidad project.
Our latest school construction project is in Las Cabras (the goats). A rather remote area in Trujillo....down some terrible dirt roads. Construction began this week.. I have attached some photos of the foundation work. It will be 21x29 feet and will serve 25 students from grades 1-6 utilizing one teacher for all six grades.
Thanks for your 21 years of support for our efforts in Honduras! Please consider supporting us again in the coming year!
In two weeks, our summer session will be over, and we will have served more than 900 children and young adults with special needs and chronic illnesses. Not surprisingly, it will then be time to tidy up! And with 104 acres and 32 different buildings and structures, we could use some help.
“Camp Care Days” will take place on Saturday, August 24thandSaturday, September 21stfrom 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Volunteers will help with light-duty maintenance and landscaping projects. We will supply lunch.
I would be very grateful if you would share this email your co-workers, friends and family. I also have attached flyer that you can post. Please let me know if you prefer that we communicate with someone else in your office.
If you would like to volunteer or have questions, please email Bianca Hernandez at bhernandez@camparanzazu.org. Thank you for your support of Camp Aranzazu and the children and adults with special needs and chronic illnesses whom we serve.
August is Membership and New Club Development month. To celebrate, I would suggest you invite guests to attend your Rotary meetings and invite them to become a member. Also, for New Club Development, Immediate Past District Governor (IPDG) Andy Hagan is working on several new satellite clubs. One of them that should come to fruition soon is at Rancho Viejo in Olmito and will be a satellite of the Brownsville Sunrise Club. The year is just getting started but I already see some positive membership growth momentum. One of the symbolisms of the green theme shirts this year is positive growth so let’s be in the “green” at the end of the year.
Each year Rotary Clubs in their respective districts get a new District Governor. Aransas Pass and 50 other Clubs are in District 5930. So, on Monday, July 15, 2019 Ellison Crider, the current District 5930 Governor, visited the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass. The purpose of his visit was to make us aware of the incoming Rotary International President, Mark Daniel Maloney’s 2019-2020 Rotary Theme, “Rotary Connects With The World”. He also informed us of his Rotary District 5930 theme, “Rotary Rooted In Service”, and explained the reasons for his selection of that theme. While visiting. DG Ellison went over our Club’s upcoming goals, service projects, and budget. He expressed that he felt our Club was sound and productive. He was particularly impressed with the number of service projects we provide considering we have only 10 members.
ADG Terri Whitman accompanied DG Ellison. Her job is to help our Club whenever and wherever necessary to meet our 2019-2020 Goals.
Before departing, DG Ellison presented President James with a Certificate verifying his attendance at the 2019 Lone Star P.E.T.S. (President elect Training Seminar) that was held in Dallas in February 2019.
Submitted by Karen Gayle, Sec.
Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
July 15, 2019
Picture Left to Right: Ellison Crider, 2019-2020 Governor Rotary District 5930
James Hollan, 2019-2020 President Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
Terri Whitman, Assistant District Governor Rotary District 5930
MCALLEN, TEXAS July 16, 2019 - South Texas College, in collaboration with Rotary District 5930, is hosting an exhibit entitled “Rotary Art Olympiad” displaying student art work from India.
This exhibit will run all summer in the Rainbow Room at the STC Pecan Campus Library, and will be celebrated with a public reception on Tuesday, July 16, from 5-6 p.m.
“Rotary International’s theme for 2019-2020 is Rotary Connects the World and this exhibit provides an example of just how closely connected we all are. Students from Edinburg had their posters displayed in India in March 2019, and now we have student art from India reciprocated,” said Dr. Elaine Hernandez, the Rotary District International Service Chair and Regional Director of the Texas Hunger Initiative.
Printable Flyer Click Read More for more information and pictures
With the changes in the Standard Rotary Club Constitution voted on by the 2019 Council on Legislation (COL), Clubs need to take a close look at the new Attendance section and its reporting implications.
Click on the Read More Button to see the full text from the revised Standard Rotary Club Constitution.
The complete revised Standard Rotary Club Constitution can be found in the ToolBox in the General Resources section. All clubs should review their Constitution and Bylaws to make adjusts to being them in line with the revised constitutional documents, that incorporate all the enactments adopted by the 2019 Council on Legislation (COL).
District Governor Andy Hagan acknowledges Melissa Perez, Rio Grande City Rotary Club president elect, Hammer Flores, Assistant Governor, and Sonata Sanchez, Rio Grande City Club President in June at their club meeting for their leadership and support!
Post Hurricane Harvey, Rotary District 5930 received $448,870.64 in donations from concern Rotarians and Citizens throughout the United States.This money was made available to District 5930 Rotary Clubs that had viable community projects to help their community recover.All a Club had to do was apply for a specific amount of funds for a project that met the Hurricane Harvey Grant Criteria.An application form was provided and once submitted was reviewed by the District.
Global Grant to provide clean water to 5000 people in 5 villages
Hi all,
As we near the completion of the construction of the water system serving 8 rural villages (1128 families) in the Agua Amarilla water district....we are developing our next Global Grant proposal for submission to the Rotary Foundation. It will serve 5000 people in the Rigores water district. We will not have a grant number until we submit the grant but please consider setting aside funding for it in the coming Rotary year...or saving remaining club funds from this Rotary year into the next Rotary year. Also, for Rotarians who plan to give the Foundation in the coming year...please consider assigning your donation to this Global Grant.
Happy New Year District 5930 Rotarians! It’s hard to believe but the new Rotary year is here. Thanks to immediate PDG Andy Hagan for his inspirational leadership this past year. A job well done!
Moving forward it is time to “Connect the World”, emphasizing all year how Rotary Connects the World through Global Grants, District Grants, friendships, Inter Country Exchanges, and more. If you discover a unique way that Rotary connects your world please let me know so we can share it.
Our District theme for the year is “Rooted in Service”. Service is at the root of all we do as Rotarians. We will discuss this more as the year goes on.
My dear friends, Rotary leaders, and Rotaract leaders:
A new Rotary year is upon us, and let us say one final thank you to former President Barry Rassin for his outstanding leadership. Barry, we will miss you, but we know and appreciate that you will continue to lead Rotary in important ways for years to come.
I have spoken for several months about how Rotary Connects the World, and the time has now arrived to put our words into action. We have an exciting year ahead of us, a year when we begin to implement the new Strategic Plan, what I call the Rotary Action Plan and when we will celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter.
Are you a veteran Rotarian who has been there, done that, & has the t-shirt?
Are you a new Rotarian who want to learn about Rotary?
Are you trying to move ahead in your job, but are missing some skills and training?
Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a grassroots coalition of Rotary districts implementing a leadership development program for "potential" leaders of Rotary CLUBS. It is a three part program of sessions.
Good morning everyone. Elsa and I are so appreciative of all the compliments, comments, texts, phone calls, and emails we have received about our recent District Conference and Youth Summit.
Please read all the stories, watch the videos and check out the photo albums for all activities from the District Conference 2019.
We realize none of this would have been possible without your help and hard work. We extend a heartfelt “thank you “ to each of you! You all are awesome!
Thank you again for your assistance and most importantly for your continued support and engagement to mentor and inspire our community at large and youth of all ages!
Rotarians and community leaders gathered on Friday, May 3, during the District Conference, to raise awareness about food insecurity in our south Texas region, and to celebrate the many local solutions to hunger provided by non-profit agencies, universities, school districts, and food banks in our communities.
Earning the Rotary Citation is an honor that RI President Barry Rassin hopes clubs strive to achieve. To earn the citation, please complete all activities and report your accomplishments to Rotary by 30 June.
Where should I enter my club’s accomplishments? The 2018-19 Rotary Citation Achievement Guide explains how and where to report each citation goal. If a club member who isn’t an officer wants to record citation progress in Rotary Club Central, you can learn to delegate your level of access temporarily to allow the member to do so.
How can I see my club’s progress? Members who have My Rotary accounts can view the Rotary Citation Recipients Report by signing in to My Rotary. Then, under Manage, in Club & District Administration, go to Reports and, in the Awards section, you’ll see Rotary Citation.
Three local senior students participated in the Area 6 4-way speech contest Sunday for the chance to win scholarship money.
Eric Massey, a student at Freer High School, gave his speech on cyber bullying along with the effects that it has on individuals, especially teenagers and young adults, across the nation.
Massey took first place and a $275 scholarship. He will represent Area 6 Rotary Clubs at the Rotary District 5930 Conference in Rancho Viejo in May. At the conference, Massey and other contestants will compete for more scholarship money.
Second place was Madison Pope, a senior at Three Rivers High School. She received a $175 scholarship.
Third place was Megan Rios, a senior at Alice High School. She received a scholarship of $150.
Photo: (L-R) Dee Dee C. Arismendez, Area 6 Assistant Governor, Eric Massey, Madison Pope and Megan Rios
For those that don't know....Hands to Honduras, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) affiliate of the Port Isabel Rotary Club. We have been working in Honduras since 1999 and in Trujillo since 2007. We currently primarily build schools (using donations from Rotarians and clubs) and water systems (using Global Grants with local matches from clubs and Rotarians).
As we near the completion of the construction of the water system serving 8 rural villages (1128 families) in the Agua Amarilla water district....we are developing our next Global Grant proposal for submission to the Rotary Foundation. It will serve 5000 people in the Rigores water district. We will not have a grant number until we submit the grant but please consider setting aside funding for it in the coming Rotary year...or saving remaining club funds from this Rotary year into the next Rotary year. Also, for Rotarians who plan to give the Foundation in the coming year...please consider assigning your donation to this Global Grant.
On Thursday evening, May 16, 2019, at the “APISD Scholarships Senior Award Night 2019”, the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass presented four (4) $1000.00 scholarships to deserving Seniors of the APISD Class of 2019.The Rotary Club consists of eleven members who work hard throughout the year generating funds to give back to the community. Deserving projects are Literacy Donations, Aransas Pass For Youth, Project Graduation, an International Project, Bikes for deserving Charlie Marshall and Kieberger students, the Early Act First Knight program in both Charlie Marshall and Kieberger schools, the Four-Way Speech Contest, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, the Tri County Christian Service Center, Continuing College Scholarships, and of course, High School Senior Scholarships. This year the Rotary Club was able to increase their scholarship amount from $500.00 per scholarship to $1000.00. The Rotary Club is proud to be able to support not only the APISD School System, but also the Community of Aransas Pass.
Submitted May 20, 2019 by Karen Gayle, Secretary/Treasurer
Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
Picture: Robert Branch, President Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
Jurnee Peikert
Shelby Mock
Dylan Samora
Monique Evans
Karen Gayle, Sec./Tres. Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
In 2011, Trujillo Rotarán Hector Mendoza was designated as my Rotary contact for Hands to Honduras. He wanted to come to our Rotary District 5930 Conference Celebration to thank fellow Rotarians and supporters for assisting with projects in Trujillo, Honduras since 2007. In 2017, Hector Mendoza was elected Mayor of Trujillo. It was an upset victory ousting the previous Mayor. During his tenure as my contact, we have built 18 classrooms in 12 communities with one more underway. We completed 6 water projects serving about 11,410 people and currently have another water project underway serving 5500 people in 8 rural villages. Additionally, we are planning another water system serving 5 rural villages, serving 5000 people.
Other projects we have completed together include latrines at 6 schools, a microloan program providing loans to people living with disabilities to help them start businesses, replaced a school roof and repaired another school roof, painted two schools (not counting the ones we built), provided funding for a school library, provided 65 desks to a school, and provided sports equipment to two schools.
Hector is also a Rotarian. A true Rotarian with heart. He is a dedicated public servant and he is proud of our Rotary and our partnerships.
The Pre-Conference All Club Luncheon was held at Ortiz Center Corpus Christi on Thursday May 2- with an attendance of 182 Rotarians. It was an exciting traditional format All Club Luncheon planned by a committee of local Club Presidents. Many Clubs brought their Club Bells and Banners. The event started with the simultaneous ringing of the Club Bells and with music provided by the musician members of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi. Following a delicious Chicken fajita buffet, PDG Art Zeitler, the event MC, recognized Rotarian guests from all over Texas plus Michigan and Russia. DGE Ellison Crider provided information on the extraordinary scholarships funded by the Rotary Foundation and introduced two of the scholarship recipients who explained how the scholarship funded education opportunities had and will change their lives .The keynote speaker, PDG Sue Goldsen of Michigan, provided the message on behalf of R I President Barry Rassin and also shared her extraordinary involvement in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. DG Andy Hagan completed the program by recognizing various Rotary Clubs for their prior accomplishments.
During the Friday afternoon conference session, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator Art Zeitler with the assistance of Rotarians Deborah Simon(Santa Fe) and Tom Plumb(Port Isabel) facilitated a workshop on Global Grants including “Ten Steps for a Successful Global Grant” and “Road Map for Navigating the RI Grant Portal”. In addition, there was a very interactive discussion to answer questions from the participants. RRFC Art also provided a list of projects that needed sponsors or co-sponsors for Global and District Grant projects. Approximately 30 Rotarians were in attendance.
We are less than four weeks away from the start of “Race Across America”!! RACING now! So far we have raised over $630,000 for PolioPlus and hope to make it over ONE MILLION.
Since the cost of a dose of the polio vaccine is 60 cents that $630,000 equates to 1,050,000 children that will be vaccinated!! Wow!! If we reached the goal of $1.2 million dollars that would be an addition 950,000 children to be vaccinated, for a total of 2 million children vaccinated!
Thank you to many of you for your contribution and/or your work to get others to give. There is still time to give (of course there is always time to give) before the race to be counted as one of our supporters.
Hundreds of families continue to benefit from Rotary Partnerships
Thanks to Deborah Simon with The Rotary Club of Santa Fe, New Mexico, for bringing more awareness on the need to end suffering of families in Guatemala and for inspiring others to help eliminate the disparities. Women and children suffer and die in Guatemala. They have inadequate medical care, weak nutrition, and poor water. Through service projects funded by rotary grants and partnerships, many families have survived serious illness and death. Many families have been able to access improved medical care, safer water, and better nutrition.
Deborah’s efforts to save mothers and children were heard by me at a rotary function in Boise, Idaho. In addition, clubs in my district had already partnered with Deborah and District 5520 on projects. Because of this connection, I invited Deborah to be our keynote speaker at the governor’s banquet and to help facilitate a panel at our Rotary District 5930 Conference Celebration in my hometown of Rancho Viejo, Texas. I had been so inspired by Deborah’s efforts and that of all our Rotary partners that I wanted to get more of our Rotary clubs involved in maternal and child health as well as water and sanitation projects.
The District 5930 high school Four Way Test competition was held on Saturday, May 2, 2019 at the Retro Veijo resort immediately south of Harlingen. This is a competition where high school students speak for between 5-7 minutes applying the Four Way Test to something meaningful in their lives.
As this article is released Fay and I will be in Hamburg at the Rotary International Convention celebrating the Rotary successes of the past year worldwide. We will also kick off the new Rotary year by being officially voted in as the next District Governor. Additionally, we will renew old Rotary connections and make new ones. In the seminars and House of Friendship, we will be looking for new ideas to bring back to the District for future implementation. These events are a great way to experience and see the impact that Rotary makes worldwide. Next June we invite you to join us in Honolulu, Hawaii for the 2019-20 International Convention.
