The Rotary District Foundation Team has established the Most Impactful Project of the Year Award to recognize small, medium, and large Rotary clubs in District 5930 that have successfully developed and implemented at least one significant project during 2020-2021 to address what they consider to be an important problem.
Small clubs are those with 20 or fewer members.
Medium-size clubs have between 21-50 members.
Large clubs are those with more 51 or more members.
The project must have been funded, in part, by The Rotary Foundation. The Award will be presented to the Rotary club from each category that best addresses the established criteria.
Nomination due date for the award has been extended to January 22nd, 2022 to allow clubs to complete their projects.
Clubs with ClubRunner for the club - Learn to use all the possibilities for officers and members.
Clubs without ClubRunner for your Club - The District uses it and there is valuable information for your officers and members.
To help better prepare you for your role this upcoming year, we are offering a series of tailored webinars for you to brush up on your skills and ClubRunner knowledge. Introducing our Changeover Training Series!
From July 8 to 27, join us for any of our 14 specialized training webinars
Hosted by our Product Specialists, we will be presenting webinars based on role, club and district versions, and in-depth module deep dives. A Q&A round will follow at the end of the webinar to chat with our team directly.
Registration Details
Click on the button below to view our schedule or visit www.clubrunner.com/training. Can't attend? Not to worry, all sessions will be recorded and shared on our Community site.
The Rotary Club of San Benito established a HomeTown Heroes Project that recognized school personnel for their heroic efforts in providing continuous instruction to school children in Pre-K to 12th grade during the pandemic year.
These individuals used their creative skills to re-imagine how to provide instruction and replicate the total school experience while meeting the unique developmental needs of children during the pandemic year.
Many of these HomeTown Heroes put their own lives at peril many times to provide instruction, make home visits, provide hot meals, establish WIFI zones, etc. Because they touched so many lives under most unusual circumstances, San Benito Rotary designated them as HomeTown Heroes.
Many local restaurants agreed as well, and the Rotary Cub facilitated a local restaurant meal discount card valid throughout the summer till September 1. The school employee ranging from the custodian to the central office administrator can use the card at the designated restaurant as often as they wish for their meal and that of their family.
Rotary Club Members met with the SBCISD Superintendent, IDEA San Benito Campus Administrators and South Texas ISD Administrators San Benito Campus to present the HomeTown Heroes Cards and express appreciation for their heroic work. In total, we reached three school district employees and nearly 1,900 restaurant discount cards were presented. Thank you notes and messages to the Rotary Club continue to arrive from individual school employees or entire school buildings.
Our membership was proud to recognized school employees at HomeTown Heroes in Education during the pandemic school year.
The following notification was received by Juan Lira, The Laredo Rotary Club and Debbie High, our Zone Membership Coordinator.
Comments from Juan -
Thank you and everyone else with whom I have the privilege of working for your excellent support, since our collective teamwork makes achievements like these possible. I also want to publicly recognize Juanita for her extraordinary love and support, since she helps me to function at my best.
With deep appreciation,
Juan
Rotary International Membership Development
Dear Rotarian Juan,
The Rotary International Board of Directors have recently adopted a new recognition program called the Membership Society, to recognize those members who have demonstrated extraordinary dedication and commitment in sharing the gift of Rotary with others.
A new virtual gallery is being designed to honor those members who have cumulatively sponsored 25 or more new members. According to our records, and in recognition of your efforts, I am pleased to share that you are a charter member of Rotary’s Membership Society.
In the coming months, the virtual gallery will be accessible through My Rotary, and will list People of Action, like you, who have expanded Rotary’s reach by sponsoring 25 or more new members.
Congratulations on your achievement and thank you for all you do to grow Rotary.
Sincerely, Brian King Director, Membership Development Rotary International
The Rockport Rotary Club joined in Aransas County's 150th year sesquicentennial celebration by hosting the Founder's Day Breakfast. Much county history and pictures were featured along with a guest speakers outlining the county's history. Over 100 attended the breakfast.
On June 16, 2021, the Rotary Club of Willacy County helped with its first Annual Scholarship Ceremony, and what a great success. What a great night and congratulations to our scholarship recipients. Thank you to our District Governor Eddie Bartnesky and district leadership for joining us tonight. Being people of service to our youth is important. Awesome job to all club members for making this a reality. Proud of you all. Congrats to our students.
Rotary Club of Willacy County made a huge impact in the community and looking forward to impacting the community as the 2021-2022 year is ahead of us. Thank you to District Governor Eddie Bartnesky, Past District Governor Andy Hagan, and Club Advisor Enrique Medellin for your support in this great event. A million thanks to our club for a job well done.
Topic: The U.S. Institute of Peace honored soldiers of the U.S. Army’s 10th Mountain Division for their role in achieving a local peace accord in Iraq that offers a model for potential peacemaking and stabilization in the aftermath of ISIS. The peace agreement, in 2007, halted communal fighting in the region of Mahmoudiya, in an area that had been known as the “Triangle of Death.” The accord continues to underpin the relative stability of that area a decade later.
When: June 24, 2021, 12:00 – 1:15 pm
Where: Solomon P. Ortiz Center, 402 Harbor Drive, Corpus Christi, TX
The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass would like to thank all sponsors and teams who made our Bowling Tournament on May 8, 2021 a success. The proceeds from the tournament go to support local education. We would especially like to thank Chris Coulter from Chris’s Marine who won $320.00 from the 50/50 Raffle and donated the entire amount back to our Club. It is people like Chris and all our sponsors who contribute to the success and advancement of our community.
Sponsors and Teams:
Slow Ride Guide Services sponsored “The Hard Heads”
Portland Rotary Club honored recently retired G-PISD Superintendent, Dr. Paul Clore as “Service Above Self” award recipient at a dinner at Northshore Country Club. The country club, along with local businesses, the City of Portland, and Gregory-Portland ISD were among 12 sponsors of this event. Eight of these sponsors were represented by Portland Rotary Club Rotarians.
After mixing and mingling, Portland Rotary Club President, Jimmy Earnest opened the evening with the Rotary Four Way Blessing and Rotarian Dick Myer led us in the Pledge. MC of the night, City Manager and Rotarian, Randy Wright gave facts about Rotary and introduced speakers who praised Dr. Clore’s exemplary work of 19 years in GPISD. Among many notable accomplishments, Dr. Clore was named Region 2 Superintendent of the Year in 2004 and finalist for State Superintendent the same year. Dr. Clore was described by his peers as a visionary, a financial whiz, an artful negotiator, a dedicated educator, a masterful leader and a humble, kind, caring, incomparable individual. Dr. Clore’s tenure as Superintendent held many challenges: He was instrumental in the successful passage of three bond elections. He handled the aftermath of hurricanes’ property destruction and taking in additional students from neighboring towns; rapid growth and economic development in the community and in his last year, dealing with Covid and distance learning issues.
A Rotarian for 10 years, Dr. Clore participated in local events, regularly attended weekly meetings and always added wisdom and insight to discussions on matters of importance to Rotary. At the close of the evening, Dr. Clore thanked everyone and in the true nature of ‘service above self’ he reminded us that the purpose of this event was a Portland Rotary Club fundraiser for student scholarships.
Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.
We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation in an effort to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
Thank you for attending the April 28 webinar on Rotary’s new Area of Focus, Protecting the Environment. If you were unable to attend the webinar you can watch the video on Vimeo. The videos would also make a great presentation for one of your club meetings:
1. Karen Kendrick-Hands - Protecting the Environment – Opportunities for Rotary and the Planet (23-minute presentation) - https://vimeo.com/552537897
2. Ian Riseley – Keynote Speech at Rotary Zones 25B-29 Webinar (15-minute presentation plus 19-minute Q&A) - https://vimeo.com/551717097
If you are a member of the Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group (ESRAG), thank you. If you have not yet joined ESRAG please consider doing so. As a member of ESRAG, you will play a vital role in the mission to promote environmental sustainability, build awareness, and inspire Rotarians to take action for the Environment. This will be a great way for you to get involved, network with others, and have an even greater impact on Protecting the Environment.
We are excited to announce and feature our most recent District 5930 RLI Graduates. These five Rotarians just completed D5930's online virtual course offering of Rotary Leadership Institute training. Part one was facilitated by D5930 and RLI Parts 2, & 3 were facilitated by the RLI Lone Star Division. Congratulations to all 5 of our District Rotarians
for completing all 3 parts of the Online Virtual Course of RLI.
Please help me congratulate the following Rotarians who have Completed RLI Parts I, II, and III.... (Click the Read More Button)
Your RLI Faculty Team, led by Andy Hagan invites all Rotarians to consider signing up for RLI and "Take your Leadership Skills to the Next Level!" Dates for the next classes are,
RLI Part I - August 17, 19, 24, 26, 2021 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
RLI Part II - September 21, 23, 28, 30 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
RLI Part III - October 19, 21, 26, 28 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
We welcome all Rotarians, New and "Seasoned" to enroll in RLI, and join our multi-Rotary District, grassroots leadership development program.
Contact Andy Hagan, Debbie High, or Kathy Preddy for additional information or check out the District Website and Click on RLI!
Rotary Club of Brownsville Sunrise with Rotaract RGV Leaders and the community worked on the Prax Orive Park to beautify the Park on Saturday, May 15th. We painted the signs, repaired the benches and planted flowers.
May 12, 1999, was when I first volunteered to go to Honduras after Hurricane Mitch. I went with my District Governor from District 7850 in Vermont. I thought I would just build one low cost shelter project....I ended up doing 5 of them and never left.
I will be doing two follow up emails....both during the time we were sponsored by the Middlebury, Vermont Rotary Club....one during the time in Tela and one when I wandered around Honduras doing projects here and there,
It’s been almost exactly six years since I connected threats to our natural environment to the power of Rotarians to be part of the solution. On a late spring day in 2013, I pondered the future of my six month-old granddaughter Claire. What would her world would be like in 60 years when she was my age? Would she have the same opportunities to enjoy the beauty of nature? Would she enjoy a finely-tuned ecosystem where the pollinating insects arrived just in time to service the apple blossoms, so there would be fruit in the fall? Would she recognize the calls and plumage of the birds who returned to nest and feed their youth who hatched in perfect sync with their insect food supply? In the past six years, human-caused risks to our ecosystem have accelerated.
Still the power of Rotary offers hope.
Every year, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) leads the celebration of World Environment Day on 5 June. This year’s theme is Beat Air Pollution, and UNEP invited Rotary to join their party.
From a story by By Karen D. Kendrick-Hands, Past Chair & Director of Projects for the Environmental Sustainability Rotarian Action Group (ESRAG)
As promised/threatened. I have attached a description of Hands to Honduras, Inc. activity in Tela, Honduras and surrounding communities during my time there from 2004 until 2006. These reports are in recognition of our 23 years working in Honduras. There is one more report to be sent covering 1999 through 2003 covering other areas we have served in Honduras....additionally it will include more recent projects outside of my two primary areas of Tela and Trujillo. Yes, it says there are 44 pages but it is mostly photos.
Thank you for your past support and please consider supporting us in the future.
This Rotary Year started on July 01, 2020 and the pandemic was in full swing. When I attended the Rotary International Assembly in January 2020, our then RI President Elect Holger Knaack spoke to us about the changes we need to make within Rotary and the world. He also talked about how Rotary opens doors to the opportunity to make change. But little did we know how much change we were about to experience. COVID-19 changed how we, as a society, conduct our daily lives. As Rotary Clubs, we discovered that “online meetings” really do work and they will continue to be a part of our daily lives into the future.
June is designated Rotary Fellowships Month to recognize the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with similar recreational and vocational interests, promote increased participation in fellowships, and increase understanding of this program.
As we approach the end of this Rotary year, Sue and I are thankful and honored to have had the opportunity to serve each of you. I believe we have ignited a lot of momentum and now it is time to un-leash that momentum into positive action as we enter the new Rotary year. I have made many new friends this year and look forward to continuing working with each of you. So, I thank you for the opportunity to serve as your District Governor. My work with Rotary is not over. Rather, it continues. And remember to go out into your communities and the world and continue to LEND A HELPING HAND!
On May 24, 2021, the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass welcomed Margaret VonHeuvel of Margaret Care Health Services, 1450 West Wheeler Ave., Aransas Pass, Texas to present a program on the Health Services she has brought to Aransas Pass. She provided an interesting, informative presentation explaining that Margaret Care is a comprehensive system of medical interventions and wellness practices designed to ensure that each client receives the opportunity to attain the best outcomes possible. She stated “We offer an ‘old fashioned’ approach to medicine rooted in customer service.” She stated Margaret Care starts with the arrival of a kind smile and a black medical bag at your front door, integrated with the best knowledge, skills, and expertise modern medicine has to offer. This is achieved through true advocacy, compassion, communication, clinical expertise, and collaboration. Margaret Care provides quality services such as hospice, home health, radiology, durable medical equipment and/or pharmacy. Services available include Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Registered Dietician, Lab/Diagnostic, and Pharmacy, to name a few. Margaret Care is open 5 – 6 days a week and is available by telephone 24-7. And, House Calls are available. Margaret Care accepts most insurances as well as cash. Margaret Care is service and healthcare oriented, so if one has no insurance or cash, staff is available to help locate third party coverage. Please join the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass in welcoming and supporting Margaret Care Health Services.
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.
The Zoom information for Saturday, May 22 was emailed on May 20 to all district Rotarians using the email in their profile in the database. Email subject will start with Rotary 5930 for easy searching.
RYLA this year was virtual -- eRYLA. We had over 150 Campers/Trailblazers attending along with 36 Counselors/Youth Leaders. The event was held March 10-14, 2020 with camp running 6 pm-10 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 6 pm -11 pm on Friday, and full days on Saturday and Sunday. Every camper received an eRYLA crate with their T-Shirts, snacks and personalized clue packets which they would open just before designated activities. The youth loved these crates! “Every lesson and activity was incorporated into the crate and it was nice,” said one camper. “I have never in all my experiences seen a camp care this much for their campers,” said another. Campers gave great feedback on each activity, and felt they really received a great camp experience.
While some of us were concerned about how effective a virtual camp would be, here is what the campers thought.
“…. eRYLA completely changed my perspective, it was the most captivating virtual experience I have ever been through.”
“eRYLA is DEFINITELY the exception as they truly make an impact to each individual and although you may think it’s not possible, with the team behind RYLA, anything is possible!”
Dear District 5930 Rotary Club Leaders and Other Rotarians:
As Chair of the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program for District 5930, I am pleased to announce that applications are now being accepted by Rotary International for the Rotary Peace Fellowship Professional Development Certificate Programs and the Master’s Degree Programs. These initiatives are designed to increase the capacity of existing leaders to prevent and resolve conflict by offering academic training, field experiences, and professional networking.
A description of both programs and the criteria to help determine the eligibility of individuals interested in applying for these programs are included in the attached documents.
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.
Enjoy a special rate of $49 through 7 May 2021. After that, the registration fee is $65.
You can also join us early at a pre-convention, 10-11 June, for Intercountry Committees, Rotaract, and Rotary Youth Exchange officers. Each pre-convention will cost an additional $20.
The 2021 Virtual Rotary Convention and pr-conventions are open to all Rotary members and participants and include access to the virtual House of Friendship.
Don’t forget to visit the convention event page on Facebook to connect with others and stay up-to-date on event news and program highlights!
Rotary International Director Suzi Howe is proud to announce the Region 36 (Zones 25B & 29) 2021-22 Rotary Coordinator Leadership Team and congratulate them on their appointments. “These fantastic individuals are key resources for clubs and districts in our regions and will work hard to elevate Rotary in the coming year.
“Congratulations to Region 36 (zones 25B and 29) Rotary Coordinators Dian Edward’s and Debbie High who have assembled this talented team to assist our districts and clubs as we work together to Grow Rotary!”
Please help us congratulate District 5930 Past District Governors on their Rotary International appointments - Rotary Coordinator Debbie High and Assistant Rotary Coordinator Andy Hagan.
2021-22 Rotary Coordinator Leadership Team Appointed
Area 13-Los Fresnos, Port Isabel and Rancho Viejo (Satellite of Brownsville Sunrise) Clubs came together with other local organizations for an Easter Bunny Bash 2021.
The Rotary Clubs were in charge of decorating the entrance to the Rodeo Grounds, handing out Easter eggs filled with candy, managing the Online Photo Contest, and the Los Fresnos Interact Club took pictures of the children with the Easter Bunny.
This was a Service project that several Rotary clubs joined forces to serve their respected communities! People of Action, indeed!!
This Service Project even made the front page of the local newspaper. (For more information please refer to the newspaper article.)
Next Generation Rotary Features County Judge in Partial Return to In-Person Meetings
Laredo, Texas (April 17, 2021) - The Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club held their first hybrid (in-person/Zoom) meeting, in a gradual return to normalcy after more than one year of only virtual communications. The regular club meeting was held at Palenque Grill, located in San Bernardo Ave., on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. The club was honored to invite Webb County Judge,Tano Tijerina, as a guest speaker.
Rotarians came together, as every other Wednesday at 7:30 p.m., for club business and listened attentively to Judge Tijerina’s words of wisdom. Judge Tijerina spoke about his role in politics, the challenges he faced, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his optimistic view of Webb County’s future. He also stressed the importance of having a good team in order to succeed.
Members were enthusiastic to partially return to in-person meetings and catch up with fellow Rotarians. “Thank you to the Honorable Judge Tano Tijerina for visiting our club and sharing his story with our members; he is a leader and we appreciate his service to our community,” stated Club President, Corina Dovalina Martinez.
ABOUT LAREDO NEXT GENERATION ROTARY: Next Generation Rotary is a group of young professionals with the mission of uniting and inspiring young business and community leaders to connect, learn, and do more for the Laredo community.
CoronaVirus. We as Rotarians had been forced to sit and wait for eleven months, until early January 2021 the greatest opportunity to be of service came to us.
The Covid vaccines were finally coming to our area. Our Board got together and with the support of our District Governor, Eddie Bartnesky, the leadership of our President, Wayne Lowry, and the relentless enthusiasm and work of our Service Projects Chair, Chase Palmer, weekly teams of volunteers with the firm commitment to assists the City of Harlingen's organization and distribution of thousands of vaccines as long as needed were created.
From unwrapping thousands of band aids, to directing traffic, to administering vaccines, to checking temperatures, to translating, helping fill up forms, etc., we have been there assisting our community. And nothing makes us feel better every week than knowing that years from now when we look back, we will remember that as member of the greatest humanitarian organization in the world during the worst pandemic in 100 years we were there Lending a Helping Hand and as Rotarians just Being of Service Above Self.
APISD STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN 2021 ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS
The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass congratulates Clarissa Hinojosa and Anthony Pena for participating in the Rotary International District 5930 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program held March 10 through 14, 2021. The RYLA program was presented online as eRYLA for 2021. District 5930 RYLA program leadership utilized experiential programming developed by professional youth educators of Leader NU, LLC. The fun, challenging, hands on team learning experience was based on the normal Camp Zephyr RYLA in person camp.
Students from Victoria to the Rio Grande Valley participated in leadership, motivational, and team building events while at eRYLA. Approximately 80 Students participated in eRYLA weekend 2021. 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.
Clarissa Hinojosa participates in Theater Club, Band, and the Environmental Club at Aransas Pass High School. She received Honorable Mention for her effort in this year’s One Act Play. Clarissa is an A-B Honor Role student. She plans to major in Art in College and wants to become a Conceptual Artist. Clarissa’s goal is to work in Walt Disney Studios.
Anthony Pena participates in Color Guard, Drama and One Act Play at Aransas Pass High School. He is a member of Thespians troupe #51. His hobbies include playing video games like Monster Hunter World and Apex Legends, acting and dance. He plans to major in Computer Science in College to become a Video Game developer.
Clarissa and Anthony did an excellent job in representing the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, APISD, and our community as leaders while at eRYLA in 2021. Both Clarissa and Anthony were excited about the eRYLA camp leadership experience and have requested to be Trailblazers/Counselors in 2022.
Clarissa attended the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass May 5, 2021 meeting, provided a Rotary Four Way Test Speech and was recognized for both she and Anthony’s eRYLA leadership. Aransas Pass High School Counselor Rachelle King also attended the Rotary Club meeting and applauded Clarissa and Anthony’s efforts.
To Clarissa and Anthony, Thanks and Great Job! Tomorrow’s leaders are today’s youth.
The Downtown Rotary Club of Victoria hosted a dinner on April 19 at Frances Marie’s Restaurant for the two of our sponsored Victoria East High School eRYLA students - Seth Stines, a Trailblazer, and Grant Biles, a Camper. This was the first opportunity the entire Club had a chance to meet with the students in person. In our meeting, the students shared their feedback on this year’s virtual RYLA Conference.
As a Trailblazer, Seth Stines benefited from the Clarity segment of the eRYLA agenda, where he had the opportunity to discuss the things that were challenging for him with other participants. Since being involved with eRYLA for two years, he used all of his learnings to narrow his career/academic focuses, which has led him to be accepted into a Texas Tech Program matching those objectives. Another outcome of his eRYLA experiences is an increased interest in volunteerism and is already making plans for a service project to be completed this year.
As a Camper, Grant Biles said his experiences from eRYLA will help him with making decisions to narrow his field of study. His favorite portion of the agenda was the time spent solving the assigned puzzles because he enjoyed working as a team searching for solutions.
Both found that they had built friendships with the other participants and facilitators, creating a network of peers for the future. For these Victoria students, eRYLA created some challenges, since it was held during an active school week. With soccer practice, homework, and eRYLA, they “humorously” reflected that eating took a backseat during the program. Both Seth and Grant gave high scores for this year’s eRYLA experience and look forward to opportunities to participate in 2022.
Aransas Pass, Texas, Monday, April 19, 2021—Speaking at the noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, Charles Bujan recalled, just a few months after taking office as Mayor of Port Aransas, how August 25-26, 2017 (Hurricane Harvey), and events following, changed his and this small town’s life.
Hurricane Harvey’s destruction and damage was enormous. Eighty percent of the residential and commercial properties were either destroyed or severely damaged. Repairs continue even today. There is no realistic way to put a dollar figure on the economic and psychological damage.
Attracting up to 4 and 5 million visitors a year as one of the most popular seaside destination spots in the nation, the extensive Short Term Rental (STR) industry and supporting local service, retail, and recreational businesses were particularly hard hit.
Finding affordable housing for rebuild and repair workmen, and entry level wage earners needed in the local service oriented businesses as they reopened was an ongoing problem fueled by the high cost of land for and construction of residential or long term housing during this time and now.
Bujan was pleased to report that the city, with the help of several disaster organizations and generous investors, has started a $38 million, approximately 181 unit, Workforce Housing Project which should be completed sometime this year—all at no expense to local tax payers.
Although slowed by the Covid-19 pandemic starting in March 2020 and the statewide 2021 Valentine freeze disaster, Bujan is optimistic about the progress being made in the recovery from all these natural disasters. He said that recovery from all the challenges of the past three and one-half years could not have been accomplished without the help and support of the loyal and dedicated citizens of Port Aransas.
Each spring, local Rotary Clubs hold a Four-Way Test 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 April 5, 2021 consisted of one contestant, Clarissa Hinojosa, who delivered an excellent speech where she compared class ranking in schools and society against the Rotary 4-Way Test. She was acknowledged to be the Club’s winner and participant in the Area competition. She continued to practice and on Monday, April 12, 2021 was designated to be the Area participant at the Rotary District 5930 Contest. Because of the pandemic, the District competition was held virtually on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Clarissa competed against 10 other high school seniors from Laredo, Harlingen, Brownsville, McAllen, Los Fresnos, Alice, Premont, Tuloso Midway/ Corpus Christi, Victoria, and Port Lavaca. Clarissa did an excellent job of presenting her speech via zoom and though she did not place within the top 3 of the District Contestants, she made the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, APISD, and the City of Aransas Pass proud.
Since Clarissa is a Junior at APHS, she will be presented, upon graduation, with a $300.00 Scholarship from the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass for her win at the Club Level and a $300.00 Scholarship for her win at the Area Level. Because of her effort and participation at the District 5930 Level, she wins an additional $250.00 plus a plaque for being the Rotary Area Four-Way Test Speech Contest Winner. And, since Clarissa is a Junior, she is eligible to compete again in 2022.
Clarissa Hinojosa exhibits youth leadership for today and represents adult leadership for the future. Our Club Congratulates Clarissa and we are looking forward to her participation in the 2022 Contest.
Picture Left to Right:
Rachelle King, Counselor Aransas Pass High School
Clarissa Hinojosa, Winner Local and Area Four-Way Test Speech Contest
Bud Lockwood, Chair of Rotary Club Four-Way Test Speech Contest
As I write this message for May, I am right in the middle of finalizing plans for our 1st Hybrid District Conference. The planning has been challenging. But I believe everyone is ready to get back to socializing in person. Speaking of challenging, the 2020-2021 Rotary year has not been a traditional year. We had to make many changes on how we meet and conduct normal business. ZOOM meetings have now become the “new norm”. But, as Rotarians, we must set the example, and not let our guard down too soon. As we venture out into our communities, remember to continue to wear your mask when necessary and practice social distancing as much as possible.
May is YOUTH SERVICE Month on the Rotary calendar. Rotary has a long history of working with Youth, from providing scholarships, encouraging youth leadership and student exchange programs, to sponsoring youth-based service clubs. Youth Service is one of Rotary's five official Avenues of Service. Rotary believes in developing the next generation of leaders. Our programs help younger leaders build leadership skills, expand education and learn the value of service.
As we enter the last 2 months of this Rotary year, lets prepare our Rotary leaders for 2021-2022 by attending the District Assembly scheduled for this month. It will be held virtually but promises to be packed with valuable information. Your club may have talented leaders, but they cannot lead a Rotary Club effectively if they are not informed about the basics of Rotary. I am available to assist in any way I can.
Rotary International and Rotary District 5930 publish annual financial statements to the full membership. We encourage all who are interested to examine the attached documents.
This notice informs you that a vote to ratify the District 5930 Financial Statements from 2019-2020 will be taken in the Business portion of the District Conference on Saturday, May 1. Meeting starts at 9:00 am. Each club with a representative in attendance will have one vote. Both Virtual and In-person attendance will count. Access to the virtual meeting will be sent to all members with a correct email in the District database
The 5930 Foundation Team respectfully asks for about 10 minutes of your time to complete an online survey.
Purpose of Questionnaire: The District Rotary Foundation Team is requesting your assistance in identifying topics for inclusion in upcoming training seminars.
Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.
We are committed to supporting activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources, advance ecological sustainability, and foster harmony between communities and the environment. We empower communities to access grants and other resources, embrace local solutions, and spur innovation in an effort to address the causes and reduce the effects of climate change and environmental degradation.
April 28, 2021 Webinar
Protecting the Environment – Opportunities for Rotary and the Planet
Where?
Virtual Webinar Hosted by:
Rotary Zones 25B & 29 Regional Rotary Foundation Team
(RRFC Art Zeitler – M.C.)
When?
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
7:00 pm to 8:00 pm CDT
REGISTRATION REQUIRED
Registration is required, The link for the webinar will be sent out to all registered attendees one week before the event, one day before the event, and one hour before the event
In the midst of a disastrous winter storm that wreaked havoc over the State of Texas, including our Laredo community, Next Generation Rotarians rolled their sleeves and made an immediate action plan.
Club members met virtually to discuss and research which organizations were in dire need of volunteers, donations and resources to help those who were affected by the February storm in the Gateway City. Vice-president of Service, Grecia Grajeda, was in contact with local organizations who were mostly in need.
At our emergency meeting, The Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club gathered funds from our membership and, within the hour, delivered a $365 check to the Laredo Community Fridge: a project that is giving back to the community after COVID-19 has brought a burden on many, including the unemployed. The funds donated to this project are used to buy groceries and other essential items that families and others will use free of charge. Due to the current situation, funds were used for those who did not have many resources during the winter storm.
The check was presented to Valerie Gonzalez, Laredo Community Fridge member, on Friday, February 19, 2021. Next Generation Rotarians that presented the check included the Club President, Corina Martinez, Vice-president of Service, Grecia Grajeda, and Vice-president of Public Image, David Andres Alegria. Ms. Gonzalez was honored that the club chose her project for contributing. All funds from the club were used to prepare meal kits for 200 residents in El Cenizo, Texas.
It is in the most challenging times that the community brings the best version of itself, and Next Generation Rotarians were honored to be a part of it and give back to those who are mostly in need!
The world around us is ever changing. It has been over one year now that COVID-19 changed the way we interact with each other. The immigration crisis is changing the way we govern our borders. And climate change is affecting all of us. So, as with Rotary, we must all adapt to these changes. Rotary recently enacted a 7th Area of Focus – Supporting the Environment. This is an area that every living person must work on, because it ultimately affects us all, rich & poor.
April is Maternal & Child Health Month. An estimated 5.9 million children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation — all of which can be prevented. Rotary members expand access to quality care, so mothers and children everywhere can have the same opportunities for a healthy future.
Our annual District Conference will be held this year on April 30th and May 1st. It will be held as a ”hybrid event”, with a small group meeting in person and the majority attending virtually by ZOOM. It promises to be a great celebration of our accomplishments during this Rotary year and a chance to catch up with Rotarians from around the District. Everyone is invited to attend this event in Harlingen. But if you are not comfortable attending in person, you can attend virtually. Either way, I encourage you to register on the District website, www.rotary5930.org. And the best part of all, there is no registration fee.
A letter received by Kathy Preddy for the members of Harlingen Rotary Club
Mrs. Preddy,
I would like to thank you Mrs. Preddy and the Rotary Club, for the Shrimp Boil distribution for 180 Harlingen CISD families on Saturday, March 27, 2021 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The families drove up to the Parental Involvement Department's curbside to pick up their bag of boiled shrimp. The families were very happy and grateful for this donation. The Rotary club does great things for our community and district.
We are fortunate that they reached out to us for this give away. Harlingen CISD is very grateful for the Rotary Club, for once again partnering with Harlingen CISD for the benefit of our students and their families.
You can now take Rotary’s online courses on most mobile devices. See our how-to guide for detailed instructions or follow these steps to get started:
On your mobile device, use a browser to go to my.rotary.org and sign in to My Rotary.
Tap the ≡ menu at the top left of your screen.
Tap the plus sign next to Learning & Reference, and then choose Learning Center.
Go to your app store and download Go.Learn. Don’t open it from here.
Return to your browser. From the same Learning Center page in My Rotary, tap the link to the Learning Center.
Go.Learn works with iOS10 and later as well as Android 6 and later. Note that the app has some limitations, including in some of the interactive learning options. You will need to use a computer to download certificates or view additional resources. Links to the Learning Center may not work on mobile devices. Instead, go to the Learning Center through My Rotary, then search for materials or courses.
If you have trouble using the Learning Center in Go.Learn, write to learn@rotary.org.
