Well, life gets stranger everyday. With many of us now firmly sheltered in place, it is time to get Rotary moving again, maybe redefined for 2020. I challenged the Presidents Sunday to go virtual... use Zoom, Vimeo, Facebook Live ... whatever vehicle works. Anyone with a telephone can call in, but on a computer or an IPAD, we can actually see each other! The cost is low for it the benefit received. Rotary gets a discount from Zoom. Call Lynne McNamee, our District Public Image guru, if you need any help with set-up or acquisition. Let’s get back to the Business of Rotary... it is an essential organization!
Consider the creative use of technology to host “virtual meeting” experiences for your members until you can resume in-person meetings and events. Below are a few ideas and favorite tools for virtual meetings. Each suggestion includes links to helpful how-to guides and/or other information to assist you in navigating these tools.
Rotary International just announced that the Rotary International Convention, scheduled for 6-10 June 2020, in Honolulu, Hawaii, USA, has been canceled in response to the ongoing threat of COVID-19. Read more at riconvention.org
Every hour we have dramatic changes from our National and Local health officials, and reflecting those changes, here is some late breaking news for 5810 Rotarians.
1. District Assembly will now be scheduled for May 16, at the same location in McKinney. If you had registered for the original date, your registration will be transferred to the new date automatically. If you cannot make the May 16 date, it is important to let us know so that a refund may be given. You can send an email to Pam Blankenzee or Sandra Moudy, John’s aide. This training is so important for all club officers and committee chairs, So please make every effort to attend.
The COVID-19 coronavirus is affecting every aspect of our lives in real time, and this puts Rotarians in an unfamiliar place. As People of Action, we are most comfortable when we are fully engaged in the world – moving freely, meeting openly, and offering helping hands. These are very difficult times for people who, like us, are at our best when we are learning, growing, and serving—together.
We are also leaders in our communities, and these times call for leadership. In many ways, this also is our time. We have proven abilities to reach out and collaborate to offer immediate help to people in need at a rapid pace. These are precisely the skills needed all over the world today. The global effort against COVID-19 depends on actions taken in every country. Rotary has the unique ability to help improve those efforts in every community and every country.
Due to the coronavirus epidemic, some activities may be moved or canceled. Please check then local Rotary club’s website to confirm Meeting times and events.
The Mesquite Rotary Club has created a new personal care bag program that is designed to assist area homeless people in need. Suggested by John Heiman, a past president of the club, the bags are kits that include such items as
Get ready for Rotary 2020-21 and prepare for Rotary opportunities at District Assembly on Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Collin College in McKinney. Meet incoming District Governor John Moser for Club Leader Training. Play video for more details. Cost is $20. Click here to register.
D5810 Rotarians are invited to join the Rotary Club of Frisco for a night of steak: Rotary Night at Steak 101 on March 21, 2020. We’ll get to sample 15 different cuts of steak (including Wagyu) and enjoy the humor and knowledge of famed rancher Matt Hamilton on the different types and cuts of steak and insights into the meat industry – all in a fun, party environment with other Rotarians. $120 per person or $200 per couple (or sponsor a table of 8 for $1200 and have your sponsorship info on the table for all to see). For more info and to buy tickets: https://friscorotary.org/event/rotary-night-at-steak-101/
You're Invited to Frisco's Steak 101 event March 21st
RYLA student scholarship selections are now underway across the district. Your club is looking for the right recipient(s)— high school juniors with leadership potential who can expand their leadership in a growth-oriented, fun, high energy week at camp.
The Rotary Club of Dallas is working very hard to recognize outstanding teachers in the Dallas Independent School District. If you know any really special teachers, please have them consider submitting an application for our awards program.
Rotary Club of Dallas held it’s 11th Annual Safer Dallas Awards on Wednesday, February 26th at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. The program recognizes a Dallas Police Officer for Distinguished Service.
With the festivities of the holidays completed for another year and Spring not yet in evidence, the Fellowship Committee, under the leadership of John Brown and VP Happy Franklin, have made some great plans.
Sharon Scott, Community Service Chair, delivered a check and the donated items to the Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary, our January Charity of the Month.
The Rotary Club of Waxahachie was honored to receive Congressman Ron Wright as their Thursday meeting guest speaker. Pictured with Congressman Wright are Rotary Club of Waxahachie President, Mickie Hill and Mayor of Waxahachie, David Hill.
A crew from White Rock Rotary braved chilly temps to do their monthly trash pick up at White Rock Lake. It was sorely needed after recent rains. Coffee and doughnuts definitely contributed to our energy levels!
The Plano Sunrise Rotary Club and N. Texas Pioneers Rotary Club, for their joint Blood Drive, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, Catholic Church. Through the efforts of the Parishioners, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, the Carter BloodCare, teams and Rotarians,this Blood drive secured 67, good units of blood, which has the effect to possibly save up to 201, lives.
Are you aware of our District's Youth Exchange Program? Are you involved with the Exchange Program? Do you know where our outbound students are this year? To find out the answers to these questions and much more let our Youth Exchange Program make a presentation to your club.
Click on the photo above to get a sneak peak at some of the fun we are going to have at the Roaring Twenties Casino Night Foundation Gala on Saturday March 28, 2020. You will not want to miss this opportunity for fun and charity! All proceeds go to End Polio Now, so come for dinner, dancing, a casino night and a silent auction.Tickets are $100 per persons. To register: http://bit.ly/D5810CASINO
You're Invited to the Roaring Twenties Casino Night
Mesquite Rotary Club president John Taylor presented a $7,500 donation check to the Mesquite ISD Education Foundation at their meeting on January 28th. Foundation executive director Randy Lewallyn accepted the check.
White Rock Rotary hosted their annual Chili Gala for Family Gateway in Dallas on Saturday. The WRR volunteers supplied food for and served well over a hundred shelter residents. Rotary members and friends also distributed some children's books and enjoyed visiting with the families. A good time was had by all!
“Rotary is not just a club that you join, it is an invitation to endless opportunities. We believe that our acts of service, big and small, create opportunities for people who need our help. Everything we do opens another opportunity for someone, somewhere,” said President-Elect Holger Knaack.Therefore, the theme for year 2020-21 is -- Rotary Opens Opportunities.”
On Saturday, February 29th at 10:00AM, the Rotary Club of Dallas will be preparing meal packages for "Feeding Children Everywhere" at Dallas Scottish Rite Hospital located at 2222 Welborn Avemue, Dallas, TX. The event will last about 2 hours and everyone is invited. Members and spouses of the Rotary Club of Dallas, Woodrow Wilson High School and Faith Family Academy Interact will all be participating.
The Greenville Rotary club had several members recently visit their sister club in Cozumel in January 2020. Club members carried supplies and other items to help the students attending the CAM Laboral Cozumel, a school for students age 12-18 with attention or sensory problems like, blindness, deafness, autism.
The Waxahachie Club of Rotarians and friends planted 25,000 tulips, in the shape of Texas, to be used to advertise for the TULIPALOOZA!! This event (in the Spring) will benefit Daymark Living, whose purpose is to help adults with learning differences and intellectual delays live, learn and thrive.
Over forty-one years ago a Park Cities Rotarian had a great idea! Rather than have their usual Friday lunch, they would eat chili and donate the cost of their usual lunch to the Salvation Army! So, a tradition began. This past December, Park Cities Rotary members, family and guests gathered at the Salvation Army to eat chili. For the forty-first year RCPC member Bob Grossman, Chili Master Extraordinaire, worked overnight to cook gallons of chili. Using donated venison, fifty pounds of onions and a proportional amount of garlic, he cooked enough to be enjoyed by at least two hundred people.
The Plano West Rotary Club would like your help in advertising our Plano senior scholarship opportunity. Graduating seniors that attend a PISD school or any another school system based out of Plano is eligible to apply. If in doubt, have the student apply anyway.
Every year we assist Plano seniors in continuing their education by awarding 3 – 5 two thousand dollar ($2,000.00) scholarships. This is a senior’s invitation to apply for one of these scholarships.
With a great turn out of Rotarians in attendance, we leaped into Camp RYLA 2020 (our 30th camp!) at our RYLA Kickoff held January 18th. Each club's RYLA Chairperson is now equipped to recruit, interview, and select the best-fitting RYLA scholarship recipient in the local junior class. Look to your club's chairperson to see how you can get involved--this may be the most fun you have all year. More information also at www.RYLA5810.org
Rowlett Rotary provided 64 sleeping bags to the Austin Street Shelter in downtown Dallas. The snow had just started snowing when we pulled up. We also voted to add a service project that we learned about on delivery day: to provide much needed women’s and men’s underwear to the shelter by the end of January.
Joe Henderson, Rotary Club of Lake Texoma, and Blake Utter of Blake Utter Ford, Denison, Texas are shown with a Ford Corporation Check for $1840 being donated to the Lake Texoma Club. The donation is a result of a “Drive for Your Community” event sponsored by Ford and Rotary wherein drivers are provided the opportunity to test drive new Ford products. This is the second such event held by Utter Ford and Rotary.
Rotary eClub WOKE has partnered with the Girls Education Collaborative (GEC) based in Buffalo, NY. Millions of girls around the world are out of school, simply because they are girls.
Put on your “Glad Rags” and grab your Sheba or your Sheik and join us for the “Glitziest” party of the year – District 5810’s Roaring 20’s Casino Gala. A “Bee’s Knee’s" kind of a night, all designed to raise money to donate to Polio Plus.
The RYLA Information Roundup for the District 5810 Camp RYLA Program will be held Saturday, January 18, 2020 at the Addison Conference Centre, 15650 Addison Road, Addison, TX 75001. Rotary Club RYLA Chairpersons should attend this training program designed to get Camp RYLA 2020 recruiting and selection started. The meeting is the only chairpersons training of the year so every club should be represented.
The training is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. RYLA manuals and recruiting materials will be distributed, including copies of the new Camp RYLA and Making a Difference video. The meeting is also open to any Rotarian interested in learning more about Camp RYLA prior to the 30th annual leadership camp. July 26 – July 31, 2020.
RYLA Roundup for all clubs to kick off the 2020 RYLA Year
Volunteers from the RYLA Student Advisory Group and RYLA Alumni enjoyed their annual Angel Tree event at North Park Mall on November 30th--the Saturday after Thanksgiving.
The Plano Sunrise Rotary Club is proud to announce with their last Blood Drive they generated 627 units of blood. Through this effort, theyhave created the potential to possibly save up to 1887, lives.
Allen Sunrise Rotary is seeking volunteers to join them for their "Kids' Against Hunger" Service Project on March 28th, 2020 at the First United Methodist Church of Allen. This project is intended to package food to be sent
Addison Midday Rotary Club Members Corky Pledger and Cynthia Allison spent December 11 buying $2,000 worth of presents for ‘Santa's Heroes’, sponsored by the Addison Police and Fire Department.
The Guerrero Rotary Clinic in Chihuahua, Mexico is the longest active Rotary clinic of its type as it approaches 40 years of operations. 60,000 indigent patients (Mexicans, Tarahumara Indians and Mennonites) have been treated at no cost to them. While every patient is an eye patient, the clinic provides additional medical services like dental, general medicine and certain specialties.
For the thirteenth year the Rotary Cub of Park Cities joined with the City of University Park to kick off the season with the Snider Plaza Tree Lighting and street party. An estimated 6,000 people attended to enjoy the fall weather, the music, the Fun Zone, and the food and beverages. Even Santa attended
Every year, Coppell Rotary Club participates in the Metrocrest Services Holiday Basket Program for Seniors. Many Seniors are forgotten this time of the year, Coppell Rotary Club supplied food and gift items from gift lists supplied by the Metrocrest Seniors.
Coppell Brings Holiday Cheer to Metrocrest Seniors
The 15th Annual Salute to America’s Veterans was held on November 6th at the Frontiers of Flight Museum. The keynote speaker was Admiral Patrick Walsh, USN, Retired, last serving as the Commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet.
The Plano Flags of Honors program ran from November 8-16th and was sponsored by the Plano East Rotary Club. A special higlight, was presentation of Bronze Star and POW medals to a WW II veteran's family that survived the Bataan Death March.
One of RYLA 5810's great programs is Day 7. This year's event was held on November 23rd (as usual, the Saturday before Thanksgiving) at RL Turner High School for 140 students and 55 alumni staff helping out.
The Rotary Club of Rockwall recently hosted a celebration to mark its 80th Anniversary. On April 6, 1939, there were 20 charter members forming the city’s oldest civic club.
Do you remember why you became a Rotarian? What about Rotary inspired you then, and what inspires you now? We all have our reasons for joining and staying in Rotary, and we want to hear your story! We are challenging all Rotarians to share their WHY ROTARY story in 50 words or less. Deadline March 5, 2020. The winner gets free admission to the Foundation Gala to be held March 28. Submit your story.
Come for and evening of Holiday cheer on December 10th at the Escape Expert, 2201 K Avenue, STE A-200, Plano from 7:00Pm to 9:30PM! Dress will be casual or Holiday theme! If you are bold enough, We encourage you to wear a tacky Holiday sweater and we will have an Ugly sweater contest! Come for fun, conversation, snacks and Santa Shenanigans-everyone will have the opportunity to have the picture with Santa! Cost is $5 per person, family special: If a family has more than 5 kids/ grandkids, all will be admitted for $25. We are asking all attendees to each bring an unwrapped toy for hospitalized children and/or socks for Veterans. Click to buy tickets
For the ninth year the Rotary Club of Park Cities members hosted Dentistry with a Heart to provide dental services to those who could not otherwise afford them. Led by RCPC members, dentist Dr. Michael Rainwater, and Past President Fred Brown, this year provided over $37,000 in dental services
The Coppell Rotary Club began partnering with a local Coppell non-profit, Train and Help Babies trainandhelpbabies.com, three years ago and the collaboration continues to grow. Recently, the Coppell Rotary Club, along with Train and Help Babies, partnered with the Dallas Rotary Club to bring water, sanitation and hygiene skills to, Ghana.
The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch in partnership with the City of Carrollton, officially opened the All Assessible Playground at Rosemeade Recreation Center on Saturday November 9th.
Dozens gathered near City Park in Commerce on a chilly Friday night to honor local veterans. There, they witnessed the official dedication of the new “Waves of Glory” installation across the street from the park. Created by the Commerce Rotary Club, “Waves” has been a big undertaking for the local club.
