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What is your Rotary story? Most members join Rotary to be a part of a service organization which truly makes a difference in the lives of others. Rotary projects provide opportunities to touch the lives of others in meaningful ways. Your dollars, of course, are appreciated and support these varied projects, yet for most the Rotary story is a personal experience which strengthens one’s commitment to be actively engaged in not only giving, but also doing - making connections to share time and talent. If you are touched by an article in The Rotarian, take that interest and if it becomes your passion, then Rotary can help your dream become reality. It did for me as I read about illiteracy rates and then researched the literacy needs in my own community. It led to an opportunity to build an adult literacy program in some available office space on property my husband and I owned, recruiting community volunteers who were trained in Laubach workbooks, assessment of basic reading skills, scheduling classes, and celebration ceremonies to recognize progress of our adult students. My Rotary club supported the project with money to purchase workbooks, and paying utilities for the building. They also attended the ceremonies to encourage our students. I was able to develop this program to improve the lives of some in my own community who were unable to read recipes, unable to read bus schedules, unable to read to their children or help their children with homework. I have experienced the great feeling of knowing that my efforts changed the lives of those adults when they had failed as children to learn how to read beyond only second or third grade levels, and it was made possible with the help of Rotary. I encourage you to try various avenues of service – community, international, vocational, new generations, or club service, to discover what is meaningful for you. When you find your passion, I invite you to share your Rotary story. For some, it happens quickly and with some it may take years before you take a chance on traveling abroad with Rotarians or even finding the time to drive students to RYLA or just taking an exchange student out to dinner. Open your mind and try different Rotary activities, and engage in your Family of Rotary. It will lead you into experiences you will never regret and enrich your life as it has my own.

I had the pleasure of installing our Interact club officers at Wisdom High School on October 22^nd at Wisdom High School and discussed the RYLA application process for interested sophomores and juniors. The RYLA deadline will be November 12^th and interviews will be scheduled to determine the finalist.

If you are in Houston this coming Saturday, November 17^t, please try to attend our kick-off workday at the Martin Bailey Garden at Wisdom High School. This is also our “Service Saturday” for November.

Yours in Service to Rotary,

Robin Charlesworth, President 2018-19

November Calendar

Saturday, November 17th, 2018 - 9 AM TO 1 PM, Martin Bailey Garden Project ( Stage 1) - Volunteers Needed, Margaret Long Wisdom High School, 6529 Beverlyhill St, Houston, Texas 77057.

CAPTURE THE MOMENT - 2019 Intenational Rotary Convention

Join Rotary President Barry Rassin at the 110th Rotary International Convention in Hamburg, Germany, June 1st to 5th, 2019. The historic port city of Hamburg offers something for everyone. Germans call it “The Gateway to the World” — and the 2019 convention will be your gateway to the world of Rotary. At the convention, you’ll connect with people of action from across the globe while learning the latest news and strategies for keeping clubs strong. As a past convention attendee, you know that every convention is an opportunity to learn. Not only will you be inspired by the energy and enthusiasm that surrounds you, you’ll also make new, unforgettable memories that can last a lifetime.

Join your Rotary friends in Hamburg at the 2019 Rotary Convention where together, we’ll Capture the Moment! Check out: The Germany You Don't Know.

REGISTER HERE - December 15th 2018: Last day for early-registration discount. June 5th, 2019: Last day for online registration.

Volunteer for the Martin Bailey Garden Project - Nov. 17th!

Join Vox Culture and volunteer for the Martin Bailey Garden Project at Margaret Long Wisdom High School! In partnership with the Rotary E-Club of Houston, we are developing a creative garden model that addresses the needs of Wisdom HS.

Volunteers Needed: Stage 1 begins on Saturday, November 17, 2018 at 9 AM – 1 PM CST

WHERE: Margaret Long Wisdom High School

6529 Beverlyhill St, Houston, Texas 77057

Building a garden requires a strong group effort to make a difference! Therefore, we need your time and talent to make it happen. Volunteers will mainly be planting seeds and seedlings in the raised beds, but no experience is necessary, since there will be instructions provided on-site. Some gardening tools will be available but priority will be given to the students of the school. If you have your own tools, we recommend you bring them!

WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING & WEAR: Garden gloves, jeans or comfortable clothing you do not mind getting dirty in, hat and/or sunglasses, close toed shoes.

FOOD: Snacks will be served to all volunteers.

