Stories

Giving Tuesday on November 28 2023-11-27 06:00:00Z 0
Thanksgiving Season with San Benito Rotary 2023-11-27 06:00:00Z 0
Turner found his grandfather’s picture 2023-11-27 06:00:00Z 0
Turkey Dinner Donation by Laredo Next Generation Rotary Club 2023-11-27 06:00:00Z 0
Operation Smile-Christmas with Vaquero Interact 2023-11-27 06:00:00Z 0
Family Comedy Night 2023-11-27 06:00:00Z 0
Congratulations to our fellow Rotarian Tom Plumb!  2023-11-13 06:00:00Z 0
the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass enjoyed participating in the Character Walk hosted by Faulk Elementary. 2023-11-13 06:00:00Z 0
Together We Empower 2023-11-13 06:00:00Z 0
Registration is Open!!! 2023-11-13 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of Aransas Pass qualified for a matching grant 2023-11-13 06:00:00Z 0
The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating from Charity Navigator 2023-11-13 06:00:00Z 0
Let's help people affected by Hurricane OTIS 2023-11-13 06:00:00Z 0
Honor our Veterans Hospitality Booth 2023-10-30 05:00:00Z 0
The Magic of Christmas Parade 2023-10-30 05:00:00Z 0
The Heart Gallery of RGV with Historic Brownsville 2023-10-30 05:00:00Z 0
We are this close to ending Polio 2023-10-24 05:00:00Z 0
Together #WeInspireYouth 2023-10-22 05:00:00Z 0
The Rotary District 5930 obtained 2022-2023 Challenge Citations 2023-10-22 05:00:00Z 0
#Prayers 2023-10-22 05:00:00Z 0
The statement of Rotary International on the conflict in Israel and Gaza 2023-10-22 05:00:00Z 0
#Prayers 2023-10-22 05:00:00Z 0
Congratulations to PDRI Suzi Howe! 2023-10-22 05:00:00Z 0
San Diego Rotary Club welcomed District Governor 2023-10-22 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Polio Moto schedule 2023-10-20 05:00:00Z 0
Interact World Week 2023-10-11 05:00:00Z 0
#WeTransform 2023-10-11 05:00:00Z 0
Empowering Girls 2023-10-11 05:00:00Z 0
#Prayers 2023-10-11 05:00:00Z 0
Great Success with RotaRun 2023 2023-10-11 05:00:00Z 0
World Polio Day is October 24 2023-10-11 05:00:00Z 0
Literacy Night with Vaquero Interact and San Diego Rotary Clubs 2023-09-27 05:00:00Z 0
District Governor meet with Laredo members 2023-09-27 05:00:00Z 0
Take Action for World Polio Day: 24 October 2023-09-27 05:00:00Z 0
Celebrating Diversity in District 5930 2023-09-27 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Peace Corps Week 2023-09-27 05:00:00Z 0
Community Week Activity 2023-09-27 05:00:00Z 0
DG visited McAllen area 2023-09-27 05:00:00Z 0
Membership Month recap 2023-09-11 05:00:00Z 0
Together We Fight Hunger 2023-09-11 05:00:00Z 0
2023 Interact Awards 2023-09-11 05:00:00Z 0
McAllen Rotary donated 500 backpacks 2023-09-11 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of Harlingen is a 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club 2023-09-11 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Fact 2023-09-11 05:00:00Z 0
How are you promoting Rotary? 2023-09-11 05:00:00Z 0
One Summit: Working Together 2023-09-01 05:00:00Z 0
FIESTA Bowl-A-Thon with Satellite Club of Laredo 2023-08-27 05:00:00Z 0
Defeating Diabetes 5K with the Laredo Rotary Club 2023-08-27 05:00:00Z 0
2023 Golf Bash with Rio Grande City Rotary Club 2023-08-27 05:00:00Z 0
Lone Star Division RLI Virtual Classes Offered 2023-08-25 05:00:00Z 0
World Humanitarian Day 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
Ride for Rotary 2023 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
SAVE THE DATE! POLIO DAY IS IN OCTOBER 24th!  2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Fact #4 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
Wonderful time with the Harlingen Sunburst Rotary Club 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
Help our Rotary friends in Maui 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
We Are All Welcome 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
DG visited North Harlingen Club 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Fact #3 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary International President for 2025-26 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Fact #2 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
Membership Challenge 2023-08-21 05:00:00Z 0
White Wing Tune-Up Shoot 2023-07-27 05:00:00Z 0
Back to School Supply Drive 2023-07-27 05:00:00Z 0
Friends of Rotary Club of Harlingen Golf Tournament 2023-07-27 05:00:00Z 0
Back to School Social Mixer 2023-07-27 05:00:00Z 0
2nd Annual Fundraiser Golf with Los Fresnos 2023-07-27 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Fact #1 2023-07-25 05:00:00Z 0
District Governor visited Port Isabel 2023-07-25 05:00:00Z 0
What does it takes to develop good leaders? 2023-07-25 05:00:00Z 0
RotaRun 2023 2023-07-25 05:00:00Z 0
Maintenance at MyRotary 2023-07-25 05:00:00Z 0
Together #WeMentor 2023-07-25 05:00:00Z 0
PDG George Dawson has passed away 2023-07-17 05:00:00Z 0
We are #PeopleOfAction 2023-07-13 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Voices Podcast 2023-07-13 05:00:00Z 0
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion 2023-07-13 05:00:00Z 0
July is the month of... 2023-07-01 05:00:00Z 0
Gordon McInally, President of RI 2023-2024 2023-07-01 05:00:00Z 0
Save the Date! 2022-02-07 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary International Convention Houston 2022 2022-02-07 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Peace Fellowship application 2022-02-07 06:00:00Z 0
"Imagine Rotary",- Theme 2022-2023 by Jennifer Jones 2022-01-20 06:00:00Z 0
The District Advisory Committee has nominated Dr. Zehra Surani to be Governor of District 5930 for the Rotary Year 2024-2025 2022-01-17 06:00:00Z 0
More than $32,000 raised for Tim's Coats 2022-01-16 06:00:00Z 0
Human Trafficking Initiative 2022-01-04 06:00:00Z 0
The Four Way Test student contest 2022-01-04 06:00:00Z 0
Interested to make a Global Grant? 2022-01-04 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Clubs of Edinburg and McAllen contributed to TIMS COATS 2021-12-23 06:00:00Z 0
Scholarship Project at Los Altos, Guatemala 2021-12-23 06:00:00Z 0
'Tis the Season. . .  2021-12-22 06:00:00Z 0
Gifts and Joy in Altavista Nursing Home 2021-12-22 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of San Benito’s 3rd Annual Sock and Toiletries Drive was a hit 2021-12-22 06:00:00Z 0
New Rotaract Club in D5930-Collaboration Past, Present and Future 2021-12-22 06:00:00Z 0
Alice Rotary Club were Santa’s little helpers at the annual Children’s Christmas Party 2021-12-22 06:00:00Z 0
The Laredo Rotary Club & St Augustine Interact Club collected 320 toys 2021-12-21 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of Laredo Next Generation Ends 2021 Activities on High Note  2021-12-20 06:00:00Z 0
Rivera ECHS Interact Club donated meal to Family 2021-12-20 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Shrimp Fest 2021-12-17 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation’s position statement on COVID-19 vaccination 2021-12-16 06:00:00Z 0
Welcome to our fellow Rotarians of the Padre Island/Flour Bluff Satellite Club of Corpus Christi Evening 2021-12-16 06:00:00Z 0
RYLA at Corpus Christi information is now available at our District Website!  2021-12-15 06:00:00Z 0
Our Rotarians from District 5930 are very active this Christmas season! 2021-12-13 06:00:00Z 0
Fundraiser for homes for graduating Foster children with Rotary Club of West Corpus Christi  2021-12-13 06:00:00Z 0
DG visited Rotary Los Fresnos 2021-12-09 06:00:00Z 0
County Food Bank 2021-12-07 06:00:00Z 0
We have the hightest % of female members 2021-12-03 06:00:00Z 0
DG visited Rotary Club of Pharr 2021-12-02 06:00:00Z 0
Disease Prevention and Treatment Month 2021-12-01 06:00:00Z 0
Laredo Regional Food Bank Receives $1,000.00 contribution from the “Laredo Under Seven Flags” Rotary Club 2021-11-29 06:00:00Z 0
#GivingTuesday 2021-11-29 06:00:00Z 0
Rios and Silberstein Inductions  2021-11-23 06:00:00Z 0
DG visited Rotary Club of Willacy County 2021-11-22 06:00:00Z 0
Next Generation Rotarians donate to Casa Misericordia 2021-11-22 06:00:00Z 0
It is Rotary Foundation Month !!!  2021-11-22 06:00:00Z 0
Busy October for People of Action (Portland Rotary) !  2021-11-22 06:00:00Z 0
Join the Rotary Club of North Harlingen to celebrate the club's 50th Anniversary. 2021-11-18 06:00:00Z 0
District Governor Amando Chapa visited Area 12 during the week of Nov. 12-16. 2021-11-17 06:00:00Z 0
DG visited Laredo Area 2021-11-15 06:00:00Z 0
North Harlingen Club volunteers!  2021-11-15 06:00:00Z 0
Veteran's Day 2021-11-11 06:00:00Z 0
Create YOUR Club's Future 2021-11-08 06:00:00Z 0
Rotarian of The Year 2020-2021 D5930 2021-11-04 05:00:00Z 0
ADG of the Year Award 2020-2021 2021-11-03 05:00:00Z 0
LoneStarPets 2021-11-01 05:00:00Z 0
Celebrate World Interact Week 2021-11-01 05:00:00Z 0
Be a Part Of History: Purple Pinkie Challenge! 2021-10-24 05:00:00Z 0
TCCSC DONATION 2021-10-24 05:00:00Z 0
THANK YOU! 2021-10-24 05:00:00Z 0
Most Impactful Project of the Year 2020-2021 2021-10-18 05:00:00Z 0
Nominations for District Governor 2024-2025 2021-10-18 05:00:00Z 0
Rest in Peace  2021-10-17 05:00:00Z 0
We are so close! 2021-10-14 05:00:00Z 0