At today's, Mesquite Rotary Club meeting, we asked our members to help Sharing Life with their holiday food drive, and the members performed very well. We literally collected a truck load of food and cooking supplies to be donated to the Sharing Life food pantry. This will help many families have a better Thanksgiving.
McKinney Rotary is once again going to collect items to be sent to some of our active service members who are overseas as a way to help them celebrate the Christmas holidays and know folks back home are appreciative of their efforts to keep us safe.
We are proud to announce the Addison Rotary Club presented a check for $175,000 to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas from proceeds of the Addison Rotary Open held on September 9th.
The MRC packaged 360 meals and made a financial contribution on Friday Oct.18th to Kid's Against Hunger. Each package will serve 4 meals. These meal packages went to elementary school children in Honduras.
Finding a unique way to say “thank you” to our family, friends and neighbors who have served, or are currently serving, in the armed forces is a constant effort. The Commerce Rotary Club would like to provide a venue whereby you can do just that.
Beginning this November, The Commerce Rotary Club will begin a new tradition in our community. A venue will be provided for businesses, families and individuals to say “thank you” to those who protect our freedom – the Veterans of Hunt County.
Members of White Rock Rotary enjoyed volunteering at the Texas Discovery Gardens during the State Fair of Texas. (Photo taken by a member of Midlothian Rotary Club, who was also volunteering there).
What are your desires in your own personal education of Rotary?
As I attended the Zone Institute this past month, the word training was mentioned several times but not what you typically think in Rotary. RI Larry Dimmitt was the first one in his speech to share about training and the importance of education in Rotary. He defined training as more like what we do with our animals, such as how to shake or catch a stick. And education is more about understanding and knowing. So Rotary is not about training but rather about education.
December 29-January 2 Travel to California, December 30- Decorate the Rotary Float & Join Local Rotarians for Dinner with the RI President, December 31 New Year Eve in LA, January 1st, Excellent Tickets for the Tournament of Roses Parade
District 5810 partners with the Cozumel Rotary club for service projects. Providing clean water and sanitation systems is an international goal of The Rotary Foundation. The Sunspring Water Purification System in Cozumel bears the Rotary International emblem and a plaque expresses gratitude for the TEXAS Rotarians.
From November 9 - November 17 at Oak Point Park, the Plano East Rotary Club will hold the third annual Plano Flags of Honor program at Oak Point Park. For seven days 1,000 3’ x 5’ American flags fly in honor of those who have served and continue to serve today.
This will be the Rotary Club of Dallas’ 15th Annual Salute to America’s Veterans. This event honors our veterans and raises funds to benefit two extraordinary organizations: USO DFW and the George W. Bush Military Service Initiative. Come join us: https://dallasrotary.org/sitepage/events/sav
The Keynote speaker is Admiral Patrick Walsh, USN, Ret. He is a former four-star Admiral, retired (2012) after 34 years of service in the US Navy. He last served as the Commander of the Pacific Fleet, the largest naval force in the world with over 180 ships, 2,000 aircraft and 125,000 personnel.
The Rotary Club of Dallas-Uptown will be hosting our sixth annual Men Who Cook on Saturday, Nov 2 from 4 to 7 PM at the Lawley Art Group, 1507 Dragon St. in the Design District. The event features 25 celebrity Rotary chefs, a wine pull, silent and live auctions and live music for an elegant evening of gustatory adventure and fun. For more information and to purchase tickets and/or donate online please check our website at dallasuptownrotary.org."
Howard berg of the E-Club of North Texas presented a 4 1/2 national webinar on Sept 7 for 50 wounded warriors to prepare them for new careers. He worked with Sgt. Major Bob Burton at Ft. Bragg NC who coordinated with the wounded warriors around the country to help put this together for us. The wounded warriors were taught 1) how to read 100% faster 2) increase comprehension of even techincal information 3) develop sharp memory 4) how to study for degrees and 5)eq skills. Another seminar is planned for next spring.
As many of you know, Howard holds the Alec Guiness record for the world's fastest speed reader ar 25,000 words per minutes.
North Texas Pioneers and Plano Sunrise Rotary Clubs joined togetther to hold blood drives at Collin College. Our Carter BloodCare friends, did a great job of screening and taking blood from the 106, students that attempted to donate, today. At this blood drive we solicited 106, students to attempt to donate and we did secure 68, good units of blood. Thus giving the potential of saving 162 lives.
The first meeting of the Coppell Rotary Interact Club of Coppell was a success! Sponsored by the Coppell Rotary Club, this is a service organization for students in grades 9-12. Members have fun, develop new friendships while gaining leadership skills and serving our local and international community. Home schooled and students from all 9-12 grade campuses in Coppell are welcome to join. For more information, please email info@coppellrotary.org
We wanted to share our new sign with our friends around the District. We had this made by a local family and it is now installed outside our Melissa ISD administration office, the location of our weekly meeting. We’re excited to increase our visibility in Melissa!
Last spring, all the members of Skyline Interact Club graduated. The club, sponsored by White Rock Rotary, is regenerating this school year with new members. Five of them attended the Interact Leadership Summit, along with their White Rock Rotary sponsors.
When one thinks of Rotary, blood-curdling screams and zombies don’t usually come to mind. But the Rotary Club of Greenville has been bringing the scares at their “Haunted Landmark” for eight years while helping preserve a historical landmark and funding scholarships for area youth at the same time.
Almost 12 years ago, a small group of Rotarians from Club 1832, aka “The Noon Club,” helped rescue the town’s historic 1910 post office –the Landmark on Lee. At the time, they had no idea the site where Audie Murphy signed up for the Army would become of one of the most thrilling attractions in Northeast Texas.
McKinney Rotary Club expects to collect in excess of 110 stuffed animals for Adam's Animals this month. Adam’s Animal’s has donated 75,000 new stuffed animals to the oncology wards and ERs in various Collin and Dallas hospitals. Adam Hurst was a vibrant 18 year old Collin College students who was diagnosed with leukemia July 1999 and suddenly died 26 days later. During those 26 days he kept a stuffed frog that had been given to him as a gift on his head or shoulder during chemo, blood transfusions, spinal taps and many sleepless nights—it became his friend and ally. To honor his memory his parents started Adam’s Animals.
This was a particularly inspiring kickoff to the Interact year. This is the eleventh year of Interact at Hillcrest H.S., sponsored by the Rotary Club of Park Cities, and it just seems to get better every year. This year the kickoff speaker was Congressman Colin Allred, who graduated from Hillcrest H.S. in 2001.
The Habitat House in Royse City is nearing completion and the Royse City club has done some painting, caulking and clean up. They are planning on helping with a kitchen shower when it is completed! Pictured, Mike and Jackie Gilbert work on finishing touches.
The Coppell Rotary Club has been awarded the distinguished "District 5810 International Service Award" for the club's work in 2018-2019. Coppell Rotary Club partnered with Rotary host club, Hubli Mid-Town (India) and our local Train and Help Babies(TaHB) organization.
ShelterBox is sending an assessment team to the Bahamas to work with Rotary International and other local partners. They will be assessing the damage from the Category 5 storm to determine if there are any gaps in the need for emergency shelter that we can fill. Learn more about Hurricane Dorian and how you can help families affected by disaster here: https://www.shelterboxusa.org/hurricane-dorian/
Thursday evening, August 29th, more than 30 Rotarians from our Club showed up to surprise Joe Turecky and present him our Club’s Lifetime of Service Above Self Award. Joe is a highly decorated war hero and longtime member of the Rotary Club of Dallas. Now in his 90’s, Joe lives in an assisted living facility in Addison.
24 October is World Polio Day! World Polio Day is a time for Rotarians all over the world to raise awareness about our efforts to eradicate polio for good. Join us by hosting an event in your community. Not sure what to do for World Polio Day? Here are a few ideas:
White Rock Rotary hosted their three Ryla Campers and heard about their experiences. The camp was a life changing experience and even lead to a family reconciliation after camp in one case. The campers came from three different high schools, Conrad, Bryan Adams, and Lake Highlands. White Rock Rotary sponsors an Interact Club at Lake Highlands High School.
Syria is experiencing the worst humanitarian Crisis since World War II. Over 400 lives have been lost, 5 million refugees, and 6.5 million internally displaced people. Click the photo to see how ShelterBox is helping.
Allen Rotary Club members answered the call recently and provided 5,000 meals for local children. The Allen Community Outreach agency provides lunch for approximately 500 needy students each day over the summer. The ACO food supplies were gradually running low and a call was put out to help fund meals for 500 students for the last 10 days of summer before school began.
Rockwall Rotary is a proud supporter of the North Texas Food Bank Mobile Food Pantry. They have supplied volunteers to help sort fruit and vegetables for all of the 24 months that the Mobile Pantry has been coming to serve hungry families in Rockwall County. The Mobile Pantry comes to the Church Of Prayer on the third Thursday of each month.
The Mesquite Rotary Club’s president John Taylor presented the City of Mesquite’s manager of neighborhood vitality Yolanda Wilson a donation of $2,500 at their meeting on August 13th, to assist with underwriting expenses for the annual Addressing Mesquite program.
After more than 54 years of McKinney Rotary Club membership former Mayor John Gay stepped down from the Club. On August 2nd, the club honored John and the current Mayor read a proclamation making 8.2 John Gay Day in McKinney. Texas House Rep and McKinney Rotary Club member Scott Stanford presented John with a Texas Flag from the capital and Club President, Mike Bell presented John with a plaque from the club. There were over 80 members/guests in attendance.
The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch embarked on a Signature Project back in 2012/2013 when, then President Ben Cunningham, challenged us to come up with a significant multi year project. After almost a year and realizing our club is all about the support of kids in our community, we decided to raise money and purchase All Accessible Playground Equipment for the two cities we serve.
Det. Derek Fowler, of the Frisco Police Department, was recently honored with the Rotary Club of Frisco’s 1st Responders “Service Above Self” Award. Det. Derek Fowler, of the Frisco Police Department, was recently honored with the Rotary Club of Frisco’s 1st Responders “Service Above Self” Award.
District 5810's Camp RYLA 2019 is a huge success! Almost two hundred students and over ninety alumni and staff members were on site at Camp Hoblitzelle in Midlothian for a week of leadership training, personal development, and a ton of fun. Students were grouped into eight cabins, all of which seemingly focus on friendly battles of athleticism, talent, humor, and strategy, but the most important lessons are in the undercurrent--goal-setting, growth, and grit.
Allen Sunrise Rotarian Vatsa Ramanathan is proud to announce that she and her brother have started an Interact Club in the school that they own and run in Mysore, India. The school is called Sri Sharada Public School ( http://www.srisharadaschoolmysore.com/ ). The Interact school is sponsored by her brother's Rotary Club and will partner with the Allen High Interact school sponsored by Allen Sunrise Rotary.
Don’t forget! August 15 is the deadline to submit District Grants. If you have any questions, contact district5810grants@gmail.com
For Global Grants, there is no deadline! Invite Paul Gorman, Global Grants Chair, to your club meeting, and discover how you can be a part of our annual theme, Rotary Connects The World! To have him speak at your club, contact Paul Gorman pgorman@san.rr.com.
What would be the Fourth of July without a parade! For the seventeenth year the Rotary Club of Park Cities’ Fourth of July Parade brings the community together – and out on the street – to celebrate Independence Day. Approximately 10,000 residents and guests lined the streets to watch the over 300 entries this year, ranging from the children’s bicycle parade, to city, county and state dignitaries, to antique vehicles, riders on horses, and floats.
The Rotary E-Club of North Texas will be sponsoring a free workshop for the Wounded Warriors given by club member and Sec'y Howard Stephen Berg, the world's fastest reader.
The workshop is on September 7th from 12 PM to 4:30 PM CDT. The link to sign up for wounded warriors is howardwarrior.com.
Howard recently trained the U.S. Special Forces at Fort Bragg, and was told about the high suicide rate amongst the wounded warriors. They can't find work because of their injuries.
Congratultaions to Jadan Cro of DeSoto High School, DeSoto Rotary, and the entire state of Texas Rotary Youth Leadership for representing us at the RYLA North American Conference in Washington D.C.!!
About 5 years ago we had 5 exchange students, one of those was a girl from Japan. During her inbound orientation in early September, she said maybe 3 words and only if asked. A very shy and quite person. In October, we took the exchange students to the Texas State Fair. Expecting our Japanese girl to be shy and might need some help in fitting in on this event we were blown away to have her talking up a storm with our Austrian exchange student. Rotary Youth Exchange is amazing program that is enjoyable & enlightening for both the student and host family!
We need a host families for an inbound exchange student, a girl arriving from France in late August! If you happen to know these previous host families, Bill Moser, Fritzie Roop and Toni Collins, you know that their time hosting has been very positive.
On July 14, White Rock Rotary supplied and served a hamburger and hot dog dinner with all the trimmings to the residents of Family Gateway Shelter in Dallas. There were 10 volunteers serving the meal for about 85 residents, adults and children. A good time was had by all.
White Rock Rotary Serves Up Burgers at Family Shelter
The Mesquite Rotary Club held induction ceremonies for the group’s 2019-2020 officers and board members at their meeting on July 9th. All 33,000 local clubs in Rotary International change their leadership in July each year. This provides for fresh vision and energy throughout the worldwide organization of business and professional leaders, which was established in 1905. The ceremonies were performed by the Rotary District 5810 governor-elect John Moser.
We’ve had a Wonderful year together! I’ve been blessed to have Rotarians that have worked tirelessly in serving their community and in projects around the world. Innovative thinking, organization and action have allowed us to grow in new ways. We continue to experiment with our meeting structure and service. Our efforts will continue to harvest dividends for many years to come.
Our focus this year has been on supporting our Rotary Clubs. We have emphasized finding, involving and training young people. Our emerging leaders are the key to Rotary’s continued success.
The past two years saw Mother Nature rain out the City of Plano’s hot air balloon festival and, in doing so, also washed away the Rotary Club of Plano West’s funnel cake fundraiser, a primary source of income.
The McKinney Parks and Recreation Department held a grand opening celebration June 15 for Phase II of Bonnie Wenk Park. Renovations to the 170-acre park include an all-abilities park, a skywalk, zipline and ropes courses, concrete hike and bike trails, two additional parking lots, five play pods and two multipurpose sports fields.
