.jpg) Navarro County Rotary Club president, Bob Young, is pleased to announce that as of August, 2018, the club is now a "100% Paul Harris Club". Special guest at the September 17th meeting is district governor, Jerry Chapman (pictured left), presenting the 100% Paul Harris Club banner to Bob Young. Congratulations to the Navarro County Rotary Club! |
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 Every month our Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen partner with the Austin Hotel and Lodging Association to host a military family for the weekend so they can spend quality time with their families. It is always a grand event because we get to thank that soldier for his service and we get to entertain his family and thank them for carrying on when their dad or mom is serving our country. But it is a rare occasion when that simple weekend turns into so much more. |
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World Polio Day Competition – Your Club could win $500 for its WASH Projects! World Polio Day is celebrated on October 24th. World Polio Day was established by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. Use of this inactivated poliovirus vaccine and subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus vaccine, developed by Albert Sabin, led to the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Polio is a disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and is mainly spread by person-to-person contact. Polio can also be spread by drinking water or other drinks or eating raw or undercooked food that are contaminated with the feces of an infected person. |
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 Earlier this month, Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary showed off their building skills when they joined the Austin Habitat of Humanity to help build Daniel and Rosa Martinez their first home. What a rewarding project!! #PeopleOfAction #BeTheInspiration |
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 A big welcome to all those inducted to the La Grange Interact Club. 60 members strong, good things to come this year!! |
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 For the past two schools years, Pflugerville High School Interact Club has held an Olympic Paint War to raise money for ShelterBox. This year we are excited to have Pflugerville HS Interact, |
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 All Rotarians and Rotaractors are eligible for this exciting new program, which offers discounts on products and services such as travel, hotels, car rentals, dining, entertainment, and more. Download the Rotary Global Rewards app. Visit Rotary Global Rewards at rotary.org/globalrewards |
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You're invited to the the District 5870 Joint Rotary Social hosted by the Killeen Heights Rotary Club on Thursday, September 27 from 6PM-9PM at the Walburg German Restaurant, 3777 FM 972, Walburg, TX. The event will be inside the restaurant. Dinner & drinks at your own cost. We will have the room upstairs for the evening. |
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 India is an enormous country both in land mass and population. It is made up of a multitude of different states that all speak different regional languages. English is considered the ‘link’ language in India. |
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Each year the Marble Falls Rotary Club, with support of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Marble Falls, Texas, holds a ceremony on September 11th, for personal reflection, prayer and thought in remembrance of the victims’ families and rescue workers involved in the 9/11 tragedies, and to honor, remember and reunite with our area First Responders. The public is invited to attend the “Day of Remembrance Ceremony” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 11th, at Marble Falls Lakeside Pavilion to help us honor, remember and reunite with our area First Responders. |
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 The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen were able to thank a soldier and his entire family of six for serving and protecting our country through a program called Operation Vacation Ft. Hood. The Rotary clubs partner with Austin Hotel Lodging Association, County Line Restaurants, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, Toyota Killeen and Around Austin to honor these Army families from Ft. Hood every month. |
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 Several Killeen Heights Rotarians met at the Girl Scouts Building on 2909 Lake Road in Killeen ready to work with their gloves, shovels, rakes, chainsaws, and friends! They worked on the landscape in front of the Girl Scouts Building. Afterwards, They gathered in the Girl Scouts fellowship hall for some amazing smoked meat and banana pudding. GREAT JOB!! |
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 Rotary Club of La Grange partnered with the La Grange Volunteer Fire Department for a Community Meal commemorating the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey. The LGVFD grilled up 600 hamburger patties and everyone enjoyed a free meal with their friends and neighbors. |
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.jpg) Friday August 10, Austin SW Rotary assisted the West Rural Community Center, Travis Co. Pct 3 Constable and Southwest Family Fellowship handing out backpacks, providing fun and food for deserving kids who are headed back to school soon. These kids needed our help in starting school ready to go. We had fun too! |
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.jpg) Members of Austin University Area Rotary Club helped stuff over 1300 kids' backpacks for distribution by Cap City Kids. Every year, Cap City Kids provides backpacks with school supplies to at-risk children. Having all the supplies they need can make a huge difference for kids who are already struggling with staying in school. Cap City Kids is one of the groups supported by Austin University Area Rotary Club, and when the asked for volunteers, they stepped up. |
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Sushil Kumar Gupta, of the Rotary Club of Delhi Midwest, Delhi, India, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2020-21. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested. |
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 Several members of the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights met at Friends in Crisis in Killeen to fulfill another need at the homeless shelter. People using the facility had nowhere to sit when they waited outside so here comes "Rotarians At Work" to meet the need. People standing outside were more than happy to move out of the way for Rotarians to do their work. The Rotary Club of Killeen Heights purchased and installed five amazing Rotary International benches in front of the shelter. |
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 I have said it before but one of the greatest gifts anyone can receive is an opportunity to thank a soldier for serving and protecting our country and Rotary and the Austin Hotel Lodging Association gets to do it every month with a family from Ft. Hood. SSG Ryan Bentley, his wife Victoria and sons Lincoln (2) and Lyle (8 mos.) were hosted last weekend at the Residence Inn Hotel Downtown by General Manager Andy Zinni. |
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.jpg) Shout out to the Rotary Club of La Grange as #PeopleOfAction. They donated school supplies to Tejas Health Care for their upcoming Back 2 School Festival |
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RI President Barry Rassin has challenged clubs and Rotarians to Be the Inspiration in 2018-19. One of the ways Rassin would like to see clubs do this is by hosting a Rotary Day. Any club big or small can host a Rotary Day, and several clubs can combine to share ideas, talent, and resources. |
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For a number of years, the Jerry Johnson Trust has been asked if there is any way that the Trust can match contributions made by Rotarians who are already a Paul Harris Fellow. While doing that falls outside of the scope of Jerry’s trust, we heard you loud and clear. So, for a limited time starting on August 1, 2018, the Trustees will do the following: |
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 Tickets are $12.99 - To order tickets, contact Gary Franke at Gary Franke <gfranke@rrexpress.com> |
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Happy New Rotary Year Wow! A new Rotary year is underway. It started off on a good note with a very successful RYLA camp. One hundred teenagers came from all corners of our district. New friendships were made. Campers learned about service and inclusiveness. There was some work and lots of fun. Rotary is the only organization that changes leadership annually at all levels; from the Rotary International President to the Club President. For me, the journey to serve as your governor started two years ago. There has been a lot of preparation. I’ve met many of you during club visits along with Rotarians around the world. |
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It stared with a trickle as great rivers often do; as great hopes do, as great plans do; as great movements do; as great changes in lives and communities around the world do. Yes, Rotary started in Chicago with just a trickle of four men meeting in an office. And it grew into a great river of 1.2 million members that circle the globe making great changes. |
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 The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen had the great pleasure of hosting the cutest little military family from Ft. Hood in June @ the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel in downtown Austin. !st Sgt. Casey Brinkley, his wife Heather, daughter Aubrey (3) and their new twins Willie Ray & JoLee (5 weeks old) arrived Friday just in time for dinner and were greeted by Mary Reynolds, the chair of Operation Vacation for both the Rotary Club of Austin and the Board of the Austin Hotel Lodging Association. |
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Caroline received her bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Virginia, where she specialized in Water Resources. While at UVA, she worked on a student-led water and health project in the rural Limpopo Province of South Africa that established a factory to produce ceramic water filters, a cheap but effective point-of-use treatment. |
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 Thank you to all the clubs and Rotarians who have helped get us ready this year for camp! Check out this year's photo album of RYLA in the Rough. |
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.png) You're invited to the 69th Annual Marble Falls Fish Fry on Friday, July 13th at the Lakeside Pavilion! This event is open to all Rotarians and their families. For more details |
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 Fellow Killeen Heights Rotarians doing great things at Aware Central Texas, an organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and family violence. To learn more about Aware Central Texas go to: https://awarecentraltexas.org/ |
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As you read this, we are only 2-3 weeks from the end of the 2017-18 Rotary year. For me, it means I add a final letter to my string of DG titles - from DGN to DGE to DG and finally graduating to PDG - Past District Governor - a title I will proudly wear for the remaining years of my Rotary involvement (Hopefully many). From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU! |
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 On June 9th, we held the DG and Club Leader Installation Brunch at the Oasis Restaurant at Lake Travis. PDG Rich Kaye officiated the installation of DG Jerry Chapman, DGE Jim Henry, District officers and Club Presidents. A Breakfast Fajita Brunch was served and The Oasis developed a featured “Blue Rotarian” signature drink for our event. See photos |
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 Shout out to Rotary Club of Georgetown, Texas! This past weekend they volunteered to build a 41ft wheel chair ramp in Liberty Hill, TX. Thank you for your #ServiceAboveSelf!! This was the 40th ramp built by volunteers from Rotary Club of Georgetown. |
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 Austin Cosmopolitan doing their part to support literacy. They volunteered at the Book Spring event this past weekend. |
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.jpg) Austin University Area Rotary is on a mission to deliver books and caluclators to their school in Reynosa, Mexico. Great job! |
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 E- 5 David Bucklas, wife Kaylee and two daughters Sophia and Harvey spent Memorial Weekend at the Holiday Inn Express Airport Austin with all expenses paid as a thank you for the soldier’s service and his family’s sacrifices. The family was treated to a fabulous BBQ dinner at the County Line on the Lake, giftcards and passes to the amusement park, Austin Parks & Pizza. This was a chance for this family to have quality fun time together since this soldier has been on emergency duty for months where he could not be more than 15 minutes from Ft. Hood so a weekend in Austin was a real treat. Operation Vacation is made possible by the partnerships of Austin & Killeen Rotary Clubs, Austin Hotel Lodging Association and County Line. Let’s thank our soldiers for your service not just on Memorial Day but every day. |
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 La Grange Rotary was proud to present over $40,000 in scholarships to outstanding La Grange HIgh school students. Each scholarship awarded was worth $2,000. A big thank you to the La Grange Optimist Club for partnering with them in this initiative. |
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 Rotarians Karen Collins and Liz Ingersoll of the Rotary Club of Austin helping Ms. Williams in library with Dig It activities. Each child got a book to take home from BookSpring. |
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 Rotary Club of Pflugerville completed their DAP Grant project on May 12, 2018 with over 40 volunteers from the club, the American Legion Kerlin-Lyerly 154, Pflugerville Community Development Corporation (PCDC), and the City of Pflugerville. Their service project this year was to plant 55 trees in Pflugerville. |
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 District 5870 Rotarians at Recognizing Good Ethics in Business Community Awards luncheon at the ATT University of Texas Conference Center in Austin. |
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Monday wasn’t a normal school day for a group of juniors at Flatonia High School. Students traveled to Corpus Christi to get a unique tour of USS Lexington. The Flatonia Rotary Club along with USS Lexington planned the second annual “Heritage Pride Tour.” It’s a tour meant to teach students the value of history, and learning about those who served before them. Tanner Tipton, who visited the Lexington for the first time, said her classmates recently learned about World War II and the history of the Lexington. “I’m definitely about all hands-on and going and seeing and learning about, so that this is like a great experience in itself,” Tipton said. |
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If I was in Northeast Texas today doing the Celebration of Life, I would tell you about Carl. We met when we were both visitors to the Rotary Club in Angel Fire, New Mexico. He was 19 years older than me; I was pretty new to Rotary and he had several decades of Rotary perfect attendance. We found that we both had a love for church, the mountains, art, and music; he was generous and kind; he loved his wife and family. One day we met up on a walk and right away I noticed his ball cap and instantly realized we were on opposite ends of the political spectrum. But he and I lived by the motto, “Service above Self”. Our friendship never wavered because we were bound together by the strong bond of Rotary, service and compassion. |
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 Click on image to see video on how Rotary District 5870 Central Texas made a difference this past year as #PeopleOfAction #1DistrictStrong |
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 Congratulations to the following District 5870 Central Texas Clubs for being amazing examples of #PeopleOfAction and the #CenterOfService in each of their communities! The Public Image Team is so very proud of ALL of the clubs in this amazing District and especially proud of these 4 ROCKSTAR CLUBS! Way to GO Rotary Club of Flatonia, Corsicana Rotary Club, Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club, and Killeen Heights Rotary |
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 Sgt. Isaias Perez and his wife Callie stationed at Ft. Hood enjoyed a complimentary weekend in Austin on April 6-8 @ the JW Marriott compliments of Operation Vacation sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Killeen and Austin, the Austin Hotel Lodging Association, County Line Restaurants and Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau. This program provides a military family with all the trimmings from meals to entertainment for a fun weekend to thank them for their service and to provide them with qualify time together. This couple are both members of the Army and their comment when they left was that they had never had such an incredible time and were treated so well. |
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 Georgetown Rotary presented Field of Honor checks to the Georgetown Texas Fire Departmentand Police Department - Georgetown, Texas. Georgetown is so blessed to have great heroes that help keep them safe! |
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CONGRATULATIONS to Mary Reynolds!! She has been selected 2018 Volunteer of the Year for Pecan Springs Elementary School. WELL DESERVED!! Thank you Mary for your Service Above Self! |
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The District Vocational Scholarship Selection Committee met this past Saturday to interview candidates who applied for a District 5870 Vocational Scholarship. The following individuals will each be receiving a $5,000 vocational scholarship to start school in the Fall 2018 term:
These scholarships are funded by the generous donations made to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International by the Rotarians of District 5870. |
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 The Caldwell Rotary Club presented Area 3:16 and Rocking A Ministries with $500 each to help further the programs they offer in Caldwell, Texas. They are proud of the work these groups are doing and thankful they can be a part of it!! |
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 Georgetown Rotary Club presented the second check to R.O.C.K. (Ride On Center for Kids) ROCK Ride On Center for Kids as a beneficiary of the Patriots Ball, one of the Field of Honor events. This will help pay for a session of Camp Courage this July, a fabulous equestrian therapy camp that helps kids of military families (8 to 12 years of age), some of whom may have a disability. It is a healing and wonderful program at no cost to the families that the Rotary Club of Georgetown is proud to support. |
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 Hutto Rotary braved the cold and the wind Saturday, April 7th, along with 400 other volunteers to help with the 2018 Great Hutto Cleanup. An annual event put on by the Keep Hutto Beautiful Foundation, the Great Hutto Cleanup is a day for citizens to help make Hutto a cleaner, better place to live. Citizens can drop off trash, hazardous waste, brush, etc to be disposed of properly. Volunteers line every street and major area cleaning up trash and beautifying common areas. |
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 The Rotary Club of Marlin has partnered with the city of Marlin to develop and maintain a community garden. Awesome service project! |
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 The community service committee for Fulmore Middle School's Interact Club performed a park clean-up project on Saturday, April 7. Two of the kids in the Interact Club - Colby and Nate - along with Colby's dad Brian and Andy Swanson picked up trash and debris at Little Stacy Park. Thanks to Sherry Workman for providing gloves to all of the volunteers! |
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 Joint service project led by the Rotary Club of Centennial Rotary and included Club of Austin, South Austin, University Club and East Austin. They collected 500 handbags for the Texas Advocacy Project Handbags for Hope program. This was a special collaborative project from the Presidents Council. |
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 Austin Cosmopolitan held a "Flo Party" aimed to help women in need in a particular way: building “flow kits” filled with feminine hygiene products. Flo Code, a nonprofit organization that provides aid to local organizations for women, teamed up with UT’s Texas Rotaract and the Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club to host a “Flo Party” at The Clay Pit, during which participants packed kits using menstrual products purchased for the event and donated by Rotary members.