This month, we transition into the new Rotary year and theme. I am grateful for the counsel and guidance of District Governor Andy Hagan this year as I prepared to serve you in 2019-20. Andy has truly lived out the 2018-19 theme of Be the Inspiration. I am also grateful to those past Governors who came before him who have blazed a path for all that follow.
Also I want to thank all those who helped lead the District Assembly as well as our first District led RLI (Rotary Leadership Institute) Session 1 on May 18 at Texas A&M Kingsville. By all measures it was all a great success. For me, this confirmed we have a very dedicated team committed to helping us in the next Rotary year. One of the major contributors to the Assembly's success was our keynote speaker Dr. "Bowtie" Todd Jenkins. We were so privileged that he joined us to share his message of diversity and inclusion. Truly a message to remember and implement as we search for and bring in new members this Rotary year.
Finally I hope you will join us at the District Governor and Leadership Installation Dinner on June 29 at the beautiful Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi. We will also be doing a ceremonial pinning of 2019-20 presidents. Most of all it will be a fun evening of Rotary fellowship. Sign up today at www.rotary5930.org. See you there!
Greetings! In this month’s email, I’m sharing information on the membership breakout sessions at convention, a new resource on satellite clubs, Membership Leads statistics, and membership data. Everyone who receives this message is noted at the top of the email, but don’t hesitate to forward this message to anyone you think should be aware of this information (including club membership chairs, assistant governors, and other key membership leaders in your district).
REPORT OF ART ZEITLER, DISTRICT 5930 COUNCIL OF LEGISLATION VOTING DELEGATE on changes effective July 1, 2019 to the Standard (Required) Rotary Club Constitution (and other relevant changes) that directly affect the operation of Rotary Clubs:
1. Adopted Proposed Enactment 19-18. Added the following to Section 4.070 of Rotary International Bylaws: “Each Club shall endeavor to build a well balanced membership that celebrates diversity.”
Use the Read More link and these documents for the full story and report.
District Governor Andy Hagan would again like to recognize the work - you the Rotarians and clubs of 5930 - are doing in the area of Membership this year. Listed below are all the new members to our clubs since the last update. Transferring members are marked with an asterisk - some came from outside our district and some were internal transfers. We're glad they found a home.
Rotary is Family. We annually celebrate the lives of those Rotarians and spouses of Rotarians who have passed from this life. Do you know of such Rotary Family Member who passed SINCE APRIL 14, 2018?
Your contribution of the following information, concerning those who have died, will ensure that recognition of our Rotary Family Member is given.
Please submit the following information as soon as possible:
Full Name
Club Name
Date of Birth and Date of Death
Rotary club Offices/Positions held and any other noteworthy Rotary achievements
A JPG photo in color, if possible, of the deceased
The information is currently being compiled by Maxie Houser and all information can be sent to her at MaxieHouser@gmail.com.
If you are unable to provide all of the requested information, please send what you have.
The above information is needed ASAP and prior to April 15th, if possible.
Please watch the website and email for the details of time and location of exactly when the Celebration of Life will be held.
Thank you for your kind cooperation in planning for this special Celebration of Life. Please email info or questions to me at maxiehouser@gmail.com, or phone my office at 361-387-4500 (please leave a message if we are unavailable at that time).
In the latest Zone newsletter of April 2019, our district was highlighted not once, but twice !
A Life-Altering Experience
by Juan Lira & Ellison Crider
Can one person’s dream make a profound difference in the lives of others? In 2014-2015, Art Zeitler (District 5930 Governor) shared with the District Scholarship Committee (DSC) a dream he had. College students from District 5930 who had completed at least 2 years of college work and were working towards a degree in a field connected to one of the Rotary Foundation’s Areas of Focus could apply for a scholarship. The scholarship would allow them to spend two weeks in Costa Rica (a stable and democratic country) as members of an interdisciplinary medical brigade that would treat individuals in need. The Committee agreed this experience would be invaluable. Read the full story in the newsletter, page 10.
District 5930 Gifts Peace Poll to Texas A&M University Corpus Christi
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – University campuses are more than just a place of learning – they are a place of self-discovery, pushing boundaries, and making life-long connections with people from different corners of the map. This spirit of unity, as well as diversity, was celebrated during the Texas A&M University- Corpus Christi Peace Pole Dedication as student leaders from a variety of Islander clubs, along with campus representatives and members of South Texas Rotary District 5930 joined together to commemorate the pole’s permanent placement on campus. Read the full story in the newsletter, page 11.
Save the Date: Southside CC Rotary Club is having their annual Professional Administrative Day Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24th at noon at the CC Country Club. Tickets to go on sale soon. See attached Flyer.Check our website for more information.
Nancy P. Ross
PE, Southside CC Rotary Club
Southside Corpus Christi - Professional Administrative Day Luncheon
See below and attached for this week’s report. More good news as we (again) have had ZERO cases of wild polio this week. One new case of cVDPV in Nigeria.
Note that we continue to see quite a number of positive environmental samples in Pakistan and Afghanistan (5 and 7, respectively). This means the wild virus is still quite active and continued diligence is required.
WHAT CAN YOU DO? Continue to promote polio eradication efforts and our Polio Plus campaign in your clubs and districts. Funding continues to be critical, and our year end is rapidly approaching.
For funding motivation, make sure your districts and members know that we are wanting to take Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation’s matching money! Without their contributions, we will not obtain the match. Please make sure your clubs and districts know that we don’t want to leave that money “on the table”!
Here’s hoping we can extend the run of zero polio cases for another week!
Each spring, local Rotary Clubs hold a Four - Way Speech Contest where High School Juniors or Seniors have the opportunity to compete for scholarship money. The participating students must prepare a 5 – 7 minute speech that illustrates the Four - Way Test of Rotary International and how it applies to their life, activities, interests, or goals, or any combination thereof.
FOUR - WAY TEST OF ROTARY INTERNATIONAL
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
4. Will if be beneficial to all concerned?
This year’s local contest held on March 25, 2019 consisted of one contestant, Alyssa Hinojosa, who delivered an excellent speech where she applied the components of the Four - Way Test to her life, including real life scenarios. On April 13, 2019 Alyssa will travel to Rockport and represent the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass at the 5930 Area Contest. The contestant who places first at the Area Contest will travel to Rancho Viejo in May to compete for the 2019 Four Way Speech District Championship.
Since Alyssa is a Junior at APHS, she will be presented upon graduation with Rotary Scholarships for each level of contest she wins. And, since Alyssa is a Junior, she is eligible to compete again in 2020.
As you see Alyssa about campus and town, be sure and congratulate her.
Picture and Article submitted by Karen Gayle
Picture Left to Right:
Alyssa Hinojosa, Winner Local Four Way Speech Contest
James Hollan, 2019 – 2020 President Elect Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
Greeting to Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, family, and friends. April is designated as Maternal and Child Health month, appropriately so as we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day in May.
Rotarians worldwide are actively engaged in a multitude of humanitarian efforts to provide a higher quality of healthcare, better living conditions, food security, proper nutrition and education for mothers and children. Rotarians collaborate with local leaders, governmental and nongovernmental health service organizations, and many other partners to help identify and address these most pressing community needs.
With the support of The Rotary Foundation, we seek solutions to address the lack of or inadequate health care services, poor sanitary conditions, hunger and malnutrition. Working together, we can ensure that families live longer and grow stronger with the peace of mind and a renewed hope knowing that they are not alone.
I invite all Rotarians, Rotaractors, Interactors, family and friends to our upcoming District 5930 conference beginning May 2-5, 2019 to learn more about Rotary’s impact and share your Rotary stories about ways that we are improving and saving lives through our local and international humanitarian efforts.
Deborah Simon. a member of the Santa Fe Rotary club who is recognized as a Rotary Zone 27’s Global Alumni Service to Humanity Award recipient, will be our keynote speaker on Saturday evening, May 4, 2019 at the Rancho Viejo Conference center, Rancho Viejo, Texas. Deborah Simon will provide an inspirational update about her humanitarian work in collaboration with our Rotary District and hers to improve maternal and child health in some of the most remote villages in Guatemala. I assure you that you will not want to miss it.
Please register online (www.rotary5930.org) today to attend our District Conference and plan to participate in various plenary sessions and activities that we have planned for you, our Rotaractors, and Interactors.
Other District sponsored events include invitations to attend our upcoming District Assembly for all Rotarians assuming or interested in learning more about the various club leadership roles and responsibilities. In addition, we will offer Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training Part One for the first 20 persons to register online. Both District sponsored events will be held on Saturday, May 18, 2019 at Texas A&M University- Kingsville campus in Kingsville, Texas. It promises to be informative, inspirational, and fun. Please refer to our District website (www.rotary5930.org) for more information and online registration(s).
Here is one of the most compelling and moving appeals from our newly formed Satellite Club of Port Isabel in Los Fresnos lead by Donald Henderson, Satellite Club chair requesting to be an active participant in some capacity during our upcoming All District & Club conference.
Our Los Fresnos Satellite club has established a Rotary FB, Rotary Club website, already organized and collaborated in several local community events one where they served over 1,700 meals in one afternoon to local families, attended our District Sponsored Peace Symposium and Peace Scholar luncheon, assisted in our Sunrise Brownsville parking lot project that is our major fundraiser.
Donald attended Lone Star PETS for President elects Training with the hope of increasing his club to 20+ members before June 30, 2019 so his club can be chartered as a full blown Rotary Club and he would be qualified to become their first club president.
Such commitment and engagement from so many of our Rotary Clubs makes me proud to be in Rotary and fuels the flames that ignite the Rotary spirit in me! Truly an Inspiration, Andy Hagan
Track one is designed for club membership and leaders for find out specific actions and programs they can use now in their clubs in the areas of
Membership Development & Retention,
Taking the Mystery Out of the Foundation,
POA - People Of Action - What and How,
Club Officers - President, Secretary & Treasurer for 2019-2020,
Final grant Certification for 2019-2020 DDF Grants, and
Fellowship with District Rotarians and guests.
Times are 8:00 am - 3:30 pm and cost is $20. (Fellowship/check-in, Program starts at 9 am) This includes lunch with our Keynote speaker - Dr. Todd Jenkins.
Are you a veteran Rotarian who has been there, done that, & has the t-shirt?
Are you a new Rotarian who want to learn about Rotary?
Are you trying to move ahead in your job, but are missing some skills and training?
Track two is a new program to our district called Rotary Leadership Institute. RLI is a grassroots coalition of Rotary districts implementing a leadership development program for "potential" leaders of Rotary CLUBS. It is a three part program of sessions.
We are offering Part 1 on the 18th. Times are 8:00-3:30 and cost is $50. (Fellowship/check-in, Program starts at 8:30 am) This includes lunch with our Keynote speaker - Dr. Todd Jenkins.
You can read more about RLI here - https://rotary5930.org/page/rotary-leadership-institute. This is a page on the District website explaining the program. Most of the skills are transferable to our workplaces and the training looks great on our resumes. Certificates of Completion are awarded at the end of each part.
These are two district Rotarians who our coordinators.
Deborah Simon was raised in Guatemala. She came to the United States and joined Rotary in 1992. She is a Rotary past president and a member of the Rotary club of Santa Fe. In 1996, while participating on medical teams in Uspantan, Guatemala, her assistance was requested in eliminating cholera in the region. She obtained a grant from the Rotary Foundation for a clean water project. The project was very successful she has been coordinating Rotary global grants ever since. In 2004 Deborah founded a non-profit called United by Friendship, to better respond to international needs that Rotary does not fund, such as the construction of schools and clinics. The result has been that, between Rotary and United by Friendship, 22 Guatemalan communities now have clean water systems, and many others now have adequate schools and medical care.
Deborah and her husband Tom are active in Rotary. She was also named “One of 10 That Made a Difference” by the Santa Fe New Mexican newspaper. In 2015 and 2016, she was honored by Rotary Zone 27 as one of 15 persons worldwide to receive the Rotary Alumni Global Service Award.
District Governor Andy Hagan would like to recognize the work - you the Rotarians and clubs of 5930 - are doing in the area of Membership this year. Listed below are all the new members to our clubs. Transferring members are marked with an asterisk - some came from outside our district and some were internal transfers. We're glad they found a home.
Future months will be highlighted in the side bar.
During a recent ramp build by the Ramp Champs of Southside Corpus Christi Rotary, they dedicated the build to our District Governor Andy Hagan. They even asked him to come and help build it!
Southside Corpus Christi Rotary “Ramp Champs” at it again. On January 12th we built a ramp to honor our District Governor, Andy Hagan, whose presence at the ramp building was most appreciated. The ramp beneficiary, as always, is a disabled local Corpus Christi individual. Also assisting were the TAMUCC Rotaract Club, the St John Paul II HS Interact Club and friends of Rotary.
If a picture is worth a 1,000 words then this video provided by our Rivera Early College High School Interact Club in Brownsville says it all!!!
Here is the video of Rivera High School students in Brownsville. We met at St. Eugene Catholic Church Friday at 5pm to prep ham & cheese sandwiches, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, water bottle, fruit and chips in a bag. Then met at Immaculate Conception Church downtown to deliver the sandwich bags to the homeless people in the area or to people that just want a meal.
We will be doing this permanently once a month. This process is done everyday but different Church groups rotate every day. Rivera Interact Club will be part of the rotation.
Sal Garza Historic Brownsville Rotary Club
I felt it appropriate to share this special message with you as it exemplifies one of so many of our altruistic community outreach/service efforts throughout our District.
I want to thank everyone, all Rotarians, Rotary families, University and School administrative staff, parents, collaborative partners, and most importantly all of our students who support and participate in all of our Rotary programs.
Today, I want to highlight our Rotary Youth programs having just received this awesome video clip. The impact and benefits of our Rotary youth programs are far reaching from Early Act (EA), Early Act First Knight (EAFK), Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), Youth Exchange, our 4 Way Speech Contest, Rotaract, Global and Costa Rica scholars, Peace Scholars, Peace Fellowships, just to name a few.
People changing lives serving as a catalyst for Peace and Hope worldwide. I extend a heartfelt thanks to everyone for Being An Inspiration and focusing to make this Rotary Year one of the best ever!
By the way, Rotary International was founded on February 23, 1905 and now celebrates 114 years of Service today. Happy Birthday & Best Wishes Rotarians and Rotary International!
Respectfully yours,
Andrew J. Hagan Rotary International District 5930 District Governor Rotary Year 2018-2019
Rivera Early College High School Interact Club, Brownsville, TX video
The Port Isabel Rotary Club has partnered with the Trujillo Rotary Club since 2007 on all types of projects…including water, power, school construction, and computers. Water projects have been carried out with Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and Global Grants as well as with direct donations from Rotarians in Barrio San Martin (6000 people/Matching Grant), Barrio Cristales (3000 people, Matching Grant), Barrio Buenos Aires (1500 people, Matching Grant), Barrio Eduardo Castillo (3000 people, Global Grant), Barrio Capiro (58 families, one Rotarian), and the villages of Bonito Oriental (60 people, California club), Silin (135 families, Port Lavaca RC), Moradel (150 people, Rotarians, primarily Jim Moser formerly of the Edna Club and Bill Mann, McAllen). A current Global Grant is providing water for 5,503 people in 8 rural villages. All told about 20,000 have received water from these projects.
Port Isabel Rotary Club has received Global Grants for two of these projects totaling $238,273.00 serving 8,803 people. Its Rotary donors have come from all around the world…Canada, Taiwan, as well as clubs in Texas, South Carolina, Florida, and Vermont in the United States. The communities are expected to provide all the labor through local assessments or labor in lieu of assessments.