Most Impactful Project of the Year Award - updated

   

 

New Award for Clubs in District 5930

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.
 
 
To be considered for the award, clubs need to satisfy the criteria pertaining to each component listed here.
 
 
                 
  
                                                                                                                                            
 Most Impactful Project of the Year Award - updated 2021-10-13 05:00:00Z 0
ADGs Meeting 2021-09-27 05:00:00Z 0
DG Visited Three Rivers 2021-09-22 05:00:00Z 0
DG visited Rotary Club of Aransa Pass 2021-09-14 05:00:00Z 0

RLI Part I in October- Registration is Open!

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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
 
 
 
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!
 
 
Kathy Preddy
RLI Faculty and Admin TEAM
956-536-7218
Read more...
RLI Part I in October- Registration is Open! 2021-08-09 05:00:00Z 0
Vision Facilitators First Meeting 2021-08-01 05:00:00Z 0
DG Amando Chapa visited Area 9- Brownsville Clubs 2021-08-01 05:00:00Z 0

ClubRunner helps Clubs Gear up for your upcoming role this year!

  • 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. 

View Schedule

Sincerely,
ClubRunner Team 
support@clubrunner.ca 
 ClubRunner helps Clubs Gear up for your upcoming role this year! 2021-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

HomeTown Heroes Project by RC of San Benito

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.
 
Story submitted by Olivia Rivas
 HomeTown Heroes Project by RC of San Benito 2021-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

Juan Lira Recognized by RI Membership Development

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
 Juan Lira Recognized by RI Membership Development 2021-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

RC of Rockport joined the Sesquicentennial Celebration

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.
 
The club also participated in the parade.
 
Story and pictures submitted by Steve Clarkson
Read more...
RC of Rockport joined the Sesquicentennial Celebration 2021-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

RC Willacy County Gives Scholarships

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.

#wearerotary #ServiceAboveSelf
 
Story and Pictures submitted by Horacio Maldonado
 
Read more...
RC Willacy County Gives Scholarships 2021-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary District 5930 Installation of District Leaders

Rotary District 5930 Installation of District Leaders

Serve to Change Lives develops Peace through Service

Register NOW

What?
Installation Dinner Honoring 2021-2022 District 5930
Incoming District Governor, Amando Chapa,
Club Presidents and Leadership team

When?
June 26, 2021 - 5:30 Reception and Dinner Served 6:30 pm

Where?
Echo Hotel, 1903 South Closner Blvd, Edinburg, Texas, 78539

Cost?
$45 per person

Other information?
Cash Bar, Attire: Business, RSVP to Trecia Munal, email address: tpmunal@hotmail.com

Why?
Start the New Rotary Year in style with friends and fellow Rotarians.

Printable Invitation

 Rotary District 5930 Installation of District Leaders 2021-06-04 05:00:00Z 0

Negotiating Peace in Iraq - Corpus Christi Rotary Program

 
Who: Retired Colonel Mike Kershaw
 
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
 
You must pre-pay for your $20 lunch by 6.21.21, http://www.rotarycc.com/pay-online/
 
 
Would you like to attend this presentation virtually? Contact lysa@rotarycc.com for Zoom login information by 6/21/21.
 
 
Presented by the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi
 Negotiating Peace in Iraq - Corpus Christi Rotary Program 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0
Southside Corpus Christi Honors Major Donors 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Aransas Pass Bowling Tournament

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”
Chris’s Marine sponsored “Chris’s Salty Balls”
CM Lanes sponsored “CM High Rollers”
Chris’s Marine sponsored “Nothing But Spares”
Bakery Café Sponsored “Bakery Café 1”
Bakery Café sponsored “Bakery Café 2”
GP Transport sponsored “Los Mechanicos”
Downtowner Apartments sponsored “Downtowner Dragons”
Meg Reese sponsored “Laboratory Lasers”
Dream Team Realtors sponsored “Dream Team Realtors”
Discount Auto Parts sponsored “Discount Auto Parts”
Sparklight sponsored “Sparklight Strikers”
Chandlers Landing LLC sponsored “Bowlers & Trollers”
Commercial Motor Company made a donation.
Allen Samuels CDJR made a donation.
Occidental Chemical Corporation made a donation.
 
