Rotary e-Club of Houston Donates 20 Tons of Food to HelpVenezuelan Refugees in Cucuta and Pamplona.Hope For Venezuelan Refugees Pilot Project Helps Alleviate Hunger and Builds Peace. The Rotary e-Club of Houston, through its Hope ForVenezuelan Refugees pilot project is helping alleviate hunger and improve malnutrition among vulnerable Venezuelan refugees and ‘caminantes’ (walkers) in Cúcuta and Pamplona throughthe donation of 20 tons of Rise Against Hunger (RAH) meals.Continue reading for more details.
Three Rotary Global Grants worth over $232,000 completed in Cucuta, Colombia. We congratulate Several Rotary Clubs across District 5890 and our Global Grant Partner clubs from New Zealand, Korea, and the United States on this successful collaboration!
Each project addressed the core rotary service areas namely education, prevention and treatment of disease and maternal and child health. The projects include Five Smart virtual classrooms in each of four public schools along with two audio devices serving 3,300 students.
Emergency equipment for the Pediatric ward of the Erasmo Meoz hospital in Cucuta. Medical equipment for the Gynecology ward of the Erasmo Meoz hospital.
The host clubs on these projects were the R.C. of San Jose de Cucuta and the R.C. of Cucuta II.
Read more for the detailed report from Bill Davis.
The Global Scholarship committee of District 5890 in Texas today awarded three $30,000 scholarships for study towards Master’s degree to three excellent candidates, Sammy Hameed; sponsored by the Rotary Club of Seabrook, David Oleson; sponsored by the Rotary Club of Brazosport and Ashley Cooney; sponsored by the Rotary Club of Humble. The Committee wishes to recognize the significant contributions to the interview process by former scholars Daniella Romero, Olivia Hernandez, and Annum Jaffer. Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all the candidates!
We are pleased to have Tibor P. Nagy, Jr. currently serves as the Assistant Secretary for African Affairs at the U.S. Department of State as our speaker for Rotary Club of Humble on January 23, 2019. Prior to this appointment, Ambassador Nagy served as Vice Provost for International Affairs at Texas Tech University from 2003 to 2018. During that time he lectured nationally on Africa, foreign policy, international development, and U.S. diplomacy, in addition to serving as a regular op-ed contributor to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal newspaper on global events.
Jennifer served as the Vice President of Rotary International in 2016-2017. She has served the organization as a training leader, moderator, committee vice-chair, coordinator and President’s Representative. She also played a lead role in Rotary’s rebranding effort as the Chair of the Strengthening Rotary’s Advisory Group.
This year's District Conference will be in sunny Corpus Christi at the Omni located on N. Shoreline Blvd. from May 2-5, 2019. We are planning fishing event and golf tournament along with the welcome dinner Thursday being at the Texas State Aquarium and a dinner on-board the USS Lexington Friday night. All culminating into the Princess & Pirates Ball Saturday night at the Omni. We are going to have amazing speakers and tons of fun for Rotarians, spouses and children!
The District Governor 2021-22 Nominating Committee is hosting an Informational Meeting on Thursday, October 11th from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Jesse Jones Rotary House Hotel at 1600 Holcombe Boulevard in Houston. Valet or self-parking is available. The committee and several PDGs will share information about the responsibilities of District Governor, some of the challenges, and will review the application process.
Great moment for Rotary, our District and Task Force in getting this major step taken toward protecting our youth and educating the educators on Trafficking. We are changing the culture in the Houston area!
Read the full story to download attached flyers for teachers, students, and parents awareness.
Past Rotary International Director and Rotary Foundation Trustee Sang Koo Yun from the Rotary Club of Sae Hanyang, Korea will be speaking to the Rotary International District 5890 Foundation dinner to be held On Thursday October 25, 2018.
The dinner venue is the Hotel ICON, 220 Main Street, Houston, TX 77002. The cost will be $75.00/person. There will be a cash bar.
2018-2019 District Governor Carmen Cuneo would like to invite all District 5890 Rotarians to participate in the “New District Banner Contest”. Our current District Banner has served its purpose for many years now and is in need of either repair or replacement. DG Carmen Cuneo would like to give each Rotarian in our District a chance to help design a new banner, which will be proudly displayed at all District Rotary events including the 2022 Rotary International Convention in Houston. The contest will start immediately and the winner will be chosen on July 30th. The Grand Prize will be….
At Multi-District Training in Austin in 2015, incoming District Foundation Chair Wally Kronzer said to me, “Palko, you need to have a Million Dollar Dinner during your year as Governor.” (or something to that affect). I jumped on it! And thus, the dream was born and the committee formed. Chaired by PDG Suzi Howe and Co-chaired by PDG Bob Gebhard we hit the ground running.
Brilliantly we decided to incorporate two Team Captains, then DGE Eric Liu and DGN Bill Palko. We also decided that our dinner would coincide with RI President Riseley’s visit in January 2018 and that our donor commitment period would run beginning 1 July 2017 (DG Eric’s year) and end 27 January 2018. Table Captains were selected and soliciting donations began immediately. We had put together the dream team. Our table captains were PDG Rhonda Walls Kerby, PDG George and Beverly Yeiter, Michelle Bohreer, PDG D’Lisa Simmons, Roger and Kim Elswick, Terry and Sarka Zieglar, Charlie and Tommie Buscemi, Alan and Stacy Brevard, Scott Rainey and Martha Bowles and Amir and Sabrina Khan. Captains were charged with filling their tables with Foundation Donors giving at least $10K in new money in cash or a bequest to our Foundation.
Eighteen months of diligence and hard work came to a beautiful summation with our Million Dollar Dinner at the Petroleum Club in Downtown Houston on Saturday, 27 January 2018. There we celebrated District 5890 Making A Difference through our Foundation. We honored Dr. Isis Mejias, a past District Global Grant Scholar, with the Rotary Alumni Global Service Award. We celebrated PDG Suzi Howe being presented the Rotary Foundation Distinguished Service Award. We ended the spectacular evening presenting RI President Ian Riseley with our District 5890 Foundation Check in the amount of $3,699,687.00.
The success of our Million Dollar Dinner is owed to our generous donors. Each of whom gave $10K or more in cash or bequest to our Foundation so that we can continue to Make A Difference in our local communities and around the world. Thank you, donors, for your benevolence. Thank you for making our Million Dollar Dinner a smashing success!
As you all know our District is a very strong, active and successful district Making A Difference throughout our local communities and our world. This is certainly due mostly to the great clubs and thousands of amazing Rotarians we have in our clubs. But it is certainly also due to the strong leadership we have from the bottom up starting at our club level and ending with our District Governor.
Each year we seek to attract quality applicants for District Governor to continue the success of our District and our clubs. It is a position I highly recommend.
To say that much has happened since this Rotary year began is an understatement. It seems that every day brings with it another set of disasters/challenges/problems which impact our daily lives.
During such trying times, it is important to remember that we are a Rotary family, which means none of us are in this alone. We have friends throughout the district that are ready and willing to help, whether that help be mucking out a home or making a grocery store run for a fellow Rotarian that no longer has a car. Daily we live the Rotary theme for this year, “Rotary, Making a Difference.”
On Wednesday, November 8, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. we will have the Fall Foundation Seminar at the Women’s Home Mabee WholeLife Wellness Center, 1838 Johanna Drive, Houston, TX 77005 (north of Long Point Road between Wirt Road and Antoine Drive). Doors will open at 6.
Rotary Youth Exchange builds peace one young person at a time.
Students learn a new language, discover another culture, and truly become global citizens. Exchanges for students 15 to 19 years old are sponsored by Rotary clubs in more than 100 countries.
What are the benefits?
Exchange students unlock their true potential to:
Develop lifelong leadership skills
Learn a new language and culture
Build lasting friendships with young people from around the world
One of District Governor Bill Palko's goals was to try to have District 5890's District Grant application approved by July 31, 2017. As a reminder, clubs who are part of the District Grant application can only be reimbursed from funds that are spent after the approval date. Consequently, clubs with approved District Grants are now free to spend their funds as outlined in their District Grant Application.
Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in District 5890 are invited to send participants to an interactive leadership workshop in northwest Houston on September 23-24, 2017. In this workshop participants will learn how to improve their personal leadership skills that can be used in their club, their vocation and in any community organizations in which they hold a leadership position.
The Leadership Institute will be very interactive and will cover material in the following general topic areas:
Social Styles Listening Skills
Challenges in Leading Diversity Group Activities and Presentations
Problem Solving Empowerment of Others
Inspiring Leadership Team Building
Conflict Management Meeting Management Skills
Ethics Visioning Boards
Clubs may send a maximum of 2 members and the class will be limited to the first 24 who send in a registration fee of $250 by September 15. Registrations received after September 15, 2017, will be $300. The Institute will be held at the Courtyard Houston Northwest – Marriott located
Attendees must attend both days of the training and stay overnight at the conference center. The registration fee for the two-day Institute is $250 and covers all materials, four meals beginning with lunch on Saturday, September 23rd and the cost of lodging. Participants will be billeted two per room in non-smoking rooms. Smoking in the room will incur a substantial charge to room occupants beyond the registration fee.
Attendees should arrive at the Courtyard Houston Northwest – Marriott no later than 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 23, 2017, and be prepared to stay until the workshop concludes at about
5:00 p.m. on Sunday, September 24, 2017. Dress for the institute is business casual. If there are questions about the Institute or to receive a registration form, please contact Gayle Jircik at (713) 594-6305 or djircik@sbcglobal.net.
It is Mine and Debbie’s honor and privilege to serve as your District Governor and First Lady for 2017-2018.
During the previous 2+ years leading up to now, I’ve visited many clubs and met many Rotarians. I’ve witnessed firsthand your passion for Serving Humanity. I’m in awe of and inspired by all that you do. I am thankful to be a member of our great Rotary District. A District referred to during PETS training this past February by Rotary International Vice President Jennifer Jones as a “Kick Ass” District. Yes, Jennifer, we are. And we’re proud of it too!
Our 2017-18 Theme is “Rotary Making A Difference.” We’re going to “Make A Difference” by emphasizing Membership Growth, Engagement and Retention. We will work especially hard on attracting young and diverse new members without leaving behind new members with a little more “seasoning.” We will engage our new members and re-engage those veteran members that may feel left by the wayside. For engagement and participation are the secrets to retention. And retention is the key to membership growth. We’re going to “Make A Difference” doubling down on our Foundation Giving by hosting a Million Dollar Dinner held on January 27, 2018 with RI President Ian Riseley as our Keynote Speaker. And we’re going to bolster our PR/PI Campaign using the new slogan “People of Action” to make sure everyone in our community knows we are Rotarians and that what we do is “Making A Difference” in people’s lives.
I look forward to working with you in these areas of opportunity for our District and in “Making A Difference” in our communities through Rotary Service. If my leadership team or I can be of any assistance to you or your club, please do not hesitate to call upon us. We exist to assist you!
It is Mine and Debbie’s honor and privilege to serve as your District Governor and First Lady for 2017-2018.
During the previous 2+ years leading up to now, I’ve visited many clubs and met many Rotarians. I’ve witnessed firsthand your passion for Serving Humanity. I’m in awe of and inspired by all that you do. I am thankful to be a member of our great Rotary District. A District referred to during PETS training this past February by Rotary International Vice President Jennifer Jones as a “Kick Ass” District. Yes, Jennifer, we are. And we’re proud of it too!
This is a Rotary fundraiser event open to the public. Tickets will not be available the day of the event so purchase your tickets today! Bring your favorite snack. Kids & Dogs are welcome in kayaks too! (space permitting) A valid ID is required for participation and participants will need to sign a liability waiver.
Featured Keynote Speaker: Rotary International President, John F. Germ
Crowne Plaza near NRG
District 5890 Love of Service Exposition 5pm- 9pm
Major Donor/Bequest Society and VIP Reception with Cash Bar 5:15pm - 6:30pm
General Rotary "Lovefest" with Cash Bar 5pm -7pm
Dinner and Presentation 7pm - 9pm
Table Sponsorship Opportunities
Rotarians in Love with Service $1500
RIP John 's theme "Rotary Serving Humanity" resonates with Rotarians. This year you and you r club will show your support for RIP John's commitment to Rotary Serving Humanity with your "Rotarians in Love with Serv ice" sponsorship. This sponsorship includes a premium placed and decorated table for 10, recognition in the event program,
10 admissions to the VIP reception, 2 exposition tables for your cl ub to display its great accom plishments and a photo of
your entire club with RIP John at the VIP reception and/or your expo table or after dinner, you r choice.
Gift to Humanitv $1000
This year you and your club will show your su pport for the gift of service around the world w ith your Gift to Humanity sponsorsh ip. This sponsorship includes a preferred table for 10, recognition i n the event program, 4 admissions to the VIP reception, I exposition table for your club to show of its great accomplishment and photo oppottunity w ith RlP John at the VIP reception.
Love My Club $750
This sponsorship includes a reserve table for 10 and one exposition table for your clu b to display how it serves humanity.
Rotary Power Couple $300
Premium Seating for 2 and admission to V I P reception
District 5890 Love o(Service Exposition
Highlight you r projects and activities to your fellow Rotarians a nd guests, including RIP John Germ. RIP John will be visiting expo booths following the VIP Reception (display space only and can be added to any level)
ROTARY D5890 DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2017 (((all this is very important info!!!)))
A LITTLE MONKEY BUSINESS!!!!
LOTS OF EASY (but important!!!) INFO… BY THE NUMBERS!!!
THURSDAY APRIL 20 – SUNDAY APRIL 23 2017.
LA TORETTA LAKE RESORT AND SPA (www.latorrettalakeresort.com)
47 MINUTES FROM 610 NORTH TO THE FACILITY
OUSTANDING ROOM RATE – ALL SUITES MAIN TOWER @ $139 OR LAKE VILLAS @ $159 / NIGHT (LAKE VILLAS CONSIST OF 2 ROOMS, $159 EACH). GOLF COTTAGES (2 ROOMS IN EACH) ALSO AVAILABLE AT $139 PER ROOM PER NIGHT.
MAKE CAREFUL NOTE THAT WE HAVE ONLY 32 GOLF COTTAGES AND 10 LAKE VILLAS AVAILABLE. WE HAVE 288 ROOMS IN THE MAIN TOWER. TOWER, ROOMS ARE ALL SUITES, 2 X QUEEN OR 1 X KING BED ROOMS. BOOK EARLY!!!!
45 YD. COVERED WALKWAY FROM HOTEL FRONT DOOR TO CONVENTION CENTER DOORS!!
ALL CONFERENCE FACILITIES IN ONE CONCISE AREA, REGISTRATION, MEALS, MEETINGS AND HALL OF FRIENDSHIP. ALL MEALS INCULDED FROM THURSDAY PM THRU SATURDAY PM.
MAXIMUM TIME TO ENJOY THE FACILITY WILL BE BUILT INTO OUR AGENDA. MAJOR SPOUCES PROGRAM UNDER CONSTRUCTION!!! FIRST TIME ATTENDEES SPECIAL CHECK IN AND ASSISTED THROUGHOUT CONFERENCE.
GOLF COURSE ONSITE, PROBABLE FISHING COMPETITION!! NO NEED TO LEAVE THE FACILITY.
Rotary Foundation Chair Elect Paul Netzel and other Rotary speakers to join us in person or via Skype. We will be awarding matching points for any Rotary Foundation Contribution made at the seminar.
Don't miss this liberating way to wind up the 2015-16 Rotary Year with an uplifting commitment to End Polio Now! We'll gather on June 25, 10:30-11:30 a.m., in the McGovern Centennial Gardens (right next to the Museum of Natural Science) to release beautiful butterflies that symbolize freedom from the crippler polio.
Every $20 donor to Polio Plus that day will receive a butterfly to release in addition to an "End Polio Now" T-shirt. DO join us and bring some friends! Click Map to enlarge.
Rotary District 5890 Global Scholar Anja Nikolova completed exams for her first year at Yale University last week and began the second year of her scholarship in September. A condition of her Yale studies is that she must complete an internship between her two years of studies and she returned to the U.S. on June 7 from her family home in Skopje, Macedonia to begin work with the Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition(CPLC) in Washington. CPLC is a World Bank and International Finance Corporation led intitiative focusing on climate change. Before returning to the U.S. she attended the Carbon Expo workshop in Cologne, Germany.
At CPLC Anja worked directly with companies such as BP, Shell, IKEA, Royal DSM and Unilever and the governments of Canada, India, France. The insights she produced helped these companies to design and implement their carbon pricing strategy as a business driver and towards achieving their environmental goals.
Over the summer, Tandem Language Café, the program Anja co-founded, received investment capital and is expanding - they are currently hiring 4 new staff and partnering with Yale’s numerous departments - it’s very exciting, and has become her entrepreneurial experiment! They also launched their website: https://tandemyale.wordpress.com/about/
District 5890 shares sponsorship of Anja's second scholarship year with Rotary Districts 5930 (Texas), 5840 (Texas), 5770 (Oklahoma), and 7980 (New Haven). Her first year Rotary Global Scholarship was funded by our District 5890.
The Rotarian Magazine has agreeed to conduct a Q and A with Anja for publication this coming winter.
