Dictionaries to Bunker Hill Elementary
During an entertaining afternoon event, we proudly presented 120 dictionaries to the 3rd-grade students of Bunker Hill Elementary.
Stories
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Collaborative Meeting at Braeburn Country ClubDepot stop 19 and it’s finished until District Conference at the last stop on May 1, 2025. All 55 clubs participated! With DG Nancy Anderson, Rotary District 5890 Governor, Rotary Clubs of Bellaire-SW Houston, Rotary Memorial-Spring Branch, and Sharpstown. Presidents Sam Kelner, Melissa Maier and Rex Martinez. AG’s Bill Hall, Easy Ononto, and Scotty Jung. More Polio Plus Society members. Operation Turkey Thanks for last year and donations for this year by PDG Bob Gebhard. PDG Bill Palko with a new White Hat presentation to Rotary Club of Houston Westchase President Steven Guerra (If you don’t know what that is-feel free to ask) And a view of the greens on a lovely day. Gotta love those group pictures!! #dgdistrict5890 #district5890  |
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Bill King on Rethinking About Population GrowthBusinessman and attorney, Bill King, delivered a thought-provoking presentation on the projected population growth trends in Texas, the United States, and globally. Bill King received a Bachelors and JD from the University of Houston, and served as the president of Southwest Airport Services, Inc. from 1991 until February 2015. In 2015, he ran for Mayor of Houston against Sylvester Turner. Bill is a former opinion columnist and editorial board member at the Houston Chronicle. He currently writes on a wide range of public policy political issues.  |
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Rotary After Dark at Union KitchenOur Rotary After Dark group had a wonderful evening at Union Kitchen!  |
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Joel Holder, Montgomery County Veterans Memorial CommissionWe were pleased to host Joel Holder, who shared his vision for The Woody Williams Foundation's inspiring initiative to establish a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, honoring the ultimate sacrifice of our nation's heroes. He recognized our Veteran, Jorge Quinones with a pin and will place a brick in his honor at the monument. Joel Holder is a member of the Board of Directors of the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Commission. He is working in collaboration with the Woody Williams Foundation to establish a Gold Star Families memorial monument in the Houston area. Named in honor WW II veteran Chief Warrant Officer Hershel “Woody” Herschel, USMC, the goal of the Woody Williams Foundation is to create Gold Star Families memorial monuments in communities in every US state and territory. In addition to that goal, the Foundation works towards educating and creating awareness of Gold Star Families, as well as honor, recognize, and serve these families who have lost a loved one in military service to our country.  |
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Princess Zambrano, Houston Habitat for HumanityPrincess Zambrano of Houston Habitat for Humanity delivered an informative presentation on promoting equity and inclusion in homeownership, with several notable Rotarians in attendance. Started in 1987, Houston Habitat for Humanity has been uniting businesses, individuals, and groups in building or improving homes for those in need.  |
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Dan Parsons, President of Better Business Bureau (BBB) for Greater Houston and South TexasWho would have thought learning about the BBB could be so exciting? That's because we all got to meet Dan. Dan delivered lots of energy in sharing his insights about the BBB and how it affects consumers and businesses.  |
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Disaster Aid USA (DAUSA) With Wayne BeaumierToday, we were moved by Wayne Beaumier's speech about Disaster Aid and their tireless efforts to provide aid globally. His hurricane preparedness tips were invaluable, and we were honored to be part of his birthday celebration.  |
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Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club Tour of Indian Doctors Charity ClinicOur deepest thanks to the doctors and volunteers at the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic for their tireless and selfless work. Thank you very much for offering a firsthand tour of the clinic on Saturday. A special thanks to Ashok Garg for generously offering a complimentary lunch for all those who joined the tour. Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary has been a dedicated supporter of the Indian Doctors Charity Clinic for many years. The clinic was co-founded by the late Dr. K.T. Shah, a distinguished past member of our club, who selflessly dedicated his time every weekend to this noble cause. Dr. Shah's tireless efforts to provide free medical care to underserved communities in Houston were truly inspiring, and our club is deeply grateful for his contributions. We are proud to continue supporting his legacy through our annual donation recognizing the vital work the clinic does to ensure access to healthcare for those who need it most.     |
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Our Club President's Vision and Goals for the New Rotary YearFor the new Rotary year, President Melissa Maier shared her vision and goals for our Club. Melissa and her team shall deliver plenty of energy and grand outcomes. Get ready for an exciting journey!  |
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New Rotary Year - The Magic of RotaryLet's soar to new heights, Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary! We will make this year remarkable!  |
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Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club Installation 2024-2025A full house tonight at the annual club officer's installation party tonight. This is what Rotary is all about - doing good in the world and sharing great friendships with people. @Rotary we #CreateHopeInTheWorld by doing #TheMagicOfRotary We had our incoming club officers duly installed tonight with the witness of our incoming District Governor Nancy Anderson. We also had a special guest from our neighboring District Governor Amy visiting us. Great ceremony performed by PDG Chris Schneider. Thanks to President Bill Haglund for the great job he has done this year and we looking forward to Melissa's leadership for the coming year. Congratulations to MaryAnn Sterrett-Russell for being the Rotarian of the Year for 2023-24. She led the club with many meaningful service projects. Thank you for your hard work.   |
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MSBRC Tour of Holocaust Museum HoustonOur club had the privilege of visiting the Holocaust Museum Houston with a docent-led tour.  |
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Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Awards Ten ScholarshipsInspiring Greatness: Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch Awards 10 Scholarships to the Next Generation of Trailblazers and Change Makers!   |
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Rotary After Dark at Kenny & Ziggy's New York DelicatessenRotary After Dark at Kenny & Ziggy's New York Delicatessen was a wonderful evening with fabulous food and friendship!   |
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2024 Rotary International Convention in Singapore May 25-29Irene Hickey and Lindsey Kroll, distinguished Club members, represented MSBR & District 5890 with honor at the Rotary International Convention in Singapore, in the company of motivational current and future RI Presidents!  |
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MSBRC Pot Luck Dinner - May 2024What an evening of feasting and connection! Our club potluck dinner was filled with mouthwatering dishes and meaningful conversations, leaving us all inspired and grateful.  |
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Rachel Dvoretzky of Bach Society HoustonOur speaker, Rachel Dvoretzky of Bach Society Houston, inspired us with her passion for baroque music and her organization's efforts to educate and perform. She also shared a moving story of how a Rotary International grant changed the life of a friend and a community, showcasing the positive impact that music can have on people's lives.  |
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Rotary 5890 "Cheeseburger in Paradise" 2024 District ConferenceOur 2024 Rotary 5890 District Conference was a success! We had amazing speakers, fellowship, and laughter all weekend.  |
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PDG Chris Schneider, Arch Klumph Society MemberWe were incredibly honored to have Past District Governor and dedicated club member Chris Schneider share his remarkable experience visiting Chicago as an Arch Klumph Society member, and he shared an abundance of Rotary history and intriguing trivia with us.   |
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RISE AGAINST HUNGER Service Project 2024Several Rotarians within our Club participated with RISE AGAINST HUNGER on Saturday morning, April 6th, with other Rotarians in District 5890. 10,000 meals were packaged. Our Club donated $400 which provides approximately 1,000 meals abroad.  |
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"Ask A Vet" with Dr. Bill HaglundOur guest speaker was Dr. Bill Haglund, and he presented an "Ask A Vet" Q&A program. Dr. Haglund has been in the practice of veterinary medicine for over 53 years.  |
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All Club Meeting - 2024Celebrated the success of Rotary 5890 in the company of exceptional leader and former Rotary International President, Jennifer Jones.  |
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District Networking - 2024Tonight's district networking event at True Anomaly Brewing had a great turnout with delicious food!    |
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Lombardi Award Kick-Off 2024Enjoying the Lombardi Award Kick-Off with Houston, Katy, and Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Clubs!
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MSB Rotary 2023 Year in Review |
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Dr. Michael Moreno on the Engineering Medicine program at TAMU College of MedicineDr. Michael Moreno gave a wonderful presentation on the Engineering Medicine program at Texas A&M College of Medicine at the Texas Medical Center. Students graduating from the EnMed program will have degrees in Engineering and Medicine.   |
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Harris County Precinct 3 Commissioner Tom RamseyWonderful talk today from Harris Cty Pct 3 Commissioner Tom Ramsey. We are a community service organization - not a political organization - and Commissioner Ramsey shared wonderful information about our community. It was valuable to our businesses, our non-profits, our members, and our many guests. Here are some takeaways our members appreciated: - Unincorporated Harris County (meaning the parts that are not in a city) has 67% less crime than incorporated Harris County - Pct 3 residents have requested 1722 projects. Each resident was called and each project was scheduled. These include items like fixing potholes and cleaning up ditches. - In part due to the Sheriff's Constable partnership with neighborhoods, the police response time averages 5 minutes - While Pct 3 has 300% more roads than the other precincts, P3 gets by with a smaller portion of the county road budget. - The county has an opportunity to build a drainage tunnel from the Barker & Addicks Reservoirs to the Gulf that would move 2.5 more water per second than Buffalo Bayou.    |
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WAIS Interact Club Collecting Gift Donations For Adopt a Family ProgramThe Westchester Academy for International Studies (WAIS) Interact Club collected gift donations for the Adopt a Family program, supporting several families in need this Christmas holiday. This year, they collected enough gifts for every family on the list! The donated gifts were sent to the WAIS school campus for wrapping and delivered to each family in time for Christmas.
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Chloe Dannenfelser, TX Coastal Outreach Coordinator of the American Bird ConservancyChloe Dannenfelser is the Texas Coastal Outreach Coordinator with the American Bird Conservancy. She spoke about the Conservancy’s SPLASH Program, which is an outreach, service, and education program that promotes the elimination of plastics and other litter on the beaches and shores of the Texas Gulf Coast. The goal is to assist local communities and natural resource managers to work together to reduce coastal trash pollution, creating an environment where people, birds, and other wildlife thrive. Chloe earned a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences from Texas A&M University and has a background in research, extension programming, and environmental education. www.abcbirds.org | CDannenfelser@abcbirds.org | 281.832.4255 Great club meeting today honoring Jim Jackson with his Paul Harris Plus 2 pin   |
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Brittany Severin, CEO, MedRight on Medical Insurance BillingBrittany Severin, CEO of MedRight, sheds insight into medical insurance billing and helping clients make the right, most affordable healthcare choices. www.medrightchoice.com | info@medrightchoice.com  |
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FamilyPoint Resources Christmas StoreHad fun shopping for FamilyPoint Christmas Store! Love supporting families in our community  |
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2023 Rolex for Scholarships WinnerCongratulations to June Nguyen as this year's winner! She is the Mother of one of our Club Rotarians. We continue to receive donations and will soon announce the total contributions raised. You can donate at https://msbrcharitiesinc.square.site/  Your contributions make a lasting difference in supporting education. Thank you very much.   |
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Thanksgiving Meal Bags for East Spring Branch Food PantryAll the Thanksgiving Meal Bags were delivered to East Spring Branch Food Pantry from our club for Thanksgiving. Love helping our Neighbors who need a little extra help!  |
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Amazon Smile
Shopping on Amazon Smile is an easy and great way to donate to the Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Charities, Inc. If you’re planning to shop online through Amazon, be sure to use www.smile.amazon.com. The process and feel of your shopping experience will be the same, but did you know that if you select the Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Charities, Inc. as your charity, Amazon will donate 0.5% of your purchase price on millions of items? |
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AND THE WINNER IS ...Sheila Franklin! Thank you for all you do for Spring Branch  |
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Drawing is Friday!Below are pictures of who benefits from our fundraising effort. You can get your tickets at https://squareup.com/store/msbr-charities-inc or contact a member We'll announce the winner (live stream) on Friday Nov 15th 1pm cntrl   |
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Scholarship Fundraiser UnderwayThank you Veritex Community Bank and BBVA Bank for your support of our scholarship program! Your donation supports the purchase of the Rolex watch awarded to the winner of our raffle. Drawing will be held November 15th during our club meeting. Contact a member or message us via this page to purchase a raffle ticket. $20 donation per ticket or six for $100.   |
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14th Annual Health Fair a Huge SuccessClub members partnered with Spring Branch Family Development Center for another successful Back to School Health Fair on August 10th. Great collaboration, commitment and generosity helped thousands of kids and families in Spring Branch receive the immunizations, adult health check-ups, dental sealants and school supplies needed to start the year strong. |
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September is Basic Education and Literacy MonthDID YOU KNOW? MSB Rotary has provided over $500,000 in scholarships to graduating high school students, donated over $20,000 to Landrum Middle School Projects and $16,500 to Literacy Advance Houston since January 1979  |
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District 5890 Governor Gary Gillen Visits MSBClub members enjoyed the official visit from District Governor Gary Gillen. He shared his thanks for the great impact our club makes in our community and the investment we make to the Rotary Foundation. He shared stories how Rotarians in District 5890 have made a difference in the world. This included projects our club has supported with our time, talent and treasures such as Rotary Books for the World and the Guerrero Clinic.  |
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MSB Rotary Enjoys Houston Restaurant Weeks Members, family and friends gathered for Rotary After Dark at Perry’s to enjoy their Houston Restaurant Weeks menu. Great fellowship event. Thank you for coordinating Sheila Franklin!
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Annual Health FairThe club utilized funds raised during our 2018 Scholarship Raffle and combined it with a District 5890 matching grant to support the Spring Branch Family Development Center annual Back to School Health Fair. This is an event we helped found and continue to remain a partner.   |
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AG Greg Faldyn shares Theme Speech Rotary District 5890 Assistant Governor joined the club to present this year’s Rotary Theme “Rotary Connects the World” on July 26th.
