Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Community Service Events

Community Service Projects and Community Events April 2026

SERVICE ABOVE SELF
Since 1953, our mission is to make a positive difference in our community
and abroad through collaboration, support, and volunteerism.

Supporting Victims of Sex Trafficking—Amber McCray, StreetGrace

Posted on Apr 17, 2026

A powerful and eye-opening program on sex trafficking reminded us why awareness and action matter.

Sex trafficking remains a serious issue in the Houston area. Our speaker, Amber McCray of StreetGrace, shared how their organization is supporting victims and working to end the sexual exploitation of children—and how we can all be part of the solution.

MSB Rotarians, Dionne Peters and MaryAnn Sterrett-Russell, brought back key insights from the Houston Airports Human Trafficking Awareness Event at the Wortham Theater Center, part of Rotarians Unite Against Child Sex Trafficking.

👏 Congratulations to our new Red Badges—Tim Eng, Maggie Eng, and Vivian Ma!

🤝 Thank you, Amber McCray, and to our visiting guests—Teresa Lansink, Karla Rodriguez, Kayla Tennison, Steve Blair and Deputy Chief Keith Guillory from the Village Fire Department. We hope to see you again soon!

Welcoming Our Newest Members—Tim, Maggie, and Vivian

Posted on Apr 17, 2026

🎉 Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest members—Tim, Maggie, and Vivian!

The Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club is excited to have them begin their journey through the Red Badge program as they step into service, leadership, and community impact.

👏 We’re thrilled to have you with us—welcome to the Rotary family!

Tim Eng Maggie Eng

Vivian Ma

Rotary District 5890 Anti–Human Trafficking Initiative

Posted on Apr 14, 2026

Rotary District 5890 participated in the Houston Airports Human Trafficking Awareness Event at the Wortham Theater Center as part of the broader Rotarians Unite Against Child Sex Trafficking effort.

The program featured a panel moderated by Rhonda Kuykendall—a Rotarian and member of the Texas Human Trafficking Survivor Leader Council—alongside regional leaders including Fort Bend County District Brian Middleton, addressing the scope and complexity of human trafficking in the region.

This collaborative event brought together Houston Airports, Unbound Now, and local Rotary clubs, including the Space Center Rotary Club, which spearheaded a newly approved Global Grant through The Rotary Foundation focused on combating child sex trafficking.

Representing Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary, Dionne Peters and MaryAnn Sterrett-Russell attended to bring back insights and strengthen local awareness within the club.

Bingo Calling at Emerson Pines, April 21 @ 3PM

We invite you to volunteer and help bring joy to the residents of Emerson Pines Senior Community by calling Bingo and spending time together.
Contact Kathy Taylor @ KVT516@comcast.net

District 5890 Conference 2026 in Galveston

The District 5890 Conference 2026 will take place at Moody Gardens in Galveston, April 30–May 3. The event will be packed with opportunities to connect, learn, and celebrate the incredible impact made during our 2025–2026 “Unite for Good” Rotary year. Enjoy golf, a fishing excursion, or indulge in spa services with fellow Rotarians. Click --> Register to Attend

LOOKING BACK

Memorial-Spring Branch Rotarians Bring Smiles to VA Patients

Posted on Apr 08, 2026

Several Memorial-Spring Branch Rotarians and their spouses visited the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center to personally greet, spend time with, and deliver personalized care packages to inpatient veterans. We are deeply grateful for their service and continue to keep them in our thoughts and prayers for a full and speedy recovery.

Welcome New Member David Bornhorst

Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club is proud to welcome new member David Bornhorst. He is currently participating in the Red Badge program, which helps new members learn about Rotary, build relationships, and become actively involved. Upon completing the checklist, members transition to a Blue Badge as fully integrated Rotarians.

CPR, AED, and Safety Training Highlights Meeting

Posted on Apr 03, 2026

We congratulate Venu and Elsie Rao on achieving the Major Donor Level 2 milestone!

Gail Gould, known as the CPR and Safety Lady, spoke to our club about CPR training, the use of AEDs, and other important safety topics. Gail holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Health Promotion and has more than thirty years of experience providing CPR, AED, and first aid training to corporations, schools, and community groups. Members appreciated the opportunity to learn more about this lifesaving training and practical skills that can make a critical difference in emergencies.

Rotary After Dark at Ciro's Italian Grill

Posted on Mar 30, 2026

MSB Rotarians and their spouses enjoyed a wonderful evening of fellowship at Ciro's Italian Grill—a true serata di buona cucina e grande compagnia (an evening of great food and great company).

MSB Rotary Contributes to IDCC’s Healthcare Mission

Posted on Mar 28, 2026

Memorial-Spring Branch (MSB) Rotarians and their spouses attended the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic (IDCC) 25th Annual Gala. The MSB Rotary Club has long supported IDCC and recently made a $4,000 contribution to advance its mission. IDCC provides free, non-emergency primary health care and eye care to underprivileged and uninsured individuals throughout Greater Houston.

WAIS Interact Turns Out Big at Interact District Conference

Posted on Mar 28, 2026

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

Rotary Night at the Rodeo 2026

Posted on Mar 17, 2026

It was a great evening at Rotary Night at the Rodeo, with nearly 150 Rotarians from around the world coming together to experience the show. Thank you to everyone for their help and coordination, and it was wonderful to have our District Governor Tom Kelchner and Governor-Elect Camille Hamilton join us.

The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo—the largest in the world—has donated approximately $660 million in educational grants, scholarships, and endowments.

Honor Flight by PDG Bob Gebhardt

Posted on Mar 06, 2026

PDG Bob Gebhardt spoke to the Club about Honor Flight. Honor Flight enables veterans to be flown to Washington, D.C., where they participate in a day of honor at our nation’s memorials. Following the meeting, we held a service project assembling care packages for our veterans.

A Loving Farewell to Bill

Posted on Mar 05, 2026

Bill’s funeral service was held at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, where the sanctuary was filled with friends and loved ones who had come from near and far. Members of his church community and fellow Rotarians gathered together to honor a life that touched so many. The service reflected the deep respect, admiration, and affection people held for Bill. He was deeply loved and will be fondly remembered by all who knew him. We deeply miss you, Bill.

Member Birthdays

Richard Ferrari

August 6

Chuck Monteith

August 17

Sheila Franklin

August 17

Irene Kroll

August 19

Paul Vo

August 23

Chase Hooks

September 1

Ashok Garg

September 9

Steve Blair

September 19

Eric Liu

September 24

Spouse/Partner Birthdays

Irene Hickey Kroll

August 19

Sharlene

September 9

Susan Jackson

September 22

Join Date

Kathy Taylor

August 15, 2025

1 year

Paul Vo

September 4, 2015

11 years

Sheila Franklin

September 18, 2009

17 years

Venu Rao

September 25, 2001

25 years

Memorial Spring Branch Rotary Community Service Team

MaryAnn Sterrett-Russell, Sheila Franklin, Gisela Vo, Ginger Howell, Kathy Taylor, and Paul Vo

If you have a suggestion for an upcoming service project, please contact the Community Service Team! We are open to new ideas!

Guadalajara Hacienda Restaurant

First and Third Fridays of the month at 12noon

9799 Katy Fwy

Houston, TX 77024

Join us for a meeting at the Guadalajara Hacienda restaurant
in the private meeting room.

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