Want a topic to pique your club's interest in PolioPlus?

You have to check out this Laredo artist, JoAnne Brooks, who had polio and now post-polio syndrome and makes jewelry using her feet to guide her functional hand as she cannot use her arms as a result of her polio.

(Click picture for JoAnne's website)

The Texas Country Reporter website may list repeat showings of her unbelievable story. You may be able to view a repeat of this show. You may obtain a copy of the DVD of episode 1135 to use as a supplement to your club's PolioPlus program.

Interestingly, Fran Ciancarelli reports that his stepfather, John A. Rossi, was also a victim of polio and later in his life post-polio syndrome. He had similar limitation of limbs as a 1-year old child till his death; this past Easter Sunday he died at 84-years old.       Submitted by Fran Ciancarelli.

Aransas Pass starts the Rotary year with a new meeting place

The Aransas Pass Rotary Club will change meeting locations. As of Monday, July 6, they will meet at noon at the Aransas Pass Civic Center, 610 West Wheeler, Aransas Pass.      Submitted by Karen Gayle.

Aransas Pass announces six scholarship recipients

Top Row, Left to Right: Stacey Durham--Secretary Aransas Pass Rotary Club, Karen Gayle--President Aransas Pass Rotary Club

Bottom Row: Aransas Pass Scholarship Recipients--Ashton Leigh Ulch, Roumaldo Jesus Padilla, Jr., Ruben Jacob Morales, Hollie Ann Olivarez

Not Pictured: Matthew Hall, Marcy Lee Ann Durham

Each year the President of the Aransas Pass Rotary Club appoints a committee who has the arduous task of selecting a limited number of deserving students from the many who apply. This year the Committee has selected (4) $500.00 scholarship recipients, (1) $250.00 continuing scholarship, and one special scholarship.

The Scholarship Recipients are: Ruben Jacob Morales, Hollie Ann Olivarez, Roumaldo Jesus Padilla, Jr., and Ashton Leigh Ulch.

The Continuing Scholarship Recipient is: Matthew Hall

The Special Scholarship is being presented to a student who has been helping the Rotary Club with various civic and money making projects since she was too small to see over the Rotary Funnel Cake Booth Counter. Because she is the daughter of one of their members and ineligible to receive a Club scholarship, the individual members contributed to this Special Scholarship. The recipient of the Aransas Pass Rotary Club Members Scholarship of $1031.50 is Marcy Lee Ann Durham.   Submitted by Karen Gayle.

What do contestants get from the Four-Way Test Speech Contest?

Rotary District 5930 By-Laws state:

4-WAY TEST SPEECH CONTEST SCHOLARSHIPS

1. District 4-Way Test Speech Contest winners shall be entitled to the following scholarships and recognition:
   1.  First Place $1,000 and trophy
   2.  Second Place $ 750 and trophy
   3.  Third Place $ 500 and trophy
   4.  Each other person participating in the District contest $ 250 and Certificate of Merit
2.  A First Place winner in any year shall not be eligible for any subsequent Rotary-sponsored speech contest.
3.  Shortly after the district contest, the District Treasurer shall send a check for the amount of the scholarship to the student’s sponsoring club for direct presentation upon the person’s enrollment in an institution of learning beyond high school in a manner which the club deems appropriate. A letter is to be sent to the club and a copy to the student which is to stipulate that if the scholarship is not claimed within one year of the student’s graduation from high school, the money will be returned to the District Governor and the student will have no further claim on the scholarship award.   Submitted by Tom Moore. 

Tom Plumb reports on last Honduras project

As many of you know, I lead Rotarian work crews to Trujillo, Honduras each year to build schools, water projects, and power projects. I have attached a collection of photos of projects Rotarians and Honduran villagers completed in Trujillo, Honduras this year. We had 48 volunteers work on these projects. We would love to have members of your club join us as well as financial assistance for school construction and/or two upcoming water projects that we will be applying for in a matching grant to the Rotary Foundation--a perfect way to get involved in a water project. If you would like a program on our efforts in Honduras, please do not hesitate to ask...956-943-1237 or .

