My official visits are complete ... Wow, what an amazing experience! I so enjoyed getting to visit each club and see how you each have your own distinctive club culture. I have most enjoyed getting to connect with you on a personal level and join in service with you through the district-wide Backpack Friends food packing project, that accompanied my official visits.
The concept of “Service Above Self” was on full display during the Sixth Annual Georgetown TX Field of Honor® held in San Gabriel Park from November 5-12. It was an on-going demonstration of resilience and collaboration, with heavy doses of perseverance and grit, that made this year’s Field of Honor® one of the most memorable.
There was a lot of excitement at one of the year’s favorite event, the Food for Families event held Friday, November 18th, in front of the local H‑E‑B grocery store.
On Wednesday, November 2, 2022, members of the Marlin Community were extended grateful appreciation for contributions to the Marlin Rotary Club Little Free Library.
Taylor Rotarians spread a love for reading to students at TH Johnson Elementary School on Nov. 3. The club purchased and donated more than 45 books with a value of more than $750 to the THJ library where the children are in pre-kinder, kindergarten and first grade. When making the donation Taylor Rotarians snacks and read to about 30 first graders.
Every year Flatonia’s E. A. Arnim Museum has an annual fundraiser, which includes a stew supper, silent auction, and a community original play, written and directed by Mark Eversole.
It’s time again for the District 5870 Monthly Membership Moment. Today we want to tell you about a program you may not be aware of. It is the Rotary International Leads Program. Rotary processes tens of thousands of membership leads from people around the world who are interested in joining Rotary.
The 22nd annual Breakfast with Santa event, hosted by The Rotary Club of Georgetown Sun City is returning to the Community Center in San Gabriel Park on Saturday, Dec. 17.
The McGregor Rotary Club hosted its Annual Veterans Day Luncheon at the Exchange Event Center in McGregor Texas on Wednesday, November 9, 2022. Over 50 Veterans from the local community were invited to enjoy a complimentary lunch and hear from keynote speaker, Erik Johnson. Lunch was served by the Officers of the local Interact Club at McGregor High School.
The Caldwell Rotary Club sponsored 4 campers this past summer. Two of the campers prepared a presentation and shared their experiences during a recent club meeting.Thank you to of our RYLA campers, Kamryn Tena and Luis Ramirez, for their thoughtful presentation. Wow!! These students really exemplified what RYLA is about and shared some meaningful take aways about the meaning of leadership.
Our club held its first ever speed dating event for new members! Existing members that met the criteria on the new member checklist were paired with new members who had to accomplish tasks on the new member checklist. Every eight minutes we rotated so they met with another existing member. It turned into a great time and social hour.
Imagine… You’re eight years old, It’s Friday afternoon at school. For many kids your age, the weekend is a time for soccer games and laughter. For you, it’s a reminder of the poverty you live in and the empty feeling in your belly because there is very little food in your home.
Join us on Saturday, January 28th at the Courtyard Marriott in Pflugerville for an evening of connection, relationship building and fun as we celebrate our support of The Rotary Foundation. We will recognize new/elevated Major Donors & Bequest Society Members and present the Distinguished District Service Award & Citation for Meritorious Service.
Residents of the Golden Years Nursing and Rehabilitation Center in Marlin are the recipients of greeting cards shown here being prepared by Marlin Rotarians in the last five minutes of October 27th’s meeting at The Chicken Place.
Situated at an UFO crash site and all the little green men having scampered, Rotary President Letitia Estep (aka MIB, Men in Black) was delighted to pass out over 100 pounds of candy to the children during National Night Out/Trunk or Treat on October 29 in Marlin. Even amongst biohazard and nuclear waste materials, the children ventured past the UFO abduction area into Area 51 for their chocolates and lollipops!
Northwest Austin Rotary sponsors EarlyAct FirstKnight (or EAFK), which teaches and trains classroom students of all backgrounds in how to become civil, service-oriented people during their most formative years. EAFK is a daily Social Emotional Learning/Character-Building program for elementary and middle school students.
Rotary District 5870 Central Texas set a goal of donating as much as we can to the Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus Fund this year. This year, we introduced the PIES FOR POLIO CHALLENGE to help build awareness for our fight to end polio. Club members around central Texas have been taking the challenge! See the Video.
Over 1060 Rotarians from 49 Clubs have filled 6,400 bags to help feed children at risk of weekend hunger. Backpack Friends has been an incredible partner and their mission to feed hungry kids is incredibly inspiring.
On September 27th, our Rotary E-Club of Central Texas along with other Rotarians and guests took a Boat ride on Lady Bird Lake in Austin for a Bat Cruise.
DG Shannon Coleman presenting Michael Burke with 1st Paul Harris pin at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Sun City Rotary Club (Georgetown) with PDG Rich Kaye and RF Director John Chenoweth looking on.
DG Shannon Coleman presents Bill and Joan Miller Major Donor Level 1 at the Sun City 25th Anniversary Celebration Oct. 25th at the home of Adaire and David Wolf. Also pictured RF Director John Chenoweth and PDG Rich Kaye.
Rotary Clubs worldwide are "End Polio Now" ambassadors (www.endpolio.org). To help the fight against polio, several local Rotary clubs established two fundraisers.
Marble Falls Rotary Club hosted Pies & Pints for Polio Thursday, October 20 in Harmony Park in downtown. Marble Falls Police Chief Glenn Hanson and Fire Chief Russell Sander were pitted against each other in a campaign to raise funds for polio.
Nearly 150 guests and members of The Rotary Club of Georgetown TX filled McKinney Hall at Georgetown’s First United Methodist Church to celebrate the Club’s 60th Anniversary of service to the community.
On October 18, 2022 out Rotary Club worked with Brazos Valley gives to raise money for their annual Day of Giving. The Community Foundation strengthens the 7-county region of the Brazos Valley (Brazos, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison, Robertson, and Washington Counties) through philanthropy by raising and stewarding assets to provide permanent funding sources to support local charities, nonprofit organizations, faith communities, civic efforts, scholarships, and community grants.
Northwest Austin Rotary Club put the call out, and many answered. On Saturday, October 16, over 60 volunteers showed up at the Cedar Park YMCA to help pack nearly 9,000 meals. Northwest Austin purchased raw materials from The Outreach Program, and with the help of area Rotary members and community volunteers, nearly 7,000 packaged meals were prepared.
Hello Rotarians. Your District Membership Committee will publish an article each month entitled the Monthly Membership Moment. What we hope to do with these articles is to help your club and give some tips regarding membership that may help you with membership growth in our district.
Congratulations President Heather and the Rotary Club of Austin Westlake for your recognition as a ShelterBox Bronze Hero! You are making an impact on worldwide Disaster Response.
West Austin meeting and eating go well together so our new members did both. Each officer gave them a report on what their position is doing to change the world. The new women members were also given a Celebration of Women in Rotary pin along with an historical account of how and when women were initially admitted to Rotary.
From set up Thursday, to final touches Friday, to starting the Pfestival Friday night, to pouring and serving all day Saturday, to supporting the pfun run Sunday , and to final tear down Sunday afternoon, these volunteers, friends, and family SERVED HARD. We are so excited for such a fun year at Deutschenpfest and thankful for @pflugerville_tx for an amazing weekend.
The lucky winning bidder will receive four tickets plus free premier parking to the home game on Sunday, December 11, 2022, at noon. The seats are in section 126, row 12, seats 6-9, and parking is in lot 15. https://bit.ly/3ROBcZP
The Rotary Clubs of Austin N. Metro, Cedar Park-Leander, Northwest Austin, Round Rock, and Round Rock Sunrise are hosting both a PIES FOR POLIO (Oct. 22) and PINTS FOR POLIO (Oct. 24) to celebrate World Polio Awareness and provide opportunities for our communities to help us generate funds to End Polio Now. PDGs Scott Rainey, Hanspeter Tobler, Jim Henry, Jerry Chapman, and Dian Edwards have agreed to "take a Pie for Polio" at one of the October 22nd events. Both locations will also feature information about the Polio Plus Campaign and prize raffles. The businesses hosting the Pints for Polio have pledged a percentage return for "pints" sales on October 24.
Northwest Austin Rotary Club is sponsoring a food packing event in conjunction with Cedar Park/Leander Rotary Club, Hope Austin, and The Outreach Program, and we invite you to join us. This Community Service Project will pack 9,000 meal kits to feed those needy students who might otherwise not have food over the weekend.