District 5890 and 5910 Rotarians and families with specific needs arising from the widespread flooding may contact Wayne Beaumier (281-923-4085 / wbeaumier@att.net / Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks) for disaster aid assistance. You also may phone 311 to report damage and/or ask for assistance, as well as the Southwest TX Flood Cleanup Hotline (1-800-451-1954) for help cleaning up homes or property only. The Southwest TX Flood Cleanup Hotline will share your information with local agencies, community leaders, and volunteer relief agencies but cannot guarantee assistance or timing. Medical emergencies should be reported to 911. For any other kind of help, please dial 211 for the menu of statewide services available, including benefits and help evacuating property.
Congratulations to Galleria Rotarians on their $5000 award for school uniforms to Houston’s Lee High School, which inspired Lee’s journalism students to showcase the Rotary commitment to education and literacy. Budding Lee journalists Juliette Acevedo and Augustin Cantero’s article was published byThe River Oaks Examiner Newspaper, as well as in their high school paper, web site, and on Twitter, according to journalism instructor and yearbook advisor David Fanucchi. Noting that the new uniforms will feature Rotary's logo on the sleeve, the youthful literati wrote . . .
Interested in a trip to Russia this May? Join Rotary's Russian Friendship Exchange excursion! Among other things, you'll visit St Petersburg, Yekaterinburg (city where Tsar Nicholas II's family was murdered by Bolsheviks), and Volgograd, which is one of the most beautiful ancient cities of Russia and located on the Volga River. Tentative dates are May 28 - June 12, 2016. For more information contact American Team Leader, Sonya Heath (281) 507-2424, or Carmen Cuneo, Secretary, Russia – USA Intercountry Committee (713) 416-5025.
Welcome to Rotary District 5890, composed of 62 clubs surrounding and across the greater Houston Area. The Rotarian's in our District truly exemplify Rotary's motto of "Service above Self" with projects locally as well as all around the world. In Rotary's largest project, we are working diligently to eradicate POLIO from the world and District 5890 is working hard to aid in that effort.
Recently, at the District 5890 Interact Conference at Sealy High School, we recognized our district winners of our Four-Way Test Essay Contest. Congratulations winners!!!!
We are proud of PDG Deepa Willingham, spouse of the University Area Rotary Club's Dick Willingham, for presenting "Education of the Girl Child" at the World Bank in New York City as part of the 2016 Celebration of International Women's Day. Deepa founded PACE Universal, which is dedicated to educating girls and women in extreme poverty.
Just one of the MANY benefits of attending our upcoming District Conference will be an assortment and variety of cool door prizes at all the sessions! Over the years we've given away everything from donations to the Rotary Foundation, to excellent gift baskets of wine, of beer, of chocolate and of just about anything else you can think of, including golf getaways and spa treatments. And, there are always those tasty Blue Bell Ice Cream Gift Certificates! If you or your club has a door prize to donate, please contact Door Prize Committee Chair Irene Hickey (hickey.irene@gmail.com) as soon as possible so that she can make arrangements with you on how best to have the prize(s) delivered either at the conference or ahead of time.
Lotsa Cool Door Prizes to Win at District Conference April 28 - May 1
Well, the Astros didn't win, but DG Nick WAS a winner as he hummed the first pitch of the game over the plate during our special Rotary night at the Astros. Rotarians and guests had a terrific time at the exclusive reception and had a great view with the special Mezzanine location.
Congratulations to our District 5890 Global Scholar Anja Nikolova on launching a groundbreaking "Tandem Language Cafe" at Yale. The new program pilots in February 2016 and is designed to foster intercultural communication and understanding on campus through enhanced foreign language acquisition.
Services for Willowbrook Rotary President Massey Williams will be held Friday, January 29, at 10:00 am at Champion Forest Baptist Church, located at 15555 Stuebner Airline Rd, Houston, TX 77069,(281) 440-3800. Massey succumbed to cancer after a long battle and will be greatly missed by her family and her fellow Rotarians. Viewing will be Thursday night from 5-8 p.m. at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Dr, Spring, TX 77379,(281) 320-2674.
Services for Willowbrook Rotary President Massey Williams
Over the past six or seven years Bill Davis has enjoyed the privilege of working with five extraordinary young women who have been responsible for creating TWENTY Rotary water, sanitation, education and health projectsaround the world with a value of $1,009,000. These projects took place in El Salvador, Bolivia, Uganda, Kenya, Brazil, Afghanistan, Botswana, Peru and Ghana. In addition six scholarships were funded for studies towards Master’s Degrees in Nepal, Brazil, Chile, Austria, Yale University and Scotland.
Update and travel plans for the Texas Deployment team: Please post for clubs and concerned Rotarians:
Disaster Aid USA Texas Zone 21b team will meet up with Executive Director Larry Agee in Beaumont Texas Friday early am and travel together to Rowlett,TX to help in the clean up efforts. Any clubs wanting to donate may do so at www.disasteraidusa.com. or to the District Charity fund for the purpose of North Texas Mark the donation for North Texas as Garland is also under extreme damage. Any Rotarians wishing to assist may join us for the deployment. We will be back to Beaumont late on Sunday.
Please call or email me directly if you wish to travel with us from Houston or meet us in Rowlett TX area. Hotel room reservations are being made and rooms will be shared. Bring a sleeping bag in case you have to sleep on a sofa or floor . No single sleepers welcomed.
Thanks
Wayne R. Beaumier 281-923-4085 Rotary Club of Cypress-Fairbanks District 5890 Disaster Relief Chairman Disaster Aid USA www.disasteraidusa.com
Rotary Districts 5890 and 5910 have the honor of hosting our Rotary International President and his lovely wife starting Sunday, January 10 and culminating on January 12, with our All Club Celebration of Gifts Dinner, which will feature Rotary International President Ravi as our Key Note Speaker. This spectacular event will begin at 5:00 p.m. with our All Club Expo with dinner starting promptly at 7:00 p.m.. The event will be held at the Crown Plaza NRG. Tables of 10 start as low as $750. The evening promises to be extraordinary and one not to be missed. All registration details are on the District 5890 website. REGISTER NOW as we are expecting a sell out between our two districts!
Congratulations to every District 5890 Rotarian who participated in our Polio Day events on 11/21/15. Thanks to all of you, we raised a total of almost $34,000 for Polio eradication between the Party at the Park/Bike Ride/Motorcycle Ride and the PolioPlus Society Dinner. We also received considerable social media attention due to your efforts. Our donations of $34,000 will multiply to $102,000 with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation - which is enough to vaccinate 170,000 children with the Oral Polio Vaccine.
The District 5890 Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships Committee conducted interviews on Saturday, November 21, 2015 to select outbound scholars for the 2016-2017 academic year.
Mark your calendar for the PolioPlus Society Dinner It will be on Saturday November 21, 2015 at 5:00pm drinks, 6:00pm dinner, at the Southside Place Clubhouse at 3743 Garnet, Houston, TX 77005. Registration is $35 per person. Checks may also be mailed (for the dinner made to Rotary District 5890) or for PolioPlus (made to The Rotary Foundation) to Terry Ziegler at 4903 Pine St, Bellaire, TX 77401. All previous PolioPlus Society Members (who have pledged in the past to contribute $100 per year to the PolioPlus Fund each year until we reach Global Eradication) and all Rotarians who wish to join us this year, are welcome to attend with their guest. REGISTER HERE
Congratulations to our Rotary District 5890 Global Scholar, Anja Nikolova, on her recent selection as a delegate to attend the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, November 30 – December 11, 2015. Anja is studying for a Masters in Environment Management at Yale as a Rotary Global Scholar sponsored by our District, with home Club Skopje, Macedonia and host Club New Haven. Anja addressed the District 5890 Foundation Seminar on October 17. She hails from the Republic of Macedonia and will be a member of her home country’s delegation to the conference.
District 5890 Global Scholar Chosen for U.N. Climate Change Conference
Disaster Aid USA "Americans Helping Americans" a Rotary Club Project, run by American Rotarians is responding to the short term needs for those suffering from the effects of the unprecedented rain and flooding that occurred throughout South Carolina. Disaster Aid USA is asking you for your financial support (large or small) Please go to www.disasteraidusa.org and make a donation or mail your donation to 9817 Lanham Severn Road, Lanham, MD, 20706., earmarked "South Carolina Flooding" Disaster Aid USA is working with Rotary District's 7620 Disaster Relief Committee and Rotary District's 7770's Governor Rod Funderburk in a fundraising effort. Your donation will provide the short term aid need "today": Such as: (Drinking water in bottles and in gallon containers for cooking - Food for those in shelters - Blankets - Pillows - Flashlights - Toiletry items - Cleaning supplies - Equipment for cleaning up the debris.)
The Rotary Club of the University Area is proud to announce the Rotary Firefighters Home (“RFFH”) is holding its first (annual) Gala on Friday, February 12, 2016, at 6:00 p.m., at the Royal Sonesta Hotel located at 2222 W. Loop South, Houston, Texas 77027. This event is the first major fundraiser for the building of the home. The theme for the Gala is "Hope Rises!" This year’s gala promises to be a superb event. Our keynote speakers are Helen Reisler and Retired District Chief Steve Sparks. Our MC is Emmy award winning talk show host, Houston's own Ernie Manouse.
Anja Nikolova, a Global Grant Scholar at Yale’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, has been selected as a member of the delegation of her homeland, the Republic of Macedonia, at the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France (November 30-Dec 11, 2015). The Rotary Club of New Haven, Connecticut (D7980) is privileged to be her host club, but special thanks goes to Bill Davis and District 5890 (Houston, TX) which promoted her candidacy for a Global Grant Scholarship and provided the DDF necessary for the TRF match. Anja will be in Houston this coming weekend to speak at the District 5890 Foundation Seminar.
District Foundation Seminar - Anja Nikolova - Guest Speaker
Bellaire/Southwest Houston Rotarians will join the Read Across the Globe project on Monday, October 19, as part of a worldwide literacy push to establish a new Guinness World Record™ for reading to the most children within a 24-hour period. Breaking the world record requires, in part, an adult reading to children in groups of no more than 35 for at least 30 minutes at a time. On Read Across the Globe Day, Bellaire/Southwest Rotary club will provide 20+ volunteer readers for students at the Sylvan Rodriguez Elementary School in Southwest Houston.
Bellaire/Southwest Houston Rotarians uplifted the spirits of elderly shut-ins at a recent party for nursing home residents at the ComForCare extended care facility in Bellaire. The event kicked off the club’s annual Project GENERATIONS, which decreases elder-isolation with personal visits, cards, flower deliveries, and small gifts throughout the year. Nan Wagoner of Wagoner Burgert Law Offices and Jesse Moreno of Advantage Funeral Home co-chaired the event.
Past Rotary D 2420 (Turkey) Governor Murat Celik recently made us aware that school girls in Kosovo are in a disadvantaged position compared to boys. Murat is currently responsible, as the R.I. President Rep, for the non-district Clubs in Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia. The following email is from the Rotary Club of Prishtina in Kosovo:
“Many municipalities and schools in Kosovo have drawn our attention to an urgent problem of premature ending of schooling, especially among the female population. After finishing 9 years of school (compulsory education), a large percentage of girls don’t continue their education on a secondary level. The main reason is a lack of financial means in their families, many of which have several children and one or both parents are unemployed (in many cases through no fault of their own) or simply don’t earn enough to support the education of all their children.
Please join us Thursday, October 22nd , from 5-8pm at GiAu Bar & Bites, 9889 Bellaire Blvd, e200, Houston 77072 for our Rotary Young Professionals Social. This is a great new venue with fun food and drinks. The event is geared towards ages 25-39 but everyone is welcome. This is a great opportunity for clubs to engage their current young professionals and invite potential Rotarian young professionals. We hope you will promote this event at your club meetings and through your club and personal social media.
Katy Rotary Club's "Wild West Brewfest" is proud to take the top spot for 2015 and the most desired brewfest to attend in 2016 by BeerYeti.com. Thanks goes to all of our sponsors, volunteers, team members, the Rotary Club of Katy and our patrons for this distinct honor. The thing that pleasantly surprised Beer Yeti & the vendors was discovering that all of the net proceeds from the festival went to local charities, with no management fees and this year the event brought in an amazing $113,000, which was given to several charities in the local area bringing the total amount given away in its short 4 year existence to over $250,000. Congratulations to Katy Rotary Club & its President Nick Schrader for a job well done.
It is with extreme sadness that I must report that a favorite Past District Governor Paul Jury Sr has passed away. Paul was 1980-81 District 5890 Governor & member of the Harrisburg Rotary Club. Paul Jury, Sr. passed away at approximately 3:30 a m on September 28, 2015. He was surrounded by Gayle, Paul, Jr. and several other close family members. Gayle said that Paul’s last four days were filled with love, laughter, tears, and many kisses. Paul was loved and appreciated by all of us. Keep Paul's family and friends in your prayers as they travel this difficult journey.
Paul’s services will be held at Jeter’s Funeral Home in Friendswood. Address is 311 N Friendswood Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546 Visitation will be Friday, October 2, from 6 pm to 8 pm. The funeral service will be held at Jeter’s Funeral Home Saturday, October 3, at 10 a m. Donations in memory to Paul to the W I Stevenson Scholarship program and the Cossaboom YMCA are welcome. Flowers are also welcome.
This year's Shrimporee will be held at the Clear Lake Park on NASA Parkway (11:00 am - 4:00 pm) This year's event will be the best ever, with educational, interactive presentations that will intrigue kids and educate parents. Each year, the Shrimporee is Space Center's major event, lots of food & beverages, shrimp and BBQ brisket lunch, live and silent auctions, entertainment, games for the kids and fellowship. The event is free, meals are $15 each. Raffle tickets for outstanding items are available for $10 each, 6 for $50.
Katy Rotary Club, Fort Bend County & Veterans of Foreigh Wars Post 9182 will dedicate and consecrate the Freedom Park Memorial Tower at 10:00 am on Friday, Sep 11 at the Fort Bend County Freedom Park baseball fields on south side of Westheimer Parkway, just east of Fry Road. This legacy project, underway for more than four years, is chaired by Rotarian David Frishman & co-chaired by Rotarian Ken Burton. "We have looked forward to this day, to celebrate with the Katy Rotary Club, Katy Rotary Fund, and the VFW, their service and work, on behalf of our community and our nation", said Fort Bend County Commissioner and Katy Rotarian Andy Meyers.
Please join us this Thursday, September 10th, from 5-8pm at Moonshiners Southern Table & Bar, 1000 Prairie St, Houston 77002 for our Rotary Young Professionals Social. This is a great new venue with fun food and drinks and parking available across the street. The event is geared towards ages 25-39 but everyone is welcome. This is a great opportunity for clubs to engage their current young professionals and invite potential Rotarian young professionals. We hope you will promote this event at your club meetings and through your club and personal social media.
The District Leadership Institute will be held Sep 12, starting at 8:00am. Clubs in the district are invited to send two Rotarians that would like to participate in this interactive workshop. Clubs may send a maximum of 2 members and the class will be limited to the first 24 who send in the registration fee of $250. The Institute will be held at the Northwest Forest Conference Center in the Conquistador Room in the La Hacienda Complex located at 12715 Telge Road, Cypress, Texas 77429, Information on the conference center may be found on the Northwest Forest Conference Center website at www.northwestforest.com
The District Foundation Seminar will be held Oct 17, at HCC Southwest Building, 5601 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77081. Registration starts at 7:45am, continental breakfast, and visitation. General Sessions start at 8:30am - 1:00pm. The seminar offers motivation, inspiration, and new ideas for foundation giving. The Foundation Seminar isn’t just for club presidents and foundation chairs, but ALL MEMBERS of each club.
Houston NW Sunset is hosting a unique Business Mentoring & Networking event on Aug 20 4:00-7:pm at Hilton Garden Inn, 14919 Northwest Freeway, Houston. Looking for niche market insights? Want to expand your business? Want to learn smart ways to deal with challenges? Then mark your calendar and make plans to join us on Aug 20th...
Information and the application for the 2016-2017 District 5890 Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships are now available, and may be accessed through this web site. Remember, the applications are due no later than October 23, 2015.
The District 5890 Nominating Committee is now accepting completed application forms for Governor of District 5890 for Rotary year 2018-19. Application deadline is December 1 2015. All nominations must be submitted on the District Governor-Nominee Application Form (Form H). The necessary requirements & instructions are available on the left side of this web page.
An Informational meeting is scheduled for Sep 27 2015 at Jesse H Jones Rotary House, 1600 Holcombe, Houston TX. Potential candidates & Rotarians wanting to learn more about the process are welcomed to attend.
Great things are happening in District 5890 and your business can gain great market advantage by linking its brand to the amazing brand of Rotary. District 5890 provides a range of sponsorship opportunities that allow our members' businesses to be front and center every time someone visits the District website or attends a district event like District Conference. Link to our sponsorship opportunities is attached. If you have any questions, please call or email Michelle Bohreer, michelleb@bohreerzucker.com (832)622-4400. A great opportunity awaits you and your business; take advantage of it soon to maximize your value.