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 The E-Club of District 5870 was joined by the Manor New Tech Interact Club to plant 25 tress at Burnet High School. Awesome job!! |
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 This past weekend, Killeen Heights Rotary built two ramps for neighbors in need - one in Killeen and the other Copperas Cove! This club loves to show how they are #PeopleOfAction! For the ramp in Killeen, they partnered with members of First National Bank and the Central Texas College Rotaract Club. For the ramp in Copperas Cove, they partnered with the Rotary Club of Copperas Cove, and led them through their first ramp project! They were also joined by members of the CTC Rotaract Club. |
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 The Rotary Club Of Pfluggerville likes to do things in a big way! For the tree planting challenge, they have decided on a total of 55 trees - 10 of these will be at the Pfluggerville Animal Shelter and other 45 will go to the new 1849 Park. They had a great time Making A Difference and adding more beauty to their community. |
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 The Rotary Club of Taylor responded to RI President Ian Riseley's Tree Planting Challenge with the planting of 25 sapling trees - 15 Eastern Red Cedar and 10 Arizona Cypress on city land. Awesome job!! |
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 The Rotary International Foundation of Evanston, Illinois has awarded a $50,000 Global Grant to the Rotary Club of Marble Falls and the Huejutla (way-hoot-la) Centenario Club of Huejutla de Reyes, Mexico. The purpose of the grant is to establish water purification stations primarily in the indigent Sierra Madres Mountains just outside of Huejutla. The program will be a joint effort of the Rotary, the County of Huejutla and the CECyTE magnet school also located in Huejutla. In addition to the Marble Falls Noon Rotary Club, the project is also being funded by other area clubs including the Rotary Daybreak Club of Marble Falls, The Rotary Club of Burnet and the Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis. |
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 Skeeter Miller, the owner of the County Line Restaurants In Austin was presented a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow for his Continued support for one of the Rotary Club of Austin’s most important service projects, Operation Vacation. The club sponsors a military family from Ft. Hood for an R&R weekend in Austin once a month for the past twelve years and the County Line furnishes a BBQ dinner with all the trimmings for their Saturday night dinner and makes them feel very special. We appreciate the continued partnership with County Line and Skeeter in thanking our soldiers. You are truly a role model for Service Above Self! |
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In accordance with District 5870 Resolution #2, Section #2, the attached proposed changes to Resolution #5, Section #5 and Resolution #5, Section 8, and a proposed new Resolution #14 have been forwarded to the clubs for review and discussion. These proposals will be voted on at the annual business meeting to be held at the District Conference in San Antonio. This year’s business meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 pm on the afternoon of Saturday, May 5, 2018. Please contact PDG Rich Kaye at 254-291-4890 or richkaye@hot.rr.com if you have any questions. |
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 Georgetown Rotary once again has shown how they are #PeopleOfAction! This past week, they used their carpentary skills to build a clothes donation box for for the Clothes Closet at the FUMC. GREAT JOB!! |
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The District Governor Selection Committee, comprised of fifteen members appointed by DG Gene Holiman to equally represent grouped clubs in fifteen geographic sectors within District 5870, each comprising approximately the same numbers of Rotarians, met in Georgetown on Saturday, March 17, with three candidates nominated for the position of DG 2020-21. After extensive interviews, the committee voted to recommend Rick Stacy of the Marble Falls Rotary Club as their selection. Per the printed selection guidelines available on the District 5870 website, any formal written objections from the clubs which formally submitted candidates for consideration, must be received within 30 days (prior to April 20) by District Governor Gene Holiman. Pending the resolution of any objections, Rick will officially begin his governing track as District Governor-designate April 20, then automatically become the District Governor Nominee on July 1, 2018. We offer our congratulations to Rick and thank him for his continuing contributions to the growth and strength of District 5870 of Central Texas and wish him well in the new chapter of his Rotary leadership. |
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 The 2nd Annual Celebration of Women in Rotary for District 5870 Central Texas was a HUGE success! In collaboration with Todos Juntos Learning Center and 11 different club's throughout the District we were able to paint 3 classrooms, install artificial turf, and build several interactive play stations for the kiddos! In total there were 12 different installations of stations and projects, but with the donations of clubs and the efforts of our volunteers we were able to complete all of them in 1 day! It was a very successful group effort and we appreciate ALL the time, treasures, and talents of everyone involved! Click photo to play video. |
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 Conductor Gene Holiman is calling for all Rotarians to join him on the "Rotary Express" for the Celebration of Clubs on May 4, 2018 to the Eilan Hotel & Spa in San Antonio. For more details & pricing - click here. To register: http://bit.ly/2FaBlq0 |
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 Strengthen your club leadership and get inspired for Rotary year 2018-2019 at District Assembly in Killeen at Central Texas College. To register: http://bit.ly/2CPDwJG |
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In celebration of International Women's Day and 30 Years of Women in Rotary, here is the reaccount of how and when women joined Rotary District 5870. The following is a speech delivered to the Rotary District 5870 District Assembly at the Sheraton Resort in Bastrop, Texas in 2012 at the request of District Governor Suresh Pahwa. The advent of women in Rotary is noteworthy. Let me say this to the many women who registered for this meeting: Possibly, you saved Rotary by increasing our membership to a number that would sustain us through the periods of economic troubles that were to come. You brought varied viewpoints toward the services we offer, You have brought a to our previously all=male organization a depth to the Rotary experience. Finally and perhaps most important, it is noteworthy because, it simply had to be done. It was a step that, in the names justice and decency, had to be taken. Females had not excluded from presenting programs; as visitors, they sat at the same table and shared good conversation. To many of us, it just seemed weird that the president of a bank or owner of a business should prohibited from filling out a membership application because of gender.. |
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  One of the greatest and most valuable projects our Rotary club does is Operation Vacation. Every month Ft. Hood selects a family to be honored with a free R&R weekend in Austin. The Austin Hotel Lodging Association Partners with the Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen and the County Line Restaurants to make this a fun, worry free and all expense paid event for the soldiers so they can have quality time with their families. This month we actually had two families: one hosted by The W Hotel and the other by the Hilton Austin Airport. Both families were treated to dinner at the County Line Saturday nite with all the trimmings. What a great way to thank our military for their service and let them know they are appreciated. |
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 It's been over 6 months since Hurricane Harvey and rebuilding efforts are still needed in the community of La Grange. Rotary Club of La Grange is worked hard to make a differrence - donated $2,500 towards the rebuilding of KC Hall. KC Hall was submerged in water due to the raising floods from Hurricane Harvey. |
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.png) JOIN US, SATURDAY MARCH 10 9AM-3PM! ALL members of District 5870 Central Texas are invited to join us for a day of service in celebration of women in Rotary! (this includes the guys!). This was SUCH a FUN & SUCCESSFUL project last year and we all agreed it should be an annual celebration. This year's project will be to landscape and install interactive playground features and we will also have a crew painting inside classrooms at TODOS JUNTOS Learning Center. To register to join us please click here: https:// |
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 The Rotary Club of Austin worked together to package 22,000 thousand meals for Rise Against Hunger!! Thank you for your #ServiceAbove Self! Great job!! |
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 Meet Rotarians Lee Chesney (left) and Michael Holmes (right), both of whom are long-term volunteers in the Waterloo District of the Capital Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America in Austin, Texas. Between them is Jericho Reymundo, the Senior Patrol Leader of The Great Troop 8. TGT8 is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Austin-NXNE |
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 South Austin Rotary celebrated 60 yrs of #ServiceAboveSelf on February 12, 2018! |
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 On February 10th, Rotary District 5870 accepted the tree planting challenge from RI President Ian Riseley. The Rotary Club of South Austin planted 49 fruit trees at the Community First Village. The Rotary Clubs of Austin Cosmopolitan, Austin Centennial, Austin NXNE along with the University of Texas Rotaract planted 400 saplings a home at Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park! The Rotary Club of Flatonia made their tree planting project a community event, with the Mayor of Flatonia Bryan Milson reading a Proclamation “recognizing Rotary Club of Flatonia’s efforts to improve the quality and beautification of the City’s parks” and declared February 10, 2018 as Flatonia Rotary Arbor Day!!! They planted 31 trees. Click here for photos |
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 On February 15th at Austin City Hall , District Governor Gene Holiman received an official Proclamation from Mayor Steve Adler proclaiming February 10th as Rotary Arbor Day. Rotary is being recognized for all of the amazing tree planting projects that were completed on February 10th throughout Austin and surrounding communities. |
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.jpg) Governor's Citation: A beloved saying goes that it takes a village to raise a child. Well, let me let you in on a little secret. It takes a whole lot more than that to raise a district governor! Those of us privileged to serve in this leadership role here in District 5870 walk down an arduous path before we even take the reins as Governor. Usually, several years as an Assistant Governor, other district roles. Then a year as District Governor Nominee. The District Governor Elect title creeps in. Then a full year of continual surprises as the DG itself. This progression is no walk in the park, as I am sure all my predecessors will attest. It's three grueling years of planning... organizing... setting goals... recruiting teams... and continual surprises (fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, and the like). Yes, it's rewarding and fun, but it is also challenging. Some District Governor job descriptions and requirements are written down in the Rotary Internal Manual of Procedure - the MOP. Unfortunately, many, many more are not. I - and all the PDGs before me - have had three sources of guidance and leadership to lean on - (1) the aforementioned MOP, (2) the RI website and (3) trusted advisors. |
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.jpg) The 2018 District Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award was awarded to Nancy Lehmann-Carssow of the Rotary Club of Northwest Austin. The District 5870 Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award is the highest award our district can bestow to an individual Rotarian. To receive the Distinguished Service Award, the nominee must have demonstrated sustained superior service in support of The Rotary Foundation programs. Financial contributions, however notable, are not a relevant consideration for this award. The recipient must have shown service on a broad basis with a substantial level of activity. First awarded in 2013, the Distinguished Service Award has been presented six times. |
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 Congratualtions to Abbey Tootle from the Austin Cosmopolitan Club for earning the Rotary Foundation Certificate for Meritorious Service! The Rotary Foundation’s Citation for Meritorious Service is the second highest award the Foundation gives to individual Rotarians and, since 1975, has only been awarded fifteen times to a member of District 5870. |
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Celebrating the first 6 months of Rotary District 5870 - Rotary Making A Difference |
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 Sgt. Chris Hirsch, wife Paige and three beautiful daughters were hosted this weekend by the Courtyard Marriott/ Residence Inn Austin for a complimentary weekend sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Killeen and Austin, Austin Hotel Lodging Association, County Line Restaurant and Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau thanking the family for his service to our country. |
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 La Grange Rotary kick starting off the new year in a big way! They donated $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity for a home that will be built for a family affected by Hurricane Harvey. |
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 The Rotary Club of Flatonia sponsored the Senior Hog Showmanship at the Livestock Awards Presentation and Premium Sale at the Carl Smith Pavilion held on Flatonia ISD campus. They presented the award, a beautiful silver belt buckle to the winner, Emma Klozik. Helping Patricia Satterwhite, President of Rotary Club of Flatonia, with the presentation was Jyl Stavinoha and Stuart Mica. Congratulations to Emma and to all winners at the Livestock Show this year! |
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 LCRA presented the Rotary Club of Burnet with a $25,000 check as part of the LCRA's Community Development Partnership Program. The grant, with a match of $25,000 from the Rotary Club and up to $50,000 from the City of Burnet, will fund a new pavilion, playground shade cover, resurfaced basketball court and new goals, tables, benches and energy-efficient lighting at Live Oak Park in Burnet. This is a great example of the power of partnerships and the Rotary Club of Burnet making the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self" come to life. |
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 Rotary Club of Taylor spreading the holiday cheer in the community this past month with donations to the Taylor Police Department and Shepherd's Heart. Thank you for all that you do! |
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Citation: Mike Pfriem – Rotary International
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 RI President Ian Riseley has challenged each Rotarian in each district WORLDWIDE to plant one tree for each member during this Rotary year. It can be planted in your yard, a park, in a business area, wherever your personal desire to plant your tree. It can be a 12" tall sapling or a towering 20' oak. Your choice.To garner the most publicity possible for our Rotarians' actions, we have designated Saturday, February 10, 2018, as Rotary District 5870 Arbor Day, similar to the district-wide Pints for Polio event last month. So that we can garner the most possible publicity, we are encouraging all clubs in the district to concentrate their planting efforts on or around this specific date. We want to highlight to our communities that Rotarians in District 5870 planted 2500+ dresses locally on a single, united day, to Make a Difference. More details will be forthcoming. Regional Urban Foresters from the Texas A&M Forest Service will be working closely with us, via regular communiques (to come) and other helpful hints regarding which types of trees to plant where, etc. They will also guide us through proper planting procedures for our respective regions, to assure strong growth. Please mark your calendars with this district-wide date so you will be ready to join the initiative when further details are formalized. |
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 For over 90 years, the Rotary Club of Austin has organized a festive holiday party for the kiddos full of cookies, Christmas songs, gifts and even a visit from Santa! This year's party was one for the books. The children couldn't wait for the big party and some of them brought handwritten letters for Santa and his elf. |
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 Killeen-Heights Rotary Club members and Killeen Police Employee Association teamed us this year to "start a Blue Santa" program that shares the Christmas spirit with local families that are experiencing difficulty this holiday season. Through coordination and collaboration, KPEA members and Killeen-Heights Rotary Club members were able to provide Christmas presents, winter jackets, clothes, and full Christmas meals to 7 families, including 18 children! |
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 Cameron's global grant was to provide Medical Equipment to Primary Health Centers (PHC) located at Pedanandipadu and Karamchedu Villages and Eye Hospital located at Macherla. The PHCs and Eye Hospital are not fully equipped with the required Medical Equipment and Patients are required to travel several hours to Guntur to take proper treatment. |
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.jpg) The Rotary Foundation has AGAIN earned a perfect 100 rating from Charity Navigator!! As a point of reference, Charity Navigator rates 8,000 of America's best-known and some lesser known, but worthy, charities. Of these, only 65 have earned a perfect 100 rating. Our Foundation is one of those 65. Read More |
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 The Rotary Club of Caldwell making a difference with their volunteer efforts at the KBTX Food For Families Food Drive this past weekend. Demonstrating once again that we are People Of Action in our community! Thank you for your Service Above Self! |
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 The students in the Pecan Springs EAFK service club were invited to a big citywide school Christmas party sponsored by the Omni Soithpark Hotel. Each school had a tree to decorate with homemade decorations that would’ve donated to a needy family for Christmas. Then the hotel escorted all the students in the ballroom for cookies and milk and Christmas entertainment by Ortega. This trip was arranged by the school counselor and the club’s coordinator, Patrick Salinas, 5th grade teacher and three Rotarians(Betty Richardson, Margaret Curtis, Mary Reynolds) who work with the school came to help. Fun for all, a great cause sponsored by the hotel and a reminder to our service kids that there are lots of ways to give back to your community and city. |
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 The Hotel Van Zandt is hosting our December military couple for Operation Vacation. Sgt. Mitchell and his wife Kate were so surprised to find out about this trip and can’t wait to explore Austin! This program is sponsored by the Rotary clubs of Austin and Killeen, the Austin Hotel Lodging Association, County Line and Super Shuttle. |
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.jpg) On Veteran’s Day, one of our own Rotary Club of Austin members, Mary Reynolds was honored by the Georgetown Rotary Club with a flag flying in their hero’s garden from November 5th through November 12th, a tribute to “Service Above Self”. The display of 1400 U.S. flags in San Gabriel Park in Georgetown was in honor of heroes whose dedication to the preservation of freedom in our country, and/or protection and service to our communities both locally and internationally. This new Rotary project is called the Field of Honor and Mary was sent the flag and the ribbon attached to the flag that flew in that garden. What a surprise and such a touching moment for one of our own. Congratulations, Mary and thank s to Georgetown Rotary Club. For more info: www.georgetowntxfieldof honor.org. |
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 Killeen Heights Rotary making a big difference in their community with their Annual Food Drive. They kicked off this annual effort during their weekly Club meeting on 10 November 2017, where the members contributed funds for the local food center. Since the Killeen Food Care Center can provide seven meals per dollar donated, their Club effectively provided 31,300 meals to the needy in their community! Next, they had 11 volunteers pack 600 bags of dry goods for sale at the local Walmart on 13 and 15 November 2017. Finally, on 17 November, 36 members of their Club worked at the Walmart selling the bags of dry goods to Walmart customers - they sold all 600 bags in 11 hours; the last 42 were bought by one generous woman who really wanted to help those in need. They also collected $1,365.98 in cash donations that day - the equivalent of another 9,562 meals! What an awesome project! |
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 Giving Tuesday, 28 November, happens once a year, but your gift to The Rotary Foundation will make a difference for a lifetime. This Giving Tuesday, consider making a gift to The Rotary Foundation, and together we can continue Doing Good in the World. To donate: www.rotary.org/give |
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 Northwest Austin Rotary Club spreading the holiday cheer with food & HEB gift cards supporting St Thomas More, Mobile Loaves & Fishes’ effort to provide Thanksgiving dinner for families in need. Thank you for your #ServiceAboveSelf! |
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It’s with deep sadness that I report the passing of a great Rotarian and a good friend, Richard Wells Diller. |
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 On November 1st, 20117 The Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis (RCOLT) and the Ladies of Charity/Lake Travis Thrift Shop (LOC-LT) entered into a strategic partnership that will leverage both non-profit organizations’ long-term goals in supporting humanitarian projects in the Lake Travis Area. The $60,000 donation from the RCOLT will help the LOC-LT Building, Community, Service Capital Campaign program and in return the LOC-LT will support the 18-year effort of the RCOLT’s Lake Travis High School College Scholarship program. |
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 Killeen Heights Rotary putting their talents to use at the "Families in Crisis Domestic Viloence Shelter" on Make a Difference Day. Thank you for your Service Above Self!! |
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.png) Congratulations to Beatriz Zilveti from the Northwest Austin Club for winning the "Like,Share and Comment" Contest for the Multi-District Reunion. |
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 This week, World Interact Week, we honor the accomplishments of an estimated half a million Interact club members. And we are recognizing the positive impact young people have made through Interact for more than 55 years. |
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 The Central Texas College Rotaract Club making a difference by spending the day helping at the Friends in Crisis homeless shelter. Thank you for your Service Above Self! |
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 Cameron Rotary Club held their Annual Spaghetti Dinner at the YOE Homecoming Game on Oct. 6. Lots of smiles and fun were had by all who attended and worked! |
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 We are excited to announce our newest EAFK School in Austin is Hart Early College Prep! This program is sponsored by Northwest Austin Rotary Club and Rotary Club of Austin-NXNE. The students were awarded for the character trait of respect by Sir Cass and congratulated by PDG Tim Buckley. |
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 Rotary Club of Pflugerville held their "Pocket Change For Polio" event on Oct. 12th at the Growler Bar. Local businesses joined them to make this a spectacular event! The Idle Vine Brewry donated a $1 for each pint sold and Garbo's Lobster Truck ATX donated 10% of their sales. This community really comes together to support each other! Awesome job!! |
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 This year we are proud to announce that we are bringing back DELIA'S Tamales. Delivery will be December 3rd and orders must be received by November 27th! Each case contains 2 dozen of the best tamales in Texas packaged in an insulated sport pack. This packaging makes them the perfect Holiday gift for family, friends, neighbors, or clients. Choose from Pork, Chicken, or Bean each $35/case. Tamales are also ideal to serve at your Christmas party or family gathering and we do have large order discounts available. (10 or more dozen… please contact Jose Guerra jguerra@guerra.com) |
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 Austin Cosmoplitan Rotary demonstrating how they are "People of Action" with their service project - Keep Austin Beautiful street clean along Riverside Drive. They followed up with a night of fellowship at Draft Pick. |
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 As part of the ongoing partnership with the Texas Ramp Project, on September 30, 2017, a group of volunteers from the Georgetown Rotary Club completed their thirty-fifth ramp build. These ramps accommodate the special needs of disabled and handicapped people who would otherwise be confined to their homes. The applicants must submit an application and show specific need for such a ramp. This was just one of over two-hundred ramps built by various organizations under the guidance of Rotarian Larry Baird. With the leadership and guidance of Larry and George Lourigan, a group of Rotarians including Glenn Beck, Felix Boston, Brett Derning, Jim Deuser, Dave Kellermen, Denis Pepin and organizer Myra Page, this Pflugerville project was completed in record time. |
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 Congratulations to the following clubs & groups for earning the 2016-2017 Presidential Citation: Austin Westlake, Killeen, Killeen Heights, Waco Sunrise, Temple South, Harker Heights, Austin Cosmopolitan, Marble Falls, Rotaract - Central Texas College, Interact - Burnet Middle School, Interact - Burnet High School, Interact - Fulmore Middle School and Rotary District 5870. Great job!!! |
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 Pflugerville's Adopt-A-Trail Service project is an awesome project that exemplies community spirit, service above self and how as Rotarians we make a difference! The Pflugerville club was joined by the American Legion Kerlin-Lyerly 154, Cele Middle School, Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts, Connally High School Interact Club to help clean the Pflugerville Park this past weekend. |
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 The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen brought the Stricklin family in from Ft. Hood for a little R&R to thank them for their service to the USA. Sgt. 1st Class Sarah Stricklin and her husband are both in the Army and have a daughter 3 yrs. old and a son 19 mos. The Doubletree Guest Suites in Downtown Austin provided them with a complimentary stay with meals -thanks to the staff shown in the picture. The County Line on Hill provided a family style Texas BBQ dinner with all the trimming on Saturday nite. This is just a way for us to say thank you to our military for their sacrifices for us. |
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 Lakeway/Lake Travis and Bee Cave/Spicewood clubs have OFFICIALLY merged! They received the formal approval from Rotary International this past week. They are so excited to become one club. "The merger between the two clubs will result in stronger support for existing service project efforts and improved awareness of Rotary impact within the local Lake Travis Community" says Donald Zielinski, former President, Rotary Club of BeeCave/Spicewood. "Merging our clubs will allow us to support in the Lake Travis Community in a more robust fashion. Together we can be the center of service for our community", says Kris Shelstad, President, Rotary Club Lakeway/Lake Travis. |
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Have you registered yet for the Multi-District Reunion? Check out the top 10 reasons why you should attend! Early bird registration ends October 12th. To register: http://bit.ly/2wKKvnB |
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 The Rotary Club of La Grange paid the August utility bills ($51,604) for over 300 families residing in the City of La Grange that were affected by Hurricane Harvey. This is their 2nd grant since establishing their Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund. |
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 Rotary has a stellar reputation of handling funds and is considered one of the very top organizations to donate to because of the integrity and actions of Rotarians. As a District, we wanted to be able to collect and send funds directly to the Club’s in the communities affected. These Clubs are the “Center of Service” in each of their communities and 100% of the funds donated will go directly to those clubs that need support during the recovery in the areas affected by Hurricane Harvey and its aftermath. Areas currently in need of Recovery Funds: Rockport, Beaumont, La Grange, Port Aransas, Cuero, Victoria & Houston Metro.
