Stories

Rotary Marks 100 Years in Taylor

Dignitaries and Rotarians from around the area joined in the party on Saturday, May 1, to celebrate the Rotary Club of Taylor’s first 100 years in the community.

Caldwell Rotary offers Free Rabies Clinic

On Tuesday, May 4, 2021, the Caldwell Rotary Club and the Texas A&M College of Veterinary of Medicine worked collaboratively to offer a free rabies clinic. The event was held at the Burleson County Fairgrounds from 3pm to 7pm. 80+ dogs and cats from the community were vaccinated at no cost to the owner.

Selection of District Governor Nominee

Posted by Rick Stacy

It is my distinct honor and privilege to formally announce that Bob Crouch of the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights is now officially our District Governor Nominee and will serve as our Governor for Rotary Year 2023-2024. Bob is a great Rotarian and good friend who I know to be exceptionally well prepared for the job! Please join me in congratulating Bob on his selection as our 109th District Governor.

Introducing Texas Hill Country Passport Club!

After more than nine months of recruiting, the new Texas Hill Country Rotary Passport Club acquired the necessary number of charter members (20-plus). We had 22 total charter members in our application) when we submitted it to Rotary International two weeks ago. We have been greatly assisted in this process by the leadership of the recently chartered North Austin Metro Rotary Passport Club (first Passport club in the district) and District Governor Rick Stacy and Monique Hodges, Corsicana Rotary, both of them members of the District 5870 New Membership Task Force.

Belton Centennial Celebration

You're invited to attend the Rotary Club of Belton's Centennial Celebration!

“BBQ Festival Event” in Bastrop 2021 by Rotary Club of Bastrop County

The Rotary Club of Bastrop County plans to host a BBQ Festival Event in on Sep 3-5, 2021. This includes a “sanctioned BBQ competition, fundraising, Fun, and Information event” with goals of having a major event in Bastrop, raising funds (primarily for local organizations and projects), fun, and information activities.

Marlin Rotary Club Co-Hosts National Remembering Our
Fallen Tribute Towers Exhibit

A first-of-its-kind traveling exhibit showcasing the ultimate sacrifice of military and first responders who’ve died from wounds in the War on Terror since September 11, 2001 until today was at the Marlin City Park Pavilion on Thursday, April 29th through Wednesday, May 5th.

Rotary to Honor Top Grads

Taylor Rotary Club will recognize the top 10% of local graduates and award its scholarship at the Rotary Scholars Banquet on Monday, May 10.

Flatonia Pool House Storage Shed

Flatonia President Larry Haas and President-Elect Gerald Freytag, on Thursday. April 22 removed the old roof and decking, replaced rotted supports and replaced old facia with hardie board siding. The City of Flatonia pool storage building will be another service project that will help the community.

Donation to Community First

After the Rotary Club of Austin heard from Alan Graham, the founder of Mobile Loaves & Fishes and Community First, our club learned that the residents love to watch DVDs so our club purchased a variety of movies to donate to the Community First lending library.

SUPER FOR THE SOUP KITCHEN!!

SOUTH AUSTIN Rotary club member Mickie Powers happily smiling after purchasing a month’s supply of disposable plates to serve meals at the soup kitchen that the club, as well as individual club members, have generously supported.

Golf Tournament Huge Success

The Rotary Club of Taylor on April 9 was a huge success. Thanks to organizing Rotarians Ryan Stiba and Austin Brown, the Club has more money to spend on its Rotary Scholars Banquet, scholarships and community projects.

Cluster Meetings

On April 9th, Killeen Heights Rotary held our 2nd round of CLUSTER MEETINGS. Rotarians gathered at 5 socially distant, COVID-19 mindful locations for breakfast, fellowship & networking.

Partnering Project

The Rotary Club of Marble Falls worked on a joint service project with fellow Rotarians from District 5890 during their District Conference at Horseshoe Bay Resort.

Service Above Self: 2021 Youth Citizenship Awards

Twenty-one high school seniors in McLennan County are being recognized for their volunteerism and service in the 41th annual Youth Citizenship Awards sponsored by the Rotary Club of Waco and the Tribune-Herald. The students are usually honored at a spring luncheon held by the Rotary Club, but for the second year COVID-19 is limiting recognition to a socially
distanced award presentation. They will be recognized at a drive-thru reception Monday at the Lions Den.

DG Rick Stacy Poolside Chat with Grandson Nolan About the Kalahari Adventure

District Governor Rick Stacy interviews grandson Nolan about the KALAHARI ADVENTURE. He has experienced Kalahari first-hand and wants to share his take on the venue. Must watch! don't miss out on all the fun to be had at DISTRICT CONFERENCE MULTI-EVENT BASH on May 14-16! Click image to play video. To register: https://bit.ly/3rnuA8g

Congratulations to District 5870’s Newest Rotary Club

District Governor Rick Stacy is pleased to announce the formation of District 5870’s newest Rotary Club, the Austin North Metro Passport Club. This initiative is one of the goals he announced early In the Rotary year to address the declining member base in District 5870.

Planting Trees in Whose Shade We Will Never Sit, But Someone Will

Austin Southwest Rotary held a workday at the Will Hampton Library in Southwest Austin in March. In the past, the Club put in a trailhead, prepared a Learning Tree area for outdoor classes and maintains a gazebo at the Library built by a club member, Ross Baldwin. These projects were initiated as the Club’s Centennial project when Rotary International celebrated its 100^th anniversary sixteen years ago.

Books For Palo Alto Middle School

On March 26th, Killeen Heights Rotarians met at Palo Alto Middle School, in Killeen, to sort, inventory, label, and shelve books for the school. This is the final component of our DAP Grant project for the 2020-2021 Rotary year.

Rotary Club of La Grange Builds Garden Beds

Several La Grange Rotarians were hard at work constructing raised garden beds for

Tejas Health Care.

The garden beds will be used to grow fresh, healthy foods for local families in the WIC program.

Butterfly garden at Pecan Springs Elementary

The Rotary E Club and the staff at Austin’s Pecan Springs Elementary are creative a butterfly garden for the students. The classes have painted cinder blocks for the borders and will plant and maintain plants that attract butterflies and enhance the beauty of the school grounds.what an exciting partnership project.

Killeen Heights Spring Classic

Thank you players and sponsors for making Killeen Heights Rotary’s March 5th Spring Classic a success! This event raised over $25,000 for scholarships and service projects in our community!

Killeen Heights Investing in Kids Future

The Killeen Heights Rotary service project on March 13th, included constructing four Little Free Libraries. Next, the children of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Texas will paint 🎨 the libraries and fill with new books. The Free Libraries and books

project is an investment in our most precious resource...our children.

District Assembly, April 10th features Toastmater World Champion

Mike Carr, 2020 Toastmasters World Champion, will be the featured speaker at the upcoming District Assembly and Leadership Training event on Saturday, April 10^th. The event will be held virtually and will begin at 8:30 am and concluding with the featured speaker at 12 noon.

Join Austin Cosmo in Building Their Library Bus

The Austin Cosmo club is thrilled to announce the beginning of an incredible, global project. The building of a library bus (bibliobus) in partnership with the Rotary Club of Tsimbaroa in Antananrivo, Madagascar.

Marlin Rotary & Rise Against Hunger: End Hunger by 2030

Rotary International, which comprises more than 35,000 clubs with 1.2 million members in 200 countries and geographic regions, was big enough to be a major partner in the eradication of polio, the largest health initiative ever undertaken!

Celebrate 100 Years of Rotary in Taylor

The Rotary Club of Taylor invites the community, especially those interested in service to their community, to its 100th anniversary celebration on Saturday, May 1.They plan to put its motto, “Service Above Self,” into action to celebrate its 100th anniversary.

Rotary Club of Marble Falls - Pizza in the Park

The Rotary Club of Marble Falls hosted its first in person meeting for 2021 on Thursday, March 18^th at Johnson Park. Flat Bottom Boys Pizza catered the lunch, serving a variety of personal sized wood fired pizza for everyone to enjoy.

Teams Ready to Tee-Off!

Rotary Club of Taylor is ready to celebrate spring by getting golfers on the green. “Our annual golf tournament helps us support students and community projects all year long,” Club President Regina Carlson said. “We hope after the year we’ve had that golfers and the community are ready to get outside and play.”

CAC Stuffed Animal and Snack Drive

The Rotary Club of La Grange recently held a stuffed animal and snack drive for the Children's Advocacy Center Serving Bastrop, Lee, and Fayette Counties. The Center provides Forensic Interviews, Victim Advocacy, Therapeutic Services and facilitation free of charge. The Center was in need of new stuffed animals to give to kids who are coming to be interviewed to see if they have experienced some form of abuse. A cuddly friend sometimes helps to make that journey easier, and hopefully less traumatic.

Northwest Austin Prepares Fit Kits

Twelve Members of the Rotary Club of Northwest Austin, including PDG Jim Henry, assembled on Monday afternoon, March 8, at Springwoods Park in Northwest Austin, to prepare 21 FiT Kits for distribution at two Round Rock ISD schools. Josh Reeley, Vice President of Youth Services for the Rotary Club of Northwest Austin, organized the effort, funded by a District 5870 DAP Grant.

DG Rick Stacy's March Message

Fellow Rotarians: I hope that this Newsletter finds you all in good health and good spirits. The winter storm was a devasting event. Texas suffered greatly with loss of lives, infrastructure damage, personal property damage, and just a general interruption to our already interrupted Covid affected lives. Texas Governor Abbott has declared all of the 23 counties in our Rotary District “disaster area”. So, in the midst of searching out Covid vaccinations and keeping safe distances, Mother Nature gives us one more hurdle to climb. This leads us back to Rotary…….

Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club Joins Forces with RC of Adana Guney, Turkey

On February 13, the Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club expanded their global reach by partnering with the Rotary Club of Adana Guney, Turkey as twin clubs. Twin clubs, or sister clubs, are two clubs from different countries that form a long-term relationship to promote international understanding and goodwill and carry out service projects in their communities. To participate in this partnership, sign up for the Cosmo newsletter: austincrc.org

District Membership Forum

Your District Membership Team will be hosting a Membership Forum on Saturday, 27 March 2021 from 9:30-11:30 AM via Zoom. We will be sharing ideas on how to be a healthy club with engaged members and creative and flexible meetings and projects. Click to register.

Memorial Service - PDG Clift Price

Fellow Rotarians: We announced last week of the passing of PDG Clift Price. He was such a great person and great Rotarian. There will be a virtual public memorial service in his honor at 3PM on Saturday, March 6, 2021. The link and livestream will be available at tumcaustin.church/funerals . There would be no better way to honor his contribution to Rotary than to show our respect and support for his family by participating. To really appreciate PDG Clift Price's long, varied, and accomplished legacy, please take time to read his full Obituary at this link: https://legcy.co/2PizTI2

“Snow-vid 2021” Food Needs Met with Help of Austin Southwest Rotary

The line of cars usually starts to wind around the block about 30 minutes before the food pantry at El Buen Samaritano opens. The first day the pantry was open after Austin thawed out from the historic storm and the city was again semi-functional, the line of cars carrying families in need of food and water started two hours before opening.

Register Early for District Conference Multi-Event Bash

Come join us in celebration at our Multi-Event Bash on May 14-16 at the Kalahari Resorts & Hotel in Round Rock, TX. We are taking a full year of missed opportunities and consolidating into one big weekend of ROTARY FUN!! This is a family fun event .. so bring your kids and the grandkids!

Killeen Heights Spring Classic

We invite you to join us for the "Rotary Club of Killeen Heights Spring Classic" Golf Event March 5, 2021 at 9am at Stonetree Golf Club, Killeen to support vocational grants, scholarships and service projects in our community. For player Registration or Sponsorships visit: www.khrspringclassic.com or contact Daniel Hall at dhall@bgctx.org

Delivering Meals and Gratitude for our Health Care Workers

The Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis has been busy this month with delivery of meals and food coupons to all hospital and clinic staff to acknowledge the dedication and heroism of these frontline health care workers.. not only during COVID but also during our ice storm last week.

Rotary Club of Pflugerville Assists With Water Distribution

On Friday, Feb 19, the city of Pflugerville reached out from its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to its Rotary Club. FEMA would deliver 7000 cases of water to be distributed. Could the Club provide volunteers to assist with the distribution?

Shiner Rotary Donation to Anna's Angels

The Shiner Rotary Club was honored to have had the opportunity to donate to Anna’s Angels this past Christmas season. Anna’s Angels help with the needs of many local families at Christmas time.

Love and Support for Our Teachers

The Rotary Club of Austin put up these hero signs at our three EAFK sponsored elementary schools in Austin ( Pecan Springs, Dawson, Hart) to remind the teachers that we know they are essential workers and that we value the important work they are doing for our kids.

Rotary Club Plans Service Fair

The Rotary Club of Taylor plans to put its motto, “Service Above Self,” into action to celebrate its 100^th anniversary.

District Governor Rick Stacy's February Message

Is there something standing between you and Rotary? Is that Rotary mojo you had a year ago dwindling or gone? Are you torn between being safe and being isolated? Are you frustrated with the knowing there is a vaccine waiting for you, you just don’t know when or where it is? Are you missing the friendships and fellowship that comes with being active in your Rotary club? Well, join the club friend, I am in the same boat with you!

Leonard McGowan Receives PHF

The presentation of Paul Harris Fellow (PHF) Recognition is The Rotary Foundation’s way of expressing its appreciation for a substantial contribution to its humanitarian and educational programs. It is named for founder Paul Harris, a Chicago Lawyer who began Rotary International with three business associates in 1905.

Stage #1 of DAP Grant Complete

On January 30th, eleven Killeen Heights Rotarians and volunteers completed the first component of our DAP grant for the year:

Rotary Theme 2021-2022

President-elect Shekhar Mehta encourages members to be changemakers and announces his theme for the 2021-2022 Rotary year, Serve to Change Lives. Learn more: http://on.rotary.org/3j6bVuc

Austin-Southwest Rotary Rises Early to Help Fight Hunger

Although 6:45am rolls around early to arrive to help at El Buen Samaritano Food Pantry, members of the Austin-Southwest Rotary saw clients’ cars already in line waiting for the parking lot grocery box delivery to open at 8:00am.

Rotary Covid Style

Posted by Angela Smith

2020 has been one heck of a year

When things will change is still not clear.