District Governor Elect Dr Nick Giannone has been working hard in preparation for his coming year as District Governor. His DG installation is rapidly approaching, Jun 26 at Safari West Ranch. DGE Nick has already scheduled all his Official Visits, which you will find in his DG calendar. He is very organized, ready to hit the ground running, conduct District activities and making the traditional Official Visits. On the left side of this web page in the download section, you will find 2015-16 DG Nick's busy schedule for this Rotary year. Let's all work together and make sure that Nick's year is an outstanding year.
HOUSTON has been selected as the 2022 Rotary International convention city! This was a lengthy process that involved many people throughout our District, particularly PDG Rhonda Kennedy and her committee, and this selection could not have happened without their dedication to presenting Houston and District 5890 as the only choice for Rotary International. Over the next six years we will be planning a convention that shows Rotarians from around the world exactly why Houston was not only the right choice but the only choice for the best International Convention possible.
Rotarians from around the United States and Canada will come to Houston on August 8-9 to hear about the latest Rotary activities in Russia. This meeting is sponsored by the United States-Russia Inter-Country Committee and hosted by Rotary District 5890. The Rotary in Russia Conference will be held on August 8-9, 2015 at the Houston Hilton North, located close to the George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Texas. The conference fee of $150, received and paid before July 15, covers administrative costs of the conference and five meals beginning with Saturday breakfast. Conference registration received after July 15 will be $180. Cost of the hotel is $89 per night for two days before, during and after the conference for those who want to make a little vacation out of their stay.
Celebrate the new Rotary Year on June 26 with a wonderful installation gala at Safari Texas Ranch for incoming District Governor Dr. Nick Giannone, First Lady Fabiola Giannone, and your 2015-16 team of District officers! Arrive at 6:30 for fun fellowship at the Reception, which includes a tasty appetizer table and cash bar. 7:00 p.m. begins the delectable seated dinner, featuring Safari Salad, Beef and Chicken Marsala, with potatoes, mixed vegetables, rolls, tea, coffee, and two bottles of wine (1 white/1 red).As you top it all off with Chocolate Decadence Cake, the installation program will begin, which will be followed by dancing from 10:00 p.m. until you’re ready to call it a night.DO REGISTER NOW!
Location: Texas Safari Ranch, 11627 FM 1464, Richmond, TX 77407. CLICK FOR DIRECTIONS from MAPQUEST or GOOGLE MAPS Date: Friday, June 26, 2015 Time:6:30 pm Reception/Cash Bar 7:00 pm Seated Dinner and Program; 10:00 pm Dancing til ? Cost: $75.00 per person. Table Sponsor w/ 10 seats: $1,000.00 RSVP:Head count needed by June 12. Please CLICK HERE to register online. Payment:You maypay ONLINEwith Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or discover by Clicking HERE. You may pay OFFLINE by mailing your checks (made payable to Texas Gulf Coast After 5 Rotary) by June 12 to:Rebecca Maddux at 7938 Wilmerdean, Houston, TX 77061.
CELEBRATE 2015-16 DISTRICT 5890 GOVERNOR/OFFICERS INSTALLATION JUNE 26 AT SAFARI TEXAS RANCH
August is Membership Month, a special time of the year when the entire Rotary family focuses on Membership Recruitment & Retention. What better way to jump-start your membership efforts than attending the District Membership Seminar on July 25 2015, at HCC Southwest Campus, 5601 West Loop South , Houston TX 77081 The cost of the event is $15 registration. We encourage clubs to pay the registration fee for all its attending members. To register now, click on REGISTER ONLINE , which takes you to District event, then click on appropriate link on the left side of this web page. Registration starts at 7:45 AM; Seminar 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
JOIN US FOR ROTARY DAY WITH THE ASTROS THIS SATURDAY, MAY 30 at 3:30 PM - DG LISA FAITH MASSEY THROWS OUT THE FIRST PITCH to STRIKE OUT POLIO! (ASTROS VS WHITE SOX) Click Here for Registration Form
Join us at Minute Maid Park for Rotary Day at the ballpark. Rotarians and their guests are invited to an exclusive reception inside Champions Pavilion, which overlooks the ballpark and provides a unique view of the Downtown Houston skyline. Food and drinks will be available to Rotarians and their guests. (Cash Bar) George Springer Jersey Giveaway for first 10,000 fans. For more information about Rotary Night at Minute Maid Park, contact:David Frishman at 281.391.2147 or david.frishman@davidfrishmanlaw.com
Rotary Dayt at Astros This Saturday, May 30 - DG Lisa Throws out the First Pitch
At the recent District Conference, DG Lisa Faith Massey presented awards to outstanding clubs and individuals. Congratulations to all for a job well done. Click on this story heading to see the Major Award Winners.
Space Center Rotary Club is hosting it's 1st Golf Tournament in many years. The tournament will be held at Bay Oaks Country Club (a great course) on June 1 2015, registration at 11:30 am, putting contest at Noon, shotgun start at 1:00 pm. Registration fee - $125 Player / $500 Team.
District 5890 "Club Leadership Training" will be held May 9, 2015 HCC Southwest, 5601 West Loop South, Houston, TX 77081 This is a team leadership training for all 2015-2016 Club Officers and members. Each officer will receive training on their specific officer duties as well as a "Rotary 101" class for new members. This is your chance to hear about all of the exciting things that will be happening in the Rotary world for the Rotary Year of 2015-2016.
The "Par for Polio" Golf Tournament is hosted by the Alvin Rotary Club and Alvin Sunrise Rotary Club with the support of the Alvin High School Interact Club. 100% of the profits from this tournament go to Rotary's End Polio Now. The tournament will be held at Clear Creek Golf Club, 3902 Fellows Road, Houston, TX 77047 Registration starts at 11:00 am, lunch 11:30-12:30, with tee-off at 1:00 pm Come join us "End Polio Now" Click on REGISTER ON-LINE or this story heading to learn detail.
An International Service Project, started in 2000 and supported by Houston Area Rotary Clubs, Rotaract Clubs, and Interact Clubs, is proud to announce the shipment of our 205th 40’ shipping container of books (for a total of over 6-3/4 million pounds), as well as several containers of bicycles & bicycle parts to Rotarian led literacy projects in Africa and countries around the world. Would you & your club like to help with the shipment of the next container?
Time flies. We are now over halfway through the 2014-15 Rotary Year. How is your Club progressing toward your Rotary Foundation Goals? You can see by clicking on the heading of this article, then click on the Mid-Year Report on the left side of web page. Want to make a donation to the Annual Fund (which funds our District and Global Grants) or to PolioPlus today? Just click here to go straight to the Giving page www.rotary.org/myrotary/en/take-action/give
I hope you all enjoyed last night's special All Club Meeting with RI President Gary Huang and Corinna from Taiwan. I never cease to be amazed and inspired by the dedication of our Rotary International leaders.
The 2015-16 District Leadership Team Training will be held at HCC Southwest Building at 5601 West Loop South Freeway, Houston. There will be NO COST for breakfast, breaks, etc. If you are part of next year's District Leadership Team, register your intentions to attend by clicking on REGISTER and following the instruction. Then mark your calendar and make plans to participate in this important event.
District Governor Lisa Faith Massey's initial newsletter is hot off the press and has hit the news stands; thanks to the hard efforts of Editor PDG Rhonda Kennedy.
Let's have good District 5890 turnout to welcome Rotary International President Gary C.K. Huang to our 2015 All Club Meeting on January 15!Contact your club president to determine if your club has reserved a table, in which case you may arrange payment as part of your club group. You also may register individually by signing on to the District 5890 website with your club LOGIN and registering ONLINE and you may pay the General Admission cost of $58.90 at the door with your credit card. The event takes place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel by NRG Stadium (8686 Kirby Drive) from 5pm until 9pm. During the two-hour cash-bar period that precedes the 7pm dinner and program, you'll enjoy varied and informative exhibits from other District Clubs (and also from non-Rotarians) at the District 5890 Salute to Service Exposition. President Huang will be visiting expo booths following his VIP Reception. Exposition Tables for non-Rotarians are $35, and Rotarian Exposition Tables are $20. Various levels of sponsorship, together with the schedule of events, are explained when you click "More," ..
2015 Lone Star PETS (President Elect Training) is rapidly approaching, March 5-8 2015 The hotel rooms are rapidly being booked. To register for PETS and make reservations at the Hyatt DFW, click on the following link: http://rotarypets.com DGE Dr Nick Giannone is looking forward to working with the incoming Club Presidents & his Leadership Team, as we prepare for the 2015-16 Rotary year. So, please take time now to register for PETS and make your hotel reservations.
The annual Christmas Party will be held at the Bay Oaks Country Club on December 18 beginning with the social hour at 6:00, food at 7:00. Tickets are $32 each and can be paid with cash, check, or credit card at the party. Back by popular demand, we will have a Gift Grab. Each couple should bring a gift to exchange not to exceed $12.00. Please let Roger Donnelly, Ridonnelly@aol.com know by December 11th, if you plan on attending and your choice of menu: steak, fish or vegetarian.
The District 5890 Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships Committee conducted interviews on Saturday, November 8, to select outbound scholars for the 2015-16 academic year.
As far back as I can remember, there were always bikes in my home. Since there is no better way to explore new neighborhoods or new cities, I’ve been on bicycles most of my life.
When the opportunity to be part of Rotary’s team for El Tour de Tucson came along, I jumped at it without a second thought. Being an avid cyclist, I already ride several times a week, but this gives me a far worthier motivation than adding miles to my bike.
As I sat in the audience at the White House on 7 October, listening to 10 amazing Rotary women tell the stories of their volunteer efforts, two quotes kept running through my mind. First, “Be the change you wish to be in the world” (Mahatma Gandhi) and second, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of people to change the world. In fact, it is the only way it ever has” (Margaret Mead).
With sadness, I must report that PDG Roy Long has passed away. A member of the Houston Heights Club, PDG Roy served Rotary well as 1988-89 District 5890 Governor. Please keep his wife, Sonja, and their family in your prayers as they travel this difficult journey.
Sonja asked me to share with you that Roy's Memorial Services will be held Thursday, October 23rd 2014, at First Baptist Church's Chapel, 7401 Katy Fwy, Houston, TX 77024 713.681.8000 (I-10 @ 610 Loop) Visitation: 10:00 am Services: 11:00 am
The 2014 District 5890 Rotary Foundation Seminar, held on September 20, 2014, was a celebration of the many International and Local Service Projects which were larger in size and scope due to funding from Our Rotary Foundation and was also a celebration of giving by our District’s Rotarians!
I started off the Seminar by saying “If you are one of those Rotarians who think Rotary is still an old man’s organization which never changes – or is changing too slowly – you are in the wrong place, because today, you will see a new face of Rotary and will see how Rotary is changing the world!”
They say that there are moments and experiences that change your life, they challenge you, they teach you, they open your eyes and ...they shape you into a new person. My Ambassadorial Year with Rotary proved that to be true. While I knew it would define a lot of things about my future and bring about many changes I must say that I got a lot more than I bargained for and I am glad I did.
District 5890's District Governor Lisa Faith Massey chartered the district's first Rotary Community Corp on August 20th 2014. The Los Tios Mexican Restaurant was packed with charter members and supporters. Initial officers include Representative (aka President) Michelle Beaumier, Secretary Sandra Liu, Treasurer Sharlene Barris, Sergeant-at-Arms Janice Gillen & Community Service Chair Meher Patel. The RCC is a non Rotarian group of people getting together working toward better their local community.
On September 6-7, 2014, District 5890 will train selected District Rotarians who will participate in a two day workshop designed to improve their personal leadership skills. Clubs in the district are invited to send two Rotarians that would like to participate in this interactive workshop. Clubs may send a maximum of 2 members and the class will be limited to the first 24 who send in the registration fee of $250. Click on REGISTER . The Institute will be held at the Northwest Forest Conference Center in the Conquistador Room in the La Hacienda Complex located at 12715 Telge Road, Cypress, Texas 77429, Information on the conference center may be found on the Northwest Forest Conference Center website at www.northwestforest.com
DG Lisa Faith Massey's installation at the Petroleum Club was a wonderful event. Janice Jones (Harrisburg Rotary Club) took lots of memorable photos. To View your pictures and purchase the photos, please click on the following link below: http://goo.gl/Ilb5Uh
Dear Rotary Family
It seems like it was just yesterday when we were taking the oath of office for the year 2013-2014. I cannot believe that our year is over. I want to thank each of you for all that you did during this past year. You all ...did a fantastic job. We have added a net 59 members to the district. We raised over $600,000 to the foundation both the annual fund and polio plus. We exceeded all of our goals.
Dianne and I traveled over 85,000 miles this past year throughout the world and the district. I can truly say 'there is not a more caring, giving, and service group of Rotarians then the Rotarians in District 5890".
It has been an honor and a privilege for Dianne and I to serve as your Governor and First Lady. It is an experience that we shall never forget. Thank you for allowing us to serve and we look forward to working with all of you in the years to come as a Past District Governor.
Good luck to each of you in the coming years.
Bob Gebhard
District Governor 2013-2014
District Governor Bob Gebhard "Thanks to District 5890"
The Rotary Club of Brazos River cordially invites you to join us for an elegant evening of celebration on Saturday, June 21 2014 at 6:00 - 9:00 pm at Weston Lakes Country Club, 32611 FM 1093, Weston Lakes, TX 77441 Charter night only occurs once in a club's history and you are invited to share in this momentous occasion! Please join the Charter Members of the Brazos River Rotary Club and our fellow Rotarians as we celebrate this singular event in our club's inception! This club will serve Fulshear, Simonton, Weston Lakes and surrounding area communities.
August is Membership Month, a special time of the year when the entire Rotary family focuses on Membership Recruitment & Retention. What better way to jump-start your membership efforts than attending the District Membership Seminar on July 26 2014, at HCC Southwest Campus, 5601 West Loop South, Houston TX 77081 Registration starts at 7:45 AM; Seminar 8:30 AM - 1:00 PM
Please Join Lisa Fatih Massey for her District Governor's Installation and the District Leadership Installation. The event will be held at The Petroleum Club of Houston located in Downtown Houston at 800 Bell St, Houston TX 77002 . The Cost is $1000 per table of 10 or $100 per seat (individual seating will be assigned). Click on REGISTER ONLINE There will be a cash bar available and valet parking is $7.00. Both require CASH ONLY but there is a ATM located in the lobby of the building. For more information please contact Rebecca Maddux 713-644-9285 or email rebecca@pmhvac.com
The annual Rotary International Convention offers you the perfect opportunity to connect with leaders from around the world and celebrate your shared passion for taking action in communities at home and abroad. You'll hear from some of the world’s leading experts on topics such as water, polio, and social media. Through workshops and breakout sessions, you'll develop leadership skills and share your recreational, professional, and humanitarian interests. As you browse the project booths in the Billabong House of Friendship, you’ll discover new ideas for service, and perhaps a new partner for creating change.
The annual Rotary International Convention offers you the perfect opportunity to connect with leaders from around the world and celebrate your shared passion for taking action in communities at home and abroad. You'll hear from some of the world’s leading experts on topics such as water, polio, and social media. Through workshops and breakout sessions, you'll develop leadership skills and share your recreational, professional, and humanitarian interests. As you browse the project booths in the Billabong House of Friendship, you’ll discover new ideas for service, and perhaps a new partner for creating change.
What is an eClub??? Rotary Int'l made provisions for Rotary Clubs to be formed and conduct meetings on the Internet. These eClubs are fully recognized, same as our traditional Rotary clubs. Just think of the possibilities - Meetings Any time 24-7, Anywhere Have a busy schedule? Need a flexible meeting time? Live in different places throughout the year? Travel frequently? Have limited mobility? Then the eClub of Houston may be just for you.
I hope you will join us for our August, 2014 trip to Nicaragua. We will be leaving from Houston on Wednesday August 6th on United flight # UA1421, at 6:10 p.m. and arriving in Managua at 8:37 p.m. We will return from Managua on Tuesday August 12th on United flight # UA1423 leaving Managua at 7:15 a.m. and arriving in Houston at 11:45 a.m. Click on this story heading for more details.
Join us at Minute Maid Park for Rotary Family Night, Saturday April 26, game starts at 6:10pm. Rotarians and their guests are invited to an exclusive reception inside Champions Pavilion, which overlooks the ballpark and provides a unique view of the Downtown Houston skyline. Food and drinks will be available to Rotarians and their guests. Cheer on District Governor Bob Gebhard as he throws out the first pitch! Seating will be in the Mezzanine Section, priced at $18 To buy your tickets online, click on www.astros.com/rotary Use Special Offer Code: Rotary (follow the Ticketmaster instructions) For orders of 10 tickets or more: Call Jake Winowich at 713-259-8317
District 5890 will be hosting the Zone 21B Membership Seminar on April 11 2014 at Crowne Plaza, 8686 Kirby Dr, Houston. Recruiting New Rotarians in the new millennium is both exciting and challenging. But the leadership in Zone 21B is here to help you and your Club discover new and exciting ways to grow your Club’s membership. There will be a great agenda with outstanding speakers, followed by our Young Professionals of Rotary Social Mixer. The registration fee is $50, payable by check or credit card. Make plans to register and attend this event. To register for this event on-line, click on REGISTER Then click on Members or Guests on the left side of that web page.
