Our hearts are with the families and friends impacted by the horrific floods in central Texas. We encourage personal and club giving to the following to help with flood relief efforts:
Rotary District 5870 Central Texas Support flood victims by donating to the tax-deductible District 5870 Keyway Fund today at 5870Keyway.org. Prefer to mail a check? Payable to: District 5870 Keyway, Inc. c/o Bruce Golden, Treasurer 6603 Vallecito Dr, Austin, TX 78759
As we embark on a new Rotary year, I would like to take a moment to extend a warm welcome to each of you. This year, we embrace the inspiring motto, "Unite for Good," which reflects our collective commitment to making a positive impact in our communities and beyond.
Together, we have the power to effect meaningful change, and I encourage each of you to engage actively in our projects and initiatives. Let us celebrate our diversity, leverage our strengths, and inspire one another to continue our vital work.
I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead as we collaborate with new and existing partners, and I look forward to seeing the incredible results of our efforts. Together, as a united Rotary family, we can truly make a difference.
Thank you for your continued dedication and service. Here’s to a successful and fulfilling Rotary year!
Dr. Charles (Charley) Gilliland, a native of Colorado, grew up on a cattle ranch and graduated from Regis College in Denver, Colorado with an A.B. degree. Dr. Gilliland earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from Texas A&M University.
Dr. Gilliland currently holds an appointment as a Research Economist with the Real Estate Center in the Office of the Provost and an appointment as Adjunct Associate Professor of Agricultural Economics at Texas A&M University. He also served as Clinical Professor of Finance in the Master of Real Estate program in the Mays School.
The American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers bestowed its Golden Quill Award on Dr. Gilliland. The Farm Credit Bank of Texas inducted Dr. Gilliland into the Academy of Honor for significant contributions to agriculture.
Dr. Gilliland has served as President of the Bryan Texas Rotary Club where he is a member of the Paul Harris Society. He also has served as Assistant Governor for Rotary District 5910. In addition, he also serves on the Youth Exchange Committee for Rotary District 5910 and Governor Nominee.
Dr. Gilliland has an extensive publication record, including a book entitled Buying Rural Land In Texas published by the Texas A&M University Press.
D5910 will have its first “Rotary Friendship Exchange” (RFE) for two weeks this Fall. The RFE will be with D7815 (North Atlantic Rotary) from September 28 through October 11, 2025. This is the period after the end of the tourist season and before the weather turns colder. The fall foliage will be at its best.
An RFE consists of a team of Rotarians and their spouse/partner/friend traveling to another district for a brief stay, to be lodged in host Rotarian homes while traveling together around their district. While there are different kinds of RFE’s (cultural, fellowship, service, vocational), this will be a “fellowship” exchange. In this type of exchange, we come to know each other’s lives and families and foster long-term friendships and international understanding. We will visit Rotary Club meetings and some social gatherings in different locations, as well as other sights and attractions in the beautiful Nova Scotia region.
District 5910 is excited to announce Dana Espinal, Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Port Arthur, as the 2027-28 District Governor.
Dana has over 18 years of Rotary membership. Her service spans three Rotary Districts serving as the Club President in each club in which she has been a member (Jefferson City West, Missouri, in District 6080, Tahlequah-Cherokee County, Oklahoma, in District 6110 and most recently Port Arthur in our own District 5910.) During the interview process, Dana shared, "My goal is to ensure that every Rotarian feels connected, valued, and empowered to take action, whether through hands-on service or financial contributions to global causes like the Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund."
Congratulations, Dana! Welcome to the District Governor Line!
A special opportunity for District 5910 Rotarians to match their Annual Fund contributions and achieve Paul Harris Fellow recognition (Limited time only)
Ask any Rotarian what led them to Rotary, and you’ll usually get different answers. Why? Because joining Rotary is a personal journey. For me, it all began as a way to expand my business. My accounting practice was new and I was looking to network, so I joined a local Rotary club. Soon, I was making more than just business contacts, I was making friends and, most importantly, I was making a difference in my community and beyond. No matter the path that took you to Rotary, we all have one thing in common: the belief in putting Service Above Self. It is because of this commitment to serving others that we are able to confront some of the world’s greatest humanitarian challenges. But we all know that our work isn’t finished yet. It can’t be, as long as polio still affects any children anywhere, as long as water is still scarce for some, and as long as education is still treated as a privilege rather than a right. After 110+ years, our work is just getting started. I hope you will continue your journey with us, as we continue to serve our communities so that future generations can thrive through Rotary: Making A Difference.
Members of Rotary 5910, including the Angelina Rotary Club, Lufkin Rotary Club, and Rotary Club of Woodville, along with the Lone Star Rotary E-Club of Texas, Rotary Club of League City, and youth groups like Diboll Interact, Clear Springs Interact, and Brittany Bay EarlyAct, united for a common cause. Together, we dedicated our morning to the final bed-building event on Pecan Street for Sleep in Heavenly Peace - TX, Woodville.