The Covid pandemic til relief is in sight

Masks and safe distance -- our best arms for this fight

Rotary E-Club of Central Texas Gives Away Trees

Rotary E-Club of Central Texas gave away 520 Virginia Pine Tree seedlings as an effort to help save our world. Club members gave Virginia Pine seedlings to anyone who would care for them at locations in Austin and Bastrop.

Bastrop County Club Donates to Feed Hungry Kids

One out of four children in Bastrop County goes hungry according to the Bastrop County Emergency Food Pantry. So the Rotary Club of Bastrop County is donating $2000 to help feed them.

District Member Orientation

The District Membership Team will be holding a quarterly District Membership Orientation, on Monday February 1, 2021 6:30PM to 7:30PM CST on Zoom. It's open to all new Rotarians as well as anyone who just wants a refresher of Rotary. Please share this training with your members. Must register to receive Zoom link.

The orientation is not a replacement for the Club Membership Orientation but serves as a way to bring together all of our new members to the District and offer a background of Rotary along with providing an introduction to the District organizational structure and operations. Please register here

Breakfast with Santa - Sun City Rotary, Georgetown

Breakfast with Santa looked a little different this year due to COVID but the Grinch couldn't foil our plans.

Introducing A New Resource For Clubs

Introducing a NEW RESOURCE for Clubs… the Content Creation Team! This Team is here to help your Club with any of the following:

Facebook Graphic
Facebook Event Image
Rack Card
Press Release
Flyer or Poster for your upcoming event.
Signage
Promotional Video

Save the Date for "Multi-Event" Bash

Let's party like it's .... 2019! MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW for our "Multi-Event Bash" on May 14-16, 2021 at the Kalahari Resorts & Conventions in Round Rock Texas. You won't want to miss this party!! We are consolidating a year full of missed opportunities in to ONE BIG WEEKEND BASH. Foundation Dinner & Conference of Clubs & being back together. More details coming soon.

Clubs Join Together For Ramp Project

The Rotary Clubs of Austin-Southwest and South Austin joined forces to build a 54-foot wheelchair ramp in conjunction with Texas Ramp Project of Travis County.

Southwest Travis County “Coats for Kids”

The Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest partnered with the S.W. Travis County Rural Community Center to help supply coats for the children of their clients for Christmas.

Mid-Year Public Image Booster Training

Save the date of Saturday, January 23rd from 9AM-12PM for our Virtual Mid-Year Public Image Booster Training. This is a free event and open to all Rotarians. Click here to register.

Christmas For Children

Members of the Rotary E-Club of Central Texas delivered toys and games to CASA in Bastrop and Nancy Keck gave to VFW.

South Austin Ends The Year With Service

SOUTH AUSTIN Rotary club got together for their annual project of putting together dignity bags for people who are living homeless.

Register for Grants Management Training Seminar

Our first Grants Management Training Seminar will be held on Saturday, January 16, 2021 on Zoom. Both the 3hr and 1hr sessions are available. This is a free event however you must register to receive the Zoom link. Click to register.

La Grange Rotary Spreads Holiday Cheer

The Rotary Club of La Grange has been busy spreading some holiday cheer! They collected gifts and almost $2000 in monetary donations from members for the Fayette County Child Welfare Board. These gifts will go to local children currently in foster care or in placements with family members.

Global Grant Scholarship

Posted by Jerry Chapman

The Global Grant Scholarship Committee chaired by Katherine Logue of the RC of Waco met in December to interview four candidates. Candidates came from the RC’s of Waco, Austin, and Killeen Heights. All candidates were very qualified.

Rotary Believes Peace Is Possible

Each year, Rotary awards up to 130 fully funded fellowships for leaders from around the world to study at our peace centers to become peacemakers. Your club can nominate one of these leaders.

Caroling At Rosewood Retirement Community

Monday, 14 December was absolutely a spectacular evening with 16 Killeen Heights Rotary Club members and 6 guests for a total of 22 participants caroling at the Rosewood Retirement Community for the 37 residents from 6:00pm to 7:00pm.

Wrapped Up In The Christmas Spirit

Amidst a myriad of different Rotary Club activities, a Christmas parade is a new No. 1. The Marlin Christmas Parade 2020 theme was “Spirit Of Christmas.”

District "Rise Against Hunger" Service Project

Calling all Rotarians!! Volunteers are needed for the District "Rise Against Hunger" Service Project on February 20, 2021 in Marlin at the Marlin Men’s Association Building.

DG Rick Stacy's December Message

In my opinion, it is only fitting that December of each year, Rotary designates as Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. What our organization does for humanity is a gift indeed. A gift of life to so many. To many more, a gift of improved quality of life and less suffering for those that need our help the most. We believe strongly that good health care is a basic right for everyone. It is estimated that over 400 million in the world can’t afford or don’t have access to basic health care.

Zoom Series * Special Holiday Connection

Please join us: Friday, December 11th at 4pm for our Virtual District Wide Holiday Party... come festive and ready to laugh, have some fun, and get into the Holiday Spirit!

All-Star Challenge Level One

Calling all Public Image ROCKSTARS!! The first level of the PUBLIC IMAGE ALL-STAR CHALLENGE is all about strengthening your Club brand. For Level 1 - submit your Club's Rotary Master Branded Logo (most of you already have this) and a Club #Hashtag.

The Importance of Rotary's Visual Identity

Some brands are recognized around the world just by their logos. When people see the logo, they instantly know what it means and what to expect from the product. Building that kind of visual recognition requires effort, including years of using a logo widely and consistently. Companies work at this because earning that global recognition benefits their business.

Interact Club of Leander High School

Congratulations to the Rotary Club of Cedar Park-Leander for sponsoring the new Interact Club of Leander High School!

Austin SW Rotary Collects 350 books for Street Books ATX

Street Books ATX serves people who cannot frequent libraries easily. Patrick Crowley, director, takes his mobile unit to places people have a hard time checking out books.

Food For Moss Rose Shelter

On Nov. 7th, some members of the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights met at a business in Downtown Killeen to assemble 54 breakfast bags which included fruit, water and a snack bar.

Satellite Club's Bunk Bed Build

On November 20, 2020 Killeen Heights Rotary Satellite Club and Killeen Heights Rotary Club participated in the Satellite Club’s 2nd Bunk Bed Build.

Wreaths For Vets

On November 21, 2020, the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights participated in the Wreaths For Vets event preparing more than 11,000 wreaths alongside hundreds of volunteers.

Veterans Day; We Remember

On November 7, 2020, Killeen Heights Rotary Club teamed up with the Rotary Club of Geogetown at their “Field of Honor” 1,700 flag event at San Gabriel Park to honor our veterans, members of the military, and our first responders.

2020 Food For Families

On November 20, 2020, the Killeen Heights Rotary Club held their annual 2020 FOOD FOR FAMILIES DRIVE from 6:30am to 6:00pm. Past President Jim Bondi presented a check donation of $2,176 to Food For Families/Food Care Center.

DAP Grant Project Changes Lives

As we continue to move through this COVID-19 pandemic, our Rotary Club of Killeen Heights continues to make great contributions to our community through various Rotary service projects and initiatives.

Cedar Park-Leander Donates Car

Rotary Club Cedar Park Leander donated a car to a single mom in their community!! It was presented by Moriah Eberhart during a charity event with Deb's Dream, Inc on Oct 24, 2020.

Austin NXNE Club Picnic

On Saturday, November 14, the NXNE Rotary Club members and families gathered at Northwest Park in North Austin.

A Green Porch Light for Vetetans, Please

On the 11th day, of the 11th month, we pay a special tribute to our veterans—honoring those who served in every war since our nation was founded.

Thanksgiving Break FIT Kid Deliveries

Northwest Austin Rotary making a difference this holiday by providing for all of the food needs for Families in Transition (FIT) kids in Pond Springs Elementary School for the Thanksgiving Break.

Bastrop County Veterans Transitional Housing Shelter and Support Project

This project provides “Rotary Club of Bastrop County” support of the “In the Streets Hands Up High” program https://www.itshuh.org/. This valuable community services program provides support of people (including veterans) with challenges such as homelessness, addiction, food, and employment.

Volunteering at Central Texas Food Bank

The Rotary Club of Austin made an impact volunteering at the Central Texas Food Bank. Members packed up 16,000 meals in record time! This was the perfect event to mask, glove and socially distance for the benefit of others!

Register Early for the Foundation Gala

The registration for the Central Texas Foundation Gala on Saturday, February 13, 2021 at the Austin Marriott North in Round Rock is now open. Our guest speaker is , Past R.I. Director & The Rotary Foundation Trustee-Elect, Larry Lunsford. Tickets for the Foundation Gala $85. Table purchase is available (seats 6). To register: https://bit.ly/rotary5870 Click here for more details.

Rotary District 5870 Receives Top Award

Way to go Rotarians!! We received the award winning Annual Fund and Total Giving Champ for 2019-2020 in Zone 25B and the highest percentage of EREY in the Zone and 12th out of 530 Districts in the World!!

Rotary Club of Austin Honors our everyday heroes in the Field of Honor Flag Event

Rotary Club of Austin decided to honor some of our front line heroes in a unique way during this pandemic at the Georgetown Field of Honor event. Over 1700 flags are set to fly the week of November 7-15 to honor, thank or remember those we believe in or have lost. This is the 4th annual Field of Honor® to be held again this year at San Gabriel Park in Georgetown!

DG Rick Stacy's November Message

District Governor Rick Stacy shares his November 2020 message. He talks the importance of Rotary Foundation. Click photo to play video.

Save the Date for Foundation Gala

Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 13, 2021 at 7PM for our Central Texas Foundation Gala at the La Frontera Marriott in Round Rock. Registration opening soon!

It's Tamale Time In South Austin

It's TAMALE TIME at Rotary Club of South Austin!! Order your Holiday Tamales NOW for delivery the weekend of Dec. 12th! For more information on all of the amazing projects that this fundraiser allows us to do year round & TO PLACE YOUR ORDER please visit https://southaustinrotary.com/page/tamales

Marlin Hosts 33 Tribute Towers Remembering Our Fallen

Remembering Our Fallen is a photographic war memorial that honors our country’s military fallen from The War on Terror (9/11/2001 - Present).

Operation Stand Down Central Texas

On October 24, 2020, Killeen Heights Rotary Club and Operation Stand Down Central Texas teamed up to assist homeless veterans and their families in the surrounding Central Texas community.

Killeen Heights Rotary Joins Forces To Fight Polio

The Rotary Club of Killeen Heights and the Brick & Forge Taproom, Killeen’s newest restaurant, joined forces to raise funds in support of World Polio Day. The fundraiser was at the Brick & Forge Taproom, 2901 E Central Texas Expressway Killeen, on October 22nd, 4 pm – 8 pm.

Killeen Heights Rotary Cluster Meetings

Killeen Heights Rotary Club holds 1st Cluster Meetings of the year. Rotarians gathered at 5 socially distant, COVID-19 mindful locations for breakfast, fellowship & networking with friends and new members.

Clubs Partner to Feed the Hunger

The North by Northeast Rotary Club partnered with the E-Club for our Rise Against Huger project that we held on October 3^rd at the Casa Chapala Mexican Restaurant in North Austin. We had 20 Rotarians from the North by Northeast Rotary Club (10), E-Club (4), Northwest Austin Club (4), Austin Club (2).

Saving Lives in Serbia through COVID Testing!

Today, the country of Serbia has the highest COVID-19 rate of any of the seven Balkan countries along the Adriatic, west of the Balkan Mountains. With COVID cases surging in Europe to the west and Romania to the east, Serbia is in a precarious situation.

Taylor Fundraiser Exceeds Expectation

Rotarians in Taylor sure were happy there were a lot of hungry people on Oct. 13 as their chicken fried steak fundraiser raised almost twice what they expected.

Restocking Shelves at the Killeen Food Center

Killeen Heights Rotary Club, Ebony Todd and Morgan Matlock of the Killeen Heights Satellite Club meet up with other #RotariansAtWork to continue a partnership with the Killeen Food Care Center filling bags and restocking the shelves for local families in need.

Dawson Knighting Ceremony video

Click photo to play video

Helping Our Community IS "Walk In" Cool

On Friday, October 9, 2020 The Rotary Club of Marble Falls presented a $15,000 check completing it's 3 year $45,000 grant commitment for the purchase of walk in coolers to The Helping Center of Marble Falls.

District Governor Rick Stacy's October Message

Click to play video

Take action for World Polio Day: 24 October

Every year, Rotarians and Rotaractors across the globe mobilize for World Polio Day to raise awareness about eradicating polio for good. If we stay committed, polio will be the second human disease ever to be eradicated.

Front Line Nurses Get A "Much Needed" Surprise!

The ICU nurses on the front line at the Dell Seton Hospital get a Big “Thank you” from the Rotary Club of Austin!

Pecan Springs EAFK service club students donate toys to Blue Santa

Pecan Springs EAFK Service students with the help of the Rotary Club of Austin and Cosmopolitan Rotary collected over 200 toys in the Spring for a community project.

Census, Covid-19 Awareness & Prevention Project for the Rotary Club of SW Austin

The Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest joined the Travis Co. Constables of Precinct 4 in SE Austin in a campaign to sign people up for the census and distribute PPE's and information about Covid-19.

Rotary Club of Marlin: People of Action

Rotary Club of Marlin held its initial meeting (adhering to social distancing and health requirements against the coronavirus pandemic) on July 1, 2020, presided by Dr. Marilyn Martin.

ALL IN this together! From local scholarships to COVID

The Lakeway/Lake Travis Club is adapting to how they meet and how they serve the community in light this COVID era. The club continues to meet both in person and virtually, allowing for broader participation.

VULTURE Café - Preserve Planet Earth Project

Showcasing ROTARY CLUB OF BRITS HARTBEESPOORT, SOUTH AFRICA Preserve Planet Earth Project: CAPE VULTURE FEEDING\MONITORING PROJECT

What is the Rotary Foundation

Posted by Rich Kaye

The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International. It was founded in 1917 by Rotary's sixth president, Arch C. Klumph, as an endowment fund through which Rotarians could "do good in the world." It has grown from an initial contribution of $26.50 received from the Rotary Club of Kansas City to more than $4.4 billion in total assets.

South Austin Rotary Welcomes Todos Juntos to New South Location

The South Austn Rotary Members organized a BIG South Side welcome for the Todos Juntos Learning Center as they settle in to their new south locaton with a DAY OF SERVICE and a RENOVATED PLAYGROUND!