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President Dan Monson Starts the Year with Club Assembly
President Dan Monson challenged all members to share the gift of Rotary by taking the following actions: Bill Haglund shared the news that our club giving since chartering has surpassed $1MM. We recognized one of our high school scholarship recipients. Joe Bramante shared his new project to hold a Cajun/Creole Great start to the year! |
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The Villages Independence FestivalMemorial-Spring Branch Rotarians kept the time honoured tradition of serving watermelon to festival attendees. President Dan Monson and President Elect Bill Hall participated in the parade, chauffeured by Bill Haglund. Enjoyed the assistance of our friends in the Houston Energy Corridor, Houston Heights, Houston Skyline and University Area Rotary Clubs.   |
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Prepare for Rotary Connects the World When we come together as #PeopleOfAction, there’s no limit to what we can achieve to make our world a better place. Click the link to watch the video. |
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6th Annual Golf Tournament June 21st |
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Rotarian Action Groups: Breaking the invisible chains of slavery.jpg)
"Anne Marie taught me what it really means to be a victim of human trafficking – to live in captivity by the invisible chains of fear and psychological control, and to endure terrible violence." |
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Rotary Donates 20 Tons of Food to Help Venezuelan Refugees in Cúcuta and Pamplona |
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5 Reasons to Become a Paul Harris Fellow
The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. The honor is named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary at age 36. |
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Capture the Moment in Hamburg
The Rotary Convention in Hamburg is sure to be an experience you won’t want to miss — a place where the Rotary spirit fills the air with an energy and enthusiasm for service and fellowship you can’t find anywhere else.
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Building Goodwill and Better Friendships through Rotary Fellowships
Rotary Fellowships consist of members who share a common interest in recreational activities, sports, hobbies, or professions. These groups help expand skills, foster vocational development and enhance the Rotary experience by exploring interests while developing connections around the world.
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Memorial-Spring Branch Remembers Carter FranklinA caravan of cars full of Rotarians traveled from Spring Branch to College Station to celebrate one of our own Carter Lee Franklin. He was a great man, a great Rotarian and a loving husband, father and grand father. Thank you Carter for all you did to inspire, teach and coach others.   |
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Turning PointDID YOU KNOW? Memorial-Spring Branch and Houston Heights Rotary Clubs have been serving monthly dinner at Turning Point for over 4 years!  .jpg) |
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Final Days! Scholarship Fundraiser Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club has begun this year's Scholarship Raffle! 100% of proceeds are applied towards scholarships in SBISD thanks to the support of Club 24. Annual watch raffle drawing will be held on Friday, November 2nd. Members, please get active selling tickets. Be sure to get your sales completed prior to the drawing during our regular Friday meeting. If you are a friend of the club and interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact any member to purchase. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. All proceeds support scholarships in Spring Branch ISD.  |
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DG Carmen Cuneo Visits Club DG Carmen Cuneo made her official visit to the club August 24th. She shared her plans for District during Rotary Year 2018-2019 #findingrotary. The club donated to the D5890 Peace Conference scheduled in Houston for February 8 - 10.
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Fellowship and Good Food at State Fare Members and friends of the club joined to enjoy a great meal during Rotary After Dark at State Fare.
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Multi-Club Social and Meeting w Judge EmmettGreat turnout at the multi-club social and meeting to hear Judge Emmett talk about the flood bond vote. Early voting is now closed and election day is August 25th. Learn more at https://www.hcfcd.org/bond-program/  |
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Back to School Health Fair The Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch partnered with Spring Branch Family Development Center for the Back-to-School Health Fair on Saturday, August 4th. The two collaborated to create this event 13 years ago and has watched it grow to one of the largest in the greater Houston area with additional support from Spring Branch Management District and SBISD. Thousands attended the event this year to prepare the community for the upcoming school year. Children received free immunizations, backpacks and box lunches. Parents and guardians received wellness checks and information from a variety of community support agencies. |
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Houston Chronicle Recognizes Club's 65 Yrs |
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Bond Discussion w/ Harris County Judge Ed Emmett Join us for an evening of socializing and discussion with Harris County Judge Ed Emmett to understand the $2.5 billion flood infrastructure bond being voted on August 25th. Background article on bond = https://www.chron.com/news/houston-texas/houston/article/Harris-County-pieces-together-flood-bond-12998859.php
Hosted by: The Rotary Club of Houston Skyline, Rotary Club of Hermann Park, Rotary Club of Memorial Spring Branch, Rotary eClub of Houston, and Rotary Club of Energy Corridor. OPEN TO FELLOW ROTARIANS AND PUBLIC ALIKE. |
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Making a Difference in Spring BranchEnjoying great partnerships with Spring Branch Family Development Center, the Rotary Club of Houston Energy Corridor and District 5280 (California) to #makeadifference in the Spring Branch Community. Awarded college scholarships to graduating seniors and provided support to SBISD families impacted by Hurricane Harvey.  |
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Successful Car Seat Check Up Event at SBFDC Thank you Safe Kids Greater Houston, Rotary Club of Houston Energy Corridor, Spring Branch Family Development Center & Texas Children's Hospital for helping us serve 59 families with the assurance that their car seats are functional & installed correctly!
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MSB Rotary is Turning 65!The Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch is celebrating its 65th year of service to the community. Come join us for drinks, sumptuous food, raffle prizes every 65 minutes, and delightful company! We will also be installing incoming officers. Please join us in kicking off our year-long celebration of 65 years of "Service Above Self"! See calendar for time and location. To get your tickets: https://squareup.com/store/MSBRC
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Save the Date: Health Fair Scheduled for August 4, 2018.png) Save the Date to Be the Inspiration in 2018 - 2019 Rotary Year. Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch founded the Spring Branch Health Fair. Last year at the fair: + 1,100 children were immunized |
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Club Vision RefreshOn Saturday, May 19th, Memorial-Spring Branch members spent time setting the vision for the next three year. Details will be shared in an up-coming club assembly.  |
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3rd Multi-Club Social Great District Fellowship at The 401 May 10th. Thanks to Bellaire SW for coordinating and the clubs that joined (Bellaire SW, CyFair, Houston Energy Corridor, Houston Heights, Houston Skyline, Kingwood, MSB, RCC, West U) |
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End Polio Motorcycle RideSuccessful End Polio Ride sponsored by our club Saturday, April 14th. Thank you to PDG Chris and Ute Schneider for planning and DG Bill Palko for his support. Special thanks to all our riders, donors and volunteers.
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2nd Multi-Club Social On Wednesday, April 11 Rotary clubs from Houston Heights, Memorial Spring Branch, University Area, West U, Skyline, Kingwood, Bellaire , Energy Corridor, Sealy, Cy Fair, RCC, and Galleria River Oaks got together for fun and fellowship at Karbach brewery. The turnout was great. People were dancing to the music and having a good time. We plan to have another social in May, stay tuned in for the location. Again thank you to all who came. |
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Rodeo BBQ Cook Off FundraiserMSB, District 5890 and Domino Effect Cooking Team Partner for Camp Hope  Houston area Rotary clubs sold tent tickets at the World Championship Bar-B-Que Contest Feb. 22 at NRG Park in order to benefit Camp Hope and promote its mission. Rotary District 5890 bought the VIP tickets at a discount from the Domino Effect cook-off team and in turn sold 48 of them for $100 each. Ticket holders were then served barbecue, enchiladas and drinks on the first night of the annual Houston tradition. |
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Fisher House Fourth Friday BreakfastThe club's early risers served breakfast on Friday at Fisher House at the Houston VA Medical Center. Fisher House is a nonprofit organization that provides temporary housing, free of charge, to families with loved ones being treated at the veterans hospital (a Rotary House for military families). Fisher House 4th Friday Breakfast will be a service project shared with other clubs in District 5890. Cy-Fair will host in February.
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Fellowship at Rotary After Dark Members gathered at Kenny & Ziggy's for the restart of Rotary After Dark. Thanks to Sheila Franklin for agreeing to organize the monthly events once again. It's a great opportunity for members to gather with friends and family for fellowship and enjoy a local restaurant. The next Rotary After Dark is scheduled for Thursday, February 15th 6:30 pm at Pinkerton's BBQ.
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Great afternoon of service at Turning PointMr Rotary himself made it out of recovery and to Turning Point Jan 20th to serve dinner at the homeless transitional facility. MSB joined Houston Heights and University Area members to Make A Difference. This service opportunity occurs every third Saturday. Next date is Feb 17th  |
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5 Clubs Work Together for RI President Ian Riseley's Tree Planning ChallengeWest U, University Area, Bellaire SW, Cypress Fairbanks and Memorial Spring Branch clubs partnered to plant 239 trees with over 100 volunteers and Trees of Houston at Willow Waterhole January 13th. Rotary International President Ian Riseley had a goal to plant a tree per Rotarian world wide. That would be 1.2 Million new trees! President Dona represented MSB at the event.   |
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Newest MemberMeet Christian Prince, financial advisor and newest member of our club! This overachiever completed 3 of his red badge requirements his first day as a member.  |
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Celebrating A Successful RaffleThank you to Fundraiser Chair Andy Garg and supporting organizations Wallis State Bank and Club 24 for another successful fundraiser!    |
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MSB Scholarship Fundraiser Well Underway Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club is halfway through the selling period and also halfway to our goal! 100% of proceeds are applied towards scholarships in SBISD thanks to the support of Wallis State Bank and Club 24. Annual watch raffle drawing will be held on Friday, November 17th. Members please stay active selling tickets. Be sure to get your sales completed prior to the drawing during our regular Friday meeting. If you are a friend of the club and interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact any member to purchase. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. All proceeds support scholarships in Spring Branch ISD. |
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SBISD Superintendent Dr Scott Muri Presents Bond InformationGreat presentation at Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary today. Dr. Muri, Katherine Dawson, and Pam Goodson came in to discuss the proposed bond for SBISD. Our district is so small, it's easy to know folks on the board and in the administration. They are transparent and always seeking advice and input from the community.  |
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Indo-American Community Support Harvey Relief EffortsClub members Jagdip Ahluwalia and Ashok Garg are also members of the Indo-American Chamber of Congress of Greater Houston (IACCGH). The Chamber provided over $2MM to the Mayor and Governor's Harvey Relief Fund at their recent gala. The Indo-American Community is truly Making A Difference in the Greater Houston Area. .jpg) |
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Gentlemen and Ladies, start your selling! Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club will hold its annual watch raffle on Friday, November 17th. Members have already been active selling tickets. Be sure to get your sales completed prior to the drawing during our regular Friday meeting. If you are a friend of the club and interested in purchasing a ticket, please contact any member to purchase. Tickets are $20 each or six for $100. All proceeds support scholarships in Spring Branch ISD. |
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Back to the Houston Racquet ClubHouston Racquet Club confirmed they are ready to host our meeting this Friday (Sep 22nd). Hope you can make it! .JPG) |
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PDG Eric Liu to become RPIC July 2018PDG Eric Liu to become RPIC July 2018 It is Official… Rotary International President Elect Barry Rassin has appointed Eric Liu as Rotary Public Image Coordinator (RPIC) in Zones 21b and part of 27 starting July 01, 2018. Eric will join the 40 other RPICs worldwide who are enhancing Rotary’s public image and awareness. RPICs have expertise in public relations, journalism, and/or communications. Using their background and Rotary experience, they increase recognition of our organization by helping club and district leaders learn to effectively share Rotary’s stories with media, their community, and local civic and government leaders. In addition, they regionalize Rotary’s public image efforts to create improved Rotary recognition and provide training on how best to tell Rotary’s story and illustrate it with visuals.  |
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Club Meeting Off Site Friday Sep 15thMembers will gather at Fratelli's Ristorante on Friday, Sep 15th Fratelli's has graciously agreed to be our host while the Houston Racquet Club makes necessary repairs. Fratelli's is located at 1330 Wirt Rd. Banquet room opens at 11:30, buffet at 11:45 and meeting at 12:15. Same deal as regular club meeting: Lunch $20 and coffee $6. No special speaker, focus is on club fellowship.  |
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Making A DifferenceMembers are Making a Difference in Houston Sadly, we will not have a weekly meeting again Sep 8th. Houston Racquet Club is still without power. I will work with the board to discuss options for an alternate location next week if needed. We need the fellowship of each other in this difficult time. In the meantime, here are some pictures of our members helping out.   |
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Rotary Cross Mixer a Huge Success!Thank you to all that came out! We ended up with 6 clubs represented: Memorial-Spring Branch, Skyline, Heights, eClub, University and Sharpstown. We even had some great introductions of Rotary to random people that came in that night. Take a good idea, add a great location, mix in fun people = Rotary Making a Difference   |
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Sheila and Carter Franklin Present Rotary Bell to HEC President SandraSheila and Carter Franklin graciously donated this bell on behalf of Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club to our sponsored Rotary Houston Energy Corridor Club. The presentation was done at the July 21st Memorial-Spring Branch Club meeting and the July 23rd Houston Energy Corridor social. We are looking forward to many years of service and fellowship with our local sister club and wish Charter President Sandra Liu a great year.   |
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July 21st - Around the World in 79 DaysVenu and Elsie Rao kept a large crowd engaged until 1:40 PM today with tales of their trip around the world! What a journey. Details can be found at www.tinyurl.com/venuelsie
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June 4th - Howard Goodall's oratorio "Every Purpose Under the Heaven"
The Chancel Choirs of St. Luke’s United Methodist and First Presbyterian Church will join with orchestra, soloists, and conductor Dr. John Yarrington to present Howard Goodall’s “Every Purpose Under the Heaven.” Club member Lindsey Kroll will be singing in the chorus. Also known as “The King James Bible Oratorio,” the multi-movement work was commissioned to mark the 400th anniversary of the King James Bible and was first performed on November 2011 in Westminster Abbey. The performance is Sunday, June 4 at the Morris Cultural Arts Center on the campus of Houston Baptist University, 7502 Fondren Rd, Houston, 77074, at 7:30pm. Admission if free. |
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Members Read to Students & Pass Out New Books at Bear BlvdMSB Members Read to PreK Students to Promote Literacy  |
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Book CollectionMSB Partners with Barbera Bush Literacy to Provide Books to Spring Branch ISD Pre-K Students  |
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MSB Donates to St Jude and Delivers Bears to ChildrenDonation leads to trip to Memorial Hospital on Katy Fwy to deliver some love  |
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Club to honor member Nugent Myrick for his legacy of setviceClub Honors Member Nugent Myrick  Today we celebrated member Nugent Myrick's 50 years of Perfect Attendance and Service Above Self. He was presented with an Above and Beyond pin and State of Texas Flag that flew over the capital. President Ed announced that a club scholarship will be given in his honor. Great fellowship was enjoyed by all.
