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A little time volunteering can make a big difference this Thanksgiving!

Join us on Monday, November 9, as volunteers help prepare Thanksgiving grocery bags for families served by the East Spring Branch Food Pantry (ESBFP) through its Meal in a Bag project.

The food pantry plans to serve 950 families, including families from 20 Spring Branch schools selected by school counselors and others throughout our community.

Volunteer Details

  • When: Monday, November 9, 2026
  • Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
  • Where: H-E-B Bunker Hill, 9710 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77055 (Customer Service Desk area, front of store)

Ready to lend a hand? Please RSVP to MaryAnn by texting 281-235-9709 or emailing m.sterrett2@att.net.

Let's come together to help our neighbors celebrate Thanksgiving and share the spirit of Service Above Self!


 

What a wonderful day of fellowship, teamwork, and service! On Saturday, October 10, three Rotary clubs from District 5890 came together for the Ride to End Polio Now, bringing motorcyclists, Rotarians, and community supporters together for a meaningful cause.

Thanks to the generosity of riders, donors, sponsors, and supporters, the event raised over $30,000 for Rotary's PolioPlus initiative, helping advance our shared mission of ending polio worldwide.

A heartfelt thank-you to the Blue Knights, our fellow Rotary clubs, and everyone who helped make this event such a success.

Together, we're riding toward a polio-free world!


 

We are honored to be featured in a Spring Branch ISD article published October 3, recognizing Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary's commitment to helping students pursue their dreams.

Since 1969, our club has awarded more than $1.2 million in scholarships to SBISD graduates, helping generations of students pursue higher education.

The article shares inspiring stories from scholarship recipients and highlights the generosity and dedication of Rotarians, supporters, and our annual Rolex for Scholarships fundraiser.

Our sincere thanks to Spring Branch ISD for sharing these stories and celebrating the difference our community can make together!

Read the full Spring Branch ISD article


 

MSB Rotarians and guests gathered at Liberty Kitchen for another enjoyable evening of Rotary After Dark.

It was a wonderful opportunity to bid farewell to summer and welcome fall. Here's to more great evenings of Rotary fellowship!


 

What a joy to see the children at Nabor House enjoying the tricycles assembled by our Stratford High School Interactors! A wonderful reminder that even a simple service project can bring happiness to others. 🚲


 

How can Rotary clubs grow membership, keep members engaged, and maintain momentum as leadership changes?

MSB Rotary welcomed Jared Polak, founder of EntreAdmin and EntreResults, who shared a business strategist's perspective on these challenges.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience helping businesses operate more effectively, Jared explored how stronger systems, shared responsibilities, and thoughtful planning could help Rotary clubs strengthen membership and sustain their impact.

And speaking of membership growth! We were delighted to welcome Kris Sherman, previously of the Rotary Club of Edinburg, as our newest member, and Peter Oriyomi, who is beginning his Red Badge journey. It was also wonderful to have visiting Rotarians and guests join us for fellowship.

Thank you, Jared, for sharing your insights and encouraging us to think differently about building a stronger Rotary Club. A warm welcome to Kris, Peter, and all who joined us!


 

Support a Rider. Help End Polio.

Scan the QR code or <CLICK HERE> to support a Motorcycle Ride participant.

Register your contribution, then donate securely through My Rotary to the PolioPlus Fund.

Every contribution brings Rotary closer to our goal of wiping polio off the planet.



Want to Join the Ride?

Join Rotarians, Rotaractors, the International Fellowship of Motorcycling Rotarians, friends, and family for this year’s Motorcycle “Ride to End Polio Now.”

Saturday, October 10, 2026
Meet at Buc-ee’s in Baytown at 9:30 AM
Kickstands up at 10:00 AM

We’ll ride the back roads to Mama Jack’s in Kountze for lunch and fellowship before heading back.  

 

Video credit:

Just one day after joining Interactors from across District 5890 at Saturday’s Interact Roundup, members of our newly formed Stratford High School Interact Club put Service Above Self into action with their first service project—assembling 20 tricycles for Nabor House.