Feeding Friends Our Friends

On September 11, 2020, Killeen Heights #RotariansAtWork pack 54 daily meals to feed our homeless friends in need at the Moss Rose Community & Development Center in Killeen, Texas.

DG Rick Stacy's September Message

Click here to play message

Austin Southwest Rotary Feeds South West Austin

The Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest has set a goal to carry out some sort of service project every month.

What Is a Paul Harris Society Member?

The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotary members and friends of The Rotary Foundation who elect to contribute $1,000 or more each year to the Annual Fund, PolioPlus Fund, or approved global grants.

District Membership Training Seminar

All Rotarians are invited to the Virtual Membership Training Seminar on September 26, 2020 9AM to 12PM. Must register

Masks for Marlin Nursing Home

Marlin’s President Marilyn Martin headed up the response (almost overnight) to the need of 40 masks by a local nursing home! Almost immediately, a request for 37 additional masks was received. Again, Rotarians will step up.

Rotarians Step Up...That Is What We Do

Last year the Rotary Club of Marlin needed assistance helping Children’s Protective Services office with simple supplies for domestic violence victims. Rotary Clubs throughout the area and local members stepped up and helped.

Public Image All-Star Challenge

New Rotary Year... New Challenge! For details on the challenge and how to submit

Content Creation Team

The District is forming a new team of 5-6 Rotarians from across the District that would like to be a part of creating content for other Clubs!

Celebrate Your New Rotary Member

We want to CELEBRATE & WELCOME your new Rotary Member! We will provide you with a graphic that can be shared on your Social Media Pages and we will also share the graphic on the District FB page!

Waco Rotary Awards Paul Harris +6

Waco Rotary Club Member and Past President, Chris DeCluitt, is a faithful contributor to The Rotary Foundation. He became a Paul Harris +6 last year ($7,000 in total giving). He received a lapel pin at each level, from his original Paul Harris Fellow through his PHF +6.

Austin Rotary Delivers Goody Bags

These desk supply goody bags will be delivered to the staff of Pecan Springs Elementary next Friday to wish them a great year from the Rotary Club of Austin.

Rotarians Volunteer at the Killeen Food Care Center

Rotarians from the Killeen Heights Rotary Club and from the Harker Heights Rotary Club joined forces and helped bag and shelve groceries at the Killeen Food Care Center.

Africa Region Certified Polio-Free

It's with great pleasure that we announce to you that the African region has just been certified wild poliovirus-free.

Stuff the Truck Mobile Food Drive

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a great deal of pressure on many families to have adequate food and many area pantries are being overwhelmed. Rotary E-Club invites all Rotarians. and friends to join in a mobile food drive on September 30, 3-7 p.m. at 8207 SUMMER SIDE DRIVE, Austin 78759. You can help feed the hungry!

Congratulations to Clubs Achieving the Rotaract Giving Certificate

The Rotaract Giving Certificate is a new pilot program. to encourage Rotaractors to give to The Rotary Foundation. Rotaract clubs will receive a special certificate, signed by The Rotary Foundation trustee chair, when at least five members of the club contribute a minimum total of $50 or more to The Rotary Foundation over the Rotary year.

Rotary Gives Students at Pecan Springs Basic School Supplies

350 packs delivered and distributed to the students of Pecan Springs Elementary yesterday.

Nominate your outstanding Rotaract project

Every year, Rotary International recognizes the top Rotaract projects around the world in the Rotaract Outstanding Project Awards. One club and multi-club group receiving top honors will each be awarded US$1000 to support their projects. Nominations are now open!

Join Us For Public Image Virtual Training

Instead of going ALL day on ZOOM... we have decided to split the training into 2 Segments. *NOTE: You MUST Register for EACH segment in order to receive the zoom link! (No more zoom-bombing for us!)

Jennifer Jones Selected RI President 2022-23

Jennifer E. Jones, a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Ontario, Canada, has been nominated to become Rotary International’s president for 2022-23, a selection that will make her the first woman to hold that office in the organization’s 115-year history.

Congratulations Rotarians!!!

Posted by Rich Kaye

Congratulations to District 5870 for it’s tremendous two-year run! Our district finished #11 in the world (out of 541 districts) in Annual Fund per capita giving in RY 2018-19, and #12 in the world in Annual Fund per capita giving in RY 2019-20. Not too shabby for a relatively small district in the middle of Texas.

DG Rick Stacy's August Video Chat

Click to play video chat

Rotary Club of Austin Supports Eagle Scout Project

Congratulations to 10th Grader Anthony Corpus who completed his Eagle Scout Award by rebuilding the wooden boxes around the flower beds in the front of Pecan Springs Elementary School! It was a fine example of perseverance During difficult circumstances and giving back to his community.

“Books for the World” Engages Rotarians in Literacy for Developing Communities

In Texas, Rotarians can be all too aware of the controversies surrounding school textbook choice, with quarrels notoriously centered on the degree of emphasis to give to selected historical figures and even whether or not to allow use of a single word to describe the defenders of the Alamo. Required texts are changed out every few years.

The Rotary Network ... A New Tool

This initiative helps Rotarians connect their business with Rotarians, find assistance for challenges both professional and personal, and access career advice and leads. It's Rotarians helping Rotarians! Check it out now. www.therotarynetwork.org

Rotary Club of La Grange Assists Local Non-Profits

Members of the Rotary Club of La Grange volunteered to distribute food at the AMEN Food Pantry in July. High temperatures and the pandemic caused the food pantry to be short volunteers and local Rotarians stepped up to help.

Feathered Feeding Fun For Our Senior Friends

Marble Falls Rotary were asked to take on a volunteer project to enhance the lives of the elderly living in Nursing/Assisted Living homes around town.

Killeen Heights Kicks-Off Rotary Year With Service

Killeen Heights Rotary started the year with a service project at the Boys and Girls Club. They sorted and shelved somewhere around 500 books, for a total of 18 service hours!

PDG Rich Kaye Appointed RRFC for Region 36

Congratulations to PDG Rich Kaye! He was appointed by PRIP John Germ, Chair-elect of The Rotary Foundation’s Board of Trustees, to serve as the Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator (RRFC) for Region 36. The region is comprised of the 23 districts that are in Zones 25b and 29.

West Austin Rotary Club Global Grant

The West Austin Rotary Club was awarded our first Global Grant from Rotary International in June 2019. The grant was made to support water and sanitation projects in two rural Nicaraguan communities – El Aulo and Nueva Jerusalem.

Global Grant Scholarship Awarded

The Rotary Club of Austin candidate Marta Hererra has been awarded a Global Grant Scholarship of $32,500 for conflict resolution studies at the London School of Economics and Political Science.

Feeding Needs: Rotary Club Launches Project to Relieve Food Insecurities

Helping to relieve food insecurities in Temple is the goal behind a new project by the Rotary Club of Temple.

Jennifer Graham Receives Service Above Self Award

Congratulations to Jennifer Graham for receiving the Rotary International SERVICE ABOVE SELF award!! So well deserved.

2020 Public Image Rockstars

Congratulations to all 15 clubs that recevied the "Public Image Rockstar Club Award"! Each of these clubs will receive a Public Image Rockstar banner. We held a drawing the day of the awards for the top three clubs:

Celebration Of Life 2019-2020

Posted by Kent Bohls

I am honored to come to you this morning from Angel Fire, New Mexico. As we gather to celebrate our dynamic clubs of District 5870, we take time to pause to remember and give thanks for 21 of our own who have died over the past 14 months. (Watch Video)

Lakeway/Lake Travis Scholarship Awards

The Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary club in partnership with the Ladies of charity (LOC) have announce their 2020 Scholarship Awards. This year 5 Lake Travis High School Students were awarded $6,000 each, for a total of $30,000 to the college of their choice.

Join Us For District Awards Celebration

Mark your calendar for Saturday, July 18 from 9:00 AM to 12:00PM where we will be holding via Zoom a District Awards Celebration.

New Rotary Area Of Focus

Rotary International has created a new area of focus: supporting the environment. This new area of focus to support the environment will give Rotarians and Rotaractors even more ways to bring about positive change in the world and increase our impact. Learn more: https://on.rotary.org/3i4zNxl

First Responder/community support program

Lakeway/ Lake Travis Rotary Club started a local community project to support local businesses and honor first responders throughout the COVID-19 pandemic crisis.

DG Rick Stacy's July Video Chat

Click photo to play video chat

DG Rick Stacy's Acceptance Speech

District Governor Rick Stacy's Acceptance Speech at Installation Event

Honoring Those Who Have Served

South Austin Rotary provided breakfast to the APD South Station and Sunset Valley PD as way to show their support. The 6 o’clock-ish hour was decided upon because there is a shift change and that way the people coming off and the people coming on would both get to participate in the enjoyment of the food.

Flatonia Builds Kitchen With DAP Grant

The Rotary Club of Flatonia has completed its District Assisted Project (DAP) for the Rotary year, 2019-2020. Club President, Bernie Satterwhite, chose this project in early 2019, even before his year started July 1, 2019.

Covid-19 Mask Project

The Rotary Clubs of Temple, Temple South, and Belton have joined efforts with the Temple Biomedical and Health District to provide surgical masks to Baylor Scott & White in Temple.

Cedar Park-Leander Rotarians Support Local Food Pantry

Reveal Resource Center is a nonprofit food pantry and clothes closet serving over 400 low-to-moderate income families weekly. This represents 1,300 to 1.500 people. Rotarian Linda Starnes serves as the pantry’s Executive Director. Linda commented, “each week Real Resource Center distributes 15,000 to 20,000 pounds of food with the help of volunteer ‘servants’.

Waco Rotary Recently Held 2020 Youth Citizenship Awards

Twenty-five high school seniors in McLennan County were recognized for their volunteerism and service in the 40th annual Youth Citizenship Awards sponsored by the Rotary Club of Waco and the Tribune-Herald.

The Car Thing NEW DATE

The Rotary Club of Round Rock is pleased to announce tickets are on sale for the newly announced date for the 22^nd Annual Ron Morrison Car Thing!

Selection of District Governor Nominee for 2022-2023 Rotary Year

It is my distinct honor and privilege to formally announce that Shannon Coleman of the Rotary Club of Pflugerville is now officially our District Governor Nominee and will serve as our Governor for Rotary Year 2022-2023. Shannon is a great Rotarian and good friend who I know to be exceptionally well prepared for the job! Please join me in congratulating Shannon on her selection as our 108th District Governor.

Covid-19 Check Presentation to Baylor Scott & White

Rotary District 5870 Central Texas presented Baylor Scott & White Health a check Tuesday in the amount of $29, 994.50 to be used for much needed Personal Protection Equipment for staff and personal of its local hospitals and clinics during this COVID 19 pandemic.

Club Leader Training

Date Time: Jun 6, 2020 09:00 AM Central Time (US and Canada)

Join from PC, Mac, Linux, iOS or Android: Click Here to Join

Central Texas Food Bank Work Day A Success

On Friday, May 22, 8 volunteers from the Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest met at the Central Texas Food Bank to sort frozen foods to go to Distribution Centers.

Round Rock Supports Healthcare Workers

Round Rock Rotarian Jen Henderson wanted to do something to honor the frontline healthcare workers, so she reached out to fellow Rotarian Jeremy Barclay, the CEO of St. David’s Round Rock Medical Center, to see how she could help.

Pflugerville Rotary Pfights Hunger

Together we serve! Together we Fight Hunger! On May 20, 2020, Rotary Club of Pflugerville members partnered with the Circle of Hope Community Center and Central Texas Food Bank to help distribute food to people in need at the Circle of Hope Mobile Food Pantry.

Lakeway/Lake Travis First Responder/ Community Support Program

Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary rolled out their First Responder/Community Support Program starting with the Lakeway and Bee Cave Police Departments. Every Wednesday they will purchase meals for First Responders from a local business.

Killeen Heights Domestic Violence Awareness Month Service Project

Killeen Heights Rotary collected and donated over $1,000 of supplies to AWARE Central Texas and the Coryell County Rainbow Room. These great agencies stand in the breach to support and assist victims of family violence and child abuse;

District 5870 Central Texas COVID-19 Response

District 5870 has contributed a total of District Designated Funds of $111,102 to Covid-19 related activities. We created and funded a District DAP Grant in the amount of $61,102. We were awarded from The Rotary Foundation a District Disaster Response Fund Grant in the amount of $25,000.

District Zoom Series - Staying Connected

We as Rotarians, must try our best to live up to this year’s theme of Rotary Connects The World. More importantly we must first continue to connect with each other. Our District has created a a series of Zoom Meetings so we can continue this connection: Zoom Series - Staying Connected every Friday at 4PM.

Rotary Club of Austin awards over $50,000 in Scholarships

The Rotary Club of Austin awarded over $50,000 in scholarships last Tuesday to deserving students in the Austin Texas area. What makes this program special this year is the chair of the program, Vlad Bahrencu (pictured).

DG Jim Henry's May Video Chat

Click on the photo to play video

Rotarians for a ‘Hearty’ Cause

The Rotary Club of Round Rock loves their BBQ from Pok-e-Jo’s each week. However, in this time of COVID-19 there are more important needs here in our community.

Thank You For Your Sacrifice

Northwest Austin Rotary found a way to not only provide service during Covid-19 but to support a local business as well. They purchased meals for healthcare workers from Austin Catering. For which, they are delivering approximately 64 meals every Friday to St. David’s Main and St. David’s Round Rock until the end of May.

South Austin Rotary Helps Soup Kitchen During Pandemic

South Austin Rotary has been helping a soup kitchen in South East Austin at South Austin Market Place transitional housing facility that houses more than 170 people in a high risk environment.

Covid-19 Doesn't Stop Temple South

Nor Rain nor Shine nor Snow nor CoVID 19 could stop the Rotary Club of Temple-South from Service. The Rotarians of the Temple South club participated in two separate projects to support Families In Crisis Central Texas, a domestic violence shelter for battered women and children, during the pandemic.

Service Above Self in the Community

Rotary Club of Killeen Heights and its Satellite Club are providing humanitarian aid to their local community amidst the coronavirus. The Clubs volunteer biweekly with the Killeen Food Care Center, a local food bank.