Rotary District 5870 Central Texas District Governor Shannon Coleman shares her message for October 2022. She talks about the District-Wide Service Project 'Backpack Friends', World Polio Day, Rotary International's Polio Plus campaign and more. Click to play
On Sept 29th we began a new tradition by having a New Member Orientation Lunch at Casa Chapala restaurant. Each officer and committee chair gave a cliff notes version of what they do and what is planned.
Today, over 70 million people are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution, and human rights violations. Half of them are children.
We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and provides communities with the skills to resolve conflicts.
Residents in and around Cacak, Serbia will soon be able to benefit from state-of-the-art PCR testing for infectious diseases thanks to an international partnership between The Rotary Club of Austin, the Rotary Club of Cacak, District 5870, and many others.
Marlin's Drawing Fundraiser is selling tickets now through mid-December. Tickets are $10! Money goes towards Community Service Projects. Call 254-883-7214 for tickets.
Mexia Rotary members get set to deliver water to local fire departments on Saturday, September 17, 2022. Walmart employees Price and Stark were kind enough to load the water on four pickups for delivery.
PFC Garza and her husband spent a special complimentary weekend in Austin at the Hampton Inn Cedar Park. This program called Operation Vacation Ft Hood was started by the Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen fifteen years ago as a way to thank our military soldiers for their service.
DG Shannon Coleman, President Mickey McLaughlin (Georgetown-Sun City) and Jeff Coleman at Peaceable Kingdom, Killeen, TX. We were preparing and serving breakfast for the Ukrainian kids who were camping at Peaceable Kingdom.
Central Texas Rotarians are doing what they can to add some joy to the lives of refugee children thanks to a Rotary International Disaster Response Grant of $25,000 fully funding a Labor Day weekend camp. View the video
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Georgetown (TX) Foundation, the Field of Honor® is an emotion-filled display that is something you not only see but you feel. Walk among the 1,600+ majestic waving full-size, 3′ x 5′ US flags that honor past and present military, first responders, K9, and Equestrian heroes.
Rotary District 5870 Central Texas was awarded 5 Foundation Giving first place awards and 2 second place awards, first place award for Public Image and one first place award in Membership at All of North Star Zone | Rotary Zones 25B & 29. What a great year Rotarians of 5870 had in 2021-22. Thank you PDG Beverly Luedke for your leadership!
CONGRATULATIONS Rotary District 5870 Central Texas!! Forty one Club Presidents and their Clubs earned the Rotary Citation, the most significant award a Rotary club can achieve, for 2021-22. During a year that was challenging for many Rotarians around the world, I am proud to say that these clubs demonstrated a commitment to achieve their goals, which ultimately helped strengthen Rotary and shape our future. You will be receiving the certificate soon. The following clubs received this award:
Marble Falls Rotary Club hosted its 21st annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony on September 11th at the Rotary Veterans and First Responder Memorial at Johnson Park in Marble Falls.
On Monday, 29 August 2022, addressing the need for school supplies to be donated by parents, the Flatonia Rotary Club delivered a year’s supply of paper goods to the Flatonia Elementary School.
On Friday, August 19, 2022, the Rotary Club of Georgetown, TX, received the distinction of being named a Peacebuilder Club by the Rotarian Action Group for Peace, an international network that provides resources to further the peace and conflict resolution work of Rotarians around the globe.
Rotary District 5870 Central Texas and Peaceable Kingdom partnered to bring LOVE & JOY & COMMUNITY to Ukraine Families on Labor Day weekend. 47 Ukraine children ages 5-13 and their parents were hosted by Peaceable Kingdom, District 5870 and The Rotary Foundation for a weekend of fun, laughter, and adventures. Click image to play video.
On Friday, August 19, 2022, the Rotary Club of Georgetown, TX, received the distinction of being named a Peacebuilder Club by the Rotarian Action Group for Peace, an international network that provides resources to further the peace and conflict resolution work of Rotarians around the globe.
Please join us on Monday, October 3, 2022 for the District 5870 New Member Orientation. This orientation will be from 6:00 PM until 7:00 PM via zoom. Click to register.
On Monday, 29 August 2022, addressing the need for school supplies to be donated by parents, the Flatonia Rotary Club delivered a year’s supply of paper goods to the Flatonia Elementary School.
Every year, Rotarians and Rotaractors across the globe mobilize for WORLD POLIO DAY to raise awareness about eradicating polio for good. If we stay committed, polio will be the second human disease ever to be eradicated.
The Rotary Club of Austin & Killeen hosted our next Operation Vacation military family for an R&R in Austin with a complimentary weekend at Sonesta Select North Hotel on August 26-28.
Rotary District 5870 has set a goal of donating as much as we can to the Rotary Foundation’s Polio Plus Fund this year. This year, we introduced the PIES FOR POLIO CHALLENGE to help build awareness for our fight to end polio. All clubs are encouraged to partake in the challenge! Take a pie and share your video on social media!
Do you like to create graphics? Have experience with video? We are searching for a few more members for the District Content Creation Team. Must have experience and will need to submit 2 designs that you have created. This team will receiving training and access to content creation tools. Click to apply.
We are excited to announce the kick-off of our new ROCKSTAR CHALLENGE! The Public Image Rockstar Challenge was designed to help Clubs increase their public image skill set.
The Rotary Club of Marlin recently had the privilege of inducting its 2022-23 president, Letitia Estep. She states, “We have a great year ahead! Fellow Rotarians, it is an honor and privilege to serve as your 2022-2023 President.
Do you know a recent college graduate or graduating college senior that would like to do graduate studies at an international university in one of the Rotary Foundation’s Seven Areas of Focus?
We welcomed visitors to our Club meeting August 11th to meet DG Shannon and help with assembling Backpack Buddies as well as stuffing backpacks with school supplies for kindergarteners at Wooldridge Elementary and to celebrate the success of Rise Up With RYLA with award winning Camper Mauricio Ramos and his mom Theresa.
The Shiner Rotary made a $1000 donation to the Shiner Animal Services. This donation will be used to pay for an air conditioning/heating system to keep the animals comfortable. Pictured are: Alex Remschel (Rotary Pres.), Police Chief Kevin Kelso, Animal Services Officer Teena Davis, and Officer Greg Proske.
Shiner Rotary Makes a Donation to Shiner Animal Services
We are now meeting at DK Maria's Traditional Tex Mex restaurant located at Slaughter and Menchaca in south Austin. We are working on becoming a hybrid club, so reach out if you would like to join us via Zoom for a program.
Northwest Austin Rotary Club is proud to announce that our Rotary Youth Exchange Program has started again after a couple of years hiatus due to Covid-19. Our RYE student Isabela arrived from Barre Manse Brazil Thursday morning and was greeted by her host parents Tom Craig and Virginia D-Craig and Rotary District 5780's Coordinator for RYE, Sarah Brightwell. Isabela is following in her mother's footsteps as Ingrid was Virginia's first Rotary Youth Exchange Student in the late 90s. What a blessing to have Bela with us for the school year.
Here is the Official statement from RIP Jennifer Jones on what Polio means to Rotary and the World. The three big takeaways are 1. Vaccination is critical 2. Rotary's spearheading and development of The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) is essential to providing the path for and financing the final global Eradication of Polio 3. Take action Now!
Northwest Austin Rotary stepped out of their regular Friday morning meeting at Balconies Country Club to pack 200 food bags for children who would normally go hungry.
Rotary District 5870 has received a $25,000 Disaster Response Grant from The Rotary Foundation which will fully fund a Labor Day Weekend retreat to be held at Peaceable Kingdom by Variety of Texas. This camp is for Ukrainian children displaced from Ukraine, due to the war with Russia, now living in the Central Texas area. In collaboration with Peaceable Kingdom, the retreat will take place Friday, September 2 – Monday, September 5 at the Peaceable Kingdom location (near Killeen, TX).
We have various needs for volunteersFriday, September 2 – Monday, September 5 at the Peaceable Kingdom location.
2) The background check form will be sent to you by email and the REQUIRED BACKGROUND CHECK must be complete to be admitted. In order to volunteer both steps must be complete.
