We are presented with the remarkable opportunity to reflect on what it truly means to be a Rotarian and how our shared values drive our actions. I would like to focus on two central themes that encapsulate the essence of our identity: our Commitment to Service and our dedication to being People of Action.
 

The Service Project Center, Rotary’s new hub for everything related to service, is now live. It gives you a better way to manage and share information about your service projects. With service networking moving to this new platform, Rotary Showcase has been retired. All Rotary and Rotaract projects that were posted on Rotary Showcase have been migrated to the Service Project Center, which is being released in phases. 

We're excited to unveil our newest Public Image Rockstar Challenge, designed to elevate your Club's visibility and community engagement. This challenge focuses on enhancing how we communicate our Club's impact, fostering partnerships, and celebrating our members' commitment to service. The challenge features four levels:

Imagine you are in a conversation with a friend, neighbor, colleague or just a friendly stranger.  During the conversation you manage to work in the fact that you are a member of Rotary.  Then your friend asks the question, “What is Rotary.”  What do you say.  You have about 60 seconds to make an impression that lasts.  To set the hook.

Celebrate Community, an annual joint initiative from the service organizations Kiwanis International, Lions International, Optimist International and Rotary International, will take place the week of September 8-14, 2024.  Plan now for your Rotary and Rotaract clubs to build on existing relationships with other like-minded services or develop new ones to impact your communities. What are the needs in your community which can be addressed in this week-long effort?

On the morning of Friday, August 2nd, the sun rose over Westside Park in Marble Falls, illuminating the entrance where the New Member Community Service Project was about to begin. Volunteers, eager to make a difference, gathered with tools and determination to Xeriscape a portion of the park entrance. 

This year marks the 20th year of the Rotary Club of Austin University Area’s primary fundraiser “Park with a Heart”, which has raised upwards of $1,000,000 for local charities since it began. Initiated by club member Dr. Fred Hanson, an Austin OB/GYN specialist, club members work to provide designated parking lots during UT football games. 

The Rotary Club of Round Rock recently hosted a special event featuring coaches from four of the five comprehensive high schools in the Round Rock Independent School District. These coaches gathered to discuss the upcoming football season, sharing their philosophies and what fans can expect this year.

 

In July, as part of Rotary's Maternal and Child Health month, our sunshine basket funds were collected for Breath of Life - Sarah's House, a local maternity home, that helps pregnant women. Their founder, Jeannine Floores, was our speaker on August 7th.

 

The Killeen Rotary Club recently completed the construction of a paved bridge at the Killeen Municipal Court Garden and held a Ceremonial Ribbon Cutting on August 24, 2024. The Bell County Master Gardeners assist each Saturday with maintaining the community garden and many times have to drive through mud to get to the worksite.

Our club participated in the annual Back to School Blast with the Burleson County - Texas A&M Agrilife Extension! We gave away 300+boxes of facial tissue to the students of Burleson county along with the 60+ community groups, churches and businesses.

The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen hosted a military family from Ft. Cavazos this weekend through Operation Vacation. Sgt. Jose Castellon and his family had a complimentary weekend at the Austin Hilton Garden Inn.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies, and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness. National Suicide Prevention Week is the Monday through Sunday surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day, which is September 10th.

75th Annual Community Fish Fry and Raffle! September 21st, Adults - $15, Children - $10, Raffle - $50. Event details: 307 BUENA VISTA DR., MARBLE FALLS, 4:30PM - TO-GO ORDERS 5:00PM - IN-PERSON DINING. MUSIC BY THE 2 DOLLAR BILLS.