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Novel: New Rome Rising, published 28-Dec, about a billionaire despot who is seeding disharmony
Jan. 10, 2019 12:00 p.m.
My latest novel is New Rome Rising, published last Dec 28th, about a billionaire despot who is using his money to seed increasing disharmony across Southern Europe, fanning the flames of ultra-nationalism and anti-immigrant movements in those countries, along with resentment regarding German-imposed austerity. The book is deeply steeped in the largely unknown history of the Christian faith. I will discuss what I found in researching that history, especially the first three centuries, drawing largely on the acclaimed works of historian Dr. Michael White of UT, one of the world's greatest theological scholars and a devoted follower of Christ. About Howard Rene Fomby: Rene Fomby practices criminal law and civil litigation across the state of Texas in partnership with his son, Adam Fomby, at the Fomby Law Firm in Houston. After earning an MBA from the University of Texas Graduate School of Business, Rene held a number of senior management positions in high tech and pharmaceuticals. At Xerox Office Systems / Palo Alto Research Center, Rene helped design the stand-alone graphical computer that was later outlicensed to Apple and became the Macintosh. Later, he pioneered the use of marketing analytics in the pharmaceutical industry, headed up global planning for one of the world's largest drug companies, and drove the biggest product launch in biotech history, a protease inhibitor that transformed HIV from a killer to a chronic disease. Rene also created the world's first handheld computer for doctors and served as Director of the National Healthcare Database under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services At the University of Texas School of Law, Rene was recipient of the Oscar and Ethel Schwartz Endowed Presidential Scholarship in Law and the Thomas C. Clark Academic Scholarship in Law, as well as the Patton and Boggs Fellowship in Humanitarian Law. Rene was also recipient of the Dean's Awards for Highest Achievement in Telecommunications Law, Healthcare Law and Advanced Criminal Law, and was honored as the law school's Best Litigator. Rene's very first law suit, filed on the day he was sworn in as a attorney, is now enshrined as a key case in consumer law lawbooks.
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Plug-In EVerywhere: Austin Energy electric vehicle incentive programs.
Jan. 17, 2019 12:00 p.m.
For over five years, Lindsey McDougall has managed electric vehicle incentive programs for Austin Energy including the Plug-In EVerywhere driver membership program, Plug-In Partners home charging station rebate program and EV360, an EV sub-meter time of use program. She compiles and analyses program data resulting in professional reports and GIS maps to support strategic decision making. She is an electric vehicle EVangelist who drives a Nissan Leaf and enjoys teaching others the benefits of electric vehicles. Prior to her work at Austin Energy, she was an international school teacher in Shanghai, China and did environmental planning and GIS for the City of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department. She earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Resource and Environmental Studies from Texas State University. |
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Jan. 24, 2019 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
*** JANUARY 2019 - we changed our regular pattern to accommodate New Year's Holiday ***
The Rotary Club of West Austin meets at Casa Chapala the first 3 Thursday of each month, from 12-1 pm
The Rotary Club of West Austin meets at Casa Chapala the 3rd Thursday of each month, from 1-2 pm
Check the calendar for meeting changes to accommodate Club event
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Curiosities in Medical Literature
Jan. 24, 2019 12:00 p.m.
The talk on the medical literature will summarize a few unusual peer-reviewed articles published in recent decades. Medical publications originated centuries ago and were primarily intended to inform physicians and share new information on medical practice. In some fascinating instances, the medical aspects of historical events have been reviewed in great detail through exhaustive research. Despite the imprimatur of peer-review, readers sometimes have viewed published articles with skepticism, often prompting publication of Letters to the Editor with additional perspectives and arguing for different conclusions than those reported by the original authors. Another assessment of the importance of any medical paper is derived from citation analysis—that is, how many times in subsequent years the original article has been cited by others. The sampling chosen for this presentation range from the quirky, to the practical, to the astounding, and to two scholarly reassessments on the pathology of the crucifixion of Jesus and the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. The presenter has been an author and editor for more than 40 years and has gathered these articles of interest to convey a better understanding of the topics presented. Mark has been a member of the Rotary Club of West Austin for the last several years.