Volunteers Needed for Labor Day Weekend Camp for Child Refugees of the Ukraine
A new school year is like a new box of crayons - fresh, bright, and full of potential! However, as many as 5000 elementary and middle school students may not have the resources to start school with a backpack and school supplies this year.
Stephanie A. Urchick, of the Rotary Club of McMurray, Pennsylvania, USA, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2024-25, a decision that would make her only the second woman to hold that position. She will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
Stephanie A. Urchick selected to be the 2024-25 president of Rotary International
Serve others and experience some of India's most extraordinary sites! Take a trip to India with other Rotarians on 27 December - January 7, plus an optional 3 day extension trip to Varanasi. You will engage with local Rotarians for fun, fellowship and service opportunities, including taking part in Rotary’s Polio Eradication efforts by administering vaccine drops to children.For information & details, contact USA Trip Leader Todd Smith, 512.542.4485
The Rotary Club of Austin and Killeen host a military family every month with a complimentary weekend in Austin. The program is called Operation Vacation. The Baker family spent two nights at the Hilton Austin with gift bags, snacks and treats during their stay and enjoyed a relaxing breakfast each morning provided by the hotel.
The Rotary Club of La Grange presented Governor Shannon one of its “Save Ukraine – Save The World” tee shirts during her July 13 visit to their club. This marked the official end of the club’s Save Ukraine campaign.
District Governor Shannon Coleman talks about the District wide Service Project packing food for children who suffer from weekend hunger, Pies for Polio and more! Click to play message.
For a limited time starting on Monday, August 1, 2022, District 5870 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 2022-23 on a 1-to-1 basis in amounts of $250 to $500 for any active Rotarian in District 5870 who is not yet a Paul Harris Fellow +8.
Mexia Rotary Club donates water to local fire departments (07/24/2022 The Rotary Club of Mexia had an impromptu collection at their July 21st meeting which was augmented by a generous donation from Walmart to donate cases of water to eight local fire departments in the Mexia area.
Marble Falls Rotary Club held their 73rd annual fish fry on July 9th. DG Shannon Coleman and PDG Beverly Luedke provided a great message to the crowd. The event was well attended and PDG Luedke drew the winners of the raffle - Jennifer Tumlinson and Charlie Horn won the kayaks, Carol Weathers and Shannon DelBello won the Yeti Coolers and Barbara Nuss won 4 life jackets. Thank you to everyone that helped make this a great event!
Please join us on Saturday, August 27 at the Georgetown Public Library to discuss the future of membership in our District. We will be meeting from 9:00 AM until Noon. All Rotarians that have a passion for Growing Rotary are invited. This is your training event and we need your help in sharing ideas and challenges we may have this year.
The Rotary E-Club of Central Texas is going to bats for kids. Join, the E-Club for our second ever Bat Cruise on September 27, 2022 at Lady Bird Lake boarding at 6:00 p.m. (Boat leaves at 6:30 p.m.)
The Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) has been informed of a case of paralytic polio in an unvaccinated individual in Rockland County, New York, United States.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are coordinating with New York State health authorities on their investigation. Initial sequencing confirmed by CDC indicates that the case is type 2 VDPV.
Any form of poliovirus anywhere is a threat to children everywhere. It is critical that the GPEI Polio Eradication Strategy 2022-2026 is fully resourced and fully implemented everywhere, to ensure a world free of all forms of poliovirus can be achieved.
We are calling on every single Rotarian to take action and be a part of the fight to end polio, helping to raise $50 million per year for polio eradication.
The Rotary Club of Temple conducted its first service project of the year putting together 180 back pack friends for school kids who risk having weekend hunger. Led by our new DG, Shannon Coleman, the club was able to accomplish the rewarding project in just 15 minutes at their weekly meeting.
The Rotary Club of Georgetown has been busy building two ramps already in the new Rotary year! These ramps are attached to homes and create new mobility for those living there. Never for granted your chance to walk out of your house and just go! Special thanks to all the Rotarians who brave the heat and make this happen!
District Governor Beverly Luedke visited Sun City recently and recognized former president Doug Lowe for his service with help from current president Mickey McLaughlin.
Do you know a recent college graduate or graduating college senior that would like to do graduate studies at an international university in one of the Rotary Foundation’s Seven Areas of Focus? This will be a life change experience and a great opportunity for scholarship recipients. To learn more, please call: Tom Anderson District Chair, Global Grant Scholarship Phone: 512-589-6328Email: tander6854@sbcglobal.net
You're invited to attend the virtual conference on Friday, Sept. 2 at 3PM where R.I. President, Jennifer Jones is the guest of honor for the second Virtual Africa Peace Concert in honor of Peace Promotion and Conflict Prevention. The main objective of the concert is to raise funds to support the Rotary Africa Peace Fund.
West Austin Rotarians accepted Backpacks from TyRex Manufacturing again this year to be given to Kindergartners at our adopted school, Wooldridge Elementary. Each year Rotarians work with Target to fill them with necessary school supplies. The backpacks will be given out to start these new learners on the path to a successful year.
The Rotary Club of Temple-South has always been a huge supporter of the Temple Public Library, sponsoring book purchases and co-hosting programs with them. This year, however, the Library brought the Club a new service idea: Feeding Children.
Lakeway / Lake Travis Rotary Club of District 5870 partnered with Dripping Springs Rotary Club of District 5840 to create an all-new social event that was also a fundraising event for International Polio relief efforts.
Fellow Rotarians and family put on our old clothes and grabbed a brush as we headed out to Hill Country Community Ministries for some old fashion painting. We finished painting doors and railings in record time. Thank you, Rick Hoffman and his lovely wife, Anne Trinh, her daughter, and two wonderful grandchildren.
Join District Foundation Chair, PDG Jerry Chapman and Annual Fund Chair George Lourigan on August 27th for a deep dive into the mysterious workings of the Rotary Foundation. All Rotarians will benefit and are welcome to attend.
Looking for more news about the Clubs in Rotary District 5870 Central Texas? Check out the "News Around the District" page for all stories. (Hint, use the search box at the top of the page to easily find your story.
Happy New Year, District 5870! Over the past few years, the importance and power of connection has been evident as we have come together to help those in need. What amazes me most is that this heart felt desire to help others took place on a global level. We have all witnessed how much can be achieved by working together.
During these fun summer months, the Rotary Clubs of Austin & Killeen had an opportunity to host a military family for the weekend through Operation Vacation-Ft. Hood at the Aiden Best Western@ Austin hotel.
The McGregor Rotary Club hosted a Scholarship Luncheon on May 18, 2022 to honor 7 McGregor High School Seniors who were awarded the Thomas R. Kirk Scholarship for this year.
Each year, the Rotary Club of Marble Falls awards $10,000 to local seniors striving to further their education by attending a trade school, 2 year or 4 year college program. This year, 5 scholarships were awarded to students from Marble Falls High School. We wish them well on their next phase of life!
Rotary Club of Temple dedicated a “Little Library," a Rotary bench and two trees at Central Texas Housing Consortium’s Jonathan Moore Apartments in Temple on Wednesday morning.
The Rotary Club of Temple presented a $10,000 scholarship Thursday (June 9) to Jasmyne Joseph, a first-generation college-bound Belton High School senior.
The Rotary Club of Bastrop County worked with the City of Bastrop on a “Bike Racks for the City of Bastrop” project. The objective of this project is to support Bastrop City goals for a “multi-modal transportations” approach to encourage bicycling and walking for enjoyment of the city by residents and visitors.
Rotary Club of Austin North Metro, one of District 5870's two Passport Clubs, celebrated their first full year at the Anchor Bar in Round Rock on June 13th. The Gavel was passed from President Miriam Moorman to President Elect Dian Edwards as the club celebrated the year's accomplishments including a Rotary Citation, a new EAFK program, and a successful First Annual Bowl-A-Thon which is hoped to become the club's signature fundraiser.
Join West Austin Rotarians on July 9th at 6pm for the perfect summer event at Water2Wine, 3300 West Anderson Ln. Wine tasting, great Mexican food, live music and art show. Raise a glass to celebrate friends, summer and service! Click to buy tickets.
Andrea CHerepanov from Mykolaiv Ukraine was our guest and spoke to us about his home, Rotary Convention experience and his family visit to Austin. He is President Elect of his Club in Mykolaiv. We also had a visit from Rotarian Mary Anne Rishebarger from Maryland as well
You snooze you lose! This is the only way to say that if you missed last night's installation at Nyle Maxwell's Vehicles Unique Museum, you missed the event of the year.