Pictures and Article Submitted by Karen Gayle
 
Pictures:  Highest Scoring Team—Downtowner Dragons (Danny Maddox, Brandon Maddox, Sponsor Ronnie Yeager, Chance Paty and Mike Burt)                                     
                   Gutter Ball Award—Bakery Café 1 (Kari Kirby and Ramiro Gomez)
                   Highest Male Bowler—Chance Paty with Downtowner Dragons Highest
                  Highest Female Bowler—Denise Garrett with Dream Team Realtors
                    Winner of 50/50 Raffle—Chris Coulter with Chris’s Marine
 
Read more...
Aransas Pass Bowling Tournament 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Portland RC honors a Community Leader

Awarded Service Above Self
 
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. 
 Portland RC honors a Community Leader 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Protecting the Environment - webinars

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.
 
You can join ESRAG online at www.esrag.org/join. For more resources and information about ESRAG go to www.esrag.org, or email Membership Director Steve Solbrack at steve@solbrack.com.
 
Thank you.
 
Art Zeitler
 
 
Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator, Zone 25B and 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)
P.O. Box 261095
Corpus Christi, TX 78426
361.947.3830 Cell Phone
azeitler@sbcglobal.net E-mail
 
Read more...
Protecting the Environment - webinars 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Newest RLI Graduates

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!
 
 
Kathy Preddy
RLI Faculty and Admin TEAM
956-536-7218
Read more...
Newest RLI Graduates 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Brownsville Sunrise RC work with Rotaract RGV

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.
 
Submitted by Mari Montelongo
Rotary Club of  Brownsville Sunrise
 
 
Read more...
Brownsville Sunrise RC work with Rotaract RGV 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Hands to Honduras report - Part 2

Hi all,
 
    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 have attached...if it is not too big....a history of our activities since the Port Isabel Rotary Club and District 5930 took over sponsorship...when I permanently moved to Texas in 2006 from Vermont.  It takes a long time to locate photos.
 
    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,
    
    Thanks for your support!!!
 
                                    Tom Plumb, Hands to Honduras, Inc.
                                    PO Box 1733
                                    Port Isabel, Texas 78578
 Hands to Honduras report - Part 2 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Celebrate World Environment Day

Celebrate World Environment Day

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)

Your source for more information about Rotary's newest Area of Focus

ESRAG -Environmental Sustainability Rotary Action Group https://www.esrag.org/
 Celebrate World Environment Day 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Hands to Honduras report 2004-2006

Hi all.
    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.
 
                                        Yours in service,
 
                                        Tom Plumb, Hands to Honduras, Inc.
                                        PO Box 1733
                                        Port Isabel, Texas 78578
 Hands to Honduras report 2004-2006 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Lending A Helping Hand - June 2021

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!
 
Eddie
 Lending A Helping Hand - June 2021 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

Aransas Pass RC reviews New Health Services

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.
 
Picture:   Margaret Care Health Services
                 1450 West Wheeler Ave.
                 Aransas Pass, Texas 78336
Submitted by:
Karen Gayle
Secretary/Treasurer
Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
May 28, 2021
 Aransas Pass RC reviews New Health Services 2021-06-01 05:00:00Z 0

District Assembly 2021-2022

Files and Videos from the Assembly

May 15, 2021
 
May 22, 2021
 
 District Assembly 2021-2022 2021-05-21 05:00:00Z 0

District Conference 2021

Video and Links from the 2021 District Conference with DG Eddie Bartnesky

Highlights from the program:
 District Conference 2021 2021-05-21 05:00:00Z 0

District Assembly for RY 2021-2022

District Assembly Time is here.

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.

Read the full Agenda Here updated May, 17, 2021
 
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.
Read more...
District Assembly for RY 2021-2022 2021-05-16 05:00:00Z 0

Fly High With Rotary ~ PDG Debbie High Official Shirts are available

Great news!  I was cleaning my “Governor’s Closest” and discovered a few new Fly High with Rotary shirts.  First come / Paid ~ First Serve
 
Cost:  $60 (with shipping in continental US)
 
Email Debbie at: dghrotary5930@gmail.com  for availability and payment arrangements.
 
Back of Shirt has the embroidered Fly High with Rotary Whooping Crane Logo designed by Nancy Paulson
 
Ladies: 
1 Large (Left front:  Rotary Master Brand)
1 Large (Left front:  Rotary District 5930 with Master Brand)
2 X-Large (Left front: Rotary Master Brand)
 
Mens / Unisex: (button down collar)
1 Medium (Left front: Rotary District 5930 with Master Brand)
3 Medium (Left front:  Rotary Master Brand)
1 Large (Left front:  Rotary Master Brand)
1 2XL (Left front: Rotary Master Brand)
 
 
Brand:  GameGuard / Vented Microfiber / Short Sleeve
Color:   Pacific Blue
100% Polyester
Machine Wash Cold / Tumble Dry Low
Do Not Bleach
UPF 30+
Quick Dry
Cool Feel
Mesh Venting
Size Chart:   https://www.gameguard.net/collections/ladies-shirts/products/sea-glass-ladies-microfiber-shirt
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 Fly High With Rotary ~ PDG Debbie High Official Shirts are available 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

eRYLA 2021

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!”
Read more...
eRYLA 2021 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0
World Project Fair 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Peace Fellowship Program

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.
 
Additional information about the Rotary Peace Fellowship Program is available at: https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/peace-fellowships.
 
The application deadline for both programs is May 15, 2021.  Interviews with applicants will be held through zoom on May 29, 2021.
 
Read more...
Rotary Peace Fellowship Program 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Awards for Rotary Year 2020-2021

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.
  1. 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.
  2. District Exemplary Club Award - click here to complete to application.
  3. Lend A Helping Award - click here to complete to application.
Forms will be emailed to Presidents and Secretaries on Wednesday, June 2 and need to be submitted to the District by June 30. 2021.
 Awards for Rotary Year 2020-2021 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

2021 Virtual Convention: Rotary Opens Opportunities

Registration is open! Don’t miss your chance to connect with Rotary members at the 2021 Virtual Convention: Rotary Opens Opportunities which will take place from 12 through 16 June 2021.

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!
 
 
 2021 Virtual Convention: Rotary Opens Opportunities 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

2021-22 Rotary Coordinator Leadership Team Appointed

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 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

3 Clubs from Area 13 Join to Bring Treats

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.)
 
 
 3 Clubs from Area 13 Join to Bring Treats 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Laredo Next Generation Rotary Starts Hybrid Meetings

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. 
 
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram
Club Venmo for Donations: @LNGROTARY
 Laredo Next Generation Rotary Starts Hybrid Meetings 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0
Ingleside Rotary Goes Fishing for Scholarships 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Harlingen Rotary Assists with Vaccines

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.
 
 
 Harlingen Rotary Assists with Vaccines 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Aransas Pass Rotary Sends Students to eRYLA

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.    
 