The all-abilities playground is designed for children of all ages, abilities and needs. This playground is a joint effort between the city and the Rotary clubs of McKinney. It was the biggest donation in District 5810 to date when the Rotary Clubs of McKinney collab to bring Bonnie Wenk park Phase II to life.
The Sherman Rotary club was proud to donate $10,000 to make this playground at Cherry Street Park possible. Last year the Club donated funds for the Hawn Park. The club has a goal of donating $10,000 per year for more equipment for the next few years.
Sherman Rotary's Cherry Street Park Dedication Ceremony
After requesting nominations from the membership for the 2019 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal, the decision has been made! Qualifications for nominees are that they are individuals who have made a meaningful contribution to the Park Cities, who demonstrate the Rotary ideals of the 4 Way Test and Service above Self, and who is well-known and respected in the community. The announcement is made at the Annual Announcement Luncheon honoring the current Grand Marshal and all past Grand Marshals. This year Park Cities Rotary is pleased to recognize Francie Moody-Dahlberg as the 2019 Grand Marshal.
Come join us kick-off the new Rotary year at the District Officer Installation on Thursday, June 27 at 6:30pm to 9:30pm at Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Prairie. This event will include dinner along with the festivities. Register before June 15 for Early Bird pricing of $45. After tickets are $58.10. To register: http://bit.ly/2VoJmvr
The Mesquite Rotary Club inducted former Mesquite ISD superintendent of schools Dr. James Terry into the Mesquite Rotary Grove of Honor at the site in DeBusk Park, adjacent to the Kidsquest playground, on May 28th.
Grand Prairie Metro Rotary Club Members came together this Memorial Day with their Mayor, Key City Leaders and Distinguished Veterans, to Honor and Remember those who served and gave their lives to Preserve our Freedom and Way of Life.
On Saturday April 13, 293 Rotarians, Interactors, and volunteers came together at McKinney North High School to celebrate the accomplishments District 5810 achieved over the course of the year at Spring Fling. Twenty eight Interact clubs were named as a Club of Excellence and six were recognized for some of their greatest achievements such as the Highest Earning Fundraiser by John Paul II High School Interact Club ($6000) and the Most Service Projects by Singley Academy Interact Club (16 service projects).
The Rotary Club of Lake Texoma completed its second annual NoPolio 100 Bike Rally in April 2019. Proceeds from the two rally’s resulted in a total contribution of $11,000 donated to RI’s polio worldwide polio eradication effort. The rallies were held in south Grayson County with riders coming from as far away as Round Rock, Texas.
Saturday, June 15th, at 9:00 AM, “trumpets will sound, bands will march” and McKinney Rotarians will celebrate the fruition of the largest fund-raising project in District 5810’s history! Okay…no trumpets or bands but the two McKinney Rotary clubs, Sunrise Rotary Club and McKinney Rotary Club joined into a public/private partnership with the City of McKinney in the spring of 2015 for the first All-Abilities Playground in McKinney to be a part of Bonnie Wenk Park Phase II and just a few short years later, four to be exact, the Grand Opening will give children and young adults with special needs a place to be outdoors and play!
A photo of some White Rock Rotary members with our 2019 scholarship winners from Lake Highlands High School. Several of the students had overcome great hardships in their lives before finishing high school. We were glad to be able to help them on their future college journeys.
Bonham Rotary with the assistance of Alicia Caylor Lewis, a teacher at the I. W. Evans Elementary School, they have for the past 5 years helped teach their 6th graders about water conservation and why it is so important.
Mesquite Rotary acting president John Taylor presented a donation of $5,000 to support the work of Sharing Life Community Outreach at the club’s meeting on May 7th. Sharing Life’s Executive Director and CEO Teresa Jackson accepted the check, and expressed her gratitude for the funds that will assist area families in need.
New Generations Irving Las Colinas Service Above Self Park Cities Rotary Foundation East Dallas Membership DeSoto Club Service Greenville Vocational Service Mesquite Community Service Richardson International Service Coppell Spirit of Cooperation North Texas Pioneers Public Image McKinney
For the past 20 years, the Rotary Club of Dallas has provided personalize "I Like Me" books to thousands of Dallas ISD kindergarteners. This year, over 580 books were distributed to 11 Dallas schools.
The Mesquite Rotary Club hosted its annual Scholarship Recognition and Awards Luncheon at the Dallas Athletic Club on April 23rd. At the event, the top one percent students in the Class of 2019 from each Mesquite ISD high school, Sunnyvale High School, and Dallas Christian School were honored.
Volunteers form White Rock Rotary and several other Rotary clubs helped with Project Safe Neighborhoods. This was a joint project between Rotary, the Department of Justice and the local police.
Prestonwood Rotary presented awards & gifts to Lieutenant Jon Henson, Lieutenant Jeffrey Aleem, Fire Rescue Officer Tamika Denise Lamb, & Fireman EMT Jeremy Hill for their service to the city.
Prestonwood Presents Awards to Firefighters and EMTs
We are so excited to announce that our 2nd global grant application for funding to provide neonatal equipment to Vivekananda Hospital and a vocational training team will provide
The Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club was very pleased to present a check for $2000 to Carol Miskin, the President of Rockwall County Rainbow Room. This non-profit organization works closely with Rockwall County’s Child Protective Services and provides physical needs for neglected and abused children in Rockwall County.
Again this year, the Addison Midday Rotary Club made 50 Easter Baskets for Hope Supply. Hope Supply told us that they were about 200 Easter Baskets short of requested baskets. This is a good project for a Rotary Club, group or individual. We make the baskets for less than $10 each and we assemble them in 20 minutes.
(L to R) FINALISTS - Peter Brown, Midlothian Rotary Club, Midlothian High School; Emily Henry, Rockwall Breakfast Rotary Club, Rockwall High School; Kayson Bridges, Sherman Rotary Club, Sherman High School 1ST Place - Natalia Simons, Grand Prairie Metro Rotary Club, South Grand Prairie High School 2nd Place - Gouzia Sivarajah, Frisco Sunrise Rotary Club, Heritage High School 3rd Place - Jordan Favors, Dallas Trinity Rotary Club, Tyler Street Academy
A team of Mesquite Rotary Club members worked side-by-side with retired Mesquite teachers on March 28th to sort and label books to be delivered to all Mesquite ISD first graders.
On Saturday, March 23, Rotary Club of Allen Sunrise members, along with members from three (3) other local Rotary Clubs, and volunteers from the Young Men’s Service League from Lovejoy High School, gathered at the First United Methodist Church of Allen’s Fellowship Hall;
Park Cities Rotary has been selected by the national awards committee of the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge to receive the George Washington Honor Medal Award for the annual special event, the July 4th Parade: A Hunger-Fighting Affair.
The Mesquite Rotary Club hosted its annual "Four Way Test" Speech Contest at the Mesquite ISD Professional Development Center on March 19th. Contestants from all Mesquite I.S.D. high schools, Dallas Christian School, and Sunnyvale High School participated in the event.
It’s been an exciting start to the planning for our Rotary Year of 2019-2020. All Governor - elects gather in San Diego annually for one last training, and their RIPE Mark Maloney revealed his theme: Rotary Connects the World! The next task was training all of the Texas President -Elects, and 5810 Pes and PNs attended Lone Star PETS, the largest gathering in the United States for training President -Elects. We had a whirlwind weekend, crammed with new information, incredible speakers , and a new way to define and energize our Rotary Clubs. Next Step: get everyone else TRAINED!
Coppell Rotary Club and all Coppell civic organizations recently participated in ‘Allies in Community”. This program that builds relationships through common ground, and helps to foster a deep sense of belonging to enhance Coppell residents active engagement in the City of Coppell. The event included speakers Rotarians Mayor Karen Hunt and Deputy City Manager Vicki Chiavetta.
Coppell Rotarians Participates in “Allies in the Community Summit”
On February 6, 2019, a team of volunteers and staff working with the charity Mayan Families delivered 40 Eco Filter water filters to the small village of Peña Blanca in the municipality of Camotan, Chiquimula, Guatemala. They were thrilled to receive the gift of clean water!
The Rotary Club of Denison is proud to announce the sponsoring of a new Interact club at Dension High School. Pictured are chart members and advisors. Looking forward to seeing how this group will make an impact in their community!
Thank you to all who participated in anyway in making our Mardi Gras PolioPlus fundraiser a terrific event. Our party was an amazing success! We had 218 Rotarians and guests registered. On the night of the event we received $9,240 in contributions. When added to amounts sent directly to The Rotary Foundation for PolioPlus, a total of $54,860 has been contributed by District 5810 this Rotary year!
Rowlett Rotary members partnered with Life Message at their food pantry to prepare 200 boxes of food for needy north Texas families in February. The monthly event is called ‘Pack a Box’ where food is boxed assembly line style for maximized efficiency. We plan in making this a quarterly volunteer project.
White Rock Rotary has adopted part of the shoreline of White Rock Lake. Each month, usually on the second Saturday, we clean up the shoreline and help keep the lake beautiful for all to enjoy. Sometimes, members of our Interact clubs from Skyline and Lake Highlands High schools help us. Come join us, it's good exercise and fun!
Originally the plan was for four North Texas Rotary Clubs from District 5810 -The Rotary Club Of Frisco, Sunrise Rotary of Frisco, Rotary Club of Celina, and Rotary Club of Prosper to be building on two separate habitat for humanity houses on that day, however, the massive rainfall the days before, left both home sites unavailable to be worked on.
Dental professionals and volunteers worked together for the benefit of area people in need at their 11th annual “Dentists with a Heart Day” on February 15th. The event was sponsored by the Mesquite Rotary Club, and occurred at the Mesquite dental offices of Dr. Byron McKnight and Dr. Ken Taylor, who donated their services and facility for the day. In a very successful effort, this team served over 50 area patients in need, providing them with life-changing care through free dental services that would normally have been worth a total of $55,000. The patients were referred for the event from Sharing Life Ministries, Grace Place, International Church Street, Mesquite ISD, and even from people in need that the participating dentists had met throughout the year.
Members of the Coppell Rotary gathered to support the Coppell Arts scene in February. The Theatre Coppell feature of “Arsenic and Old Lace”, starred Coppell Rotarian George Ritcheske and his wife, Bobbi Ritcheske.
The Richardson Rotary is proud to support the City of Richardson Employee and Supervisor of the Year program for over 30 years. On Monday, February 4, Richardson Rotary Club honored the 2018 City of Richardson Employee of the Year, Edward Martinez, and Supervisor of the Year, Eric Robison.
North Texas Pioneers created smiles for some children in Uganda with their donation of backpacks, school supplies, tooth paste and brushes. The supplies were distributed by Rotarian Jolly Grace Okot Andruvile of the Gulu Rotary Club.
The Rockwall Breakfast Club has begun their 5th year with their US Flag program, which covers 7 national holidays each year. They started in 2015 with 61 initial flags in Rockwall County. It has steadily grown each holiday and they placed 441 flags for Presidents Day 2019.
On February 16 was the Raise The Wall Ceremony for the Habitat of Humanity Build sponsored by the Rotary Club of Frisco and Frisco Sunrise for the Flores Family.
Royse City Rotary Club finished their day of service by packing food bags for Paw Packs, a program organized by Luna Burke & Associates. The program helps to feed students that may only get meals at school.
Enter the Rotary District 5810 North Texas "My Rotary Story" Contest. Prizes will be given out for: Most Creative, Most Moving and Best Overall Story. Submission requirements - video (2 minutes or less). Open to all Rotarians in the district! Must include your name, Club Name and date with submission. For rules & guidelines: https://rotary5810.org/sitepage/my-rotary-story-contest.
Combating Hunger and Malnutrition are service focus areas that many of our clubs work. This month Rotarians and Rotary Clubs have an easy way to participate in a regional food drive that has been conducted in north Texas for two decades by Scout. On, February 16th approximately 500,000 donation bags, which this year features the Rotary Logo, will be distributed by Scouts in North Texas
The Rotary Club of Dallas is on the hunt for potential mentors for the Dream Team for our high school kids at Woodrow Wilson High School! Many of our students are first generation students. To qualify for the program, the students have financial challenges and may not even consider attending college.
Members of the White Rock Rotary Club gave and were given a warm welcome at their annual Chili Gala at Family Gateway in Dallas. They prepared and served a nourishing meal for about 150 residents and staff. It was truly a heartwarming and tummy warming event!
Rotary Club of Coppell provides support to many around the globe and in Coppell. In our own backyard, we are especially proud of our supporting Metrocrest Services. In times of crisis, Metrocrest Services assists individuals in the Coppell, Carrollton, Farmers Branch and Addison.
What's better than raising money for local charities? Watching local dignitaries compete against an out-of-their-league basketball team to do it. That's the idea the Rotary Club of Frisco had when coming up with plans for its annual fundraiser this year.
On February 23rd, on World Rotary Day, the Rotary Club of Celina, the Rotary Club of Prosper, Frisco Sunrise Rotary Club and the Rotary Club of Frisco are getting together to do a Habitat for Humanity Build in McKinney. They will be building a home for the Quintanilla family. Mauricio and Irene are no strangers to hard work and determination. Mauricio works for Hopper Mechanical and Irene works with Mckinney ISD. Within two months of being approved by Habitat for Humanity, they completed over 25% of their required 500 community service hours. They are excited about their opportunity for homeownership in their local community of McKinney.
On January 15, the Addison Midday Rotary Club partnered with the Addison Athletic Club staff to expand their annual open house into a “Health and Fitness Expo”. The Addison Athletic Club showed off their exercise facilities to the town of Addison.
Greg Dreyfus, Rotary Youth Exchange student hosted by the Rotary Club of Fair Park, has won an award for his digital art project and was selected to represent Woodrow Wilson HS in the Dallas Young Artist Exhibition at the Blue Print Gallery, 2701 Fairmount Street, Dallas, Tx 75201 on Thursday, 1/17/19.
The Rotary Club of Lake Texoma (Pottsboro) will be holding its second annual No Polio 100, Bike Rally, April 13, 2019. Last year’s rally resulted in raising $7000 for the RI Polio Plus Program. This year’s rally will attempt to raise even more money for polio eradication. Joining Lake Texoma Rotary is the Rotary Club of Melissa who has signed on as a rest stop sponsor. All bike enthusiasts are encouraged to register at www.nopolio100 Contact Joe Henderson at joehend@myrhinomail.com for additional information.