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Featured Speaker for August 20, 2016Featured Speaker: District Governor 5860 - Eric Liu!!!
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Featured Speaker: July 29thPaul Merriman was one of the Marines who crashed the shores at Iwo Jima during World War II. He has been interviewed for the Veterans History Project at the Library of Congress. Expect amazing stories from a true hero.
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Butterfly Release for a Polio-Free World
Posted by Nan Wagoner on May 24, 2016
.jpg) Don't miss this liberating way to wind up the 2015-16 Rotary Year with an uplifting commitment to End Polio Now! We'll gather on June 25, 10:30-11:30 a
 .m., in the McGovern Centennial Gardens (right next to the Museum of Natural Science) to release beautiful butterflies that symbolize freedom from the crippler polio.Every $20 donor to Polio Plus that day will receive a butterfly to release in addition to an "End Polio Now" T-shirt. DO join us and bring some friends! Click Map to enlarge.
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District Governor's InstallationIt is time for the installation of our own Eric Liu as District Governor!
The party is at The Hilton Americas (1600 Lamar St, Houston, TX 77010) on June 17th from 5:30 - 10pm.
For more information, visit: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50025/Event/district-governor-s-installation-for-eric-liu
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Featured Speakers, May 27: Miguel and Mireya OttavianoOn May 27, Miguel and Mireya Ottaviano will regale us with an oral tour of the African Mercy Ship and detail their adventures aboard the ship. They'll explain how the hospital ship serves those in need in Africa. Learn more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3941/Speakers/97469c4f-c029-4fd9-99a9-42e28195125f#sthash.nsKjlbl6.dpuf
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Memorial Spring Branch Rotary Shines at DistrictDistrict Conference was amazing this year - as always. For those of you who missed the speakers, workshops, events, and fellowship, you have just got to attend next year!
This year our club was well-represented at the District Conference:
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Ed's InstallationIt's about time to turn the Rotary clock for the year. And that means it's time for a party!
Ed Wilson's Installation has been scheduled. Here are the "Save the Date" details:
When: Saturday, June 25th from 12pm to 3pm
Where: Bocados (Boca2) Gastro Bar + Bites
7951 Katy Freeway, Houston, TX 77024
More details to follow!
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Rotary Night with the AstrosCheer on DG Nick as he throws out the first pitch at the Astros game - Sunday, May 22nd, 1:10pm!
Inside Champion Pavilion, Rotarians and their guests will enjoy an exclusive reception with snacks, drinks, and cash bar. The great location overlooks the ballpark and provides a unique view of the Downtown Houston skyline.
Special Mezzanine seating is priced at $30 per person. http://www.astros.com/rotary Discount code: rotary.
For more information, contact David.Frishman@DavidFrishmanLaw.com (281-391-2147). Christian Liebenow (713-259-8315) of the Astros organization, cliebenow@astros.com.
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Featured Speaker, May 6th: Daniel MillikinDaniel Millikin is the co-owner & founder of Edible Earth Resources, a landscaping firm specializing in using edible plants in their residential and commercial designs. A ninth generation Texan, Danny loves Texas’ climate zone and wildlife. He is an avid forager and a farming advocate, primarily focusing on urban farming.
As a regional expert in growing all things edible, he regularly appears on KHOU's Great Day Houston for gardening tips. Daniel also teaches classes for several organizations, including Urban Harvest, OHBA, area garden centers, and Farmstead: Grow & Eat.
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Featured Speaker, April 22: Dr. Jose Contreras-VidralDr. Contreras-Vidral is a professor and researcher at the University of Houston. His team is developing new technology in which a robotic prosthetic can be controlled by the user's EEG readings. Imagine the impact this would have on so many veterans' lives!
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Rotary Night at the AstrosJoin us at Minute Maid Park for Rotary Night at the Astros on Sunday, May 22nd, 1:10pm. Inside Champion Pavilion, Rotarians and their guests will enjoy an exclusive reception with snacks, drinks, and cash bar. The great location overlooks the ballpark and provides a unique view of the Downtown Houston skyline. Click for Flyer.
CHEER ON DG NICK GIANNONE AS HE THROWS OUT THE FIRST PITCH!
Special Mezzanine seating is priced at $30 per person.
For more information, contact David.Frishman@DavidFrishmanLaw.com (281-391-2147). Christian Liebenow (713-259-8315) of the Astros organization, cliebenow@astros.com, indicates that tickets will be available for purchase online.
- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50025/Stories/rotary-night-at-the-astros#sthash.tQbKZERi.dpuf
Join us at Minute Maid Park for Rotary Night at the Astros on Sunday, May 22nd, 1:10pm. Inside Champion Pavilion, Rotarians and their guests will enjoy an exclusive reception with snacks, drinks, and cash bar. The great location overlooks the ballpark and provides a unique view of the Downtown Houston skyline. Click for Flyer.
CHEER ON DG NICK GIANNONE AS HE THROWS OUT THE FIRST PITCH!
Special Mezzanine seating is priced at $30 per person.
For more information, contact David.Frishman@DavidFrishmanLaw.com (281-391-2147). Christian Liebenow (713-259-8315) of the Astros organization, cliebenow@astros.com, indicates that tickets will be available for purchase online.
- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50025/Stories/rotary-night-at-the-astros#sthash.tQbKZERi.dpuf |
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Featured Speaker Postponed: Dr. Bill LawsonWilliam A. Lawson is the founding pastor of Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church in Houston, Texas. He is now retired from that position.
Lawson was born in St. Louis, MO, and reared by Walter and Clarisse Lawson Cade in Kansas City, KS, where he graduated from Sumner High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology at Tennessee A & I State University in Nashville. He returned to Kansas City to attend Central Baptist Theological Seminary, which conferred upon him Bachelor of Divinity and Master of Theology degrees. While in seminary, he was married to Audrey H. Lawson of St. Louis. The Lawsons have four children, and celebrated their golden wedding anniversary in January of 2004. He came to Houston after graduation from seminary to serve as director of the Baptist Student Union and Professor of Bible at the new (then eight years old) Texas Southern University. He served in that position for ten years, also becoming director of Upward Bound, a pre-college program for high school students on the TSU campus. During his years at TSU, a number of residents of the neighborhood persuaded the Lawsons to establish a church near the university. Wheeler Avenue Baptist Church was established in their home in June, 1962. The congregation has grown to over 5,000 members, with many outreach programs, and is much respected in the community. Since the church was born and lived its infant years during the Civil Rights Movement, Lawson has been deeply involved in advocacy activities for African Americans, for Hispanics, for women, and for the poor.
In 1996 the Houston community honored him with the creation of a non-profit advocacy agency called WALIPP, the William A. Lawson Institute for Peace and Prosperity. That agency has gone before public officials and bodies on behalf of the underclasses. The WALIPP has now established a middle school for boys, and has chartered it as a public school with HISD so it would be accessible to low-income families. It has risen to the second highest ranking among public secondary schools. WALIPP has also constructed 50 units of apartments for seniors in Houston’s Third Ward.
Finally, the agency is pulling together community development groups, churches, civic clubs, and local governments to redevelop the Third Ward so that aggressive real estate development will not expel all who need affordable housing.
Dr. Lawson has received honorary doctorates from Howard Payne College in Brownwood, the University of Houston, and Texas Southern University in Houston. He is the author of a book of meditations called Lawson’s Leaves of Love. Lawson always works in close partnership with wife Audrey, who worked with the Baptist Student Union at TSU, with the church for his 42-year tenure there, and now with WALIPP. |
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District Conference Speakers SetIt is my pleasure to provide you with information about the outstanding group of speakers that Governor Nick and the Conference Committee have arranged to have present at our 2016 District Conference in Galveston, from April 28 to April 30, at the San Luis Hotel, Spa and Conference Center.
Rotary International President Ravi Ravindran has selected PDG Charlie Rogers of the Rotary Club of Celebration, Florida to be his President's Representative to our Conference. President's Rep Charlie was District Governor in 2000-01, has had perfect attendance for 37 years, and has received the Service Above Self Award, the Citation for Meritorious Service, and the Distinguished Service Award.
Rotary International Vice President Greg Podd will also be with us on Thursday evening and Friday, and will speak to us on Friday afternoon, after lunch. His topic will be "Rotary: Where Are We Now, Where Are We Going and How Do We Get There." It is quite an honor to have the Vice President of Rotary take time from his busy schedule to visit us, and we look forward to having a chance to meet with him.
The Keynote Speaker of the Conference will be DGE Michael Angelo Caruso, of the Rotary Club of Troy Michigan. He will be the speaker at our Friday Luncheon. Michael has been a Rotarian for 20 years but, by profession, he is a professional speaker who teaches presentation skills, and has spoken to Rotary and non-Rotary audiences in Europe, Africa, the Middle East, the Caribbean, 49 of the 50 states, and many of his talks have been pro bono performances for Rotary, including his address to us. His topic will be "How To Engage Someone In 15 Seconds."
Also joining us from District 5910 will be AG Kent Hutchison of the Rotary Club of Nacogdoches,who will address the Conference on Saturday morning about "Opportunity - What Rotary Means To Me." Kent has been the trainer for all of the Assistant Governors at P.E.T.S. for many years, and is truly an inspirational Rotarian.
Finally, we will hear from Dr. Isis Mejias Carpio, a former Global Grant Scholar, who has worked extensively with The Rotary Foundation and our district on several water projects around the world, Alexis Castellon, a former Child of the Dump in Chinandega, who is now attending medical school in Nicaragua, and about a number of different activities going on in our district both from the podium and in the Exposition.
Our 2016 Conference will truly be a Rotary Conference, with information and fun for everyone. So, visit the district web site, www.rotary5890.org, and sign up for the Conference from the Welcome Dinner on the evening of April 28 through the Governor's Gala on Saturday night, April 30 |
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Volunteer Opportunity - Landrum Middle SchoolCome encourage students and get a delicious lunch! Contact me, Mary Landrum, if you plan to come - mlandrum@landrumandassoc.com or 713-722-8307
What: Sit with a group of Middle School students who were selected as “Most Improved” for this grading period. Ask about their interests and why they were chosen. Build their skill in talking with adults. Where: Landrum Middle School When: Wednesday, April 6 Time: 11:30-12:30 |
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Featured Speaker, Pete Fress, Houston SpaceportOn Friday, April 1st, Pete Fress of the Houston Spaceport will be speaking to us. Here is a little additional information on the Spaceport, from their website:The AnnouncementOn June 30, 2015, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the City of Houston had been approved as home to the United States' 10th licensed commercial spaceport. The Spaceport would be located at Ellington Airport, just south of the downtown area, and would offer the nation's fourth-largest city a focal point for aerospace innovation - a regional center for a cluster of aerospace activities, including but not limited to:
The PlanWith the Houston application already approved by the FAA’s Office of Commercial Space Transportation, the Houston Airport System (HAS) now turns its attention toward securing partnership opportunities with leading companies operating within the aerospace industry. An Award-winning Management TeamAs part of Houston Airport System, the spaceport will be run by a high-performance airport management, operations and maintenance team that has been recognized by the FAA for airfield operations and safety. An Innovation CenterJohnson Space Center and other NASA facilities, coupled with a large subcontractor community of over 80 aerospace companies, provide significant access to an existing, robust aerospace community. As part of this flourishing industry, Houston Spaceport will act as an accelerator for innovation and an incubator for growth. Connecting the WorldImagine a sub-orbital commercial flight from Houston to Tokyo in less than 3 hours. As we dip our toe into the new waters of near-space travel, we open up doors to opportunities we could only imagine just a few decades ago. Just as the Wright Brothers "shortened the distance" between points on the map when they invented heavier-than-air travel in 1903, commercial spaceflight promises once more to connect the world in ways only recently unimaginable. Connecting the people, the businesses, the economies and the people of the world to Houston is one of the Spaceport's major goals as we leverage Houston's potential as a major center of aerospace development and operations. International AccessAs a part of the Houston Airport System, Houston Spaceport will seamlessly fit into one of the largest international travel infrastructures on the planet.
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Our Interactors Are the BOMB!!!The Interact Club of WAIS will be having a bingo night fundraiser this Wednesday evening.
:: Come out to support our Interact Club.
:: Meet the Interacters who follow Rotary’s Four Way Tests and Service Above Self.
:: See how your contributions to the Club positively impacts students, community and help create future Rotarians
Date: Wednesday March 9, 2016
Time: 5:30pm – 8pm (First game begins at 6pm)
Fee: $15 for 5 games
Location: Westchester Academy for International Studies
901 Yorkchester Dr, Houston, TX 77079 (in Dining Hall)
Directions <click here>
There will be a silent auction. Also feel free to bring drinks and a Mexican dish.
See you there. Thank you very much.
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Featured Speaker Alexis CampestreSolving the Social Security Puzzle, Feb 26th
Alexis is a wealth advisor from Lake Jackson, TX. He will address important questions about Social Security. The bipartisan budget act of 2015 introduce substantial changes to Social Security law specifically, the new law has limited Social Security claiming strategies that would have resulted in more retirement income for you. Will Social Security be there when I'm ready to claim? How are my benefits calculated? How much will I get? How can I get more? These questions and others will be answered by Alexis during his speech. |
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Featured Speaker, Dr. Douglas JacksonToday's speaker is Dr. Douglas Jackson, the President/CEO of Project CURE. Project CURE is a worldwide charity which distributes medical professionals, equipment and supplies.
Dr. Jackson, leads one of the nation's largest and most effective grass-roots charitable medical organizations. Each week, Project CURE delivers approximately 3 semi-truck loads of donated medical supplies and equipment to medical people around the world. The organization is consistently recognized with the highest Four Star ranking from Charity Navigator and was named by Forbes as one of the top 200 charities in America.
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SAVE THE DATE!! Our golf tournament comethSAVE THE DATE!!!!!!
Our golf tournament will be October 3rd at Clear Creek in Pearland. You may sponsor, volunteer, or play.
Get your friends and clients together for a great day supporting Spring Branch scholarships!!
