Community Service Projects and Community Events May 2026
SERVICE ABOVE SELF Since 1953, our mission is to make a positive difference in our community
and abroad through collaboration, support, and volunteerism.
This Memorial Day, we pause in solemn remembrance of the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation.
A special thank you to the Great Houston Area Veterans Rotary Club and the many dedicated volunteers who joined together at Houston National Cemetery to place American flags at each resting place in tribute to our fallen heroes.
With deep respect and gratitude, we honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of those who gave their lives for our freedom. Their memory will never be forgotten, and their legacy continues to inspire generations to come.
MSB Rotary Club member Chuck Monteith joined fellow Rotarians from Sharpstown Rotary Club to help with their Holiday Flag Program ahead of Memorial Day.
Together, the team planted 125 American flags along Bellaire Boulevard as a patriotic tribute to those who served and sacrificed for our country.
Thank you, Chuck, and the Sharpstown Rotary team for helping bring such a meaningful display of remembrance and community spirit to Houston.
A warm welcome to all of our recent guests visiting the Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club. We’re truly grateful you chose to spend part of your day with us.
Special Guest Acknowledgements
🌟 Teresa Lansink
🌟 Rebecca James 🌟 Nicholas Leonard
We hope you enjoyed the fellowship, service spirit, and friendships that make Rotary so meaningful. Please come back and visit us again, get to know our members, and experience what our club is all about.
Whether you are simply visiting or looking for a place to serve and connect, we hope our club feels welcoming—and perhaps even becomes a lasting home for fellowship, community impact, and friendship.
The MSB Rotary Charities, Inc. scholarship committee spent a full day interviewing outstanding scholarship finalists and selecting this year’s recipients.
After hours of interviews, discussion, and some “almost impossible” math, 10 students were selected to each receive a $3,000 scholarship funded through proceeds from our annual Rolex for Scholarship fundraiser held each November.
Thank you to our Charities Inc. team for dedicating their Saturday to investing in the future of these remarkable students.
🎉 Please join us in giving a warm welcome to our newest member, Steve Blair!
The Red Badge program 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.
MSB Rotary welcomed guest speaker Brandon Adjei, CPA, for an informative presentation on the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) and its impact on entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Brandon shared valuable insights on tax changes, bonus depreciation, Section 179 expensing, R&D deductions, and other key updates affecting business owners and startups.
Thank you, Brandon, for helping our members better understand the evolving tax landscape and opportunities ahead.
The Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club was honored to welcome guest speaker Rania Mankarious, CEO of Crime Stoppers of Houston.
Rania shared valuable insights on online safety, youth protection, and the evolving challenges facing schools and communities today. She also highlighted the important work of the Crime Stoppers Safe School Institute and the organization’s continued efforts to educate, protect, and support students, parents, educators, and communities throughout Houston.
Thank you, Rania, for an engaging and impactful presentation dedicated to keeping our communities safe.
Rotarians from across Rotary District 5890 gathered at Moody Gardens for a wonderful weekend of fellowship, inspiration, service, and fun.
From impactful speakers and hands-on service projects to Kentucky Derby festivities and meaningful friendships, the conference showcased the very best of Rotary. The weekend also included heartfelt moments honoring fellow Rotarian, Bill Haglund, whose legacy continues to inspire our district.
Thank you to everyone who helped make District Conference 2026 such a memorable experience.
Members and friends of the MSB Rotary gathered for a wonderful evening of fellowship, food, and friendship.
A heartfelt thank you to MaryAnn Sterrett-Russell and Gerald Russell for graciously hosting such a warm and welcoming event. The evening was filled with laughter, great conversations, and plenty of memorable moments.
We were also delighted to celebrate and wish a very Happy Birthday to Genevieve Rowland! 🎂
Members and friends gathered at the 2026 Houston Aggie Muster to honor and remember Bill Haglund—a respected Aggie, Rotarian, friend, and member of our community whose presence continues to be deeply felt.
During the solemn “Here” ceremony, Bill’s name was called and remembered alongside fellow Aggies who have passed. The candlelight tribute served as a powerful reminder that the Aggie spirit, friendships, and shared traditions endure far beyond a lifetime.
Bill’s memory remains “Here”—in the hearts of family, friends, and all whose lives he touched.
Despite the rainy afternoon, our Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club crew brought plenty of energy, laughter, and fellowship to Bingo Day at Emerson Pines Senior Community.
A special thank you to Kathy Taylor for creating the beautiful prize baskets with a very limited budget. Her creativity and care made the event extra special—and thanks to her efforts, every senior who played bingo went home a winner with a basket of their own.
What a wonderful afternoon of service, smiles, and community fellowship.
Birthdays & Milestones
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.