Rotary’s Learning Center now available on mobile devices
I have five schools/kinders under various stages of development...two are under construction and three are at various stages of planning...site visits, material lists, and, of course, fundraising.
The kinder in April the 18th is now being painted...which means it is in the home stretch with a dedication in the near future. I have attached photos of the exterior nearing completion....it is far more complete now....the windows, doors and bathroom have been installed....and the interior is being painted. This is the only easy one to get to. The first 2 photos.
The 2nd kinder classroom in Maranones...we built the first a couple of years ago...is underway but going slowly due to unrest in the community which has resulted in 8 deaths. The 3rd photo.
The third project being planned is a school far up in the mountains requiring a large 4 wheel drive to get up there and then a horseback ride (for me). It was damaged by Hurricane Eta....and is a barnboard, one classroom school, with dirt floor serving 6 grades with one teacher. Rather than make repairs, we plan to tear it down and build our standard new kindergarten. Photos 4 and 5.
The fourth project is also down a dirt road damaged by the rains....as they all are...it is an old kindergarten in a very poor community that has seen better days and does not have enough space. We plan to renovate the existing classroom and expand it to include an existing unused kitchen allowing for more kindergarten space, the kitchen and a bathroom. The next 2 photos
And, the next is far away...near Maranones...is an existing kinder that is subdivided into two classrooms. It does have 2 teachers but it is overcrowded....so we plan to add a classroom. The last two photos.
Oh, and I plan to marry my partner during the past 3 and a half years, in the near future and then adopt her 10 year old son.
Thanks for your support!!! Oh, and I am available for zoom powerpoint presentations
On behalf of the District Rotary Foundation Team, I hope that you and your families are doing well. Along with the challenges we have experienced this year largely due to COVID-19 and the winter storms, Rotarians have planned and carried out phenomenal acts of kindness to help our fellow human beings. In keeping with this spirit of serving others, our Team encourages Club leaders to review your club’s accomplishments and plans for the remainder of this Rotary year. We also urge Assistant District Governors to assist in this process, as appropriate.
If a club has had to postpone normal fundraising events to support The Rotary Foundation (TRF), our Team encourages Club leaders to consider organizing and holding these events in a virtual format, even if they are on a smaller scale. The need for these funds is indeed great. Art Zeitler, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator for Zone 25B and a portion of Zone 29, has informed us that as of 28 February 2021, our district contributions to TRF are down 18.9%.
The funds generated and then contributed to TRF, especially to the Annual Fund, are extremely important to help address not only global needs, but also needs within our district. Annual Fund contributions made this year Rotary year (2020-2021) will be invested by TRF for three years. Then, a significant portion of the dividends will be returned to our district in 2023-2024 to help us implement activities aimed at helping individuals in our communities, district, and beyond. These initiatives include district grants, global grants, scholarships, various training experiences, and other activities.
Please make every possible to conduct your Rotary Foundation events this Rotary year and to submit the funds generated to the TRF Annual Fund prior to 15 June 2021. Doing so will allow these contributions to be credited to your club this Rotary year.
Thank you very much for your consideration of this important request. Feel free to contact DG Eddie Bartnesky, DeeDee Arismendez, or me know if you have any questions or need any assistance. We will be glad to help in any way possible.
On Monday, March 15, 2021, the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass officially welcomed Jason Reeves as the newest member of our Club. Jason is an Independent Financial Advisor and he owns Texas Coast Wealth Management in Aransas Pass. Jason was previously a Rotarian, first in the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Northwest and second in the Rotary Club of Ingleside. He currently has his office in Aransas Pass and was ready to resume his membership in Rotary. We are excited to induct Jason into the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass.
Picture and Article Submitted by Karen Gayle, Secretary/Treasurer
Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
Picture: Juli Blanda, 2020-2021 President Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
We want you to meet our team! Every month, we will showcase our members so that you may meet us and get to know us. We are here to help, advise, recommend, and listen to you! Let us all Lend a Helping Hand to each other! Please always feel free to reach out to any of us at any time. We are here for you.
We strongly encourage you to go to our district site and lead your clubs with Ignite. Call on your membership team to jump start Ignite in your club. We will present this wonderful program to your board or to your club, AND we will help you throughout the whole process. Please reach out to us today!
The 2021 High School Student Four-Way Test Speech Competition
will be held virtually via Zoom as part of our District Conference 2021 Events,
Date: Saturday, April 24, 2021
Location: Virtually via Zoom
Who: The winners from the 13 Areas will complete for the the 2021 District Championship.
Local and Area competitions must be completed in time to send information about the 2021 students to the District. This District competition will be on Saturday, April 24, 2021. Please note that this is a change from the prior planned competition date of May 1, 2021.
Our hopes were to “Open Opportunities” in Harlingen for District Conference 2021, however due to COVID-19 concerns, the conference will be virtual.
DG Eddie and his Conference Committee are working hard to provide members with networking opportunities, to strengthen existing relationships and to showcase the impact and outreach of Rotary in the World.
Stay tuned for announcements and updates as we get closer to the conference dates of April 29 – May 2, 2021, from the comfort of your home.
Many of you probably has many questions about What is Rotaract? What they do? Is good to sponsor/support a Rotaract club? etc.
Here is a great video that explain everything. It is amazing to see How Rotaract clubs still are working around the world and the impact they cause with the service.
Rotary is proud to partner with the Peace Corps, and to promote the celebration of their 60th anniversary.
On March 1, 1961, John F. Kennedy signed the executive order beginning the United States Peace Corps Service. On March 3, 2021, returned volunteers and dignitaries will help celebrate 60 years of service around the world by sharing their stories of meeting JFK, and how he impacted their lives. Join us for this fantastic celebration of service and history.
Victoria Rotary Club recently awarded $15,000 in grants to twelve organizations in Victoria whose mission is helping others, both children and adults.
Monies from the Annual Charity Clay Shoot are used to fund the grant program, although with the COVID shutdown, the Club’s Foundation was still able to provide funding to give back to the community.
This year’s Charity Clay Shoot will be held April 17 and 18. For more information on how to compete or to provide an auction item for the Saturday night dinner, please visit the website: https://clayshoot.victoriarotary.org.
Greetings from Honduras! Here is a brief update on projects...after the hurricanes left many homeless and the pandemic caused many to lose their jobs we raised $2,685.00 from clubs and individuals for food. The cost is about $10 per bag per family. . One photo is of the staples included in the bags...not including 3 pounds of beans and 5 pounds of rice which were also added.
Progress is being made on a kindergarten in the community of April the 18th....where we had previously built a 2 classroom school, latrines, a playground, and electrified the entire community. That was delayed by the hurricanes and the teacher heading north.
Progress is also being made on a second kindergarten classroom in Masranones.....which had also been delayed by the hurricanes and a very nearby dispute between 2 palm plantations...killing 8 people. The police had closed the road to the school.
Progress has proceeded on our water project serving 8 communities in the Agua Amarilla water district which was delayed by the pandemic, 2 hurricanes and the rainy season. The main 90,000 gallon water tank has now been connected to the 45000 gallon reserve tank. All 8 communities have received water since last year...the remaining items to be done are providing electricity to the tank for the chlorination system and building the chlorination system shed and hooking it up. When you have water for the first time...purifying it is not a priority....
The Rigores water project has had to develop a new plan for provision of water...it will serve the 5 barrios of Rigores. The water output for the planned 350 foot deep well was determined to not be adequate.....we are in the process of cleaning out and utilizing existing hand pumps spread around the community....adding pumps and tanks to up to six of them since they currently provide 20 gallons a minute each...our need is a total of 120 gpm. This new plan...when finalized,,,will ber presented to the Foundation.
Next week I will be visiting the community of Tesorito, They have requested a kindergarten and I will be assessing the need and request.
I think that does it for now...thanks for your support!
April 28, 2021 – 7:00 – 8:00 pm Central Time Region 36
Protecting the Environment Webinar
Important information on our newest Area of Focus with leading Rotarians on how all Rotarians can be involved and engaged in Protecting the Environment. More information will be posted shortly.
Rotarian Moderators:
Tom Gump, District 5950 Governor
Steve Solbrack, Director, Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group
Art Zeitler, Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator
Presenters:
Ian Riseley, Rotary Foundation Trustee and Past Rotary International President
Karen Kendrick-Hands, Chair, Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group
For registration information: Contact Art Zeitler, Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Zone 25B azeitler@sbcglobal.net 361-947-3830
January 2021 will be a month that will long live in the memories of five students from Laredo College (LC) and five students from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) who applied for and were selected as the first recipients of the competitive Laredo Rotary Charitable Foundation (LRCF) Scholarships. The LRCF $1,000 allocation for each student was matched by an equal amount by LC and TAMIU. The $2,000 scholarships will help the students make substantial progress towards earning their degrees and then assuming meaningful and productive roles in society.
The impetus for the scholarship came from Michael Portman, a former member of The Laredo Rotary Club and now an actively engaged Rotarian in Austin, Texas. Because of his genuine commitment to help LC and TAMIU students obtain a higher education and make a positive contribution to the well-being of individuals in Laredo and beyond, Michael donated $50,000 to The Laredo Rotary Club with the condition that the club match his donation. He also required the club to invest the funds so that the earnings could be used to establish the scholarship without touching the principal. With extraordinary support from its members and the community, The Laredo Rotary Club met and exceeded the $50,000 goal. A group of Laredo Rotary Club members volunteered to work to establish the Laredo Rotary Charitable Foundation to manage all aspects of the scholarship initiative.
The following comment by one of the scholarship recipients exemplifies the impact of the scholarship on the recipients:
Thank you for choosing me to receive this scholarship. I feel extremely blessed, since this scholarship will help me pay for my college classes and buy a printer. Thank you for believing in me and the other students selected to receive this scholarship. We are really trying to earn our degrees to help make this world a better place. Your support and that of the other amazing people who work on this project means a great deal to me and my family.
The Laredo Rotary Club expresses its sincere appreciation to Rotarian Michael Portman for his unwavering humanitarian service spirit to initiate this significant project. The Board of Directors of the Laredo Rotary Charitable Foundation looks forward to collaborating with interested individuals and organizations to ensure the permanence of this scholarship fund.
Questions and requests for additional information about this scholarship can be directed to Roberto Vela, LRCF President, at r_velaslajas@hotmail.com.
Laredo Rotary Charitable Foundation Scholarships Awarded
Arianna Rebecca Torres, Interact Club Member at St. Augustine High School
Selected to participate in the Congress of Future Medical Leaders
Arianna Rebecca Torres, a 9th grader and member of the Interact Club at St. Augustine High School in Laredo, Texas, has been selected to serve as a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders on March 20th and 21st, 2001. The event is sponsored by the non-partisan, taxpaying National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists headquartered in Washington, D.C.
The Congress is an honors-only program for high school students who want to become physicians or go into medical research fields. The purpose of the event is to honor, inspire, and direct the top students in the country interested in these careers, to stay true to their dream, and after the event, to provide a path, plan, and resources to help them reach their goal.
This Rotary year started with the pandemic raging on.We were forced to change our plans and goals with the expectation that, by now, we would be back to our normal lives.There are positive signs, and we can finally see some light at the end of the tunnel.But we cannot let our guard down.
So what can we, as Rotarians, do to help?There are several ways . . .
It is best to reschedule our 2021 PETS to March 8 - March 13, 2021. We are still virtual, and we will follow the same agenda that we have already published. An updated schedule will be on the website by tomorrow with the new dates. Registration will remain open through 6 PM on March 4, 2021. Please refer to the Lone Star PETS website for the most current information regarding any other changes.
Training manuals are also available on the website.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of our Past District Governors and members. Fernando D. Cuellar of Laredo, Texas served as our District Governor in 1994-1995.
Fernando's Obituary
Fernando D. Cuellar of Laredo, Texas passed away on January 27, 2021. Fernando was loved and will be missed by his wife Angela, daughter Rebecca Cuellar-Notzon, son in law Randy Notzon, grandchildren Ella and Abby Notzon, brother Carlos Cuellar and sister in law Angela Guerra Cuellar. Fernando was best known for his distinguished military career and life of service above self.
Fernando was born on September 7, 1941 in Laredo, Texas to Eliseo Cuellar Jr. and Elena Gonzalez Cuellar. He attended St. Joseph Academy up until the eighth grade then attended and graduated from Peacock Military Academy in San Antonio, Texas. Fernando then attended Loyola University in New Orleans, graduating in 1963 with a degree in Physics.
Fernando joined the United States Air Force in 1963 and so began a very successful and decorated military career. Fernando was assigned to an attack squadron in the position of Weapons Systems Officer for the F-4D Phantom II aircraft. In this position he was in control of the technical operation of the aircraft, navigation, ordinance control and flight operations. Fernando served honorably through the Vietnam conflict putting his life at risk many times in service to our country. Fernando retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in December, 1983 after an exemplary career receiving numerous awards and commendations for his service to his Country.
In his post-Military career, Fernando began his lifelong love for service to others through his membership in The Laredo Rotary club. Fernando served in various capacities within the organization to include President & District Governor.
Throughout his life, Fernando was dedicated to learning and achieved advanced degrees in marketing and management. Fernando was very articulate and a wonderful writer.
Fernando lived a memorable life of service to our country and others that has positively impacted so many people. He will be truly missed.
Cremation will take place at a later date.
Click the Read More to read a touching story about PDG Fernando and his wife from Terri de Guzman McGraw.
For a limited time starting on 1 November 2024 and ending on 31 January 2025, District 5930 will do the following:
Using Rotary Foundation Recognition Points generously donated by an anonymous donor, we will match contributions of new cash made to the Annual Fund-SHARE during Rotary Year 2024-2025 on a 1:to:1 basis in amounts of $100.00 to $500.00 for any active Rotarian in District 5930 who is not yet a Paul Harris Fellow +8. The intent of this initiative is to help increase the number of Paul Harris Fellows in our district and also support the Annual Fund-SHARE program.
Clubs interested in applying for a district and/or global grant in 2021-2022 are required to have the President for this year (2021-2022), along with at least one other club member (e.g., President-Elect, Club Foundation Committee Chair) complete Grant Certification Training beforehand.
The first of four Grant Certification Training Seminars will be conducted on 06 Feb 2021 through Zoom from 9:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m. You can begin logging in at 9:15 a.m.
The other seminar dates are 27 March, 10 April, and 15 May 2021. The time and log-in information for each will be provided well in advance of each seminar.
Registration and log-in information for the 06 Feb 2021 seminar are provided below (Read More button)
Vocational Service Month During this period, clubs highlight the importance of the business and professional life of each Rotarian. Special activities promote the vocational avenue of service.
Organize 'MUNA' (Modal United Nations Assembly) at College Level
Engage in reconciliation of broken families, restoring relationship
Help How people can live in peace with their families and their neighbors
Assist Young Single mothers who are victims of abuse through training them with self-help projects. e.g. Opening small business that may help them with their children
March - Water & Sanitation
Area of Focus: Water and Sanitation Month. This month also includes the World Rotaract Week from the 7th until 14th of March.
Create awareness on water Conservation by Street play / Banners / Literature Distributions / Seminars at club level and for local community, Rain water harvesting awareness
Clean Drinking Water at Railway Stations, Bus Stations, Schools or Public Places, Re-user of waste Water
Create Public Toilets Facilities, Create Awareness on Sanitation at Schools - Colleges - Economically Backward Areas
Rotary Opens Opportunities, by Lending a Helping Hand
District 5930 Conference 2021
“Save the Date” April 29 – May 2, 2021
District Governor Eddie Bartnesky invites you to attend the 2021 District Conference, virtually or in person at the Harlingen Convention Center and Hilton Garden Inn. Join your Rotary family for this unique opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen leadership and friendships as we celebrate our clubs’ successes!
DG Eddie has “Opened the Door” for opportunities! So, don’t be left behind! Step inside and join us!
See you soon!
If you would like to join the Conference Committee or have a great idea for the conference, contact Kathy Preddy at kathypreddy.rotary@gmail.com or 956-536-7218
By now we have sadly grown accustomed to hearing of the need to shift major public events to being held virtually rather than face to face. Unfortunately, the Rotary Board of Directors was compelled to again make the difficult decision to celebrate this year’s International Convention as a virtual event. While this may not be an unexpected decision, it is still a deeply disappointing one — for us and for our friends in Taiwan who have been planning an exceptional event. I want to thank the Host Committee for the admirable job they did building support for what surely would have been one of Rotary’s finest events.
We had hoped that a combination of vaccine uptake and public health measures would ...
Click the Read More button for the full announcement letter from Holger Knaack, President, Rotary International, 2020-21
Merry Christmas from Alice Rotary Club and Rotarian Santa Claus.
December 16th Alice Rotarians partnered with Santa, Alice Independent School District to create a safe and rewarding drive thru "2020 Christmas Event" for our sponsored Alice Independent School District's elementary students.
Each student was specially chosen by the school Councilors, teachers, etc. We provided them with a Ho-Ho-Ho, smile and wave from Santa as Rotarians loaded up their trunks with several gifts to have under their Christmas tree along with a special gift bag of goodies.
These are the moments as Rotarians that we will always cherish and look forward to every year!
We had our last hybrid in-person/Zoom meeting on June 24th, 2020. At the time, we did not realize that this would be the last in-person club meeting of the year 2020!
Like the rest of the clubs, we struggled with getting good attendance on Zoom calls and looking for projects that our members could participate in. With COVID19, there are several challenges but it has also provided opportunities.
In October for World Polio Day, local clubs used to do Pints for Polio. However, with restrictions in place, we came up with Pounding the Pavement 4 Polio--a virtual walk that united other Rotarians from other parts of the world to join in, which would not have been possible otherwise.
Our Southside Club also volunteered at the
Food Bank in October,
Salvation Army Bell Ringing, and
the Agape Ranch Christmas Drive-thru store in December.
Even though COVID brought forward unprecedented challenges, we certainly made the most of it!
Service above self is reflected in the actions towards others by numerous Rotarians throughout the world. In Laredo, the Laredo Daybreak Rotary (LDR) Club is composed of 46 people from all walks of life with a common quality – to serve others and practice good will towards mankind. Carlos Navarrete, a member of this club since 2017 until his sudden death in 2020, left his mark in the lives of many. He was an active member of the club always lending a helping hand at fundraisers, volunteering at events, led particular service projects and also served as a board member.
Carlos was a real inspiration for countless people and his love of life was evident through his acts of kindness, positive energy and contagious laughter. Everyone agrees ...
There may be another opportunity or two for story telling, but today is better than any other. This Rotary year is long from over but this is a good day to begin the end (for me, that is).
Adoption Awareness began in November of 1998. It just happened to catch the eye (and heart) of many in Rotary starting with PDG Tom Moore from McAllen. This should be made very clear; Tom's interest is why the program became one of international interest.
The beginning was in San Benito, then on to McAllen, then on, and on, and on . . . I am certain that I am repeating myself, but there are probably as many new readers today as has been over these many years. It actually may help to remind all of us about who we are and can be.
Rotary Club of Brownsville Sunrise will held a Shoe Drive to help the Homeless Youth Program from BISD. More than 600 kids are in need of tennis-shoes.
We open a registration list in Walmart.com You can enter the name of the event "Shoe Drive for Homeless Kids" and a list of different shoes and sizes are available to purchase online. The item will arrive at our seasonal warehouse.
If you prefer, can buy the shoes at any store, and drop them in the Restaurant La Escondida (Gourmet Central by Cel) at Brownsville Texas. Also can donate gift cards who will be use to get more shoes.
The value of a pair of shoes is no more than $12 USD. Help us to make a difference in the life of these kids.
The Edinburg Rotary Club recently purchased 1,200 jackets and donated them to the Tim’s Coats organization to be distributed to needy families throughout the Rio Grande Valley.
“On behalf of Tim’s Coats, we are thrilled for what the Edinburg Rotary Club has done,” said Edinburg Rotarian and Channel 5 News Chief Meteorologist Tim Smith, who organized the event. “Half of the coats will go to the Salvation Army of McAllen, and the other half of the coats will go to Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley.”
The Edinburg Rotary Club donated dozens of toys to help children celebrating Christmas at the South Texas Health System Children’s Hospital in Edinburg.
“The Edinburg Rotary donated a truckload of toys to make sure that the kids who are in the hospital during the holidays have at least one toy to brighten their day,” said Rotarian Tim Smith. “It is imperative that we try to meet the needs of our children in the community.”
Rotarians purchased approximately $1,000 worth of toys and delivered them to the hospital’s staff on Dec. 18.
As we embark on the month of February, our attention shifts to building and training our leadership team for the next Rotary year.
This is important so that we can begin the new year with a “full head of steam”.However, there are still 5 months left in this Rotary year.
Even though the pandemic has prevented us from carrying out many of our planned service projects and fund raisers, we must not just throw in the towel.
There is much need in our communities and Rotary has the means to address it.We must think ...
The Rotary District 5930 Nominating Committee met Saturday morning, January 16, 2021 and interviewed candidates to become the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) and selected Luis Cavazos of the Brownsville Sunrise Rotary Club to become the DGND and to serve as District Governor in the Rotary Year 2023-2024.
Luis Cavazos is a Charter member of the Rotary Club of Brownsville Sunrise. He has been a Rotarian since 1986 with 33 years of perfect attendance. Served as President of his club in 2007-2008 and has been serving on the council of past Presidents and mentor since that time. Awarded Rotarian of the year in 2006, 2009, & 2016.
At the District Level, Luis has served as Lt. Governor of Membership since 2015 and was awarded Rotarian of the Year for our District in 2018-2019. Graduate of the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). He has collaborated at Zone 25b on how to create a successful District Membership Team and the benefits of the Ignite Membership best practices Program.
Luis practices as a Financial Advisor/Wealth Management professional with GEF Financial Group in Brownsville. He earned his B.A. degree from the University of Texas at Austin and his Masters of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from the University of Texas at Brownsville.
Luis is married to the former Rose Marie Jimenez of Brownsville and they have one daughter Alejandra Benavides, an educator in Austin.
In accordance with the Manual of Procedures (MOP) and the International Bylaws 12.020.7 Any club in the district in existence for at least one year as of the beginning of that year may also propose a challenging candidate for governor-nominee, but only if it previously suggested the candidate to the nominating committee. A club in existence for less than one year as of the beginning of that year may propose a challenging candidate if the candidate is a member of that club and was already suggested to the nominating committee. The name of the challenging candidate shall be submitted by a resolution of the club adopted at a regular meeting and filed with the governor by the date set by the governor, which shall be within 14 days of notification of the selection for governor-nominee.
Such challenge must be filed with Governor Eddie Bartnesky no later than midnight, January 30, 2021. If there is such a challenge than the clubs will be notified of the challenge and there must be a least five other clubs agreeing to the challenge. If that occurs than there would be a ballot by mail arranged with all the clubs. Absent any challenge then the name of Luis Cavazos of the Brownsville Sunrise Rotary Club shall be forwarded to Rotary International as the duly elected nominee to serve as Governor of District 5930 for the Rotary Year 2023-2024.
Currently, over 80 camper applicants, and growing, are attending the online eRYLA camp March 10 - 14th, 2021.
This on-line leadership camp is aimed for high school sophomores & juniors. eRYLA virtual camp will be delivered through Zoom and Leader NU’s unique leadership website with multiple gathering rooms for different activities.
Prospective campers can apply on-line by filling in the one page application form.
For more information visit www.rotarycc.com under Youth Services – RYLA. Rotary Clubs sponsoring campers need to get their eRYLA tuition fees paid.
Like many of you, I found myself cleaning out several areas of my home while staying at home since March 2020. I have several items that have been purchased either by me or my company that I do not need. They are all Rotary Branded items.
Please check out the items, quantities, photos, and prices by clicking the Read More.
I have discounted all the items from the original prices. I will ship to you via either USPS or UPS. Shipping cost is NOT included. I will accept checks or credit cards.
I hope everyone enjoyed a great Holiday Season. We are now halfway through the Rotary year and I feel like we have not accomplished much. Yet we have accomplished so much. To say that 2020 was a typical year is far from accurate. So now it is time to get back to work. We must continue with our focus on engaging our current Rotary members with “impactful projects” and also adding new members who are a good fit for our club. At the same time, we must strive to meet and exceed our goals for the Rotary Foundation.
Vocational Service Month During this period, clubs highlight the importance of the business and professional life of each Rotarian. Special activities promote the vocational avenue of service.
Distribute Four-way Test
Distribute Vocational Awards to outstanding individuals, Arrange Vocational Visits
Awareness seminar on career guidance, Organize / Arrange in Plant Training
Start Vocational Education / Skill Guidance Center. Start Part Time Consultancy center
Helping Physically Challenged people to gets jobs
February - World Understanding Month
Vocational Service Month During this period, clubs highlight the importance of the business and professional life of each Rotarian. Special activities promote the vocational avenue of service.
Organize 'MUNA' (Modal United Nations Assembly) at College Level
Engage in reconciliation of broken families, restoring relationship
Help How people can live in peace with their families and their neighbors
Assist Young Single mothers who are victims of abuse through training them with self-help projects. e.g. Opening small business that may help them with their children
Story and pictures from the Brownsville Herald newspaper front page from December 12th. The story and pictures were written by the newspaper personnel and the pictures include captions which explain this event and the participants.
Christmas Donations to the Residents of Bethany House in Laredo, Texas
In an effort to bring a little joy and happiness to displaced families living in the Bethany House of Laredo, Christina Barrientos, a new member of The Laredo Rotary Club, organized a donation campaign of essential materials for these individuals. After designing a flyer announcing the campaign, Christina shared it with the members of the club during a zoom meeting and asked for donations of $10.00 per member. In true Laredo Rotary club fashion, she raised over $800.00 before the meeting ended. With additional donations from other civic-minded individuals, Christina managed to raise over $1,000.00.
With these funds, Christina visited several Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Family Dollar stores in Laredo and purchased the needed items. Among these were socks, blankets, toothbrushes, gloves, underwear, and sanitary blankets for ladies. These resources were arranged in bundles for men and women, as appropriate.
On 21 Dec 2020, Christina, along with Rotarians Victor Serna, Hilda Dennis, club President Marissa Guerrero, Marilu Gorecki, and members of the United High School Interact Club, delivered and distributed these gifts to the residents of Bethany House. The recipients, along with the administrators in charge, were overjoyed with the gifts and genuine spirit of giving and care demonstrated. They also expressed a deep sense of appreciation to everyone involved for helping to make this humanitarian service project a reality.
The San Benito Rotary Club has been very busy with community service projects and one international project. I am excited to share these short stories with the newsletter as it is our first time to do so.
This past week, our Rotary clubs from Area 13, which include
Los Fresnos,
San Benito,
Port Isabel and
Rancho Viejo,
held a can food drive for our local food pantries.
With the ongoing COVID-19 virus restrictions and the closing of non-essential work places there has been a high demand for food. As a result, our local food pantries have been running low in canned vegetables. With the help of our Rotary club Presidents and Rotarians from area 13 we were able to place collection boxes at different locations throughout our communities. Thank you,
Zarsky’s Lumber,
State Farm David Armendariz,
First National Bank of SPI,
Marcello’s,
S.O.S Shipping,
Rancho Viejo City Hall and PD
for allowing us to use their places of business for drop off locations.
Thank you to Boy Scout troop 11 in Brownsville for helping with distribution of our can foods. We helped
San Benito Food Pantry,
Los Fresnos Community Food Pantry,
Good Neighbor Settlement House Food Pantry
restock their inventory. We also collected monetary donations that will help our food pantries even more.
Where there is a need, Rotarians step up and find a solution.
We are here for our communities, for our neighbors and for our friends.
It is that time of year again! As usual our projects in Honduras are in need of donations. I have all but made Honduras my year round home. But any donations will be deposited into our Honduran account in Texas.
We have a lot going on especially in our efforts to provide clean water to villages around Trujillo….and we have been actively constructing schools.
Due to Covid 19 a number of our projects were put on hold in March, 2020. Our water project serving 1128 households in 8 rural villages near Trujillo will not restart until next year.. The community is providing the labor for this $135,900.00 project funded by the Rotary Foundation…made possible thanks to local matching funds from our donors. Community residents have finished digging trenches and burying 10, 8, 6, and 4 inch pipeline down the mountain to a 90,000 gallon existing tank. This was a long and tedious process but it has already dramatically improve water pressure allowing many more residents to have a reliable water supply. They still need to connect the primary tank to the reserve tank…we have purchased the connections…see photo…and then the chlorination system will be installed.
Alice Rotary Club along with Alice Independent School District and Jim Wells County Veterans Office teamed up to honor our Veterans on November 11, 2020 at the Jim Wells County Fairgrounds.
Guest Speaker was our Jim Wells County Judge Juan Rodriguez Jr. (Veteran). We were honored with the colors of the flag by the Jim Wells County Sheriff's Department and Taps was played while Military Flags were presented by the United Burial Association.
We also had performer Matt Rod sing a few songs for our guest. It was an event our Alice Rotary Club will never forget and we will be doing every year here on out.
Our President, Wayne Lowry, traveled to Nigeria to meet with other fellow Rotarians in District 9114. Both our Rotary clubs have joined together to raise funds to build a water well in Nigeria. We were honored to have Simon, Chiemela and Ali as our guest speakers and presenters at our Rotary meeting.
Our honored guests at our Friday, Nov 13th, Rotary meeting were Simon Orie, Chiemela Esionye, Ali Jochin - all Rotary Club members from Nigeria District 9114 (the strongest club in Nigeria.)
Simon, Chiemela and Ali received a warm welcome from our club President, Wayne Lowryand District Governor, Eddie Bartnesky.
Wayne and Simon together announced the collaboration efforts between our two clubs to build and erect a water well in Nigeria. Our combined efforts will ultimately deliver clean water for consumption, cooking and personal use.
Our Nigerian colleagues educated our club about the construction and technology behind the water well project. Once completed, thousands will benefit from clean water for use and consumption.
Every year, Rotary Club of Harlingen hosts the Harlingen CISD school children shopping event. In conjunction with Target, Harlingen school children were treated to a morning of holiday shopping to kick off their holiday season! Parental Involvement was on hand to accompany the students along with Rotarians as they shopped through aisles.
This is one of our Rotary Club's most cherished events! Bringing smiles to faces, spreading holiday cheer and performing a good deed makes our spirits bright!
Pictured Rotarians are: Club President Wayne Lowry, District Governor Eddie Bartnesky, Shane Strubhart HCISD Public Information Director and fellow Rotarian, Assistant District Governor Kathy Preddy.
On Behalf of the Rotary Club of Harlingen, MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
I’ve been holding off making any noise fir the past weeks because……. Still no change, but I thought I could update on some new data that has unfolded these past few months.
Our programs are on hold but children are still having to be taken from parents. There is no virus stopping that. I have been in touch with CPS to discuss stepping up what we do—make some changes to what we have done to become additionally involved. That was met with a “not necessary.”
