Blastoff November 29, 2010

Don't Forget
Club Meets at UHCL December 6 
Christmas Party December 15
 

November 22, 2010 Club Meeting Review

One of our long time members reminiscing as he looks at photos of the
first (1987) Rotary National Award for Space Achievement.  

Debbie McBride led members singing "The Yellow Rose of Texas", Carlos Villagomez led the prayer, Travis Vermeer led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag, and Billy Ray Smith led the Four Way Test.  Bill Lowes introduced visitors and guests.  Courtney Lindberg announced that an e-waste recycling event is to be held December 11th.  A Clear Lake location has already been indentified, and she is looking for a location closer into Houston.  A large parking lot is needed.

Kippy Caraway reported that there was a good turnout for the social event at 888 Bistro honoring Gene Tromblee last week.  Roger Donnelly reminded members that December 15th is the Rotary Christmas party at the Bay Oaks Country Club.  Members need to RSVP to Roger and let him know whether you want snapper or steak for dinner.  Assistant District 5890 Governor Chris Schneider presented Bill Geissler the Governors Citation for Outstanding Service and Dedicaiton to Rotary.

Jack Bacon announced that interviews will be held next Monday for outbound Youth Exchange students.  There will also be a party for the Youth Exchange on December 4th.  Volunteers are needed, and the committee is always looking for host families.  President David Coney reminded members that the December 6th meeting will be held in the Garden Room at the University of Houston Clear Lake.

Past President Jon McKinnie introduced author John Littlefield.  Mr. Littlefield is working on a book that will be a collection of short stories collected from across America.  Mr. Littlefield videotape today's meeting in order to write a story concerning Rotary.  His theme focuses on the energy, ingenuity and generosity of the American people.

Stan Galanski and Randy Thompson (District 5890 Water Chairman) presented an update on the status of several Rotary International water projects, including two in Bolivia and one in Haiti.  They also discussed the collaboration between the Dominican Republic and USAID in which Rotary participates.  Mr. Thompson reported that District 5890 has supplied approximately $100,000 in support of the Haiti water projects, which ultimately supplied clean water for approximately 20,000 children.  Hygiene education in many of these areas is poor.  Funding is needed for mobile education units that will include 1 truck, 1 tester, and 1 educator. 

President Coney extended thanks to our guests, and announced that there would be a stand up Board meeting immediately following today's meeting.  He wished everyone a happy Thanksgiving, and then adjourned the meeting.