District Governor Bob Gebhard & Assistant Governor Jay Altieri invite you to Safari Columbus on Saturday April 12, 2014 2:30-6:30pm. Hay rides and safari wildlife tours at E+P Ranch in Columbus, TX Food served at 2:30pm- Beef & Chicken Fajitas with Rice, Beans, and Guacamole with Chips and Salsa and Iced Tea. $25 per person No alcohol, please.
It is with great sadness that I must report the PDG Floyd Boze passed away February 20th. PDG Floyd lead a great life (see bio below), and was the kindest Rotarian that I have know. Floyd was president of the Lubbock Rotary Club, became a member of Space Center Rotary Club on August 20, 1973. Floyd was elected Governor of Rotary District 589 (now 5890) in 1984. His District Conference was held in Guadalajara, Mexico. Floyd & Nancy were both Paul Harris Fellows & Floyd Boze Fellows. As of this Rotary Year, 2013-14, Floyd had 63 years of perfect attendance, having made up missed meetings of his home club in more than 20 countries outside the U. S. Please say a prayer for PDG Floyd Boze's family. Floyd was a true Rotarian, who lived the life of "Service Above Self". And now we must say good-by to one of the truly good guys. I'm sure God has already scheduled a Rotary meeting in heaven to honor the arrival of PDG Floyd Boze. I can see the banner now, "Well done thy good and faithful servant". And to no surprise, Brother Floyd will have perfect attendance into perpetuity.
The Guerrero Rotary Clinic in Mexico needs $8,000 to purchase an Autorefractor in time for our March clinic. If your club has any service project funds available or individual Rotarians who are willing to help us purchase the equipment in time, we would appreciate your assistance. An autorefractor is a computer-controlled machine used during an eye exam to provide an objective measurement of a person's refractive error and prescription for glasses or contact lenses. This is achieved by measuring how light is changed as it enters a person's eye.
I wanted to give everyone a Mid-Year report on the efforts of the District Foundation & its related committees (Polio Plus, Grants, Annual Giving & Endowment). Plus the report includes upcoming calendar events. Click on the "MID-YEAR FOUNDATION MID-YEAR REPORT" to access the details.
Houston Skyline member, PDG D'Lisa Simmons, was a special guest speaker at the Rotary-United Nations event in November 2013. D'Lisa was invited to tell how her Rotary career has developed since being an Ambassadorial Scholar in 1988, and enabled her to contribute actively to humanity through Rotary. Her compelling story focused on the core values that Rotary teaches and practices for the improvement of society. Her delivery from the UN podium in the General Assembly Room received a standing ovation and sustained applause.
The Bellaire/Southwest Rotary Club is hosting a party celebrating "PDG Bob Ellis' 50 Years of Service" on January 30th at 6:30. The event will be held at BraeBurn Country Club, 8100 Bissonet, Houston. The cost is $35. So come join the celebration and show your appreciation to a wonderful Rotarian and one of the best Past District Governors RSVP: Judy Harwell, 281-879-6467 jaharwell1@gmail.com
Bellaire/SW - PDG Bob Ellis 50 Years of Service Celebration - Jan 30
PDG Jon Eiche, District 5890 Representative to the US-Russia Intercountry Committee, reported that Rotarians from around the United States will converge on Houston on March 1, 2014, for a meeting to hear updates on Rotary International’s progress in strengthening Rotary in Russia. This meeting is sponsored by the United States section of the US-Russia Intercountry Committee.
The 2014-15 District Leadership Team Training will be held February 15, 2014 at HCC Southwest Building on 610 W Loop. If you are part of next year's District Leadership Team, register your intentions to attend by clicking on Attending and following the instruction. Then mark your calendar and make plans to participate in this important event.
Mark Your Calendars!!! District 5890 is hosting its All Club Meeting February 20th 2014 with Rotary International President Ron Burton as our feature speaker! Seating is limited, so register early! Individual tickets are $58.90 each with sponsorship tables of 10 available $750-1,500 Click on
The All Club Meeting will be held at the Crowne Plaza - Reliant Stadium with VIP Reception 5:45 pm - 6:30 pm, General Reception with Cash Bar 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm and dinner from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. EVENT IS FULL, REGISTRATION HAS BEEN CLOSED. Thanks everyone for your support.
Please make plans to attend and promote this event in your Club. Join us for this fantastic evening and wonderful opportunity to get to meet President Burton.
Now that the new Rotary year has started, the new Presidents-Elect should mark their calendars for the 2014 PETS. There is no better preparation than attending PETS which is scheduled for Mar 6-9 2014 at Hyatt Regency DFW. In fact, attendance at PETS is now required by RI for all president-elects in order to serve as president of your Rotary club.
District leadership participated in the decoration of Rotary Int'l float which participated in the Rose Bowl Parade on New Year's Day, Jan 1 2014 Participates included DG Bob & Diane Gebhard, DGN Nick & Fabiola Giannone, PDG Charley & Barbara Clemmons & others. Everyone has reported they had a great time.
United Airline is again donating 10 million frequent flyer miles to a charity. Rotary Int'l is featured as one of the potential recipients. This is the third year that United Airlines has offered this benefit to non profit organizations. For the past 2 years Rotary has come in 2nd place, receiving 2,000,000 frequent flyer miles, and of which Rotary Youth Exchange was delegated by RI 400,000 frequent flyer miles. I just voted and noticed that currently Rotary is in first place. So please vote now & support Rotary - www.10millioncharitymiles.com/charity/26
Rotary District 5890 will conduct two service projects while in Cozumel for the 2014 District Conference. We have selected two organizations in Cozumel as the recipients of this year’s District Service Project, “el Centro de Autismo” and “el Centro de Manos y Voces”. This is our opportunity to help the community in Cozumel. These projects also counts towards the Clubs’ requirements to receive the Rotary Presidential Citation Award.
Our District Governor suggests for each club to contribute at least an average of $5.00 dollars per member. Please make your Club’s check for the total contribution to “Rotary District 5890” for Service Project and mail it to “Rotary District 5890, 3525 Preston Ave. Pasadena TX 77505, before January 31 2014. We would appreciate if you can send your check by the end of January since our plans are to present the money to the Cozumel Rotary Club before the District Conference Cruise. We then expect to see the results of our contribution when we visit Cozumel in May during the District Conference.
Unfortunately, I must share with you the news of Thursday's passing of our dear friend and past president, Mike Dennard. Celebration of his life will be held on Thursday, December 5 at 10:a.m. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church. The service will include full military honors. Interment of his ashes will be at Houston National Cemetery at a later date.
First, I'm happy to report that 58 of our 61 District 5890 Clubs have already made a donation to The Rotary Foundation (the Annual Fund or Polio Plus) this Rotary Year. See the attached MCR Report to see how your club is doing so far. Remember that fifty percent of the donations we make this year will come back to our District in the 2016-17 Rotary Year. Our District's Paul Harris Society (those pledging to donate $85+ per month to the Annual Fund and/or PolioPlus) continues to grow. Please encourage your members to join. An anonymous Rotarian has agreed to match the first $1,000 donated by all new Paul Harris Society Members this year. Click on this story heading to learn more about the District Foundation activities...
Ugandan Vocational Training Team posing with Dr. Denton Cooley, heart surgery pioneer and living legend. First heart transplant in the US and first implant of a fully artificial heart. Dr. Cooley is 93 years old and still comes to work every day at The Texas Medical Center. Team leader Rotarian Dr. Isaac Okullo, Dean of the Schools of Dentistry, Nursing and Pharmacy at Makerere University, the largest institute of higher learning in Uganda, is standing in the rear to the right of Dr. Cooley. Thanks to Posey Parker of the Rotary Club of West U for facilitating this meeting.
This year’s 4-Way Test Essay competition, starting October 12, 2013, has been moved forward to give 12th grade graduating high school seniors a more relaxed lead up to the entry submission deadline. Open to all 12th grade graduating high school seniors who are college bound in 2014 and active members of Interact, the theme is an essay on any one or more tenets of Rotary’s 4 Way Test.
Students must submit their essay and signed cover sheet to their High School Interact Club Sponsor which must be received no later than November 15, 2013. High School Interact Club Sponsors should sign the cover sheet and forward it by fax with the essay to Barbara Sharp, Competition Coordinator; (832) 200-2852 which must be received no later than November 29, 2013. High School Interact sponsors must review the forms for accuracy and completeness, check the cover sheet box stating eligibility and sign accordingly. A copy should also be sent to the sponsoring Rotary Club.
Imagine… Please imagine if you can … the unimaginable disaster in Colorado. Yet some of us in Boulder and along the Colorado Front Range found ourselves without the most basic necessities that we take for granted every day; things as basic as brushing our teeth, drinking clean water, driving our cars, feeling secure with safe roads and bridges, having a warm and comfortable home and shelter - all gone in a few days. DG Bob Gebhard wants you to support Rotary District 5450's recovery efforts in Colorado
The 44th Annual Rotary Lombardi Award Presentation will take place on December 11, 2013 at the beautiful Wortham Center in downtown Houston. The motto for 2013 is Rotary Proud and a Houston Tradition for 43 Years. Since 1970 the Rotary Club of Houston has celebrated the memory and legacy of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi by awarding the Rotary Lombardi Award to college football’s most outstanding lineman. The Rotary Lombardi Award is one of the most celebrated and prestigious awards in college football and is one of Houston’s most special events. Individual tickets go on sale November 1, 2013. Rotarians get a deeply discounted price of $80 each or 2 for $125.
Announcing, the 2013 District 5890 Rotary Foundation Dinner will be held Sunday, November 3, 2013, at Maggiano’s Little Italy, 2019 Post Oak Blvd, Houston, TX 77056 Cocktails (Cash Bar) and Fellowship 5:00pm, Dinner 6:00pm Featured Guest: Past Rotary International Director Mike Pinson & Spouse Mary. We are now ready to accept reservations & payments to attend The 2013 Rotary Foundation Dinner. Click on this story heading to see more details and register online.
For first time since 2004, the 2014 District Conference will be held May 1-5 2014, on the Carnival Fun Ship "Triumph", departing Galveston. Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about our district while enjoying friendship, fellowship, food and fun in the Gulf. We need your help, Rotarians are typically the worst procrastinators, wait until the last minute to commit. But this year, we need each of you to commit prior to November 1. We need a large number of committed attendees, so we can get Carnival to dedicate facilities for exclusive use by our District Conference. Click on Cruise Video to see details. Click on CONFERENCE DETAILS for more details. Click on Conference Flyer for cruise details. Click on Sponsorship Op for opportunity to promote your business or club. Click on Sign-Up Form to access the form.
Come join us at Celtic Garden on Friday, September 13, 2013 from 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM Celtic Garden is located at 2300 Louisiana St, Houston, Texas 77006 This is a great opportunity to mingle with an outstanding group of "Young Professionals", both Rotarians and non-Rotarians. Participating in this mixer will provide multiple benefits. Not only will you have the opportunity to make new friends & reconnecting with old friends, you will be supporting our efforts to eradicate Polio. Upon your arrival, we will be providing information about Young Professionals of Rotary and accepting donations for Polio Plus. And we are proud to report that the Celtic Garden is joining us in our efforts. Your $10.00 Donation Includes Lite Bites & (1) Drink ticket, provided by Celtic Gardens. That's what I call, "Win Win" 100% of you $10 donation will be earmarked to "End Polio Now". Remember, we are "This Close"
ALERT - DISTRICT GRANT CONFERENCE HAS CHANGED LOCATIONS
The District Grants Committee will hold a special meeting at Oxford Condominium Building on Saturday, September 7, 2013, to hear presentations from Clubs that have submitted District Matching Grant Requests for the Rotary Year 2013-14. Please forward this to the member listed as Primary Contact on your Grant Application. Attendance at this Conference is required for the Application to be considered. Any member of the Club familiar with the project may attend and make the presentation for their Club.
Since we can't hold a golf tournament on the cruise ship next year, we have scheduled a separate event for this year. This year's Rotary District 5890 Conference Golf Tournament will be held at the Wildcat Golf Course, 12000 Almeda Rd, Houston, TX 77045 on Monday October 14th. The entry fee is $125 per person, $500 per 4-man team. To register yourself or a team or to be a sponsor, click on REGISTER ON-LINE Entry fee includes greens fees, cart rental & dinner. Tee time will be 1:00 PM.
District 5890 is rapidly making its presence felt in cyberspace. Most recently, we have entered the Facebook world. Click on the following link to gain access: District 5890 Facebook
Be sure to invite your friends and family to visit this site and save the link as a favorite.
Check Our District YOUTUBE Page Featuring Many Activities within the District
Click on District 5890's new YOUTUBE page, which features many activities, including our participation with many outstanding charitable organizations, who were recognized during our "Be A Friend" dinner earlier this year.
Key elements to ensure meeting the youth exchange requirements from Rotary International, the US Department of State, and the Council for Student International Education and Travel (CSIET) are:
1) Adherence to the requirements by the host clubs
2) The retention of records to show visible proof that the requirements were met.
Hosting a Youth Exchange student from another country can be a wonderful experience. It allows a host family to become familiar with another culture and provides the opportunity to share a young student's hopes and ambitions. Youth Exchange promises to enrich the lives of the student and every member of your family.
Host families for these programs can be Rotarians or non-Rotarians. Typical Rotary host families come in all shapes and sizes and might include young children, older children, or no children at all. Click on Primer for Host Families for more information.
Spending time abroad as an exchange student is one of the most unique opportunities available to you. You will be in for an experience that will affect the rest of your life. Your exchange will encompass different phases that will give you opportunities to grow in new ways and experience a new culture and ideas.
The purpose of the Rotary Youth Exchange program is to provide secondary school students with the opportunity to travel abroad, live with a host family, and experience life firsthand in a different country, school, and social environment. Exchange students will gain lifelong advantages through an expanded world view and greater appreciation of the world. Click on Primer for Youth Exchange Students for more information.
The beauty of the online process is that clubs will be self sufficient, knowing what has been done and what remains to be done. Moreover, clubs will have access to the training tools and forms needed without needing to ask the district.
The most powerful force in the promotion of international understanding and peace is exposure to different cultures. The world becomes a smaller, friendlier place when we learn that all people — regardless of nationality — desire the same basic things: a safe, comfortable environment that allows for a rich and satisfying life for ourselves and our children. Youth Exchange provides thousands of young people with the opportunity to meet people from other lands and to experience their cultures, thus planting the seeds for a lifetime of international understanding.
The first reports from our outbound Youth Exchange stories are starting to come it. These are so wonderful to read and you can just feel the changes happening in these young people.
Please visit this link:
District 5890 Rotary Foundation Seminar will be held Saturday, September 21, 2013, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Sagemont Youth Building, 11600 Hughes Rd at Beltway 8, Houston, TX. Registration & Snacks 8:00 AM – 8:30 AM All Rotarians Are Invited! Featured Speaker: PDG, Past RI Director & Rotary Endowment/Major Gift Advisor Don Mebus Mark your calendar and make sure attend the District Foundation Seminar.
District 5890 Rotary Foundation Seminar will be held Saturday, September 21, 2013, 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM at Sagemont Youth Building, 11600 Hughes Rd at Beltway 8, Houston, TX. All Rotarians Are Invited! Featured Speaker: PDG, Past RI Director & Rotary Endowment/Major Gift Advisor Don Mebus Mark your calendar and make sure attend the District Foundation Seminar.
In honor of Membership Month for Rotary International take a few minutes to listen to RI President Ron Burton's Membership Message that emphasizes the need for every Rotary club to focus on membership.
RIP Burton also invites you to join the Thunderclap on the last day of August. You can learn more about it at this link: Thunderclap link.
Come join the Rotary Night with the Dynamos for their game with the Seatlle Sounders. The match will be held Saturday, August 17 2013, game time 8PM Pre-game happy hour at Little Woodrow's EADO from 6PM - 7:20PM Price Package - 4 tickets at $25 each. Partial proceeds from the tickets and bar tab will benefit Polio Plus
Please join the family of Rotary at Constellation Field in Sugar Land on August 10th at 6:05 pm as the Sugar Land Skeeters take on the Long Island Ducks in a match-up that will help eradicate Polio from the world. Our own District Governor Bob Gebhard will throw the first pitch to kick off this historic game. Please join us for fun and to help end polio! Click on ON-LINE TICKETS, select the Aug 10th game and use special offer code: ROTARY13 to get special pricing of $12 ($6 will go to End Polio Now)
Vince Lipovsky, Charter Member of Space Center Rotary Club, passed away at 6:40 am, Thursday, July 11, 2013. His wife, daughter, son and grandchildren were by his side. Vince had gone back and forth 5 times this year from hospital to rehab to his home at Regal Estates in League City. He died of congestive heart failure and fluid on his lungs. The family had a private memorial service to honor the memory of Vince. Please remember Vince and family in your thoughts and prayers.
