Celebrating Harrisburgers
Taylor Cox
Rotarian of the Month, October 2018
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
By this Rotarian, I can see why we’re so enthralled,
He will answer when called.
That showed way back when,
Most kids headed to college for fun, and he chose to be a leader of men.
Now he’s helping the students from the inner city,
On Brett and Virgil’s team for the Scholarship Committee.
And it is he with talent unassailable,
Who steps up when our regular choir leader is unavailable.
President Ron calls for a volunteer and most of us try and disappear,
He doesn’t try to wiggle out; no, he steps up like a real scout.
He is taking Service Above Self into the third generation,
And building on that mighty foundation,
Laid by Virgil and Lloyd, and the principles they employed.
He is truly a chip off the old blocks,
True breeding will tell in our Rotarian of the Month, Taylor Cox.
Poet: Rex Moran, 9 Oct 2018
Richard Fitzpatrick
Rotarian of the Month, September 2018
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This Rotarian is the real deal,
He’s never been shy about putting his shoulder to the wheel.
A banker by trade, he has shown the stuff of which he is made,
When President Ron sounded the alarms,
Cause he had no Sargent of Arms,
He stepped right up and took that job,
Not afraid to bring law and order to the Harrisburg mob,
He is no stranger to heeding help’s call,
Whether it’s delivering bikes to tykes,
Or passing out new dictionaries in the school hall.
This Club has enough sitters, so we really need some go getters,
And new members who are not quitters.
No need to sit there like and old fart,
Be like him and find some way to do your part,
And just like our man, you’ll be getting more out than you put in,
Service above self, is truly the best win win.
So, even though this club may be getting a bit geriatric,
No need to sit in our chair and swear, he’s doing more than his share,
Which makes him our Rotarian of the Month , Richard Fitzpatrick.
Poet: Rex Moran, 4 September 2018
Rebecca, Martha, Callie, Frank, Abel, Jack, Joyce & Brett
Rotarians of the Month, March 2018
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Floods never come at a particularly good time,
But it sure covered our old meeting place in grime and slime.
Where to go and what to do?
Well, there were some of us who knew,
Rotarians with a penchant for action,
Found us food and a home with a happy degree of benefaction.
Frank found us room at Anheuser,
Callie was first with the food as the sandwich provider,
Then, the ever-diligent Rebecca contracted for tasty lunches,
And Martha was whipping up desserts in tasty bunches.
When time came for our next meeting place,
Abel stepped up with an ace,
With the Magnolia Center was our new luncheon location,
Our fearless scouts soon set out in search of a permanent habitation.
Joyce, Henry, Martha, Frank and Jack,
Mounted the search of new home to meet, eat and kick back,
Martha and Henry then negotiated the food for this hungry brood,
Now, we’re all set, gonna have a little fun, you bet.
So, when disaster strikes, the best of us get going,
And now our gratitude needs to be showing,
So, remember whom we need to thank,
Our Rotarians of the Month: Becca, Brett, Callie, Abel, Joyce, Jack, Henry and Frank.
Poet: Rex Moran, March 6, 2018
Chrystel Smith & Callie Perez
Rotarians of the Month, November 2017
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
What we have here is a pair of Rotarians,
Outstanding amongst this club of septuagenarians.
What can I say, but they do share some DNA
They have both served as our president,
And they got R done in a way that really got up and went.
One works for the other, or is the other way around,
One thing for sure, you never know what’s coming down.
And they are a dynamic Rotary team,
Making sure ol’ Harrisburg has a full head of steam.
We have to admire their youthful energy,
With their high-flying styles that are mostly complimentary.
They are a fundraising machine,
Their golf tournaments just keep raking in the green.
Never met a worthy cause they didn’t like,
Supporting medieval knights, passing out dictionaries or buying a bike.
This high-powered pair is definitely the stuff of legend and myth,
But they are for real, our Mom and Daughter Rotarians of the Month, Callie Perez and Chrystel Smith.
Poet: Rex Moran, 14 November 2017
Frank Vasquez
Rotarian of the Month, August 2017
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This Rotarian has made his stand and staked his claim,
And ol’ Harrisburg ain’t quite the same.
