My first 3 weeks as your governor have started off well. I have visited 6 clubs and have received warm welcomes by all!
I am enjoying meeting my fellow Rotarians and getting to know the clubs and their projects.
Please keep me in mind and send me info to your fundraisers and projects. I don’t think I’ll be able to attend all of them, but I’ll sure try, schedule permitting.
Please register for “Rotary Round Up,” our district Membership, Foundation and Public Image seminar on September 7 in Galveston. Hope to see you there.
I’m excited about this year and looking forward to helping Rotarians Connect the World!
You are invited to the Rotary Round-Up--Membership, Foundation & Public Image Seminar. Please register using the link you received by email or the event lising on the District website.
Event: Rotary Round-Up--Memb., Foundation & PI Seminar
Date: Sep 07, 2019 8:00 AM - Sep 07, 2019 3:30 PM
Fee: $32.00
Location: UTMB Levin Hall 102 Market Street Galveston , TX 77550
Details:
Join us for Rotary Round-Up! This is our annual Membership, Foundation, and Public Image Training Seminar. Everyone is invited to come and sharpen their skills in these areas. Keynote and closing addresses will be given by 2017 Rotary Peace Fellow Scott Martin. The following workshops will be offered:
Foundation--Global Grants and End Polio Now Update with screening of Dare to Dream
Membership--Innovative ways to recruit new members and engage current members
Public Image--How to create a press release (please bring information about an upcoming project or recent project to create a press release during the session) and Being a guest at your own club
About Scott Martin
Scott is a Founding Member of Mediators Beyond Borders Int. (MBBI) and former Co-Leader of the Rwanda Team; working with survivors of war, genocide and sexual abuse to develop training in trauma awareness and non-violent conflict resolution. Scott is now working on the Cambodia Project focused on using social entrepreneurship to build capacity for community mediation centers and is the Lead Trainer for Peace Conversation Program which is system for addressing intra-group conflict through dialogue and facilitation skill building.
Registration is $32 and can be paid by credit card, cash or check. If paying by cash or check, please be sure payment is received by the seminar date.
Fewer than half the clubs in District 5910 have designated specific Membership, Public Relations, and Foundation contacts in their Club Executive Lists. Please update this as soon as possible so that email notices can go to the appropriate person in your Club who handles these important dedicated roles. Club Presidents and Club Secretaries can update this through your Club's ClubRunner web administration page under the Club Executives Link or at the District level if you use another web hosting program. Please note that the same person may fill multiple roles, so list them for each role they serve in your Club. Contact Bunny Pratt at bunny@bcins.net or text 979.571.9826 with your Name and Club Name if you need assistance with this task.
The Rotary Club of Magnolia in cooperation with District 5910 is pursuing a Global Grant from the Rotary Foundation. The purpose of my letter to you is to seek your support for our Peace and Conflict Prevention project, Building Sustainable Peace in Sierra Leone (West Africa).
The Magnolia Club will serve as the International partner, the Host partner is the Bo club of Sierra Leone and we will be working with Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI), one of only five official Rotary Foundation recognized Service Partners. Our project will develop women and youth leaders through training and coaching to become peace developers. Our project supports United Nations resolutions 1325 calling for increased participation of women at all levels of decision making and the prevention and resolution of conflict and United Nations Security Council adopted resolution 2250 which emphasizes the importance of youth as change agents in the maintenance and promotion of peace and security. MBBI has had great success planting the seeds of sustainable peace in developing countries. We are fortunate to be working with this very experienced and successful organization.
We will be sending a six person professional training team to conduct two 5-day residential training programs along with follow-up coaching over a one-year period. Our project budget is $115,000. I can report that we have received more than $72,000 in pledges including matches from the District and the Rotary Foundation to date. With matches, we are only $17,000 short of our goal if the pledges originate from clubs within our district.
Please consider making a personal pledge or including this project in your club’s budget to fulfill your club’s International objective. Every dollar pledged when matched by the District and the Rotary Foundation becomes $2.50 towards our financial needs. No funds are required now. Pledges will become due late in 2019.
For more details about this evidence-based project, (Rotary Foundation GG1981756), visit the following website: http://www.matchinggrants.org/global/project1815.html. I’m also enclosing a project summary. Feel free to contact me directly if you have any questions. I may also be available to meet with you or to brief your club.
If successful, this will be District 5910’s first Peace and Conflict Prevention Global Grant. Please feel free to contact me at rprovencher@mac.com. Your support is very much needed and appreciated.
Our 2018-2019 Outbound Students are back at home !