The next Guerrero Clinic trip will be from September 7th - 12th. We are planning a side trip to Copper Canyon. if you want to take the Copper Canyon side trip, you are coming back the 14th. Over the past 30+ years, the Guerrero Clinic and Rotarians from our District have been instrumental in providing millions of dollars in free medical care to the indigent people of the state of Chihuahua Mexico For more information and applications, visit www.guerreroclinic.org
August is Membership Month, a special time of the year when the entire Rotary family focuses on Membership Recruitment & Retention. What better way to kick-start your membership efforts than attending the District Membership Seminar on August 10, 2013, at San Jacinto College South. The cost of the event is $10 registration. Click on REGISTER ONLINE If you prefer, click on PAPER REGISTRATION and mail with check. Registration starts at 7:45 AM; Seminar 8:30 AM - 12:45 PM Breakfast snacks, snacks, coffee, soda, water will be furnished. No lunch this year.
The Annual Fund – Our District 5890 Rotarians and Clubs raised a total of $416,726 for the Annual Programs Fund (50% of which will come back to our District in the 2015-16 Rotary Year – Nick’s DG year)! Our Per-Capita giving, which ranged all the way from $.29 per member at one club to $527.61 per member at another, averaged $155.96 per member. While not a record, this average is higher than all but a couple of years in our District’s history. All Sixty-one of our District 5890 clubs contributed and 34 clubs contributed at the $100+ per-Capita level. Thanks to our 112 Paul Harris Society Members for greatly increasing the average. Click on this story heading to see other Foundation giving results.
Indian Clerics offer to Help Fight Polio in Pakistan - noting that "India is not safe until neighboring Pakistan is Polio-free" , members of India's Rotary Muslim Ulema committee have come forward to offer their assistance in dispelling the myths surrounding Polio vaccinations in Pakistan. Religious leaders have administered Polio drops to their children in front of cameras and they now believe the magic (of zero Polio cases for over 2 years in India) could be repeated in Pakistan.
Space Center Rotary's EarlyAct FirstKnight program has been a tremendous success. Teaching chivalry and building champions -- that's what the program is accomplishing at Whitcomb Elementary School is doing. The program teaches children how to be role models and hold high standards for character. Organizers hope the examples will rub off on other kids. It was the last day of school for students at Clear Creek ISD, and some of them went home with new titles for the summer. Click on Houston's ABC Channel 13 News Reports
Witness the explosive presentations of Flashdance at Houston’s The Hobby Center on June 4 to 16, 2013! Flashdance, the Broadway musical based on the iconic Paramount movie with the same title, is an electrically-charged stage production that features well-loved songs from the original movie soundtrack and mind-blowing dance choreography. PLAY VIDEOThe SW 59 Sunrise Rotary Club is sponsoring this event as a fundraiser. You can purchase tickets at www.tuts.com/promo Enter promo code: rotary
Come join us in celebration of the Rotary District 5890 Installation of District Governor Bob Gebhard & his incoming Officers. The event will be held Saturday, June 15, 2013 at Pasadena Convention Center, 7902 Fairmont Parkway, Pasadena, TX 77507 MAP Registration & Cocktail Reception starts at 5:00 pm, Dinner served at 6:00 pm, Program begins at 7:00 pm Dress Code - Denim & Diamonds Cowboy Black-tie optional
My fellow Rotarians, Friends and Family of Rotary, as I come into the last remaining weeks of my term in office I want to thank all of you for the wonderful opportunity to serve as your Governor. It has been a year filled with fun, excitement, tears and tragedies, in other words life on life’s terms. With all its ups and down it has been a fantastic ride.
There are so many people to thank, since a Governor is only as good as his support team and staff. You have all touched my life and have given me many wonderful memories for me to cherish for as long as I live. These are a result of the magical gifts of friendship, fellowship and service we all share. For this I thank all of you! Through this experience I can truly say we have and will always continue to live this year’s Theme of “PEACE THROUGH SERVICE!”
The Districts of 5750 & 5770 welcome donations on behalf of Disaster relief specifically designated for the May 20, 2013 victims and their families!
All of these Rotarians have family and loved ones that have lost homes, auto's, personal belongings and friends to this F5 tornado. Oklahoma City Mayor Mick Cornett said that there were between 12,000 and 13,000 homes destroyed or damaged not including all the businesses and schools destroyed as well!
Any funds received by this Rotary Bi-District 501c3 Foundation will be used exclusively for the benefit of those damaged by this terrible event.
To support this effort you can mail a donation to:
Oklahoma Rotary
Bi-District Tornado Disaster Fund
P.O. Box 13800
Oklahoma City OK 73113-3800
United States
Or make an online donation using your VISA, MasterCard or Discover go to - DONATE NOW
Please be aware that this is tax deductible donation and all donations will be acknowledged. Thank you in advance for all that your donations may accomplish.
Disaster Fund set up for Oklahoma victims of recents tornadoes
As some of you know, PDG Bob Ellis had a medical incident at the District Assembly. Bob was taken to hospital until he stablized. We are so glad that Leanna reported that Bob is home and doing well. He is walking with a walker (sometimes). He will continue to have therapy and do exercises at home (if Leanna can make him). Keep PDG Bob Ellis in your prayers, and be sure to send cards to PDG Bob Ellis, 5215 Braesvalley Dr, Houston, TX 77096
We will be taking our next trip to visit our many projects in Nicaragua beginning on July 31, 2013. I hope you will join us for our July-Aug., 2013 trip to Nicaragua. We will be leaving from Houston on Wednesday July 31st on United flight # UA1421, at 6:30 p.m. and arriving in Managua at 8:47 p.m. We will return from Managua on Wednesday August 6th on United flight # UA1423 leaving Managua at 7:02 a.m. and arriving in Houston at 11:28 a.m.
We take great pleasure in announcing the winners of this year's Rotary District 5890 Essay Scholarships:
1stPlace: EMILY BROWN~Goose Creek Memorial InterAct, sponsored by Highlands Rotary ($2000 scholarship)
2ndPlace: ELLEN WEINHEIMER~ Episcopal High School InterAct, sponsored by Bellaire/SW Rotary ($1000 scholarship)
3rdPlace: KRISTI FU ~ Clements High School InterAct, sponsored by Sugar Land Rotary ($500 scholarship)
Please join us in honoring our scholarship recipients at the District 4-Way-Test Scholarship Luncheon on Thursday, May 30, 12:00 Noon, BraeBurn Country Club (8100 Bissonnet, Houston 77074), $18 p.p., at which the winning essays will be read. Click image to enlarge invitation/program.
Thanks to Miguel Ottaviano, we now have photo albums of the District Conference!! Click on the following link: Photo Album
The 2012-13 District Conference, held April 18-20, 2013, at the outstanding Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort - San Antonio, was a rousing success. Opening with a great dinner, the always heart-warming opening flag ceremony by our Youth Exchange students, great speakers including RI President's Rep. David Roper, to the Governor's Banquet on Saturday. Everyone came away more knowlegable and with a pride of satisfaction.
District Governor Chris Schneider comments: "WOW!!! What a team effort!!! From the RI President’s Rep David Roper and all the distinguished speakers, to first time attendees and old timers, I have heard nothing but praises for your beautiful work, which included masterful planning and execution. Words cannot describe my appreciation for all the hard work that went into this WELL-received conference. I am, along with District 5890, forever grateful to your continued dedication to our world of Rotary. Our Family of Rotary is honored to have you as leaders, and may God bless you for all that you continue to do for Rotary."
To see the award winners, click on this story heading.
It’s that time again - time to sharpen the pencils for Rotary District 5890’s Scholarship Essay Competition! We will award three college scholarships ($2000, $1000, $500) to InterAct members (12th Grade Only) from our District who submit the most outstanding essays centered on Rotary’s famous 4-Way Test. Winners will be selected from timely qualifying submissions and honored at the District Scholarship Awards Luncheon May 30, BraeBurn Country Club, 8100 Bissonnet, Houston 77074. Get to work now and help us make this year’s Essay Contest our District’s best ever! Click on this story heading to get more info on Deadlines and Rules
The Divisional Director of Disaster Services will be at Houston Northwest to offer the Introduction to Salvation Army Emergency Disaster Response on Friday evening May 10 and Saturday May 11. Disaster Aid USA will also be present. Disaster Aid USA is a project of Rotary International that provides a way to give people in disaster potable water when safe municipal water is unavailable or temporarily unsafe. Participation of the NARS Ham Radio Club is also being confirmed for the event.
District 5890 Rotarians always have a GREAT time at the RI Convention and 2013 will be no exception. The 2013 Rotary International Convention will be held in Lisbon, Portugal, June 22-27, 2013. If you are planning to attend and would like to stay with other District 5890 Rotarians contact District Convention Chair PDG Sunny Sharma (ssharma@sunbeltmedical.com) to be added to his list. If you have already made plans to attend let PDG Sharma know to be included in communications about District 5890 events before, during and after the convention.
Additional information about the 2013 RI Convention can be found at the convention website: http://lisboa2013.org/
Rotary International 2013 Convention - Lisbon Portugal - Jun 22-27
The Houston Aeros invite all Rotarians, along with their families and friends to the Toyota Center to watch the Aeros take on the Hamilton Bulldogs on Sunday, April 7, 2013 at 5:05 PM for a night of hockey and networking. All you have to do is click on the following link to purchase tickets (use the promo code: Rotary). It will then give you the option to purchase seats, or donate tickets. http://tinyurl.com/cruk5k9
Viewers in the Houston Clear Lake area will be able to see the International Space Station this week, starting Tuesday. But the time and direction is different each day. Click on this story heading to more detail each day.
Tuesday, March 12, 7:06 a.m. (Duration: 6 minutes)
Path: 11 degrees above SW to 12 degrees above NE
Maximum elevation: 64 degrees
Katy Rotary Club will be hosting its Brew Fest on May 4 2013, starting at 1:00 PM at the Villagio Town Center in Katy. 40 Brewers, 125 Taps, 10 exclusive brews at our specialty custom built bar, Tap Wall contest, what more do you want!A band...that plays great music, yes, we got that too!
Incoming Rotary International President Ron Burton has named Space Center Rotarian Alan Wylie to chair the 2013-14 RI Int'l Youth Exchange Committee. Alan's committee will oversee Youth Exchange activities worldwide. Plus Alan will sit on the Rotary Int'l New Generations Committee.
Nationally, Alan Wylie's name is synonymous with Youth Exchange, having chaired the district committee for over 20 years. Two years ago, District 5890 Youth Exchange program was named # 1 in the United States. Alan currently serves as Chairman Emeritus of District 5890 Int'l Youth Exchange Committee. This is a huge honor for Alan and for District 5890. Alan has previously been named District 5890 Rotarian of the Year.
Alan Wylie Named to Chair the Rotary Int'l 2013-14 Youth Exchange Committee
Space Center Rotary's spring fundraiser, Springoree, will be held at the Lakewood Yacht Club, 103 Yacht Club Lane, Seabrook, TX 77586 on March 21 starting at 6:00 pm. The theme is Mardi Gras (the decorations are fantastic!). Mardi Gras attire and whatever would be appropriate to the theme. Cocktails at 6:00pm; Dinner at 7:00pm. with choice of beef, fish, or veggie. The cost is $75 per person including two drink tickets for beer, wine, mixed drink and sodas (soft drinks).
The 2013 District Conference will be held April 18-21 2013, at the outstanding Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort - San Antonio, TX. Step into a world of timeless charm at Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort and Spa. Building upon our heritage as Rogers - Wiseman Ranch, our casually luxurious San Antonio Texas resort is the perfect blend of AAA Four Diamond pampering in an inviting setting. Come celebrate the many accomplishments of District 5890. District 5890 is alive and vibrant. See how to make your club grow and maintain membership. Learn why the Rotary Foundation is important to your Club, District 5890 and the World as a whole.
Bearcreek-Copperfield Rotary Club is hosting the "Helping A Hero" Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, April 29th at Sterling Country Club at 16500 Houston National Blvd, Houston, TX 77095. The scramble format will start at 1:00pm.To register on-line, click on REGISTER NOW
The Space Center Rotary Club will host a Peace Forum entitledPeace through Service Monday evening, Feb. 18, in the UH-Clear Lake Bayou Building Garden Room. The forum, scheduled from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., is an effort to further inform the community, by describing actual service projects, of the value and importance of service and how it contributes to promote peace and better understanding among citizens of the world. Please register that you will attend, click on REGISTER NOW
You are invited to Join Rotarians and Friends of Literacy from North America and Around the World for the Rotary Books for the World’s Booklegger Summit III, presented by: The Second Wind Foundation The event will be held January 20-21 at: South Shore Harbor Resort and Conference Center, 2524 South Shore Boulevard, League City, Texas
The next trip planned to Guerrero Clinic will be Apr 2-7 2013. There will be a group of doctors and eye specialists heading a group of Rotarians, which is always an anxiously awaited event for the locals. Whether this is your first trip or next of many, you will always enjoy a very rewarding experience. Whether you will attend this trip or won't be able to make this trip, the Guerrero Clinic needs your assistance. The eyeglass center which has provided thousands of glasses really needs additional glasses inventory. Please accept our invitation to join us in our passion for this noble effort as we create miracles in the lives of thousands of people in rural Mexico and around the world. Click on this story heading for more details.
The Guerrero Clinic needs your assistance. The eyeglass center which has provided thousands of glasses really needs additional glasses inventory. Please accept our invitation to join us in our passion for this noble effort as we create miracles in the lives of thousands of people in rural Mexico and around the world. Click on this story heading for more details.
I had thought I had written the last of my ‘Tweets from Trumbull’, but I received a phone call this afternoon, whose message made me want to share one last thing with our fellow D5890 Rotarians before we leave the frozen, snowed in north east and return home. The call was from Larry Palmer of Newtown RC, to ask me to thank everyone again for all their thoughts, prayers and donations to the Newtown Fund. As of last Thursday (12/28), their Foundation Fund account had received more than $250,000 from approximately 1,750 very generous donors!! They are now in the arduous task of writing thank you and receipts!
Fox News has a current series called, "26 Random Acts of Kindness", featuring Houstonians who go beyond the call of duty to assist those less fortunate than us. Sounds like work for a Rotarian!!! No surprise when Northshore Rotarian Jim Mills and his wife, Linda, are featured in "Emily Gets Her Class Ring", gifting a high school ring to a daughter & mother who could not afford to pay. Click on the following link to see the Fox News "26 Random Acts of Kindness"
I have just received a phone call from Newtown Rotary Club, thanking us for our interest and concern over the Sandy Hook Disaster. The first thing I was asked to do, is to pass on the club’s warmest thanks and appreciation of our response, to D5890 and our members.
As you can imagine, Newtown has had a very busy week putting things together and trying to bring some sort of organization to the myriad offers of help and financial support which have poured in from all over the world. United Way has offered to help organize and audit ‘distribution’ and has stepped up to the plate with promises of full 100% pass through of all funds they raise. The club has been at the forefront of discussions with Newtown’s First Selectman (Lady Mayor), the town council and other civic leaders, as everyone bands together to first provide immediate help with funerals and families, and then move the community forward.
Rotary Int'l announced its "Top 5 Rotary Stories of 2012". We are so proud of the Houston Interactors being part of the top 5 stories, as "Interact Celebrates 50 Years", which featured the Interact Club of Robert E. Lee High School in Baytown, Texas, USA. Interact Club of Robert E. Lee was chartered just months after the first club in Melbourne, FL is celebrating the anniversary with various events, including a roundup on 15 September that was attended by more than 320 Interactors from across District 5890. Click on Interact Clubs Celebrate Golden Anniversary to read the feature story.
On Dec 10-11, District 5890 was honored to have Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko take time from his busy schedule to come speak at our Dec 10 District Foundation Dinner, which was well attended. The next morning, Chief of Staff Jon McKinnie had organized an executive tour of NASA's Johnson Space Center for Hewko and several members of our District leadership. Some of the highlights of the tour included observing current Mission Control activities, walk through the Apollo Mission Control (remember Tom Hank's movie, Apollo 13), walk through astronaut training area (space station, space shuttle cockpit, next generation rover) and Russian Soyuz. For more details & photos, click on this story heading.
We have all seen the media reports on the multiple shootings of young children in Newtown, CT. Graham Sharp, Galleria Area Rotary Club, has immediate family just outside Newtown. Graham & his wife, Barbara, rushed there Saturday to support his family and the local community. Graham is providing a Rotarian insight into the aftermath of the loss of so many lives. Click on this story heading to access his journal.
The District 5890 District Governor Nominating Committee is seeking potential candidates for our District Governor for the year 2015-16, to succeed Lisa Faith Massey. The completed application must be received by January 4, 2012, by the Nominating Committee Chair, Bill Haglund. The application should be mailed to Bill Haglund, 9321 Katy Freeway, Houston, Texas 77024.
We would like to invite you to the Rotary Lombardi "Lunch With the Finalists Luncheon, sponsored by the Stehlin Foundation for Cancer Research. Proceeds from this event supports Cancer Research, Education and Direct Care. The event will be held at the Jesse Jones Rotary House International, 1600 Holcombe Boulevard, on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 from 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM. (Click on this story heading for ticket information)
Houston, November 17, 2012 – The Rotary Lombardi Award committee today announced the four finalists for the 2012 Rotary Lombardi Award. The finalists are:
Jadeveon Clowney - University of South Carolina Defensive End
Barrett Jones - University of Alabama Offensive Lineman
Jarvis Jones - University of Georgia Outside Linebacker
Manti Te’o - Notre Dame University Inside Linebacker
What started as a $3,000 District Grant by the Rotary Club of Humble Intercontinental grew into a $10,450 plus project thanks to cash contributions from eight more clubs - Houston, Houston Heights, West U, North Shore, Willowbrook, Baytown, Bear Creek Copperfield and Brazosport.