Lake Texoma Annouces 2nd Annual No Polio 100 Bike Rally
The receipts have been gathered and the bills have been paid. The proceeds from the twelfth annual Univeristy Park Tree Ligting in Snider Plaza on November 18, 2018, have been calculated. Despite the inclement weather, the event generated $10,000.00, through sponsorships and contributions, to be donated to the North Texas Food Bank.
Richardson East Rotary Club, with assistance from the Rotary Club of Richardson, did a incredible job of raising over $500K for the Ann Eisemann Inclusive Playground at Cottonwood Park in Richardson. The ground breaking was very well attended despite frigid temperatures. Congratulations in helping getting this done Rotarians!
Rotary International President-Elect Mark Maloney has revealed the 2019-2020 theme "Rotary Connects The World". In his address at International Assembly, he explained his vision for building a stronger Rotary, calling on leaders to expand connections to their communities and to embrace innovative membership models. Read the story.
This year the Coppell Rotary Club, for the 2nd year adopted 5 needy Seniors from Metrocrest Services for the holiday. We appointed 5 Team Captains, their responsibility was coordinating a basket for each senior and Club members have been assigned to a team.
Our Mardi Gras Party is coming fast and the room is reaching full capacity! Join us on Saturday, February 16, 2019, for our Mardi Gras party at 6:30 in the evening at Prestonwood Country Club, 15909 Preston Road, Dallas,TX 75428. Everyone is invited. Bring your friends and neighbors! Tickets are $50 each. You can find all the information to register on the District website: https://rotary5810.org/sitepage/mardi-gras-party
The 19th Annual McKinney Rotary "Parade of Lights" held in downtown McKinney on Dec 20, 2018. It was a huge success after rescheduling and was enjoyed by all. The McKinney Rotary Club parade attracts groups from all over McKinney and Collin County area such as: Boy Scout and Girl Scout Troops, McKinney High School Marine Corps JROTC Color Guard Cadets, McKinney Fire and Police personnel, and many other worthy participants. This annual McKinney Rotary Club event has proven to be a great way to continue expanding our Rotary brand, visibility and service effectiveness within the City of McKinney and surrounding communities. See the photos
As a professional Santa Claus, it’s not unusual for Bill Dendy to get Christmas requests and letters from kids. What is unusual is the email he received just a few weeks ago. “Yeah, I got a letter and it was not from a kid, but it was actually from their mom,” Dendy said.
The RYLA Roundup for the District 5810 2019 Camp RYLA Program will be held Saturday, January 26, 2019 at the Addison Conference Centre, 15650 Addison Road, Addison, TX 75001. Rotary Club RYLA Chairpersons should attend this training program designed to get Camp RYLA 2019 recruiting and selection started. The meeting is the only chairpersons training of the year so every club should be represented. The training is from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. RYLA manuals and recruiting materials will be distributed, including copies of the brand new Camp RYLA video. The meeting is also open to any Rotarian interested in learning more about Camp RYLA prior to the 29th annual leadership camp. July 28 – August 2.
RYLA Roundup for All Clubs to Kick Off the 2019 RYLA Year
Volunteers from the RYLA Student Advisory Group, RYLA Alumni, and the Dallas Trinity Rotary Club enjoyed their annual Angel Tree event at North Park Mall on November 25th--the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Historically, this particular Angel Tree, on this particular day, is the busiest Angel Tree in the nation. Our district is always well-represented, as volunteers offer smiling faces while they assist folks selecting angels to adopt, document angels that have been chosen, receive and safely store gifts as they are received, and answer questions all along the way. This annual experience is a holiday favorite for everyone involved.
North Texas Pioneers Rotary brought some much needed Christmas cheer to the Plano Animal Shelter this season. Each member choose an angel off the tree and bought the items listed. They gathered many small beds for cats and small dogs, lots of toys, cat nip, dog and cat treats, cat litter, etc.... And many other items the shelter needs to keep all the sweet creatures comfortable.
The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch in partnership with The City of Carrollton is raising money to purchase and install All Assessible Playground Equipment for the park located at Rosemeade Rec Center.
When years ago the polio epidemic necessitated specific programs to treat the children, some of the pediatricians of the time did not want the children to dread coming to a place that smelled like a hospital. Their solution was to pop popcorn and keep popping it, so the children would be greeted by a much more appealing smell.
The McKinney Rotary Club collected items in November 2018 to send to U.S. Troops that are overseas. We joined a group collecting for 33 soldiers and collected 11 donation boxes of goodies. The boxes were shipped this week in order to reach the troops before Christmas, and also included 33 Holiday Cards signed club members. We not only wanted the soldiers to have something for Christmas but we wanted to express our appreciation for all they do for us. We were told many do not receive anything from family members or home so we wanted to ensure everyone received something. This was our first time on this project and feel it was a great success.
On Saturday, December 1, five Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Allen Sunrise met at Frito Lay in Plano, Texas to volunteer and serve lunch, provided by the Club, to about 40 veterans and their family members.
A 501(c)(3) non-profit charity, this organization creates alternative no-cost therapeutic programs that relax, rehabilitate and reintegrate through kayak fishing and the outdoors, while providing much-needed camaraderie and support. Founded in 2007, Heroes on the Water is dedicated to providing these services to veterans. In 2018, services opened up to first responders and their families.
On December1, 2018 the Nominating Committee for District 5810 selected Max S. Duplant for the district's District Governor Nominee Designate for Rotary Year 2021-2022. Ms. Duplant is a longtime Rotarian and is a past president and current member of the Rotary Club of Irving/ Las Colinas,Texas.
Please join us in congratulating Max on her selection and wish her well in the new chapter of her Rotary leadership.
Formal Notice Of Selection Of The 2021-22 District Governor
Carrollton Farmers Branch Rotary partnered with the Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD in conjunction with the Dallas County Promise. It was their first year to participate and they furnished 1000 hotdogs!
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Serves It Up At Dallas County Promise
White Rock Rotary got into the Christmas spirit early by helping at the Salvation Army Angel Tree in North Park Mall. Their club members and Interact students volunteered in shifts over 4 days. It was great to see holiday shoppers think of others while buying for their own families and friends.
Despite the cold weather an enthusiastic crowd filled Snider Plaza on November 18 for the twelfth annual University Park Tree Lighting. The Tree Lighting is a project of the Rotary Club od Park Cities and the Snider Plaza Merchant’s Association.
Just as Rotarians strive to follow their motto of “Service Above Self,” Scouts keep their promise “to help other people” and their slogan “Do a Good Turn Daily” through the annual Scouting for Food service project, which provides needed resources to our community food banks.
Among the more than 300 guests at Love Field’s Frontiers of Flight Museum celebrating the 25th anniversary of Challenge Air for Kids and Friends were members of the Prestonwood Rotary Club, and they had a particularly good reason to join the festivities.
Congratulations to Bailey Wilson from the Plano Community Rotaract Club for being selected as 1 of 60 Rotaract Leaders from around the world to attend the Rotary International Assembly in January!!!
Bailey started her Rotaract career as a member of Collin College Rotaract, eventually becoming President of the club in 2015. She successfully campaigned for herself and 2 other Rotaractors to attend the 2016 Rotary International convention, where she decided that she wanted to pursue a position of leadership to help guide the education and growth of Rotaract. Upon her return she joined the Plano Community Rotaract Club.
Richardson Rotary partnered with the Rotary Club Bratislava to help support a local shelter of theirs. One of their members, Radi, was able to visit the Rotary Club Bratislava in Slovakia and the shelter they are helping. Richardson Rotary is extremely proud of the positive impact they can have by working with Rotary clubs around the world!
Richardson Rotary Partners With Rotary Club Bratislava
Each year the Rockwall Breakfast Club plants many smiles on many faces as we provide coats for underprivileged elementary school children in Rockwall. The event is held each November in partnership with Old Navy and the Rockwall ISD.
Beautiful day for a ribbon cutting at the new Fitness Court at Jaycee Park. The Rotary Club of Ennis was a major donor to getting it made. Be sure to check it out. Free to the public! For more information about the Fitness Court, please visit the pagehttps://nationalfitnesscampaign.com/fitness-court/
Cheers to the Sherman Rotary Club for their Rotary Reads service project which has the members read to the classroom. Today members had the honor to meet many gifted students and dedicated staff members at Neblett Elementary School.
Addison Rotary presented a check to the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas for a whopping $185,000! Their members worked so hard to be able to give so much to their partner charity, and we are proud of every single one of them!
Has your club done projects with Peace Corps Volunteers? Rotary and Peace Corps has just signed their second three year partnership agreement. The agreement was initiated by a group of RPCVs Rotarians in Colorado District 5450. That group is looking to leverage the partnership at a local district level. If you are an RPCV Rotarian, please contact Michael Wald (mwald999@gmail.com) of the Prestonwood Rotary Club with Peace Corps in the subject line, and also go to RPCV Rotarian input form and add your name to the database.
President Jeff Caserotti presented Bruce Heller, board member of the ShelterBox USA program with a check for $2,000 from McKinney Sunrise Rotary Club for two ShelterBoxes, and the weekly basket collection for the month of November will also be donated to ShelterBoxUSA. This is a huge operation that serves millions of people around the world.
From the time a man or woman enlists in the military, through their days as a veteran, the heavy loads they carry – from the travel costs to spend time with family, to accessing to high quality medical care, to jobs that allow them to best use the skills developed during service when they return to civilian life - should be a shared responsibly of all Americans. That’s why a group of Rotary Club of Dallas members decided 14 years ago to do something to support these men and women and thus, Salute to America’s Veterans was born.
On Saturday, November 3, Rotarians around the area should be prepared for an abundance of hearty home-cooked food, delicious wines, exciting opportunities and warm spirit as the Rotary Club of Dallas-Uptown presents its fifth annual Men Who Cook fundraiser. The event takes place at The Lawley Art Group, 1507 Dragon Street in the Design District from 4-7 o’clock PM. Tickets are $35 each. Click here to purchase.
President Bob Wales and members of the Rotary Club of Melissa were on hand at this week's City Council meeting to present a check for $4,000 to the Melissa Fire Department in support of a new KNOX Home Box program being launched in the coming weeks.
Frisco Sunrise Rotary Club requested and received a proclamation from the Mayor of Frisco for World Polio Day on Oct 16th! Pictured left to right, Krista Ryan FSR President and the City of Frisco Mayor Cheney.
Dentistry With a Heart is a collaborative project between the Rotary Club of Park Cities, Agape Clinic, volunteer dentists and hygienists, and student dentists from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. It was begun ten years ago by the three dentists who were members of RCPC to provide free dental care to people who could not otherwise afford it. Among the thousands of dollars worth of services provided include cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals and partials.
Some members of White Rock Rotary organized and helped serve lunch for about 200 refugees from Burma and various African countries last Sunday at St. Patrick's Church. The refugees enjoyed their meal and the Rotarians shared in the happy vibe, as you can see!
On October4th, the McKinney Rotary Club celebrated its 100th year of service in the city. “We are so fortunate to have a Rotary Club that is active and engaged in our community,” Lisa Hermes, president of the McKinney Chamber of Commerce, said in a news release from the Rotary Club. “As they celebrate their centennial anniversary, it’s really a celebration of the dedicated men and women who roll up their sleeves and serve not only our community but people and places around the world.” Adding to the celebration, was the recipient of a Texas Senate Resolution for the Centennial and a proclamation naming Oct 4., 2018 as "Rotary Club of McKinney Day".
On Oct. 12, Addison Rotarians volunteered to feed guests at the Ronald McDonald House in Dallas. They love what this organization stands for and enjoyed being able to make a difference!
Addison Rotary Volunteers At Ronald McDonald House Dallas
White Rock Rotary is a small, friendly, and growing club. We enjoy many community service projects, including White Rock Lake clean up, provision and serving meals for Family Gateway, lunch service for refugees, and newsletter assistance for White Rock Center of Hope. We recently sent students from three different Dallas schools to Camp Ryla. We sponsor two Interact clubs, one at Skyline High School and one at Lake Highlands High School. Here is a picture of some of our Interact students and club sponsors at the Interact Summit. Come visit us, you will be made very welcome!
The Mesquite Rotary Club presented a donation of $2,500 to the Mesquite Association of Retired School Employees book project at their meeting on October 2ndt. In accepting the check from Rotary president-elect John Taylor, MARSE president Elaine Whitlock expressed her thanks for Rotary’s assistance, and noted that the funds would greatly support the project’s goal of providing a book of their own to each Mesquite ISD first grader.
Now’s the time to start planning your World Polio Day event. Spread the word in your community about the ongoing fight to end polio. Together, we can — and will — make history by ending polio for good.
World Polio Day Competition – Your Club could win $500 for its WASH Projects!
World Polio Day is celebrated on October 24th. World Polio Day was established by Rotary International to commemorate the birth of Jonas Salk, who led the first team to develop a vaccine against poliomyelitis. Use of this inactivated poliovirus vaccine and subsequent widespread use of the oral poliovirus vaccine, developed by Albert Sabin, led to the establishment of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. Polio is a disease caused by a virus that affects the nervous system and is mainly spread by person-to-person contact. Polio can also be spread by drinking water or other drinks or eating raw or undercooked food that are contaminated with the feces of an infected person.
The Mesquite Rotary Club’s president Les Clark presented Mesquite Mayor Stan Pickett a donation of $2,500 at their meeting on September 25th, to assist with underwriting expenses for the annual Addressing Mesquite program.
Since 2017, students who attend Riverchase Elementary School, a Spark STEM Academy CFB ISD school, located in Coppell (serving Coppell & Carrollton families), have the opportunity to participate in a Coding Camp sponsored by Coppell Rotary & UTD Computer Science Outreach.
A key component of our 2017-2018 Social Media and Public Image initiative at Rotary Club of Park Cities was to significantly upgrade our audio and video recording capabilities. Completion of this significant project allows us to now live stream our weekly programs and special events to our club Facebook page.
The Farmersville Rotary Club sponsors a Voters Registration station at Farmersville High School to encourage civic participation through voting. Rotarians Bob Collins and Jim Foy help high school students who are eligible to register to vote.
On September 8, 2018 Frisco Sunrise Rotary Club sponsored a Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math (STEaM) workshop for students in grade 4th through 12th. The STEaM workshop provides an opportunity for the business community and industry professionals to expose our campers to career opportunities they might not have considered. Additionally, the hands on and interactive approach encourages critical thinking, creativity and problem-solving skills. The combination of fun and learning allowed the Sunrise Rotary club the opportunity to introduce the values of Rotary and interact to a new audience.