He stepped up and stepped in,
Learned to operate the levers of power without losing too much skin.
He surrounded himself with good talent,
And accepted no effort less than gallant,
With the help of his roommate,
He really loaded our plate,
With car shows and parties at the brewery,
And had fun with a little tomfoolery.
And they showed us service above self was more than fluff or foam,
When they took in a young Aggie in need of a home.
He kept us in gear making for really great Rotary Year.
It was clearly demonstrated,
That the combo of hard work and fun cannot be overrated.
Our man made a damn good Prez,
And now, he’s our damn good Rotarian of the Month, Frank Vasquez.
Poet: Rex Moran, 15 August 2017
Janette Gonzales
Rotarian of the Month, April 2016
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
A tip of the Harrisburg hat to our emerging youth,
A welcome elixir to those us getting long in the tooth.
Our shiny new Rotarian seems like a sure bet,
Already digging in and her feet are barely wet.
Not one to shirk, she’s volunteered for fundraising work.
Pitching in the golf tournament and fashion show,
And you’ll also be happy to know,
She’ll be helping us choose,
Worthy students on our Scholarship interviews.
Not trying to over praise her,
But what can say about someone jumping in on our Gala fund raiser.
Her membership comes with extra appeal,
Seems like we got her hubby, Robert, in a two-fer deal.
Not to mention this community-minded pair have a two-fer deal of their own,
With kiddos Joshua and Jaleen back at their home.
If Harrisburg Rotary is to sustain its service above self missions,
We must welcome and appreciate our youthful additions.
So, we creaky old guys can take great solace,
We are now reinvigorated with the likes our Rotarian of the Month, Janette Gonzales.
Poet: Rex Moran, 5 April 2016
Anaida Vasquez
Rotarian of the Month, March 2016
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
If I may dare,
It can be said, this Rotarian is definitely the better half of a Rotary mating pair.
Her Rotary-ness has not been misplaced,
Even though a newbie, look at all that she has embraced.
She’s a be there kinda girl, she’s giving everything a whirl,
Attending all the Rotary functions, both district and club,
And she’s certainly not going to give the conference in Galveston a snub.
And that’s not even as good as it gets, she’s even attended PETS.
This steam rollin’ Rotarian is now giving her time to other worthy needs,
Helping distribute dictionaries and working on the fund raiser are amongst her good deeds,
Not content to just sit there and be pretty, she also produces for the Program Committee.
It is said that half of life is just being there,
But to make that life worthwhile, you really have to care, and she’s got that to spare.
Her energy and commitment are just what all us Harrisburgers need,
If this club is to thrive and succeed,
And not doubt, one day she’ll be a brilliant prez,
But for now, we’re proud to have her as our Rotarian of the Month, Anaida Vasquez.
Poet: Rex Moran, 1 March 2016
Tom Lightsey
Rotarian of the Month, January 2016
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Here we are starting our year brand new,
Honoring a Rotarian who’s helped out quite few.
He came aboard Rotary in ’74,
Also known as the “Fly” if you get him out on the dance floor.
Though a maritime officer, he certainly wasn’t petty,
Raised 6 fine kids with his late wife Betty,
He’s been a fixture in the East End, when some good cause needed a friend.
He was a big force with YMCA, leading the fund raising way,
And certainly that generous helping hand for the Ripley House mission,
With his old friend, Yolanda, made “Shoes for Kids” a neighborhood tradition.
A person is known by their deeds, and our man certainly succeeds,
With all the needs in this realm, it’s good to have a steady hand on the helm,
When things get dicey, we go to our Rotarian of the Month, Captain Tom Lightsey.
Poet: Rex Moran, 19 January 2016
Rotarians of the Month, November 2015
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
These Rotarians of whom I speak,
Stood among us every week,
And did their part and lived their lives with Rotary in their heart.
Paul with his sense of purpose and dignity tempered with wit,
Our elder statesman given more to having fun than he’d ever admit.