To donate by check, download this form and follow directions.
Your contribution is fully tax deductible as the (District 5870 Keyway Inc.) is an exempt organization as described in section 501(c)(3) of the IRC. Our tax ID # is 20-0539278. |
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 Register now for the Multi-District Reunion for Rotary District 5870 - Central Texas, District 4130 and District 5930 and receive early bird pricing of $130 per attendee - includes meals, entertainment and hospitality suite! This rate ends Sept. 28th. To register: http://bit.ly/2wKKvnB |
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 Rotarians from Austin Southwest Rotary Club delivered free dictionaries and thesaurus' to students at St. Elmo elementary, Oak Hill Elementary and Patton Elementary to start the school year off in the right foot. |
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A ShelterBox Response Team is on the ground in Texas to determine how best to assist displaced families following Hurricane Harvey's catastrophic flooding. 100,000 homes affected by the flood. 32,000 people forced into shelter. More than 1 million students in 244 school districts impacted. ShelterBox aid has arrived in the form of blankets, groundsheets, school kits, and solar lamps, while a provision of hundreds of tents is expected today. These tents may be used as privacy tents to area shelters where large numbers of families are being housed, allowing for medical treatment, childcare, and a host of other critical options. A designated fund for ShelterBox's response to the Harvey disaster has been launched. This fund provides support for all costs associated with ShelterBox’s response to Hurricane Harvey. ShelterBoxUSA.org/harvey |
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Below is a list of the EAFK schools and sponsoring Rotary clubs within District 5870 |
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 The Rotary Club of La Grange is raising money to help with the impact of the flooding in La Grange. Their focus includes helping children displaced from their homes to start school, helping families who have been displaced from their homes, helping small businesses who have been impacted by the floods and cooperating with other organizations in the La Grange area that are supporting these needs . Their initial concentration will be to help children who are starting school with school supplies, clothing and shoes and then helping displaced families with basic needs for the families. To donate: https://www.gofundme.com/harvey-response-to-lagrange-victims |
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 Rotary Club of Navarro County/Corsicana #MakingADifference for the Corsicana Special Olympics Awesome service project! |
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 In- spite of a hurricane coming to Texas, Staff Sgt. Thaddeus Sterling and his wife Kelly and daughter Morgan decided to come to Austin for their Operation Vacation free weekend @ the AT&T Conference Center sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Killeen and Austin and the Austin Hotel Lodging Association. They had passes for the IMAX at Bob Bullock and Austin Parks and Pizza. They were treated to a fabulous BBQ meal with all the trimmings at County Line on the Lake. Thaddeus said he was so excited about the weekend because it was his first day off in three weeks. Operation Vacation was created to give military families quality time with their families all expenses paid and AHLA and Rotary have been hosted a family once a month for over ten years. What a rewarding experience for all! |
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 The Harker Heights Rotary Club has thrown down the gauntlet to all Clubs in the District - including Rotaract, Interact and RYLA Alumni - Are you up for the challenge? Registration ends Sept. 15th |
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 Fairfield Rotary gave $1200 to the Pleasant Hill Children's Home to purchase school shoes for the kids Pictured is Rotarian, Glenda Brooks, Martha Thomasson, Marketing Director and Club President, Donna Tyus |
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.jpg) Barry Rassin, of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, has been selected to be 2018-19 Rotary president. Rassin’s nomination follows Sam F. Owori’s death in July, just two weeks into his term as Rotary International president-elect. http://on.rotary.org/ |
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 Killeen Evening Rotary Club doing great work this past weekend! They sent out dental chairs and a lot of hand me down medical equipment to Mexico to help special children. Awesome project! #MakingADifference #PeopleOfAction |
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  I am seeking supporters for our bicycle team in Race Across America, better known as RAAM. We are entering a four person team for Rotary’s Polio Plus program to eradicate Polio from the world. The Race starts June 16th, 2018 in Oceanside, CA and we should finish by June 24th in Annapolis, MD. 3,000 miles and it is one of the toughest events in the world. |
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 The Rotary clubs of Austin and Killeen took on a meaningful and unique project over ten years ago when They started hosting a military family from Ft. Hood every month. |
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.jpg) Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Club celebrated its 25th anniversary June 22. The group plays an active role in the community by sponsoring its annual Lake Travis ISD Special Olympics Banquet, giving more than $450,000 to Lake Travis High School students for vocational career training and college scholarships, and raising $50,000 for the Lake Travis Community Library meeting room. |
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 With a saddened heart, we report that Northwest Waco Rotary Club has disbanned after 64 years of service. However their spirit, service and legacy will carry on in the community. They have established an endowed scholarship at MCC that will benefit generations of students in perpetuity. That's something that's always been important to the club, giving back through scholarships. |
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 Great turnout for the meeting at UT with the Mandela Washington Fellowship for Young African Leaders including Ambassador Peacock and Council Member Ora Houston of the Austin City Council. These young leaders presented how they are creating opportunities for their country. It was an amazing event with infectious energy of service, courage, innovation, leadership and humanity! Building a Bridge from Austin to Africa. |
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 Great multi-club service project from the Austin, Austin University Area and E-Club of 5870! They supplied a new book van for Bookspring. Great example of why we are #1DistrictStrong! |
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 Killeen Heights Rotary and Central Texas College Rotaract Club joined together to replace the ramp at the Cove House Emergency Homeless Shelter in Copperas Cove. #PeopleOfAction #MakingADifference |
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 It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share the sad news that the President-elect of Rotary International, Sam F. Owori, died last night as a result of post-operative complications from a planned surgery. |
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 On June 24-26, the Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen along with the General Manager, Chris Coleman of the Omni SouthPark figured out a way by giving a Ft. Hood military family a fun filled weekend in Austin through Operation Vacation. |
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It's official RYLA 2017 is in the books... and here is the RYLA SLIDESHOW to prove it! Congratulations and Thank You to all involved in this very successful year of The Rotary Youth Leadership Award. Click here to view video |
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 Congratulations to the winners of the Club Public Image Awards for 2016-17! Best Facebook page was tied between Pflugerville and Northwest Austin. Both clubs have vibrant and active pages, great use of hash tags and displaying the Rotary brand. Best Overall Media Coverage went to Temple South for their use of social media, website, video and news placements. Best digital newsletter went to Austin Centennial. |
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 On Saturday June 17, 2017, members of the Rotary Club of Austin Southwest (formerly Austin-Oak Hill Rotary) and honored guests gathered to celebrate 35 Years carrying out Service as a Rotary Club and to install the board of officers for the 2017-2018 Rotary year. |
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Save the date of Tuesday, August 1, 2017 for Rotary night at the ball park! Tickets are $8.66 each plus there is a $1 handling fee. This is a great family fun event. The perfect way to spend a summer evening - all for a great cause!  |
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 The Dawson EAFK service club presented the program at the Rotary Club of Austin meeting along with Sir Randall and Lady Amber. Then the students celebrated the end of the year with their Rotary service coordinator Karen Waryas at Dawson Elementary with Balloons and party favors. This EAFK service club had a great year doing a community, local and international project making the world a better place. |
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 In March, 2017 BMS Interact was one of four schools in the nation to receive a visit from Sandy Hook Promise during "Start with Hello" week. That was a tremendous honor and fueled empowerment across the BMS campus that was nothing short of awesome to watch. This program did so well with the students that the "Start with Hello" is now slated to become a Burnet CISD District wide program during the 2017 - 2018 school year, led by BMS Interact and their advisers. One of the advisers, Sara Te, not only originally located the program but also decided to apply for the 2016 - 2017 Start with Hello national grand prize. They won! Read their story |
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 Back Row (l-r) Alexa L. Sanchez, Elizabeth Ann Henry, Lacie Brooke Herrin. Front Row (l-r) Gary Cataldo, Chapter President, Sunmi Kim, Kassidy Blair, Thomas Kyle Dunn, Heather E. Orellana, Jack Gilchrist, Committee Chair The Rotary Club of Austin - Southwest (formerly Austin - Oak Hill) presented eight $1000 scholarships at Thursday’s, June 8, 2017 awards luncheon hosted at DK Marias Restaurant. The Rotary Club of Austin – Southwest firmly ascribes to the sentiment expressed by the South African leader Nelson Mandela “Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.” In over 19 years, 150+ scholastic and vocational students have benefited from the club’s ‘Lend A Hand’ scholarship program. This year’s recipients are working adults, many with families. Fields of study at Austin Community College and Baldwin Beauty School include vocational nursing, occupational therapy, chemical dependency counseling, dental hygiene, cosmetology and diagnostic imaging radiology. Theirs is a common theme of persistence and hard work, overcoming personal and systemic obstacles as they seek to better themselves and the lives of those close to them. |
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  Rotary Bandstand was held at the Sun City Ballroom on Saturday, June 3. This was an annual fundraiser sponsored by the Rotary Club of Georgetown-Sun City that benefits the youth of Williamson County. CBS Austin celebrity, Chikage Windler, once again was the Emcee at this event and she, and a few others, were decked out in their “poodle skirts”. A fun time was had by all and the monies raised will be put to great causes by the Sun City Rotary. See newsclip |
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 On June 2, 2017 , Gonzalo Garza became the newest Major Donor at the Georgetown Rotary Club. Thank you Gonzalo! |
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 The Rotary District 5870 - Central Texas World Community Service Project with Grid Earth Project is underway! There are several Rotary clubs from our district and from Belize working to provide solar lighting to families who normally rely upon kerosene lamps. Solar lighting is cleaner, cheaper, fume-free, burn-free, and sustainable. Audrey Bennett Cochran and her husband Jack are there representin' the us. |
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 (Pictured are (from left) Tony Ruff, President of Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club, Nicole Watson of Hotels for Hope, and Monique Hodges, member of Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club. On March 9, 2017, Hotels for Hope presented Austin Cosmopolitan Club with a donation of $11,300 that will be sent along to Rotary International’s Polio Plus Campaign. Hotels for Hope (hotelsforhope.com) books hotel rooms for corporate events and, at no cost to the client, sends $2 of each booked room onto a children’s charity. They have partnered with Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club as a recipient of those donations due to the Club’s work in areas of education and children’s welfare. |
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Thank you to all who attended this past weekend in Corpus. We hope you had as much as we did! But none of that would have been possible without your participation. Our focus was intended to be a celebration of your year in Rotary and we could not think of a better way to do so than with a carnival. |
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 SPC David Floyd got to treat his wife and one year old daughter to a fun filled weekend in Austin thanks to the sponsors of Operation Vacation. The Rotary Clubs of Killeen and Austin set up a complimentary weekend at The W Hotel with all the trimmings for the family through the Hotel Lodging Association and the County Line on the Hill gave the family the royal treatment on Saturday night for a dinner set for a king. The sponsors put together gift bags with snacks, treats, toys and attraction passes and arranged for the them to have quality family time totally on the hospitality industry as our thank you to the soldier for his service and to the family for their sacrifices. "It is always a heartwarming experience for all of us and we have been doing it every month for over ten years, says Mary Reynolds, the Rotary Club of Austin Operation Vacation chair and an advisor to the Austin Hotel Lodging Association Board and we hope to continue as long as there are soldiers serving our country." |
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The Rotary District 5870 Governor Installation Banquet will be held at the centrally-located Reunion Ranch in Georgetown on Saturday, June 17, from 11:30AM-2PM. Incoming DGE Jerry Chapman, incoming DGN Jim Henry and DG Gene Holliman will be formally inducted in that ceremony. All Rotarians and their family are invited. It will be a family-friendly informal affair in a western-themed venue, so formal attire is NOT required. Come, relax, and have fun.Tickets are $40 for adults; $20 for kids. Click here to purchase tickets. |
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.PNG) Do you still need to register for the May 19-21 "Carnival 2017" Conference of Rotary Clubs? We have great news! Early bird pricing for tickets has been extend for May. Tickets are ($125) and First Time Attendee pricing ($100). To register: http://bit.ly/2m5q388 This is going to be an awesome event with live music, food and games. At our "Carnival Night" everyone is a winner! Here is just a sample of the games that will be available: Western Shoot-Out, Racing Derby, Ring Toss, Penny Pitch, Donut Dunk and a twist on the old game, cake walk - "Wine Walk". All guaranteed to be lots of fun! To register: http://bit.ly/2m5q388 |
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The Gates Foundation is currently matching all Rotarian Raised Polio Donations $2 for each $1 Contributed (Up to $35Mil/Yr.) Our Rotary-wide 2016-17 Rotary Year Polio Fundraising Goal is $45 Million + the Gates Foundation Match |
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Our 100th Anniversary This year – 2017 – marks the 100th Anniversary of our Foundation, and we need your help to celebrate this anniversary in a big way. We are asking every Rotarian in the district to help us achieve 100% participation in the 100th year – meaning, we are asking every Rotarian in District 5870 to contribute something (preferably $25 but anything will be appreciated) to the Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund between now and June 30th. We’ve never done that before, reach 100% giving. The best we’ve ever done is 87.5%. This is definitely the year to make that magic happen! UPDATE: As of April 30, we are only at 67.3%. If you haven’t contributed to the Annual Fund yet we NEED your help. |
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 Waco Rotary donated materials for Early Literacy Kits for Waco McLennan County Libraries. These kits are geared for children ages 2 to 4. They are centered on themes like colors, shapes, and numbers. They include books, age-appropriate games, and an activities list so parents can get creative when working with their children. These kits help support the Prosper Waco Initiative on education which aims to build an environment that promotes life-long educational attainment for all residents. |
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Clubs and districts can now use global grants to build low-cost shelters and simple schools, under a recent policy change that will be in effect through 2019. The construction must be part of a comprehensive project related to an area of focus. (Projects that involve construction alone are still not eligible for global grants.) Please note that these structures are limited. Low-cost shelters are intended to provide housing for the destitute or homeless. Simple schools provide very modest schools in areas that previously had none; they aren’t intended to enhance existing schools. To get started, see the low-cost shelters and simple schools guidelines and application appendix. Send any questions you have to Abbey Tootle. |
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 Kudos to Harker Heights Rotary for making the news twice with their Early Act First Knight program - ceremonies for Willow Springs Elementary and Harker Heights Elementary. Articles focused on the students being honored for their character trait of perseverance. |
