Our Rise Against Hunger event is scheduled for August 16th and we need your help to make this event successful. Please share the attached flyer with your neighbors or church members who you believe will be interested in support through volunteering to help us pack the meal boxes or make a donation. Registration for volunteering and for making a donation can be done through the following link:
Mission Statement Cy-Hope: Cy-Hope brings HOPE to all students so they will grow up to be well educated and productive citizens, making a lasting and positive impact on the community. Cy-Hope serves as a catalyst to bring needs and solutions together. Recent activities include helping to supply food to disadvantaged, blood drive & maintaining a counseling center. website: cy-hope.org .
Mark your calendars for June 20-26 for an exciting opportunity to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first FREE ONLINE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION!
Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World: The 2020 Rotary Virtual Convention will join you with Rotary participants around the world during a time of unprecedented challenges.
Together, we’ll still experience the spirit of Rotary, be inspired by innovation, celebrate our resilience, and explore how clubs are addressing COVID-19. Experience Rotary in action during our Flag Ceremony, witness the power of connection during our general sessions, learn new ways to engage with Rotary during our breakout sessions, find inspiration from our global speakers, and much more.
We have never needed Rotary — and we have never needed each other — more than we do now. We hope to see you online, because Now More Than Ever, Rotary Connects the World.
Rotary Virtual International Convention , June 20 to 26, 2020
Due to Covid 19, the original plan for District Conference has been changed
JULY 4th! Beginning at 10 am at Veterans Memorial Park in College Station Texas we will dedicate the Outdoor Music Park, we will honor Vietnam era veterans and tour the monuments at the park. Then we will have the first-ever Governor's Awards Picnic! At this picnic you will enjoy a boxed lunch, see the awards presentations, witness the District raffle drawings, have a chance to win door prizes, but most important, let's celebrate the many successes we have achieved in this crazy Rotary year. After that picnic you can travel home or join us in Bryan and College Station for self guided events such as fireworks, Safari Aggieland, Mesina Hof winery, and much more.
Registration including Lunch is an affordable $25 per person.
Viet Nam era veterans: ( Those who served between November 1957 to May 1975) to be honored with a certificate and pin please send your names as you want it on your certificate, years of service, branch of service and pay grade to PDG Bob Gebhard at bobg.5890@yahoo.com by June 15.
We would like to honor ANY Vietnam era veteran at this event. Veterans from Bryan/College Station are welcome to send their info to Bob too!
Golfers: The golf tournament will take place Friday at 1pm. $100 inlcudes boxed lunch, two drink tickets and cart.
Tara Freeman is the President of Second Chance Women's Council
Tara Freeman founded The Second Chance Women’s Council in 2018, after spending several years volunteering with various prison re-entry organizations and prison ministries. She saw a need out there for education, and has a heart for serving other women. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Criminal Justice from Texas Woman’s University, and is currently obtaining a Masters of Science in Victim Services Management from Sam Houston State University. Tara has served on various boards dedicated to women’s growth and leadership, and enjoys being connected to her community. She loves to witness transformed lives, and enjoys helping others obtain their goals for a brighter future. Tara currently resides in Houston with her husband Jake.
Tara Freeman, Second Chance Women's Council : April 2
Dr. Christina Robinson currently serves as the Executive Director of Adult Education and Literacy Programs for the Houston Community College System.
In her role, she oversees one of the largest grant-funded adult education and integrated workforce program in the state of Texas with over $5 million in grant funding. Robinson spearheaded the creation of the Change Your Life for $20 program and Career4U Academy. Robinson, an accomplished leader, and champion of higher learning has been recognized for her leadership both locally and nationally. She was honored as the 2013 top 30 Most Influential Women in Houston and Top Ten Most Influential Women in 2015 by Houston Woman magazine. Robinson earned a bachelor's degree in communications from Texas A&M University and a Master's of Arts in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix. She received her doctorate in Community College Leadership from The Roueche Graduate Center at National American University with a dissertation on, "What Can Higher Education Learn from Healthcare Innovation?"
Dr. Robinson has a broad background. We want to hear about her internship programs. Also she will talk about Networking.
Christina Robinson, CPP, Houston Community College: March 05
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2020
Year-to date 2019
Total in 2019
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
12
6
9
6
173
329
—In Endemic Countries
12
4
9
3
173
40
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
2
0
3
0
289
Polio is caused by a human enterovirus called the poliovirus. Polio can interact in its host in two ways:
Infection not including the central nervous system, which causes a minor illness with mild symptoms
Infection including the central nervous system, which may cause paralysis
Less than 1% of poliovirus infections result in paralysis. The virus is most often spread by the faecal-oral route. Poliovirus enters through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Infected individuals shed poliovirus into the environment for several weeks, where it can spread rapidly through a community, especially in areas of poor sanitation.
The poliovirus consists of an RNA genome enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. There are three serotypes of wild poliovirus type 1, type 2, and type 3 each with a slightly different capsid protein. Immunity to one serotype does not give confer immunity to the other two. Outbreaks of poliovirus were largely unknown prior to the 20th century. However, with improved sanitation in the 20th century, the average age at which individuals were exposed to poliovirus increased. With progressively declining protection from maternal antibodies, poliovirus infection increasingly resulted in paralysis.
Type 2 poliovirus was declared eradicated in September 2015, with the last virus detected in India in 1999. Type 3 wild poliovirus has not been detected anywhere in the world since November 2012.
cVDPV1 Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1
cVDPV2 Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2
NA: Onset of paralysis in most recent case is prior to 2017. Figures exclude non-AFP sources. In 2018, cVDPV includes all three serotypes 1, 2 and 3. For Somalia: 1 cVDPV2 and cVDPV3 isolated from one AFP case. cVDPV definition: see document “Reporting and classification of vaccine-derived polioviruses” at [pdf].
Polio this week as of 26 February 2020
Do you wish to become a member of the Polio Transition Independent Monitoring Board? If so, you are invited to send in your application by 11 March 2020. Details of role requirements can be found here.
To know more about the state of poliovirus surveillance and the opportunities explored to enhance surveillance in priority areas, take a look at the newly released 2019 Global Polio Surveillance Status Report.
Get up to date on the latest news, funding updates and cases numbers with the latest edition of Polio News.
Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and environmental samples):
Afghanistan: one WPV1 positive environmental sample
Pakistan: two WPV1 cases and 14 WPV1 positive environmental samples
Central African Republic: one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample
Benin: one cVDPV2 case
Ghana: six cVDPV2 cases and two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2020
Year-to date 2019
Total in 2019
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
12
6
9
6
173
329
—In Endemic Countries
12
4
9
3
173
40
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
2
0
3
0
289
Polio is caused by a human enterovirus called the poliovirus. Polio can interact in its host in two ways:
Infection not including the central nervous system, which causes a minor illness with mild symptoms
Infection including the central nervous system, which may cause paralysis
Less than 1% of poliovirus infections result in paralysis. The virus is most often spread by the faecal-oral route. Poliovirus enters through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Infected individuals shed poliovirus into the environment for several weeks, where it can spread rapidly through a community, especially in areas of poor sanitation.
The poliovirus consists of an RNA genome enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. There are three serotypes of wild poliovirus type 1, type 2, and type 3 each with a slightly different capsid protein. Immunity to one serotype does not give confer immunity to the other two. Outbreaks of poliovirus were largely unknown prior to the 20th century. However, with improved sanitation in the 20th century, the average age at which individuals were exposed to poliovirus increased. With progressively declining protection from maternal antibodies, poliovirus infection increasingly resulted in paralysis.
Type 2 poliovirus was declared eradicated in September 2015, with the last virus detected in India in 1999. Type 3 wild poliovirus has not been detected anywhere in the world since November 2012.
cVDPV1 Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1
cVDPV2 Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2
NA: Onset of paralysis in most recent case is prior to 2017. Figures exclude non-AFP sources. In 2018, cVDPV includes all three serotypes 1, 2 and 3. For Somalia: 1 cVDPV2 and cVDPV3 isolated from one AFP case. cVDPV definition: see document “Reporting and classification of vaccine-derived polioviruses” at [pdf].
Polio this week as of 19 February 2020
“Polio is one of the few diseases we can eradicate in the world in the next few years. This is a priority of the United Nations and I am extremely happy to see it is a clear priority for the Government of Pakistan.” – António Guterres, United Nations Secretary General during his recent visit to Pakistan. Read more…
Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and environmental samples):
Afghanistan: two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
Pakistan: five WPV1 cases and six WPV1 positive environmental samples
Angola: one cVDPV2 case
Côte d’Ivoire: six cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
Ethiopia: one cVDPV2 case
Ghana: two cVDPV2 cases
Philippines: one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2020
Year-to date 2019
Total in 2019
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
7
0
8
4
173
318
—In Endemic Countries
7
0
8
2
173
40
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
0
0
2
0
278
Polio is caused by a human enterovirus called the poliovirus. Polio can interact in its host in two ways:
Infection not including the central nervous system, which causes a minor illness with mild symptoms
Infection including the central nervous system, which may cause paralysis
Less than 1% of poliovirus infections result in paralysis. The virus is most often spread by the faecal-oral route. Poliovirus enters through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Infected individuals shed poliovirus into the environment for several weeks, where it can spread rapidly through a community, especially in areas of poor sanitation.