The Barrio Eduardo Castillo project serving 3000 people was for $120,475.00. The existing source of river water had dried up and a new source of water was identified 1.8 miles away in the mountains. The project consisted of a new dam and sediment filter, 1.8 miles of pipeline, a 54,000 gallon storage tank, distribution line to all the houses, and a chlorination system. A sustainability plan has been implemented and is funded through monthly water fees…it pays for a reserve fund, three employees (a water technician, a bookkeeper/secretary, and a health worker), maintenance, and chlorine. The community provides office space. The health worker monitors water purity throughout the community and helps families maintain sanitary water practices and pursue medical attention for persons with water borne diseases.
The Agua Amarilla Global Grant is providing $135,798.00 to make major improvements to a system originally destroyed by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and inadequately repaired over the years. The greatest need addressed by this project serving 5,503 people in 8 rural villages was leaky pipes…and a piecemeal replacement of pipes with odd sizes…6 inch pipe into 8 inch pipe into 4 inch pipe etc….destroying any hope of water pressure resulting in households at the end of the lines seldom having any water. The existing dam (12 kilometers from the dam) was deepened, widened and heightened, the sediment tank was repaired, and the distribution box is being replaced and enlarged, the pipes are being correctly sized (10, 8 and 6 inch pipes, reinforced with cement where necessary) and replaced (already resulting in an increase of water pressure for those at the end of the line…the communities span about 6 square kilometers). Still to be done are repairs to a 45000 gallon reserve tank and a chlorination system placed on top of the existing 90,000 gallon tank. This project also assesses fees for the labor and assesses monthly fees for the sustainability.
Julie Heinrich, Texas A&M Corpus Christi Rotaract club President and her members visited with Andy Hagan, District governor this evening. We discussed the various community service projects that Julie’s club has already undertaken and those that are scheduled for the remainder of this Rotary year.
We talked about the importance of being of a Rotaractor and when the time is right becoming a Rotarian in the future. In the meantime, the district governor encouraged all members to consider how Rotary could enhance their academic learning experience by taking advantage of the many Rotary educational programs.
DG Hagan thanked all the Rotaract club members for engaging in the community and for their willingness to make a positive difference in the lives of others.
DG Hagan invited the Rotaractors to join him in Rancho Viejo, Texas for the upcoming district conference scheduled on Saturday, May 4, 2019.
Andy Hagan acknowledged and thanked members of the Rotaract club and the University for supporting peace and conflict resolution by installing an international peace pole on campus.
The lighting around the peace pole is particularly noteworthy as it illuminates the words: May Peace Prevail on Earth, inscribed in a multitude of different languages.
It is symbolic much like a beacon to guide us through the darkness with the hope of a brighter tomorrow that begins today!
Be The Inspiration,
Andy Hagan
RI District 5930
District Governor
DG visits the Texas A&M Corpus Christi Rotaract club
One of the students the Rockport Rotary Club sent to RYLA this year decided to write about their experience and submit it to the local paper. We also go a copy, so here are words from one of our student leaders.
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a program that impacts young adults by emphasizing personal growth, leadership, and citizenship. The camp takes place at Camp Zephyr, a Christian Camp and Conference Center located in Sandia, TX. Mary McQueen, referred to by campers as “Momma Mac”, oversees RYLA.
During my junior year of high school, through the help of Rockport Rotary Club member and activist, Adelaide Marlatt, I earned a spot to experience RYLA as a first year camper. When I arrived, I was greeted by screams and chants from the energetic counselors.
My first thought was, “What have I gotten myself into?”
Little did I know this leadership camp - a camp the local Rockport- Rotary Club sponsors by selecting Rockport-Fulton High School (RFHS) students, grades 10-12 - would leave a lasting impression on my life as well as other awardees.
Fellow Pirate, Belle Eaton (Class of 2020) was also selected to participate.
During that first year of RYLA, Belle and I both became more aware of ourselves, as well as those around us. Momma Mac has more than 15 years experience at the camp, and strives to ensure campers will understand who they are, what their values are, and what their potential is.
Throughout our stay at RYLA, Belle and I were taught leadership depends on authenticity, something that is not possible without looking at oneself and determining one’s core values, strengths and limits. I spent time reflecting. It was at this point I was able to truly appreciate not only who I was, but also the people around me, and the power of diversity. Different people bring contrasting talents and perspectives and together we are able to achieve great things.
This year, A. Marlatt was faced with a strong group of potential RYLA awardees. In the end, she selected Emma Jungman, Caitlyn Ramaker, Alexis Espino and Jade Shuleman (all class of 2021) as RYLA awardees. Belle and I were encouraged to take the next step with the camp and opted to continue our relationship with RYLA as Trailblazer counselors. We became the very faces of those energetic counselors who greeted us the previous year. It was a great feeling, but also quite a bit of responsibility. As counselors, we focused on the organization of the camp, how to improve the daily operations, and in the end, how to become leadership models in practice.
A main objective of RYLA is to take what was learned and bring it back to our respective communities, in this case, RFHS.
Caitlyn said, “The camp was a great way to expand horizons. It inspired me to be involved in school activities such as student council and the National Honor Society.”
With participation in camps like RYLA, RFHS hopes to enhance the leadership abilities of its students. After Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Rockport-Fulton required critical elements of leadership throughout all levels of the community to move forward. The town demanded organization, cooperation, and motivation, which are core values that the students learn at RYLA.
RYLA has impressed the selected RFHS students by taking them out of their comfort zone and teaching crucial life skills. We all discovered in ourselves unique abilities and the ability to empower others. We are all grateful to the Rockport Rotary Club for the scholarship to attend the camp. Students connected with others both in and outside of their community in a unique and powerful way. We gained a new perspective and, as a result, confidence.
Belle and I plan to go back to camp next year as Junior Counselors to help enhance campers’ overall experiences, as well as to continue to grow and enhance our leadership abilities. We may well see Caitlyn, Emma, Alexis and Jade there, too. In the end, Momma Mac summed up the goals of the leadership weekend best, noting, “Counselors and participants will be able to lead and empower others as well as build a self-identity.”
Rockport Rotary RYLA students writes an article for the local paper
APISD STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN 2019 ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS
The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass congratulates Alyssa Hinojosa, Jaclyn Rios, and Eddy Trout for participating in the Rotary International District 5930 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program held February 1 through 3, 2019 at Camp Zephyr on Lake Corpus Christi. Thomas Ledesma, a 2018 RYLA participant is also congratulated. Thomas returned in 2019 as a “Trailblazer” counselor.
Students from Victoria to the Rio Grande Valley participated in leadership, motivational, and team building events while at RYLA. 150 Students participated in RYLA weekend 2019. RYLA is Rotary’s leadership training program for youth. Program activities focus on development of communication, critical thinking and problem solving, and team decision -making skills all through experiential learning. RYLA also highlights and rewards the kinds of character traits demonstrated in positive, effective leadership. RYLA emphasizes leadership, citizenship, and personal growth.
RYLA aims to:
Demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth;
Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders;
Encourage continued and strong leadership of youth by youth; and
Recognize publicly young people who are participating in their community and school activities.
Alyssa Hinojosa participates in HOSA (Future Health Professionals), NHS (National Honor Society), Robotics and Band at APHS. She is the Assistant Drum Major in the Marching Band. Alyssa plans to major in Instructional Music Studies and aspires to teach Music at the college level. Alyssa received the “Motivation” Award at the RYLA closing ceremony.
Jaclyn Rios participates in HOSA, NHS, the Spanish Club and Student Council at APHS. Jaclyn plans to attend the University of Texas and wants to become an Anesthesiologist.
Eddy Trout participates in FCCLA (Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America), NHS, Robotics, Spanish Club, and the Student Council. Eddy is an officer in the FCCLA, Spanish Club and Student Council. Eddy has a broad range of interests and continues to decide his future beyond APHS.
Thomas Ledesma participates in FCCLA, Student Council, Varsity Cross Country, Mascot, and NHS at APHS. Thomas plans to attend UTSA upon graduation majoring in Civil Engineering or Architecture.
Alyssa, Jaclyn, and Eddy did an excellent job in representing the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, APISD, and our community as leaders while at RYLA in 2019. All three students stated that RYLA had a positive effect on their lives and all hope to become RYLA first year counselors (Trailblazers) in 2020. Thomas was a Trailblazer this year and did an excellent job in representing the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, APISD, and our community while at RYLA in 2019.
Alyssa, Jaclyn, and Eddy attended the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass February 25, 2019 meeting and were recognized for their leadership.
To Alyssa, Jaclyn, Eddy, and Thomas, Thanks and Great Job! Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s youth.
On Saturday, February 23, 2019 the 3rd Annual Coastal Bend Showcase was held at the Aransas Pass Civic Center. The purpose of this free event was to highlight the best the Coastal Bend has to offer as well as providing free door prizes, beer tastings, flu shots, entertainment and more. James Hollan, President Elect, spent his Saturday representing the Aransas Pass Rotary Club and educating participants in All Things Rotary.
Submitted February 27, 2019 by Karen Gayle, Secretary/Treasurer
Aransas Pass Rotary Club
Picture: James Hollan, President Elect Aransas Pass Rotary Club
The first seeds were planted in Ishikawa, Japan where a small gathering of peace workers joined Masahisa Goi to listen to his philosophy and visions for a better world. Masahisa Goi came to be respected as a great master in his field throughout Japan and his ideals for peace on earth gained much support.
Small Neighborhood gatherings grew larger in numbers throughout Japan and the movement started to gain momentum. Stickers and posters started to appear on store fronts, public bulletin boards, and telephone poles. Supporters handed out literature and stickers to the public in front of train stations and other public locations.
CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas – University campuses are more than just a place of learning – they are a place of self-discovery, pushing boundaries, and making life-long connections with people from different corners of the map. This spirit of unity, as well as diversity, was celebrated during the Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Peace Pole Dedication as student leaders from a variety of Islander clubs, along with campus representatives and members of South Texas Rotary District 5930 joined together to commemorate the pole’s permanent placement on campus.
Greeting fellow Rotarians, Rotary International’s Theme for March is Water and Sanitation. Several of our Rotary club are involved in addressing the need for clean water and sanitation in local and international communities. There are opportunities for your Rotary club to partner with Rotary Clubs currently involved in projects to provide clean and sustainable water supplies in Honduras, Mexico, and Guatemala.
The most effective way to leverage your Rotary club’s project funding is through the utilization of our Rotary Foundation’s District or Global designated funds (DDF).
It is my honor to announce the nomination of Amando J. Chapa as the District Governor for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year. Amando is a member of the Rotary Club of Edinburg..
Amando is currently retired from the 3M Corporation as a Industrial Business Specialist for the Maquiladora South Texas / Northern Mexico after 30 years of service. A graduate of UT-Pan American Edinburg in 1983 (BBA) Finance Major and currently received his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) in 2010 from Kaplan University Iowa. Amando joined the Rotary Club of Edinburg in September 2010 and is Past President from 2013-2014. He received the Rotary District Service Award promoting the Rotary Foundation and its Goals in 2015. A Paul Harris Fellow+3, Sustaining Member, and served as District Conference Chair in 2015. Past Assistant District Governor 2014-2017. Amando is currently our Rotary District 5930 as District Trainer. Amando is married to Susana Solis from Harlingen and they have a son, Joseph Daniel Chapa.
ROTARY DISTRICT 5930 SOUTH TEXAS PROMOTES PEACEBUILDING WITH SYMPOSIUM
Rotary recognizes February as Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month and is inviting the public to the Rotary Peace Symposium being held
at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel on, February 9th, 2019, from 8-4pm
Rotary District 5930 Governor Andrew Hagan, from The Rotary Club of Brownsville Sunrise, invites the community to attend the Rotary Peace Symposium. Stressing the importance of peace, Hagan challenges individuals, families, and organizations to work together and serve as solid mediators for, and stronger advocates to build, peace. Hagan states, “People will learn that many Rotary projects address the structural causes of conflict. People don’t know that Rotary provides up to 100 peace fellowships per year at Rotary Peace Centers. Because of Rotary’s unique strategies, Rotary makes a real impact on peace in this world.” The Rotary Peace Symposium follows a Peace Pole Dedication with Texas A&M University at Corpus Christi, the Hometown Hero Dinner by Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club, and a Peace Pole Dedication with Calallen High School.
Speaking at the symposium will be Peace Advocate, Cameron Chisholm, who is President and Founder of the
President, International Peace & Security Institute President and Founder of the International Peace & Security Institute (IPSI), an international nongovernmental organization dedicated to training leaders in the peace and security fields to be ready for the challenges that confront them in the real world. IPSI curricula are designed to be rigorous, substantive learning experiences that provide trainees with the tools they need to make peace reality. Cameron also works with large-scale institutions, governments, and multilateral organizations to develop policies and procedures on best leadership and peacebuilding practices, then designs high-impact tailored training materials (both face-to-face and online) to operationalize that vision. Providing the strategic leadership for IPSI, he built and maintains a high-level Board of Directors and Board of Advisors consisting of the conflict field’s elite theoreticians and practitioners; he is in constant communication with Boards to remain on the cutting edge of thought and practice in the field, then translates that into high-impact adult education structures. Cameron is Chief Editor of the "Peace & Security Report," a weekly free e-publication that provides executive style briefs on global peace and security news; in its 5th year, the publication has an estimated global readership of between 40-60k per week. Before founding IPSI, Cameron worked with the World Bank, CEWARN, the U.S. Department of State, and The Carter Center. He has a B.A. from Emory University and a M.A. from the University of Bradford, UK. Cameron is an adjunct professor at the George Washington University and Georgetown University; he is a Rotary World Peace Fellow Alumnus. Cameron was named as one of the 2012 "top 99 under 33" most influential foreign policy professionals and is a Fellow at the Truman National Security Project.
Rotarians and friends in D5930, who knew Past District Governor Joseph Coulter of the Brownsville, TX Rotary Club, were deeply saddened by his death on January 2, 2019. He was our District Governor during 1984-1985. Watch the video from the 100th Anniversary of the Brownsville Rotary Club. Dr. Coulter is both shown and heard several times.
Rest In Peace Past District Governor Joseph
Joseph B. Coulter, DVM, passed from the family, church, friends, profession and city he loved on Wednesday, January 2, 2019. The people he leaves behind will forever miss his wisdom, wit and guidance; the animals he leaves behind have lost the most compassionate veterinarian any creature could have sought. He was truly a Brownsville son, born in a small house east of town in the winter of 1925.
In a whispered conversation during a hospital stay, he shared his version of this tribute. “I regret I don’t have enough time to express my thanks to all who have blessed my life, to those who have helped me along the way.”
A memorial service will be held at Central Christian Church, 1100 E. Alton Gloor Blvd in Brownsville on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. A private graveside service will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to commemorate Coulter’s life and memory may do so via donations to Central Christian Church in Coulter’s name or to Donja’s Dogs, a Brownsville 501(c)(3) animal rescue organization that rehabilitates and rehomes abandoned or abused shelter animals. Donations may be sent to Donja’s Dogs, c/o Becky Haley, 4085 N. Central Avenue, Brownsville TX 78526.
Read More of Dr. Coulter's Life by clicking the Read More link.