Among many things, what I love most about Rotary is its ability to bring people together and its inclusive, welcoming nature. When you walk in, you automatically have a group of lifelong friends. Here are photos from our most recent social at Austin Cosmopolitan! We laughed, we enjoyed each others' company and the hours passed by so quickly. It's true, time flies when you're having fun.
The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen in partnership with the Stephen F. Austin Royal Sonesta Hotel and the County Line on the Lake hosted a military family for a special R&R weekend in Austin to thank them for their service.
Come join us on Saturday, June 18th at Concordia High School Cardinal Hall in Pflugerville as we install our District / Club Officers and celebrate the 2022-23 Rotary International "Imagine Rotary" theme! Tickets - $45/per person - includes a buffet luncheon & includes adult beverages.
Rotary Club of Temple honors two Vietnam Era Veterans during annual Memorial Day Commemoration. Special thank you to LTG (ret) Paul ”Butch” Funk and LTC (Ret) Dr. Bob Crouch. #templerotarystrong #1DistrictStrong #rotaryinternational #ServiceAboveSelf #ServeToChangeLives
Time has definitely flown……just a short 11 months ago, I had a lot of plans, goals and hopes for District 5870. And now, looking back over the past 11 months, I am thrilled to say that many of them came to fruition. Rotarians of District 5870, YOU can be so proud of what you have accomplished.
On May 6th the Northwest Austin Club gave out $32,000 in scholarships to 13 seniors from Westwood High School, McNeil High School, and Navarro High School.
Rotary Club of Temple presented a check for $4,190 during its noon meeting May 26 to Rucker Preston, executive director of Family Promise of East Bell County. The funds will be used to help furnish one of the bedrooms for the new transitional housing campus they are building
The Rotary Club of Cedar Park-Leander has enjoyed being a part of DG Beverly Luedke’s Rotary District 5870 grant which includes the construction, installation, and ongoing management of a Little Free Library.
Hats off to the #Rotarians and the McGregor Interact Students who participated in the Monarch Butterfly Service Project at District Conference. Each participant had the opportunity to assemble a kit for an educator, which contained seeds, lesson plans, and supplies for educating children about monarchs and encouraging them to plant milkweed. 50 kits were assembled and were delivered to schools on the Waco area.
St. Mary’s Cemetery lies within Pflugerville’s Historic Colored Addition, a parcel of land off West Pecan Street with roots in segregation. Sold in 1910 to Black Texans who were not permitted to live within Pflugerville's city limits, the Historic Colored Addition remains the site of two historic cemeteries, a historic church, and several homes and businesses.
The RC of Temple-South banded together and raised $3500 on a flash project to completely furnish one of the seven bedrooms for the new $1.3 million dollar facility Family Promise of East Bell County under construction in Temple.
For many years Marble Falls Daybreak Rotary has been a supporter of the Open Door Recovery House, a local, residential, sober–living home for women who are rebuilding their lives and breaking the chains of addiction. Open Door has been very successful, providing a 65% to 80% non–recidivism rate each program year, over its 12 year tenure, for their successful participants.
Rotary Club of Taylor honored the top 10% of graduates from local public schools and awarded its $6000 Bunnell-Rotary Academic Scholarship Trey Boles at the club’s annual scholars banquet on
Flatonia Rotary Golf Tournament was a big success on Sat. 14 Teams played great golf but a chance to sink a hole in won to win a new Ford Bronco fell short. Golfers played for a cause, with 100% net proceeds to benefit local & international programs. 1st place winners flights 1,2,3
Congratulations to Betty Richardson who was awarded the 2021-22 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL SERIVCE ABOVE SELF AWARD! Betty is an amazing Rotarian who lives the life of Service Above Self. She is a member of the RC of Austin University Area.
The following Clubs completed all 5 levels of the Public Image Super Star Challenge and will receive a super cool HASHTAG sign and 3 Yard Signs that we will have shipped to each of the current Club Presidents. THANK YOU for being a PUBLIC IMAGE SUPER STAR CLUB!
The Rotary Club of Austin in partnership with Westlake, West Austin, Cosmopolitan, South Austin and North by Northeast Rotary clubs packed 25,000 food bags for Rise Against Hunger. These may look like simple meals of rice and soy but they represent the battle against world hunger. It is one of the most rewarding Rotary service projects. Service Above Self!
Please give our heartfelt thanks to your Rotary members for the tremendous support we have received. We will make use of every washcloth, bar of soap and underwear to enhance the life of women and girls who do not have access to menstrual supplies. Thank you,also, to everyone who came to the workday. A mountain of work was accomplished and will help us be ready for our next packing day.
IT’S HERE!!!!! May….and District Conference of Clubs….We have all been working toward the weekend we get to CELEBRATE all that we have worked so hard for over the last 10 months and it is FINALLY here.
Our Empowering Girls event on Saturday, April 24 was a great success. The district prepared nineteen kits to be distributed in Honduras. Each kit lasts a girl for three years, giving them back about 60 days for school, work, and living!
Jennifer Ognibene (Rotary Vocational Scholar from the Rotary Club of Marlin) designs a pneumatic device that allows her wheelchair-bound son to hit a baseball. Lukus Ognibene, 11, uses a wheelchair equipped with a HandiBat to take a swing at a baseball. The HandiBat, developed by Lukus’ mother, Jenne, is a pneumatic system that uses compressed air to swing a bat.
Fundraising Chair for the Rotary Club of Austin North Metro, Sarah Carriker and her team pulled off a very successful 1st Annual Bowl-A-Thon at Highland Lanes in North Austin on Sunday, April 24th.
Members of Local Rotary clubs - ( Austin, West Austin, Northwest Austin, Killeen Heights, Temple South) and our District Governor Beverly Luedke were invited to tour the Variety’s Peaceable Kingdom Camp in Killeen.
Members from the Rotary Club of South Austin and Austin Westlake worked for three hours sorting and inspecting donated food prior to distribution to those in need. 2500 pounds were processed which equates to >3,000 meals. A cash donation from Rotary District 5870 was also made which will provide for another 15,000+ meals.
The Rotary Club of Austin North by Northest invites you to join them at their ANNUAL CINCO DE MAYO CELEBRATION on May 4th at Casa Chapala from 6PM to 9PM. Tickets are $50 - music, appetizers, margarita foundation and an auction.
RLI is a grassroots coalition of Rotary districts implementing a leadership development program for “potential” leaders of Rotary CLUBS. While it is an unofficial program of Rotary International, it has substantial support of several past Rotary International Presidents and current, past, and incoming RI Directors.
Rotary Club of South Austin and Rotary Club of Austin Southwest were joined together with volunteers from the community to fight hunger around the world at the Rise Against Hunger Meal Packing Event on Saturday, April 23. Meals packed over 15,000 in under 2 hours.
The Rotary Club of Round Rock Sunrise invites you to join them at their Pints for Purpose event on May 15 at Third Base 2PM-5PM! Tickets are $20 which can be bought online at www.rotaryroundrock-sunrise.org or at the door. Proceeds support youth & literacy projects.
Pioneer Farms is a Living History Park in northeastern Travis County given by the grandchildren of the Jourdan Family to honor the early pioneers who settled in the Austin area in the mid-to-late 1800s. The Jourdan cabin is original to the site, and 16 other period structures have been moved to the farm from nearby locations.
Sunrise members volunteered on Friday, April 1st at the Ride on Center for Kids in Georgetown to assist in preparation for their 16th Annual Barn Dance fundraiser. The Barn Dance financially supports the group's mission of providing equine-assisted services to children, adults, and veterans with physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges. Members cleaned the arena, set up tables and chairs, moved hay, and set up the concession stand. Our club enjoyed supporting such a great organization.
Rotarians from District 5870 Leadership met with Lampasas' Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Melissa Unger about developing a Satellite Club or Rotary Club in Lampasas County.
One of our Rotary District 5870 service projects this year is Empowering Girls and Women. Belton and Cedar Park have already had service events, and now Georgetown Days for Girls is our focal point for our final district service project for this project.
As a new feature of the District Conference this year, Rotarians will have the opportunity to participate in Friday afternoon break out sessions to receive training and professional development at no extra charge.