Our students, who have spent the 2018-2019 school year abroad, have returned home to Texas: Marit from Nacogdoches who spent a year in Germany, Annemarie from Huntsville who lived in Italy for year, Irma from Bryan and Regan from Friendswood who both lived in France, Willie from League City who went to Spain, and Geena, also from League City, who enjoyed a year in Brazil.
Not surprisingly, all students were in high spirit, full of wonderful memories and could not wait to share their stories with each other and with us, the members of the Youth Exchange Committee who had prepared them to live abroad for a year: our District YEO (Youth Exchange Officer) Carol Mattingly, Doris Lockey, Chris Turner, Ulli Budelmann, and our Rotex Zoë Garza. We all met July 28 and 29 at Camp Allen in Navasota for a “Rebound Camp”.
First the Committee met with just the parents of the students to learn what they experienced when their son or daughter came home after one year abroad, not only being a year older but also much more independent, self-confident and thus significantly more mature. No wonder to us, what is known as the “Reversed Culture Shock“ was experienced not only by the students but by their parents as well.
When the parents had left and we met with the students alone, one question we asked the students was what they missed or found a little surprising or maybe even “irritating” when they were back in the US. See below some of their answers.
Luckily, however, they saw those differences between their “original” home in Texas and their now second and “new” home abroad not as something being better or worse but as something just “different”. Clearly, they now see the world through eyes much wider open than a year before and they now easily appreciate and accept the diversity around the world.
When asked what they were most proud of after their year abroad, they all said “having learned another language and having become more confident interacting with people they never met before”. And they all agreed that the past year was the best year of their lives. Is there any better outcome that a year as an exchange student can have?
Our 2019-2020 Outbound Students are leaving!
A “Bon Voyage” to our Outbound Student who will soon be leaving our District (between August 10 and September 6) to spend a year somewhere else on the globe: Isabel (Friendswood > Japan), Justin (Lake Conroe > Italy), Kasidy (College Station > Germany), Noah (Lake Conroe > Spain), Rachel (College Station > France), Shannon (Bryan > Thailand), and Sophia (Friendswood > France). In fact, David (The Woodlands) has already arrived two weeks ago in Brazil. Please join us in wishing all students a wonderful year abroad.
Our 2019-2020 Inbound Students are almost here!
The past month was a particularly heavy workload for Carol Mattingly, our District YEO, and other members of the Youth Exchange Committee (on Doris Lockey and the scribe, to mention just two). But luckily almost all bureaucracy is done (or at least is under control) and we are ready to welcome our new Inbound Students, who will be arriving the first week in August: Alice (Brazil > College Station), Baptiste (France > Palestine), Cristina (Spain > Huntsville), Donruethai “Ploy” (Thailand > Galveston), Eloise (France > Livingston), Greta (Germany > The Woodlands), Laura (Brazil > Friendswood), Letizia (Italy > Lake Conroe), and Sophie (Switzerland > Bryan). Again a sincere “Thank You” to all the clubs who have agreed to host these students for a year and specifically to the host families who will accept the students into their homes as new family members. In case the families do not know it, they play the most important role in making the students’ stay in the US a successful experience. Please join us in welcoming our new students when you see them and help us to make their year in Texas the best year of their lives.
“Rotary is indeed a family. Yet too often, the structure of membership or the demands of leadership seem to place Rotary out of reach for today’s younger professionals. Rotary can and should be an experience that complements our families instead of competing with them.”
Wiser words were never spoken so well from Mark Daniel Maloney, President, Rotary International, 2019-2020. Summer presents opportunities for family to visit your Rotary meeting, help with service projects, or work with fundraisers. Kate Rudasill, Lufkin Club Rotary President, recalls attending Rotary with her Father, “I remember being seated to eat lunch at the Rotary Club Meeting and looking out at a group of men, dressed in suits looking back at me.”
Today, Kate’s love of Rotary lives on as she has taken the role as President this year. In July, she graciously entertains her nieces and nephews for a week at “Aunt Cake Camp” and that included all 4 of them joining our meeting in July to welcome Sharon Shaw, Administrator of the Angelina County and Cities Health District as speaker. Family of Rotary commends Kate for her family tradition of Rotary. Start your Rotary tradition, bring family to Rotary!
Kate Rudasill, Lufkin Rotary Club President With Cyrus, Elizabeth, Susanna, Miriam
With club president Kate Rudasill is her nephew, and future Rotarian, Cyrus.
The Rotary Club of Aggieland installed 2019-20 Officers. Fred A. Patterson was installed as president. Amy Supak, as past president; Barbie Patterson as president elect; Jarrod Hix as secretary and treasurer; Steve Perrone as club service; Lloyd Nelson as public relations chair; Jennifer Hathaway as RYLA chair; Averyt Knapp as social coordinatior; Brett McCullly as Rotary Foundation chair and Sally Reigle as membership chair. Steve Perrone was also named Rotarian for the 2018-19 year.
