Rotarians, spouses, and family gathered on Saturday, June 15th for a well-attended installation ceremony of new District Governor Elizabeth “Betsy” Robinson. Opus Bistro at South Shore Harbour Resort in League City comfortably accommodated ninety guests who were treated to a special afternoon.
PDG Ann Bragg orchestrated the ceremony which was beautifully done to the background of Clear Lake and palm trees.
DG John Hathaway (2018-2019) passed the baton and presented her with the “Jewel of Office” and when finished, declared that he had that very “best title in the world: PDG!”
DG Betsy, a member of the Rotary Club of League City, then turned to fellow club member Sue Rightly and performed the club president installation for her.
In attendance were Past District Governors as well as district officers and directors. District Governor Betsy commented on her upcoming year, saying “I'm looking forward to working with all the clubs in our district to accomplish RI President Mark Maloney's theme: Rotary Connects the World.”
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.
We are in the midst of planning for our Foundation, Membership and Public Image Seminar to be held in September. We want your input as to how to plan the day and topics to be discussed. Please take a few minutes to complete the link below to provide us with your thoughts. Feel free to share it with your club members to give us feedback as well.
For everyone involved in our youth exchange program, the month of June is a month of “transitions”.
The nine students who have spent the past year with us have all left for home by now, after a fare-well getting together on May 18 at Camp Allen in Navasota, TX. It was a fun weekend but, not surprisingly, also a weekend full of emotions when the students realized that they would soon be on their way home and possibly won’t see each other again that soon (if ever).
Not surprisingly as well, during their year in Texas Karina (Brazil), Delphine (France), Antoine (France), Elisa (France), Coco (Germany), Caroline (Germany), Betty (Italy), Manuel (Spain), and Woon (Thailand) have become a bunch of close and life-long friends.
We cannot say “Thank You” enough to all who have made their year the best year of their lives: the hosting Rotary Clubs (Cleveland, Lake Conroe, Galveston, College Station, League City, Huntsville, Bryan, Palestine, and The Woodlands); all the wonderful host families; and everyone else who worked so hard year-round to make their exchange possible.
During the past month, Saturday June 29 was the busiest day with an all-day meeting on the campus of the Lone Star College in Montgomery. It started in the morning with the yearly mandatory training of everyone serving as Local Coordinator (LC) in our program.
The training included all the nitty-gritties that an LC needs to know to be in compliance with the rules and regulations of RI, South Central Rotary Youth Exchange (SCRYE) and the Department of State who “supervise” what we have to do and, of course, what should not be doing when hosting an exchange student. For those who attended the training for the first time, it was certainly a tense and most likely also an overwhelming event.
In the afternoon that same day, our eight long-term 2019-2020 outbound students (including their parents) received their “final” orientation before leaving in August for their exchange.
One could easily notice that they were excited to soon live in another country for a year but it was also clear that they were a little nervous not knowing exactly what will be ahead for them in the coming year. No question, however, David (The Woodlands > Brazil), 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) will be wonderful youth exchange ambassadors for our country.
In return, in the beginning of August we are looking forward to our new long-term arrivals: Alice (Brazil > College Station), Baptiste (France > Palestine), Christina (Spain > Huntsville), Donruethai “Ploy” (Thailand > Galveston), Eloise (France > Livingston), Greta (Germany > The Woodlands), Laura (Brazil > Friendswood), Letizia (Italy > Lake Conroe), and Sophie (Switzerland > Bryan). Thank You to all the clubs who agreed to host those students for a year and to the host families who are willing to open their homes and welcome the students as new members into their families! It will be an experience that not only changes the lives of the students but the lives of the host families as well.
District Membership Chair to Zone Assistant Rotary Coordinator
Will Never Say Goodbye to Membership
Membership Resources a Guide to Increase your Membership
The possibilities are endless as the Rotary Mountain Trails all lead back Membership. District 5910 it has been an amazing past three years as your District Membership Chair and I have been humbled by the incredible invitations to your local clubs. I recognize the true value of Rotary and commend the many individual Rotarians who have made this their lifelong mission. Rotary is so fascinating and the path to grow your club is just a conversation away. Take time to examine the impact you can have on your club by prioritizing your Rotary commitment. Assess your club, engage current members, connect with prospective members, follow up on member leads, make new members feel welcome and develop your club. These are all resources Rotary International has available and they are just a click away:
The appointment to District Membership Chair began with my dear friend and club member PDG Gig Langston. I was privileged to have been selected by my longtime fellow Rotarian however he failed to mention this appointment was for a three year term. Yet I am amazed at how fast the time went I am forever grateful to have been able to serve in such a vital role. I know that incoming District Membership Chair Bunny Pratt will be most phenomenal and that membership will be held with tremendous esteem. Therefore it is never goodbye it is I will see you soon as the new appointed ARC for Zone.
