| Rotary International District 5930 Vol. 6 No. 8 Newsletter February 2010 Print |
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Have Literacy Success Stories? Victoria Northside Vegas Night
Paul Harris Birthday
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Information about the Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund, a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), is now available on the RI website. If you have any questions regarding this fund please contact Donor Advised Fund Specialist, Annie Palubicki, at (847) 866-3488 or annie.palubicki@rotary.org. Another point of contact is: relief@rotary.org Within our District 5930 we currently have no central point of coordination for District-wide Emergency Disaster Initiatives. In years past, a general call to clubs for District-wide donations and/or support of internationally known Rotary support groups was issued. However, a more organized approach is in the works with the establishment of a District 5930 Disaster Preparedness committee. And, we as a District will be participating in the Emergency Management Conference, which includes Zones and Districts covering North America and the Caribbean, this coming first weekend of February. Participation in this upcoming conference and workshop which will include presentations by seasoned disaster prevention and response speakers from around the world, will provide us the foundation information and suggested design for our responses to hurricane, tornado, flood, wildfire, earthquake, etc. My recommendation for clubs and individual Rotarians who wish to contribute to relief efforts to Haiti is to follow one of the paths mentioned above. And, that contributors share their relief information and efforts with and . Current reports from Haiti indicate that the poor infrastructure in place will not allow efficient distribution of incoming resources. This may suggest that clubs have time to fully evaluate support options for extended relief efforts. Information from our Zone Director (for all 22 Districts w/in Zone 26) Phillip Silvers is as follows: Many have already responded to the crisis in Haiti. Thank you. Current Rotary Response:
1. District 7020 has Rotarians on the ground, including the DGN and AGs,
providing water, food, and rescue operations. Check the
D-7020 website
if you want to to respond through the district Rotarians. We are in
communication with them via satellite phones--purchased for this very
reason. 3. Shelter Box and Aqua Box have their kits en route to Haiti---about 400-500 units each--way under what is needed. Check out their websites if you want to contribute on-line. vmiller@shelterboxusa.org or pr@shelterboxusa.org 4. Rotary has a Rotarian Action Group for Disaster Response (DRRAG). You may want to check their website: www.drrag.org.
YIR Governor's 2009-10 Club Visit Schedule
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Governor
Dennis writes . . .
On a brighter note, please plan to attend the Paul Harris Dinner,
Saturday, February 27, 6:00 PM, at the
Weslaco honors pianist
Rotarian Richard Vaughan recently surprised Weslaco Rotary’s pianist Dorothy Schill by awarding her a Paul Harris Fellowship on behalf of the Club.
Dorothy, plays every week for the Weslaco Rotary Club and the Weslaco Lions Club. Ms. Schill celebrated her 97th birthday on September 27, 2009. She is an inspiration to all! Submitted by Martha Noel.
Chris Vera tells his inspiration for Ironman New Zealand
How
I train for an Ironman... with discipline and patience. (See
previous article.)
It is a little known fact that nearly two months from now, I’ll be running in what will be the largest race in my life. How I train for such a race is an easy story to tell. It’s quite procedural, with a methodical angle, and requires a great deal of patience, proficient time management, access to good nutrition, and the necessary gear. At some point, I can and will get into that. But I think the more colorful story are the events leading up to such an endeavor. And for that, we have to travel a bit back in time to see where the “itch” started for these endurance race type events.
Jalalabad, Afghanistan
Sometime in the summer of 05’
A lot of my memories of life in the military are stored in the dark recesses of my mind, sometimes outside of memories grasp. Most of the memories are in pages of journals that are stacked three-deep that I’ve held onto since completing each volume, sitting at the bottom of some drawer, waiting another 30 years or so for them to be rediscovered and looked over with enthusiasm as I become older and move further away from my youth. Other memories are lost in letters home, to loved ones, family, and friends. Those letters likely contain the most vivid portions of my thoughts, as I wanted to convey the real message and emotion to construct the feeling of what it was like to be in a rough situation. And other memories, have just become a part of my everyday life, and aren’t so much memories as they are who I am. Aside from my mannerism, character, and a few other traits, running and physical fitness has become one of those present day habits.
I think it was one hot summer day while I was sitting in my hootch, where I came up with the idea of running. It might have been prompted by some tragic occurrence that took place while on deployment, I cannot remember. What I do remember though, is the realization that it was not an unreasonable conclusion to fathom that this was one journey I might not make it home from. This was my objective, rational view on the matter, and (not surprisingly to me, after reading through the works of Epictitus) it was a fact that I was not frightened by, nor in fear of. I had calmly accepted this potential outcome of fate....
However, in the event that things turned out great, I challenged myself to a few things that would give me something to visualize in the future and prepare for, just so I wouldn’t be stuck on such a morose topic; not to mention that those types of thoughts were just plain depressing.
The goals....
-Get a scuba diving license
-Run a marathon
-Deciding on a noble career, and pursuing it
Getting the scuba license was fun and easy, and the first thing I did once I got back on the island. At that time I was stationed on Oahu, HI which provided us with numerous venues to explore the beautiful crystal blue depths and all the creatures below.
Running a marathon was not as easy, but it was fun. To hold myself accountable to this goal, I signed up for it while I was still in Afghanistan, and began the months long training for it, in some very hot conditions. As collateral damage, those sailors whom I supervised were also training with me, just so I wasn’t going at it alone. Plus, we all benefitted from the PT (physical training), became a more cohesive unit, and as I reasoned to them, our capacity for aerobic fitness would undoubtedly increase our confidence and ability to respond when the time came for a Corpsman to answer the call of duty. So everyone won. Interestingly enough, of the corpsmen that were out there in Afghanistan with me (thirteen total), three of them would go on to run their first marathons with me during my second marathon.
My first and second marathons were the 2005 and 2006 Honolulu Marathon. Those two have still remained the largest races I’ve taken part in.
That first marathon was great though, and I was happy to have finished it in under four hours. A fellow Staff Sergeant who was very active in endurance sports, told me that as a first-time runner, finishing a marathon under four hours was a great accomplishment. So I was thrilled to have done so, especially since my genetic inclinations wander far from stellar running abilities. The second marathon was sort of “just because.” What made it better were the good friends that came along to run.