Rotary Responds Covid-19 Telethon

Join this live event on Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 10AM to hear stories of hope, inspiration and gratitude from Rotarians, Rotaractors and friends of #Rotary from across the globe as they share what they are doing to help their communities. The telethon will also showcase how our polio eradication infrastructure is helping to combat COVID-19. The goal is to raise more than $1 million dollars! To watch, visit facebook.com/rotary or on.rotary.org/ytlive2may. Here is how you can participate:

Project - Volunteer Surge

The COVID-19 pandemic has pushed our healthcare system to its limits. We can take action now through a citizen volunteer opportunity called Volunteer Surge! Rotary Clubs across the country are partnering with Volunteer Surge to recruit one million volunteers to participate in a new program that provides training online, for free, to become a Telehealth Worker or a Community Health Worker. Rotarian founded nonprofit The Global Impact Group is leading this effort. Click here to join the effort called Volunteer Surge!

Service Opportunities During Covid-19 Pandemic

Here is a list of potential service projects that can be done during the Covid-19 pandemic:

Join the CAR PARADE at St. David's Round Rock Medical Center every Monday night, at 6:30PM. Your support is needed to cheer on medical workers and patients! https://www.facebook.com/StDavidsparade/
Rotary Club of Temple-South is collecting essential supplies like cleaning supplies, diapers and paper towels/toilet tissue for Families in Crisis. If you would like to donate, please take to Fast Signs/Papergraphics on 31st Street and drop in the box outside.
Volunteer at SENIOR ACCESS - need financial support and volunteers to shop for seniors
Service for a fellow Rotarian - who is quarantined and needs help with meals/groceries & pharmacy. Check your members.
Stocking clothes closets or food pantries
Distribution from the same entities
Shopping for neighbors or friends
Church or other programs helping seniors or those subject to virus
Delivering food, medicine, etc to nursing homes, senior centers
Write a note to thank your local nurses, and healthcare workers

Connect With the Online Rotary World Webinar

Join Rotary International as they host "Connect with the (Online) Rotary World" on Apr 28, 2020 3:00 PM CDT. Click to register.

Rotarians and Rotaractors everywhere are proving that being physically isolated doesn’t mean being disconnected. People are embracing new ways to connect using technology — smartphones, webcams, and the internet. Find out more in our upcoming webinar, which will feature members who are leading their clubs and districts in the move to virtual connection.

Rotary Club of La Grange Creating Smiles

Rotary Club of La Grange has been busy creating smiles this week. They delivered lunches to many essential businesses in their community as a show of support and a "Thank You" for all that they do. Providing just a bit of joy in these most unusual times.

Marble Falls Rotary Food "Flash" Mob

Posted by Rick Stacy

First let me say, this was not my original idea. It came from ADG Bob Crouch from Rotary Club Killeen Heights. Most good ideas come from someone else.

District Zoom Series this Friday @4PM

Our Zoom Meeting for this week will be this Friday, April 3 at 4:00 PM. We are moving it back one hour in hope of accommodating those who are still working. Our main topic this week will be: Adding Value to Your Club Zoom Meetings!

DG Jim Henry's April Video Chat

Click on the photo to watch DG Jim Henry's video chat.

Truth In Between Connects Students and Elder Rotarians in Handwritten Letters

School systems across the nation scramble to find virtual learning solutions as the Coronavirus spreads, and those in nursing homes and assisted living facilities become more isolated as their regular family visits are canceled. The pandemic separates us, but letters can span the distance, both easing isolation and unfolding new learning experiences. Connecting students to elder Rotarians through handwritten letters provides students with new opportunities to expand their creative writing skills, while also learning a little bit of history from their pen-pals.

Marble Falls And Interact

The Rotary Club of Marble supports the youth in the community by mentoring two Interact Clubs. Each of the Interact clubs provide lunch for our club once each year as a fundraiser.

A Message from Rotary President Mark Maloney on COVID-19

Click on the photo to listen to video message

Round Rock Supports Backpack Coalition Spring Break Kit Build

The Rotary Club of Round Rock was proud to volunteer & support a Community-wide effort to fill backpacks for students to have food over the Spring Break Holiday. In 1.5 hours 1500 backpacks were filled with 11 tons of food by volunteers from the Round Rock Community. Great to see our community in action and to represent Rotary as People of Action!

Rotary's Field Of Honor Represented In Mural

Georgetown is getting a mural that will include the Field of Honor. The mural will be on the Gus’s Drug building at 702 E. University Ave. The word "Georgetown" on the mural will depict recognizable locations in Georgetown, including the Rotary sponsored Field of Honor:

Join us for a District Facilitated Zoom Meeting this Friday @ 3PM

We are all facing such uncertain times at this point in our lives. No one could ever imagine what our world, nation, state and communities would be going through at this time. We have no idea how long this will last. Many communities have ordered their population to shelter in place and if not so ordered to avoid contact with others as much as possible and maintain social distancing.

At this time, we as Rotarians, must try our best to live up to this year’s theme of Rotary Connects The World. More importantly we must first continue to connect with each other. Our District is beginning a series of Zoom Meetings so we can continue this connection. Zoom is an online group meeting platform that allows us to all log in via a link and see each other face to face. We can chat, share ideas, view presentations and watch videos together within this platform and we want to be able to share this with each of you!

RI Convention Cancelled

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

District Conference Cancellation

Today your District Conference Committee met via conference call and it was decided we are going to cancel the District Conference scheduled for May 1-3 in Boerne, Texas. This was done in response to the National State of Emergency declared by President Donald Trump and the State of Disaster declared by Governor Greg Abbott on March 13, 2020. It was also done based on the CDC recommendation that all events of 50 or more be cancelled for a period of eight weeks, which would include our conference numbers and dates.

ROTARY’S ROLE IN BATTLING CORONAVIRUS

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.

Rockdale Proud Supporter of EAFK

The Rockdale Rotary Club is proud to support and contribute to The Early Act First Knights at our Rockdale Intermediate Campus every year. The character building program has been embraced by our campus administration and has been proven to be very effective. This program doesn’t just prove to be positive and effective with our 3^rd – 5^th graders but it also effects their parent, grandparents, siblings and anyone the students have contact with.

Summer Reading Program

The students at Pecan Springs Austin in K-2nd came to library to dress up in career costumes and talk about what they want to be when they grow up. BookSpring took a picture of each child in their career outfit and printed them. The kids decorated a frame for the pictures to go on with a letter to their parents about ten books they will get to take home in May for summer reading. This program was funded by Austin University Area Rotary.

District 5870 Coronavirus Update

Since my e-mail of three days ago so much has happened regarding the coronavirus issue. I know you have all been swamped with information about this but I feel it is necessary to update you on some issues and upcoming events.

First, the membership seminar scheduled for this Saturday, March 21 has been cancelled. It will be scheduled for a time to be determined in the future. Second, we have a grant management seminar scheduled for April 4 in Temple. I have been in contact with our district foundation team and they are working diligently about conducting this event via zoom, webex or some other on-line platform.

Rotary During the COVID-19 Outbreak

Posted by Mark Maloney

The health and safety of our members are our top priorities. We are closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 (coronavirus disease) and continuously assessing its potential impact on our operations, meetings, trainings, and other events.

Due to the rapidly changing nature of this situation, I encourage you to use your discretion when it comes to club and district meetings and events, and Rotary programs and activities. Canceling or postponing meetings or Rotary-related travel might be appropriate. Even if events are held as scheduled, some people may choose not to take part.

Mark Your Calendar For Club Leader Training

Come learn what DGE Rick Stacy has planned for Rotary 2020-21 and get Club Leader Training at District Assembly on Saturday, April 18 at Central Texas College. Cost is $25. Click here to register.

Global Grant Making A Difference

Posted by Betty Richardson

Last night, I was the program for the Club Rotario Oriente de Tuxla meeting in Tuxla Gutiérrez, Chiapas, Mexico. I spoke entirely in Spanish about Rotary Foundation Interim visits and led a problem solving exercise in Spanish about the strengths (Fortalezas) and challenges (Desafios)

Rotary Volunteers Give Out Free Books to Students

Books for Me is a great program offering free books to students at Pecan Springs Austin. Our Rotary volunteers from Austin, University and EClub volunteer to help the librarian do arts and crafts with the students about animals and then they help the students pick out a book that becomes their “forever” home reader. This helps create a love for reading with the students and a community service opportunity for our volunteers.

Thanking The Military

The Rotary Clubs of Killeen and Austin have found ways to thank our military with special weekends at Austin hotels once a month to give the family quality time together in a fun place-Austin. This is through Operation Vacation Ft. Hood in partnership with Rotary, Hyatt Regency, County Line and Visit Austin. The Guico family spent a complimentary weekend @ the Hyatt Regency with all kinds of special services including a specially baked cake from the staff. The County Line on the Lake hosted their Saturday family style bbq dinner. Austin Rotary gave them passes to Austin Park n Pizza and Rotary Killeen arranged a rent car. It was a very special way to thank a soldier.

Pflugerville's Roaring 20's Casino Night

What an amazing time our our Roarin' 20's Casino Party! We had some great food, wonderful entertainment with Marilyn, enjoyed some fun gambling, and gave away so many great prizes!

Austin-Southwest Partners with Entrepreneurship and Kids

The Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest is partnering with the locally initiated “Start Up Kid’s Club” with a $5000 grant and by providing member volunteers to mentor in the afterschool program for budding entrepreneurs.

Yoakum Brings Joy to Patients

Rotary Club of Yoakum successfully delivered 116 bears to Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi on Monday, February 10. This hospital averages 100 children per day, but the average increases during a busy "flu season".

Killeen Heights Helping Renovations at Shelter

A renovation to a Central Texas shelter is helping families overcome hardships and benefiting the community. Killeen Heights Rotary Club allocated over $19,000 of a District Assistance Program (DAP) grant to help in renovating and refurbishing the Families in Crisis kitchen and dining area.

Austin Packs Meals for Rise Against Hunger

A grand 25,700 meals packed at Rise Against Hunger event hosted by the Rotary Club of Austin this past weekend! Way to go all Rotarians, families and volunteers!

Water Project in Cameroon

Late in 2019, the Waco Rotary Club partnered with Waco Sunrise Rotary, Rotary Club of McGregor, Killeen Heights Rotary, Lake Brazos Rotary Club Waco, Rotary Club of Shiner, Rotary District 5870 Central Texas and Rotary International to collect funds for a water system project in Nsam, Cameroon.

Cedar Park-Leander Supports Local Literacy

Last month, The Rotary Club of Cedar Park-Leander completed their DAP project. They chose to support local literacy by helping a Title 1 school in their district by purchasing and distributing books. Once the books arrived, they sorted them by grade level and put stickers inside indicating they were gifts from the Rotary Club.

Students Experience Hands On Science

The students at Pecan Springs got to learn about caving today from Cave Sim. They experienced pulleys to get in caves, cave rescue, cave crawl spaces and even got to go inside a man-made cave with stalagmites and Cave surprises. This project was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Austin and Cosmopolitan in conjunction with AISD. What a fantastic experience for these students and hands on science.

Operation Military Vacation by Rotary

The Rotary Clubs of Austin & Killeen along with the Hospitality Industry have found a way to honor a military Ft. Hood soldier every month for the last fifteen years. This family as part of Operation Vacation,Sgt. Ashley Prince, her military husband Harmer and their daughter, Aubrianna spent last weekend in Austin hosted by the Hilton Garden Inn Airport. Their meals were comped: gift bags with entertainment packages and snacks were delivered and County Line on the Hill provided them with an “all you can eat” BBQ dinner with all the trimmings. The family felt like royalty and knew they were truly appreciated. Thank a soldier!

Bringing An End To Child Sex Trafficking

The Rotary Club of Northwest Austin is a proud partner and co-sponsor for the PACT Little Red Bag Project Community volunteers are invited to join PACT and the Rotary Club of Northwest Austin on Saturday, February 8 from 11am to 1pm at the Hill Country Bible Church Gymnasium, 1214 Ranch Rd 620 N in Austin.

Rotary 2020-21 Theme Revealed

“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.”

Marble Falls Daybreak Earns Two Rotary Foundation Awards

On Jan 14, Jeff Matera, Asst District Govenor, presented Daybreak Past President, Neal Kennedy, with two prestigious Awards from the Rotary Foundation for his Presidential year, 2018-2019.

Rotary Honors HJH Students of the Month

Rotary Club of Hillsboro honored the January Students of the Month from Hillsboro Junior High School in their noon meeting on Wednesday, January 15.

Special Holiday Memory for A Military Soldier

Operation Vacation provided the Searcy family with a holiday weekend full of fun and great memories. In partnership with Rotary Clubs of Austin & Killeen, The Austin Hotel Lodging Association and County Line Restaurants, SSG Searcy and his family of three had a suite at the new JW Marriott Hotel with meals and access to all the downtown attractions.

Flatonia Celebrates 80 Yrs of Service Above Self

The Rotary Club of Flatonia was chartered by Rotary International on December 8, 1939 and held their official charter meeting on January 23, 1940. On Saturday, January 18, 2020, Rotary Club of Flatonia shared its 80 years of service with their community with past memorabilia, current projects, music by The Mike Stroup Trio, beef stew lunch catered by Red Richter, and cake

Lakeway/Lake Travis Food Drive

A big round of applause to the Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Club for their FOOD DRIVE at H-E-B. They helped to sell 392 meals, almost $2000 worth! That is a lot of meals that help feed many families and children in their community.

District Vocational Scholarships 2020

The application deadline for District Vocational Scholarships is April 30, 2020. These scholarships are meant for students who live in one of the 23 counties that comprise District 5870 and are planning to study at a community college or technical school located in one of these 23 counties; or in an adjacent county if that school is closer or a more economical option than a school located in a District 5870 county.

La Grange Volunteers at Habitat Humanity Project

La Grange Rotarians were hard at work at the Fayette County Texas Habitat for Humanity project. Several members helped to dismantle ramps between two homes that will be moved and go to local families.

Grants Management Training in Bastrop

Attend the first Grants Management Training in Bastrop! January 18th the first GMTS will be held at the Bastrop Library. We will have the one hour (9:15-10:15) and the 3 hour (10:15-1:15) training back to back due to space limitations. To participate in Foundation programs your President Elect and one other club member must attend GMTS. Click to Register

January Public Image Training

Mark your calendar on January 25, 2020 for the Branding and Public Image Training Day held at the Georgetown Public Library, Hewlett Room 402 W. 8th St, Georgetown from 9AM to 2PM. All Rotarians are welcome to attend! This is a FREE event however, we ask that you register as we are providing lunch. For more details on this event and to register: click here.