The poliovirus consists of an RNA genome enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. There are three serotypes of wild poliovirus type 1, type 2, and type 3 each with a slightly different capsid protein. Immunity to one serotype does not give confer immunity to the other two. Outbreaks of poliovirus were largely unknown prior to the 20th century. However, with improved sanitation in the 20th century, the average age at which individuals were exposed to poliovirus increased. With progressively declining protection from maternal antibodies, poliovirus infection increasingly resulted in paralysis.
Type 2 poliovirus was declared eradicated in September 2015, with the last virus detected in India in 1999. Type 3 wild poliovirus has not been detected anywhere in the world since November 2012.
cVDPV1 Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1
cVDPV2 Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2
NA: Onset of paralysis in most recent case is prior to 2017. Figures exclude non-AFP sources. In 2018, cVDPV includes all three serotypes 1, 2 and 3. For Somalia: 1 cVDPV2 and cVDPV3 isolated from one AFP case. cVDPV definition: see document “Reporting and classification of vaccine-derived polioviruses” at [pdf].
Polio this week as of 05 February 2020
The WHO Executive Board is currently holding its 146th session at the WHO headquarters in Geneva. Among many others, polio is one of the topics of discussion, take a look at the report by the Director-General on polio eradication.
cVDPV2 confirmed in Kinshasa: a number of new cVDPV2s cases have been confirmed in DR Congo which may have significant implications on the current outbreak response activities. While none of the newly-confirmed cases are new emergences, the virus has now been detected in the mega-city of Kinshasa which is the first case in the city. See ‘DR Congo’ section below for more.
Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and environmental samples):
Pakistan: eight WPV1 cases
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo): five cVDPV2 cases
Somalia: one cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2020
Year-to date 2019
Total in 2019
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
4
0
8
1
168
302
—In Endemic Countries
4
0
8
1
168
40
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
0
0
0
0
262
Polio is caused by a human enterovirus called the poliovirus. Polio can interact in its host in two ways:
Infection not including the central nervous system, which causes a minor illness with mild symptoms
Infection including the central nervous system, which may cause paralysis
Less than 1% of poliovirus infections result in paralysis. The virus is most often spread by the faecal-oral route. Poliovirus enters through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Infected individuals shed poliovirus into the environment for several weeks, where it can spread rapidly through a community, especially in areas of poor sanitation.
The poliovirus consists of an RNA genome enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. There are three serotypes of wild poliovirus type 1, type 2, and type 3 each with a slightly different capsid protein. Immunity to one serotype does not give confer immunity to the other two. Outbreaks of poliovirus were largely unknown prior to the 20th century. However, with improved sanitation in the 20th century, the average age at which individuals were exposed to poliovirus increased. With progressively declining protection from maternal antibodies, poliovirus infection increasingly resulted in paralysis.
Type 2 poliovirus was declared eradicated in September 2015, with the last virus detected in India in 1999. Type 3 wild poliovirus has not been detected anywhere in the world since November 2012.
cVDPV1 Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1
cVDPV2 Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2
NA: Onset of paralysis in most recent case is prior to 2017. Figures exclude non-AFP sources. In 2018, cVDPV includes all three serotypes 1, 2 and 3. For Somalia: 1 cVDPV2 and cVDPV3 isolated from one AFP case. cVDPV definition: see document “Reporting and classification of vaccine-derived polioviruses” at [pdf].
Polio this week as of 29 January 2020
It is with profound sorrow that the WHO announces the sudden demise of Dr Peter Salama, who passed away on 24 January 2020. Dr Salama contributed to polio eradication at WHO through his work as Executive Director of the Health Emergencies Programme and most recently as Executive Director of the Division of Universal Health Coverage – Life Course. Read more
Want to know more about the new cVDPV2 strategy and nOPV2? have a look at the newly released fact-sheet which provides a summary of the current situation and the new tool under development.
With the evolving public health emergency associated with the increase in new emergences of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2, a draft decision has been made available for consideration by the Executive board. Read more
Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and environmental samples):
Afghanistan: three WPV1 positive environmental samples
Pakistan: six WPV1 cases, ten WPV1 positive environmental samples, four cVDPV2 cases and one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample
Nigeria: two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo): two cVDPV2 cases
Somalia: three cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
Angola: 15 cVDPV2 cases
Ethiopia: one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2020
Year-to date 2019
Total in 2019
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
1
0
7
1
165
280
—In Endemic Countries
1
0
7
1
165
36
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
0
0
0
0
244
Polio is caused by a human enterovirus called the poliovirus. Polio can interact in its host in two ways:
Infection not including the central nervous system, which causes a minor illness with mild symptoms
Infection including the central nervous system, which may cause paralysis
Less than 1% of poliovirus infections result in paralysis. The virus is most often spread by the faecal-oral route. Poliovirus enters through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Infected individuals shed poliovirus into the environment for several weeks, where it can spread rapidly through a community, especially in areas of poor sanitation.
The poliovirus consists of an RNA genome enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. There are three serotypes of wild poliovirus type 1, type 2, and type 3 each with a slightly different capsid protein. Immunity to one serotype does not give confer immunity to the other two. Outbreaks of poliovirus were largely unknown prior to the 20th century. However, with improved sanitation in the 20th century, the average age at which individuals were exposed to poliovirus increased. With progressively declining protection from maternal antibodies, poliovirus infection increasingly resulted in paralysis.
Type 2 poliovirus was declared eradicated in September 2015, with the last virus detected in India in 1999. Type 3 wild poliovirus has not been detected anywhere in the world since November 2012.
Polio this week as of 22 January 2020
The GPEI Polio Partners Group convened the eighth annual technical workshop on 6 December 2019 where a global overview of the status of poliovirus detection was presented among other polio updates. The meeting presentations are now available here.
Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and environmental samples):
Afghanistan: one WPV1 case and three WPV1-positive environmental samples
Pakistan: two WPV1 cases, four WPV1-positive environmental samples and six cVDPV2 cases
Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo): ten cVDPV2 cases
Côte d’Ivoire: two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
Ghana: two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
Malaysia: two cVDPV1 cases
Philippines: two cVDPV2 cases and two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples
Don Elder , Jr. has a long distinguished career of public service. He served on the Katy City Council for five years. Don Elder, Jr. served as the Mayor of Katy, Texas from 2007 to 2013.
For the past six years, he served as a member of the Houston Metro Board.
He is here to update us on the State of Metro and the plans for transportation in Houston.
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2020
Year-to date 2019
Total in 2019
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
0
0
6
0
163
259
—In Endemic Countries
163
30
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
229
Polio is caused by a human enterovirus called the poliovirus. Polio can interact in its host in two ways:
Infection not including the central nervous system, which causes a minor illness with mild symptoms
Infection including the central nervous system, which may cause paralysis
Less than 1% of poliovirus infections result in paralysis. The virus is most often spread by the faecal-oral route. Poliovirus enters through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Infected individuals shed poliovirus into the environment for several weeks, where it can spread rapidly through a community, especially in areas of poor sanitation.
The poliovirus consists of an RNA genome enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. There are three serotypes of wild poliovirus type 1, type 2, and type 3 each with a slightly different capsid protein. Immunity to one serotype does not give confer immunity to the other two. Outbreaks of poliovirus were largely unknown prior to the 20th century. However, with improved sanitation in the 20th century, the average age at which individuals were exposed to poliovirus increased. With progressively declining protection from maternal antibodies, poliovirus infection increasingly resulted in paralysis.
Type 2 poliovirus was declared eradicated in September 2015, with the last virus detected in India in 1999. Type 3 wild poliovirus has not been detected anywhere in the world since November 2012.
Polio this week as of 14 January 2020
Pakistan intensifies cVDPV2 response efforts, focusing on comprehensive outbreak response, strengthened routine immunization, communication and enhanced surveillance. See ‘Pakistan’ section below for more details.
Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and environmental samples):
Pakistan: seven WPV1 cases; and, five WPV1-positive environmental samples
Angola: two cVDPV2 cases
Benin: one cVDPV2 case
Central African Republic (CAR): two cVDPV2 cases
Ghana: one cVDPV2 case; and, six cVDPV2-positive environmental samples
Malaysia: one cVDPV1-positive environmental sample; and, one cVDPV2-positive environmental sample
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2020
Year-to date 2019
Total in 2019
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
0
0
2
0
156
249
—In Endemic Countries
156
30
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
219
Polio is caused by a human enterovirus called the poliovirus. Polio can interact in its host in two ways:
Infection not including the central nervous system, which causes a minor illness with mild symptoms
Infection including the central nervous system, which may cause paralysis
Less than 1% of poliovirus infections result in paralysis. The virus is most often spread by the faecal-oral route. Poliovirus enters through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Infected individuals shed poliovirus into the environment for several weeks, where it can spread rapidly through a community, especially in areas of poor sanitation.
