07 Ganado
08 Calhoun County
09 Edna
09 Corpus Christi Eve
14 Victoria Sunrise
15 Victoria
17 Victoria Northside
21 Aransas Pass
22 Taft
23 Sinton
24 Port Aransas
28 Corpus Christi Sunrise
29 Portland
30 Southside CC
31 Rockport

Complete Schedule

Governor Russell writes . . . . Let's Make Dreams Real

We had a President Elect Training Seminar (PETS) makeup in Corpus Christi where ten incoming presidents were able to attend. We thank Gaylan Duncan for hosting the PETS make-up and IBC Bank for the use of its building.

* Remember to attend the Foundation meeting on July 19th at 9:00am at the Kingsville A&M Student Union Building.

Please put all your efforts into the District Raffle and help 5930 with raising funds to help our humanitarian projects and the Rotary Foundation. If you have any questions about the raffle please contact Barry Lobell at 361-779-0175 or .

Cherre and I are looking forward to serving as your District 5930 governors. The main thing to be accomplished this year is to increase membership which will help us further our Rotary cause. President D.K. Lee’s theme, Make Dreams Real, is very special to Cherre and me. We want children to have a chance at a good life and an education. We are very fortunate to have clean water and not go to bed hungry. Rotary would like to see an increase in water provision and sanitation projects for areas in need and we hope that there will be more applications for District Matching Grants to aid these endeavors. PolioPlus will continue to be in the forefront until polio is eradicated from the face of the earth.

Rotary is all about helping others and that is something Rotarians do well. Let’s be the change we want to see in the world.

Thank you,

Gov. Russell Cain and Cherre

*Rotary District 5930

Foundation Seminar

Saturday, July19, 2008

Texas A & M-Kingsville

Student Union Building Room 221 A&B

Registration 8:30 AM to 9:15 AM

Coffee & Pastries

Seminar 9:15 AM to 1:00 PM

Lunch on your on

Learn about changes in the Foundation (Future Vision)

Learn about Scholarships and Grants

Enjoy the Fellowship

Russell Cain

District Governor 2008-2009

Special Guest-Noel Bajat, PDG

Zone 26 Foundation Coordinator

All Clubs must file IRS Form 990

From Club and District Support - Pan America Department
Rotary International, 1560 Sherman Avenue, Evanston, Illinois 60201 USA
Telephone: (847)-866-3000; Fax: (847)-866-3072

What follows is not tax advice, but general information, which may be useful. Questions regarding any tax matters need to be referred to local counsel, your tax adviser or to the IRS. (http://www.irs.ustreas.gov or 1-800-829-1040)

On 13 May 1958, the Internal Revenue Service declared that Rotary International (RI) and its clubs and districts are entitled to exemption from federal income tax under Section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code. While Rotary districts and clubs are exempt from paying federal income tax, the law does require Rotary clubs and districts to file an annual information return on IRS Form 990, on or before the 15th day of the 5th month following the close of the annual accounting period (15 November). – Certain organizations, other than private foundations, that do not normally receive more than $25,000 in gross receipts in each taxable year are not required to file Form 990.

NEW! Starting in 2008, clubs or districts with gross receipts of $25,000 or less will be required to file Form 990-N, which is an electronic e-Postcard report. This report is required annually starting 15 November 2008. Failure to meet the annual filing requirement for three consecutive years will result in revocation of the tax-exempt status of the club or district in question. To learn more about this requirement, and to obtain the necessary e-Postcard report form, visit the US Treasury website at: www.irs.gov/eo, or call the toll-free number: (877) 829-5500.

Numbers: RI's Group Exemption Number (referred to as "GEN" on Form 990), is 0573, which applies to RI as well as all USA and Puerto Rico clubs and districts. At the same time, every club and district in the US and Puerto Rico is required to have its own Employer Identification Number (EIN). This 9-digit number is essentially a tax ID number, and has nothing to do with whether the club or district has any employees. As RI must report annually the EINs of all districts and clubs in the USA and Puerto Rico, the RI secretariat maintains a list of those EIN tax numbers for reference. New Rotary Clubs, however, must apply directly to the IRS for an EIN number to be assigned to the new Rotary club. Please contact your Club and District Support (CDS) representative at Rotary International headquarters if you have any questions about the EIN number for your club or district.