Greetings Everyone! - As we welcome the start of a New Year! Not a new Rotary Year - but the beginning of a new Calendar Year of 2019. We are half-way through our year together in office, with six more months to go. Lots of things have been accomplished, and we all have lots more to do! After some down time over the holidays, it is now time to get back into doing more of the great things we do as Rotarians.
In January many of us feel the energy of a fresh start and the opportunity to think about the year ahead. And with the New Year beginning we often think of those New Year’s resolutions. What are your resolutions as a Rotarian? For Club Leaders: The beginning of a new year is a good opportunity to renew inspiration for the rest of the Rotary year; and to think about the goals that you and your Club members set. It is also time to consider where your club has been this year, and where you are heading.
We are all people of action when we decide to join a Rotary Club; can we all sustain our energy and move forward with new ideas and continue to support others in order to carry on the good work through Rotary? I believe we can and we will continue to be people of action to inspire ourselves and others to do more, to give more and maybe to start a new project.
BE THE INSPIRATION with our Hearts, Hands and Hope.
Here is an update relating to our Guatemala Learning & Nutrition Center funded by our Rotary clubs of Port Isabel, Brownsville Sunrise, McAllen Evening and matched with our Rotary Foundation District grant funds and the help of the local Peace Corps!
Thank you all for making this humanitarian project possible!
The Rotary International Constitution and By-laws contain sufficient flexibility for districts to make choices, allow interpretations, or develop procedures to implement their provisions. These Guidelines describe the duties, responsibilities and limitations of District Officers and Committees, and other provisions for the effective operation of the District. Nothing in the Guidelines is intended to violate or otherwise be in disconformance with the R.I. Constitution, By-laws, or Code of Policies.
The Guidelines are divided into two sections: Section I addresses operations pertaining to the general administration of the District. It can be amended by action of the District Executive Committee. Section II concerns the District Fund provided by assessments on the clubs in the District. It is amended by action of the District Executive Committee.
The Legislative Committee met and adopted several updates, corrections, and additions. They have been fully transcribed and checked. The document has been uploaded to the site page District Info > Governance Guidelines.
Eddie Bartnesky, DGN and DG Andy Hagan were invited to attend the RC of McAllen South’s signature community project whereby they have partnered with Habitat for Humanity, McCoy’s, and others to fund and build an affordable home for families!
Each Rotarian brought a Christmas ornament for a tree they provided to the family to commemorate this special occasion!
On Saturday, December 15, 2018, District 5930 Scholarship Committee members met to interview each of the three candidates who applied for the International Scholarship to Costa Rica. Afterwards, the Committee carefully considered the results of each interview and thoroughly examined all the documents submitted by each applicant.
After extensive discussion and careful deliberation, the Committee agreed to the following:
Humberto Garza was selected as the second student to participate in the Costa Rica experience. He will be joining Soraima Pirela, whom we selected at our November 10, 2018 meeting.
Because the Committee is aware that unexpected challenges may occur that may keep one of these students from participating in this experience, a first and a second alternate were selected. These students would be contacted, if it were to become necessary.
Paula Villapando was selected as the first alternate and Friederike Davis was selected as the second alternate.
I will be contacting all three students shortly to inform them of the Committee's decision.
Before closing, I want to thank Andy, Ellison, Eddie, and Richard for joining me and actively participating in our deliberations at the Dec. 15, 2018 meeting. On behalf of all of us, I want to extend our deepest appreciation to Maxie for securing an excellent venue for the meeting (International Bank of Commerce) and for arranging a delicious meal to be delivered to us. Maxie, please thank your staff for being so very helpful.
Juanita and I wish you and your families a wonderful holiday season and a terrific new year!
Holiday Greetings to all District 5930 President Elect (PE)s and President Nominees(PN). It's hard to believe but PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) is just around the corner. Registration is now open www.lonestarpets.org. There is also a link to reserve your hotel room. Please register now!
PETS starts on Thursday night with optional seminars on subjects like Rotary Basics, Rotary Foundation 101, Membership Matters, Rotary Public Image, and more! A complete listing is on the registration page on the website.
Friday is "District" Day when all PE's and PN's from our District will meet together in preparation for Rotary year 2019-20. We are planning a full day of interactive seminars and great speakers.
Saturday is when PE's will be grouped with PE's of similar size clubs to yours to discuss issues and ideas that apply to you. PN's will be grouped with other PN's. It's a full day of interactive learning and idea exchange.
All Friday and Saturday meals are included in your registration. Speakers at the meals will inspire and motivate you to lead your club to new heights in your year as president.
We have the opportunity for 2019-2020 to be a banner year for our clubs and the District. Start out right by attending PETS!
Please feel free to contact District 5930 Governor Elect - Ellison Crider if you have any questions.
On December 4, 2018, the Aransas Pass Rotary Club had their Christmas Party in the home of Rotarian Juli Blanda. The party this year was special as 2017-2018 Past District Governor, District 5930, Betty Ramirez-Lara attended to notify Rotarians Dean Thomas, Gary Edwards, and Juli Blanda of their Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Awards. Everyone who donates $1000.00 to the Rotary Foundation, or to whom $1000.00 is donated in their name, becomes a Paul Harris Fellow and is presented with an Award. The monies donated are used by the Foundation to promote good Health, reduce Hunger and promote Humanity throughout the world. This includes the ongoing project of vaccinating every child in the world against polio. Post Hurricane Harvey, PDG Betty wanted to do something for the Rotarians in the hard hit areas. She inquired as to whether every member of the Aransas Pass Rotary Club was a Paul Harris Fellow. When informed we were short by 3, she utilized the points she had accrued through her personal monetary Foundation donations to dedicate $1000.00 each to Dean Thomas, Gary Edwards, and Juli Blanda making them Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow Awards were presented during the Christmas Party. This allowed the Aransas Pass Rotary Club to become a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club and PDG Betty Lara presented the Club with a banner.
Submitted by,
Karen Gayle
Sec./Tres.
Aransas Pass Rotary Club
December 17, 2018
Picture: Left to Right
Robert Branch, PHF, President Aransas Pass Rotary Club
Dean Thomas, Newly Awarded Paul Harris Fellow
Gary Edwards, Newly Awarded Paul Harris Fellow
Juli Blanda, Newly Awarded Paul Harris Fellow
Karen Gayle, PHF+1, Secretary/Treasurer Aransas Pass Rotary Club
Betty Ramirez-Lara, 2017-2018 Past District Governor, District 5930
Adam Lara
Aransas Pass Rotary Club's recent Christmas Party and PHF Awards ceremony
Our District Governor Andy Hagan was asked to be the Grand Marshall for the Christmas parade held in Laredo but unfortunately it was rained out!! The Blood drive was successful!
Learn how to turn your club project pictures into People of Action Campaign Tools for use in print, on Social Media and your website.
Here are some photos with People of Action Campaign Tools. Enjoy! Find more info on how to use these tools on rotary.org and with me, Aleda Reyes, Public Image/Rotary Awareness for District 5930.
Amazing start of fiscal 2018 for a brand new Rotary Club in Los Fresnos Texas. Our members listed below have stepped up to the Rotary challenge of Service Before Self!
A Peace Pole is a hand-crafted monument that displays the message and prayer May Peace Prevail on Earth on each of its four or six sides, usually in different languages.
There are tens of thousands of Peace Poles in 180 countries all over the world dedicated as monuments to peace. They serve as constant reminders for us to visualize and pray for world peace.
Peace Poles inscribed with the message, May Peace Prevail On Earth, is a trademark icon of The Peace Pole Project™.
Here is an update relating to our Guatemala Learning & Nutrition Center funded by our Rotary clubs of Port Isabel, Brownsville Sunrise, Mcallen Evening and matched with our Rotary Foundation District grant funds and the help of the local Peace Corps!
I thank you all for making this humanitarian project possible!
On March 29, 2018, Corpus Christi ISD recognized and awarded the Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi, with an, “I – Achieve Partners in Education Award” for the EAFK Program at Shaw Elementary.
Rockport Rotary Youth Coordinator, Adelaide Marlatt, gathers Rockport-Fulton High School Student Council Officers together for a picture after their meeting with City of Rockport City Planner Amanda Torres, who met with them to explain the process for create a new comprehensive plan for the city of Rockport. Student Council officers were given survey forms to contribute their ideas about how the city should grow. Another meeting is planned in another two weeks.
Plans are to have the High School National Honor Society go through this process as well.
Adelaide and the Rockport Rotary Club were asked to do this by Barbara Gurtner, City Council member, and I did it so the City would get some young opinions for the plan.
The holidays are upon us and the spirit of giving is evident throughout our Rotary District. Our Rotary clubs continue to promote membership growth and membership retention to expand our network and impact while emphasizing the importance of supporting The Rotary Foundation.
Many of you have personally contributed to our Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund, Polio Plus, and Endowment funds.
I am honored to have been invited to Rotary club meetings to thank, acknowledge, and recognize Rotarians and even non Rotarians as Paul Harris Fellow recipients on behalf of The Rotary Foundation and our District.
Your generous contribution is an investment into our ongoing community service, educational, and humanitarian initiatives.
Wishing you abundance, hope, peace and a festive holiday season.
Thank you for being my heroes and for teaching me how to be a better person.
Wishing you a harvest of blessings, good health and good times.
May your blessings be multiplied this year and throughout all your life.
The gift of life is the best blessing of all.
Thanksgiving is a time to gather around loved ones …to be grateful for all that we have been so abundantly blessed with and also to spare a thought for those not so lucky. It is a season of bountifulness and a reason to share the same ….true Thanksgiving is in actually doing that – Giving !!!
Thanksgiving is more than the festivities, it gives us time to ponder upon what lessons we learnt and how we can spread happiness around, to look back at all the great memories and good people who came into our lives. We appreciate you so much. Happy Thanksgiving Day to you and your loved ones.
From:
District Governor Andy Hagan and Elsa and your Leadership Team.
The mission of the Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty.
November is Rotary Foundation month.
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. During the past 100 years, The Rotary Foundation has spent $3 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects. With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
One early June, more than 30 years ago, I had a business trip scheduled to Las Vegas. I had been a Rotarian for about six years, and I thought of myself as an active member: I attended every meeting, I’d served as club secretary, I knew everyone in my club. But for me, Rotary was very much a community organization. It connected me to Nassau and perhaps even to the Bahamas — but no farther.
Continue to promote and emphasize the need to recruit, train, and engage new members.
Ignite is a proven membership process that is supported by our District for membership growth and retention. Please encourage all of your Rotary club members to commit to asking family members, friends, business associates, business vendors and other guests to accompany you to your club meeting, community service projects, or fundraiser to learn more about who we are, what we do, and most importantly why we do it!
Let’s keep up the momentum and enthusiasm going!!!!
Longhorns, horses, cowboys, and the Great Western Trail rescued
With longhorns grazing nearby, a Great Western Trail white seven-foot concrete post with red letters was rededicated Oct. 8, 2018, at the Witte Museum in San Antonio, Texas. The trail was the last and longest of two post-Civil War Texas cattle trails.
The rededication was a celebration for the documentation of the path of the 2,000-mile trail and recognition of its name Great Western Trail. The name includes all the many segment names used going north into Canada. The name Great Western Trail includes the descriptive word for the area the trail crossed: Great for the Great Plains and on earlier maps, the Great American Desert.
L-R, Hank Sartin, Charlie Mohrle, Bruce Flohr, Weir Labatt, David Mason, Ray Klinginsmith, Sylvia Gann Mahoney, Jeff Bearden, Ed Womack, Roger Townson, Charles Jeffers, Larry Dimmitt, Michael Babb
Rotarians have Heart and with their hands and skill sets partner to provide Hope for a brighter tomorrow beginning today.
This is a pic of just some of many McAllen South Rotary Club members who have worked hand in hand over the years with our Habitat for Humanity to provide affordable homes for local families.
Their work should wrap up December 1 with landscaping and scheduled to dedicate the home on December 14, 2018!
In order for a club to retain their tax exempt status, you must timely file your Annual Form 990, 990EZ or 990N. The forms are due to be filed no later than November 15, 2018 for the tax year July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. The majority of Rotary clubs file under IRC 501(c)(4). If your gross receipts for the tax year was $50,000 or less, you can file 990N electronically at IRS.gov. If receipts are over $50,000, or you are a 501(c)(3) Organization, consult with your CPA on filing the appropriate form.
DG Andy Hagan requests to know that clubs are in compliance, so please send me an email when filed confirming the return has been filed. A few clubs have already notified me, so you can disregard this email. For everyone else, I do not need a copy of return, only a reply that the return has been filed for your club. Clubs that file a calendar year return, please let me know and that you did file the 2017 return. Thanks for your assistance.
The newly revised State of Rotary Membership presentation is now available. Viewing it, you’ll learn about growth, attrition, and the opportunity to enrich membership. The updated slides include 1 July 2018 membership data.
The 16-slide PowerPoint presentation can be given as is, or you can easily regionalize it to create a custom presentation for your members.
See attached and below for the polio report for 10/24/18. Two additional cases of polio in Afghanistan, bringing the yearly total to 22. Only one new cVDPV case this week.
As we celebrated World Polio Day, we were aware of 20 cases of polio for the year. These two additional cases have brought us even with the worldwide total last year, and realistically it seems likely that in the remaining two months of the year we will see additional cases, meaning that this year we will actually see an increase in cases from the previous year.
While this is not good news, this is a scenario we have seen before. In 2012, we saw 223 cases of polio. In 2013, this number almost doubled to 416. A massive vaccination campaign was implemented, and by 2015, the number of cases had dropped to 74.
Who will be the next in line to be District Governor for Rotary District 5930?
Will it be a member of your Club? Will it be someone you know? Will it be you?
Now that your first few Rotary months are out of the way, I’d like to ask you and your club members’ assistance in identifying potential candidates for our District’s 2021 – 2022 Governor. I know that seems like a long way into the future but in order to comply with Rotary International’s Manual of Procedure, this is the required protocol.
The deadline for 2021-2022 Nominations for District Governor is December 10, 2018
I am happy to report that many Rotary clubs throughout our Rotary District 5930 heeded the call to action during the month of September to support “Education and Literacy” by organizing, starting, and/or strengthening EarlyAct, EarlyAct First Knight, Interact, and Rotaract clubs and other Rotary youth education programs in their communities!
Read more about three areas who have reached out with their hands and hearts and are providing hope.
Rotaract Clubs sponsored by our clubs may have been terminated at RI if there was no President listed at at Rotary International by September 30. Please contact Stan Petraitis, Rotaract Chair for D5930 stanpetraitis@sbcglobal.net with the following information:
Club Name
Rotaract Club Name
Rotary Club Contact Name
Rotary Club Contact Phone
Rotary Club Contact Email
Rotaract Club Contact Name
Rotaract Club Contact Phone
Rotaract Club Contact Email
Stan has lots of good information to share about programs and activities to involve our Rotaract members with our service and training programs. Give him a email to find out more.
Now’s the time to start planning your World Polio Day event. Spread the word in your community about the ongoing fight to end polio. Together, we can — and will — make history by ending polio for good.
You can join our global celebration in many ways:
Hold a fundraiser. Consider making virtual reality a part of it so people can see what it’s like to vaccinate a child against polio.
Educate your neighbors. Talk with friends, family, and colleagues about Rotary’s work to end polio.
Hold a viewing party. Watch the livestream of Rotary’s World Polio Day event as a club or with another Rotary or Rotaract club.
Light up your city. Illuminate a local landmark with the End Polio Now logo.