Temple South Rings in the New Year with Service

Posted by Rich Kaye

Bravo to the Rotary Club of Temple-South! 17 members of the club got up early on New Years Day for a community service project at Feed My Sheep, a ministry located in downtown Temple that provides a hot meal and sack lunch to needy and homeless people each day. 100+ people received a chili lunch prepared and served by club members. What a great way to start the new year!

South Austin Help The Homeless

Members of South Austin Rotary constructed dignity bags to pass out to people living on the street and others in need. The bags contained basic hygiene, snacks, socks, water, etc. By the time all the members finished the bags, there were over 200!

Rotary of Bastrop County - Men Can Cook 2019

More than 300 Rotarians and their friends showed up at the Bastrop Convention Center on November 23, 2019, to celebrate the Bastrop Club’s annual Men Who Cook fundraiser. 2019’s theme was “Men Who Cook - International Edition”, and each chef chose a dish from a different country’s cuisine to prepare.

Waco Rotary Supports Literacy

The Waco Rotary Club has partnered again this year with the YMCA of Central Texas, Junior League of Waco and Waco ISD Education Foundation to distribute a personalized book to every kindergarten, first and second grade student at each elementary campus in the district.

Rotarians Make Peace

Posted by Kent Miller

Conflict and violence displaced more than 68 million people in the past year, and half of those are children. We refuse to accept conflict as a way of life. Rotary projects provide training that fosters understanding and provides communities with the skills to resolve conflicts.

Coats for Kids Christmas Event

The Rotary Club of Austin Southwest was excited to supply over 200 coats for the SW Travis County Teddy Bear Christmas. Thanks to BancorpSouth, Boone elementary school, SW Family Fellowship Church and Oak Hill elementary school for putting out barrels to collect coats. We were gratified that we could help kids warm with new coats this winter!

Salado Rotary Calendar Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Salado and the Salado Independent School District teamed up to create a 2020 calendar fundraiser from students in the 5th and 6th grades and high school. Twelve winners and one grand prize winner were chosen from 75 submissions.

Hillsboro Honors Students Of The Month

Rotary Club of Hillsboro honored Students of the Month from Hillsboro High School in the noon meeting on Wednesday, December 4 at Lone Star Café in Hillsboro.

Rotary Club of Flatonia Celebrating 80 Years of Service Above Self

The Rotary Club of Flatonia is celebrating 80 years of Service Above Self. All Rotarians are asked to come join them on Saturday, Janaury 18, 2020 11AM to 2PM at the American Legion Hall, Flatonia Texas. Tickets cost $10 per person. Contact Pat Satterwhite at pat.bernie@mac.com.

Georgetown Builds Ramp For Boy With Cerebral Palsy

Alessandro Rodriquez is a 5 year old boy with Cerebral Palsy living in a modular home with his family in Georgetown. The previous condition of the trailer required his mother to carry him up and down the stairs.

Register Now Foundation Gala 2020

The registration for the Foundation Gala on Saturday, February 8th, 2020 at the Sterling Event Center, Austin is now open! Our guest speaker is Past R.I. Vice President & Past Rotary Foundation Trustee, Tom Thorfinnson. Tickets are the Foundation Gala are $80. Seating is limited! A club table will be reserved once 5 members have registered. Click here to Register

Food for Families: We couldn’t do it without you!

Food for Families is the largest one-day food drive in Texas. It is an annual event sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America, H.E.B. Grocery Company, and KWTX News 10.

Rotary Club of Georgetown Hosts the 3rd Annual Field of Honor

Throughout the week of Veterans Day (11/9 to 11/17), the Rotary Club of Georgetown held its 3^rd annual “Field of Honor®: a Tribute to Service Above Self,” at San Gabriel Park.

Rotary Club of NW Austin - 34th Annual Holiday Celebration

Santa is ready, gifts are being wrapped, and plans are set for the 34th Annual @Bluebonnet Trails Community Services Enrichment Center Christmas breakfast. This is one of our Club’s most anticipated events of the year and is slated for Friday, Dec 6 at our regular meeting venue, Balcones Country Club.

Lakeway/Lake Travis Car Raffle Winner

The Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Club recently held a Car Raffle to raise money for their projects. Austinite John Jackson won the Mercedes! Funds raised by the club will go to support local scholarships, a water well project in Tanzania, ShelterBox, an Adoption Awareness event, and more.

Annual Veteran's Day Luncheon

Rotarians from around the District, serving five hundred plus Veterans with Rudy’s and the City of Austin. Thank you for your Service Above Self!

South Austin's Clothes Closet Project

South Austin Rotary members met in November to refurbish a clothes closet for a south Austin nonprofit that serves low income and homeless folks, as well as many recently released from prison. This was a project financed by the DAP grant.

Georgetown Field of Honor Luncheon

Posted by Mary Reynolds

The Rotary Club of Austin hosted a table at the Georgetown Field of Honors where veterans and first responders were recognized and told their stories. It was inspiring and such an incredible events for unsong heroes. I especially was moved not only by the hundreds of sponsored flags flying in the wind but by the new section which was for recognition of K9 heroes. I sponsored a K9 who died yesterday risking his life to save his unit from a shooter.I have a heavy heart for his handler who lost his best friend and hero!

Austin NxNE's Rise Against Hunger Service Project

The North by Northeast Rotary Club conducted its annual Rise Against Hunger Service Project this past Saturday, November 16 at Casa Chapala Mexican restaurant located at 9041 Research Blvd #100, Austin, TX 78758.

Georgetown's Field of Honor

Join us over Veterans Day week – November 9th through the 17th, 2019 – as the Rotary Club of Georgetown hosts the 3rd Annual Field of Honor® at the Activity Field in San Gabriel Park on Chamber Way.

It is a stunning display of over 1500 full-size U.S. flags, each of which can be purchased and dedicated to a veteran or first responder for a donation of $40 per flag. Those who have already bought flags can bring them back anytime during that week (flags must be in perfect condition) to re-post for only $20.

Arch Klumph Society Inductions

Congratulations to PDG Ronney Reynolds, Mary Reynolds, PDG Tim Buckley and Gail Buckley! They were inducted into the Arch Klumph Society in Evanston at RI headquarters this past week.

Polio Proclamation

This past Thursday Oct 17^th, members of the Rotary Club of Temple South had the privilege of listening to Mayor Timothy Davis at the city council meeting. During the meeting Mayor Davis Proclaimed Oct 24^th 2019 as World Polio Day for the City of Temple. Jinger Pajestka, Club President even had the chance to talk briefly about Rotary and what the Club does in the community.

Champions- Helping Hand Home Luncheon in Austin

The Rotary Club of Austin sponsored a table at the Champion for Children luncheon that raising money for the abused children that we support at the home. The home is one of our major projects each year.

Temple South Supports Rotary Petersborough, Ontario project

District Rotarian Beverly Luedke and the RC of Temple South hosted members of the Rotary Sponsored Monarch Ultra Relay project from Peterborough, Ontario on October 14th. The team started their project on September 19th in Peterborough and will conclude their Run Relay on November 4th near Mexico City. The team is following the route of the Monarch Butterfly as they migrate to Mexico for the winter.

Dictionaries and More for Ramon Mario Behena Primary School in Reynosa, Mexico

"Opportunity", "Inspiration", "Creativity." A simple gift of a dictionary can change the life of a child, providing the words that unlock a world of reading, writing and advanced learning. This is the guiding principle behind The Dictionary Project and it has inspired two Rotary Clubs, Rotary Club of Austin University Area (RCAUA) and Club Rotario Reynosa, to bring the magic of dictionaries to Escuela Primaria Ramon Mario Bahena Rodriguez in Reynosa.

Flags Over Flatonia

Come out and enjoy our Czhilispiel Parade on Sunday 27, October at 12 noon in Downtown Flatonia The Rotary Club of Flatonia’s float will be celebrating Rotary, Interact, our Community, and being the Center of Service by displaying our "Flags Over Flatonia Project”.

Plates For Polio

Come out and support Temple South Rotary's Plates For Polio Event on October 24 from 11:30AM to 10:00PM at BJ's located at 3550 S. General Bruce Dr. Building G in Temple. With each flyer (printed or digital) presented during the event, BJ's will donate 20% of food and soft drink sales to END POLIO. Click here to download flyer.

District 5870 Rotary Foundation Recognition Awards

At the Rotary Institute for Zones 25B-29 in Kansas City, District 5870 received a Recognition Award for our District giving for Rotary year 2018-2019. We received recognition for First in our Zone for Annual Fund Giving. The total was $753,842. A recognition for First in Annual Fund Per Capita Giving. The per capita was $306.94. And a recognition for Second in Total Giving. The amount was $1,004,530. These were all records for our District and reflect the generosity of Rotarians in District 5870.

PDG Rich Kaye Honored at Zone Institute

PDG Rich Kaye was recognized at the Rotary Zone Institute in Kansas City for his generous contribution to the Rotary Foundation. Rich was recognized as a member of the Arch Klumph Society Chair’s Circle and a new member of the Legacy Society. What an inspiration to us all!

Bastrop County's 9th Annual Men Who Can Cook Fundraiser

Mark your calendars to be in Bastrop, Texas on November 23, 2019! The Bastrop County Rotary Club will be hosting its 9^th Annual Men Who Cook fundraiser at the Bastrop Convention and Exhibit Center. This “International Edition” of our all male chef extravaganza will highlight world class cuisine from the kitchens of 24 chefs. Your $100 ticket includes opportunities to bid on Live and Silent Auction items, and an open bar, live entertainment and dancing will make the 2019 Men Who Cook a special experience.

Cedar Park-Leander Fights Against Hunger

Rotary Club of Cedar Park-Leander working “Doing Good in the World.” This time helping pack out food for local Texans in need as well as Bahamians temporarily knocked down by hurricanes.

9/11 Day of Remembrance Ceremony

On 9/11/19, the Rotary Club of Marble Falls noon club held their 18^th annual Day of Remembrance Ceremony at the Lakeside Pavilion in Marble Falls and it was both impressive and well-attended. Burnet County Judge James Oakley was the keynote speaker, Mayor John Packer proclaimed an official “Day of Remembrance” in Marble Falls, and many local first responder groups and Chiefs were present and/or involved.

Rotarians Partner With Variety's Peaceable Kingdom

Rotarians across the District and Variety’s Peaceable Kingdom partnered up to build an amazing interactive playground that will serve thousands of children each year. Other partners include Cinemark, KaBoom and Keurig Dr. Pepper. In the three days with over 2015 volunteers they built a KaBOOM! playground Variety Texas / Variety's Peaceable Kingdom Retreat for Children. 7000 children a year will play here!!

Director of Killeen-Heights Rotary Service Projects, Clarence Enochs adds, “By participating collectively we can make a significant impact across communities and continue to serve children for years to come.”

Get Ready for World Polio Day 2019

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:

Back To School With Rotary

The Rotary Club of Round Rock volunteered at the Round Rock ISD Partners in Education Foundation Back to School Celebration. The Celebration was attended by 13,000+ students and their families. Rotarians served alongside 100’s of volunteers as well to ensure a successful start to the school year!

Temple South's 8th Annual Casino Royale

The Rotary Club of Temple South will be hosting their 8^th annual Casino Royale fund raiser at the Mayborn Convention Center on September 28th. Tickets are available in advance at www.tsrotarycasino.com. Ticket price is $60 per person this includes food, $50K in playing chips, and 2 drink tickets (cash bar available). Sponsorship are also available for reserved seating. There will also be a live and silent auction.

Cameron's Annual Spaghetti Supper Fundraiser

The Cameron Rotary Club will hold their annual Spaghetti Supper on Friday, September 27, 2019 before the Cameron vs. Troy Football Game. Dine-In or Take-Out Plates are available at the Yoe High School Cafeteria from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. The meal includes spaghetti with meat sauce, salad, garlic bread, dessert, and tea. Tickets are $8.00 each and may be purchased from any Cameron Rotarian.

Operation Vacation Ft.Hood

Rotary Club of Austin & Killeen host another military family in Austin through Operation Vacation. PFC Cisneros and his wife and children were hosted at the AT&T Conference Center fora fun, complimentary weekend in Austin to thank the family for their service. The hotel hosted their room and meals and provided them a safe environment for them to spend quality time together and explore Austin. The County Line is hosting their bbq dinner Saturday with all the trimmings and the kids will get to feed the turtles, fish and swans. Sunday they will have a chance to play games and eat pizza at Austin Parks N Pizza. This project is sponsored by Austin & Killeen Rotary, Killeen Toyota, Austin Hotel Lodging Association, County Line, Visit Austin.

Rotary Club Welcomes District Governor

Rotary Club of Hillsboro welcomed District Governor Jim Henry from Austin in its noon meeting on Wednesday, August 21 in the Alamo Room at Lone Star Café. Governor Henry announced the District Theme for the year, “Think Rotarian: Why Do We Do What We Do?

Waco Rotary Helps Build Wheelchair Swing

Several Rotary Club of Waco members undertook the club’s first service project of the year this past week, partnering with the Make-A-Wish Foundation to build a wheelchair swing for a Hewitt boy.

ShelterBox's Livesaving Work In Syria

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.

Austin-Southwest Rotary Supports Start-Up Kid's Club

Rotary Clu of Austin Southwest was excited to present Amber Wakem,Executive officer & Founder, a check for $5000 for Start-Up Kid's Club. This program to teaches entrepreneurship to kids elementary school through early high school.The club is helping provide mentors at Boone Elementary in Southwest Austin this year in this after school program in entrepreneurship. Scholarships are available to help offset registration fees.

Rotarians Meet n Alaska

You never know when you will run into a fellow Rotarian but you better be on your best behavior. While traveling with a tour group throughout Alaska earlier in August, two District 5870 members met each other.

Summertime for our Military

Posted by Mary Reynolds

Austin has really turned out for our military during these summer months. First the City of Austin and the Military hosted a big Appreciation Day Downtown in June where the public was invited to come and visit with our military forces, see their equipment ,share in summer activities and thank our troops. This made me very proud that much of the city turned out for this event to support our troops. This month our Rotary Club of Austin along with Killeen Rotary also hosted another R&R weekend for Sgt. First Class Lon Fonseca and his wife Jennifer from Ft. Hood at the Four Seasons Hotel Austin. The staff greeted them with their favorite Summer drinks and catered to them all weekend in “Four Season first class style”. They spent Saturday visiting many of the most popular attractions in Austin as well as a dinner fit for a king at the County Line on the Hill. Sgt. Fonseca was so impressed with the love shown to them that he was going to go back to the base and tell the commander in chief about these R&R weekends so more of their families could be involved. Thank you Austin for your support of the military.