Marathon number three took place in Austin, TX. I signed up for the 2007 Austin Marathon as I was leaving the service, committing myself to a long race so that I wouldn’t become complacent and soft once I got back to the civilian sector. As it turned out, that race was the fastest that I had ever run, at 3:38. Only a half hour short of qualifying for the Boston marathons’ 3:10 age group cut-off (25-29). To run a marathon in 3 hours and 10 minutes with my physical stature would be crazy, but not impossible. It would take a great deal of motivation and discipline. Honestly, that is a long term goal of mine, to qualify and run the Boston Marathon, but I’ve put those ambitions to the side for now.
And then we get to marathon number four, the Dallas White Rock Marathon. It had been a few years since the last marathon, and by the time I signed up, I only had a few months for focused training to begin. All other efforts were geared towards the sport of triathlon, which was something I had come upon earlier this year (also another goal born while in the military). However, the White Rock marathon served a larger purpose as a training tool for the bigger adventures yet to come...
Chris will send us more updates as his training progresses and he gets into his studies in New Zealand! Let’s support this brave young veteran’s goals and help our Rotary Foundation in the process! Pledge Today! Submitted by Lari Young.
Rotary International suggests highlighting local involvement
Dear District Governor,
I am writing to you today on behalf of
Rotary’s Public Image Resource Group
to encourage Rotary clubs and districts to select a day and highlight
Rotary’s involvement in the local – and global – community. The Public Image
Resource Group recommends Rotary’s “birthday” on February 23 as an ideal
date for several reasons. First, as Rotary’s anniversary, February 23 allows
clubs and districts a natural day to recognize Rotary’s past, present and
future. Second, the more clubs and districts around the world that celebrate
Rotary Day on the same day, the greater the positive impact on Rotary’s
public image.
Yet, while publicizing Rotary on its February 23 birthday is ideal, any day
can be identified as “Rotary Day” in your community. What is key is to plan
a high visibility community service project or event for Rotary Day that
helps to communicate what Rotary is and does with your community.
To help Rotary clubs and districts organize a celebration, here are four
resources that are available for you and your District and Club Public
Relations Committees:
105 Ways to celebrate Rotary Day (PDF). Let your imaginations run wild!
You may select one or many options and tailor your celebration to your
community – or come up with your own creative Rotary Day activities.
Remember, the idea is to share the Rotary story with the general community,
so your celebration efforts should be directed to the community, the media
and the general public.
Rotary Day Proclamation (.doc). A proclamation is an official
recognition of a particular event or day. Often “proclaimed” by a government
authority, the day is recorded in the public record and may be announced in
such forums as a city council, provincial government or national parliament.
This formal recognition also provides a good “news hook” for potential media
attention. This proclamation sample can be tailored and sent to your local
community, regional or national government decision-makers asking that a
specific date – February 23 or another day – be named Rotary Day and
declared an official day in your community.
Rotary day poster: 18 x 24 inches (PDF).
Rotary day poster: 11 x 17 inches (PDF). To help promote the event in
your community, two Rotary Day poster designs are available for districts
and clubs to use. A graphic designer can modify the blank section or insert
local photos. You can also print the poster out as is and write in local
event information. The poster is designed so that it can stand alone, if
needed.
Rotary Day News Release Template (Word). A news release that is meant to be localized and contains general information about the Rotary International organization.
The Rotary International Board of Directors adopted “enhance the internal and external recognition and public image of Rotary” as the No. 2 goal in its Strategic Plan. Think of the impact of everyone celebrating Rotary Day together! Best wishes as we Share Rotary to Make Dreams Real . . .
The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands!
Sincerely,
Bill Tubbs, Area Coordinator/North America
Rotary International Public Image Resource Group
District 6000 Governor 2004-05
Submitted by Dennis Roberts.
Weslaco Gonzalez Elementary gets dictionaries by special delivery
Third
graders at Justice Raul Gonzalez Elementary School in Weslaco received a
special gift on Friday, October 30th when Raul Gonzalez, Jr. returned to his
hometown to visit a school named in his honor.
Justice Gonzalez assisted his brother, Weslaco Economic Development Director Hernan Gonzalez, distribute dictionaries to every third grader at Gonzalez Elementary. Hernan, former president of the Weslaco Rotary Club and his brother Raul, a former member of the Brownsville Rotary Club, took part in the Weslaco Rotary Dictionary Program in which every third grader receives a new dictionary.
Gonzalez read the Four-Way Test and explained every point with honest detail letting each child know that if they lived by this creed, they could become a teacher, principal, judge, secretary of state, or even president of the United States.
Justice Gonzalez encouraged the youth to learn and use new words, journal the new words, and in one year he would return to the school and reward the student who had used the dictionary and written down the most new words learned.
Raul A. Gonzalez, Jr. first became acquainted with the Rotary Four-Way Test as a Weslaco High School student in the late 1950’s when he won the Weslaco Rotary Club Four-Way Test Speech Contest.
Gonzalez, a son of migrant farm workers, graduated from Weslaco High in 1959. He graduated from the University of Texas with a BA in government in 1963. He continued his education at the University of Houston Law School, graduating in 1966.
His judicial career began in 1978 when Governor Dolph Briscoe appointed him as judge of the 103rd Judicial District. He was elected to a four-year term and before he completed his term, Governor Bill Clements appointed him as an associate justice on the Thirteenth Court of Appeals. Governor Mark White then appointed him an associate justice of the Texas Supreme Court. Gonzalez made history as the first Hispanic member of the court. He served in the position from October 1984 until the end of 1998.
Gonzalez, married and the father of four grown children, lives and practices law in Austin. Submitted by Martha Noel.