Hard-working Irving-Las Colinas Rotarians got a head start on the Labor Day weekend with their flag installation at the Irving Convention Center, the first corporate “subscriber” to this key club fundraiser.
For the past 100 years, the McKinney Rotary Club has served the community — both locally and worldwide — in ways that have made a positive impression on the community. “ I am so very grateful for our McKinney Rotary Club. They took a lead role in bringing the All-Abilities Playground Project to fruition, once again demonstrating their commitment to serve all in our community. Thank you Rotary! ,” said McKinney Mayor, George Fuller.
On Thursday, October 4, 2018, the McKinney club will celebrate its 100 th anniversary with a formal dinner at the Eldorado Country Club. This event will include a video presentation of the impact McKinney Rotary has had on the community, and is by invitation only.
What's great about Rotary? Giving back to your community! Greenville Rotary donated $2,500 to their local Salvation Army. David Weiland presents to Col. David Hodge as President Jessica Harrell presides.
These are our inbound students this year. From the left, Camilla from Italy, hosted by FRISCO Sunrise, Ginevra from Italy, hosted by the Rotary Club of Dallas, Gregoire from France, hosted by the Fair Park Rotary, and Jasper from Germany, hosted by Preston Trails.
Cozby Library in Coppell, TX is thinking outside the box – and outside the books, for that matter – in an effort to bring stories to life in a whole new way. For the event, people will be able to “check out” five people for 30-minute conversations – where no questions will be off-limits - designed to create dialogue and increase understanding of subjects that are often misunderstood.
For the event, people will be able to “check out” five people for 30-minute conversations – where no questions will be off-limits - designed to create dialogue and increase understanding of subjects that are often misunderstood.
McKinney Rotary in support for the Community Food Pantry held a food drive that collected over 100 cans of fruit in less than a month. Great job! One person can be fed on $2.65 a day.
The Rotary Club of East Dallas went above and beyond for their "Annual Back To School Drive" for the Daniels D. Rodgers Elementary. School. Not only did they deliver back packs and school supplies, they also supplied uniforms and teacher's tools. AWESOME JOB!!
Nothing makes a Rotarian happier than when they serve to make a difference! Check out all the smiling faces from the Royse City Rotarians at the city's Annual Back to School Bash. Not only is this an awesome service project but lots of fun was had from giving out the schools supplies to the students. Thanks to our members who participated!
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary PomPom Patrol was on the scene for the first day of school at Farmers Branch Elementary School this week to greet each student and wish them a successful 2018-19 school year. Want to get more involved with Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District this year? Give our club a shout - we have an amazing mentoring program that’s changing the world one buddy at a time.
The Rotary Club of Coppell would like to congratulate the CHS graduating class of 2018! We are exceptionally proud of the seniors that were chosen to receive the Coppell Rotary Scholarships. While all of the students who applied for the scholarships were exceptional, there were four seniors who stood out and each won a $1,000 scholarship.
Irving Colinas Rotarians were among the many hands helping the young ones in their community to get ready for the new school year. Miles and miles of backpacks packed thanks to the giving hearts and hard work of this community.
Shout out to the Royse City Rotary Club for their volunteer work at Shoes For Kids, distributing toothbrushes and toothpaste! Thank you for your Service Above Self!
Sushil Kumar Gupta, of the Rotary Club of Delhi Midwest, Delhi, India, is the selection of the Nominating Committee for President of Rotary International for 2020-21. He will be declared the president-nominee on 1 October if no challenging candidates have been suggested. Gupta wants to increase Rotary’s humanitarian impact as well as the diversity of its membership.
“As individuals, we can only do so much,” Gupta said in a statement. “But when 1.2 million Rotarians work together, there is no limit to what we can achieve, and in the process, we can truly change the world.”
In the year 2017, Rotary Club of McKinney did an International Service Program with the St. Joseph’s Sisters in Kerala, India. With a matching grant with District 5810 the Club purchased modern equipments to support St. Thomas Asylum, an institution to house and support women with mental and physical challenges.
Wylie East Fork club members are quick to act! Knowing backpacks are hard to come by for Wylie ISD's Back To School Fair, they all donated to fill the need. It's The Wylie Way! Thank you for your service above self!
The annual 4th of July Parade is arguably the best and largest single day event in the Park Cities. The 2018 Fourth of July parade took place on Wednesday, July 4th, 2018 and attracted a crowd of more than 15,000 people.
I've had a wonderful time visiting our Rotary clubs. I am grateful to be with dedicated Rotarians serving their communities.
At every visit, I highlight the importance of Rotary's Clean Water Initiative. RI theme for December, is Disease & Prevention Treatment.
John Hewo, general secretary of Rotary International, says, "As trusted leaders leaders attuned to the needs of their communities, Rotary members are well-positioned to help find grassroot solutions to local conflicts."
In the December 2018Rotarian Magazine, my friend Sushil Kumar Gupta has been selected to be 2020-21 Rotary President. I met Sushil in 2004 at a National Immunization Day in India.
On Saturday, Max Duplant, past president of the Irving-Las Colinas Club, was elected to be District Governor Nominee Designate for the Rotary year 2021-2022. Please welcome Max as she joins our Governor team.
The Rotary District Awards Dinner will be held this year on Saturday, August 18th from 6:30PM to 9:00PM at the Haggard Party Barn, 5948 McKamy Trail, Plano, Texas 75024. The dress is "Western Dress". This is sure to be a fun event! Tickets are $25. Seating is limited to 200 guests! Register Now
We kicked off the new Rotary year with the first Roundtable meeting last Saturday. The Rotary Club of Dallas provided the breakfast spread & mimosas. Dana DeVance, Club President of the downtown Dallas club and her team, shared the progress of the projects of the club. They highlighted their "Salute to the America's Veterans Program" & "Ghana African" project. Charlie Mohrle of the Dallas Club shared the highlights of our recent RI Convention in Tornto, Canada
RI President Barry Rassin has challenged clubs and Rotarians to Be The Inspiration in 2018-19. One of the ways Rassin would like to see clubs do this is by hosting a Rotary Day. Any club big or small can host a Rotary Day, and several clubs can combine to share ideas, talent, and resources. President Rassin is urging clubs to organize fun, informal community events called Rotary Days. Any club, big or small, can host a Rotary Day. Pooling resources with neighboring clubs to co-host and event is a great way to build Rotary Fellowship. Link to additional information on how to host a Rotary Day https://my.rotary.org/en/why-and-how-host-rotary-day
Check out this cool video we created on "What is Rotary and what Rotarians Do" - a perfect tool that can be used on social media and Club websites for membership recruitment.
This video defines 4 prinicpals for being an #InpsiredLeader and how to be successful as defined in "Radical Leap" a book by Steve Farber that was recommended by RI President Barry Rassin at PETS.
The Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb is looking for volunteers to assist with numerous areas of our event on 9/8/2018. The event is not a race, but rather a tribute honoring the sacrifices of fallen heroes - both near and far. Fulfilling a promise to "NEVER FORGET" their brothers and sisters who have died in the line of duty, over 600 firefighters from across DFW and the nation climb 110 floors in downtown Dallas to represent the 110 floors of the twin towers.
It takes about 200 volunteers to make our event a success. You do not need any experience or association with emergency response, just a willing spirit and a servant's heart! All volunteers must commit to attending the volunteer orientation from 9am-12pm on Saturday, August 25 as well as the event from 6am-12pm on Saturday, September 8. Sign up to volunteer or contact Sarah Jenkins, interior@dallasstairclimb.com, with any questions. More information can also be found at http://www.dallasstairclimb.com/
Volunteers Needed - Dallas 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb
The Plano Metro Rotary Club recently gave $65,000 to H.E.R.O.E.S., a Richardson-based provider of educational programs for individuals with disabilities. The nonprofit was the winner of the club’s first Plano Metro Rotary Foundation Grant. Funds were used to purchase a wheelchair-accessible bus, allowing students with mobility impairments to attend excursions such as zip-lining, bowling and group art lessons.
The Plano Metro Rotary Foundation was established in 2002, as a way to provide funds for Plano ISD vocational scholarships and other community needs identified by the club.
Shout out the Rotary Club of Mesquite on their Annual Bike Rally! This year, they had over 1,200 riders. Monies raised will go a long way to support the Club's programs in 2018-19 fiscal year. Great turnout!! See the video
Club President, Dr. Paul Lonquist, challenged members on one of their fundraising projects "that if they raised $10,000.00, the three leaders (from left to right, Dr. Paul Lonquist President; Jerry Bates, Incoming President Steve Patrick, Immediate Past President) would have a bucket of ice and water poured over them. They called it the Ice Bucket Challenge. Members who donated an additional $100.00 each had the privilege of pouring the buckets. They are from left to right, the members are John Dodd, Dick Calvert, and Gary Embrey. John Dodd also had his grandson, Justin Dodd, assisting.
The Sherman Rotary Club donated $10,000 to build a new playground at Hawn Park off South Dewey and East Thomas streets. The upgrade has been in the works for almost a year, and the playground equipment company matched Sherman Rotary's $10,000 to make it happen.
The rotary club said they're now trying to remodel one park every year. The rotary club also presented another $10,000 check today to Parks & Recreation for their next project: New equipment for Cherry Street Park.
New Hawn Park playground equipment unveiled thanks to Sherman Rotary
This year, for the Fourth of July, on the suggestion of a local resident to dress up a city-owned park with flags, our club launched its first “commercial” component of the flag program. Fifty flags, one tagged for each state, were anchored around the city’s Millennium Park Fountain at City of Irving, Texas - City Hall; then, through community outreach (primarily through the club’s social media efforts which were amplified by the Mayor), 44 of those 50 flags were quickly sponsored by residents at $100 each (some club members, but many not) with a connection to those states.
More than $227,000 has been raised for the inclusive playground at Cottonwood Park. That was among the good news announced at the Picnic for the Playground last weekend. There was a great crowd throughout the event put on by Richardson East Rotary Club. The Richardson East Rotary Club presented a check to the city recognizing another $95,000 it has raised for the project.
Richardson East Makes Inclusive Playground Reality
Register now for the Mesquite Rotary Club’s 22th Rodeo Road Rally coming up on June 30th. The annual charity fundraising bike ride will start at Mesquite’s Rodeo Convention Center, 1700 Rodeo Drive (near Military Parkway and I-635 L.B.J. Freeway) at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2018. Cyclists will be able to choose the controlled route that best suits their abilities and interests, including the choice of 20, 42, or 65-mile courses.
Photo op with RI President Ian Riseley at the Peace Building Conference with the Rotary District 5810 Interact Model United Nations Team and District Conference attendees in Chicago.
The Plano Metro Rotary Club was proud to present their first Rotary Foundation Grant this year to HEROES Camp. Many wonderful non-profits applied, and it was a difficult decision. They awarded them $65,000 to purchase a new accessible bus that will allow more students who use wheelchairs to attend off-site events.Way to Make a Differnce!
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Club hosted our 30 Yr Women in Rotary celebration at the Brookhaven Country Club. We celebrated and honored the accomplishments of our female members and acknowledged what a vital and important accomplishment woman make to the success of Rotary. Our guest speaker was District 5840 PDG Lisa Herring and we heard from three of our own outstanding women - Karen Farris (Park Cities), Karen Maxwell (Commerce) and Dana DeVance (Dallas). In addition, First Lady Lisa Asmberry made a check presentation to AWARE. See photos
Train and Help Babies Walkathon volunteers ready for the race to begin!
Coppell is making a difference in reducing infant mortality worldwide, as over 300 people gathered at Andy Brown Park East on Saturday to walk and talk about lowering infant mortality and the impact it has on communities worldwide. Despite warming temperatures the Austin Elementary Marimba band played to the delight of the attendees with walkers and watchers enjoying the buzz of activity, food and conversations with some of the top practitioners of pediatrics in Texas.
The Coppell Rotary Club joined with Train and Help Babies, a local organization dedicated to bringing lifesaving equipment and advanced medical training to hospitals in high infant mortality areas to improve maternal health and infant survivability, as the major sponsor in sending a team of neonatologists and pediatricians to several locations in Karnataka, India to
Rotarians in action! The Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork gave away over 500 hot dogs at Saturday's Peddle Car Races in downtown Wylie. Many thanks to all the Club members who volunteered their time at this event!
Great evening with a group of Rotarians passionate about water and sanitation hygiene issues where Rotary is striving to make a difference. We were honored to be in the company of Rotary International President Ian Riseley and his wife Juliet (Rotary Club of Sandringham, Victoria, Australia), DG Rick Amsberry and incoming DG Bill Slicker and spouses. Featured speaker Dr. ISIS Mejias 2012 Global Grant Scholar & 2017 Rotary International Global Service Award Recipient.
On May 1, 2018 the Addison (TX) Midday Rotary Club presented two checks to REACT Neuro-Rehab in Addison, TX. REACT offers a comprehensive multi-modal approach to neurological recovery through a blend of neuroscience and strength training principles.
The first donation is for a scholarship to REACT’s ‘No Athlete Left Behind’ program. This program allows REACT to serve a population that, due to their injury and the financial burden that consumes families affected by these conditions, is unable to fund their participation in REACT’s Neuro-Restorative training program. This elite one-on-one training program offers customized training prescriptions. The focus is on restoring motor function, building strength and enhancing overall independence.
The second donation is for a scholarship to REACT’s ‘Legacy Project’. The Legacy Project, a free program offered to applicants, is a 12-week high-intensity, group training program that combines strength training and sport. Participants are given a unique opportunity to overcome their physical limitations and inspire others to achieve what many view as impossible.
Addison Midday responded to the 1.2 Million Tree Planting Challenge with the planting of 27 minature Crepe Myrtle trees in two parks in the city of Addison this past weekend. Great job!
The Frisco Rotary Farmers Market is the Rotary Club of Frisco’s top fundraiser and contributes significantly to Frisco and the surrounding communities. The market is held weekly every Saturday from April 21 through October 27, 2018 and the third Saturday of each month in November, December, January, February and March.
Shown, left to right, are WWII veteran Josephine Moncrief, Mesquite Mayor Stan Pickett, and Mesquite Rotary president Michael Hooker as the donation check to the Mesquite Veterans Memorial project was presented.
