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Outgoing President Brad Beasley "Bonaparte" (ing)
"This is the end
Beautiful friend
This is the end
My only friend, the end
Of our elaborate plans, the end
Of everything that stands, the end
No safety or surprise, the end
I'll never look into your eyes...again" - The Doors
While it is not as loathsome as Jim Morrison put it, it is sad that I will not represent you as your president anymore. I am honored to have served as your president. It has been an interesting and fun year. We had several goals as a board for this year, and I am happy to report that we have met all of our goals and objectives. We implemented a new procedure related to the high school students. We changed our focus to Junior level students and started offering 3 scholarships to the students. It was amazing to hear the essays they wrote. I was most impressed that one of the speeches inspired next year's board to adopt the slogan of "I will do it." The changes to the students and their amazing attendance really changed the dynamic of our meetings. I saw much more interaction with the students, and we got them involved in several of our projects. Next year I hope to see this continue, and with little tweaks, be even better.
Our club met our Rotary goals by receiving the Presidential Citation with distinction, and we were recognized as the non-profit of the month by the Chamber of Commerce. Ok, the last one may have been an inside job, as the current chamber president and the Chamber CEO are both members, but I will take it anyway!! Our Dress the Child events, Hospice Yard Sale, and dictionaries were massive successes, proving that our club can really come together and make these events special. Speaking of special events, we are having our first Rotary Awards DInner on the 21st. We have several awards to give out, and we have a few surprises, also.
I am not very good at writing these columns. It is hard for me to express in words the joy that being president has brought. I hope that, through our fun at meetings and the events, you feel we had a successful year. The new board has some fantastic ideas, and I am sure will exceed the goals that they have set.
It has been a pleasure.
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June 21st – Come Celebrate our Rotary Journey in 2014!
Saturday, June 21st we will be celebrating our year-end with a dinner at St. Clair Winery and Bistro in Mesilla. District Governor Kit Turpen will be attending to help with passing out the awards, the passing of the gavel from Brad to Mike and the induction of your incoming officers and directors for 2014-2015.
The event starts at 6:00 pm and promises to be a great time! There will be a buffet dinner that will include several choices and a cash bar for wine and beer will be available. Rio Grande Rotary club members are already paid via their weekly meal payments. The price for guest is only $28.75 (Loren can bill you).
There is limited seating so RSVPs* ARE A MUST.
This is an event you should not miss! We will be recognizing several of our members so please come to support them and have a good time! Some of the awards are:
- Rotarian of the Year
- The Don Buck Award
- The Service above Self/ Presidential Citation Award Award
- The Quite Rotarian of the Year Award
- The Above and Beyond Award
- The Rising Star Award
- Numerous Rotary Foundation Awards
Come enjoy fellowship with your other club members and see why we are known as “the fun club”!
*RSVP means lets us know whether or not you'll be attending (not just if you are attending). The sooner you let us know the better if will help the planning.
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"A Big Rotary Thanks to Ross
for a new Rotary poem each month
in 2013 - 2014"
by Ross M. Burkhardt
June 1, 2014
Another Rotary year is almost done
For Rio Grande, where we ask, “Is it fun?”
We journeyed through these twelve months easily,
Thanks to our leader, Brad “The Prez” Beasley.
Student Rotarians weekly came for lunch.
Said one, “You older guys are a cool bunch!”
We offered essay contests for middle and high schools;
Each week we reaffirmed the Rotary rules.
We held a Yard Sale where we raised ten grand.
Dress The Child succeeded as we had planned.
Dictionaries went to every third grade kid.
Yes, we were busy, but that’s not all we did.
Weekly speakers delivered good information;
The Blue Marble caused occasional elation.
Happy Dollars brought laughter and applause;
We supported Polio Plus, a worthy cause.
We sent kids up to RYLA to learn and bond.
East Anglia Rotarians came from across the pond.
Club members brought back flags when they did roam,
And every month, a newsletter and Rotary poem.
So, give a hand for all who did their part;
Brad and his board delivered from the heart.