This year's:

Completed projects:

Distribution of 150 computers to schools
Construction of two 20x30 classrooms and new latrines in the community of Guadalupe Carney
Construction of two 20x30 classrooms in the Pech Indian village of Moradel
Construction of a new 20x25 classroom in the community of Monte Cristo
Construction of a new 20x26 classroom and new latrines in the community of Rio Claro
Construction of a 36,000 gallon water storage tank for the 11,000 residents of Barrio San Martin
Construction of new latrines in Cunda
Wiring of classrooms in Caribbean Mission, Cunda, Moradel, Monte Cristo, Rio Claro, and Guadalupe Carney
Scrrens on windows in classrooms in Moradel, Cunda, June the 13th, and Rodriguez
Repairs to latrines in Silin and Moradel
Provision of water to latrines in Rodriguez

Still underway:

Provision of power to the community of La Brea
Provision of power to the community of Moradel
Provision of power to the community of Caribbean Mission
Provision of power to the community of Cunda
Construction of a new dam for Barrio San Martin
Planting of 1,000 trees in the watershed of Barrio San Martin
New roofs on the homes in Moradel (replacing thatch)

Projects for February, 2010

Water filtration system with clean water tank for Barrio San Martin (an MGA water project possibility)
Water filtration system for Barrio Buenos Aires (an MGA water project possibility)
6 more classrooms at Guadalupe Carney
2 more classrooms at Rio Claro
2 more classrooms at Monte Cristo
A new kindergarten at Cunda

Please consider sending Rotarians down to Honduras with us next year, providing funds for school construction, or participating in a Matching Grant opportunity for the two water projects (decision on that needed soon). Our website is www.handstohonduras.com.

Thanks!
Tom Plumb, President-elect Port Isabel Rotary Club
President/coordinator, Hands to Honduras, Inc.     Submitted by Tom Plumb.

Ambassadorial Scholar selected

The District Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee met in Alice on June 6th, to select the District's Ambassadorial Scholarship recipient for 2010-11. They interviewed three outstanding candidates coming from all over the District. Once again, the selection was extremely difficult and, if available, they could have awarded scholarships to all three. Unfortunately, they were only able to award one. Selected was Maya Johanna Conlon-Kremer representing the Edinburg Club.

The Committee included Annette Alonzo, Tiffany Hull, Richard Hartwig, Art Zeitler, and Jack Wilson. If you are interested in serving on the Ambassadorial scholarship Committee, please let Jack Wilson know. He can be reached at .     Submitted by Jack Wilson.

Annual PDG Dinner in Corpus Christi

       Pictures by Cherre Cain submitted by Tom Moore. 

Exchange student's parents reflect on daughter's experience

Dear Rotary Family: (McAllen, France)

First of all, and once again I would like to thank all of you for what you have done for so many exchange students like our daughter Daphne Joy Garcia.

Thanks to all of your effort and endless energy, Many families around the world have been touched and changed for ever because of you.

Many students have the opportunity to live this experience because of people like you who make the difference in the world.

Thank you for being patient with desperate parents (like me), for being there for the students when they needed you, thank for all your advice and for all the details of love you had for them organizing and keeping it balanced all through the year.

All these months we have been very worried. Silently wondering how Daphne was and how everything was going with her, knowing all of you Rotary members around the world were very reliable people living day by day the demands of having the responsibility of young lives, but I believe that at the end of this story, we all spoke the same language of worried parents taking care of adolescent children, with the desire to grow and become better human beings.

I am certain that at times it must have been difficult and at times it was gratifying, knowing that we were all planting seeds of hope and love in the world, realizing that we are all equal no matter nationality, and that we belong to the same family "The humanity", and exchanging daughters and sons, always learning from their differences brought us closer.

For 18 years we strived to educate Daphne to be responsible, helpful, loving, respectful, sensitive, able to make intelligent decisions, leading her to a safe life; but her excitement to grow, the adolescence and the desires of living life, sometimes would take her to ways with situations, which depending on how she handled them, will only turn her into a stronger woman.

We truly hope that Daphne was well behaved and that she represented the United States, Mexico and the Rotary Club with pride.

I am not sure yet where we found the strength from to have tackled this adventure with our Daphne and Julie, I am only certain that this experience will last for the rest of their lives, and it will only make them better and more prepared persons able to compete in a modern global world.