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Special Olympics
Feb. 14, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Matthew Wright was born in Oklahoma City, OK in 1986. His family moved to Santa Fe, NM when he was four years old and to Austin in 2001. His parents are both attorneys and his sister is a recent graduate of the University of Texas. Matthew entered Stephen F. Austin High School as a special education student that fall and graduated in 2005. As a high school student Matthew spent four years at AHS and then attended St. Edward’s University for three years as one of ten students chosen to participate in the A.I.S.D GO (Greater Opportunities) Project. He received his high school diploma on June 4, 2008. Matthew began attending the STEPS program at Austin Community College in fall 2017. He also attends Informal Classes at UT. Matthew began volunteering at the Texas Military Forces Museum at Camp Mabry while at Austin High. He has continued to do so most Wednesday afternoons for over 10 years. In 2008 Matthew became a proud member of the Texas State Guard with limited responsibilities. Because of his interest in military history and his commitment to the museum Matthew is assigned to the History Detachment. He is also a member of the Austin chapter of the Motor Vehicle Preservation Association (MVPA) and participates in their activities regularly. Matthew has been employed by the State of Texas as an Assistant Sgt. at Arms in the Texas House of Representatives since 2008. In this position Matthew delivers the mail and runs errands for members of the Texas Legislature. Matthew began participating in Special Olympics Texas while in junior high school and continues to enjoy several sports. Matthew has competed at the area and state level in track and field, basketball, softball, swimming, cycling, bowling, volleyball, horseback riding, tennis and golf. In September 2018 Matthew became a Global Messenger for Special Olympics Texas and spoke at a fundraising event with Tim Shriver in November. |
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Overcoming Adversity
Feb. 21, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Mindy gave her first speech at the age of four, while serving as the Texas State Poster Child for the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Despite doctors’ predictions that she would not live to be three and a neuromuscular condition that sentenced her to life in a wheelchair, Mindy held her title with pride and received many gifts. As she made television appearances and gave speeches, she learned she had contributions to make, she learned to find good in bad situations and she learned to apply that philosophy to every challenge she has come up against. Today, on her list of credits, Mindy has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree, a loving husband, a trip to China to adopt their beautiful daughter, a successful career managing teams of highly skilled professionals, multiple singing appearances on national television, a long list of public speaking credits and a passion for making the impossible, possible. Mindy believes that if we can accept life’s challenges with grace and courage, we can always find peace. Mindy’s greatest wish is to bring hope to the audiences she speaks to and to show others through her own story, how rich their own lives truly are. |
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Feb. 21, 2019 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.
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Feb. 28, 2019 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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UT Athletics
Feb. 28, 2019 12:00 p.m.
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How to Protect Your Family, Your Life and Your Future
Mar. 07, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Generally, most people don’t even think about having - much less using - an estate plan until something catastrophic happens to a loved one, such as a fatal accident, diagnosis of a terminal illness, incapacity or sudden death. During this period of extreme emotional distress and grief, family members are often left with no clear direction, no legal authority to make decisions and no legal right to property, as well as heavy debt or estate taxes. Because the consequences can be emotionally and financially devastating, estate planning and elder law attorney Tracy Willi believes every family should have an effective estate plan in place, even if they don’t need it for years or decades to come. In her talk, “How to Protect Your Family, Your Life and Your Future,” Tracy will share with your members:
About Tracy Willi: For former litigating attorney, Tracy J. Willi, the best way to resolve potentially thorny disputes which can tear a family apart is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. Selected as a Texas Super Lawyer each year from 2009 to 2018, Tracy’s practice includes estate planning, elder law, probate and estate administration, probate and estate litigation and civil appeals. Her extensive trial and appellate experience includes litigating guardianships, trusts, will contests, heirship disputes, and real estate divisions in probate. Since opening the Willi Law firm in 1992, Tracy has represented clients at all levels of Texas courts including county courts, district courts, courts of appeals, and the Texas Supreme Court. She has represented clients at all levels of federal courts including district courts, courts of appeals and the United States Supreme Court. Tracy is a member of the College of the State Bar of Texas, the Appellate Practice Sections of the State Bar of Texas and the Austin Bar Association. From 2003 to 2005, she served as Chair of the Women in the Profession Committee of the State Bar of Texas. She is Board Certified in Civil Appellate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization and is a Registered U.S. Patent Attorney. She is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin and holds a J.D. from the South Texas College of Law in Houston. Tracy is a member of the Austin Bar Association, Civil Appellate Section, the College of the State Bar of Texas, the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys, the State Bar of Texas Appellate Section, and the Wealth Counsel (a consortium of over 1,000 estate planning attorneys). Tracy Willi, Esq., Partner |
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Mar. 14, 2019 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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NO MEETING : Happy Spring Break & SXSW !
Mar. 14, 2019 12:00 p.m.
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The Texas Legislature and the state of Education in Texas
Mar. 21, 2019 12:00 p.m.
The Texas Legislature: Are the Proposals It’s Considering Really Going to Help Improve Our Public Education System? Steve Swanson will discuss how the Texas Legislature and the Texas Education Agency have contributed to the problems that ISDs throughout the state are experiencing. He will also review what he believes needs to change in order to help address what is wrong and he’ll comment on whether he believes any of the proposals being considered by the Texas Legislature will truly help.