Hurricane Sandy may have passed but those impacted by the storm are left to work through the process to get their lives back to normal. As those hit by Hurricane Sandy continue the road to recovery there are several ways that clubs in Rotary District 5890 can assist. Click on the MORE link below to find out how you can help.
District Governor Elect Bob Gebhard and Governor-Elect Dave Johnson #5910 are asking you to join forces and start having some Rotary Wine Appreciation Fellowship. Please go to www.rotarywine.net to sign up for a $20 yearly or $100 lifetime membership. The Houston Area chapter will be holding regular scheduled events, starting with: November 9, 2012: Katy Wine Fest, The Tuscany Villa 3330 F.M 1963 Katy, TX. 77494 www.katywinefest.com for info and tickets. Click on this story heading to see this and future events.
Mayor Annise Parker presented "Disability Advocate of the Year Awards 2012" to four Houstonians honored for "Exceptional Service" to Members of the Disability Community on October 30, 2012. We are proud to report that Rotarian Thelma Scott (Houston NW Sunset Rotary Club) was one of the recipients, in recognition of her tireless efforts to make a positive difference in the lives of young people with disabilities through scholarships, transition assistance and support services, enabling them to become self-sufficient, discover their maximum potential and achieve their academic goals.
It is time once again to begin preparing for the 2013 RYLA weekend. Last year’s Camp RYLA was a tremendous success and the upcoming RYLA weekend promises to be even better. It is only with YOUR help AND the participation of your Club’s members that RYLA can continue to educate youth while helping them develop their leadership potential.
The 2013 RYLA Youth Leadership Awards Weekend will be held February 8 – 10, 2013, at the Carolina Creek Camp, Huntsville, Texas. RYLA is a great activity for Interact Club members and Youth Exchange Students. It is also a great opportunity for Rotaract members to hone their leadership skills. It is time once again to begin preparing for the 2013 RYLA weekend. Last year’s Camp RYLA was a tremendous success and the upcoming RYLA weekend promises to be even better. Please ensure your Club’s Service Chairperson has RYLA information AS SOON AS POSSIBLE! It is only with YOUR help AND the participation of your Club’s members that RYLA can continue to educate youth while helping them develop their leadership potential.
For more details click on RYLA to go to the RYLA pages.
RYLA Youth Leadership Awards to be held Feb 8-10, 2013
Sakuji Tanaka, President of Rotary International, made a recent trip to visit Houston District 5890. We were honored to have Pres Tanaka as feature speaker at our All Club Meeting (over 600 in attendance), but he stayed over an extra day, visiting many club projects throughout the district. Below is Pres Tanaka's comments in his letter to the District:
"Thank you very much for your gifts. They have arrived in Evanston safely. We appreciate your generosity and the spirit behind it. Thank you for all that you and the Rotarians of the District 5890 did to make my trip to Houston enjoyable. Kyoko and I send you our very best wishes for health and happiness and look forward to working with you again together in Rotary."
Sincerely,
Sakuji Tanaka
Rotary International President 2012-13
Skyliner Meredith Maxfield Iler was recently featured in Fox26 "Lonestar Spirit - Woman Sacrifices for Those Who Put it All On the Line" In our Lone Star Spirit segment, we often feature people who are overcoming big obstacles in their lives. Tonight, we're featuring a Houston woman who has committed her life to helping others overcome their struggles and the injuries they've sustained for all of us. Click on Lonestar Spirit - Meredith Iler
Meredith, District Veterans Chair, is working with many Rotary Clubs to support our wounded military veterans, returning from conflicts.
I am sorry to report that Patsy Derr, dear friend to so many of us, passed away October 17. Patsy was one of the Good Ones, that only had the best to say about each of us. Funeral services were held Killeen, Texas with internment in Altus, Oklahoma. Patsy was named Rotarian of the Year for 1996 and, in 1997, was named to the District 5870 Roll of Fame. On July 1, 2000 Patsy became the 86th District Governor of Rotary District 5870, the first woman to ever hold this position. In-lieu of flowers, it's requested donations be made to The Rotary Foundation - www.rotary.org
Join Rotary District 5890 and HelpingaHero.org on Saturday, October 20, 2012 at 11:00 am when they welcome home SPC Bradley, Thomas, USA (Ret.) at 6850 Stephen F. Austin Ave, Houston, TX. RSVP to TX@HelpingaHero.org.
Please save the date and RSVP today and be sure to join us for the Rotary Club of Houston/ West Point Society Veterans Day “Salute to Veterans” luncheon as well as an opportunity to sponsor an active duty soldier, sailor, airmen, coastguardsmen, or marine at 11:15 a.m. on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 starting sharply at*11:45 a.m. featuring a timely talk from Brigadier GeneralKenneth W. Wisian, Commander Texas Air National Guard and Assistant Adjutant General – Air, Texas National Guard.
You saw the movie "RedTail" now The Greenspoint Rotary Club invite you to have a historic moment by sharing lunch with the original Tuskegee Airmen on October 23, 2012. Don't miss this chance to meet these individuals who made history.
For details on the event click HERE to be taken to details.
Join the Rotaract Club of River Oaks at Little Woodrow’s & Chi’lantro, 1209 Walker Street, Houston, TX (5 minute walk from the Stadium) Tailgate && Celebrate October 6th from 4:00 PM – 1:00 AM for a Good Cause 15 % of your Receipt will be donated to Rotary’s Efforts to Eradicate Polio
Join Rotaractors for Dynamo Tailgate & Post-Game Party - Oct 6
(Austin) – Dr Greg Smith, chief executive of Clear Creek ISD in League City, was named Superintendent of the Year (SOTY) by the Texas Association of School Boards in Austin September 28. Smith, superintendent of Clear Creek ISD for four years, serves more than 40,000 students and has 27 years of administrative experience. Smith earned a bachelor’s degree at Oakland University, master’s degree at the University of Houston-Clear Lake, and doctorate at Texas A&M University.
Don't forget Rotary Night with the Houston Dynamo on October 6, 2012. Tickets are still available with $5 of every ticket benefiting Polio Plus. If you are interested in attending contact Reyna Gonzalez for tickets at 713-276-7521. More details can be found at the event link:Rotary Night with the Houston Dynamo And don't forget to join the Rotaractors' After the Game Party (See related story)
Rotary Night with the Houston Dynamo - October 6, 2012
Brenham Rotarian Jim Kite is once again preparing to lead a group of Rotarians to Nicaragua. The group will leave from Houston on Wednesday, November 28th at 7:30 pm and return to Houston on Wednesday, December 5th at 11:16 am. The trip cost will be $655 per person which includes ground travel, meals and hotels (double occupancy) plus airfare to and from Nicaragua. Private rooms are available for an additional fee.
This will be an exciting trip, not only because the group will be delivering Christmas boxes to the kids, but they will also get to celebrate the wedding of Maria Jose, who is the first college graduate from the school of the dump.
Make plans to join LaPorte Rotary for their Hee Haw Reverse Draw Fundraiser on Saturday, October 13, 2012, 6pm-11pm. Attire is "Hee Haw, Down Home Country" so you can two-step the night away to live country music.
Houstonians have one last chance to see the Space Shuttle Endeavour this morning. The piggy-backed shuttle will take off from Ellington Field at dawn and then do low flybys over Houston just after 7am. Endeavour will then swing by the state capitol in Austin around 8am and then perform a series of flybys at other NASA sites before landing in Los Angeles tonight. If you're out early enough, you may see it as it leaves. The shuttle will eventually land in Los Angeles where it will go on display at a museum. Endeavour arrived in Houston from Florida yesterday morning. Before landing, the shuttle took a tour of Houston. http://abclocal.go.com/ktrk/story?section=news/local&id=8817624
It's that time once again to begin preparing for the 2013 RYLA weekend. The 2013 RYLA Youth Leadership Awards Weekend will be held February 8-10, 2013, at the Carolina Creek Camp, Huntsville, Texas. RYLA is a great activity for Interact Club members and Youth Exchange Students. It is also a great opportunity for Rotaract members to hone their leadership skills. Completed applications and fees are due by January 15, 2013 NO applications will be accepted after February 1, 2013 – NO EXCEPTIONS!
Shuttle visit has been delayed due to weather, will update with more info when available. Space shuttle Endeavour, mounted atop NASA's modified 747 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA), will make the final ferry flight of the Space Shuttle Program era when it departs, from NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida headed to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). Endeavor will include the Clear Lake area on its journey, scheduled to make multiple fly-byes, resting overnight, then departing for its final destination, Los Angeles. We hope to get approximate ETA and will let you know. Have a safe trip dear friend, after 122M miles, you deserve better than Los Angeles.
Join us for an exciting evening at the Pasadena Livestock Show and Rodeo. Tuesday, September 18, 2012 Dinner at 5:30 PM in the Silver Spur Club (located in Campbell Hall) Rodeo begins at 7:00 PM Cost is $25.00 per person, includes dinner at 5:00pm in the Spur Club (air-conditioned), with a cash bar. $5.00 of every ticket will be donated back to Polio Plus.
As you know, several times per year, a team of Rotarians & volunteers make a trek to Guerrero, MX, and accomplish amazing results. They just completed a 2 day clinic (July 5-6), where they performed 114 Cataract surgeries and 10 pterigium surgeries. The group included Dr. Jane Leidlein from Brazosport Rotary Club in Lake Jackson, Dr. Hector De La O from Torreon, Coahuila MX, Dr. Roberto Leal, Dr. Paty Ruiz and Vicky Ruiz, from Chihuahua, MX. The Clinic is located in Guerrero City State of Chihuahua Mexico.
Our next eye Clinic will be October 10th, 2012 Please make plans to participate in the near future.
ESPN3 and ESPN Classic will stream and air the Sugar Land Skeeters game against the Bridgeport Bluefish on Saturday, with Roger Clemens on the mound. Watch our own Rotary District 5890 Governor will throw out the first ball.
Mark Your Calendars!!! District 5890 is hosting its All Club Meeting September 27th with Rotary International President Sakuji Tanaka as our feature speaker! Seating is limited so register early! Individual tickets are $58.90 each with sponsorship tables of 10 available $750-1,500 Click on Sponsorship Opportunities and find your level of support. The All Club Meeting will be held at the Bayou City Event Center at 9401 Knight St (south of I-610, across from Reliant Stadium) with VIP Reception 5:45 pm - 6:30 pm, General Reception with Cash Bar 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm and dinner from 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm. You can now Register On-Line for this event Please make plans to attend and promote this event in your Club. Join us for this fantastic evening and wonderful opportunity to get to meet President Tanaka.
We are pleased to report that Incoming Rotary Scholar Manu Sharma has arrived in Houston. A group of Rotarians and Rotaractors came to the air port to welcome Manu on his first trip to Houston and America.
Manu will visit the Rotary Club of Hermann Park on Tuesday, August 14th and will also be attending an Astros Baseball game over the weekend. Manu will also be attending the Houston Club anniversary dinner, the Foundation Seminar, and the All Club meeting. Also in the planning is a welcome/send off party for all of our Rotary Scholars. We know you will extend a warm D5890 Rotary welcome to Manu if you are in attendance at any of these events.
Rotarians welcoming Manu were Bill Baremore, Art and Olga Bautista and their daughter, Philip Cras, and Carmen Cuneo. Rotaractors were Nathalie Cras, Evelyn Cras, Mark Solano, Brian and Mike.
Hermann Park Rotary Club Welcomes Ambassadorial Scholar
Rotary District 5890 has two opportunities for Rotarians to participate in a Rotary Friendship Exchange (RFE) this October.
Swedish Inbound Friendship Exchange: Oct. 2-13 Needed: Host Families and Drivers!
This is your opportunity to develop friendships with Rotarians from around the world.
Leipzig, Germany Outbound Friendship Exchange: Oct. 25 - Nov. 5
Join fellow District 5890 Rotarians as they participate in a Friendship Exchange to Leipzig, Germany.
Space Center Rotary will host it's 39th annual Shrimporee on October 20 (11am - 4pm) at Clear Lake Park on NASA Parkway. This year's
Shrimporee will be the best ever, with educational, interactive
presentations that will intrigue kids and educate parents. Each year,
the Shrimporee is Space Center's major event, lots of food & beverages, shrimp
and BBQ brisket lunch, live and silent auctions, entertainment,
games for the kids and fellowship. The event is free, meals are $15
each. Raffle tickets for outstanding items are available for $10 each, 6 for $50.
The District Membership Seminar is only 6 days away. Have you registered yet??? What better way to kick-start your membership efforts than attending the District Membership Seminar on August 11, 2012, at Spring Woods High School, 2045 Gessner, Houston Texas 77080. Registration starts at 8:15AM; Seminar 9:00AM - 1:30pm Click on Membership Seminar to register. August is Membership Month, a special time of the year when the entire Rotary family focuses on Membership Recruitment & Retention.
Did you know that RI offers support for clubs and Rotary districts? The Club and District Support office (CDS) provides customized services to district and club level leaders and works to support you in your role. CDS is your key Rotary contact, available to answer any questions you have and connect you to the right resources.
One example of a resource they provide is the document Helpful Resources for Club Officersavailable in the download section of the District 5890 homepage. This quick reference guide contains links to areas of rotary.org intended for use by club leaders. Save this document to your computer’s desktop or electronic files so that you can easily reference it in the future.
You will also find the CDS team contact sheet in the downloads section. This further details their areas of expertise and how you can easily connect with them for get support.
The Rotary Club of Houston is celebrating its 100th year with a big party in the Crystal Ballroom at the Rice Hotel on August 24 with a cocktail reception at 6:00 and dinner at 7:00. Edwardian dress is optional. Come be a part of the history at the location where the Rotary Club of Houston held it’s meetings for over 70 years. We are looking forward to a great evening with all of our Rotary friends from District 5890. We are not just celebrating the Birthday of the Rotary Club of Houston; we are celebrating the Birthday of Rotary in the Greater Houston Area.
It is with extreme sadness to report that Rotary Past District 5890 Governor Joe Hollingsworth has passed away on July 20, 2012. Service July 25, 2012, 11:00 AM, Chapelwood United Methodist Church Sanctuary, 11140 Greenbay, Houston, Tx 77024, with reception in fellowship hall to immediately follow. Private internment. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Rotary Club of Harrisburg PO Box 266743, Houston, Tx 77207.
Click on this story heading to see Joe's obituary from the Houston Chronicle.
Reginald C. Adams, President/CEO of the Museum of Cultural Arts Houston (MOCAH) and immediate Past President of the Houston Skyline Rotary Club, recently sat down with Comcast NEWSMAKERS to talk about the work of MOCAH, how it is making a difference in the community, and upcoming projects.
The next Skills 4 Living Game of Real Life will take place at Memorial Drive Presbyterian Church, 1612 Memorial Drive, Houston 77024. Dates and times are July 27-28, 7:30am- 4:30am. Rotary is the Charity for the game. Rotarians are needed to assist the during this event. Click on the More link for more details and to learn how to volunteer.
On September 8-9, 2012 District 5890 will train District Rotarians in a two day workshop designed to improve personal leadership skills. The Institute will be held at the Northwest Forest Conference Center, located at 12715 Telge Road, Cypress Texas. Rotary clubs in District 5890 will have the opportunity to send 2 participants who are interested in assuming greater leadership roles in their Rotary club or community.
On July 3 The Rotary Foundation approved our Global Grant in partnership with District 5870 (Austin) and host sponsor club Lome-Zenith and International Sponsor Club Bear Creek-Copperfield to provide insecticide-treated bed nets and water filters, as well as educational activities on disease prevention, to the members of five communities in Togo.
The project was conceived by Brigitte Pahwa the spouse of the immediate Past District Governor of D5870 and was headed up by Suresh Pahwa from that District and Bill Davis from our District 5890.
The Rotary Foundation Cadre of Technical Advisers (the cadre) is a group that represents all Rotary districts and a wide spectrum of professional expertise, the cadre is a diverse group of volunteer Rotarians who monitor and evaluate Foundation grant projects all over the world by conducting paper reviews and traveling to project sites to evaluate technical feasibility and compliance with The Rotary Foundation's missions and objectives.
In an effort to keep Rotarians informed of the cadre’s activities, we are now distributing Tech Talk, the cadre’s quarterly newsletter. You can read the latest information at this site: http://tinyurl.com/TT6012
As I end my year as District Governor, I want to say that I have been truly humbled to serve as your District Governor! I again want to personally thank all the Rotarians in District 5890 for making the past year so special.
I have so many wonderful memories of the last year that it would be impossible to mention them all. The Clubs and Rotarians in District 5890 are amazing, and have done an excellent job at Reaching within to Embrace Humanity to make the world a better place for the less fortunate.
Rotary District 5890 has reserved the Picnic Area at Constellation Field for you and your family for an exclusive Picnic Night with the Sugar Land Skeeters. Come join your fellow Rotarians for a night of fellowship and fun on Saturday, August 25. Gates open at 5:30 pm. Picnic Buffet begins at 6:45 pm.