Friendswood Rotarians who made a $500 donation to the 50th Anniversary Apollo 11 received an autographed street banner and a commemorative cap. These Rotarians are Derrick Brown, Brett Banfield, Sally Branson, Mike Foreman, Robin Hall, Rebecca Hillenburg, Kevin Holland, Allan Rasmussen, Cassie McGarvey, Monireh Moghaddam, and Judy Wiggins.
Friday night's Movie in the Park is Disney's Ralph Breaks the Internet! Rotary Club of Friendswood participated by purchasing the equipment to help make this event happen.
All movies begin at dusk at Centennial Park except the August 9th "Dive-In Movie" which will be held at Stevenson Park's pool.
Chris and Ute Schneider were guest speakers at today's meeting. Ute spoke about a polio fundraising event she started a few years ago called the Ride to End Polio. Chris, who is the 5890 Past District Governor, spoke about Houston being selected as the host city for Rotary International's Convention in 2022.
Judy Wiggins and Meredith Levine were named "Rotarians of the Year" by Past President, Dr. Monireh Moghaddam.
This annual award may be given to members who clearly stand out in demonstrating “Service Above Self” in their daily activities and who promote Rotary by their actions and involvements that are principled by their commitment to the Four-Way Test. Judy and Meredith are both outstanding club members who have made significant contributions to the mission and operation of the Rotary Club of Friendswood.
The Rotary Clubs of Friendswood and League City are excited to host The Second Annual Rotary Regatta on Clear Creek Sunday, October 20, 2019. It is a 7 mile canoe/kayak race that begins at 1776 Park in Friendswood and ends at Countryside Park in League City. This race was established to bring some fun and awareness to Clear Creek and the two Rotary Clubs.
The Regatta kicks off at 9:00 am at 1776 Park at 450 FM 2351 in Friendswood. There will be refreshments and festivities with live entertainment after the paddle at Countryside Park at 100 Alderwood in League City. Registration is open with a $35.00 fee. For more information send an email to info@rotaryregatta.org or visit the face book page https://www.faceboo.com/rotaryregattaonclearcreek.
Rotarian Judy Johnson (right) was recognized as a new Paul Harris Fellow at a recent Rotary Club of Galveston meeting by Immediate Past President Ruth Finkelstein Suhler.
Rotarian Marie Robb (right) was recognized as a new Paul Harris Fellow at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Galveston. District Governor, Betsy Robinson, and Club President, Jim Byrom also pictured.
Rotarian Leslie Von Der Aue (right), a transfer from the Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis in Austin, was introduced as a new member at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Galveston. Presenting Leslie to the membership were President Jim Byrom and Immediate Past President, Ruth Finkelstein Suhler.
Bill Boudreaux (center) was introduced recently to the membership of the Rotary Club of Galveston as the club's newest member. Boudreaux transferred from a club in the Houston area. Also pictured are Jim Byrom, Club President, and Ruth Finkelstein Suhler, Immediate Past President.
The Rotary Club of Galveston recently announced the winners (a tie for the first year) of their inaugural "Employee of the Year" competition. Criteria for consideration to receive this award was based on Rotary International's Four-Way Test - a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. Judges for this inaugural competition were the presidents of the three Brazoria County Rotary Clubs. Vida Rector, Assistant Administrator of the Dr. Leon Bromberg Charitable Trust Fund (third from left) was one of the winners for 2019. Also pictured (from left) Ruth Finkelstein Suhler, Immediate Past President; Rotarian Trey Dibrell, who nominated Rector and Administrator of the Dr. Leon Bromberg Charitable Trust Fund; Rotarian Kathy Thomas, Project Chair; Club President Jim Byrom, and Rotarian Gigi Heffernan, project co-chair. (Photo by Robyn Bushong.)
Virginia Weber, Director of Development for The Grand 1894 Opera House (third from left) was honored recently as one of the two winners (tie) of the Rotary Club of Galveston's inaugural "Employee of the Year" competition. Pictured with Weber are from left, Ruth Finkelstein Suhler, Immediate Past president; Rotarian Maureen Patton, Executive Director, The Grand 1894 Opera House and Weber's sponsor; Rotarian Kathy Thomas, Project Chair; Jim Byrom, Club President; and project co-chair, Rotarian Gigi Heffernan. Criteria to select the winner was based on Rotary International's Four -Way Test - a nonpartisan and nonsectarian ethical guide for Rotarians to use for their personal and professional relationships. The judges for this inaugural competition were the presidents of the three Rotary Clubs in Brazoria County.