Joe with his booming bass,
Always there to lead in song, prayer or hug up to pretty face,
Reverend Bill was ready to do his share,
With a smile or monumental prayer,
Janet was stalwart and true during her stint,
Not to mention make us look good in print.
Loretta was our cheerleader ready to give anything a whirl,
With the flare of a New York show girl,
Nita was always one to please,
Lifting our singing as she tickled those piano keys,
And good ol’ Charles was always able,
To add his distinguished good looks at the old farts’ table.
Looking back apon our departed peers,
They gave the world 227 good Rotary years,
Follow the example our Rotarians of the Month and do your best,
To make the most of the Rotary years with which we are blessed.
In Memory of
Paul Jury
Joe Hugghins
Bill Putman
Janet Hays
Loretta Pinion
Nit Parisette
Charles Engbrock
Poet: Rex Moran, 10 Nov 2015
Isabel Villareal
Rotarian of the Month, October 2015
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
We got a Rotarian that’s brand spanking new,
Not one for sitting around, she’s already found plenty to do.
She’s stepping in where ever she can assist,
Add fund raiser and meeting planner to that growing list.
Now she’s pitching in our first annual car show,
Doing her part to raise a little Rotary Scholarship dough.
She helps Uncle Frank run Vico with little or no headaches,
Fixing all of his little mistakes.
And she has plenty to do at home with kids Mina and Chris, but that’s not all,
She spends that last bit of free time volunteering for school and baseball,
Harrisburg Rotary needs this youthful vim and vigor,
Always ready to pull that trigger,
It’s up to us to show her Rotary is definitely the way for the long haul,
Let’s salute our hard working Rotarian of the Month, Isabel Villareal.
Poet: Rex Moran, 6 Oct. 2015
Rex Moran
Rotarian of the Month, September 2015
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This Rotarian about whom I rhyme
Is a real different duck—a true one-of-a-kind.
He was raised in Bridge City (that’s why he talks kinda funny)
But those good, solid roots helped to make his life sunny.
An Aggie Alumni, with an engineering degree;
He’s made lots of money as a savvy P.E.
He’s been our club’s prez, now heads the speaker brigade;
He’ll allow you to talk if you’ve something worthwhile to say.
If you’re getting his emails, you are one tough “mother”;
And know to use caution before forwarding to another.
Political correctness is just not his bag;
#NoFilterRex might be his hashtag.
He recently married—a lady so sweet and kind;
I wanted to ask: “Cindy, have you lost your mind??”
Yes, he IS crazy—and by far, the club clown;
But if you’re ever in trouble, he won’t let you down.
So lift your glass high to Rotary’s finest “Twelfth Man”
Our Rotarian of the Month—Rex Michael Moran!
Poet: Janice Jones, 15 September 2015
Chrystel Smith
Rotarian of the Month, July 2015
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This rip snortin’ Rotarian is leaving her mark,
This club needed a fire under its butt, and she’s the spark.
She’s made it clear, you gotta get off your rear,
If you want things to happen during your presidential year.
The club has ponied up with 25 K,
To help area students on their collegiate way.
We sponsored not one but two Early Act First Knight’s,
And not two but three Interacts are showing future Rotarians those Service Above Self lights,
We’ve joined with the American Legion providing those bikes,
Our goals for the Foundation have been exceeded,
Our Prez provided that boost when needed.
For Harrisburg to find its Rotary success, we can accept nothing less,
Than a leader who lives her Rotary in her heart,
With spirit off the chart,
She’s the real deal; ain’t no myth,
She’s our Rotarian of the month, Chrystal Smith.
Poet: Rex Moran, 14 July 2015
Deloris Moore
Honorary Rotarian of the Month, February 2015
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Such a deal, when you get one with such appeal,
We started with one, kind of grumpy, you know a bit of a chump-y,
But wouldn’t you know; along comes his better half to stop the show.
Hard to see what she found in this man, but must have been part of her plan,
Went onto be an excellent Rotary Ann.
Even though she was running the house with five kids and a career,
She always found time to volunteer,
From Christmas parties to fashion shows, everyone knows,
Give her a call cause we all understand, she’s the go to for that helping hand.