Picture:     Clarissa Hinojosa
                  Anthony Pena
 
Picture by Karen Gayle
Article by Bud Lockwood
Submitted by Karen Gayle     April 18, 2021    
 Aransas Pass Rotary Sends Students to eRYLA 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0
Corpus Christi Evening Fundraiser 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Downtown Victoria Sends Campers to eRYLA

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.
 
 
 
 
 Downtown Victoria Sends Campers to eRYLA 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Aransas Pass - Special Speaker - Charles Bujan

            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.
 
Picture:  Charles Bujan, Mayor of Port Aransas
 
Article Submitted by Ronnie Yeager
Picture Submitted by Karen Gayle
May 23, 2021
 Aransas Pass - Special Speaker - Charles Bujan 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Aransas Pass - 4-Way Test Speech Contest

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
 
Picture submitted by Karen Gayle
Article submitted by Bud Lockwood and Karen Gayle
April 27, 2021
 Aransas Pass - 4-Way Test Speech Contest 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Lending A Helping Hand - May 2021

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.
 
Yours in Rotary,
 
Eddie Bartnesky
 Lending A Helping Hand - May 2021 2021-05-03 05:00:00Z 0

Financials from 2019-2020 - DG Ellison Crider

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
 Financials from 2019-2020 - DG Ellison Crider 2021-04-21 05:00:00Z 0

Details for District Conference 2021- updated

All information as of April 6, 2021. Some topics, programs and times are subject to change.
 
For all Virtual events - an email will be sent 2-3 days before the event to all members in this system with a correct email.
 
Saturday, April 24
9:00 am
Student Four Way Test Speech Competition via Zoom
 
Friday, April 30
11:30 am - Friday Luncheon (in-person and on Zoom), Welcome to the conference with Eddie Bartnesky
Contact Kathy Preddy for details Kathypreddy.rotary@gmail.com
Do it soon - count of attendees need to be submitted on April 19
 
1:00 pm start
Golf Tournament at Tony Butler Golf Course, Harlingen
Chris Bartnesky Chair chris@connellybartnesky.com
$100 per person (3 man team) $100 hole Sponsor
Printable flyer - Printable Sponsor and/or Golf Signup sheet updated with payment info and new course
 
Polio Walk in Harlingen or your own home town, $26.50 fee, first 100 to register will receive a End Polio T-Shirt
 
 
Friday, April 30
>>  In-person Check-in desk opens at 11:00/Meeting & Lunch at 11:30
>>  Virtual - Meeting will open at 11:15 Video and Audio will be turned off for all until the end of the meeting for fellowship
  • Opening Activities
  • Introduction and video from Holger Knaak – RI President
  • Guest Speaker Chris Boswell, Mayor of City of Harlingen
Saturday, May 1
>>  In-person Check-in desk opens at 8:00 am/Meeting 9:00 am
>>  Virtual - Meeting will open at 8:45 Video and Audio will be turned off for all until the end of the meeting for fellowship
  • Opening and welcome by DG Eddie Bartnesky
  • An address from our Zone Director Suzi Howe
  • Winners of the Student Four Way Test Speech Competition
  • District Business
    • Financial Report
    • Alumni Meeting
    • Interact & Rotaract
    • Project Fair
    • Membership Report
    • Foundation Report
    • RLI Report & Awards
  • Speakers - Cr. Joseph Galati, Jennifer Jones, RI President Nominee, Elaine Hernandez, Mary McQueen
  • Videos of Service Projects from clubs
  • Honors from RY 2019-2020 by PDG Ellison Crider
  • Celebration of Life
  • Closing Remarks – Eddie Bartnesky
  • Let There Be Peace on Earth
Do it soon - count of attendees need to be submitted on April 19
For all Virtual events - an email will be sent 2-3 days before the event to all members in this system with a correct email.
 
Click the Read More link for details on
  • Sponsorships
  • How to submit Videos
  • How to submit names for Celebration of Life
Read more...
Details for District Conference 2021- updated 2021-04-15 05:00:00Z 0

The 5930 Foundation Team needs your help

Potential Topics for District Foundation Team

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.
 
Link to the Survey/Questionnaire - https://bit.ly/5930FoundationSurvey
 
Deadline for your topics to be included in the results - Please the survey by April 19, 2021.
 The 5930 Foundation Team needs your help 2021-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

Protecting the Environment – Opportunities for Rotary and the Planet

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
Read more...
Protecting the Environment – Opportunities for Rotary and the Planet 2021-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

Laredo Next Generation helps during winter Storm

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! 
 
Donations accepted at Club Venmo @LNGROTARY.
 
David Andres Alegria 
 
 Laredo Next Generation helps during winter Storm 2021-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

Lending A Helping Hand - April 2021

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.
So do not delay, register now. 
 
I look forward to seeing everyone at DISTRICT CONFERENCE!!
 
Eddie Bartnesky
 Lending A Helping Hand - April 2021 2021-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

Harlingen Rotary Club distributes Food

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.  
 

Thanks/Gracias,

José Luis Cavazos, Ed. D.

 Harlingen Rotary Club distributes Food 2021-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary’s Learning Center now available on mobile devices

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:
  1. On your mobile device, use a browser to go to my.rotary.org and sign in to My Rotary.
  2. Tap the ≡ menu at the top left of your screen.
  3. Tap the plus sign next to Learning & Reference, and then choose Learning Center.
  4. Go to your app store and download Go.Learn. Don’t open it from here.
  5. 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 2021-04-02 05:00:00Z 0

Hands to Honduras update - April 2021

Hi all,  
 
     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
 
Tom  Plumb, Hands to Honduras
PO Box 1733
Port Isabel, Texas 78578
 
 Hands to Honduras update - April 2021 2021-04-01 05:00:00Z 0

Job Well Done! Help Needed for The Rotary Foundation!

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.
 
Best wishes,
 
Juan Lira
District Rotary Foundation Team
9456-744-6039
 Job Well Done! Help Needed for The Rotary Foundation! 2021-04-01 05:00:00Z 0

Welcome to a new Rotarian in Aransas Pass

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
Jason Reeves, Texas Coast Wealth Management
 Welcome to a new Rotarian in Aransas Pass 2021-04-01 05:00:00Z 0

75 Years of Action: Rotary & The United Nations

You are invited to participate in an upcoming global live-stream celebrating the shared values of the United Nations and Rotary- a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change.
 
75 Years of Action: Rotary & The United Nations
Saturday, 10 April 2021
10:00 - 13:00 U.S. Eastern / 16:00 – 19:00 Central European / 18:00 – 21:00 East Africa
 
We hope that you will join this occasion alongside your fellow community members! Please RSVP via the event website and join the conversation on Facebook or LinkedIn with #75YearsOfAction.
This once-in-a-lifetime occasion is led by Rotary Districts and members in New York City, Geneva, Rome, Nairobi, Addis Ababa- each home of unique United Nations Agencies and Offices. Together, we are celebrating worldwide the shared values of Rotary and the United Nations.
RSVP today for 75 Years of Action to celebrate the shared values of Rotary and the United Nations on 10 April 2021!
 
