JANUARY 2025 EDITION
News Around The District
DG Doug Smith's January Message
Happy New Year to Our Rotary Family! As we turn the page to another year, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes for a Happy New Year to each and every one of you. The new year brings with it a sense of hope, renewal, and the perfect opportunity to reflect on the past year while setting the stage for the journey ahead.
Read more...
Congratulations Rod Henry!
We are thrilled to announce that Rod Henry has been selected as the District Governor for Rotary Year 2027-28! Rod’s dedication to Rotary’s mission of Service Above Self and his passion for making a difference in our communities make him the perfect leader to guide our District into the future. With his vision, experience, and unwavering commitment to Rotary values, we’re excited to see how he’ll inspire and empower clubs across the District. Please join us in congratulating Rod on this incredible honor!
Join Us for the Annual Foundation Gala – Reserve Your Spot Today!
Join us for an elegant evening of celebration and inspiration at the Annual Foundation Gala on Saturday, January 25th, 2025 at the Courtyard by Marriott in Pflugerville. This special night will highlight the impactful work of The Rotary Foundation and its ongoing commitment to making a difference in communities worldwide. 
Read more...
Grants Management Training - January 11th

We will hold our first Grants Management Training Seminar (GMTS) on January 11, 2025 on Zoom. Both the GMTS and GMTS Renewal sessions are available. Check this page to see if you qualify for the 1 hr session. Must register in advance to receive the Zoom link. GMTS Renewal starts at 8AM and GMTS 9AM.
Discover the New Features of the ClubRunner Mobile App
The ClubRunner Mobile App has just gotten even better! Designed to make staying connected with your club and district easier than ever, the latest updates bring a host of new features and improvements. Whether you’re an officer, member, or simply interested in staying in the loop, the app's enhanced functionality ensures you have everything you need at your fingertips. Here’s what’s new: 
Read more...
Rotary Club of Bastrop County Shines Bright in Lighted Christmas Parade
The Rotary Club of Bastrop County "floated" in City of Bastrop's Lighted Christmas Parade last Saturday night. It was the Club's first entry in many years, and local Rotarians are looking forward to a drier trip next year!
Read more...
Caldwell Works to Support Food For Families Food Drive
The Rotary Club of Caldwell joined the efforts of our local community at the Food for Families Food Drive on December 4,2024. Thanks to our members who helped with sorting and unloading donated food.
Read more...
Rotary Operation Vacation for our Military Heroes 
The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen hosted this lovely family , PFC Issac Medrano and his wife and two children. They were hosted  in November at the incredible JW Marriott Downtown and enjoyed a delightful BBQ dinner with all the trimmings at the County Line on the Lake. 
Read more...
Blue Santa Toy Collection
Marble Falls Rotary Club collected new toys at their Christmas Party and delivered to the local police station for Blue Santa!
George’s “Coats for Kids” Help Keep Southwest Austin Kids Warm 
A program begun a few years ago by one of our long-term members, George Kennebeck, continues. Over 400 coats & hoodies were collected by the Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest this year for re-distribution to kids in need.
Read more...
Santa and Rotary Club of Austin Bring Christmas Joy to Children
The Rotary Club of Austin provides Santa and gifts selected by the children of the Helping Hand Home each year. It is a joy to watch the children open their gifts and find they actually got what they ask us to bring. A promise made, a promise kept. For these children this event is full of food, caroling and cookies and of course Santa Claus. 
Flatonia Rotary Celebrates Christmas
On Tuesday, 17 December, the Flatonia Rotary Club participated in the Blue Santa wrapping party held at the FF&R fire station, which wrapped presents in record breaking time. On Thursday, 19 December, Instead of a meeting, the Flatonia Rotary Club celebrated Christmas with a fun social and dinner at Edna’s Kitchenette in Downtown Flatonia. They had a surprise visit by Santa and all enjoyed a delicious dinner prepared by Edna’s.
Read more...
Santa!
E-Club Rotarian Tiesa Holloway has personally answered letters sent to Santa's mailbox in front of her home for the past five Christmases. Many hearts have been compassionately touched by this gift of caring.
Santa Shop Comes To Health Center 
Marble Fall Rotarians with some Fire Department Elves helped bring cheer and wonder to residents at Granite Mesa Health Center on December 17th! Lines were formed and excitement filled the air as gifts were carefully chosen, placed in Christmas bags, and an extra "surprise" gift given to each person in the "shop".
Read more...
Mental Health Spotlight – January 2025
 
January is Mental Wellness Month, a time to focus on refreshing your mental health after the hectic period between Thanksgiving and New Year's Day. Research shows a strong connection between the mind and body – your mental health significantly impacts your physical health.
Read more...
Rotary Clubs of Temple Unite to Support Salvation Army's Red Kettle Campaign
Supporting the Salvation Army of Bell County's Red Kettle Campaign has long been a cherished tradition for both the Rotary Club of Temple and Temple South. This year, however, they took a new approach. The two clubs joined forces, representing the Rotary Clubs of Temple together. With festive spirit, they spread holiday cheer, wished everyone a Merry Christmas, and encouraged community support for the vital work of the Salvation Army.
Real or Fake? Which Christmas tree is better for the Environment?
Real or Fake- Which Christmas tree is better for the Environment? According to most environmental experts, a real Christmas tree is generally considered better for the environment than an artificial one, as long as it is sourced from a sustainable tree farm, because real trees absorb carbon dioxide while growing and can be composted after use, while artificial trees are often made from non-biodegradable plastics and require significant resources to manufacture and transport. 
Upcoming Events
January Theme: Vocational Service Month
Jan. 01, 2025 – Jan. 31, 2025
 
2025-26 Grant Management Training
Zoom
Jan. 11, 2025
 
Caldwell Rotary Casino Night
Jan. 18, 2025
 
Winter SCRYE
Jan. 24, 2025 – Jan. 26, 2025
 
Foundation Gala
Jan. 25, 2025
 
2025 Foundation Gala
16100 Impact Way
Jan. 25, 2025 6:00 p.m. Central Standard Time (UTC-06:00)
 
View entire list
 
 
 
Killeen
 
 
 
Copperas Cove
 
 
Austin-Southwest
 
 
Caldwell
 
 
Austin Cosmopolitan
 
Navarro County/Corsicana
 
Austin Westlake

EarlyAct FirstKnight

 
Wayside Eden
RC of South Austin
RC of Austin-Southwest
 
 
 
Hart Elementary
RC of Austin NxNE
RC of Northwest Austin
Submit your stories and events for the newsletter and social media!  Contact Pam Blankenzee
Advertisement for Russell Hampton
Advertisement for ClubRunner
Advertisement for ClubRunner Mobile
Please add mailservice@clubrunner.ca to your safe sender list or address book.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
 
ClubRunner
102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7