Mesquite Rotary Club officials donated to the new Mesquite Veterans Memorial project as they participated in city ceremonies honoring one of the few living World War II Army nurses at the Town East Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center on Thursday, April 26th. The American Flag Ceremony honored Lieutenant Josephine Moncrief, 97, who is one of only 15 living Army nurses who served in that conflict. Mesquite Rotary president Michael Hooker presented a $1,000 check to mayor Stan Pickett in support of the Historic Mesquite funding effort to build a new Mesquite Veterans Memorial at City Lake Park.
The Mesquite Rotary Club hosted its annual Scholarship Recognition and Awards Luncheon at the Dallas Athletic Club on April 24th. At the event, the top one percent students in the Class of 2018 from each Mesquite ISD high school, Sunnyvale High School, and Dallas Christian School were honored. Also, scholarship awards of $1,500 each were presented to students from each of these schools, and to a student from the Mesquite Academy. Additionally, two students from the Eastfield College Rotaract Club received $750 scholarships. This investment by the club in the future of these deserving area scholars totaled $13,500
Addsion Rotary Club showing how they are People Of Action. They volunteered at one of their favorite local charities Metrocrest Services. Thank you for you Service Above Self!
McKinney Sunrise is proud to partner with "Crape Myrtle Trails Of McKinney" with their project to distribute crape myrtle trees to McKinney I.S.D 5th graders for Mother's Day. Board Member Phil Wheat of "The Crape Myrtle Trails Of McKinney" visited them this week and gave President-elect Jeff Caserotti a plaque of appreciation for our club's participation.
McKinney Sunrise Partners With Crape Myrtle Trails
Sherman Rotary Club President Elect FY19, Eric Ross, helped by shaving students heads at the Annual St. Baldrick's Foundation event at Austin College to raise money for a cure for childhood cancer. Students brave the shave to raise awareness and money. This event is sponsered by the Austin College Rotaract Club.
Austin College Rotaract Raises Funds For Childhood Cancer
In honor of Earth Day, the Waxahachie Rotary Club, Interact Clubs and Boy Scout Troop 232 planted 110 trees in Mathew's Park on Garden Valley Parkway today, Saturday. They were planted at the direction of the Waxahachie Parks & Recreation Department in groves around the park. They are making a difference!!
Bonham Rotary working hard at the Special Olympics this past Saturday - Starting and timing running races, announcing, helping with field events, cooking hot dogs, preparing ribbons and cheering for the participants! Enjoyable event and smiles on all the faces made it an awesome day!
Coppell Rotarians Steve Graybill and George Ritcheske participate in the Cozby Library Volunteer program. Doing a great job for getting their club noticed in the community!
1ST Place - Conor McNamara, Plano Rotary Club, Big Bend School 2nd Place - Justin Lord, Prestonwood Rotary Club, JJ Pearce High School 3rd Place - Dominique Lange, Mesquite Rotary Club, Poteet High School FINALISTS - Johyna Ballout, Allen Sunrise Rotary Club, Allen High School; Bentley Payne, Greenville Noon Rotary Club, Caddo Mills High School; Dante Curry, Farmers Branch Rotary Club, R. L. Turner High School
Preston Center responded to the Tree Planting Challenge , along with the West Kessler Native Arbor Initiative, the Tree Foundation, Boy Scouts (Troop 5) and West Kessler United Methodist Church planted 8 trees in Roberts Park and gifted out to local residents 55 native trees in March! Great job!!
RI President Ian Riseley talks about the Presidential Peace Conference and how it will benefit you by attending. To register for the Partnerships for PEACE District Conference, click here: http://bit.ly/2slBC3i
Personal Invitiation From RI President Ian Riseley
The Mesquite Rotary Club hosted its annual "Four Way Test" Speech Contest at the Dallas Athletic Club on March 27th. Contestants from all Mesquite I.S.D. high schools, Dallas Christian School, and Sunnyvale High School participated in the event. Each student gave a five-to-seven minute original speech about applying the Rotary Four Way Test in our everyday relationship with other people and students.
The simple, four-question ethical test of all that we say and do was developed in 1932 by Herbert J. Taylor, who became the 1954-55 Rotary International President. The questions are, "Is it the truth?"; "Is it fair to all concerned?"; "Will it build goodwill and better friendships?"; and "Will it be beneficial to all concerned?" Taking first place in the contest was Dominique Lange of Poteet High School. Joshua Bills of Dallas Christian School took second place, and the third place winner was Terron Williams of West Mesquite High School. The winners received prizes of $250, $150, and $100.
On March 20, the Addison Midday Rotary Club made 50 Easter Baskets for Hope Supply to pass on to children who will not get Easter Baskets this year. Hope Supply says these baskets are already designated and they could use more. They made the baskets during their noon meetings. As you can imagine, this is one of their favorite projects and this is the fifth year they have made baskets.
A team of Mesquite Rotary Club members worked side-by-side with retired Mesquite teachers on March 22nd to sort and label books to be delivered to all Mesquite ISD first graders. The Rotarians will also assist the retired teachers in delivering the books to the schools on March 29th. Since 2015, the Mesquite Rotary Club has donated funds each year in support of the Mesquite Association of Retired School Employees’ Book Project. Combined with funds donated by MARSE members, this allows the project to give a book to each first grade student in the district.
This past weekend, members of Dallas-Uptown Rotary gathered together at Bonton Farms, Dallas' first urban farm. Uptowners planted 17 peach trees that could be ready to begin bearing fruit as early as this summer! From the Bonton Farms website: "What started as a small garden in a vacant lot in this little inner-city neighborhood, quickly turned into the City of Dallas’ first urban farm. The original farm is 1.25 acres boldly situated in the South Dallas community of Bonton, an area ravaged by generational poverty, crime, and classified by the USDA as a food desert." From this small beginning, the farms have expanded to a extension unit of 20 acres of food producing land. Bonton Farm employs members of the Bonton community and welcomes volunteers of all ages!
Many of our members, guest, as well as members of our Interact Clubs from RL Turner and Newman Smith gathered at City Hall to complete our tree planning project for 2017/2018. This was part of our goal to plant 62 trees, one for ever member as of June of 2017, in both Carrollton and Farmers Branch. A total of 31 trees was planted in Carrollton and 31 trees planted in Farmers Branch last year. Many of the trees in Carrollton were planted at Rosemeade Recreation Center in the new Dog Park. We had lots of help with City of Carrollton landscape crews and Lorri Dennis, Certified Arborist.
The Mesquite Rotary Club donated $1,275 to benefit the Mesquite Community Band at their meeting on Tuesday, March 13th. As he presented the check, club president Michael Hooker noted that the funds were going to be used to purchase updated, replacement percussion instruments for the band’s use.
In accepting the check, Mesquite Community Band president of the board Lori O’Day thanked the club for its support, and noted that the new instruments would be heard by audiences in their upcoming concert at the Mesquite Arts Center on April 16th, and in all of their subsequent concerts. This would include their popular Music in the Park series on the lawn of the Mesquite Arts Center each Monday evening in June.
Mesquite Rotary Donates $1,275 to Mesquite Community Band
Rotary Club of Allen Sunrise responded to the tree planting challenge of RI President Ian Riseley this past Saturday. They planted one tree per every member of their club, plus additional trees to honor Rotarians who have past on for a total of 37 trees. The tree planting was done at the Allen Spirit Park.
Farmers Branch Rotary have joined in partnership with Montego Bay Rotary to provide water to school children. The water tank provided to Barrett Town All Age School will allow children at the school to have a consistent water supply. We can accomplish great things when we work together! Awesome job!! #ServiceAboveSelf
A team of 30 Rotarians, Rotaractors and Interactors left Saturday, March 10th for a one week service trip to Nicaragua. They will work on building a stage and a water project at two schools in Granada and San Juan Del Sur. Members are from The Rotary Club of Frisco, Plano West Rotary Club, Rockwall Noon RotaryIrving-Las Colinas Rotary Club and Royce City Rotary Club. The group is providing school uniforms and school supplies.
Dental professionals worked together for the benefit of Mesquite and east Dallas area community members in need at a special “Dentists with a Heart Day” on February 17th. The event was sponsored by the Mesquite Rotary Club, and occurred at the Mesquite offices of Dr. Byron McKnight and Dr. Ken Taylor, who donated their services and facility for the day. In a very successful effort, this team served 47 area patients in need, providing them with life-changing care through free dental services that would normally have been worth a total of $53,000. The patients were referred for the event from Mission East Dallas, International Street Church, The Family Place, Dallas Christian Women’s Job Corps, Baylor Scott and White, Skillman Church, and the Mesquite ISD.
Also involved were dentists Dr. Sloan Hildebrand, Ron Bosher, Tommy Reed, Cam Johnson, Richard Dirksen, and hygienists Lisa Blanton and Sandy Collins along with many volunteers. Helm Dental Lab provided the lab work for everyone in advance, and onsite which included partial and full dentures. This team provided cleanings, fillings, prosthetics, and extractions for patients. Helm Dental Lab provided the lab work for everyone in advance, and onsite.
The dentists and hygienists working at the event also provided dental education and hygiene instructions to the patients in attendance. Also participating were the Mesquite Panera Bread and Chick-fil-a restaurants, who donated meals to support the dental personnel and volunteers.
Successful “Dentists with a Heart Day” Event Assisted Area Citizens
Our goal for the First Lady Lisa's project was to raise $30,000 for Alzheimer's. Thus far, we have raised $$22,999. We have 28+ clubs that have not participated and we want to encourage every club to put some money toward this worthwhile cause so that we can be 100% Rotary 5810 District Proud. Everyone's contribution will support our annual theme and with the support of all clubs we will know that "District 5810 Made a Difference" in helping in the fight against Alzheimer's disease. We are only $7,001.00 from reaching our goal which is $250 X 28 clubs.
Please help us reach the goal by posting this photo and encouraging clubs to make their contribution so we can be 100% participants this year and change the lives of others that need our help! It is NOT too late for clubs for contribute. Checks can be made payable to:Rotary District 5810 and mailed directly to my address: 11925 Edgestone Road, TX 75230-2338
The Addison Rotary and Addsion Midday Rotary joined together to raise $8,800 for the Addison Police Department! They are looking forward to being able to meet again and collaborate on more projects to impact their community. Great job!
Frank B. Counselman from Rockwall Noon Rotary was chosen to receive "Carnegie Medal" for outstanding civilian heroism! We are proud to call Frank a member of Rotary District 5810 North Texas!
Here is the story: Frank B. Conselman saved a 32-year-old man and helped to save Robert S. Marchand from drowning in Pensacola Beach, Fla., on July 26, 2016.
Marchand, 36, and the 32-year-old man entered the waters of the Gulf of Mexico in an attempt to assist a woman and two children who were caught in a rip current. Marchand and the other man were also caught in the rip current and unable to reach the woman and children.
Conselman, 45, Rockwall, Texas, business owner, was alerted to the situation. He put on a flotation belt, obtained a kickboard, and entered the water. He swam approximately 225 feet to Marchand, who was barely above the surface of the water, shouting for help. Conselman gave Marchand the kickboard and then swam to the 32-year-old man, who was about 45 feet away.
Conselman grasped the man’s arm and swam toward shore, hampered by the waves and strong winds. Once Conselman had the 32-year-old man in wadable water he stood and pulled the man toward the beach. Another man came out and took the 32-year-old man from Conselman, who was able to exit the water on his own. A lifeguard swam out to Marchand and took him back to the beach.
Marchand and the other man were transported to a hospital where they were treated and released. Conselman swallowed water and was nearly exhausted after the rescue; he recovered in two days. Story submitted by : Chuck Bealmear
Volunteers are need for the Bonham Special Olympics coming up on April 14th. They have a special request for Rotarians! Contact Bonham Rotary Club for more details.
The Mesquite Rotary Club presented a $1,000 donation check to Keith Price of Focus on Teens at their meeting on February 13th. The funds will support the organization’s work in assisting Dallas area homeless teens with their basic needs, and providing them the support and stability they need to stay in school. Focus on Teens operates 30 food pantries and 20 drop-in centers for teens in Dallas and Fort Worth.
The Texas Ramp Project and Grand Prairie Rotary make the local news with their project to help the elderly and those with mobility issues. Click here to read the entire story.
Preston Trails Rotary Club of Celina and Gunter would like to recognize Bobby Apple for perfect Rotary attendance for 25 years.
Rotary has been a staple in this tall Texan’s life for 28 years. Bobby and Cathy, junior high sweethearts, have been married 44 years and along with their two sons, have three grandchildren. Conversations around the Friday night dinner table focused on stories of the Rotary guest speaker and program. Their two sons were always eager to hear Dad describe these unique stories.
Bobby is a Commercial Director for Keller Williams in his hometown of the booming Celina/North Texas area. He has been a Realtor and Broker for more than three decades and earned his Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designation in 1989.
After 18 years in the McKinney Rotary Club, Celina City leadership asked this Paul Harris Fellow if he would start a Rotary Club in his hometown. He is the Founding member and First President of Preston Trail Rotary Club established in 2008. Over the years, Bobby has contributed countless hours serving the community and is the perfect illustration of “Service Above Self”.
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch members, along with their Interact and Rotaract clubs, and the City of Farmers Branch Parks Department, planted 31 trees in Farmers Branch on November 11, 2017, in the Rawhide Creek area to commemorate Veterans' Day and to further beautify the city. Thanks to all of the volunteers and city staff members who took the time to plant all of these trees! #Pledge2Plant
Greenville Noon Rotary Club presented Greenville Christian School with $1000 to benefit Mac-N-Pac for the MPAC. 20,000 meals will be packed as a part of this program. 10,000 meals will stay here in the community and go to FISH Ministries and 10,000 meals will be sent to the victims of Hurricane Harvey.
Christmas came early this year for a Grand Prairie resident who was unable to leave his home. Grand Prairie Rotary and Texas ramps teamed up to build a 48ft ramp.
The Rotary staff team for Miles to End Polio raised $11 million to help end this devastating disease. Travel through the race with this 360 video. Our District contributed $32,000 dollars towards the ride and with magic of matching donations turned into $144,000!
Shout out to the Dallas North's Books & Bears” Project for PreK students! They collected books, coloring books & pencils/crayons, and stuffed bears/cute animals to give “Books & Bears” bags for PreK students to help them cuddle with a friend and read a book over the Winter Break and develop fine motor skills through coloring and drawing activities.