I want to personally thank the many talented Rotarians who have paved the route to my success and congratulate our soon to be outgoing PDG John Hathaway and our incoming District Governor Betsy Robinson. These are two impeccable leaders and truly passionate Rotarians who I sincerely thank for their service and their friendship.
The Bryan Rotary presented Rotary 10 Business Performance Awards. Congratulations to Award Winner, Bryan Rotarian Bob Kraus and Keystone Millwork. Thanks to Hayden Riley and Committee for their Service Above Self.
Congratulations to Bryan Rotarian Bob Kraus, President of Millwork
Bryan Rotary weekly meeting, June 19, speaker College Station Chief of Police Scott McCollum. Chief McCollum discussed transformative changes in law enforcement during his career. He stressed the importance of professionalism, community partnerships, public trust, and accountability. Thanks to Rotarian T Getterman for hosting Chief McCollum’s visit.
Rotarian John Blackburn and David Schmitz
Happy Flag Day and Happy 244th Birthday US Army and visit with David Schmitz, College Station Director of Parks and Recreation at Veterans Memorial Park
Rotarian John Blackburn and David Schmitz
At the Bryan Rotary meeting Club Assembly, Rotarians Joan Fithian Quintana, Jennifer Anderson Bunny Pratt, and Aron Collins discussed their very positive experiences at the 2019 Rotary International Conference in Hamburg, Germany.
Bryan Rotary weekly meeting, June 5th speaker: State Representative John Raney. Representative Raney discussed the Texas Legislature 2019, 86th Legislature.
On June 27, 2019, the Rotary Club of Cleveland installed their officers and directors for the 2019-2020 year at La Costa in Cleveland. District Secretary Ernestine Belt installed the following: President Tasha Childress, President-Elect and Treasurer Larry Middleton, Secretary and Public Image Chairperson Tommie Daniel, Past President Scott Lambert, and Club Administration Chairperson West Smith. Ernestine Belt is chairperson for the Foundation, the Interact Club, and the Rotary Youth Leadership Award committees. Other officers for the incoming year are Amanda Brooks, Vice-President and President Nominee, and Kenneth Riggs, Service Projects chairperson. Debbie Kirkham-Young was presented her Paul Harris +1 pin.
The event had a nautical theme and Installing Officer Ernestine Belt used nautical terms as she installed the officers. From the silent auction that included several nautical themed items, $400 was donated to the Rotary International Annual Fund.
Many Cleveland Rotarians and their guests were present for the installation. Rotary District 5910 Assistant Governor Suann Hereford was in attendance.
Pictured left to right: Ernestine Belt, Tasha Childress, Scott Lambert, Debbie Kirkham-Young, Tommie Daniel, West Smith, and Larry Middleton.
The Dickinson Rotary Club held the officer installation for the 2019-2020 year on June 26.
Pictured from left to right are:
Front row: Margaret Carney, Board Member; Nancy Click, Board Member; Ann Bragg, Past District Governor; David Parker, President; Paul Rohner, Board Member.
Back row: Laura Koehler, Assistant Sergeant at Arms; Steve Casey, Sergeant at Arms; Kim Rich, President Elect; Jack Matkin, Past President; Tim Paulissen, Secretary/ Treasurer; Tom Cassano, Assistant Secretary/ Treasurer; Jim Barry, Board Member.
Not pictured: Amanda Flannery, Vice President; Tim Gerdes, Board Member; Jenna Simsen, Board Member.
President Jim Stubbs with Ms. Vita Swarers, Deputy Director of Casework for Congressman Kevin Brady, who was the speaker at our meeting on June 11. Ms. Swarers is holding the children’s book that will be donated to the Montgomery County Library in her honor.
RCEMC hosted the 5th annual Patriotic Concert at Lone Star College Kingwood on Saturday, June 29. Pictured are members of the LSC Kingwood Big Band with their director, Alfredo Velez.
Incoming President Milton Austin unfurls the banner for the coming year and announces the new theme of “Rotary Connects the World.”
President Milton Austin surrounded by his officers and directors.
Dr. Monireh Moghaddam presented a $500 check to Suzi Burns, Christian Helping Hands, a non-profit organization that assists area residents in need by providing assistance with food, clothing vouchers, medical vouchers as well as emergency lodging.
Dr. Monireh Moghaddam presented a $500 check to Deborah Laine, Clear Creek Education Foundation, to partner with their efforts to inspire educational excellence through innovation across the Clear Creek Independent School District.