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Dear Rotarian, Thank you for your continued and valued involvement in Rotary. Your opinions matter greatly to us. Rotary is developing a vision for the future so that we can stay relevant and thrive in the years ahead. Our goal is a compelling, inspirational, and aspirational vision that reflects the impact Rotary strives to have on the world. We're asking for your input on this brief online survey. With your help, we'll better understand what about Rotary excites and inspires you and how we can make the greatest possible impact. Follow this link to the survey: https://rotary.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_czG05nuA9r6w8FT?Q_DL=7QfnMSzoVDqmkwB_czG05nuA9r6w8FT_MLRP_9Gpzgu8zrG8agkZ&Q_CHL=email Your participation will be vital to our success. Thank you for your assistance in shaping our future. Warmest regards, Rotary International Strategic Planning Committee |
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It is my pleasure to announce that PDG Melinda Osburn has been selected as the 5870 representative to the Council of Legislation and Council of Resolutions. Help me congratulate Melinda on her new role representing 5870! |
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.jpg) Joint Brunch social between UT Rotaract and Anderson High Interact at Zilker Park on 4-22-17 - Earth Day - sponsored by Cosmo Rotary and attended by University Area Rotary as well; a couple of 4-legged Rotarians also attended! Thanks too all participants! |
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 Copperas Cove Noon Rotary creating some big smiles at their Annual Bicycle Giveaway. |
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 Black Prince knights honored at the Harker Heights EAFK ceremony with Sir Cass and District EAFK chair Mary Reynolds. This character program is sponsored by Harker Heights Rotary and KISD. |
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 Don't miss out on Grants Management Training! There are only 3 sessions left for this year. This is a free event. Click here for details, locations and to register. |
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 View Clubs & Schools that participate in EAFK |
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Firs  Special pricing for First Time Attendees for the Conference Of Rotary Clubs! Save $50 til April 31st! To register: http://bit.ly/2m5q388 Click here for details on this event, traveling on the party bus and hotel registration. |
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 The Rotary Club of Temple-South held its RibbonCutting for thier DAP grant project-The Un-Included Club Greenhouse at Blackland Research Center. A big "Thank You" to their partnering sponsors- The Rotary Foundation, Lowes Temple, USDA-ARS, AgriLife, Boley Smart Foundation Repair and FastSigns. |
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 Round Top -Carmine Elementary had their EAFK knighting ceremony for the trait of perseverance with Sir Cass honoring the students. It was an emotional event for all and thanks to the La Grange Rotary for their support. |
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.jpg) Register in March for the Conference of Rotary Clubs and save $$s!!! This will be a family fun filled event in Corpus Christi on May 19-21st. Early bird registration $100 but good only thru March! Special pricing also for first time attendees! To register: http://bit.ly/2m5q388 |
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 In celebration of International Women’s Day, March 8th, and in recognition of 30-years of women in Rotary, members from all over Rotary District 5870-Central Texas came together for a multi-club service project. This project provided the landscape needs and playground beautification of the Temple Area Family Crisis Shelter. The Temple Families in Crisis (FIC) is a non-profit organization that provides housing, offers support, and empowers people experiencing family violence, sexual violence, and homelessness. FIC envisions families and individuals that experience comfort and safety through the shelter and services of FIC, leading to restoration, wholeness and self-sufficiency. A special moment from the day was when we realized that in attendance was Betty Richardson a 30-year member and the District's most tenured woman in addition to the Districts newest induction Abbigail White. Such a FUN celebration of Women in Rotary & SERVICE ABOVE SELF! |
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 Special guest at Lone Star PETS was Sylvia Whitlock, of the Rotary Club of Duarte, first female Rotary club president in 1987. This year marks the 30th anniversary for women in Rotary. Click here to read "History of Women in Rotary. " (pictured Sylvia Whitlock and Sara Pantin, PE of RC of Austin .)
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To Rotarians of District 5870 Central Texas,
Foundation:
February was Foundation month and we celebrated it in style. We held the Foundation Gala at the Sheraton Hotel in Austin on the 4th. There were over 380 that attended. The speaker was Paul Netzel, (the incoming RI Foundation Chair) who did a great job of explaining all the good works the TRF has completed over the past 100 years. There was a proclamation read from Honorable State Representative Paul Workman and signed by the Speaker if the Texas House, Joe Strauss. There was both a silent auction and a live auction. Our district members have now contributed over $358,000 ytd!!!! That leads both zones again. Were still #1
For first timer PHF’s, if you have not already contributed or taken advantage of the Jerry Johnson trust matching funds, please consider doing so as we are going for 100% district participation. Meaning every member in every club has contributed a least $25! Never been done before, so let’s make that happen!
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 It is my distinct honor and privilege to formally announce that Jim Henry of the Rotary Club of Northwest Austin has been selected by the District Nominating Committee to serve as our Governor for Rotary Year 2019-2020. Jim is a great Rotarian and good friend who I know to be exceptionally well prepared for the job! Please join me in congratulating Jim on his selection as our 105th District Governor. Read Bio |
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This story was told by Howard Brunson at the 2012 District Assembly by the request of PDG Suresh Pahwa. "I didn't expect to be before a district meeting twenty-five years later discussing the event of brining women into Rotary. The expectations might have been either to be expelled from organization or, if not, that the occurrence be long forgotten. But, now we are here, remembering history; and, that is good. But, remember, it is HIS Story, one person's account told from a single viewpoint. However, I have checked the facts with others who were there. The advent of women in Rotary is noteworthy. Let me say this to the many women who registered for this meeting: Possibly, you saved Rotary by increasing our membership to a number that would sustain us through the periods of economic troubles that were to come. You brought varied viewpoints toward the services we offer, You have brought a to our previously all-male organization a depth to the Rotary experience. Finally and perhaps most important, it is noteworthy because, it simply had to be done. It was a step that, in the names justice and decency, had to be taken. Females had not excluded from presenting programs; as visitors, they sat at the same table and shared good conversation. To many of us, it just seemed weird that the president of a bank or owner of a business should prohibited from filling out a membership application because of gender.. |
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 In celebration of International Women's Day ( March 8th) and to celebrate 30 yrs of Women in Rotary, we think this is a perfect reason to come together from all clubs in SERVICE!
Please Join us at the Temple Public Library 100 W Adams Ave, Temple, TX 76501 at 3:00pm where we will travel to the unmarked location of Temples Family in Crisis Location. We will be cleaning, and spring-ing up their family playground area...tools, plants, and supplies will be provided, but bring a pair of GLOVES! We will wrap up there by 6pm and head over to Belton's newest Wine Bar @ 208 N. Penelope Street Belton, TX and hope to be joined there by many of our ROTARIAN MEN! More details to come... but for now please SAVE THE DATE AND PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD! This is such an awesome opporutnity for us to serve together as women, as friends, and as Rotarians! |
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 JoAnn Ayres, President, Rotary Club of La Grange proudly presented a check to Kelly Frankie for $500.00 for Meals on Wheels.
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  The Rotary Club of Austin, along with friends and family helping others in the world and having a blast.! Prepared 22,000 meals for Rise Against Hunger who will send to those in need around the world. Great service project!
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  The foundation dinner was a huge success! Over 30,000 dollars was raised for the foundation thru an awesome silent auction with amazing items like the highest bid item a private chef dinner for six from Chef Heidi Wittenborn of Austin Centennial Club, and the exciting live auction with incredible items including a Crystal Cruise to Alaska which raised 10,000 dollars alone. 383 Rotarians and their guests attended this special celebration of the 100th Anniversary of the Rotary Foundation at the beautiful Sheraton Austin Downtown.
The gala was full of fun, fellowship, laughter and a celebration of the amazing work Rotary District 5870- Central Texas does for the community and for The Rotary Foundation's 100 years of amazing works felt around the World.
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.jpg) The Rotary Club of Georgetown-Sun City along with the Jarrell High School INTERACT Club sponsors a Career Guidance Program throughout the school year. This exposes students to different promising, long term careers where there will likely be jobs waiting for them after the post-high school education.
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 Pecan Springs Elementary got a great gift from a major corporation. After sending out a request to find someone to paint a mural on their cafeteria walls for their cafeteria walls, BookSpring found one of their corporate partners that not only would paint the mural but brought 150 of their employees, families and professional landscaping crew to clean out, replant and mulch all the gardens, remove a deteriorating goat pen, Japanese fountain and gazebo, clean up the school grounds and ran off and laminated materials for the teachers.
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 Staff Sgt. Robert Hoover, wife Stephanie and children Hayden and Riemann were hosted last weekend at the Hampton Inn Oak Hill by the General Manager Cynthia Tirana. The Rotary Club of Austin and Killeen provide the program called Operation Vacation Ft. Hood and arranged a rent car, free meals, entertainment packages, toys and goodies to let the family know how much Austin appreciates the sacrifices these families make for all of us daily.
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Rotary Grant Video for 5870. Created by Sarah Carriker - Northwest Austin |
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Congratulations go out to:
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 Visit the NEW Rotary website for interactive features and stories. https://www.rotary.org |
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 My first involvement with Ana Menchaca was through her Girl Scout troop. They volunteered to work on a project the Rotary Club of Austin was coordinating for BookSpring of Austin which is a literacy organization that works to get books in the hands of children who need them and to create a love for reading.
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.jpg) The Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary and the Tocker Foundation recently donated $2,000 to the Lake Travis Community Library in support of their new bookmobile service. The bookmobil service targets people in the library district who are unserved or underserved.
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 What a wonderful way to spend Christmas in Austin for a sweet little military family in a beautiful suite overlooking the Capitol with all the holiday lights at the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel. SSG John Bell, his wife Crystal and daughter Sophie (2 hrs. old) arrived to a giant Christmas tree in the lobby greeted by the General manager, Steve Juscen and two members of the host group, Mary Reynolds and Brad Wiewel of the Rotary Club of Austin.
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 These are pictures from the RC of Georgetown Sun City’s 16th annual Community pancake breakfast w/ Santa. They provided over 1100 meals for low income families in the Georgetown area. The local fire dept. cooked & employees from Khols dept. store serve while the local interact kids help disperse presents while the kids waited to have their picture taken w/ Santa.
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On Giving Tuesday, CNBC, one of the leading consumer and business news media outlets in the U.S., named its top 10 charities in the world, ranking The Rotary Foundation No. 5. Charities were chosen for changing the world while maintaining excellent financial standards. The article highlighted Rotary’s tremendous work in eradicating polio. An excerpt of their reporting: “They're big and global, with budgets exceeding $100 million and net assets of at least $65 million. Yet these 10 charities manage to do exceptional work throughout the country and overseas, all while maintaining stellar financial management and transparency. |
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 Rotary International is honoring 20 projects funded through global grants with special recognition to celebrate 100 years of giving and projects. One of those grants is from RC of Austin and RC San Nicolás de los Garza. Read More
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 It's official! RC of Austin Oakhill has changed their name to RC of Austin-Southwest.
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We are pleased to announce that Global Grant 16-33516: Microcredits for Entrepreneur Women of Tamaulipas, submitted in Melinda’s year (Rotary year 2015-16) by the Rotary Clubs of Georgetown (D-5870) and Ciudad Victoria (D-4130), has been approved by The Rotary Foundation. The award is in the amount of $40,400 USD.
This Global Grant will make a significant impact that will help alleviate poverty in vulnerable sectors of the population in Cuidad Victoria, Mexico by creating an economic resource and skills development for women entrepreneurs. The microcredit loans will help stimulate successful and sustainable self-employment which will contribute to a better local economy and the reduction of the crime rate in our community.This Global Grant will make a significant impact that will help alleviate poverty in vulnerable sectors of the population in Cuidad Victoria, Mexico by creating an economic resource and skills development for women entrepreneurs. The microcredit loans will help stimulate successful and sustainable self-employment which will contribute to a better local economy and the reduction of the crime rate in our community.
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On behalf of the Trustees of the Jerry Johnson Testamentary Trust, our most sincere congratulations go out to Tonda Campbell, the newest member of the RC of Killeen Heights, for becoming the 1,000th recipient of a Jerry Johnson Testamentary Trust match. This match, along with her contribution, also results in her becoming the newest Paul Harris Fellow in District 5870.
Now in its 8th year, the Jerry Testamentary Trust Match Program has distributed in excess of $203,000 to match the contributions made by 1,000 Rotarians in Districts 5730 and 5870, and to help them earn a total of 528 first time Paul Harris Fellowships.
So far this Rotary year, the Johnson Trust has distributed $28,093 to help 76 Rotarians become Paul Harris Fellows.
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 Rotary District 5870 - Central Texas in conjunction with Helping a Hero.org, US Senator Ted Cruz, and renowned singer Lee Greenwood partnered to present a new home to medically retire Marine SGT Steve Land who lost both legs in an IED explosion while serving our nation in Afghanistan. The district was represented by members of Rotary Club of Killeen Heights, Harker Heights Rotary, Belton Rotary Club, Temple-South and Rotary Club of Georgetown, Texas. The Rotary Club of Killeen Heights presented SGT Land with a Paul Harris Fellowship, and the Rotary Club of Temple-South has make him an Honorary Member.
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From its first contribution of $26.50 almost a century ago, The Rotary Foundation’s assets have grown to approximately $1 billion, and more than $3 billion have been spent on projects that promote peace, fight disease, provide clean water, support education, save mothers and children, and grow local economies. |
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According to The Rotary Foundation, District 5870 contributed $540,935.27 to the Annual Fund last year, resulting in a district per capita of $204.20. Both these numbers lead all 22 districts in Zones 27 and 21b. This coming year – 2017 – marks the 100th Anniversary of our Foundation. As we begin November, Rotary’s Foundation Month, we looking for every Rotarian to celebrate this anniversary in a big way. To make this celebration special, we are asking every Rotarian in the district to help us achieve 100% participation in the 100th year – meaning, we are asking every Rotarian in District 5870 to contribute something to the Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund between now and June 30th. We’ve never done that before, reach 100% that is. The best we’ve done is 87.5%. This is the year to make that magic happen!
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 The Rotary Foundation has just announced they have selected one of our 2013-14 Global Grants (GG 14-11450 between the Rotary Clubs of Austin and San Nicolás de los Garza in D-4130 to help a mobile medical unit for rural medical care) for recognition as part of the Foundation’s centennial celebration. During the coming months, The Rotary Foundation will be sharing this exciting news throughout the Rotary world and highlighting this project along with the others that were selected. Congratulations to John Braun, Ellen Hunt and Mavi Chapa for championing this grant, and to Ken Adams and Brenda Osbon for creating the conditions that made it successful.