Tax Deductible Status: Though clubs and districts do not have to pay federal income tax, donations to clubs and districts are not tax deductible as a charitable contribution. However, such deductible status is possible for a contribution to any club or district charitable fund that has been independently classified by the IRS as qualifying under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Membership dues may be deductible for some Rotarians as a business expense. Please contact the IRS or your tax consultant or attorney for guidance on this issue.

Other Taxes: Clubs or districts may be required to file IRS Form 990-T if they have "unrelated business income." An unrelated trade or business is defined as any trade or business that is regularly carried on, and that is not substantially related to the organization's exempt purpose or function. (IRC Sec. 513)

Federal Social Security and withholding taxes, and local state income taxes may be required from a club or district that has one or more paid employees. Please contact the IRS or your tax consultant or attorney for guidance on this issue.

The laws of individual states vary in regard to state income tax, sales tax, other taxes and special licenses. The 501(c)(4) status applies only to federal income tax and does not necessarily have any bearing on state or local taxes. IRS interpretation of its Code also can vary slightly in different US Treasury districts.

Submitted by Tom Moore.

Viky goes home

Viky Garcia The Garcia family and I were uncertain of what was going on with Viky and a possible transfer from the Corpus Christi hospital to back to Laredo. We were ironing out the details and I made a decision to wait until I was certain of what was to happen.

Well, were can I start. After the hasty departure from the Galveston (UTMB) hospital, I did spend some one-on-one time with Viky at the Corpus Christi hospital. She is aware of her condition and the circumstances that led her to present state. Her father did arrive to Corpus and yes, he did bring the car that I left back in Galveston. Knowing that Viky was closer to her home and that her father and I could care for her, her mother and brothers did return to Chicago to tend to some pressing issues at both their work and at homes. They were really torn with their decision, but I assured them that her father, her uncle who had also arrived, and that I would care for Viky during their temporary absence.

I was with Viky and Mr. Garcia until Monday afternoon, when I traveled back to Laredo on a greyhound bus. I left the car in Corpus to make sure they had some sort of transportation. Let me tell you, that bus ride was a little bit more comfortable than the ambulance ride I had with Viky from Galveston to Corpus.

I did return to Corpus on that Wednesday to visit with Viky for just a few hours. She had home legal matters to address and asked me to be there with her during that phase. I did return to Laredo that same Wednesday.

During her latest stay at the Corpus hospital she did have some visitors who really picked up her spirits; I hope I don’t leave anyone out. Past Rotary District Governor Marilyn Spencer, Rotarians Mr. Barry Lobbell and Ms. “Rosie” Garcia did visit. Believe me, those visits made Vikys stay better. She did share tears with them but, they were tears of joy and gratitude.

I have received in Vikys behalf countless number of get well cards and well wishes from friends, co-workers, and fellow Rotarians. Now that she is more awake and responsive I have shared those cards and thoughts with her. Thank you all for your support.

Her father and uncle remained and still cared for her after my departure. With rumors from her hospital social worker that she was to be released sometime soon, I dealt with that issue back here at home. I knew that if a local medical facility did not accept her, she would be home-bound. I started to clear a room at the house and prepared it, just incase. By Thursday evening, I had no information leading me to believe that Viky would stay at the present hospital. By the way, I want to thank Mr. Javier Compean, Rotary ADG, for trying to help Viky with stay and medical care when returning to Laredo. I met with him on Thursday afternoon, as I scrambled to make Vikys return home more sound and comforting.

So Thursday evening comes along and I get a call from Mr. Garcia that Viky will be released from the hospital on Friday, as soon as her home hospital equipment is delivered to the house. The hospital social worker called me and confirmed the delivery arrangements had been made though the hospital to have the medical equipment delivered to the house. The hospital bed, wheel chair, shower chair, and related items were to be delivered on Friday afternoon.