On Monday, December 7, 2020 the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass officially welcomed Janice Ciomperlik with Value Bank, as the newest member of our Club.
The Rotary Club is excited to induct Janice who is a past member of the Pharr Rotary Club. During her service in the Pharr Club, she served a term as president and became a Paul Harris Fellow. Janice has demonstrated the Rotary Four Way Test ---
1) Is it the TRUTH?
2) Is it FAIR to all Concerned?
3) Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4) Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?
We are excited to have her as a member of our Club.
Picture and Article Submitted by Karen Gayle, Secretary/Treasurer
The Laredo Under Seven Flags Rotary Club is honored and privileged to inform you that Mrs. Veronica Orduño, a Mathematics Department Head teacher at Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa Middle School, has been selected as our Paul Harris Fellow. Her professional resume reflects her many years of service to the youth of South Laredo, honors and awards she has received. In particular, her Community Work is very noteworthy.
For over thirty years, Mrs. Veronica Orduño has been a pivotal figure in the Laredo community. In her career as an educator, she has impacted and empowered thousands of young minds. Many of her students have gone on to be doctors, lawyers, teachers, nurses, and very productive citizens in their respective communities. Mrs. Orduño also has taken on different roles in school including UIL Coach, Math Instructional Coach, Math Master Teacher, among other titles.
Laredo Under Seven Flags Member to Serve on Historic all Female Appointed Board of Directors for the Laredo Chamber of Commerce
Abelina Veliz Perez, Rotary Foundation Executive for the Laredo Under Seven Flags Rotary Club was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for the Laredo Chamber of Commerce by its new chairman, Mr. Cliffe Killam. She will serve along with 9 other female community leaders. This is the first time in the history of the Laredo Chamber of Commerce where 10 female leaders have ever been appointed at the same time.
Area of Focus: Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. This month includes: World AIDS Day on the 1st and International Day of Disabled Persons on the 3rd of December
Organize Medical Camp - Health Awareness for Eye Care / Dental Care
Providing equipment such as Artificial Limbs, Wheelchairs and Crutches to the Physically Challenged Peoples i.e. Polio Sufferers
Provide low-Income, under-insured Persons with the knowledge, skills, an opportunity to improve their diet, physical activity and other life habits to prevent, delay, or control, chronic diseases
Initiate Actions to Prevent and control Diabetes, Heart Diseases, Obesity and Associated Risk Factors
January - Vocational Services
Vocational Service Month During this period, clubs highlight the importance of the business and professional life of each Rotarian. Special activities promote the vocational avenue of service.
Distribute Four-way Test
Distribute Vocational Awards to outstanding individuals, Arrange Vocational Visits
Awareness seminar on career guidance, Organize / Arrange in Plant Training
Start Vocational Education / Skill Guidance Center. Start Part Time Consultancy center
This Tuesday, Dec. 01, 2020, is "Giving Tuesday". I would like to challenge all Rotarians in District 5930 to seriously consider making a small donation of $26.50 to the Rotary Annual Fund on this day (www.rotary.org/donate). I will be making my donation first thing Tuesday morning and hopefully everyone else will follow my lead. If you are able to do this, please send me an email at eddie@rotary5930.com or a text at 956-245-2299. I want to personally thank everyone for their generosity.
I would also like to share a message from RI Foundation Chair K.R. Ravindran (shown below):
"Giving Tuesday has grown into a global movement of generosity. It is a giving day recognized around the world that empowers us all to give back to our communities through service, kindness and financial support – all beliefs that Rotary values deeply.
Every act of kindness makes a difference, and no gift is too small. This Giving Tuesday, I ask that we all find opportunities to help communities both close to home and around the globe. One easy way to take action is to make a gift to The Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund SHARE, Rotary’s primary way of making sustainable projects possible both on a local and global level.
The Annual Fund’s SHARE system empowers Rotarians close to home and around the world to use these funds to create lasting change where our help is needed most. Last year, the Foundation awarded 490 district grants and 1,359 global grants as a result of Annual Fund SHARE contributions made by our generous donors during our Centennial year back in 2016-17. What will be possible in the future for communities around the world will be determined by the action you take right now. I would like to ask every member of a Rotary or Rotaract club to contribute a gift of any size to our Annual Fund SHARE this Giving Tuesday.
I thank you for being part of the Rotary family, for your service, and support. Let’s all take action this Giving Tuesday and together, we can keep Doing Good in the World."
As we approach the end of 2020, what a year to remember.
I think we can all agree that that our daily lives have changed. Not only with Rotary but in our personal and business routines.
I am so proud of Rotarians in District 5930. We did not let the pandemic slow us down. But instead, we are organizing our efforts and being more inclusive of Rotarians from all around the District. Examples of this can be found in our District Membership, Foundation and Public Image Teams. We can also see this teamwork in other areas such as RLI, RYLA, PETS – just to name few. And the efforts of this teamwork will be evident when ...
The latest in Rotary of Harlingen's service projects was Loaves and Fishes. Loaves and Fishes is a non-profit organization
that provides shelter and food to its communities.
Chase Palmer, Service Project Committee Chair, coordinated with Chick-fil-A to serve hot meals during lunch time. A great group of volunteers helped with setup and prep before the noon hour to ensure the meals were distributed in a timely manner.
On hand in the serving line were Rotary members Tre Peacock, Kathy Preddy, Chase Palmer, Sumer Knight and Chick-fil-A's
community representatives.
Our next service project is scheduled for November 7th - A Trash Pickup Day! See you then!
International Bank of Commerce donated $10,000 to Rotary District 5930 to distribute to clubs in the District for Covid-19 Disaster Relief.
District clubs were encouraged to apply for a grant of up to $500 which each club would match with their own $500 to create a $1,000 project for their community.
Alice Rotary Club President, Bruce Hoffman, applied for a $500 grant to be used to purchase Covid-19 related products for the Alice Boys and Girls Club.
Boys and Girls Club Director, Ric Del Bosque, selected items the club needed the most at this time which included: Wall Mounted Electronic Thermometer to check everyone that enters the building, Web-Cameras for their computers, Latex Gloves for food handling, Computer Mouse for each computer, Sneeze Guard Panels for computer desks and Electronic Compressed Gas Dusters.
During these trying times having $1,000 to pay for these items provided relief to the Boys and Girls Club's budget.
Rotary's motto is "Service Above Self" and all the members of the Alice Rotary Club and District 5930 were thrilled to be able to share with the local Boys and Girls Club.
A special thanks to International Bank for donating these funds for Covid-19 Relief.
Story submitted by Gail Hoffman
Photos by Sandra Bowen Click the Read More button to see all the photos.
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
February 22, 2021 - February 28, 2021
It's Gone Virtual this Year
The 2021 Lone Star PETS is THE opportunity for our Club Presidents-Elect, Presidents-Nominee, Rotaractors, Assistant Governors and PDGs to learn about new trends in Rotary and cover essential topics to insure success as a leader in their clubs. Your Governors have selected outstanding speakers who will challenge you and inspire you. There will be plenty of time for discussion and sharing of ideas-- all from the comfort of your own home. Yes--that's right.! We're going virtual this year. We have scheduled the sessions outside of work hours, so you can join us.
Full DRAFT Schedule is available by clicking the Read More.
Website for more information - https://www.lonestarpets.org (Please note Registration link is for the 2021 PETS and some of the other information is updated for 2021. Not all information is up-to-date-yet.)
The Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club, in partnership with Orangetheory Fitness, was proud to host a workout session to raise funds for World Polio Day. The event took place on October 24th and was organized by the club’s Foundation Committee. The workout session was planned by Kevin Martinez, a proud member of the Foundation Committee and the Next Generation Rotary Club.
“Part of the club’s goals is to challenge every member to engage in the community and a specific service project. It was an honor that the club trusted me in planning this year’s event to eradicate polio,” states Martinez. “I would also like to thank Organgetheory for partnering with us to contribute to a good cause.”
This year’s event raised contributions that will be donated to the Polio Foundation. In 2019, the Next Generation Rotary Club also hosted a World Polio Event at Alamo Drafthouse, where club members presented a feature film called “Breathe.” The Next Generation Rotary Club continues to engage in service projects and looks forward to next year’s World Polio Day.
This Thursday Oct. 22, 2020 all three Victoria Rotary Clubs honored Victoria Mayor Rawley McCoy, Victoria County Judge Ben Zeller and Dr. John McNeill for Service Above Self in guiding our Victoria Citizens and Health Care Professionals through this COVID-19 Pandemic. Today we enjoyed a joint meeting between all three Rotary clubs of Victoria where a series of individuals and organizations were recognized for their dedicated service to our community. ------ In honor of our World Polio Day meeting we honored 3 Victoria significant leaders with a 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗲𝗹𝗳 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱 for their calm and consistent guidance regarding public health during this year’s COVID-19 pandemic: • Dr. John McNeill, Victoria County Healthcare Coordinator • Mayor Rawley McCoy, a Downtown Rotary member • County Judge Ben Zeller, a Victoria Rotary Club member. ------ For his donation to the Rotary International Foundation’s Annual Fund and Polio Plus Designated Fund, Dr. Bruce Bauknight received the Paul Harris Fellow plus 6.
Later we will be honoring his two daughters which were his named designated Paul Harris Recipients.
------
𝐀𝐥𝐥 𝟑 𝐜𝐥𝐮𝐛𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐞𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐑𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲: • The Victoria Rotary Club received the Rotary International Citation. • The Victoria Northside Rotary Club received the Rotary International Citation, the Rotary District 5930 Rooted in Service Award and the District 5930 Exemplary Service Award. • The Downtown Rotary Club of Victoria received the Rotary International Citation and the Rotary District 5930 Rooted in Service Award.
This is a great time to be a Rotarian. Our District consists of some very talented and generous members. I have now made my way, virtually, through 12 of the 13 AREAS within our District. And WOW, what an experience! I can only imagine what it would have been like if I could have visited each of the clubs in person. Every club has their own unique culture and yet we are all the same. That is because we are all part of the Rotary Family. And as a family, our focus will be to engage in “Impactful Projects” both locally and around the world. Because if we are active and engaged as Rotary members, our club’s will be Vibrant. An Active Club is a Vibrant Club.
November is Rotary Foundation Month. As we all know, The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary. It is a non-profit that is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of The Rotary Foundation who share its vision of a better world. The End Polio Now campaign falls under the Rotary Foundation. October 24th was World Polio Day and Rotarians from all around our District were involved with projects and fund-raising activities. I would like to congratulate and thank each of you for your efforts in raising funds for the fight against this dreadful disease. We are so close to completing our promise to the children of the world. So, let us not stop, but instead continue our efforts until the job is complete.
As we move into the fall and winter months, we must keep our focus on social distancing and the use of face masks. The health and safety of everyone in our communities is of utmost importance.
I am proud and honored to serve as your District Governor.
The Rotaract Club at Texas A&M International University extends a cordial invitation to all District Interact and Rotaract clubs to attend our upcoming Peace Summit November 14, 2020. The purpose of this event is to promote peace by building relationships with youth organizations within District 5930 that will together engage in peacebuilding activities after the summit.
Due to the current situation, the summit will take place virtually via Zoom from 9:00AM until 1:00PM. Topics will revolve around three strands: Utilizing Social Media for Social Justice; Creating Personal Peace with a Healthy Mind and Body; and Protecting and Rehabilitating your Community.
To register, please scan the QR code in the flyer or through the website https://tinyurl.com/PeacePrevail. A program with detailed information will be emailed before the event. Feel free to contact Griselda Solis, Rotaract President, at griseldasolis@dusty.tamiu.edu or Dr. Pat Abrego, Advisor, at her office number 956-326-2302 with any questions related to this exciting event.
Submitted by Rotaract Club - Texas A&M International University,
This year, due to Covid-19, RYLA 2021 will be held on-line from March 10-14th, 2021. This on-line eRYLA program has received great reviews from campers and counselors when first presented by Leader NU in Oklahoma.
This on-line eRYLA leadership camp is for high school sophomores & juniors. Activities have been modified from in-person Camp RYLA activities to work within the virtual camp environment. The camp format will be on-line. It will be fun and challenging with hands-on team learning experiences.
eRYLA virtual camp will be delivered through Zoom and Leader NU’s unique leadership website with multiple gathering rooms for different activities. Each participant receives a personal designed Camp Crate with each participant’s activity guide, supplies, t-shirt and even snacks! A camper will participate in more than 23 hours of team leadership training as they focus on skill development of communication, critical thinking, problem solving, and team decision making all through experiential learning over the internet.
eRYLA testimonies include:
“Technology has changed so much and anything can be possible, we have come a long way from when you were a kid and went to the camp in person.”
"At first, I was a little nervous in meeting my team but as the week progressed we became like a family. I can't wait to meet them all in person”
"The mixed teams were a great way to get to know new people and work with new people! I loved getting to know everyone and it helped me find out my strengths! “
"I really liked that part too. It helped me get to know the other campers and counselors. It helped me get out of my comfort zone and talk to people. “
“You are dead wrong. This camp was pulled off with the highest degree of perfection and skill. The people make the camp, not the camp make the people “
"I did a eRYLA this summer and it help me a lot with my leadership skills and my confidence and I just would recommend it to anyone who needs a family or needs leadership skills."
The Laredo Gateway Rotary, along with President Jaime Garcia were proud to showcase the new desk barriers bought to help the Larga Vista Community Center provide a safer work environment for students and others who use the facilities computers and library area. President Jaime, along with several club members were on hand for the unveiling, along with staff from the facility and students who use the facility daily. The Laredo Gateway Rotary Club has a long history of partnering with this Community Center, as it was the Club's Centennial Project back in 2005 and the Club continues to support a variety of projects at the facility throughout the year!
Submitted by Lisa Rogerio
Laredo Gateway RC gives again to the Community Center
Kent Mallquist, our Port Isabel Rotary club past president and Andy Hagan, Past District 5930 Governor share some levity by presenting The Rotary Club of Los Fresnos with a new Rotary 5 Way Test Banner that includes “Will It Fun?”
Joel Vincent, Rotary of Harlingen's Past President presiding 2019-2020, was awarded Rotary International's "District Governor's Rooted In Service Award" by District 5930's Assistant Governor, Kathy Preddy.
Mr. Vincent has earned this prestigious acknowledgment through his continuous service as a Rotarian, placing "Service Above Self" as well as "Lending a Helping Hand". His efforts and commitment have not gone unnoticed!
Thank You, Joel! Your Club looks forward to many more years of service with you!
Rotary of Harlingen's guest speaker at the regularly scheduled meeting was Matt Z. Ruszczak. Mr. Ruszczak serves as the Executive Director for the Rio South Texas Economic Council. Mr. Ruszczak shared valuable information along with statistics pertaining to the Rio Grande Valley amidst the COVID-19 crisis. He was able to speak to the different impacts and trends COVID-19 has had in the retail, manufacturing and industrial sectors.
A lot of valuable insight! Thank you, Matt for sharing your time with us!
Harlingen RC hears about Covid-19 impact in the valley.
At the October 5, 2020 regular meeting of the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, President Juli Blanda presented Meg Reese with a Paul Harris Fellow Award (PHF). A PHF is presented to any person who donates, or in whose name is donated, $1000.00 to the Rotary Foundation.
The Paul Harris Foundation is named for Paul Harris, who founded Rotary with three business associates in Chicago in 1905. The Foundation was established in his honor in 1957 to express appreciation for a contribution of US$1,000 to the humanitarian and educational programs of The Rotary Foundation. 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.
Meg, who was inducted into our Club on September 9, 2019, has personally donated $1000.00 to the Foundation. She did so by participating in an international project during the COVID-19 pandemic, by donating money through our Club’s Polio Plus Program and by donating to the “Every Rotarian, Every Year” Program. Meg exemplifies Rotary with her giving of time and money. Our Club is proud to have her as a member.
Picture: Juli Blanda 2020-2021 President Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
Meg Reese 2020-2021 President Elect Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
Below is a service project that is being spearheaded by Dr. Jared Dmello, Chair of the Satellite Club of the Laredo Rotary Club. It is a terrific initiative.
This is a wonderful project and one that all clubs can participate with. It doesn’t cost much of anything and has the potential to brighten someone’s day. And also deliver hope to these individuals who were affected. Another example of how Rotarians can Lend A Helping Hand.
Hello!
A good friend of mine and one of the leading scholars in our field on mass shootings, Dr. Jaclyn Schildkraut, has been collecting holiday cards for children who have lost a loved one in mass shootings incidents. Cards can be either homemade or store bought and signed with a holiday greeting. Unfortunately, with increased firearm violence in our nation, the number of survivors either directly or surviving loved ones, has also increased.
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 2023 – 2024 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 2023-2024 Nominations for District Governor is December 15, 2020.
At this time - Interviews will be conducted on Jan. 16, 2021, format and location to be determined.
I am the District 5930 official voting delegate to the 2020 Rotary Council of Resolutions. One “emergency enactment” and 29 proposed Resolutions are on the agenda for voting in late October by the Council on Resolutions. Copies of the Resolutions can be reviewed at My.Rotary.org/COR/vote.
Follow this link for how I intend to vote (subject to further review). Please provide me any timely comments by October 25 and I will take the comments under consideration.
Art Zeitler
Arthur W. "Art" Zeitler
Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Zone 25B and portion of Zone 29
District Representative to Council on Resolutions and Legislation (2017-23)
Governor, Rotary International D5930, 2014-15
Proud Member of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi (Texas, USA)
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of our Past District Governors and members. William "Bill" Janecek served as District Governor for 5930 in 1998-1999.
Following Don Ratcliff’s year as District Governor of D5930, our next oldest DG 5930 was Bill Janacek who recently lived in Goliad, retired from managing property and ranch sales and is a member of the Rotary Club of Goliad. When DG he ran a local newspaper from Rockport. Bill served as DG 5930 in 1998-1999.
William Wayne Janecek
GOLIAD — William Wayne “Bill” Janecek, age 83 of Goliad passed away Sunday, September 27, 2020. He was born in Victoria on July 19, 1937 to Frank and Emelia Janecek. He graduated from St. Joseph High School, Victoria, in 1955, where he was very active in sports. He then attended Lamar Tech, Beaumont, where he graduated in 1960 with a degree in Business. He was an entrepreneur, business owner, and realtor until his retirement at the age of 81.
Throughout his life, he was very active in many civic organizations and community events. He was a member of Rotary International for 50 years, where he held many offices, most notable, District Governor from 1998-1999. He also served on the Board for the Goliad County Senior Citizens Center. He was a member of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church.
He was known for his sense of humor, quick wit, and outward friendliness. Bill never met a joke he didn’t like.
He is survived by his sons Jeff (Linda) Janecek, Jon Janecek, sister Diana (Don) Ford, grandsons Will (Kassi) Janecek, Wesley (Krystina) Janecek, and granddaughter Sara Oswald, great grandchildren Colt & Creek, Kaidence & Kamryn, and Kayden and the mother of his children, Helen Jo Janecek and numerous nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his parents Frank and Emelia Janecek-Mayo, brother Frank Janecek, Jr, sister Elizabeth “Betty” Templin, and daughter Jennifer Oswald.
Visitation will be Tuesday, October 6, 2020, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Grace Funeral Home Goliad. Funeral Service will be held at 5:30 p.m., Wednesday, October 7, 2020, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Goliad, with Fr. Ty Bazar presiding.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Goliad Rotary Club, Goliad County Senior Citizens Center or the charity of your choice.
There are still openings available to attend RLI Parts 1, 2, & 3 (See scheduled RLI course date(s) on the website www.lonestarrli.com).
Remember to invite your Rotaract club leadership as well! Our RLI Lone Star Division is one of three RLI Divisions in the World to offer this training on a virtual platform!
We look forward to seeing you all soon! Click the picture to watch a new video.
Area of Focus: Economic and Community Development Month. This month also includes: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on the 17th and World Polio Day on the 24th of October.
Develop Micro Credit system
Organize Awareness Seminar on Self-Employment at Colleges/Universities
Organize Trade Exhibitions
Organize Buyers-Sellers meet
Take up Entrepreneurship Development Program
Organize Consumer Forum, a Public Meeting
November - Rotary Foundation Month
Clubs and Districts call attention to the programs of The Rotary Foundation and frequently cultivate additional financial support for the Foundation by promoting contributions for Paul Harris Fellows and Sustaining Members.
Two important issues have developed. First it is a given that parties for our children aren't going to happen until next Spring or Summer. This is going to crowd the field some (I'll explain in a minute). Our clubs that have been having Fall parties will be delayed. CPS will advise when that time begins. They are asking that we group clubs together as much as we can to relieve some of the congestion. More on this as it happens.
Something considerably more serious has developed behind the scenes this past year or so that we all need to be aware. CPS has again rewritten the state requirements for organizations to become involved with what we started 21 years ago. As this all originally happened, the State would not allow ANY contact, one on one, between adopting parents and a child until the child had been selected with assurance of adoption. The State adjusted the requirements for us to have the parties, but only for Rotary. We, simply put, had a monopoly. That ended! We no longer have this exclusive and we are having to share weekends. This IS okay. The children win! Up to now each individual club or groups of clubs have been left to negotiate with CPS on their own. To put it bluntly I was blind-sided. It seems that CPS was put in a position of playing favorites, and that was not to their benefit. NOW it is really important that our 5930 clubs having parties communicate with me while this is all being sorted out. I will appreciate that.
I hope that each of you and your family members are doing well and staying safe. We are in the midst of some very challenging times. But with every challenge comes an opportunity. As I make my club visits (virtual that is), I am discovering that Clubs are not letting this pandemic keep them from doing good in their communities. Fund raisers and service projects that were done in the past may not be feasible today. But they are being very creative and discovering that there are other ways to have an impact on their communities. Rotarians are People of Action and society looks to us to make a difference. The world needs Rotary more now than ever before.
October is Economic and Community Development Month. This is actually one of Rotary International's "Areas of Focus". Unemployment, underemployment, lack of economic opportunity, lack of appropriate training, and the absence of social safety nets lie at the core of poverty. For the poor, labor is often the only asset available to improve well-being. Creating productive employment opportunities is essential for reducing poverty and achieving sustainable economic and social development, and for providing income security and empowerment especially for women, people with disabilities, youth, and the extremely poor. Like education and health strategies, generating income and creating opportunities for a productive workforce and entrepreneurship are essential for reducing poverty. Rotary clubs all over the world work with communities to enhance economic and community development. Every community has different needs and different opportunities to serve.
October 24 is World Polio Day and we want to focus our attention on the eradication of polio this month. Many clubs have special events to raise money for Polio Plus. Please remember that every dollar Rotary raises to fight polio is matched with two dollars from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. I encourage Rotarians in District 5930 to "LEND A HELPING HAND" with our fight to eradicate Polio from the face of the Earth.
I am proud to be a Rotarian and blessed to serve as your District Governor this year.
The Rotary Club of Harlingen gathered on a Saturday morning to assist Culture of Life Ministries medical clinic with landscape cleanup. Rotarians rolled up their sleeves to remove brush, trim bushes, clean and mulch flower beds, mow the lawn and spray weeds. A full morning of team work resulted in a manicured exterior.
Culture of Life Ministries is a non-profit medical clinic that provides free to low cost healthcare open to the public.
A letter written by Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club to the editor of our local newspaper, the Laredo Morning Times, along with some pictures. In this letter, we thank our community for supporting our first ever virtual run. Rotarun has been a significant event for the Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club, in which we raise funds to engage in many community projects in Laredo, TX.
SERVING OUR COMMUNITY, ONE STEP AT A TIME
Rotary’s motto is service above self. At the Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club, we’re committed to this motto by practicing the standards set by the Four Way Test: is it the truth, is it fair, will it build goodwill and better friendships and will it be beneficial to all concerned.
As we wrap up another successful edition of our flagship service event, Rotarun, we’d like to take a moment to reflect. This year has been marked by an extraordinary succession of events, transforming our traditional means of serving the community. We decided to maintain the Rotarun tradition and endeavor into a virtual race; driven by an honor system where participants complete a 5k or 10k run.
A total of 114 individuals registered to the 12th Annual Rotarun. Not only was it great to see our runners’ accomplishments via social media, but we were also very moved by the support we continued receiving from our community during these trying times. We ran at a distance, but we felt we were closer than ever.
We ventured into the unknown, and you were all there to support us. On behalf of the Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club, thank you Laredo!
We couldn’t feel prouder of this community’s commitment to engage in what's right. Thank you for believing in our story, we won’t let you down.
As we think, read and write about the many issues surrounding our community, let's take a moment to acknowledge how much we’ve achieved, together.
The Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club is committed to the community of Laredo. We stand strong next to each of our citizens in the fight against COVID-19 and reaffirm the values that drive our story.
We’re all in this together: one step at a time!
Corina Dovalina Martinez
President of the Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club
Story and photos submitted by David Andres Alegria
There are four ways to enroll in Rotary Direct, The Rotary Foundation’s recurring giving program:
Online at rotary.org/donate: Enrolling online with a credit or debit card is the easiest and most secure way. After selecting DONATE, you can choose Recurring donation in the Donation section.
By phone: Call the Rotary Support Center at +1-866-976-8279.
By fax: +1-847-328-5260
IS THERE A MINIMUM CONTRIBUTION?
Yes. Because we pay processing fees, there is a minimum of $10 per transaction (i.e., $10 per month, $10 per quarter, or $10 per year).
CAN I HAVE MY DONATION DEBITED DIRECTLY FROM MY CHECKING ACCOUNT?
Yes. Donors in the United States and Canada can establish a recurring donation from their checking or savings account. Call the Rotary Support Center at +1-866-976-8279 for details.
CAN A CLUB TREASURER ESTABLISH RECURRING GIFTS FOR AN ENTIRE CLUB ONLINE?
No. Club leaders can make one-time contributions from their club or from individual club members online, but they can’t enroll their members or their club in recurring giving.
WHAT FREQUENCY OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR ROTARY DIRECT GIFTS?
You can make a gift every month, quarter, or year. Transactions will occur during the first week of the month.
HOW DO I CHANGE OR STOP MY ROTARY DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS?
You can adjust or cancel your recurring giving at any time by signing in to My Rotary and choosing Profile to access Donor Self-Service. You can also contact the Rotary International office that serves your area or Rotary’s Support Center at +1-866-976-8279.
WILL THE ROTARY FOUNDATION CONTACT ME IF MY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD EXPIRES?
Yes. The Rotary Foundation will remind you by email when your credit or debit card is about to expire.
WILL THE ROTARY FOUNDATION CONTACT ME IF MY CARD IS REJECTED AND I MISS A SCHEDULED CONTRIBUTION?
Yes. The Rotary Foundation will notify you by email if a scheduled transaction fails.
MY CREDIT OR DEBIT CARD IS ABOUT TO EXPIRE OR HAS EXPIRED. WHAT INFORMATION DO YOU NEED TO UPDATE MY ACCOUNT?
We need your credit card number, the expiration date, and the three- or four-digit security number. For security reasons, please do not send credit card information by email. Instead, call the Rotary International office that serves your area or Rotary’s Support Center at +1-866-976-8279. If you have a My Rotary account, you can change or cancel your recurring giving online at any time.
DO I HAVE TO NOTIFY ROTARY IF I TRANSFER TO A DIFFERENT ROTARY CLUB?
Yes. Notifying the Foundation of your transfer allows your new club to receive credit for your contributions.
DO I HAVE TO BE A ROTARY MEMBER TO ENROLL IN ROTARY DIRECT?
No. Anyone who wishes to support the Foundation’s mission is welcome to do so with a recurring contribution.
HOW WILL MY ROTARY DIRECT CONTRIBUTIONS BE RECEIPTED?
When you enroll in Rotary Direct, you’ll receive a confirmation email detailing the amount and frequency of your contributions. Gifts made to The Rotary Foundation via Rotary Direct will be receipted individually at the time of the contribution. Each scheduled contribution will be credited to your individual account, Rotary club, and district. Like all contributions, recurring gifts will be used wisely on worthy Rotary projects.
At the start of each school year, many families are faced with the high cost of school uniforms and related educational expenses, especially in the public school system. The Rotary Club of Laredo Daybreak, with the assistance of community leader County Commissioner Wawi Tijerina, identified that the children participants of the Larga Vista Community Center (LVCC) were in need of assistance. With a rising cost of living and rising unemployment numbers due to the COVID-19 pandemic among other financial and economic factors, the Larga Vista Colonia families are struggling and they depend on the community center for assistance with utilities, elderly services, medical services and or assistance, and food distribution for the families.
The Rotary Club of Laredo Daybreak, with the financial participation of the Rotary Club of Laredo Gateway, Rotary Club of Laredo, Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generation, and Rotary Club of Laredo Under Seven Flags, applied for Rotary district grant funds to provide uniform sets to 60 school age children who registered at the center. On Tuesday, September 8, the LVCC helped us with the drive-by setup so each child could receive a uniform set that included 2 uniform tops, 2 uniform bottoms and 1 pair of tennis shoes.
Our mission as Rotarians is to provide service above self and with this project we hope to ensure the children remain committed to their education and may be inspired to selflessly serve their community as they will get to know what Rotary does for others.
As of May 1, 2020, Ronnie Yeager has been a Member of the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass. These 50 years of attendance is paled in the fact that he has Perfect Attendance for the entirety of those 50 years. This means that he has attended a Rotary Club Meeting weekly for 50 years, an amazing accomplishment. On weeks where he was unable to attend the meeting in Aransas Pass, he was able to “make-up” at another Club. One of our Members asked Ronnie what was the farthest he had traveled to make up and he replied “about 8,000 miles” as he had “made-up” a meeting while on a cruise between New Zealand and Australia.
In Honor and Recognition of Ronnie’s Fifty Years of “Service Above Self”, he was recognized with a Letter from the 2020-2021 Rotary International President, Holger Knaack. The letter, in part, says:
“Dear Ronald, Congratulations on your 50 years of Rotary service. Your continued passion for Rotary inspires us all. We all love Rotary because we love people, and Rotary gives us an opportunity to connect in a community of shared values, built on a foundation of friendship, and committed to Service Above Self.”
In addition to the President’s Letter, Ronnie received a gift from our Club with a plaque on top that states:
OUTSTANDING SERVICE AWARD
Presented To
RONNIE YEAGER
IN RECOGNITION OF
50 YEARS OF MEMBERSHIP WITH PERFECT ATTENDANCE
MAY 1970 TO MAY 2020
IN THE
ROTARY CLUB OF ARANSAS PASS
Ronnie exemplifies Rotary and our Club is Honored to have him as a Member.