REGISTRATION/INQUIRIES: If you would like to volunteer - or if you cannot volunteer but wish to support the Martin Bailey Garden Project - please contact Vox Volunteer Coordinator, Nicole Kwan, at nicole.kwan@voxculture.org with your full name, phone #, and email. Please also let us know if you are coming by yourself, as a couple, or with a group.

ABOUT THE MARTIN BAILEY GARDEN PROJECT: This eco-garden is a green space that will produce resources for students, including food and educational opportunities. It aims to develop a modern concept of an integrated urban garden that encourages sustainability, education, and healthy food options including vegetables, fruits, and herbs. The garden will also benefit educators by enhancing curriculum and live education options, with state of the art green technology features and more. Furthermore, professional artists will collaborate with Wisdom HS students to design garden beautification projects with murals being part of the first stage of development.

IN MEMORIAM: The garden is dedicated in the memory of Mr. Martin Bailey. Mr. Bailey was a alumni of the first graduating class of Wisdom HS and remained a highly active alumni board member who continuously advocated and strived for the embetterment of the students at Wisdom High School.

Thank you; we can’t wait to see you around the garden!

Bear Hugs for Venezuela

Bear Hugs for Venezuela Pilot Project: Teddy Bear Distribution to Children in Venezuela

This pilot project is bringing hope, joy and a smile to the faces of the children with the comfort and therapeutic power of teddy bears.The Rotary e-Club of Houston, in partnership with the Rotary Caracas, distributed 120 care packages containing teddy bears, coloring books, crayons, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and healthy high calorie/nutritious snacks. Find out more about this important project and how you can help at this link.

Empowering Women on a Global Scale

Imagine, as a woman, you could not participate in life during ONE week of EVERY month.

• No school for one week.

• No work for one week.

• No grocery shopping for one week.

• No helping members of your family for one week.

This is what happens to girls and women, while having their periods in a majority of our world. Thankfully, in today’s modern society we don’t have this issue as we have disposable solutions. Traditional disposable tampons and pads are unattainable luxuries in places like Honduras, where money is more often used for food and survival. Reusable pads are an economical and acceptable solution to giving 12 weeks of life back to these women in Honduras. Christine Mercer, fellow Rotarian, has partnered with HOI.org and Keypreps.com to bring as many reusable pads as possible to the women of Honduras; and she has a challenge for you!

HERE’S HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Please help the women in Honduras take control of their own destiny by purchasing one of the reusable pad sets at this link. Click Here to reach a special link specifically for this project. Please have the order shipped to Christine Mercer at the below address, and she will take as many suitcases full of pads as she can on her next mission trip, March 16-23, 2019.

Ship to: Christine Mercer, 270 Doug Baker Blvd. Suite 700, Box 318 Birmingham, AL 35242.

Christine will update everyone with details about the program, while on her trip in March. Please feel free to forward this challenge to anyone you feel would enjoy helping.

Thank you!

Program: What Makes a Good Life? Lessons from the Longest Study on Happiness

What keeps us happy and healthy as we go through life? If you think it's fame and money, you're not alone – but, according to psychiatrist Robert Waldinger, you're mistaken. As the director of a 75-year-old study on adult development, Waldinger has unprecedented access to data on true happiness and satisfaction. In this talk, he shares three important lessons learned from the study as well as some practical, old-as-the-hills wisdom on how to build a fulfilling, long life.

Inspirational Video: Teamwork Can Make a Dream Work

Inspiring Song - Sam Cooke - A Change Is Gonna Come

We Want to Hear From You

Members, please send us articles about your service or community projects and include a photo of you doing Rotary work. We would love to receive feedback from our subscribers on how we are doing, and content you would like to see published. Be the inspiration! Please click on the link under the name Adriane Miller to send me an email.

Thank you,

Adriane Miller & Lori Prouty

Rotary E-Club of Houston Newsletter Team

Join the Rotary e-Club of Houston and Help Make A Difference!

Ready to join a great Rotary Club? Click on membership application on the left side of the homepage. Please complete all fields on the application and press submit. You will be contacted by Nicole Bianchi, Membership Director, soon.

On the membership application you will be asked if you have attended two Rotary e-Club of Houston meetings on-line. Look for the Weekly Program and either view the video or read the article, then go to the tab for Weekly Meeting beneath the banner of the page and submit the attendance form to receive credit.

To pay your membership dues: By credit card, please click on the PayNow yellow link on the left side of the home page.

Thank you!