Read more...
75 Years of Action: Rotary & The United Nations 2021-04-01 05:00:00Z 0

District Membership Team Expands Their Corner

DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

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!
 District Membership Team Expands Their Corner 2021-03-02 06:00:00Z 0

High School Student Four-Way Test Speech Contest

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.
 
 High School Student Four-Way Test Speech Contest 2021-03-02 06:00:00Z 0

District Conference 2021

District Conference goes Virtual, one more time!

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. 
 
 
Kathy Preddy, Conference Chair
Rotary Opens Opportunities, by Lending a Helping Hand
 
 District Conference 2021 2021-03-02 06:00:00Z 0

What is Rotaract?

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.
 
 
 
 
From March 8th to 14th is the World Rotaract Week to celebrate the 53th anniversary!!! 
 
If you would like to know more, just contact me!!
 
 
Bettsy Pizana
Rotaract Chair 5930
 What is Rotaract? 2021-03-01 06:00:00Z 0

Portland Rotary SERVES

"SERVICE ABOVE SELF" is the Rotary motto. 
 
Members of the Portland Rotary Club look for ways to help our community.
For Valentine's Day we helped the youth at Connections celebrate with donations of Valentine goodie bags, blankets, jackets, socks and gift cards. 
Connections is a non profit organization providing emergency shelter and counseling for at-risk youth. 
Pictures is Portland Rotary Club President Jimmy Earnest delivering gifts.  
 
Submitted by Lisa Adams
 Portland Rotary SERVES 2021-03-01 06:00:00Z 0
Corpus Christi Northwest's Fundraiser 2021-03-01 06:00:00Z 0

Kingsville Rotary Celebrates the Peace Corps

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.

REGISTER HERE:
https://peacecorps.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_a6m5Y1PFTTKPSsSH7oQ8Ng
 
See a full size image of the poster/flyer by Click the Read More link.
Read more...
Kingsville Rotary Celebrates the Peace Corps 2021-03-01 06:00:00Z 0

Victoria Rotary Club Awards Local Grants

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.  
 
 
Submitted by Linda Caldwell
Secretary, Victoria Rotary Club
361-484-3491
 Victoria Rotary Club Awards Local Grants 2021-03-01 06:00:00Z 0

Hands to Honduras - March 2021 update

Hi all,
 
    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!
 
                                                Tom Plumb, Hands to Honduras
                                                PO Box 1733
                                                Port Isabel, Texas 78578
 
 
 Hands to Honduras - March 2021 update 2021-03-01 06:00:00Z 0

Protecting the Environment Webinar

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
 Protecting the Environment Webinar 2021-03-01 06:00:00Z 0

Laredo Rotary Charitable Foundation Scholarships Awarded

10 Higher Education Students in Laredo earn

Laredo Rotary Charitable Foundation Scholarships

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 2021-03-01 06:00:00Z 0

Laredo Interact Student Selected for Congress of Future Medical Leaders

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.
Read more...
Laredo Interact Student Selected for Congress of Future Medical Leaders 2021-03-01 06:00:00Z 0

Lend A Helping Hand - March 2021

It is hard to believe that March 2021 is upon us. 
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 . . .
Read more...
Lend A Helping Hand - March 2021 2021-02-28 06:00:00Z 0

2021 LONE STAR PETS RESCHEDULED

New Dates - MARCH 8-13, 2021

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.
Read more...
2021 LONE STAR PETS RESCHEDULED 2021-02-19 06:00:00Z 0

In Memorium - Fernando Cuellar, PDG

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.
Read more...
In Memorium - Fernando Cuellar, PDG 2021-02-11 06:00:00Z 0

Annual Fund- Paul Harris Fellow Special Offer

Annual Fund-Paul Harris Fellow Special Offer
For a limited time starting on 1 February 2023 and ending on 30 April 2023, 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 2022-2023 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.
 
 
Read more...
Annual Fund- Paul Harris Fellow Special Offer 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0
Lone Star PETS 2021 - Feb Reminder 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

Grant Certification Training Seminar - Zoom - 2nd Notice

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)
 
Read more...
Grant Certification Training Seminar - Zoom - 2nd Notice 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

Community Service in February & March

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
 
 
 
 
 

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
  • Create Sewage / Concealed Drainage system, Bore Wells, Building Check dams
  • providing Carriers (Transportation Systems) to carry water pots
 Community Service in February & March 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

District 5930 Conference 2021
 

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  
 
Read more...
District 5930 Conference 2021  2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0
D5930 Governance Guidance have been updated 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

2021 Rotary Convention Now Virtual

Dear friends,

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
Read more...
2021 Rotary Convention Now Virtual 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

Christmas was Special for Alice Rotary Club

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!
 
Story and photos submitted by
Sandra Bowen
 
 
See the photos by clicking the Read More Button.
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Christmas was Special for Alice Rotary Club 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

Southside Corpus Christi Rotary has been busy

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!
 
Story submitted by Zehra Surani
Photo credit - Rosa Valdez
 
See the photos by clicking the Read More Button.
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Southside Corpus Christi Rotary has been busy 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

Laredo Daybreak Honors Memory of Carlos Navarrete

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 ...
 
 
Story and photos submitted by
Julie Bazan
Board Member, Laredo Daybreak Rotary
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Laredo Daybreak Honors Memory of Carlos Navarrete 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

Adoption Awareness says Good-bye and looking for New Leadership

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.
Read more...
Adoption Awareness says Good-bye and looking for New Leadership 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

Shoe Drive for Homeless Kids

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.

Here is the link of the Registry Event:
https://www.walmart.com/lists/view-events-registry-items?id=207aba1d-612e-412d-b767-a5d02e13fb46

Deadline is March 13th, 2021.
 
Story and photo (click Read More for photo) submitted by
Bettsy Pizana
 
Read more...
Shoe Drive for Homeless Kids 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

Edinburg Rotary Club donates 1,200 new jackets to Tim’s Coats

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 $4,000 and ...
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Edinburg Rotary Club donates 1,200 new jackets to Tim’s Coats 2021-01-30 06:00:00Z 0

Edinburg Rotary Club donates toys to children’s hospital

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.
 
“These $1,000 ...
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Edinburg Rotary Club donates toys to children’s hospital 2021-01-29 06:00:00Z 0

Lend a Helping Hand - February 2021

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 ...
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Lend a Helping Hand - February 2021 2021-01-29 06:00:00Z 0
Grant Certification Training Seminar - Zoom Meeting 2021-01-23 06:00:00Z 0

Luis Cavazos Selected for DGND

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.
 
 Luis Cavazos Selected for DGND 2021-01-18 06:00:00Z 0

eRYLA camp March  10 - 14th, 2021

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.
 
Submitted by Jim Villaume, RYLA Co-Chair 2021
361-688-1987 cell, Jim@jvillaume.com
Photo from Rotary Corpus Christi from an previous in-person RYLA
Click Read More Button for a video.
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eRYLA camp March 10 - 14th, 2021 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Branded Items for Sale - Low Prices

Hi fellow Rotarians -
 
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.
 
First responses >> First sales         Call or email
 
Yours in Rotary Service,
Nancy Paulson
 
 
 
Read more...
Rotary Branded Items for Sale - Low Prices 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Lend a Helping Hand - January 2020

Greetings and Happy New Year!!
 