No event is too big or too small. Whatever you’re planning for World Polio Day, be sure to tell us about it.
Find resources to help you plan or promote your event at endpolio.org
See the Club News further down the page for Club Activities for World Polio Day.
Now’s the time to start planning your World Polio Day event. Spread the word in your community about the ongoing fight to end polio. Together, we can — and will — make history by ending polio for good.
You can join our global celebration in many ways:
Hold a fundraiser. Consider making virtual reality a part of it so people can see what it’s like to vaccinate a child against polio.
Educate your neighbors. Talk with friends, family, and colleagues about Rotary’s work to end polio.
Hold a viewing party. Watch the livestream of Rotary’s World Polio Day event as a club or with another Rotary or Rotaract club.
Light up your city. Illuminate a local landmark with the End Polio Now logo.
No event is too big or too small. Whatever you’re planning for World Polio Day, be sure to tell us about it.
Find resources to help you plan or promote your event at endpolio.org
See the Club News further down the page for Club Activities for World Polio Day.
In an effort to increase membership and highlight Rotary’s inspiring work, RI President Barry Rassin is urging clubs and districts to organize fun, informal community events called Rotary Days.
"Rotary Days events will offer you the chance to have an impact in your community, build long-term partnerships, increase interest in membership, and improve Rotary’s image," Rassin said.
Any club, big or small, can host a Rotary Day. Neighboring clubs can pool their resources and co-host an event, and entire districts can come together for a large-scale Rotary Day.
We are almost 3 months into the Rotary year or 1/4 of the way!
Stats: District 5930 has grown by net +1.
Clubs have entered 23 membership chairs in Club Runner out of 50 clubs in the district. Membership Chairs need to have a committee to help them.
Ignite Program: I have only received 4 Ignite reports so far. Please implement the Ignite Program in your clubs. This is a great plan to guarantee solid Membership Development.
Membership is priority!!!
Click to download the RI New report called Club Membership Committee Checklist. This will be added to the Ignite tool box. This is an excellent way to help clubs stay in the game and win the game. Please download and adjust to your club's needs.
Quality not numbers!
Implement, take action, follow up & sprinkled with a lot of Motivation!
Picture this! The World 2018! Over 1 million times a week Rotarians from all over the globe are reciting the 4-way test in over 100 languages. And, here, in Victoria, Texas we have over 5500 students, grades kindergarten thru grade five, repeating the 4-way test or hearing it every school day.
In a world where truth is hard to come by and the youth seem so misdirected in many parts of the country, we feel fortunate that in Victoria to have a school district, parents and community that recognize the importance of bringing up a child with a good moral compass. The Early Act First Knight (EAFK) program has given us a beacon of hope.
Please scroll to the end for a summary of officially reported cases.
New wild poliovirus cases reported this week: 0
Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2018: 18
Total number of wild poliovirus cases in 2017: 22
New cVDPV cases reported this week: 10
Total number of cVDPV cases (all types) in 2018: 53
Total number of cVDPV cases (all types) in 2017: 96
Headlines
Two cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) are reported from Niger, linked to an ongoing cVDPV2 outbreak in neighbouring Nigeria. See ‘Lake Chad Basin’ section below for more details.
Featured on www.polioeradication.org: Coffee with Polio Experts – Head of WHO Chad Dr Jean-Bosco Ndihokubwayo speaks about the ongoing efforts to reach every child with polio vaccine across Chad.
Summary of newly-reported viruses this week: Afghanistan - two new wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) positive environmental samples; Pakistan – five new WPV1-positive environmental samples; Nigeria – three cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) and two cVDPV2-positive environmental samples; Niger - two cVDPV2 cases; Horn of Africa (Somalia) - three cVDPV3 cases and one cVDPV3 positive environmental sample; and, Papua New Guinea - two new cVDPV1 cases. See country sections below for more details.
Afghanistan
No new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) were reported in the past week. The total number of WPV1 cases in 2018 remains 14.
Two new WPV1-positive environmental samples were reported in the past week, from Kandahar province, collected on 28 August.
Read the latest polio update from Afghanistan to see information on cases, surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
Pakistan
No new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) were reported in the past week. The total number of WPV1 cases in 2018 remains four.
Five new WPV1-positive environmental samples were reported in the past week, from Sindh, Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA), collected in August and September.
Read the latest polio update from Pakistan to see information on cases, surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
Nigeria
Three new cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases were reported this week, bringing the total number of cVDPV2 cases in 2018 to eleven.
These latest reported cases all had onset of paralysis in August, from Katsina and Borno states, linked to the cVDPV2 outbreak centred around Jigawa.
Additionally, two new cVDPV2-environmental positive samples were reported in the past week, from Yobe state, collected on 7 and 18 August.
No new cases of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) were reported. The most recently-detected WPV1 case, from Borno state, had onset of paralysis on 21 August 2016.
In response to cVDPV2 detection, the country continues to conduct acute flaccid paralysis surveillance strengthening activities including enhanced active surveillance visits and community sampling. The programme has also carried out an extensive search for type 2 containing vaccines (tOPV/mOPV2) in the areas surrounding where the virus is detected.
The GPEI is working with regional and country counterparts and partners to support an outbreak response and plan the October sub-national immunization activity.
At the same time, outbreak response to WPV1 continues, including efforts to address surveillance and immunity gaps in parts of Borno state.
Read our Nigeria country page to see information on surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
Lake Chad Basin
Two cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) are reported from Niger, genetically linked to a cVDPV2 in Jigawa, Nigeria. The two cases are from Zinder province, Niger, with dates of onset of paralysis on 18 July and 8 August. Nigeria is also affected by a separate cVDPV2, centred around Sokoto state.
Since detection of the initial isolates in early 2018, outbreak response continues to be conducted across northern Nigeria. As the risk of potential international spread, in particular to Niger, is considered high, enhanced vaccination activities continue to be implemented in Niger. An outbreak response is now being planned, including with monovalent oral polio vaccine type 2 (mOPV2). The exact scale and extent of the response is being determined.
WHO and its partners are continuing to support local public health authorities in conducting field investigation and risk assessment to more clearly assess risk of the identified cVDPV2 and to conduct additional response measures as appropriate and necessary. Active searches for additional AFP cases is continuing, and additional surveillance measures such as increasing the frequency and extent of environmental surveillance and community sampling of healthy individuals is being expanded.
The detection of wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) and cVDPV2 in Nigeria continue to pose a risk to the neighbouring countries of the Lake Chad basin.
Emergency outbreak response efforts continue across the Lake Chad basin, together with activities to fill subnational surveillance gaps in the region.
These include efforts to vaccinate children at markets, in internally displaced persons and refugee camps, and at international borders.
Preparations continue for a cross-border synchronized immunization activity in October.
Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo)
No new cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were reported in the past week.
DR Congo is affected by three separate strains of cVDPV2, in the provinces of Mongala, Maniema and Haut Lomami/Tanganika/Haut Katanga/Ituri.
In response to recent geographic spread of one of the strains, including to Ituri province close to the border with Uganda, provincial governors on 26 July convened an urgent meeting and signed the ‘Kinshasa Declaration for Polio Eradication’. The high-level meeting was convened by HE the Minister of Health, as well as the WHO Director-General and the Regional Director for Africa. Provincial governors committed to providing the necessary oversight, accountability and resources needed to urgently improve the quality of the outbreak response being implemented across the country. Outbreak response since cVDPV was first confirmed in 2017 has been marred by operational challenges, as too many children continue to remain un- or under-vaccinated. This level of oversight can help ensure that operational deficits are rapidly identified and addressed.
The polio outbreak response is being conducted simultaneously to an ongoing Ebola outbreak affecting North Kivu province, in the east of the country (close to provinces affected by cVDPV2). As in the past, the polio teams are coordinating closely with the broader humanitarian emergency network, to ensure both outbreaks are addressed in a coordinated manner (as was the case during the recent Ebola outbreak in Equateur province, which was successfully stopped).
Partners of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative will continue to support authorities across the country, to ensure that this new level of commitment rapidly translates into operational improvements on the ground.
The Horn of Africa is currently affected by separate outbreaks of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) and type 3 (cVDPV3), reporting both cases and environmental positives.
Three new cases of cVDPV3 were reported in the past week, as well as one cVDPV3 positive environmental sample, from Lower Juba, Middle Shabelle and Banadir, Somalia.
Outbreak response to both virus types is currently being implemented in line with internationally-agreed guidelines. Large-scale supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) have been implemented in Banadir, Lower Shabelle and Middle Shabelle regions, Somalia, with additional SIAs planned or carried out in the affected zones of the Horn of Africa. Special surveillance activities are being undertaken to determine the origin of the viral circulation.
WHO and partners continue to support local public health authorities across the Horn of Africa in conducting field investigations and risk assessments.
Two new cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) were reported in the past week, bringing the total number of cases in 2018 to 14. These latest reported cases are from Jiwaka and Eastern Highlands provinces, and had onset of paralysis on 13 August and 16 June, respectively.
It is important to note that detection and reporting of new cases at this point in the outbreak response is not unusual or unexpected, as surveillance is being strengthened, and reported and confirmed cases had onset of paralysis prior to the commencement of comprehensive outbreak response.
Read our Papua New Guinea country page to see information on surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
Middle East
No new cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) were reported in the past week in Syria. The total number of officially reported cVDPV2 cases in Syria in 2017 remains 74. There are no cases reported in 2018. The most recent case (by date of onset of paralysis) was reported in Boukamal district, with onset on 21 September 2017.
Read the latest polio update from Syria to see information on cases, surveillance and vaccination campaigns.
Officially reported wild poliovirus cases as of 25 Sep 2018
Total global cases in 2018: 18 (compared with 11 for the same period in 2017)
Total in endemic countries in 2018: 18 (compared with 11 for the same period in 2017)
Total in non-endemic countries in 2018: 0 (compared with 0 for the same period in 2017)
· Afghanistan: 14 cases in 2018 (compared with 6 for the same period in 2017), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 11-Aug-18
· Pakistan: 4 cases in 2018 (compared with 5 for the same period in 2017), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 01-Aug-18
· Nigeria: 0 case in 2018 (compared with 0 for the same period in 2017), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 21-Aug-16
· Total global cases in 2017: 22
· Total in endemic countries: 22
· Total in non-endemic countries: 0
Please refer to the attached weekly global update for country-level details of 2017 cases.
Officially reported cVDPV cases as of 25 Sep 2018
Total global cases in 2018: 53 (compared with 49 for the same period in 2017)
· Syrian Arab Republic: 0 case in 2018 (compared with 40 for the same period in 2017), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 21-Sep-17
· Democratic Republic of the Congo: 15 cases in 2018 (compared with 9 for the same period in 2017), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 05-Aug-18
· Nigeria: 11 cases in 2018 (compared with 0 for the same period in 2017), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 25-Aug-18
· Somalia (type 2 and type 3): 11 cases (1cVDPV2 and 1 cVDPV3 isolated from the same child) in 2018 (compared with 0 for the same period in 2017), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 30-Jul-18
· Papua New Guinea (type 1): 14 cases in 2018 (compared with 0 for the same period in 2017), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 13-Aug-18
· Niger: 2 cases in 2018 (compared with 0 for the same period in 0), onset of paralysis of most recent case: 08-Aug-18
· Total global cases in 2017: 96
· Total in endemic countries: 0
· Total in non-endemic countries: 96
Please refer to the attached weekly global update for country-level details of 2017 cases.
Or from any of the 6 Corpus Christi Club Presidents.
The event costs $30 per person, plus a ticket surcharge of $6.57. The cost includes admission to the concert by local favorite The Deadbeats, a 16-oz. pint glass, and a reusable tote bag.
Sponsorships are available at these levels:
Business Platinum $1,000 (includes 8 tickets)
Business Gold $500 (includes 4 tickets)
Individual Silver $250 (includes 2 tickets)
Sponsors may submit written materials (e.g., flyers, postcards or business cards) or promotional items (e.g., pens, buttons) to be included in the tote bags. They should also submit an electronic version of their logo so it may be included in social media (as well as on the sponsor board at the event). Contact Alissa Adkins at aadkins@stx.rr.com for sponsorship information as soon as possible.
This event will sell out! We hope to see everyone there.
On September 17, 2018, Rotary District 5930 Governor Andy Hagan, made the annual governor’s visit to the Aransas Pass Rotary Club. The purpose of this visit was to evaluate and encourage the Club in the purpose of Rotary, “Service Above Self.” This year’s theme, chosen by District Governor (DG) Andy, is “Be the Inspiration”.
DG Andy emphasized that an important component of Rotary is the Rotary Foundation. The Foundation utilizes donations by members and non-members for humanitarian and educational programs. Those programs include an array of projects that save and invigorate the lives of people around the world and enhance international friendship and understanding. Foundation programs provide educational opportunities, food, potable water, health care, immunizations, and shelter for millions of persons. These activities are funded, implemented and managed by Rotarians and Rotary clubs around the globe.
All who personally donate, and/or who have a donation of $1000.00 made in their name, to the Foundation are identified as a Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) and awarded a PHF pin. The title Paul Harris Fellow was established in 1957 to honor Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary. All who contribute, or have an additional contribution of $1000.00 to the Foundation in their name, are titled Paul Harris Fellows +1 (PHF+1) and are awarded a PHF Sapphire Pin. On Monday, September 17, 2018, DG Andy recognized three Rotarians, Bud Lockwood, Ramiro Gomez, and Karen Gayle who have donated an additional $1000.00 to the Rotary Foundation. DG Andy presented a PHF Sapphire Pin to each. During the Governor visit last year, Rotarian Ronnie Yeager received his PHF+1 pin. This makes 4 Aransas Pass Rotarians who have donated or had a minimum of $2000.00 donated to the Rotary Foundation in their name.
Picture Left to Right:
Bud Lockwood
Ramiro Gomez
Karen Gayle
Andy Hagan, 2018-2019 Governor of Rotary International District 5930
The Ingleside Rotary Club partnered with Ingleside High School and District 5930. We did a grand opening ceremony for rolling out the educational initiative with Hammond's Education Leadership Program (H.E.L.P.) and the Windows to the World (WoW). This program is an electronic touch screen model that shows students videos of local career opportunities that are available to our students.
The program is part of a pathways model that shows what career tracks look like starting in high school, ongoing training and then what are the next steps and where your career might take a student. These career videos feature local talent, often times, prior students from the area, and what these careers entail for working conditions and cultures.
These videos are aligned with the "Texas Workforce Commission" demanded occupation lists and is I support of the Texas 60x30 program. After the students watch videos and express interest, they are given the opportunity to go on "field trips", as part of this venue, to see the facility and Industries first hand.
The Ingleside Rotary Club is very excited, and appreciated the support from District 5930, to be a partner in this venue. The Ingleside Rotary Club have been giving scholarships to the Ingleside High School for the past 8 years.
The highest priority now is for our Rotary clubs to update their Goals in Club Central. This is critical to ensure that we have a clear vision of where our Rotary clubs and their members intend to accomplish this year and how we as a District team support their initiatives and plans.
Please ensure that we have all Rotary Club Goals updated in Club Central and confirmed by month end. To date, only 21/50 of our clubs have input their goals.
Ask your club President or a Board member if your club goals are entered at Rotary International > My Rotary > Rotary Club Central > Goal Center - https://rcc.rotary.org/#/goals
Has Your Club entered goals/milestones yet for 2018-2019?