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Landrum Middle School EventThe next “Most Improved Students” luncheon is scheduled for Thursday, January 14 at 11:30 am at Landrum Middle School. Please contact Mary Grace Landrum, 713-722-8307, if you would like to attend as a table host. If you can attend, please arrive by 11:15 so you can sign-in at the office. The address is 2200 Ridgecrest Dr., Houston, TX 77055.
The plan is for each of us to sit at a table of students during lunch and provide them with practice talking with an adult. Be sure to encourage those who are less talkative. We’ll provide suggested questions.
One of the top skills that employers say is lacking in the younger workforce is the ability to present themselves and their ideas well. Our goal is to provide the students with practice. |
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Featured Speaker, Ashley KressOn January 29th, Ashley Kress, Development Director for The Rise School of Houston, (Hey! She's my neighbor!) will provide us with an update on the school and on the wonderful kids they serve. At this meeting, we will present Ashley with a $1000 check for the Rise School of Houston. You may learn more about The Rise School by visiting their website: http://www.riseschool.org/
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WELCOME BACK!The holidays are just about behind us and a New Year lies ahead. Christmas and New Year's Day landed on our meeting days, so we haven't seen each other for awhile. Here are some reminders to get you back in the swing of things:
Jan 08, 2016 club meeting featuring speaker Dustin Chase, WB39 Film Critic
Jan 12, 2016 - All Clubs Meeting for Districts 5890 and 5910 - RI President Ravi Ravindran will be the guest of honor. (Newer members, Ravi's visit is a BIG deal, so come on out for dinner!) Gwen has more details if you need them.
Jan. 16, 2016 - Potluck Party - This is a wonderful opportunity for fun and fellowship. Dona and Darden Burke are hosting at their home.
Jan 22, 2016 - Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary, Club Business Meeting. We will be evaluating our progress in achieving the goals of our 2015-16 Strategic Plan.
Jan 29, 2016 - Ashley Kress of the Rise School will be on hand as we present her with a $1000 check for the school.
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Dinner with Rotary International's PresidentThe All Club meeting is scheduled for January 12, and the President of Rotary International, "Ravi" Ravendran, will be our honored guest and speaker. RI President Ravi doesn't have time to visit every Rotary District in the world, but he is coming to ours! I couldn't find out how many Districts he does visit, but there are 34,000 Rotary Clubs around the world!
Our district has 63 clubs. When we all meet, we call it the All Club meeting, because it is the one time in the year when ALL the clubs in our District come together. There will also be an EXPO where each club will have a table to display their service projects and areas of involvement. I love going around and seeing what the other clubs are doing. Who wants to help with the exhibit?
So...who is going? This is your opportunity to register. Do you want to sit at a Memorial-Spring Branch Table with your fellow club members? Reserved seats at our MSB Table(s) will be $75/per person. I'm thinking that we can fill at least 2 tables!!!
PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU WANT TO SIT TOGETHER WITH YOUR FELLOW CLUB MEMBERS.
ONCE WE KNOW HOW MANY PEOPLE WANT TO SIT TOGETHER, WE CAN RESERVE THE TABLES. YOU CAN PAY THE CLUB TREASURER.
Where: Crown Plaza Hotel - 8686 Kirby - across from Reliant Center Crowne Plaza When: January 12, 2016 Time: 5:00 Exhibits open (cash bar) 5:15 - 6:30 Major Donor/Bequest Society and VIP Reception 6:30 - 6:55 RI President Ravi & DGs tour Expo 7:00 - 9:00 All Club Meeting convenes
If you have questions, call or text me (713-820-8606) or email me (gwen@cometogetherpromotions.com)
YRS, Gwen Corolla |
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Letter from the PräsidentIt appears that District 5890 raised a total of almost $34,000 for Polio eradication between the Party at the Park/Bike Ride/Motorcycle Ride and the Polio Plus Society Dinner that same night. $7000 of that money came from the Motorcycle Ride that Chris & Ute Schneider (mostly Ute) created! That's what I love about Rotary. Somebody gets an idea, gets other people involved, and then the world changes!!!
Turn in your raffle money at our next meeting on the 4th of December. If I don't sell anymore tickets, I'll buy them myself. Who knows...maybe I'll win! When we became members of our club, we all agreed to raise (or donate) $500 for our annual scholarship fundraiser. Please check your status on the list. We will be drawing the winning raffle ticket at the meeting on December 11th.
You might want to bring some guests to the next meeting on December 4th. We have a VERY interesting speaker: Clark Martinson will be talking about the Energy Corridor District. As a business-owner, I'm always interested in hearing about how our city is evolving and who the various players are. Visit our Facebook page if you'd like to "share" this event.
Oftentimes during the day, I'll stop whatever I'm doing and notice what I'm thankful for in that particular moment. In THIS moment, I'm thankful to be a part of the community we call the Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club. I'm thankful when one of you tells me I'm doing a good job. I'm thankful for the fun I have had this year as your president (riding on the back of Chris Schneider's motorcycle in the rain last Saturday!!!). I'm thankful for the special friends and good acquaintances I have made in Rotary. I'm thankful to be able to do some good on the planet. Thank you, all. |
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10,000 Villages Shopping Event and FundraiserPlease mark you calendars for our second annual District 5890 Holiday Shopping Night at 10,000 Villages in Rice Village, on Tuesday evening, December 15th, from 6 - 8 PM. 15% of the evening's net sales will be donated to Rotary International Foundation. Come and enjoy Rotary camaraderie, light refreshments while shopping these beautiful handmade items!
"Nationally recognized for their commitment to social responsibility, Ten Thousand Villages creates opportunities for artisans around the globe to earn a fair wage. Artisans use this income to pay for food,education, healthcare, and housing for themselves and their families.
Ten Thousand Villages' mission is to create opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to markets through long-term fair trading relationships." (10,000 Villages website)
The Holiday Season is upon us and what better way to do your holiday shopping that by buying handmade items from around the globe, while benefiting the Rotary International Foundation? |
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Upcoming Events in the DistrictLos Tios Mexican Restaurant. Nov 23, 2015 6:30 PM
Boca2 Gastro Bar & Bites, Dec 02, 2015, 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
S & S Steaks and Spirits, Dec 03, 2015, 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM
Dec 12, 2015, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Rice Village, Dec 15, 2015
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All Club Dinner - Sponsorships and Date ChangeThe 2016 District 5890 and 5910 Celebration of Gifts All Club Celebration of Gifts Dinner has be changed to Tuesday January 12, 2016 due to a conflict with the RI President's schedule.
The Expo and VIP Reception will be from 5:15 till 6:30 and dinner will be at 7:00. The attire will be business casual.
There will be general admission seating of $58.90 a person but is open "first come" seating behind all table sponsors. The only way to be sure you will sit with other members of your club will be through a table sponsorship.
Table sponsorship are: Gift to the World $1500.00 Gift of Service $1000.00 Gift of Hope $ 750.00
Additional details of table sponsorships and the "extras" that come with sponsorship may be located on the District 5890 website under the ALL CLUB link. Please register on line through District 5890 website. Table placement will be base on level of sponsorship and arrival of payment of the table. |
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Raffle UpdateThe annual Rolex Raffle is the Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary's largest fundraiser. It allows us to fund our college scholarship program, leadership opportunities for youth, health projects overseas, and our many other programs that touch so many lives in Houston and around the world.
Each member of our Rotary is expected to sell at least $500 of raffle tickets each year. When this happens, we raise over $32,000. So far this year, $12,260 in raffle revenue has been turned in - a great start!
Sheila asks that everyone turn in their money as soon as possible as there is a lot of work to do behind the scenes between the time the money is turned in and the time we hold the drawing. The work starts with trying to get all of those staples out of the tickets packages!
If you have questions, or need to arrange to have your funds picked up, please call Gwen at 713.820.8606 and she'll arrange to have someone meet you.
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Just Announced: PolioPlus Society DinnerMark your calendar for the PolioPlus Society Dinner. It will be on Saturday November 21, 2015 at 5:00 pm drinks, 6:00 pm dinner, at the Southside Place Clubhouse at 3743 Garnet, Houston, TX 77005. Registration is $35 per person. Checks may also be mailed (for the dinner made to Rotary District 5890) or for PolioPlus (made to The Rotary Foundation) to Terry Ziegler at 4903 Pine St, Bellaire, TX 77401. All previous PolioPlus Society Members (who have pledged in the past to contribute $100 per year to the PolioPlus Fund each year until we reach Global Eradication) and all Rotarians who wish to join us this year, are welcome to attend with their guest. Register here: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/50025/Event/469ec3a6-cd11-43e2-9ccb-4c96ee96ee7c Rotarians are encouraged (but not required) to bring their annual PolioPlus Society $100+ donation to the PolioPlus fund (checks made to The Rotary Foundation - credit and debit card donations will also be accepted) as all donations at this event will receive matching Foundation Recognition Points and will be matched $2 per $1 donated by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Join us at 5 PM for wine, soft drinks and fellowship. The World's Greatest Meal will be served at 6 PM followed by a celebration of our accomplishments and encouragement to End Polio Now and Forever! Featuring Susanne Rea (Australia) - Founder of World's Greatest Meal. |
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Letter from Le PresidentHi Everybody,
It's shocking to realize that my year as your President is almost half over! Whew...well...still another 7 months to go, so better buckle in!
PLEASE NOTE: NO MEETING ON 11/27/15 (DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING) or 12/25/15 (CHRISTMAS DAY) OR 1/1/16 (NEW YEAR'S DAY)
This Friday, 11/13/15, we are saluting our Veterans. I'm bringing my Dad's Bosun's whistle (WW II and Korea) and my Grandfather's flag case and photo (WW I). If you have something from your time in service, or that of a family member, please bring it. We can set these things out on the tables and share their stories. If you have any suggestions about how else we can honor our Veterans on Friday, please contact me!
Then on Friday 11/20/15, I'll be sharing our service project at the Guerrero Clinic. I have great pictures, the people were fascinating, the experience was absolutely one for the bucket list! Here's a picture of all of us volunteers!
Ed Wilson is starting to assemble his leadership team, or at least people to nominate for his leadership team. According to our by-laws (which are available under Club Documents on the club website - www.msbrotary.org), we have an order of succession to office in our club, Treasurer to Secretary to President-Elect to President, plus we have a board of directors. 4 seats will be open for the board, plus we need somebody to step up and say "I want to be Treasurer - I want to be President in 4 years". Please contact Ed Wilson.
Wayne and I are having a party at our house on the Saturday After Thanksgiving - 11/28/15 and everyone is invited - spouses and children too! Come anytime between 3:00 pm and 9:00 pm - bring something yummy to share - stay as long as you like and leave when you are ready to go!
 Our address is 4838 Rockwood Dr., Houston, TX 77004. We live right by the University of Houston, just across Wheeler.Time for me to go get ready for Rotary After Dark! Maybe I'll see you there!
Gwen Corolla
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Upcoming District Events
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SBISD Mentoring & Student Recognition at Landrum Middle SchoolSpring Branch ISD’s Mentor staff is speaking about the importance of mentoring this week. If you can donate one-hour a week to be a friend and encourager to an SBISD student, please sign-up. SBISD provides training year round. You can pick the age group that you want to mentor. We would like to provide at least five mentors from MSB Rotary.
If you won’t be at the Friday meeting and want to mentor, send an email to mlandrum@landrumandassoc.com. Mary Grace will connect you with SBISD. If you are currently a mentor, please let Mary Grace know. We would like to acknowledge all of our mentors in a future newsletter.
As a reminder, the first Landrum Middle School Lunch for Most Improved Students is November 4, from 11:30a -12:30p. If you would like to join Nugent, Rod, Wayne, Genevieve and Mary Grace, please send a note to Mary Grace at luncheon mlandrum@landrumandassoc.com. |
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Force Meets Force: The IAPF's Fight for WildlifeDamien Mander of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation (IAPF) provided us with an amazing talk on wildlife preservation in Africa, and his group’s role in this fight.
Damien served twelve tours of military service in Iraq in the Australian version of our Navy’s SEALS. His role was to source recruits for, and train, the Iraqi military.
After leaving the military, Mander spent time touring Africa. That is where he found his calling. Mander discovered that the Game Rangers who protect game reserves in Zimbabwe and South Africa are better trained than, and outgunned by, the poachers who prey on the elephants and rhinos living in the preserves.
Damien began recreating the work he did in Iraq – he recruited new Game Rangers and trained them to work as a military unit. Less this sounds unnecessary, let’s review the state of poaching in Africa.
Worldwide, the money, organization, and brutality of poaching ranks with human trafficking, gun running, and drug smuggling. Some poaching organizations are fundraising fronts for terrorist cells. African poachers have automatic weapons, body armor, helicopters, and the protection of some corrupt government officials. Why? Because a rhino’s horn is worth twice as much as gold: $35,000 per pound – and a single horn can be 20 lbs.
Mozambique is coming out of a sixteen year civil war. They have a population of men who have been trained to fight and hardened by war – and who lack education. With a few jobs available, these men turn to poaching. They are the brutal army of the poacher.
Along with other anti poaching organizations, IAPF has done fundraising and lobbying that has increased the pay, weaponry, and government support provided by Zimbabwe. The situation has improved a little, but not far enough or fast enough to provide the rhinos and elephants the help they need.
IAPF changes the poacher’s calculus. The IAPF’s slogan is, “Wildlife Conservation through Direct Action.” The “direct action” means meeting high level militarized force with high level militarized force. In Zimbabwe, there is a “shoot on site” law where poachers are concerned. While this is not the end IAPF seeks, Game Rangers and their military advisors have been in many fatal fire fights.
Unfortunately, the monetary stakes are so high, many poachers are willing to risk their lives for an elephant tusk or a rhino horn. More funding and support are needed.
Damien Mander visited us as a part of his six week fundraising tour of United States, raising awareness and funds for the fight against poachers and corruption. For more information, visit www.IAPF.org.
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Rep Jim Murphy, Featured Speaker, November 13, 2015State Representative Jim Murphy is serving his fourth term in the Texas House, representing District 133 in West Houston. Murphy serves as the Chairman of the House Corrections Committee and is a member of the Ways & Means Committee.