About Steve Swanson Steve Swanson is an education advocate with a long history of active involvement in the education arena as a volunteer. This experience led Steve to found ImproveTexasSchools.org, which provides education-related information and analysis based on data furnished to him by the Texas Education Agency and Texas ISDs through his Public Information Requests. Steve is also a grandparent, structural engineer, retired business executive and former vice president of Austin-based American Constructors, Inc. His current focus is on improving the governance of education at both the state and local levels using existing ISD policies and state statutes in order to ensure that all students are provided with the optimal conditions for meaningful learning --- learning that boosts their achievement levels. He also wants to ensure that all education resources are used wisely, not squandered. To achieve his goals, Steve conducts research, testifies at local public hearings and before the Texas House and Senate Education Committees, and meets with elected officials and education administrators. In addition, he speaks to local groups and organizations and at state-wide conferences. |
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Interact with Compassion: Front Steps and the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (The ARCH)
Mar. 28, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Natalie Freeburg is the Community Relations and Volunteer Coordinator for Front Steps. Front Steps is one of the largest provider of services for those experiencing homelessness in the Austin area and manages the Austin Resource Center for the Homeless (the ARCH) in downtown Austin Texas. The ARCH is a day resource center and overnight emergency shelter, and provides daily services for those in need - laundry, showers, computer use, case management and dinner. Front Steps also manages permanent housing units, transitional housing units, recuperative care in a nursing home and veteran services. Natalie has worked for Front Steps for four years, volunteering for five years before working there.
Natalie's presentation will be focused on how to interact with compassion, with those in our community who are experiencing homelessness, while keeping boundaries and learning the best ways to help someone on a longer-term basis instead of a quick fix. She will educate about services that are available in the Austin area and how to connect someone with them. Come with your questions! |
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Natural Fit Therapy - Balance and Fall Prevention
Apr. 04, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Ryan Seifert is a well-known Physical Therapist in Austin, Texas and is owner of Natural Fit Therapy, one of the fastest growing clinics in North Austin. Ryan and his team specialize in helping people in their 60s, 70s and 80s who want to stay healthy, active and independent. Ryan is a former College athlete and a leading pitcher for his University Redlands baseball team. After his time a Redlands he went on to graduate school to earn his Doctorate of Physical Therapy from Chapman University in Orange, California. At Chapman University he found the love of his life and now wife Laura. Laura herself is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a member of the Natural Fit Therapy Team. The Seifert family lives in North Austin with their little boy Nathan. Ryan and Laura specialize in balance and fall prevention as well as treatment of back pain in mature adults. Ryan and his Team are the therapy providers at the Conservatory Independent Senior Living Facility and at their main clinic in North Austin. |
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How to avoid probate
Apr. 11, 2019 12:00 p.m.
If you're like many people, you may believe that because you have a will, when it's time for you to pass on, your spouse or children will automatically inherit whatever you own and have immediate access to your assets.
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Passion for sports in Austin, TX!
Apr. 18, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Brian Davis covers University of Texas athletics, primarily football and men's basketball. He started his journalism career in 1998 and started covering the Big 12 conference extensively in 2001. Brian joined the American-Statesman in December 2013. |
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Apr. 25, 2019 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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The Student Council at Wooldridge Elementary will host the Rotary Club of West Austin
Apr. 25, 2019 12:00 p.m.
The Student Council at Wooldridge Elementary will host the Rotary Club of Wes Austin at their School. Please meet at Wooldridge Elementary School, arrive early - if you can. A Student Council member will greet you, escort you through the cafeteria, and then bring you to the Library. Wooldridge Elementary School |
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May 02, 2019 12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
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Public Image Program for the Rotary Club of West Austin
May 09, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Amber Scarborough Amber Scarborough moved from Lubbock to Austin in 2007 to start her career as an Investment Advisor and joined Rotary shortly thereafter. She is a member of the South Austin Rotary Club, she is a Past President, a Paul Harris Fellow, and a Roll of Fame Recipient. Amber’s experience in marketing has come from running her own independent firm and having to learn several of these things “on the job.” She will self-proclaim that “I have no specialty in public image or marketing, but give me a day to work on a task and I’ll figure it out!” She was asked to join the Public Relations team after making some fun I-Movies, which her son taught her to make in order to promote District Events. She hopes to inspire other Rotarians to not be afraid of new tools and technology and just jump right in till you figure it out, “The learning happens when you just start playing around with it.” Amber has also served as the District RYLA Camp Director and always embraces an opportunity to educate people on all the amazing/life changing effects of RYLA! |
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DRK - South End Zone Project and other projects
May 16, 2019 12:00 p.m.