Imagine if we could take a snapshot capturing all of the work Rotary does on a given day. No one – except Rotarians – would believe that a single organization was capable of accomplishing so much. In that snapshot you would see dedicated volunteers working to eradicate polio, setting up microloans, providing clean water, mentoring youth, and countless other actions.
We can do all this thanks both to our geographic reach and to the fact that our clubs are made up of people who are engaged in their communities. As a part of the community that you serve, you know the needs, you have the connections, and you're able to take immediate action. That's why every Rotary club's membership should reflect the diversity of its community.
I write to you to enlist support for our Laguna Madre First Responder Fund with a Beach Rescue Run on Saturday, September 8 at Clayton's Beach Bar at 8am hosted by the Port Isabel Rotary Club. Please share in your Rotary Clubs and maybe you'd like get a team together to sign up to participate. There will be a One Mile Fun Walk, 5k and 10k. I just got off the phone with Lonnie Gillihan, event organizer and Port Isabel Club member extraordinaire! He would be the one to contact for sponsorship info and/or anything else. Let's support this event honoring and benefiting our local first responders! I have attached the flyer.
Track two is a new program to our district called Rotary Leadership Institute. RLI is a grassroots coalition of Rotary districts implementing a leadership development program for "potential" leaders of Rotary CLUBS. It is a three part program of sessions. We are offering Part 1 on the 15th. Times are 8:30-4:30 and cost is $50.
You can read more about RLI here - https://rotary5930.org/page/rotary-leadership-institute. This is a page on the District website explaining the program. Most of the skills are transferrable to our workplaces and the training looks great on our resumes. Certificates of Completion are awarded at the end of each part.
These are two district Rotarians who our coordinators.
From the Adoption Awareness Chair for District 5930.
Allow me to introduce myself to each of our sitting presidents for 2018-2019. DG Andy asked that I be involved again with the Adoption Project which delights me. If you have put up with me in the past, you will recall that I ask very little and expect a lot. Maybe not too much but I do hope all clubs can find a way to be involved. You know not all can host a party, but all can help in hosting one. CPS has graciously accommodated us for these past many years and to my knowledge has never said "no".
What I really need as soon as your club has "settled in" is who will be participating as 1) the lead club and 2) a participant helping with one of the events. My email address is lcbglacier@aol.com. My promise is to assist you in every way possible to make this the greatest year ever. I am fully aware that there have been some truly awesome years past. As soon as I have your email, I will stay in touch. Let me know, as well, if you have a "go to" person in your club in charge of the project. Let's get ready to party!
Honor your hero by sponsoring a flag with a $50 contribution. Heroes may include someone important in your life, whether they be military personnel, first responders, health care workers, grandparent, spouse, teacher, etc. A hero can be someone who is admired or idealized by you or someone close to you. If you are unsure of whom to honor, you may recognize all who protect our country or a local first responder.
Flags will be displayed at Ropes Park along Ocean Drive. Additional parks along Ocean Drive may be included. The flags will be raised on Saturday, September 8th and will be removed September 16th.
Each flag pole will have a 4″ recognition tag attached. Each tag will include the name of the individual it is in honor/memory of and the sponsor’s name. Tags will be given to the sponsors following the event.
I am pleased to report that our District Governor and Assistant Governor visits are proceeding as scheduled having completed 32 of 50 Rotary Club visits in the first two months of this Rotary year!
Our Rotary clubs are engaging in local and international service projects, back to school projects, blood drives, Rotary social and family events, club fundraisers, disaster emergency relief and community assistance efforts throughout our District! Everyone is to be commended for your efforts thus far!
Several Rotary clubs have already inducted new members. We congratulate and welcome our newest members and sponsors for your efforts. More members allows us to expand our Rotary leadership network worldwide. It also enables us to make a bigger transformational impact locally and globally relative to our humanitarian service projects.
Port Isabel Rotary is working hard to establish at new satellite club in Los Fresnos. With some names received from Governor Andy and our own club members, we have the nucleus to get started. We have been meeting at 7:15 am on Thursdays at Julia's Restaurant on Texas 100 in Los Fresnos. It is an ideal location. We have met at least four times and each time we add new prospects. This is an excited and energetic group which includes a couple of former Rotarians, one even a past member of a club in Taiwan. They are already discussing service projects to benefit the high school and the community.
First Responders 5K & 10K Run and One Mile Walk will be held on Saturday, September 8 at Clayton's Bar on South Padre Island. This will be our second annual event held for the benefit of the first responders (Fire, Police, and EMT). We have established an endowment fund to help those men and women who put their lives on the line for us. We sell sponsorships and charge a small entry fee for the runners. If the tide is low we can run along the beach, but if it is high tide then we run along Gulf Boulevard.
Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi Visits South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind
Southside Rotary met at the South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind on Wednesday August 1 for lunch and a fascinating tour of their manufacturing facilities and warehouses. The place is massive and we were so impressed at the amount and variety of products they produce. It was so impressive to meet the folks behind the scenes and see what great work they do. At times in the warehouses it was like a scene out of the end of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" there are so many boxes with production materials and/or items ready to be shipped out!
A quick report this week: no new polio cases! Two new cVDPV cases, one each in Syria and in Nigeria.
There is a bit of bright news in Nigeria…August 20 marks the two year anniversary of the last case of wild polio in Nigeria! One more year and Nigeria will be eligible for consideration of a declaration of being polio free. Note that this is not an automatic “three years and you’re free” declaration. The Global Polio Eradication Initiative will carefully consider all of the evidence in any country before making a declaration that the country is polio free. The last thing we want to do is certify a country polio-free and then see cases return. While we hope for the absolute best, and continued success in Nigeria, we will follow the evidence in reaching that conclusion.
Here’s to one more week of no new polio cases ... we all look forward to the time when the world will be polio free forever. You are making this happen!
Here is a quick checklist of important tasks that your club needs to be working on during this Rotary year. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me.
August is Membership and New Club Development Month
It is hard to believe that July which earmarks the beginning of our new Rotary year as come and gone. Rotarians districtwide are busy organizing and planning community and international service projects, various fund raisers, blood drives, back to school activities, and fellowship gatherings. But equally as important, many of our Rotary clubs have responded to a call to action to provide disaster relief assistance for so many communities impacted by Hurricane Harvey last year and the flood damage to over 15,000 resident homes in the Rio Grande valley this year. I applaud the efforts of our Rotary clubs that have partnered with the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, Food Bank, Samaritan Purse, and Habitat for Humanity to address the immediate and anticipated long term needs in these communities. You have truly embodied the idea of Rotary: People of Action and our Rotary motto: Service Above Self.
On Saturday, July 21, 2018 several members of the Rotary International District 5930 Rotary Foundation Committee met in Corpus Christi, Texas to review The Rotary Foundation District Designated Funds (DDF) available for District grant requests submitted by our local Rotary clubs.
Maxie Houser, District Rotary Foundation chair convened the meeting and 16 District grant requests were submitted by various Rotary clubs districtwide. All of the grant requests were approved for funding and the respective Rotary clubs will receive an acknowledgement of the actual DDF dollars allocated for their community service projects.
More details to follow and will be posted on our District website once the Rotary clubs confirm their desire to receive the DDF dollars.
The District Rotary Foundation Committee members who represented various Areas included:
Maxie Houser, PDG, District Rotary Foundation Chair, Corpus Christi NW
Andy Hagan, District Governor, Brownsville Sunrise
Ellison Crider, District Governor Elect, Corpus Christi Evening
Eddie Bartnesky, District Governor Nominee, Harlingen
Debbie High, PDG, Assistant Rotary Coordinator, Rotary International Zones 21b and part of 27
Art Zeitler, PDG, Rotary Foundation Rotary International Zones 21b and part of 27, Corpus Christi
Elaine Hernandez, District International Service Coordinator, McAllen Evening
Juan Lira, Rotary Foundation Grants Subcommittee Chair, Laredo
Richard Hartwig, District Scholarships and Global grants subcommittee, Kingsville
Gail Hoffman, Global and District grants subcommittee, Alice
Lisa Rogerio, District Annual Givings Officer, Laredo Gateway
Michael Dickerson, EPN Coordinator, Laredo
Jo Anne Settles, EPN Coordinator Victoria Downtown
Alissa Adkins, EPN Coordinator, Corpus Christi Evening
We had good representation and terrific dialog! I want to thank everyone on our District Foundation committee who participated this past Saturday to review and allocate our Rotary District Designated Funds. Rotary clubs district-wide submitted Grant requests for additional funding/support for their community service projects! Rotary: People of Action
Because an elementary school in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas (Mexico) needs student desks, Club Rotario Villa de Nuevo Laredo approached The Laredo Rotary Club for assistance. Juan Lira contacted United Independent School District in Laredo. UISD agreed to donate hundreds of surplus student desks to The Laredo Rotary Club. The club, in turn, agreed to donate the desks to Club Rotario Villa de Nuevo Laredo, since they pledged to cross the desks into Mexico. On July 14, 2018, Rotarians & Rotaract students from Area 12 and Mexico, along with UISD staff, completed this important initiative. All of them are an inspiration to others!
The Rockport Film Festival (RFF) celebrates the best of independent cinema on the Texas Coast. Showcasing shorts, features, documentaries, animations and student films, Rockport Film Festival is a welcoming three-day event that highlights talent from Texas and all over the country and world.
RFF offers an affordable retreat where art meets environment, where filmmakers and attendees can network and relax, enjoying films that are rarely seen elsewhere without having to wait in long lines or navigate multiple theater venues. The Festival holds outdoor screenings, red carpet parties, and plays host to filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals all in the relaxing environment of Rockport, named a "Top-10 Coastal Art Community" by Coastal Living Magazine.
Rotary International (RI) District 5930 South Texas leadership team consistent with Rotary International and Habitat for Humanity International announcement in October 2017 agreed to formally partner with our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate(s) effective July 26, 2018 to address the long-term needs resulting from excessive rain and flooding that affected over 10k residential homes in Hidalgo county and nearly 5k resident homes in Cameron County in June 2018.
In addition, RI District 5930 and Habitat for Humanity representatives agreed that joint efforts would be more effective to address the long term needs of communities negatively impacted by Hurricane Harvey in August 2017.More information will follow as our District partnership is solidified to include all Habitat for Humanity affiliates and local Rotary Clubs.
Stats Report: It looks like we have settled at a total of 1,865 members in our district to start the year. We had a -21 net loss.
"For the whole Rotary world our membership has hovered around the same 1.2 million mark for 20 years. We aren't growing, and our membership is getting older." Barry Rassin, President, Rotary International.
We need to think outside the box & do things we have not done before in Membership Development.
See below and attached for our polio numbers this week. As we knew from last week, an additional polio case in Afghanistan has brought us to 13 cases for the year.
As part of my weekly update, I’m going to highlight a topic or two each week. This week, there are two items for your consideration:
How Much Money does Zone 27 (at least the part I’m responsible for) raise for Polio?
Last year, the 12 districts I cover raised $2,142,349.28. This is an incredible amount, and your work made this possible. Note that almost half of this was due to a huge donation from district 5420 (Utah) of $1,025,627. A very large shout-out to Utah and District 5420!
We can exceed this amount this year with good planning. By now your clubs should have set their goals. Clubs are asked to set a goal of at least $1,500 per club……so let’s encourage at least that level!
World Polio Day is October 24, 2018
We are going to be making a special push to have districts and clubs celebrate World Polio Day with events and publicity about our efforts to eradicate polio. Please calendar this date for your clubs and districts, and let me know if you’ve already got something planned!
For the last Saturdays, Rotarians and supporters have teamed up with Samaritan's Purse and other volunteers to provide home improvement service to families in Weslaco, Texas. Volunteers have "gutted and mudded" homes. They have used various tools to remove wall siding, take measurements, and remove building materials. Volunteers have also swept, vacuumed, removed nails, scraped flooring, and more from the affected homes.
Rotarians of Rotary District 5930 join Governor Andy Hagan and Samaritan's Purse volunteers to help families affected by the recent flooding in the Rio Grande Valley.
Members of rotary clubs representing District 5930 are about to engage with our Samaritan's Purse partners to assist residents of the Rio Grande Valley that were impacted by the recent flooding.
Congratulations on beginning your year as a club leader! You are stepping in to one of the most important roles in Rotary because the work of Rotary and our Rotary Foundation really takes place within your clubs. Throughout your year as a club leader, I hope you use the resources below to educate members about the Foundation and inspire them with the great work our Foundation does.
In an effort to increase membership and highlight Rotary’s inspiring work, RI President Barry Rassin is urging clubs and districts to organize fun, informal community events called Rotary Days.
"Rotary Days events will offer you the chance to
have an impact in your community,
build long-term partnerships,
increase interest in membership, and
improve Rotary’s image," Rassin said.
Any club, big or small, can host a Rotary Day. Neighboring clubs can pool their resources and co-host an event, and entire districts can come together for a large-scale Rotary Day.
Want more information about Planning a Rotary Day - click the read more link.
To help you prepare for the training, I recommend reviewing my beginning of the year resources message. We'll be covering a many topics from goal setting to Paul Harris Society so come with questions!
Want more information about the training in Austin and the registration link - click the read more link.
RI President Barry Rassin, a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, is asking Rotarians to Be the Inspiration this Rotary year.
In addressing the closing session of the 2018 Convention in Toronto, Rassin encouraged Rotarians to take the time to understand the real needs of their communities by talking to people in those communities, and to become agents of change through leading by example.
The State Bar of Texas and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid concerning the provision of free, limited legal services to those affected by flooding in the Valley.
Our good friends from Samaritan Purse are volunteering their time and resources to muck out and repair/replace damaged residents affected by recent flooding in the Weslaco and surrounding areas.
Kristin Koning, Samaritan Purse has sent us a call for action and is in desperate need of additional volunteers to assist them in this effort!
Please send this message and the attachment out via your Facebook, mobile app and use of other social media to spread the word to support our Samaritan Purse friends!
We have and opportunity to collaborate with American Red Cross in the system to provide flood relief to Rio Grande Valley residents that have been impacted by recent rains and rising water.
We encourage district and club leadership to answer this call to action by financial means and by lending of your time in volunteering to support these agencies for the betterment of our community in their time of need.
Miss Cori Tanner represents the American Red Cross and will be our point of contact going forward as per her email below.
I ask that you pass this information to your club members utilizing the most effective communication needs to get the word out! We are Rotary strong and ready, willing, and able to help our neighbors in their time of need!
Click on images to get a printable version.
RGV Flood Relief - Assist with the American Red Cross
As you have probably aware or have seen on the TV networks, there are numerous cities and rural areas throughout the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) that have been severely affected by recent excessive rain and the subsequent flooding. The RGV is part of Rotary District 5930.
As a result, many residents have suffered personal losses including damaged and loss of their automobiles, furniture and fixtures, building and structural damages to homes and businesses etc. Many lack the financial means to repair or replace items either damaged or rendered a total loss as a result of their homes and businesses being flooded. Others have no flood insurance to mitigate the financial burden imposed by the damage sustained from the floods.
Many individuals, clubs and districts are willing to help and provide financial assistance.
Please use either of the links below to make a donation.
You may have seen news reports indicating that Venezuela has seen new cases of polio. As these would be the first case in that country in thirty years, this is truly distressing news. A link to some of these articles can be found at these links:
If true, this is terrible news, not only for Venezuela, but also for our efforts to eradicate polio worldwide.