Submitted by Karen Gayle,
Secretary Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
September 17, 2020
Photo: Ronnie Yeager, Member and Juli Blanda, 2020-2021 President, Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
Our Port Isabel Rotary club, has for some years now, been saying the 4-Way Test at the end of our meetings with the addition of a number five, “Will It Be Fun?” In many ways, that simple addition defines the character and soul of our club. We are one of the most visited clubs in South Texas, perhaps even the whole state. Indeed, our very founding in 1936 was, in part, to accommodate weekend visitors to the Laguna Madre who enjoyed fishing our waters and recreating on the beach of South Padre Island. Many of those weekend vacationers from the upper Rio Grande Valley and other parts of Texas had to miss their Rotary meetings to make the trip. In the beginning, our club met on Saturday so these Rotarians could have a place to meet and maintain their attendance. When you make a trip to one of the best vacation spots in Texas, you’re already of a mind-set to be having fun, so it’s not surprising that from the very beginning, The Port Isabel Rotary club was attended by people who wanted to have fun. (make that “FUN!”) We are told often by Winter Texan visitors and others, that of all the clubs they’ve visited, ours is the most fun. Not to denigrate other clubs, but face it...luncheons packed with bankers, lawyers, successful executives and the like can sometimes be a little self absorbed, pretentious and stuffy. That’s not us!
The Alice Rotary Club is always first to Lend A Helping Hand where needed. We helped sort and distribute food from the Corpus Christi Food Bank at the Jim Wells County Food Distribution Day held on Tuesday, August 25th. A true act of Service Above Self when donating your time and hard work to such a worthy need in our community.
Rotary Club of Willacy county donates 3,000 protective medical masks to Willacy County EMS and 1,000 medical protective masks to Loaves and Fishes. Thank you to District 5930 District Governor Eddie Bartnesky, Past District Governor Andy Hagan, EMS Director Frank Torress, and Loaves and Fishes Ruben Garza. Rotary helping in keeping everyone safe. Masks will be distributed through all first responders, law enforcement, and medical personnel. Outstanding job to all club members and thank you for being a beacon on hope to many. #WeAreRotarians
The Rotary Club of Mission celebrated its centennial anniversary on Thursday, September 3, 2020, with the virtual participation of PRIP Mark Maloney, RI Director Suzi Howe, DG Eddie Bartnesky, IPDG Ellison Crider, PDG Andy Hagan, PDG Lauro Solis, DGE Amando Chapa, PDG Maxi Houser, DGN Kent Grier, PDG Debbie High and all the club members. The Mayor of Mission, Dr. Armando O'Cana, read a proclamation from the City of Mission and offered the Rotary Peace Pole a permanent home in the City Hall main entrance. Rotarian guests from Arizona, Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico joined in the event along with representatives from District 5931 Rotary Clubs, to congratulate the Club for this important milestone. Dr. Elaine Hernandez, the club president, was presented the "Rotary Alumni Global Service Award by PRIP Mark Maloney, and the Rotary Club of Mission received a beautiful centennial trophy on behalf of District 5930 by PDG Andy Hagan. Members from the Rotaract Club of Mission held a cupcake sale raising $200 for the RI Annual Fund and then an additional $900 was committed to the Annual Fund by individuals in the ceremony. Recognition was given to the Mission Historical Museum for sharing historical archives with the club.
Click the Read More for pictures
Submitted by Elaine Hernandez, President, 2020-2021
It was an honor for Alice Rotary Club and Jim Wells County Veteran’s Office to present Patriots Day in remembrance of 9/11/2001 with Guest Speaker J. Karl Clark LT Col Retired U.S. Army. Nineteen years ago. United States of America joined hands, hugged one another tight, prayed for the loss and those affected by this tragedy. We were bound by One Nation Under God. Today we came together to remember those who lost their lives. Even though we couldn’t hug or hold hands we are still One Nation Under God and we will never forget the sacrifices of the first responders and civilians that lost their lives that tragic day. As Mr. Clark spoke on his experience and knowledge on 9/11 we could not help but try and hold back the tears especially as we looked around the venue and saw our very own local Veterans and local First Responders (Alice Police Dept., Jim Wells County Sheriff Dept., Alice Fire Department and EMS) supporting this remembrance day with us. We will never forget!
As many of you may know, I have combined my love for motorcycle riding and service with a charity ride called RPM, which stands for Rotary Polio Moto. The sole mission of this Fundraising and Fellowship Motorcycle Ride through Rotary District 5930 is to end polio forever.
Registration proceeds will be submitted to The Rotary Foundation on behalf of a Rotarian’s club, if club information is provided. ** Donations of any amount are greatly appreciated and can be received by clicking on the link above**
Who is your hero? Heroes don't have to wear a cape...sometimes they wear a uniform...sometimes they simply wear a smile as they make a difference in your life, in our community, or in the world. Remember them. Honor them.
Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal disease. Fortunately, although incurable, Polio is easy to prevent. A child can be vaccinated for just 50p, protecting the child against this terrible disease for life.
Through one of the world’s biggest immunization programs, Polio has been 99 per cent eradicated – so this is one last push to destroy the disease for good.
Why is it called Purple Pinkie? When a child is vaccinated, they have a purple stamp put on their little finger. So each Purple Pinkie brings us closer to making Polio history.
Sweet Treat as a PolioPlus Fundraiser
Arrange with a local bakery or some members to make donut bars and ice them as shown with a "purple pinkie." Sell to your members, at the grocery store, at the bakery, anywhere - and Raise money and awareness of PolioPlus and Rotary.
How Might We . . . Lend a Helping Hand Training Seminar
We seek answers. We seek best practices. We want to share what we know.
HOW indicates that an answer, idea, or solution exists.
MIGHT says that there may be more than one answer.
WE suggests that we can work on and solve it together.
So, as we gather with other Rotarians in virtual training, how might we stay curious? How might we stay curious long enough to understand, instead of simply making sure we are understood?
When: Saturday, October 3, 8am-12 pm
What: Four Sessions covering Foundation and Public Image
How: Zoom Virtual Meeting
AND
When: Saturday, October 17, 8am-12 pm
What: Four Sessions covering Membership and Club Support
How: Zoom Virtual Meeting
Sessions topics have been generated from the responses to the survey sent to all members.
Sessions will give members and clubs concrete and actionable suggestions and tools to take back to their clubs.
This training counts toward fulling the requirements for the District Exemplary and Landing a Helping Hand awards for the year.
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of our Past District Governors and members. Don Ratcliff served as District Governor for 5930 in 1997-1998.
Services have been arranged.
Friday Sept 11 at 3:00pm
First United Methodist Church, 900 S. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Please follow current guidelines for Funerals with the celebration of Mass, such as
- Face masks or other coverings should be worn at all times
- Social Distancing will be observed, including when seated
Other guidelines and restrictions will be observed
Reception information is not available at this time.
Area of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy Month, Promote Literacy, and It's a time when Rotary clubs and districts highlight Rotaract by joining in projects with their Rotaract clubs.
Initiate Adult Education class
Involve Youngsters / College Students as Teachers
Initiate E-Learning / Happy School Projects
Distribute Libraries
Develop Traffic park for Children
Arrange Traffic Awareness Lectures in Schools & Colleges
October - Economic and Community development
Area of Focus: Economic and Community Development Month. This month also includes: International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on the 17th and World Polio Day on the 24th of October.
Develop Micro Credit system
Organize Awareness Seminar on Self-Employment at Colleges/Universities
Add some fun and exercise to your virtual meetings by planning and having a scavenger hunt!
Make a list of items that could easily be found around the house. You might use the alphabet to organize your list. Don’t share your list with anyone.
When you are ready to start, say the name of the item. For example, for the letter A, ask participants to search for a real apple and the first person to show it on the screen and say “Got It” gets the point. Move on to B and ask for a bell. Use the same procedure for the remainder of the letters of the alphabet and award a point to the first person that comes up with the item. After you go through the alphabet, announce the name of the individual that got the most points and declare him/her the winner. If possible, the winner will receive a prize.
You might also want to designate second and third place winners based on the number of points these individuals earned.
You can use other ways to organize your list. For example, you can use each of the letters of the phrase “Rotarians People of Action”. In this instance, you can ask participants to find a recipe to represent the letter R, an orange to represent the letter O, and so on. Make the process as difficult or as easy as you want.
If you want the Scavenger Hunt to be a Family Fun Night, involve your children and have them search for the items.
Before clubs can develop and do service projects - they need money to get supplies and materials. Here is video about Fundraising in a Virtual World from our Lt.Gov. of Community Service Jack Alspaugh.
As most of you know, the Rotary Foundation approved our grant request to provide clean water for 5000 residents in the five communities comprising Rigores, Trujillo, Honduras. It was approved for just under $110,000.00. One of the conditions of the grant was to to a hydro geological survey before the funding is released.
We do not have the results of the survey yet but we did met with Michael Wolfe, our consultant, who gathered the data to give to the hydro geologist. It is a very arid region so we may have to move our well site nearer a river to attain the water production we nd to serve 5000 people.
I have attached some photos of the process.
Thanks for your support of this project and I will keep you updated.
Two days ago we had the dedication of a new kindergarten in Agua Amarilla, Trujillo, Honduras. The 20 x 25 kindergarten was constructed by community residents....and made it so children did not have to cross the main road into Trujillo to go to kindergarten. Funding was provided by the Lloydminster Saskatchewan Canada Rotary Club and Ken and Dorothy Carson...Ken is a member of the club. The kinder was named in honor of the Carsons....Kinder Carson.
I have attached photos of the kinder and dedication ceremony.
Next week we will start a new kindergarten in the community of April the 18th funded by a grade school classmate of mine, Ken McCauley from Palm Springs, California. And, a second kindergarten classroom in Maranones funded primarily by the Middlebury Vermont Rotary Club.
Although a number of projects are on hold until after the coronavirus.....we are still moving on with construction of kindergartens. Thank you for your support!!! Please continue helping us make life better in the third world. A reminder....$5,000.00 gives you naming rights for a one classroom school or kinder.
We are two months into the Rotary Year and so far, it has been far from status quo. We are in the midst of a pandemic that has brought our life and economy, as we know it, to it’s knees. And to top it off, we had a hurricane sweep through the southern part of our District and another major one rip through the Rotary Districts just to our north. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those who have been affected by these events. As Rotarians, our natural instinct is to reach out to those in need and Lend A Helping Hand. But how can we do that and still keep everyone safe from the pandemic? I will be reaching out to my fellow District Governor classmates in these areas and offer our assistance. I will keep everyone abreast of their needs.
September is “Basis Education and Literacy Month”. According to Rotary International, “Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children & adults”. More than 775 million people over the age of 15 are illiterate. That’s 17% of the world’s population. This is an alarming statistic and one that Rotarians must not take lightly. I encourage clubs in the District to come up with impactful projects during the month of September that address Basic Education and Literacy. Let’ create awareness and take action.
Learning is a lifelong, ongoing activity. It energizes us to gain knowledge and to share it. Knowledge is power. Every Rotarian has the ability and opportunity to share knowledge. In our modern world, none of that knowledge can be shared without a literate audience. Basic Education and Literacy also saves lives. Understanding warning signs, directions and calculations all require a rudimentary ability to interpret words and numbers.
I have now met “virtually” with nearly half of the clubs in the District. As I continue with my “virtual club visits”, I look forward to hearing the great stories that each has to share. We are ROTARIANS, PEOPLE OF ACTION. So let’s all continue with our efforts to go out into your communities and LEND A HELPING HAND!!
Brownsville Sunrise Rotary Club Blood Drive in Collaboration with Brownsville City, Rancho Viejo Rotary Club Satellite, Brownsville Public Health, Valley Regional Medical Center, & Valley Baptist Medical Center.
Thursday, August 13th, was a great day for three(3) organizations! Rotary Club of Harlingen and Chick-fil-A served lunch to the City of Harlingen's STEC and Fire Depts. Chase Palmer, Rotary's Service Projects Committee Chair, coordinated with Chick-fil-A's franchise owner, Frank Castellanos, in an effort to show appreciation for the hard work and dedication involved in performing their selfless jobs. Our City's First Responders truly are demonstrating Rotary's "Service Above Self" motto by performing their challenging duties for the public.
Thank you First Responders! You have not gone unnoticed!
The Rotary Club of Brownsville Sunrise, City of Brownsville, Valley Regional Medical Center, and Valley Baptist have teamed up to conduct two blood drives and then plasma drives over the next weeks (September 1st, 14th, 15th, 24th & 30th from 1pm to 7pm). If you have recovered from COVID-19, we encourage you to donate your convalescent plasma during one of the upcoming Convalescent Plasma Drives being held in Brownsville.
Criteria to donate, includes:
1) Must have received an oral/nasal swab test with a positive result,
2) experienced symptoms, and, 3) fully recovered for a minimum of 28 days.
Our Vitalant partner is taking extra precautions to keep all donors safe, therefore, donations are by appointment only. Vitalant is testing blood donations for COVID-19 antibodies to find potential convalescent plasma donors.
If you or someone you know has recovered from COVID-19, please consider donating plasma to save lives. To sign up for blood or plasma donation visit: bloodhero.com or call (956) 213-7500.
Alice, Texas Rotary Club and Corpus Christi, Texas Evening Rotary Club worked together with NGO United By Friendship to purchase and deliver 50 medical grade thermometers to the medical facilities and village road block personnel to provide essential screening in Northern Guatemala. Unfortunately; there is no such equipment available in this area to monitor temperatures due to COVID-19. Alice Rotary Club are so happy to help in any capacity locally and internationally. #ServiceAboveSelf
Today our awesome club donated 15 cases of water to Loaves and Fishes in Raymondville. Club President Horacio Maldonado, Club Treasurer Ruben Garza, and Loaves and Fishes Leadership were present to receive the donation. Our commitment to our community is important as people of service. We are committed to helping those who help others. Thank you to all club members for your selfless devotion to service.
The new and improved My Rotary is LIVE. This is great news for members who will now have a faster and redesigned site that is easier to navigate and accessible on mobile devices.
Although most are already enjoying the new features, we are receiving feedback from some members that are experiencing technical difficulties with logging in but seeing an error message.
We have found that clearing the cookies in your cache seems to resolve the issue. Below we have the following instructions to clear the cache. At step 5, people can search for Rotary and remove/bin any cookies for Rotary websites.
We are sorry for this inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we continue to provide you with a better online member experience.
Image may contain: text that says "How do clear cookies for a particular website? Delete specific cookies 1. On your computer open Chrome. 2. At the top right, click More. Settings. 3. Under "Privacy and security," click Cookies and other site data. 4. Click See all cookies and site data. 5. At the top right, search for the website's name. 6. To the right of the site, click Remove.”
On Tuesday, August 11, The Rotary Club of Kingsville and DPS Highway Patrol helped with an Emergency Food Distribution event by the Coastal Bend Food Bank to support 500 families in need in the Kingsville area. Pictured from Kingsville Rotary are President, Justinn J. Jones, and Director of Community Service, Danny Peña.
On Monday, August 10, 2020 the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass had the pleasure of Alan Wilson from the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi come speak to our Club. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Club, as well as every other civic organization in Aransas Pass, has been challenged by a means to raise money to meet our financial obligations. The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass supports APISD in the form of Scholarships and the EAFK Program as well as Project Graduation and Bicycles for Faulk and Charlie Marshall Elementary Schools. We support Aransas Pass in the form of Literacy Donations, Aransas Pass for Youth and the TriCounty Christian Service Center. We also participate with Rotary international in the 4-Way Speech Contest and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards as well as contribute to an International Project each year.
Karen Gayle invited Alan to come and share successful moneymaking projects his Club has utilized in recent years. Alan arrived with his wife, Catrina, also with the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi and Lysa Chapman, Executive Director of the Corpus Christi Club. Alan provided a multi-page manual as well as multiple pictures and much information our Club will utilize in the upcoming months. All three were available for questions at the end of Alan’s presentation. We were excited that Alan took time away from his job at Charter Bank Corpus Christi to come and speak to our Club.
Picture: Alan Wilson from the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi
Membership and New Club Development Month, a time to focus on Rotary's continuing need for growth, to seek new members and form new clubs.
Update your classifications list and circulate among members and accordingly fill up the Vacancies
Educate members about membership Procedure
Induct New Members
Invite Detractors to join Rotary
Consider inviting Local Personalities to be Inducted as Honorary Members
Organize Seminar on Club level & a Public meeting inviting non rotary friends and Rotary Alumni to emphasis Advantages of Joining Rotary
September - Basic Education & Literacy
Area of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy Month, Promote Literacy, and It's a time when Rotary clubs and districts highlight Rotaract by joining in projects with their Rotaract clubs.
Initiate Adult Education class
Involve Youngsters / College Students as Teachers
Initiate E-Learning / Happy School Projects
Distribute Libraries
Develop Traffic park for Children
Arrange Traffic Awareness Lectures in Schools & Colleges
Early in my Rotary career, I was appointed as the Membership Chair of my club. Back then, we were following the “Classification System”. It was designed to allow into club membership, two Rotary members for each occupation classification. Over time, Rotary has migrated away from this membership style. Clubs are now made up of business people from within our communities and their friends and/or acquaintances. Every club has their own culture and it may not appeal to everyone in the community. Hence, we have become very “clickish”. In today’s world, . . .
You may have seen this already but I thought I would pass it on as an opportunity for a community project.
This is an amazing project for your Club or District. You can purchase and donate masks for a single school or an entire School District. You can customize these masks in many different ways, or simply give us a color and two-line school name.
These masks are machine washable, double sided, tightly woven cotton. These are not medical-grade face masks - they meet CDC recommendations for cloth face masks.
Please email our Custom Product Specialists at custom@ruh.com
“Growing Effective Leaders and Faithful Members for a Stronger Community”
Welcome to Rotary Year 20/21! As discussed in the last episode, our Rotary International theme this year from RI President Holger Knaack is “Rotary Opens Opportunities.” Our Rotary District 5930 theme this year from District Governor Eddie Bartnesky is “Lend a Helping Hand.” Our Rotary Club of Kingsville theme this year is “Growing Effective Leaders and Faithful Members for a Stronger Community.” So why do we need a Club theme? Allow me to answer your question…with a question: “What is a theme?”
To me, a theme helps provide focus. It’s similar to the topic or main idea sentence we learned about in elementary school. It tells your audience what you’re going to tell them before you tell them. It also serves to remind us what we’re doing and why. Let’s look deeper…
We were disappointed that COVID 19 wiped out our opportunity for our major annual fundraiser...a clay shoot. We weighed the possibilities of having a clayshoot in the fall or cancel completely and reschedule for the traditional last weekend in April 2021. We worried that having two clay shoots within 9 months might dilute the attendance and the enjoyment. We elected to cancel the 2020 event and hold the annual clayshoot at the traditional time frame of the last weekend in April 23-25. We may have to scale back on grants this fall...but not too much.
COVID 19 has the club meeting in person and by Zoom each week. We are getting about 25 members at the Country Club weekly on a regular basis with an additional 10 online. Before COVID we were averaging about 50 per meeting. It is our plan to continue both Zoom and in-person meetings for now.
Our three Victoria clubs are working together to plan events to boost membership in all three clubs.
The dedicated members of the Rotary Club of Willacy County will be in having their 2nd Annual School Supply Drive August 3-21, 2020.
We have partnered with local businesses to make this happen and we couldn't be happier. As the future of the school system is not the same as in past years, the need for school supplies is still needed. It's our due diligence as people of action to lend a helping hand to our community and families in these challenging times.
Thanks - Horacio Maldonado and Rotary Club of Willacy County
Rotary, as a whole, has dedicated its existence to “Service Above Self.” Alice Rotary Club truly takes this to heart and the same can be said for so many organizations all around the world. But for one local organization, focused on saving lives, we, here at the Alice Rotary Club, found ourselves in the amazing position to offer up a helping hand. In light of the Coronavirus basically shutting down the world and our limited access to hands on projects, we still wanted to help where there was a need.
The interest in helping the HALO-Flight organization has been on the radar for some time but was a project of our President Nena Pitts. Sadly, we were not able, in the past, to find a way to assist them, but our Acting President, Bruce Hoffman, found a way to make this come to fruition.
In addition to canceled fund raisers and battling unexpected excessive costs, both of which are related to the COVID-19 (coronavirus), HALO-Flight continues to serve the people of our area daily at risk of contracting the virus themselves. Having said that the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) and other supplies are vital for both patient and staff protection.
This is where the Alice Rotary Club and Rotary District 5930 come in. Acting President Hoffman, explained that the $3000 gift (HALO-Flight COVID -19 Support Grant) is a matching grant from Rotary District 5930 and the Alice Rotary Club with each contributing $1500. This money is dedicated for the use of COVID related PPE.
HALO-Flight is a private, non-profit organization, and the exclusive air ambulance service for South Texans since 1987, HALO-Flight relies on the generous support of businesses, philanthropic organizations and individuals to keep the Mission alive every day. As mentioned before the organization has canceled many fund raisers that fund most of the actions taken to save lives.
If you are interested in helping this life saving organization please feel free to check out their website, haloflight.org. One way you can help them out while insuring yourself is the Guardian Plan. For more information on the Guardian Plan or to donate, please check out haloflight.org.
The Alice Rotary Club, its Board of Directors, and District 5930, are delighted to be able to help the professionals at HALO-Flight. To say we are grateful for their service to Alice and South Texas would not do justice to our feelings about their service.
Thanks - Pete Crisp for the story and Ted Bearden for the photo from the Alice Rotary Club
Alice Rotary Club sponsored a COVID-19 testing site for Alice and its surrounding community Friday, May 1, 2020 at FESCO, Inc. Thank you Mr. Steve Findley (FESCO owner) for allowing us to set up this station at your facility that was run by Dr. Eric Nisimblat (Alice Pediatric Clinic) and his staff.
It is important to test as many symptomatic people in our area. We are in this together and follow our 4-Way Test.
The Four-Way Test of the things we think, say or do is a test used by Rotarians world-wide as a moral code for personal and business relationships. The test can be applied to almost any aspect of life.
1. Is it the TRUTH? Yes, this virus is present and we need test. 2. Is it FAIR to all concerned? Yes, it’s fair to all mankind that we do our part in this battle. 3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Yes, it’s for the betterment of our world to test those affected and we make better friendships along the way. 4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all? YES, by testing for COVID-19 and knowing those who need medical help is one step closer to victory in this battle against the invisible enemy.
Thank you Dr. Nisimblat and staff for all you are doing to ensure safety and good health in our community and taking the ultimate risk by doing what you do for us.
Did you know that a club's Fundraiser or special event can be added to the district calendar? You don't even have to email the webmaster - Do It Yourself!
The new Calendar Items module allows you place notes or messages on the calendar and event list page without the need to create an event. Calendar Items also lets you create recurring or repeating notes or messages. Which is perfect for weekly meetings.
As more and more clubs shift to online meetings, the common question arises - how can we publicize our virtual meetings, and share our link securely?
Now, you can do just that, right through the recently enhanced Club Info widget on your Club's version of ClubRunner, built into your website and bulletin. Best of all, the Club Directory on your district website will update automatically to showcase that your club meets online.
Worried about security? We’ve got you covered! Your online meeting details will remain private and will only be accessible to District members upon logging in. This means you can share your meeting password with ease without having to worry about unwanted guests or meeting crashers.
Rotary has designated months to help clubs Develop meeting agendas, projects, or public image campaigns based on these special occasions.
The Concept is to give all the clubs of the District a Blueprint of the types of Service Projects, which could be indulged, during the Year, and help plan the activities of the year, mostly based on the Rotary Calendar i.e. Rotary Designated Months.
Supporting the environment becomes Rotary’s new area of focus
The Rotary Foundation Trustees and RI Board of Directors both unanimously approved adding a new area of focus: supporting the environment. Creating a distinct area of focus for the environment will give Rotary members even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact. More details will be announced soon.
Five years ago Debbie and Joe High (PDG and First Dude) had the vision and inspiration to see that the district needed an app for smartphones to improve the tools available for our members. The app was well received, but there have been issues with implementation and wide-spread acceptance.
Fast forward to July 1, 2020. District 5930 is proud to announce the introduction and rollout of the New and Improved District app. It is a Game-changing app with the following features and implementation.
Using new technologies, we bypass the app stores (Apple App store and Google Play). Many folks had difficulty downloading due to lost or unknown passwords, multi step process and constant updates. See below for the app to delete on your phones and tablets.
All features work on all devices. The meeting bell works everywhere and printing works everywhere.
More features - Grants, My Rotary link, expanded YouTube channel, Community Service area, RLI link
Thanks to the leadership of District Governor Debbie High in 2016-2017 and First Dude Joe High for the inspiration to have this app developed for District 5930. It strives to provides better communication and information sharing for the Rotarians of the district.
Add it to your smartphone and/or tablet today!
It is FREE. Go to https://district5930.com, your browser will take you to the District app home screen.
How to I add it the home screen on a smartphone or tablet? Yes, it can be on multiple devices.
Apple - On iPhones - At the bottom of the browser screen in the middle is a up facing arrow inside a box, click (select) the icon. On iPads - At the top right is a up facing arrow inside a box, click (select) the icon. A pop-up screen will appear, scroll up, from the list select “Add to Home Screen”, another screen will appear, select Add at the upper right corner. Watch a How-to video for iOS.
Android - At the top right of the browser screen click the three dots, from the list select “Add to Home Screen”, another screen will appear, select Add. Watch a How-to video for Android.
Camille Playhouse Sound Upgrade by the Historic Brownsville Rotary Club
Grant monies were requested to assist the non-profit, Camille Playhouse, upgrade its sound technology. By upgrading the sound equipment, we hoped to improve the overall experience of the attending patrons and that of the local talented artists who participate in the various plays held throughout the year. Our project goal was to help maintain a place that unites the community, fosters relationships and has a lasting impact on its artists.
With the grant monies awarded, equipment was researched and most was purchased in October of 2019. Several Rotarians helped install this equipment in December 2019. The intent was to have the sound equipment ready for the 2019-2020 largest production of the season, Disney's Beauty and Beast, held in December 2020. The goal was accomplished. Double AA Batteries for some of the wireless equipment were also purchased in December after we learned roughly 100 batteries are needed per production. Everything took place at the Camille Playhouse located at 1 Dean Porter Park in Brownsville, TX.
This is a portion of the COVID protection gear purchased in Guatemala with the Global Grant sponsored by the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi and Guatemala Norte Rotary Club – a total of 24 regional hospitals will be supported.
Leaders in Rotary Youth Exchange joined together for the first ever Youth Exchange Officers Postconvention virtual event on 27-28 June. They learned about best practices for participating in the program, and heard inspiring messages from Rotary International President Mark Maloney, and President-elect Holger Knaack, and alumni of Rotary Youth Exchange.
Our own Dr. Elaine Hernandez, 2020 Rotary Alumni Global Service Award recipient from Mission Rotary Club was one of the keynote speakers at the Rotary Youth Exchange officers post convention event. She did a great job. Click the Read More link to watch her speech.
As I look back to when I started planning for my journey as District Governor, I envisioned meeting many new people, traveling all around the District and shaking hands with everyone.
But the world has changed and continues to change in ways that we never imagined. Sue & I attended International Assembly in San Diego this past January and we met people from all around the world. What a wonderful experience. We not only learned more about Rotary but also had the opportunity to experience the different cultures of Rotarians from around the world. Little did we know that this COVID-19 pandemic was growing and about to change our lifestyles for some time to come. At the International Assembly, Holger Knaack, incoming RI President, revealed his Rotary theme, “Rotary Opens Opportunities”.
On Monday, June 15, 2020, the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass had the pleasure of inducting David Hilarides into the Club. David is the new General Manager of Sparklight and he was sponsored by Juli Blanda, the previous GM and newly appointed Division Vice President of Sparklight. Our Club is excited to induct a person who has demonstrated the Rotary Four Way Test:
Hello, my fellow Rotarians and the leadership for the 2020-2021 year in District 5930, My name is Jack Alspaugh and our incoming Governor for this Rotary year Eddie Bartnesky has asked me to take on the task of Community Service. He and I both feel that if we become more engaged in our local communities it will help to build and sustain our membership and strengthen our Public Image.
I am reaching out to you as a resource to help with projects in your communities and I am looking to build a team of members throughout our District to accomplish this task.
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
Representatives for the 2020-2023 Council cycle must be selected by 30 June 2020 and reported to Rotary International. Selection requirements and duties for representatives can be found in Article 9 of the RI Bylaws.
Through emails as part of our Virtual District Conference 2020, we elected our representative. Congratulations to PDG Arthur Zeitler of the Corpus Christi Rotary Club.
Rotary International and Rotary District 5930 publish annual financial statements to the full membership. We encourage all who are interested to examine the attached documents.
This notice informs you that a vote to ratify the District 5930 Financial Statements from 2018-2019 will be sent to Club Presidents and Secretaries via email on August 7, 2020 with a return date of August 14, 2020. Each club will have one vote.
Rotary International and Rotary District 5930 publish our annual financial statements to the full membership. We encourage all who are interested to examine the attached documents.
This notice informs you that a vote to ratify the District 5930 Financial Statements from 2017-2018 will be sent to Club Presidents and Secretaries via email on June 9, 2020 with a return date of June 16, 2020. Each club will have one vote.
The first vote on this matter at the District Conference in June, 2019 was tabled for incomplete information provided.
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 Council on Legislation is held every three years and is the legislative body of Rotary International (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.
The Councils give us a voice in how our organization is governed.
Council Representative
Every district selects a representative to serve at the Councils on Resolutions and the Council on Legislation that takes place during the Council term from 1 July 2023 through 30 June 2026. The Council representatives will represent their district at the:
· 2023, 2024, and 2025 Councils on Resolutions
· 2025 Council on Legislation
Representatives and alternates must be selected by 30 June 2023 and reported to Rotary International. Selection requirements and duties for representatives can be found in Article 9 of the RI Bylaws.
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
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?
Well we are almost ready for the Grand Finale of the Rotary Year 2016/17. It is not just the District, but all Club Presidents are looking at the end of their year of service. It has been Debbie’s and my privilege to serve you. It has been a busy, exciting, and at times challenging year. We have been blessed to make many new friends all over our District. We are so proud to be members of a District that has so many Service Projects in our communities, regions, nationally and worldwide.
Later this week, I hope to get to visit and enjoy your fellowship at the 2016/17 Rotary District Conference. Taking the time to reflect on the success of this year is a valuable exercise.
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
District 5930 elects this representative at our District Conference. The three Past District Governors in consideration are: (nominated by their clubs and listed by order of year served a DG)
James "JD" Simpson
Maxie Houser
Arthur Zeitler
Representatives’ Duties
Duties of a Council representative are as follows:
Assist clubs in preparing proposed resolutions and enactments;
Discuss proposed resolutions and enactments at district meetings;
Be knowledgeable of the attitudes of Rotarians within the district;
Give critical consideration to all proposed resolutions and enactments and effectively communicate his or her views on such proposals to the Councils;
Act as an objective legislator;
Participate in the Council on Resolutions;
Attend the Council on Legislation for its full duration; and
Report on the deliberations of the Councils to his or her clubs following the meetings of the Councils.