Rotary Club of Giddings Welcomes New Member

Thursday, August 8th the Giddings Rotary Club was pleased to welcome Mason Becker as a new member of the club. Thanks to Wayne Galipp for nominating Mason for membership and also thanks to Joe Green for inducting Mason into the Rotary.

Rotary Night At The Ball Park

Rotary Night at the Ball Park hosted by the Round Rock Rotary Club with the Round Rock Express VS New Orlleans Baby Cakes on Friday August 23, 2019 at Dell Diamond in Roundrock. Open to all Rotarians! Gates open at 6PM, game starts at 7:05PM. Includes a post game firework show.

Why Rotary?

Posted by PDG Rich Kaye

Many of us joined Rotary in order to network. That’s the way my sponsor sold Rotary to me, “You’ll get to meet lots of businessmen who can help you out.”

It was only several years later after I was introduced to our Foundation, and learned what Rotary does in the world, did I become a Rotarian, committed to providing service to others, promoting integrity, and advancing world understanding, goodwill, and peace.

If you’re going to a Rotary meeting once a week simply for the local fellowship, you’re missing out on the majesty of Rotary.

Austin Volunteers Deliver Care Backpacks to Migrants

“We really feel strongly about helping out families who are in need of a safe place,” said Susan Kurth of the Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club. That message was delivered in 48 individual backpacks.

“One of the most powerful symbols of welcome and support and kindness that we give our families is a travel backpack,” says Jan Olsen of the Interfaith Welcome Coalition.

Be A Hero To Your Interact Club Contest Results

During the month of June, a contest was held to challenge the Rotarian advisors of District 5870’s Interact Clubs to register their Clubs with Rotary International in time for the start of the new Rotary year. Six Rotarians representing ten Interact Clubs entered the contest. All of the clubs were entered in a drawing for $50 to be awarded to an Interact Club that met the qualifications.

And the winner is… Benold Middle School Interact Club, Mr. Julian A. Grant, Advisor!

If you missed the contest deadline, you can still easily register your Interact Club(s) by going to https://my.rotary.org/en/report-your-interact-club-advisor Complete the information, submit and your annual reporting requirement for Rotary International is finished.

What are you waiting for? Why not get ‘er done today?

Operation Vacation Ft. Hood

During these fun summer months, the Rotary Clubs of Austin & Killeen had an opportunity to host a military family for the weekend at the Omni Austin Hotel through Operation Vacation-Ft. Hood. The family, Sgt. Tarelle Jackson, wife Melisa, sons Cameron (4) and Cauden (2), enjoyed a luxury suite for two nights, all their meals, pool fun and free time to explore Austin. It is rare that these families have much quality time with their families while serving their country. They were also hosted by the staff of the County Line on the Lake for a fantastic Saturday night dinner with all the trimmings.

Rotary Club of Austin Builds a Habitat House

Rotarians of the Rotary Club of Austin gathered to help build two new houses for very deserving families. Sharing valuable time on two different days, the Rotarians invested their ’service above self’ spirit and goodness while enduring our C. Tx. heat and humidity…ouch! Board member, Andy Swanson, spearheaded this project and gets double kudos for the sweat equity. Way to go Rotarians!

Welcome Austin Central!

On June 20th, we inaugurated Austin Central to Rotary District 5870 Central Texas. Receiving the club banners are Ed Bellingrath and Howard Brunson. Austin Central meets every other Thursday at noon at Santa Rita-Twenty Six Doors Shopping CTR, 1206 West 38th Street, Austin.

Rotary Christmas in May

Its Rotary Christmas in May for children on these islands and main street as the Lakeway/Lake Travis and Mattamorris Industrial Rotary Clubs gave away 17 bicycles. Why, because these kids have a long walk to school each day..and..every kid needs a bike. These are families of local fishermen who cant afford the luxury of a kids bike. Rotary is here to help. This is the 10th year in a row for this project.

Arctic Scholar Sponsored By Rotary

South Austin and Austin-Southwest Rotary Clubs are proud to announce the sponsorhsip of Seyi Odufuye, a scholar chosen to represent the United States and participate in a 12-day carbon neutral Expedition to the Arctic hosted by the renown British polar explorer and environmentalist Robert Swan, that will take place June 15 – June 26, 2019. Among 90 other young leaders from across the world, they will gain knowledge about the latest, up-to-date research and issues of climate change along with training that will build skills in the areas of collaboration, teamwork, public speaking and problem-solving.

Lakeway/Lake Travis Gives Out $30,000 in Scholarships

On May 30^th 2019 The Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis presented 6 Lake Travis High School graduating seniors with $5,000 scholarships each. Over the last 20+ years this Rotary Club has provided local students with over $650,000 in college scholarships.

Pflugerville Raises Funds With Beer & Brats

Deutschen Pfest is Pflugerville's largest annual fundraiser. It is a wonderful weekend of service and fellowship where all of their members come together to sell imported beer, German sausage, and Bratwurst.

Operation Vacation

SPC Cody Lara and his wife Jesse and son Cameron were hosted for a complimentary weekend at the Archer Hotel Austin through a program called Operation Vacation to thank military families for their service. The Rotary clubs of Austin and Killeen make the arrangements each month and in partnership with our sponsors: Austin Hotel Lodging Association, County Line Restaurants and Visit Austin we provide a fun filled weekend in Austin. This is a rewarding experience for all involved. Thank a soldier!

Heritage Pride Project

Rotary Club of Flatonia’s USS Lexington "Heritage Pride" Project was held on Thursday, 16 May 2019. We sponsored all the Juniors at Flatonia High School who are taking History to a full day of touring and entertainment at the USS Lexington in Corpus Christi.

Celebration of Life 2019

Posted by Kent Bohls

Most days, I take a few minutes to read the obituaries in the local papers. I am not looking to see if my name or picture is there. Every obituary is a capsule life story

Service Above Self Award

Congratulations to PDG Rich Kaye, 2019 recipient of Rotary’s highest award, the Service Above Self award! No one deserves this recognition more!!

Inter-Club Cooperation

Posted by Betty Richardson

The Rotary Club of Austin University Area board voted in early April 2019, to send money earned from participating in the Lakeway club car drawing ticket sales in 2017 and 2018 to Club Rotario Reynosa. This is an effort to replace the original computers for the TB Center.The money is earmarked for purchase and installation of 10 used computers for the Reynosa Tuberculosis Center.

Marble Falls Daybreak Builds Gaga Pit

The Marble Falls Daybreak Rotary has long supported the Boys and Girls club of Marble Falls. Recently Daybreakers built a Gaga Pit for the Boys and Girls club.

Rotary In Paradise

This month, the Rotary Club of Saipan welcomed two visiting Rotarians: Dr. Lily Muldoon of San Francisco Rotary Club and Rob Glass, founding chair of the Rotary Club of Corsicana of District 5870 Central Texas.

Community Garden to Help Local Neighborhood Grow

About 60 volunteers representing local organizations came together on April 27th on what used to be a vacant field behind the Food Care Center in downtown Killeen.

Now, visitors to the location will find 16 cement, 4-foot by eight-foot plots lined neatly together, eight with plants sprouting through the soil in a community garden.

Pflugerville Making A Difference

On April 17, 2019 the Rotary Club of Pflugerville members gathered with our amazing sponsors and members of the Pflugerville community to award $35,000 in scholarships to 15 deserving PfISD High School Seniors!

Taylor Rotary Adds Fountain To Local Park

Anyone driving past Murphy Park or Bull Branch Park at night will see lights shining on brand new fountains courtesy of the Taylor Rotary Club. "This is Rotary's gift to Taylor," said Dennis Ritcher.

Temple DAP Grant Sponsors College Campus Visits

The Rotary of Club of Temple used a DAP grant to sponsor several college campus visits by Temple High School and Belton High School students. Temple Independent School District (TISD) and Belton Independent School District (BISD) selected the students to go on these college campus tours.

East Austin Sponsors Role Model Fair

This is the 20th year that the East Austin Rotary has help sponsor the "Role Model" fair with elementary schools. This school year 2018-2019 they will be serving around 10,000 students. At the fair, club members talk about the 4-way test to students from 3rd through 5th grades, to stay in school and how to decide what they want to be. Picutured is Nora Comstock, President of East Austin Rotary and Margarine Beaman, treasurer.

The Flamingos of Change

On February 2, 2019, 404 Rotarians and friends gathered for dinner at the Austin Hilton to celebrate the District’s support to The Rotary Foundation in Calendar Year 2018. The attendees experienced an uncommon treat, as Rotary International President Barry Rassin served as the guest speaker; it is not every day that the RI President visits an event in one of Rotary’s 539 individual Districts!

President Rassin shared amazing stories about our progress towards polio eradication, the importance of the Rotary Peace Fellows program, how work within our Areas of Focus helps bring peace to the world, and how Rotary was the first organization to respond to the earthquake in Haiti. He challenged us, as Rotarians, to think bigger - to find even more ways to have impact on our communities and the world.

Selection of District Governor Designee for 2021-2022 Rotary Year

It is my distinct honor and privilege to formally announce that Beverly Luedke of the Rotary Club of Temple South has been selected by the District Nominating Committee to serve as our Governor for Rotary Year 2021-2022. Beverly is a great Rotarian and good friend who I know to be exceptionally well prepared for the job! Please join me in congratulating Beverly on her selection as our 107th District Governor.

Register Now For Conference of Clubs Early Bird Pricing

District Governor Jerry Chapman is asking all Rotarians to join him "Be The Inspiration" at the Conference of Clubs on May 3-5, 2019 at the historic Menger Hotel in San Antonio. Event Pricing: 3-day $180 (early bird) til March 22 or Sunday only ($50) (meals are included in the pricing). Register here: http://bit.ly/2XxFbih

AUSTIN Feeds The Hungry

Over 100 Rotarians and volunteers gathered the morning of Feb. 23 to package 32,616 meals for the hungry and malnourished in our world. The Rotary Club of Austin doubled the number of meals packed this year! With strong leadership from Rotarian and Project Manager, Dr. Ann Marie Ellis, the fellowship hall was packed with Boy Scouts, friends and Rotarians with hearts for service.

Time For District Assembly

District Assembly will be held on Saturday April 13, 2019 at Central Texas College in Killeen. Come learn what incoming District Governor Jim Henry has planned for Rotary 2019-1920 and get training that will expand your Rotary leadership skills. Price is $25 and includes lunch. To register: http://bit.ly/2H2o0zN

Waco Rotary Promotes Literacy

Waco Rotarians have been busy promoting literacy with the with 1st and 2nd graders in Waco ISD. Thanks to a partnership with YMCA OF CENTRAL TEXAS and Junior League of Waco we have been handing out personalized books to some precious children!

Pecan Spring Elementary Career Day

A group of Rotary Club of Austin Rotarians spoke to Pecan Springs elementary school children about their respective careers for Career Day. The children were inspired and in awe of everyone who spoke of their professional lives…paying it forward for our future generations!

Celebrating the Month of Love with our Military

What better way to celebrate the month of love by passing that love to our military by bringing them to Austin for a fun complimentary weekend with all the trimmings. The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen sponsor a program called Operation Vacation

Bears Sighted Leaving Yoakum

On Friday, February 15th, the Yoakum Rotary Club loaded up a van provided by Marty Garrison of .Wendel Motor Company with 276 teddy bears and headed for Driscoll Children's Hospital in Corpus Christi.

South Central Rotary Youth Exchange Winter Conference

The International Youth Exchange Team piled into Bastrop Rotarian Sarah Brightwell’s new car and trekked to Tulsa for the annual South Central Rotary Youth Exchange Winter Conference. Sarah and Jennifer Graham (Rotary Club of Temple) attended workshops and classes for two days while our Inbound Students enjoyed time with the 100 other international kids in our region.

Marble Falls Daybreak Supports Open Door Recovery House

The Marble Falls Daybreak Rotary received a 2018 DAP Grant from Rotary District 5870 to provide Open Door Recovery House (ODRH) in Marble Falls with two new computers and a new printer. The Open Door Recovery House is a 501(c) non-profit that operates a residential facility for women in Marble Falls who are working on recovery from drugs and or alcohol.

If a Picture is Worth a Thousand Words, a Child’s Smile is a Library

On Saturday, January 26^th, 30 members and friends of the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights came together to build a wheelchair ramp for a very special little boy, Edward.

Edward lives with cerebral palsy and spinal scoliosis, which results in him spending most of his time in a wheelchair. Edward’s stepfather, Chaz Dumas, has to carry him up and down a set of stairs to get into their house. Chaz heard about the club’s efforts in serving the community, so he approached several members of the about the potential for getting a ramp built. The family had exhausted every traditional resource for getting assistance for a special-needs child; governmental organizations would not help, and the family’s insurance companies denied every request on the grounds that Edward might “get better” one day and walk on his own.

New Interact Club

Westlake Rotary presents the newly formed St. Stephens Interact Club with their charter. Receiving the charter are President Lillian Sims and Jae Clark (to the right). Westlake Rotarians are David Jessich (presenting) with Lance Hay and Club President, Paul Keith (behind).

East Austin Rotary Ribbon Cutting

The East Austin Rotary Club has a new home! East Austin has seen many changes, including the closing of restaurants that had served as our meeting places for years. In 2019, however, the East Austin Rotary Club found a new home at the perfect location: Huston Tillotson University.

Operation Vacation Ft. Hood

We can never thank our military for their service and sacrifices that they make daily for us. Our Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen partnered with our hospitality industry to set up R&R free weekends each month for military families from Ft. Hood to say thank you and show our appreciation. This family for this month was Staff Sgt Wing and his family of five.

2019-2020 Presidential Theme Revealed

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.

Waco ISD Students Receive Personalized Books

The Rotary Club of Waco, the YMCA of Central Texas and the Junior League of Waco have started passing out personalized books to all first and second graders in the Waco Independent School District. The My Very Own Adventure Book program promotes reading that provides a personalized book to each student.