With that notice of transfer, I finished clearing the one room I knew Viky would be most comfortable in.

That evening I called one of Vikys co-workers at Habitat for Humanity and fellow Rotarian Ms. Bertha Galvan, to maybe help me set up some new curtains in the room. The plan was set and I did not foresee anything out of the ordinary. Well, to my surprise and as an another unexpected gift from the GOD himself, Vikys supervisor, Ms. Carol Sherwood and some of Vikys other co-workers arrived early Friday morning, helped me clean the entire house , made immediate improvements to Vikys room and help me make modifications to certain areas of the house that will make Vikys arrival and stay a lot more comfortable. In reality, I was just going to clear the room and sanitize it as best I could. Ms. Sherwood arrived with her small but very strong army of volunteers and set up new window blinds, curtains, lamps, beds sheets, a TV, decorations, and a whole other stuff that I would have not been able to do by myself, even if I would have thought of them. A really BIG THANK YOU to her and her staff to came in to volunteer and help me with her arrival.

Viky arrived to Laredo ….to her home …..on Friday evening around 8:15pm. She looked tired but excited to be home. As the paramedics wheeled her in to the house she absorbed the feeling of being home. She got wheeled to room that was prepared for her, and she did not recognize it at first and asked what had happened. After she was set in her bed and the was comfortable. I explained to her who had helped me makes her arrival a lot more comforting. I also, shared and reminded her how the Rotary Clubs and families have pulled together and made such tremendous contribution to her well being though prayer, well wishes, and contributions. Tears from her and I were hard to stop.

So now I write to you, at about 11:30 in the evening on Saturday June 31, 2008. I barely had time to sit down today. It was a long night last night and even longer day today. But right now she is resting and enjoying her first full day back in her house. She is ordered to be in her bed for at least three weeks and continue taking an array of medications that range from A-Z, as they say. When she is stronger, she will initiate a transfer from her bed to the wheel chair and hopefully progress from there. I will keep you updated.

I send this email as a update to all you have asked to be notified on Vikys condition and to those who care for Viky. If we have met before, I hope I will have the pleasure to thank you in person for your support, If I have not had the pleasure , I hope to do so soon and share my gratitude ,a hand shake, and thank you in person.

Thank you all for everything you have done and shared.

Adios,

Sergio Moreno,
From Laredo Texas

The Rotary Foundation is our fiscal engine

The Rotary Foundation is the vehicle that makes many things possible in Rotary. It makes it possible for us to having "Matching Grants" to make our world a better place, it funds our GSE teams, Ambassadorial Scholars, and funds the District Grants.

The Foundation is important and deserves your support. June is the final month of this Rotary year, and is the month that most Rotary Clubs and Rotarians donate to The Foundation. There is no requirement to wait.

"Matching Grants" thru The Foundation are available to all of us. If you did not get one, it is probably because you did not dream large enough to make application. Other Rotarians do dream big of helping others and that help comes to them as a matching grant. Submitted by Tom Moore.

Rotary PR Grants Available

The Rotary International Board of Directors has approved the continuation of Public Relations (PR) Grants in 2008-09. PR Grants are designed to help districts reach the general public by promoting Rotary and improving Rotary’s public image.

Grants of up to $10,000 per district will be awarded to districts on a competitive basis. Only one grant will be considered per district, and the district must contribute a minimum of one-third of the total grant amount requested. District governors and their district public relations chairpersons are encouraged to form a committee to develop a plan to tell the Rotary story.

In the 2007-08 Rotary year, 234 PR Grants totaling $1.1 million were awarded, with districts contributing about $1 million and in-kind contributions totaling some $2.3 million, for a total value of more than $4.5 million in media placements and projects.