Rotary International looking for literacy success stories
RI and the International Reading Association are collaborating
on a revision to the
Every School A Star literacy tool kit. They are currently seeking
descriptions of successful literacy projects involving both Rotary clubs and
districts and IRA reading councils. Submitted project descriptions will be
considered for the Every School A Star update. They have posted the following
announcement on the RI Web site, which includes a link to the Literacy Project
Description Form:
http://www.rotary.org/en/ServiceAndFellowship/ProjectResources/Announcements/Pages/091230_annouce_everyschoolastar.aspx,
If you have any questions, please contact Jessica Anderson, Senior
Coordinator, Programs & Presidential Initiatives, 847-424-5343, 847-556-2182
(fax).
Submitted by Donna Bentley.
Harlingen hears about a Mexican project to reduce tree loss
Eight
members of the Huejutla Mexico Rotary Club visited the Harlingen Rotary Club.
The Huejutla Club is and has been for several years, bringing safer cooking
measures to the indigenous women of Huejutla. For years these women have cooked
over open wood fires. This has created a massive loss of trees (It takes 288
trees a year to prepare fires for cooking for one family.) The black smoke from
these fires has created a large health hazard to not only women preparing the
food, but also the children who are nearby. The Huejutla club has created a new
cooking vessel which takes less wood and creates much less smoke. The women of
Huejutla are gradually changing their cooking methods. Each vessel costs $32.00.
The club is trying to purchase as many of these new vessels as possible for the
women of Huejutla. In coming to the Rotary Club of Harlingen, Huejutla Rotary is
trying to get help in sponsoring this project. This year, the Rotary Club of
Harlingen's budget has been projected, but it is possible in a year or two, the
Harlingen club will help purchase the new vessels for the women of Huejutla.
Pictured left to right: Ulises Reyes, Orlando Toledo, Rodolfo Cisneros,
President Chucho Rodriguez, President Elect Grady Johnson, Lalo Salas and Eric
Johnson.
Submitted by Joan Cocozza.
Get ready for Literacy Month
Please find some excellent suggestions to pass on to your clubs about how to celebrate RI's literacy month in March. Many thanks to ZONE LITERACY COORDINATOR CHICO SCHLABITZ ( Brazil ) who put together the original list. General Coordinator Richard Hattwick has made a few small changes and additions to the original list.
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Publish a message on your club’s internet page
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Publish one or more messages in your local newspaper
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Arrange an interview about Rotary and literacy which can be broadcast on local radio or television.
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Devote one or more of your club’s weekly meetings to presentations by persons familiar with literacy issues. For example:
a. Teachers of children, youth or adults
b. Directors or principals of schools
c. Municipal or state directors or secretaries of education
d. The mayor of the local city
e. A youth who failed to learn to read in elementary school but had his or her life changed recently by successfully completing a remedial course.
f. An adult who had been illiterate but took an adult literacy course and, as a result, had his or her life dramatically changed for the better. -
Sponsor a literacy class for youth or adults
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Sponsor a meeting of local business leaders for the purpose of enlisting them in local efforts to promote literacy.
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Sponsor a seminar or workshop where Rotarians can discuss literacy issues with community members and public officials.
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Devote a club meeting to a presentation about:
a. Literacy programs available, especially CLE (Concentrated Language Encounter) and/or CALS ( Computer-Assisted Literacy Solution)
b. The Rotary Foundation and available sources of financial support for literacy projects. Project LINK could be part of this presentation. -
Sponsor presentations about literacy needs and opportunities for needy segments of the local population. ( The audience could be community groups that might help meet those needs and/or the families with needy children who can be made aware of what parents can do to help their children learn to read, write and compute).
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Hold a public recognition ceremony for one or more local educators or students.
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Make a gift of books, supplies, or equipment to a local school
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Start or announce a significant new literacy project such as the establishment of a formal partnership with a local school, or an Imagination Library Project, or a Books for Babies project, etc.
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Conduct a book drive.
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Place 4-Way Test posters in classrooms at a local school.
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Announce plans for an international literacy project, perhaps with a TRF grant. Or celebrate an existing international project with an event which gets local publicity. Submitted by Dennis Roberts.
Raymondville announces officers for coming year
The Rotary Club of Raymondville has selected officers for the 2010-11. Shown from L to R are Geary Berkman--Treasurer, Vilma Cervantes--President 2009-10, Terry Wolfe--Incoming President 2010-11, and Ruben Benavidez--President Elect/Secretary. Not shown is Jerry Taylor--Sergeant at Arms. Submitted by Vilma Cervantes.
Rotarian Tom Henderson named to Order of the British Empire
Tom
Henderson, founder of ShelterBox, has been recognized for his charity
work by the Queen of England in her New Year Honors list and appointed
to the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to humanitarian
aid.
Tom is a member of the Cober Valley Helston Rotary Club and former Royal Navy search and rescue diver. He saw that the aid response to most disasters was in the form of food and medicine to help people survive the immediate aftermath. Little or no assistance was given in terms of proper shelter to help them through the first few days, weeks and months as they tried to rebuild their lives. ShelterBox was launched to fill that void. In 1999, Tom started researching the idea, sourcing equipment, and twisting arms to get the project off the ground. His persistence paid off in April 2000 when ShelterBox was launched and the Rotary Club of Helston-Lizard in Cornwall adopted it as its millennium project. Little did they know that it would become the largest Rotary club project in the world, with affiliates in eight countries.
In March, 2002, Tom approached the newly formed Rotary Club of Lakewood Ranch (near Sarasota, FL) to become the primary Rotary administrator for the ShelterBox program in the United States, known as ShelterBox USA. This commitment involves promoting ShelterBox not only through the established US Rotary club network but to other community groups, corporate groups, and individuals, as well. ShelterBox USA became a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization, with a Board of Directors, in 2005. Submitted by Fran Ciancarelli.
Matthew McCann receives Student of the Month Award
Matthew
McCann was selected as Port Isabel Rotary Club's Student of the Month for
January. According to Victor Barrera, the teacher who nominated Matthew: "I
feel that Matthew McCann, is a very well deserving student for Student of
the Month. Matthew has been involved in DECA since his freshman year and has
advanced to State three years in a row. He is the Vice-President of our DECA
Chapter and always goes the extra mile to help with all the community
service projects that we have had. He was one of the hardest working student
volunteers during the clothing drive and the food drive. Matthew, has also
been on the high school Masterminds teams since his freshman year as well as
this school year. He is also involved in band all four years. I would be
very proud if this honor would be given to him because he is very well
deserving. Matthew is a person who is willing to help any person in need as
well as help tutor his peers in any subject area."