The poliovirus consists of an RNA genome enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. There are three serotypes of wild poliovirus type 1, type 2, and type 3 each with a slightly different capsid protein. Immunity to one serotype does not give confer immunity to the other two. Outbreaks of poliovirus were largely unknown prior to the 20th century. However, with improved sanitation in the 20th century, the average age at which individuals were exposed to poliovirus increased. With progressively declining protection from maternal antibodies, poliovirus infection increasingly resulted in paralysis.
Type 2 poliovirus was declared eradicated in September 2015, with the last virus detected in India in 1999. Type 3 wild poliovirus has not been detected anywhere in the world since November 2012.
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2020
Year-to date 2019
Total in 2019
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
125
241
—In Endemic Countries
125
30
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
211
Polio is caused by a human enterovirus called the poliovirus. Polio can interact in its host in two ways:
Infection not including the central nervous system, which causes a minor illness with mild symptoms
Infection including the central nervous system, which may cause paralysis
Less than 1% of poliovirus infections result in paralysis. The virus is most often spread by the faecal-oral route. Poliovirus enters through the mouth and multiplies in the intestine. Infected individuals shed poliovirus into the environment for several weeks, where it can spread rapidly through a community, especially in areas of poor sanitation.
The poliovirus consists of an RNA genome enclosed in a protein shell called a capsid. There are three serotypes of wild poliovirus type 1, type 2, and type 3 each with a slightly different capsid protein. Immunity to one serotype does not give confer immunity to the other two. Outbreaks of poliovirus were largely unknown prior to the 20th century. However, with improved sanitation in the 20th century, the average age at which individuals were exposed to poliovirus increased. With progressively declining protection from maternal antibodies, poliovirus infection increasingly resulted in paralysis.
Type 2 poliovirus was declared eradicated in September 2015, with the last virus detected in India in 1999. Type 3 wild poliovirus has not been detected anywhere in the world since November 2012.
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
Our mission
The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
What impact can one donation have?
For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
$50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.
$500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2019
Year-to-date 2018
Total in 2018
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
113
195
29
104
33
104
—In Endemic Countries
113
29
29
34
33
34
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
166
0
70
0
70
Polio this week as of 04 December 2019
Get up to date on the latest news, funding updates and cases numbers with the latest edition of Polio News.
Are you an amateur filmmaker seeking to tell the story of change-makers through the lens of your smartphone? Or maybe you are part of a production company promoting dialogue around global health challenges and solutions. Wherever you stand, the WHO wants to see your story as part of the “Health for all film festival”. Read more.
To provide an insight on the status of polio eradication efforts as at September 2019, the WHO Director-General’s report on polio eradication to the upcoming Executive Board (EB) meeting has been published here. Available in six languages, the report summarizes the programmatic, epidemiological and financial challenges to securing a lasting polio-free world.
Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and ES positives): Afghanistan — one WPV1 case and one WPV1 positive environmental sample; Pakistan — 25 WPV1 positive environmental samples; Angola — 16 cVDPV2 cases and four cVDPV2 positive environmental samples.
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2019
Year-to-date 2018
Total in 2018
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
112
177
29
102
33
104
—In Endemic Countries
112
29
29
33
33
34
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
148
0
69
0
70
Polio this week as of 27 November 2019
A four-day regional emergency preparedness workshop is currently underway in Lomé, Togo, for senior public health officials to strengthen the capabilities within West African countries to respond to polio outbreaks. Read more about the workshop.
“It was good to know that a country like India could eradicate polio. It gives us hope that Pakistan can do it too, and we will soon be polio free.” These are the words of Aziz Memon, a Rotarian who has dedicated his life to fight polio in Pakistan. Read about his journey.
Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and ES positives): Pakistan— five WPV1 cases, two cVDPV2 cases and one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample; Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo)- five cVDPV2 cases; Benin – four cVDPV2 cases; Ghana— four cVDPV2 cases and two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples; Philippines – three cVDPV2 cases and five cVDPV2 positive environmental samples; Togo – two cVDPV2 cases.
Lisa Pauls, District 5890 Foundation Chair (2019):
FOUNDATION: The IMPORTANCE
of Giving
From Rotary.org
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into service projects that change lives both close to home and around the world.
Since it was founded more than 100 years ago, the Foundation has spent more than $4 billion on life-changing, sustainable projects.
With your help, we can make lives better in your community and around the world.
Our mission
The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty.
What impact can one donation have?
For as little as 60 cents, a child can be protected from polio.
$50 can provide clean water to help fight waterborne illness.
$500 can launch an antibullying campaign and create a safe environment for children.
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2019
Year-to-date 2018
Total in 2018
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
100
93
29
100
33
104
—In Endemic Countries
100
16
29
32
33
34
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
77
0
68
0
70
Polio this week as of 06 November 2019
The GPEI is pleased to announce that the UK Government has confirmed its commitment to eradicating polio by pledging a £400 million contribution for the next four years, which will help vaccinate more than 400 million children a year. Read more on the remarkable announcement.
In Pakistan, a circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 has been confirmed. A detailed investigation into the origin of the outbreak is ongoing, with circulation confirmed in a geographically-limited area, and outbreak response is being planned and implemented. See ‘Pakistan’ section below for more.
Are you an immunization expert interested in serving on the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on polio? The call for nominations for membership on the working group has now been issued, targeting individuals to submit their nominations.
Want to know the future of polio eradication efforts in Africa? Then stay tuned for a Facebook live interview with Dr Pascal Mkanda, chief polio expert in the WHO African Region, on 08 November 2019 at 10:00am, West Africa Time.
Summary of new viruses this week (AFP cases and ES positives): Afghanistan— one WPV1 case and one WPV1 positive environmental sample; Pakistan— three WPV1 cases and 19 WPV1-positive environmental samples; Angola— 7 cVDPV2 cases and one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample; Central African Republic— one cVDPV2 case and one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample; Cote d’Ivoire one cVDPV2 positive environmental sample; Ghana two cVDPV2 cases; Philippines— one cVDPV2 case and four cVDPV2 positive environmental samples.
Anadelia Salinas Cavazos , Vice President, Branch Sales and Service Manager of Amarant Bank FM 1960 West banking center,
Anadelia Salinas is responsible for managing the Bank’s portfolio of financial products, including personal banking, commercial lending and cash management services.
Boasting more than 23 years in the banking field. Mr. Salinas Cavazos has previously worked as a Business Banking Officer for BBVA Compass. Additionally, she served as Vice President, Branch Manager for Regions Bank, Comerica Bank and JPMorgan Chase & Co. and was recognized for successfully managing the top producing banking center in Houston.
Ana is actively involved in the Cy-Fair Houston Chamber of Commerce and National Hispanic Professional Organization (NHPO) Houston Chapter. She attended Lone Star College in Tomball, TX, where she took several courses in accounting and business management.
Ana was born in Houston, Texas and grew up in Magnolia, Texas, Ana has an older son and daughter and two younger boys, one of which is my stepson and my youngest is special needs.
She states it has been greatly fulfilling helping others reach their financials goals for both my clients and internal teams.
Brannon Lloyd is the Director of Houston Metro Operations for the Foundation for Financial Education, one of the largest and fastest growing 501(c)(3) nonprofits in the country.
Brannon is a well-known planner and educator, who has literally grown up in the financial arena. Brannon has conducted workshops for corporate employee benefits program including United Airlines, ExxonMobil, Memorial-Hermann, Nasa, and the City of Houston. Brannon is a sought-after media guest and has been featured in such media publications as USA Today, US News and World Report, ABC 13, and Fox News. Brannon attended the University of Houston and is an active member of University of Houston alumni association. He spends his time volunteering for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, The Community of Hope, Feed the Homeless and the Houston Food Bank.
Brannon is a United States Navy veteran. He has also spend two years working in Moscow, assisting the rebuilding of the embassy for the State Department. In addition to his native English he speaks Spanish and Russian, and is trying, without much luck, to learn Mandarin Chinese. When he is not helping people learn about finance, he enjoys hunting, fishing and sailing.
TOPIC to be Determined. Financial .
Brannon Lloyd, Foundation for Financial Education : NOVEMBER 14
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2019
Year-to-date 2018
Total in 2018
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
94
102
28
95
33
104
—In Endemic Countries
94
16
28
28
33
34
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
86
0
67
0
70
On 24 October 2019, World Polio Day, an event will be held at the WHO to mark the potential certification of eradication of wild poliovirus type 3. With no poliovirus type 3 detected anywhere in the world since 2012, the Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (GCC) is anticipated to officially declare this strain as globally eradicated. The event will also be broadcast on the internet. Viewers are welcome to follow the proceedings through a WebEx broadcast that will be available here.
Polio this week as of 23 October 2019
Wild poliovirus type 3 (WPV3) has been declared as globally eradicated. At an event held on World Polio Day 2019, Professor David Salisbury, chair of the independent Global Commission for the Certification of Poliomyelitis Eradication (GCC), presented the official certificate of WPV3 eradication to WHO Director General Dr Adhanom Ghebreyesus. Read more about this landmark declaration.