Districts can organize their PR grant in several ways, including:

· A district-level project in which every club participates
· A project developed by the District PR Committee in which several clubs participate
· One or more projects developed by individual clubs which are combined to become the district’s application

PR Grants are designed to help districts and clubs enhance the awareness of Rotary and the work Rotarians do by placing television and radio public service announcements (PSAs), billboards, banners, ads and newspaper supplements in their communities. Districts are urged to use pre-produced Humanity in motion materials, which can often be modified with a localized message. By seeking in-kind contributions, such as donated printing or advertising space, the value of a PR grant can be multiplied many times over.

PR Grant applications, which must be signed by the District Governor, are due at RI Headquarters by 1 October 2008. Grants will be approved by 31 December 2008, and projects funded by the grant must be implemented (but not necessarily completed) by 1 June 2009. For more information, Rotary International or contact District PR Chair, Jack Whitmire, or Rotary Public Image Resource Group Zone 26 Coordinator Sue Whinnery at .

Ingeniero Juan Gastélum Castro made a Paul Harris Fellow
By Fran Ciancarelli

Thursday, June 12, 2008, I recognized my friend Juan Gastélum with a Paul Harris Fellow award which is the highest form of recognition in Rotary.

Today, I am giving the recognition of a Paul Harris Fellow to Ingeniero Juan Gastélum Castro. Juan is a man whom I first met twenty-two (22) months ago here in Mission. He is a friend who lives in Reynosa, México. As a young engineer Juan started his career with PEMEX. From that early start he established, maintained, and prospered in many business enterprises and orchestrated professional multi-country associations.

Juan himself will tell you that God has been generous to him in all aspects of his life. One needs only to spend a few days with Juan to see that he savors his blessing, enjoys life, and continues to move forward. Personally, I believe Juan has done well, but I am more impressed knowing that his businesses have provided a livelihood for over 2,000 employees, maybe it’s better said for over 2,000 families, and every employee is greeted as a friend and with respect.

Juan has been instrumental in helping the young and upcoming leaders in México by founding the “Universidad Valle Del Bravo” in Reynosa and serves as its Rector. Thousands upon thousands have earned a college degree through his private institutions of higher learning. Yes, my intent was to say the plural of institution as Juan has founded and presided over a total of eleven (11) Universities. Therefore, one can assume that the number of college graduates multiplys at an exponential rate! It is obvious that Juan with the help of his staff have facilitated the success and empowerment of many, many young people.

Juan, I believe your life exemplifies the humanitarian and educational objectives of The Rotary Foundation (TRF) and the beliefs of the Rotarians seated around you in this meeting today.

For the things I have mentioned is why Juan Gastélum is my Amigo and that Mi casa es la casa de Juan that is of course when he visits Mission as he lives in Reynosa! And, this is why I am pleased and proud to give him a Paul Harris Fellow, while he is not a Rotarian, he follows the Rotary principle of Service Above Self. Juan, I am honored to present you with this Paul Harris Fellow certificate inscribed in your name, a medallion, and lapel pin. By accepting and displaying this pin you will join a group of over 1.1 million Paul Harris Fellows worldwide, who will immediately recognize the caliber of person that you are without a word needing to be spoken and treat you as their Amigo!

Juan gracias por ser mi amigo!

Juan thank you for being my friend!

At the end of the meeting Juan asked to address the Rotary Club. His ten minute impromptu comments, spoken in Espanola, were both profound and eloquent. After the meeting, I thanked Juan for what he had said about me and then quietly told him that he spoke too fast (rapido) and I didn’t understand anything but my first name.

Paul Harris Fellow individual recognition: http://rotary.org/en/Contribute/DonorRecognition/IndividualRecognition/Pages/PaulHarrisFellowRecognition.aspx

Tom Plumb reconnoiters Honduras

At long last.....we head home tomorrow. Lincoln and I had the pleasure of staying at the Cocopando Hotel *where the garifuna dancing was(...the backpackers place...and our rooms were less than the tax paid by the teacher trainers who stayed at the Christopher Columbus. The things we do for Honduras. The teacher training went very well.....Dr. Mary Curtis and High School principal Edward Argueta both from Brownsville did an amazing job of teaching 16 teachers from 10 schools in the use of the science equipment and computers we sent...the grand finale was a luncheon in which they all got their share of science equipment and computers.