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 This past Saturday, Killeen Heights Rotary with the help of CTC Rotaract, Officers from Killeen PD, and other community members worked together at the Friends In Crisis Homeless Shelter for a great cause. 25 bunk beds and 50 mattresses were replaced at the shelter for the less fortunate. #RotaryHasHeart #100ActsOfGood
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 Congratulations to the District PR Team! They received top honor at RI Zone 21B/27 for their accomplishment in 2015-16. Step and take a bow for your great work!
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 When you go out to vote on Election Day, plan to indulge in a hot “cup of red,” when the Annual Corsicana Rotary Club Chili Fest will be held from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cook Education Center at Navarro College on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8. Tickets are $8 each and includes: chili, all the fixings, plus drink and dessert. Tickets will be available at the door or from any Wednesday Rotary Club member. The club will also be making deliveries if you have 10 or more orders. The money from the chili fundraiser is used to support Food for Fitness, Students of the Month from Corsicana High School, scholarships, sending students to RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) and The Salvation Army. For additional inquiries about tickets please contact Michael Hickerson at 903-654-4500 ormhickerson@mybanktx.com. |
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 Last weekend the Austin Hotel Lodging Association along with the Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen in partnership with the Greater Austin Restaurant Association did just that-took care of a soldier’s family from Ft. Hood and the soldier got to go along, too and share in the fun.
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Dawson Elementary sponsored by Rotary Club of Austin
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 On Oct, 8 - Rotary Club of Georgetown completed a "Ramp Building Project" in Bartlett, TX. Thank you for your Service Above Self! |
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 Rotarians in Austin got to help Samaritans Feet and Movement Mortgage hand out over 500 new shoes to the students at Pecan Springs Early College Prep School on Saturday and it was a heartwarming event for all. There was a contest and to win Movement Mortgage had to raise $10,000 to get the opportunity to give a non profit of their choice 600 brand new shoes and the company chose Pecan Springs. The event was held that the school and the Rotarians worked hand and hand with the employees of both organizations measuring the kids, washing their feet and then putting on brand new socks and shoes on each kid that arrived and waited their turn. Each student was also given a backpack of goodies and a snack with juice. It was a grand day at Pecan Springs and Rotary got to help give back to the community. Thanks Samaritans Feet and Movement Mortgage. And it was covered on Fox News at 9. |
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.jpg) Congratulations to The Rotary Club of Austin Centennial members Christine and Kathy Kempff! They were recognized in Los Angeles by LA Style for co- founding Moja Tu, a non profit organization that helps provide scholarships and mentorship to students in Kenya. Also pictured fellow board member and Acrc member Monica Sharp #RotaryHasHeart #1DistrictStrong #100ActsOfGood
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 The Belton Rotary Club is honored by the Belton Area Chamber of Commerce A bench has been added to the Belton Police Memorial, which allows visitors to reflect on those who have paid the ultimate price. The memorial opened in May, but there was no place for visitors to sit. The Belton Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Belton program added the bench in honor of the Belton Rotary Club’s contribution to construction of the memorial.
The $600 bench was specially designed to highlight what Rotary Club’s values, quoting the organization’s iconic Four Way Test. “We really want them to be singled out, and really praised, for everything they have done,” said John Burgess of Leadership Belton. |
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 The Rotary Foundation has received the highest possible score from Charity Navigator with a rating of 100. on.rotary.org/2bVC9f1 |
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 The Rockdale Intermediate School students got a real treat today sponsored by the Rockdale Rotary Club. The Knights of the Guild brought a jousting event to the school for the kick off of their EAFK character building program.
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 Approximately 24’ of wheel chair ramp was built this past Saturday on Duvall in Killeen. We had a GREAT TURN OUT! Over 30 folks gave up their Saturday morning to help someone they didn’t even know. Not only was a ramp built but we had a very special surprise as General (Ret) Pete Taylor pined a Vietnam recognition pin on a well-deserved Vietnam Veteran. Now if that does not make the hair on your hairs go up I don’t know what will! There was two things that stood out: one everyone had a smile on the face and we had a very wide range of ages on this project from the very young to the very mature! This proves there is something for everyone to contribute as once again we had Unity in The Community .
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 The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen and the Austin Hotel and Loading Association hosted a military families during the summer month of July for Operation Vacation. Sgt. James Spence, his wife Anna and their four kids Steels(13), Drew(11), Marek(8) and Anna(5) had the time of their lives exploring Austin the weekend of July 29-31. |
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 Congratulations to BeeCave Spicewood for being awarded the 11th RecognizeGood Lighthouse Award for their good work in the community, proving that a small group can make a big impact!
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 Congratulations to Northwest Waco Rotary Club for reaching 100% PHF! They are the 20th club in our District to reach this status.
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District 5870 Rotarians,
Happy New Rotary Year!
Sharon and I are so excited to be your DG & spouse for the year as we start to embrace this year’s new RI theme – Rotary Serving Humanity & our districts theme of Serving Humanity in your Community.
This is going to be a FUN year as we celebrate The Rotary Foundations Centennial Year – 100 years of giving back to the world’s needs.
Buckle up – it’s going to be a fabulous ride!
Best regards,
Bruce Golden
5870 DG / 2016 – 17
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Jennifer Graham - Most Creative
Ronney Reynolds
Christine Kempff |
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 The Rotary Club of Killeen broke ground at the noon meeting on Wednesday for its new community service project. The Past District Governor Patsy Derr pavilion will be constructed at the Killeen Rotary Children's Park on S. WS Young Dr. The pavilion will honor PDG Patsy Derr's 22 years of Rotary service to the community and international youth programs of Rotary International. Manning the shovels are Killeen Parks and Recreation Director Mr Brett Williams, PDG's Rich Kaye, Mike Pinson, and Rex Weaver, and The Killeen Rotary Club President Jay Early Contributions for inscribed paving bricks are being accepted by the president of The Killeen Rotary Club Foundation, Club President Elect Raymond Perez, at PO Box 1032, Killeen TX 76540-1032.
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 Ana Menchaca, daughter of Rotarian David Menchaca of the Rotary Club of Austin and Scout leader/ mother Marla, built these permanent collection boxes for gently used or new books for students at Cedar Creek and Spicewood Elementary to donate for BookSpring of Austin to give to children who have no books in their homes or to clinics to distribute during well checks. Ana did this project for her Girl Scout Gold Award and has arranged for the Westwood Rotary Interact Service Club sponsored by Northwest Rotary to monitor the boxes and deliver the books collected throughout the years to the Bookspring office. Thanks, Ana for your support for literacy in Austin and making a difference in your community.
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 Fulmore Middle School Interact club was presented their Presidential citation award at their last meeting of the year. They were so excited and proud to know that not only are they one of the few Middle School interact clubs but they won a Presidential Citation award their first year and did it without knowing there was a citation to earn. This was a great Interact Club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Austin.
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The Trivalent to Bivalent Oral Polio Vaccine Switch Between 17 April and 1 May, the type 2 component of the oral polio vaccine (OPV) is being removed from use through a globally synchronized switch from the trivalent to bivalent oral polio vaccine. This is the first stage of Objective 2 of the Polio Eradication and Endgame Strategic Plan 2013-2018 to withdraw OPV in a phased manner starting with the type 2 component following the eradication of wild poliovirus type 2 in September 2015.
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 Rotarians were thanked by the students and staff at Pecan Springs after the Tournament of Champions EAFK event may 6.
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 The Rotary Club of Austin sponsors these darling little toddlers at a day care center for the Reading is Fundamental program so they all get free books several times during the year to develop a love for reading. Making a difference early!
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 Congratulations to Round Rock Rotary Sunrise club which was awarded 1st place for the best 5k in the Best of Round Rock. The Reindeer Run is their club's biggest annual event that supports the Play for All Abilities Park in Round Rock.
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All "My Rotary Stories" must be submitted by April 30th to qualify for the contest.
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The Rotary Foundation and UNESCO-IHE Institute for Water Education are offering up to 10 scholarships for graduate study at UNESCO-IHE's Delft campus in the Netherlands. The application deadline is 15 June. Scholars will receive a Master of Science degree in urban water and sanitation, water management, or water science and engineering. Graduates work with their Rotary club sponsors on a related project to benefit their local community. For more information, review the application toolkit and scholarship terms and conditions.
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The Killeen Heights Rotary Club celebrated its 30th anniversary on June 26 at the Courtyard Marriott in Killeen. The featured guest speaker for the gala event was Ron Burton, immediate past president of Rotary International.
 Melinda at RC of Killeen Heights 30th Anniversary celebration with Miok Duranski, Editor of the Korean Weekly News.  PRIP Ron Burton being presented a memento of Central Texas by outgoing RCKH President Jose Segarra and PDG Rich Kaye.
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 Mary Reynolds was presented Rotary's highest honor, Service Above Self from Hanspeter Tobler, Rotary District Governor and Greg Podd, Rotary International Director at our District Rotary Conference in San Antonio. Only 145 Rotarians out of 1,250,000.00 members get this award.
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 View the latest images from ShelterBox's response in Nepal. These photographs have come from two friends of ShelterBox - Nabin Subedi and Ashish Chaulagain who both live in Kathmandu and a 'before the earthquake' picture kindly donated by a climber who has spent a lot of time in Nepal. Your support is vitally needed to allow ShelterBox to help families in need in Nepal and around the world - https://www.flickr.com/…/shelterbox…/sets/72157651806499948/
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 The members of the Rotary Club of Austin took advantage of a beautiful Austin day and instead of doing taxes went to the Parmer Half Price Book Give Away on April 15 and received over 2700 books for kids and Bookspring. Rotary’s literacy committee’s objective is to get books in the hands of children who do not have any so they can develop a love for reading by building their own home libraries. This goal partners well with BookSpring Austin which also believes in providing free books to infant through high school through their clinic and school programs. These two organizations are changing the world one book and child at a time. Thanks for your help-Half Price Books! Pictured: Todd Coleman (Rotary volunteer), Vicky Lindsey (Rotary literacy chair), Wayne Holstine (Bookspring staff), Mary Reynolds (Rotary volunteer). Not shown: Rachel Ruiz, Laurianne Balkum, Liz Ingersoll-all Rotarians.
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 Rotarians share their careers with the students at Pecan Springs Elementary in East Austin on Career Day. Laurianne Balkum shows the kids how to do conflict resolution kindergarten style. What great role models. Proud to be a Rotarian! Way to go.
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 Today, February 23, marks the 110th anniversary of Rotary. Over our 110 years, Rotary members have created access to education, empowered communities, pushed polio to the brink of eradication and improved lives around the world. Help us celebrate our birthday by sharing your favorite Rotary memories on social media. Read more: http://ow.ly/Jhsfv
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Every year, the Chronicle of Philanthropy ranks the top 400 nonprofit organizations in the United States. The Rotary Foundation has continued its steady growth, moving up 35 spots to 85th. The ranking is based on monetary contributions from private sources and reflects the increasing generosity of those who support Rotary's mission. According to the Chronicle, the Foundation received $239,576,000 in 20l3, a 32.4 percent increase from the previous year. The Foundation recently earned a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, the largest and most prestigious independent evaluator of nonprofits in the United States. In the 20 l3-14 Rotary year, 92 percent of the Foundations expenditures were applied to programs, with only 6 percent spent on fundraising and 2 percent on administrative expenses. The Foundation funded $23.5 million in district grants and $47.3 million in global grants. These grants support local and international humanitarian projects as well as scholarships. |
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The Rotary Club of Marble Falls new community giving program is providing local charities a chance to fulfill their goals in 2015. As a result the club has given out a number of cash awards for projects for a variety of local needs. Among the largest has been a $27,750 grant to the Boys and Girls Club of the Highland Lakes for a portion of their facilities upgrades to their Marble Falls facility. The award was presented to Boys and Girls club president Randal Dahl by Rotary Club of Marble Falls president Mendy Ritche at the club’s December 11th meeting. Other awards given recently were a $5000 grant to the Highland Lakes SPCA for a dog run at it’s new facility, $2000 to the Literacy Council of the Highland Lakes for new laptop computers,$2999 for new equipment at Camp of the Hills, $1500 to the Helping Center for Christmas Turkeys and $999 to the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Highland Lakes for a new laptop and printer. |
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SPC Sami Shrestha and her husband Rojan spent the weekend during the Christmas holidays at the incredibly decorated Omni Barton Creek Resort compliments of Rotary Club of Austin/ Killeen and the Austin Hotel Lodging Association. The couple enjoyed local attractions and a BBQ dinner hosted by the County Line Restaurant. Sami is a nurse with Ft. Hood and was so excited to share with special weekend with her husband. This is such a wonderful way for the community of Austin to thank our troops for their service. |
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Register Online: http:runsignup.com For more information, contact brandi.lowe@bluebonnet.coop |
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The Rotary Club of Cedar Park today announced the 3rd Rotary Student Talent Show set for March 13, 2015. This special event is a fund raiser for the club and provides support for its many local and international service projects and funds grants to other non-profits in their work to better our world. The 1st Student Talent Show in March of 2012 provided funding for:
The club also supports the PolioPlus Program, a joint effort of the Rotary Foundation, the World Health Organization and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to eradicate wild polio throughout the world. The talent show is in two divisions: The Junior Division is for students in K through 6th grades. The Senior Division is for students in 7th through 12th grades. Auditions will be held the evenings of February 24 through February 26th, 6:30 PM, in the Little Theatre at Leander High School. The top ten acts from each Division will move on to the finals, with a Dress Rehearsal on March12th and the Finals on Friday, March 13th in the Auditorium of the Tom Tew Performing Arts Center at Leander High School. Competition rules and application forms will be available for download at www.cedarparkrotary.org beginning Monday, January 5, 2015. There is a nominal $10 application fee per act. For further information please contact Club Secretary, Ken Burgess, ken@kfb3.com or via his cell phone at 713-806-3551. |
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At Pecan Springs School in Austin Christine Kempff of the Cosmopolitan Rotary Club was knighted by Sir Cass for the virtue of service at the EAFK knighting ceremony. Congratulations, Christine. |
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FT. HOOD SOLDIER AND HIS FAMILY GETS AN EARLY TRICK OR TREAT HALLOWEEN WEEKEND IN AUSTIN
SSG Phillip Moore, his wife Rosalina and his kids, Ariana and Philip were treated to a fun packed Halloween R&R weekend in Austin in October. The Embassy Central Hotel hosted two nights for the family in one of their suites and the kids loved the fountains and ponds in the lobby. They dined on a dinner at the County Line BBQ on Saturday night with all the trimmings and enjoyed the Thinkery, Austin Parks and bowling for good quality time for the family. Operation Vacation has been hosting military families each month for the last eight years and it is a great way to thank these soldiers and their families for their sacrifices they experience keeping our country safe. It takes lots of generous sponsors and coordination to provide this special weekend: The Rotary Club of Austin and Killeen; The Austin Hotel Lodging Association; County Line Restaurants; SuperShuttle; Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau ; Toyota Killeen and Around Austin but they love being a part of this inspiring project. |
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Special Offer - BUY TWO TICKETS; GET ONE FREE!!!! Now through 9/11. Contact a Lakeway/ Lake Travis Rotarian for tickets or buy online at www.rotarycluboflakeway.com. |
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In conjunction with a City of Austin grant, “Love Your Block”, The Rotary Club of Austin, the Cosmopolitan Rotary and the University Area Rotary clubs did a beautification project at Pecan Springs Elementary School revitalizing flower beds at the entrance in preparation for the beginning of the school year. Thirty volunteers donated their time on August 2 to plant flowers, spread dirt and mulch and water the gardens during the summer vacation. Rotarians giving back to their community and making Austin a better place. |
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When: Sept. 6, Saturday Where: Georgetown Health Foundation Community Room Suite 101, 2423 Williams Drive, Georgetown Agenda: Coffee 8:30 – 9:00 AM Training sessions: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM. Who should attend: president elects and nominees, committee chairs, officers, board members, and member who have Rotary knowledge & are destined to be a club leader. THIS IS NOT A BASIC "LEARN ABOUT ROTARY" COURSE BUT YOU DON'T HAVE TO BE AN EXPERT OR HAVE BROAD KNOWLEDGE TO BE PART OF THIS TRAINING. Due to the discussions class participants will be asked to share their experiences with others so having some Rotary knowledge is important. To register: Registration deadline is August 31 (email Barry bcurlee20@gmail.com or Ann Graham anngraham@sbcglobal.net if you need to discuss call Barry 512-346-0511 or Ann 806-470-4002). The cost is $25 per attendee payable to Rotary District 5870 – you might even consider having the club pick up the tab. The registration fee will be charged unless cancellation is made 5 days before the event. (Food and materials will have been ordered by then.) |
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The District 27/21b Zone Conference will be held in Denver, September 9-14. The kick-off event is a seminar on Rotary Leadership Institute training led by Director Greg Podd. All Rotarians interested in Rotary leadership are invited to attend. See details at http://www.rotaryzones21b27.org/institute14/index.html or contact PDG Ed Mullen, ed.mullen@taptrain.com or 254 289 1670. District Leadership Registration This registration website is for the 2014 Rotary Zones 21b/27 Training Events, and Rotary Institute, September 9-14, 2014. |
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Through Operation Vacation, the Rotary clubs of Austin and Killeen along with their industry sponsors arranged a complimentary stay at the Hampton Inn Downtown for SPC Christopher Boyer, his wife Elizabeth and their twin daughters Mia & Erin this past weekend. The family was treated to dinner at two of Austin's most popular restaurants, County Line and Flemings. And the girls got to spend the day at Austin Parks playing miniature golf, video games and go carts before returning to Killeen. This program provides the industry partners: Austin Hotel Lodging Association, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, SuperShuttle, Around Austin and Toyota Killeen a chance to say thank you to our soldiers for keeping us safe and protecting our country and for the sacrificing their families must make during their service. The weekend gives these families quality time together in the fun, relaxing environment of Austin and show them how much we all appreciate their dedication! |
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The Rotary Club of Giddings is proud to be the sponsor of the Early Act/First Knight (EAFK) program at the Giddings Elementary School. EAFK has been named the 2013-2014 Youth Organization of the year by the Giddings' Chamber of Commerce. EAFK will be presented the award at the Giddings' Chamber of Commerce Banquet on August 19, 2014. Great job to everyone involved in the EAFK program! |
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Did you miss the Conference of Rotary Clubs 2014 & DG Hanspeter's Installation? Check out our photo album for this event!. Photos submitted by Mary Reynolds, Gene Davenport, Jack Mayo, Patrick O'Farrel, and Hanspeter Tobler |
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PFC Casandra Tillis, husband Frank and Frank, Jr. (3 months)
Tristan family: SPC Eric Tristan, Wife Deidre, Isabella (9), Sophia(6), Nicholas (5) |
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The Grants Management Training Seminar will be available at four occasions in the next three months. The seminar is presented in two different formats:
(1) A three-hour course for those Rotarians who have not attended a Grants Management Training Seminar before; and,
(2) A one-hour refresher course for those Rotarians who attended the three-hour seminar last year.