Matthew received a $100.00 savings bond from Port Isabel Rotary President Tom Plumb and along with seven other students of the week will be considered for one of four $1,000.00 scholarships that will be presented at Port Isabel High School's graduation ceremony. Submitted by Tom Plumb.
Great news on PolioPlus fundraising
Great
News!!! As of December 31, 2009, Rotarians have raised over half of the
funds necessary to meet the challenge from the Bill and Melinda Gates
Foundation in less than one year. The goal is to raise $200 million by June
30, 2012, and at the end of the year RI, reported $105 million raised.
The Itzhak Perlman concert to End Polio at the Lincoln Center with the New York Philharmonic Orchestra raised more than $100,000 in December.
Check out the latest edition of the END POLIO NOW newsletter on the RI website. The Rotary Club of Victoria is cited for the project to sell stamps. There are some other great ideas for fund raising projects listed in the newsletter if you need some new ideas.
On January 13, The Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi welcomed the District Governor Elect of Nigeria, Dr. Gabriel T.G. Toby to the club. They were able to thank him for all the hard work the Rotarians in that district are doing to help eradicate polio. (Nigeria is one of four countries where polio is still endemic).
Thanks for all your hard work raising funds for Polio Plus and keep up the good work!! Submitted by Betty Frantum.
If all clubs in the US would purchase 30 sheets of Stamp Out Polio stamps to supplement their PolioPlus fundraising efforts the Rotary Foundation would receive over $700,000 to meet the Gates Foundation challenge. This is much more than the $100,000 raised by the December Itzhak Perlman concert held in New York. The Victoria Rotary Club has sold over 800 sheets of the stamps, but needs a breakthrough on the national level for the project to reach its full potential.
Clubs and individuals ordering 30 or more sheets have a donation given to the Rotary Foundation in their names--$100 for the first 30 sheets and $3.33 for each sheet over 30. It will take many small sales to make this project a success. Clubs that find a market for the stamps can earn one Paul Harris Fellow for each 300 sheets of stamps sold. Seems like an easy way to supplement any planned PolioPlus fundraising plans while helping the Rotary Foundation meet its fundraising goals.
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PolioPlus Challenge Stamps $10.00 Sheets of 10 US first class stamps Shipping per order: $1.00 How many sheets? |
Order by mail
All profits go to the Rotary Foundation for polio eradication. Please order a few of the $10 sheets (10 stamps per sheet) to help support polio eradication and promote the Rotary Foundation PolioPlus grant challenge. Contact Jack Whitmire, 361-433-5354, with your questions.
Port
Isabel prepares students for RYLA
Port Isabel Principal William Roach joined students who will be attending
the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program near Corpus Christi at the
end of January at a weekly meeting of the Port Isabel Rotary Club. The
students were introduced by the high school's Interact advisor, Delinda
White. Christian Morgan, Josh Molina, and Rose Mary Ochoa will be joined by
Jess Alford, a senior and RYLA alumnus returning this year as a counselor.
Submitted by
Tom Plumb.
How about a Nite at the Races?
Port
Isabel continues to grow
Mary Flores, the Director of the Port Isabel Boys and Girls Club, and formerly a member of the Edinburg Rotary Club, was inducted into the Port Isabel Rotary Club by President-Elect Bettina Tolin. Secretary Sammy Reyes looks on. Port Isabel now has 44 members after inducting seven new members since July 1st. Submitted by Tom Plumb.
McAllen
North gives Gift of Life for Christmas
On December the 23rd McAllen North Rotary Club partnered with United
Blood Services in a local in-center blood drive. Andy Browder is giving
the Gift of Life two days before Christmas. Other local Rotary
clubs were invited but McAllen North received a trophy for best
participation. A future blood drive is planned by United Blood Services
to include all Rio Grande Valley Rotary Clubs. The Rio Grande Valley
Vipers, a local NBA D-league, will be assisting in the promotion of the
next blood drive.
Submitted by
Frank Esparza.
Do you feel lucky? Give yourself a break
The Port Isabel Rotary Club is holding a Vacation Giveaway drawing on February 26. Tickets can be purchased on-line. The tickets cost $20.00 each or three for $50 or seven for $100.
Getaways include:
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San Antonio Riverwalk Getaway with two night stay, tickets to an Spurs basketball game and an autographed Spurs basketball with airfare from Harlingen
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Weekend Romantic Getaway at the Sheraton Hotel on South Padre Island including dinner for two and a champagne gift basket
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Family Getaway on South Padre Island in a two bedroom condo, passes for four at Schlitterbahn, a dolphin trip for four, a ride on a fire truck, and a Black Dragon cruise for four
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Houston Getaway with airfare from Harlingen to watch the Astros play
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Restaurant Giveaway providing dinner for two at 12 Port Isabel area restaurants
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Sportsman Getaway with a weekend at Saida Towers condos including bay fishing for two, a round of golf for two, and deep sea fishing for two
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Your Getaway provides the winner with American Eagle Advantage miles servicing the US, Canada, and the Caribbean
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Dinner Getaway allows the winner to enjoy a catered dinner for four at a location in Cameron County by Karla's Katering.
Each winner can select their getaway of choice based on their order of winning. Tickets can be bought on-line at www.pirotary.org. Proceeds benefit Port Isabel Rotary Club service projects in the Port Isabel area, Matamoras and Monterrey, Mexico, and Trujillo, Honduras. Submitted by Tom Plumb.
McAllen
North hosts Governor Dennis
McAllen North Rotary Club on January 6, 2010, was honored to host an informal meeting with District Governor Dennis Roberts at Lansky & Brats Steakhouse. Governor Roberts delivered inspiring words to local members on how the Rotary culture and belief of Service Above Self make a tremendous impact in communities. “We come from all different walks of life but have a common purpose in that we Rotarians are fundamentally people who serve others.,” said Roberts. Submitted by Frank Esparza.