Representatives are also required to complete an online representative course and Council training at their 2018 Rotary Institute in preparation for the 2019 Council on Legislation. Their participation at the Institute is not funded by Rotary International.
Each club is entitled to a minimum of one vote, which is determined by using the club’s paid membership as of the most recent club invoice. Those clubs that have over 25 members are entitled to an additional vote for every additional 25 members, or major fraction thereof. All votes from clubs with more than one vote shall be cast for the same candidate; a club may not split its vote. If votes are split in a club, they will be considered spoiled votes.
The candidate who receives a majority (50% + 1) of the votes cast is named the representative. If there are only two candidates, the candidate failing to receive a majority of votes shall be the alternate representative, to serve in the event the representative is unable to serve. When there are more than two candidates, the balloting shall be by single transferable ballot. At such point in the single transferable ballot process that one candidate receives a majority of the votes cast, the candidate who has the second highest number of votes shall be the alternate representative.
Ballots will be provided to members attending Session 1 on Saturday morning, May 6, 2017 at 9:00 am. One ballot per club with the number of votes listed based on January 1, 2017 membership number. The election will occur during that session with the votes tallied and results provided at the end of the session. Clubs need to have a member present to cast the ballot.
Timeline for the 2017-2020 Council Cycle
A representative’s work spreads across their three-year Council term. The cycle is as follows:
30 June 2017
Selection of representatives and alternates Resolution submission deadline
1 July 2017
Representative’s Council term begins
Late 2017
2017-18 Council on Resolutions (date to be determined)
End Polio Night with the Vipers took place on March 25, 2017 at the State Farm Arena in Hidalgo County.The event included six Rio Grande Valley Rotary clubs teaming together with the Western Conference Champions RGV Vipers basketball organization to raise money for the eradication of Polio.
As a Rotary year closes, clubs need to apply or send in information to receive the Presidential Citation from Rotary International or the Club Exemplary Award from District 5930. In the past the deadline was March 31 and there several applications to complete and send. NOT THIS YEAR!
Tasks can be done by the Club President, Club Secretary or Club Executive Secretary.
For the Exemplary Club Awards: Use this document (also available on the public side of our website and given to your President during the Official DG/Board meeting).
The only data entry needed using ClubRunner is the normal Secretary and Officer work done continuously all year long. Nothing specific for these awards.
However it is best to make sure your officers are listed in ClubRunner for next year. This will ensure that the new District Leadership can reach them and they will have access to ClubRunner and Rotary Club Administration areas and Rotary Club Central. Directions for how to do enter Club Officers in ClubRunner.
HOWEVER - WE DO REQUIRE:
Item 3. Reported club officers for the upcoming Rotary year to data@rotary.org no later than the end of May 2017 (That is also an RI requirement)
This year five of Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi Rotaract students will be traveling to Atlanta for the Rotary International Convention. We are excited to grow as young professionals and thriving future Rotarians on a global level. Our goal is to raise $1200 to cover our traveling expenses. In the next few months we will be working hard to plan bake sales, car washes, and profit share events with local restaurants.
We are open to come talk to Rotary Clubs or send a short video to share our efforts. If you can support us in anyway that you can please let us know.
To the Interact Clubs of District 5930, we would like to offer our services for any of your club projects that we could assist you with on Saturday, May 20, 2017 while we are attending our District 5870 Conference in Corpus Christi.
Let us know if we can help you in any way.
If yes, please respond to my contact information below.
Thank to you RI President John (Judy) Germ, DGN / MDD Chair Andy Hagan, the MDD Committee, District 5930 Rotarians and our families and Friends of Rotary for a historic event March 11, 2017.
The wildfires that swept across the Texas Panhandle beginning on March 6 left in their wake tragic human losses as well as about 440,000 acres of charred land in eight counties, hundreds of miles of burned fences and uncounted number of dead or injured animals as reported by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service.
LTG Youth Services Joseph Michael Dickerson organized our First Annual D5930 Rotary Polio MOTO event March 25th and 26th
819 miles in two days through Rotary District 5930 (and Beeville) with 7 MOTO Rotarians and Friends of Rotary, plus the “Chase SUV” with Rotarian Cat Dickerson and Future Rotarian Charlotte.
Fun, Fellowship, Food, Polio and Rotary Awareness, Donations and Pledges
PolioPlus Goal:$5,000 – doubled at $10,000 and counting!
“Born to be wild. And end Polio.” Rotarian Tim Dowling, Rotary Club of Corpus Christi stated on a Facebook post.
Click on the Read More to see the pictures from across the District.
End Polio Night with the Vipers
On March 25th, the District 5930 Valley Rotary Club network participated, sponsored and attended the 2nd annual End Polio Night with the Vipers. Organized by Harlingen Rotary Club member, Doyle Clark, it is estimated over $15,250 was raised. Stay tuned for a full story about the event, the total raised, and photos from Rotarian Doyle.
In one weekend Rotarians, and friends of Rotary, across District 5930, raised over $25,000 for polio! “Going the Distance to Beat Polio!”
Thank you for your efforts and enthusiasm in growing our district membership. We are at a net positive of 50 members as of February 2017. We are #1 in Zone 21b. Congratulations!!!!!
My message to all Rotary members of our great district is that membership development is the responsibility of each and every one of us; and if you have not brought in a members this Rotary year,
The purpose is simple: Obtain more involvement and engagement between local communities and foreign cultures that includes Foreign-owned Enterprises (FOEs) or those businesses that operate globally, as well as those foreign/ethnic community groups and employees of diverse ethnic backgrounds..
Event: UHV's International Festival
Please see the flyer (click the image on the Read More section) about the International Festival on April 19th from 6-8PM.
Please contact the International Department at the University of Houston - Victoria for more information at (361) 570-4109 and we hope that some of you can come.
Stigma and superstition Hunted for body parts and isolated by fear, Tanzanians with albinism find safe futures with the help of Rotary and Martha Mganga, a 54-year old Rotary community advocate who is one of her country’s most prolific campaigners for the rights of people with albinism. It is one of the ways Rotary is working to improve the lives of women.
Door prize – value - $50, suggestions - gift basket, gift cards
Project Display board of your signature project for fundraising or community involvement to share
A list of names with details and a picture of members who passed this year for our Celebration of Life. Send to JD Simpson at jdsrotary5930@gmail.com by April 21, 2017.
What we need from Rotarians:
Donation of an item for our Mystery Box.This is a large box filled with all manner of things –pretty things, kitchen things, small appliances, gift cards, games, garden things, TV things, all manner of things. We guarantee that the box contains at least $2000 worth of merchandise. Raffle tickets will be on sale for $10. Only 1000 tickets will be sold. Send it to District 5930, PO Box 51, Rockport, TX 78381. Call Nancy Paulson, 361-463-8791 or Terri Whitman, 361-205-7122 for more information. Winning ticket will be drawn on May 6, 2017 at the Governor's Banquet Dinner.
Honor the Women in Rotary – attend a luncheon in Harlingen.
Your attendance at a Party – Friday night – Cinco de Mayo.
Come to the All Club Lunch on Saturday, May 6.
Be an audience member at several performances on Saturday. Especially – Amanda Wirtz
Walk on Sunday for Polio.
All this will give you a better view of our District and provide some fun for you and your family in Rockport and Fulton.
Available to either Clubs or Rotarians:
We are offering a new service of having Rotary merchandise on sale at the conference. i.e. totes, banners, lapel pins, shirts, etc. If you or you club would like a table, we have 5 available at $50 each. We must have your email requesting a table by May 3. First committed, first paid. All merchandise must have the new Rotary logo.
Thank you for for attention to these needs as we plan and prepare for YOUR Conference of Rotary Clubs.
Chairpersons of the Planning Committee for 2016-2017 District Conference of Rotary Clubs
There is an opportunity to “plant the seeds of growth” in our Rotaract Clubs. There are approximately 9,522 Rotaract clubs world-wide, with greater than 290 thousand members. There are possibly as many Rotaract Clubs that have the same type of data integrity struggles as Rotary Clubs.
HAPPENING MARCH/RPM UPDATE - End Polio Now D5930 fundraiser
organized by Lieutenant Governor for Youth Services, Joseph Michael Dickerson
We are still working to get the word out to all of our Rotary District. All of your help in spreading the news about this motorcycle ride to raise funds for END POLIO NOW happening March 25-26 throughout our district is greatly appreciated.
More information by clicking the read more button.
You are invited you to attend the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Harvey Weil Sportsman Conservationist Award Dinner on Saturday, March 18, 2017. The event honors the life and achievements of Harvey Weil, a longtime South Texas sportsman, attorney, conservationist and Rotarian who dedicated his life to the preservation of nature and sportsmanship. To perpetuate Harvey’s legacy, distinguished individuals are honored at the dinner as the recipients of the Harvey Weil Sportsman Conservationist of the Year and Professional Conservationist of the Year awards. The event raises endowment funds used to award grants that support research and education in the conservation of natural resources. Since 1998, over $780,000 in grants has been awarded through the financial support of the dinner.
We are happy to announce Steve C. Lewis is our Conservationist of the Year and Dr. Joan Holt is the Professional Conservationist of the Year.
Individual reservations are $200. For more information, please contact Lysa Chapman at 361.882.8672, Lysa@rotarycc.com, or visit www.rotarycc.com.
The Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club sponsors a Global Scholar - Crystal Nwosu. Here is a letter from Crystal about her experience.
Dear Rotarians of South Side Rotary Club,
It is nearing the half way mark of my Global Grant Scholarship period and all I have to say is: WOW.
Firstly, thank you again for selecting me and giving me the necessary support and funding. My actions will continue to support your organization’s aim to “Do Good in the World.”
Dear fellow Rotarians,Rotary will be partnering with other service organizations in an International Week of Service, 25-31 March 2017. All over the world, volunteers like you are working to improve their communities. In the spirit of Rotary Serving Humanity, I ask you to invite another local service group to volunteer with you.
On Saturday, April 22, 2017, Rotary Districts 5750 and 5770 are hosting the second annual Sooner Rotaract Institute (SRI) at the University of Oklahoma! SRI is a full-day Rotaract training event featuring experts in the fields of leadership, public relations, communications, club membership, and more. Our mission is to equip Rotaractors with the information, skills, and resources necessary to make their Rotaract clubs and districts as strong as possible.
District 5930 held our second Cadre/Membership Matters workshop in Laredo, Texas on Saturday February 11, 2017. Rotarian and Cadre presenter Susan Urban from Oklahoma City delivered an award winning training to a captive audience of Rotarians, new, and prospective members, representing eight Rotary clubs. Our district now has two workshops under our belt and has reinforced again, how important they are for membership development.
All Club Youth Luncheon following the District 5930 Four Way Test Speech Competition will be held Sat. April 1, 2017 at TAMU-Kingsville. The flyer is located on the D5930 Website.
Do you have what it takes to become a dynamic leader and change not only yourself but the world?
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) is an intensive leadership experience organized by Rotary clubs and districts where you develop your skills as a leader while having fun and making connections.
In Memoriam - Past District Governor Obie L. Etheridge
Rotarians and friends in D5930, who knew Past District Governor Obie L. Etheridge, were deeply saddened by his death on January 24, 2017. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Obie's family.
He joined the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi in 1968, serving as president in 1976-77. He was chosen as Governor of District 593 for Rotary year 1981-1982, an area with 45 clubs, stretching from El Campo to Rio Grande City. (Now District 5930.) The Rotary Presidential theme was World Understanding and Peace through Rotary. The District Governors must visit and meet with every club during the first half of their year. Obie declared that the missions of Rotary and Masonry are so much alike that he had to think twice to remember which he was visiting.
Obie will be affectionately remembered as a valuable friend and a truly ‘great Rotarian’. Our thoughts are with his family.
Rest In Peace Past District Governor Obie
Service Information
Visitation was held on Friday, January 27, 2017 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in Seaside Funeral Home.
A Funeral Service was held on Saturday, January 28, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at Seaside Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Seaside Memorial Park.
Thank you for thoughts and prayer for PDG Obie's family and friends,
In Memoriam - Past District Governor Obie L. Etheridge
In 2017-18, we’ll answer the question “What is Rotary?” with RI President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley’s theme, Rotary: Making a Difference. “Whether we’re building a new playground or a new school, improving medical care or sanitation, training conflict mediators or midwives, we know that the work we do will change people’s lives — in ways large and small — for the better.”
The RI President in his monthly message ponders how much has changed in our world and our organization since the first Rotary Club met 112 years ago. As he notes there are many obvious things that have changed, but there are things that we just can’t compare or know, we must believe that the world is a better place because we as Rotarians are here.
In 1916, The Boston Red Sox beat the Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) four games to one in the World Series. Woodrow Wilson was elected the 33rd President of the United States; in Europe, World War I was raging and the Battle of Verdun claimed more than 900,000 casualties; in the Rio Grande Valley, the Rotary Club of Brownsville was founded and officially chartered.
On December 1, 1916, that charter was delivered by the president of the Corpus Christi Rotary Club; the new club, Rotary Club No. 255, boasted 40 members. The club first met at the historic Miller Hotel on Elizabeth Street. Since that time the Rotary Club of Brownsville has more than lived up to its dedication to “service above self.”
In 2015-2016, The Rotary Club of Kingsville organized a project to raise rabbits for food and income in a poor village in Nepal which had been devastated by an earthquake. The project was carried out by Mr. Ujjwal Chapagain, owner of the Himalayan Rabbit Farm, under the supervision of the Rotary Club of Tripureshwor, Nepal. Professor Steven Lukefahr, a noted expert in rabbit projects at Texas A&M University-Kingsville, suggested that we contact Mr. Chapagain, and was good enough to provide technical advice.
Make sure the names of all current (RY 2016-17) and all future officers (RY 2017-18) are entered in ClubRunner as soon as possible and no later than 1 February. Minimum - President, President Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary. Add your “Trilogy Squad”: Membership, Foundation and Public Image chairs/directors. Add all other executives and directors. Directions on “how to”
Confirm that e-mail addresses for all members are current
Fellow Rotarians, I am EXCITED to announce that we will be rolling out a Motorcycle Ride around District 5930 to raise funds and awareness to support Rotary International’s END POLIO NOW campaign. We will start on SATURDAY, MARCH 25th in LAREDO, TEXAS.
The Ride ...
The plan is pass by or stop at many Rotary cities within District 5930. Rotarians and non-Rotarians can get involved by riding, donating, or hosting an event.
This motorcycle ride and fundraiser is part of something bigger than our South Texas District. This is a part of a global initiative to eliminate this crippling disease from the planet. View the whole Route log(as of 1/31/2017, subject to change).
Join in On Fundraising ...
Every dollar counts and the dollars you contribute could be the dollars that finally help the Polio Plus program achieve its goal of complete eradication.
All donations are a tax-deductible contribution.
Plus! Rotarians will receive credit for a Polio Plus donation, so please make a note of your Rotary club name & member number as your donation dedication.
Make Check Payable to: RI Foundation FBO Polio Plus (FBO means For Benefit Of)
Other Ways You Can Help ...
Click the Read More link to find out ways you and your club can help.
Seminar Focus: “Trilogy Squad” - membership, foundation, and public image in a mutually supportive manner.
Date, Time, Place: Seminar Scheduled for February 11, 2017 from 9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. at the Embassy Suites by Hilton at 110 Calle del Norte, Laredo, TX 78040
2nd RI/Zone 21b/27 Cadre Membership Training to be offered for areas 6, 7, & 12 – Laredo and beyond.
You do not want to miss this new and innovative consulting experience!
The leadership of Rotary District 5930 proudly established the Military Veterans Scholarship Program to help eligible honorably discharged veterans pursue their higher education goals.
On December 14, 2016, at the meeting of The Laredo Rotary Club, District Governor Debbie High and Assistant Governor Juan Lira presented the first two scholarships to two outstanding and very deserving veterans. They are Richard Zundt and Sergio Hernandez.
This new Military Veterans Scholarship Program was made possible through a District Designated Fund (DDF) Grant because of the generous donations to The Rotary Foundation by D5930 Rotarians and clubs three years ago.
I am Mike Dickerson, Lieutenant Governor for Youth Services for District 5930. For those of you who know me, you won't be surprised that I have come up with a wild and fun idea to raise funds for a cause, we as Rotarians, hold dear to our hearts. And this time, I have managed to convince some of my fellow Laredo Rotary Club members to consider joining me! We hope you will too.
Fellow Rotarians, I am EXCITED to announce that we will be rolling out a Motorcycle Ride around District 5930 to raise funds and awareness to support Rotary International’s END POLIO NOW campaign. We will start on SATURDAY, MARCH 25th in LAREDO, TEXAS.
Ingleside Rotary Club invited all to their Paul Harris Christmas Party on Dec 17 at the Ingleside Municipal Airport. By all accounts it was a success. They are even looking to continue and expand for next year.
As Reported:
Nine people were honored recently with the Paul Harris Fellow award, presented by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
About 50 Rotary members, family, and friends gathered Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at the Third Coast Squadron-Commemorative Air Force Museum to celebrate the recipients.
How do you know that your Job is…well something more than a Job?
As the Governor noted in her January message, it is Vocational Service Month. Over the years, I have struggled with the Vocational part of Rotary. Several of the clubs I have been with required a 5-minute classification talk. I have always avoided these talks until I joined Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club.
EarlyAct FirstKnight® (or EAFK) is a powerful, daily character education program for elementary and middle schools, made available by The Knights of The Guild and Rotary. Created by Dr. Randall Parr and sponsored by local Rotary Clubs, EAFK creatively teaches and motivates students to become more civil, service-oriented people during their most formative years.
Several clubs across the district have established the EAFK program in local elementary schools. The students, schools and clubs are stepping up to the challenge of service projects, giving back to the community and giving to the Rotary Foundation for Polio Plus.
Read about two projects by clicking the Read More button.
Wilson G. from the Corpus Christi Evening Club has a connection for a great presentation that is very near and dear to his heart put on by Mr. Chamberlain.
It's an overview of the state's efforts to help adults with disability find work. Mr. Chamberlain travels the state and presents to different organizations, including Rotary clubs.
He's looking for some help connecting with the clubs down here. Please email the webmaster, Nancy Paulson, Nancy@RockportWebSites.com if you and/or your club might be interested in making arrangements to have this guest speaker at your club.
Marilyn Spencer, PDG from 2006-2007 and a member of Southside Corpus Christi was recently honored in her vocation. An example of what DG Debbie shared in her words and about the Second Object of Rotary - Vocational Service.
District Governor Debbie recent had her official visit with the San Benito Rotary Club. This is a small club of just 11 members, currently. By the look at the two videos in the read more section they have some interesting projects and enthusiastic helpers.
The Laredo Rotary Club offers one of the most unique service programs with the Diploma Plus program for high school seniors at-risk of dropping out.
Working in cooperation with all of the local public high schools, Rotary volunteers and volunteers from the Rotary family, school Counselors recommend students who are most at-risk.
One or two volunteers are designated liaisons for each of the nine high schools. The volunteers mentor the students and track their progress.
As Rotarians we support many clean water projects around the globe to give communities the ability to develop and maintain sustainable water and sanitation systems and support studies related to water and sanitation.
On December 14th a Water Crisis hit close to home in Corpus Christi that initially impacted over 320,000 residents. There was a “no water use” ban in effect.
Rotary All Stars, the Object of Rotary is a philosophical statement of Rotary’s purpose and the responsibilities of Rotarians. The concept of vocational service is rooted in the Second Object, which calls on Rotarians to “encourage and foster:”
High ethical standards in business and professions
The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations and
The dignifying of each Rotarian’s occupation as an opportunity to serve society.
District Governor Debbie High is honored and delighted to announce that, unofficially, we have a new District Governor for the year 2019-2020. The District 5930 District Governor Nominating team has chosen Ellison Crider of the Corpus Christi Evening Rotary Club.
Congratulations to Ellison and to his wife Fay. Ellison is a 30 year Rotarian who is currently serving as the District 5930 Rotary Foundation Chair. Ellison and wife own E Enterprises, LLC, dba Buddy’s Home Furnishings since September 2014. They have two stores franchised as Buddy’s Home Furnishings, Corpus Christi and Robstown.
DG Debbie welcomes Ellison to the District 5930 Leadership Team of DGE Betty Ramirez-Lara (2017-2018, McAllen South) and DGN Andy Hagan (2018-2019, Brownsville Sunrise).
Rotary International rules impose a 14-day challenge time. If there are no challenges Ellison Crider will be officially declared DGND (District Governor Nominee Designate).
Editor's note: DGE Betty's club was listed wrong in the newsletter email. It has been corrected in this story. The editoe is sincerely sorry for the error.
President Elaine Hernandez of McAllen North Rotary Club has been asked to serve as a Technical Reviewer. This assignment involves a written evaluation of a global grant project application. She will be reviewing a global grant application for a Disease Prevention & Treatment project taking place in the D-4465 Peru and the details are as follows: Project Description: to purchase and deliver 14,000 mosquiteros and organize a community awareness campaign to reduce new malaria infections in several villages of the Loreto Department, in the Amazon region of Perú.
Congratulations, Elaine.
D5930 member to serve as a Foundation Cadre of Technical Reviewer
“December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month”
Rotary All Stars President Rose, Rotary Club Columbia Metro (2015) is my inspiration for this months Governor’s newsletter. She reminds us that during the month of December, all around the globe, peoples of nearly every race, nation, culture and faith will celebrate. Some will feast and dance and sing songs. Some will make sacrifices, undertake journeys, and offer special prayers. . . .
Several Rotarians and clubs have asked where certain information is on the District Website. Some of what is asked for is on the District website and some of it is on Rotary International site.
Here is a list of what has been asked for: (where it is on the District website - www.Rotary5930.org, no login required)
Exposure to different cultures ranks as one of the most powerful ways to promote international understanding and peace. The Rotary Youth Exchange program provides thousands of young students with the opportunity to meet people from other countries and to experience new cultures, planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding.
As with any Rotary program, volunteer support ensures success. The Rotary Youth Exchange program is administered at the district level under the supervision of the district governor. Rotary clubs interested in sending or hosting students must coordinate their participation through the district-level program. An effective Youth Exchange program relies on the dedication of Rotarians serving in leadership positions.
If the Youth Exchange Program is District 5930 is going to continue to grow and prosper - it needs help NOW. There is a conference at the end of January for interested Rotarians. Details are here - www.scrye.org. More Info on Rotary Youth Exchange
Please check it out and if you're interested, please contact one of the following:
Hopefully these tasks and activities have been started or completed to start the next Rotary year.
Presidents, Officers and Directors appointed, elected and installed. This needs to be done and reported by Dec. 31, 2016.
Presidents, Officers and Directors entered into the district website, so they can receive the notices and information from the district and RI. This is a function available to the current officers by logging into the district website at www.rotary5930.org. . . .
Clubs are encouraged to support their President-Elect in attending, hopefully by paying for their registration, hotel and travel. There is also a training track for President nominees. Even if your president is serving for a second time, attendance at the PETS for their upcoming year is essential. They will find out the special aspects and initiatives for their year from 'their' District Governor.
Click the READ MORE about the premier training event that prepares Rotary Club President-Elects . . .
Hopefully all clubs filed the required IRS Annual Form 990, 990N, or 990EZ by November 15, 2016.
DG High is required to know that clubs are in compliance, so please send me an email confirming the return has been filed. Please indicate whether your club files under IRC 501(c)(3) or IRC 501(c)(4).
Also please let us know if your club has a 501(c)(3) Foundation. We need to know if the IRS form was filed for it and its tax number.
Send any questions and your club response to me at Ross5357@aol.com.
It is this time of year that I think about the stories of our lives. As I reflect upon those stories, I think of the many different ways they continue to affect my life. I think that “Story Telling” for me started early in life, as my mother used to say I told some real whoppers. But those stories (which probably did not pass the 4-Way Test.) are not the stories I initially wanted to discuss this month. I wanted to relate the importance of acknowledging and telling our own “Rotary Story.”
This December Rotary International at www.Rotary.org is making key upgrades to the member database.
From 3-5 December, Rotary.org users may experience interruption.
Members may be unable to complete transactions online, including making contributions, registering for the convention, running reports, accessing grant information, logging into My Rotary, and updating member information.
Rotary staff will minimize interruptions as much as possible.
Please be advised and share with your members.
Message from RI staff about their website and My Rotary
I want to personally say “Thank You” to all the Rotarians who supported this year’s Rotary Adoption Awareness Picnic last Saturday.Many of those attending agree this was possibly the best year yet!
The Kingsville Noon Rotary Club, the Sunrise Rotary Club, the Rockport Rotary Club, the Burnet Rotary Club, the Corpus Christi South Side Rotary Club, and a private donation funded a project in Nepal.
This email list is made up of the people who will make this grant to provide clean water to 1128 families (about 5500 people) possible. You are the source of the pledges and donations. Thank you all!!
The Association of Fundraising Professionals selected The Rotary Foundation for its annual Award for Outstanding Foundation for 2016, a recognition that honors organizations that show philanthropic commitment and leadership through financial support, innovation, encouragement of others, and involvement in public affairs. Read more about the honor.
Rotary Foundation named World’s Outstanding Foundation
Rotarians and friends in D5930, who knew Past District Governor Gaylan Duncan, were deeply saddened by his death on November 13, 2016. Our deepest sympathy and thoughts are with Gaylan’s wife of 58 years, Ella Marie Wepreck Duncan and all the family.
The Rockport Rotary Club, led by an idea from the evening meeting members, have created a unique way to bring together several issues - children in need or a crisis situation, interaction with our men/women in blue and the desire to complete a service project by Rotarians. This project is quick and easy, meaningful and touches on several areas of focus.
The Comfort and Joy Bag project is designed to hopefully bring just a bit of those two feelings
If you are like me you think of the foundation in terms of buildings or education or football. For example, the foundation of a running game is “blocking”. So it seemed logical to “Google” the word foundation.* What I found seems to confirm what I thought I knew.
Rotary All Stars we celebrate the centennial of The Rotary Foundation Rotary year 2016-2017. We are Rotary Serving Humanity!
We Fly High with Rotary throughout District 5930 as we see the impact of your generous donations to our Rotary Foundation as clubs use their District Simplified Grants and work on global grants.
This month we will interview applicants for the Scholarships to Costa Rica, Global Grant Scholarships for school year 2017-2018, and the new Veteran’s Scholarship.
Just wanted to share our invoice pricing with you so if someone says they cant get things into Haiti, Disaster Aid International has and will continue to get Sawyer Family Water filters delivered in country for $15.00.
Greetings from Rotary. Your Club and District Support (CDS) team is reminding you of the IRS annual filing requirement for all Rotary clubs in the U.S. and U.S. territories.
Note: If your club has already completed this requirement this year, please disregard this message.
Whether your club is a subordinate under Rotary International’s 501(c)(4) group exemption or is independently tax-exempt,
Rockport Rotary Club is proud to have started the Rockport Film Festival ten years ago. We now are co-organizers with the Rockport Center for the Arts.
I have an idea for a project and I am putting together a committee to implement this project. The goal is to raise awareness and funding to End Polio Now.
We will ride motorcycles around the district in a 2 day event.
In 1917, Arch Klumph shared his vision - to create an endowment dedicated to doing good in the world – and planted the seed for The Rotary Foundation. That one idea and an initial contribution of $26.50 set in motion a powerful force for good which has transformed millions of lives around the globe. This November, use the resources below to help us celebrate 100 years of The Rotary Foundation.
Promote Our Foundation on social media - Let's tell the world about The Rotary Foundation:
Global water grant serving 1138 families in 8 rural villages
Hi fellow Rotarians,
I am now in Honduras and am starting to write the Global Grant since we are so very close to raising the money needed for the grant. I had missed the new 5% contribution fee imposed by the Rotary Foundation...that increased our base amount from $125,000.00 to $131,250.00. We are $895.00 short of this amount. So obviously it would be great if someone could put us over the top.
The Rockport Rotary is extending our literacy projects to include second graders. We will be reading to the second graders attending ACISD Live Oak Learning Center. The book isAndy & Elmer's Apple Dumpling Adventure.
Andy & Elmer’s Apple Dumpling Adventure is the story of a young entrepreneur who starts an apple dumpling business. Along the way it teaches and illustrates the Four-Way Test.
900 North Shoreline Boulevard
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401
(361) 887-1600 / 1-800-843-6664
Modern Comforts By The Water, Grand Corpus Christi hotel on the Texas coast
Located in the lively downtown Marina District, Omni Corpus Christi Hotel offers luxurious guestrooms with spectacular views of the Corpus Christi bay. Situated along 131 miles of Texas coast, there are virtually limitless choices for water sports, including year-round sailing, swimming, snorkeling and some of the world’s best deep-sea fishing. All are just moments away from this spectacular Corpus Christi hotel. Located just 15 minutes from Corpus Christi International Airport.
What:
Kings, Doubles
Rate: $119.00 per night
The code: “Rotary Centennial Dinner” / 14500814432
Maps:
Event: Corpus Christi Country Club, 6300 Everhardt Road, Corpus Christi, TX 78413
Hotel: Omni Corpus Christi Hotel, 900 N. Shoreline Blvd., Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Rose Shaw Elementary School EarlyAct FirstKnight® Service Club has around thirty fourth and fifth grade students who work with Rotarian advisors from the Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi, Texas, Rotary International District 5930. Southside Corpus Christi Rotarian advisors guided the service club members on options for international service projects. After seeing photos of children that were crippled from Polio and learning this crippling disease could have been prevented if the children had been immunized, one of the service club members stated, “We have to help them!”
This arrived too late to be included at the beginning of the month. But we're looking for pictures for next month. send in before the 24th of the month for inclusion.
The International Fellowship of Rotarian Educators is one of RI's newest fellowships. The website address is www.rotarianeducators.org. As you can see from the website, one does not have to be an educator or work in the field of education to be a member-just have a passion for or an interest in education. Membership is available for one year ($20 USD), three years ($50 USD), or a lifetime membership for $100 USD.
The Rotary Club of Historic Brownsville hosts, in partnership with CPS and Children's Museum of Brownsville, an annual exhibit of portraits of children in foster care. The event is a HEART GALLERY designed to help children ....
October 22, 2016 is a Rotary Day of Service in Corpus Christi. Organized by the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi, adults and youth throughout the community will have the opportunity to give their time and talent ...
On Sunday evening, September 25, 2016, the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass had a social at Crab-N Restaurant to welcome our District 5930 Governor, Debbie High. More excitement followed.
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 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
Representatives and alternates must be selected by 30 June 2017 and reported to Rotary International. Selection requirements and duties for representatives can be found in Article 9 of the RI Bylaws.
Who is eligible? (RI Bylaws 8.020.) To serve as representative, a candidate must:
Have served a full term as district governor at the time of election;
Understand the qualification, duties and responsibilities of a representative;
Be qualified, willing and able to assume and perform these duties and responsibilities;
Not have attended three Councils as a voting member;
Be able to attend the meeting for its entire duration.