Spreading Holiday Cheer at Walnut Hills Nursing Home

The Pecan Springs EAFK service club collected gifts, blankets and toiletries for the residences at the Walnut Hills Nursing Home and took them to them the last week before school was out and sang Christmas Carols to them to make their holidays brighter. They were accompanied by members of the Cosmopolitan and Austin Rotary Club as well as their teacher, Mr. Salinas.

Coats For Kids 2018

Rotary Club of Austin-Southwest had their Annual Kids Coat Drive this month. They are proud to report that they met and exceeded their goals in collecting and purchasing Coats for Kids in SW Austin. They had a fun day handing out coats and topped it off with a special visit from Santa.

3rd-Graders Receive Dictionaries from Rotary Club

Copperas Cove Rotary Club members Thomas Pursel and Norm Mitchell hand out dictionaries to Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary School third-graders. The club ensures every third-grader in the the Copperas Cove Independent School District receives a new dictionary each year.

Austin Hosts Christmas Party at the Helping Hands Home

Santa came to the Helping Hands Home on December 18th, complete with Christmas carols, cookies and granted the specific wishes of about 30 abused and neglected children whom have been removed from their homes. The Rotary Club of Austin gifted the real property and home for this institution close to 100 years ago. Year after year RCA Rotarians have bought and wrapped the gifts; shopped for the snacks; and, most importantly, shared unconditional love to these children in need.

West Austin Rotary Hosts Christmas Shopping Spree

The West Austin Rotary Club once again hosted 23 children from Wooldridge Elementary on a Christmas Clothing Shopping Spree on Sunday, December 2. They have been hosting the Spree for more than 20 years.

Rotarians At Work At Food Pantry

Rotary Club of Cedar Park Leander helping at Reveal Ministeries Food Pantry. Selflessly serving over 200 families/ week who find themselves in need.

Georgetown Sun City's Breakfast With Santa

Great turnout for the Georgetown Sun City's Annual Breakfast With Santa! Special thanks to the Georgetown Fire Department for doing all the cooking.

Branding & Public Image Training Day

Save the date of January 19, 2019 for the Branding and Public Image Training Day held at the Georgetown Health Foundation Community Rooms located at 2423 Williams Dr., Georgetown from 9AM to 2PM. This is a FREE event however, we ask that you register as we are providing lunch. For more details on this event and to register: click here.

Taylor ISD Interact Bell Ringing

The Rotary Club of Taylor assisted in “ringing the bell” for the Salvation Army on Thursday, November 29 as part of our regular club activities.

Hamburg Early Registration Ends December 15th!

Join DG Jerry Chapman, DGE Jim Henry and 47 other currently registered district Rotarians at the Rotary International in Hamburg, Germany June 1-5.

Temple's Annual Spaghetti Dinner

The Rotary Club of Temple recently conducted it’s 35^th Annual Spaghetti Dinner on November 9, 2018. Rotarian Jack Morris, who is 86 years young, has led the effort every year since its inception.

Hats Off to the Recipients of the Interact Presidential Citation!

Posted by Nancy Keck

The Interact Clubs that earned the 2017 – 2018 Interact Presidential Citations are Burnet High School, Burnet Middle School, and the Impact Club of Manor New Technical High School.

Thanksgiving Made Special For Our Military

Thanksgiving is the perfect time to remember those that are special to us. The Rotary Club’s of Austin and Killeen in partnership with County Line and Austin Hotel Lodging Association entertained a delighting Army family from Ft. Hood with a very unique Thanksgiving.

Temple's 35th Annual Spaghetti Dinner

The Rotary Club of Temple recently conducted it’s 35^th Annual Spaghetti Dinner on November 9, 2018. Rotarian Jack Morris, who is 86 years young, has led the effort every year since its inception.

Food For Families 2018

On the Friday before Thanksgiving, volunteers from the Boy Scouts, H.E.B. Grocery Company, and area Rotary Clubs collect food in 9 counties. Food For Families is the largest one-day food drive in Texas. This year they collected 317,000 pounds of food!

Ensuring Safety At St. Joseph School

The Rotary Club of Yoakum obtained a grant from Rotary International District 5870 to provide additional security measures for St. Joseph school students and faculty. Each year the club has an opportunity to apply for grant money to benefit some facet of our Yoakum community. Rotary Club President, Bill Lopez, presented a check to Principal Sean Mooney on November 9th.

Rotary volunteers to give out free books to children at Pecan Springs

Once a year the Rotary Club of Austin helps Pecan Springs School, the librarian and Bookspring run a program called Books for Me. During that week, students come to the library and the librarian reads them a story. There is a theme for the event and this year the theme is fairy tails.

Corsicana Launches Yellow Dot Program

Corsicana Rotary Club’s Yellow Dot Program is a free program that may help save your life. When seconds count, make sure first responders have the information they need.

Join Us At The Foundation Gala

DG Jerry Chapman invites you to attend the Foundation Gala on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at the Downtown Hilton in Austin with guest speaker R.I. President Barry Rassin. This is going to be an awesome event! Tickets are $80 person. Registration closes January 27! REGISTER NOW: http://bit.ly/2qjR7VI

UPDATE: Highland Lakes Area of Central Texas Flood

You have all seen the photos and TV coverage of the devastating floods that impacted hundreds of homes in the Highland Lakes area. Rivers gushing, boats and boat docks flowing over dams, a State Hwy. bridge washing away. Heavy rains for several days swelled the Llano and Colorado Rivers to historic high levels.

It's Tamale Time In South Austin

Tamale Season is here again, and The South Austin Rotary Club has a great way for you to get the BEST Tamales in Texas... and MAKE A DIFFFERENCE at the same time! Each CASE contains 2 dozen DELIA’S Tamales of the same flavor and is packaged in an insulated sport pack.

Killeen Heights "A Legacy Of Service"

“Thank you for the benches and improvements to the facility. Fortunately, the homeless shelter was available for me, as I am battling cancer and have no place to go. The shelter has been and is a Godsend for me. Again, thanks for your support and help.”

Ramp Building In Leander, TX

Volunteers from the Rotary Club of Georgetown, Forbes Middle School Interact and Benold Middle School Interact spent a Saturday building a needed wheelchair ramp on Lindeman Lane in Leander, Tx. Thank you for your service! Another great example how as Rotarians, we are people of action!

Yoakum Carries On Tradition

Keeping up a much-loved tradition, Yoakum Rotary Club began their distribution of "I Like Me" books to Yoakum, Sweet Home and St Joseph Kindergarten students. The books are personalized with the students name, their teacher's name, friends name, pets name and more.

Lakeway/Lake Travis's Annual Car Raffle

Tickets are going fast! Don't miss your opportunity to win a new car plus a fabulous trip to Germany to pick it up. Tickets are $100 each, or buy 2 get one free. Each Each ticket includes over $200 in special offers for local restaurants and other businesses. To purchase your ticket - go to www.laketravisrotary.org

10,000 Meals Packed For Rise Against Hunger

Rotarians from around the District came out this past Saturday to join the Rotary Clubs of Austin NxNE, Northwest Austin and Universtiy Area to pack meals for the Rise Aganist Hunger. The goals was to pack 10,000 meal kits. As always, we Rotarians like to rise to the challenge. Total meals packed for the day were 10,152. Rich Hill of Austin NXNE led the organizing effort, and special thanks to Lupe Barragan for providing space to pack the meals (and margaritas!) at Casa Chapala.

Flag Sales Open for Field of Honor

The Rotary Club of Georgetown proudly presents the Field of Honor® in Central Texas presented by Hewlett Chevrolet. This truly inspiring event will pay tribute to our valued veterans, active and reserve duty military and first responders, during the week of Veterans Day from November 4th to November 12th, 2018. Flags are $40 each and may be purchased online at www.georgetowntxfieldofhonor.org.

Storm's Impact: District 5870

Record amounts of rain in the Highland Lakes and surrounding areas has led to wide spread area flooding. Many area residents have lost everything, including District Rotarians. Others are experiencing various levels of loss. Marble Falls, Cottonwood Shores, Kingsland, and Granite Shoals are the major towns in this area. Granite Shoals and Cottonwood Shores have been the hardest hit and have the greatest economic threat to recovery.

Navarro Country Reaches Milestone

Navarro County Rotary Club president, Bob Young, is pleased to announce that as of August, 2018, the club is now a "100% Paul Harris Club". Special guest at the September 17th meeting is district governor, Jerry Chapman (pictured left), presenting the 100% Paul Harris Club banner to Bob Young. Congratulations to the Navarro County Rotary Club!

September Operation Vacation

Every month our Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen partner with the Austin Hotel and Lodging Association to host a military family for the weekend so they can spend quality time with their families. It is always a grand event because we get to thank that soldier for his service and we get to entertain his family and thank them for carrying on when their dad or mom is serving our country. But it is a rare occasion when that simple weekend turns into so much more.

Enter the World Polio Day Competition

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.

Austin Habitat For Humanity

Earlier this month, Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary showed off their building skills when they joined the Austin Habitat of Humanity to help build Daniel and Rosa Martinez their first home. What a rewarding project!! #PeopleOfAction #BeTheInspiration

Youth Leadership In La Grange

A big welcome to all those inducted to the La Grange Interact Club. 60 members strong, good things to come this year!!

Pflugerville Interact Paint War Olympics

Posted by Barbara Najera

For the past two schools years, Pflugerville High School Interact Club has held an Olympic Paint War to raise money for ShelterBox. This year we are excited to have Pflugerville HS Interact,

Rotary Global Rewards Program

All Rotarians and Rotaractors are eligible for this exciting new program, which offers discounts on products and services such as travel, hotels, car rentals, dining, entertainment, and more. Download the Rotary Global Rewards app. Visit Rotary Global Rewards at rotary.org/globalrewards

Joint Rotary Social

You're invited to the the District 5870 Joint Rotary Social hosted by the Killeen Heights Rotary Club on Thursday, September 27 from 6PM-9PM at the Walburg German Restaurant, 3777 FM 972, Walburg, TX. The event will be inside the restaurant. Dinner & drinks at your own cost. We will have the room upstairs for the evening.

D5870 Helps Bring Literacy To India's Children - GG#1863742

India is an enormous country both in land mass and population. It is made up of a multitude of different states that all speak different regional languages. English is considered the ‘link’ language in India.

Marble Falls 17th Annual 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Each year the Marble Falls Rotary Club, with support of the Mayor and City Council of the City of Marble Falls, Texas, holds a ceremony on September 11^th, for personal reflection, prayer and thought in remembrance of the victims’ families and rescue workers involved in the 9/11 tragedies, and to honor, remember and reunite with our area First Responders. The public is invited to attend the “Day of Remembrance Ceremony” at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 11^th, at Marble Falls Lakeside Pavilion to help us honor, remember and reunite with our area First Responders.

August Operation Vacation

The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen were able to thank a soldier and his entire family of six for serving and protecting our country through a program called Operation Vacation Ft. Hood. The Rotary clubs partner with Austin Hotel Lodging Association, County Line Restaurants, Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau, Toyota Killeen and Around Austin to honor these Army families from Ft. Hood every month.

Rotarians At Work

Several Killeen Heights Rotarians met at the Girl Scouts Building on 2909 Lake Road in Killeen ready to work with their gloves, shovels, rakes, chainsaws, and friends! They worked on the landscape in front of the Girl Scouts Building. Afterwards, They gathered in the Girl Scouts fellowship hall for some amazing smoked meat and banana pudding. GREAT JOB!!

EAFK Kick-Off Ceremonies

La Grange Commemorates Hurricane Harvey

Rotary Club of La Grange partnered with the La Grange Volunteer Fire Department for a Community Meal commemorating the anniversary of Hurricane Harvey. The LGVFD grilled up 600 hamburger patties and everyone enjoyed a free meal with their friends and neighbors.

Austin Southwest Lends A Helping Hand

Friday August 10, Austin SW Rotary assisted the West Rural Community Center, Travis Co. Pct 3 Constable and Southwest Family Fellowship handing out backpacks, providing fun and food for deserving kids who are headed back to school soon. These kids needed our help in starting school ready to go. We had fun too!

Helping At Risk Kids by Stuffing Backpacks for Cap City Kids

Members of Austin University Area Rotary Club helped stuff over 1300 kids' backpacks for distribution by Cap City Kids. Every year, Cap City Kids provides backpacks with school supplies to at-risk children. Having all the supplies they need can make a huge difference for kids who are already struggling with staying in school. Cap City Kids is one of the groups supported by Austin University Area Rotary Club, and when the asked for volunteers, they stepped up.

Membership Message from RI President Barry Rassin

Click on photo to play video

Sushil Kumar Gupta Selected To Be 2020-21 Rotary President

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.

Killeen Heights Donates Benches at Homeless Shelter

Several members of the Rotary Club of Killeen Heights met at Friends in Crisis in Killeen to fulfill another need at the homeless shelter. People using the facility had nowhere to sit when they waited outside so here comes "Rotarians At Work" to meet the need. People standing outside were more than happy to move out of the way for Rotarians to do their work. The Rotary Club of Killeen Heights purchased and installed five amazing Rotary International benches in front of the shelter.

July Operation Vacation

I have said it before but one of the greatest gifts anyone can receive is an opportunity to thank a soldier for serving and protecting our country and Rotary and the Austin Hotel Lodging Association gets to do it every month with a family from Ft. Hood. SSG Ryan Bentley, his wife Victoria and sons Lincoln (2) and Lyle (8 mos.) were hosted last weekend at the Residence Inn Hotel Downtown by General Manager Andy Zinni.

LaGrange Rotary Supports Back 2 School Festival

Shout out to the Rotary Club of La Grange as #PeopleOfAction. They donated school supplies to Tejas Health Care for their upcoming Back 2 School Festival

How To Host A Rotary Day

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.

Limited Time Offer

For a number of years, the Jerry Johnson Trust has been asked if there is any way that the Trust can match contributions made by Rotarians who are already a Paul Harris Fellow. While doing that falls outside of the scope of Jerry’s trust, we heard you loud and clear. So, for a limited time starting on August 1, 2018, the Trustees will do the following:

Rotary Night At the Ball Park

Tickets are $12.99 - To order tickets, contact Gary Franke at Gary Franke <gfranke@rrexpress.com>

DG Jerry Chapman July 2018 Update

Happy New Rotary Year

Wow! A new Rotary year is underway. It started off on a good note with a very successful RYLA camp. One hundred teenagers came from all corners of our district. New friendships were made. Campers learned about service and inclusiveness. There was some work and lots of fun.