The dedications were great too.

The paint colors this year were light blue on the outside and yellow on the inside. The doctor who is comparable to our surgeon general....in charge of all hospitals, clinics etc. in the country and personal doctor to the Honduran president....came to the Cristales tank and Cunda dedications. The political governor of the state came to the Cunda, Cristales and Pech dedications and the head of the school systems in the state also came to the Pech dedication. Except for a little more latrine work at Pech and Buenos Aires all the projects are complete. The latrines should be finished in a few days. One nice thing is the person that the Taufick Bendeck school was named after came from Florida to the dedication and the elderly...very elderly....woman the school at Pech was named after...Elvira Tome...was present at that dedication.

I saw Frank Jr., Jesus the electrician's baby, named after our electrician, Frank Condron. Looks just like Frank only cute.

Well, that's all for now....I will write more with the photos.

Next year we have eight classrooms at four schools planned, four power projects, three latrine projects, and another 150 computers. We are also joining with District 5830 to provide a community water filtration system for the community we provided water to this year. Lots of matching grant opportunities. We are recruiting volunteers and beginning fundraising now. Our dates are February 4-12, 2009, February 4-15, 2009 (for those who want to stay a little longer), February 12-21, and then underdetermined dates between February 21 and March 8.

Volunteers pay their own expenses about $1,200. We had 48 volunteers this year. I will be updating our website soon... www.handstohonduras.com. I am available for presenting a program to your club.

Thanks!

Tom Plumb, Port Isabel Rotary Club

Dispatch from Germany

Subject: GSE Germany
Date: 11/06/08 09:58

Tom:

Sorry for the delay. I have not been in a home with internet access for a week (imagine that). Everything is going well. The team is working very well together and we have been treated like kings and queens. We have all eaten too much, drunk the right amount, and had a very good time. The three stops that we have made have all been well organized. The ÂÂ “kidsÂÂ” are behaving and we have nicknames for everyone!! We went flying yesterday and we are going zip lining tomorrow after we visit the river police. Tell everyone that everything is ok and we are having a wonderful time.

I will try and be more punctual with my emails for the second half of the trip. Hard to believe that we have been here only 9 days. We are all set for the European cup soccer match tomorrow. Our team, Germany is expected to do well and everything stops when they are playing.

Chuck Borders

McAllen North is looking forward to a great year

Plans are definitely progressing for McAllen North Rotary’s ’08-’09 fiscal year. Club Officers have been selected as follows:

President Pat McCarty
President-Elect Betty Ramirez
President-Nominee Elaine Hernandez
Past President Bradley Lacher
Vice President Bill Mann
Secretary Marilyn Hardison
Treasurer Mike McLarty
Sergeant at Arms Christopher Del Barrio

Tom Moore, our own soon to be Past District Governor, has graciously consented to be in charge of our programs for this coming year. Tom has seen many different programs during his tenure this past year as DG. His experience and contacts will result in some excellent Thursday morning meetings.

They plan to repeat their annual Jamaican-Me-Crazy fund raising event. Marilyn Hardison did an outstanding job with this event last year, and Bradley Lacher, their ’07-’08 President, will “lead the charge” this year.

Their Club has several new endeavors for the coming year which hopefully will enable them to meet their primary objectives which are to increase Club attendance and membership. They feel their Club is their membership. They are committed to growth. Submitted by Pat McCarty.

Raymondville honors students of the year

Raymondville Rotary Students of the Year Raymondville Rotary began recognizing High School seniors in October 2007 as Rotary Students of the month. A total of seven boys and seven girls were recognized, along with their families, at our noon meetings (two each month). From the 14 students, the attached photo shows our Rotary Students of the Year. Pictured from left to right are Gilbert Galvan, Principal, John Henry Constante, Male Rotary Student of the Year, Nicole Garcia, Female Rotary Student of the Year, and Vilma Cervantes, Rotarian. Both students were recognized at our noon meeting on May 21, 2008 and presented with a plaque and a watch. Nicole Garcia was also a Rotary Scholarship recipient. Submitted by Vilma Cervantes.