We made a difference with the world and youth,
And as the 4-Way Test says, that’s the truth.
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President Brad accepts the Chamber "Not-For-Profit" award from the Chamber President/CEO, Bill Allen, and Conquistadores.
The Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce presented the Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Club the "Non-Profit of the Month" award for May at the regular meeting on June 10, 2014. Check it out on the Chamber web site:
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Posted by Chris May
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Chub Stuart Peter
Jan Chris Gene
Believe-It-Or -Not: as soon as the 17th annual yard sale was over on May 3rd, our club had requests to pickup items for next year's sale. On Saturday, June 7th, the following Rio Grande Rotarians met to go to 7 different locations to pick up items: Chub "the mover" Foreman, Stuart Young, Ronnie Wright, Jan Wimsatt, Gene Grant, Peter Krebs and Chris May. These members worked from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. in the heat. Thanks to all of them for their "Service Above Self".
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2014 - 2015 President
Mike Beckett
At the regular meeting on March 4, 2014
the following officers for 2014 - 2015 were elected:
President - Mike Beckett
President Elect - Chris May
Secretary - Loren Kuehne
Treasurer - Ronnie Wright
Sgt. at Arms - Scotty Hendricks
Immediate Past President - Brad Beasley
Membership - Chris Erickson
Public Relations - Clint Lanier
Club Administration - Richard Haas
Service Projects - Nikki MacDonald
Rotary Foundation - Pam Lillibridge
New Generations - Kayla Jones
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From previous bulletins. (formerly known as reprints)
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Ken, Vic & Lowell hard at work cooking up special recipes for the pizza at the August 3rd, Pizza & Pool Party at Joni & Lowell's home.
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The annual summer pool and pizza party was held on August 3rd at Joni & Lowell's home in Old Mesilla. About 45 Rotarians and guests attended the party as well as 12 children. Everyone had a good time, the food was great and the weather even cooperated.
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Incoming Youth Exchange Student Arrived on August 10, 2013
Pictured with Paul Villain are (left to right) host mom #2, Marci Beyer, host brother #1, Peter Martin, Paul, host brother #2, Eli, and host father #2 Michael Stout.
Las Cruces (Rio Grande) Rotary Club members greet Paul Villain who is from France. Left to right are; Larry Binkley, Ronnie Wright, first host family members Ken Martin, Peter Martin, Paul, and Mary Martin
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The 2013 - 2014 incoming exchange student arrived at the El Paso International Airport on August 10, 2013 at 8:15 p.m. Paul Villain is from Tourlaville, France, a town of approximately 100,000 residents "and lots of fields" and near the D-Day beaches. He will reside in Las Cruces for the academic year and will be attending Mayfield High School. His father is a long time Rotarian and wine merchant and his mother is a dentist. He came as an exchange student because he wants, "to discover a new and unknown country for me, learn its culture and meet lots of people. I just want to know something different of what I'm living in my country".
His first host family will be Rio Grande Rotarian Ken Martin, Mary and son Peter. Paul attended his first Rotary meeting on August 13th and will be making his opening presentation around the end of September or first of October. Let's give him a big welcome at the reception Sunday, August 18th from 2 to 4 p.m. at the home of Ken and Mary Martin, 535 N. Park Dr. Everyone is invited to attend. Le
Anytime you have a trip or activity that can involve Paul, let Ronnie Wright or Ken Martin know.
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President Brad pictured with Sally Goenaga after presenting her year in Taiwan as the Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Club's exchange student 2012 - 2013. Sally left on August 25th, 2012 and returned on June 23rd 2013. She stayed with 4 host families in Taichung City, Taiwan
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Sally wrote the following about her year:
"From my year abroad I experienced the life of an independent young adult. I also made new friends from all around the world that I will keep for life. I learned many things such as managing money and making difficult decisions on my own.
Taichung is the opposite of Las Cruces. The weather is very humid. The city is very green too. I had to take buses to move around the city. The food is very different. They eat almost every part of the animals. The food and life in Taichung is also cheaper than in Las Cruces, NM. I mostly made foreign friends, as my classmates were too busy to hang out with me after school. But I cherish the time I spent with my classmates, such as staying almost everyday after school for two months to practice for the dance competition. Also when my classmates took me out to try food at the night market, where I tried for the first time pig's ear.
