New PresidentJosh Vandever Is New Rotary President  Josh Vandever on July 1, 2025, began his year as president of the Rotary Club of La Grange, accepting the gavel from Hannah Janda upon the completion of her term. Hannah represents Fayette Savings Bank, while Josh is director of the Fayette County Emergency Medical Service. During Hannah's year, the club not only grew in membership but also set new records in service, fund-raising, and contributions to The Rotary Foundation. |
Gavel is passed A New Year Begins Kyle Hartmann officially passes the gavel to new Rotary President Hannah Janda at the July 3 meeting. A final report on Kyle's year showed the club donated just over $51,000 this past year to charities, causes and scholarships -- from local children's programs to worldwide humanitarian organizations. |
Juneteenth is coming |
Light Up the Lights!Rotary volunteers helped wrap trees for the annual Trail of Lights at Monument Hill State Historic Site.  |
Membership Is Growing Three new members were welcomed into the La Grange Rotary Club on Nov. 8. Club president Kyle Hartmann presented each with a blue apron for serving at club fundraisers: the annual county fair hamburger booth, Oktoberfest, and the pancake supper. New members are (from left) Bailey Taylor, relationship manager with Capital Farm Credit in La Grange; Dawn Sedlar, teacher aide at Mt. Calvary Preschool in La Grange; and Jennifer Schattle, assistant vice president at National Bank & Trust in La Grange. Behind them are sponsors Katie Swafford and John Wied, along with Hartmann. The Rotary Club meets at noon each Wednesday at the Texas Czech Heritage and Cultural Center on the Fayette County Fairgrounds. Guests and prospective members are welcome. |
Halloween |
Last Year in the Booth?Hamburgers - 2023 Style
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Rotary SupportsTexas Ramp Project  Fayette County Community Theater  Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter  |
Record Foundation SupportTwelve La Grange Rotarians received Paul Harris Fellow pins on May 31 - the most ever on the same day. The pins signify financial support of The Rotary Foundation.      |
Rise Against Hunger |
Our Newest Rotarian Dr. Roger Cagle, MD, is the newest member of the La Grange Rotary Club. President Mike Coppinger, right, and Dr. Cagle's sponsor, Don Jones, welcomed him to membership with the traditional Rotary Apron, just in time for our annual Pancake Supper. Dr. Cagle is a family practice physician at Tejas Health Care in La Grange. Growing up in Leachville, Ark., he was valedictorian of his high school class, earned his medical degree at University of Arkansas Medical Sciences, then completed three years of Family Practice Residency at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth. Before moving to Tejas in La Grange, he was in private practice as well as being an Emergency Room physician.  |
Another year, another success Click the "Photo Albums" link at the tope of the page to see more photos from this year's pancake supper.
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Main Street Donation The La Grange Rotary Club kicked off the new year by again becoming the premier sponsor of Main Street’s programs for children. Main Street’s manager Caleb Parks last week received a $3,000 check from Rotary president Mike Coppinger. The sponsorship helps pay for Movie Nights on the Square, games at the annual downtown Trick or Treat night, and similar Main Street programs. Donations like this come from Rotary fundraisers. The next such fundraiser will be the club’s annual Pancake Supper, set for Thursday, Feb. 2, at La Grange Elementary School. |
Merry Christmas, Rotarians |
Newest RotariansJosh and Lizzie Join Club |
Oktoberfest 2022Our Fest Is the Best  District Gov. Shannon Coleman and her husband Jeff join Asst. Gov. Phil Oestreich for a fabulous festival on the Courthouse Square. Click "Photo Albums" on the bar above to see more pictures from Oktoberfest 2022. |
Texas Ranger Texas Ranger Brent Barina was our guest speaker on Sept. 21. Ranger Barina specifically covers Fayette, Lee and Bastrop counties, but as an expert Crime Scene Investigator, he goes all over the state whenever his skills are needed.