The Rotary Club of Belton invites the public to the Rockin’ Rotary Street Party with Hair Metal Giants on stage performing rock classis from the 1980’s. Break out your best 80’s rocker gear, lawn chairs and blankets, and come join our club in Downtown Belton, April 8th from 5:30pm to 10:00pm.
I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR!!!! The trees are budding, the bluebonnets are blooming and Rotary Benches are popping up EVERYWHERE!! This is an exciting time for Rotarians and District 5870 as many things are coming to fruition. We have completed a couple of our District projects we set out to do in July and the others are close to completion.
Rotarians from Cosmopolitan Rotary, Northwest Rotary ,Austin North Passport and Rotary Club of Austin at the Harris Elementary EAFK jousting event in Austin with Lady Amber and Lady Charlomaine.
Volunteers are needed for two Rise Against Hunger Events in the month of April! First event hosted by the Rotary Club of South Austin is on April 23, 2022 9AM-1PM at the Oak Hill United Methodist Church, 7815 US-290. Click to Volunteer Second event hosted by the Rotary Club of Austin is on April 30 at Casa Chapala, 9041 Research Blvd #100. Click to Register.
Volunteers Needed for 2 Rise Against Hunger Events
Rotary Club of Temple has added 12 new members so far this fiscal year, including three more pictured here with their Rotary sponsors at a recent meeting at the Central Fire Station in Downtown Temple.
The Rotary Club of Bastrop County has installed a new park bench adjacent to “Smitty” the nation’s largest gingerbread man, in Smithville. In the peaceful park where Smitty resides is a tranquil garden with gingerbread mosaic walking paths, and art abounds.
We have it!! RYLA has a new name!! Thank you to everyone who submitted such great ideas for RYLA. We had 60 submissions. I love our District and am so grateful for your help!! I could not have picked this name on my own!
Lori Scott, Executive Director of the Round Rock Serving Center, spoke to Round Rock Sunrise on February 18th. The club presented her with a check for $1000 on behalf of the Copperas Cove Rotary Club.
The students at Harris Elementary in Austin were honored today for the trait of Citizenship by Sir James. The parents of the honorees were invited to attend and this character program is sponsored by the University Area Rotary and the Austin North Metro Passport Rotary Clubs.
The Rotary Club of Austin donated two carloads of new or gently used professional clothes to the UT Career Closet. The clothes are available to students as they prepare for graduation, job interviews and entering the work force.
The Rotary Club of West Austin would like to announce that we are nearing completion of our second Global Grant. This is a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) project in Bilampi, Nicaragua benefiting 43 families.
Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children (PKRC) is going to give a tour of their facility and have lunch there on April 28, from 10a – 2p (PKRC will order box lunches - $10.00 per box – payable at the door). All are welcome!
The Rotary Club of Austin hosted a bbq for the kids and staff during Spring Break at the Helping Hand Home to remind them that our members still care about them even though we could not be around due to the pandemic.
The following communties from our District suffered severe damage: Elgin, Taylor and Round Rock. Nothing worse than seeing your own community destoryed. Our local Clubs are already mobilizing to help with support & relief efforts.
Have fun and fund scholarships at the annual Taylor Rotary Club Golf Tournament Friday, April 8, at Mustang Creek Golf Course. For information on having a team or sponsoring, email Austin Brown at abrown5@farmersagent.com.
Please help make the Austin North Metro Passport Club's first fundraiser a success! Sign up a team or consider sponsoring a bowling lane. The event will also have a silent auction, raffles, and food! The bowling will be family-friendly and not competitive. The event is April 24 from 2-4:30 at Highland Lanes (8909 Burnet Road) in Austin. Sign up at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rotary-bowl-a-thon-tickets-259853487777
Flatonia Rotary members are taking action to raise awareness, funds, and support to end polio, a vaccine-preventable disease that still threatens children in parts of the world today.
Visit https://www.rotary.org/en/rotary-responds-ukraine-crisis and follow Rotary on social media to stay updated on how clubs can get involved and what actions Rotary members have taken and the impact it has had for people in the region.
In response to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Ukraine, The Rotary Foundation has created an official channel for donors around the world to contribute funds to support the relief efforts underway by Rotary districts and has designated its Disaster Response Fund as the main avenue for contributions.
Several of you have asked about what Rotary is doing in support of the humanitarian crises brewing in Eastern Europe. Here’s what’s been released so far:
Rotary is in contact with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees – USA to prepare and respond to the needs of those being displaced in Ukraine and to neighboring countries.
ShelterBox, our project partner for disaster response, is in communication with Rotary members in Eastern Europe to explore how it may offer support with temporary transitional housing and other essential supplies.
Additional thoughts and ideas for personal or club assistance to Ukraine:
RI Director Katerina is working on a plan with John hewko for relief efforts.
The DG and PDGs in Ukraine have also suggested donations for immediate relief under agofundme page headed up by a Rotarian in California. All collected funds will be managed by Rotary Ukraine to youth and their families affected by the military aggression.
As more information becomes available, I’ll let you know how members can provide humanitarian relief to the people of Ukraine.
If you would like to get a taste of Rotary International Convention without a lot of expense, PLEASE consider hopping on the bus in Georgetown on Saturday, June 4th for a one day trip to the RI House of Friendship in Houston.
Come learn what DGE Shannon Coleman has planned for Rotary 2022-23 and get Club Leader Training on April 9th at Central Texas College in Killeen. 8AM-9AM is registration and a continental breakfast. Sessions start at 9AM. Cost is $30. Click here to register.
The Rotary Club of Temple focused a lot of attention in February on the scourge of human trafficking by scheduling two speakers at club meetings in addition to sponsoring the anti-human trafficking trailer at the Bell County Expo Center.
It is a tragic and sad time for the people of Ukraine and the world. At Rotary, we are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Ukraine and the escalating loss of life and humanitarian hardship there. Continued military action against Ukraine will not only devastate the region, but also risk spreading tragic consequences across Europe and the world.
It is FUNNY how time flies when you are either BUSY or having FUN!!! For me, it has been this entire year. We are into our last quarter of the year and we are still TAKING CARE OF BUSINESS. We have some exciting events coming up this month and I hope that each of you will take part.
Do you know where Beverly is? Hint, this place is near and dear to Rotary and District 5870. Yes, we know Governor Beverly is at the Central Texas College, but do you know why the Rotary Connection this month?
We are approaching the wrap up of another very successful Rotary Year here in District 5870 CENTRAL TEXAS! As you and your clubs are reviewing your many many accomplishments…. We wanted to check in and provide a few helpful links and directions for the completion of the 2021-2022 SuperStar Challenge!
Join us for the Public Image & Membership Training Seminar on Saturday, March 19 at the Georgetown Library 12:30-4:30PM. We close out the day with a Happy Hour at Mel's Lonestar Lanes. This is a free event and open to all Rotarians! Click to Register.
Public Image & Membership Seminar - March 19th
The Rotary E-Club of Central Texas will be hosting a Four Way Test Speech contest for high school students on the evening of Thursday, May 12, 2022, and we would like to invite clubs to participate. The Four Way Speech competition will be a virtual speech competition for students in grades 9 – 12 based sponsored by our Club with cash prizes ranging from $300 to $100.
CHARLIE TEBOW - Charlie is a survivor who has dedicated her life to serving others like them. In their day job, they are an advocate working with runaway and exploited youth to help them overcome complex and compounded trauma. Charlie has also served on various working groups. Click photo to play interview.
Rotary Zone End Human Trafficking Meeting - Charlie Tebow, Survivor
We are looking for leaders and members for the Rotaract Club at UT. Please notify me if you have a child, a neighbor or just anyone you know who is a student at UT in the undergraduate program. Mary Reynolds of the Austin Club has through her club members, identified a couple of potential members for the Rotaract Club as well as some strong adult support for the Rotaract Club. Contact me at bkrich5207@gmail.com or 512-922-0566. Betty Richardson
District Governor Beverly Luedke, center, presents a check for $2,000 to Caritas of Waco Co-Executive Director Ann Burt Owen for the Rotary "Hunger Project--Helping Fight Hunger in Our Communities" initiative. Others pictured include Lake Brazos Rotary Club Waco President Tom Albers, Waco Rotary Club President-Elect RoseMary Mayes, Waco Sunrise Rotary President Margaret Ferguson, and Waco Rotary Club President Russell Livesay.