Now (back in Las Cruces, NM) I am attending university at NMSU. I am in the Government Department. There is not much to say about what I am doing now, as I came back and immediately began studying for university. I took a CLEP exam for English, so I could skip the Freshman level English (I passed)."
Sincerely,
Sally Goenaga
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Posted by Ronnie Wright
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This year’s camp was from July 20 through July 26, 2013. Ninety-six high school juniors from all over District 5520 attended camp; eighteen of whom were sponsored by the Las Cruces clubs. On July 19, 2013, RYLA Girl’s Camp Director, Claudia Jeffrey, nine counselors and nine junior counselors arrived at the Manzano Retreat to prepare for the arrival of the campers the following day.
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Counselors bring fans, a card table and chair, an ice chest, craft supplies their bedding and suitcases, extension cords, surge protectors, outdoor chairs, duct tape, alarm clocks and lamps. Each of the nine cabins housed between ten and thirteen campers and two counselors.
The counselors and junior counselors volunteer their time for the week-long camp. It is a rewarding experience for all. Junior counselors are former RYLA campers, who assist the counselors with the daily activities.
The grounds at Manzano Retreat provide cabins, guest houses, a cafeteria, activity room, meeting rooms, a swimming pool and a gymnasium, a lake and lots of open areas. It is truly a beautiful location. Thunder storms are frequent in July. Three outdoor activities had to be moved inside at the last minute because of lightning warnings.
You may be wondering what happens at RYLA camp, and even more surprised at the answers. Each day begins the same. Counselors rise between 5:00 and 5:30 for a 6:30 meeting. Junior counselors wake up the campers at 6:00. The flag ceremony is at 7:00. (After the flag is raised and the Pledge of Allegiance is said, the girls from each cabin perform a yell.) Exercise begins at 7:15, and breakfast is at 7:30.
During the hours of 8:30 until 6:00, activities kept everyone busy. Classes for Public Speaking, Interviews and Resumes, Leadership Skills and Social Media were conducted by various Counselors. Craft projects were also taught by a counselor. High Ropes, Zip Line and Low Ropes were provided by Manzano Retreat trained personnel. Lunch was served at 12:00 every day.
There were also eight speaker presentations; Mark Glenn, Sonny Brown, Dick Jones, Debra Simon, Maria Dominguez, Carl Brown, Sunny Yates and Kit Turpin, District 5520 Governor. Each speaker donated their time to present topics of various subjects.
Several other projects took place throughout the week. Each day ends the same at camp. Each camper is assigned to a committee, which meets at 7:00 each evening. Lights out at 10:00. (On the first night, at least!)
From my experiences as a Counselor in 2010, 2011 and 2013, I can say that I would not have missed this opportunity. Working with people committed to this program provides unity in purpose. Watching the girls begin the week as strangers and finishing the week as true friends is a wonder to behold. Seeing each girl’s confidence, teamwork and leadership skills grow a bit each day; knowing each one will take what they have learned about Rotary and the 4-Way Test back to their home and community; and helping them to always go forward and never give up makes RYLA week every July one of my favorite times of the year.
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FIRST HOST FAMILY AND TRIP TO THE CAVERNS
Paul Villain, Ken & Peter Martin at the Carlsbad Caverns National Park
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Recently the LCRGRC Youth Exchange first family took Paul Villain, the French exchange student, to Carlsbad Caverns National Park. Paul was amazed at the enormus caverns and configurations. As the photo shows, they were all prepared for the cool underground, especially coming from the warmth of Las Cruces. Although he has only been here a month he has indicated how much he likes Las Cruces. Host father, Ken Martin reported to the club that Paul had scored his first goal for the Mayfield High JV Soccor Team with a header. To relate to a former music trio; Peter, Paul & Mary (& Ken) are having a good exchange together. On Monday, September 23, Paul was the guest of Dave & Ronnie Wright for the Aggies volleyball game with the Lobos. We won't discuss the outcome, but he enjoyed the volleyball game as well.