Rotary is the only organization that changes leadership annually at all levels; from the Rotary International President to the Club President. For me, the journey to serve as your governor started two years ago. There has been a lot of preparation. I’ve met many of you during club visits along with Rotarians around the world.

Clean Water For Healthy Families

Posted by Kent Miller

It stared with a trickle as great rivers often do; as great hopes do, as great plans do; as great movements do; as great changes in lives and communities around the world do.

Yes, Rotary started in Chicago with just a trickle of four men meeting in an office. And it grew into a great river of 1.2 million members that circle the globe making great changes.

June Operation Vacation

The Rotary Clubs of Austin and Killeen had the great pleasure of hosting the cutest little military family from Ft. Hood in June @ the Intercontinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel in downtown Austin. !st Sgt. Casey Brinkley, his wife Heather, daughter Aubrey (3) and their new twins Willie Ray & JoLee (5 weeks old) arrived Friday just in time for dinner and were greeted by Mary Reynolds, the chair of Operation Vacation for both the Rotary Club of Austin and the Board of the Austin Hotel Lodging Association.

Meet Caroline Hackett, 2018-19 Rotary Global Grant Scholar

Caroline received her bachelor's degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Virginia, where she specialized in Water Resources. While at UVA, she worked on a student-led water and health project in the rural Limpopo Province of South Africa that established a factory to produce ceramic water filters, a cheap but effective point-of-use treatment.

EAFK Program in District 5870 2018-19

RYLA 2018 Time!!

Thank you to all the clubs and Rotarians who have helped get us ready this year for camp! Check out this year's photo album of RYLA in the Rough.

You're Invited to 69th Marble Falls Fish Fry

You're invited to the 69th Annual Marble Falls Fish Fry on Friday, July 13th at the Lakeside Pavilion! This event is open to all Rotarians and their families. For more details

Rotarians At Work

Fellow Killeen Heights Rotarians doing great things at Aware Central Texas, an organization dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and family violence. To learn more about Aware Central Texas go to: https://awarecentraltexas.org/

Governor's June Message

As you read this, we are only 2-3 weeks from the end of the 2017-18 Rotary year. For me, it means I add a final letter to my string of DG titles - from DGN to DGE to DG and finally graduating to PDG - Past District Governor - a title I will proudly wear for the remaining years of my Rotary involvement (Hopefully many).

From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU!

Ringing In The New Year At The Oasis

On June 9th, we held the DG and Club Leader Installation Brunch at the Oasis Restaurant at Lake Travis. PDG Rich Kaye officiated the installation of DG Jerry Chapman, DGE Jim Henry, District officers and Club Presidents. A Breakfast Fajita Brunch was served and The Oasis developed a featured “Blue Rotarian” signature drink for our event. See photos

Georgetown Rotary Builds 40th Ramp

Shout out to Rotary Club of Georgetown, Texas! This past weekend they volunteered to build a 41ft wheel chair ramp in Liberty Hill, TX. Thank you for your #ServiceAboveSelf!! This was the 40th ramp built by volunteers from Rotary Club of Georgetown.

Austin Cosmopolitan Team Up With Book Spring

Austin Cosmopolitan doing their part to support literacy. They volunteered at the Book Spring event this past weekend.

Books and calculators headed to the school in Reynosa

Austin University Area Rotary is on a mission to deliver books and caluclators to their school in Reynosa, Mexico. Great job!

May Operation Vacation

E- 5 David Bucklas, wife Kaylee and two daughters Sophia and Harvey spent Memorial Weekend at the Holiday Inn Express Airport Austin with all expenses paid as a thank you for the soldier’s service and his family’s sacrifices. The family was treated to a fabulous BBQ dinner at the County Line on the Lake, giftcards and passes to the amusement park, Austin Parks & Pizza. This was a chance for this family to have quality fun time together since this soldier has been on emergency duty for months where he could not be more than 15 minutes from Ft. Hood so a weekend in Austin was a real treat. Operation Vacation is made possible by the partnerships of Austin & Killeen Rotary Clubs, Austin Hotel Lodging Association and County Line. Let’s thank our soldiers for your service not just on Memorial Day but every day.

La Grange Awards $40,000 In Scholarships

La Grange Rotary was proud to present over $40,000 in scholarships to outstanding La Grange HIgh school students. Each scholarship awarded was worth $2,000. A big thank you to the La Grange Optimist Club for partnering with them in this initiative.

Books for Me at Pecan Springs

Rotarians Karen Collins and Liz Ingersoll of the Rotary Club of Austin helping Ms. Williams in library with Dig It activities. Each child got a book to take home from BookSpring.

Pflugerville Tree Planting Project

Rotary Club of Pflugerville completed their DAP Grant project on May 12, 2018 with over 40 volunteers from the club, the American Legion Kerlin-Lyerly 154, Pflugerville Community Development Corporation (PCDC), and the City of Pflugerville. Their service project this year was to plant 55 trees in Pflugerville.

Good Ethics Award Luncheon

District 5870 Rotarians at Recognizing Good Ethics in Business Community Awards luncheon at the ATT University of Texas Conference Center in Austin.

Flatonia Rotary Hosts "Hertiage Pride Tour"

Monday wasn’t a normal school day for a group of juniors at Flatonia High School. Students traveled to Corpus Christi to get a unique tour of USS Lexington.

The Flatonia Rotary Club along with USS Lexington planned the second annual “Heritage Pride Tour.” It’s a tour meant to teach students the value of history, and learning about those who served before them.

Tanner Tipton, who visited the Lexington for the first time, said her classmates recently learned about World War II and the history of the Lexington.

“I’m definitely about all hands-on and going and seeing and learning about, so that this is like a great experience in itself,” Tipton said.

2018 Celebration of Life

If I was in Northeast Texas today doing the Celebration of Life, I would tell you about Carl. We met when we were both visitors to the Rotary Club in Angel Fire, New Mexico. He was 19 years older than me; I was pretty new to Rotary and he had several decades of Rotary perfect attendance. We found that we both had a love for church, the mountains, art, and music; he was generous and kind; he loved his wife and family. One day we met up on a walk and right away I noticed his ball cap and instantly realized we were on opposite ends of the political spectrum. But he and I lived by the motto, “Service above Self”. Our friendship never wavered because we were bound together by the strong bond of Rotary, service and compassion.

Recap of Rotary 2017-2018

Click on image to see video on how Rotary District 5870 Central Texas made a difference this past year as #PeopleOfAction #1DistrictStrong

Public Image Award Winners

Congratulations to the following District 5870 Central Texas Clubs for being amazing examples of #PeopleOfAction and the #CenterOfService in each of their communities!

The Public Image Team is so very proud of ALL of the clubs in this amazing District and especially proud of these 4 ROCKSTAR CLUBS!

Way to GO Rotary Club of Flatonia, Corsicana Rotary Club, Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club, and Killeen Heights Rotary

Operation Vacation

Sgt. Isaias Perez and his wife Callie stationed at Ft. Hood enjoyed a complimentary weekend in Austin on April 6-8 @ the JW Marriott compliments of Operation Vacation sponsored by the Rotary Clubs of Killeen and Austin, the Austin Hotel Lodging Association, County Line Restaurants and Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau. This program provides a military family with all the trimmings from meals to entertainment for a fun weekend to thank them for their service and to provide them with qualify time together. This couple are both members of the Army and their comment when they left was that they had never had such an incredible time and were treated so well.

Georgetown Supports Local Heros

Georgetown Rotary presented Field of Honor checks to the Georgetown Texas Fire Departmentand Police Department - Georgetown, Texas. Georgetown is so blessed to have great heroes that help keep them safe!

Volunteer Of The Year

CONGRATULATIONS to Mary Reynolds!! She has been selected 2018 Volunteer of the Year for Pecan Springs Elementary School. WELL DESERVED!! Thank you Mary for your Service Above Self!

District Vocational Scholarships for RY 2018-19

The District Vocational Scholarship Selection Committee met this past Saturday to interview candidates who applied for a District 5870 Vocational Scholarship. The following individuals will each be receiving a $5,000 vocational scholarship to start school in the Fall 2018 term:

Student	Sponsoring Rotary Club	College
Luke Petru	Shiner	Texas State Technical College (Waco campus)
Wes Jennings	Corsicana	Navarro College (Corsicana campus)
Dajana Karmi	Harker Heights	Texas State Technical College (Waco campus)
Andrew Tovar	Killeen Heights	Texas State Technical College (Waco campus)
Wyatt Allison	McGregor	Texas State Technical College (Waco campus)
Bella Rosenbusch	Georgetown	Texas State Technical College (Waco campus)

These scholarships are funded by the generous donations made to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International by the Rotarians of District 5870.

Caldwell Rotary Supports Local Ministries

The Caldwell Rotary Club presented Area 3:16 and Rocking A Ministries with $500 each to help further the programs they offer in Caldwell, Texas. They are proud of the work these groups are doing and thankful they can be a part of it!!

Georgetown Supports R.O.C.K

Georgetown Rotary Club presented the second check to R.O.C.K. (Ride On Center for Kids) ROCK Ride On Center for Kids as a beneficiary of the Patriots Ball, one of the Field of Honor events. This will help pay for a session of Camp Courage this July, a fabulous equestrian therapy camp that helps kids of military families (8 to 12 years of age), some of whom may have a disability. It is a healing and wonderful program at no cost to the families that the Rotary Club of Georgetown is proud to support.

Hutto Rotary Participates in the 2018 Great Hutto Cleanup

Hutto Rotary braved the cold and the wind Saturday, April 7th, along with 400 other volunteers to help with the 2018 Great Hutto Cleanup. An annual event put on by the Keep Hutto Beautiful Foundation, the Great Hutto Cleanup is a day for citizens to help make Hutto a cleaner, better place to live. Citizens can drop off trash, hazardous waste, brush, etc to be disposed of properly. Volunteers line every street and major area cleaning up trash and beautifying common areas.

RC of Marlin’s Community Garden

The Rotary Club of Marlin has partnered with the city of Marlin to develop and maintain a community garden. Awesome service project!

Fulmore Middle School Interact Club Cleans Up

The community service committee for Fulmore Middle School's Interact Club performed a park clean-up project on Saturday, April 7. Two of the kids in the Interact Club - Colby and Nate - along with Colby's dad Brian and Andy Swanson picked up trash and debris at Little Stacy Park. Thanks to Sherry Workman for providing gloves to all of the volunteers!

TAP Purse Project

Joint service project led by the Rotary Club of Centennial Rotary and included Club of Austin, South Austin, University Club and East Austin. They collected 500 handbags for the Texas Advocacy Project Handbags for Hope program. This was a special collaborative project from the Presidents Council.

Austin Cosmopolitan "Flo Party" Service Project

Austin Cosmopolitan held a "Flo Party" aimed to help women in need in a particular way: building “flow kits” filled with feminine hygiene products. Flo Code, a nonprofit organization that provides aid to local organizations for women, teamed up with UT’s Texas Rotaract and the Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club to host a “Flo Party” at The Clay Pit, during which participants packed kits using menstrual products purchased for the event and donated by Rotary members.

E-Club Tree Planting

The E-Club of District 5870 was joined by the Manor New Tech Interact Club to plant 25 tress at Burnet High School. Awesome job!!

Killeen Heights Helps Neighbors

This past weekend, Killeen Heights Rotary built two ramps for neighbors in need - one in Killeen and the other Copperas Cove! This club loves to show how they are #PeopleOfAction! For the ramp in Killeen, they partnered with members of First National Bank and the Central Texas College Rotaract Club. For the ramp in Copperas Cove, they partnered with the Rotary Club of Copperas Cove, and led them through their first ramp project! They were also joined by members of the CTC Rotaract Club.

Pfluggerville Plans For 55 Trees

The Rotary Club Of Pfluggerville likes to do things in a big way! For the tree planting challenge, they have decided on a total of 55 trees - 10 of these will be at the Pfluggerville Animal Shelter and other 45 will go to the new 1849 Park. They had a great time Making A Difference and adding more beauty to their community.

Taylor Responds To Tree Planting Challenge

The Rotary Club of Taylor responded to RI President Ian Riseley's Tree Planting Challenge with the planting of 25 sapling trees - 15 Eastern Red Cedar and 10 Arizona Cypress on city land. Awesome job!!

Area Rotary Clubs Helping to Control Cholera in Mexican Mountains

The Rotary International Foundation of Evanston, Illinois has awarded a $50,000 Global Grant to the Rotary Club of Marble Falls and the Huejutla (way-hoot-la) Centenario Club of Huejutla de Reyes, Mexico. The purpose of the grant is to establish water purification stations primarily in the indigent Sierra Madres Mountains just outside of Huejutla. The program will be a joint effort of the Rotary, the County of Huejutla and the CECyTE magnet school also located in Huejutla. In addition to the Marble Falls Noon Rotary Club, the project is also being funded by other area clubs including the Rotary Daybreak Club of Marble Falls, The Rotary Club of Burnet and the Rotary Club of Lakeway/Lake Travis.

Skeeter Miller Receives PHF

Skeeter Miller, the owner of the County Line Restaurants In Austin was presented a Rotary Paul Harris Fellow for his Continued support for one of the Rotary Club of Austin’s most important service projects, Operation Vacation. The club sponsors a military family from Ft. Hood for an R&R weekend in Austin once a month for the past twelve years and the County Line furnishes a BBQ dinner with all the trimmings for their Saturday night dinner and makes them feel very special. We appreciate the continued partnership with County Line and Skeeter in thanking our soldiers. You are truly a role model for Service Above Self!

Proposed Resolution Changes

In accordance with District 5870 Resolution #2, Section #2, the attached proposed changes to Resolution #5, Section #5 and Resolution #5, Section 8, and a proposed new Resolution #14 have been forwarded to the clubs for review and discussion. These proposals will be voted on at the annual business meeting to be held at the District Conference in San Antonio. This year’s business meeting is scheduled to begin at 2 pm on the afternoon of Saturday, May 5, 2018.

Please contact PDG Rich Kaye at 254-291-4890 or richkaye@hot.rr.com if you have any questions.

Georgetown Supports Clothes Closet at the FUMC

Georgetown Rotary once again has shown how they are #PeopleOfAction! This past week, they used their carpentary skills to build a clothes donation box for for the Clothes Closet at the FUMC. GREAT JOB!!