The seminars will be presented at the following dates and times: · Saturday, April 12, 2014—Only the one-hour format will be available. This will be part of the program of training offered at Club Leader Training (District Assembly) at Central Texas College, Killeen TX (requires registration for District Assembly).
· Saturday, March 29, 2014—Both one-hour and three-hour formats will be available. Time 8:30 a.m. (start at 9:00 a.m.). Location: Georgetown Health Foundation Community Rooms, 2423 Williams Dr., Georgetown TX.
· Saturday, May 24, 2014—Both one-hour and three-hour formats will be available. Time 8:30 a.m. (start at 9:00 a.m.). Location: Georgetown Health Foundation Community Rooms, 2423 Williams Dr., Georgetown TX. No reservations are required for the meetings held in Georgetown |
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Austin Centennial is having a Fun Festival/Fun run event www.spiritofsharing.weebly.com on March 29th where they are providing a free kids/adults .3 mile adventure course, and free bouncy houses, and free hands on charity work for parents and kids to do together, such as coloring cards for the elderly, disabled, and veterans, donating food, blankets, books to others in need, and providing small bags for the homeless or pets in rescue centers. The 5k is a chipped timed run for only $20.00 including the tshirt and the participants get to select from a list of 17 nonprofits or community groups that need to raise funds for the disabled, veterans, elderly, children, and clean water projects. This is a free a event to come out and guaranteed lost of family fun! |
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Reception beginning at 6:00 p.m. cash bar beginning at 6:00 p.m.; Foundation Dinner 7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. dinner; 9:00 p.m. Rotary International President’s Presentation; 11:00 p.m. adjourn |
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The Pecan Springs EarlyAct FirstKight service club sponsored by the Rotary Club of Austin, Cosmopolitan and University Rotary clubs collected over 100 pairs of sunglasses for their international project for Africa. The sunglasses will be distributed by a group of doctors who go to Africa every year to provide eye care and to teach the people how to protect their eyes from the harsh sun.
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The Rotary Club of Austin and Killeen in conjunction with the Austin Hotel Lodging Association hosted another military family from Ft. Hood through the Operation Vacation program. SGT Chris Elkins and his wife Zypla spent the weekend in Austin hosted by the AT&T Conference Center Hotel. County Line Restaurant hosted the family’s Saturday night dinner with all the trimmings and Super Shuttle provided park passes for Austin’s Park. The family had a fun weekend of R&R as a thank you for their service to our country. The group will host another family in December at the Omni Barton Creek Resort & Conference Center. Program Hosts: Rotary Clubs: Austin/ Killeen; County Line; Austin Hotel Lodging Association: Toyota Killeen; SuperShutte; Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau; Dart Bowl;Around Austin; UT Athletics; AT&T Conference Center
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Why procrastinate and pay more? Anyone planning to attend the Sydney Convention can save $100 by clicking the registration button BEFORE mid-month. Also check out flight savings and event tickets -- convenient links are in this week's RI Convention Update from the Meetings & Events staff in RI headquarters. I know most of you are already registered but I hope you will FORWARD this message to those considering participation in this memorable opportunity to give your family a vacation they will never forget. Jack Mayo, 5870 Sydney Rep |
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Fairfield Rotary Club provided funds to purchase toys for the Samaritan Purse boxes, and a local pharmacy provided hygiene items for each box. Fairfield High School Interact Club members met one Friday after school to purchase items. |
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Dear Governor:
The purpose of this correspondence is to announce that we are in the final planning process to organize a trip of about 35 people to travel to Delhi and Uttar Pradesh, India in February 2014 to participate in the polio eradication program. You are receiving this correspondence because, as Governor, we are inviting you to let the Rotarians in your District know that an announcement for such a trip is coming up in the next few weeks. Even if you are not planning on joining us in February, please share it with anyone in your District who may be interested. |
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The mission of EarlyAct is to promote goodwill, understanding and Peace through the active participation of its student members so that with committed citizenship and effective leadership they may improve the quality of life of their school, local and global communities. Early Act teaches;
• Compassion
• Respect
• Honesty
• Responsibility
• Tolerance
• Service
• Perseverance
• Discipline
• Friendliness
• Confidence
The picture is of the Early Act First Knight Gallery of Champions At Pecan Springs Elementary with Lady Hannah and the Rotary sponsors (Cosmopolitan and University Area Rotary Clubs) with the District EAFK chair, Mary Reynolds
Contact person: Mary Reynolds mary@thereynoldsclan.com 512-415-6345
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The Embassy North Central heard about the Dawson Elementary EAFK service project for the flood victims of South Austin and donated 18 blankets for the project.
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We remitted the money we collected to help District 4130 with their flooding in late September. The final total was $825.00. Thank you to all of those that contributed! |
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The Rotary of Club of Shiner is holding an Election Day Pancake Breakfast on November 5 from 6am to 8am at the Lutheran Church Social Hall. Tickets are $4 for a plate of pancakes, sausage & a drink. Proceeds benefiting Rotary Club projects and scholarships. |
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Rotary Club of Rockdale gave out over 250 dictionaries to 5 Milam County Schools. Rockdale, Milano, Gause, Thorndale and St. Paul's Lutheran |
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This event will be held at the Hyatt Lost Pines in Bastrop, TX |
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Put the “FUN” back in FUND RAISING!!! Join the Northwest Austin Rotary Club by supplementing your fund raising efforts. Fruit from the Rio Grande Valley is a healthy and unique gift at Christmas time. Many clubs have joined in this effort, buy fruit at the best price and share in the profits. No investment, no outlay of cash, just submit your orders and pick up fruit on December 6th. NWAR expects to reach over $1.0 Million in sales in this, its 19 year history, of fruit sales. All proceeds are returned to the community; education and student scholarships, health initiatives and support for senior citizens. Call Tom Perkins (The Fruit Meister) (512) 431-1036 Or vantage@austin.rr.com
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Tickets are $30 each. Curtain time is 7:30pm. Enter Highland Mall at SE entrance and take escalator down to lower level. To purchase tickets or for questions, contact Dick Van Allen or Larry Fox. |
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Thanks to an international partnership between two sister Rotary Clubs, students at Lanier High school in Austin are “going green” by saving energy, conserving water and building a community garden.
The year-long Green Project is the result of an alliance between Northwest Austin Rotary and its sister club Monterrey Obispado Rotary Club in Monterrey, Mexico. Each club made a contribution as did their respective Rotary districts (5870 and 4130), and the total was matched by the Rotary Foundation. All totaled, Rotary made available more than $23,000 for the following projects: · Installation of special light sensitive switches that automatically turn off when rooms are not in use · Creation of a Community Garden in which students and residents in the neighborhood around the high school grow vegetables and share the harvest · Installation of a rain water collection tank, a water conservation projectThe projects will mean more funding for academic programs, since there will be savings on electricity; an increase in community cohesion around the urban gardening project; and a learning opportunity about conservation methods for electricity and water. Lanier Principal Katherine Ryan says “The Green Project at Lanier has definitely changed the way things are done around here.”
A ribbon-cutting ceremony at Lanier High School will be held in the fall of 2013 to commemorate completion of the work.
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As we go about working to get every single member to contribute to the Rotary Foundation this year, I want to remind you that District 5870 has a method to help you become an initial (first-time) Paul Harris Fellow. The Jerry Johnson Trust will match contributions on a 1-to-1 basis in amounts of $100 up to $500 for any active Rotarian in District 5870 who is not a first time Paul Harris Fellow as long as the contribution is made to the Annual Programs Fund-SHARE. Jerry was a member of the RC of Killeen Heights who left his entire estate to the Rotary Foundation with the proviso that it is used to help Rotarians achieve their first Paul Harris Fellowship. There are some rules: 1. The Fund will not contribute more than it takes to achieve the PHF. For instance, if you have already contributed $500 to date, and now elects to contribute $300 more in order to take advantage of the match, the Fund will only match the first $200 so that the donor achieves PHF status. 2. Before making an eligible contribution, contact DG Rich Kaye (at richkaye@hot.rr.com) and let him know how much the donor is intending to contribute. The Fund will establish the contributor's baseline and monitor TRF reports to (1) verify that the funds have been received and posted to TRF records, and (2) determine the amount of the match needed. 3. Contribute the funds directly to TRF either using the attached form or on-line via Member Access on rotary.org. Once the new cash contribution appears on the donor's record, the Fund will submit the match. 4. When the PHF is received, the Fund will coordinate with the donor to determine the best time for its presentation. You can check the Jerry Johnson Trust out on the district’s website at http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/SitePages/SitePage.aspx?accountid=60098&pid=83996. Over the past three years, 109 Rotarians in 21 different clubs have taken advantage of this program. We hope to be able to help you, too. |
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The Rotary Club of Bastrop County currently holds an educational project conducted in cooperation with participating Bastrop, Elgin and Smithville public schools in their History, English or Social Studies classes. Students in 9th or 10th grade will participate in the program through research, classroom lectures, discussions and finally writing an essay that will be graded by the teachers and submitted to the Bastrop Rotary Club for judging. See this year's winners.
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The New York Times today (22 July) published a major front page story about the polio eradication effort in Pakistan, one of three remaining polio-endemic countries. The New York Times reaches nearly 1.87 million print subscribers daily, and its website hosts more than 15.4 million visitors per month. The article does a wonderful job highlighting Rotary’s leadership role, and in fact the entire final third of the story focuses on the contributions of Pakistani Rotarians, led by National PolioPlus Committee Chair Aziz Memon, who worked extensively with the writer, Donald G. McNeil Jr., during his visit to Pakistan earlier this year to report the story. Rotarians are accurately portrayed as dedicated and courageous “front line” volunteers, despite sometimes facing personal risks. The story also mentions International PolioPlus Committee Chair Dr. Robert Scott’s trip to Pakistan in March. While the article discusses recent setbacks and challenges, the overall tone is cautiously optimistic and the information presented is fair and accurate. The print edition of the story includes six photographs, one of which shows Rotary’s End Polio Now logo. The online version links to a photo gallery, which includes an image of a Rotary vaccination team leader and other Rotary visuals. This article is the culmination of months of behind-the-scenes work by our Public Relations and PolioPlus staff members and Chair Memon’s in-country team. The absolute key was connecting the writer to Chair Memon, who contributed greatly to the success of this major media opportunity. IPPC Vice-Chair Dr. John L. Sever also provided valuable information to the writer in an interview earlier this year. The New York Times article is the latest in a series of major international print and broadcast stories about Rotary and polio in the past 18 months, since we ramped up our media outreach in order to elevate Rotary’s polio eradication profile. Other influential media outlets that have covered Rotary’s polio eradication work include BBC TV, the Economist, Time magazine, and The Wall Street Journal. This top tier media coverage greatly enhances the work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative by raising the public awareness and support that are absolutely crucial as we implement the end game strategic plan that is the roadmap to our goal of a polio-free world. |
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The Rotary Club of Pflugerville recently sent 5 students from the Pflugerville school district to attend the annual RYLA camp in McKinney Roughs (June 30th thru July 5th). Upon returning from the camp, they agreed to visit their sponsoring Rotary club and give a presentation of their experience (see attached photo). One of the highlights of the camp this year was the assembly of prosthetic hands, shipped overseas to those in need. This was a brand new international project that is being planned again for next year’s RYLA campers.
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The District Foundation Seminar is being held August 17 from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm at the Georgetown Community Rooms, 2423 Williams Dr. Suite 101, Georgetown, TX 78628. The intent of the training is to demystify the Rotary Foundation for Club Rotary Foundation Chairs. It will focus on the “how-dos” of our Foundation such as “How do we send in our money?“ “How we know where we stand, both as a club and as individual members?” and “How do know when reports are due?”. There is no cost to attend this seminar but you must register in advance. Use button below to register.
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The Rotary Club of Austin just recently awarded their Service Above Self Award to Mary Reynolds. She was recognized for her service heart. Whether she is delivering books to the city clinics(BookSpring), organizing a special weekend in Austin for our service members at Ft Hood (Operation Vacation), dressed as a squire while recognizing students for their good character (Early Act/First Knight), bringing gifts at Christmas time to children without parents (Helping Hand Home), or serving on various professional and/or community boards, she is constantly giving of herself. |
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SPC Ashton Tubbs and his wife Melanie were hosted last weekend by Operation Vacation for a special visit to Austin at the Courtyard Marriott South. This program provides quality free time for one selected military family from Ft. Hood once a month with activities, meals and hotel rooms. The highlight of the weekend is always the dinner hosted by the County Line with the best barbeque in Texas, flowers and spending money for their entertainment. This special weekend is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Austin and Killeen and is a huge success due to Rotary’s joint sponsors of the Austin Hotel and Lodging Association, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau, County Line Restaurants, Toyota Killeen, Super Shuttle and Around Austin Inc.
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The Dawson EAFK service club collected over 100 pairs of shoes for their international service project, Souls for Soles and over $600 for their local project, Pennies for Patients, for kids with leukemia. Pictured: The officers and staff of the Dawson Elementary EarlyAct FirstKnight service club and their Rotary Club of Austin sponsors. Left of banner: Rotarians Mary Reynolds, Pam Bratton, John Braziel Right of banner first row: Lupita Santiago, Gabriel Zamarippa, Ariel Coplin, Desiree Perez Second row, teacher Becca Price, Principal Shannon Sellstrom, Rotarian Bruce Golden, teacher Sandra Rodriquez
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Dear Governor Ricky Price:
This donation of USD$200 was made on behalf of the members of the Rotary Club of Ciudad Victoria, Mexico (District 4130). We are sister club of the R.C. of Georgetown, TX, and have had a long and fruitful relationship of friendship anf Matching Grants in both sides of the border with them.
We hope this donation help some people in West, TX, as we know that rotarians multiply the money in many ways.
Greetings from our President Felipe Rodríguez, and all the members of the Club.
Best regards!
Víctor M. González Salum
Treasurer, RC of Ciudad Victoria, Mexico
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Northwest Waco Rotary Club members recently completed a Ramps and Rails project with Habitat for Humanity at the home of Waco resident Lee Seals. Pictured, from left, are Habitat intern Erica Kundera, Rotarians Kim Patterson, Greg Evans, Bryan Fonville, Fred Brown, and Tom Yows, homeowner Lee Seals, and Habitat for Humanity staff member Robyn Trippe. Not pictured is Rotarian James Jackson.
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Dear Rotarian Friend, governor Ricky,
Please let me follow up on a telephone conversation from last week. Our district D2240 – Czech & Slovak Republics, has started a public collection to help the inhabitants of West, TX. First amounts are rolling in. As you are probably aware, the town of West is populated by many Czech descendants and therefore the situation there is being followed by local media. |
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Dear Ricky
I sent $2,000.00 USD on my credit card on your web page. $1,000.00 has been donated by Club Rotario Monterrey Obispado my Club. $1,000.00 by myself. I will resend your mail to other Clubs in my District.