Anytime you have an activity to share with an exchange student, Paul is available. It is the goal of the exchange program to give these students many different cultural experiences in our country. Such activities can be arranged through Ken Martin or Ronnie Wright.
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Posted by Richard Haas, Membership Chair
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Membership - Share It With Someone Special
Rotary membership is something very special. Just the name of Rotary evokes images of service to others, ethics beyond reproach, and enduring friendships stretching around the world. I can think of no other service organization that does so much for others, while enriching the lives of its own members. What a truly unique organization - but you already know that because you are a Rotary member. Invite someone to become a member and share that experience.
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Posted by Mike Beckett
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THE UNEXPECTED GIFT OF ROTARY
More than 10 years ago, a dear friend of mine, Federal District Judge Karen Molzen, suggested I join the Rotary Club. Being younger and impressionable, I was honored to be asked. After going through the usual protocol, I was inducted, with Karen as my sponsor.
As the years have passed, I have recited countless 4-way tests and been witness to the worldwide community of individuals putting Service Above Self. These acts of goodwill carried out using the 4-way test as a basis, give one a sense of belonging to a greater humanity that is not governed by politics or religion. Participation in the projects your club chooses, brings not only purpose, but the knowledge that you are making your corner of the world better than you found it.
Someone deciding to bring me into the Rotary family gave me a very precious gift, one that has certainly enriched my life and the life of others through the projects we do together. I encourage you to find someone to give this gift. Sponsor someone, with the intention of enriching their life.
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Posted by Larry Binkley
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Who said it doesn't snow in Las Cruces?
Ski slopes in 2020?
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Posted by Larry Binkley
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Total raised from the dinner and auction: $16,339.76
(Great start for the 2014 Dress The Child project!)
Ken Martin and Paul wait outside the fitting room for their Dress The Child shopper to try on clothing at Kohl's shopping night. |
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The Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Club participated in 5 shopping events for 2013 "Dress The Child" project. On December 8, 2013 a shopping event was held at Kohl's. More than 530 children were dressed this year. Rotarians and family members seen at the shopping event were: Don Buck, Jan Wimsatt, David Hicks was out of town but sent his wife, Susan, and daughter, Peter & Lia Krebs, Nikki MacDonald, Matt & Patty Olson, Ken Martin and Paul Villain, Dave & Ronnie Wright, Chub & Carol Foreman, Chris Erickson, Richard Williams with daughter and son, Faith Lester, Gerardo Valencia, Larry & Joanna Binkley.
The final dressing event was held on Wednesday, December 11, at Kohl's. This extra date was made possible with Kohl's incentives which amounted to more than 45 additional children receiving clothes. LCRGRC members showing up for this event: Joni, Richard Haas, Janet Honek & Stuart Young (red ribbon members), Kayla Jones, Peter & Lia Krebs, Ken & Patricia Shaw, Laura Smart, Kate Theisen, Ronnie & Dave Wright, Will Burke, Jan Wimsatt, Wendy Beserra, Larry & Joanna Binkley and Tom "Chester" Mackin. (Glad to see Tom back in action.)
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Posted by Chris May
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Dress The Child Dinner & Silent Auction
Ninety two Roatarians and their guests arrived at the Las Cruces Convention Center on Friday, December 14th for an evening of camaraderie and fun, but most importantly to raise money for Dress A Child. All types of silent auction items were brought by the Rotarians including bottles of fine wine, a number of pieces of artwork, beautfully decorated wreaths, Christmas trees, and even gifts for the family pet.