And , I must say, she’s added to her resume’.
She now serves as chauffeur for her monsieur,
And they do, make a handsome two,
But let there be no mistake who raises their average IQ,
And much to the contrary,
This Rotarian is much more than honorary,
Cause she knows the score,
And that certainly makes her our champ, and our Honorary Rotarian of the Month, Deloris Moore.
Poet: Rex Moran, 3 February 2015
Sigurd Sundeen
Rotarian Emeritus
Recognized in the Month of January 2015
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This Rotarian joined around when Ronald Reagan took his oath,
And I gotta say, things went pretty well for both,
Using his red-headed charms,
Served from President to Sergeant of Arms,
He followed Harry’s code for Rotary brothers, in what he did for others,
He opened his pockets for worthy local groups with needs,
Donations to the Open Door Mission, FFA and Little League are among his good deeds.
And when he thought our meetings were too dull; he couldn’t stand the lull,
He brought in straight guys Dick and Harry and Ron Acuna Matata,
And gave us lame humor with these personas no grata.
His service to this club has been enthusiastic as it was dutiful,
And always brought grins, with a comment that begins,
With his trademark Beauuuuuuuuuuuuuuuutiful.
This Rotarian has put service above self for 33 years,
And certainly deserves the respect of his peers,
A rascal or a saint, or somewhere in between,
You’ll find no truer Harrisburger, than our Rotarian Emeritus, Sigurd Sundeen.
Poet: Rex Moran, 13 January 2015
Jose Valdez
Rotarian of the Month, December 2014
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This new Rotarian has youthful vim and vigor,
With a soul that’s right and heart that’s bigger.
If our club is to have a future to match its wonderful past,
Then we’ll need those who can put Service Above Self and still have a blast.
Channeling up the spirit of Plackemeier, Hollingsworth, Breshears and others,
And combining it with that of the next generation of Rotary Sisters and Brothers,
To take this club in new upward directions,
And along that line, he’s arranging for our new social connections.
Taking over our facebook and website,
He’s putting Harrisburg Rotary out there and getting it right.
He’s making the effort to know us and has become regular at our get-togethers,
And becoming a Rotarian in those other important measures.
He’s now a part of James’ Real Men Read team,
Helping young kids build their own American dream.
It may have been a burden to be introduced to the club by Janice,
But you don’t have to be a Nostradamus,
To see this young man will go far, maybe someday our next prez,
Cause he’s got a great start as our Rotarian of the Month, Jose Valdez.
With a soul that’s right and heart that’s bigger.
If our club is to have a future to match its wonderful past,
Then we’ll need those who can put Service Above Self and still have a blast.
Channeling up the spirit of Plackemeier, Hollingsworth, Breshears and others,
And combining it with that of the next generation of Rotary Sisters and Brothers,
To take this club in new upward directions,
And along that line, he’s arranging for our new social connections.
Taking over our facebook and website,
He’s putting Harrisburg Rotary out there and getting it right.
He’s making the effort to know us and has become regular at our get-togethers,
And becoming a Rotarian in those other important measures.
He’s now a part of James’ Real Men Read team,
Helping young kids build their own American dream.
It may have been a burden to be introduced to the club by Janice,
But you don’t have to be a Nostradamus,
To see this young man will go far, maybe someday our next prez,
Cause he’s got a great start as our Rotarian of the Month, Jose Valdez.
Poet: Rex Moran, 9 December 2014
Janice Jones
Rotarian of the Month, November 2014
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Can a girl get much thinner,
And still be big time winner.
18 years of Rotary service and this fair maid,
Is receiving her fifth poetic accolade,
And have her dues been paid,
She’s run everything in this club from top to bottom.
Former titles, she’ got ‘em.
Pres, Treas, Sgt.of Arms, Secretary,
Always ready to do what’s necessary.
How bout our monthly socials and parties,
Yeah, you know who we need to toast with our coke and Bacardi’s.
When Rotary has conferences here and international,
She’ll be there with Becca getting irrational.