On June 25, 2019, Outgoing President Jason Hardcastle presented a series of awards and Paul Harris Fellow recognitions to wrap up his year leading our club. "Lucky for me, my Rotary club is full of leaders committed to our Galveston community," said Hardcastle at the completion of his service as President.
President Sam Malchar was installed on June 25, 2019.
2019-2020 Island Rotary Board of Directors Alfred Pucciarello, Scott Kusnerik, Selah Tacconi, Sharon O’Connor, Mark Ravelli, Christopher Myers, Lindsey White, Sam Malchar, Edward Walsh III, Marks Chowning, Todd Schott, Aaron Sanders, and Jason Hardcastle.
Past President Jason Hardcastle presents Rotarian of the Year Award to Vice President Sharon O'Connor
Past President Jason Hardcastle presents Ambassador of the Year Award to Membership Director Todd Schott
Past President Jason Hardcastle presents Community Service Leadership Award to Treasurer Edward Walsh III
Past President Jason Hardcastle presents Community Service Leadership Award to Public Image Director Lindsey White
Past President Jason Hardcastle with Paul Harris Fellow Scott Kusnerik, Fundraising Director
Past President Jason Hardcastle with Paul Harris Fellow Sharon O'Connor, Vice President
Past President Jason Hardcastle with Paul Harris Fellow Alfred Pucciarello, Sergeant-at-Arms
Past President Jason Hardcastle with Paul Harris Fellow Selah Tacconi, President Elect
The Lake Conroe Club has been hard at work getting ready for the new year. The club has hosted two club assembly’s discussing club business. We had two visiting Rotarians from Georgia. The third meeting of the month we focused on Paul Harris. We have had two new members announced to the club. I believe we are off to a great start. We even announced our first annual mini-fundraiser Trash to Treasure sale for Saturday, October 26th!
The Orange Rotary Club celebrated an awesome anniversary—its 100th year, having been founded in 1919. The anniversary was officially celebrated at a special meeting on July 1.
Rotarians and guests enjoyed dining together with a special cake and hearing an address from 2018-2019 District Governor John Hathaway, who discussed the significance of 100 years of service. The meeting included recognition of outgoing officers and Board members, with special thanks to outgoing president Natasha Garrett. New officers and Board members were installed. 2019-2010 officers are Ida Schossow, president; Michael Umbenhaur, president-elect; Daniel Moreaux, vice-president; Kristin Placette, treasurer; and Heather Montagne, secretary. Board of Directors are Sarah Boehme, Jennifer Burtsfield, Sue Denosowicz, Rickie Harris,, Sherry Hommel, David May, Amy Peevey, Clay Richards, and Michael White. Gracie Henry serves as executive secretary. Plans for a year of celebration were presented.
Rotarians had gathered in June at the Brown Center along with representatives of Lamar University to open time capsules buried 25 years ago.
It was fun to see some of the items chosen for commemoration.
Kids on the Vidor Rotary Club green bus enjoyed getting barbecue sandwiches from our partner, Qing for a Cause, and bags of food and fresh fruit from the Food Bank of Southeast Texas.
The green bus ran four days a week in June, partnering with Vidor ISD to deliver hot meals. For the remainder of the summer, it runs every Tuesday and Thursday.
The bus also visited the Vidor Public Library's end of summer reading program, awarding a free book to every child who completed their summer reading goal of twenty books.
Vidor Rotarians not only host Flags on Main Street, but put fifty flags out at Veterans Park on holidays.
Interact officer training will be on Saturday August 3 at 9 a.m. at Lone Star College.
Please let Sally Andrews know how many will be attending from your organization.
There will be great sessions for the students, their school sponsors, and club sponsors as well. We will have a service project 'fundraiser' game, so please have the students bring some loose change.
Service Above Self!
INTERACT OFFICER TRAINING
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
9:00 A.M.
LONE STAR COLLEGE - THE WOODLANDS
Come eager to meet other Interact leaders and learn! There will be great sessions for the Interact club members, the school sponsors, and Rotary club sponsors as well. Participants will take part in a service project 'fundraiser' game, so please bring loose change.
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The Rotary Club of Aggieland installed 2019-20 Officers. Fred A. Patterson was installed as president. Amy Supak, as past president; Barbie Patterson as president elect; Jarrod Hix as secretary and treasurer; Steve Perrone as club service; Lloyd Nelson as public relations chair; Jennifer Hathaway as RYLA chair; Averyt Knapp as social coordinatior; Brett McCullly as Rotary Foundation chair and Sally Reigle as membership chair. Steve Perrone was also named Rotarian for the 2018-19 year.
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