Duties of the Representative (RI Bylaws 8.050.)
Assist clubs in preparing their proposals for the Council;
Discuss proposed legislation at the district conference and/or other district meeting;
Be knowledgeable of the existing attitudes of Rotarians within the district;
Give critical consideration to all legislation presented to the Council and effectively; communicate his or her views on such legislation to the Council;
Act as an objective legislator of RI;
Attend the meeting of the Council for it full duration;
Report on the deliberations of the Council to the clubs of the district following the meetings
of the Council;
Be accessible to clubs in the district to assist in their preparations of proposals for future Councils.
Any club in the district may nominate a candidate for representative, whether or not the candidate is from that particular club. The nomination must be made in writing and must include the signatures of the club secretary and president. A candidate for representative shall not be eligible to serve on the committee.
Clubs desiring to nominate a candidate to be our District's Representative to the 2017 Council on Legislation are to submit the name of the Past District Governor being nominated, their e-mail address and preferred telephone number. This information is to be sent to the Representative of the District 5930 Nominating Committee for 2016 - District Governor Debbie High, DebbieHigh@Rotary5930.com. Nomination are due by December 1, 2016
and share how your club has used the Foundation dollars to do good in your community (and the world)
For our November 12th Foundation Centennial Dinner we are looking for story boards (think science fair three-panels or PowerPoints) telling the stories of
fundraisers, (can you guess the club that sold manure with all proceeds going to the Foundation?)
grant projects, and (DDF Grants, Global scholars, Health, Hunger and Humanity Grants, please reach back into history)
any story abut your club and The Rotary Foundation. (Remember Group Study Exchange, Awards for Technical Training, Discovery Grants, First Paul Harris Fellow in your club, etc.)
During the spring semester many Rotary Clubs hold a Four-Way Test Speech Competition. It is a competition offered to high school students where the student must prepare a five to seven minute speech to illustrate the Rotary Four-Way Test.
The student is judged on Content (50%), Organization (30%), and Delivery (20%). The student must follow the Four-Way Test Theme throughout, must relate the speech to his/her own activities, must present a human-interest appeal, and must choose language that is clear, vivid and persuasive. The student must demonstrate organization of thought including an introduction, clear and orderly points and a brief conclusion that drives home the point of application. And finally, the student must be effective in his or her speech delivery including volume, grammar, gestures and attitude toward the audience.
The first quarter of the Rotary year has been completed. As the spouse of the District Governor, I get to see and visit the great Rotary clubs of South Texas. Although I haven’t been able to join her in all of her visits, I get almost immediate feedback. Her excitement is contagious as she describes the activities and services that our clubs are providing to their members, our communities, states, region and the World.
October 24th is a special day as it is World Polio Day. This year’s celebration may
St. John Paul High School Rotary Interact club volunteered at a construction site for a Habitat for Humanity Corpus Christi home on Sept 13. The Interact Club is sponsored by Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club.
All U.S. Rotary clubs and districts are insured under the U.S. Rotary Club & District Liability Insurance Program (“Insurance Program”), which includes general liability and directors’ and officers’ liability insurance.
For information about the Insurance Program, loss control, waivers, contract language, and other insurance related topics please visit
We had an incredibly successful 3n1 seminar in Kingsville! There was a lot of new faces that were eager to learn, and return to their clubs full of new information and energized passion.
I want to remind all the clubs that our combined district goal for this year is to grow by a net of 100 new members. This translates
One District 5930 Rotarian made a donation of $3,3333 to The Rotary Foundation Polio Plus and his company, Shell Oil, matched his donation 2:1. The Bill and Melinda Gates foundation matched that total 2:1.
$3,333 = $30,000 for Polio Plus
$30,000 = 60,000 children that will be immunized and will not be crippled by polio.
Does your company match? Over 15,000 companies have matching gift programs to encourage your support of The Rotary Foundation.
For 54 years Interact has developed young leaders who take action to create a better world. Celebrate World Interact Week this 31 October-6 November and connect with Interactors worldwide to demonstrate how Interact clubs make a difference. Rotary clubs plan joint service projects, invite Interactors to their meetings, and promote Rotary’s youth service to the community.
Due date: All activities must be reported by 30 June 2017
Your Rotaract club works hard to make the world a better place. Help members feel proud of their accomplishments by earning a Presidential Citation for your club. All activities must be completed between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017.
Since Rotary will verify your club’s accomplishments using information your club enters in My Rotary, there are no forms or reports to submit. Please note that Rotary is unable to extend the due date or make exceptions to the online reporting requirement.
Work with your sponsor Rotary club’s leaders to track and verify your club’s progress toward each of the citation’s goals. Report any discrepancies between Rotary’s records and yours to rotaract@rotary.org before 30 June.
Due date: Qualifications must be verified by your sponsor Rotary club’s president or a district leader by 15 August 2017.
Your Interact club is making a positive difference in your school and community. Make sure your members get the recognition they deserve by earning a Presidential Citation for your club. All activities must be completed between 1 July 2016 and 30 June 2017.
Your sponsor Rotary club's president will need to use My Rotary to verify that your club has qualified for the Presidential Citation. In June 2017, RI will send your sponsor Rotary club instructions on doing this.
•Verify Interact club qualifications (available June 2017)
Russell Cain has been enamored with Mother Teresa since 1979, when she won the Nobel Peace Prize.
Though he isn't a Catholic, the Port Lavaca realtor - and Episcopalian - found inspiration in Teresa's commitment to serving and educating impoverished children throughout the world.
"I've read so much about her. She led such a great Christian life, always doing for others," he said. "That's why God blessed her with so many ministries."
Cain, a longtime Rotarian and former Rotary District 5930 governor, said he, too, enjoys giving back to his own community, drawing on the influence of Teresa and others.
On Wednesday September 7 members of the Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club toured Corpus Christi's Craft Training Center of the Coastal Bend. The center offers training in
UPDATE on the 38th Entry of Float Promoting Rotary International in the New Year's Tournament of Roses, Rose Parade
JANUARY 2, 2017
Since 1980, The Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee has entered a float in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses, Rose Parade promoting Rotary International. The parade is seen
It was my great pleasure to assist in handing out the District Grant award checks to several clubs in the Corpus Christi area this month. We are going to Do Good in the World right in our own backyards with many of these grants, which are available because generous Rotarians like you donated to the Foundation!
Rotary All Stars, as we enter the end of our first quarter of the Rotary New year, there is a focus on basic education and literacy.
“Every child has the right to go to school, without danger or discrimination. 59 million children around the world don’t have access to basic education. Rotarians, Rotaractors, and Interactors all over the world are taking action to enhance basic education and literacy in their communities.” (Rotary Service Connections)
How is your club making basic education and literacy a priority?
So you want to attend the first-ever Rocky Mountain Rotaract Summit this October 29th? Or maybe you'd like to travel to the Rotaract Preconvention? Or North American RYLA? There are so many awesome events available to Rotaractors from all over the world. The only problem is that they all cost a lot of money.
It was great to meet you. Thank you for speaking to our club. We appreciate your leadership and encouragement and look forward to a great 2016-2017 Rotary year!
The Rotary Club of Historic Brownsville will host it's Annual Ride for Rotary Benefit Ride on October 16, 2016. The ride draws participation from cyclists of all levels and ages. Last year, we had participants from Brownsville, Weslaco, Harlingen, San Benito, South Padre Island, McAllen, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Matamoros, and Reynosa.
All proceeds raised by the event will be used to support Rotary’s local projects, which include providing free eye exams and eyeglasses to children, hosting Rotary’s Annual Heart Gallery (an adoption awareness event), funding scholarships for local students, providing Christmas gifts to nursing home residents, and funding for other Rotary humanitarian projects.
Harlingen Sunburst Rotary working hard enjoying a little down time. Social hosted by one of our members Lisa Seiser. Gots to have fun with all the work!
Members of the Rotary Club of Mission spent the last three months raising funds for a back to school project which would intended on buying new shoes for children. Although the Rotary Club is small, they have BIG hearts that are willing to give back to the community. Members were able to raise
The Rotary Club of Mission recently participated in the National Night Out event hosted by the City of Mission at which they interacted with the community through creative and fun activities. Rotarians took “selfies” with kids, dressed little girls as princesses and gave out 300 popsicles on this warm day. The Club also set out
Lead, follow or Get Out the Way!
Or
Bright Shinning Objects
Rotary’s September theme is education. Or as Debbie pointed out it is a time to “Sharpen Your Saw1 ”. However, it is a bright beautiful day on St. Charles Bay as I sit down to put “profound thoughts2” forward for you to ponder, so I must relate that I do feel like I am suffering the after effects of a “celebration” of the completion of my 60th trip around the Sun. But I don’t remember the party, so it must have been a good one.
Rotary’s Council on Legislation adopted two measures that are critical for our organization: clubs now have greater flexibility in when, where, and how they meet and the types of membership they offer. Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko blogs about the impact of these changes and how some clubs are already taking advantage of this new flexibility.
On behalf of the District 5930 Rotary Foundation Committee, I am pleased to announce that we have established a MILITARY VETERANS SCHOLARSHIP in an effort to help veterans who have been honorably discharged pursue a higher education.
To be eligible to apply for this scholarship, the individual must be either pursuing or planning to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate in a field related to one of the following areas: Peace and Conflict Resolution, Disease Prevention and Treatment, Water and Sanitation, Maternal and Child Health, Basic Education and Literacy, and Economic and Community Development.
Rockport, Texas July 12, 2016 — Rotary District 5930 and the Rockport Rotary Club recognized Coastal Bend Troop Support during a “Rotary Has Heart” event on June 25, 2016. The event celebrated the installation of Debbie High, of Corpus Christi and Rockport (Lamar), as District Governor of District 5930 for 2016-2017.
The Rockport Rotary Club and District 5930 donated over $2200 and several boxes of supplies to CBTS who sends the goods to the US troops stationed in Afghanistan and Iraq. Funds donated by The Rockport Rotary Club will fulfil the wish of CBTS of a flag pole at 621 E. Market, Rockport, TX.
Our friend and Rotarian Tommie Adame has passed. We hope you all can help support and comfort the family in this time of grief, with your presence and/or your prayers. Thank you again.
YIR, Daniel Korus, President
Tommy Adame, 49, of Ingleside, Texas passed away August 13, 2016 in Corpus Christi, Texas. He was born on September 20, 1966 in Aransas Pass, Texas to Abel and Anna Adame.
Tommy grew up in Ingleside, Texas and loved his community dearly. He was on the schoolboard for many years, coached and ran the Ingleside little dribblers, and was also a member of the Rotary club. (He was also president of the “Adame Oil Family” inside joke).
A visitation will be held at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Aransas Pass, 2003 West Wheeler Avenue, Aransas Pass, Texas 78336 on Thursday, August 18, 2016 from 9a-9p with a rosary at 7p. A funeral mass will be held Friday, August 19, 2016 at 10a at Our Lady of Assumption Catholic Church in Ingleside, Texas. Interment will follow immediately after at San Ignacio Cemetery in Ingleside, Texas.
DAUSA Louisiana and Texas Disaster Response Trailers and teams will be teaming up and Traveling to Denham Springs LA. Friday 8/19.
We will be bring trailer loads of supplies and our fully equipped trailers (chainsaws, water pumps, generators tools muck out equipment etc).
We will be operating with Operation Blessing this weekend out of Healing Place Church (Denham Springs Campus)
569 Florida Avenue SW
Denham Springs, LA 70726
On Site Volunteer Coordinator: 757.374.0944
All volunteers wanting to join us this weekend please let me know and call the onsite coordinator above and tell him how many are coming with your group and that you are also with Disaster Aid USA and Rotary if you are a Rotarian.
We also have another list of people and homes that need help and will be making the rounds as much as time allows.
Supplies and funds will be needed..if you can please goto www.Disasteraidusa.com and help us help our community.
Money raised for Louisiana floods will only be used for Louisiana floods
Houston team pulling out with our trailer Saturday and could be home as late as Tuesday.
Harlingen Sunburst Rotary along with a grant from District 5930 will be assembling and installing 3 Wheelchair Platform Swings in three different parks in the Harlingen area. We feel these are the first
La Posada Providencia's new pavilion building is used just about every day.
The small, yellow structure is poised on the front of the property in San Benito, Texas, and there, women and children who have traveled hundreds of miles fleeing countries that have not been kind to them, gather to eat, talk and take classes, among other activities. Sister Zita Telkamp, the shelter's program director is
17th Annual Harlingen Sunburst Rotary Scholarship Golf Tournament. We have given over $110,000 in scholarships over the past years. Our tournament is as good as our invitation. The norm is over $10,000 worth of prizes given away to our golfers. Great meal is also provided. Join us for the party!
If you have been honorably discharged and are attending or planning to attend a college or university to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree or certificate, you are encouraged to apply for a veteran’s scholarship being offered by Rotary District 5930.
Applicants must be pursuing a degree/certificate related to any of the following areas:
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.
Strong financial oversight, a stellar charity rating, and a unique funding model mean that we make the very most of your contribution. Give and become a part of Rotary’s life-changing work!
Today, we look ahead toward a Rotary year that may one day be known as the greatest in our history: the year that sees the world's last case of polio. Wild poliovirus caused only 74 cases of polio in 2015, all of them in Afghanistan and Pakistan. As we continue to work tirelessly toward our goal of eradication, we must also look beyond it:
Thank you to our 2015-16 Rotarians, clubs, leadership teams, and DG Betty Frantum for being a gift to the world.
It’s been exhilarating getting to know many of you and working with you and your 2016-17 leadership teams to get ready to launch this historic Rotary year.
The 2016-17 District 5930 Leadership Team is ready, willing
The McAllen South Rotary Club is close to completing it's first home in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity. Inclement weather has delayed the project in recent weeks, but we should be able to wrap up this weekend and turn the keys over to the proud owners.
Members of Boy Scout Troop 232 and Southside Rotary club members honored fallen servicemen and women by placing flags around the Country Club Townhomes area May 21st in observance of Memorial Day weekend. Hundreds of flags are put up around Corpus Christi on national holidays through this project.
Edna Rotary is planning a friendraiser at the end of June at Lavaca Bluffs Winery in Jackson County. More information is available on their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/EdnaRotary.
During the summer months (June to August) Rotary will not meet at the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce. Instead, business meetings will be at noon at Jackson County Hospital on June 1, July 13 and Aug 10. In lieu of other meetings, the Club will be going on field trips and getting out in the community more. You are always welcome to join us but please check our Facebook page to know where we will be during the summer!
Greg Perkes, Justice on the 13th Court of Appeals, received the Cameron County Bar Association?s (CCBA) 2016 Outstanding Service Award at their annual gala in Brownsville on April 30. In addition, Perkes recently received a Certificate of Completion from the National Judicial College (NJC) for its Advanced Skills for Appellate Judges course.
The Edna Rotary Club proudly announces that Edna Rotary Sergeant at Arms, Sylvester Walleck and his wife, Diann were recognized by the Jackson County Chamber of Commerce as the "Citizens of the Year."
On Saturday May 7th, members of the McAllen South Rotary Club (and members of their families) fulfilled it's District Grant by taking approximately 30 underprivileged children shopping for items we often take for granted. In addition to clothes, shoes and maybe the occasional soccer ball, each child was given a Rotary backpack full of pens, pencils, and other supplies they can use for school or summer creativity. From these pictures, it is hard to tell who had more fun, the kids of the Rotarians!
La Posada - Main event location for Assembly & Conference
1000 Zaragoza St., Laredo, TX 78040 • 800-444-2099
$109 per night • Book a reservation here
Ramada Plaza - Additional Hotel and site for Governor's Banquet
800 Garden St., Laredo, TX 78040 • 956-727-5800
$79 per night • Call for reservations use code LXPS
The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi organizes and hosts the RYLA program for the District 5930 Rotary Clubs. RYLA Camp has multiple levels of leadership training. First year attendees are “Campers”. This level is open to high school sophomores and juniors. The Rotary Clubs from throughout the South Texas area award full scholarships to selected students sponsored from their area high schools. See your school counselor or contact your local Rotary Club for sponsorship possibilities. These clubs pay the $250 tuition for each camper they sponsor as part of their commitment to the development of youth in their communities.
Campers who demonstrate aptitude for leadership within the RYLA program can be considered to return the next year’s RYLA as “Trailblazers.” During the Trailblazer year, participants continue their leadership and personal development as well as having leadership and facilitation roles during RYLA Camp. This is a new level of leadership development for RYLA started in 2015. Trailblazers will attend an expanded RYLA Camp, February 4-7, 2016, with a full day and ½ of training. Trailblazers are generally junior and seniors in high school. Currently each Trailblazer is responsible for their tuition of $200 which covers lodging, food, and supplies for the 4-day leadership camp.
Junior and Senior Counselors for RYLA are selected from previous year counselors and those Trailblazers who demonstrate interest and aptitude to be a leader and mentor for campers. A team of one Senior Counselor and one Junior Counselor co-lead each group of 12-15 campers as they progress through their leadership training activities and projects. Counselor tuition for the 4-day RYLA Camp is covered by the RYLA program making this extended leadership training free to the counselors.
Rotary Club members can personally sponsor their children, grandchildren or worthy students to RYLA. The student must meet all requirements being a high school sophomore or junior and showing leadership skills to be further developed; pay $250 per student with complete applications and payment to be received by 12/19/15, or applicable late fees will apply. All forms/applications are on website at www.rotarycc.com or contact Jim Villaume at 361-688-11987.
You are invited you to attend the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Harvey Weil Sportsman Conservationist Award Dinner on Saturday, April 11, 2015. The event honors the life and achievements of Harvey Weil, a longtime South Texas sportsman, attorney, conservationist and Rotarian who dedicated his life to the preservation of nature and sportsmanship. To perpetuate Harvey’s legacy, distinguished individuals are honored at the dinner as the recipients of the Harvey Weil Sportsman Conservationist of the Year and Professional Conservationist of the Year awards. The event raises endowment funds used to award grants that support research and education in the conservation of natural resources. Since 1998, over $700,000 in grants has been awarded through the financial support of the dinner.
We are happy to announce Joseph and Blair Fitzsimons are our Conservationists of the Year and Dr. David McKee is the Professional Conservationist of the Year. In addition, Herb Booth was selected as our Living Legacy for promoting conservation through art. Sadly, Herb passed away unexpectedly a few months ago, but we will still honor him and his contributions to conservation.
Why are Rotarians in over 200 countries and geographical areas focusing on the Rotary Foundation this month?
The short answer is: because it’s time to give to the Foundation so the Foundation can give back to us.
But wait! Most people join Rotary to meet people and volunteer in their own communities. Who needs a Foundation to do that? WE DO, so we can make positive, lasting changes in our communities and the world.
The Rotary Foundation funds international activities such as Rotary International’s partnership with the WHO, UNICEF, the CDC and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate polio. In 1988, polio existed in 125 of 196 (64%) of the countries in the world. Today, there are 3 Endemic countries left and 2.5 Billion children have been immunized against polio. c from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Rotary clubs worldwide have contributed over $1.2 billion to end polio. That happened because Rotarians gave to the Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation works on the local level as well. Each club may apply for a Foundation grant to support their own humanitarian projects, scholarships and training. We give to the Foundation so that all clubs may benefit.
The Rotary Foundation does not spend money to make money. Donations are invested for three years and then disbursed to programs and grants. A portion of the interest income pays for promoting and managing the Foundation. All – 100% – of the donations made by Rotarians goes to projects, scholarships and training.
Why are we focusing on giving to the Rotary Foundation in November?
Because now is the time to make a positive difference that will last for years.
See your club president, foundation chair, or our District Foundation Chair, Andy Hagan, to become a part of that difference today.
Rotary brings together people like you — from all walks of life — who want to use their expertise for good. People whose sense of responsibility inspires them to give back to their communities. At Rotary, we connect for good — and form lifelong friendships in the process.
Together, we work as Rotarians to…
Construct Playgrounds
Feed the Hungry
Honor our Veterans
Build Dog Parks
Clothe Mothers and Children
Fight to End Polio
Beautify our Parks
Teach Children How to Read
Provide Access to Homes
Promote Adoption Awareness
Give Humanitarian Relief
Educate the Next Generation through Leadership Programs
Rotary makes a significant difference in the lives of the people we touch. And, we all have full time jobs!
With 1.2 million members in 34,000 clubs worldwide, our global community’s impact has never been greater —and it continues to grow.
Have you thought about joining Rotary?
Belonging to a Rotary club provides members with an opportunity to give back to their communities and to connect with like-minded leaders and friends.
People join Rotary for many reasons, including community involvement, personal development, professional networking, and camaraderie. But perhaps the most important benefit is the satisfaction you gain from making a real difference in your community and in the world.
We need your help! Your community needs your help! Now is the time! Join Rotary Today!
Hopefully these tasks and activities have been completed to start the next Rotary year.
Presidents, Officers and Directors appointed, elected and installed.
Presidents, Officers and Directors entered into the district website, so they can receive the notices and information from the district and RI. This is a function available to the current officers (may also be the 2013-2014 officers if you didn't do this before June 30, 2014) by logging into the district website at www.rotary5930.org. If your club has ClubRunner, then entering the information there will allow the names to migrate to the district. If you enter the information at RI through My Rotary, it will NOT migrate down.
If these tasks were not completed prior to June 30, your club may not have access to any of the services provided by ClubRunner, the District and Rotary International. Your President and Secretary will need access at some point during the year. Contact your Assistant District Governor for assistance. Not sure who that is - check out the District Organization Chart.
District 5930 Conference has been take over by Pirates who will pay a Bounty of Gold (1 Paul Harris Fellowship) to a Rotarian that will save them, but to be eligible for the Treasure you must Fully Register for the District Conference by April 21st. REGISTER NOW, drawing will take place at the District Governor's Reception.
!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****!!!!****
It's coming ... Start planning ... Register Now ...
Just recently, it was time to change our clocks and "move forward." In our Rotary circles, it is also time to look forward to change.
District 5930 was fortunate to have three very capable, very worthy candidates for the position of District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND). Alan Johnson of the Harlingen club, Betty Ramirez-Lara of the McAllen North club, and Debbie High of the Southside Corpus Christi club were all candidates for the DGND position. This person will become the District Governor in the 2016-2017 Rotary year.
After lengthy review, the Nominating Committee selected Debbie High as the DGND for District 5930. Debbie is already well-known to many of you. She is currently serving as Lt. Governor - Membership for the District. Under her excellent oversight, the District has enjoyed a net growth of 3% during the current Rotary year.
She has been an active and engaged Rotarian for over 11 years. Debbie, her husband Joe, and Mother, Gerene Beckley are currently members of the Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club. Debbie has served as an Assistant District Governor for Area 5, which includes 6 of the Corpus Christi Clubs, a past President of the Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club and served on numerous District committees. Debbie has received the Southside Corpus Christi Rotarian of the Year Award, and is a recipient of the Cliff Dochterman Award by the International Fellowship of Scouting Rotarians. Debbie, Joe, and Gerene, are all multiple Paul Harris Fellows, members of the Paul Harris Society, Benefactors, and Bequest Society Members.
Debbie High is the President of the Palisades Retreat Club, Gunnison, Colorado; a 94-year-old "recreational" fishing club. She is the former Project Manager for the University Research Alliance, West Texas A&M University. Debbie is a graduate of the American University Kogod School of Business, Business Executive Program.
Debbie and Joe have 2 adult sons, a daughter-in-law, 2 grandchildren and 2 "four legged" "kids" (AKA dachshunds).
The Manual of Procedure provides for a 30-day window for clubs to contest the recommendation of the Nominating Committee. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me, or the Chairman of the Nominating Committee, PDG JD Simpson, or District Parliamentarian, PDG Billy Settles.
Maxie Houser
Rotary International
District Governor, District 5930 maxiehouser@gmail.com, 361-726-3131
PO Box 260434, Corpus Christi, TX 78426
The 2013-2014 Presidential Citation recognizes Rotary clubs for an array of achievements that promote our membership growth, enhance humanitarian service through our Foundation, and strengthen our network through the family of Rotary. By qualifying for the Presidential Citation, clubs contribute to Rotary's strategic goals and multiply the impact of their good work through the collective focus of more than 34,000 Rotary clubs worldwide.
Clubs are asked to use the following form to assess their accomplishments this year. To qualify for the Presidential Citation, clubs must complete all three required activities, along with three additional activities in each category. Clubs that complete four additional activities in each category will qualify for the Presidential Citation with Distinction. Unless otherwise specified, all activities must be undertaken and completed between 1 July and 31 March of the 2013-2014 Rotary year. The Presidential Citation is in the download files area of this website.
There is also a Rotaract Presidential Citation 2013-2014 for our Rotaract Clubs. Rules and dates are the same, but the activities required and form are different. The Rotaract Presidential Citation 2013-2014 is in the download files area of this website.
Deadline: Clubs should complete the form and send it to the district governor, Maxie Houser at maxiehouser@gmail.com no later than March 31st. Forms sent to Rotary International will NOT be processed.
Read all the information using the links in the Foundation Day Central area.
Please - so we can prepare materials - register for the training portion. You can pay online, by a check with Print & Mail Registration or at the door.
Awards Dinner Registration closed in March 17, 2014. We cannot take walk-ins or pay-at-the-door for the dinner.
I have received the RI membership reports for Jan. 31, 2014 and this is what it says about our district:
District 5930, in Zone 21, 56 clubs:
End of 2012-2013 on 6-30-2013: 1870 members, an increase of net 11 over the beginning of that year.
On July 1, 2013, 1851 members On January 31, 2014, 1893 members, an increase of net 42
This is good news, but we are still 14 short of our Strategic Plan's goal of 56 (56 being the equivalent of one more member in each club, and is the equivalent of a 3% increase) by the end of this Rotary year (as compared to July 1, 2013, the beginning date of this Rotary year).
Yet, while the Strategic Plan set a goal for a modest 3% increase, we know that a more ambitious 5% increase is possible. Our District 5930 has the distinction of being second highest leader in membership increase in Zone 21b (7 districts), with a 2.27% net increase (2.44% is first place), but we 5930 South Texas Rotarians are clearly capable of more than doubling that number in the next few months.
Each club reporting a 3% net increase by April 1 will receive recognition at the District Conference May 1-4, 2014. Better, those clubs attaining the 5% net increase will receive awards and all their attending members will be personally introduced. Ignite Premier Pilot Clubs will receive special recognition at the District Conference.
What if the member YOU bring to ENGAGE ROTARY's opportunities were to MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
Paul Harris said "The greatest of all achievements … are the result of the combined effort of heart and head and hand working in perfect coordination."
The following categories will be recognized during the Awards portion of the Foundation Day Dinner - Celebrating A Bountiful Harvest. The awards are for the 2012-2013 Rotary year. You and your club can still make it happen in order to be recognized next year for this year efforts. District 5930 Foundation Committee and the District Governors JD Simpson, 2012-2013 and Maxie Houser, 2013-2014 want to thank all Rotarians and clubs for their efforts in raising funds and making commitments to the Rotary Foundation.
One of our own was on the Rotary International float during the 2014 Rose Parade
Jetta and Ron Burton don matching engineer's caps in the cab of the candy choo choo train (made of flowers by Rotarians) while District 5930's Anita Garrett-Roe and the crowd enjoy the theme song "Candy Man." The float is to emphasize Rotary's hopes and optimism that the eradication of polio is "This Close!" Parade brochures stated float participants were selected in honor of their work and commitment and the eradication of polio worldwide.
District 5930 annually supports the Global Grant Scholarship program for post-baccalaureate studies in another country. These scholarships, facilitated by the Rotary Foundation Global Grant program, are made to exceptional individuals through a competitive application and interview process.
Deadline for Application submission is March 12, 2014.
We are have changed our interview date to Saturday, March 22, 2014.
We launched a bold new chapter in our partnership with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation that makes your contributions to the vital polio eradication end game work three times as hard.
Great news! The mid-year membership report has been compiled by Rotary International and District 5930 is one of only two districts in Zone 21b to achieve a net gain in membership during the first half of this Rotary year.
What is that Polio Picture?Today's picture is of the child who may well be India's last Polio victim for all time - thanks to your efforts. Young Rukhsar of Howrak, West Bengal, India contracted Polio on 1/13/11. History is being made as we approach the Third Anniversary of zero Polio cases in India - considered to be the Eradication Date. So, India is safe, right? No, not as long as the Wild Polio Virus survives anywhere in the World. But, if India can stop Polio, can the Final Three (Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria) be far behind?
Afghanistan ! - No indigenous cases of Polio have occurred in 2013. All 11 cases are linked to cross-border transmission with Pakistan.
Best Wishes for a Healthy and Worldwide Polio-Free New Year
The time is approaching when Rotary District 5930 will select a District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND), who will serve as District Governor in the 2016-2017 Rotary year. I urge every Rotarian with the qualifications and passion to serve to make application.
The governor is the officer of RI in the district, functioning under the general supervision of the RI Board. The governor leads and supports the clubs in the district by inspiring and motivating them and by ensuring continuity within the district. (RIB 15.090)
As the year ends, I want to extend my sincere thanks for the blessing you provide to your club, your community, and to me. This is the 25th year I have been associated with Rotary, and it has been people like you who make that association tremendous. I am honored to share with you in efforts to serve others around the globe.
As I reflect on the year concluding, I am mindful of the sorrows we have shared-- whether it be the losses of dear Rotarian friends or the disasters borne by our neighbors in Oklahoma and across the globe in the Philippines. Resilient through even these dark times, though, has been the abiding good displayed by my fellow Rotarians--by loving, caring individuals just like you, who either rose to the challenge to send aid to those in need, provided shoes for a needy child here in South Texas, implemented a district grant to alleviate human suffering regardless of its location, or gave of yourselves in other ways in service to others.
I hope your New Year is safe, peaceful, and enjoyable. I look forward to continuing our work in 2014.
This is the month for us to consider how our Rotary values – and our own actions – influence public perceptions of Rotary. Rotary’s strategic plan outlines five core values that define and guide us as we chart a course into our second century of service.
Service is our first value, as it should be. The focus of service is reflected in our primary motto, Service Above Self. We have the potential to create better, safer, and healthier communities, one project at a time.
Fellowship is the reason Rotary was founded over 100 years ago. The friendship, the camaraderie, and the wonderful sense of doing something good together is what keeps us all looking forward to our Rotary meetings week after week.
Diversity is an aspect of Rotary that becomes more important with every passing year.
Integrity is fundamental to the organization’s identity. Every Rotarian is a guardian of the reputation that generations of Rotarians have worked to build. When we maintain the highest ethical standards in all of our dealings, we strengthen the trust that allows us to serve more effectively.
Leadership, the fifth, and final, core vale. Each of us must remember, with our every action, that we are Rotarians. When we are chosen to become Rotarians, and when we choose to accept that honor, we take it upon ourselves to become representatives of the entire organization.