Polio eradication efforts do not only involve providing vaccines. For one Abdullahi Mahamed Noor, basketball is his way of bringing people together to raise awareness about the devastating disease. Read about his journey on using the sport to combat polio in Somalia.
Summary of new viruses (AFP cases and ES positives) this week: Afghanistan— two WPV1 cases and six positive environmental samples; Pakistan— four WPV1 cases and six WPV1-positive environmental samples; Nigeria— two cVDPV2 positive environmental samples. Chad— one cVDPV2 case; Benin— one cVDPV2 case; the Democratic Republic of the Congo— one cVDPV2 case; Ghana— one cVDPV2 case and three cVDPV2 positive environmental samples; Ethiopia— one cVDPV2 case: Togo— one cVDPV2 case: Zambia— one cVDPV2 case.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest kills over 7,000 youth and over 350,000 people each year. It is the leading cause of death on school campuses. Research shows that 1 in 300 youth have an undetected heart condition. In many cases, Sudden Cardiac Arrest strikes with no obvious symptoms. A recent study by the American Heart Association showed that family history and physical examinations alone miss youth at risk for Sudden Cardiac Arrest. The standard sports physical does not adequately protect youth from the risk of SCA because the issues with the heart that can lead to Sudden Cardiac Arrest are not heard with the stethoscope. An EKG can detect most conditions that lead to SCA.
Ms. Gibson lost her son on March 12,2019 to Sudden Cardiac Arrest. She describes her son as s a loving, giving young man who always put others first. He was a healthy athlete who had participated in sports since the age of 5 and passed his sports physicals every year with no issues. Damani’s heart suddenly stopped beating with no symptoms. Ms. Gibson has sought to raise awareness and provide resources to increase the chances of survival youth.
As a gifted athlete turned coach , Ms. Gibson has led her team to win 5 consecutive District and Regional championships and 4 consecutive State top 3 team finishes.
Ms. Gibson’s honors include being inducted on the Cy-Fair ISD Wall Of Fame, the 2014 Texas Track Coach of The Year, a Brooks Inspiring Coach, and 2018 Vype Magazine Coach of The Year.
Ms. Gibson is offering EKG screening and CPR Training at Villa Sports on Thursday October 17 from 2- 4 PM
Sudden Cardiac Arrest : NOVEMBER 7 - Ruqayya Gibson
Last year, our club raised funds for a Meal packing Event We donated and then packed 20,000 meals. These were sent to Columbia. Rise for Hunger is one of the charities our club supports .
Rise Against Hunger Houston was founded in 2014 and serves the Houston Metro, Texas Gulf Coast, South and Central Texas regions. In 2018, more than 9,400 local volunteers and partnering organizations, including Fluor, Houston Area Rotary Clubs and Hewlett Packard Enterprises, have helped build the local movement to end global hunger. In this region alone, through 2018, 6.1 million meals have been packaged to benefit eight countries.
We will hopefully support or stage a food event later in the Spring
( Other charities supported are Shield bearer and Special Pals in our community. )
Jack Wallace is on the board of Rise for Hunger Houston. He also is a State Farm Insurance Agent
Many Thanks to Mr. Robby Riggs, Community Engagement Manager for Rise Against Hunger who set up this talk
Wild poliovirus type 1 and Circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus cases
Total cases
Year-to-date 2019
Year-to-date 2018
Total in 2018
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
WPV
cVDPV
Globally
85
88
27
89
33
104
—In Endemic Countries
85
16
27
25
33
34
—In Non-Endemic Countries
0
72
0
64
0
70
September’s Polio News is now available with the latest polio numbers and news updates.
Read through the August 2019 Technical Advisory Group (TAG) reports on Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Summary of new viruses (AFP cases and ES positives) this week: Pakistan— three WPV1 cases and 13 WPV1-positive environmental samples; the Democratic Republic of the Congo— one circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) case; Ghana— one cVDPV2 case and five positive environmental samples; Philippines— one cVDPV2 case, one cVDPV2 and 5 cVDPV1 positive environmental samples.
Summary of new viruses this week: Afghanistan — two wild poliovirus type 1 (WPV1) cases, Myanmar – one circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) case, Angola – two circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2 (cVDPV2) cases, Ethiopia – one cVDPV2 case; Democratic Republic of the Congo – six (cVDPV2 cases).
WHAT IT TAKES FOR ORGANIZATIONS TO SURVIVE/ Thank you, Max Paxton
Max Pattersonan, B.A., M.P.A., an active member of the Galleria Area Rotary Club
has served on numerous boards and commissions. He has received recognitions from mayors, governors , supreme court justices and other dignatories throughout the years.He gave a talk about his experience of managing groups in the military where he was a counter intelligence agent for over twenty years and during his illustrious career as an Assistant City Manager in Beaumont, Texas. He also served as the Chief of Police in Town of Windsor , Ct and Albion Michigan
What It Takes for Organizations to Survive :PAST LECTURE Sept 26
Our club has a Education Enhancement program for three Middle Schools in our area. Watkins Middle School, being one of the schools we support expressed their thank you with a card signed by the students. We present by a drawing one student in each of the three grades a Kindle Reader to reward for meeting or exceed the requirements set by the school's reading program. Because reading is the heart of education, it prepares students for being able to excel their education and to prepare them for life after school. Today Julie Cantu and Callie Moczygemba visited our club to let us know how they use the Kindles and the excitement it bring to the kids in their school.
Our club has a Education Enhancement program for three Middle Schools in our area. Watkins Middle School, being one of the schools we support expressed their thank you with a card signed by the students. We present by a drawing one student in each of the three grades a Kindle Reader to reward for meeting or exceed the requirements set by the school's reading program. Because reading is the heart of education, it prepares students for being able to excel their education and to prepare them for life after school. The students made our day when they delivered this this card.
Alan Rockford. He is retired from NASA and was a astronaut suit fitter. He had many interesting stories about his time in the space program. We hope to have him back sometime to tell us about his time with the astronauts.
Our speaker this week speaker Deputy Sheriff Warren Conner who is assigned to Patrol District 5 ( N.West) since 2015. He has specialized training in Mounted Patrol, Crime prevention and is a Field training officer, He spoke on the crime in our area and gave tips on how not to be a victim of a crime. Photo by Alan Cookson.
We are on track to end polio in 2018," announced Wayne Staton, District Chair for Polio Plus and he spoke at our club meeting last week. "Wayne Staton was born in the Lynchburg, Virginia area and lived there most of his life. He contracted polio when he was 8 months old. Polio left him with a weak right hip and leg. Mr. Staton graduated with honors with a degree in Physics from the University of Virginia. Currently, he is a Senior Technical Support Analyst at BMC Software. Here are some highlights of his Rotary experience: Past president of the Rotary Club of Sharpstown, 2Paul Harris Fellow, Paul Harris Society member, and Polio Plus Society member.
Mr. Staton is calling on Rotarians and the community to join the push to eradicate polio in 2018. From 2013 to 2018, every US dollar Rotary commits to polio eradication will instantly become three dollars, thanks to a 2-to-1 match by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Learn more about Rotary's efforts to end polio at http://www.endpolio.org/.
November 16 Bear Creek - Copperfield Rotary Meeting
Our District Governor Bill Palko and Assistance Governor Alan Brevard visited our club August 24th. Bill presented his message and goals for his year and we shared our many projects with him. Thanks Bill for your visit.
Bear Creek - Copperfield Rotary Club collected 500 gallons of water to provide for the approximate 400 children in the West Houston Trailer Park. This park has no drinking water and in the Houston summer this is a dangerous situation. This club project was a joint effort with Roxanne Shewmaker, store manager, Walmart Neighborhood Market in Bear Creek, Nancy Johnson with Calvary Community Church and Richard Farias of the American Latino Center for Research, Education & Justice. Well done to all volunteers who made this possible. Rotary Serving Humanity.
Marilyn McGuire of the Bear Creek Copperfield Rotary was presented with the 'Heart and Soul' 2016 Pro Bono Award from Linda Good Directing Attorney, Lone Star Legal Aid Houston Branch Office. Marilyn, Congratulations on your award, we are so proud of you.
Great meeting yesterday at Spring Creek BBQ on Highway 6 N. Scott Rainey Space Center Rotary shared the global grant for the Babile woreda Water Infrastructures Construction and Rehabilitation Project located east of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Looks like it will help 3,500 households have clean safe water to drink. The children won't have to make the long trek to a poor quality water source just to get water in a bucket for the family. Instead they can go to school. Wonderful project through an international partnership between the Rotary Club Space Center and the international club Addis Abab East. Thanks Scott for the information.
Wow did we have fun today at the Grace Care of Cypress Birthday Party. Jim Baker and 'That Band' provided the great music while Paula Allen, Jan Griffin, Jim and Linda Trebes passed out the cake and punch. Thank all for helping to make this a great success.