Rep. Murphy is President of District Management Services, a consulting firm assisting economic development organizations. For the past 20 years, he has served as one of the driving forces of Westchase District - the 4.2 square mile business district in West Houston. Murphy has served on numerous boards in our community including the HCC Board of Trustees, the Houston West Chamber of Commerce, West Houston Medical Center, and the Houston Association of Commercial Real Estate Professionals. He is an active member of the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Association of Realtors, and the Urban Land Institute. Murphy’s community service includes work with the Jaycees -- where he served as local President and as State President. He was named one of the Five Outstanding Young Texans in 1995. He has coached youth sports and served on the pastoral council of St. Cyril’s Catholic Church. He was also a founder and Vice Chair of the Alief Education Foundation and was appointed to the John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Institute’s Advisory Council by the UT Regents. Murphy grew up in West Houston and graduated from Strake Jesuit and UT Austin. He and his wife, Dr. Kathleen Murphy, have two sons, Robert and Pace. They are active members of St. John Vianney Catholic Church. |
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Maria Barrett, Featured Speaker, November 6th, 2015Maria is the Marketing Director at Padgett Stratemen & Co's, one of Texas' largest locally owned CPA and business advisory firms.
Maria will be speaking about Padgett Stratemen & Co's program to donate laptop computers twice a year to charities in need of computers. She asked to present to us since we are plugged in to many deserving charities. Maria will explain the program and look to us for help in discovering charities (Boys and Girls Club or Guerrero Eye Clinic for example) that could be worthy recipients of the computers.
- See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3941/Speakers/6c3c79f5-8be5-416d-895e-7988d4c718b1#sthash.QchAKoBK.dpuf |
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Damien Mander, Featured Speaker, October 23, 20105Damien Mander is a former Australian Royal Navy Clearance Diver and Special Operations military sniper turned anti-poaching crusader. An environmental and animal welfare activist, Mander is outspoken about the priorities of mankind in an increasingly challenged society. He frequently advocates the use of military equipment and tactics for the purpose of protecting animals, including the use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. Mander used his life savings and liquidated his investments and assets to fund the start-up and running costs of the International Anti-Poaching Foundation – an organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of wildlife in some of the world's most volatile regions. Mander’s personal evolution has seen him recognize the need for protection of all animals, not just from an ethical standpoint, but also from a global environmental perspective. A public speaker, Mander is a vegan who actively encourages his audience to hold back the tide of human encroachment and correct the imbalance between dwindling wilderness areas and rapidly increasing human populations. Mander is also a director of the Conservation Guardians. He resides in Southern Africa with his wife Maria. Damien will be visiting the U.S. In October speaking about world-wide poaching issues. He founded this wildlife conservation organization in 2008 and will be sharing the importance of anti-poaching organizations both here and abroad. - See more at: http://portal.clubrunner.ca/3941/Speakers/12aa0581-7f15-4f61-b6d8-836d2cc5f2eb#sthash.6pEWxULL.dpuf
International Anti Poaching Foundation
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Shrimporee
This Year's Shrimporee will be held at the Clear Lake Park on NASA Parkway (11:00 am - 4:00 pm) This year's event will be the best ever, with educational, interactive presentations that will intrigue kids and educate parents. Each year, the Shrimporee is Space Center's major event, lots of food & beverages, shrimp and BBQ brisket lunch, live and silent auctions, entertainment, games for the kids and fellowship. The event is free, meals are $15 each. Raffle tickets for outstanding items are available for $10 each, 6 for $50. For more information and for tickets, contact Darryl Smith, President Elect, Space Center, |
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Wayne Dolcefino, Featured Speaker, October 16th
For nearly 27 years Dolcefino headed up the 13 Undercover Unit at KTRK TV. This investigative unit specialized in exposing public corruption, wasted taxpayer money, government malfeasance and fraud. As head of the unit, Dolcefino managed the investigative process, and was involved in the marketing and advertising of KTRK TV's investigative news product. Between 1985 and 1979 Dolcefino was an investigative reporter and radio talk show host at KTRH Radio. Prior to that he worked at KLBJ Radio in Austin , Texas. In December 2012 Dolcefino created Dolcefino Consulting. This firm consults on crisis management, ethics reviews , informational marketing and media relations and provides production , investigative services and expert testimony in litigation. Dolcefino has significant experience in courtroom litigation relating to first amendment issues. In early 2013 the Association for Certified Fraud Examiners gave Dolcefino the Fraud Impact of the Year Award for his painstaking investigation of a lawman’s charity. |
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Human Trafficking in Houston, Thoughts from the Front LinesRecently, HPD Lt Cathy Richards of the Vice Division stopped by our meeting to speak about human trafficking in Houston. This story recounts the facts and stories she shared with us.
Houston is referred to as the hub of human trafficking. We have international airports, a large port, three major interstate highways and proximity to the Mexican border. An anti-abuse charity called The Polaris Project set up a hotline for victims to call for help. Over the last ten years, more calls for help have come out of Houston than any other US city.
In Houston, many young women from China, Korea, Viet Nam, and Latin America are sexual indentured servants. They work the streets or they work massage parlors. They must earn a certain amount of dollars in order to buy their freedom. But as has happened since the 1700’s, an indentured servant rarely, if ever, pays off those debts in the minds of the master.
There are a few issues that impede HPD from helping these young women and getting them to a better life.
First, HPD is not able to ask anyone about immigration status. This helps to keep illegal aliens and the predators who feed off of them on the streets.
The pimps and madams who have brought these girls to the US engender both fear and loyalty from their slaves. A young woman who is arrested by the police will not turn on her captor. She will leave the police station and go right back to work at the brothel/massage parlor.
There are also language and cultural issues. Women coming from countries where police are corrupt are not likely to trust HPD.
HPD is becoming creative in stopping human trafficking. The Vice Division opened their own massage parlor and used it to arrest the male customers attempting to buy sex from undercover officers.
HPD is partnering with local charities to be on site when a raid takes place. This allows the charity to step in, explain the situation in a girl’s own language, explain how her situation relates to US law, and explain that there is a way out.
Another program, focuses on arresting everyone in the brothel/massage parlor, winnowing out the children, and taking those children to homes where they can find help. Unfortunately, this is a slow and frustrating process. Out of twenty girls arrested, nineteen will return to work for the pimp or madam.
Human trafficking runs rampant in Houston. Look for suspicious behaviors in your neighborhood. For instance, most legitimate massage parlors won’t have traffic at 10pm. Report what you see and join Rotary in helping local charities to find a solution to these horrible crimes.
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And the Blind Will See: Rotarian Rod Mace and the Guerrero Eye ClinicWhen Rod Mace shares his stories with you, it’s easy to assume he has a background in opthamology or some other sector of the medical field. That’s not the case. Rod is a retired insurance agent and a member of the Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary.
Why the confusion? Twice a year, Rod volunteers at the Guerrero Eye Clinic in Guerrero, Mexico, mapping eyeballs using an auto-refractor machine. Eye doctors use these maps during the examinations that follow.
I recently sat down with Rod to learn more about his annual pilmgrimages to Guerrero.
Twice a year, a group of twenty to thirty volunteers travel to Guerrero, Mexico to work at the eye clinic. This year, they will be traveling from October 19th to the 25th. These volunteers include doctors, technicians, and folks who don’t know a stethoscope from a thermometer. Rod said, “There is a lot of work to do supporting the doctors and helping the 800 or more locals who will visit us. Medical training isn’t a necessity. We just need Houstonians willing to help.”
The helping provided is more dramatic – and more wonderful – than you would expect. Rotary will reach out to chieftans, priests, mayors, and other civic leaders to make them aware that the clinic will be open. Many folks will walk to the clinic – walks of up to 20 or 30 miles – to receive care.
Once those in need reach the clinic, they receive medical examinations in one of eight examination rooms. If necessary, there are three operating rooms for procedures. Local bilingual teenagers volunteer to translate.
Many of those who are treated have cataracts that have lead to blindness. This is a dangerous situation as in poor and remote areas, blindness can be a death sentence. Doctors perform up to 40 cataract surgeries per day removing those cataracts. Elderly and children who have not seen in years are suddenly blessed with the gift of sight.
We all want to make a difference. Can you imagine a simpler way to make such a large impact? I asked Rod about this, about what is the most rewarding aspect of his work, “Watching a child see for the first time in two or three years. That’s amazing.”
The cost of this trip for the volunteers surprised me. They fly from Houston into Chihuahua, take two vans to Guerrero, stay in a local hotel, and eat well. Rod said the trip typically costs about $1000.
Rod finished by saying, “That’s a low price for the opportunity to help people see again, to make a quantifiable difference in people’s lives.”
If you’d like more details on sponsoring a volunteer or traveling to Guerrero with Rod’s group, contact Rod at rodmace@gmail.com.
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Miguel and Mireya Visit BoliviaMiguel and Mireya Ottaviano visited with District Governor Governor Chichi Mendez and past-president Bolivar Carvalho while traveling in Bolivia.
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Rotary and SBISD Football!!MSB Rotary will have two nights at Tully Stadium to support SBISD schools. We will be announced at halftime and there will be no charge for the games.
On Friday, October 23rd we will sit on home side in support of Spring Woods HS at 7:00 p.m.
The address for Tully Stadium is 1050 N Dairy Ashford Rd, Houston, TX 77079 . Please wear rotary shirt or pin to designate you are with rotary. Bring raffle tickets as well for the Rolex Watch fundraiser.
SEE YOU THERE!!
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District 5890's Education FellowshipThe District is in process of forming an Educators Fellowship, and if you are an educator or have interest or passion for education, this is your opportunity to get in on ground floor. Plus the cost is nominal, $20.00/year.
You do not have to be an educator to become a member of this fellowship. Rotarians, their spouses, and Rotaractors may be members.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a Rotary Fellowship and who may join?
Rotarian Fellowships are independent groups of Rotarians, their spouses, and Rotaractors who have a similar interest or passion and are organized around a specific vocational or recreational interest. Being part of a fellowship is a fun way to make new friends around the world. What is the purpose of this proposed fellowship?
The International Fellowship of Rotarian Educators would be a group dedicated to promoting quality education (both public and private) as well as other types of training and development such as Continuing Education (CE), Further Education, Adult Education, Lifelong Learning and other forms of instruction as an opportunity for fellowship. What would be the dues for this new fellowship?
Nominal dues are to offset administrative cost. Dues for this fellowship would be assessed at $20.00 annually, $50.00 for three years, or $100.00 for a life time membership.
What do I need to do?
Forward these two attachments to those you think may have an interest in becoming a charter member of this proposed fellowship. As mentioned above, send to Rotarians, their spouses, and Rotaractors. Also, please forward to Rotary and Rotaract Clubs around the world* as well as to District Fellowship Chairs. Please remember to send to e-clubs too!
What if you want to become a member?
Please send your name, country name, Rotary club name, Rotary district number and email address you want to use for this fellowship to Dr. Charles Grant, Rotary Club of North Shore at charles1grant@aol.com.
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Guerrero Eye Clinic Trip ApproachesThe trip to The Guerrero Eye Clinic in Mexico is fast approaching as it will be October 20-23. In next week's Bulletin - and on the website - we'll share the story of the Guerrero Clinic.
For now, know that the trip is less expensive than you might think, the food and accommodations are better than you might think, and these people are truly in need. People will walk several miles to this clinic in order that their children, spouses, or parents may see again. Quite literally, your financial gifts and your gift of volunteer time will allow the blind to see again. Read that again and let it sink in. You have the power to change lives and to see the results up close and personal.
If you'd like more information on traveling to the clinic with several members of the Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary, or if you'd like to give a donation to assist, please contact Gwen Corolla at gwen@cometogetherpromotions.com. We do accept donations via credit and debit card as well.
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Polio Eradication Update, Sept 11, 2015Quote of the day - "Happiness is not to be found in possessions. That truth has been borne home to us time and again. Happiness is a state of mind, it comes unsought and it is the by-product of wholesome, sensible and unselfish living and thinking." Paul Harris - 1943 RI Convention
Pakistan - One new Polio case reported in Pakistan this week. Thirty Polio cases have been reported in 2015 compared to 137 at this time last year. Two new polio positive environmental samples were reported this week
Afghanistan - One new Polio case reported in Afghanistan this week. Subnational Immunization Days will take place in the South & East of the country on Sept. 20-22 using bivalent OPV and National Immunization Days will take place Oct. 18-20 using trivalent OPV.
Ukraine - 2 cases of circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 1 (cVDPV1) have been confirmed, with dates of onset of paralysis of 30 June and 7 July 2015. Both are from the Zakarpatskaya oblast, in south-western Ukraine, bordering Romania, Hungary, Slovakia and Poland. One child was 4 years old and the other 10 months old at the time of onset of paralysis. . In 2014, only 50% of children were fully immunized against polio and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Discussions are currently ongoing with national health authorities to plan and implement an urgent outbreak response.
Mali - a case of circulating Vaccine derived polio has also been reported in Mali. More information to follow.
The Final Three Endemic Countries:
Pakistan - Thirty Polio cases reported in 2015 with 306 cases recorded in 2014 The most recent case was reported on 08/17/15 in Quetta district.
Afghanistan - Nine Polio cases reported in 2015 with 28 cases recorded in 2014. The most recent case was reported on 08/07/15 from the Zaranj District.
Nigeria - Zero Polio cases reported in 2015 with 6 cases recorded in 2014. The most recent case was reported on 7/24/14.
Importation Countries: Ethiopia (1 case in 2014), Cameroon (5 cases in 2014), Somalia (5 cases in 2014), Iraq (2 cases in 2014), Syria (1 case in 2014), & Equatorial Guinea (5 cases in 2014) - all report no Polio cases in 2015.
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President's Message, August 21From the President:
Last Saturday afternoon, I went to Turning Point Center to participate in a joint service project between our club and Heights Rotary Club. I went because I am the President and I thought it was my duty. Sometimes duty is all we have to pull us out of our self-involvement. What we do every 3rd Saturday at 4:45 is to help Heights Club serve dinner to 40-50 elderly homeless people. Through our club 501c3 charitable foundation (Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Charities, Inc.) we also donate $150/month to help buy the food that we serve.