Now we have the task of finding new children, different from those who left and continue with the responsibility of keep supporting their dreams.

Daphne has told us many beautiful things about her trip and all the interesting people she met and the beautiful places she saw.

That makes us to be grateful to you the rest of our lives.

We were counting the days to see our Daphne again. This adventure is about to end for many students too. Daphne was back home safe and sound, I suppose
that as well as us, all the parents must be eager to receive their children back home safe and sound, also.

I hope their trip back home will be safe for all of them.

Once again, thank you very much for everything you did for our daughter during these months and for all you have done for so many students you have helped since you started this commitment to life.

We are in debt with you.

Sincerely,

Best Regards,

Arturo and Brenda Garcia      Submitted by Tamara Sanchez. 

Get your money right here, but hurry

Matching Grants from District 5930 DDF (Rotary Foundation) funds are available for Rotary year 2009-10. (Minimum $2,000 – maximum $6,000.) The funds can be used for approved club local community projects. The application form is available on the District Website (search under Grants/Simplified Grant App). If you need additional information, contact , District Rotary Foundation Chairman, or , District Grant Subcommittee Chairman. Deadline for application is August 15, 2009.     Submitted by Art Zeitler.

Victoria distributes earnings from annual fundraiser

The Victoria Rotary Club distributed over $23,000 of Twelfth Annual Charity Clay Shoot generated funds to the Boys & Girls Club of Victoria. $2,200 will be used for scholarships for the Boys & Girls Club summer camp. The remainder will go into the general fund for the operation of the Club, which provides a wholesome place for youngsters to spend their time. The Rotary Club, which retained a like amount, will provide grants to local and international charitable organizations with emphasis on youth development. Check the Victoria Rotary Club website, www.victoriarotary.org, after Labor day to apply for a local grant. The success of the event is attributed to over 70 sponsors, over 100 participants, and the hard work of Rotarians and the Boys & Girls Club staff and directors.

Pictured: (l to r) Peggy Cunningham--Victoria Rotary Club President, Marc Vendl--Boys & Girls Club Executive Director, Becky Arriazola--Boys & Girls Club Board member

Victoria Board votes to share Stamp Out Polio revenues

After selling 33 sheets of stamps at the District Assembly, Jack Whitmire reported the reluctance of clubs to buy the Polio Challenge stamps because Victoria Rotary Club was getting all the Rotary Foundation credit from the sales. Since the goal is to raise money to get matching funds from the Gates Foundation, the Victoria board voted to give Rotary Foundation credit to any club or individual who orders at least 30 sheets of stamps. This credit is  $3.33 per sheet purchased. This is most of the profit. Victoria Rotary Club clears $3.26-$3.94 per sheet depending on the number of sheets ordered. If all 55 District 5930 clubs bought 30 sheets of stamps the Rotary Foundation would receive $5,500 from them and a little more from the Victoria Rotary Club. The potential is much greater since most clubs could easily sell more.

So: Many small sales will make this a success. Clubs should recoup their investment from the sale of stamps to their members and the only effect on club finances is a short-term reduction in its bank account. Clubs that find a market for the stamps can earn one Paul Harris Fellow for each 300 sheets of stamps sold.  This is an easy way to supplement any planned PolioPlus fundraising plans.

The stamps sell for $10.00 for each sheet of ten stamps. The stamps are legitimate US postage for the first class mailing rate of 44 cents which went into effect last May. These stamps can be used for postage and will benefit both Rotary International and your Rotary club in many ways:

• All profits go the Rotary Foundation for polio eradication.
• The use of a stamp will promote Rotary International.
• Your company or business needs stamps and these can enhance your mailings.
• Make your personal correspondence unique with a Rotary stamp.
• Your club mailings will promote polio eradication with the Challenge Stamps.

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, 361-573-1964, with your questions.