The District 5890 convention is now history. It was held on Galveston Island at the San Luis Spa, Resort and Conference Center. Our club had three members and one spouse attend the event. We were able to meet with other club members and share ideas on the many local and international service projects being provided by Rotarian's. Next year the Rotary District 5890 Conference will be held April 20-23, 2017 at La Torretta Lake Resort & Spa in Montgomery, Texas.
Our club attendees were Paul Homsy President Elect Nominee Easy Ojonta Past President and Jim Trebes President Elect and his wife Linda. Please plan to attend the 2017 convention.
Liz Bear from Boys and Girls Country visited with our club on Thursday March 10. Boys and Girls Country is located 35 miles northwest of downtown Houston. We are close to Cypress, Waller and Tomball areas. You can get to their campus either off of Hwy 290 or FM 2920. Boys and Girls Country provides a home to more than 100 children and young adults each year, and continues to be home for many who grew up here. Children ages 5 to 18 live on the Robinson campus in cottages with trained Teaching Parents and attend public school. Our young adults are encouraged to transition to the College and Career Campus around the corner while they attend college, work a first job, or join the military. Our clud says thank you for all you do for these kids.
Our featured speaker on Thursday was the District Governor Nick Giannone M.D. Nick is a physician from Lake Jackson, and Rotarian for almost 25 years, He carried the Rotary President's direction of Rotary International which is ‘Be a Gift to the World’. Our club was recognized as being a very active club focused on helping our local community as well as the international community.
An Evening of Comedy and Magic Starring Harry Maurer
An Evening the Whole Family Can Enjoy Together!
Bring the Whole Family on Saturday, May 9th to the Berry Center for an evening of unbelievable Comedy, Magic, Fun and Laughter starring "Atlantic City Entertainer of the Year Award" nominee -- Harry Maurer with performances benefiting the Bear Creek-Copperfield Rotary Club!
Comedy Magician Harry Maurer is known for his performances in casino showrooms around the country and aboard top cruise lines around the world where he entertains regularly presenting clean and fun shows filled with comedy, drama, danger, spectacle, surprise, puzzlement and wonder!
Clean, fun entertainment suitable for teens and adults!
All performances will be held at the Berry Center Auditorium and proceeds from this event will benefit the Bear Creek-Copperfield Rotary Club and their humanitarian efforts both around the world and right here in our community!
Bill Brown, the longtime Houston Astros play by play television broadcaster, will be our very special guest on Thursday, January 29th. He will be sharing the excitement of the upcoming Astros baseball season and answering your questions.
Bill has been a member of the Astros broadcast team since 1987 after working as Senior Producer and anchor of the Financial News Network's SCORE program. Prior to that assignment, he was Sports Director of the Sports Time Cable Network, which televised selected games of the Reds, Royals and Cardinals. He has received numerous honors including the Fred Hartman Award for Long and Meritorious Service at the 2012 Houston Baseball Dinner. He was inducted into the Houston Media Wall of Honor in September of 2011 and into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame on November 12, 2004.
He is an author of two books, My Baseball Journey, a Sportscaster’s Story co-authored by Tim Gregg and Houston Astros: Deep in the Heart co-authored by Mike Acosta, gives a pictorial history of the Houston Astros.
Mercy Richard became our newest club member in November. Mercy is founder of Mercy House, a non-profit women's shelter. Mercy is dedicated to humanitarian service to our community. Please welcome Mercy to our club!
Our club has been awarded a District Award from Cy-Fair ISD Partners in Education for the incentive program that Elaine Combs
started at Campbell Middle School last school year. The program was an
incentive to reduce classroom tardiness, which in turn would increase classroom intructional time. Six i-Pods and a laptop
computer were donated and the program was a definite success! Cy-Fair
ISD has submitted this program to be considered for a State award. Now that's GREAT NEWS!!
"Marketing is to your business as food is to your life." This was the
message that Robert Juarez shared with us on October 27. Robert
discussed marketing strategies and goals to differentiate your business
from others. Even a little difference can have big returns. Robert
emphasized that marketing is an investment in your business and not an
expense.
(Robert was a member for 10 years with the Rotary Club of Taipei and a Paul Harris Fellow.)
Buddy Jones, our very own club member, was our guest speaker on 10/20.
Buddy spoke about the need for backing up electronic data. He shared
with us some astounding statistics on data loss and how it affects
businesses and individuals. Buddy discussed some common reasons for the
loss of data and different ways to back up information. Please visit
Buddy's online backup services at www.abcsonlinebackup.com for more
information.
Our 2012 Spring Golf Tournament Fundraiser will be on April 16, 2012 at the Houston Oaks Country Club (22602 Hegar Road, Hockley, TX). Registration begins at 11:30 am with a shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Awards Dinner and Silent Auction will follow the tournament. Please save the date on your calendar!
Judge Jeff Williams fellowshipped with our club on October 13, 2011. He
was elected Justice of the Peace for Precinct 5, Place 2 in the
November 2010 election in Harris County. Judge Williams informed us
that this JP court is the busiest court in Harris County and has a staff
of about 40. Judge Williams presides over a myriad of cases, including
civil, criminal, juvenile, and administrative court cases. He even
performs weddings! Because most of the cases are smaller claims cases
and are self-represented (i.e., no lawyer needed), his court is referred
to as a "People's Court".
(Judge Williams is pictured on the left along side our President-Elect Easy Ojonta.)
District Governor Rhonda Walls-Kerby made her official club visit to our
club on September 29. Rhonda shared with us the vision and mission of
this year's Rotary theme: Reach within to Embrace Humanity. She also
commended our club for all of our on-going service projects and the new
ones that we are pursuing. Rhonda encouraged us to go forth and carry
out RI President Banerjee's mission for all Rotarians...to have
continuity and to make a change.
Terry Stracke came and spoke at our club on Thursday Sept 22, 2011. She spoke to us about her work with Tools 4 Life, a non-profit organization that goes into detention centers and teaches life skills to teen boys that have been incarcerated.
Assistant Governor Robin Charlesworth was our club's guest speaker on
September 15, 2011. Robin shared with us the mission for this Rotary
year: Reach within to Embrace Humanity. RI President Kalyan Banerjee
encourages us to "reach within and unleash your inner power and then use
it to embrace everything and everyone around you." With this in mind,
Robin asked us to reflect within ourselves and answer the following:
What is Rotary? Why am I a Rotarian? What are the three major
components of a Rotary Club? and What can I ask or say to someone to
invite conversation about improving the community and world around us?
Develop our strengths and let's go forth to embrace humanity.
We had another dynamic visit with CSM Larry Holland on Thursday,
September 08. Larry updated us on what is going on with our military
and current events. Good questions were also posed by our club
members. Hero Sergeant Andrew Beasley was also present. He described
how the "Helping A Hero" organization has helped him and how it has
changed his life. President-Elect Easy Ojonta concluded the visit by
presenting Larry with $250 in gift certificates to support the "Helping A
Hero" program.
Please welcome four new members to our club! They are: Liz Ducote
(Comerica Bank), George Garcia (Comcast), Chris Mallett (State Farm
Insurance), and James Hardin (JH Plantscapes, Inc.).
Mrs. Shirley Porter-Reed spoke to us on Thursday July 28th about Grandparents Raising Grandchildren. Shirley is the founder of Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Support Gourp in the Aldine area.
Mr. Pat Brown talked about fun in the sky at our lunch meeting on July 14, 2011. Pat is co-owner and a flight instructor for Light Sport Aviation (LSA). He discussed the kinds of aircraft in the LSA category, licenses needed to fly them, limitations, and the training requirements to become an LSA pilot. He also touched on what you can do as an LSA pilot...which is virtually anything a private pilot can do. But most importantly, you can have FUN because "one mile of runway will take you any where" !
State Representative Allen Fletcher fellowshipped with our club on July 07, 2011. He represents District 130 which includes Cy-Fair, Klein, Tomball and Waller. Rep. Fletcher is also a fellow Rotarian and is an active member of the Rotary Club of Tomball. This is his second term as Representative for our district and he proudly announced that he has "never missed a day" and "never missed a vote". He is also the only retired police officer in the Texas State House. Since the last Legislative Session recently ended, Rep. Fletcher discussed briefly the bills that were filed and what they were able to accomplish. He stated that it was a successful Session.
President Paula Allen presented Leslie Lawson with a Rotary Service Award on June 30, 2011 at our lunch meeting. During Paula's term, Leslie was our club's Sergeant-at-Arms and was diligent in marking club member attendance and collecting lunch monies, dues and payments, and making deposits. Thank you, Leslie!
Dr. Sunny Okorie, President of Relief Network Ministries, was our guest speaker on June 30, 2011. Started in 2001, Relief Network Ministries' mission is to provide clean water to rural villages and inner cities in Africa. The hope is to break the cycle of disease from unclean water. Dr. Okorie reported that in the last 10 years, they have drilled about 200 water wells, mostly in Nigeria. For more information, please visit www.relief-networks.org.