Working alongside Rotarians, the students completed all 20 tricycles—including quality checks and cleanup—in under 45 minutes!

A special thank you to Rotarians Natalie Lerner and Jorge Quiñones and the Outreach Center of West Houston for graciously opening the Center for our project.

Twenty tricycles, one great team, and quite a first Rotary weekend for Stratford Interact! The students even went home with a surprise choice of Chick-fil-A or Starbucks gift cards.



 

More than 125 Interact students came together on a Saturday morning for the District 5890 Interact Roundup, connecting young leaders from more than 70 Interact clubs as they prepared for another year of Service Above Self.

Featured speakers included PDG Chris Schneider, Chief of Club Experience Scotty Jung, RYLA Chair Paola Cervantes, and others who shared leadership lessons and opportunities for the year ahead. Students also enjoyed team-building activities, including the always-fun Human Knot.

MSB Rotary was especially proud to see 23 Interactors from Westchester Academy and newly formed Stratford High School participate, with two of District 5890’s seven Interact Officers from Westchester! And as a little surprise and thank-you, our Westchester and Stratford Interactors went home with Chick-fil-A gift cards for spending their Saturday morning with Rotary.

It was a great morning of leadership, friendship, fun, and young people coming together to serve.

 

 

MSB Rotary welcomed Stan Galanski of the Rotary Club of Space Center, Leader of the District 5890 Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, for an important presentation on human trafficking and Rotary’s efforts to combat it in the Greater Houston area.

Stan shared insights into the challenges facing our communities and how Rotary is turning awareness into action through education, prevention, intervention, collaboration, and survivor advocacy. He also discussed the significant Global Grant initiatives undertaken by the Rotary Club of Space Center to expand anti-human trafficking efforts throughout the Houston region.

Thank you, Stan, for sharing your knowledge, leadership, and commitment to this critical issue with our Club.


 

MSB Rotarians recently visited Bunker Hill Elementary School for our annual Dictionary Project, presenting brand-new dictionaries to third-grade students.

More than simply a reference book, a dictionary is a tool students can use throughout their educational journey—and for some, it may be the first book they can truly call their own.

We thank Bunker Hill Elementary and Spring Branch ISD for welcoming us and our Rotarians who helped continue this wonderful tradition of putting the gift of words directly into the hands of young students.

Service Above Self.


 

MSB Rotary enjoyed hearing from our own Will Ullrich, who shared his experience and knowledge of mineral rights in Texas. It was a fascinating opportunity for members and guests to learn more about a part of Texas property ownership and the energy industry that many of us rarely encounter firsthand. Thank you, Will, for sharing your knowledge and experiences with our Club!


 

MSB Rotary joined the Bellaire-Southwest and Sharpstown Rotary Clubs for a special Multi-Club Collaborative Meeting at Braeburn Country Club with District Governor Camille Hamilton.

It was a wonderful opportunity to hear from our District Governor, strengthen friendships among neighboring clubs, and celebrate the fellowship and collaboration that bring Rotary together.

Thank you to Governor Camille and our fellow Rotarians!


 

MSB Rotarians and guests gathered at Churrascos for a wonderful Rotary After Dark. It was a chance to unwind, catch up with friends, and get to know one another better over dinner. Sometimes the simplest Rotary gatherings remind us just how important fellowship and friendship are to the Rotary experience. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make it such an enjoyable evening!


 

We extend our sincere thanks to Judge Sonya Heath and Judge Angela Lancelin for joining MSB Rotary and providing an insightful look into the family court system in Texas.

Judge Heath, who presides over Harris County’s 310th Family District Court, and Judge Lancelin, who presides over the 245th Family District Court, shared their experiences from the bench and discussed courtroom procedures, technology, and the important human side of family court.

We were also honored to welcome Past District Governor Kelchner, who recognized MSB Rotary with the Club Excellence Award for the recently completed Rotary year under Past President Genevieve Rowland’s leadership. The Club Excellence Award recognizes Rotary clubs that achieve important goals, strengthening their club, service, engagement, and impact.