District 5910 Governor, Betsy Robinson, installed Rotary Club of Friendswood’s new officers for the 2019-20 year: Robin Hall - President, Carolyn Zimmer - Vice President, Chris Turner - Secretary, Gary Kay - Sergeant-at-Arms,
President Elect - Desiree Hopping, and Past President - Dr. Monireh Moghaddam.
Directors for the year are Sally Branson, David Smith, Judy Wiggins, Meredith Levine, and Karen Capps.
Friendswood Rotarian, Melinda Welsh, was named a Paul Harris Fellow today in recognition of her contributions supporting the Foundation's goals for service worldwide. Melinda was sponsored by Friendswood Rotarians Dave Smith, Mike Foreman, and Kevin Holland.
Pictured are Dave Smith, Mike Foreman, Kevin Holland, Melinda Welsh, and Dave Barron.
Friendswood Rotary Club President, Dr. Monireh Moghaddam, received a $1,000 check from Texas City Rotary Club member, Judy Slocum, for her participation in their annual Mardi Gras fundraising event where she was named "Queen" of Mardi Gras.
Friendswood Rotarian, Chris Turner, was named a multiple Paul Harris Fellow today and received a pin from the Foundation in recognition of her contributions supporting the Foundation’s goals for service worldwide.
Pictured are Dave Barron, Chris Turner, and Club President Monireh Moghaddam.
Friendswood Rotarian, Dave Barron, was named a multiple Paul Harris Fellow today and received a pin from the Foundation in recognition of his contributions supporting the Foundation’s goals for service worldwide.
Pictured are David Smith, Club President Monireh Moghaddam, and Dave Barron.
Barbara Winburn (left) was inducted as a new member of the Rotary Club of Galveston at a recent meeting. President Ruth Finkelstein Suhler was her sponsor.
Michael Burke, publisher of WAVES Magazine, was inducted at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Galveston, as a new member. Robyn Bushong was his sponsor. Not pictured, Ruth Finkelstein Suhler, Club President.
Kathy VanDewalli (left), Marketing Director for The Grand 1894 Opera House, received the Rotary Club of Galveston's prestigious award as "Most Valued Rotarian" for this 2018-2019 Rotary year. President Ruth Finkelstein Suhler presented the award at a recent meeting. Other presentations made at this meeting included recognition to Rotarians Kay Sandor, Tom Delgado, Billie Rinaldi, Brett Kirkpatrick, Cissy Matthews, Mary Brechtel, Stefani Balasubramanian, Don Nurdin, Al Miller, and Robyn Bushong.
We had the installation of new officers todays in the Lufkin Rotary Club. Outgoing President Wayne Ramsey recognized and thanked the outgoing board members. President Elect, our new president Kate Rudasill gave a lovely parting gift to each one.
Valena Spradley was recognized as our new secretary for the next year.
Dr. Don Rudasill, Kate's father and a long-time Rotarian from the Nacogdoches club had the honor of installing his daughter as president today.
We were honored to have Kate's parents and some of her very special friends in attendance today along with several members of the Angelina Rotary. Michelle Briley, president of Angelina, gave a stirring speech on Rotary's role in eradicating polio.
This is the new board, headed by Kate Rudasill. Susan Robertson is our President-Elect, in the red jacket standing beside Wayne Ramsey.
Jennifer Allen, Executive Director of the Angelina Arts Alliance was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Nacogdoches. Ms. Allen provided a preview of the Alliance’s upcoming 2019-2020 season with a broad array of excellent entertainment scheduled. Angelina Arts Alliance is a local non-profit organization and professional performing arts presenter which brings world-class LIVE entertainment to the state-of-the-art, 891-seat Temple Theater on the Angelina College campus.
Pictured left to right are Ken Deppisch, Program Chairman, Ms. Allen, Stephanie Williams, Club Guest and Greg Williams, Club President.
Dr. Sidney Kroll, was guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Nacogdoches. Dr. Kroll operates a Psychology practice in Nacogdoches and specializes in evidence-based interventions for a wide range of behavioral health and psychological conditions. Dr. Kroll’s program covered services she provides specifically to veterans issues both locally and statewide. The program was educational and appreciated by all in attendance.
Pictured left to right are Ken Deppisch, Program Chairman, Dr. Kroll and Greg Williams, Club President.