Volunteering can be fun

Ernest Lozano, Victoria Rotary Club, volunteered to work at the US Open and reports:

Today was a great day at the US OPEN!!! I had a day off from work but we went to the course along with our family members to drink in the atmosphere of this historic event. What made this day very special is that I purchased a flag of the tournament and I had over 30 different professional golfer to sign this flag. Highlights of the day were having a great conversation with all-time golf great Jim Colbert (I even took a picture with him) and also meeting and having a picture with former NFL player and DANCING WITH THE STARS contestant Warren Sapp. He is a great guy and he interacted very well with the crowd. Warren even hit several golf balls to the great delight of the audience. My brother, John, even saw Samuel L. Jackson there.

My brother John (l) and me with the actual US Open Championship trophy that was given to the winner of the championship, Lucas Glover.

This evening we attended a New York Yankees against the Washington Nationals (the Yankees lost) in the brand new stadium and this sporting facility is breath-taking. Just being there made the evening special. It was especially exciting to see famous celebrities Vanessa Williams as well brothers and professional quarterbacks Payton and Eli Manning in attendance. You just never know who you might see in New York.

Of course everybody was there to see Tiger Woods play and practice and he did not disappoint. He wowed everyone with his tremendous ability to strike the golf ball and he appears more than ready to defend his title. (The security around this great athlete is very tight and he can't even get close to the audience because of his security detail.) Vijay Singh also practiced as well as all of the world's best players as they prepare to challenge for the greatest golf championship in the world.

Tomorrow is the opening day of the Championship and we are in for a tremendous show. My brother John and I will both be working for the next 3 days before being off for the final round and I know that we are going to be very busy however we will have opportunities to follow some of the worlds greatest golfers as they challenge the majestically challenging Bethpage Black course. May the best golfer win.

I will close for now but I hope to have more exciting news to share tomorrow. Stay tuned....

Boy, what a day. In a day that was supposed to rain all day, it didn't. Later in the day the rains finally came full bore and the start of the THIRD ROUND barely got started before it got rained out. They were hoping to get at least half of the 3rd round and then finish on Sunday but it is now looking like it may be a Monday finish unless all of the rains stay away on Sunday.

Saturday was a very busy day in the merchande tent although I did take a break to go and visit with Hall of Fame golfer Raymond Floyd who signed an autograph on a picture of him. I got a few moments to chat with him. Very nice gentleman. Chi Chi Rodriguez was there earlier but I missed him. You just never know who you might run into at the US Open. Today I am just a spectator since I have completed my volunteering obligations and I will be roaming the course to see some historic golf.

As has been reported, the continuation of the 3rd round will be at noon Eastern on Sunday. I will make another report when I return from the course. The journey continues.....

Today my brother and I attended the end of the 3rd round and the beginning of the 4th round of the United States Open. It was very exciting seeing the ups and downs that occur during a tournament. Tomorrow should be the conclusion of the tournament and it is set to start at 9:00 AM Eastern time. There was not much rain today yet nobody made any major moves and it should be an exciting conclusion to a great tournament. A side note, if two or more players are tied at the end of 72 holes of play then there will have to be an additional 18 hole play-off to begin either tomorrow or if need be all the way to Tuesday.

The highlight of my day today was meeting and having an opportunity to speak for a few moments to one of the all-time greatest lady golfers of all time, the recently retired Annika Sorenstam. She is a very sweet and kind lady. I was privileged to spend a few moments with her.

It has been an honor to share these moments of my time at the 109th US Open Championship at Bethpage Black and now our journey will continue toward Ohio as we head toward Sandusky to go to Cedar Point, one of the biggest amusement parks in the world. I will have more to share upon my return to Victoria.

God's blessings on all of you.

Major Lozano     Submitted by Ernest Lozano.  

Laredo Daybreak continues water project

The Laredo Daybreak Rotary Club continued work on their water project started during the 2008-09 Rotary year. Spearheading this project have been Kelsey Vaughn and Jorge Martinez. The latest addition came during the first week in June when Daybreakers bought and delivered five water containers to families living in the Las Lomas Colonia area on Highway 59. Daybreak Rotary purchased and delivered these containers holding from 230-450 gallons each to five families. The area has no running water and approximately 2,500 people live in this area. Potable water is available through Webb County, but must be trucked in to the different home sites. Each family is responsible for doing the installation of the tanks thereby providing potable water to their homes.    Submitted by Daniel Guevara.

