President Stacie Cook rang the bell to start our meeting at 12:07 pm. David Hartman provided a prayer of thanksgiving. The pledge and song “America the Beautiful” was led by David Spencer. There were no visitors. Birthdays were announced by David Kelley. Jim Hughes, Benay Ayers and David Spencer all had Birthdays this week. On the Sunshine Report, Glenn Tole noted that former member David Martin had passed away.
Regarding announcements, President Cook stated that there will be no club meeting next week (11/23/2023) due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. Cara Sauceda announced the Interfaith Ministries Food Drive. Rotarians are asked to bring dry/canned foods to any meeting or contact Cara (CHSauceda@bgcwf.org) for pick up. Call (940) 882-0108 or (940) 631-4842. Kris Gossom with Interfaith Ministries will attend our 12/7 meeting. Cara also announced the Interact Club Toy Drive through 12/4. Cara will accept toys for those who donate.
For the Brag Bucket, Cara Sauceda put in money for her son who, with her husband, came in 2nd place for the Chili Cookoff by the Trail Life group at her church. Shirley Craft thanked the committee members who put on the Veterans Day Celebration meeting last week. Benay Ayers’s grandson’s football team made it to the finals of the Toy Bowl. Carla Dowlen’s nephew, David, helped in putting out the flags for Veterans Day. Jon Dearolf’s son helped with flags on Veterans Day, and enjoyed it so much, wanted to put them out again. Carol Murray thanked members who voted for her in the last mayoral election. She also noted the passing of Pat Norris who served as a Wichita County Commissioner for many years.
Cara Sauceda announced the Youth of the Month for November, Angel Hernandez. He was accompanied by Troy Turner, Director of the SE Branch of the Boys and Girls Club. Angel is the 13-year-old son of Francisca Hernandez and a member of the SE Branch. At home, he helps with numerous chores including supervising his younger sibling. Angel is a 7th grader at City View Middle School, maintaining A’s and B’s and his favorite subject is science. He is very active in his school activities and recently made 4th chair baritone in the All District Band. He hopes to become a technician or engineer in the future. Angel is among the top leaders of his Club and participates in Arts & Crafts, Club Tech, Triple Play Challenges, Healthy Habits, and TEXSYN Leadership Program. Troy Turner stated that Angel has special leadership qualities with the potential to be Youth of the Year in the future.
Josh Phillips was presented his Blue Badge by David Kelley. Congratulations to Josh, a valuable member of our club.
Jon Dearolf introduced our program, AJ Hernandez, President and CEO of the YMCA Wichita Falls. AJ has been in Wichita Falls for 3 years. His wife teaches at Cunningham Elementary School and they have one 7 yr. old son and one 4 yr. old daughter. He was raised in Tennessee and graduated from the University of Tennessee. AJ was raised by a single parent and he shared how the YMCA with its scholarship program allowed him to attend programs since he was 8 years old.
AJ discussed the strategic plan that the YMCA Wichita Falls. The focus is on youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. He noted the YMCA supports surrounding communities as well as Wichita Falls.
There has been a real need in the community for an aquatic facility for many years. Currently, there are 32 kids in Wichita Falls in competitive swimming. AJ noted that in the 60’s Wichita Falls won state championships. There is also a need for an accredited swim program. The YMCA Board recognized these needs and decided to move forward. One goal of the Board is to provide all 3rd graders with a certified swimming program. Another goal is to fill the needs of seniors through water fitness. The YMCA will work with all local agencies including Boys & Girls Club, Campfire, etc. “Soft swimming” will be provided for the entire family. The proposed facility will house 23,000 s.f. with a 10 lane competition pool and a separate pool for general uses. Currently, the proposed 11 million dollar project is in the fund raising phase with groundbreaking scheduled for early January 2024 and completion early 2025. 50% of the funds have been raised to date.
AJ invited everyone to the Gobble Wobble 5K Run for our local food drive. A donation was presented to the WFISD Foundation in AJ’s honor.
President Cook closed the meeting at 1:00 pm with the Four Way Test.