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Burgers Are BackFirst Night at the County Fair (also Click on "Photo Albums" on the menu bar to see "Final Night at the Fair")  And Linda knows how to organize us! These Rotarians were on the "opening night" crew at the Fayette County Fair. We will cook and serve thousands of hamburgers for hungry fair-goers -- and raise thousands of dollars for scholarships and Rotary charities. Go Rotary!  We're open for business! Jonathan is ready to take your orders.  We've got burgers even a Lion would love!  These Rotarians know the recipe for success - and successful burgers. Everyone at the Fair loves a Rotary burger. |
La Grange Rotary Supports Hands of Hope Weekend Food Security Mission |
Save Ukraine Project Ends on a High Note The Rotary Club of La Grange presented Governor Shannon one of its “Save Ukraine – Save The World” tee shirts during her July 13 visit to their club. This marked the official end of the club’s Save Ukraine campaign. The La Grange club sent $10,300 to Rotary District 2232 – Ukraine for humanitarian relief. Rotarians throughout District 5870 contributed over $2,000 to this effort while $8,000 was raised locally. A number of district Rotarians who participated had a connection to Ukraine proving that Rotary is about connecting people. The Rotary Club of La Grange thanks everyone for their wonderful support and encouragement during the project.  |
Weekend Food for Kids First Service Project of the Year - Prompted by the Governor Click on "Read More" to see who we helped with this hunger project. |
Governor Meets Our BoardNewly installed District Governor Shannon Coleman met with the La Grange board of directors on Wednesday, July 14. "We are a GREAT club!" President Mike Coppinger says. "You are a GREAT club," Shannon agreed. Each year, the District Governor holds a meeting with each of the 57 Rotary clubs in the district. Gov. Shannon learned about the La Grange service projects, fundraisers and plans for the new year. She also shared the District's goals for her year as District Governor. After meeting with the board, she spoke at the regular club meeting for the day.
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Rotarian of the Year |
Thank you, Allison |
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Look what Hamburgers and Pancakes did! |
Cookies for the Kids One of the sponsors for Family Movie Nights on the Square this summer has been the La Grange Rotary Club. For each movie, the club has provided a booth and give-aways for those attending. Here, Tracy Harris and Phil Oestreich hand out cookies, provided by Texas One-Stop. At other Movie Nights, ice cream was provided by H-E-B of La Grange and by Blue Bell Creamery of Brenham. |
Passing of the Gavel |
Banner Exchange |
Passing of the GavelStepping Up to Serve  Dusty Littrell takes the gavel, becoming our new president for 2018-19. At Wednesday's induction of new officers, Phil handed over the reins to the incoming administration. Officers for the coming year include Tracy Harris, president-elect; Allison Shimek, secretary and president-nominee; Ray Langlois, treasurer; Ken Powell, sergeant-at-arms; and Phil Oestreich, immediate past president. Directors include John Wied (membership), Stacy Eilers (new generations), Larry Jackson (foundation), Stacey Norris (community service), Regina Keilers (club administration), David Ramjohn (international), and JoAnn Ayres (programs). |
Rotarian of the YearTop Award to Stacey  Rotarian of the Year, 2017-18, goes to Stacey Norris. Prior to new officers being installed on Wednesday, June 20, President Phil Oestreich presented a number of awards for service during the past year. Stacey, who also was inducted into the District 5870 Roll of Fame earlier this year, chaired the club's Disaster Relief Committee that oversaw the collecting and dispersing of more than $340,000 in relief efforts following Hurricane Harvey. |
Knighted in San Antonio |
Celebrate Rotary! Thanks, John and Joyce, for hosting another fantastic Rotary party! |
Roll of Fame, 2017-18 |
Thank you, Linda |
No club meetings on Dec. 27 or Jan. 3. |
Recognition for La Grange
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Blow the Bugle! Help is on the way! |
Paul Harris recognitionClub treasurer Martha Schultz sets an example of Service Above Self through her support of The Rotary Foundation. On Sept. 31, club president Philip Oestreich presented Martha a "Paul Harris Plus One" pin, a recognition from the Foundation for those who contribute $1,000 over and above the Paul Harris Fellow level.