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Goose (left) & Maverick (right)
Master auctioneers Vic Villalobos and Ken Binkley parachutted (prop only) in to start the program as Maverick (Vic) and Goose (Ken) as Navy Aviators from the movie "Top Gun". They then held the live auction which included fantastic items such as a glider ride with Peter Krebs, beautiful earrings and a necklace from Keith Austin, a night of wine tasting for 10 people offered by Laura Smart, a weekend in Matt Holt's cabin in Cloudcroft complete with ATVs, Aggies basketball tickets for the remainder of the season donated by Richard Coltharp, tickets to 2 great shows at the Spencer Theater donated by Bob Skolnick and 2 one-night stays at Hotel Encanto donated by Cris Cruz. However - the Rotarians wanted more children to be dressed in 2014 so Eddie Binns obliged and offered to auction having a street in one of his developments named after the winning bidder. Loren Kuehne suggested that everyone pitch in and the street could be named after Rotary - a suggestion that was met with great enthusiasm. Yet still the Rotarians wanted to raise even more money so once again Eddie Binns obliged by offering a stay at his beautiful cabin. A TOTAL $16,339+ WAS RAISED WHICH WILL GO TO DRESS 163 CHILDREN of the 500+ WHO WILL RECEIVE CLOTHING!
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India's Three-Year Polio-Free Anniversary
India marks three years without a case of wild polio on Januyary 13, 2014, a landmark achievement for global public health and the worldwide effort to eradicate polio. Experts once considered India the most technically difficult place to end polio. As recently as 2009, India was home to nearly half the world's polio cases. High population density, migrant populations and poor sanitation presented exceptional challenges to eliminating the disease.
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Rotary International as a part of more than 2.3 million vaccinators
deployed during national immunization days. LCRGRC pardticipates in
the End Polio campaign and Laura Smart went to India as one of the
vaccinators.
While India's anniversary is a significant milestone and proof of what is possible, recent outbreaks in the Middle East and the Horn of Africa - both linked to virus from endemic countries - are proof that as long as polio exists anywhere, it is a threat everywhere.
Ending polio is a critical step toward improving the lives of the world's most vulnerable children.
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Posted by Brian Parks
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Nikki MacDonald receiving a
Paul Harris Fellow award from
Brian Parks, Foundation Director
The following members were awarded Paul Harris Fellows (PHF) on February 25, 2014:
Janet Honek (new member) 1st PHF
Dan Howard (new member) 1st PHF
Ken Martin 1st PHF
Brian Parks 1st PHF
Larry Binkley PHF +1
Nikki MacDonald PHF +1
Brad Beasley PHF +3
Robert Francis PHF +3
Joni Gutierrez PHF +3
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Posted by Laura Smart
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Pictured above: Laura Smart and President Brad Beasley
modeling the "Backpack Beds" donated to the Gospel Rescue Mission.
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Your Rotary dollars at work!
In 1992 Tony Clark from Australia was a Rotary Youth Exchange student. After he graduated from college, became an IT entrepreneur, and married Lisa, Tony became a Rotarian. Tony was inspired to start the nonprofit , Swags for Homeless , in 2007 when he saw so many homeless people in Australia turned away from shelters. Tony's design of the Backpack Bed has won four global product design awards.
Over 100 of Tony's beds were sent to New Jersey & New York to aid those displaced by Hurricane Sandy. District 7500 (New Jersey) aided in the first U.S. distribution of the Backpack Beds. 60 beds were also donated to Chicago, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles.
After communicating with Tony via e-mail & phone, I proposed the service project of donating backpack beds to the Gospel Rescue Mission to our Rio Grande board members in November, 2013.
On February 25th, it was with great pleasure that our club presented 4 Backpack Beds to Bob Jeska, director of the Gospel Rescue Mission. He will give each backpack bed to a homeless person who will complete a survey which must be returned to Swags for Homeless.
Thank you to the board for approving the funds allocated to this project. Essentially, all 70 plus members participated in providing a warm bed for 4 homeless people in Las Cruces, NM!
"Service Above Self"
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Posted by Larry Binkley
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Who Dat?
"Who Dat?" - April
Jan Wimsatt
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"Who Dat?" - February
Terry Moss
"Who Dat?" March
Keith Austin
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The Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Club is fortunate to have several "Family Ties" in their membership. During the past several months, we have recognized the following: Matt and Kathy Olson (son & mother), Mike and Brandon Beckett (father & son), Larry and Ken Binkley (father & son), and the February Sweethearts (husband and wife) Loren & Nancy Kuehne, Bill & Stacie Allen, Saf & Judy Canja.