When we are known as Rotarians, then everything we do reflects upon us all. By living by our core values and committing to Service Above Self, we build a stronger Rotary and a better world for all.
The leadership program for HS sophomores and juniors has been restructured and will prove to be outstanding. Other Rotary Clubs have submitted registration packets for alternate students they could not finance. If your Rotary Club would like to underwrite the registration fee for one of these Alternate students and in effect co-sponsor these students, please contact Registrar, Christine Wisian at 361-882-8858. Furthermore, Rotarians can personally sponsor their child, grandchild or other student to the RYLA camp if the student is a high school sophomore or junior and meets the criteria for selection. The fee would be $250. All forms and selection criteria are found at our Club website under Youth Services, RYLA tab. Applications are due by December 16th and should be sent to the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi directly at this late date. RYLA will be held at Camp Zephyr at Lake Corpus Christi on February 7- 9, 2014. www.rotarycc.net
One of the strongest storms in history, Typhoon Haiyan brought overwhelming destruction to coastal towns, killing more than 5,200 people, displacing 4.4 million, and causing billions of dollars in damage. Soon after the storm, Rotary clubs worldwide began rushing relief aid and funds into devastated communities.
I heard of a recent study which polled Americans to determine the thing for which they were most thankful as our nation heads into the Thanksgiving holiday. Not surprisingly, “the health of themselves and family members” topped the list of noted blessings.
Especially since news of the recent super typhoon in the Philippines has occupied our minds, it is understandable we would relish the health and safety we possess here in America. I am so glad Rotary International has partnered with ShelterBox to assist the families affected by the typhoon. If you and your family have not had an opportunity to participate in that endeavor, why not take a moment and check the District website for information on contributing?
While I am most certainly appreciative of our common health and safety, there are additional items for which I am immensely grateful. Among those items would be my association with Rotary and the ideals which it espouses. I am honored to share with each of you in the work of “Service Above Self.” The District is replete with so many Rotarians who exemplify this mantra.
I think of the Taft club, the McAllen clubs, and other clubs which focus on a project of providing shoes for the needy children in their area. I think of the Port Isabel club whose grant project will provide needed latrines and water-related projects in Honduras. I’m reminded of the joint project of the clubs in Laredo, addressing the Mexico Literacy Project.
At this particular time, I know the community of Corpus Christi has been blessed by the Corpus Christi club’s efforts in donating to the Thanksgiving Food Bank boxes program. Especially since Thanksgiving originated as a celebration of a “bountiful harvest,” it seems fitting that we also celebrate the garnering of a half million dollars for the Endowment Fund of The Rotary Foundation through the Million Dollar Dinner event. PDG J.D. Simpson has dubbed it a “Maxie-Million Year,” anticipating our reaching the million dollar mark during what he termed “Maxie’s year.” I know you join with me in anticipation of reaching that goal.
I could go on and on with the many good things that come – both here and abroad -- as a result of each and every one of you being committed to serving others. I know none of you are expecting a pat on the back, but please accept it from me anyway.
I treasure my association with each of you; it is one of the blessings in my life for which I am most thankful. I eagerly anticipate many more years of working with you.
It is my heartfelt wish that you enjoy your holidays. May they be safe and happy!
Maxie Houser
District 5930
Holiday Wishes from Your District Governor, Maxie Houser
As South Texans brace for a weekend of cold weather and our upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, most of us are preparing to snuggle in our warm homes with abundant food choices, loved ones, and football games. Around the globe, however, in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan, many in the Philippines are still facing the reality that their home is no more; family members are missing and/or dead; and the future is uncertain.
Rotary International is encouraging the 34,000 clubs worldwide to assist storm victims by making donations to our Rotary partner, ShelterBox. Already ShelterBox has been on the ground and been instrumental in assisting more than 4,000 families affected by the Super Typhoon. Rotarians from Pennsylvania (District 6400) and Michigan (District 7450) have been among those serving on the ShelterBox Response Team.
Please share this information with your families and friends and encourage them to make a contribution to the Philippine efforts. Donations may be made directly to ShelterBox via www.shelterboxusa.org or by calling 941-907-6036. So that we can document the impact that South Texas Rotarians are making in this effort, please drop an email to emer.response@rotary5930.org, detailing the assistance you are providing, so we can compile a report for the District.
As more information becomes available, we will provide details on the multitude of ways, in addition to ShelterBox, wherein you may provide financial assistance.
Thank you for individually and collectively joining with us and our fellow Rotarians around the world to reduce the burdens of those survivors in the Philippines.
Why I am so proud to be counted among the people who wear the Rotary Emblem. Please take the 7 minutes to watch this video, especially if you want to know more about what the Paul Harris Foundation does.
Interested in traveling abroad during the 2014 summer break while making a difference? Then think globally, and apply for the new Rotary District 5930 International Scholarship to Costa Rica!!
Rotary District 5930
International Scholarship
to Costa Rica
Application Deadline: November 25, 2013.
Date of Team Participation: June 2014.
Program Description: Fourteen (14) day participation as a volunteer member of a Global Health Team administered by International Service Learning ("ISL") in Costa Rica (see additional information below).
What ISL Volunteers Do: "ISL teams identify the needs of a community by performing public health surveys and referring those in need to an ISL field clinic. At the clinic, volunteers participate, under the direct supervision of local, licensed health professionals, with patient interviews, taking vital signs, performing basic triage, and filling prescriptions. Volunteers also have the opportunity to closely observe the examination, diagnosis, and treatment process. Teams are led by professional staff and accompanied by bilingual assistants." Please note that level of participation is as involved as each team member is comfortable with.
The District 5930 Million Dollar Dinner is being hosted by Maxie Houser and Noel A. Bajat, TRF Trustee, and is being held to thank the following supporters of The Rotary Foundation:
- Individuals who make a new Major Gift of at least $10,000 – can be an outright gift or a 3-year pledge
- Individuals who make a new Bequest Society commitment of at least $10,000
To attend the Million Dollar Dinner, please complete the Pledge Card below and email/postal mail to PDG JD Simpson. There is also an online pledge card.
If you have any questions, please refer to the attached FAQ document or contact PDG JD Simpson (jdsrotary5930@gmail.com, 361-550-2907)
August is Membership and Extension Month (and so is September through July)
CATCHING on FIRE
by Debbie High, LT Governor - Membership
Date: October 5, 2013
Time: 8:00am (registration opens) - 1:30pm
Place: River Hills Baptist Church (16318 FM 624 / Robstown, TX)
Cost: $20 (includes continental breakfast, beverage service, and lunch)
Registration Cost after September 23rd (and at door) is $30
Keynote Speaker, David Norris, Zone 21b-27 Coordinator - Membership,
"Rotary and Values Driven Leadership"
Breakout Sessions on:
Club Extension Expands (staring a new club, e-clubs, satellite clubs)
Youth Matters (EarlyActFirstKnight, EarlyAct, Interact, and Rotaract)
Rotary Awareness (Public Relations)
Facebook and other Social Media
15 Tips for Success (including information on RI Fellowships)
Ignite (Q&A & Sharing for the 14 Pilot Clubs)
Other Opportunities include:
~ Club Central "Connects" Nancy Paulson will have a station set in the main room to help Rotarians and Clubs needing assistance with Member Access
~ Panel Session for Q&A with David Norris, Membership Committees Take Action, Rotary Awareness, Next Generation Rotarians, Family of Rotary
We promise this is one Membership Seminar that will
"Catch you on Fire" and Ignite your membership.
August is Membership and Extension Month (and so is September through July)
Submitted by: Debbie High, LT Governor - Membership
Photo Credits: Becky Garcia, Area 13 Laredo Membership Consultant, (Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generations)
Show YOUR passion of Rotary by sending the District 5930 Membership Committee your photo with a caption stating: "I joined Rotary because..." You may also want to state, "I stayed in Rotary because..."
Due Date: Monday September 9, 2013
How: It's as easy as writing on a poster board (or white board) and having someone take your picture. (see example) You may also use a photo editing software program and use your favorite Rotary related photo and add the caption to the photo. (see boating example).
Why: The photos will be used by your District Membership Team to show and share your Passion of Rotary. The photos will first be used as a rolling screen saver between our main hall sessions at The Rotary Games, Catching on Fire, District 5930 Membership Seminar October 5th.
Thank you for showing "YOUR" passion towards Rotary and emailing your captioned photo ASAP to:
Megan Grime is the first recipient of a Rotary Foundation Global Grant for District 5930, generously sponsored by the Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi and District 5930 with application assistance from PDG Marilyn Spencer and District Scholarship Sub-Committee Chair Tiffany Hull.
The Rotary Foundation Global Grant of $30,000 will fund Ms. Grime's 2013-2014 year abroad to attend graduate school at the University of Warwick in Coventry, England and earn a Master of Science degree in Behavioral Economics. She will be hosted by District 1070, located in the East Midlands of England. Part of Ms. Grime's tenure will include conducting a unique investigation into the employment disparities in Coventry. Due to recent, sweeping austerity measures, the town of Coventry went from a mainly public-funded economy to private-funded. These unexpected and quickly implemented funding cuts dramatically increased the rate of unemployment. Initial measures show some populations suffering higher unemployment rates than others, in particular young, degreed college graduates. A variety of employment-initiative plans were created in an effort to match the local job seekers with local businesses. However, the different employment-initiatives have, to date, shown a wide variety of successes and failures in their efforts. Ms. Grime proposes to discover the key employment-initiatives' efforts where success and failure rates are most concentrated in order to improve future sustainable employment. Findings from this research have the potential to improve employment placements in other cities, as well as for other habitually under-employed populations: disabled and elderly, for example. Ms. Grime will leave mid-September to begin her studies abroad.
Megan was born in Corpus Christi and grew up between Texas and Northern Mexico. Ms. Grime a dual B.A. from Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, Psychology (Cognition) and Philosophy (Logics) and is currently a research graduate student in the Psychology department at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi.
Thank you to the 14 Rotary Clubs that signed up at District Assembly to "pilot" Ignite, an exciting comprehensive membership recruitment, retention, and extension program.
Area 1 Victoria Northside
Area 4 Portland
Area 5 RC of Corpus Christi, Corpus Christi Evening, Corpus Christi Sunrise, Corpus Christi West and Southside Corpus Christi
Area 7 Kingsville
Area 9 Brownsville and Brownsville Sunrise
Area 10 Edinburg
Area 13 Laredo, Laredo Daybreak and Laredo Next Generation
Ignite will be introduced to all District 5930 President Elects at their Lone Star Presidents-Elect Training Seminar March 6-9, 2014.
Congratulations to the Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club for already turning in their first monthly score sheet which was not due until 1 Oct. Their first monthly score sheet says "Congratulations!!" as within 2 weeks of implementing some of the Ignite guidelines they achieved success. Way to go on Setting Goals and Setting Records this Rotary Year.
Ignite Pilot Clubs - your first monthly Score Sheets are due to Debbie High @ dghrotary5930@gmail.com by 1 Oct.
2013-2014 MEMBERSHIP GOALS
How many Rotarians do we have in our district? As of 24 July we had 1,869 members in our District. Our goal is to be at 2,031 members by 1 July 2014. With more Rotarians we will be able to expand our service with purpose and Engage Rotary, Change Lives.
Let your District Membership Team know how we may be of assistance to your clubs.
Victoria Hub: AG Kent Grier, Asst. Membership Coordinator for Areas 1 & 2
Corpus Hub: Leo Barrera, Jr., Asst. Membership Coordinator for Areas 3, 4, 5, 6, & 7
Brownsville Hub: Luis Cavazos, Asst. Membership Coordinator for Areas 8 & 9
McAllen Hub: AG Ricardo Torres, Asst. Membership Coordinator for Areas 10, 11, & 12
Laredo Hub: Becky Garcia, Asst. Membership Coordinator for Area 13
We WILL be able to accomplish our membership goal together as we Set Goals and Set Records!
Congratulations and thank you to the 14 Clubs that signed up at District Assembly to "pilot" Ignite, an exciting comprehensive membership recruitment, retention, and extension program.
On July 24th we were at 1,869 members in our District. Our goal is to be at 2,031 members by 1 July 2014. We WILL be able to accomplish this goal together as we Set Goals and Set Records!
The Paul Harris One and Done Rotary Club Membership Growth Plan.
This plan is ~ easy, ~ fun, ~ attainable, ~ measurable, ~ controllable.
Clubs simply create Membership Teams consisting of 4 Rotarians each, exactly the way Paul Harris built Rotary beginning in 1905.
Each Team Member is responsible for communicating with each other to develop and sponsor one new Rotarian per Team.
Once their Team has inducted a new Rotarian, they are done, but hopefully they will remain excited about brining in new members and re-engaging and retaining current members.
Post on our District 5930 FB page when your club has inducted a new Rotarian in your club or e-mail photo and brief write-up to dghrotary5930@gmail.com
As we ENGAGE ROTARY in this new Rotary year, we are out to SET GOALS, SET RECORDS. Let's set some BOLD GOALS for membership growth and engagement. August is Membership and Extension Month in Rotary circles. What a wonderful topic to focus on early in our Rotary year! Many of our district's 56 clubs have submitted their goals on the new online ROTARY CLUB CENTRAL. I believe they are entirely attainable. Is your club's and your information entered? Research shows that clubs that set goals achieve more than those who do not. Let's SET GOALS and SET RECORDS in 2013-2014. (Regarding Rotary Club Central, new changes will be forthcoming for the Rotary International website by mid-August. Watch the district website and communication from the Webmaster with directions for new login and access practices.)
I would enjoy highlighting your club's membership and engagement stories in future issues of the District Newsletter. The service activities of the Rotary Club of Kingsville Sunrise, for example, have seen their membership grow from 9 to 21 members, from January to July, 2013, in a town of 26,000. Their spirit is contagious!
If you have not yet had an opportunity to meet Debbie High, District 5930 Lt. Gov. focusing on Membership, please take the time to do so. Her email address is dghrotary5930@gmail.com, and her phone number is 301-524-7091. You will be hard pressed to find someone who is more motivated and encouraging when it comes to the subject of Rotary membership! In connection with that, please mark your calendar for Saturday, OCTOBER 5, 2013, when a MEMBERSHIP SEMINAR will be held in the Calallen area. More details will be forthcoming, but suffice it to say it will be a day of enriching information.
I have a math brain-teaser for you. Just for fun, humor me, and work out this problem. Take one penny on January 1st. Double that penny, and the resulting amount, every day for a month. Note the amount you would have on January 31st. Apply that principle to Rotary membership. While I realize it would not be realistic to think every Rotarian could produce a new member each day for a month, it is staggering to think of the increase – and the good that could ultimately be done – if every member brought in just one more member over the upcoming year. Let's press to that goal – together we'll ENGAGE ROTARY; CHANGE LIVES.
(The math answer is $10,737,418.24. Staggering what can be accomplished, exponentially, if you start by simply doubling "one," isn't it?)
RI President Ron Burton has said "we all want to make a difference. We all want to be doing something meaningful." How true of Rotarians! Hence, our District theme, SERVICE WITH PURPOSE. When we grow Rotary, we get more involved and engaged in doing good, and "Rotary gives our lives more meaning, more purpose, and greater satisfaction."
WHAT IS YOUR IDEA on how we can best achieve our new Rotary International goal to ENGAGE ROTARY, CHANGE LIVES? Please send me your suggestions at maxiehouser@gmail.com.
For those who couldn't attend the live webinar - Club Foundation Chair Annual Giving Webinar - listed below is the link to view the webinar and some additional Resources and Links
We hope you will gain a greater knowledge of The Rotary Foundation's Annual Giving Program, and will feel better equipped to promote it in your clubs and districts.
We are providing a list of resources for you to use in the promotion of The Rotary Foundation and its Annual Giving initiatives, as well as contact information for your District leaders and Foundation support.
Click the More... link below to view the full list of resources, links and contacts.
World Toilet Day is observed annually on 19 November. This international day of action aims to break the taboo around toilets and draw attention to the global sanitation challenge.
Can you imagine not having a toilet? Can you imagine not having privacy when you need to relieve yourself? Although unthinkable for those living in wealthy parts of the world, this is a harsh reality for many - in fact, one in three people on this globe, does not have access to a toilet! Have you ever thought about the true meaning of dignity?
World Toilet Day was created to pose exactly these kind of questions and to raise global awareness of the daily struggle for proper sanitation that a staggering 2.5 billion people face. World Toilet Day brings together different groups, such as media, the private sector, development organizations and civil society in a global movement to advocate for safe toilets. Since its inception in 2001, World Toilet Day has become an important platform to demand action from governments and to reach out to wider audiences by showing that toilets can be fun and sexy as well as vital to life.
Today begins a new Rotary Year and I wanted to take a moment to send my good wishes your way.
Across the globe, individuals are stepping into new roles in Rotary that they will fulfill for the next year. Nearly every one of the fifty-six clubs in District 5930 will see a change in their leadership positions. Some of you will repeat in your positions, and I want you to know how grateful I am to you for donating another year of service.
I hope to be able to meet each of you in the near future as I make visits to each club. New President of Rotary International, Ron Burton, has said this “is an incredibly exciting time to be a Rotarian.” I concur with his assessment. The international theme for the 2013-2014 Rotary year, coined by Ron, is “Engage Rotary. Change Lives.”
I believe there is little limit to the good that can be accomplished here in District 5930 over the next year. I know, possessed by each one of you, there is a spirit of giving and kindness as broad and wide as Texas itself. The theme I have chosen for this upcoming year is “Service with Purpose.” Please join with me as we endeavor to purposefully brighten the lives of others.
My contact information is as follows:
Mailing address: PO Box 260434, Corpus Christi, Texas 78426
Great Trip and Experiences in Chicago and RI Headquarters
While touring RI Headquarters today, District 5930 Rotarians met with RI President Tanaka. From the left back row: PDG Gilbert Serna, PDG Don Ratliff, DG JD Simpson, DGND Betty Frantum, ADG Kent Grier. From the left front row: RI President Sakuji Tanaka, ADG Debbie High.
A group of 5930 Rotarians and some spouses left a few days ago to head to Chicago for a special presentation for Anne Smedinghoff.
Read a story of why they went to Chicago from the Oak Park, IL online newspaper.
Texas Rotarians head to Oak Park to honor Smedinghoff
by Jack Casey, Contributing Reporter
Rotarians from Texas are heading to Oak Park next week to honor and offer memories of Anne Smedinghoff, yet another indicator of the powerful impact the young River Forest native had as a Foreign Service officer in Afghanistan before her death there on April 6.
Smedinghoff had been working with a Rotary Club in Texas on a project the group was sponsoring. She had broached the possibility with the Texans of starting a Rotary Club in Kabul. Those connections will lead 18 Rotarians from Texas to Oak Park on Wednesday where a joint meeting with the Oak Park-River Forest Rotary Club will honor her.
Back in 1905, Paul Harris started a group to give four businessmen in Chicago an opportunity to refer business to each other. That group was called “Rotary!” Rotary is built on vocations, from the principles of the Object of Rotary to the classification system we use to make sure all vocations are represented in our Clubs. We encourage our members to give Classification talks so the Club knows what professions and businesses are represented.
To support those ideals,
your district is happy
to provide a District 5930 Yellow Pages.
Click the More ... below and see it you qualify for a free 90 day listing. You can also go directly there by using the menu item at the top of the page or go here - http://yellowpages.rotary5930.org
Fellow Rotarians & Concerned Citizens -
On behalf of Districts 5750 & 5770 we want to welcome donations on behalf of Disaster relief specifically designated for the May 20, 2013 victims and their families!
We all have family and loved ones (including myself) that have lost homes, auto's, personal belongings and friends to this F 5 tornado. Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said today that there were between 12,000 and 13,000 homes destroyed or damaged not including all the businesses and schools destroyed as well!
Any funds received by our Rotary Bi-District 501c3 Foundation will be used exclusively for the benefit of those damaged by this terrible event.
One can either mail a donation to-
Oklahoma Rotary
Bi-District Tornado Disaster Fund
P.O. Box 13800
Oklahoma City OK 73113-3800
Or make an online donation using your VISA, MasterCard or Discover go to - DONATE NOW
Please be aware that this is tax deductible donation and all donations will be acknowledged. Thank you in advance for all that your donations may accomplish.
Any questions please feel free to call or write me anytime!
In service - I am Sincerely, Will
Will Beckman,
Governor 2012-2013,
Rotary International
District 5750,
P. O. Box 13800,
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,
73113-3800
~ or ~
3633 Valley Creek Road,
Edmond, OK 73034,
Ofc.- 1-800-699-5905,
Res.-1-405-359-9299,
Cell - 1-405-642-9671
It has been suggested that a good way to assist the folks in Oklahoma is with a ShelterBox.
Shelter, Warmth and Dignity for Disaster Survivors Worldwide
ShelterBox en route
to tornado-hit Oklahoma
May 21, 2013
DearShelterBox Supporter,
As you know, a devastating two-mile wide tornado has torn through Oklahoma City suburbs with winds of up to 200 mph, destroying neighborhoods and schools.
The city of Moore is the worst hit. According to recent reports, 24 people have lost their lives, including nine children due to the collapse of multiple schools. Reports show debris everywhere, houses destroyed, upturned vehicles, street signs gone and power shortages.
As the search and rescue phase continues, a ShelterBox Response Team is en route to Oklahoma to begin our assessment and determine how we can best assist vulnerable families. In the following days, the team will be focusing on the most impacted areas to identify unmet shelter and non-food needs.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by this catastrophe. For the latest updates, please visit www.shelterboxusa.org or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
ShelterBox is also currently responding to other disasters worldwide, including the Syrian refugee crisis, flooding in Uganda, and earthquake in Pakistan.
I just talked to District Governor Phil Moss, in D5770. Phil lives in Norman, OK and Norman suffered little or no damage. Ron Burton is not in Oklahoma.
The town of Moore is in D5770 and there is a Rotary club in Moore and the Club President is the City police Chief so Phill has not attempted to contact him for obvious reasons. Once they have a few days to do a needs assessment, he will let us know. More news will be distributed as we receive it. Thanks.
This notice is being sent jointly by DG JD and DGE Maxi.
J D Simpson, DG 2012-2013
Rotary International District 5930
361.550.2907
Tornados in Oklahoma and RI President Elect Ron Burton
In many of the sessions, you may be asked to login to the District website and RI Member Access. It will be helpful for all attendees to have previously retrieved their username and password. Directions are here, in Assembly Central and on the public area District website in the Download Files.
The following information was shared by Jerry Channell of the Rockport Rotary Club and a former resident of Massachusetts and a true blue Yankee.
The Rotary Club of Boston #7 is assessing the community’s needs in response to the 4/15/2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Donations are welcome. Thank you for trusting us to shepherd the funds. We will put them to very good use.
Contributions are being accepted by our Boston Rotary Charitable Fund, a 501(c)(3), and should be designated for the Marathon.
Checks made out to Boston Rotary Charities Fund should be mailed to the Rotary Club of Boston, 64 Arlington Street, Boston, MA 02116
Rotary International District 5930
Announces Aid for the city of West, Texas,
site of fertilizer plant explosion, April 17th.
West, Texas - April 18, 2013
With the massive destruction of key sections of the city of West, Texas, our neighbors just south of Waxahachie and Hillsboro, we have been provided information from our Rotarian neighbors in D5930 on how we can best help.
Rotary District 5870 has established a Rotary Action Group to assist with the rebuilding of the infrastructure destroyed by the explosion. Currently water and gas lines within the city have been shut down and the West Fire Department equipment has been destroyed according to District Governor Rick Price.
Read More ... to find out Who to Contact and Donations
Do you have exciting club news, photos or fundraising projects you’d like to share?
Send in all of your information to share with the District on the website and in our
monthly newsletter/e-bulletin. Submission deadline is the 24th of each month.
Interviews of the applicant for District Governor 2015-2016 will be held on February 2, 2013 at the Country Club in Alice. The Executive Committee has received one applicant - Betty Frantum, Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Southside, Assistant District Governor Area 4, Polio Plus Chair. Additional questions can be sent to Governor Simpson at jdsrotary5930@gmail.com or PDG Lauro Solis at lhsolis5930@yahoo.com.
Rotarian Jim Deuser from McAllen is on a fast track with Rotary’s Group Study Exchange, a flagship program of our District here in the Rio Grande Valley and of the Rotary Foundation. The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for young business and professional men and women between the ages of 23 and 43; in the early years of their professional lives.
We will be posting stories of their travel and experiences as we get them in this space. One of the team members is Jennifer Pryess, a reporter for the Victoria Advocate in Victoria, Texas. She is chronicling the team's exchange opportunities on this blog - http://www.victoriaadvocate.com/weblogs/kerala-india-land-of-the-gods/. Here is one of her videos from her blog.
Read the first installment by click the More link below.
We have a hotel room block at the Omni, which is right across the street from the Town Club, for that night. The rate is $149 for the night. Please call 1-800-THE-OMNI and ask for the Rotary District #5930 room block.
All District Wide Rotary Foundation Training: New Grants Management Training
Participation (2013-14 Club President plus at least 1 additional club member) is required to obtain District 5930 Rotary club certification and enabled qualifying clubs to submit their 2013-14 District and/or Global grants proposals for further consideration.
Just Imagine
A World Free From
Hunger,
Polio,
Poverty,
Illiteracy,
Communicable Diseases and
Improved Living Conditions Here & Abroad
Resulting From Your Rotary Club's Leadership and Contribution To Serve Mankind World Wide!
It Is Now Time To Make This Dream A True Reality Utilizing The Human and Capital Resources Available To You…
We Invite You to Attend Our District Wide Rotary Foundation New Grants Management Training to Include:
A Presentation of The Rotary Foundation New Grants Model
Benefits of Global, District, and Package Grants
Complete the Required Training for Your Club Certification and Club Memo of Understanding
Familiarization with the New Grant(s) Application and Online Submission Processes
Learn About TRF Fundraising Opportunities and Meet Our Rotary International Representatives
Understand the Importance of Your Financial Contributions to The Rotary Foundation
How TRF Benefits Your Club When Planning Local and International Humanitarian projects
The Foundation Dinner will follow the training at the same location. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Monty Audenart, Aide to the President-elect 2013-2014,
Trustee of the Rotary Foundation 2013-2014, and
Past Rotary International Vice-President 2008-2009. (More information about Dr. Monty Audenart can be read by clicking the More button.
Clubs are reminded to elect and appoint officers and committee chairs for the next Rotary Year starting in July of 2013.
Rotary International requests that all reporting for next year's officers be completed and reported by December 31. Clubs in District 5930 are reminded to enter information through your Club's ClubRunner site (if you have one) or through the District website at www.rotary5930.org. The information is then transmitted to RI. Directions can be found by reading more of this story.
Spread the word about Rotary in January! At your next club assembly, make sure that members know about the latest projects and initiatives so they can raise awareness in the community. And consider these tips:
RI - Member Access isn't just a tool for updating your contact information or paying dues. It's an online destination offering a variety of useful information and functions that can enhance your Rotary experience.
If you haven't explored the site for a while, here are three reasons you should log in to Member Access.
Track club goals. Launched in July, Rotary Club Central makes it possible for you to monitor your club's progress and achievements in three key areas: membership initiatives, service activities, and Rotary Foundation giving. Once you've entered this data, your club members, district governor, and assistant governor can also follow your accomplishments.
Publicize your projects. Through Rotary Showcase, you can promote your club's achievements to other Rotarians and Facebook friends. Add your project or browse the site to see the good work other clubs are doing.
Sign up for training. Learn about Rotary's Strategic Plan, six areas of focus, and how to apply for the Foundation's new grants. Each course includes resources and its own online community where you can talk with other participants and course moderators. Go to learn.rotary.org and register for a course today.
A new online tool is saving trees and saving time for club and district leaders. Rotary Club Central lets club officers set and submit their club's Foundation giving goals online. The tool replaces The Rotary Foundation Fund Development Club Goal Report Form and offers a clear and simple method for capturing and monitoring Foundation giving goals. District leaders also have access to their clubs' information and can make updates as needed.
Five tips for increasing your club's Foundation giving
Over the past four years, the Rotary Club of Honolulu Sunset, Hawaii, USA, has averaged $803 in per capita giving. District Annual Giving Subcommittee Chair Richard Zegar offers his top tips for increasing your club's giving:
Select committed Rotarians to serve in fundraising positions for several years in a row. This consistency contributes to an "atmosphere of giving."
Meet one-on-one with members to discuss The Rotary Foundation's work. Then ask them to join you in supporting the Foundation.
Recognize new members by making donations to the Foundation in their names. Not only will you introduce them to individual recognition opportunities, but you'll also encourage their continued support.
Use Foundation reports from RI Member Access to inform members of their current recognition levels and encourage them to reach the next level. Acknowledge club members who attain higher giving levels.
Explain how effective and efficient The Rotary Foundation is compared with other charities. For example, tell members that 100 percent of their donations fund programs.
Read more about the Every Rotarian, Every Year (EREY) initiative.
Five tips for increasing your club's Foundation giving
RotaryDirect, Rotary's recurring giving program, saves time, money, and lives. Contributions go directly to The Rotary Foundation, resulting in faster processing and quicker achievement of your club and personal charitable goals.
Nominations sought for District Governor 2015-2016 - UPDATED
It is that time when we are actively seeking nominations for qualified and interested Rotarians to serve as District Governor in 2015-2016. In order to qualify for District Governor, the candidate must have served 7 years in Rotary at the time they begin their term and they must attend the Governor Elect Training Seminar (GETS) and also the International Assembly. It is also very helpful if the candidate has served as an Assistant District Governor.
The Nomination application is available on the District 5930 web site (towards bottom of leftside under Download Files) and I welcome any calls if anyone has any questions about what the qualifications are or what the job and the responsibilities entail.
Interviews will be conducted in Alice on Saturday, February 2, 2013. Again, please feel free to contact myself or any other Past District Governor with any questions. The Governor applications needs to be endorsed by the candidates home club and signed by the club Secretary. Completed applications should be submitted to the District Secretary, Phyllis Lindsey at phyllis@rockportproperties.com.
Thank you all for your service to Rotary International and District 5930. jd
J. D. Simpson, DG 2012-2013
Rotary International District 5930
PO Box 388
Fulton, Texas 78358
361.550.2907 cell
361.729.7900 office
email: jdsrotary5930@gmail.com
Nominations sought for District Governor 2015-2016 - UPDATED
The Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarship program will end in 2013. Beginning in 2013-14, The Foundation will offer scholarship opportunities through district and global grants. This new grant structure gives Rotarians greater flexibility in sponsoring the next generation of leaders.
The 2010-11 class of Ambassadorial Scholars received US$9.6 million through individual grants of $25,000. Since 1947, a total of $532 million has been awarded to 41,000 men and women.