Building Beds, Building Bonds: A Community Comes Together for Restful Sleep
The Lone Star Rotary e-Club is excited to share our ongoing international service project to raise funds for the commendable work of fellow Rotarian Dr. Nischal Pandey in India. Dr. Pandey is dedicated to providing life-saving surgeries for babies with heart defects, and this project ensures that these surgeries come at no cost to the families involved.
Phil Shackelford of the Aggieland Rotary Club has been named our 2026-27 District Governor! Phil has been a Rotarian for 16 years and has served on our District Foundation Committee and as an Assistant Governor. He has a tremendous amount of experience both personally and professionally in Foundation Fundraising. We look forward to his leadership! Please welcome Phil to the Governor Line!
Phil Shackelford Selected as 2026-27 District Governor
In 1992, Leon was invited to visit the 350-member Rotary Club of Waco. He had recently become the Executive Director of a regional planning agency. Realizing that many of the key business and governmental leaders in the Waco area were active Rotarians, he quickly agreed to join. Although Leon joined Rotary to strengthen access to other leaders, he quickly learned the impact of joining forces with other Rotarians provided powerful opportunities to be of service in the community and around the world. Leon served eleven years in the Rotary Club of Waco with ten years of perfect attendance.
Leon and his high school sweetheart, Lynn, were born and reared in Palestine. After Leon graduated from Texas A&M University with a degree in architecture and Lynn graduated with a degree in mathematics from Texas Christian University, they were married. Then they enrolled in graduate school at Texas A&M. Leon received a degree in Urban Planning and Lynn received a degree in Mathematics. Following college, Leon was commissioned an Officer in the Army Corps of Engineers and served at Ft Belvoir Virginia and eight years in the reserves. Leon and Lynn are proud of their two adult children, Melissa and Lee and their six grandchildren. During Leon’s professional career, he served eighteen years in the Governor’s Office of Planning and Economic Development, two years as the Executive Director of the State Property Tax Board, and twelve years as the Executive Director of the Heart of Texas Council of Governments, a regional planning agency in Waco. After nurturing the family from home until the children enrolled in school, Lynn entered Seminary to become a Methodist Pastor. Over 27 years, Lynn was able to serve 5 different churches.
After retirement in 2003, Leon and Lynn returned to Palestine. Leon served as President of the Palestine Economic Development Corporation and the Palestine Chamber of Commerce. He has served on the boards of numerous organizations including the YMCA, Meals on Wheels, and his local church. In 2004, Leon joined the Rotary Club of Palestine and continues to be an active member with 20 years of perfect attendance. Leon has served in director roles in service, membership and administration and has served as club President in 2009-10 and 2019-20. Leon is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow, a member of the Paul Harris Society and a charter member of the Polio Plus Society. Leon was awarded the district 5910 Roll of Fame in 2012. Leon has served at the district level beginning with the RYLA Adult Leadership Team in 2005. He served as the leader of the RYLA Ropes Course at Woodlake for 5 years and continues to be an active leader. Leon has served as Assistant District Governor 2012-14 and 2021-23. Leon and Lynn’s heart for service led them to become volunteers on a Palestine Rotary Team that responded to Hurricane Harvey in 2017 mucking houses along the Texas coastal area. In 2019, Leon and Lynn traveled to India with a Team of Rotarians from the United States and Canada to participate in a National Polio Immunization Day to help eradicate Polio. In May 2023, Lynn followed in her father’s footsteps and joined Leon as a member of the Rotary Club of Palestine.
There is another conference while we are at South Shore. Rooms may be limited if you wait too long. South Shore has given us a conference rate of $151.42 per night inclusive of tax.
What a fantastic event! The Rotary District 5910 luncheon held on November 4, 2023, at the Miramont Country Club in Bryan, Texas, was undoubtedly a remarkable gathering. Bringing together Rotarians to benefit the Rotary International Foundation and recognizing the generosity of individuals and clubs who have contributed is a celebration of the true spirit of Rotary.
The Rotary Club of College Station held its annual VIVA (Very Impressive Vocational Achievement) awards ceremony at its regular breakfast meeting on November 9, 2023. This year, eight Instructional Assistants were introduced by their school’s principal and recognized for their outstanding service to the College Station public schools, teachers and students. Each awardee received a check for $500 and a plaque commemorating the award. Each awardee’s school also received a commemorative plaque.
What an incredible luncheon on November 7, 2023! The Rotary Club of East Montgomery County (EMC) hosted a bustling event, teeming with excitement. Perhaps the buzz was fueled by the induction of five new members or the presence of the esteemed guest speaker, former NFL quarterback Dan Pastorini. Regardless, it was an unforgettable gathering.
On October 14, the College Station Rotary partnered with Texas Ramps and built a ramp for an individual in Franklin, TX that needed to be able to get out of her home to go to and from kidney dialysis.