Help welcome C-SPAN's Campaign 2008 Bus

As part of our commitment to education, the Kingsville Sunrise Rotary Club welcomes the C-SPAN Campaign 2008 Bus to Kingsville and invites the public to participate in the Road to the White House tour, when the bus stops at Kingsville, July 10 at 7:00 AM at Linda's Main Street Café. The 45-foot mobile production studio is on the campaign trail to promote and enhance C-SPAN's comprehensive political coverage, traveling to major political events such as candidate debates and speeches in early primary states, touring state capitols, and also conducting educational programs for teachers and students. Since its January 2007 launch, the bus has been to 43 states and 329 schools, where 374 elected officials, 4,780 teachers and 40,400 students have been on board.

The Kingsville events are part of the bus's inaugural Road to the White House tour, named after C-SPAN's renowned political program that marks its 20th year on the air in 2008.

For more information or to RSVP, us.

Southside Corpus Christi's fundraiser benefits the Miracle League

The Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi held its 2nd Annual Administrative Professional’s Day Fundraiser Luncheon this year to benefit the fund to build a Miracle League Baseball Field for disabled children and adults in Corpus Christi. Over 150 administrative assistants and their supervisors were treated to a lovely luncheon at the Corpus Christi Country Club on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 which helped Southside Rotary raise over $1,300 for the cause.

Corpus Christi Hooks Director of Marketing Adam Nuse and his colleague Entertainment Director Seamus Gallivan provided a lively talk on the Miracle League Field which will allow children and adults with mental and/or physical disabilities the opportunity to play in an organized league on a specially designed rubberized field. All net proceeds from the luncheon will go toward the cost of facility construction, uniforms, and equipment.

A raffle was held at the luncheon and featured a Corpus Christi Hooks Gameday Package, an Omni Hotels Corpus By Candlelight overnight stay and dinner package, and many more exciting prizes. The club plans to hold the event again next year to continue to fund crucial civic needs. Submitted by Lari Young.

Laredo Daybreak Partners with Communities in Schools

In order to assist Communities in Schools (CIS) to help people successfully learn, stay in school, and prepare for life the Laredo Daybreak Rotary Club has partnered with CIS in their Scholarship in Escrow Class of 2012 project.

This Scholarship in Escrow program is an opportunity for local CIS students to participate in a program that provides them with incentive to do better in school and in their classes. These students will be paid for their grades. The better the grade the better the pay. Students must sign a contract and must finish school in order to qualify for their scholarship in escrow. For each A they will get $40, for each B, $20, and for a C, $10. If they take a core subject such a math, science, etc., they will earn a $10 bonus. At the end of each year each student can earn a maximum of $400 per semester.

Partners such as the Daybreak Rotary will contribute a total of $17,286. At the end of each December $4,321.50 is due from each partner.

In addition each partner (10 in all) will have a representative on the board of the Scholarship in Escrow program and they and they alone will select the participants and award the Scholarship in Escrow monies.

Pictured left to right; Jesus Amezcua Daybreak President, Joe Gutierrez, executive Director CIS, CIS board members Larry Dovalina and Tina Trevino.

“We are very pleased that the Daybreak Rotary is a funding partner in this innovative program to help our children stay and learn in school” said Jesus Amezcua Daybreak Rotary president. In addition the incoming president, Jesse Hernandez, commented that he and the Daybreak board look forward to a continuing relationship in this great program. Submitted by Daniel Guevara.

Lionel returned from Los Angeles on cloud 9

District Governor, Tom Moore, sanctioned a trip to the Rotary International Convention in Los Angeles for the purpose of exposing our Adoption Awareness project.

We were incredibly successful in our presentation and exhibit at the International Conference. As the District Community Service Chair, Lionel Betancourt was asked to submit a project worthy of consideration for a presentation at the International Conference. He prepared the form, wrote the thesis, sent it to PDG Marilyn for editing, accepted the changes without even looking at them, and submitted it.