The Rotary Club of Austin heard that Austin was desperate for blood donors so our club decided to help. We set up a Blood Drive bus at our February 8 meeting at the Ben Hur Shriner’s parking lot.
As we begin preparing for District Conference May 6-8 in Waco, celebrating the Service and Dedication of Rotarians throughout the District is very important. Club Presidents, please consider nominating a member of your club for the Roll of Fame which will be awarded during the Sunday morning activities of Conference.
We received a grant from the Rotary Foundation just a few months after receiving our charter, and we are excited to announce that on February 8th, we were about to donate those funds to our local food pantry at the Elgin First Baptist Church. Our passion to impact our community is strong, and we are proud to align with The Rotary Foundation's focus on Community Economic Development! This is just the beginning for us!
The Flatonia High School Interact Club and members of Rotary Club of Flatonia did a highway clean-up service project Saturday morning Jan 29th. Safety vest were handed out and the Interact Club made a difference to keep “Flatonia Beautiful”.
Flatonia HS Interact Club & Rotarians TeamUp For Highway Clean-Up Service Project
On Saturday, 5 February 2022, the Rotary Clubs of Flatonia, Hallettsville, Shiner, and Yoakum co-sponsored a global service project, Rise Against Hunger, at the Flatonia Civic Center.
Do you know where Beverly is? Hint, this place is near and dear to Rotary and District 5870. Yes, we know Governor Beverly is at the DFW Hyatt, but what is the Rotary Connection this month?
In response to questions and concerns raised by members worldwide, we are pleased to announce that the Rotary International Board of Directors has confirmed that the 2022 Rotary International Convention will be an in-person event 4-8 June in Houston, Texas, USA. We are excited to offer a special registration rate of US$495 through 28 February.
I have no hesitation in saying that world peace could be achieved and made permanent if reared on Rotary’s firm foundation of friendliness, tolerance, and usefulness. (Paul Harris, 1940 Rotary Convention)
RYLA needs a new name!! Due to a change in LCRA facilities, we are moving the location of RYLA to a wonderful place - Varieties Peaceable Kingdom in Killeen, TX.
District Governor Beverly Luedke arranged for a special exhibit to travel the District in late January and the first week of February to help educate and make us aware of the signs someone may be a victim of human trafficking.
Rotary Club of Temple Foundation Chair Barbara Bozon and Foundation Assistant Chair Eric Haugeberg hosted a celebration lunch in January for six of our newest large donors from the last matching campaign. Our goal is to grow both the number and level of our Paul Harris Fellows.
The excitment that was in the air in Elgin, Texas on Friday, January 21 and so energizing as the Rotary Club of Elgin officially received its charter....... what a great night of fellowship.
I hope that each of you have your Rotary At Work shirts ready to go because February is all about SERVICE this month. We kicked off our first of four District Service Projects…..End Human Trafficking….last weekend at the very successful Foundation Gala. Partnering with Global Connections International, District 5870 is increasing the awareness of human trafficking throughout the communities of 5870 by means of student assemblies in schools as well as providing End Human Trafficking fliers to those visiting the GCI EHT trailer in communities and even a County Fair this month.
District Governor Beverly Luedke arranged for a special exhibit to travel the District in late January and the first week of February to help educate and make us aware of the signs someone may be a victim of human trafficking.
The Rotary Club of Austin has several Community Partners that we support with our Good Works Budget Girl Scouts (Girl Scouts Behind Bars-providing scouting activities for girls whose parents are incarcerated) Boy Scouts (STEM School programs-teaching STEM directed activities in the East Austin schools) Sammy’s House (providing programs for the mentally disadvantaged and health fragile children) Women’s Storybook Project (Connecting incarcerated mothers with their children through literacy) and BookSpring (Support the Spanish books for the free Books for Me programs in the schools).
District 5870 gave the Mayfield, Kentucky Rotary Club $5,000 through our Keyway to use where it was most needed in support of those devasted by the tornadoes that leveled Western Kentucky.
On Tuesday, 11 January 2022, the Rotary Club of Flatonia participated in the Department of Homeland Securities “Wear Blue Day” to bring awareness to the issue of human trafficking.
Central Texas Rotarians will kick off a campaign to educate the public with knowledge of how to prevent the exploitation of their children, friends and neighbors at the Rotary District 5870 Foundation Gala on Saturday, Jan. 29, at the Sheraton Austin-Georgetown and Conference Center.
Rotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones wants members to imagine the possibilities in the change they can make to transform the world.
Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, revealed the 2022-23 presidential theme, Imagine Rotary, as she urged people to dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality.
The Rotary E-Club of Central Texas is hosting a virtual Four-Way Test Speech Contest for high school students on Thursday, May 12, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m.
For the second year the Rotary E-club has given away and planted on 9E Ranch Conservation Easement 400 Virginia Pine Seedlings to support the environment.
Pictured: John Chenoweth, Rotarian and Breakfast with Santa chair, Layla Nations, counselor at Frost Elementary School in Georgetown, TX, Doug Lowe, club president, Tamra Marbibi, Frost ES principal.
Congratulations to the Rotary E-Club of Central Texas and the Rotary Club of Northwest Austin for both earning the 2021-2022 Bronze Hero Award for "Outstanding Dedication and Support" of ShelterBox!
After being forced to cancel the annual Christmas shopping spree for Wooldridge Elementary School children in 2020 because of pandemic restrictions, the Rotary Club of West Austin was able to resume this wonderful tradition in December 2021. The shopping spree is one of our major charitable activities.
Volunteers are watned for the Feb. 5th - Rise Against Hunger Event hosted by the Rotary Club of Yoakum. Rise Against Hunger's mission is to end hunger by providing food & life-changing aid. Lasting impact is made by nourishing lives, empowering communities & emergency relief. The event will be held at the Flatonia Civic Center located at 208 E. North Main. Register here to volunteer.
The District 5870 Central Texas "End Human Trafficking Campaign" will be hosting the Global Connections International Human Trafficking Trailer for 10 days throughout our district as we bring AWARENESS to human trafficking to the forefront. The Global Connections International mobile education experience provides human trafficking awarenesss and prevention information. The campaign will kick-off at the Foundation Gala on January 29 at the Sherton Austin-Georgetown Hotel and Conference Center. Learn More
District Kicks-Off End Human Trafficking Campaign This Month
Every year since 2010, January has been proclaimed as National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Take time in January to learn more about human trafficking and action steps your Rotary Club and each Rotarian can take to prevent human trafficking.
I hope that each of you had a Blessed and Joyous Holiday with family and friends. There is no time better spent than with those we love. As we start the down side part of the Rotary Year, 2021-22 I have to say, “There will be NO down side to it.” There is a lot planned with:
District Service Projects-End Human Trafficking, Empower Girls, Benches, Fighting Hunger
Leadership training- Grant Training, District Assembly
It is my distinct honor and privilege to formally announce that Doug Smith of the Rotary Club of Temple-South is now officially our District Governor Nominee-Designee and will serve as our Governor for Rotary Year 2024-2025. Doug is a great Rotarian who is dedicated to the mission of Rotary International and will serve our District well. Please join me in congratulating Doug on his selection as our 110th District Governor.
Selection of District Governor Nominee for 2024-2025 Rotary Year
With rising tensions around the world there is a rising desire for peace. It’s what we all want instead of the conflict emerging in neighborhoods, communities, around the nation and throughout the world.
The Rotary, worldwide, has pursued the eradication of polio. Water for the Navajo Indians in Arizona is a Texas District 5870 project that is in process. Members of Rotary are addressing the problems of human trafficking.
The Rotary Club of Temple-South spent their final meeting of 2020 surrounded in the spirit of giving as members purchased 40 blankets and personalized Christmas cards to provide warmth and cheer to the residents of the Brookdale Senior Living home in Temple
South Austin Rotary supports a soup kitchen at a 170 bed transitional housing facility in southeast Austin. Christmas day there saw a big splurge meal for more than 100 residents and some folks living in some nearby homeless camps.
Rotary District 5870 Central Texas is proud to announce the charter of the Rotary Club of Elgin, TX! All Rotarians are invited to attend the official Charter Celebration on Friday, January 21st at 6PM-8PM at the Firewild On Main, 201 N Main St, Elgin, TX. Tickets are $35 which inlcuded a plated meal. DG Beverly Luedke is the featured speaker. Click to Register.