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Rotary Club of La Grange Texas Makes it's First Harvey Response Grant The Rotary Club of La Grange awarded it's first grant to La Grange Independent School District for $2,000. The grant will pay for specialized equipment, that was destroyed in the flood, used by students in their education. The equipment includes cosmetology kits, specialized calculators and other tools. Pictured from left to right are; Stacy Eilers - Assistant Superintendent LGISD, Bill Wagner - Superintendent LGISD and Philip Oestreich - President Rotary Club of La Grange. The Rotary Club of La Grange will be accepting grant applications from families and individuals, that were impacted by Hurricane Harvey, on Sunday October 10 at The Historic Casino Hall in La Grange from 10am-1pm. #onedistrictstrong #rotarylgtx
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Not Just "Fair" Burgers, They're GREAT Burgers |
Some of Our Thursday Night Crew.jpg) .jpg) .jpg) |
Despite the Flood, the Fair Goes On |
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Fayette County Fair Update Lee Fritsch, President of the Fayette County Fair Association, provided and update on the 2017 Fayerre County Fair (www.fayettecountyfair.org). Lee said that this was the 90th year of the fair. Headline entertainment includes Kevin Fowler on Saturday and Clay Walker on Sunday. They have also added some polka bands this year by popular demand. You can buy tickets from the Rotary fair queen contestant, Sarah Vecera, at www.fayettecountyfair.org/sarah
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Governor Pays a VisitThe District Governor came to La Grange for the first meeting of our new Rotary year. Not only was he guest speaker, he also installed our new officers and met with the board of directors to learn more about the club's plans for the coming year. He proclaimed us a club of "do-ers" not just "sitters." (Click the "read more" to see another board photo)  |
Richard Cernosek Charter Membership Recognition.jpg) Richard and Molly Cernosek, on the occasion of their 65th Wedding Anniversary, were honored by their family with a come and go reception on Saturday, July 15th. At the reception, Richard was presented with a plaque in recognition of his being a charter member of the Rotary Club of La Grange, chartered 63 years ago on May 18, 1954. Rotary Club of La Grange recognizes and applauds Richard and Molly’s long marriage and enduring service to Rotary and so many worthy causes and institutions in the community. |
Rotary Club of La Grange Officers Installed The 2017-2018 officers of the Rotary Club of La Grange were installed on July 12, 2017 by the District 5870 Governor Gene Holiman. Pictured from Left to right and back to front are Ray Langolis -Secretary, Stacy Eilers-New Generations, John Wied-Membership, Martha Schultz-Treasurer, Chuck Mazac-International Service, Larry Jackson-Foundation, Tracy Harris-Interact Sponsor, Betty Bauer-Hospitality, Dusty Litterll-President Elect, and Philip Oestreich-President. Not pictured Don Hinkley-Saergent at Arms, JoAnn Ayres-Immediate Past President, Stacey Norris-Community Service and Regina Keilers-Club Administration.
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Back to School Health Fair.jpg) Phil Oestreich, president-elect of the La Grange Rotary Club, presents Mike Smith, right, with a $500 contribution to Tejas Health Care. The Rotary gift will help support a back-to-school health fair Tejas will sponsor this summer. Smith is development director for Tejas and was guest speaker at Rotary on June 28. |
And Here's the Result |
Making a Difference for Kids |
BBQ with the WiedsThanks, John and Joyce, for another great Rotary gathering at your gorgeous Texas home.
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Our Spring Fling Thing       |
Rotary Serving Humanity |
Don't Mess With Texas |
January Students of the Month Derek Bertsch - Fayetteville ISD Student of the Month
 Shelby Miertschin - La Grange ISD Student of the Month
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La Grange was there!
Some 20,000 people registered for the Rotary International Convention in Lisbon, Portugal. And our club was there! Larry and Susie Jackson had a great time in Lisbon. Ask them about the week-long tour of Portugal with the mostly-Canadian busload. (Really, those Canadians were great!)