DG Tom then suggested that we ask for a booth in the Friendship Hall to display what we are doing. Our initial application was rejected as there were no spaces left, but we were put on a waiting list before we had heard from the program coordinator about our breakout session.

Later, we were accepted to make the presentation; a few days later a booth space miraculously opened for us. This was incredible. PDG Marilyn stuck with the project all the way. DG Tom Moore saw to it that we had perfect brochures.

The Friendship Hall was enormous and we were way at the back, but neatly placed next to one of the two eating establishments. We had to be there from 9:00 in the morning to 6:00 and 7:00 in the evening, Saturday through Wednesday. Fortunately, Marilyn was there for three days and Mary Anne came with Lionel and helped the other two plus days. They handed out brochures and talked almost non-stop. It was not only a tremendous experience, but also was a lot of fun (in a tiring sort of way).

Most of the Rotarians attending were from California. The acceptance of this project was unbelievable and this state is without a doubt involved, now. One member from the Downtown (biggest there) listened to Lionel's explanation and asked him to repeat so he could tape it for his club. The DG from southern Florida has a member who is the franchise owner of the Wendy's Restaurants. There is no doubt they, too, will be having picnics.

Lionel Betancourt and Marilyn Spencer Late in the Conference, Lionel left the booth for a few minutes to pick up some Rotary literature to bring home. By then there were many places on the shelves that had nothing to display. He asked if he could leave some of our brochures on one of the empty spaces. In getting permission he met Abby McNear, Manager, RI Service Support and RI Awards Department. After his pitch tears welled in her eyes. She explained that Rotary had not had a new Community Service project that had the potential of this magnitude in a long time. Her "promise" was that this would be written up in the Rotarian. She immediately went to the person that could do this, put her arm on her shoulder, and told her what she had found.

Toward the end of the last day of the convention a very nicely decorated Rotarian came, viewed the display we had, and requested that we begin this project in Mexico. Lionel read his badge and it was Frank Devlyn, RI President 2000-01. Lionel believes that he heard about our project and came to see.

All in all, the week at the Rotary International Convention was more than a success. We affect not only the lives of children who desperately need a family, but also the lives of Rotarians. Submitted by Lionel Betancourt.

Billy Settles selected to be a WASRAG director

Billy Settles was elected and confirmed as one of the Directors for the Water and Sanitation Rotary Action Group (WASRAG). The other two in the photo are also new Directors. They are as follows: on Billy's right is Edward Kairu of Nairobi, Kenya, and on his left is Arvind Phukan of Tacoma, WA.

He has, also, been selected to represent Rotary on Sanitation at the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

For more information on WASRAG, see the website www.wasrag.org. Submitted by Billy Settles.

Volunteer Service Grant used to train Hondurans

Mary Curtis, President of Historic Brownsville 2008-09, received her first Rotary grant. Curtis and a fellow club member, Mr. Edward Argueta, spent two weeks in Trujillo, Honduras, on a Volunteer Service Grant. Following Tom Plumb’s, Port Isabel Club, efforts to build new schools and distribute science equipment from the rural areas, Curtis and Argueta trained 19 teachers in science methodology, science equipment, and computers. Teachers from 10 different schools are now prepared to expand the curriculum of their programs. They will be able to lead their students in the use of prisms, electrical circuits, magnets, microscopes, and telescopes. They will also be able to guide their students in data collection and analysis. These teachers will be able to share basic word processing and learning games on the computers.

The training was well received. Both Curtis and Argueta are invited by the teachers and the Rotary Club of Trujillo to return for another training seminar. Plumb was also included on the grant as a facilitator. His prior knowledge of the area and his local contacts were invaluable to the success of project. Submitted by Mary Curtis.