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. 

January is . . .
Read more...
Lend a Helping Hand - January 2020 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0
Lone Star PETS 2021 Jan Reminder 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Community Service in January & February

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
  • 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
 Community Service in January & February 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Christmas by Brownsville Sunrise Rotary Club

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.
 
 
Story and pictures submitted by Stan Petraitis and Bettsy Pizana
Story by Denise Cathey Brownsville Herald Newspaper
Pictures by Nubia Reyna Brownsville Herald Newspaper
 
Click the Read More for Photos
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Christmas by Brownsville Sunrise Rotary Club 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

The Laredo Rotary Club Service Project

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.
 
Submitted by Juan Lira
Story by Christina Barrientos
 The Laredo Rotary Club Service Project 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Homeless Youth Program Project with Brownsville Sunrise

Rotary Club of Brownsville Sunrise collected 955 items
  • pajamas,
  • underwear,
  • plush throw,
  • clothes,
  • socks and
  • a bed
for the Homeless Youth Program from BISD. The Program has 600 kids between PreK and Grade 12 that are living in poor conditions.
 
We will continue with this activity through the year. Thanks to all members and community to support us!!!
 
Story and pictures submitted by Bettsy Pizana
Click the read More for Photos
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Homeless Youth Program Project with Brownsville Sunrise 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0
San Benito Rotary Club's Projects 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Area 13 Rotary Clubs Project

Fellow District 5930 Rotarians,

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.
 
Story and pictures submitted by Andy Zamarripa
 
 Area 13 Rotary Clubs Project 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Please consider making a donation to Hands to Honduras

May your holidays be merry!
                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.
 
Story and pictures submitted by Tom Plumb
 
Click the read More for Photos
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Please consider making a donation to Hands to Honduras 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Alice RC Veteran Recogniton

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.
 
Story and pictures submitted by Sandra Bowen
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Alice RC Veteran Recogniton 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Guest Speaker Simon Orie Rotary Club Nigeria District 9114

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.
 
Story and pictures submitted by Pamela Leverett
Click the read More for Photos
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Rotary Guest Speaker Simon Orie Rotary Club Nigeria District 9114 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Cherished Event by the Rotary Club of Harlingen

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!
 
Story and pictures submitted by Pamela Leverett
Click the read More for Photos
 
 
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Cherished Event by the Rotary Club of Harlingen 2021-01-04 06:00:00Z 0

Greetings from the Adoption Awareness Project. 

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.” 
 
Read more...
Greetings from the Adoption Awareness Project. 2021-01-03 06:00:00Z 0

New Member for Rotary Club of Aransas Pass

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
Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
 New Member for Rotary Club of Aransas Pass 2021-01-03 06:00:00Z 0

Paul Harris Recognition Awarded

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.
 
Story and pictures submitted by Joe Almazan
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Paul Harris Recognition Awarded 2021-01-03 06:00:00Z 0

Laredo Under Seven Flags Member Honor

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.
 
Story and pictures submitted by Joe Almazan
Read more...
Laredo Under Seven Flags Member Honor 2021-01-03 06:00:00Z 0

Community Service in December and January

December - Decease Prevention and Treatment

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
  • Helping Physically Challenged people to gets jobs
 Community Service in December and January 2020-11-30 06:00:00Z 0

Elaine Hernandez - Mission RC

The headline is
Texas’ Elaine Hernandez is no lone star; she works her deep community connections to tackle tough problems
The publication is the December 2020 issue of the Rotary Magazine (previously The Rotarian).
 
Because of copyright restrictions, we can't reprint the the whole story here. But we can:
  1. Encourage you to read the story in your issue of the Rotary Magazine
  2. Click here to view the story online
  3. Click here to view and Print if you want a pdf of the story
  4. Read the story and share it on our Facebook page
Congratulations Elaine for
  1. Receiving the 2020 Rotary Alumni Global Service Award
  2. All the work you do for your fellow citizens, Rotarians, and members of the world.
 Elaine Hernandez - Mission RC 2020-11-30 06:00:00Z 0

Giving Tuesday 2020

Dear Rotarians,
 
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."
 
 
Eddie Bartnesky
District Governor 2020-2021
 Giving Tuesday 2020 2020-11-30 06:00:00Z 0
Lone Star PETS 2021 Dec Reminder 2020-11-29 06:00:00Z 0

Lend a Helping Hand - December 2020

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 ...
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Lend a Helping Hand - December 2020 2020-11-29 06:00:00Z 0
Pounding the Pavement 4 Polio 2020-11-29 06:00:00Z 0

Willacy County RC honors Veterans

Rotary Club of Willacy County will conduct a Veterans Day project to honor those who have served our country.
 
Rotarians and Pittman Rangers will be cleaning veteran headstones in Willacy County on November 14 and 21
.
As a combat veteran myself, it's our due diligence to help those who have served our great nation.
 
 
Story and picture submitted by Horacio Maldonado.
 Willacy County RC honors Veterans 2020-11-29 06:00:00Z 0

Harlingen RC Service Project

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!
 
Story submitted by Pamela Leverett
 
View Picture by clicking the Read More
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Harlingen RC Service Project 2020-11-29 06:00:00Z 0

Alice RC helps with Covid-19 Disaster Relief

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.
Read more...
Alice RC helps with Covid-19 Disaster Relief 2020-11-29 06:00:00Z 0

Lone Star PETS  2021

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.

Please register now!

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.)
 
 
Read more...
Lone Star PETS 2021 2020-11-01 05:00:00Z 0

Next Generation Rotary Hosts World Polio Event at Orangetheory Fitness

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.
 
Click the Read More to view pictures
 
Read more...
Next Generation Rotary Hosts World Polio Event at Orangetheory Fitness 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

Victoria Clubs join together for special recognitions

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.
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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.
 
 
See some pictures and Watch a video of the meeting by clicking Read More.
Read more...
Victoria Clubs join together for special recognitions 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

Lend a Helping Hand - November 2020

Greeting Rotarians,
 
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.
 
Eddie Bartnesky
 Lend a Helping Hand - November 2020 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

Harlingen RC throws some Pies

The Rotary Club of Harlingen members and Harlingen community gathered on a brisk Saturday morning to witness a long
anticipated event! 
 
Club President, Wayne Lowry, committed to have a pie thrown in his face by Harlingen Mayor Chris Boswell
IF a minimum of $2000 was raised.
 
Rotary Club Members took on the challenge! 
 
Challenge Met! Enjoy!    View the Pies in the Face by clicking the Read More
 
 
Read more...
Harlingen RC throws some Pies 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

Peace Summit on November 14, 2020.

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,
Story by & Photo Credit: Patricia Abrego,
 
 Peace Summit on November 14, 2020. 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

RYLA 2021 goes Virtual!

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."
 
Prospective campers can apply on-line by filling in the one page application form. Check it out  https://www.ismyrotaryclub.org/Ryla/?ID=31 to see if you qualify.
 RYLA 2021 goes Virtual! 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

Laredo Gateway RC gives again to the Community Center

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 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

5 Way Test Banner

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?”
 
Feel free to Share this pic with your friends!
 