Ambassador Verde  visits Brownsville Historic

The Rotary Club of Historic Brownsville hosted Guillermo Verde, Honduran Ambassador for Humanitarian Aide for three days. During the visit, Mary Curtis, Club President, introduced Mr. Verde and his entourage to several administrators at the University of Texas at Brownsville. Mr. Verde was able to meet with Dr. Escotet, Dean of the College of Education, Drs. Zavaletta and Dameron, Vice Presidents of UTB, and Dr. Juliet Garcia, President of UTB. Together, Mary and the ambassador explained their shared dream of expanding teacher training in Honduras with the resources of UTB. Other possibilities were also discussed, such as education in engineering, health systems, and ecotourism. From the university, Mr. Verde was able to tour the Immigration Detention and Processing Center in Bayview. He was quite impressed with the up-to-date, high tech facility and with the total effort at humane treatment through medical and educational opportunities for the detainees.

At the Thursday meeting, the ambassador presented Mary Curtis with a beautiful, hand-carved jewelry box in appreciation for improving the education of children in Trujillo. The ambassador was also able to visit the Port Isabel club meeting on Friday and to get a tour of the Port of Brownsville. Members of the club treated the ambassador and his group to a Texas BBQ at a condo on the island.     Submitted by Mary Curtis.

Corpus Christi Northwest supports Sea City Camp

Kathy Rios, Sea City Camp Director, shared the great work that Sea City Camp teenager and adult volunteers accomplished in the area of serving others. In response to the speaker's passion and recognizing the significant service done for others, Corpus Christi Northwest Rotarians offered to feed the volunteers during the week.

Using their portable frying trailer, Corpus Christi Northwest Rotarians met the Sea City Camp volunteers for a closing celebration meeting on Friday evening, June 22nd,at the Concrete Station in downtown Corpus Christi. The Corpus Christi Northwest club supplied, donated, and served the catfish, potato salad, Cole slaw and homemade desserts to feed over 175 volunteers.

All the Sea City Camp volunteers complimented on the great meal, were very kind and appreciative. The Sea City Camp volunteers were especially impressed by the ingenious use of the concrete mixer to mix and coat the fish with spicy corn meal. After all, the Rotarians were serving at Concrete Station.

Sea City Camp founders recognized that repairing the residences of homeowners who have special needs but limited resources was one way to address concern for quality of life and to give families a chance at a new beginning. They also wanted to provide high school youth with a fun-filled summer camp and the opportunity to experience the joy of serving their neighbors, discovering new skills, and growing in self-worth. The experience often changes the lives of youth who participate as they realize the joy that comes from serving others. The camp involves over 300 high school youth and adult volunteers who make housing repairs in low-income neighborhoods of Corpus Christi. It is ecumenical and welcomes participants and volunteers from all denominations. (From the Sea City Camp website).   Submitted by Mike Carlisle.

Rockport announces scholarships

The month of June has been an exciting month for the Rockport Rotary Club as it honors 12 Rockport-Fulton High School graduates with scholarships to colleges all over the state of Texas. The funds were raised during the annual Taste of Rockport where restaurants from their community give their product and their time toward this event. At a recent luncheon students and their parents were treated to lunch and gave speeches on their future plans. The Taste of Rockport will be held on Thursday, March 25, 2010 at Paws and Taws. (Write-up and photos by Diane Probst)

June 11, 2009  (l to r) Terri Whitman Scholarship Chairperson for Rotary, and students Courtney Parker, Sarah Hamilton, Jenny Harrington, Jonathan Gonzales, Brandon Henderson, Sydney Kerr and President of Rockport Rotary Club Angela Ruddock.

June 18, 2009 (l to r) Terri Whitman, and students (front row) Kimberly De La Garza, and Jessica James and (back row) Natalie Mason, Clinton CJ Ponton, Sam Keys and President of Rockport Rotary Club Angela Ruddock. Not pictured is Mimi Nguyen.   Submitted by Jerry Channell.

Corpus Christi Sunrise holds installation buffet

The Corpus Christi Sunrise Rotary Club held its installation of new officers on June 18 at the La Bahia Restaurant. PDG Marilyn Spencer installed the officers.