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More Paul Harris Fellows
Eight La Grange Rotarians were honored with Paul Harris Fellow recognitions at our club meeting Feb. 13. District Gov.-Elect Rich Kaye came from Killeen to present the awards. Receiving their first PHF pins were Club President Chuck Mazac and Kay Carlton. Donors of $1,000 or more to The Rotary Foundation are recognized as Paul Harris Fellows, named for the founder of Rotary. Past presidents Dr. Karen Roberts (1998-99) and Bert Blaha (2007-08) were awarded Paul Harris Plus One pins, recognizing an additional $1,000 gift to the Foundation. Ken Powell received a Paul Harris Plus Three pin in recognition of his continuing support for the Foundation. Unable to be present for the ceremony were three other Paul Harris honorees: Richard Cernosek, a Charter Member of the La Grange club; Donnie Dippel and Gene Kruppa. Thirty-two current active members of the club and two honorary members are now Paul Harris Fellows. The club's goal is to be an EREY Club (Every Rotarian, Every Year), with every individual member making a donation in at least some amount to The Rotary Foundation. |
Rotary Supports Literacy EffortsRepresentatives from all five public school districts in Fayette County were on hand for a recent La Grange Rotary Club meeting. Dr. Jim Ayres (right) presente to each district a $200 check for the district's library fund, along with a bag of children’s books from H-E-B. From left are Becca Mayer and Supt. Ron Goehring of Round Top-Carmine; Supt. Walter Padgett of Schulenburg; Supt. Donald Egg and Beverly Mickelenka of Flatonia; Supt. Rich Elsasser of Fayetteville; and Stacy Eilers and Supt. Randy Albers of La Grange. LIteracy is one of the world-wide emphases of The Rotary Foundation and Rotary International.
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Quote of the Week - Who Said It?
We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.
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Thought for the Week - Who Said It?
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Here you can post little tidbits of information, reminders, or anything else!
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District Governor VisitsDG Hanspeter Tobler made his official visit to La Grange on Wednesday, Nov. 5. He also presented two Paul Harris Fellow pins to La Grange Rotarians. |
Tori Hopson is the 2014 Fayette County Fair Queen |
Our Big Fundraiser Starts ThursdayLet's Cook Some Hamburgers!
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Two New Members |
Where Sick Kids Get Better
Children's Waiting Room at Tejas Health Clinic Our fearless leader, Kacey Stark, Community Service Chair
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New Officers Installed |
Our Claim to Fame |
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Don't Mess With Rotary! |
They sold like hot-cakes |
Help for Habitat
A great painting crew showed up Saturday morning at La Grange's newest Habitat for Humanity house. President Don Jones says:
Larry, Chuck, Lena, Stacey, Tish, Randy & Beverly, Jonathan and yours truly formed a dedicated team for doing good in our community
Soon to be new homeowner Tina worked side by side in gaining on her finished home
Drive by the house across from Randolph Rec with the freshly painted blue door and be proud to be a Rotarian.
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. .WE SURVIVED!
goes into the history book. See the "Hamburger Booth" photo album at bottom right of page. |
Thursday night
Don says: We cashed $3,300 with the Fair – up almost $300 over last years’ Thursday.
Great start yesterday with the Linckes, Margo, John David & Daryl (the ministerial shift) – John David has his hand at the grill today at kick-off. Last nite was a typical Thursday – a couple of spurts and then a lull. Anyway, Jeremy manned the hot spot with Mike Corker all nite long – and never gave up the lead. Joyce and Bistro’s Mike worked the sales desk while Kacey (newbie more than held her own) and two hired guns worked the line. Gene moved from production, to finance, to utility player to whatever a great shift leader does.
Thanks up front to Tinnie and his staff for all their help, Johnny O for our cool trailer, Karen for protecting the great unwashed with her gloves and Lambert (former President Bert) for the aqua. Thanks to all you for your extra support.
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Getting Ready for the FairWe tested both frozen and fresh, and the best hamburger meat was.....
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A visit with the Governor |
2013 Conference of Rotary Clubs |
Guests from the Philippines |
Don't They Look Good in Orange?
La Grange Rotarians hit the road again on Saturday, April 6, getting the highway spick and span for the annual MS-150 bike riders who will soon be pedaling past our section of Highway 71. These are a few of the club's "community service crew."
