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Welcome to our Rotary E-Club of Houston!
e-Club of Houston
Service Above Self
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
3rd tuesday of month on your computer
Your place
Anywhere Worldwide, TX
United States of America
Monthly newsletter; Board of Director meetings monthly - Second Tuesday @ Noon; Speaker Series monthly - Third Tuesday @ Noon Service Above Self - Service projects - ANYTIME
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District Site
Venue Map
Venue Map
Club Information
Welcome to our Rotary E-Club of Houston!
e-Club of Houston
Service Above Self
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
3rd tuesday of month on your computer
Your place
Anywhere Worldwide, TX
United States of America
Monthly newsletter; Board of Director meetings monthly - Second Tuesday @ Noon; Speaker Series monthly - Third Tuesday @ Noon Service Above Self - Service projects - ANYTIME
District Site Icon
District Site
Venue Map
Venue Map
Stories
DISTRICT CONFERENCE 2022
The "Kick-Off" on April 28th will be held at NASA.  DG Michelle Bohreer says,  "We will have presentations on our empowering girls initiatives; our collaboration with our interact clubs to fight human trafficking and the life changing impact of global grants, not only for the receipts but for all that give their time, treasure or talents.  If you have followed our Journey to South Africa, you will meet Katherine Brink, little Sophie. Livvi, Boyboy and Ma and learn how you can be part of making a significant impact on the lives of these children that have suffered tremendous abuse and unfortunately thousands more that Little Brink’s House assists. And we will have the greatest pie fight on Friday afternoon" which will have everything to do with eradicating polio.  Dinner on Saturday night will be held in Clear Lake Park Pavillion sponsored by clubs in our district - "Taste of D5890."  The Governor's Banquet will be held on Saturday evening and costumes are encouraged along the theme of "Galactic Gala."  It is hard not to have fun and harder not to come away inspired by Rotary stories.    
Help for Ukraine
We raised $2,400 to send medical supplies to Ukraine. These supplies primarily went to Kharkiv.  They were purchased in Poland by an employee of our club member Valeriy Iakovenko who remains in Ukraine.  He has some employees operating in Poland who made the purchases and arranged for the delivery of medical supplies.  
These supplies were for hospitals needing supplies and a new list of needs was shared as the need is ongoing.  We will soon be applying for a Disaster Relief Grant from Rotary International in the amount of $25,000.  Special thanks to member Salvador Gonzales in El Paso for working on the grant to be submitted on behalf of our district.  Robin Charlesworth has inquired to needs in Kharkiv and Mykolayv hospitals.  They do need patient monitors if they are used (probably being conservative as the risk remains high of getting bombed).  Priority needs remain tactical medicine for emergency support to treat burns and bleeding - more bandages, hemostatic powder to stop bleeding.  
 
Last week a new partnership with Project Cure was explored for purchase of supplies in the USA which will include shipping to either Germany or Poland.  While touring their warehouse, I observed many boxes already wrapped up on pallets to be shipped to Ukraine.  Robin has also been in communication with President James Joeriman of the Rotary Club of Lviv International who can arrange for delivery from the Poland/Ukraine border into Ukraine.  They are a club of about 60 members who are actively engaged in delivering supplies within Ukraine.  President James Joeriman shared, "As far as first aid kits, we strongly advise picking kits that contain tourniquets, 6" emergency/Israeli bandage, a hemostatic agent (chito gauze, Cellox, Quick klot, etc.), and shears at a minimum. Eye shields and decompression needles are a nice bonus, but the kits can lack these items and still be useful for field medics who have largely replaced ER doctors with the destruction of many hospitals in the east." He continued, "
As a quick overview of our efforts, with our members in Poland and Germany, we have fundraised just around 3.5 million EUR, sent nearly 70 trucks (most of them from Germany) of aid. Just last week while I was in Lviv we had 4 deliveries with things ranging from mattresses to first aid kits, and two trucks which brought in generators! https://www.facebook.com/LvivInternationalRC."
 
Within our district I know we have delivered more than $30,000 in aide for Ukraine.  Some support has gone directly to the $10 million received in Rotary International for the Disaster Relief Grants.  Others have partnered with physicians from Ukraine who were here a few years ago with Open World, and some partnered with Medical Bridges.  
 
What's Happening
Olivia  Hernandez - Developed a restorative justice program at Rice University which is a new method of conflict resolution.  She is actively processing cases with this new program.  Stuff happens even at Rice University.
 
Dree Miller -  Starring in "Aunt Julia and the Scriptwriter" at Main Street Theater Houston, playing the role of Josefina who is an actress during the golden age of radio during the 1950's in Peru.  Check out the dates from May 8 - June 5.  
 
Brittany Johnson - Just returned from a trip to the Bahamas with husband Josh.
 