Rotary Opens Opportunities,
 
 
Andy Hagan
D5930 PDG
RY 2018-2019
 
 
 5 Way Test Banner 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

Harlingen's IPP Award

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!
 Harlingen's IPP Award 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

Harlingen RC hears about Covid-19 impact in the valley.

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. 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

Aransas Pass recognizes a new Paul Harris Fellow

October 5, 2020
 
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
 
Submitted by Karen Gayle, Secretary
Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
 Aransas Pass recognizes a new Paul Harris Fellow 2020-10-31 05:00:00Z 0

Idea for a Service Project - Community Service

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.
 
 
 
Read more...
Idea for a Service Project - Community Service 2020-10-15 05:00:00Z 0

Nomination of District Governor 2023-2024

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.
 
 
Read more...
Nomination of District Governor 2023-2024 2020-10-14 05:00:00Z 0

2020 Rotary Council of Resolutions

Dear District 5930 Rotarians,
 
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)
P.O. Box 261095,Corpus Christi, TX 78426
361.947.3830  Cell Phone, azeitler@sbcglobal.net  E-mail
 2020 Rotary Council of Resolutions 2020-10-02 05:00:00Z 0

In Memorium - Bill Janecek, PDG

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.
Read more...
In Memorium - Bill Janecek, PDG 2020-10-02 05:00:00Z 0

Lone Star Division RLI

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.
 
 Lone Star Division RLI 2020-09-30 05:00:00Z 0

Community Service in October & November

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
  • 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.
 Community Service in October & November 2020-09-30 05:00:00Z 0

News from Adoption Awareness and the Picnics

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.
 

 

Read more...
News from Adoption Awareness and the Picnics 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Alumni Reconnect Week 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

Lending A Helping Hand - October 2020

Greetings Rotarians,
 
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.
 
Eddie
 Lending A Helping Hand - October 2020 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Harlingen assists with Landscaping

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.
 
Story and Pictures presented by Pamela Leverett
 
Click the Read More for pictures
Read more...
Rotary Club of Harlingen assists with Landscaping 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

Rotarun by Laredo Next Generation Rotary

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
 
Click the Read More button for pictures
Read more...
Rotarun by Laredo Next Generation Rotary 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

ROTARY DIRECT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

HOW CAN I SIGN UP FOR ROTARY DIRECT?  
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 mail: You may enroll using one of the Foundation’s contribution forms, such as The Rotary Foundation Contribution Form (123) or the Rotary Direct enrollment form. 
  • 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.  
 ROTARY DIRECT FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

LAREDO DAYBREAK 2020-2021 DISTRICT GRANT PROJECT

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.
 
Story written and submitted by Liz Gomez
Photo Credit: Alice Herrera
 
 LAREDO DAYBREAK 2020-2021 DISTRICT GRANT PROJECT 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

Can you make 50 years? Ronnie Did!

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
 Can you make 50 years? Ronnie Did! 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

5 Way Test ? What is your story?

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!

Submitted and written by Ralph Ayers
Read more...
5 Way Test ? What is your story? 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

Alice Rotary Lends A Helping Hand

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.
 
Click the Read More to view pictures
 
Submitted by Sandra Bowen
Photo Credit: Sandra Bowen
Read more...
Alice Rotary Lends A Helping Hand 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Willacy In Action

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
 
Use the Read More to view pictures
 
Submitted by Rotary Club of Willacy County
Photo and story credit: Horacio Maldonado
Read more...
Rotary Club of Willacy In Action 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club of Mission Turns 100

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
Photo Credit: Ricky Rendon
Read more...
Rotary Club of Mission Turns 100 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

Patriots Day in Alice

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!
 
Click the Read More to view pictures
 
Submitted by Sandra Bowen
Photo Credit: Sandra Bowen
Read more...
Patriots Day in Alice 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Polio Moto - RPM 2020

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.
    Read more...
    		Rotary Polio Moto - RPM 2020 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Pounding the Pavement 4 Polio

    Pounding the Pavement 4 Polio Virtual Walk
    October 18—25, 2020

    You choose when, where, and how far to walk.
     
    How far will you go to End Polio Now?
     
    Register at: http://bit.ly/PoundingthePavement4Polio

    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**
     
    		 Pounding the Pavement 4 Polio 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Flags for Heroes 2020

    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.
     

    N O V E M B E R 7 - 1 5 , 2 0 2 0

    SPONSOR A FLAG FOR $50

    www.FlagsforHeroesCC.org

    MORE INFO @ 361.882.8672

     
    		 Flags for Heroes 2020 2020-09-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Sweet Treat as a PolioPlus Fundraiser

    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.
     
    View videos PolioPlus in the Read More
     
    Read more...
    		Sweet Treat as a PolioPlus Fundraiser 2020-09-01 05:00:00Z 0

    How Might We . . . Lend a Helping Hand

    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.

    Haven’t had a chance to complete it yet? Complete the survey NOW

    Stay tuned to your email for more information, complete descriptions and how to register for this training.
     

    Remember District 5930 Rotarians

    Lend a Helping Hand and

    Rotary Opens Opportunities

     
     
    		 How Might We . . . Lend a Helping Hand 2020-09-01 05:00:00Z 0
    Relief for Hurricane Laura Survivors 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    In Memorium - Don Ratcliff, PDG

    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. 
     
    More about Don in the Read More
    Read more...
    		In Memorium - Don Ratcliff, PDG 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0
    RotaryPolioMoto 2020 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Community Service in September & October

    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

     

    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
    • Organize Trade Exhibitions
    • Organize Buyers-Sellers meet
    • Take up Entrepreneurship Development Program
    • Organize Consumer Forum, a Public Meeting
    		 Community Service in September & October 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Scavenger Hunt

    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.
     
    ENGAGE YOUR MEMBERS!! Have some fun!!
    		 Scavenger Hunt 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Project Idea for Literacy

    September's theme is Basic Education & Literacy. Here is project that fits right in from our  Lt.Gov. of Community Service Jack Alspaugh .
     
    From the publishers:
     
    We have added several new products to help clubs customize their literacy projects involving The Four-Way Test and Service Above Self.
     
    If you’re not already familiar with this program, we hope you’ll take a look and consider it for a possible new literacy project for your club.
     
    Please check our website at rotaryidealsliteracy.com or andyandelmer.com.
     
    Thank you for your time. And if you have any questions, just let us know.  :-)
     
    Andrew Shoup
    Rotary Ideals Literacy Project Team
    		 Project Idea for Literacy 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Fundraising in a Virtual World

    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.
     
     
    		 Fundraising in a Virtual World 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Hands to Honduras Rigores water project geological survey

    Hi All,
     
        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.
     
    Yours in Rotary,
     
    Tom Plumb, Hands to Honduras
    Port Isabel Texas Rotary Club
    PO Box 1733
    Port Isabel, Texas 78578
     
    Pictures in the Read More
    Read more...
    		Hands to Honduras Rigores water project geological survey 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Hands to Honduras Agua Amarilla kindergarten dedication

    Hi all
     
       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.
     
