Mark Nicholas and Michael Canon were recognized at our August 29^th meeting for their contributions to the Rotary Foundation. Mark received his first Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) pin for his support of the Foundation. Like his father “Nick” Nicholas, Mark believes in the humanitarian and educational programs carried out by the Rotary Foundation on a global scale. Michael Canon, Jr. received his PHF+2 pin for his contributions to the Foundation. Michael has been a regular contributor to the Foundation since joining Rotary. Michael’s father, Mike, is also a Paul Harris Fellow and member of the Midland West Rotary Club. For both men, giving to the Foundation has become a family affair.

 

The Rotary Club of Midland West presented a check in the amount of $3,000 to Christmas In Action. The organization was started in 1972 by Rotarian Bobby Trimble to repair homes of low-income elderly and disabled homeowners. Since its inception, Christmas in Action has repaired over 11,000 Midland homes with the help of volunteers. Christmas In Action has become an annual service project Midland West Rotary Club led by Jim Morris. Each April, Rotarians join forces with other volunteer groups to rehabilitate the home needing more significant repairs. The houses we take on are weeklong projects that often involve replacing shingles, siding, and windows. We are proud to support and continue the mission started as a simple way to help our neighbors.

 

Rotary International’s focus for August is Membership & New Club Development. With the strength of 1.4 million members, there is nothing that Rotary can’t do. Rotarians all around the globe are working together to solve some of the world’s biggest problems – fighting disease; providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene; saving mothers and children; supporting education; growing local economies; protecting the environment; and promoting peace. Members can join Rotary Action Groups that tackle problems on a larger scale than what local clubs are capable of. Not only do Rotarians improve the community – they improve themselves. Rotary offers a network for members to enhance their own skills and interests through Rotary Fellowships and the Rotary Learning Center. With Rotary, you can find your passion and do what you can’t.

 

Midland West Rotarians are helping with the Disciple Food Pantry at First Christian Church in Midland.

 

The Disciple Food Pantry serves over 159 families and more than 650 individuals and is an Outreach for First Christian Church in Midland.  Midland West Rotary has agreed to help preparing for people to receive food.

 

 

The Midland West Rotary Club held its annual Officer Installation Banquet on June 20, 2023 at the Midland Country Club to usher in the new Board of Directors that will take office in July. Before the formal installation, Club President Paul Strouhal gave a review of the 2022-2023 Rotary year. The club ended the year 50 members strong. Club members gave a total of $61,072 to the Rotary Foundation. Many service projects were completed including the donation illustrated dictionaries to dyslexia students of Greenwood ISD, our monthly food pantry assistance at First Christian Church, trash pickup with Keep Midland Beautiful, providing cookies for the Kairos prison ministry, a community outreach effort at the city-wide Easter Egg Hunt, and a supply donation to the Midland Rape Crisis and Children’s Advocacy center. Additionally, the club gave out scholarships to students at Midland College and provided grant funding to the Sibley Nature Center for a new trash trailer, the Basin Dream Center for their mental health fund, and the Midland High School Black Student Union for their students to tour HBCU campuses. Lastly, the club continued its sponsorship of the Interact Clubs at Legacy High School and the Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

 

The club annually recognizes the efforts of Rotarians that have gone above and beyond in service to both Rotary and the community. Harold Howard was presented the Service Above Self award. Jackie Mellen was recognized as Paul Harris Fellow of the Year. Cindy White received the Rotarian of the Year award, in addition to being recognized as a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary District 5730.

 

The club also commemorated three Rotarians that passed away this year: Michael Dobey, Clayton Alexander, and Dr. Gene Spires. Each left an indelible mark on our club.

 

Past District Governor Bonnie Pendleton of Canyon, Texas presided over the officer installation. On July 1^st Tom Jones will take office as Club President, along with a new slate of officers. The new officers are President Elect Andrew Mellen, President Nominee and Vice President Steven Villela, Secretary Jack Campbell, Treasurer Cindy White, Service Project Directors Billy Futrell and Harold Howard, Public Relations Directors Jackie Mellen and Rebecca Linehan, Membership Director Bob Watkins, Rotary Foundation Director Ed Anderson, Club Administration Director Dianne Anderson, and Social Chair Steven Palma.

This week we will not be having our regularly scheduled Tuesday meeting.  Instead, we will be having a combined meeting with the Midland Rotary Club on Wednesday, March 9th.  Both clubs will be meeting together at noon at the Christmas in Action warehouse (500 S. Lee St., Midland, TX 79701).  This will be a great fellowship event and kickoff for our service project in April.