DGE Matts Ingemanson, District Governor 2013-14, forwarded some of the communications he's received from Area Clubs. They're wonderful examples of our fellow Rotarians' care, concern and steps toward action.
Here's How You Can Help
The Rotary Club of New York and its Foundation appreciate the outreach
of our many fellow Rotary Clubs in the US and Abroad and the many good
wishes and offers of help. As we are slowly re-establishing connectivity
amongst ourselves and are trying to restore power and internet access,
we assure you that we are already in the beginning stages of assessing
the needs of those in devastating situations. Many times the immediate
and primary need is more hands-on than of a monetary nature, but the
secondary line of help is, in fact, that of grants to the ones hurt the
most in this absolutely horrific disaster.
So, as we did for 9/11 we ask already for your help and hope that you
will entrust us, the Rotary Club of New York through its Foundation to
forward that help to the people in need. Instruction are within:
Hurricane Sandy has affected several of our Zone 33-34 Districts as well as some north of that. We are working to reach those Districts that have the capabilities but we have not heard from some at all, I assume due to loss of power.
I have asked these Governors to let us know if they need help and if so what. I assume it will be primarily financial. The other non effected Districts are making similar offers. We want our disaster relief to be coordinated by the clubs on the ground in the affected areas so we can zero in on the greatest needs. As soon as we have any actionable information I will make it available to everyone through the District Website, so please check in there once in a while.
I would prefer that no money be sent in yet, but please be prepared to help as you can when the calls come in. However, if you have money collected you wish to send in, checks can be sent to District Treasurer Terri Whitman, made payable to District 5930 with "Hurricane Sandy" in the memo section. Address for mailing is Rotary District 5930, PO Box 2548, Rockport, TX 78381.
That is all I have for now. Please stay tuned for further updates.
Rotary recently launched endpolionow.org, an interactive virtual home where people can come together to finish the fight against polio. The website is currently available only in English, but other languages will follow. Key features of the site:
Compelling polio eradication stories you can share
Interactive, dynamic graphics that help you tell the story
Information about how donations from you and others are used to fight polio
Tips on how to use your social media status to share Rotary's polio story and calculate your "social worth"
Links to polio communications resources that will help you educate and inspire others to End Polio Now
On October 24, you can help Rotary make history by supporting the fight to end polio. Click the more button below the video to find out various ways you and your club can participate.
To mark Rotary Foundation Month in November, arrange a weekly program dedicated to educating club members about The Rotary Foundation. Consider promoting the Foundation's ongoing effort to eradicate polio or focusing on the new Rotary Foundation grant model.
Rotary International Member Accesshas been updated. It is more user friendly and has lots of additional functionality. There are online learning modules for Future Vision and the new grant process and areas of focus. Click the picture to sign into Member Access to see the new site in action.
Check out Rotary Club Central
A new online tool, Rotary Club Central, enables leaders to track club goals, measure club progress, and see club achievements in three key areas: membership, service, and Foundation giving.
Every year, thousands of talented and dedicated young people, ages 12-30, have an incredible experience in a New Generations program.
As Rotaractors and Interactors, they serve in communities at home and abroad. Through Rotary Youth Exchange, they explore new cultures. And as Rotary Youth Leadership Awards participants, they learn skills that will help them succeed as future community leaders.
New Generations is Rotary’s fifth Avenue of Service. Learn how your club can get involved in An Introduction to New Generations Service (see in the Download Files list to the left).
The Avenue of New Generations recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities, community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding. Programs include RYLA, Rotaract, Interact, and Rotary Youth Exchange. See what District 5930 is doing in this Avenue of Service by using the dropdown menus at the top of the page.
"We truly have the finest youth programs in the world," stated Past RI President Ray Klinginsmith. "Their intrinsic value continues to escalate. We do a great job with these programs, we just need to give them more visibility."
It’s hard to believe that September is here, meaning school has started and football season is upon us. September is NEW GENERATIONSmonth. President Sakuji Tanaka says “Our youth and young adult programs, such as Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth leadership awards and Rotary Youth Exchange, are a very important part of this avenue of service. We must remember that the youth of today are the leaders of tomorrow.”
We are still aggressively seeking application for Rotarian GSE team leaders and Non-Rotarian team members to travel to Kerala, India in mid-January for an experience of a lifetime. Please get the word out to your family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. All the details and applications can be found on the district website @ www.rotary5930.org.
Also, remember to visit the website frequently for a list of my scheduled visits. Dana Sisk now has my schedule prepared through about mid-December. I am spending most of my time in the southern end of the district these first few months. Please let Dana know if you have a particular event, fund raiser or social coming up and I will try to attend. Contact Dana @ DLS78418@hotmail.com.
Please don’t forget that your Assistant Governors and Lt. Governors are here to assist your club in any way needed. All you need to do is ask.
Remember Revitalize and Rejuvenate your Rotary Club in 2012-2013 and strive for “Peach through Service”
Application deadline has been extended to September 15, 2012.
The Kerala area of India is a coastal area dependent on tourism, farming and nature sanctuaries. These all fit with what our communities in South Texas also face and are working on developing and improving.
Kerala is one of India's most progressive states in terms of social welfare and quality of life. In contrast to the rest of India and most other low-income countries, Keralites enjoy education and health at levels that are on par with the West.
Please remember - it may be a vacation from your normal job and residence, but the GSE program is actually a vocational exchange and you will have certain duties and responsibilities and it is not just a leisure vacation.
If you - or your spouse, friends, co-workers, neighbors - are interested in pursuing this opportunity of a lifetime, please contact Alan Johnson at 956.389.4300 or by e-mail at ajohnson@thelegacyfoundation.org.
Clubs are encouraged to sponsor high school junior students from your local high school to attend the RYLA weekend! It is also suggested that the Rotary Clubs select one alternate in case one of the sponsored students cannot attend the weekend. Registration information is required for each student being sponsored for RYLA.
The Rotary Club of Corpus Christi focuses on high school juniors. These juniors then have the option of requesting to be considered as team counselors for the next year's RYLA.
DEADLINES are:
Friday December 7, 2012 - Club RYLA Contact picks up student applications from high school counselors
Friday December 14, 2012 – Club RYLA contact submits to the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi office completed packets
Mail the packet to:
Rotary Club of Corpus Christi
418 Peoples St., Ste. 300
Corpus Christi, TX 78401
Fax to: 361-888-5579
Below is a link to the forms that need to be completed and by whom. Click on each form or complete packet to obtain a printable version of the form. http://www.rotarycc.net/ryla-registration-forms/
RYLA applications are available and deadlines are approaching
Rally your members and spread the word to friends and family to
participate in an exciting online campaign. To encourage widespread
support for the effort to eradicate polio, Rotary has recruited a select
group of notables for a “This Close” public awareness campaign. These
public service announcements emphasize that Rotary is 99 percent toward
its goal to eradicate this disease.
Our fellow Rotarians were Ignited at the membership seminar on October 5th. With record attendance of 90+ Rotarians we were:
Engaged and Ignited by our breakout session facilitators and audience participants. (Powerpoint presentations for some of the sessions are available on the District website under "Membership" select "2013 Membership Seminar")
Inspired by Rotary Coordinator David Norris' outstanding Keynote address on "Rotary and Values Driven Leadership" (Powerpoint presentation will soon be available)
Energized and informed by our enthusiastic audience participants, panel members and moderator for our Q&A session
Happy for the fun, friendship, and fellowship opportunities with one another.
A BIG South Texas thank you to everyone that made The Rotary Games "Catching on Fire" such as success. Thank you for all you do to Engage Rotary - Change Lives and for your Service with Purpose. As our DG Maxie Houser referenced, "Together we do 'Ignite' the flame and provide so much to so many."
Laredo Next Generation Rotary Sergeant at Arms
L-R Ludi Solis, Club President; Pilar Rodriguez, Board Member;
Laura Narvaez, President-Elect; Becky L. Garcia, Board Member
Not Pictured: Patrik Mildner, VP of Membership; Matt McGovern, new member
Submitted by Debbie High, LT Governor - Membership
Photo Credit: Patrik Mildner, LNGR VP of Membership
The Rotary Games "Catching on Fire" D5930 Membership Seminar
Message from John Hewko, General Secretary, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation
This past year was one of major accomplishments for Rotary and your Rotary Foundation.
Extraordinary progress was made toward the eradication of polio. We made history when India was removed from the list of polio-endemic countries — leaving just Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Pakistan. A difficult road lies ahead, but thanks to the commitment and generosity of Rotarians and friends, we are confident that Rotary will lead the way toward a polio-free world.
Under The Rotary Foundation's new grant model, vocational training teams (VTTs) allow Rotarians to share their professional skills with people in another part of the world, using their talents to make a lasting impact. VTTs embody the spirit of vocational service which has deep roots in Rotary's history.
This is an exciting time in Rotary – an exciting time for the Clubs, the Districts and at Rotary International. Within the past few weeks some 33,000 Rotary Club Presidents have turned the gavel over to the incoming Club Presidents with fresh, new and exciting ideas. Over 500 District Governors have been sworn in around the world to help lead their clubs in the coming year. And the new President of Rotary International, Sakuji Tanaka, has taken office and challenged us all to pursue “Peace through Service.”
I want to commend and thank our Past District Governor, Lauro Solis, and his wife, Lupita, for a fun and productive year for District 5930. I have big shoes to fill and I will give it my all. DG Laura laid a foundation that we will continue to build on this year as we strengthen and solidify the foundation for Maxie, Art, and others to follow. This can only be accomplished if we all work together to build a better, stronger District.
My travels around the District will begin in a couple of weeks. Visit the District website often at www.rotary5930.org and view the calendar of my scheduled visits to the clubs. The August and September calendars are posted now and the calendar will be updated regularly, so be sure to check it out frequently.
Remember, if your club is hosting a fundraiser event or project you would like me to attend, please contact Dana Sisk at dls78418@hotmail.com to let her know and I’ll do my best to work it into my schedule. By the way, my visit to your club does not have to be “Traditional” -- we can all do something different.
It’s an honor and pleasure to have been selected to serve this District as Governor in 2012-2013. I commit to each and every Rotarian in this District to do my best to make this an enjoyable, successful, and memorable year for all of us.
I’m asking every Club President to Revitalize and Rejuvenate your club in 2012-2013. And finally, remember your Assistant Governors are available to assist and guide you, so don’t hesitate to call on them.
Rotary International, through our local Rotary district, will once again sponsor a Group Study Exchange for four non Rotarians who are employed and between the ages of 25 and 40. This year the exchange will be with Kerala, India, called “the land of the gods” for its beauty, and will depart the United States approximately January 15th and return approximately February 15th, 2013. Applicants must be able to be away for at least 30 days with all expenses paid except personal needs. It should be emphasized that this is not a vacation but rather a work/ study exchange with likeminded citizens of India. The suggested areas of work/study focus include, but are not limited to, the following: maternal and child health, water and sanitation, disease prevention and treatment, basic education and literacy, economic and community development and peace and conflict prevention or resolution.
Selected team members will be prepared and led by a Rotary team leader and together the team will prepare a short presentation that they will give in various cities to Rotary and civic organizations as requested by the host Rotary District.
If you are interested in pursuing this opportunity of a lifetime, please contact Alan Johnson at 956.389.4300 or by e-mail at ajohnson@thelegacyfoundation.org. Applications and information regarding the Group Study Exchange can be found at www.Rotary.org/gse. The deadline for applications is September 1st, 2012.
Comments from Juan -
What?
Awarded Service Above Self
Rotary shares an interest in protecting our common legacy: the environment.
Celebrate World Environment Day
This Rotary Year started on July 01, 2020 and the pandemic was in full swing. When I attended the Rotary International Assembly in January 2020, our then RI President Elect Holger Knaack spoke to us about the changes we need to make within Rotary and the world. He also talked about how Rotary opens doors to the opportunity to make change. But little did we know how much change we were about to experience. COVID-19 changed how we, as a society, conduct our daily lives. As Rotary Clubs, we discovered that “online meetings” really do work and they will continue to be a part of our daily lives into the future.
On May 24, 2021, the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass welcomed Margaret VonHeuvel of Margaret Care Health Services, 1450 West Wheeler Ave., Aransas Pass, Texas to present a program on the Health Services she has brought to Aransas Pass. She provided an interesting, informative presentation explaining that Margaret Care is a comprehensive system of medical interventions and wellness practices designed to ensure that each client receives the opportunity to attain the best outcomes possible. She stated “We offer an ‘old fashioned’ approach to medicine rooted in customer service.” She stated Margaret Care starts with the arrival of a kind smile and a black medical bag at your front door, integrated with the best knowledge, skills, and expertise modern medicine has to offer. This is achieved through true advocacy, compassion, communication, clinical expertise, and collaboration. Margaret Care provides quality services such as hospice, home health, radiology, durable medical equipment and/or pharmacy. Services available include Internal Medicine, Psychiatry, Registered Dietician, Lab/Diagnostic, and Pharmacy, to name a few. Margaret Care is open 5 – 6 days a week and is available by telephone 24-7. And, House Calls are available. Margaret Care accepts most insurances as well as cash. Margaret Care is service and healthcare oriented, so if one has no insurance or cash, staff is available to help locate third party coverage. Please join the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass in welcoming and supporting Margaret Care Health Services.
District Assembly Time is here.
Great news! I was cleaning my “Governor’s Closest” and discovered a few new Fly High with Rotary shirts. First come / Paid ~ First Serve
2 X-Large (Left front: Rotary Master Brand)
RYLA this year was virtual -- eRYLA. We had over 150 Campers/Trailblazers attending along with 36 Counselors/Youth Leaders. The event was held March 10-14, 2020 with camp running 6 pm-10 pm on Wednesday and Thursday, 6 pm -11 pm on Friday, and full days on Saturday and Sunday. Every camper received an eRYLA crate with their T-Shirts, snacks and personalized clue packets which they would open just before designated activities. The youth loved these crates! “Every lesson and activity was incorporated into the crate and it was nice,” said one camper. “I have never in all my experiences seen a camp care this much for their campers,” said another. Campers gave great feedback on each activity, and felt they really received a great camp experience.
Dear District 5930 Rotary Club Leaders and Other Rotarians:
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.
Laredo, Texas (April 17, 2021) - The Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club held their first hybrid (in-person/Zoom) meeting, in a gradual return to normalcy after more than one year of only virtual communications. The regular club meeting was held at Palenque Grill, located in San Bernardo Ave., on Wednesday, April 14, 2021. The club was honored to invite Webb County Judge,Tano Tijerina, as a guest speaker. 
CoronaVirus. We as Rotarians had been forced to sit and wait for eleven months, until early January 2021 the greatest opportunity to be of service came to us.
The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass congratulates Clarissa Hinojosa and Anthony Pena for participating in the Rotary International District 5930 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program held March 10 through 14, 2021. The RYLA program was presented online as eRYLA for 2021. District 5930 RYLA program leadership utilized experiential programming developed by professional youth educators of Leader NU, LLC. The fun, challenging, hands on team learning experience was based on the normal Camp Zephyr RYLA in person camp.
Aransas Pass, Texas, Monday, April 19, 2021—Speaking at the noon meeting of the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass, Charles Bujan recalled, just a few months after taking office as Mayor of Port Aransas, how August 25-26, 2017 (Hurricane Harvey), and events following, changed his and this small town’s life.
Each spring, local Rotary Clubs hold a Four-Way Test 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.
As I write this message for May, I am right in the middle of finalizing plans for our 1st Hybrid District Conference. The planning has been challenging. But I believe everyone is ready to get back to socializing in person. Speaking of challenging, the 2020-2021 Rotary year has not been a traditional year. We had to make many changes on how we meet and conduct normal business. ZOOM meetings have now become the “new norm”. But, as Rotarians, we must set the example, and not let our guard down too soon. As we venture out into our communities, remember to continue to wear your mask when necessary and practice social distancing as much as possible.
1:00 pm start
In the midst of a disastrous winter storm that wreaked havoc over the State of Texas, including our Laredo community, Next Generation Rotarians rolled their sleeves and made an immediate action plan.
The world around us is ever changing. It has been over one year now that COVID-19 changed the way we interact with each other. The immigration crisis is changing the way we govern our borders. And climate change is affecting all of us. So, as with Rotary, we must all adapt to these changes. Rotary recently enacted a 7th Area of Focus – Supporting the Environment. This is an area that every living person must work on, because it ultimately affects us all, rich & poor. 
On behalf of the District Rotary Foundation Team, I hope that you and your families are doing well. Along with the challenges we have experienced this year largely due to COVID-19 and the winter storms, Rotarians have planned and carried out phenomenal acts of kindness to help our fellow human beings. In keeping with this spirit of serving others, our Team encourages Club leaders to review your club’s accomplishments and plans for the remainder of this Rotary year. We also urge Assistant District Governors to assist in this process, as appropriate. 
On Monday, March 15, 2021, the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass officially welcomed Jason Reeves as the newest member of our Club. Jason is an Independent Financial Advisor and he owns Texas Coast Wealth Management in Aransas Pass. Jason was previously a Rotarian, first in the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Northwest and second in the Rotary Club of Ingleside. He currently has his office in Aransas Pass and was ready to resume his membership in Rotary. We are excited to induct Jason into the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass.
The 2021 High School Student Four-Way Test Speech Competition
District Conference goes Virtual, one more time!
Rotary is proud to partner with the Peace Corps, and to promote the celebration of their 60th anniversary.
Victoria Rotary Club recently awarded $15,000 in grants to twelve organizations in Victoria whose mission is helping others, both children and adults. 
Arianna Rebecca Torres, Interact Club Member at St. Augustine High School
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of our Past District Governors and members. Fernando D. Cuellar of Laredo, Texas served as our District Governor in 1994-1995.
February - World Understanding Month
Area of Focus: Water and Sanitation Month. This month also includes the World Rotaract Week from the 7th until 14th of March.
Dear friends,
Service above self is reflected in the actions towards others by numerous Rotarians throughout the world. In Laredo, the Laredo Daybreak Rotary (LDR) Club is composed of 46 people from all walks of life with a common quality – to serve others and practice good will towards mankind. Carlos Navarrete, a member of this club since 2017 until his sudden death in 2020, left his mark in the lives of many. He was an active member of the club always lending a helping hand at fundraisers, volunteering at events, led particular service projects and also served as a board member.
There may be another opportunity or two for story telling, but today is better than any other. This Rotary year is long from over but this is a good day to begin the end (for me, that is). 
The Rotary District 5930 Nominating Committee met Saturday morning, January 16, 2021 and interviewed candidates to become the District Governor Nominee Designate (DGND) and selected Luis Cavazos of the Brownsville Sunrise Rotary Club to become the DGND and to serve as District Governor in the Rotary Year 2023-2024.
Currently, over 80 camper applicants, and growing, are attending the online eRYLA camp March 10 - 14th, 2021.
January - Vocational Services
On Monday, December 7, 2020 the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass officially welcomed Janice Ciomperlik with Value Bank, as the newest member of our Club.
The Laredo Under Seven Flags Rotary Club is honored and privileged to inform you that Mrs. Veronica Orduño, a Mathematics Department Head teacher at Dr. Joaquin G. Cigarroa Middle School, has been selected as our Paul Harris Fellow. Her professional resume reflects her many years of service to the youth of South Laredo, honors and awards she has received. In particular, her Community Work is very noteworthy.
December - Decease Prevention and Treatment
The headline is
This Tuesday, Dec. 01, 2020, is "Giving Tuesday". I would like to challenge all Rotarians in District 5930 to seriously consider making a small donation of $26.50 to the Rotary Annual Fund on this day (
Rotary Club of Willacy County will conduct a Veterans Day project to honor those who have served our country.
Lone Star PETS
Printable pdf for the DRAFT schedule is here
The Rotaract Club at Texas A&M International University extends a cordial invitation to all District Interact and Rotaract clubs to attend our upcoming Peace Summit November 14, 2020. The purpose of this event is to promote peace by building relationships with youth organizations within District 5930 that will together engage in peacebuilding activities after the summit.
Joel Vincent, Rotary of Harlingen's Past President presiding 2019-2020, was awarded Rotary International's "District Governor's Rooted In Service Award" by District 5930's Assistant Governor, Kathy Preddy.
Rotary of Harlingen's guest speaker at the regularly scheduled meeting was Matt Z. Ruszczak. Mr. Ruszczak serves as the Executive Director for the Rio South Texas Economic Council. Mr. Ruszczak shared valuable information along with statistics pertaining to the Rio Grande Valley amidst the COVID-19 crisis. He was able to speak to the different impacts and trends COVID-19 has had in the retail, manufacturing and industrial sectors.
October 5, 2020
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of our Past District Governors and members. William "Bill" Janecek served as District Governor for 5930 in 1998-1999.
October - Economic and Community development
November - Rotary Foundation Month
THURS. OCT. 8TH @ 6:30 PM
HOW CAN I SIGN UP FOR ROTARY DIRECT? 
In addition to the President’s Letter, Ronnie received a gift from our Club with a plaque on top that states:
As many of you may know, I have combined my love for motorcycle riding and service with a charity ride called RPM, which stands for Rotary Polio Moto. The sole mission of this Fundraising and Fellowship Motorcycle Ride through Rotary District 5930 is to end polio forever.
Pounding the Pavement 4 Polio Virtual Walk
Polio is a crippling and potentially fatal disease. Fortunately, although incurable, Polio is easy to prevent. A child can be vaccinated for just 50p, protecting the child against this terrible disease for life.
How Might We . . . Lend a Helping Hand Training Seminar
It is with sadness that we announce the passing of one of our Past District Governors and members. Don Ratcliff served as District Governor for 5930 in 1997-1998.
September - Basic Education & Literacy
Add some fun and exercise to your virtual meetings by planning and having a scavenger hunt! 
d More
On Tuesday, August 11, The Rotary Club of Kingsville and DPS Highway Patrol helped with an Emergency Food Distribution event by the Coastal Bend Food Bank to support 500 families in need in the Kingsville area. Pictured from Kingsville Rotary are President, Justinn J. Jones, and Director of Community Service, Danny Peña.
On Monday, August 10, 2020 the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass had the pleasure of Alan Wilson from the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi come speak to our Club. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, our Club, as well as every other civic organization in Aransas Pass, has been challenged by a means to raise money to meet our financial obligations. The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass supports APISD in the form of Scholarships and the EAFK Program as well as Project Graduation and Bicycles for Faulk and Charlie Marshall Elementary Schools. We support Aransas Pass in the form of Literacy Donations, Aransas Pass for Youth and the TriCounty Christian Service Center. We also participate with Rotary international in the 4-Way Speech Contest and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards as well as contribute to an International Project each year.
August - Membership & Extension Month
“Growing Effective Leaders and Faithful Members for a Stronger Community”
The interest in helping the HALO-Flight organization has been on the radar for some time but was a project of our President Nena Pitts. Sadly, we were not able, in the past, to find a way to assist them, but our Acting President, Bruce Hoffman, found a way to make this come to fruition.
July - (Non Designated Month)
Fast forward to July 1, 2020. District 5930 is proud to announce the introduction and rollout of the New and Improved District app. It is a Game-changing app with the following features and implementation.
This is a portion of the COVID protection gear purchased in Guatemala with the Global Grant sponsored by the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi and Guatemala Norte Rotary Club – a total of 24 regional hospitals will be supported.
Leaders in Rotary Youth Exchange joined together for the first ever Youth Exchange Officers Postconvention virtual event on 27-28 June. They learned about best practices for participating in the program, and heard inspiring messages from Rotary International President Mark Maloney, and President-elect Holger Knaack, and alumni of Rotary Youth Exchange.
On Monday, June 15, 2020, the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass had the pleasure of inducting David Hilarides into the Club. David is the new General Manager of Sparklight and he was sponsored by Juli Blanda, the previous GM and newly appointed Division Vice President of Sparklight. Our Club is excited to induct a person who has demonstrated the Rotary Four Way Test:
Look for us in next month’s Newsletter!
Hello, my fellow Rotarians and the leadership for the 2020-2021 year in District 5930, My name is Jack Alspaugh and our incoming Governor for this Rotary year Eddie Bartnesky has asked me to take on the task of Community Service. He and I both feel that if we become more engaged in our local communities it will help to build and sustain our membership and strengthen our Public Image.
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.
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.
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. 
As a Rotary year closes, clubs need to apply or send in information to receive the Presidential Citation from Rotary International or the Club Exemplary Award from District 5930. In the past the deadline was March 31 and there several applications to complete and send. NOT THIS YEAR!
Club Builder Award - 
Donation of an item for our Mystery Box. This is a large box filled with all manner of things –pretty things, kitchen things, small appliances, gift cards, games, garden things, TV things, all manner of things. We guarantee that the box contains at least $2000 worth of merchandise. Raffle tickets will be on sale for $10. Only 1000 tickets will be sold. Send it to District 5930, PO Box 51, Rockport, TX 78381. Call Nancy Paulson, 361-463-8791 or Terri Whitman, 361-205-7122 for more information. Winning ticket will be drawn on May 6, 2017 at the Governor's Banquet Dinner.
Dear Funders of two Rotary $30,000 Global Scholarships for Anja Nikolova with copies to other friends in Rotary;
In 2017-18, we’ll answer the question “What is Rotary?” with RI President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley’s theme, Rotary: Making a Difference. “Whether we’re building a new playground or a new school, improving medical care or sanitation, training conflict mediators or midwives, we know that the work we do will change people’s lives — in ways large and small — for the better.”
In 1916, The Boston Red Sox beat the Brooklyn Robins (Dodgers) four games to one in the World Series. Woodrow Wilson was elected the 33rd President of the United States; in Europe, World War I was raging and the Battle of Verdun claimed more than 900,000 casualties; in the Rio Grande Valley, the Rotary Club of Brownsville was founded and officially chartered.
Make sure the names of all current (RY 2016-17) and all future officers (RY 2017-18) are entered in ClubRunner as soon as possible and no later than 1 February. Minimum - President, President Elect, Treasurer, and Secretary. Add your “Trilogy Squad”: Membership, Foundation and Public Image chairs/directors. Add all other executives and directors. 
Where: Hyatt Regency DFW Hotel
District Governor Debbie High is honored and delighted to announce that, unofficially, we have a new District Governor for the year 2019-2020. The District 5930 District Governor Nominating team has chosen Ellison Crider of the Corpus Christi Evening Rotary Club. 
If you are reading the newsletter or missed the graphic near the top of the website - here it is again.
he Association of Fundraising Professionals selected The Rotary Foundation for its annual Award for Outstanding Foundation for 2016, a recognition that honors organizations that show philanthropic commitment and leadership through financial support, innovation, encouragement of others, and involvement in public affairs. 
We have arranged for a special room rate at the Omni Corpus Christi Hotel for the Centennial Celebration Event.
St. John Paul High School Rotary Interact club volunteered at a construction site for a Habitat for Humanity Corpus Christi home on Sept 13. The Interact Club is sponsored by Southside Corpus Christi Rotary Club.
Rotary’s Council on Legislation adopted two measures that are critical for our organization: clubs now have greater flexibility in when, where, and how they meet and the types of membership they offer. Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko blogs about the impact of these changes and how some clubs are already taking advantage of this new flexibility.
From the Rotary Club of Ingleside ...
Louisiana Flood 2016 Americans Helping Americans! 
17th Annual Harlingen Sunburst Rotary Scholarship Golf Tournament. We have given over $110,000 in scholarships over the past years. Our tournament is as good as our invitation. The norm is over $10,000 worth of prizes given away to our golfers. Great meal is also provided. Join us for the party!
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ROTARY
The following categories will be recognized during the Awards portion of the Foundation Day Dinner - Celebrating A Bountiful Harvest. The awards are for the 2012-2013 Rotary year. You and your club can still make it happen in order to be recognized next year for this year efforts. District 5930 Foundation Committee and the District Governors JD Simpson, 2012-2013 and Maxie Houser, 2013-2014 want to thank all Rotarians and clubs for their efforts in raising funds and making commitments to the Rotary Foundation..gif)
This is the month for us to consider how our Rotary values – and our own actions – influence public perceptions of Rotary. Rotary’s strategic plan outlines five core values that define and guide us as we chart a course into our second century of service.
Leadership, the fifth, and final, core vale. Each of us must remember, with our every action, that we are Rotarians. When we are chosen to become Rotarians, and when we choose to accept that honor, we take it upon ourselves to become representatives of the entire organization. .gif)
surveys and referring those in need to an ISL field clinic. At the clinic, volunteers participate, under the direct supervision of local, licensed health professionals, with patient interviews, taking vital signs, performing basic triage, and filling prescriptions. Volunteers also have the opportunity to closely observe the examination, diagnosis, and treatment process. Teams are led by professional staff and accompanied by bilingual assistants." Please note that level of participation is as involved as each team member is comfortable with.
Breakout Sessions on:
Be a Rotary Champion and
Why: The photos will be used by your District Membership Team to show and share your Passion of Rotary. The photos will first be used as a rolling screen saver between our main hall sessions at The Rotary Games, Catching on Fire, District 5930 Membership Seminar October 5th. 
District 5930's first 
As we ENGAGE ROTARY in this new Rotary year, we are out to SET GOALS, SET RECORDS. Let's set some BOLD GOALS for membership growth and engagement. August is Membership and Extension Month in Rotary circles. What a wonderful topic to focus on early in our Rotary year! Many of our district's 56 clubs have submitted their goals on the new online ROTARY CLUB CENTRAL. I believe they are entirely attainable. Is your club's and your information entered? Research shows that clubs that set goals achieve more than those who do not. Let's SET GOALS and SET RECORDS in 2013-2014. (Regarding Rotary Club Central, new changes will be forthcoming for the Rotary International website by mid-August. Watch the district website and communication from the Webmaster with directions for new login and access practices.)
Districts 5840 & 5930 
Today begins a new Rotary Year and I wanted to take a moment to send my good wishes your way. 
Date: June 29th, 2013
Set Goals. Set Records.
The Rotary Club of Boston #7 is assessing the community’s needs in response to the 4/15/2013 Boston Marathon bombings. Donations are welcome. Thank you for trusting us to shepherd the funds. We will put them to very good use.
Rotarians are Helping Victims of Hurricane Sandy!
The District 5930 Membership Seminar
Rotary International, through our local Rotary district, will once again sponsor a Group Study Exchange for four non Rotarians who are employed and between the ages of 25 and 40. This year the exchange will be with Kerala, India, called “the land of the gods” for its beauty, and will depart the United States approximately January 15th and return approximately February 15th, 2013. Applicants must be able to be away for at least 30 days with all expenses paid except personal needs. It should be emphasized that this is not a vacation but rather a work/ study exchange with likeminded citizens of India. The suggested areas of work/study focus include, but are not limited to, the following: maternal and child health, water and sanitation, disease prevention and treatment, basic education and literacy, economic and community development and peace and conflict prevention or resolution.