Stories

 

View Photos here: FOUNDATION CELEBRATION PHOTO ALBUM

 

Click or Scan to Register. Free Live Learning Event. Registration Required before 9/20/2024. 

 

 

Dear fellow Rotarians:

 

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.

 

Sincerely,

 

Stephanie Urchick President

Rotary International 2024-2025

 

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.

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!

 

 

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. 

 

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.  

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. 

 

 

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.

New Downtown Rotary Club of Palestine member, Sharon Davis, makes it possible for victims to have therapy dogs in Texas Courtrooms.

 

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.