Yours in Service Miguel Yga Canavati
District 4130 |
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Dear DG Rick
I was very sorry to hear of the news of the devastating explosion at the fertiliser plant in West, Texas with the fatalities, injuries, damage to homes, infrastructure and therefore widespread effect on the community. Knowing the number of injuries compared to the population of the city, I am sure that has had a devastating impact on the whole community with probably every family affected directly in some way.
I was going to ask if you were going to have a District 5870 / District Governor fund or project in response to help the community, but found the answer in your message on the District 5870 website. |
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The Rotary International President, Sakuji Tanaka, challenged each of the
34,000 Rotary Clubs around the world to hold a peace forum and promote Peace Through Service, our 2012-2013 Rotary Theme. The Rotary Club of Giddings held a Peace Forum at Immanuel Luthern School in Giddings, Texas on March 28, 2013. Rotarian, Pastor Robert Tiner, spoke to the students about service to each other, their community, and the world. The focus of the forum was finding peace (both inner and outer) through service to others. The forum culminated in a joint project between the Rotary Club of Giddings, the students of Immanuel Luthern School and Operation Hugs to send care packages to American troops stationed in war zones overseas. Through the students collection efforts, eight large boxes containing toiletries, food and other items unavailable to the trooper were sent directly to them. The students wrote letters and drew pictures to include in the packages to the soldiers to show their appreciation for their service. |
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Two local Texas law firms, The Carlson Law Firm and the Davis Law Firm, are partnering together in an effort to raise money for those injured and displaced in the West, Texas fertilizer plant explosion that occurred on Wednesday night, the attorneys announced. In hopes of igniting others in the community to give, The Carlson Law Firm and Davis Law Firm have pledged $10,000 in an effort to aid those victims of the West tragedy. “In times of tragedy, it’s vital that our communities come together and we help one another. We’re hoping that by stepping up and donating this money, that we can spark a chain reaction of giving and generosity from our colleagues and neighbors,” Carlson Law Firm Managing Partner Craig Carlson said. |
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Members of the Rotary Club of Austin attended the BookSpring Literacy Luncheon today to accept one of the first Literacy Hero Awards for service to the children of Austin through donations of scholarships, books and volunteer hours for literacy programs. (Attending but not pictured: John Braziel, Julia Benkoski, Carl Stuart)
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Three Rotary Clubs in Rotary District 5870, the Rotary Club of Austin, University Area Rotary and Cosmopolitan Rotary, were recognized today at the BookSpring Literacy Luncheon in Austin on April 17, 2013 as the first Literacy Heroes for their outstanding service to the children of Austin through their donations of scholarships, books and volunteer hours to the Bookspring Literacy program. BookSpring is a program that services children age infant to twelve years old by providing books, reading experiences and tolls to children and their families so they can develop a desire to read and succeed in school. |
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The Rotary Club of Austin in partnership with the Austin Hotel Lodging Association, The Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, County Line Restaurants, Rotary Club of Killeen, Toyota Killeen, Super Shuttle and Around Austin hosted a military family from Ft. Hood for an R&R weekend in Austin through Operation Vacation. The family was SFC Julian Benavides, his wife Beatriz and three of their five children. The Hyatt Regency Austin provided lakeside rooms with meals and parking while the family enjoyed a trip on the Duck Adventures and a day at Austin Parks. On Saturday night they were treated to a true Texas BBQ at the County Line on the Lake with flowers and all the trimmings. This program was adopted by the Rotary clubs of Austin and Killeen in order to have a way to thank our military soldiers for the sacrifices they make for us every day while keeping us safe and serving their country. Thanks Austin for showing them a great time and our Austin hospitality. |
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Here are some pictures from this past Saturday's Centennial event. They were taken by Jim Innes, of Austin Images. The largest event (over 435 people) attended this Saturday event, with the incoming Rotary International President keynoting. Lisa Bush, Principal of Fulmore Middle School, accepted a Marquee Sign as a Centennial Project and Adam Nyer, President of the YMBL, accepted a $10,000.00 check for the Sunshine Camps for at-risk youth. Also pictured are our partners from Mexico Rotary District 4610, who accepted $186,000.00 to fund five projects, including eyeglasses, hearing aids and clean water for kids.
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Please join us as we honor two new youth clubs to South Austin Rotary - St. Edward's University (Rotaract) and Bowie High School (Interact). Installation banquet is April 11, 2013 at 6:30pm at Opal Divines, Penn Field location. No cost to members of Interact & Rotaract. Guests & Rotarians cost is $15 each. RSVP to Amber Scarsborough by 4/10/2013 at ascar35@gmail.com or 512.423.6868. |
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District Governor-Nominee Selection - Official Notice:
I am very pleased to announce that the District Governor Nominating Committee Chaired by PDG Tom Chamberlain has selected Melinda Osburn, Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis as District 5870's nominee for Governor of Rotary year 2015-2016. Please join me in congratulating Melinda as we pledge our support and best wishes to her and Tim as they begin this wonderful journey.
Would also like to sincerely thank PDG Tom and his dedicated committee members for their hard work and thoroughness in this very important process. There were four OUTSTANDING candidates that were nominated by their clubs, and each is well qualified and thoroughly dedicated to serve. We can all take pride that our District has such skilled and talented leaders dedicated to the work of Rotary, and willing to make the commitment to serve as Governor.
In accordance with District Resolution 3, Sections 13 and 14 if there is any club "whose candidate was not selected by the Nominating Committee, may resubmit, by club resolution at a regular meeting this name as a candidate for the office of District Governor-Nominee. Such resolution shall be in the hand of the District Governor within 30 days after notice of the selection of the committee..........." if a club resubmits the name of their nominee then the Governor Nominee would be selected at the District Conference business meeting scheduled for afternoon Jun 1, 2013 at the Hyatt Regency Lost Pines in Bastrop.
CONGRATULATIONS MELINDA!! |
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You are invited to join South Austin Rotary Club for their 16th Annual Tee-Up for Rotary Golf Tournament, to be held Saturday April 27th at Onion Creek Club located at Onion Creek Parkway, Austin, TX. Registration opens at 11AM, shotgun begins at 1:30PM (after a boxed lunch). Player entry fee is $125 - includes green fees, golf cart, range balls, player gift bags and dinner & reception.To register online, click here. 100% of the net tournament proceeds go to College Scholarships and local community and international humanitarian projects.
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The Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club team will be raising funds for their Future Vision grant to bring sustainable clean water to the Kasarani community in Kenya by participating in the 5th Annual Shower Strike for sustainable clean water in Kenya and a World Water Day celebration, hosted by Well Aware and the ONE Campaign, presented by Intera. The event is this Friday, March 22 from 6pm to 9pm at the CTC Garden, 1102 E. Ceasar Chavez St., Austin. |
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SARASOTA, Fla., March 21, 2013 – Tim Osburn, ShelterBox USA Board member and Rotarian in District 5870, has been recognized by President Obama and ShelterBox USA with a Presidential Volunteer Service Award for his efforts during 2012 to provide shelter, warmth and dignity for survivors of natural and other disasters worldwide. As we witness the aftermath of disasters like Typhoon Bopha in the Philippines and the Syrian refugee crisis throughout the Middle East, many wish they could make a difference. Osburn knew ShelterBox, an international disaster relief organization, would be on the ground delivering its iconic green boxes containing emergency tented shelter and other lifesaving supplies.
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The Texas Heritage Festival, to be held in conjunction with the first Army Marathon, is set for April 19-20 at the Bell County Expo Center, Belton, Texas. Vendors and entertainment reflecting the rich cultures of Texas will show off their wares and talent, to include polka bands, mariachi music, African American praise dance, Asian Pacific musical groups and the First Cavalry Division Band. The Army Marathon will be held Sunday, April 21, starting in Killeen and finishing in Temple. There will be something that appeals to all age groups. Admission is free. All proceeds will benefit local and international Rotary projects. For more information and/or to be a sponsor, contact either Jennifer McCann, jennifer@qualityprintingcheap.com ; Don Nicholas, don@zuricanllc.com ; or Nancy Travis, nancy.travis@ahss.org . For more information on the Army Marathon, go to www.thearmymarathon.com . |
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The Killeen Heights' Rotary Club 15th Annual Crawfish Boil & Silent Auction is set for Saturday May 4, 2013 from 11am to 3pm at the Killeen Special Events Center. Your a choice of crawfish, catfish, chicken. In addition, to great eats there will be live music from Jerry Haisler & Melody 5. Ticket prices are $12.00; At the Door: $15.00. You can purchase tickets by contacting a Killeen Heights Rotary Club Member |
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On March 5, 2013, the Texas House of Representatives passed HB 459, a |
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World Rotaract Week, 11-17 March, commemorates the 1968 chartering of the first club, in North Carolina, USA. During the week, Rotaract clubs are asked to partner with their sponsor Rotary clubs on a service project and to encourage a nearby Rotary club to sponsor a new Rotaract club in the area. Also, members of the Rotaract and sponsor clubs are encouraged to attend each other's meetings. |
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Northwest Waco Rotary Club recently awarded scholarships to two Texas State Technical College students for the 2012-2013 year. Pictured at a reception honoring donors and recipients are, from left, Northwest Waco Rotarian Vic Russell, TSTC Automotive Technology student Ryan Winstead, TSTC Automotive Collision and Management Technology student Jovanny Jimenez, and Northwest Waco Rotary Club President Kim Patterson.
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The Rotary Club of Rockdale is hosting it's 21st Annual Scholarship Golf Scramble, Mike McFalls Memorial. This is a two day event: Friday, April 5th (Fun Night) and Saturday, April 6th (Golf Tournament) to be held at the Rockdale Country Club. Fun Night begins at 6:30pm with a list of activities: food, refreshments, posting to teams, drinks at the "Gab" and Graze and Swap fest. Golf Tournament check-in is 8:45am; 9:15am Shoot Gun start. Prizes include 2013 Buick 1st Hole-in-One and other prizes for any other Par 3 Hole-in-One. For more info contact Homer Mowdy, 512.760.5695. |
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Join RC of Austin Oakhill for their 15th Annual Col. Pat Speir Memorial Golf Tournament, April 22 at Falconhead Golf Course. Format: Four person scramble, low gross and blind bogey. Registration opens at 11am, shotgun starts at 1pm. For more information, contact Dan Rioux 512.825.5287. Register online or click to download registration form. |
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The registration for the Conference of Rotary Clubs on May 31- June 2 is now open. The price for this 3 day event is $125 for the first 300 people, after that the price increases to $199. Onsite registration will be $199. The last day to register via the website in May 28. Location: Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort & Spa, Bastrop, TX. Come for the networking, friendships, and great entertainment - Authentic Hawaiian Luau & Professional Hula Halau. Use button below to register for conference.
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Phyllis Simmonds asked me to post this on her behalf:
My sincerest gratitude to the members of the Giddings' Rotary for awarding me a PHF. It is my pleasure to be involved with an outstanding group of young people who serve others. I look forward to working with teenagers every day. I want to commend the members of Rotary who support Interact in every way! Other communities have asked me how to get an Interact club going and my response is always, " It takes a village!" It is my pleasure to be affiliated with and supported by Giddings Rotary Club! |
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Today was my 6 month anniversary in this beautiful country. I want to say thank you for everyone who made this possible for me. It has been a while since I have written and a bunch has happened! One thing that has happened is that I have turn nineteen! My birthday celebration was one that I hope I never forget. For my birthday, my new host family invited my last host family to have dinner in honor of my big day. My host sister’s boyfriend, who is studying to become a master-chef, personally made me THREE different desserts! I felt so fortunate, not just because of the desserts, but because I felt so cherished by everything that was done. My host family made some of my favorite food! Beef was the main dish, green beans, cake, nutella macaroons, and so much other yummy dishes. My new host family is really great! They are very different from my last one, but still just as great!
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This week we're celebrating Rotary's 108 years of humanitarian service.
Share how Rotary has impacted your life on Twitter with the hash tag #ri108 or the Rotary International Facebook page. Or celebrate by donating US$108 to The Rotary Foundation at www.rotary.org/contribute?fb. |
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We are all very excited to Congratulate the Rotary Club of Round Rock Sunrise for becoming District 5870's first EREY and first 100% Sustaining Member Club of The Rotary Foundation for 2012-2013!! Less than 1,000 of more than 34,000 Rotary Clubs in the world achieve 100% Sustaining Member status. Fantastic accomplishment and testament to the leadership of President Rachel Birkhead, and Foundation Chair Randy Ricklefs, and the entire membership's strong support for the humanitarian work made possible through our Rotary Foundation. Job Extremely Well Done!!
Would also like to Congratulate the Rotary Club of Killeen for becoming the First 100% Paul Harris Fellow Club during 2012-2013. A very prestigious accomplishment that shows the dedications and very strong support for the work of our Rotary Foundations. Special thank you to the leadership of President Allen Cloud, and Rotary Foundation Chair PDG Rex Weaver and the entire membership for this Fantastic Achievement!!
Also.. Very special Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Killeen Evening for becoming the FIRST, and from what appears to be the FIRST EVER 100% BENEFACTOR CLUB in our District. A 100% Benefactor Club is very rare and a status very few clubs in the world have ever accomplished!! I would like to congratulate the entire club for their very strong support of The Rotary Foundation's Permanent Fund, and a very special thank you to President Mark Rogers who, at the beginning of the Rotary Year, committed his club to becoming the First 100% Benefactor Club. True leadership in Making It Happen!! |
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The student service club at Dawson Elementary kicking off their pennies
for patients project and planning their Soles for Souls service project
and their campus project. |
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 Receiving the PHF is Club President Teresa Minnix, presented by District Governor Rick Price
Receiving PHF are Charles Mooney, Bonnie Mullens and Mynettee Taylor... Presenting the awards are DGE Rich Kaye. |
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Two Ft. Hood Soldiers and their families were selected through Operation Vacation for a very special Valentines weekend in Austin. Sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen, Austin Hotel Lodging Association, Greater Restaurant Association, Country Line Restaurants, Killeen Toyota, Around Austin, Austin Convention & Visitor's Association and SuperShuttle, SSG Christenson and his wife and three children were hosted by the Hilton Austin Hotel and SFC Nelson, his wife and two children were hosted by Four Seasons for a two night stay with all the trimmings(rooms, entertainment, meals and gifts). This is the sixth year these Austin sponsors have participated in Operation Vacation, an organization that arranges R&R for soldiers who have served tours overseas as a thank you for their service and to give the families quality time together and they have hosted more than seventy families in Austin. What a great way to show these families how much They are loved! |
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On 01-28-2013, 2011-2012 Itasca Rotary President, Joe Marek and current Itasca Rotary Club President Bob Wilson were presented with a Certificate: Honoring 75 Years of MEMBERSHIP IN ROTARY INTERNATIONAL. The Rotary Club of Itasca, Texas U.S.A. admitted 22 March 1937. The club was founded and started with the assistance of Earl Farrow in 1937. Earl Farrow also was the founder of the Hill County Electric Cooperative which is still going strong and supporting the community to this day.
Standing on left--Joe Marek-2011-2012 President. Standing Middle--Mike Mabry-District 5870 A.G. Standing right--Bob Wilson-2012-2013 President |
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 Northwest Waco Rotary Club recently donated $780 to Pack of Hope to help provide nutritious food for area schoolchildren who are at risk of going hungry on the weekends. Thanks to a match, this gift will provide food for six children every weekend for an entire school year. Pictured at the gift presentation at the recent Pack of Hope fundraiser are (left to right): Hazel Rowe, Johnny Tusa, Sheree Corn, Jane Bounds (with check), Northwest Waco Rotarians James Jackson and Greg Evans, and James Betts, Cheryl Pooler and Terry Lechler. |
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District Historian Jack Mayo provides this obituary courtesy of RGHF = Rotary Global History Fellowship. From the Chicago Tribune: January 27, 1947 -- Paul P. Harris, founder of Rotary International, and its president emeritus, died yesterday in his home, known as Comely Bank, 10856 Longwood Drive, Chicago, Il. He was 79 and has been in failing health in recent years. He was a lawyer in private life. Mr. Harris founded Rotary in 1905, and since then had seen it grow from a single club with a few members in Chicago to 5,638 clubs in 75 countries with more than 259,000 members. |
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RI President-elect Ron Burton will ask Rotarians to Engage Rotary, Change Lives in 2013-14.
He unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of the 2013 International Assembly in San Diego,
California, USA, the annual training event for incoming district governors.