They were:

President - John Wood
Vice President - Rick Bell
Secretary - Melody Schexnayder
Treasurer - Bill Wilson, III
Sergeant at Arms - Pat Mattocks

Directors are:

Mary Shockley - Executive Director
Rick Bell - Club Service
Norman Wilcox - Vocational Service
Emmett Harris - Community Service
Mary Shockley - International Service

Other guests were: former members of the club, Nancy Ross, Thurma Hilton, Armando Avalos, and David Spencer. Rick bell was voted Rotarian of the Year; the  garage sale would not have been such a great success without him.

Pat Shackelford and Ed Shackelford (father) both received first ruby Paul Harris pins.

John Wood was made a Paul Harris Fellow.    Submitted by Mary Shockley. 

Taft presents scholarship

Michelle Olivarez, recent Taft High School Graduate, was the recipient of a $500.00 Taft Rotary Club Scholarship. It was presented to Michelle at the noon luncheon on June 16. Pictured from left, District 32 State Representative Todd Hunter, Olivarez, and Taft Rotary Club President Noel Snedeker. Representative Hunter was the keynote speaker, informing guest about the recently adopted Windstorm Bill and other highlights of the 81st Legislation Session. Hunter also said that there will be a special legislative session.   Submitted by Noel Snedeker.  

Southside Corpus Christi plans fundraising dinner

The Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi will honor fellow Rotarian County Judge Samuel L. Neal, Jr. (Loyd Neal) as guest of honor at a fundraising dinner to be held at 6 p.m. on Thursday October 29, 2009 at the Corpus Christi Country Club. The club will present Judge Neal with an honorary Paul Harris Fellow Award. The award signifies collective contributions of $1,000 from club members to the Rotary Foundation in Neal’s honor.

Neal was first elected Mayor of the City of Corpus Christi in April 1997, and was re-elected for his fourth and final term in April 2003. He had an over 40 year career in Insurance in Corpus Christi prior to becoming County Judge in January 2007. He is currently serving as a Director on several agency Boards and was appointed in 2005 as a Driscoll Foundation Trustee, and to the Driscoll Children's Hospital Board.

The tribute will celebrate Judge Neal’s outstanding community service, both in his professional role, as well as his volunteer efforts through Rotary and other organizations. Festivities will include a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle. The main feature will be a video chronicling Neal’s accomplishments with interviews family, friends, and colleagues. Proceeds from the event will benefit community and international service projects including scholarships to Del Mar College and Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi and the construction of wheelchair ramps throughout the community.

Tickets are $65 individual; $125 Couple; $500 table of 8 with sponsorship levels available.

For more information or to purchase tickets please call Southside Rotary President Lari Young at (361) 825-2374 or e-mail . To learn more about the Rotary Club of Southside Corpus Christi please go to our website at: http://www.southsidecorpuschristi.rotary5930.org.        Submitted by Lari Young.

Financial advisor outlines strategies for today’s investors

Dennis Whitley, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, presented his view of the current state of the stock market to Alice Rotarians at their weekly meeting on June 10. Dennis discussed the declining position of the United States in world capital markets. “Currently, Whitley said, the United States accounts for one third of the world’s capital markets. It used to be almost double that.”

Pictured: (l to r) George Hoffman, Rotarian, Linda Avila, club president and Dennis Whitley, financial advisor with Edward Jones.

Now, new players are emerging—China and India in particular. They continue to command a growing share of the world’s capital markets, while the United States’ share continues to decline. Nonetheless, Whitley remains optimistic about the future for American investors.

In the future, the successful investor will have to demonstrate six characteristics: Principles, Patience, Discipline, Diversification, Allocation, and, the ability and willingness to rebalance his portfolio from time to time.

Many investors, particularly retirees, who need to sustain a certain level of cash flow in order to survive, have been hit hard by today’s low rates of return. Given the turmoil today’s investors face, Whitley suggested they consider corporate bond trusts, some of which are generating returns as high as six percent. “That’s a pretty good return on investment in today’s volatile market,” Whitley said.

Whitley is confident that, in time, the United States will overcome its current economic challenges and return to a healthy cycle of growth. “Now," Whitley said, "is the time to begin to work on developing the six principles of a successful investor.”       Submitted by Roger Hoffman.

