We are pleased to formally announce the selection of Bernard “Bernie” Satterwhite from the Rotary Club of Flatonia as the District Governor Nominee Designee for District 5870 for the 2028–29 Rotary year.
The District is hosting a focused public image training, “From Project to Impact: Effective Public Image Strategies for Fundraisers,” on January 20 at 12 PM on Zoom. This session will help Rotary clubs strengthen their fundraiser promotion through clear storytelling, strategic messaging, and consistent branding.
Congratulations to the many clubs already seeing positive net membership growth this year. That growth reflects a simple but powerful reality: you’ve welcomed more new members than those who have moved on. Our District-wide objective is for every club to finish the year with at least one net new member, and your District Membership Team stands ready to help you build a plan to make that happen.
As we welcome the new year, January invites both reflection and renewed purpose. What better way to begin than by engaging with The Rotary Foundation, the driving force behind Rotary’s global impact. Whether your focus is health, literacy, water, or peace, the Foundation equips clubs with the tools and funding to create lasting change. Access begins with club qualification through Grant Management Training Seminars (GMTS).
Rotary Clubs across the District have been shining bright this year through the Rotary Rockstar Challenge, showcasing creativity, community connection, and powerful storytelling through public image efforts. With six levels of challenges, the program was designed to help Clubs elevate visibility, celebrate impact, and inspire engagement — and so far, it’s working! The majority of Clubs have already completed two or more levels, and we couldn’t be more proud of the enthusiasm and effort.
Georgetown recently knocked out its third ramp build of the year! Led by Rotarian Larry, a long-time member of Texas Ramp Builds whose experience ensured the team worked efficiently and safely, the crew finished the ramp in record time. Rotarians Scott, Raymond, Christie, Holly, Michael, Miles, and Joe were joined by spouses, friends, and community members.
Prior to El Buen Samaritano’s Thanksgiving food distribution at the annual “Hands of Hope,” the Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest donated and installed two Peace poles with languages appropriate for El Buen’s client base. The installation is in the highly visible round-about from which food is distributed every week of the year as well as at the “Hands for Hope” Thanksgiving food event.
Todd Smith, our district 5870 governor asked for volunteers in July to go to Pasadena California and help decorate the rose parade float for Rotary international. Eighteen current and future Rotarians attended the event on Tuesday evening December 30th.
Congratulations to our Waco Rotary board member and Public Image Chair, Vince Erickson! Vince won a prestigious Lone Star Emmy award last month as part of a KWKT FOX 44 team who created a 30-minute special program called "Facing Domestic Violence" for broadcast on the station.
The Rotary Club of Marble Falls gathered recently for their annual Christmas celebration at Quail Point Lodge in Horseshoe Bay—an evening filled with fellowship, holiday spirit, and meaningful service. In addition to enjoying time together, members embraced the true spirit of the season by collecting toys for the Marble Falls Police Department’s Blue Santa Program.
The spirit of giving was alive and well as the Killeen Heights Rotary Club delivered much-needed essentials to Communities In Schools of Greater Central Texas, Inc. just in time for the holidays. Club members collected and donated shoes, socks, t-shirts, and other clothing items to help ensure local students have comfort, confidence, and support as they navigate the school year.
Temple President Kim Langston and past president Paul Carr shared the work of Rotary at booth to recruit new members. The event was a Christmas community event sponsored jointly by the Chambers of Temple and Belton. The event netted a number of new prospects interested in attending a meeting to learn more.
The Cameron Rotary Club helped make the season a little brighter this year with its successful S’more Christmas & Children’s Mini Parade, a festive celebration that brought families, children, and community members together for holiday fun and fellowship. The joyful event created wonderful memories while highlighting the spirit of service and togetherness that Rotary is known for.
Hats off to the Rotary Club of Caldwell, Texas, for proudly stepping up to serve during the annual KBTX Media Food for Families Food Drive! Club members rolled up their sleeves to help collect donations that will support local food pantries and ensure families across the region have access to essential meals and household staples.
Members of the Rotary Club of Cedar Park-Leander spread holiday cheer by ringing bells for The Salvation Army. Rotarians enjoyed engaging with community neighbors while supporting an organization that provides vital assistance to those in need during the holiday season. Their joyful service is a wonderful example of Rotary’s commitment to making a positive impact in the communities we serve.
The E-Club of Central Texas proudly established the Erik Svenkerud Memorial Scholarship to honor Erik’s legacy by investing in the future of compassionate care. Rooted in Rotary International’s values of Service Above Self, this scholarship reflects our shared commitment to empowering those who dedicate their lives to healing others.
The Rotary Club of Marble Falls once again brought the spirit of Christmas to Granite Mesa Health Center as they hosted their annual Christmas Store on Tuesday, December 9. What has become a beloved tradition was filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt moments as club members adopted residents and the club helped fund a beautiful selection of gifts for them to enjoy.
Temple Rotary Club recognized member Dick Mayfield with his pin for 50+ years in Rotary. Dick, former club president in 1983-84 and a Roll of Fame Honoree, was joined by his family at a special presentation.
The Bastrop Honor Choir is more than 15 years old, and is dedicated to healing the human spirit through music, empathy, and community. The members of the choir have all been selected, not for their vocal talent, but because they individually display a high level of empathy and human understanding. Just as do Rotarians, these young people have a heart for service, specifically to support and encourage abused children.
November 13, 2025 - The Rotary Club of Pflugerville just wrapped another incredible Golf Tournament, and we are overflowing with gratitude!
A huge THANK YOU to all of our sponsors — your generosity fuels our scholarships, service projects, and everything we do to support our community. We truly couldn’t do this without you, and we appreciate each and every one of you more than words can say.
Over Thanksgiving, my 3-year-old granddaughter said, “Pops, let’s do a puzzle!” So of course we did, and it has sparked a renewal of interest in doing puzzles. This Christmas, we have done two already.