Relief Network Ministries will be having a 10th Anniversary Gala Fundraising Dinner on August 26, 2011 at the Marriott Hotel South on Gulf Freeway in Houston, Texas.
Rebecca Welsh-Hutchinson was our guest speaker on June 23, 2011. Rebecca is a Clinical Certified Diabetes Educator with North Cypress Medical Center. She discussed briefly the two types of diabetes, their prevalence and the reasons for an increase in diabetes in children. Nutrition and wellness were also outlined to keep the disease in control and/or to prevent its onset.
The Installation of Officers for 2011-2012 for our club was held on June 18, 2011. Past District Governor Ed Charlesworth and our new Assistant Governor Robin Charlesworth were both present for the event. Robin did the induction of the officers.
Ralph Staudenmayer - President Paula Allen - Immediate Past President Easy Ojonta - President Elect Matthew Buchta - Treasurer Anh Brown - Secretary
Ralph presented Paula Allen with a special award of recognition and appreciation for her leadership as President and service to our club.
Marilyn McGuire and her husband hosted the event at their home with wonderful food and hospitality.
President Paula Allen awarded Easy Ojonta with the Rotarian of the Year Award on June 18, 2011. Easy is dedicated to the services of our club, his community, and Rotary's mission. He truly exemplifies Rotary's motto of Service Above Self. Congratulations, Easy!
Deputy Sheriff John Mook visited our club on June 9, 2011. He discussed gang activity in the Cy-Fair area and the reasons why this is becoming an increasing problem.
Cy-Springs HS Girls' Track Team Coach Rugayya Gibson visited our club on June 16, 2011 along with her track star, Keirsten Duncan. Keirsten has achieved great success on the tracks and may be headed to the Olympics! Rugayya also updated us on her track team's latest performances and goals for upcoming meets. During the past school year, our club has been instrumental in assisting with funds to help this track team travel to different competitions. So on this day, we presented the team with another $500. In addition, club member Ronda Prince donated $100 and PDG Jon Eiche and his wife donated $50...all to help fund the team's upcoming events. Good luck, ladies!
Ralph Staudenmayer was installed as our club's incoming President for Rotary year 2011-2012. The event was held on Sunday, June 05, 2011 at the Union Station at the Minute Maid Park. This was the main ceremony to install the new District Governor Rhonda Walls-Kerby and all of the Presidents and Assistant Governors. Congratulations, Ralph!
Our Club's special guest speaker on June 02, 2011 was Danielle Adams, faculty sponsor/advisor for the Interact Club at Langham Creek High School. She was accompanied by three of her Senior Interact members: Jesal Shah, Michael Gin, and Brian Yeung. Danielle first briefly spoke about how Jesal Shah - their club's outgoing president - was instrumental in reviving their Interact Club and how she became their faculty sponsor. The club had over 40 members and Danielle foresees that the club will even be bigger next school year.
Danielle detailed a successful year. They volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, raised $350 for Polio Plus with a "Pennies for Polio" fundraiser, and collected treats at Halloween time for our troops. Their biggest event was organizing and hosting Diversity Night in April where the cultural diversity of our community was celebrated. Over $4000 was raised at this event.
Danielle encouraged us to tell high school students about the Interact Clubs to increase awareness and to unite service minded young adults. Thank you, Danielle, for your mentorship!
Through fundraising, our Club raised money to award three $1000 scholarships to Senior Interact members from Langham Creek High School and Cy-Ridge High School. The applicants had to submit an essay detailing their experience in Interact and how the Rotary's 4-Way Test had impacted their lives. This year's recipients are: Michael Gin (Langham Creek HS), Brian Yeung (Langham Creek HS), and Yumna Siddiqui (Cy-Ridge HS). These students, along with Langham Creek's Interact Club President Jesal Shah attended our lunch meeting on Thursday, June 02, 2011. Jim Baker and Wayne Baumier introduced the students and awarded them with their prize checks. They are ALL winners!
Pictured in the photo are (from left to right): Paula Allen, Brian Yeung, Michael Gin, Yumna Siddiqui, Ralph Staudenmayer, and Jesal Shah.
Jim Baker, Scott Spreen, and Aaron Jablonsky won the District 5890 golf tournament at the beautiful Wolf Dancer Golf Course in Bastrop, Texas duing the annual District Conference April 28 - 30, 2011. This is a Three-Peat for this team! Way to go, guys!!
Harris County Judge Ed Emmett was our club's guest speaker on May 26, 2011. Judge Emmett discussed issues pertaining to transportation, health care, and taxes in our county. Members and guests were also given the opportunity to pose questions and concerns.
Our newest club member, Ronda Prince, delivered an interesting and educational presentation on May 19, 2011. Ronda is a "health awareness advocate" who shared with us the benefits of controlling the acid/alkaline balance in our body by limiting the amount of acids that we input into our body via foods and drinks. Nobel Prize winner Dr. Otto Heinrich Warburg discovered in 1931 that "cancerous tissues are acidic and healthy tissues are alkaline". So, the more "acids" that we consume, the more our body shifts to sickness. Ronda demonstrated with several samples of water that even bottled and tap water that a lot of us drink are acidic. She then introduced us to Kangen Water, which is water that is clean, alkaline and has antioxidant potential. Kangen Water is attainable via a special filtering machine unit that attaches to any ordinary faucet. This machine will then filter and alkalinize your tap water, making it healthier to consume. Ronda concluded her presentation by sharing with us her own personal health testimonial and by allowing us to taste the Kangen Water. To learn more about Kangen Water, please visit www.yourmiraclewater.com.
Mimi Brian Vance, a Rotary Foundation Scholar, visited our club on May 12, 2011. Ms. Vance is the author of a series of children's picture books titled Words by the Handful. These books teach American Sign Language to babies through interactive stories. The premise is that hearing babies can use signs to communicate quite effectively long before they can speak words. These educational stories focus on communicating essential messages through repetition and reading aloud to stimulate early communication skills. To learn more about signing with babies, please visit www.wordsbythehandful.com.
Our District Conference is set for April 28 - 30, 2011 at the beautiful Lost Pines Hyatt Resort in Bastrop, Texas. Raffle tickets are now available for sale at $20 each and 100% of the ticket prices goes to the Rotary Foundation. The prizes are fantastic this year, with first prize being a $5000 shopping spree! You may pick up some raffle ticket booklets to purchase and/or sell from Paula Allen. All ticket stubs and sales money should be turned in to Teresa Nounou. The drawing will be held at the District Conference on Saturday, April 30, 2011.
Mr. Ivan Butterfield, a fellow Rotarian from the Oyster Creek Rotary Club, visited with our club on Thursday, March 31, 2011. Mr. Butterfield spoke about Rotary's partnership with Dolly Parton's literacy Program, the Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Started by Dolly in 1995, the mission of this program is to mail one book a month to a child from the time they are registered until the time they turn five years old. The child can be registered as soon as the day he/she is born. It has been documented that in the first three years of a child's life, 90% of the foundation for future learning is established. Therefore, one of the goals of this program is to assist children to learn to read. Rotary Clubs can elect to get involved by adopting a neighborhood (within a zip code) and by committing $28 per child to this program. The Dolly Parton's Imagination Library Program will do all the work to select and mail out the books to the children each month. To learn more about this program, please visit www.imaginationlibrary.com.
Syed Ahmed Fellow Rotarian and Founder Of Forward Movement gave a great talk on how we can help provide clean and affordable water to Pakistan and any other countries.
Through fundraising, our Club has raised money to award three $1000 scholarships to Senior Interact members of Langham Creek High School and Cy-Ridge High School. The applicants had to submit an essay detailing their experience in Interact and how the Rotary's 4-Way Test had impacted their lives. The Scholarship Committee met and finalized the three winners on Thursday, March 10, 2011. They are: Michael Gin (Langham Creek HS), Brian Yeung (Langham Creek HS), and Yumna Siddiqui (Cy-Ridge HS). These students and their faculty sponsors have been invited to our lunch meeting on Thursday, June 02, 2011 to fellowship with our club and to make the formal presentations.
Mr. Bob Hinsley, a Rotarian and an attorney with 40+ years of experience, visited with our club on Thursday, March 10, 2011. Mr. Hinsley specializes in consumer law, with a focus on disputing credit card debt without resorting to bankruptcy and without consolidation. He discussed credit card debt laws, your rights, and how to legally reduce your credit card debt.
"Are you using the right fork?" Alexandre Wood, founder of Alexandre's Advantage, LLC, reminded us that "etiquette is more than just using the right fork". Alexandre was our speaker at our Club's meeting on Thursday, March 03, 2011. She concentrated on communication etiquette, touching on cell phone, e-mail, voicemail (incoming and outgoing), and speaker phone etiquette. Lastly, she also stressed the importance and impact of thank you notes, preferrably handwritten ones. Alexandre's take-home message was that "etiquette is about being considerate, respectful, and honest." Well said!