And who has been so successful in seeking folks good at speaking,
And her efforts are not yet peaking,
So, even though her butt is a bit ample, follow her example,
Ask not what Rotary can do for you, but what you can do for Rotary,
Join a committee, sell raffle tickets or even write lame ass poetry.
When you think things have gone to hell, don’t be someone who bemoans,
Get out there and do something, like our Rotarian of the Month, Janice Jones.
Poet: Rex Moran, 11 November 2014
Callie Perez
Rotarian of the Month, October 2014
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This Rotarian has the tonic this club needs,
Full of youthful enthusiasm and a doer of deeds.
Get out of her way as she proceeds.
She’s already sowing the seeds,
For the New Generations who will take our place,
And find their own worthy causes to embrace.
With her trusty partners Chrystel and Brett,
She’s running RYLA and InterAct without breaking a sweat.
And reaching down deeper with a program that’s a keeper,
She’s helping the young ones get it right with Early Act First Knight.
As our Club Secretary, she’s keeping those records all straight,
Showing us that style that made Harrisburg so great,
She knows what it takes, and she’s willing to participate,
But she can’t do it alone, something the rest of us have known,
So, when your chance comes to help, don’t piss and moan,
Get out there and do your bit, it’ll be appreciated,
Take pride in this club those before us have created,
Carry on with the works they have initiated,
Be a steam rollin’ Rotarian like old Harry Plackemeier says,
And try and be as good as our Rotarian of the Month, Callie Perez.
Poet: Rex Moran, 7 October 2014
Henry Buchannan
Rotarian of the Month, September 2014
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This Can-Do Rotarian has been honored before,
Service Above Self, he knows the score.
This good ol’ boy with a big ol’ frame,
Is ready to go, he’s always game.
Assembling bicycles and doing the delivery,
Always there, even if the weather is shivery.
Fundraising with raffles and pumpkin patches,
Got that can do spirit in big ol’ batches.
And he’s got a divine little trick that’s really deluxe,
Takes cheap wine and turns it into big bucks.
He’s everybody’s go-to guy, and I’ll tell you why,
He knows the job’s gotta get done,
And, when the rest of us duck, he’ll be the one,
Carrying that load,
Picking up speed, I don’t think he’s ever slowed.
The reasons are clear as crystal, some folks are really a pistol,
But our man’s more like a cannon,
And he’s our Rotarian of the Month, Henry Buchannan.
Poet: Rex Moran, 2 September 2014
Frances Dyess
Rotarian of the Month, August 2014
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This Rotarian is a mover and shaker,
Could be called a big deal maker.
A Milby High girl made good,
Traveled the country and now returned to the ol’ hood,
She's out there doing her part,
Using her brains, but leading with her heart,
She’s on at least seven committees and boards,
Helping out others pass out well-deserved awards.
And it’s well known, she’s won a few awards of her own,
For Harrisburg, she’s helping out, with the Scholarship Interviews,
And find weekly speakers to help inform and amuse,
And proving amazing, helping with our fund raising.
Assisting and advising with our annual dinner,
On whom we should pick as the appropriate award winner,
I think this lady’s talent and effort will suffice,
To make her our Rotarian of the Month, Frances Dyess.
Poet: Rex Moran, 8 July 2014
Ron Acuna
Rotarian of the Month, July 2014
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Well, another year has flown by,
Time to stop and recognize this guy.
Who has stood before us week after week,
With a style somewhat unique.
Scraggly beard and ear stud,
Lame jokes landing with thud.
But his Rotary course has stayed true,
And he has seen this boisterous year through.
With his faithful directors,
More like a bunch of Hannibal Lectors,
Rick, Richard, Henry, Abel, James and Jack,
Along with Callie, Chrystal, Lori and Becca had his back,
So our club did its Rotary good deeds,
Helping meet school and community needs.
And I must admit, I liked it a bit,
Hanging out in his dive bar, was totally on par,
For a man who likes his fun, but knows how to get R done,
Thanks for a great year as our Big Tuna,
As they sez, he’s now a Past Prez and our Rotarian of the Month, Ron Acuna.