Dallas North's "Books & Bears" Project for PreK Students
The Coppell Rotary Club, in partnership with Darling Homes and the Coppell Community Gardens completed their Club’s 3rd effort to help feed the Coppell with the completion of the Pergola in the Coppell Community Gardens. The Club’s first project was in 2015 with Wilson Elementary School’s award winning Garden. That garden still thrives and school children harvest the fruit and vegetables then are used in the school cafeteria. The 2nd project, Old Town Garden, was built in partnership with the Coppell Historical Society and the City of Coppell. This garden is used to teach our children how to garden. Coppell Rotary Club continues to support the community of Coppell with a variety of project that serve the underserved in Coppell. For more information about Rotary visit our webpage at www.coppellrotary.org
The Addison Rotary Club working this holiday season in the community - serving dinner at the Ronald McDonald House. Thank you for your Service Above Self!
Addison Rotary Serves At The Ronald McDonald House
Each year the Coppell Rotary Club adopts a segment of our Coppell Community that has a holiday need. Last year the club supported children in their community who families were economically disadvantaged, this year they have adopted Seniors through Metrocrest Services. The club split into 5 teams, each team supporting a needy senior. Teams were assigned a Senior who made a wish list of items they need and items they “wish” for. The gift baskets will be delivered between December 18-22. These baskets give such joy and the delivery visit breaks up what can be a very lonely holiday season. For more information about Coppell Rotary Club, visit their website at www.coppellrotary.org. For more information on the Holiday Gift Basket Program, contact Metrocrest Services
Coppell Rotary Club Adopts Area Seniors for the Holidays
Rotarians from McKinney Sunset Rotary Club and McKinney Sunrise Rotary Club donated household goods and a check for planners for the Moms at Shiloh Place in McKinney. Thank you for your Service Above Self!
The Rotary Foundation has AGAIN earned a perfect 100 rating from Charity Navigator!! As a point of reference, Charity Navigator rates 8,000 of America's best-known and some lesser known, but worthy, charities. Of these, only 65 have earned a perfect 100 rating. Our Foundation is one of those 65. Read More
Rotary Foundation Earns Top Rating on Charity Navigator
Photo of Grayson Rotaract was volunteering at the Discovery Garden during the Texas State Fair. Pictured: Cindy Brandt and Edie Goff and Grayson College Rotaract President Tyashia Love.
Terrell High School Interact was out working in the community on the holiday weekend collecting donations for Toys For Tots. Thank you for your service!!
It is with great pleasure that we announce the selection of John D. Moser as District Governor Nominee Designate, to be the District Governor for District 5810 in Rotary Year 2020-2021.
John is a member of The Rotary Club of Allen Sunrise in Allen Texas, where he has served as Foundation Chair, and is currently serving as the Club’s Secretary.
John has been in Rotary since 2008 when he joined The Rotary Club of Frisco. While at Frisco, John served in many areas, he was the Club’s President in 2012-2013, and was selected Rotarian of the Year by the Club. He was also the Club’s Charter Sponsor for the chartering of the Rotary Club of Propser.
In 2009 John participated in the 2009 Indian National Inoculation Day in Hyderabad, India.
John currently serves as District 5810 Foundation Chair for District 5810. He has held numerous positions at the District level; including Assistant Governor, District Grants Chair, Co-Chair Humanity in Motion Foundation Gala, District Assembly Chair 2014-2015.
He is a Major Donor, Paul Harris Society member, and a Foundation Bequest Society member. He is also a member of WASRAG (Water and Sanitation Action Group) and The Rotary Wine Fellowship.
John graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington (with honors), with a degree Bachelor of Business Administration.
He is retired from American Airlines after 31 years of service. And he also retired from Sprint. He is a Deacon at Grace Presbyterian Church in Plano, and is a Master Mason, 32o Scottish Rite Mason and a Shriner. He and his wife Trudy have been married for 52 years, and live in Fairview, Texas. They have two adult children, son and a daughter, and 4 grandchildren. They enjoy traveling and playing golf.
John D. Moser Selected As District Governor 2020-21
Dallas Uptown Rotary promotes literacy with it's community service project with distribution of 1700 dictionaries to 21 schools in DISD to 1700 3rd graders. Great job!
As part of the 1.2 Million Tree Planiting Challenge, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotarians and Farmers Branch city officials planted 31 trees to honor Rotary International President Ian Riseley's request for clubs to plant a tree per member. The Carrollton-Farmers Branch plans to plant 31 more in Carrollton in February.
The Wylie East Fork were hard at work this past week, with their service project "Operation Christmas Child Box". Members brought donations and packed Christmas Child Boxes for needy kids. Awesome service project!
DG Rick Amsberry and First Lady Lisa want to personally invite you to attend the Foundation Festival on November 18th at the Grand Hyatt, Terminal D, DFW Airport. Our guest speaker is RI President Ian Riseley. This is guaranteed to be an awesome event with gourmet food, live music, open bar (beer & wine) not to mention lots of fellowship. We will also be having a silent auction. To register: http://bit.ly/2vKm5d9
On Oct. 21, Irving Sunrise worked hard in the community with their "Adopt-A-Spot" service project cleaning up their community. Thank you for your Service Above Self!
This is how you make a difference! McKinney Sunset Rotary Club worked at the Heard- Craig Center for the Arts. Thanks to Dana Riley with Volunteer McKinney for coordinating the hundreds of workers across the city for #mckinneymakeadifferenceday.
The RC of San Juan del Sur (SJdS) Nicaragua has reached out to us for financial support due to the aftermath of Hurricane Nate. They are a sister club to the RC of Frisco and RC of Rockwall Noon. They are mainly focusing on the contaminated water issue and providing clean water sources for families who would otherwise not have any. Of all the issues being worked this is the most challenging do to the wide spread flooding that damaged or destroyed many homes. Any help is appreciated!
For those of you who wish to help provide financial aid, the most effective thing we can do it is set up an easy method for donations:
Rockwall Noon RC Foundation-- 501(C)(3)
P.O. Box 446
Rockwall, Texas 75087
Help Needed For Hurricane Nate Aftermath - Nicaragua
MEIER, Frank Lorenz Born on June 21, 1938. Died on October 2, 2017. Services will be held on Saturday, October 28 at 2:00P.M. at Church of the Holy Communion, located at 17405 Muirfield Drive, Dallas 75287. A reception will follow.
Frank leaves behind his 3 daughters: Michelle and husband David Holmes of Richardson, TX, Andrea Meier of Highlands Ranch, CO and Melanie Penwarden Meier of Dallas, TX. He is also survived by his brother Art Meier of San Antonio, seven grandchildren, eight nieces and nephews, loving companion, Sue Allin of Dallas and a host of dear friends. Frank was a caring husband and father and embodied the motto of "service above self."
In lieu of flowers, please make donations in his name to Church of the Holy Communion - Building fund or Museum of Biblical Arts, Dallas, TX. Please view full obituary and leave family condolences at www.AriaCremation.com
The Rockwall Women’s League (RWL) and Rockwall Noon Rotary Club joined together to pack backpacks for kids served by the Children’s Advocacy Center of Rockwall County (CAC). Dodie’s Cajun Diner at The Harbor welcomed Rockwall Rotarians and members of RWL into their restaurant to pack the backpacks with items such as pajamas, socks, toothpaste, and Play-Doh. According to Nancy Parkes, a Rockwall Rotarian and member of RWL, the CAC serves 100 children a year in Rockwall, and many of them come into their care with hardly anything at all.
Register now for Foundation Festival to save $$s! Early bird registration ends Oct. 31st. Our guest speaker is RI President Ian Riseley. This is guaranteed to be an awesome event with gourmet food, live music, open bar (beer & wine) not to mention lots of fellowship. We will also be having a silent auction. To register: http://bit.ly/2vKm5d9
We are 'this close' to ending polio. Join supporters from around the world in the final push to end this disease forever. Take part in World Polio Day on 24 October. endpolio.org. Use this checklist to stay organized leading up to the event:
1. Register your World Polio Event - www.endpolio.org
2. Share your event & photos on Facebook and tag the District so we can share
3. Use these hashtags: #EndPolio #DistrictProud
4. Make a contribution. Every dollar donated will be tripled by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. *To donate, contact your club's Foundation Chair. If you have questions, contact John Moser, District Foundation Chair.
5. Tune into for the World Polio Day livestream on October 24th
All smiles at the 2017 Addison Rotary Open Check Presentation Ceremony last night!! $185,000 will go a long way towards helping families at Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Awesome job! Just another reason why, we are #DistrictProud.
Addsion Rotary Supports "The House That Love Built"
Park Cities Rotary event "Dentistry with a Heart" celebrated it's 7th year on September 23rd 2017, treating low income Dallas residents for basic dental services. For the 2nd year Agape Clinic hosted the event with; private practice dentists, students from Texas A&M Dental School, nursing students from universities of Baylor, Texas Woman's, West Coast, and Park Cities Rotary who organizes the event each year. In addition to dentistry the health fair provided free medical screenings, flu shots, food from North Texas Food Bank and entertainment from the Mavs MANIAACS. This year was a great success with providing $23,000 worth of dentistry to 43 patients. Thank you for making a difference!
We had a great turnout for the First Lady Lisa's DGS project: 17 out of 65 clubs represented by donations and/or participants in the Walk. There were 18 actual walkers and 2 dogs. Money donated to the Alzheimer's Association totaled $6,226.00. Thank you to all that supported this project!
Royse City Rotary making a difference with a check for $500 to the food pantry, Our Daily Bread, at the First United Methodist Church in Royse City. This represents the money collected from their “Brag Bucket” for the past year. Pictured here are our President, Bill Forbus, Pastor Chris Everson, and Richard Davis, director of Our Daily Bread.
Plano Metro Rotary changes lives with their "Samaritian Inn Move In" project. They successfully outfitt an entire apartment for a resident of the Samaritan Inn to move into an apartment of her own (Also owned by the Samaritan Inn) across the street (In McKinney, Texas). This is the third time in three years this has been done. Past Club President, Stephen Parry says, "It is a very rewarding hands on project……for the club."
Bonham Rotary creating all kinds of smiles today with their annual dictionary project at Finley-Oates which is providing all 3rd graders in Fannin County with their very own dictionary!
The Rotary Club of Grand Prairie worked hard this past weekend as "People of Action" for building a new ramp in their community. They worked in conjunction with the Texas Ramp Builders to complete the project. Great job!
District 5810 enjoyed a fantastic celebration of the 2016-2017 Rotary year Saturday evening at the Eisemann Center in Richardson, TX! Congratulations to the clubs and Rotarians who were recognized for their service to humanity!
It was a great day for The Addison Rotary Club Annual Addison Rotary Open! Fantastic time with friends, new and old as they raised mega bucks for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas!
There is a request for volunteers for "Rotarians Helping Rotarians" to help do clean up in Houston & Southeast Texas on September 16 & 17. We do not know what kind of work you will be doing. It may be sheetrock in Houston, it may be cleaning out houses in Beaumont. For this operation, people will need to bring any and all tools, work boots, gloves, rakes, brooms, etc they have.
Meet at the HEB parking lot at 9am
130 Sawdust Rd, Spring TX
It is right off 45 in Spring.
If you are interested in volunteering or have more questions, please contact Assistant Governor, Joanna Nichols. She is the lead on this project. Her contact info 1 2104672044 or jjfromtexas@yahoo.com
On September 2, over 600 volunteers from across the District gathered at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church to packaged 227,000 meals for the Hurricane Harvey Evacuees. This was a joint project bewteen Meals of Hope, District 6960 (Florida) and District 5810. We are seeking monetary donations for this relief effort.
Get ready for an evening of good food, music, drinks and festivities with our friends from D5790 on November 18 at the Grand Hyatt - Terminal D at DFW. We will be welcoming Ian Riseley, 2017-18 Rotary International President as our keynote speaker. Tickets are $80 general seating $100 premium seating. To register: http://bit.ly/2vKm5d9
Register Early For Foundation Festival & Save $$s!
Rotary District 5810 and Rotary District 6960 (South Florida) are working in conjucntion with Meals of Hope this Saturday 9/2 at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church to pakcage 200,000 meals for evacuees. We are seeking monetary donations to help fund this project. To donate click here: http://bit.ly/2wVLmTs
The The Addison Rotary Club is selling raffle tickets for $10 or get a book of 12 tickets for $100. This trip is for 5 days, 4 nights at the Southhamptom Beach Resort includes airfare and $600 in spa services! To buy your ticket: click here
It's been a week and half ince Camp RYLA 2017 and the amazing things we are hearing from Rotary clubs across District about their campers experiences makes us excited and proud. Their stories were so moving! They have grown in many ways because of Camp RYLA and we can’t wait to see what great things they do this next year.
Barry Rassin, of the Rotary Club of East Nassau, New Providence, Bahamas, has been selected to be 2018-19 Rotary president. Rassin’s nomination follows Sam F. Owori’s death in July, just two weeks into his term as Rotary International president-elect.http://on.rotary.org/2uneguS
On July 18, the Addison Midday Rotary Club visited Metrocrest Services and helped their "Sack Summer Hunger" campaign. From June 10 to August 5, Metrocrest Services will distribute nutritious easy-to-prepare breakfast, lunch, and snacks to area youngsters. In 2016, Metrocrest Services distributed 143,440 meals through Sack Summer Hunger.
Photo: President Laura Elmore, Sgt Reims, Club Services Director Will Russell and Frisco Police Deputy Chief Greg Ward.
On July 17, Rotary Club of Frisco presented its quarterly First Responders Service Above Self award to Sgt. Jay Reim of the Frisco Police Department. Sgt. Reim is in the criminal investigation department and head the Crimes Against Persons unit. In addition, he serves as the department firearms instructor and defensive tactics instructor.
This award is presented on a quarterly basis, rotating between the Frisco Police Department and Fire Departments, to acknowledge the continued example of the Rotary values of Service Above Self represented by these personnel.
Frisco Awards First Responder For Service Above Self
Twenty three members of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch and guests met at Metrocrest Services to help pack bags of school supplies. They filled close to 150 bags from a list of requested supplies for each grade level and school. Their group is just one of many groups that will gather over the next few days to get ready for handing out the supplies in August. Metrocrest still need more assistance and additional supplies. If you want to provide additional help, contact Brittini Coe, Volunteer Manager at bcoe@metrocrestservices.org.