Stephen Monson, Sergeant-at-Arms of the Heights Club, is the driving force behind this project. He commands a crew of Heights volunteers who shop and cook the food. When I arrived, there were 2 giant pots of milky, buttery water coming to a boil in the kitchen, just about ready to mix with the instant mashed potatoes. A big pot of green beans was keeping warm and we were waiting for the friend chicken to arrive. Bill Haglund and Sheila Franklin, from our club, were setting up ranks of solo cups filled with ice and sodas. 4 watermelons were chilling in a tub of ice and I volunteered to be the slicer. Other people had set places around the 2 parallel rows of tables, and put out rolls. When the chicken arrived…we were ready!
As I moved among the diners, bringing extra chicken and second helpings, I didn’t have time to think about why they were there. I didn’t feel pity for them. They didn’t show up as needy people that I was there to “help”. They were there to enjoy a good meal and I was there to serve it! I loved it!
Bill and Sheila told me that the next 2 third Saturdays are big-time Aggie football weekends, so they won’t be there. I won’t be there in September, because I am representing our club at the Indian-American Chamber of Commerce Gala. So I need some other folks to step up. Stephen Monson will be at our Health Fair Service Project on Saturday. If you have a chance, get him to tell you about Turning Point Center and how he got involved.
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President's Message for August 14Good day,
Our next club board meeting is August 21st, immediately after the regular meeting. We meet on the 3rd Friday of every month, and our board meetings are always open to club members. Anytime you have something that you would like to present to the board, please let me know in a timely fashion so that I can get it on the agenda for the upcoming board meeting. We try to keep the meetings to an hour.
If you are planning to participate in the Health Fair Service Project, please let Ed Wilson know. You can email him at edkarenwilson2003@yahoo.com or you can text or call him at 713-302-9771. If you want to sit in the booth (which will be inside a large air-conditioned room) and hand out goodies to the kids, let him know that. If you want to take a more active part in the service project, let him know that as well. We need to let the event organizers know how many volunteers they can count on from us…and we need to do it right away.
Two new cases of Polio reported this week – 1 in Pakistan and 1 in Afghanistan. These numbers show only the number of people who get polio so bad that they are paralyzed. Only about 2% of the polio cases are paralytic, yet 100% of the cases are communicable! So this means that because we had 2 cases of polio reported, another 98 are running around thinking they have a bad cold and spreading the virus to people who have not been inoculated. Think about that. That’s why we are having a resurgence of whooping cough and measles right here in this country. Measles and whooping cough have never been eradicated.
YRS
Gwen
The object of Rotary is to encourage & foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:[3]
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Polio Eradication Update, Aug 14Polio Eradication Update - Week Ending 08/15/15
PolioPlus: “This Close” ls Not Close Enough
Two Polio cases reported this week: Pakistan 1, Afghanistan 1, Nigeria 0
2015 Polio Case Breakdown by Country
Endemic Countries –29 Pakistan (2014-306), 7 Afghanistan (2014-28), 0 Nigeria(2014-6)
2015 Importation Countries – 0 Cameroon (2014-5), 0 Eq. Guinea (2014-5)
0 Somalia (2014-5), 0 Ethiopia (2014-1), 0 Syria (2014-1), 0 Iraq (2014-2)
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A Presidential MessageHi Everyone,
I just finished my first month as President. Thank you for giving me this opportunity to serve. What an interesting experience! I’m learning a lot. I’ll be 69 this year and it’s the perfect thing to be doing at this part of my life. Doing the strategic plan, creating the budget, putting together my leadership team was a trip. Now I’m learning how to actually be a leader.
Speaking of leaders, our District is starting to prepare for the All Club Meeting in January. This year it’s called A Celebration of Gifts, and is the occasion of a visit by RI President, KR Ravinderin to our District. Save the date!
When we created our Club’s Vision, we said that we wanted to support the Guerro Clinic. Having more people participate in the Eye Clinic Service Project is one way we can do it. This October, I’m going with Rod Mace! Ellen Weiss is going too. We will get to be one of those traveling Rotarians - like in Rotarian Magazine! Actually delivering the service for which we raise all this money for should be pretty cool. It’s going to be a real adventure. Here’s a link to their website, if you want to check it out: http://www.guerreroclinic.org/ You can go with us if you want to - we have room for you!
Gwen Corolla
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Final Four, Super Bowl, and now... THIS!It is with great excitement and honor we announce that HOUSTON has been selected as the 2022 convention city!
T
 his was a lengthy process that involved many people throughout our District and this selection could not have happened without their dedication to presenting Houston and District 5890 as the only choice for Rotary International. I would like to thank PDG Rhonda Kennedy for her leadership as the Bid Committee Chair and all of the members of the committee who worked tirelessly to make this selection possible. Rotarians this is just the beginning of our road to 2022.Over the next six years we will be planning a convention that shows Rotarians from around the world exactly why Houston was not only the right choice but the only choice for the best International Convention possible. District 5890, you are the best and we are going to be depending on you to help make this happen so when the time comes please volunteer your time and expertise by serving on one of the many committees that will be available. Again, congratulations District 5890 on being selected as the 2022 Rotary International Convention site!
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The District Foundation Dinner is Set
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Books for PakistanThere was an article, "Pakistan Rotary Members Distribute Free Books", in the Rotary Voices newsletter. Those books came from our District's Rotary Books for the World project founded by PDG Charlie & Barb Clemmons. We sort and palletize books once a month and we would love to have you, and your club members, family members, Interactors, Rotaractors, and friends join us for a work day. In addition, the containers used for shipping the books, are when empty, being converted to Polio vaccination stations in Pakistan. We are helping literacy and Polio eradication in Pakistan! Pakistan's National PolioPlus Chair, Aziz Memon will be in Houston on September 25 for the District 5890 Foundation Dinner. Please plan to attend if you are a Major Donor, Bequest Society Member, or Paul Harris Society Member. Register on the www.rotary5890 site. If you are not yet a member of one of the three invited groups, why not join now?
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Sean Smith Travel Blog, Day 11. Travel and First day in Valparaíso
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GOLF TOURNAMENT!!!Our golf tournament is Tuesday!! We've saved a few spots so you and your friends or clients can bring a team of golfers, sponsors a hole, or sponsor a portion of the tournament. Your tax deductible donation will be put to good use: we support literacy programs, youth programs, scholarships, and real science in Memorial Spring Branch and around the world. In the last month, we sent a scientist to Latin America to work on clean water issues and provided ten high school seniors with college scholarships.
The Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary golf tournament is on Tuesday, August 4 at Clear Creek-Bass Park in Pearland. The start time will be 8am. Carter Franklin has the additional details you need at 713.882.7444 or Carter.Franklin@SBCGlobal.net.
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Today: Club AssemblyToday's meeting - Friday, July 10th - will be a Club Assembly.
The Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club holds a club assembly at least four times a year (every quarter + as needed) for the members to discuss matters of concern with the club. Normally, the club assembly is not open to visitors, but this first assembly of the year will be an open meeting.
The agenda is:
As always, all members are invited to attend Club Board Meetings on the 3rd Friday of every month, after the club meeting.
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Executing Our Vision ExerciseFrom El Presidente:
This week is the culmination of the work we began in January at the Visioning Event. Many of the actions are already in motion and some of the goals have already been achieved. At this Club Assembly, the Committee Chairs will be sharing their plans and introducing their committees for the upcoming year. Those few members who have not yet selected a committee will have the opportunity to join a committee.
The Rotary Club of Memorial – Spring Branch – Strategic Plan for 2015/16
What We Stand For in Our Community – our Values:
Inclusivity Diversity Leadership Partnership
Fellowship Literacy Service Mentoring
We develop leaders who foster the growth of a literate, diverse, tolerant community in Memorial-Spring Branch and in the world. We embrace and promote the Rotary motto of “Service above Self” and “The 4-way Test”, locally and internationally through networking, mentoring and community outreach programs. Our Goals and Actions are the foundation of all club activity and are rooted in Rotary’s “Five Avenues of Service”.
Our Club Goals:
Our Actions begin with Club Service:
Provide opportunities for club members to train themselves as leaders and practice “Service above Self ” and the “4 Way Test” in a local, immediate and supportive environment.
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Dinner with SeanAnd now, from our most recent past president........
Sean Smith and his fiancee will be leaving at the end of the month for his year of research at Pontifical Catholic University of Valparaiso, Chile, studying micro-algae in wastewater, for simultaneous wastewater treatment and biodiesel production.
As his sponsoring Rotary Club, we would very much like to wish him well by joining him and his fiancee for dinner at Boca2 on Monday evening, July 13th, at 6:30pm. Boca2 Cafe and Tapas Bar is located at 7951 Katy Freeway, in the shopping center on the south side of Interstate 10, just West of Antoine.
Please let me (Sheila) know if you can join us, so I can be sure we have enough tables and chairs for all who are attending.
He is very excited about being invited to have dinner with us, and I hope you will enjoy spending time with this remarkable young man.
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Ice Cream with Frost BankFrost Bank has been a great partner to our club. Frost has sponsored the golf tournament, provided a speaker, and is the work home of Sarah Agnich. Today, Frost sweetens the deal even more for us:
Today, the SMOOSH food truck will be serving gourmet ice cream sandwiches compliments of Frost Bank. The truck will be at the Frost Bank in Westchase (3304 W Sam Houston Pkwy S) from 1-3 PM. Please feel free to invite others in the area.
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eClub Fundraiser for NepaleClub of Houston is hosting a fundraiser for Nepal disaster relief on Jul 16, 6:00-9:00pm, at Lee High School, Houston . We invite you, your family and friends for a great night of entertainment and fun, to raise funds to help the victims of the Nepal earthquake. Please help us to help those in desperate need of shelter and clean water. Rotary E-Club of Houston, TX, USA is working with Disaster Aid USA and other partners to provide help for the victims in Nepal.
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Scholarship RecipientsSome days, we get to meet and speak with those people are helping. The last two Fridays have been such days. This Spring, we've given scholarships of $3000 each to ten SBISD students. Below is a photo including Sheila and some of our recipients.
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The Torch is PassingThank you all for attending Gwen's installation party at Willie G's - it was a hoot! Many Rotary notables attended from other clubs and the District.
Be sure to give Sheila a big hug for everything she's done this past year to get us here. Just two more meetings and you can relax, Sheila!
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Memorial Villages 23rd Annual Independence FestivalRotarians! It's time to cut some watermelons! |
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Polio Eradication UpdatePolio Eradication Update for the Week Ending 6/13/215, from Terry Ziegler, bigzlumber@aol.com District 5890 Rotary Foundation Committee Chair:
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District 5890 Installation
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WAIS Interact and the Purple Pinkie ProjectThe Westchester Academy Interact Club had a successful fundraiser called the Purple Pinkie Project. They will present the check to us to forward on to Rotary International. How do the efforts of these students impact the world around us? In 1985, when Rotary launched a worldwide fight against polio, the disease existed in 193 countries. In 1988, there were approximately 350,000 individual cases reported. So far this year, there have been 24 new cases of polio reported. That's hundreds of thousands of lives saved! Here is how the Purple Pinkie Project works:
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Party! Gwen's Installation as President, 2015-16One of the joys of Rotary is celebrating a second New Year's Day party!
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Joe P. Teas, A Brief BiographyJoe attended Condit Elementary and West University Elementary in Houston Independent School District. He had an older brother Bill. He reports that he rode a bike uphill both ways in heavy snow carrying a hot potato in his pocket for warmth and for lunch. This would be more believable if Houston had snow or hills.
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Wayne Beaumier, Featured SpeakerOn Friday, May 22nd, we’ll be welcoming Wayne Beaumier to our podium.
Wayne is the District 5890 Disaster Relief Chairman and ambassador to Disaster Aid USA. Disaster Aid USA is a Rotarian Operated Project that provides shelter, clean water systems, tools, mosquito nets and other needed items to survivors of disasters.
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How Close are we to Ending Polio?Polio Eradication Update
For The Week Ending 05/23/15
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Denise Einkauf , Featured SpeakerOn Friday, May 15th, Denise Einkauf will be sharing information about Ballard House in Katy. Here is the Ballard House story, which I unabashedly stole from the website:
The dream started in 2006 when the CEO of Keller Williams Realty issued a challenge to Keller Williams market centers around the country to “leave a legacy” in the communities in which they live and work. The associates of Keller Williams Premier Realty in Katy took that challenge to heart. Construction of The West Houston Medical Center had just started and it was evident that people would be travelling to the area for their treatments and would need housing. Cinco Charities, Inc. was birthed with the mission to provide temporary housing for patients and their caregivers coming to the Katy/West Houston area medical facilities for treatment of life threatening illnesses.
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Golf Tournament, August 4, 2015SAVE THE DATE!!
The Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary is hosting our 2nd annual golf tournament on Tuesday, August 4 at Clear Creek-Bass Park in Pearland. The start time will be 8am.
There will be opportunities to play golf, volunteer time, donate auction items, buy auction items, and obtain sponsorships. The proceeds support literacy for children and adults, college scholarships, health and safety programs, and other charitable causes in the Spring Branch area. Carter Franklin has the details you need at 713.882.7444 or Carter.Franklin@SBCGlobal.net.
See you August 4th!
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Rotary After Dark, May 12th, 2015Why attend Rotary After Dark? There are several reasons.
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District Assembly, May 9th, 2015District Assembly is a leadership training conference for incoming officers for the 2015/16 Rotary year. The nature of our organization is that everyone is a leader in one role or another. Therefore, even if you're not an incoming officer, you are encouraged to attend and will be welcomed with open arms.
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Car Seat Check 2015You see it driving around town: Young children who are either not in car seats, or who are obviously in the wrong car seat. If you've wanted to change that situation, if you've wanted to help those kids, Saturday, May 2nd is your opportunity.
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Sex Trafficking Task ForceSome problems are hidden from view. They are not something you see in your daily life. Sex trafficking is one of these problems and this is a Houston problem. With our port and our proximity to Latin America, we have become a sex trafficking hub. The new Sex Trafficking Task Force will be meeting at 6:30pm on May 12th at the Dominican Sisters' on Almeda Blvd. For more information, please contact Gwen Corolla. With apologies to ABC-13, here is a story on the topic from their website:
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The Big RevealTHE BIG REVEAL IS COMING TO OUR CLUB ON MARCH 27TH.