Poet: Rex Moran, 8 July 2014
Frank Vasquez
Rotarian of the Month, April 2014
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
It’s been said, and not without a little dread,
They don’t make Rotarians like they used to,
But maybe, they still do.
Our man is fresh and new,
Got some ideas on what he’d like to do before he’s through.
Obviously, he’s got lots of smarts,
Pays his way machining and stamping out parts.
With life partner, Anaida, they have quite a family,
With Vanessa, young Anaida, Monica and Franky,
And the next Gen’s on the way, with Grandson, Cheque.
He spends some his spare time playing golf, or out at the Rodeo cooking off.
But it’s always family at the end of the day,
Taking care of Mom, vacations with kids or helping raise pigs with the daughter’s FFA.
Sure enough, he’s got the right stuff,
So, his energy, enthusiasm and sense of service are essentially,
What Harrisburg Rotary needs for this new century,
He’s a man who means what he says,
And he’s also our newest Rotarian of the Month, Frank Vasquez.
Poet: Rex Moran, 1 April 2014
Audrey Reed
Rotarian of the Month, May 2013
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
This Rotarian is brand new,
And she’s already looking for things to do.
Needing a volunteer? Most of us don’t want to hear it,
Be here she comes with her youthful can-do spirit.
Who’s out there recruiting for RYLA?
Helping to pull the fashion show off with style-a?
Whoopee,
She’s starting an Interact Club at Mt. Carmel Academy.
You just gotta admire and praise her,
Who else around here is brave enough to be a fund raiser?
To tell the truth, Harrisburg’s getting long in the tooth,
Our aging arm, could use a shot of youth,
Don’t let her fall short,
Give her your support,
My Mentor, Jack McKnight, did like his gin,
But he did know that when…..we all pitch in,
We can get the job done, and for leading, she’s the one,
Indeed, when in need……we call on our Rotarian of the Month, Audrey Reed.
Poet: Rex Moran, 7 May 2013
Rotary Anns
Rotarians of the Month, February 2013
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
Three hoops a holler and a couple of cheers,
This worthy bunch has been around 74 years.
Their founding president, by the way, was Frances Sears,
Times have changed,
And men and women’s roles have been re-arranged,
But certainly some qualities are constant and persevere,
Even with responsibilities of husband, family and career,
They managed to organize, meet and make sure good works were done,
And leave a little time for fellowship and fun.
And lord knows,
We’ve all had a laugh at their over the top fashion shows.
Today, there 18 of them or so,
Linda, Ann, Billie, Beverly and Jo,
Betty, Deloris, LaDoyce, Lenora and Jerri,
Gayle, Carol, Louise, Margie and Mary
Paula, Willien, and Mrs. Brashears who uses G in her Gerri.
Now a call has come saying they are a no longer a group, it’s the end of the game.
But, now they’ll be same folks in a different troop….. a rose by any other name.
If enduring friendships, loyalty and good works are always part of your plans,
Then you are member of our Rotarians of the Month, the Harrisburg Rotary Ann’s.
Poet: Rex Moran, February 2013
Ron Acuna
Rotarian of the Month, January 2013
The Rotary Club of Harrisburg
It’s been nearly 12 years,
Since he joined his Rotary peers,
But now he’s shiftin’ gears,
And he’s pickin’ up speed,
Revin’ up for his coming year, ready to proceed.
He knows what it takes to succeed.
He was there for Rudy when our Boat Ride had a need.
And was almost a Robinhood in tights,
Helping at St. Christopher’s school with the Early Act Knights.
Getting it going, things are really beginning to click,
Passing out school dictionaries, and making it quick.
With all his helpers: James, Shonda, Richard, Arlette, Audrey and Dick,
Along with Becca, Christian, John, Janderine, Rudy and Rick,
He’s off to a great start, taking his responsibilities to heart,
Now it’s up to the rest of us to do our part,
Marching forward in our Rotary Parade singing our tune-a,
Behind our new leader-to-be and Rotarian of the Month, Ron Acuna.
Poet: Rex Moran, January 2013