You're Invited Attend the Elgin Rotary Charter Celebration
For 21 years, the Sun City Club, in partnership with the Georgetown Fire Department, served up breakfast with Santa while raising funds to support gift giving and holiday food for families in need in our community.
Flatonia Rotary Club celebration of 82 years “Service Above Self” was held at the last Rotary meeting of the year. Chartered on 4-Dec-1939. Warm wishes from Suren Poruri, Assistant Governor, RI District 3150, from India was shared with the club.
The Marble Falls Daybreak Rotary partnered with CASA and CPS on November 13th to sponsor a special Adoption Day Event for children who were about to be joined into their forever families!
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. As you recall, our District Governor called on every club to conduct a Service Project, preferably in January, relating to Ending Human Trafficking (EHT).
Join us at the District 5870 Central Texas Foundation Gala on Saturday January 29, 2022, 6:00 pm, at Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center, 1101 Woodlawn Avenue, Georgetown, TX 78628.
District 5870 presented a $10,000 check to the Central Texas Food Bank last week. Because the real cost of food to our local food pantries goes for transportation, the money will actually be directed to specific local food centers for these costs.
The Cameron Rotary Club sponsored a very successful Painting for Polio event on November 20th. You've never seen such lovely Christmas trees and reindeer as at our party.
Rotary is first and foremost a service organization dedicated to helping the needy and misfortunate around the world. Over the years, many of our members have under taken hands-on service, both locally and an internationally, to further the object of Rotary without any thought that they were doing something extraordinary.
Bastrop County Rotary is holding a Collection Food Drive to support local food pantries on Dec. 18th from 9AM to 5PM at the First National Bank main office in Bastrop (489 SH 71).
Last call for reduced rate! The deadline to register at the reduced rate is fast approaching. You have until 15 December 2021, so sign up and pay today to take advantage of significant savings.
You have the power to increase people's understanding of Rotary by showing your members as people of action - telling and showing the public how you make a positive difference in your community.
Tis the season for joy, thankfulness and giving. We as Rotarians celebrate this season it seems all year round with all that we do in so many ways. I have been so blessed to be a part of this Rotary family and to be a part of all that we do, not only in our own backyards but around the world……a little bit like what Santa Claus does. Hummm….I never thought of it like that.
Wishing you and yours a most Blessed and Wonderful Holiday Season and Thank You for being one of “Santa’s Elves”.
The Marble Falls Daybreak Rotary partnered with CASA and CPS on November 13th to sponsor a special Adoption Day Event for children who were about to be joined into their forever families!
Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta has challenged every Club to plan and host at least one practical and action-oriented Rotary Day of Service during the 2021-22 Rotary year.
Hat's off to the Holy Trinity Interact Club for their recent Box of Joy Service Project! They sent out shoe boxes of presents for kids in need. The Club is sponsored by Temple South Rotary.
Holy Trinity Interact - Box Of Joy Service Project
The Rotary Club of Temple-South honored our first responders on October 28 serving lunch and goodies to the men and women of the Temple Police Department and the Temple Fire and Rescue at the Temple Central Fire Station.
Save the date of Saturday, Dec. 11 for the Rotary Club of Georgetown - Sun City's DRIVE BY WITH SANTA! The first 500 kids will receive "goodie bags" with treats!
On Friday, November 19, 2021, the Killeen Rotary Club manned our yearly drop off station for the Killeen Food Care Center. In addition, our club donated $1500.00 to help feed those in need in our community. Past DG Rex Weaver, met with the Director of the Food Care Center, Raymond Cockrell, to present the check.
Taylor Rotarian Regina Jo Carlson led a recent effort to collect pieces of luggage filled with personal care items for women being served by an area domestic violence shelter.
Austin-Southwest Rotary volunteers twice a month at El Buen Samaritano Food Pantry. This past week was Diaper handout with the food (thanks Austin Diaper Bank). Lots of nutritious food & diapers given out!
Local Ambassador and friend of Rotary International, Erin Rigsby, will donate 15% of all orders placed at the link below before November 12th to The Rotary Foundation - PolioPlus. It's the perfect time to purchase Christmas gifts that give back! https://bit.ly/RotaryNoondayImpact
Any questions about your order or how to share Noonday Collection with your friends, email Erin.Noonday@gmail.com
Mark your calendar for Saturday, January 29, 2022 for our Foundation Gala at the Sheraton Austin Georgetown Hotel & Conference Center. Registration opening soon!
Happy November and welcome to Rotary Foundation Month!!! It is hard to believe that we are already through 1/3 of our Rotary year…..it TRULY has FLOWN by!!!!
We have lots to celebrate this month so hang on to your hats.
On November 1, we kick off our first District Wide Project with the presentation of $10,000 to the Central Texas Food Bank. I encourage each of you individually as well as a club to go out and serve in your local food pantry throughout the holiday season.
Tamale Seasonis here again, and The South Austin Rotary Club has a great way for you to get Tasty Tamales delivered straight to you or a loved one... and MAKE A DIFFERENCE at the same time!
South Austin Club members gathered at Todos Juntos Learning Center this month to continue our work for creating a safe outdoor learning space and play area at Todos Juntos Learning Center in South Austin. They built a sandbox, installed sun coverings a new slide and painted crosswalks.
Our club kicked off Polio Plus with a Back to School and New Member Social in August at Bear King Brewing in Marble Falls! We held an “Arm and a Leg” ticket purchase to have a “CHANCE TO WIN” half the collection!
The Whiteclay Arts Makerspace was cosponsored by Districts 5930 and 5870 in late Rotary year 19-20 and after some COVID delays , the grand opening was this month. Several Native American artists from the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota have been working in the facility for several months and the participation ramp up is going well as is the international marketing on the project’s website.
The Rotary Club of Austin did a Wishlist Collection Drive for Safe Place in Austin on Sat. Oct. 23 and we collected about $1800 worth of baby items, kitchen equipment, sports equipment, cleaning products, bedding and gift cards. This was a fun and safe project for our members to help our community.
Come join us on Nov. 7 at the 5th Annual Georgetown Field of Honor®in San Gabriel Park with special guest, Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta and first lady, Rashi to attend the Opening Ceremonies. This is an exciting opportunity for Rotarians all across Central Texas to see and hear our R.I. President in person!
The Rotary Club of Central Texas had a successful mobile food drive on October 20 in Austin. Members and Several Rotary clubs, neighbors and friends brought food and stayed to visited in lawn chairs under trees. It became a party as the truck was filled and taken to St Luis food pantry.
The Rotary Club of Round Rock-Sunrise was honored to participate in the City of Round Rock's annual Play for Fall event on Friday, October 15, 20201 at the Play for All Abilities park in Round Rock Texas.
In the early 1960’s, Rotary International urged Rotary Clubs to find ways to encourage service among youth, foster their active interest in the community and offer opportunities for them to develop as leaders.
We are so excited to announce... A SPECIAL episode on EMPOWERING WOMEN & GIRLS on Thursday, NOV. 4th @ 4pm. Our Rotary International President, Shekhar Mehta, has challenged Rotarians around the world to get involved in finding ways to Empower WOMEN & GIRLS. We hope that you will join us in this opportunity! Click to Register.
An E-Club is a full-fledged regular Rotary Club. We have a board and officers. We support the foundation, have local and global service projects, believe in the 4 way test, participate on the district level, and meet regularly.
ROCKDALE, TX, SEPTEMBER 29, 2021 – Vision Historic Preservation Foundation was the guest presenter at the Rockdale Rotary Club lunch on Tuesday, September 28th.
Corsicana Rotary Club participated in Navarro College 75 Anniversary Legacy Parade. Corsicana Rotary Club celebrates its 100 year anniversary along with other local businesses with legacy status.
Rotary Participates in Navarro College Legacy Parade
’Incredible! Fantastic! Absolutely entertaining! High energy and audience engagement! Definitely a 5-Star evening.’ These are just a few of the words used to describe the Rotary Club of Temple’s fundraising evening, The Killer Dueling Pianos, held September 3 at the Cultural Activities Center in Temple,” said Rotary club president Rod Henry.
