April 2, 2026 Notes by Jackie Lebow
Invocation: President Cara Sauceda opened the meeting with the traditional ringing of the bell at 12:06 pm. David Hartman provided another inspirational prayer about the grace and blessings that God provides.
Pledge and Song: President Cara lead the pledge followed by singing of “These Are a Few of My Favorite Things.” Club members then greeted each other in Rotary fashion.
Visitors and Guests: Jeff Sporei introduced his wife, Tanya.
Sunshine Report: John Deason attended today. Glad to have him back!
Brag Bucket: Carla Dowlen mentioned that her nephew playing for Memorial H.S. beat Legacy H.S. this week. David Hartman thanked Jeff Sporei for the work he has been doing on continuing education at MSU. Jeff Sporei mentioned the MSU Maroon and Gold Giving Day on April 8-9. Goal is to have five hundred doners to the University. Richard Boyd mentioned that his granddaughter is ranked #1 player in soccer in Louisiana and #9 nationally. She also achieved a perfect score on her ACT exam this year as a junior. Brad Rogers mentioned that he is going to see his three grandchildren this weekend including the newest granddaughter who is 3 months old. President Cara thanked six club members who stepped up to help Pauli, our exchange student, by providing her work. Will Goodner mentioned that the stud donation program is now in progress for Habitat for Humanity. Also, they have three new projects coming up.
Red Badge Presentation: Rance Hogue received his Red Badge as a new club member. His sponsor is Matt Deason.
Cake Auction: Noros Martin provided a chocolate vodka cake and bottle of chocolate port wine from California to help support Pauli for her trip to New York. Justin Bitz won the items with a bid of $200. Thank Justin for his support.
Announcements: President Cara reminded everyone about the Rotary Burbon Tasting Event in Gainesville, TX. Cara also noted that Pauli is still wanting to work to earn money for her trip to New York. Cara provided a sign-up sheet at each table for anyone interested in helping her. Cara also mentioned the upcoming Rotary District Training Event on April 19th at the United Methodist Church in Arlington, TX.
Program: Club Assembly by Cara Sauceda
President Cara presented an overall view of Rotary as information for our newest Red Badge Members and as a refresher for our older members. She started with a history of Rotary founded in 1905 in Chicago by Paul Harris with three of his business partners. By 1912, Rotary had grown internationally with clubs in Scotland and London. Currently there are two hundred countries involved in Rotary.
The Wichita Falls Rotary Club began in 1915 and is now 110 years old, making it one of the oldest clubs in Texas, the United States and Internationally.
Cara mentioned recent accomplishments of the club which include the work at Rotary Park. The park now has unique features including the new handicapped assessable swing and the zip line. All sponsored by Rotary. Special thanks to Benay Ayers and John Deason for their hard work and efforts.
President Cara mentioned special service programs we have had this year including “Stop the Bleed” where each club member received training and a certification on procedures to stop bleeding during an emergency to save a life.
In 1929 the WF Rotary Club founded the Boys Club in Wichita Falls. In 1992 the name changed to the Boys and Girls Club. The organization is now a multi-million-dollar organization.
Other programs that WF Rotary mentors include Scouting America, Campfire and Habitat for Humanity.
WF Rotary fundraising is based on our flag program. We currently have seventeen flag teams. Serving on a flag team is a tradition in our club in raising money to give back to the community.
“The 4 Way Test” that we say at the end of each meeting started in 1922 at the first international meeting. Today Rotarians use this pledge not just for our club meetings, but for living out our daily lives.
There are currently nine areas of international service in Rotary which include Polio Plus to eradicate polio, water and sanitation in undeveloped areas, and women’s and girls’ rights around the world.
In the old days of Rotary, 100% participation was mandatory, but today we are more focused on support for projects and flag team participation. In fact, the Red Badge Members of our Club are currently planning the next service project.
Opportunities are available to serve in District 5790 whether being District Governor or officer or serving on one of the may committees. Cara mentioned that the Valentine Day Cruise to Mexico is always fun and a way to serve internationally as well. She also mentioned the wheelchair project in Cuba which has been going on for years.
One last area President Cara noted is the opportunity to serve kids with Interact Club which is coming to Legacy High School or help with the Rotaract Club at MSU where Sheldon Wang is our Club leader. There is also Camp Ryla which promotes leadership for high school sophomores and juniors.
Thanks to President Cara for doing an excellent job in providing information in a brief amount of time.
Adjournment: Meeting concluded at 12:53 pm with the 4 Way Test