Working vacations available
The Port Isabel Rotary Club is once again sponsoring work crews to Honduras in February. Twenty-nine Rotary and Interact volunteers, family and friends from Texas, Vermont, Massachusetts, and Michigan will be spending 9-15 days in Trujillo, Honduras, in February. Tom Plumb, Port Isabel Rotary president and work crew coordinator, is scrambling to raise funds to build three water projects, a concrete multi-purpose playground at a school, and up to 11 new classrooms in five villages. No skill is necessary and volunteers pay their own expenses for transportation and meals. In 2009, volunteers and villagers built a 36,000 gallon water storage tank for Barrio San Martin in Trujillo. In 2010, a similar tank will be built for Barrio Cristales. Volunteers and donations are still being sought. For more information contact Tom. Submitted by Tom Plumb.
On
January 22, the Rotary Club of Harlingen made a donation of $2,500.00 to
Hands to Honduras. President of Port Isabel Club and President of the Hands
to Honduras project, Tom Plumb, received the donation from Eric Ziehe. Tom
will soon be leaving for Honduras again and will have organized the projects
that his team of volunteers will be completing in the next few weeks. Many
people and hours of dedication go into the planning of this project. The
Rotary Club of Trujillo Honduras works in conjunction with Tom in getting
the supplies that will be needed for their projects. A total of 29 Rotarians
from Vermont, Texas, and Massachusetts will be volunteering their time over
the month of February. In June or July, another slow sand filter system and
sedimentation tank will be built. Tom with the constant help of the Rotary
Club of Trujillo (Honduras) will continue to build. This is a Rotary project
that exemplifies, Service Above Self. Submitted by
Joan Cocozza.
Test your knowledge; improve literacy
It’s
Knowledge Bowl time again! On February 19 the three Victoria Rotary
Clubs—Victoria, Northside, and Sunrise—will once again support the efforts
of the Victoria Adult Literacy Council to continue to help educationally
deprived adults in the Victoria area reach important goals in their lives
and succeed as productive citizens. The Knowledge Bowl provides
funds—through the loyal teams and sponsors that participate to help continue
the endeavor for quality literacy services. This effort requires time,
effort, and cooperation to be a success—and a success it has been. Besides
that, it’s FUN!! Some Rotarians come from other areas just to play—the more
the merrier. The Victoria Adult Literacy Council relies on community support
to keep these free educational options open. Without the support of Rotary,
this event may not take place. It is a tremendous gift of love and caring
for the support of literacy by those who truthfully care about literacy, are
fair in giving their time and effort for this event, and build good will and
better friendships, which benefit all concerned.
Jim Bishop, Victoria Advocate editor-retired, who started the Knowledge Bowl 16 years ago, always stressed that patrons and players who support the Knowledge Bowl make a difference by changing lives. He said, ”It’s all about second chances.”
You are cordially invited to come and play or just attend and enjoy the evening. You may register or get additional information at the Knowledge Bowl website. Submitted by Donna Bentley.
The bells are ringing for the first time
According to the Corpus Christi Padre Island Rotary Club the Salvation Army
had ringers on Padre Island for the first time. Padre Island Rotarian John
Eisele, is shown ringing for the Army's annual Christmas appeal. Padre
Island Rotarians and their Interact Club at Flour Bluff High School
committed to ring the bell each Friday and Saturday between Thanksgiving and
Christmas at the Island CVS store.
Their Rotarians and the Salvation Army reported the response as very
favorable, and they were able to have fun and ring the bell, while helping
the unfortunate have a better holiday.
Submitted by
Sue Lunsford.
Orphanage goodies collected
Kevin
Schleicher and Bill McAllister of the Ingleside Rotary Club presented boxes
of children’s items collected for a Matamoros, Mexico, orphanage to Karen
Gayle of the Aransas Pass Rotary Club. The Aransas Pass, Ingleside and
Rockport Rotary Clubs joined together to collect items for the Matamoros
orphanage. Examples of items collected are soap, shampoo, boys and girls
underwear, diapers, toothbrushes, toothpaste, baby bottles, etc. The several
boxes of items will be taken by Governor Dennis Roberts to Assistant
Governor Bob White in Brownsville. ADG Bob will then transport the items to
the orphanage. Those in charge of the local Orphanage Project are Karen
Gayle and Stacey Durham of the Aransas Pass Club, Bill McAllister and Kevin
Schleicher of the Ingleside Club, and Sam Spears and Jerry Channell of the
Rockport Club.
Pictured: Rotarians Bill McAllister, Kevin Schleicher, and Karen
Gayle--Chair of the Orphanage Project.
Submitted by
Karen Gayle.
Help for thousands en route to Haiti
Emergency
shelter provision for more than 30,000 people has now been pledged to the
people of Haiti with more due to follow but the logistical nightmare in
Haiti continues.
1,700 ShelterBoxes have already been dispatched and a further 1,600 will leave from the UK this week directly for Port au Prince, Haiti. Warehouse volunteers in the UK have worked tirelessly packing the boxes. This is a total of 3,300 ShelterBoxes with more to follow.
The ShelterBox Response Team (SRT) on the ground is continuing its work with ACTED and local Rotarians in order to ensure the fastest and most effective distribution of aid.
David Eby (US), Wayne Robinson (US) and Mark Pearson (UK), who have been in Port au Prince since Thursday, have commenced training sessions with their contacts on the ground to help them deliver and distribute the ShelterBoxes.
While there has been no confirmation of ShelterBoxes arriving in Port au Prince logistics teams in the UK, the ShelterBox Logistics team in Miami and the SRT in Haiti are doing everything within their power to ensure the boxes reach Haiti as quickly as possible.
ShelterBox
Head of Operations John Leach said: ‘The people in Haiti need everything
now. We’re doing all we can to land emergency shelter provision in Port au
Prince but we’re mindful of not adding to the logistical nightmare on the
ground.
‘This is a massive logistical challenge and that is why we have a team in Miami helping coordinate the logistical effort.’
SRT members Mark Dyer, John Lacquey, Steven Tonkinson (all US) and Ian Neal (UK) have met up with ShelterBoxes sent to Miami on Virgin Atlantic flights. Ian Neal will be heading to Santa Domingo, Dominican Republic to run further logistics from there and work with the Response Team in Port-au-Prince.
