Today was the inaugural meeting of President Cara Sauceda. She took off like a rocket and my ball point pen was about melt. Cara opened with the Pledge and the song, “If You're Happy and You Know It, Clap Your Hands”.
Noros Martin was determined to fill the Brag Bucket with dollars: Monica Horton gave a detailed report on the Flag Trailer customization made by David Kelley. Jakie Lebow, Cara Sauceda, Braden Wood, Andy Kocher and several others all participated in the Brag-a-thon and cash transfer. Past President, John Mayfield, boosted our club’s Flag Program subscription from 800 to over 1,100 by July 4. Other notable events: Arnold Oliver is recovering well from an arm injury. President Cara announced that Club Committee Lists are now available, and if there are any Rotarians with discrepancies or that are missing, please contact her so she can correct it. Thanks to Jeremy Woodward, the Venmo app and method of payment is now available to complete club purchases, pay dues, or to use for Brag Bucket purposes. Jackie Lebow received his 27 Year Perfect Attendance award during today's meeting.
Please note, on July 26th at 10:00, there will be a presentation for our club’s newest contributions to Rotary Park. We will be presenting Rotarian, Jim Hughs with a dedication plaque on one of the park benches, and we will be presenting our new Peace Pole.
President Cara began the program by introducing the Club Officers, Board of Directors, the Area Governor (Clint Wood), District Governor (John Bullock),
and the Rotary International President, Francisco Arezzo. She read messages from our District and RI representatives, and then continued on with the goals she is bringing to our Club. With goals revolving around Club Membership,
Polio and Peace as her focus. Cara’s Goals for our Club include increasing membership to 76 members, Polio Plus Contribution of $750, Foundation Contribution of $20,000 and the completion of three Service Projects. Other goals include promoting Rotary in our local media, sending 3 club members to District Training, creating a Family of Rotary Committee and widening the diversity of club membership.
There are many opportunities coming up for training, the first being the Vibrant Club Workshop is August 16- so far President Cara and Board Member Sara Sorge are planning to attend. There is an open invitation for all members to attend this training in Weatherford, TX. Then, the date for the next District Cruise was announced: February 14-19, 2026. The cruise will depart from Galveston and dock in both Progreso and Cozumel,
Mexico. Finally, the International Convention will be held this Rotary year in Taitei, Taiwan in June, 2026.
President Cara then took a few questions and reminded all Committee Leaders that she would be available after the meeting to answer any questions. Finally, she ended the meeting by leading the group in the 4-Way test and rang the bell!