Master Sergeant Jonathan Session of the United States Air Force was guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Nacogdoches. Sergeant Session serves as the First Sergeant for the 344th Recruiting Squadron in Arlington, Texas. Rebecca Gall was presented her blue badge by Club Secretary, James Standley. Kent Ferguson, club member provided an update on the First United Methodist Church Meal Service Program to be provided this summer. Ed Pool, Chairman of the club’s Mobile Library Program provided an update of the summer schedule at Ritchie and Temple Parks and the Boys and Girls Club.
Pictured left to right are Ron Collins, Program Chairman, Sergeant Session, Patsey Patton-Scott, club guest and mother of Sergeant Session, Mr. Pool, Mr. Ferguson, Dr. Standley, Ms. Gall, Laura Culpepper, Sponsoring Member, Stephanie Williams, club guest and Greg Williams, Club President.
Annual officer installations were made at the meeting of the Rotary Club of Nacogdoches with Assistant District Governor, Sam Smith and Past District Governor, Leon Hallman presiding. Chris Oglesbee, President of BancorpSouth was installed as the 2019-20 Rotary President and Donna Finley, Owner of Casa Tomas Restaurant and The Shack was installed as President-Elect. Other officers installed were Greg Williams, Immediate Past President; James Standley, Secretary; MaryAnn Bentley, Recording Secretary; Robert Guilbeau, Treasurer, H. Farrar Bentley, Bulletin Editor and Jason Bradford, Travis Cotten, Lindsey Vardeman, Todd Brown, Matt Turner, Jason Bridges, Almarie Henderson Shumate, Crystal Hicks, Steve Williams and Rey Morin, Directors. Brent Bullard was presented his blue badge by Rotary Membership Chairman, Jonathan Dunn.
Pictured left to right front row are; Dr. Hallman, Mr. Morin, Ms. Vardeman, Ms. Henderson Shumate, Mr. Turner, Dr. Brown, Mr. Cotten, Mr. Bradford, Ms. Hicks and Steve Williams. Back Row are; Mr. Smith, Dr. Standley, Mr. Bentley, Ms. Bentley, Mr. Bullard, Bud Wright, Sponsoring Member, Mr. Oglesbee, Ms. Finley, Stephanie Willliams, Conner Williams, Annemarie Williams, Rotary Guests and Greg Williams.
Spindletop Rotary of Beaumont welcomes Rene Latiolais as its new president for 2019-20. Rene has been a vital part of Spindletop Rotary for 4 years. Her husband Toby and daughters, Ella and Macy Jo were on hand to support her at the annual installation banquet.
Rene, who works at Nederland ISD, has big plans for the year ahead.
“The Spindletop Rotary Club’s mission is to promote diverse community involvement in a welcoming and supportive environment,” she said. “Each person’s Rotary journey is different and depends upon the interests and involvement of the individual. I have developed a passion for Rotary over the years and it has enriched my life in return. My challenge to Spindletop members is to reflect on why you joined Spindletop Rotary, why you wear your pin proudly and how you can make a difference in your club.”
The Rotary Club of Texas City held its annual Installation Banquet on June 25th. Outgoing President Derek Duckett said his farewell speech. He had a great Rotary year. Incoming President Judy Slocumb was inducted by Rotarian Don Gartman along with her board. The Texas City Rotary Foundation Board of Directors was also installed as well as the Texas City Rotary Anns Board and Officers.
Outgoing President Derek Duckett to left; Incoming President Judy Slocumb
Pictured left to right: Don Gartman, Inductor of the Club’s Board of Directors, incoming President Elect Peggy Davenport, Derek Duckett – Past President, Sgt. At Arms – Sonny Tholcken, Board members Stephanie Hughes, Nick Finan, Lee Skipper and Emken Linton. Not pictured are board members Thelma Bowie, Alison Cox, Melissa Tortorici and Jim Guidry.
Pictured from left to right: Texas City Rotary Board: Board Member Kitty Potter TCRF President Phil Roberts, Vice President Mike Griffin, Board members Judy Slocumb and Peggy Davenport. Not pictured are Secretary/Treasurer Elizabeth Iles and Board Member Richard Nye.
Pictured are the incoming Rotary Anns Board from left to right: Don Gartman who inducted them, incoming President Kim Finan, Vice President Bonnie Baty, Secretary Sandy Gartman, Treasurer Denise Beene, Outgoing President Donna Clawson, Board Members Dawn Tholcken, Kerry Whitener, Linda Langford, Mary Ann Reed, Paula Roberts and Olivia Selman. Not pictured is Ginger Cooper and Pam Scoggin.
We are in the midst of planning for our Foundation, Membership and Public Image Seminar to be held in September. We want your input as to how to plan the day and topics to be discussed. Please take a few minutes to complete the link below to provide us with your thoughts. Feel free to share it with your club members to give us feedback as well..jpg)