Just in time for "Back To School", Rotary Club of Coppell is holding it's 8th Annual School Supplies Drive". They collect school supplies for area students who need a little extra help acquiring required supplies,” said Maureen Corcoran, Rotary’s Community Service Chair. “Last year’s Drive was a monumental success due to the support of local businesses, the City of Coppell and the Coppell Chamber of Commerce. This drive runs from August 1 - August 11.
Look at that smile! Allison Tinglov, Rotary Youth Exchange student from McKinney, TX, is glad to be safely home. Approximately 8,000 high school age youth participate in Rotary International's Youth Exchange program every year. The experience is priceless!
If you have a high school youth between the ages of 16-19 who is inquisitive and adaptable to another culture, find out more by contacting your local Rotary Club. Applications in RI District 5810 are due by Nov 1 to apply for school year 2018-19.
Great day at the Rotary Club of Richardson! Chuck Eisemann was honored as the newest member of the Arch Klump Society in our District! Kudos to you, Chuck!
We are all deeply saddened by the unexpected passing of our new friend, Sam Owori. It's hard to believe that less than one week ago we were being encouraged by his words as we met together. We are in contact with Rotary International in Evanston and will bring you the latest information as it becomes available. In the meantime, let us all pause and be thankful for the short time we had with him, and remember his good work to make our world a better place.
Check out this amazing service project "Go Baby Go" that is funded by the Frisco Sunrise Rotary and Frisco Education Foundation to provide mobile support for students with special needs. With the help of Frisco ISD's Engineering students, the students with special needs can lease a customized electric car to move around at home!
This past weekend, Rotary Clubs of Plano Sunrise & North Texas Pioneers joined together for their Annual "Battle Of The Badges Blood Drive". People were able to donate blood and then vote for either Fire or Police in this friendly annual competition. Pictured is Plano Police Chief, Gregory W. Rushin who participates every year in the blood drive.
RI President Elect Sam Owori from Uganada was a special guest of the District this past week. He attend the Park Cities meeting on Friday with DG Rick Amsberry and he was a speaker at the District Roundtable on Saturday.
The Plano Metro Rotary Club toured the Dallas Cowboys World Headquarters at The Star in Frisco and connected with the Cowboys in ways they never imagined! They saw Super Bowl Memorabilia, the Nike Star Walk and more.
Richardson East Rotary Club holds a traditional installation dinner party each year. On June 29 PDG Richard Gilman presented long time friend "D" Schieferstein, with an R.I. Presidential tie to wear at special Rotary events. The Gilmans also made newly installed Club President Schieferstein a Paul Harris Fellow. PDG Larry Webb performed a lively installation of all Richardson East officers.
Retaining Members: Imagine if you had attended PETS training when you first became a Rotarian. Well, this is your chance to send your Rotarians to training that far exceeds PETS training when all of the Rotary U courses are combined. This training gives your members an insight into Rotary as they launch or further their Rotary career. The more they know, the more Rotarians are ENGAGED.
NOTE: Rotarians with less than three years of service are first required to attend Level One, ROTARY BASICS, before attending the other levels.
Interested in a great program for your Rotary club? Please click on the following link to access the district's program bank database. District Program Bank Link
Please feel free to email District Program Bank Chair Howard Berg your program recommendations and feedback by clicking here. Howard Berg is the world's fastest reader and is an active member of the e-club.
Join Bill Dendy and Rotarians from Texas on a 7 night Caribbean cruise! We are already taking reservations, with the best cabins (and potential upgrades!) going to those who reserve and make full payment first. Friends and family are most welcome on this once in a lifetime adventure!
We have reserved group space and hope that our friends can take advantage of this special vacation with the super people of Rotary.
The next information meeting for the 2016 (two trips) to Nicaragua is scheduled for Sat. 12, December at 10:00am. The location will be 2201 Ave K, Suite B-100, Plano, TX 75074. For more information, David Bowman, Chair, International Service Committee. Plano Rotary, cell 803-609-4771 and ndbowman@aol.com. PDG. Sandra Forster, sassysdy@gmail.com or PDG, Ean Sullivan 214-552-1509.
Rotary Club of Park Cities Provides Mobile Food Pantry
To purchase the first Mobile Food Pantry in the DFW Metroplex, the Rotary Club of Park Cities (RCPC), partnering with Texas Capital Bank (TCB) will present a check to the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) at noon, Friday, December 11. RCPC members will meet with leaders of TCB at the NTFB’s new headquarters,at the south end of the Dallas Farmers Market.
This partnership, targeting our community’s underserved residents, became especially urgent when the Texas state legislature’s House Bill 1485, which had passed three readings, failed in the last minute. Too many legislators were physically absent, so the bill was thrown out.
The specially designed mobile food pantry is expected to be operational by January, will enable the NTFB to provide services to clients that its usual big trucks can’t reach. Residents in high-need areas, such as apartment complexes, housing units and senior citizens facilities will receive the equivalent of more than 830,000 meals delivered annually.
The Addison Rotary Club celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the Addison Rotary Open (ARO) golf tournament on Monday September 14, 2015 at Gleneagles Country Club in Plano. The ARO is consistently ranked as one of DFW’s top charity golf tournaments and attracts a crowd of nearly 250 golfers. Addison-based GLM, DFW, Inc. returned as the presenting sponsor for the sixth consecutive year and for the eighth year the outing benefits Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD). Says Mary Galvan, owner of GLM, DFW, “Joe and I are pleased to sponsor this event each year, we believe in the philanthropic efforts of the Addison Rotary and we wholeheartedly support the mission of RMHD.” Ronald McDonald House of Dallas provides a home away from home for families with seriously ill or injured children seeking medical treatment at area hospitals. One of those families, the Turner family from Eufaula, Oklahoma, experienced a lengthy stay at RMHD from February through May of 2015. Clay Turner recounted to the packed room his experience at the House after his five year old son received serious leg and pelvis injuries and his two year old daughter sustained a critical brain injury due to a car accident. Said Turner, “Even though I’m a strong Christian, it was a time of extreme despair and fear for our family and Ronald McDonald House was a source of comfort for us.
The 149th International Rortary Convention takes place in Seoul, Korea from May 28 until June 1, 2016. This year’s convention program offers attendees an outstanding combination of information, inspiration, and entertainment. You’ll hear about new initiatives for the organization. You’ll have the chance to make a positive difference with a hands-on service project.
Participate in pre-convention activities
Even before the convention officially begins, you’re invited to attend special events. Connect with young leaders at the RotaractPre-convention and share ideas at the Youth Exchange Officers meeting. Attend the World Water Summit to learn about the latest water and sanitation initiatives.
It’s Korea! Come early to:
• Stay at a temple to relieve the stress of travel
• Tour Korea with local Rotary members
• Choose from a variety of health screenings and acupuncture therapies
And you’ll delight in unique cultural experiences. Plan now to attend.
Attend Host Organization Committee events
As honored guests of Korean Rotary members, you’ll enjoy special experiences throughout your stay. The Host Organization Committee is planning unforgettable events that will immerse you in Seoul’s distinct culture, including musical and dance performances by local artists. Check back often to see what the HOC has planned for you.
Register
Rotary members, Rotaract members, and club and district employees can register for the convention online. An email confirmation is sent for all registrations, including faxed and mailed registrations. If a letter of invitation is required for your visa application, you will receive it with your confirmation.
Remember registration fees are $ 310 for Rotarians if you register before December 15, 2015.
The fees increase to $ 375 until March 31st.
After April 1, 2016 the fees are $ 440 so it pays to register early.
Visa
American Citizens with valid U.S. passports may enter Korea for a period of 90 days without a visa (arrival day counts as day number one).
The 2014/15 District Awards nominations are due by July 31st.
If you are nominating for club newsletter, small - under 25 members, medium - 25-45, or large - over 45, I will only need a copy of one month's newsletter. Also, remember we have new forms for Rotary club of the year - small, medium, and large.
The Greenville Rotary Club, aka the Noon Rotary Club, honored Pam Queen as Rotarian of the Year and presented William “Buddy” Oxford with the Friend of Rotary Award for 2015 at their annual banquet on June 23.
Outgoing Rotary Club President Troy Brakefield honored Queen for her countless hours spent in the community working with Hunt County Shared Ministries, CASA and Greenville Chamber of Commerce functions, as well as supporting the club’s activities including Chili Fest, the Haunted Landmark, the Cotton Patch Challenge and its student scholarship program.
Oxford was honored for volunteering hundreds of hours over the past few years as security for the club’s Haunted Landmark, which raises funds to support the club’s community programs.
From the club to the national level there is currently a chilling dilemma in Rotary; membership in the U.S. has steadily and significantly declined for over ten years. The numbers don’t lie; membership development efforts in most clubs have not and are not working well! To reverse this we must change the way that we do things, while retaining the core values of Rotary; service above self and doing good in the world. Of those who have, few knew what Rotary is or does.
Who can change this? YOU CAN! New at the upcoming Membership Development Forum:
Panel discussion comprised of “under 40 year olds”, both Rotarians and non-Rotarians
Panel discussion comprised of “seasoned folks”, both Rotarians and non-Rotarians
Open discussion among participants
Project Outlines/Guidelines that your club might decide to implement
Access to a wealth of Rotary’s professionally designed assessment tools, forms and resources
The 2015 Rotary International Convention is in Sao Paulo, Brazil June 6-9, 2015. I recommend that you start planning now. I am including Visa application information and forms, RI Convention Hotel information and the 2015 RI Convention registration information forms. Sao Paulo is going all out to make this an exciting event and on Sunday June 7, 2015 the city will with Rotary International have the annual Carnival Parade and Rotarians will get to participate. There are 134 Carnival Clubs who will be in the parade and the parade rivals the one in Rio. Remember Sao Paulo is the largest city in the Americas.
The Houston RI District is negotiating for another “Cowboy Dinner Cruise” and I hope to have more details soon.
See you in Sao Paulo.
Important dates:
15 DECEMBER 2014 - Early-registration deadline 2 FEBRUARY 2015 - Official housing deadline 31 MARCH 2015 - Pre-registration deadline 30 APRIL 2015 - Registration/ticket cancelation deadline
THE ADDISON ROTARY CLUB PRESENTS A $200,000 CHECK TO RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF DALLAS
Thursday, October 9, members of The Addison Rotary Club, presented to Ronald McDonald House of Dallas (RMHD) a check in the amount of $200,000—the proceeds from the club’s annual golf outing held yearly since 1990. Now in its 24th year, the Addison Rotary Open (ARO) took place at Gleneagles Country Club on September 8, 2014; approximately 225 golfers made the event a competitive and fun day. Since 2010, The Addison Rotary Club and its foundation, the Addison Rotary Foundation, has raised more than $1 million for the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas and is the charity’s second largest annual fundraiser. 2014 ARO Chair, Lance Pendley says, “The most amazing part of this story is that The Addison Rotary is a relatively small club with about 45 members which means that each member has raised approximately $22,000 over the past 5 years.” Since the operational cost of a night’s stay at RMHD is $125, it is estimated that the ARO has raised funds to pay for over 8,000 nights at the House with the $1 million raised.
The Rotary Foundation is your source of funds for the programs that are important to you. On November 22, from 9:30 until noon come to the Plano Chamber of Commerce and hear from the people who have benefited from Foundation funds. You will meet other Rotarians and district leaders who will share ideas, projects, and insights into tapping those resources. The Rotary Foundation has a funding model that puts you in charge -- you get to decide how the monies are spent. If you know a scholar that wants to pursue a masters degree, this seminar is for you. If you know of a water or sanitation project that needs to be done, this seminar is for you. If you know of a disease prevention program or a women and children wellness program that needs funding, this seminar is for you. If you are a past scholar or have participated in a globally funded project, come and share your stories.
Many of you have asked how to best honor the memories of Governor Bill & Kathy's mothers who each passed away within two days of each other the week of September 1st.
Many of you have asked how to best honor the memories of Governor Bill & Kathy's mothers who each passed away within two days of each other the week of September 1st.
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Dental professionals and volunteers worked together for the benefit of area people in need at their 11th annual “Dentists with a Heart Day” on February 15th. The event was sponsored by the Mesquite Rotary Club, and occurred at the Mesquite dental offices of Dr. Byron McKnight and Dr. Ken Taylor, who donated their services and facility for the day. In a very successful effort, this team served over 50 area patients in need, providing them with life-changing care through free dental services that would normally have been worth a total of $55,000. The patients were referred for the event from Sharing Life Ministries, Grace Place, International Church Street, Mesquite ISD, and even from people in need that the participating dentists had met throughout the year.
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Frank B. Counselman from Rockwall Noon Rotary was chosen to receive "Carnegie Medal" for outstanding civilian heroism! We are proud to call Frank a member of Rotary District 5810 North Texas!
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MEIER, Frank Lorenz Born on June 21, 1938. Died on October 2, 2017. Services will be held on Saturday, October 28 at 2:00P.M. at Church of the Holy Communion, located at 17405 Muirfield Drive, Dallas 75287. A reception will follow.
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The 149th International Rortary Convention takes place in Seoul, Korea from May 28 until June 1, 2016. This year’s convention program offers attendees an outstanding combination of information, inspiration, and entertainment. You’ll hear about new initiatives for the organization. You’ll have the chance to make a positive difference with a hands-on service project. 
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The 2015 Rotary International Convention is in Sao Paulo, Brazil June 6-9, 2015. I recommend that you start planning now. I am including Visa application information and forms, RI Convention Hotel information and the 2015 RI Convention registration information forms. Sao Paulo is going all out to make this an exciting event and on Sunday June 7, 2015 the city will with Rotary International have the annual Carnival Parade and Rotarians will get to participate. There are 134 Carnival Clubs who will be in the parade and the parade rivals the one in Rio. Remember Sao Paulo is the largest city in the Americas.
The Rotary Foundation is your source of funds for the programs that are important to you. On November 22, from 9:30 until noon come to the Plano Chamber of Commerce and hear from the people who have benefited from Foundation funds. You will meet other Rotarians and district leaders who will share ideas, projects, and insights into tapping those resources. The Rotary Foundation has a funding model that puts you in charge -- you get to decide how the monies are spent. If you know a scholar that wants to pursue a masters degree, this seminar is for you. If you know of a water or sanitation project that needs to be done, this seminar is for you. If you know of a disease prevention program or a women and children wellness program that needs funding, this seminar is for you. If you are a past scholar or have participated in a globally funded project, come and share your stories. 