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Foundation Update |
New Member Induction |
More Paul Harris Fellows |
Here We Grow Again
Welcome to Rotary!
Another new member has joined the La Grange Rotary Club. |
Golden 102-Percent AwardsJim Ayres and Randy Albers show off the Golden 2% Milk Awards they were presented Feb. 13 for giving "a hundred and 2%" at the Pancake Supper. Other "special awards" recipients were just too worn out by all their work Thursday night to make it to the club meeting.
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Syrup Above Self
Or was it Sausage Above Self? Either way, the 2013 Rotary Pancake Supper was another huge success, with great turnout of Rotarians for various jobs. We served more than 1,200 plates in Hermes Cafeteria, not counting the ones sent to nursing homes, Meals on Wheels, etc. Take look at the "Photo Albums" section on this page (lower right side) and see some Rotarians in Action.
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Support for Polio Plus
Past District Governor Suresh Pahwa, right, brought special recognition from Rotary International to the La Grange Rotary Club Wednesday for its participation in the drive to eliminate polio throughout the world. Rotary initiated the eradication campaign and has poured more than $1 billion into it since 1979. Today, only three nations in the world, Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria, still have the wild polio virus. In the past two years, the La Grange Rotary Club raised over $11,000 for the polio effort alone. Accepting the citation is this year's club president,
 Chuck Mazac.
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More pictures |
LED Lights for San Marcos, Belize
San Marcos is a beautiful lush forested area in the Spanish Lookout of Belize. They are however remote and have no access to the electrical grid. The Rotary Club of La Grange, Texas is furnishing solar LED household lamps for each family in San Marcos. This will move the village 150 years into the future in lighting.
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Our newest memberWe welcome into our club Sarah Bertsch, manager of the Fayetteville Bank branch in La Grange. Sarah is pictured with President Chuck Mazac, President-Elect Denise McBride and sponsor Jim Ayres.
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Saturday Trash Picker-Uppers
What a turnout! Our illustrious pres and the first lady led the troops to a terrific success of litter removal Saturday morning. Carla is keeping us busy! Way to go, everyone!
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Longest Running Fundraiser?The La Grange Rotary Pancake Supper has been going on for more than half a century. In fact, it may be the oldest Rotary fundraising event in our entire district. The Pancake Supper goes back at least to 1959. An article in the Fayette County Record in October of 1959 says the tickets were $1 for adults, 50 cents for students, and kids second grade and below were free. The profits were used to pay off Rotary's share of the swimming pool -- whatever that means! Plans are already being made for the 2013 version of the Pancake Supper. Let's make it the best yet.
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Travis Sheffield funeralWesley Keng, president of the Giddings Rotary Club, has sent us the following message:
It is with great sadness that I write to you today. I just heard that Travis Sheffield passed away this morning at the rehab facility he was at in Lulling. I will update you with details concerning services as soon as I have them. Please pray for Ella during this difficult time.
Later details are: Travis Sheffield's funeral will be at Oak Hill Cemetery in Smithville, Texas on Friday October 19, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. It will be a graveside service. If anyone wants to try and car pool to the service, please let me know and I will try to set something up. If you would like to do something, Travis' family asks in lieu of flowers to please make a donation to the Rotary Foundation in his name.
Travis was a member of the Giddings club and a former member of the Smithville-Bastrop County club. He also was a former Assistant Governor for our La Grange club. Some of you will remember that Travis and Ella were at our hamburger party at John Wied's home. -- Larry Jackson
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Welcome to our new website!Welcome to the Rotary Club |
The Rotary Club of La Grange earned two recognition banners from Rotary International for the local clubs support of The Rotary Foundation in 2016-17. JoAnn Ayres, club president that year, was presented them on Dec. 13, 2017, by Rich Kaye, Rotary district foundation chair. The "100% Giving" banner was for every club member contributing last year to The Rotary Foundation; the larger "Every Rotarian Every Year" banner recognized that every club member's contribution was $100 or more. During the past 100 years, the foundation has spent over $3 billion on humanitarian projects around the world.