Mike (newest member) and Eddie (charter member) Binns
are also the newest "Family Ties" as father & son.
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| Larry & Ken Brandon & Mike Matt & Kathy |
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Posted by Gene Gant
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LCRGRC Dictionary Day
Gene Gant - Reporting on Dictionary Day
April 15, 2014
Gene & Mike sorting
dictionaries for "Dictionary Day"
The Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotary Club is preparing for the 8th Annual Rotary Dictionary Day in the Las Cruces Public Schools. Approximately 55 members of the club gather each year, for the past 8 years, and have delivered over 16,000 dictionaries to all 3rd graders in the district. The number of elementary schools receiving the dictionaries have ranged from 23 – 25, annually. This project is a part of the Rotary International Literacy Program.
This year Rotary Dictionary Day will be held on April 15. The members will meet on Tuesday, their regular meeting day, at noon and, after a quick lunch, will head out to the schools. As teams of Rotarians deliver the dictionaries to the students, Rotarians will present the Rotary 4-Way Test to the 3rd graders The Rotary 4 Way Test is our ethical guide to the way we "think, say and do." A label is placed in the inside cover of each dictionary reminding students of the Rotary 4-Way test.
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Las Cruces Rio Grande Rotarians turned out on
April 15, 2014 to pass out dictionaries to all the
3rd graders in the Las Cruces Public Schools.
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Rotarian Shoots Dad (April 1, 2014)
On March 19th, Brandon Beckett caught his dad, Mike Beckett, rummaging through the dictionaries that are headed to all 3rd graders on Dictionary Day (April 15). He immediately took out his digital camera and snapped off some shots. Mike saw what was happening, and knew that he had been caught, and started smiling. The story ended with both laughing and going back to work at the COAS Bookstore. Rotarians Gene Gant and Larry Binkley witnessed the photo shoot.
Not even an April Fool’s joke, just a bad headline!
We want to thank Brandon for “shooting” many of the shots for our website and bulletin.
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Posted by Chris
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The Annual Yard Sale benefiting Mesilla
Valley Hospice was held on May 3, 2014.
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Posted by Larry Binkley
on Nov 12, 2013
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One of the, if not the largest class of new members inducted at a single meeting, November 12, 2013.
And, no longer "Red Ribbon" members since other new members have been inducted since November.
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If you can't make it to Australia or Dubai, try a make-up on line.
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Posted by Diane Indorf
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Rotary Friendship Exchange District 1080 England
What a wonderful time our ten Rotary Friendship Exchange visitors from District 1080 in East Central England enjoyed in Las Cruces! Anyone who had a chance to chat with them knows they were a lively and interesting group who thoroughly loves traveling, adventures and new experiences.
Many thanks to Joni Gutierrez and Lowell Catlett for arranging an amazing day of departmental tours at NMSU and the Dona Ana County Sheriff’s Department tour. Our British guests had a rare opportunity to learn many new things happening on campus – from cotton-fed shrimp in the desert at the Research Center, to “Math Snacks” in The Learning Lab, to rumen monitored cows and baby lambs at the Livestock Barns, to tailless scorpions and giant centipedes at the Arthropod Museum, to the Scoville scale at the Chile Pepper Institute, to wine appreciation at the Bobby Lee Lawrence Wine Academy and finally to Pat Garrett’s artifacts at the Law Enforcement Museum!
We appreciate all the host families from our club; Ken & Mary Martin hosting Ivan & Jean Chubbock, Loren & Nancy Kuehn hosting Martin Anscombe & Helen Glibbery, Rob & Terry Sheldon hosting Archie Poulter, Joni Gutierrez & Lowell Catlett hosting John & Angela Raven - and from the Las Cruces Club; Jim & Jackie Maxon hosting Richard & Maggie Mayer and Mary Ellen & Franklin McKay hosting Robert Lovick.