Please note that these cases have not yet been verified, and we do not yet know if these are outbreaks of wild polio virus (thought fully eradicated from the Americas), or some type of circulating vaccine-derived virus (cVDPV). It is suspected that the cases must be a cVDPV, but this will be confirmed by testing results. Either way, this outbreak illustrates the importance of maintaining full immunization world-wide until after the virus is fully eradicated.
Additional news will be forthcoming, including official confirmation from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative and the CDC. As these news stories continue to circulate, please bear in mind that they represent unofficial and unconfirmed reports of outbreaks, although there is no present reason to suspect they are untrue. As Rotarians on the front line of this fight, however, it is important that we understand the true situation. As additional, official, results are made public, I’ll pass them on to you as soon as I receive them.
If you’d like additional information, or need help explaining this situation to your clubs or members, please let me know and I’ll help out as best as I’m able.
Rotarians and friends in D5930 who knew Joe High, First Dude, spouse of Past District Governor Debbie High of the Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club are deeply saddened by his death on June 11, 2018. He passed away due to complications from interstitial lung disease. He lived life to the fullest.
Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Debbie and their sons Brian of San Antonio and Michael (Corisandra) of Houston, grandchildren Madeleine and Iden, and their extended family.
Dr. Joseph High (CAPT United States Public Health Service) made his mark on humanity, Rotary International, US Army, US Public Health Service, National Cancer Institute - National Institutes of Health and the pharmacy profession. He truly gave his life for his country (CAPT USPHS). Joe was previous Scout Master of BSA Troop 1070, Walkersville, Maryland and a Wood Badge “Owl.” Joe lived our Rotary Motto of Service Above Self. We are proud of his dedication to the pharmacy profession and practice.
Rest In Peace First Dude Joe
Interment will be at a future date at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas.
Joe High loved his Rockport/Lamar house. Finally getting to go back for a few weeks after repair of Harvey damage. He was very touched by two projects to help the residents of Aransas County recover. Joe was one of the founders of ACT NOW FOR ROCKPORT, an organization that to date has helped to rebuild 17 homes and 2 businesses in the Rockport / Aransas Area. In Lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to
Who will be the next in line to be District Governor for Rotary District 5930?
Will it be a member of your Club? Will it be someone you know? Will it be you?
Now that your first few Rotary club meetings are out of the way, I’d like to ask you and your club members’ assistance in identifying potential candidates for our District’s 2020 – 2021 Governor. I know that seems like a long way into the future but in order to comply with Rotary International’s Manual of Procedure, this is the required protocol.
The Deadline for 2020-2021 Nominations for District Governor is February 16, 2018
The Superintendent of Victoria ISD and its Board of Trustees expressed appreciation to the efforts of the Rotary Clubs of Victoria and Rotary District 5930 for their assistance in restoring families and students at four elementary schools in the District.
Each Trustee was given a framed Rotary Four Way Test presentation. Each student in the 14 elementary schools hosting Rotary sponsored Early Act First Knights programs in VISD receipt the Four Way Test each morning as they begin their day.
The Board honored The Downtown Victoria Rotary Club, Kim Phillips, President; the Victoria Northside Rotary Club, Jim Stokes, President and The Victoria Rotary Club, JJ Craig, President.
Northside members Vice President Jessie Pisors, Secretary Linda Caldwell and Sargent at Arms Adam Mahan.
Northside members Past President Bret Baldwin, Secretary Hugh Hanes, President Elect Donald Jirkovsky and Asst. Governor Kent Grier.
Downtown's Secretary Bryce Scott, President Kim Phillips and President Elect Jim Kiening
Hurricane Relief Fund Helps Elementary Schools of Victoria, Texas
Dear Friends in Rotary: It is soon the 2nd Anniversary of the Memorial Day Flood that forever changed the lives and landscape of Wimberley. We wanted to take this opportunity to thank all our fellow Rotarians who reached out to us in our time of need. Your support, encouragement, and donations made a difference, and we are truly grateful.
To PDG John and family - Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss…our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time. With thoughts of peace and courage for you, Your Rotary 5930 family.
Debbie
Debbie High
Rotary International D5930
District Governor 2016-2017
With a Sad Heart - Notice of a death in our extended Rotary Family
Dear club presidents, club presidents-elect, and club secretaries,
In response to feedback from Rotary clubs around the world, I want to let you know about an important change that may affect your annual Rotary membership number. This change will ensure that all 2016-17 membership achievements are accurately recorded and that your club’s July invoice reflects the correct membership at the beginning of the new Rotary year.
Previously, our policy included new members added with a 1 July effective date in the calculation of the annual 1 July membership start number, which was also used for recognizing membership achievements for the immediately previous Rotary year. This calculation method resulted in substantial confusion and frustration for clubs that expected these new members to be counted in their net membership increase for the new year rather than the previous year.
“June is The Rotary Foundation’s 100th Anniversary”
Rotary All Stars – this month we continue our celebration of The Rotary Foundation’s 100th Anniversary at the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta, Georgia.
Rotary All Stars – together - our Rotarians, clubs and district have far exceeded our total combined club goal contributions to End Polio Now! Thank you and congratulations.
The Rotary Year 2016-2017 combined club / district goal for the Annual Fund is $265,000.
We have NOT met this goal yet - but together we will if we ACT soon.
We will set a new High on ANNUAL FUND contributions with your help.
There’s a world of opportunity waiting for you in Toronto, home of the 2018 Rotary International Convention.
Join 2017-18 RI President Ian H.S. Riseley for an unforgettable week of fun, friendship, and discovery as you connect with Rotarians from around the world.
Take advantage of the limited-time registration rate of $295* from 10 to 14 June.
From Rotary International to District Rotary Foundation Chair
Hi Ellison,
Please encourage donors to send in their contributions per the instructions on the contribution forms and encourage them to make gifts online. Sending donations directly to staff slows down the processing of contributions. If a club is sending in one check that needs to be credited to multiple donors, club officers should make sure to include the multiple donor form to ensure the gifts are credited appropriately.
For your information, here are the year-end contribution deadline dates. I will be sending these out to all district leaders today or tomorrow. Last year, I also sent these to club leaders and plan to do so again this year.
Also Club Officers for 2017-2018 - report in your club - ClubRunner website OR the District website OR in the Club Administration section of My Rotary.
Presidents - You set goals at the beginning of the year - NOW please go to My Rotary > Rotary Club Central and report how your club did in reaching those goals. This is a necessary task for awards and to build a database of information for your club to use in the future.
How do you eradicate a disease? This is the question that Jennifer will answer as she shares the story of Polio eradication. It is a disease on the brink of extinction and the finish line is in sight. It is a complex tale complete with heroic and deadly twists and turns. Discover what the Global Polio Eradication Initiative is doing to eliminate this paralyzing disease and in turn keep a promise to the children of the world.
I am attaching info on a group trip we are leading to India in March 2018 . . I am hopeful you might be able to join us! It will change your life forever, I promise!
Also, if you would share this with your district, members and Friends of Rotary - particularly with anyone who has expressed an interest in project opportunities in India - -reservations are open now and will close once we have 40 individuals.
Yesterday (Friday, May 26th) Debbie and I were honored to be part of our Rotary Family to celebrate the life of Past District Governor Everett “Ev” Driskill. PDG Ev spent most of his life in Minnesota building and maintaining a grocery store chain. One of his sons described his Dad’s usual 80-hour work week was only part of his life as he wasn’t satisfied with just dominating in his business, but also strived to be active in “doing good”.
Rotarians and friends in D5930, who knew Past District Governor Bruce Miller of the Portland Rotary Club, were deeply saddened by his death on May 27, 2017. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Emma and Bruce's family. His constant smile and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of Rotary will be missed.
By God’s grace, Bruce fulfilled his priorities in life.
Rotarians and friends in D5930, who knew Past District Governor Everett J. Driskill, were deeply saddened by his death on May 20, 2017. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Ev's family.
Every district selects a representative to serve at the Councils on Resolutions and the Council on Legislation that take place during their Council term from 1 July 2017 through 30 June 2020. The Council representatives will represent their district at the:
2017, 2018, and 2019 Councils on Resolutions
2019 Council on Legislation
At Our District Conference this past weekend, we elected our representative. Congratulations to PDG Arthur Zeitler of the Corpus Christi Rotary Club.
April 20 was a special day at the last TAMUCC Rotaract meeting of the semester. We closed the chapter on a Rotaract year of great memories by celebrating memories and seniors graduating in May and December 2017.
We started a new chapter with passing the torch to a new amazing officer group! Chris Mata will be the Fall semester 2017 Rotaract President! Congrats, well deserved to you all.
Thank you Assistant Governor Leo Barrera for your inspiring speech and constant support!
From Rotary International - Regional Grant Officer
Dear Rotarians:
"Congratulations! Your global grant application for funding Global Grant Scholarship for Kayla Stovall, submitted by International Sponsor Club of Southside Corpus Christi, Texas in District 5930 in the United States and Host Sponsor Club of Musselburgh in District 1020 in Scotland, has been approved by The Rotary Foundation. The award is in the amount of US$30,000."
Kayla Stoval (FB Post) … "This coming September I will be starting a new and exciting journey to pursue my Masters in Public Health (MPH) degree at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland, UK! I am so fortunate to be the 2017 Rotary District 5930 Global Grant Scholar. Due to the generosity of the local Rotarians and the Rotary International Foundation I get to pursue this amazing opportunity. I never in a million years thought this would be possible.
Much love and thanks to you all!”
Kayla will be with us at the District Conference on May 6th.
Congratulations TAMUCC Rotaractor Kayla Stovall!
Meeting and exceeding our combined Foundation giving goals this Rotary year will ensure we continue to support Global Scholars in the future. (A good return on our investment to our Youth)
Why do Joe (First Dude) and I give to the Rotary Foundation - Why are we Rotarians?
We have been offered the opportunity for our clubs to partner with our great partner United By Friendship to provide a medical grade thermometer for each village in a Northern Guatemala so they can attempt to identify potential infected COVID victims and isolate them to avoid spread.
Saturday, May 9,
Chris Offer
Olayinka Hakeem Babalola
YOUR VISION – OUR PATH
We recognize that social distancing and hardships may limit some of the goals that clubs are able to achieve this year. Because of this, the requirements for achieving the 2019-20 awards have been revised.
Not so ho hum anymore. As a project exhibitor at PETS last week the time was not business as usual. Here to fore Rotarians would see the banner with the word "Adoption" and run the other way. This year participants went to all vendors and exhibitors to collect a sticker for their door prize book. This required making contact with each. This provided the opportunity for us to explain what we do.
What a difference a month makes! 
This is a very difficult story for us to write.
The following Resolution will be voted on by all members at the Business Meeting at the District Conference 2020. This meeting will be held at the Omni Hotel in Corpus Christi at 8:00 am on May 2, 2020.
One day full of activities in any of the following tracks:
About this 501c3 nonprofit public charity:
A visit to the Texas State Aquarium is a chance to connect with nature…and protect nature.
IBC Bank wants us to enjoy this evening with our family and friends, so they have generously donated so that the cost is only $25 per person. No charge for children 5 years and under. Please bring your children and grandchildren to this special event.
The 2020 High School Student Four-Way Test Speech Competition/Contest
The District Conference is an opportunity to celebrate our
Congratulations Donald and to your Los Fresnos Rotary club as well as members of the Club De Rotario de Matamoros Industrial for an “Outstanding” job partnering in an International project in Matamoros, Mexico to protect and save lives throughout our communities at large. 
What
It is my honor to announce the nomination of Kent Grier as the District Governor for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year. Kent is a member of the Rotary Club of Victoria Northside.
Help Us Celebrate The Rotary Foundation
District Conference May 1-3, 2020 in Corpus Christi. 
Awards to Be Presented
If service is the beating heart of Rotary, then the Rotary Foundation is its very lifeblood.
From JD Simpson, member and a Past District Governor:
Attached is my summary of my October 2019 voting as a Delegate to Council of Resolutions. This report should be made available to our members in whatever method you believe is appropriate.
Building Effective Leaders
They spent the day in Rockport and Fulton. Activities included a meal at Paradise Key, visits to the Texas Maritime Museum and Rockport-Fulton Visitor Center, shopping time on Austin Street, and a dinner hosted by the Rockport Rotary Club at the Rockport Beach Park. A signature event that was a highlight was the planting of a Peace Pole at the Aransas Pathways Pavilion area.
Lone Star P.E.T.S., Inc. (Lone Star PETS or LSPETS) – the premier training event that prepares Rotary Club President Elects for their year of service as President of their Rotary club in Texas and Southern Oklahoma. P.E.T.S. (PETS) is the acronym for “President Elect Training Seminar”.
MAKING A DIFFERENCE
As Andy Hagan, 2018-2019 District Governor Rotary District 5930, completed his term of office, he made a special gift to all Rotary Presidents in District 5930 who served under his term. He presented all with a Paul Harris Fellow Award. Everyone who donates $1000.00 to the Rotary Foundation, or to whom $1000.00 is donated in their name, becomes a Paul Harris Fellow and is presented with an Award. The monies donated are used by the Foundation to promote good Health, reduce Hunger and promote Humanity throughout the world. 
This annual event is a way for D5930 Rotarians to network with Rotarians & discuss & share ideas.
That is why our Rotary Action Group Global Network for Blood Donation is committed to promoting voluntary blood donation around the world.
From Victoria Northside Rotary Club
My dear friends and Rotarians:
On Monday, August 5, 2019, outgoing Rotary Club of Aransas Pass President, Robert Branch presented incoming President, James Hollan with his President’s Name Badge. Shortly thereafter, President James Hollan presented outgoing President Robert Branch with a plaque recognizing his one-year of service as president of the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass. Karen Gayle continues as Secretary-Treasurer, Juli Blanda serves as President-Elect, and Robert Branch continues as Sergeant at Arms.
Who is your hero? The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi invites you to honor your hero by sponsoring an American flag during our annual Flags for Heroes event. 1,000 flags will line City parks along Ocean Drive in Corpus Christi November 9 – 17, 2019 honoring heroes of all types. 
Greetings from our Dist. Governor of Dist. 3190, Rtn. Dr. Sameer Hariani, his gracious First Lady Rtn. Dr. Roopa Hariani and the Public Image team of Dist. 3190.
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In May 1919 several businessmen in Victoria, TX began organizing a Rotary Club. It was chartered on June 1919 and be came an official Club of Rotary International on July 1, 1919. The Victoria Rotary Club celebrated its Centennial on June 20, 2019.
Today's District Foundation Committee organizational and grants meeting in Calallen laid the groundwork for a successful Rotary Foundation year. This shows this inspired committee's working lunch.
Dear Friend of Camp Aranzazu,
Each year Rotary Clubs in their respective districts get a new District Governor. Aransas Pass and 50 other Clubs are in District 5930. So, on Monday, July 15, 2019 Ellison Crider, the current District 5930 Governor, visited the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass. The purpose of his visit was to make us aware of the incoming Rotary International President, Mark Daniel Maloney’s 2019-2020 Rotary Theme, “Rotary Connects With The World”. He also informed us of his Rotary District 5930 theme, “Rotary Rooted In Service”, and explained the reasons for his selection of that theme. While visiting. DG Ellison went over our Club’s upcoming goals, service projects, and budget. He expressed that he felt our Club was sound and productive. He was particularly impressed with the number of service projects we provide considering we have only 10 members. 