This presentation is an overview about major planning, design and construction work at UT Austin with a focus on several major Athletics initiatives. Mike Carmagnola, Director, Project Management and Construction Services, University of Texas - Austin Mike has over 33 years of experience managing planning, design and construction projects in institutional settings, including nearly four years as director of PMCS at UT Austin. As director, he leads a diverse staff of architects, engineers, trades, administrative and other professional in the execution of more than $100 million in design and construction annually across the university’s main campus and multiple off-site facilities across Texas. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and a master’s degree in business administration and is a licensed architect in four states. In addition, he is a graduate of the APPA Institute for Facilities Management and the APPA Leadership Academy. |
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Polio Plus Program in District 5870 and beyond
May 23, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Kelly Barr is the Clinic DIrector & Owner of Kidz Therapeze About Kidz Therapeze Our Mission To increase the participation of children in their homes and communities through the provision of high-quality, evidence-based, child-centered care using a highly skilled, knowledgable and creative team of licensed therapists including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language pathology as well as the family of the child as experts on the child and his environment. We provide this care in a safe, healthy, and engaging environment filled with encouragement and enthusiasm for the children. Philosophical Statement We believe that the quality of a child’s life and their interaction within the family is increased when they are able to participate in the individual environments of their day. We believe that our services, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech and language pathology, are crucial to the improvement of participation for children with developmental disorders, disabilities or delays. We believe that teaming with the child and family as experts on the child is an important part of our planning process while providing high quality, evidence based care. We believe that learning occurs best in an environment which provides engaging activities and encouragement as well as enthusiasm for the child. |
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Healthcare for All (HCA): The current cost of healthcare in the United States is unsustainable
Jun. 06, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Healthcare for All (HCA): The current cost of health insurance and healthcare in the United States is simply unsustainable. In 2018 the United States spent $3.65 trillion dollars on healthcare while leaving almost 28 million Americans uninsured and 44 million under-insured. Under-insured Americans have health insurance but are unable to get care, or forgo care because they can't afford deductibles and co-pays. HCA is the fiscally responsible plan that provides better quality care, creates more choices, and costs less than what we pay today. This plan would boost entrepreneurship, increase wages, generate more revenue for small business all while increasing productivity and improving the quality of life for all Americans. Speaker: Donna is a Computer Engineer, a tech entrepreneur, and the managing partner of her consulting firm, Inteleaf. As a long time Williamson County resident she is active in her community, most recently President of ProductCamp Austin, a 4000+ membership non-profit that delivers continuing education to working professionals absolutely free. LinkedIn Profile: www.linkedin.com/in/donnaimam/ Guest Lunch Fee: $17.00 |
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Water and schools in Nicaragua
Jun. 13, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Nearly 1 in 10 people in the world live without access to clean water. They mostly live in rural communities and spend hours walking long distances to collect it. Even worse, it is usually children who collect this water, which reduces time they should spend in school. There are enormous economic, educational, health, and empowerment benefits to a community from development of clean water and sanitation. Studies show that the biggest impact is in terms of time savings, allowing people to use time previously spent collecting water to spend it on other things such as working or studying. Project Schoolhouse believes that making clean water convenient is hugely important. That’s why our systems include a distribution system that carries water to every home in the community. We think that eliminating the need to carry water at all is very important. About Tab: Thomas “Tab” Barker is a 1996 graduate of Carleton College with a degree in Economics. He spent 1997 teaching English as a second language in a small community in Costa Rica. During his time in Costa Rica he was awarded a Fulbright scholarship to study Economics in Argentina where he spent all of 1998. After extensive traveling through South America and Europe, he returned home to Wyoming in 2000. That summer he raised $20,000 and returned to Costa Rica to build two additional classrooms at the school where he had previously taught. The experience was motivating and in 2004 he founded Project Schoolhouse to continue that work, this time in Nicaragua. Mr. Barker possesses the linguistic abilities, organizational skills, and the knowledge to successfully oversee grassroots education projects in remote rural regions in Nicaragua |
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History of the Rotary Club of West Austin
Jun. 20, 2019 12:00 p.m.
Our member and Past President Charles F Stahl will take us through a humorous retrospective and history of the Rotary Club of West Austin. The Rotary Club of West Austin
Before 1953, there was only one Rotary club in Austin - The Rotary Club of Austin - which is often referred to today as the Downtown Club. In March 1953, a group of Rotarians met to organize a second club in Austin which became the Rotary Club of West Austin. Since its formation, the Rotary Club of West Austin has had a continuing legacy of service to the community and to the world through its contributions and projects. This club celebrates the past and present leadership of its outstanding members in their commitment to Service Above Self.
About Chuck Stahl
A native of Dallas, Texas, Chuck attended and graduated from the University of Texas School of Architecture. In the 1960's, he teamed with David B. Barrow to form the firm of Barrow and Stahl Architects in Austin. The firm was key to the development of the area of Austin known as Northwest Hills. Chuck became a member of the Rotary Club of West Austin June 8, 1953 and is currently the longest serving member of this club. Chuck served as president of the Rotary Club of West Austin in 1973/1974 and is a Paul Harris Fellow.
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NO MEETING - Happy Independence Day!
Jul. 04, 2019 12:00 p.m.
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