The UN estimates that 200,000 families, up to one million people, are in need of immediate shelter in Haiti.
ShelterBox Founder and CEO Tom Henderson says: ‘This is as bad as we’ve seen it. There’s never been a bigger need. We’re receiving support and donations from all corners of the globe and from people who come from all walks of life.' 'ShelterBox relies entirely on public donations and people’s generosity. We receive no government funding. I’d urge, if you can, to help us.’
ShelterBoxes are $1,000, but you may donate any amount and ShelterBox will consolidate with other donations, www.ShelterBoxUSA.org Submitted by Dennis Roberts.
Join Edinburg for the Cajun Fest
Submitted by
Beverly Land
2010-11 Rotary International theme announced
RI
President-elect Ray Klinginsmith announced the 2010-11 RI theme,
Building Communities -- Bridging Continents, during the opening plenary
session of the 2010 International Assembly.
Klinginsmith said he arrived at the theme after reviewing RI themes of years past. He noticed that only a few spoke to non-Rotarians.
"As a result, I decided to search for a briefly stated theme that would fulfill two objectives: the first to explain Rotary to non-Rotarians, and the second to validate our work for Rotarians," he said. "The words I have selected to describe Rotary's current mission and to highlight our achievements are what we do best: Building Communities -- Bridging Continents."
The president-elect described how his 50 years of Rotary experience have contributed to his focus on communities at home and abroad. For example, as a Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholar, he studied for a year in South Africa, becoming the first student from his small town of Unionville, Missouri, to study abroad.
The timing of the theme announcement, which took place in the evening, was a break in tradition from past assemblies and a reflection of Klinginsmith's willingness to embrace change. He encouraged district governors-elect to reexamine traditional procedures that were no longer best practices and to begin new traditions where appropriate.
He also paid homage to Rotarians of the past who helped raise Rotary to a place of prominence on the world stage. He urged district governors-elect to meet the past RI presidents and other former officers in attendance to deepen their connection to Rotary's past.
Pharr special Christmas party
The
Rotary Club of Pharr, one again, hosted a Christmas Party for special needs
students. Pharr Rotarians work hard throughout the year in their fundraising
efforts to make these opportunities possible.
The Special Needs Christmas Party is an Annual Christmas Celebration for Special Needs students in the Pharr-San Juan-Alamo and Valley View ISD. This celebration gave students a chance to celebrate the Christmas Spirit with their classmates and peers from around the school district and the Valley. Students were definitely the V.I.P.’s of this celebration, as all of them received a Christmas snack, a goodie bag, and a portrait with the big guy himself, Santa Claus. Some of the schools in attendance performed Christmas songs for the crowd of over 650. The highlight of the performances was a tribute to the late Michael Jackson. Students from PSJA High performed four of his songs along with dressing up for the occasion with silver sequined gloves. This performance put the crowd to their feet and raised the roof of the building with its energy.
The Rotary Club of Pharr provided items for goodie bags as well as cookies, drinks, pictures, and decorations of the Pharr International Convention Center. They thank Trevino’s Photography for their contribution and the Pharr Parks and Recreation Department for its commitment to our community through their facilities. Also volunteering their time were the PSJA High School JROTC Unarmed Drill Team, PSJA High Interact Club and the PSJA Memorial Cheerleading squad. Submitted by Freddy Mata.
Rotary International encourages cooperation with UN Global Compact
December 2009
Dear Rotary District Governors,
Rotary International’s more than 32,000 clubs in 200 countries and geographic regions draw on wide range of volunteer talent and expertise to improve the quality of life for all people. Rotary’s humanitarian efforts are complimented by its emphases on high ethical standards in business and all the professions. Rotary upholds such ethical standards in its “Four Way Test” and in the practical application of “Service Above Self” through countless humanitarian endeavors around the world.
In a like manner, the United Nations Global Compact is a public-private initiative for businesses worldwide committed to aligning their operations and strategies with ten principles in the areas of human rights, labour standards, the environment, and anti-corruption. The United Nations Global Compact emphasizes that business, as a primary agent driving globalization, can influence and ensure that markets, commerce, technology and finance advance in ways that benefit economies and societies everywhere.
The United Nations Global Compact exists to assist the private sector in the management of increasingly complex risks and opportunities in the environmental, social and governance realms. By working with private companies and leveraging the expertise and capacities of a range of other stakeholders, the United Nations Global Compact’s more than 5,200 corporate participants and stakeholders from over 130 countries seek to build a more sustainable and inclusive global economy and catalyze actions in support of broader United Nations goals – including the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).
The United Nations Global Compact and Rotary International share the ideals of high ethical business practices, sustainable humanitarian action, and world peace and understanding. Recognizing that such similar missions can lead to fruitful collaboration, Rotary International and the United Nations Global Compact encourage:
- Education and information sharing between Rotary clubs and districts and Global Compact Local Networks through attendance or invitations to speak at key meetings;
- As appropriate, individual Rotary members coordinate or facilitate their own businesses to commit to the United Nations Global Compact or invite Global Compact Local Network participants to join a local Rotary club;
- Local project implementation or collaboration – particularly those addressing the Millennium Development Goals – between Rotary clubs and districts and Global Compact Local Networks; and
- Joint collaborative efforts promoting the best of corporate social responsibility practices and volunteer leadership and action at the local, district or national level. Working with the United Nations Global Compact, Rotary clubs and district can expand their impact by better understanding how high ethical standards in business, industry and society can address humanitarian concerns and enhance community development worldwide. We therefore urge you to inform clubs in your district that such opportunities exist and to encourage them to contact their Global Compact Local Network with a view to developing dialogue and mutually beneficial collaboration.
Information on the UN Global Compact and its Ten Principles can be found at the following website: http://www.unglobalcompact.org/AboutTheGC/TheTenPrinciples/index.html. In addition, information on Global Compact Local Networks can be found at: http://www.unglobalcompact.org/NetworksAroundTheWorld/index.html.