“If we really want to take Rotary service forward, then we must make sure that every single Rotarian has the same
feeling about Rotary that each one of us here has today,” Burton said. “We need to make sure that every Rotarian
has a meaningful role to play, that they’re all making a contribution, and that their contribution is valued.” |
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Students at Dawson Elementary were honored in the knighting ceremony for their EarlyAct FirstKnight character building program. The students were selected by their teachers for exhibiting the character trait of the month. Parents were invited to share this honor with their children. What a great program that is making a difference for the next generation of leaders. |
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 The Rotary Club of Austin and Killeen in partnership with Austin Hotel Lodging Association, Greater Austin Restaurant Association, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Around Austin, Inc. greeted another military family from Ft. Hood for a weekend of fun in Austin through Operation Vacation . SFC David Hunt and his three children, Sananda(15), Dhaelon(16) and Mason (6 months) were hosted by the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel. The children’s mom is stationed in Afghanistan. The family enjoyed dinner at the Roaring Fork and The County Line and the children spent Saturday at Austin’s Park playing video games, driving motor cars and playing miniature golf. What a great way to say thank you for the sacrifices these families make while their parents serve our country and keep us safe. |
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On Tuesday, January 15th @ 10:30 am the new Electronic Display Sign at Fulmore Middle School will be dedicated. Principal Lisa Bush has said that a new electronic display sign has been on her wish list for a number of years. With funding tight at AISD, the Rotary Club of Austin agreed to completely fund the purchase, installation, and subsequent maintenance of the new sign. It is one of the Club’s civic projects this year to help celebrate their 100 years of service to the community.
Location: Fulmore Middle School, 201 E Mary Street Date: January 15, 2013 Time: 10:30-11:00am (30 minutes) Participants: The whole school and representatives from the Rotary Club of Austin Contact person: Ronney Reynolds, 206-3141, ronney@reynoldsfranke.com |
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Justice Phil Johnson will be the Capitol of Texas speaker on January 16, 2013. They will be meeting in the Supreme Court Courtroom. The Supreme Court building is directly northwest of the Capitol, and the entrance to the Supreme Court Building is directly outside the north entrance to the Capitol and then to the left, past the rose garden. When you enter, there’s a big foyer and the courtroom is on the left. This is in case someone doesn’t want to meet in the Grill and would prefer to go directly there. Meeting time starts at 7:45am , but since the Grill now opens at 7:00, if anyone wants to eat first, there will be plenty of time. Food is not allowed in the courtroom.
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Ms Lola Margret Focke, wife of the late Herman Focke passed away on Tuesday, January 8th. Herman served as D5870 (587) Governor 1982-1983 and was a member of the Rotary Club of Mexia. Funeral service will be held at Blair-Stubbs Chapel in Mexia at 11:00 AM on Friday January 11, 2013. You may leave condolences or share memories at the link below.
http://www.blair-stubbs.com/book-of-memories/1461785/Focke-Lola/service-details.php |
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Zach Stachura, a 4th grader at Clayton Elementary in Austin was honored today at the Rotary Club of Austin meeting for developing his own service project to help the victims of the Hurricane Sandy Disaster. Zach decided he wanted to figure out a way to help the children who had lost everything in the Sandy storm and would not get to celebrate Halloween and with guidance from his parents, Dave and Jill Stachura, both managers at AMD, Zach recruited his brothers, neighbors and friends to collect Halloween candy. Once they collected one hundred and eight pounds of candy, Zach took it to his orthodontist, Mary Kay Bechee, who paid the kids a dollar a pound for the candy and then matched that amount. So Zach’s service project sent over two hundred dollars to the hurricane area of Sandy through the Red Cross. Then the orthodontist sent the candy that was collected to our servicemen overseas for a holiday surprise. So through a desire to help others, Zach was able to help two groups with his donations. Mary Reynolds, a Rotary club member arranged for Zach to come and share his story at the Rotary meeting because Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self and the club wanted to honor Zach with an award. But to make the event even more special for a ten year old young man, Mary arranged for one of the knights with the EarlyAct FirstKnight Rotary project that teaches service and character to students in elementary schools to come and knight young Stachura with a medallion and a tap on the shoulder with a real sword. When the club asked Zach what his next project might be he said he wanted to start a service club at his school so they could do more projects to help people in need. The Rotary club is going to work with Zach to make that wish a reality. |
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As one of the top ten recipients of on-line votes, Rotary International gets a big share of United's charity miles. Rotary finished second to Shriners Hospitals for Children. Wounded Warrior Project placed third in the hearts of on-line voters. These miles will help fly our keynote speaker, RI President-Elect Ron Burton, to Austin for our Centennial Roundup Luncheon Saturday April 6. To all who voted in the United Airlines charity miles giveaway, "thanks for voting for Rotary."
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I am very happy to report that Ms Tara Boggaram, a student at the University of Texas has been selected and accepted as our representative to the Peace Conference. Tara is a delightful young woman that enthusiastically embraces this opportunity. Would like to acknowledge and specifically thank Ms Bryn Cain, Rotary World Peace Fellow for recommending Tara, and Rotarian Laraine Lasdon (RC of Austin) for ensuring the applications were completed and submitted to the selection committee in Tel Aviv. Would also like to thank The Rotary Club of Austin for being the sponsor, and Erin Garica and Judy Duer of the Youth Exchange Committee for their efforts in pulling this all together.
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 See Rotary’s float on ABC, NBC, HGTV and Hallmark Channel Tuesday January 1 at 10 am. Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade dates back to 1890. The Rose Bowl football game was first played in 1902, and has been played annually since 1916. Rotary has had a float in the Rose Parade since 1927. Everybody knows the swoosh stands for Nike and double arches stand for McDonalds. The goal of Rotary’s Rose Parade Float Committee is for everyone viewing the parade to understand that the Rotary wheel is worn by business executives, professionals and civic leaders with high ethical standards who are members of Rotary Clubs advancing international understanding and goodwill. Parade commentators tell the Rotary message while our float passes the reviewing stand. Let your family hear them praise our effort to eradicate polio from the planet.
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The Newtown Rotary Club has been active in the Newtown community since 1939. Our youth leadership programs have brought us close to many students and teachers over the years. In this time of need, we are working to provide for the community's short term and long term needs. Please help us by making a tax-deductible donation either by sending a check to the Newtown Rotary Sandy Hook School Fund, PO Box 263, Newtown, CT 06470 or through PayPal at www.newtownctrotary.org/donate.cfm
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The Rotary Club of Austin in conjunction with the Austin Hotel Lodging Association, Greater Austin Restaurant Association, Killeen Rotary, Killeen Toyota, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Around Austin, Inc. hosted our December Ft. Hood military family for Operation Vacation on December 14-16 at the Barton Creek Resort & Spa. 1Sg Mark Pool and his wife Mary and three children received a complimentary two nite stay in Austin with a hosted dinner Friday nite at the hotel and Saturday nite at County Line on the Hill. The family also received gift certificates to some of the attractions of Austin as well as gifts, toys and snacks. They had a Christmas holiday in Austin and it is our way of saying thank you to them for their service to our country.
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Northwest Waco Rotary Club members Bryan Fonville, left, and Greg Evans deliver some of the dozens of toys and household goods donated by club members to the Family Abuse Center’s Holiday Helpers program. Along with the Family Abuse Center, Northwest Waco Rotary Club this year has supported the Talitha Koum Nurture Center, Rapoport Academy Meyer High School and Habitat for Humanity, and it has provided five scholarships for students at McLennan Community College and Texas State Technical College. |
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This year's Lonestar P.E.T.S. is scheduled to start at 6 P.M. on Thursday, February 28th with a reception and continue through 12 Noon on Sunday, March 3rd. Lone Star P.E.T.S. is held at the DFW Hyatt Regency Hotel. Download P.E.T.S 2013 Program.
Registration is a two part process: First, register for P.E.T.S. at www.lonestarrotarypets.org. Then, make your hotel room reservation by contacting the DFW Hyatt Regency Hotel at (972) 453-1234 - be SURE to tell them you're attending P.E.T.S. in order to receive the discounted rate. P.E.T.S., is designed to prepare Presidents-elect to become Club Presidents by addressing the leadership and management skills needed for the position, and by reinforcing knowledge of Rotary International, its programs and opportunities for service. Attendance at P.E.T.S. is mandatory in order to become a Club President. |
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Five members of Northwest Waco Rotary Club were recently recognized as first-time or multiple Rotary Paul Harris Fellows, which means they have each contributed a minimum of $1,000 to the Rotary Foundation to benefit Rotary causes worldwide. Pictured, from left, are Rotary District 5870 Foundation Chair Ken Adams, Bill Wardlaw (PHF+3), Jill Jones (PHF), Walter Boyd (PHF+2), Vic Russell (PHF+1), Mike Hall (PHF) and Club President Kim Patterson. Since its inception, Northwest Waco Rotary Club has had 58 members earn Paul Harris Fellow status; this is the first time the club has had five members reach the goal simultaneously. |
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The Rotary Club of Austin members attended the 100th year celebration of the San Antonio Rotary club on November 9, 2012 at the Grand Hyatt in San Antonio
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In November, Ft. Hood SPC Steven Svach and his wife, Brittany were hosted for a weekend in Austin through Operation Vacation. The sponsors of this program are the Rotary Club of Austin and Killeen, Greater Austin Restaurant Association, Austin Hotel Lodging Association, Austin Convention & Visitors Association, and Killeen Toyota. The Courtyard Marriott South provided a two night stay at their hotel on Friday and Saturday with meals. The County Line on the Lake hosted a private candlelight dinner of barbeque with all the trimmings at their restaurant and surprised the couple with flowers and some spending money. The sponsors provided the couple with a gift bag of goodies and Austin entertainment coupons. This is our way of saying thank you to the men and women who serve our country and the families would the sacrifices they make to keep us safe. God bless our military!
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The Rotary Club of Giddings is proud to announce that four of its members were awarded the presigious Paul Harris Fellow Award at the November 1, 2012 meeting
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The Rotary Club of Austin in conjunction with the Austin Hotel Lodging Association, Greater Austin Restaurant Association, Killeen Rotary, Killeen Toyota, Austin Convention and Visitors Bureau and Around Austin, Inc. hosted our October Ft. Hood military family for Operation Vacation on October 19-21 at the Austin Embassy Suites Central Hotel. 1Sg David Yu and his wife, Joo Your and four children received a complimentary two nite stay in Austin with a hosted dinner Friday nite at the hotel and Saturday nite at County Line on the Lake. The family also received gift certificates to some of the attractions of Austin as well as gifts, toys and snacks. They had a great time in Austin and it is our way of saying thank you to them for their service to our country.
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The Rotary Club of Austin in conjunction with Rotary District 5810 and the Rotary Club of Garland were able to arrange a community project for the Meeting Professionals Conference in Dallas October 18-19. The attendees at the conference collected art supplies for the Achievement Center of Texas located in Dallas for an art festival the center holds for their children with special needs to bring community awareness through art for these talented children with special needs. The art supplies were presented to the Director of the Center, Marilynne Seire and a Garland Rotarian, John Johnston during the convention. Rotary makes a difference all over the world.
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EAFK Knighting Ceremony at Harker Heights Elementary was held on October 22. Sir Cass shares the stage with soldiers from Fort Hood, who join together to honor young people for the virtue of "service". EAFK is proud to partner with the United States military, law enforcement, and other agencies who live by a knightly code, to let kids know the kind of character it takes to make a real difference in the world.
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Northwest Waco Rotary Club recently worked with Habitat for Humanity to build a wheelchair ramp at a Waco home. Pictured on the front row, left to right, are Habitat staff member Angie Moore, Fawn Robinson, Greg Evans, Habitat staff member Robyn Trippe, and Kim Patterson. Back row, left to right: Bryan Fonville, James Jackson, Del Follis, Caleb Follis, Mike Hall, Tom Yows, Steve Smith and Ken Luikart.
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Please join us for RYLA Roundup, November 3 from 11:00am to 2:00pm at Seton Medical Center - Williamson.This will be a great opportunity to learn about R.Y.L.A. if you are a new Club Coordinator, President, or Volunteer. If your Club has participated in the program, come and share your input or questions. Learn the best ways to reach and select candidates for camp and hear from former campers now serving on staff.Be sure to dress comfortably as there will be some “Interactive Learning Experiences.”
R.Y.L.A Roundup is an entertaining and informative few hours that can help your club make a significant difference in the life of a young person in your community so come and join in the fun! We’ll provide a light lunch and wrap up in time for you to enjoy your Saturday afternoon. Kindly R.S.V.P. to Carroll Sharp (361-550-6457) we want to have plenty of room and refreshments. On behalf of the entire R.Y.L.A. staff, we look forward to seeing you! |
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The Rotary Club of Austin-Oakhill presents a Murder Mystery Fundraiser to benefit their community literacy projects. The event is on October 13 at VFW Post 4433, 7614 Thomas Spring Rd., Austin from 5:30 to 9:30pm. Tickets are $20 each and includes dinner plus 1 free alcoholic beverage. RSVP to Maria Gavilan by Oct 10.
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Rotary Club of Hutto"s Annual Veteran's Memorial Gold Tournament will be November 12 at the Golf Club at Star Ranch, 2500 FM 685, Hutto. This event is Army vs Navy vs Air Force vs Marines vs Coast Guard. For more information contact Doug Killian.
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Rotary International President, Sakuji Tanaka, participates in a special EAFK knighting ceremony at North Shore Elementary in Houston, and was knighted, himself, by KoG's Sir William McCoy. EAFK is sponsored by Rotary Clubs everywhere, and for President Tanaka to receive the accolade in our program is a great compliment and high honor. This is a major FIRST.
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Copperas Cove Rotary Club is hosting their 2nd Annual Veteran's Day Golf Tournament on November 10 at Hills of the Cove Golf Course. Shotgun starts at 8am. The ticket price includes green fee, cart & lunch. Lots of door/raffle prizes, longest drive & closest to pin prizes plus Hole in 1 = $20,000 car. For more information, contact Norm Mitchell 254-371-4334.
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Today is the International Day of Peace. Polio survivor and "This Close" participant Desmond Tutu writes on how the Rotary Peace Centers are creating the next generation of peacemakers. |
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Northwest Waco Rotary Club recently donated $1,000 to the Rapoport Academy Meyer High School to support book scholarships for college-bound dual-credit students. Pictured, from left, are student council representatives Victoria Acker, Zoe Garman and Anna Schattschneider, Rotarians Bryan Fonville, Greg Evans, Jill Jones and Kim Patterson, and student council representatives Exavier Jackson, Ashley Rodriguez, Paul Schattschneider and Ashley Bardin. |
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The Rotary Club of Austin along with our partners Rotary Club of Killeen, Austin Hotel Lodging Association, Greater Austin Restaurant Association, Austin Convention & Visitor’s Bureau, Toyota Killeen and Around Austin, Inc. hosted a military family from Ft. Hood for this past weekend at The Driskill Hotel. The picture is SSG Isaak Rashkovsky, his wife Kristin and son Ethan. The Driskill provided the family with a complimentary two night stay with meals and a gift basket, the County Line on the Hill hosted their Saturday night dinner, Toyota Killeen hosted a rent car for the weekend and the two Rotary clubs put together spending money, entertainment vouchers and treats for the family. This Operation Vacation project is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Austin and Killeen.
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The Rotary Club of Austin sponsored a Splash Day for the children of the Helping Hands Home in Austin. The perfect way to spend a hot day before going back to school.
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Rotarians from the Cosmopolitan and University Rotary Clubs were on hand September 10th for the student orientation with Pecan Springs Elementary in Austin for Early Act First Knight. It was a grand day with Sir Cass.
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The Rotary Clubs of Killeen, Killeen Heights, Killeen Evening, Harker Heights and Copperas Cove and the City of Harker Heights Parks and Recreation Department are joining together again this year to raise awareness and funds for the eradication of polio with their Monster Dash 5K walk/run, 5K team (four person) competition, 10K run, and 10K hand cycle race event. There will also be the free, ¼ mile, Little Monster Dash for children 10 years old and under. All proceeds from this event will be used by The Rotary Foundation for the eradication of polio. Costumes, especially for the Little Monster Dash, are encouraged. This is a sanctioned race of the Cen-Tex race series. The event is Saturday, Oct 27 at the Harker Heights Community Park. The 10K run and 10K handcycle start at 8am. The 5K walk/run and 5K team run start at 8:30am. Registration forms for both individuals and teams can be found in the "Downloads" section. For more information on this event, contact Tom Malhosky |
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West Austin Rotary packed 50 backpacks with school supplies for the Wooldridge Elementary Kindergartners. They packed up all backpacks in 26 minutes. JC Penny and HEB donated some of the supplies and the West Austin Rotary Club bought the rest.The attached photo is of a bunch of the West Austin Rotarians (Jerry Goodrich, Carol Gyergyo, Jack Solka, Mark Kurusz, Hilton Hunt and Charlie Jackson, and Mike Wyszkowski) packing the school supplies.
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The Northwest Waco Rotary Club held its 5th annual Beach Party fundraiser on Aug. 10 at Knox Hall in the Texas Ranger Museum, with dance music provided by local oldies band The Morticians. Ticket sales, sponsorships, and silent auction items garnered $9,000, which will be used for scholarships to McLennan Community College and Texas State Technical College. Decked out in their Hawaiian gear, attendees enjoy an evening of good food, music, dancing, conversation, and bidding wars.
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