District Governor Todd Smith shares his October message. He talks about October being Polio Awareness Month, World Polio Day on Oct. 24th, Annual Fund and more. Click to play the message.
District 5870 Central Texas has proven once again that we are People of Action, a network of servant leaders united by generosity, service, and vision. Under the leadership of District Governor Doug Smith, our clubs came together with focus and passion, fueling a year of record-breaking momentum and the results speak for themselves.
As of October 1, we’re thrilled to recognize the Top Ten Rotary Clubs in District 5870 so far leading the way in per capita giving to the Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund – SHARE. These clubs exemplify the spirit of Service Above Self, turning generosity into impact. Their commitment fuels life-changing projects in our local communities and around the world.
October is here, and with it comes World Polio Day on October 24th—a time for Rotarians and friends to celebrate the incredible progress in the fight to end polio and to continue raising awareness and funds for this important cause.
Thanks to the incredible generosity of you, your clubs, and supporters from around the world, our fundraising efforts for Texas Flood Victim Relief have been overwhelmingly successful.
Join us for an exciting evening of connection, conversation, and cruise inspiration, hosted by our partners in travel - International Cruise Control, Inc. on Oct. 16th! Must RSVP.Whether you're already booked or just curious about the upcoming District Conference & Service Cruise, this is your chance to:
Membership remains Rotary’s top priority—and for good reason. Since 2010, Rotary’s global membership has stayed around 1.2 million. Each year, about 150,000 new members join, but sadly, we lose roughly the same number. In North America, the decline is even more evident: our share of worldwide membership has now fallen below 30% for the first time in Rotary’s history.
You are invited to our upcoming Public Image Lunch & Learn Series, on Monday, October 20th at 12PM. Topic: District Public Image Resources and Rotary Brand Center Tools. This is a great opportunity to sharpen your skills and gain practical tools to help promote your club with confidence.
Ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into a sea of petals, pods, and passion? The Rotary District 5870 Float Team for the 2026 Rose Parade in Pasadena, CA has just two slots remaining—and they’re saving them for YOU!
Have you welcomed new members to your club recently? Now’s the perfect time to celebrate them! The District is excited to shine a spotlight on our newest Rotarians and the clubs that welcomed them. Submit your new members for the District New Rotarian promotion, and we’ll create a custom graphic featuring them.
The Rotary Club of Marble Falls recently donated $5,250 to three nonprofit organizations in our community that continue to serve victims of the July floods. The recipients included LaCare Food Pantry in Burnet, The Helping Center, and the Community Resource Center in Marble Falls.
The children at Pecan Springs Elementary received two “forever “ books at the Rotary Books for Me event today. The books are paid for by the University Area Rotary Club and the volunteers were from the Rotary Club of Austin.
On September 20, the day before International Day of Peace, our Austin-Westlake Rotary Club dedicated a Rotary Peace Pole at the Laura Bush Community Library. We had an impressive line-up of speakers. Reverend Dr. Ikard from Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church led us in prayer.
Rotary Club of Round Rock member Brad Van Houten has embraced the “International” aspect of Rotary by recently exchanging flags with the Lake District Moinabad Rotary Club in India. While there, he visited two projects that their club was supporting at the Government-NIMS Hospital, a daycare facility for healthcare workers, and a Pediatric Neurology and EMU Unit. This could be the beginning of an international connection between our two clubs. Great work Brad!
After a tour of newly-built, just-opened Killeen Fire Station #4 by Fire Chief Jim Kubinski, the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights installed a Peace Pole. It was a great success thanks to the support of so many volunteers that worked hard and supported this project.
Bastrop Rotarians delivered the goods to Mina Elementary School staff and teachers on Friday, September 26. As a Community Partner with Bastrop ISD, the Club has “adopted” Mina Elementary, providing support to teachers, staff, and students throughout the year in a variety of ways. This delivery included snacks and school supplies for the Teachers’ Workroom.
Brainstorming for an "End Polio Now" fundraiser for our club, a member contacted Blazer Tag-Austin. They've committed to donating 25% of the total revenue from individuals coming due to this fundraiser. Still in the planning stages, dates will be posted on our website soon. Please come and participate and bring the kids and grandkids. Fun for all ages!
Residents in Temple may notice two inspiring new bronze statues recently installed in local parks—gifts to the community from the Rotary Club of Temple-South.
At South Rotary Park on Lone Star Trail, visitors are greeted by a statue symbolizing patriotism and service: a boy climbs a rock while holding an American flag, reaching upward as a girl extends her hand from below.
The 9/11 Day of Service was a tremendous success! Our Service Chair, Cat Phelps, coordinated with The Georgetown Project and the Georgetown Ministerial Alliance to host this day of city-wide community service. The Rotary Club of Georgetown hosted 3 out of 16 service opportunities. drawing nearly 80 volunteers!
The Rotary Club of Temple South invites you to join them at their PAWS AND PINTS FOR POLIO EVENT on Saturday, Oct. 25th at BJ's Brewery and Tasting Room. Click to buy your tickets in advance.
Williamson County Service Clubs (WiSC) is a coalition of local service organizations including the Cedar Park/Leander Lion’s Club, Cedar Park Rotary Club, Sertoma Round Rock, and Round Rock Noon Kiwanis Club. WiSC was created to foster collaboration between clubs—sharing ideas, supporting one another’s fundraising and membership efforts, and building relationships with local nonprofits to better understand community needs. By working together, we amplify each club’s impact and help make Williamson County an even stronger, more connected place to live and serve.
Georgetown members Michele and Joe Cuteri impressed the 99-year old Rotary Club of Cork, Ireland by wearing their Rotary name badges and gifting District 5870 pins during the banner exchange.