Are you connected? Mr. Gail Stonlzenburg, author and certified networker, quoted on Thursday, February 24, 2011, at our lunch meeting that the "missing link to successful sales is connecting or networking..." He iterated that connecting is important for success today. Mr. Stonlzenburg also detailed the main elements of networking: communication, acceleration of follow up, value, building trust, branding, and shifting the focus from profit to product. In addition, the Why, Who, When, and Where to connect were discussed. The final take home message or "equation" was: Visibility + Credibility = Profitability.
Jon McKinnie, Past-President of Space Center Rotary Club and Chief of Staff of Technology and Event Resources, was our Club's speaker on Thursday, February 17, 2011. Jon first briefed on the history and origin of Medicare. He then touched on the basics of Medicare and how it has changed and evolved over the years. Useful features, help-links, and updates on Medicare were also discussed.
Ms. Rugayya Gibson, head coach of the Cy-Springs HS Girls Track Team, brought two of her star athletes to our lunch meeting on Thursday, February 17, 2011. The two young ladies are Kiera Walton and Keirsten Duncan. Good news were shared. First, President Paula Allen announced that our club has generously donated $500 to Ms. Gibson's team. Second, individual donations from Jeff Adams ($300), Easy Ojonta ($200), and Leslie Lawson ($100) were also presented. The money will help fund the team's travel expenses to attend the Indoor Nationals competition in New York. Ms. Gibson expressed their gratitude to our club for making it possible for them to travel. She also thanked our club member, Shawn Borzelleri, who is a Director at YMCA, for the use of the YMCA's facility during their training. Finally, Ms. Gibson announced that Kiera Walton has "signed on with U of H!" Plenty of cheers from our club members were garnered with that announcement!
On Monday, February 14, 2011, our Club hosted a casual fundraiser at Carl's Bar-B-Que to raise money and awareness for the End Polio Now campaign. Many of our club members and family gathered with a few fellow Rotarians from the Cy-Fair and West Houston Rotary Clubs for some good bar-b-que or prime rib and casual conversation. The special guest and keynote speaker for the evening was Terry Ziegler, who updated us on Rotary's fundraising efforts thus far and how close we are to reaching our goal to help End Polio Now. Special thanks go to Wayne Baumier and Elaine Combs for organizing this event and to Terry Ziegler for spending time with us on Valentine's Day.
Is your computer "virus" free? The "Virus Doctor", Mr. Ken Dwight, held an informative discussion with our Club on February 10, 2011. Mr. Dwight is a Computer Consultant (and a member of the Willowbrook Rotary Club) who specializes in preventing and repairing damages caused by computer viruses. He reviewed common myths of computer viruses and gave us some action steps that we can implement immediately to protect our computers against viruses, spyware, hackers, and other malicious programs. Please visit his website at www.thevirusdoc.com for a detailed list of preventive measures.
The Annual Houston Chevron Marathon took place early on Sunday, January 30, 2011. It was a sprinkly and overcast morning, but Rotarians from District 5890 gathered at Mile 6 under the Rotary Hoopla Station to cheer on all the runners. Jean Love and Paula Allen were along side District Governor Sunny Sharma, and his wife, Rashmi, to give a special cheer to the Rotarian runners! (Please visit our club's Photo Journal to view the photo of Jean and Paula.)
It was a "full table" at our Club meeting on January 27, 2011. Steve Vetrano, CEO of the Greater Houston Area Chapter of the American Red Cross and a member of the Rotary Club of Houston, updated us on the relief and reconstruction efforts in Haiti. Steve reported that the American Red Cross raised $479 million (all non-governmental donations) and have already spent about half of that in the last year to help Haiti rebuild and recover from the devastating earthquake. It is estimated that it will take five years for the American Red Cross to complete their work there, as there are still about 850,000 people living in tents who need permanent housing with clean water and sanitation systems.
Craig Bean fellowshipped with our Club on Janurary 27, 2011. Craig represents Win For Texas, a coalition group that supports implementing gaming/slot machines at the thirteen licensed race tracks in Texas. They claim that the Texas horse industry has seen sharp declines in the last few years as Texans spend more than $2 billion a year on gaming in our neighboring states. Win For Texas believes that allowing slot machines in Texas' racetracks will bring $8.5 billion in new economic activity as well as over 70,000 new permanent jobs into our state. To learn more about their mission, please visit their website at www.WinForTexas.com.
Ms. Rugayya Gibson revisited our Club on Thursday, January 20, 2011. She is the Head Girls Track Team Coach at Cy-Springs High School. She updated us on her team's performance at a meet at Texas A&M and thanked our Club for making it possible for them to attend and compete. Ms. Gibson also expressed her team's desire to travel and compete at the New York Indoor Nationals. Tirelessly dedicated, she inspires and motivates her students to overcome adversities and to work hard to get to the "finish line" ...to reach their goals.
January birthdays were celebrated with the residents of Mariner Health Nursing Home on Wednesday, January 19, 2011. Jim Baker, Doc Greene, and Jazz Duarte were on hand to entertain with music and song. Rotarians from our club served delectable cupcakes and Blue Bell ice cream to sweeten the occasion! Lee Patterson and Sara Holba coordinate this monthly event.
Business coach and author, C.J. Cooledge, was our Club's dynamic speaker at our lunch meeting on Thursday, January 13, 2011. Mr. Cooledge has been "selling" for over 36 years and shared with us some of the myths of successful "selling" of products and services. He then asked and discussed a very poignant question: "Is perception reality?" His take home message for 2011 is to "focus on HOW your product (or service) will AFFECT your prospective client" and not on the actual product (or service) itself. This will make your business more successful without working twice as hard. Mr. Cooledge was effectively informative and thought-provoking.
Our Club will be participating in a food and supply drive to benefit Special Pals. Starting January 17 through February 10, please bring your food/supply donations to our weekly lunch meeting. The items will then be delivered to Yvonne David, Executive Director of Special Pals. Let's make a difference in the fight against hunger.
Jeff Adams, owner of Cypress Driving School, held an informative meeting for our Club on January 06, 2011. Jeff updated us on the new driving laws that have and will affect teenage and adult drivers in the state of Texas. The wealth of information was much needed by a lot of us as some of us have not taken a driver's test since the Yield sign was still yellow! Thank you, Jeff, for bringing us up to "speed"!
The infamous Christmas Trio performed at our lunch meeting on December 23, 2010. Playing the saxophone was our very own Jim Baker. Providing vocals and jamming on the guitar was Doc Greene. Jazz Duarte completed the Trio on electric guitar. What a perfect holiday treat!
Mr. Vince Ryan, our Harris County Attorney for the next four years, visited our Rotary Club on 12/16/2010. Mr. Ryan detailed the programs he is involved with and briefed on what is going on in our county courts.
On December 16, 2010, President Paula Allen and Elaine Combs represented our Rotary Club and visited Campbell Middle School to reward three deserving students. Elaine spoke and awarded iPods to the three students, one from each grade level. These students have to have low absences and tardies. The young boy in the front received a gift certificate from Campbell Middle School. Their principal, Ms. Cheryl Henry, is also proudly in the photo.
Doc Greene and Jim Baker provided great instrumental music at the Christmas Party on Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at the Mariner Health Nursing Home. Also present but not pictured was Jazz Duarte.
Joy and cheer and sweets were shared with the residents of Mariner Health Nursing Home on 12/15/2010. The room resonated with beautiful voices as many of our club members joined together to sing Christmas carols while Jim Baker, Doc Greene, and Jazz Duarte accompanied on the saxophone and electric guitars. Each resident also received a teddy bear from "Santa", aka Easy Ojonta. What a festive sharing of the Christmas spirit!
Jean Love's house was decked with holiday cheer on the evening of December 11, 2010. Many of our Club members and their spouses gathered together for delicious food, spirits, and wonderful conversation.
Our Rotary Club partnered with Unishippers, a local shipping company, to help a Houston family in need. On December 09, 2010, Morgan Allen (Logistics Coordinator) and Carrie Ogilvie (Director of Customer Development) of Unishippers attended our Club meeting and presented Ms. Ligia Henriques with a gift of $300. Our Club matched Unishippers' donation to help ease some of Ms. Henriques' burdens during this difficult time.
Over 25 Rotarians and guests were present at our weekly lunch meeting on 12/09/2010 to hear Retired Command Sergeant Major Larry Holland. CSM Holland is a Board Member of HelpingAHero.org, which is an organization that builds specially adapted homes for our severely wounded heroes injured in Iraq and Afghanistan. He affirmed that every single dollar received from donations goes directly to the building of these special homes. To date, HelpingAHero.org has awarded over 26 homes. CSM Holland also fielded questions from our club members about current issues facing our country. It was dynamic.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Jean Love has graciously offered to host this year's Christmas party at her home. If you would like to participate in a gift exchange, please bring a gift around $10. Come and enjoy a wonderful evening with your fellow Rotarians!
The details...