Congratulations to Genevieve and our entire club on this wonderful recognition, and thank you to PDG Kelchner for joining us to present the honor.

We are grateful to Judges Heath and Lancelin, PDG Kelchner, and everyone who joined us for a memorable Rotary gathering.


 

MSB Rotary Club members were proud to once again support the Spring Branch Family Development Center’s (SBFDC) Back-to-School Vaccination & School Supply Drive, joining volunteers and community partners to help local children start the school year healthy and prepared.

Rotarians helped welcome families, support the vaccination process, and distribute school supplies. We thank SBFDC, Harris County Public Health, National Charity League – Bayou Villages, and the many volunteers who made the day possible.

We also appreciate the community partners supporting this annual effort, including the Office of Commissioner Lesley Briones, Precinct 4; Spring Branch Management District; Spring Branch Community Health Center; Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Houston; Spring Branch Boys & Girls Club; Spring Branch ISD; and Houston City Council Member Amy Peck.

It was a wonderful opportunity to serve alongside our neighbors and help local children begin the school year ready to learn.

Service Above Self.



 

Thank you to Robbie Perrine, Executive Director of Two Lives Changed, for joining us today and sharing the important work her organization is doing to support and empower young mothers and their families. Robbie shared three inspiring success stories that showed the real impact this work is having in our community.

Two Lives Changed meets at the Outreach Center of West Houston, led by Executive Director and fellow MSB Rotarian Jorge Quinones. We were also pleased to have Natalie Lerner, the Outreach Center’s Director of Communications & Events and Past President of Sugar Land Rotary, with us today. It was wonderful to see Rotary connections supporting organizations that are making a difference in our community.

We were also proud to officially recognize Arch Klumph Society Mads Engelstoft as a new member of Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary, presenting him with his 4-Way Test plaque. Welcome to the MSB Rotary family, Mads!

It was also a pleasure to welcome fellow Rotarians to our meeting. Our sincere thanks to Arch Klumph Society member Abbie Engelstoft of Brazos River Rotary, Past President Sandy Liu of Houston Galleria Rotary, and President Scotty Jung of Katy Rotary for visiting us.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for a great afternoon of fellowship, service, and community.


 

Our annual Back-to-School Vaccination & School Supply Drive is just one week away! We invite you to join fellow Rotarians and community partners as we help local students begin the school year healthy, prepared, and ready to learn.

Whether you can serve during the morning or afternoon shift, your time will make a meaningful difference for families in our community.

Please see the attached flyers for volunteer information, event details, and family registration requirements. If you're able to volunteer, please contact Chuck Monteith at 713-540-3139.

Thank you for continuing to live Service Above Self. We hope to see you there!



 

Memorial Spring Branch Rotary members enjoyed an evening of fellowship and networking at the District 5890 Multi-Club Social at Los Tios on San Felipe. The event brought together Rotarians from clubs across the district to strengthen friendships, share ideas, and build new connections. It was a wonderful evening celebrating the fellowship and camaraderie that make Rotary so special.


 

Club members gained valuable insight into the world of business valuation through an engaging presentation by David Lopez, Principal of M1 Valuation. Drawing on more than 20 years of experience, David explained the key factors that determine a company's value and why business valuation is important not only for selling a business, but also for strategic planning, succession, financing, and long-term growth. Having completed more than 200 business valuations totaling over $5 billion, David shared practical perspectives from his career with Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and M1 Valuation. His presentation provided members with a greater appreciation of the financial and strategic considerations behind building and preserving business value.

The club was also honored to welcome Arch Klumph Society member Mads Engelstoft as the newest Memorial Spring Branch Rotary Club Rotarian. In addition, new members Lisa Reyna and Teresa Lansink were presented with their Rotary pins and Four-Way Test plaques. We extend our sincere thanks to fellow Arch Klumph Society member Abbie Engelstoft of Brazos River Rotary, Past President Sandy Liu of Houston Galleria Rotary, and first-time guest Faisal Poonawala for visiting our club and sharing in the fellowship.