Diane & Wayne Indorf and Rob Sheldon transported our guests from Van Horn, TX and chauffeured them throughout their visit, finally delivering them to the El Paso International Airport.
On the last evening of their visit, over 40 Rotarians and spouses met at the Double Eagle to celebrate a fine New Mexico “Adios” sendoff for our new friends!
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This year the LCRGRC hosted approximately 50 juniors from area high schools. Being selected by local coordinators in the high schools, these students were eligible to submit an essay and compete for three different scholarships; $1000, $750, and $500. The winners and their essays are posted later in this bulletin. Do you remember some of the students who attended?
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Pictured left to right: Elena Davidson, President Brad Beasley, John Curnutt and Tiffany Liaw.
1st Place - $1,000 Scholarship - Elena Davidson, Las Cruces High
Elena is in the National Honor Society with a GPA of 4.03 and ranked 7th in her class of 366 students. She was a Student Rotarian for the month of October 2013. She is very involved in school and community activities. Her goals include post graduate degrees in either Computer Science or Public Policy.
2nd Place - $750 Scholarship - Tiffany Liaw, Las Cruces High
Tiffany is in the National Honor Society with a GPA of 4.2. She is active at her school and in her community. She was a Student Rotarian for the month of March 2014. She has received several academic achievement awards and NM State qualifier for the Las Cruces Aquatic Team and current team manager of the LCHS swim team.
3rd Place - $500 Scholarship - John Curnutt, Onate High
John is in the National Honor Society and is involved in the the NJROTC (Navy Junior Officer Training Corps) and the Boy Scouts of America as an Eagle Scout.
The winners and their essays are shown under the "Read More" tab:
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No. 5 Elena Davidson
"I Will Do It"
“This is not a time for us to say, ‘Somebody ought to do that.’ Our words must be, ‘We
will do it,’” stated an article in the July 1961 issue of The Rotarian magazine. Although it was
published over 50 years ago, this profound quote accurately sums up what I gained from
attending the weekly meetings of the Rio Grande Rotary Club. Last fall I was invited to spend
one month of my Tuesday lunches with local business leaders and witness community
leadership in action as I watched the Rotarians conduct their club meetings. Attending the
Rotary Club meetings not only furthered my knowledge about effective leadership, but the club
also helped to motivate me to be the one who stands up and says “I will do it.”
In high school many students are so focused on deciding on colleges and majors that
they often forget to think about what they will do once they have walked the stage of whatever
university they chose and have their various diplomas in their hands. I admit that I fell into this
category before I was selected to serve as a Student Rotarian from my high school. I was so
preoccupied with selecting my dream college and choosing a degree plan that I rarely thought
about what I would even do with that degree from that college. Rotary made me realize there
will be a day where what I do with my college education will matter more than where I got it
from or what field it is in.
While attending the weekly Rotary Club meetings I met with engineers, professors,
business owners, writers, attorneys, accountants, local politicians, realtors, and other
professionals in my community who come together to better the world they live in. The
Rotarians I met attended different universities and majored in different fields but they all had
something in common— their desire to help their local and global communities. I learned that
the Rotary organization is the reason why polio is nearly nonexistent across the globe. I learned
that the Rio Grande Rotary Club is responsible for providing nearly 500 poverty stricken
children with clothing through the annual “Dress the Child” event. It was so impactful and
motivating to see all of these local leaders join together to help others in their own community
and all over the world. Rotary taught me that no matter where I attend college or what I study,
I have the power to impact this world in a positive way.
Someday soon I will choose what college I will attend. Someday I will choose what field I
will study. And someday, not long after that, I will walk across the stage at the university, that I
chose, with the degree, that I chose. After all those “somedays” I will be faced with the biggest
choice yet— How am I going to be the one who stands up and says “I will do it.”
_________________________________________________________________________
No 9 - Tiffany Liaw
Rotary: Fun Adventures of Servicing
Every Tuesday at the Convention Center, one can hear Rotarians attest to the Four Way
Test, "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" and as an unique twist to the Rio Grande chapter, "IS IT
FUN!"
