Mailing Address
Washington County Rotary
PO Box 160
Brenham, TX 77834

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Organizations Supported 
Rotary Club of WC :
 

NATIONAL  

  • Paul Harris Foundation 
  • Rotary Foundation

INTERNATIONAL

  • Children of the Dump Scholarship
  • Guerrerro Eye Clinic
  • Clean Water Projects
  • Nicaragua Building Fund
  • Polio Plus

LOCAL

  • Adams Angels Ministry
  • BISD Foundation
  • Boy Scouts
  • Boys and Girls Club
  • Bread Partners
  • Brenham children's Chorus
  • Brenham Heritage Museum
  • Brenham Police Dept
  • Camp for All
  • CPS Adoption Fair
  • Disabled Veterans
  • Faith Mission
  • Game Changers
  • Girl Scouts 
  • Habitat for Humanity
  • Here I Am Orphan Ministries
  • Heritage Society of WC
  • Hospice Brazos Valley
  • Interact Scholarships
  • Job Partnership-WC
  • Main Street Local History Day
  • Miracle Farm
  • MLBA-DG
  • Morning Glory Ranch
  • New Beginnings
  • Project Graduation
  • Pink Angels
  • Rotary House
  • Senior Center of WC
  • Teacher of The Year Award
  • Unity Summer Camps
  • Volunteer Services council
  • WC Food Coalition

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mailing Address
Washington County Rotary
PO Box 160
Brenham, TX 77834
Club Information
Welcome to our Club!
Washington County

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Thursdays at 12:00 PM
The Cannery Kitchen
314 E. Alamo Street
Brenham, TX 77833
United States of America
Beginning in July 2021, we will no longer be hosting online meetings on Zoom. All meetings will be in person at the Cannery Kitchen.
Home Page Stories
Our first annual clay shoot fundraiser was a success.We raised over $20,000 to be used for local charities and scholarships. And everyone had Fun!
Sponsorships are available for the 1st Annual Sporting Clays Event. You can copy this form and mail it along with your check to The Rotary Club of Washington County, PO Bpx 160, Brenham, TX 77834
 
Our new fall fundraising event is the 1st Annual Sporting Clays Event. Please get the word out to your friends and co-workers. The poster is shown below. To register as a shooter just point your phone's camera at the
QR code and that will take you to the registration page. We will need volunteers to help with the event. It should be a lot of fun!!
 
Chief Ron Williams of the Brenham Fire department was our speaker Thursday September 8, 2022. Title of his talk was"Looking to the Future" He gave an informative view of the Brenham Fire Departments operation with a look towards future needs as the Brenham and Washington County populations grow at an increasing rate.
 
RI President-elect Jennifer Jones imagines a Rotary where members act to make their dreams become reality and they make the most of their club experiences. She urges members to engage more with each other and use these connections to build partnerships that change the world.
On Saturday July 23, 2022 The Rotary Club of Washington County partnered with the Child Protective Service to host an Adoption Fair at the St Paul's School. The Adoption Fair brings together parents who are wanting to adopt, with kids who need a home and someone to love and care for them. The children are older and because of their age, are not as adoptable. At the Fair, the parents can interact with the youngsters in an
informal, fun atmosphere
 
 
On November 10, 2021 The Washington County Rotary Club partnered with the Brenham National Bank to distribute blankets and heaters to senior citizens of Washington County. The blankets and heaters were given away at the Senior Activity Center on a first come-first served basis.

The 2021 Installation of directors and Officers was held at Home Sweet Farm in Brenham on Thursday June 17, 2021.

Installation ceremonies were presided over by Michelle Bohreer, District Governor of Dist. 5890
Congratulations to the new Board members!
The 2019 Guntoberfest raffle was held at the October 31st meeting. 416 of the 500 tickets were sold. This is one of our major fundraising events of the year. Money raised by this event will be used to support various charities.
 
Congratulations to the winners in the 2019 Guntoberfest raffle. They are listed Below.
During the Installation dinner, several people were recognized for their service to the club.
Those present at the dinner and receiving awards for serving on the Board:
William Grote
 
Lowell Ogle
 
Barbara Wilganowski
 
Daphne Kohring
 
Gena Wilimitis
 
 
Gene Young
 
Kurt Podeszwa          
 
April Thompson
 
Kathleen Schwarze
 
Special Recognition:
Gary Crocker for the Guntoberfest Raffle
 
Roger Ross for the Bikeride.
 
Gena Wilimitis for "Most Guests" brought to meeetings.
 
The Installation dinner for the 2019/2020 year was held at the Bank of Brenham. Thanks to Jim Kruse for providing that venue.
The new officers for the upcoming year are President: William grote, President elect: Lowell Ogle, Vice President:  John Turner, Secretary: Kathleen Schwarze , Treasurer: Daphne Kohring, Sergeant at Arms Barbara Wilganowski and Past President: Brice Milliorn.
 