In a letter similar to this one, the UN Global Compact will also encourage its Global Compact Local Networks to contact local Rotary clubs and the appropriate district governor. Through discussion, collaboration and joint cooperation, Rotary clubs and the United Nations Global Compact can foster high ethical standards, universal principles, humanitarian values and tangible humanitarian successes. Together, we can work for the benefit of all.
Yours sincerely,
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Port Aransas to hold fundraiser
The Port Aransas Rotary Club will hold its shrimp boil Saturday February 20, 5:30 PM, at the Civic Center. Dance to the Medicare Band. The $15 donation for the event benefits their scholarship fund. Tickets are available at Value Bank, American Bank, and Family Center IGA. For additional information call Mike Gray at 361-749-3379. Submitted by Jodi Goike.
Speech Chair reminds clubs to schedule 4-Way Test Speech Contest
The following is information regarding your 4-Way Test Speech contests:
- Contest rules and sample score sheet are on-line
- Club speech contests should be conducted in February
- Area speech contests should be conducted in March - contact your Assistant District Governor for the Area contest information
- Check with the school when scheduling an event so that it does not interfere with UIL event
- District Conference will be held Saturday
morning, May 15, at the District Conference. District awards will be:
- $1,500 - First place
- $1,000 - Second place
- $750 - Third place
- $250 - All others
- Transportation of students to the District Conference is the student's (parents) responsibility, and clubs are encouraged to assist
- Parents are encouraged to attend the District Conference speech event
If you need any more information contact Norman Jenkins. Submitted by Norman Jenkins.
Raymondville names Students of the Month
The
Rotary Club of Raymondville honored their January Students of the Month,
Adriana Barron and Rocco Cantu, during their January 13 meeting.
Adriana Barron is a senior at Raymondville High School where she has excelled in sports to include softball and basketball. Adriana plans to continue her education after high school. She is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Magdaleno Barron.
Rocco Cantu is also a senior at Raymondville High School and is currently
ranked second in his class. Rocco has participated in golf, tennis, Student
Council, & National Honor Society. Rocco recognizes the importance of a
family and gives thanks for his parents and grandmother who have encouraged
him throughout his school years. Rocco plans to continue his education and
would like to study medicine. He is the son of Mr. & Mrs. Tom Cantu. Submitted by
Vilma Cervantes.
Victoria Northside raising money for challenged athletes
Submitted by
David Penry.
Corpus Christi is having 14th Harvey Weil
Dinner
The Corpus Christi Rotary Club's Harvey Weil Dinner and Silent Auction honoring Peter M. Holt and Tony Amos is coming up and it sells out fast.
PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE 14TH ANNUAL ROTARY CLUB OF CORPUS CHRISTIHARVEY WEIL SPORTSMAN/CONSERVATIONIST DINNER/SILENT AUCTION ON
SATURDAY, APRIL 10, 2010, 5:00 PM
AT THE ROB & BESSIE WELDER WILDLIFE REFUGE IN SINTON, TX
Each year the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Harvey Weil Sportsman
Conservationist Dinner honors the life and achievements of Harvey Weil, a
longtime South Texas sportsman, attorney, conservationist and Rotarian who
dedicated his life to the preservation of nature and sportsmanship. To
perpetuate Harvey’s legacy, a distinguished individual is chosen annually as
the recipient of the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Harvey Weil Sportsman
Conservationist of the Year. The dinner raises endowment funds to be used to
promote educational, research and informational activities in support of
wildlife conservation. This event has proven to be quite successful and
brings together 500 citizens from all over South Texas for the dinner,
awards presentation, and silent auction. Each of the past dinners has raised
in excess of $50,000 toward the Harvey Weil Sportsman's Conservationist
Fund. The endowment has an approximate principal balance of $1,170,000.
From the interest income on the endowment funds, conservation awards are
made each year to deserving conservation programs. A total of $490,000 has
been awarded.
The recipient of the 2010 “Man for All Seasons” will be Peter M. Holt. We are honored to have Mr. Holt, a great leader and advocate for wildlife conservation, agree to accept this award in the spirit and memory of Harvey Weil.
We are also proud to announce Anthony “Tony” F. Amos as our recipient of the
Professional Conservationist of the Year Award. Tony Amos has dedicated his
career to the study and preservation of marine life.
This year’s event will again feature a seated, catered dinner, open bar, and silent auction. We anticipate a sell-out for this dinner, and as has been the policy in the past, attendance this year will be limited to the first 500 people who reserve and pay for their seats.
Table sponsorships are available at $2,000, $3,000, $5,000 and $10,000 for tables of 10. Individual tickets are also available at $175 per person. This year we have chartered a bus for the event from Corpus Christi to Welder Wildlife Refuge. Seats are available for $20 each and are limited to the first 20 reservations. For additional information, please contact Odette Perkins at the Rotary Club of Corpus Christi Office at 361-882-8672. Tables and tickets are already being reserved, so call today! Submitted by Odette Perkins.
Victoria Sunrise inducted first EarlyAct officers
On January 7th, the EarlyAct FirstKnight Club at Torres Elementary in Victoria was granted a Charter from the Sunrise Rotary Club of Victoria and inducted its first officers. The President, Leonardo Villarreal, told the students, teachers, Rotary members, and parents gathered at the event that he was so excited to have the chance to lead the club in their service and volunteering. His mom reported back that she could not get him to bed that night because he was so busy making plans for the club. The Sunrise Rotarians are so proud of the students at Torres elementary and excited about their futures as we help develop future Rotarians.
On January 20th, students at Torres Elementary in Victoria were recognized
for their Service above Self by their
teachers and granted medals and knighted in a ceremony held at the school.
This was the third group to be recognized. Victoria Sunrise Rotary Club
sponsors the only Early Acts First Knight club in District 5930.
The Annual Super Bowl Sunday BBQ sponsored by the Victoria Sunrise Rotary Club will be held on February 7, 2010 at the Holy Family Catholic Church at 704 Mallette Dr. From 9 AM – 12:30 PM. You can preorder, BBQ chicken or brisket with sides for only $7 a plate, by contacting any of the Victoria Sunrise members, Tammy Barben, or come by the church that day and you don’t even have to get out of your car. This is the best BBQ in town made by their own Fred Kubesch and you can only get it once a year on Super Bowl Sunday. Submitted by Tammy Barben.