This meeting also marked our final gathering at Guadalajara Hacienda. We extend our heartfelt thanks to the restaurant and its staff for their years of graciously hosting the Memorial Spring Branch Rotary Club. Beginning with our next meeting on August 7, the club will meet in the private dining room at Saltgrass Steak House, 8943 Katy Freeway, where we look forward to continuing our fellowship and service in a new location.


 

Club Information
Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Fridays at 12:00 p.m.
Saltgrass Steak House
8943 Katy Fwy
Suite 100
Houston, TX 77024
United States of America
Join us every 1st and 3rd Friday at the Saltgrass Steak House restaurant (private room behind the bar). All are welcome! Please check the Speakers section for the actual meeting dates. 11:45 AM — Networking & Fellowship; 12:15–1:00 PM — Club Meeting
Speakers
MELANIE DUBENDORFF
Oct 16, 2026 12:00 PM
OPERATION TURKEY
PAOLA CERVANTES
Nov 06, 2026 12:00 PM
ROTARY YOUTH LEADERSHIP AWARDS (RYLA)
ASHOK GARG
Nov 20, 2026 12:00 PM
MSB ROTARY CHARITIES, INC. WATCH RAFFLE
WALTER BRANSON
Dec 04, 2026 12:00 PM
GUERRERO EYE CLINIC
CHASE HOOKS
Dec 18, 2026 12:00 PM
HOLIDAY SOCIAL
DIONNE PETERS
Jan 08, 2027 12:00 PM
MID-YEAR CLUB ASSEMBLY
VENU RAO
Feb 05, 2027 12:00 PM
SPRING BRANCH ISD SERVICE FIRST
GENEVIEVE ROWLAND
Feb 19, 2027 12:00 PM
2027 RODEO HOUSTON

October 2026

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Club Executives & Directors
President
Secretary
Treasurer
Club Membership Chair
President Elect
Next Generation Service
Areas of Focus

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Our Interact ROCKS!

Just one day after the Roundup, our newly formed Stratford Interact Club jumped into its first service project—assembling 20 tricycles for Nabor House in under 45 minutes! What a way to start!


 

23 Interactors from WAIS and Stratford High School joined more than 125 students at the 2026 District 5890 Interact Roundup. Even more impressive—two of the District’s seven Interact Officers are from WAIS!


 

At this year’s Interact District Conference, one out of every seven Interactors in attendance was from Westchester Academy for International Studies. We are deeply proud of their strong commitment to Service Above Self—especially on an early Saturday morning. waisinteract



 
The WAIS Interact Club is leading an education-focused service project to support teachers at under-resourced Thornwood Elementary, where educators go above and beyond to inspire their students. We are creating 50 Teacher Give Back Boxes with classroom supplies and welcome contributions via our Amazon Wishlist or other means. Donations requested by February 17.
 
Amazon Wishlist: Wishlist - Amazon.com
 
WAIS Interact officers and members volunteered at the newly opened Kids’ Meals and made over 5,300 meals! 🥪💙 They’re thankful for the opportunity and encourage everyone to take a little time out of their day to volunteer and make a difference. waisinteract
 


 
WAIS Interact members came together and picked up any trash that was in the Japanese Garden and courtyards at Westchester Academy. More than 5 bags were completely filled up. Thank you for all your hard work! waisinteract
 


WAIS Interact members got the chance to plant trees in Downtown Houston with the District Governor and meet other Interactors across the Houston area. Over 600 trees were planted on the Columbia Tap Trail!
 
 
We got to enjoy a great meeting with our lovely Rotary sponsors! Members got to hear about what our sponsors do and even got a slice of yummy pizza!!
 
WAIS Interact Club members packed meals for children in need! Students also learned the reasoning for the items being packed and how it will help provide nutrition to children receiving the meals. Click images to enlarge. waisinteract
 
 
WAIS Interact is collecting gifts and cards/vouchers for gas and groceries. Items are collected by December 16. Gift wrapping and delivery by the Interact teacher and students will be on December 21.
This year's family is a young mom and dad with a 2-year old son. Click here to help-->>Amazon wishlist<<---