Mark your calendar for Goliad Rotary Club Golf Tournament in August

The Goliad Rotary Club is hosting The Goliad Rotary Club Golf Tournament on August 6 at the Goliad Course beginning at 1:00 P. M. It will a Florida Scramble and they invite any Rotarians who might wish to enter to call Glenn Pitts at (361) 645-8322. The entry fee is $60.00 including green fees and a cart. There will be some great prizes and a BBQ Meal served at the end of the tournament. All proceeds go to scholarships for graduating seniors at Goliad High School.

Public Relations tips

Start the next Rotary year off right by placing a paid advertisement in your local newspaper or community guide. Download a preproduced newspaper supplement from the RI Web site, and work with your club to incorporate its success stories.

As the weather gets warmer in many parts of the world, now is a popular time to attend sporting events. If your club or district is organizing an event at a sports arena, ask the management about airing a Rotary television public service announcement during a halftime or break. After you obtain approval, contact pr@rotary.org, and indicate the video format the venue requires. RI will take it from there.

To strengthen Rotary's public image, invite media, advertising, marketing, and public relations professionals to your next club meeting and, as appropriate, consider them for membership. They not only will support your club through fellowship and service but also will help promote it effectively. Linda Coble, of the Rotary Club of Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, understands this strategy firsthand. She became a Rotarian while working as a TV news anchor and has obtained great media coverage for Rotary over the years.

Area 8 installs new officers

ADG Lionel Betancourt congratulates new Harlingen Sunburst Rotary Club President, Rick Knowland	Raymondville Rotary Club incoming President, Frank Torres, says adios to Randle Hall
Harlingen Rotary Club Glenn Hill turns the reins over to Alan Johnson

New District Governor installed

About 200 people watched as PDG Marilyn Spencer installed the 2008-09 Rotary International District 5930 Governor, Russell Cain. Russell is a real estate broker and owner of COLDWELL BANKER Russell Cain Real Estate with offices in Port Lavaca, Port O’Connor, Palacios, and Seadrift. He is current President 2007-08 of the Calhoun Board of Realtors and past president several terms. He also has been awarded Realtor of the Year. He is a member of NAR; TAR. COLDWELL BANKER Russell Cain was awarded # 1 COLDWELL BANKER company in the nation for franchises with 1 to 10 agents for both 2006 and 2007 for closing more real estate transactions than any other franchise.

He was Assistant District Governor, Area One, 2003-05 and President of the Port Lavaca Club, 1997-98, where he has 14 years perfect attendance. He received the District 5930 Award for Meritorious Service in 2000. He has chaired the Port Lavaca Rotary Golf Tournament for 20 years.

Russell and Cherre brought plenty of entertainment with them from Port Lavaca. There was a great band, two high school singers and a troupe of folklorico dancers.

Of course, there were speeches. Barry Lobell encouraged the clubs to support the District Raffle. We will raffle a vehicle again this year and all the profits either go to the Rotary Foundation or to District humanitarian projects. J.D. Simpson J.D. Simpson followed with information on the 2009 District Conference which will be held at the Radisson Hill Country Resort & Spa, near San Antonio, on the last weekend in April. It is near SeaWorld and has a world class golf course. It will be a family event. We've negotiated a great room rate, $114 per person per night.

Billy Settles Billy Settles reminded the crowd that it was not too late to send money to the Rotary Foundation for the 2007-08 year. He, also, recognized major donors and Paul Harris Society members. Jo Anne Settles gave us a passionate update on PolioPlus. All the key players were at the Rotary International Convention in Los Angles and promised to make polio eradication their top priority. We have had 600+ cases identified this year which is roughly on track with last year when we identified a total of 1300+ cases. We were asked to continue contributing to PolioPlus to take advantage of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation matching grant. We were, also, encouraged to publicize PolioPlus outside of Rotary--anyone may contribute to the Rotary Foundation.

Russell Cain Russell encouraged attendees to support incoming Rotary International President, D.K. Lee, who wants to eliminate the loss of 25,000 children daily to preventable causes. Many of these deaths can be prevented with clean water, better sanitation, and proper education.

For additional pictures go to the District Scrapbook.