McAllen North honors students from two high schools
North McAllen Rotary Club presented Student of the Month certificates to two
exemplary students from Nikki Rowe High School (NHS). Jacqueline Gonzales
and Derick A. Zamudio both presented a well prepared speech to the club's
members with highlights of their accomplishments and goals in life.
Jacqueline activities include HOSA and orchestra--mariachi and NHS. She is a
dual enrolled student at UTPA. Her plans are to attend Our Lady of the Lake
University in San Antonio and major in biology and later pursue a degree in
medicine. Derick is also in numerous school activities which include NHS TSA
State Champion in Engineering and graphics, Team McAllen Cycling ,track,
drum line band, and team wrestling--black belt and others. Derick’s goal in
life is to earn a PHD in engineering at UT Austin and work for NASA. In the
picture from left to right are Melissa Lauer*, Maryiel Garcia*, Jacqueline
Gonzalez, Derick Zamudio and Diana Moros* (*counselors).
Additionally, they presented certificates to Lamar Academy December
Students of the Month. From left to right Esteban Guerra, Karla V. Torres
and Mr. Robert Garcia Lamar Academy student counselor. Both students
impressed the club with excellent excerpts of family and student life.
Esteban participates on various clubs and plans to graduate as a Texas
Scholar and Tech Prep Scholar. His plans are to pursue a bachelors degree in
radiology. Karla has overcome huge obstacles being a teen parent and still
realized success in her life. She is in the Distinguished Achievement
Program, a Vita volunteer, and will be graduating as both a Tech Prep
Scholar, Texas Scholar. Her plans are to become a registered nurse and later
a pediatrician.
Submitted by
Frank Esparza.
Ambassadorial Scholar graduates
Donna Swanson was the Mission Rotary Club Ambassadorial Scholar to Ireland
in 2009. She has completed her studies and has been very active with the
Belfast Rotary Club and now she is the President of the Belfast Rotaract. In
October she attended the District Conference as a representative of the
Belfast Rotaract instead of as an Ambassadorial Scholar. In December, they
volunteered at a fundraising event organized by Janet Montgomery, a member
of the Antrim Rotary Club which hosted Donna last year. Proceeds from the
event went to MacMillan Cancer Research Center. The Belfast Rotary Club was
not Donna's host club last year, but it was the club which organized many
events for the scholars. Through these events Donna had the opportunity to
build relationships with many members of this club. It is also the club
which is the closest for her to attend. Through the Belfast Rotary Club, she
had the opportunity to help host a Christmas party at a school for children
with special needs. Another exciting event which took place in December was
Donna's graduation. It was a great privilege for her to take part in the
ceremony. Although none of her family were able to attend, she had three
friends from Belfast attend the ceremony as her guests.
Submitted by
Rudy Pena.
Port "A" held a successful casino night
Port Aransas Rotary Club held their annual Casino Night/Fish Fry Saturday night January 16th at the Port Aransas Civic Center. Over 200 locals and winter Texans tried their luck at blackjack, roulette, craps and the wheel of fortune. Many local merchants contributed to the raffle, which featured over 50 wonderful prizes. Everyone had a great time! Proceeds from the event help fund the club's local projects, events and scholarships. Submitted by Jodi Goike. Photo courtesy of Port Aransas South Jetty Newspaper.
Port Isabel installs new system
The Port Isabel Rotary Club has implemented a "Dots for Doers" recognition system. Rotarians that help in any of eleven areas of service receive a dot to place on their badge. This recognition effort was implemented by ADG Bob White, a Port Isabel Rotarian, as a way to honor club Rotarians who step forward and serve their club and community. Submitted by Tom Plumb.
Happy Birthday Rio Grande City Rotary Club!
The Rio Grande City Rotary Club recently celebrated its 42nd anniversary at one of its meetings. The Club was chartered on January 24, 1968, with the San Diego Rotary Club serving as one of its sponsors and providing the new club with the Rotary meeting bell shown in the foreground. Lauro L. Lopez (not pictured due to illness) is the only surviving charter member still active in the Club. Ricardo Gutierrez (sitting, far right) joined two years later in 1970. A decorated cake was enjoyed by all at the meeting. Submitted by Mario Lopez.
Presidential Citation application is available on-line
Check the Rotary International website for the
Presidential Citation application form:
http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/900b_en09.pdf
Rio Grande City to Host Wild Game Dinner!
The Starr County Youth Fair is just around the corner and to kick it off,
the Rotary Club of Rio Grande City is again hosting the annual wild game
dinner that provides scholarship funds for Starr County Youth Fair
exhibitors from the three Starr County high schools. RGC Rotary has hosted
the event for the past ten years and last year, the club raised $12,000 that
was presented to the Fair for scholarships. Various booths that are
sponsored and manned by local vendors and businesses from throughout Starr
County provide attendees with exquisite delicacies for their palates'
enjoyment. This year's menu has not yet been finalized, but in the past,
guests have savored some exotic specialties such as fried rattlesnake, elk
stew, snapping turtle soup, venison chili and tamales, blackened buffalo
prime rib, and fried alligator tail. All this is downed with your favorite
cold beverage. During the event, guests can also walk around the silent
auction tables and bid on their favorite rustic items while listening to
lively music. An exciting live auction is also held to cap off the evening. Submitted by
Mario Lopez.
If you got this far you should come to the Paul Harris Dinner
From: Robert G. Duncan PDG, Victoria Sunrise
Comments: Jack Whitmire, you have done and are doing an Outstanding Job with this District Newsletter. One of the best I have ever seen. Keep up the good work.
From: James Johnsons, Victoria Rotary Club
Comments: Jack, The newsletter website looks great. It is very informative and easy to read. Now we just need to get more active so we can have more headlines. Thanks!
| The South Texas District 5930 Newsletter is published the first day of each month. , Victoria Rotary Club, edits and distributes it. by the 24th of the month prior to publication. Jack is, also, our webmaster. |
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