What is rotary exactly? Is it an organization in which "old" people mingle and chat about
their daily lives? Is it an organization that brings together leaders from the community to provide
service? The answer to these questions is yes. Rotary is an international organization with
prominent men and women who work tirelessly to tackle issues in the community. I have had the
incredible opportunity to meet these Rotarians, and during my time with them, I have learned
important lessons about service, leadership skills and fun.
When I was a third-grader, I received a dictionary from an Eagle Scout at an assembly. I
have always been an avid reader, so I was ecstatic to have a personal dictionary that I could bring
anywhere. I still have that yellow, ragged dictionary to this day. So whenever a man would ask
for volunteers at the meetings to go to elementary schools to donate dictionaries, I would become
nostalgic for the joy of possessing that dictionary and realize that the service Rotary performs for
the community has a major impact: an impact that would last forever, like the delight of
receiving that dictionary.
Every meeting, there would be a guest speaker. Although each speaker would discuss
completely different subjects like World Health Organization goals or edible pesticides, the
speaker would display leadership skills. The energetic man explaining taxes, for example, told
the club that he was fortunate to have the opportunity to practice his speaking skills because he
was planning to run for election. Throughout his presentation, he appeared nervous, but he
gained the experience of speaking in front of a crowd, and he can use that experience for his
future goals. By observing the guest speakers, I learned that possessing leadership skills is not
always an innate ability, but can always be gained through experiences like speaking in front of
Rotary.
Although Rotary is a professional organization that provides service, the Rio Grande
chapter assures that every meeting is a fun experience. One of the fun activities I witnessed was
the donation of "happy dollars." I remembered a man giving a happy dollar for retiring, and he
then proceeded to stick his tongue out. With the Rotarians enjoying their time together, I realized
that fun will always bring everyone together despite the seriousness of the organization.
In the future, I plan to use all of these lessons to help me become a respectful person.
Most of all, I will always remember the laughter and joy that Rotary has brought me during those
meetings. The memory that will stick to me like the memory of owning that dictionary will be
the expression, "IS IT FUN!"
_____________________________________________________________________
No 2 - John Curnutt
"Service which is rendered without joy helps neither the servant nor the served; but all other
pleasures and possessions pale into nothingness before service which is rendered in a spirit of
joy."
Mahatma Gandhi's words of wisdom, illustrating how one can easily find joy in
providing service to others, were lived out during my few weeks with the Rotarians. Members
cheerfully associated with one other student and me; they happily contributed time and money
for the benefit of our community. The representatives I met were happy to share their
experiences, both large and small for the benefit of all. These experiences included major life
events, histories, and daily activities for which I might have an interest. I was impressed that in
addition to the group's four-way test, the fifth was "Is it FUN?"
I greatly appreciate that the Rotarians I met were interested in how they could help me in
my own career path and were willing to share experiences and wisdom that might help me as I
try to plan my future. Each week they put a plan in motion to help some facet of the community,
and they consistently reported on the progress or completion of previous projects. I was amazed
that these included both large and small scale projects.
I believe that everyone has a fundamental choice to make at some time in life--and
perhaps we need to make that choice again and again. That choice is whether to be self-serving
or selfless. By participating actively in my church, Boy Scouts of America (BSA), Reserve
Officers' Training Corps (ROTC), Students against Destructive Decisions (SADD) and the
National Honor Society, I hope that I have already made the choice to focus my life on serving
others, as I know that participation in these groups has already brought me much happiness.
Someday I would love to mentor youth and help contribute to the success of community
events and business. I would consider it an honor to be associated with such a large group of
joyful, service-oriented individuals, and I look forward to being able to bring happiness to others
and myself by serving alongside the Rotarians.
__________________________________________________
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| Pres. Brad Before |
After
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| Paul Villain On Arrival - August |
At the Prom - May
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| Pres. Elect Mike Beckett - Before |
After (Wait until the end of next year!) |
Thanks to Pres. Brad and all LCRGRC members for a great year!
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