When: Saturday, December 11th, at 6:30 pm;
Where: Jean Love's house
RSVP: Please contact Jean Love
On a crisp fall morning of 10/30/2010, several of our Club members joined hundreds of others from Northwest Houston for the annual Heart Walk. The 3.3 mile walk encompassed the beautiful Towne Lake development. This fundraising event helped raise money for the American Heart Association. Many walked in honor of a loved one affected by heart disease. It was a healthy turn out. Way to walk, Rotarians!
On October 22, 2010, Rotary District 5890 and its 63 Clubs hosted the "Be a Friend Dinner" at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This event celebrated the partnership between 18 non-governmental organizations and District 5890 Rotary Clubs. It is an honor that these "Stategic Partners and Friends" are changing lives through service along side with Rotary. Our own club member, Bill Moon, was recognized and represented Work for Water and their Ghana Water Project. Several of our club members attended this enjoyable and momentous event.
Melissa Simon with the Bridges to Life organization spoke with our Club on 12/02/2010. Through a 14 week program, Bridges to Life is a faith-based organization that helps prisoners restore personal and spiritual relationships as they re-enter the community.
Anh Brown fellowshipped with the Rotary Club of Ubud Sunset in Bali, Indonesia on 11/22/2010. Club banners were exchanged with President Elect Lloyd Hassencahl, who is an American originally from Los Angeles, CA. While traveling, don't forget to visit the local Rotary Club. There's always a friendly Rotarian smile to welcome you!
Several of our club members sang and visited with the residents of Mariner Health Nursing Home on 11/17/2010. Residents' birthdays for the month were celebrated with sweets and song.
Our newest Club member, Shawn Borzelleri, was inducted on 10/21/2010. Shawn is an Executive Director of YMCA and was sponsored by Easy Ojonta. Welcome, Shawn!
A lot of fun was had at the second annual Tailgate with a Hero event on 10/02/2010 at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center. President Paula Allen, Wayne Baumier, Doris Forte, and Anh Brown served delicious fajita tacos. The food was donated by local restaurants and cooked by Wayne Baumier and other Rotarians from other clubs.
Local business owner Brad West visited with our club on 09/30/2010 to detail his goals and vision for Cy-Fair ISD. Brad was a candidate for a CFISD Board position in the November 02, 2010 election.
Ms. Sara Henzel visited our club on 08/19/2010. She is a Representative for Gulf Coast Blood Bank. Ms. Henzel spoke about blood donation and the blood drive on 08/30/2010, sponsored by the Neighborhood Wal-Mart in Bear Creek. Our club had a successful turn-out with over 20 donations.
District Governor Sunny Sharma and his wife, Rashmi, visited and fellowshipped with our club on August 12, 2010. Sunny spoke about his vision and goals for Rotary District 5890, emphasizing "Building Communities, Bridging Continents".
On July 15th our very own Easy spoke on the Future Vision Grant program. He explained how our club could apply for the grants to help fund our projects.
Nonprofit animal rescue organization Special Pals, a no-kill
facility, is bringing discounted pet services to Katy area dogs and
cats. Added most recently is a weekly low-cost spay and neuter clinic.
"There aren't any discount spay-and-neuter clinics out here,"
explained executive director Yvonne David. "People have been asking us
for it and we just thought, 'Let's fix it.'
If you missed the meeting on April 07, 2011, then you missed our NEW member Ronda Prince. She is sponsored by Paula Allen and inducted in by President Elect Ralph. Make it a point to make our newest member feel at home.
CSM Larry Holland had another dynamic and informative visit with our club on May 05, 2011. His visit was perfect timing as he enlightened us with insights and information on current events. He fielded questions from our club members.
Deputy Sheriff Warren Conner visited with our club on April 21, 2011. Sheriff Conner is currently in Patrol in District 5, which encompasses Tomball, Waller, and Cypress. He has also been assigned various duties as a Contract Deputy, a District Car, a Field Training Officer, and currently the Traffic Initiative Unit, AKA Jack of All Trades. Additionally, he volunteers as a Mounted Patrol Deputy on horseback and also actively assists the Sheriff's Junior Mounted Posse in a liason position. Sheriff Conner fielded questions from our club members and reported that he now has a video camera in his squad car, so watch your speed!!
Our Spring Annual Golf Tournament Fundraiser was held on Monday, April 25, 2011 at the beautiful Houston Oaks Country Club in Hockley, Texas. This was our club's main fundraiser to raise money for our various charitable projects. We partnered with Reach Unlimited and hosted Reach Unlimited's Golf Outing at this event. President Paula Allen announced on April 28, 2011 that we raised $22,800 this year! Thank you to our Golf Committee and to all the members who helped to make this a SUCCESS!
President Paula Allen awarded Jean Love with a third Sapphire for her Paul Harris Fellow Pin. Jean earned this award for having contributed $4000 to the Paul Harris Foundation. Congratulations, Jean!
Ms. Pam Scott, Director of Partners in Education with the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, was the speaker for our club meeting on April 28, 2011. Partners in Education is an effort to partner the community with the schools and students in order to enhance student achievement. Ms. Scott asked us to consider adopting a school or a class in Cy-Fair ISD or to serve our students by mentoring, tutoring, reading, providing professional services, and/or being a bus buddy. For further information, please contact Ms. Scott at pamela.scott@cfisd.net.
Our club had several special guests visiting our lunch meeting on April 28, 2011. But four of them came a long distance on a Rotary Exchange Program. They are the Vocational Training Team (VTT) from Rotary District 2760 from Nagoya, Aichi Japan. The team leader is Dr. Yoshiyuki Ohno from the Rotary Club of Owari-Asahi. Dr. Ohno is a physician as well as Professor Emeritus in Epidemiology at Nagoya University. The other team members are: Dr. Masayasu Haru, an abdominal surgeon; Hiroko Shimizu, a registered nurse; and Nami Nishio, a midwife. Each represented a different Rotary Club in Nagoya, Japan and each exchanged club banners with President Paula Allen. They have been visiting the Greater Houston area since April 16 and will depart May 15. To learn more about this VTT team, please visit their blogspot at http://2760vtt.blogspot.com/
Terry Stracke was the speaker at our lunch meeting on April 14, 2011. Terry was a member of the Bear Creek Copperfield Rotary Club for ten years, where she was Past President. Due to her husband's job, Terry moved outside of the United States and lived in England, Malaysia and the Netherlands. As a committed Rotarian, she joined the Rotary Clubs in those countries. Due to cultural differences, Terry openly shared with us the challenges that she faced as a female Rotarian trying to find a club home. Nevertheless, her indomitable spirit and dedication to the works of Rotary perservered. Terry and her husband relocated back to Houston, Texas in the fall of 2010 and is currently a member of the Houston Heights Rotary Club. Thank you, Terry, for sharing your journey in Rotary.
After months of diligent communication, Teresa Nounou announced on April 14, 2011 at our lunch meeting that Dr. Alan Cookson's club transfer is now complete. Alan is now an official member of the Rotary Club of Bear Creek Copperfield! Originally from London, England, Alan is an electrical engineer who was a member of the Potomac-Bethesda Rotary Club in Maryland, where he served as Treasurer. Prior to that, he was a member of the Rotary Club in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Alan moved to Houston about 5 months ago to be near his children and grandchildren. Welcome to Texas and to our club!
Teresa Nounou became the newest Paul Harris Fellow of our club. She was presented with the award and recognition by President Paula Allen and Presiden-Elect Ralph Staudenmayer at our lunch meeting on April 14, 2011. Congratulations, Teresa!
On Thursday, April 07, 2011, our own club member Easy Ojonta heartfully shared with us a little about his childhood in his country. To instill responsibility, Easy's father bought a flock of sheep. Every morning, from the time Easy was eight years old until he was twelve, he had to get up early and round up all the sheep before going to school. This was not easy for a young boy, as the sheep would scatter and run wild into the woods, forcing Easy to have to chase them down, running and crying at the same time. In the afternoon after school, the task of herding the sheep had to be repeated! Perhaps all the running during his childhood has primed Easy to become a distance runner as Easy reported that on April 02, he participated in two weekend races. The first race race was a 5K race, "We're Running for their Lives: Aid Sudan 5K 2011". Even though he was under the weather, there was "no holds barred" for Easy because he believed in the cause of the race...to save lives. Easy took First Place in his age category! But Easy was not done for the day, for later on that evening, he drove to Kemah to participate in the Memorial Hermann TX3 Kemah Triathlon, where he was the runner in a relay along with a swimmer and a biker. His team won Second Place! There was nothing sheepish about Easy's perserverance and dedication!
Earlier this year, Easy Ojonta visited Nigeria, his native country. While there, he had the opportunity to fellowship with the Awgu Sunrise Rotary Club. Easy and their club discussed the Water Project that our own club has been working on developing. Flag banners were also exchanged with current club President Udeji Daniel Uchendu. Also present and pictured were President Elect Onyeka Akachukwu and Secretary Teddy Udeinya.
Mark your calendars for June 20-26 for an exciting opportunity to gather online with the family of Rotary for our first FREE ONLINE ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION!
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From Another Party : Who are these people? These are members of our club! 
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