THE CLUB ASSEMBLY WILL BE THE CULMINATION OF THE VISIONING EVENT AND PRESENTATION OF THE STRATEGIC PLAN THAT CREATES THE WAY FORWARD.
We will answer the following questions:
1. What kind of club is this anyway?
2. Who are we and what are we doing here?
3. Why do we do what we do?
4. What are the results we want to achieve?
5. How will we get those results?
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Great Friends and Good Fellowship at the March Rotary After Dark15 members and family gathered on St Patrick's Day at Jonathan's the Rub for a wonderful meal and much laughter. James Brown found a great local establishment to host the group in its private room. Next dinner will be held at Vallone's on April 7th at 6:30 pm.
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KT's Story All fellow Rotarians,
I have been a member of Spring Branch Memorial Rotary club for about 8 yrs. now and I enjoy attending Rotary meetings. I am particularly attracted by the mission of Rotary-- which is SERVICE. With that in mind I am writing this short summary of my medical charity work in India and in Houston.
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Rotary Releases $34 Million To End Polio WorldwideROTARY RELEASES US$34.8 MILLION TO END POLIO WORLDWIDEEVANSTON, Ill., USA (20 January 2015) — The continued fight to eradicate polio gets an additional $34.8 million boost from Rotary in support of immunization activities and research to be carried out by the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. The funds will be used by the World Health Organization (WHO) and UNICEF for polio immunization, surveillance and research activities in ten countries, as well as to provide technical assistance to additional countries in Africa.
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Another Successful Bike Helmet Event.jpg) Club members fitted over 80 students grades 1st through 6th at Las Americas, School for the Refugees on January 28th.
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Service above Self at the 2014 Spring Branch Family Development Center Health Fair       |
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Dr. Renu Khator speaks at MSB RotaryChancellor, University of Houston System; President, University of Houston
 Dr. Renu Khator holds the dual titles of chancellor of the University of Houston System and president of the University of Houston. The UH System’s first woman Chancellor and the first Indian immigrant to head a comprehensive research university in the United States, she assumed her post in January 2008. As chancellor of the UH System, Khator oversees an organization that serves nearly 70,000 students, has an annual budget that exceeds $1.5 billion, and produces a $3.8 billion-plus economic impact on the Greater Houston area each year. The UH System includes the University of Houston, UH-Clear Lake, UH-Downtown, UH-Victoria and with branch campuses and teaching centers in Katy, Northwest Houston, Pearland and Sugar Land as well as KUHT, the nation’s first educational television station, and two radio stations – KUHF, Houston's National Public Radio affiliate, and the classical station KUHA.
As president of the University of Houston, she is the chief executive officer of the largest and oldest of the four UH System universities. As the system’s flagship institution, UH enrolls approximately 40,000-plus students, offers more than 300 undergraduate and graduate programs and awards more than 8,000 degrees each year.
During her tenure, UH has experienced record-breaking research funding, enrollment and private support. As part of a $1-billion campus construction program, UH launched its 75-acre Energy Research Park, which is now home to several start-up companies, research enterprises and academic programs, continued work on a new 40,000-seat football stadium and increased student residence hall capacity to 8,000, the second highest in Texas. In addition, UH has recently unveiled an $80 million transformation of its University Center and opened its new, six-story Health and Biomedical Sciences Building.
In 2011, UH earned Tier One status, with the Carnegie Foundation elevating it to the top category of research universities. Princeton Review has recognized UH for excellence in undergraduate education and named it a “Best Value” university for three consecutive years. The Chronicle for Higher Education cited UH as an exceptional workplace. UH consistently places among the foremost universities included in the Top American Research Universities (TARU) rankings.
Khator was born in Uttar Pradesh, India, earning a bachelor’s degree at the University of Kanpur. She received her master’s degree in political science and Ph.D. in political science and public administration from Purdue University. A noted scholar in the field of global environmental policy, she has published numerous books and articles on the subject. Prior to her appointment, she was provost and senior vice president at the University of South Florida, capping a 22-year career at that institution.
Khator was recently given the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the president of India, the highest recognition conferred on overseas Indians based on their "significant contributions" to their homeland. In addition, the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services included her among its Outstanding Americans by Choice awardees, recognizing her achievements as a naturalized citizen. Purdue University awarded her its Doctor of Social Sciences degree, honoris causa. She is featured in the American Council on Education's video "The Joys of the Presidency."
In 2014, she received the President’s Award from NASPA, the national association of student affairs administrators. Joining some of the world’s most respected leaders, she was named to the Indian Prime Minister’s Global Advisory Council. She also serves on several boards, including vice chair of the American Council on Education, deputy chair of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, the Greater Houston Partnership, the Houston Technology Center, the Texas Medical Center Policy Council, the Methodist Hospital Research Institute Board and the Business Higher Education Forum. She is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.
Khator’s husband, Dr. Suresh Khator, is associate dean of the UH Cullen College of Engineering. The Khators have two daughters, both of whom are ophthalmologists, and two grandchildren
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2014 Health Fair Service Project |
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Ambassador/Global Grant Applicants Sought Our district is now seeking candidates for the 2015-2016 Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial/Global Grant Scholarships. Each Rotary Club in District 5890 may propose one post-graduate candidate for these competitive scholarships, for studies abroad (beginning no sooner than July 1, 2015) within one of Rotary's six "Areas of Focus". Candidates that have a linear relationship to a Rotarian, as far back as grandparent, are not eligible for these scholarships.
The application deadline is October 10, 2014, and the mandatory interviews will be held in Houston, Texas on November 8, 2014. Application materials and more information are available on the District 5890 website, www.rotary5890.org. Or, for further information, please contact Bill Haglund, if you have a possible candidate for our club to consider.
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Our Dr. ShahAn Open Letter from K.T. Shah, MD – May 15, 2014
To all my Friends,
I am writing this letter to give you some information regarding the IDC (Indian Doctors’ Charity) CLINIC and my role in it. I practiced Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine from 1973 to Dec. 2004 in Houston, Texas. I deliberately took early retirement in Dec. 2004 because I wanted to do charity social work at Houston and in India. I have been working as volunteer physician and medical director at IDC CLINIC since 2005.
IDC CLINIC
6550 Mapleridge #229
Houston TX 77081
713-771-2255
Our clinic is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
We see all patients completely free of charge and provide free blood tests. Radiology work is done at very discounted rates. All patients are seen regardless of RACE, RELIGION OR NATIONALITY. Clinic sees 30 to 35 patients every Saturday and approximately 1300 to 1500 patients are seen in one year.
Doctors working at this clinic are all of Indian origin and members of INDIAN DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION OF GREATER HOUSTON. All doctors who work at this clinic are volunteers and work without any compensation.
Our annual expense of this clinic is approximately $50,000/ per year which includes payments to nurses and ancillary staff, rent, telephones insurance and supplies.
IDC CLINIC is 501-C-3 tax exempt organization --
CLINIC TAX EXEMPT NO- 76-0577471
This clinic is a very good example of our Indian community giving back to the local Greater Houston community.
Thanking you,
K. T. Shah, MD Medical Director--
10710 Memorial Cove Houston, TX 77024 USA Home Phone 713-984-0429 Cell Phone 281-772-4139 Fax 661-280-2004 Email ktshahmd@yahoo.com |
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The Changing of the GuardPresident Carter Franklin will be stepping down on Friday, and President-Elect Sheila Franklin will step into her role as President of the Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club for 2014-2015. The new slate of board members and committee chairs will also be installed.
 Friday, June 27, 2014, our club's leadership will change. Every year, the old President and his or her leadership team steps down and a whole new team steps into Club Service. The Rotary motto of "Service above Self" is exemplified in those members who participate in Club Service. Nobody gets paid to serve as President or Sergant-at-Arms. Those people who greet us with a smile and take our money as we come to meetings....they are doing club service. Those people who wrangle with the venue to make sure our needs are taken care of...the folks who put up our banners and audio/video equipment. All doing club service. Some of us take point on service projects, some of us liaise with our Rotary District 5890 leadership. Some people go out and visit local businesses or follow-up with visitors.
Mostly, the people who do this are the ones who don't wait to be asked. They ask for the job they want! Sometimes, the job asks for them. Sometimes we forget that Rotary is a service organization and we just come to lunch and listen to the speaker. Then we complain to ourselves that nobody every asks us to do anything. Stop waiting to be asked...step up to the plate! All board meeting are open to all club members. That's where the planning goes on.
To do a job in Rotary, you don't have be the "right" one, or the "best" one, you just have to say that you will BE the one! And then...you are THE one!
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MSB Rotary ScholarshipsMEMORIAL-SPRING BRANCH ROTARY CHARITIES
AWARDS TEN SCHOLARSHIPS
.jpg) The Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Charities has awarded ten scholarships, totaling $30,000, to 2014 graduating seniors from the five Spring Branch ISD high schools.
Receiving the Diane Jackson Scholarship, named after a long-time member of our club, and SBISD administrator, was Kaitlin Santibanez, a graduate of Memorial High School, who plans to attend Texas University, and major in Political Science, with eventual plans to attend law school and become an advocate for children’s rights.
Receiving the Bill Archer Family Scholarships, endowed to honor Bill Archer upon his retirement from Congress, were: Maria Alvarez, a graduate of Spring Woods High School, who plans to attend the University of Texas, and major in public relations; Sarahi Chan, a graduate of Northbrook High School, who plans to attend Texas A&M University, and major in architecture; and Jacqueline Silva, a graduate of Spring Woods High School, who plans to attend the University of Texas, and major in speech/language pathology, and become a speech therapist.
Receiving the Andrew Durham Scholarships, donated through the generosity of Andrew Durham, were: Gerardo Vazquez, a graduate of Westchester Academy for International Studies, who plans to attend Houston Community College, then the University of Houston, and major in kinesiology, with the goal of becoming an athletic trainer; Daune Patterson, a graduate of Westchester Academy for International Studies, who plans to attend the University of Houston, with an undecided major; and Andrea Sklar, a graduate of Stratford High School, who plans to attend Tulane University, and major in business.
Scholarships provided by Memorial-Spring Branch Charities, Inc. were awarded to: Zeriba Jahangir, a graduate of Stratford High School, who plans to attend the University of Texas, and major in biochemistry, with plans to become an oncologist; Andrew Lee, a graduate of Stratford High School, who plans to attend the University of Texas, and major in studio art, with plans to become an art director; and Hugo Rodriguez, a graduate of Westchester for International Studies, who plans to attend the University of Texas-San Antonio, with an undecided major.
Memorial-Spring Branch Charities, Inc. is a 501(c)-3 public charity, established by the Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch, to receive and distribute charitable contributions. For more information about the club, please visit the web site at www.msbrotary.org.
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Dale Rudik and REBUILD HOUSTON - Our Speaker this week.jpg) Thank you Ed Wilson for bringing us this week’s speaker. Dale Rudick was hired by Mayor Parker in September 2011 as the ReBuild Houston Executive and serves as Deputy Director of Public Works and Engineering. Rudick interfaces with the public, the city’s elected leaders, the administration and the divisions of the Public Works and Engineering Department for ReBuild Houston. ReBuild Houston is a voter approved pay-as-you-go initiative that is a long-term solution in addressing the street and drainage infrastructure needs of the City. |
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MSB Rotary and SBISD are Good NeighborsAbby Walker from the Community Relations Department of Memorial Spring Branch Independent School District was our featured speaker last week. Our club has been a "Good Neighbor" with SBISD for the last 7 years. The more Good Neighbors, the better the quality of education for our kids.
 Ways to participate as a Good Neighbor with Spring Branch Independent School District:
1. Host and Assembly
2. Support a District Initiative
3. Provide Career Exposure
4. Serve as a Guest Speaker 5. Sponsor a Community Relations Project 6. Develop Incentive Programs 7. Sponsor a District Program 8. Provide Networking Opportunities 9. Support District Events 10. Mentor a Student For more information, contact: Abby Walker, Coordinator for Strategic Partnerships & Volunteer Programs, 713-251-2289, abigail.walker@springbranchisd.com |
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From the President:Good Morning Fellow Rotarians,
Thank you all that came to the Potluck Dinner this past Saturday. The food was wonderful. We have a lot of good of cooks in Rotary.
Last week's program was RYLA. The students did a good job of explaining what they learned about Rotary and at the RYLA camp. Thanks to Mrs. Collier, their school sponsor at W.A I.S., for bringing them. Our Rotary dollars are put to good use when we can help these students.
Our speaker this week is Abby Walker and her talk will be on the "SBISD Good Neighbor Program". We received an award from them last year. The Program is part of the Spring Branch Educational Foundation. Ed Wilson is our host for the day.
We are glad to have our two new Blue Badge members Evan Howell and Sammi Khaleeq. Also we have two new Red Badge members, Alan Rogers sponsored by Jim Jackson and Dan Monson sponsored by James Brown. Please bring a potential member guest. After the Red Badges are completed we will have 57 members.
Our attendance is up and thanks to you for attending or making up your missed meetings . Thank you for improving of our attendance. Please remember if you miss a meeting that you are in our thoughts
Remember our Paul Harris Fellow Award membership drive is still on. You pay $300 and a member will give you 700 points to make it a equal to a $1000. We have just a few who do not have a Paul Harris Fellow Award. Several have used this generosity. I would buy another but this offer is for first timers only. Part of the money will come back to the District in about 3 years.
We have our Club and District Installations, June 27th. Please bring your spouses or others to our regular meeting for our Club's installation. We have started the second table for the Districts Installation. Please sign up time is short.
A note to the members who attended the Potluck Dinner. If by chance if you ended up with a pie server, Dean Bybee is missing one.
I talked to Andy Garg, our Fund Raising Chair about having a golf tournament to raise funds and he agreed. I presented it to the board and they pasted on it and the date. So put on your calendar, September 17th. (Wednesday), at 8AM to 12 Noon. It will be held at Clear Creek Golf Course in Bass Park, on Fellows Road (past 288), off the Beltway, in Pearland. More information will follow.
See you Friday.