Becky Bosse representing The Washington County Rotary Club presented six Brenham High School students with $1,000 scholarships each. Receiving Scholarships were: Lindsey Lara-Hurtado, Zayra Valencia, Edgar Diaz-Tobaur, Alvin Jake Carlile, Mollie Patrick and HaleyHughes
 
Welcome New Member Justin Jersey.Justin comes to us from the Waller Rotary Club, and his sponsor is Billy Starnes.
At our meeting on July 12, Jim Kite gave us an update on the situation on Nicaragua where the country is in crisis. As a result of years of corrupt practices by president Ortega, he has angered the elderly, the students, the business community and even his own party. over 300 people have been murdered during peaceful protests by Ortega's men. As a result, the whole country's roads have been blocked off and no trucks or shipping can bring supplies into the country. Some supplies can be flown in, but can't be distributed because all major highways are blockaded. As a result people can't get medical treatment and many who already live hand-to-mouth are starving.Jim says that we can help by sending money that can be wired-in so that basic foods can be purchased from local farmers within the country and distributed through back roads in small pickups, off of the main highways to people who need it. This can be done through the 501C3 organization Hope and Relief International that Jim and other Rotarians set up several years ago to help build schools and hospitals in Nicaragus. If Rotarians Want to help they can send money to Jim payable to HOPE AND RELIEF INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION 10700 Gerke Rd, Brenham, TX 77833.
For more information on the crisis: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-44779257
Congratulations to Kathleen Schwarze our Rotarian-of-the-Year for 2017-2018. Shown here receiving her award from outgoing President Page Michel.
For the third week in a row, local charities receive donations from the Rotary Club of Washington County. Some of the money that we raise goes to the Rotary Foundation which is used to fund projects throughout the country and the world. One of the projects that Rotary International is involved in is the eradication of Polio. We are down to under 10 cases in the world this year!
Rotary President Paige Michelle is shown here with representatives of local charities. To the right of Paige Michele is: John Hill Representing BISD Foundation, JD Young and Randy Wells representing Faith Mission, Disabled American Vets represented by Commander Robert Squyres, Miracle Farm represented by Gena Wilimitis, and Rotary House represented by Charles Gaskamp
 
This year, The Rotary Club of Washington County raised $56,375 for charities in Washington County. Shown at the 6/7/18 meeting are the representatives of organizations receiving donations from the Rotary Club of Washington county. The organizations are: Adam's Angels Ministry, New Beginnings, Camp for All, Heritage Society of WC, Washington-on-the-Brazos Junteenth Heritage Celebration, WC Summer Feeding Program, Bread Partners, Boy Scouts of America, Habitat for Humanity, and Volunteer Services Council BSSLC.
One of the main missions of the Rotary Club of Washington County is to serve our community by supporting non-profit charities. We do that by volunteering, and raising money to support many of our local charities. This year, The Rotary Club of Washington County raised $56,375 for charities in Washington County. Shown at the 5/31/18 meeting representing their organizations with a symbolic check presented by our President Page Michel are left to right: Rosellyn McIver,Brenham Children's Chorus; Paige Michel, President of WC Rotary; Debbie Forland and Neil Krebs, JAM Ministry; Craig Borchardt, Hospice Brazos Valley; Leslie Wood,Unity Theater Summer Camp; Stephanie Wehring, Boys and Girls Club; and Steve Miller, of the Senior Center. We will have more recipients next meeting!
On Monday May 7, 2018 the Rotary Club of Washington County awarded scholarships in the amounts of $1,000 to six seniors at Brenham High School.
Shown here is Rotary Club President Page Michel with the six recipients.  left to right: Carter Yackel, Bailey Grunder, Kevin Pham, Page Michel, Grace Beisert, David Quiroz, Addison Thielemann. Congratulations and Good Luck!
The Rotary Club of Washington County Texas received the Presidential Citation for the year 2016-1017. There are approximately 1,000 clubs out of the more than 32,00 clubs world wide that receive a Presidential Citation. Shown here accepting the award from Pat D.G. Eric Liu, Kurt Podeszwa, Past President for the 2016 2017 year.
Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time to work the back gate at the Washington County Fair and Rodeo on Wednesday September 20, 2017.
Rodger Ross and Lea Wie
Barbara Wilganowski, Tommy Brewster. Barry Brass and Ron Werchan
In 2017-18, we’ll answer the question “What is Rotary?” with RI President-elect Ian H.S. Riseley’s theme, Rotary: Making a Difference. “Whether we’re building a new playground or a new school, improving medical care or sanitation, training conflict mediators or midwives, we know that the work we do will change people’s lives — in ways large and small — for the better.”
 
 
June is what we are all about, supporting our community by supporting those organizations that serve our citizens, young and old.

Thursday, June 22, the Rotary Club of Washington County  handed out donations to several community organizations in the aggregate amount of $40,000. The organizations receiving grants Thursday were: The Heritage Society of Washington County, Adam's Angels, New Beginnings, Here I Am Ministries, BISD Foundation, Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Miracle Farm, Local History Day, Camp-for-All, and Unity Summer Theater Camp.