The Rotary Club of Waller County is pleased to announce to all Rotarians interested in pursuing an Executive MBA the chance to earn one at almost half the price of similar offerings from other institutions. Prairie View A&M University’s College of Business is expanding its graduate program offerings to include an Executive MBA (EMBA). Classes will be held twice a month, on (alternate) Saturdays at the PVAMU Northwest Houston Center located near Tomball Parkway (Highway 249) and FM 1960 at 9449 Grant Road. Students move through their courses as a cohort and focus on one course at a time.
Miguel Ottaviano, Memorial Spring Branch, created a video capturing the energy and success of the 2011-12 District Conference which was held last weekend in Horseshoe Bay. Click on the following link to access his video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ptC1v-O2peA&feature=youtu.be
At the 2012 District Conference in Horseshoe Bay, District Governor Rhonda Walls Kerby recognized a number of clubs and individuals for outstanding achievement during the 2011-12 Rotary year. Click on this story heading or More to view the recipients.
We have reached the time for the orderly transition of Rotary leadership. You are invited to attend the Rotary District 5890 Installation of District Officers and the Installation of District Governor Christopher H Schneider. The event will be held Sunday, June 10, 2012 at Bayou City Event Center, 9401 Knight Road, Houston, TX 77045 MAP Reception 5:00-6:00pm, Program Begins 6:30pm, Dinner 7:00pm, Installation 8:00pm Dress Code - Business Attire IF YOU HAVEN'T REGISTER, PLEASE CLICK HERE - DG INSTALLATION DINNER
The 2012 District Conference will be held May 31 -
June 2 2012, at the outstanding Horseshoe Bay Resort - Marriott in
Horseshoe Bay / Marble Falls, TX. Horseshoe Bay Resort, a premier hill
country lake and golf resort, lies along the panoramic shores of Lake
LBJ in the heart of the Texas hill country. Come celebrate the many accomplishments of District
5890. District 5890 is alive and vibrant. See how to make your club
grow and maintain membership. Learn why the Rotary Foundation is
important to your Club, District 5890 and the World as a whole.
Effective Monday, July 2, 2012, the NEW Galleria Area Rotary Club meeting location is in the Galleria Mall at the Galleria Tennis and Athletic Club, 5015 Westheimer, Suite 4020 Houston, TX 77056, and phone: 832 325-5100. The entrance to GTAC is on Level 3 (really 4th level since there is a level 2.5) of the Orange Parking Garage #7 off the W. Alabama/McCue Street entrance to Galleria Parking Garage. This entrance is not on the Westheimer side of the Galleria but on W. Alabama, the street behind the main Galleria Mall.
Space Center Rotary's spring fundraiser, Springoree, will be held at the Nassau Bay "highrise" Hilton, 3000 NASA Road 1, Houston, TX 77058 on May 17 starting at 6:00 pm. Great meal, wonderful fellowship, live and silent items, fun will be held by all. Tickets are $75 each. Mark your calendar and make plans to attend.
District Governor Rhonda Walls-Kerby , and Interact District Governor Eduardo Belalcazar are looking forward to seeing you there! Date: Saturday, April 21st, 10am - 1pm at Rotary Centennial Grove Park (Send me total attending from your Interact club by April 16th)) This is a free event....Sandwiches, chips, and lemonade will be provided for Interactors and Advisers, but you must RSVP
We are busily planning RCH’s birthday party (on August 24th in the Crystal Ballroom of the Rice Hotel, 6:00pm - Cocktail Reception, 7:00pm Dinner). Come one - Come all - To our Birthday Ball! Dawn your top hat and put on your tails; 1912 Costume Attire Highly Encouraged. Bustle your dresses - other parties will pale! Don't miss out on the surprises we've planned! Not an ordinary dinner but a period celebration 1912 is the year - The Rice your destination. $53 per person (for Club 53, of course), $100 per couple (it is our 100th birthday after all) (includes dinner, dancing and more) ($45 per person for tickets purchased prior to 4/15/12) CLICK HERE to purchase your ticket!
The International Conventions is just around the corner May
6-9, 2012. The International Convention is a great opportunity to meet fellow Rotarians, learn about ongoing projects, and see how Rotary is making a tremendous impact around the world. Join the District 5890 group organized by Bob Gebhard for an incredible experience.
The Rotary Foundation is offering double Foundation recognition points for all recurring contributions (through Rotary Direct) to the Annual Programs Fund between 1 April and 1 July 2012. Rotary Direct (formerly known as TRF-Direct) is The Rotary Foundation’s recurring giving program. There, you can select an amount, frequency (monthly, quarterly or annually), and contribution method (credit card or bank draft) to donate to our Foundation painlessly. I encourage you to set up recurring gifts to the Annual Fund (Share) and/or PolioPlus, as the other options (giving to the 6 area of focus) do not benefit our District.
Asst Governor Wayne Beaumier was recently elected to the Disaster Aid USA Board of Directors. Disaster Aid USA was established to provide disaster aid and relief worldwide in accordance with Rotary Guiding Principles of honest and ethical behavior and the 4-Way Test. They have started with an innovative and effectively designed disaster aid package that provides those in need with a new start in family units within their communities. CLEAN WATER + SHELTER = SURVIVAL
As you remember, now Past District Governor Sunny Sharma encouraged Rotarians to do business with Rotarians. The District developed a comprehensive district directory, listing every member and their vocation to facilitate the Rotarian interaction. The concept was, if you had need for a service or project, wouldn't you prefer to do business with a Rotarian, who follows the 4-Way test OR pick a business through the internet or call someone in the phone book.
Even more importantly, what about the Rotarian who is looking for better opportunity, better environment, has lost their job due to the economy or company downsizing, To facilitate this, we have created a very simple, Rotarians Helping Rotarians web page on our district website.
Congratulations to Alan Wylie, who has been selected to serve on the International IYE Committee for 2012-2013. RI President-elect Sakuji Tanaka has appointed a Youth Exchange Committee to provide guidance and advice to the Board on all aspects of the Rotary Youth Exchange program. It shall, under the direction of the president, develop the program content for the annual Youth Exchange Officers Preconvention Meeting and promote attendance at this meeting. The committee shall consider the RI Strategic Plan in its efforts.
On March 16, 2012, Bellaire/Southwest Houston Rotary gifted its namesake city with an elegant new landmark: a fifteen-and-a-half foot clock tower that now graces the central intersection of Bellaire Boulevard and S. Rice Avenue in the heart of Bellaire’s Paseo Park. "We're extremely proud to be able to do this for our wonderful community," club spokesperson, attorney Nan Wagoner said. "The inscription, ‘It’s always time for service above self’, on the commemorative plaque is a Rotary reminder of the importance of community spirit in keeping Bellaire the great place to live and work that it has become - - and it's also the motto that Bellaire Rotarians try to live into every day," she added.
Rotary District 5890 of the Greater Houston Area has received the 2011 All Star Award from Constant Contact®, Inc., the trusted marketing advisor to more than half a million small organizations worldwide. Each year, a select group of Constant Contact customers are honored with the All Star Award for their exemplary marketing results. Rotary District 5890’s results ranked among the top 10% of Constant Contact’s customer base. Over the past 5 years, District 5890 Lt. Governor Jon McKinnie and his Technology Committee have let the District’s concerted effort to upgrade its communications, create a presence in Social Media and promote public awareness throughout the Greater Houston Area.
Last October we organized an morning Social Media Workshop for Rotarians throughout Greater Houston Area, which was held at San Jacinto College, which by the way, overbooked in 3 weeks… We pulled lots of college Rotaractors & high school Interactors into the event, setting them up as trainers & mentors for the adults. The kids were empowered and the adult "students" learned lots about Facebook, YouTube, Twitter. Several of the adults even suggested that our next event to be an all day event.
Well the results of the event's success hit the Rotary International press today. Now 1.2M Rotarians in over 200 countries and visitors to the RI website, from around the world, get to read about the success of our event. Click on the following link: http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/120313_news_rotaract.aspx
We invited Philip Harris (Space Center Rotarian) to be our keynote speaker at our 2012 Interact District Conference, and he did an amazing job inspiring 400+ Interactors, Rotarians, Rotaractors, RYE students, and parents that attended. Since he was only 7-8 years older than the Interactors, he instantly became the new face of Rotary for them, and reminded them that they don't have to wait "decades", or "forever" as one of my Interactors said, to become a Rotarian. Interactors were asking him to sign the backs of their Interact t-shirts, and they were signing the back of his.
Come join our Cajun friend & Rotary Int'l Vice-President Noel Bajat and his wife, Sis, who will be hosts at our District 5890's Zone 21b – 27 Cowboys Dinner Cruise on May 6th in Bangkok. The Cruise departs at 7:45pm sharp. The boat will cruise the Chao Phraya river, Thai and International buffet, welcome drink, snacks, tea, coffee, desserts, live music all for a price of $45 per person. Unfortunately, this event has now been "SOLD OUT"
This is a team leadership training for all 2012- 2013 Club Officers and members. Officers & committee chairs will receive training on their specific duties as well as a "Rotary 101" class for new members. This is your chance to hear about all of the exciting things that will be happening in the Rotary world for the Rotary Year of 2012 - 2013 So mark your calendar for Club Leadership Training (District Assembly) which will be held at Memorial High School, 935 Echo Lane, Houston, TX, on May 19 2012. 8:30 am Registration, Continental Breakfast and Networking; 9:00 am – 3:00 pm Training. Deadline for registration is Friday, May 6, 2012
TIME TO SHARPEN THE PENCILS FOR ROTARY DISTRICT 5890's ESSAY COMPETITION! We will award three great scholarships to Interact members (12th Graders Only) from our District who submit the most outstanding essays centered on Rotary's 4-Way Test. First place winner receives a $2000 scholarship, 2nd place scholarship is $1500, and 3rd Place scholarship is $500.
Please join us on Monday morning, February 27th at 10:30am for the HelpingaHero.org Home Presentation for SGT Kendra Coleman. DG Rhonda Walls Kerby & H Ross Perot, Sr will be participating in the ceremonies. Home Address: 26618 Longleaf Valley Dr, Katy, TX 77494 MAP DG Rhonda Walls Kerby will be on hand to present Kendra with a Paul Harris Fellow and recognize Kendra as a proud new member of Rotary.
Willowbrook Rotary Club with support from Rotary International District 5890 has published new videos developed to educate students and parents about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program. Willowbrook Rotarians Anais Watsky, Gary Aguren and former Rotarian Lois Alberts were instrumental in development of this new media. These new videos present students and parents who have participated in this program to tell about their experiences. If you are interested in applying to become an exchange student; these videos may have the answers to many of your questions. For more information, please call Anais Watsky at 281-370-4200.
These videos may be viewed by clicking the following links:
Four recipients of the 2012-2013 Rotary Foundation Academic-Year Ambassadorial Scholarships were selected from a pool of applicants sponsored by Rotary Clubs in District 5890 (Greater Houston area) on February 4, 2012.
All
Rotarians, Interactors, Rotaractors and their family members and friends
are invited to participate in this great International Service Project! Join us Feb 11 2012 from 10 AM -
12:30 PM at Total Quality Books - 3802 Leeland (near Scott & I-45) for
our next Books for the World - Book Sorting & Palletizing Event.
DG Rhonda Walls Kerby & DGN Bob Gebhard participated in the Pasadena Dance Competition on Saturday night, Jan 21. After weeks of hard practice, we are glad to report our district leaders represented Rotary very well. OK, so maybe they need to keep their day jobs. HA Click on the following link to see photos : Dance Photos
Photos of DG Rhonda & DGN Bob in Pasadena Dance Competition
Rotary Int'l President-elect Sakuji Tanaka will ask Rotarians to build Peace Through Servicein 2012-13. Tanaka unveiled the RI theme during the opening plenary session of
the 2012 International Assembly, a training event for incoming Rotary
district governors. "Peace, in all of the ways that we can understand it, is a real
goal and a realistic goal for Rotary," he said. "Peace is not something
that can only be achieved through agreements, by governments, or through
heroic struggles. It is something that we can find and that we can
achieve, every day and in many simple ways."
Join our leadership efforts to support District Governor-Elect Chris Schneider as he builds toward his year as our District Governor, taking office Jul 1 2012
Space Center Rotary Club would like to invite you to join
us at our PAUL HARRIS FELLOW & FLOYD BOZE FELLOW DINNER, in
celebration of PDG Floyd Boze 94th birthday on Feb 7, 2012, (social
starts at 6pm). The dinner will be held at Bay Oaks Country Club,
located at 14545 Bay Oaks Blvd, Houston, TX 77059. Tickets are $35 each, dress is business formal. Please call Art Oswald at 281-461-7876 to
RSVP, deadline for meal count is Feb 1st. Following Space Center Rotary Club's tradition, each year we celebrate
Floyd’s birthday to honor the first member of our club to be elected
District Governor (1981-82). Floyd has served in practically every
capacity as a member of the Carthage, San Angelo, Lubbock, and Space
Center (since 1973) Clubs. Brother Floyd continues to be a mainstay of
Space Center Rotary Club & still maintains a passion for Rotary,
evidenced by his 50+ years of perfect attendance.
The last Polio case identified in India was
certified on January 13, 2011. So, today we celebrate One Year of Polio
Free India! Many told us it was impossible - there were too many
people, they had too many other health problems, many were too hard to
get to, many lacked the understanding of vaccines and as recently as
2009, India counted more Polio cases than any other country in the world
(741). We are now that much closer to being "This Close" to ending
Polio forever!
Mark Your Calendars!!! District 5890 is hosting its All Club Meeting February 9th with Rotary International President Kaylan Banerjee as our feature speaker! Seating is limited so register early! Individual tickets are $50 each with sponsorship tables of 10 available $750-1,500 Click on Sponsorship Opportunities and find your level of support. The All Club Meeting will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel at the Reliant Center with VIP Reception 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm, General Reception with Cash Bar 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm and dinner from 7:30 pm - 10:00 pm. You can now Register On-Line for this event Please make plans to attend and promote this event in your Club. Join us for this fantastic evening and wonderful opportunity to get to meet President Banerjee.
A fundraiser for your Rotary, Interact or Rotaract Club, and it also supports an International Rotary service project!! Here's proof that you can do two things at one time! First, you can support a remarkable Int'l Rotary service project, The School of the Dump in Chinandega, Nicaragua. Second, you can raise money for yoru own Rotary club or sponsor a box for your Interact or Rotaract club as a fundraiser for their club.
Seabrook Rotary is having its 20th anniversary on Saturday, January 21st at Lakewood Yacht Club. The event will begin at 6:30 pm Click on Seabrook Rotary 20th Anniversary for more details. Our theme will be "Black Tie and Boots" (formal wear optional) and we will have dinner and dancing to the sounds of Mickey Hobbs. We would like to invite Rotarians throughout District 5890, especially our host club, Space Center Rotary.
Did you catch Rotary's float entry "Inching Toward the End of Polio" in today's Rose Bowl Parade?? If not, click on Rose Parade to see the video and commentary.
Rotary's Award Winning Float in Today's Rose Parade
Now that the new Rotary year is right around the corner, the new Presidents-Elect
should mark their calendars for the 2012 PETS. There is no better
preparation
than attending PETS which is scheduled for March 22-25 at Hyatt Regency
DFW. In fact, attendance at PETS is now required by RI for all
president-elects in order to serve as president of your Rotary club. (PETS REGISTRATION & HYATT ON-LINE REGISTRATION ARE NOW ACTIVATED)
The
SCRYE 2012 Winter Conference will be held on Jan 27-29, 2012 in Tulsa
and is open to all Rotarians and guests with an interest in this
wonderful Rotary youth program. The event is a highlight each year of
the Rotary youth exchange program as a result of the diverse training
offered and attendance by ~200 exchange students and 125+ Rotarians and
guests from the 36 member districts of SCRYE.
Terry Ziegler just received some good end of 2011 news from our Rotary
Foundation. As of November 30, 2011, District 5890 is #1 in our Zone in
giving to the Annual Programs Fund of The Rotary Foundation for this
Rotary Year! Better yet, our giving is up 107.7% compared to this same
time last year! Please click on the current Monthly Contribution Report to see if
your club is one of the 41 clubs which has made an Annual Programs Fund
contribution this year and if so, please congratulate your members. If
you are one of the 22 clubs which has yet to make a contribution this
year, please consider doing so by December 31, 2011.
This
elaborate school-wide knighting ceremony will acknowledge
teacher-selected students who have best exemplified the EAFK value
taught over the previous grading period. Please join us in supporting this wonderful event.
The new year signals it's time for incoming Club Presidents to start preparation for their year in office. There is no better preparation than attending PETS which is scheduled for March 22-25 at Hyatt Regency DFW. In fact, attendance at PETS is now required by RI for all president-elects in order to serve as president of your Rotary club.
Brazosport Rotary has been extremely busy since August. We had our annual shrimp boil and raised approximately $225, 000. Now we are trying to find he best ways to spend it. In September we sponsored a Habitat for Humanity house. We got there on a Thursday morning to a slab and ten days later it was a wonderful 4 bedroom handicapped accessible home. Most of the Rotarians took part in hammering nails, putting up siding, measuring, etc. Such an awesome experience. Last Sunday was the dedication of the house.