Yours In Rotary Service,
"A politician is a fellow who will lay down your life for his country" Tex Guinan
'Most, but not all." Carter Franklin
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K.T. Shah, MDAn Open Letter from K.T. Shah, MD – May 15, 2014
To all my Friends,
I am writing this letter to give you some information regarding the IDC (Indian Doctors’ Charity) CLINIC and my role in it. I practiced Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine from 1973 to Dec. 2004 in Houston, Texas. I deliberately took early retirement in Dec. 2004 because I wanted to do charity social work at Houston and in India. I have been working as volunteer physician and medical director at IDC CLINIC since 2005.
IDC CLINIC
6550 Mapleridge #229
Houston TX 77081
713-771-2255
Our clinic is open every Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
We see all patients completely free of charge and provide free blood tests. Radiology work is done at very discounted rates. All patients are seen regardless of RACE, RELIGION OR NATIONALITY. Clinic sees 30 to 35 patients every Saturday and approximately 1300 to 1500 patients are seen in one year.
Doctors working at this clinic are all of Indian origin and members of INDIAN DOCTORS’ ASSOCIATION OF GREATER HOUSTON. All doctors who work at this clinic are volunteers and work without any compensation.
Our annual expense of this clinic is approximately $50,000/ per year which includes payments to nurses and ancillary staff, rent, telephones insurance and supplies.
IDC CLINIC is 501-C-3 tax exempt organization --
CLINIC TAX EXEMPT NO- 76-0577471
This clinic is a very good example of our Indian community giving back to the local Greater Houston community.
Thanking you,
K. T. Shah, MD Medical Director--
10710 Memorial Cove Houston, TX 77024 USA Home Phone 713-984-0429 Cell Phone 281-772-4139 Fax 661-280-2004 Email ktshahmd@yahoo.com |
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Peace Corps and Rotary Kick Off Historic CollaborationIn an effort to promote global development and volunteer service, Rotary and Peace Corps have agreed to participate in a one-year pilot program in the Philippines, Thailand, and Togo. Peace Corps Acting Director Carrie Hessler-Radelet and Rotary International General Secretary John Hewko signed the letter of collaboration on Monday, 5 May, at Rotary's headquarters Hewko noted how both organizations are committed to improving lives and building stronger communities by addressing the root causes of violence and conflict, such as poverty, illiteracy, disease, and lack of access to clean water and sanitation. The two organizations also agreed to explore expanding the collaboration to more countries based on the results of the pilot. Rotary will enlist the support of its members in recruiting Peace Corps volunteers and involving returned Peace Corps volunteers in service projects at home. The letter of collaboration not only officially recognizes the partnership between the two organizations, but also encourages Rotary clubs and Peace Corps volunteers to expand the connections already in place. In Togo, Peace Corps volunteers Daniel Brown and David Gooze have teamed up with Rotary and other partners in the United States and Togo to distribute more than 5,000 soccer balls to disadvantaged youth. They are organizing 'More Than Just a Game' sessions, which use soccer as a medium to teach children about malaria prevention. "It's just one example of how Rotary and Peace Corps can collaborate on the ground to achieve lasting impact in the communities where we work," Hessler-Radelet said. Within the Philippines, Thailand, and Togo, Peace Corps posts and Rotary districts will coordinate at the country level with support from the headquarters of both organizations. Local Rotary clubs interested in working with Peace Corps volunteers should contact their district governors. Clubs located elsewhere should work through their Rotary counterparts in the pilot countries. (copied from RI website) |
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POLIO SPREADING - WHO declares an international public health emergencyNews from the frontline of the battle to end poliohttp://www.cbc.ca/news/world/polio-outbreak-how-war-is-thwarting-the-fight-against-the-virus-1.2632740
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President Carter Franklin presents his mid year review |
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Andy Garg wins this years watch in the club raffle drawing
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Rotary Youth Exchange Student Sebastian Nieme Arrives from Bolivia
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“Service Above Self” is not just a slogan at the Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club. This year the club awarded $29,000 to 13 local scholars.
Every year the club awards scholarships to graduating high school seniors in our community. These young people are taking the first steps in pursuit of their dreams. They plan to be teachers, lawyers, engineers, accountants, mathematicians, artists, psychologists and players on the international stage. Led by Sheila Franklin, president-elect for 2014-2015, the club will be keeping close contact with these scholars. Using social networks AND personal contact, the club will follow and support the progress of these young people. The plan is to do everything possible to see that those dreams are fulfilled.
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Celebrate the 4th of July like they do in the movies, with the bandstand and the parade and the watermelon!The Memorial Villages are hosting the 21st Annual Villages Independence Festival. The Festival includes a program which focuses on family, neighbors and patriotism and is free to all attendees. The Festival begins with a parade at 9:00 a.m., from Memorial High School to the Memorial Drive Baptist Church grounds at 325 North Piney Point Road (the site of the Festival). The parade is followed by games, food, entertainment and visiting until 1:00 p.m. Metro operates a free shuttle from 8:15 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. between the Memorial High School field house and the Presbyterian Church's parking lot (Blalock side) and the Festival grounds. Our Memorial-Spring Branch Rotary Club has been in charge of the watermelons for at least 12-15 years. The watermelons are provided by the Festival Committee, and we cut them, and serve them to those who attend the Festival, which usually numbers well over 1000 people. At the end, leftover watermelons are given away to be taken home. It is the single event of the year where our banner is displayed for the public to see, and is, next to the Health Fair, one of our biggest Community Service activities of the year. |
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MSB Rotary Sponsors 11 high school students for RYLA in 2013
We sponsored 11 kids to RYLA this year. It is amazing to see how much they learned in one weekend. This is the best investment we can do for our community and our future
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Ambassadorial Scholar Amy Parker Shares Her Plans for London
Our club sponsored Amy Parker for a Global Grants Scholarship (formerly known as Ambassadorial Scholar). Amy survived a long selection process and was one of three to be sponsored by District 5890 to go to England for a year to go to graduate school. Amy will receive $30,000 to go to the London School of Economics.
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Club Proudly Displays Banner for the first time!
President Richard Ferrari accepted the "Home Club of the District Governor" banner at DG Chris Schneider's installation on Sunday, June 10th. The Club proudly displayed the banner for the first time at our weekly meeting on Friday, June 15th. Congratulations Chris! We all have got your back this year.
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Safety Bob Talks About Emergency Lessons Learned Since 9/11
Dr. Robert Emery of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston spoke to the club on March 23rd. Dr. Emery, who is known in some circles as "Safety Bob", had a most insighful talk about emergency lessons we have learned since 9/11.
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Dr. Deena Buford Educates the Club on Occupational Medicine
On March 16th, Dr Deean L. Buford traced the history of Occupational Medicine, from Pliny the Elder and outlined a day in the life of an Occupational Doctor.
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Successful Car Seat Safety Session Held
MSB Rotary partnered with Rotaractors from U of H and Texas Children's to conduct car seat safety inspections at the Spring Branch Family Development Center on Saturday, March 3rd. Over 85 car seats/ booster seats given away and 100 family cars checked. Knowing they are better protected on the road is the best reward. Truly Reach Within to Embrace Humanity.
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MSB Member Eric Liu speaks on Nutrition and Health
Dr. Eric Liu, Past President of our club and presently one of the outstanding crop of Assistant Governors in District 5890 along with Lawrence Barris. Eric’s talk was about nutrition and vitamins as part of our food intake.
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Reginald Adams shares about MOCAH
Our speaker for the day was Reginald Adams who, along with his wife, Rhonda Radford-Adams, founded the Museum of Cultural Arts approximately 11 years ago. Reginald is also the current President of the Houston Skyline Club, of which Rhonda is also an active member. |
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Law Enforcement Against Prohibition
The speaker for the day was Dean Becker, a former law enforcement professional in several venues who is currently a talk show host on the Pacifica Network. Dean is part of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition, an international organization of criminal justice professionals who express their personal opinion on the wasteful futility and harms of our current drug policies.
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WITS Writers in the Schools
Jack McBride shared with us this non-profit organization that engages children in the pleasure and power of reading and writing.
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Harris County District Clerk Chris Daniels
The speaker for the day was Chris Daniel, the Harris County District Clerk. He discussed the various jobs which are done by the Harris County District Clerk’s office.
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Dr. Shruti Varadarajan Speaks About Healthcare Disparities and ObesityThe speaker for the day was Dr. Shruti Varadarajan, the medical director of the Spring Branch Community Health Center. She spoke to the club regarding Healthcare Disparities and Obesity. |
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MSB Rotary is on Facebook!
The club started its Facebook page to share information via social media on September 3rd and has grown to 39 members over the month.
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Houston Galveston Women's Business Center
April Day spoke at the club on Friday, September 23rd. She discussed the Houston Galveston Women's Business Center and the efforts they are making in assistance to women entrepreneurs.
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Houston City Recycling Program
Sharon Moses joined us from the City of Houston on Friday, September 16th and provided details around the City's Recycling Program.
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Houston City Councilwoman Anne Clutterbuck
Houston City Councilwoman Anne Clutterbuck (District C) was our guest speaker on September 9th. She shared her favorite memory from her city council experience which happens to be Rotary connected. |
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MSB Kicks Off Annual Scholarship Fund Raiser
President Elect Venu Rao announced the kick off of the club annual fund raiser on Friday, August 26th. Funds raised are used to supply 10 scholarships annually to deservng students who may otherwise not go to college.
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The Sheriff Came to Town |
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District Governor Rhonda Walls Kerby Official Club Visit
District Governor Rhonda conducted her official visit to our club on August 12th. She was introduced by her close friend AG Jean Love. The Governor built her remarks around the theme of our making a difference in Rotary through our works and in doing good on multiple levels. |
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Reach Within to Embrace Humanity
2011-12 Assistant Governor Jean Love delivers the Theme Speech to the club from her heart.
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Bill Haglund Appointed to the District Nominating Committee
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Eric Liu is SO proud -- Sandra Liu was named Rotary Spouse of the Year
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Wayne Staton named District 5890 Rotarian of the YearWayne Staton (fiance of Gwen Corolla of our club) is the District 5890 Polio Plus Chairman. A polio survivor himself, he is a powerful advocate for Rotary and its role in ending polio on the planet. This year he has made presentations to over 40 of our District Clubs. |
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Love and Hands |
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Give Life.. Donate Blood
Successful Blood Drive on 03-13-2011
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Stanley Santire Speaks to the Club
Stanley Santire spoke to the club about contemporary environmental issues.
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Our Own Eric Liu Completes the Houston Marathon!
Congratulations Eric. We are proud of you!
The Houston Marathon, held on January 30, 2011 was seen by over 1 million television viewers, 200,000 spectators, and attracted 55,000 people over a two day period. District 5890 was a sponsor for the first time this year. This was a huge Public Relations/Image boost for Rotary International, and the District 5890 clubs. The Rotary wheel was in all the advertising materials and in all the signage throught the race. Rotary Club of Harrisburg was the sponsoring club for the event and did a superb job setting up the Rotary Hoopla Station at mile 6, in the Party Boy parking lot (Studemont @ I-10). Eric Liu completed the full marathon. PDG Ed Charlesworth, DGE Rhonda Walls-Kerby and Dennis Debakey, the other Rotarians in the race, completed the half marathon.
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DG Sunny Sharma Makes Official Visit to Club
2010-11 Distrisct Governor Sunny Sharma made his Official Visit to our club on Friday, October 29, 2010. He was introduced by Assistant Governor Vern Swisher, and he gave a very timely and inspirational speech to the club. More pictures are available in the Photo Journal below. |
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Ravi Kathuria Speaks to the Club
Ravi Kathuria, the founder and president of Cohegic Corporation, a management consulting, executive coaching and sales coaching firm, tells our members how to improve their strategic and execution capabilities. |
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The Club Hears About Water Projects
Wally Kronzer and Greg Saldyn of the West U Rotaty Club tell the club about water projects that they have been involved in in the Honduras. The use of bio-sand filter has provided clean water for many of the residents in out-lying villages and greatly decreased the incidence of water-borne diseases. |
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Joan Neuhaus Schaan Talks About Border Terrorism
Joan Neuhaus Schaan is the fellow in homeland security and terrorism at the Baker Institute, and the coordinator of the Texas Security Forum. |
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2010-11 Scholarship Recipients Recognized by Club
See Photo Gallery for pictures
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The Lone Star Cowboys Rock the Club
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Holiday Party - 12/12/09
Memorial-Spring Branch Rotarians had a great time at Lawrence and Sharlene Barris' beautiful home Saturday night. Pictures courtesy of Leslie Liu. Click for more... |
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Rotary Humanitarian Project in Belize
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Andrew Durham Honored by Club
Bill Haglund presents a plaque to Andrew Durham in appreciation for his support of our scholarship program.
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Clear Creek Golf Club
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Mario C. Diaz is Director of the City of Houston Department of Aviation. He is responsible for the overall management of the Houston Airport System’s three aviation facilities: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD) – and its more than 1,400 employees.
Arturo Machuca is the General Manager of the Houston Airport System's Ellington Airport. Machuca oversees the daily operations and the development and implementation of policies and procedures at Ellington Airport. He is also the lead on the Houston Spaceport project.
Ian Wadsworth serves as the Chief Commercial Officer for the Houston Airport System. He oversees the commercial activities at the Houston Airport System’s three airports, including air service development, airline affairs, concessions, parking, real estate and business development. He joined the Houston Airport System in November 2008 as Deputy Director, Finance and Administration. In that position, Mr. Wadsworth was responsible for the finance, properties, human resources, and procurement functions. Prior to joining the Houston Airport System, Wadsworth served in various finance, planning, and marketing roles over the past 15 years at American Airlines, Capital One Financial, and Global Aero Logistics, the parent company of ATA Airlines, World Airways, and North American Airlines. Wadsworth received a BA degree in International Affairs from George Washington University and an MBA degree in Finance from the University of Michigan Business School.
Wayne Dolcefino is one of the nation's most decorated journalists. Thirty Emmy Awards from the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Five Charles Green Awards, an Edward R. Murrow award, a Jack Howard Award for investigative reporting, numerous honors from the Associated Press and Texas Association of Broadcasters, and an unprecedented three medals from the international journalism organization Investigative Reporters and Editors. 
