This Thursday, October 29, 2020 is the Baked Potato fundraiser for Nutrition and Services for Seniors.  Volunteers are needed who can use their own cars to deliver baked potatoes between 9am - 1:00pm.  They are also in need of volunteers who can arrive earlier and help prepare the to-go boxes.  Please let me know today what time you will be available that day and whether you would like to help with delivery or packaging the potatoes in to-go boxes.

One of the things the Spindletop Rotary prides itself on is the ability to adapt to changing situations. When the Earth "closed" back in mid-March, the club leadership took a step back and evaluated the situation and eventually came up with a new way to engage membership by holding virtual Zoom meetings.  During this time, the membership checked in on each other, laughed, instituted a revised virtual meeting format, and even grew and thrived.  The club held it's first virtual induction and inducted four new members at the same time.  We are on our way to inducting more members as of this writing.  Members of the club have been involved in virtual training seminars where other District 5910 members have heard about Spindletop's fun Zoom meetings and have started utilizing Zoom in their own clubs after hearing about the success that Spindletop Rotary has had.  People are talking about us, and that's a good thing.  So as the Earth slowly re-opens, let's continue to inspire others in all that we do and open opportunities.

 

 

 

Calling all fundraising and service project committee members current and future!!!  This year, we are being challenged to come up with a new fundraiser to have in place of the soap box derby.  The fundraising committee has met several times and put forth some very good ideas.  However, the new board feels that we need to set some fundraising and project goals for the new Rotary year.  So this is what I'd like to see happen.  I would like both the service project and fundraising committees to meet at some point before the end of July board meeting and come up with answers to the following questions:

 

1.  How much money do we need to raise?

2.  What other small service projects do we want to use this money on?

3.  What need in the community do we want to spend this money on?

 

Also keep in mind that one benefit the soapbox derby always provided was that the project engaged the entire membership intensely with a common purpose.  Club membership engagement should also be considered in determining our new flagship project.  With these goals set, we can better plan the fundraising events and use the funds for immediate needs in the community.  When these answers are determined, I'd like a representative from both committees to attend the end of July board meeting and present the ideas to the board so that they may take appropriate action.

 

So please think about a good time to meet and discuss these issues and let Chris or Heather know so we can organize a Zoom meeting for the 2 committees.

The Spindletop Rotary is pleased to announce that we have received a new applications for membership, Darren Erwin and Sue Bard.  Darren is a former member of our club and Sue is a transfer from the Beaumont Rotary Club.  This is the first printing for both candidates.

 

 

As we all know, change is inevitable, and we must adapt to that change.  The following changes will be implemented July 1, 2020:

 

1.  There will be an additional line item for a Meeting Room Fee added to the dues invoice.  The amount for the room fee will be $35.  This will help cover the costs associated with having a place to meet.

 

2.  We will be eliminating the "first-time-free" meal for a guest.  Going forward, if you bring a friend or prospective member as a guest, the member will pay for the guest's lunch.

 

The new board wanted everyone to be aware of these specific changes so that there would be no surprises when you receive your dues invoice.  We appreciate your understanding and are looking forward to another successful Rotary year.

It's almost the start of a new Rotary year, and you know what that means?  It's time to be thinking about what committees we want to serve on!  At one of the early meetings in July, we will take some time to sign up for the various committees the Spindletop Rotary Club has.  The club has six main committees to choose from:

 

1.  Membership

2.  Service Projects

3.  Public Relations

4.  Foundation

5.  Programs

6.  Fundraising

 

Depending on the activities planned for the year, various sub-committees will also be formed.  I'm asking all members to sign up for at least 1 committee to fully commit to.  If you're currently serving on a committee, please consider staying on and mentoring our newer members.  In the coming days, I will be calling various individuals to chair some of these committees.  If you're interested in chairing a committee, please let Chris know.  This is an opportunity to step up and make a difference.  Try something you feel uncomfortable doing, or do something you're really good at.  This is why we join Rotary....to serve humanity.

 

Looking forward to serving with you.

Have you ever wondered how you can make your club better?  Do you have big ideas that you think other members may enjoy?  Have you ever wanted to be President of the Spindletop Rotary Club?  If the answer is "Yes" then don't hesitate another minute.  LET SOMEONE KNOW!!!  Current officers and board members are a great way to communicate your interest in a director or officer position, and serving in this capacity is truly rewarding.  We don't want anyone to feel left out, so if you've got the desire to serve in an officer or director position, we want to hear from you.

Rotary’s Five Avenues of Service are the philosophical and practical framework for the work of this Rotary club.  Don't confuse the Five Avenues of Service with the Six Areas of Focus.

 

1.  Club Service - involves action a member should take within this club to help it function successfully.

 

2.  Vocational Service - has the purpose of promoting high ethical standards in businesses and professions, recognizing the worthiness of all dignified occupations, and fostering the ideal of service in the pursuit of all vocations.  The role of members includes conducting themselves and their businesses in accordance with Rotary's principles and lending their vocational skills to club-developed projects in order to address the issues and needs of society.

 

3.  Community Service - comprises varied efforts that members make, sometimes in conjunction with others, to improve the quality of life of those who live within the club's locality or municipality.

 

4.  International Service - comprises those activities that members do to advance international understanding, goodwill, and peace by fostering acquaintance with people of other countries, their cultures, customs, accomplishments, aspirations, and problems, through reading and correspondence and through cooperation in all club activities and projects designed to help people in other lands.

 

5.  Youth Service - recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, involvement in community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding.

What are the six areas of focus for Rotary International?  That's an excellent question!  Time to drop a "Rotary Knowledge Bomb."  Rotary's six areas of focus are:

 

1.  Peace and conflict prevention/resolution

2.  Disease prevention and treatment

3.  Water and sanitation

4.  Maternal and child health

5.  Basic education and literacy

6.  Economic and community development

 

 

There you have it!  The six areas of focus for Rotary International.