I am sure
all of our Rotary Clubs will be honoring our Veterans this week. I
wanted you to be aware of several clubs who have sent their Veteran
programs to me for distribution. I have decided to bundle them into a
single story with links to each event.Click on this story heading to see the various events.
As you remember, Sonia Azad, Channel 13 reporter & Rotary GSE team member, developed and broadcast her "GSE Team Trip to India" special report several months ago. Great publicity for Rotary throughout the Greater Houston Area & around the world. We are thrilled to report that last night, Sonia was given a Regional Emmy Award for her half-hour special report.
Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) Camp will be held the weekend of Feb 24-26 2012 at Carolina Creek Christian Camp facilities which are located eight miles east of Huntsville, TX, between Huntsville and Riverside, TX Questions about RYLA? Click on RYLA Camp 2012 for more information and applications.
Isn’t this cooler weather great?This
beautiful, crisp, weather can’t help but put a smile on your face!What a great time in which we live! In last month’s Fellowship Corner, you learned
what Skiing, Magicians, Mountain Gorilla Tracking, and Wine all have in commonJ(Fellowships).This month, and in the months to come, you’ll
learn more about particular fellowships and the benefits they have to offer.
The District held it's first Social Media Workshop on Saturday, Oct 22, at San Jacinto College -
South, to a packed house. There were outstanding speakers, very knowledgeable presenters and great group of attendees. A very supportive group of Rotaractors and Interactors participated also. Click on the following link to view PICTURE ALBUM of the event.
The
District is organizing a Social Media Workshop which will be held
October 22, in Building 12 at San Jacinto College - South, which is located at 13735
Beamer Drive, Houston, TX 77089. CAMPUS MAP There will be outstanding speakers, very
knowledgeable presenters and staff to offer personal assistance. Registration starts at 8:15am, parallel sessions will start at 9am. The event will end at 1:30.
The Sealy Rotarians began a flag project last year. Tim McCarty seized the opportunity to show Rotarian patriotism and began a fundraiser by asking his club to sell Flag Sponsorships to their neighbors. Rotarians in Sealy offered to put up and take down flags during the seven major flag holidays for $30 a year. This year Tim expanded the fundraiser to include area businesses, paying $50 for the subscription.
Time is getting short. December 31 is the deadline for submission of nominations for District Governor, who will serve District 5890 in year 2014-15. Many Rotarians don't consider themselves as
potential candidates, until other Rotarians validate their efforts to
make the world a better place. So, I encourage you to think of all the
outstanding Rotarians throughout the district and reach out to that
special person who stands taller, works harder, and asks for nothing in
return.
Seventeen Rotary Clubs from District 5890 were represented at the 2011
Gulf Coast Leadership Institute held at the Northwest Forest Conference
Center on September 10-11, 2011. The Institute helps Rotarians improve
their personal leadership skills using a highly interactive program led
by a team of 13 Facilitators, skilled in adult learning from all corners
of the District.
On August 13, Memorial Spring Branch Rotary Club held its annual Health Fair at Spring Branch Family Development Center. Immunization, school supplies, Backpaks and Fun Fun Fun!!! Click on Video Recap to view their outstanding event
Since 1960, the Rotary Club of the University Area has awarded
scholarships to nursing students, and this year, the tradition
continued. The 2011 scholarship recipients are Natalie Lewis, Bianca
Darrington and Sheila Esparza. All three recipients are currently
attending Prairie View University, where they maintain excellent grade
point averages. Each has expressed an interest in giving back to the
community by helping others.
In 2004 I was chair of the International Committee of the RC of Houston.
I was lucky that at one meeting of the District Int'l Committee, was
only one empty chair next to a lady, that it happened to be our DG !,
Ms D'Lisa Simmons.We became friends. At another meeting she mentioned
that she was going to visit the Brenham Club. As I have a place only 10
miles West of there, I offered to drive her to Brenham ,but with the
condition to let me show her our weekend place in Burton. This was about
4 hours of round trip driving, with great conversations. I’ve learned
in that short time, more about Rotary that you can never dream!
Houston Skyline Club President Reginald Adams participates in an in-depth interview about how the
Museum of Cultural Arts Houston (MOCAH) is serving the community through
the cultural arts of Houston. Great interview.
Hundreds of kids head back to school this week more prepared to learn, thanks in part to the help of the Rotary Club of West U and the Weekly Family YMCA. As part of the Greater Houston-area Operation Backpack (http://www.ymcahouston.org/operation-backpack/), the members of the Rotary Club of West U purchased and stuffed 700 backpacks with school supplies for distribution by the Weekly Family YMCA to children in need, representing two-thirds of the 1,050 backpacks collected there.
DG Rhonda Walls Kerby and Polio Plus Chair Terry
Ziegler appeared live on Channel 26, this Monday
morning, August 22, between 7 - 8AM They discussed Rotary's
efforts to eliminate Polio and to promoted our Rotary night at the Astros
game against the Pittsburg Pirates.
Rotarians
district wide are invited to participate in "End Polio Now" Night with
the Astros. The game will be Wednesday, August 31, 2011 vs. the
Pittsburgh Pirates
Rotary is heading out to the Old Ballgame!
Rotary Night at the Astros is the August 31, 2011. $2.00 of every ticket sold
the Astros are donating to Rotary's Polio Plus Campaign. There is a private
reception at the Champions Pavillion. Go to www.astros.com\rotary or call Cody
Arnold at 713-259-8315 to purchase over 20 tickets! We need to sell 1000
tickets to get Rotary promos on the big screen before the game. So everyone
let's purchase tickets and watch the Astros Strike out Polio!
When Jeri
Dulaney was at District
Conference this year, she learned that many of the District’s Rotary clubs no
longer sang at their meetings. In Sealy, they love to sing because Frank Lemanski’s songs
are always so much fun. Ask Jean Love about Frank and his wonderful lyrics. As a club, we
wanted to share our songs, so we thought that as an added bonus, we could offer
the Great Lemanski’s Rotary Songbook to other clubs if they would make a
$30 donation to Polio Plus. That way they get great songs, and we all help with
eradicating polio.
ABC Channel 13's Sanya Azad recently presented a feature story on PDG Charlie Clemmons and "Rotary Books for the World". Imagine trying to teach without text books for all students. Teachers overseas have actually been asked to cut the books in half so that they would
serve twice as many students. Rotary's response has been to try to supply a
complete book to every child that does not have one.
Hashoo Foundation, and Rotary Club of Islamabad Margalla in Pakistan
received the forty-foot ocean freight container filled with
approximately 20 tons of books and educational materials shipped by the
Rotary Books for the World Project and The Second Wind Foundation from
the Port of Houston.
Rotary International has a new media Center! It is now easier than ever to download broadcast-quality video, high-resolution print advertisements, billboard graphics, and radio-ready announcements of Humanity in Motion and “This Close” materials — all free. You can also download computer-ready videos to use in presentations or to embed on your website or blog. And all items are adapted for social media, so they can be easily shared with your fans or followers.
As we are now in the first quarter of
Rotary’s 2011-12 year, there is less than 6 months to submit proposed
legislation for the 2013 Council on Legislation. RI must receive proposed
legislation, along with its certification form signed by the district governor
and proposer’s purpose and effect statement, no later than 31 December
2011.
As we all know, the final journey into the heavens by the Shuttle program, STS-135, "Atlantis" launching on July 8, returning to earth on July 21, rolled to a full stop at 4:57am, thus ending the Shuttle program after 30 years of imagination, effort and execution by Johnson Space Center and NASA. Recognizing the historical enormity of the final landing, Commander Chris Ferguson just after wheels stop said "Mission complete, Houston, After serving the world for over 30 years, the shuttle has earned its place in history, and it has come to a final stop." to which Entry CAPCOM Barry Wilmore replied "We congratulate you, Atlantis, as well as the thousands of passionate individuals across this great space faring nation who truly empowered this incredible spacecraft which has inspired millions around the globe."
Many Rotarians around the world, across America, in Houston, our Clear Lake area and more specifically, as members of Space Center Rotary Club, have contributed to the success of the historically project. Space Center Rotarians include Alan Wylie, Dick Meyers, Gary Johnson, Jack Bacon, Lamar Bowles, Mike Hernandez, Dick Hergert, Tim Kropp, Al Ligrandi,
Jack Lister, Bob Wren, Wayne Young, Geoff Atwater, Philip Harris and many more. Congratulations to each of you for a job well done.
At the 2011 PETS in Dallas, the spouses of the District Governors expressed an interest in creating a Global Grant. After some research and reviewing a number of issues, District 5870 (Austin, Round Rock and environs) came up with a simple "malaria prevention project - bed nets". Please consider this very worthwhile International project (we all need an International project checked off our "To Do List") Click on this story heading to learn more.
On September 10-11, 2011, District 5890 will train selected District Rotarians who will participate in a two day workshop designed to improve their personal leadership skills. Clubs in the district are invited to send two Rotarians that would like to participate in the interactive workshop on September 10-11, 2011 Clubs may send a maximum of 2 members and the class will be limited to the first 24 who send in the registration fee of $250.
The Institute will be held at the Northwest Forest Conference Center located at 12715 Telge Road, Cypress, Texas 77429, Information on the conference center may be found on the Northwest Conference Center website at www.northwestforest.com
As District Governor, I would like to welcome you to Rotary District 5890, comprised of 62 outstanding Rotary Clubs and over 3,000 community service minded Rotarians, located throughout the Greater Houston Area. District 5890 is one of over 500 districts within Rotary International, which represents over 1.2M Rotarians worldwide.
This year's theme "Reach Within To Embrace Humanity" inspires us to search within ourselves to understand that all of us have the same dreams, hopes and aspirations. Then we truly understand the importance of our work. We want to reach out to non-Rotarians, explain the purpose of Rotary, validate our work as Rotarians, emphasize Rotary's current mission and share the achievements of what we do best. Click on Welcome To Rotary, and let us share our passion for community service. If you wonder "Why Should I Be A Rotarian", click on it.
We invite you to explore our website and learn of the various activities & programs of the clubs throughout Rotary District 5890.
Over 300 attended the incoming District Governor Rhonda Walls Kerby's installation at Minute Maid Park on June 5. An excellent venue which not only installed all the District Leadership, Rotaract and Interact Leadership, but featured the future of Rotary, the outstanding Youth Exchange program of District 5890, led by our favorite kid at heart, Alan Wylie.
Click on the following link to view a wonderful video compiled by Miguel Ottaviano which is now posted on the District's YouTube website: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KOfAy-epXrU
Outstanding Video Captures the Essence of DG Rhonda Walls Kerby's Installation
Rotary District 5890 will be presenting the 1st Annual National Day of
Service and Remembrance Community Service Award this year, in
celebration of the 10th Anniversary of 9/11. September 11 is officially
designated National Day of Service and Remembrance to honor the victims
and heroes of 9/11 and to rekindle the spirit of unity and compassion
that followed the attacks. September 11 was officially recognized as a
National Day of Service and Remembrance by the Edward M. Kennedy Serve
America Act, passed with strong bipartisan support and signed into law
by President Obama in April, 2009.
The Rotaract District Conference 2011 is scheduled for June 11 at
University of St. Thomas, Malloy Hall Boardroom 3800 Montrose Houston,
TX 77345. General Meeting will start at 9am. Registration must be completed online. For more detail, click on District Conference 2011 To register online, click on Registration
Rashmi and I just returned from the International Convention, which was
held in New Orleans last week. Over 18,500 Rotarians and guests
attended the gathering and fun times were had by all. The HOC did a
fabulous job of organizing great speakers and entertainers. Bill Gates
was mesmerizing and reassuring in his commitment to Eradicating Polio as
his top priority. President Ray personally invited over 200 SCRYE
Students and they brought the house down with their flag ceremony and a
number of beautiful songs. The harmony and togetherness among the
students from all over the world reassured Rotarians that our YE Program
is the best in bringing down the boundaries and building Peace and
Goodwill among all nations of the world.
Houston Rotarians Honor our Veterans this Memorial Day through their Support of the USO Rotary Club of Houston member Lavonne Cox, announced this week that KPRC Channel Two will operate its second annual Operation USO Phone Bank this Monday. Lavonne, President/Founder of the USO Auxiliary, an all volunteer support organization for the USO, said, "For the first time in our history, more than half our military are married. No other organization does more than the USO to strengthen the vital connection between our troops overseas and our military families. And through Operation Enduring Care serving our Wounded Warriors and many other comprehensive programs, the USO does more for our veterans, our serving military men and women, and their families, than any other 501(C3) veterans organization. We look forward to great Houston support for this Memorial Day event"
It is time to plan for you to join us on our July, 2011 trip to Nicaragua. The trip will be July 20- July 27, 2011 and I hope you will be able to accompany us. We will be seeing all of our projects this time. An itinerary of our day to day activities will follow this announcement in a couple of weeks.
The Game of Real Life is an award winning, 100-hour financial, career
and college planning curriculum. The students attend classes over a
three or four week period where they use critical thinking, team
building and leadership skills to create an expectation for their lives.
The Rotary Club of Galleria Area invites you to play with us in the Game
of Real Life. Career Mentors are needed on June 21, 22, 23, July 5, 6
& 7 to have lunch with the students and share your life
experiences. Also we need Rotary members and friends to be interviewers
of the students from 8am to noon on July 15 and some to stay and train
the students for a business model in the game on the afternoon of July
15. On July 16, the students will be Rotary employees managed by Rotary
volunteers.
The Rotary Int'l Convention in New Orleans is coming to a close today. I'm sure Rotarians around the world not only got a great experience by attending the convention, but they got a great "taste of New Orleans". Only problem is food flavor is directly proportionate to the calorie count!!!!
To view the video highlights of the Convention, click on this story heading.
Please come and join the Katy Rotary Clubs as it hosts the District 5890
Officer Installation. The event is being held this year on June 5,
2011 starting at 5:00 p.m. at the Train Station at Minute Maid Park. Not only are District 5890 officers being installed, but the District
Interact and Rotaract Officers and Club Presidents are being installed
as well.
Every District 5890 Rotarian is invited to attend the new "Eat and
Educate" events throughout the coming Rotary Year. Each monthly meeting
will examine a different area of The Rotary Foundation. Starting with
an overview of our Rotary Foundation and it's purpose on June 13, 2011,
they will go into more detail about Grants, Fundraising, Scholars, Polio
Plus, Future Vision, understanding the TRF reports, and more as the
year goes on.
(May 21, 2011) I received a text messge from Barbara that Charlie continues his recover and has been moved to Room 3359. She reports that Charlie is progressing, a little tired and is trying to rest. She adds, "Thanks for all the prayers and concern everyone has shown"
I was pleased to report to
Barbara that so many Rotarians across the District relayed their prayers
and best wishes, that I decided to not forward them to Barbara cell
phone under the fear that I would flood her cell phone.
Please keep PDG Charlie and Barbara in your prayers.
District 5890 is hosting our infamous TEXAS COWBOY BREAKFAST on Tuesday, May 24th. ADVANCE REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED, AS OF MIDNIGHT FRIDAY MAY 21st. Cost for day of event walkups will be
$40 cash or check only. The Bus Trip and Oceana Grill dinner are SOLD OUT. Click on this story heading for additional information about the Texas Cowboy Breakfast, Bus Trip and Oceana Grill Dinner.
District
5890 had 75 rooms reserved at Harrah's for the International
Convention. Click on Harrah's Hotel Reservations to reserve your room.
(These rooms are on a first come-first served basis)
Thanks
to all of you who have donated to the Polio Plus $200
MilChallenge. Today, our District Clubs and Rotarians passed the
$600,000 milestone in giving to the $200 Mil Challenge, ranking us in the top 25
of all 535 Rotary Districts Worldwide!
Rotarians
have donated a total of $169 Mil since the start of the $200 Mil Challenge in
2007 and a total of over $1 Billion since the start of Polio Plus in
1985.
If you are a Polio Plus Society Member (who has pledged to give $100/y
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Please join your fellow District 5890 Rotarians and The Friends of North Rosenberg in helping with the huge task of flood-debris cleanup in hard-hit Rosenberg on Saturday, June 25, from 8:30 - 2:00 p.m. 
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Rotary District 5890 Global Scholar 
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We are proud of PDG Deepa Willingham, spouse of the University Area Rotary Club's Dick Willingham, for presenting "Education of the Girl Child" at the World Bank in New York City as part of the 2016 Celebration of International Women's Day. Deepa founded .jpg)
Services for Willowbrook Rotary President Massey Williams will be held Friday, January 29, at 10:00 am at Champion Forest Baptist Church, located at 
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his was a lengthy process that involved many people throughout our District, particularly PDG Rhonda Kennedy and her committee, and this selection could not have happened without their dedication to presenting Houston and District 5890 as the only choice for Rotary International. Over the next six years we will be planning a convention that shows Rotarians from around the world exactly why Houston was not only the right choice but the only choice for the best International Convention possible..png)
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Let's have good District 5890 turnout to welcome Rotary International President Gary C.K. Huang to our 2015 All Club Meeting on January 15! .jpg)
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The District 5890 Rotary Foundation Global Grant Scholarships Committee conducted interviews on Saturday, November 8, to select outbound scholars for the 2015-16 academic year..jpg)
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