Thursday the 15th, we donated more money to charitable causes in our community. Receiving grants totaling 15,000 dollars were: Food Service initiative, Hospice Brazos Valley, Game Changers, Faith Mission, Go Drill, Brenham Heritage Museum, Brenham Children's Chorus, Mission Brenham, JAM Academy, Habitat for Humanity, and Disabled American Vets.
June is the end of Rotary's year, and during June, we give away the money that we raise during the year. Today we granted a total of $8,600 shared by the following organizations: Washington County Senior Center, Bread Partners, Job Partnerships, Volunteer Services Council, Boy Scouts, Rotary House,Brenham Fire Department, Pink Angels, and Morning Glory Ranch.
The Rotary Club of Washington County has two major events to raise funds every year. These events along with a $3000 grant from District helped to raise enough money for us to distribute $80,250 in grants to worthy causes. The bulk of the money goes back into local charities, and some goes to National and International needs. Thanks to our sponsors, volunteers and Rotarians who made this possible. Listed here are this year’s organizations receiving grants.
 
 
    
 
Adam’s Angels*
BISD Foundation*
Boy Scouts*
Boys and Girls Club*
Bread Partners
Brenham Children’s Choir*
Brenham Heritage Museum
Camp for All*
Clean Water Projects
CPS Adoption Fair*
Disabled Veterans
Faith Mission
Game Changers*
Girl Scouts*
Guerrero Eye Clinic
Habitat for Humanity
Here I Am Orphan Ministries*
Heritage Society of Washington County
 
 
Hospice Brazos Valley
Interact Scholarships*
Job Partnerships-WC
Main Street Local History Day*
MBLA-DG*
Miracle Farm*
Morning Glory Ranch*
New Beginnings*
Nicaragua (Children of the Dump Scholarships)*
Pink Angels
Polio Plus*
Project Graduation*
Rotary House
Senior Center of WC
Teacher of the Year Award
Unity Summer Camps*
Volunteer Services Council
WC Food Coalition*
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
*Organizations that benefit children
Welcome new Members Lea Wie, and Sammy Timpa.
Lea Wie Being inducted by President Kurt Podeszwa.
Sammy Timpa being Inducted by President Kurt Podeszwa.
The Rotary Club of Washington County awarded $35.000 in donations at it's weekly meeting on June 17th. Checks in the amount of $5,000 each were awarded to representatives from Adam's Angles Ministry, Boys and Girls Club of Washington County, Brenham Police Department's K( training program, Children of the Dump - Nicaragua, Here I Am Orphan Ministries, Miracle Farm and New Beginnings Pregnancy Center.
Our club awarded  $1500 scholarships at the Brenham High School Scholarship event to:
Dalton Walla
Zachary Barnes
Harper Groves
Juan Vargas
At our June 2nd meeting, we gave out checks in the amount of $1500 to several worthy organizations. Accepting checks are representatives of Habitat for Humanity, Brenham Christian Academy, Unity Theater (Scholarships), Brenham Children's Chorus, Rotary House Foundation (Housing for Washington County Cancer Patients), Brenham Heritage Museum, BISD Foundation, and Washington County Healthy Living Association. Not present were representatives for Mission Brenham, Hospice Brazos Valley, and Guerrero Clinic.
What a beautiful day we had for our H4H Bike Ride. We were down about 5% on the number of riders from last year, but we still made over 40,000 dollars to fund our projects and support the organizations that we help. Thanks to everyone who volunteered their time, talents and vehicles.

The 4 way test, prayer, Greeter or pledge list is now accessible by clicking on the Rotary Symbol provided below. Please check the list to see if you are scheduled to lead or greet at a future meeting. If you will be absent on the day that you are scheduled, please contact Page Michel [page@brenhamtexas.com] , or 979-836-3695.

                                                                       "No one can make you feel inferior without your consent".

– Eleanor Roosevelt

 

 
   
   
 
 
The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.
Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/h/helenkelle101301.html#Pw8ESgvWUyULQYgJ.99

I want to propose a new member, what do I do?

  Link HERE for the instructions on how to propose a new member for our Rotary Club. (Note: This link is currently under construction, Check with a Club officer for this information.)

 

What forms need to be turned in to propose my new member?

  Link HERE for the forms necessary to fill out when proposing a new member. 

 

Do we have any information about Rotary that I can give my prospective member?

  Link HERE for Rotary Basics information packet for prospective and new members. 

Our website and weekly bulletins have received a facelift! The new URL for our website is www.washingtoncountyrotary.org Please let us know how you like our new look. Our goal is to better communicate who we are, and how our club is unique, fun and effective.

We’ve also created a new hand-out for our guests. It is a small card to give them information about Rotary and our specific club. We hope the card will answer their questions and entice guests to join.

If you bring a guest during the next few months, be sure to let us know if they comment on the card they receive. Your feedback will help us determine if we should continue giving the cards, and if they need edits.

Many thanks for Ron Werchan for his work on the website, and Cindy Davis for her help and advice on the new bulletin format!

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