A large and dignified crowd coupled with a very special program brought about an early meeting start by President Arnold and a beautiful invocation by Dave Hartman. Cara Sauceda then lead us in singing Edelweiss and R-O-T-A-R-Y. Next, we had members introduce a treasure trove of special visitors and guests who were too numerous for me to name – what a great problem to have!
A positive sunshine report was brought by our own John Deason favorably reporting on himself and his successful surgery this past Monday. So happy to see you up and around, John! No birthdays were reported for the week, but Norris Martin did introduce our newest Rotary member, Mike Eriksen. Mike and his family moved here from Austin and Mike works in the field of robotic surgical equipment. Welcome to Rotary, Mike!
Carol Murray, Chairman of the Outstanding Citizen Committee, was then called to the podium to talk about rigorous process of researching, nominating and naming our annual Outstanding Citizens – plural. Carol also introduced previous award winners who were in attendance: Glenn Barham, Mac Cannedy, Roby Christie, Howard Farrell and our own Jim Hughes. This year the committee had two nominees who were so deserving that they chose to recognize co-recipients as Rotary’s Outstanding Citizens of the Year for Wichita Falls.
Rod Tieken was called on to present the award co-recipient #1, Nancy Brown. Nancy has been the Executive Director of the Hands to Hands Community Fund in Wichita Falls for the past 13 years, and is responsible for fundraising and administrative efforts of this vital charitable organization. Hands to Hands fills the funding gap of over $500,000 annually for seven non-profit agencies whose funding had abruptly ended 14 years ago. Nancy, whose earlier work experience in the community support and fund-raising field, worked at the United Regional Health Care Foundation for six years. She was instrumental in establishing the Heart of a Woman annual event and assisted with Children’s Miracle Network. Nancy is a relentless community ambassador and an inspiration to us all!
Next up was Noel Filer who recognized Outstanding Citizen #2, Dr. Brian Hull. Dr. Hull has been a physician in our community for over 30 years after serving as Chief Family Practice Instructor at Sheppard Air Force Base in the late 1980s. Brian served as a family practice physician for many years in Wichita Falls while also making a lasting impact on the citizens of Wichita Falls by encouraging and teaching countless individuals to lead healthier lives. In 2010, Dr. Hill parlayed his knowledge, experience and passion for improving the health and lives of others by partnering with United Regional Health Care System and heading up the Transition Clinic in order to serve the less fortunate in our community and advocate for them. Dr. Hull is tireless in his efforts to serve the community in a way that ALL individuals may learn the way to better health, and receive the best medical care possible.
Our speaker’s gift book in honor of Nancy Brown and Brian Hull will be given to Christ Academy. We closed out our meeting with the Four Way Test.
BALLOT
The following named people have been proposed for membership in the Rotary Club of Wichita Falls and approved for balloting by the
Board of Directors.
KEATON DOLAN
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
EDWARD JONES
PROPOSED BY: CAROL MURRAY
Any comment regarding the proposed members should be given in writing or by email to the Executive Secretary no later than
Wednesday January 25, 2023.