Laredo receives $20,000 matching grant for literacy project

The Laredo Rotary Club members Dr. Juan Lira, Juanita Lira, Sandra Gutierrez, President Ed Gonzalez, Club Rotario President Lucy Estrada (Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas), and Rene Angers (Club Rotario Nuevo Santander in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas) display the $20,000 matching grant check received from Rotary International to establish a library at Lauro Aguirre Elementary School in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas (Mexico). A PowerPoint presentation about this school was the highlight of this month’s meeting.       Submitted by Bert Juanita Lira.

Alice elementary students rewarded for perfect attendance

Twelve Alice elementary school students with perfect attendance for the past school year were awarded new bicycles at the June 3 meeting of the Rotary Club of Alice. “All students are made aware of the contest and its rewards at the beginning of the school year. We hope to provide these kids with an incentive that will lead them to form a good habit that will serve them well throughout their lives,” said Linda Avila, club president.

This year’s winners included two students from each of Alice’s six elementary schools. The winners were Rodrigo Aguilar and Miranda Gonzalez, Saenz Elementary; Isaiah Stout and Giselle Perez, Noonan Elementary; Yuvan Krishnasamy and Aleksandra Johnson, Hillcrest Elementary; Joseth Lopez and Natasha Gonzalez, Mary R. Garcia Elementary; Reno Gonzalez and Maria Young, Salazar Elementary, and John Trejo and Lauren Martinez, Schallert Elementary.       Submitted by Roger Hoffman.

Laredo's exchange student graduates with honors

The Laredo Rotary Club’s Rotary exchange student, Rona Nushi, from Kosovo graduated with honors from Alexander High School in United Independent School District. She took a very active role in her school activities and attended many Rotary club meetings. With her are her counselors Rotarians Juanita and Juan Lira. Rona’s parents came all the way from Kosovo for her graduation. She went back home with them but promised to come back and visit. Rona was the pride and joy of the Laredo Rotary Club.       Submitted by Juanita Lira.

Alice gets a look at future leaders of the farming industry

Alice Rotarians got a look at some future leaders in the world of farming at their June 17 meeting at The Alice Country Club.

Ag Sciences teacher and FFA Advisor Gina Hale brought two of her FFA high school student speakers to the meeting and then allowed each to make a brief talk to club members on an agricultural topic.

Hunter Winsauer, an extemporaneous speaker, addressed the club on the impact of swine flu on the pork industry. Winsauer, who is preparing to compete in the area of extemporaneous speaking, will be assigned a topic at the competition and then given a brief time to gather his thoughts and information and make his speech.

The second student speaker, Chase Yaklin, will be competing in the area of prepared speaking. Chase already knew his subject, Farm Subsidies, and had plenty of time to put together his speech and practice it.

Pictured: FFA student speakers Chase Yaklin (l) and Hunter Winsauer (r) shown with Rotary Club president Linda Avila (c).

If public speaking is the number one fear of the American public, these two young men apparently hadn’t been told. Each exhibited a confident presence and was knowledgeable about his chosen subject. If these two young men are any indication of the future leaders of the farming industry, then we are in good hands..       Submitted by Roger Hoffman.

2009-10 District Governor Installation was an enjoyable event

PDG Bruce Miller inspired attendees then swore-in District officers including the governor. He used a unique oath of office which was a combination of the 2009-10 Rotary International theme--The future of Rotary is in your hands--followed by the affirmation--"If it is to be it is up to me." Governor Russell made the transition official by giving Governor Dennis his governor's pin.

Governor Dennis charged the group to live up to the Rotary Theme. He feels we should care about the needs of others and pointed out that PolioPlus is only one of many ways Rotarians affect the world. We can do it all while maintaining the standards of the Four-Way Test. He says, "Let it begin with you."

It all happened at the Corpus Christi Town Club Saturday evening, June 27. It was a beautiful setting overlooking the bay. A few over 100 attended. Great turnout. 

Additional low-resolution pictures of the event are posted in the District Scrapbook. High-resolution prints are available through Wal-Mart Photo. Or you may request the JPG file from webmaster, Jack Whitmire. Please ask by picture number.

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