    Yours in Rotary,
     
    Tom Plumb, Hands to Honduras
    Port Isabel Texas Rotary Club
    PO Box 1733
    Port Isabel, Texas 78578
     
    Pictures in the Read More
    Read more...
    		Hands to Honduras Agua Amarilla kindergarten dedication 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Lend a Helping Hand - September 2020

    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!!
     
    Eddie
    		 Lend a Helping Hand - September 2020 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0
    International Project Fair Scheduled 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Awards and Conference 2020 for PDG Crider

    Our Awards Dinner scheduled for October 3 at the Texas State Aquarium has been canceled.
     
    We will schedule some online presentations during October but I don't have the specifics on that yet.
     
    Immediate Past District Governor Ellison Crider
    Awards for Rotary year 2019-2020
     
    		 Awards and Conference 2020 for PDG Crider 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0
    Blood Drive with Brownsville Sunrise and Rancho Viejo Satellite 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Rotary Club of Harlingen Service Project

    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!
     
    Submitted by Chase Palmer
     
    Pictures in the Rea
     
     
     
     
    d More
    		 Rotary Club of Harlingen Service Project 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0
    Mission Rotary Turns 100 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Can you be a BloodHero?

    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.
     
    Submitted by Bettsy Pizana
     
    Pictures in the Read More
    Read more...
    		Can you be a BloodHero? 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Covid Support in Guatemala

    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
     
    Submitted by Sandra Bowen
     
    Pictures by Art Zeitler, PDG
     
     
    Pictures in the Read More section
    Read more...
    		Covid Support in Guatemala 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Willacy County Rotary donates to Loves & Fishes

    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.
     
     
    Submitted by Horacio Maldonado
     
    Pictures available in the Read More
    Read more...
    		Willacy County Rotary donates to Loves & Fishes 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    The New and Improved My Rotary is LIVE 
     

    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.”  
     
    From our Regional RI office: My Rotary Upgrade
    		 The New and Improved My Rotary is LIVE   2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Kingsville Rotary helps Distribute Food

    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.
    #EndHunger #KingsvilleKindness #KingsvilleRotary
     
     
    Justinn J. Jones
     
    President, The Rotary Club of Kingsville
    Public Image / Rotary Awareness, District 5930
    Tech Support, Region 36 (Zones 25B & 29)
    Faculty, Rotary Leadership Institute
     
    		 Kingsville Rotary helps Distribute Food 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Alan Wilson - Guest Speaker in Aransas Pass

    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
     
    Submitted by Karen Gayle, Secretary
    Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
    August 12, 2020
    		 Alan Wilson - Guest Speaker in Aransas Pass 2020-08-31 05:00:00Z 0

    Community Service in August & September

    August - Membership & Extension Month

    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
     
     
    		 Community Service in August & September 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Lending A Helping Hand - August 2020

    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, . . .
    Read more...
    		Lending A Helping Hand - August 2020 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Community Service Project Idea

    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
     
    		 Community Service Project Idea 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Aransas Pass Rotary Club starts the year off Right

     
    June is the end of the fiscal year for Rotary International and July is the month the Rotary Club of Aransas Pass inducts its new officers. 
     
    Picture # 1:    Juli Blanda, Rotary Incoming President 2020-2021 and
                       James Hollan, Rotary Past President 2019-2020
    On July 6, 2020 Past President James Hollan passed the gavel to incoming president, Juli Blanda.
     
    Picture #2:     Meg Reese, Rotary President Elect 2021-2022
                      Juli Blanda, Rotary Incoming President 2020-2021
    On July 13, 2020 Meg Reese presented Juli with her Presidents Badge.
     
    Picture #3:     James Hollan, Rotary Past President 2019-2020 and
                      Juli Blanda, Rotary Incoming President 2020-2021
    Also on July 13, Juli Blanda presented James Hollan with his plaque of Appreciation for his service as Rotary President 2019-2020.
     
    Picture #4:     David Hilarides, Rotary Newest Member
                      Juli Blanda, Rotary Incoming President 2020-2021
     
    And on July 13, Juli Blanda performed her first formal duty by presenting new member, David Hilarides with his Rotary Badge.
    The Rotary Club of Aransas Pass is now ready to continue our motto of “Service Above Self”.
     
    Thanks -
    Pictures and Article
    Submitted by Karen Gayle
    Secretary/Treasurer
    Rotary Club of Aransas Pass
    		 

     
    		 Aransas Pass Rotary Club starts the year off Right 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Kingsville Theme 2020-21

    “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…
    Read more...
    		Kingsville Theme 2020-21 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0
    Rotary Helps with Kingsville Kindness 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Victoria Rotary Club's Clay Shoot Options

    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.
     
    Thanks - Linda Caldwell and Victoria Rotary Club.
    		 Victoria Rotary Club's Clay Shoot Options 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

    2nd Annual School Supply Drive in Willacy County

    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
    		 2nd Annual School Supply Drive in Willacy County 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

    COVID-19 HALO-Flight Grant

    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
    		 COVID-19 HALO-Flight Grant 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Alice Rotary Club sponsored a COVID-19 testing site

    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.
     
    God Bless. #SERVICEABOVESELF #ALICEROTARY
     
    Thanks - Sandra Bowen and the Alice Rotary Club
    Read more...
    		Alice Rotary Club sponsored a COVID-19 testing site 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

    Did you know that a club event can be added to the district calendar?

    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.
     
    		 Did you know that a club event can be added to the district calendar? 2020-07-14 05:00:00Z 0

    How can we publicize our virtual meetings, and share our link securely?

    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.
     
    		 How can we publicize our virtual meetings, and share our link securely? 2020-07-14 05:00:00Z 0

    Community Service with Designated Months

    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.
     
    Read about the full year here. Watch for monthly updates with project ideas.
    		 Community Service with Designated Months 2020-07-01 05:00:00Z 0

    Community Service in July & August

    July - (Non Designated Month)
    Start of new Rotary officers' year of service.
    • Tree Plantation
    • Reduce, Re-Use, Re-Cycle Waste
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    August - Membership & Extension Month
    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
     
    		 Community Service in July & August 2020-07-01 05:00:00Z 0
    New Area of Focus for Rotary 2020-07-01 05:00:00Z 0
    Rotary Multi District Training Institute 2020-07-01 05:00:00Z 0

    District 5930 App

    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
    Watch the video describing all the features - https://youtu.be/3el1gpxbk4o
     
    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.  
    • Go to https://district5930.com, your browser will take you to the District app home screen.
    • 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.
    That’s it. 
    Read more...
    		District 5930 App 2020-07-01 05:00:00Z 0

    DDF Grant Funds at work

    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.
     
    		 DDF Grant Funds at work 2020-07-01 05:00:00Z 0
    COVID Protection Gear Grant in Action 2020-07-01 05:00:00Z 0

    YEO Postconvention & Dr. Elaine Hernandez

    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.
     
    More information about this Postconvention event about Rotary Youth Exchange can be found by clicking this link.
    Read more...
    		YEO Postconvention & Dr. Elaine Hernandez 2020-07-01 05:00:00Z 0

    Lending A Helping Hand - July 2020

    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”.
    Read more...
    		Lending A Helping Hand - July 2020 2020-06-30 05:00:00Z 0