Good morning everyone. Elsa and I are so appreciative of all the compliments, comments, texts, phone calls, and emails we have received about our recent District Conference and Youth Summit. 
Three local senior students participated in the Area 6 4-way speech contest Sunday for the chance to win scholarship money.
On Thursday evening, May 16, 2019, at the “APISD Scholarships Senior Award Night 2019”, the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass presented four (4) $1000.00 scholarships to deserving Seniors of the APISD Class of 2019.The Rotary Club consists of eleven members who work hard throughout the year generating funds to give back to the community. Deserving projects are Literacy Donations, Aransas Pass For Youth, Project Graduation, an International Project, Bikes for deserving Charlie Marshall and Kieberger students, the Early Act First Knight program in both Charlie Marshall and Kieberger schools, the Four-Way Speech Contest, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, the Tri County Christian Service Center, Continuing College Scholarships, and of course, High School Senior Scholarships. This year the Rotary Club was able to increase their scholarship amount from $500.00 per scholarship to $1000.00. The Rotary Club is proud to be able to support not only the APISD School System, but also the Community of Aransas Pass.
The Pre-Conference All Club Luncheon was held at Ortiz Center Corpus Christi on Thursday May 2- with an attendance of 182 Rotarians. It was an exciting traditional format All Club Luncheon planned by a committee of local Club Presidents. Many Clubs brought their Club Bells and Banners. The event started with the simultaneous ringing of the Club Bells and with music provided by the musician members of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi. Following a delicious Chicken fajita buffet, PDG Art Zeitler, the event MC, recognized Rotarian guests from all over Texas plus Michigan and Russia. DGE Ellison Crider provided information on the extraordinary scholarships funded by the Rotary Foundation and introduced two of the scholarship recipients who explained how the scholarship funded education opportunities had and will change their lives .The keynote speaker, PDG Sue Goldsen of Michigan, provided the message on behalf of R I President Barry Rassin and also shared her extraordinary involvement in the Rotary Youth Exchange program. DG Andy Hagan completed the program by recognizing various Rotary Clubs for their prior accomplishments.
Team Rotary RAAMs Polio
TOGETHER WE SAVE LIVES
The District 5930 high school Four Way Test competition was held on Saturday, May 2, 2019 at the Retro Veijo resort immediately south of Harlingen. This is a competition where high school students speak for between 5-7 minutes applying the Four Way Test to something meaningful in their lives.
District Governor Andy Hagan would again like to recognize the work - you the Rotarians and clubs of 5930 - are doing in the area of Membership this year. Listed below are all the new members to our clubs since the last update. Transferring members are marked with an asterisk - some came from outside our district and some were internal transfers. We're glad they found a home.
Save the Date: Southside CC Rotary Club is having their annual Professional Administrative Day Luncheon on Wednesday, April 24th at noon at the CC Country Club. Tickets to go on sale soon. 
This year’s local contest held on March 25, 2019 consisted of one contestant, Alyssa Hinojosa, who delivered an excellent speech where she applied the components of the Four - Way Test to her life, including real life scenarios. On April 13, 2019 Alyssa will travel to Rockport and represent the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass at the 5930 Area Contest. The contestant who places first at the Area Contest will travel to Rancho Viejo in May to compete for the 2019 Four Way Speech District Championship.
This track is for you - 
Deborah Simon was raised in Guatemala. She came to the United States and joined Rotary in 1992. She is a Rotary past president and a member of the Rotary club of Santa Fe. In 1996, while participating on medical teams in Uspantan, Guatemala, her assistance was requested in eliminating cholera in the region. She obtained a grant from the Rotary 
Foundation for a clean water project. The project was very successful she has been coordinating Rotary global grants ever since. In 2004 Deborah founded a non-profit called United by Friendship, to better respond to international needs that Rotary does not fund, such as the construction of schools and clinics. The result has been that, between Rotary and United by Friendship, 22 Guatemalan communities now have clean water systems, and many others now have adequate schools and medical care.
4 WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST FINAL!
During a recent ramp build by the Ramp Champs of Southside Corpus Christi Rotary, they dedicated the build to our District Governor Andy Hagan. They even asked him to come and help build it!
The Port Isabel Rotary Club has partnered with the Trujillo Rotary Club since 2007 on all types of projects…including water, power, school construction, and computers. Water projects have been carried out with Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and Global Grants as well as with direct donations from Rotarians in Barrio San Martin (6000 people/Matching Grant), Barrio Cristales (3000 people, Matching Grant), Barrio Buenos Aires (1500 people, Matching Grant), Barrio Eduardo Castillo (3000 people, Global Grant), Barrio Capiro (58 families, one Rotarian), and the villages of Bonito Oriental (60 people, California club), Silin (135 families, Port Lavaca RC), Moradel (150 people, Rotarians, primarily Jim Moser formerly of the Edna Club and Bill Mann, McAllen). A current Global Grant is providing water for 5,503 people in 8 rural villages. All told about 20,000 have received water from these projects.
Port Isabel Rotary Club has received Global Grants for two of these projects totaling $238,273.00 serving 8,803 people. Its Rotary donors have come from all around the world…Canada, Taiwan, as well as clubs in Texas, South Carolina, Florida, and Vermont in the United States. The communities are expected to provide all the labor through local assessments or labor in lieu of assessments.
The Agua Amarilla Global Grant is providing $135,798.00 to make major improvements to a system originally destroyed by Hurricane Mitch in 1998 and inadequately repaired over the years. The greatest need addressed by this project serving 5,503 people in 8 rural villages was leaky pipes…and a piecemeal replacement of pipes with odd sizes…6 inch pipe into 8 inch pipe into 4 inch pipe etc….destroying any hope of water pressure resulting in households at the end of the lines seldom having any water. The existing dam (12 kilometers from the dam) was deepened, widened and heightened, the sediment tank was repaired, and the distribution box is being replaced and enlarged, the pipes are being correctly sized (10, 8 and 6 inch pipes, reinforced with cement where necessary) and replaced (already resulting in an increase of water pressure for those at the end of the line…the communities span about 6 square kilometers). Still to be done are repairs to a 45000 gallon reserve tank and a chlorination system placed on top of the existing 90,000 gallon tank. This project also assesses fees for the labor and assesses monthly fees for the sustainability.
Julie Heinrich, Texas A&M Corpus Christi Rotaract club President and her members visited with Andy Hagan, District governor this evening. We discussed the various community service projects that Julie’s club has already undertaken and those that are scheduled for the remainder of this Rotary year.
The lighting around the peace pole is particularly noteworthy as it illuminates the words: May Peace Prevail on Earth, inscribed in a multitude of different languages. 
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is a program that impacts young adults by emphasizing personal growth, leadership, and citizenship. The camp takes place at Camp Zephyr, a Christian Camp and Conference Center located in Sandia, TX. Mary McQueen, referred to by campers as “Momma Mac”, oversees RYLA.
The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass congratulates Alyssa Hinojosa, Jaclyn Rios, and Eddy Trout for participating in the Rotary International District 5930 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program held February 1 through 3, 2019 at Camp Zephyr on Lake Corpus Christi. Thomas Ledesma, a 2018 RYLA participant is also congratulated. Thomas returned in 2019 as a “Trailblazer” counselor. 
On Saturday, February 23, 2019 the 3rd Annual Coastal Bend Showcase was held at the Aransas Pass Civic Center. The purpose of this free event was to highlight the best the Coastal Bend has to offer as well as providing free door prizes, beer tastings, flu shots, entertainment and more. James Hollan, President Elect, spent his Saturday representing the Aransas Pass Rotary Club and educating participants in All Things Rotary.
It is my honor to announce the nomination of Amando J. Chapa as the District Governor for the 2021-2022 Rotary Year. Amando is a member of the Rotary Club of Edinburg..
Rotary District 5930 South Texas
Rotarians and friends in D5930, who knew Past District Governor Joseph Coulter of the Brownsville, TX Rotary Club, were deeply saddened by his death on January 2, 2019. He was our District Governor during 1984-1985. 
Greetings Everyone! - As we welcome the start of a New Year! Not a new Rotary Year - but the beginning of a new Calendar Year of 2019. We are half-way through our year together in office, with six more months to go. Lots of things have been accomplished, and we all have lots more to do! After some down time over the holidays, it is now time to get back into doing more of the great things we do as Rotarians.
Here is an update relating to our Guatemala Learning & Nutrition Center funded by our Rotary clubs of Port Isabel, Brownsville Sunrise, McAllen Evening and matched with our Rotary Foundation District grant funds and the help of the local Peace Corps!
On Saturday, December 15, 2018, District 5930 Scholarship Committee members met to interview each of the three candidates who applied for the International Scholarship to Costa Rica. Afterwards, the Committee carefully considered the results of each interview and thoroughly examined all the documents submitted by each applicant. 
Holiday Greetings to all District 5930 President Elect (PE)s and President Nominees(PN). It's hard to believe but PETS (President Elect Training Seminar) is just around the corner. Registration is now open 
On December 4, 2018, the Aransas Pass Rotary Club had their Christmas Party in the home of Rotarian Juli Blanda. The party this year was special as 2017-2018 Past District Governor, District 5930, Betty Ramirez-Lara attended to notify Rotarians Dean Thomas, Gary Edwards, and Juli Blanda of their Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Awards. Everyone who donates $1000.00 to the Rotary Foundation, or to whom $1000.00 is donated in their name, becomes a Paul Harris Fellow and is presented with an Award. The monies donated are used by the Foundation to promote good Health, reduce Hunger and promote Humanity throughout the world. This includes the ongoing project of vaccinating every child in the world against polio. Post Hurricane Harvey, PDG Betty wanted to do something for the Rotarians in the hard hit areas. She inquired as to whether every member of the Aransas Pass Rotary Club was a Paul Harris Fellow. When informed we were short by 3, she utilized the points she had accrued through her personal monetary Foundation donations to dedicate $1000.00 each to Dean Thomas, Gary Edwards, and Juli Blanda making them Paul Harris Fellows. The Paul Harris Fellow Awards were presented during the Christmas Party. This allowed the Aransas Pass Rotary Club to become a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club and PDG Betty Lara presented the Club with a banner.
Here is the Bus schedule for RYLA
Greetings Rotarians:
Rotary Day event by the McAllen and Mission Rotary Clubs
Rockport Rotary Youth Coordinator, Adelaide Marlatt, gathers Rockport-Fulton High School Student Council Officers together for a picture after their meeting with City of Rockport City Planner Amanda Torres, who met with them to explain the process for create a new comprehensive plan for the city of Rockport. Student Council officers were given survey forms to contribute their ideas about how the city should grow. Another meeting is planned in another two weeks. 
Club presidents, secretaries, treasurers, membership chairs, and Rotary Foundation chairs:
The holidays are upon us and the spirit of giving is evident throughout our Rotary District. Our Rotary clubs continue to promote membership growth and membership retention to expand our network and impact while emphasizing the importance of supporting The Rotary Foundation.
The mission of the Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education and the alleviation of poverty. 
November 2018
, Oct. 8, 2018,
Rotarians have Heart and with their hands and skill sets partner to provide Hope for a brighter tomorrow beginning today.
In an effort to increase membership and highlight Rotary’s inspiring work, RI President Barry Rassin is urging clubs and districts to organize fun, informal community events called Rotary Days.
The six Corpus Christi clubs have joined together to present Pints for Polio on October 23rd (the day before World Polio Day). 
On September 17, 2018, Rotary District 5930 Governor Andy Hagan, made the annual governor’s visit to the Aransas Pass Rotary Club. The purpose of this visit was to evaluate and encourage the Club in the purpose of Rotary, “Service Above Self.” This year’s theme, chosen by District Governor (DG) Andy, is “Be the Inspiration”. 
The Ingleside Rotary Club partnered with Ingleside High School and District 5930. We did a grand opening ceremony for rolling out the educational initiative with Hammond's Education Leadership Program (H.E.L.P.) and the Windows to the World (WoW). This program is an electronic touch screen model that shows students videos of local career opportunities that are available to our students.
Good afternoon fellow amazing Rotarians!
This track is for you - 
From the Adoption Awareness Chair for District 5930.
Honor your hero by sponsoring a flag with a $50 contribution. Heroes may include someone important in your life, whether they be military personnel, first responders, health care workers, grandparent, spouse, teacher, etc. A hero can be someone who is admired or idealized by you or someone close to you. If you are unsure of whom to honor, you may recognize all who protect our country or a local first responder.
Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi Visits South Texas Lighthouse for the Blind
On Saturday, July 21, 2018 several members of the Rotary International District 5930 Rotary Foundation Committee met in Corpus Christi, Texas to review The Rotary Foundation District Designated Funds (DDF) available for District grant requests submitted by our local Rotary clubs. 
The Rockport Film Festival (RFF) celebrates the best of independent cinema on the Texas Coast. Showcasing shorts, features, documentaries, animations and student films, Rockport Film Festival is a welcoming three-day event that highlights talent from Texas and all over the country and world.
Rotary International (RI) District 5930 South Texas leadership team consistent with Rotary International and Habitat for Humanity International announcement in October 2017 agreed to formally partner with our local Habitat for Humanity affiliate(s) effective July 26, 2018 to address the long-term needs resulting from excessive rain and flooding that affected over 10k residential homes in Hidalgo county and nearly 5k resident homes in Cameron County in June 2018.
Dear Club and District Leaders,
For the last Saturdays, Rotarians and supporters have teamed up with Samaritan's Purse and other volunteers to provide home improvement service to families in Weslaco, Texas. Volunteers have "gutted and mudded" homes. They have used various tools to remove wall siding, take measurements, and remove building materials. Volunteers have also swept, vacuumed, removed nails, scraped flooring, and more from the affected homes.
Welcome to the 2018-19 Rotary year!
In an effort to increase membership and highlight Rotary’s inspiring work, RI President Barry Rassin is urging clubs and districts to organize fun, informal community events called Rotary Days.
Brush up on your Foundation knowledge by attending the Multi-District Training Institute from August 3-4 in Austin, TX. At this event you'll:
RI President Barry Rassin, a member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, is asking Rotarians to Be the Inspiration this Rotary year.
The State Bar of Texas and Texas RioGrande Legal Aid concerning the provision of free, limited legal services to those affected by flooding in the Valley.
As you have probably aware or have seen on the TV networks, there are numerous cities and rural areas throughout the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) that have been severely affected by recent excessive rain and the subsequent flooding. The RGV is part of Rotary District 5930.
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Rotarians and friends in D5930 who knew Joe High, First Dude, spouse of Past District Governor Debbie High of the Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club are deeply saddened by his death on June 11, 2018. He passed away due to complications from interstitial lung disease. He lived life to the fullest.
Please encourage donors to send in their contributions per the instructions on the contribution forms and encourage them to make gifts online. Sending donations directly to staff slows down the processing of contributions. If a club is sending in one check that needs to be credited to multiple donors, club officers should make sure to include the multiple donor form to ensure the gifts are credited appropriately.
Rotarians and friends in D5930, who knew Past District Governor Bruce Miller of the Portland Rotary Club, were deeply saddened by his death on May 27, 2017. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Emma and Bruce's family. His constant smile and his unwavering commitment to the ideals of Rotary will be missed.
Rotarians and friends in D5930, who knew Past District Governor Everett J. Driskill, were deeply saddened by his death on May 20, 2017. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Ev's family. 