Amy Killgore joined the Rotary Club of League City in 2009. She first learned about Rotary in 1996 when she was assigned to be the waitress for a group of "old singing people" at the restaurant where she worked right out of high school. Now, Amy is the Prevention Specialist for a local public school district and has been active in her club since her induction. Amy has served in many capacities within her club, including Club President, Foundation, Service and Public Image, and RYLA chairs. Her club has recognized her as a District 5910 Roll of Fame recipient. At the District level, Amy served as the first EarlyAct chairman and served as Assistant Governor, District Trainer, and Rotary Leadership Instructor.
The Rotary Foundation is Amy's charity of choice. Amy has been named a Paul Harris Society Member, Paul Harris plus eight, and Bequest Society Member. Amy's husband and two future Rotarian daughters are frequent volunteers at Rotary service projects.
This year, District 5910 focuses on discovering our Rotary Why. Who are we? Why does our club exist? Who do we serve? Why are we relevant? How do we become who we are meant to be in a world that is very different from when Rotary began? Hear how Karen Chapman answers her Rotary Why.
Can you spell FUN? That is what the highly anticipated Rotary Spelling Bee was! The 14th annual event was held on September 21 at the New Caney High School cafeteria, with 17 teams, 13 sponsors, and a lot of laughs! Funds raised at the Rotary Club of East Montgomery County’s Spelling Bee provide scholarships to graduating seniors from New Caney and Splendora ISDs.
What action will you and your Rotary Club take to End Polio Now?
Eradicating a disease is a big job and we need your help. Visit www.EndPolioNow.org for ready-made tools and resources and help us advocate, fundraise, and educate about the need to end polio now.
The Rotary Club of Huntsville held a Centennial Celebration on September 14, marking the club’s 100th year in Huntsville and Walker County. Chartered on January 27, 1923, the Huntsville Club started with 22 men. Today, the membership consists of more than 60 men and women from the local community.
The Rotary Club of Friendswood Texas presented the Friendswood Fire Department and EMS with a donation to purchase 6 Defibrillators. Accepting the donation are Chief Lisa Camp, Lieutenant Greg Otto and Fire Chief Stan Kozlowski. Pictured Rotarians are: Judy Wiggins, Landon Blair, Scott MacKenzie, Denise Spruiell, Robin Hall, Scott Dayton, Dave Barron and Craig Hall.
Friendswood Club helps purchase defibrillators for community
September is Suicide Prevention Month. World Suicide Prevention is now practical! Register now to attend this Zoom meeting hosted by the Rotary Action Group on Mental Health on Saturday, 9/9/2023 at 11 AM CST. Two remarkable speakers will deliver an hour of ideas for action in Mexico, USA and Canada.
Spindletop Rotary Club hosted its annual awards banquet and officer installation on June 27, 2023, at Cotton Creek Winery in Beaumont with club members and their plus one enjoying fellowship, food and fun.
The awards included a special recognition to Richard Carey for his 35 years of dedicated service to Spindletop Rotary and Victoria Barnes who is now a member of Paul Harris Society, which is a recognition that acknowledges individuals who commit to donating $1000 per year to The Rotary Foundation.
Katy Jansen and Jay Sheppard were named “Rising Stars” and the Rotarian of the Year was awarded to Victoria Barnes. Additional recognitions went to Debbie Bridgeman for serving as the point person for the annual Rotary Roast fundraiser. Shannon Garrod was recognized for her assistance in maintaining the Soap Box Derby scholarships and finalizing the sale of Soap Box Derby cars and parts since the event had to be, unfortunately, discontinued.
Immediate past president Micah Leigh reflected upon her year before inducting the new board. "Serving as president of Spindletop Rotary has been such an honor,” she said. “The support and encouragement I received meant so much to me. We achieved great things this year and I am so proud to be a part of this Small but Mighty Club!"
Celebrating 35 years of dedicated service to the Spindeltop Club
Nearly 100 members from various Interact and Rotary Clubs in District 5910 gathered for the 2023 Interact Club Leadership Training on Saturday, August 5. The purpose of this training was to provide these young leaders with growth and networking opportunities as they prepare for the 2023-24 school year to Create Hope in the World.
Many of the incoming Board members wore their Interact shirts with quotes, such as “Small acts when multiplied by millions of people can transform the world. – Howard Zinn” and Service Above Self. Many of our Rotary Clubs sponsor Interact Clubs in their local high schools. There are over 14,900 Interact Clubs in 145 countries. If your club is interested in starting an Interact Club, contact our District 5910 Interact Chair, Bill Friebel at bill@starfoxfinancial.com or 713-304-8944.
If you are receiving this message, this training is for YOU! All Rotary District 5910 Rotarians are invited to attend our Annual Fall District Assembly. This Saturday learning opportunity will focus on Storytelling with Tips & Tricks from a PR Pro followed by dedicated small group break-out time with seasoned facilitators to help you learn the importance of collaboration between Membership, Foundation, and Public Image for your Club Activities and Projects. Choose to come in-person or virtually!
Rotary District 5910 Fall Assembly | Storytelling One Summit
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Payable to: District 5870 Keyway, Inc.