During these days, there are folks who are really in need of food. Please help us gather nonperishable food and get it to the people who need it. Check your own pantries and see if you can share, ask your neighbors, co-workers, HOA, neighborhood, friends, and relatives and let’s get food to hungry people!
On Thursday, 30 September 2021, The Flatonia High School Interact Club had a service project to clean up the frontage road north of I-10 between FM-609 and State Hwy 95 for the “Adopt-A-Highway” program.
Members of Waco Sunrise Rotary Club and Lake Brazos Rotary Club met with other volunteers to put up walls, frame the front porch, and wrap a Habitat House for a local Waco family. The home is just one of 7 planned by Waco Habitat for Humanity during 2021.
Sir Cass kicked off the beginning of EAFK at Jarrell Elementary and let the kids know how Knights use their armor. Jarrell Elementary is sponsored by the RC of Georgetown Sun City.
Your Membership Team is excited to announce the new “Grow Rotary Central Texas Challenge” for 2021-2022. The Challenge is designed to lead you to become a healthy and vibrant club, while attracting new members and engaging current members. Each level contains resources and tools to help you Grow Rotary!
SERVICE ABOVE SELF and the work of Rotary begins in the community. As we celebrate “Economic & Community Development Month” this October, let us all focus on the impact that we as Rotarians make throughout not only our own communities but the world.
We are excited to continue our long tradition of collecting Coats for Kids Southwest in conjunction with the Travis County West Rural Center. The West Rural Center is a non-profit run by volunteers that supports the Travis County Community Center in Oak Hill.
The Rotary Club of Harker Heights-Satellite’s Rotary 2021-2022 1st Quarter Project was to conduct, for the 2nd Year in a row, a community involved project to raise funds and donations of pet supplies & money for the Harker Heights Pet Adoption Center.
In an effort to attract new members who may not be a fit for the traditional Rotary club and to bring back former Rotarians who have left due to financial, work, or family conflicts, Rl has created new club formats that will appeal across a wide range of interests and lifestyles, including the Passport Clubs.
Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest: August Gave Us a Chance at a Trifecta of Service. As the start of school approached this month, Austin-Southwest Rotary had not one but three opportunities for service and jumped on it.
Members of the Rotary Cosmopolitan Club worked at Pecan Springs Elementary in East Austin last Saturday to create sensory paths designed by one of their members, David to calm down students as they walk the path when they are out of control. The various textures on the path redirect the brain waves and give the students a chance to refocus their emotions.
On Saturday at 10am the Marble Falls Rotary commemorated its 19th Day of Remembrance Ceremony. Lorinda Peters, President of the Rotary Club of Marble Falls opened the ceremony.
Rotarians Linda Tyler and Sophie Downs highlighted the importance of having a native plant butterfly garden during the September Rotary Meeting as an important way to support the environment. They are shown working in the Butterfly Garden at Pecan Springs. The garden was designed by Linda Tyler and planted by Rotarians and teachers.
Green Steps - Supporting the Environment with Butterfly Garden
Taylor Rotarian Regina Jo Carlson is leading the charge to collect new or gently-used luggage filled with hygiene items for victims of domestic abuse in an area shelter.
Sir Cass speaks to pre K-5th get ade students of Flatonia Elem. School about the 2021-2022 Early Act First Knight character education program. This is the sixth year that FISD has participated in this program, sponsored by Rotary Club of Flatonia.
The Rotary Club of Northwest Austin invites everyone to join them as they memorialize the 20th anniversary of the Sept. 11 attack and the 2,977 lives lost at a tribute 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 11.
“Sept. 11 was a terrible day in our country’s history, but following the attacks Americans rallied as never before in unity and in support of our great nation,” Club President Rick Hoffman said. “We believe this spirit of unity is needed more than ever.
“On this day, no matter political or other beliefs, we are one -- we are Americans,” he added.
This will be the 21th ANNUAL CAR GIVEAWAY sponsored by the Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis. The grand prize is a 2022 Cadillac CT4 Sedan or a XT4 SUV !
The members of the University Area and Cosmopolitan Rotary clubs showed up on Saturday at Pecan Springs Workday along with students from Concordia. Everybody worked together to pull weeds in the butterfly gardens, create Sensory Paths and beautify the grounds to make learning outside fun! Service Above Self for our students in East Austin.
Rotary Clubs Help Austin’s Pecan Springs Elementary Staff Work On Unique Learning Centers
As we Rotarians roll into September, Rotary International celebrates Basic Education and Literacy Month…..and as I see it, how appropriate since school is starting. District 5870 is very well known for all that we do to support our youth and their education.
Now that school has started again, the students in our EAFK schools are learning their character traits again and will soon be celebrating the honorees in school ceremonies.
The Rotary Club of Caldwell Club President, Andrew Peters (Caldwell ISD Superintendent) was was chosen as the Texas A&M College of Education Human Development and Good Neighbor Partnerships Excellence in Action award winner.
Thank you for supporting Rotary International/The Rotary Foundation (TRF)! Because of your dedication to Doing Good in the World and your donation to our Foundation, we achieved more in the last Rotary year (2020-2021) than ever before. Click photo to play video.
We are excited to announce the rollout of our new Public Image Super-Star Challenge! The Super-Star Challenge was designed to help Clubs increase their public image skill set. The more you promote your Club, the better the chances are at increasing your membership. It is a win-win all around!
District 5870 is offering the following to any Rotarian who is already a Paul Harris Fellow but not yet a Paul Harris Fellow +8:
Using a pool of Foundation Recognition Points, we will match contributions of new cash made to the Annual Fund-SHARE during Rotary Year 2012-21 on a 1-to-1 basis in amounts of $250 to $500 for any active Rotarian in District 5870 who is not yet a Paul Harris Fellow +8. Please note: These matches are limited to one per donor and will be processed on a first come, first served basis.
World Polio is October 24, 2021. As World Polio Day, October 24th, approaches, all District 5870 clubs should be planning a way to celebrate the SUCCESS of Rotary International and its fight to eradicate Polio from the face of the earth.
Congratulations to Alan Reyes Gonzalez who was awarded a Vocational Scholarship for 2021-2022! "To me this scholarship means that I don’t have to worry as much about not being able to continue paying for my education". He was sponsored by the Rotary E-Club of Central Texas.
Congratulations to Alejandra Garrido who was awarded a Vocational Scholarship for 2021-2022! "This scholarship means to me that the hard work, devotion, and love I put into my career will always take me far and shape me into the great nurse I will be one day. " She was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Temple.
Congratulations to Alex Fahrenthold who was awarded a Vocational Scholarship for 2021-22. He was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Bastrop County. " Welding has been something I have been passionate about since I was 13, and getting this scholarship will allow me to pursue my dream of being a professional welder. I am incredibly thankful for this opportunity and I highly encourage others to pursue this opportunity as well.
Gordon R. McInally, a member of the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, Lothian, Scotland, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2023-24. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested.
McInally lauded Rotary’s ability to adapt technologically during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying the approach should continue and be combined with the best of our past practices as Rotary seeks to grow and increase engagement.
Calling all Rotaract students! You are invited to join us on September 19 at 4PM for a pool party and bbq to cool off, eat, and meet your fellow Rotaractors in central Texas. Engage, collaborate, and learn how your district can support you! RSVP: to Serita Lacasse (512) 470-3943 or serita.lacasse@gmail.com
In professions where there is a constant need to keep existing customers and to add new customers, the generation of new LEADS is a critical factor in finding new customers.
Join us on August 28th at 9:30AM-12:30PM for a Virtual Membership Training Seminar! All Rotarians are welcome to come and learn the newest and greatest trends in attracting, engaging and retaining members.
There is definitely excitement in the air……my District wide tour of clubs has begun and Rotarians are extremely excited to be getting back together. As we celebrate Membership & New Club Development Month there are lots of plans being made for service in communities throughout the District and this is AWESOME.
Mark your calendar for the Foundation Virtual Traning Seminar that will be held on Saturday, August 28, 2021 at 9:30AM to 12:30PM. Whether you are a multi-year experienced Foundation Chair or new to the job, there will be something for you. Open to all Rotarians!
Join us for our Public Image Virtual Training Seminar on Saturday, August 21, 2021 at 9:00AM to 12:00PM. Open to all Rotarains! We encourage Clubs to have at least one member attend the training.
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