Ruby Powers - Condolences to Ruby and her family on the recent loss of her grandmother.
 
PDG Nick Giannone, Anais Watsky, and Leenette Wilke all attended Rotary Exchange Student for outbound students to be good ambassadors for the USA and Rotary D5890.
 
Isabel Nordin will become the Rotary Counselor for our incoming Rotary Exchange Student from France.
 
Chopin Kiang sampled favorite dishes in and around Las Vegas on a recent return to his old stomping grounds.  His favorite restaurant is Canaletto Ristorante in the Venetian on Las Vegas - dining there for 22 or more years.
 
Cristal Montanez has continued helping refugees from Venezuela who have crossed into Columbia with "HOPE for Venezuelan Refugees".  See her video on our WHATSAPP or on Instagram.  Phase 6 is a partnership between the Rotary Club of Cucata, Rotary Club of Washington DC and Foundation of Washington DC, Action4Help, Bear Hugs for Venezuela, and Good Bears of the World.
 
 
Program:  A chef shares her recipe for sustainable future | Peggy Chan | TEDxTinHau
Have you heard of the term “food literacy”? In this talk Peggy Chan will share why solving the climate crisis will require more than just shifting diets. In fact, we will require fundamental food education reform beginning at a grassroots level - in schools and for professionals in F&B. Small changes done at scale through helping people to understand the impact of their food choices on their health, ecosystem and our economy. Peggy opened Grassroots Pantry in 2012 with a mission to raise awareness and knowledge on the benefits of plant-based cuisine. Emerging as the region’s most authoritative voice on organic sourcing, and sustainable food systems, Peggy developed Grassroots Initiatives Consultancy to help food service professionals understand how operational decisions affect the planet and its ecosystems. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community.
Rotary International Convention
WHEN:  June 4 - 8
WHERE:  HOUSTON. The 2022 Rotary International convention will be held at the George R. Brown Center, with special events taking place all around the city of Houston.
 

Ready for Lift Off?!! We are ….  First stop – Register for the Convention

On behalf of the Host Organization Committee, we cannot wait to welcome Rotarians and guests to Houston and the great State of Texas for the 2022 Rotary International Convention.  The saying goes that everything is “Bigger”, “Better” and “Friendlier” in Texas, and the goal of the Houston Host Organization Committee is to have each of you feel that every moment as our guest while in Houston! From the humble beginnings of this great city, Houston has been led by “People of Action” who have taken this City to great heights including, to the moon and back. 

The City has plenty of activities to keep you entertained.  Visit Space Center Houston, the home of Johnson Space Center and the Astronauts.  Enjoy a night at the theater.  Houston features a world class symphony, opera, ballet and permanent theater company.  World class museums are within a short ride from the convention center.  Of course, you can watch the 2017 World Series Champion Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park which is walking distance from the Houston Convention Center. Second stop – Host Committee Events

Houston is one of the most diverse cities in the world with a vast range of cultures.  Houston’s diversity has resulted in some of the world’s best cuisine.  Houston’s vast array of restaurants include Creole, Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian, African, Caribbean, Argentinian and of course our very own Tex-Mex and world famous BBQ, to name a few.

We look forward to welcoming each of you personally to Houston in June of 2022!!

PDG Rhonda Kennedy
Chair Host Organization Committee 2022

 

Event :  Environmental FootPrint Service Project  June 2022

WHAT MARK WILL YOU MAKE ?  Climate change is one of the biggest threats facing humanity.  Footprint App Inc. has customized their app to make it Rotary-focused while you are attending the convention.  Using it, you will be able track your carbon footprint while here in Houston and learn ways to develop more environmentally-sustainable habits.  Rotarians registered for this event will enjoy completing special challenges and watching their places on the leaderboards.                                     

The goal of the Environmental Footprint Service Project is to offset the environmental impact of Rotarians attending the 2022 Convention.

Event :  Visit to Kemah Boardwalk – Kemah, TX – Saturday June 4, 2022

Come visit one of the Gulf coasts most exciting playgrounds to include a boardwalk that features a wide range of restaurants, rides to include the bullet roller coaster, CP Huntington Train, Boardwalk Tower, Drop Zone, Iron Eagle Zip line, Stingray Reef and Rainforest Exhibit just to name a few, all in a setting looking onto the Gulf of Mexico.  A local shuttle sponsored by the Rotarians of the Seabrook Rotary Club will shuttle those to the Kemah shops that would like to do some shopping to support the local businesses.  This event gives priority to Rotaractors but is open to all Rotarians and the families.  Ticket prices include round trip bus transportation, wrist band allowing access to most of the rides, except for the “Beast” and “Fantasea Cruise” which are at an additional cost, and discounts for the local restaurants. Ticket price $50 USD.

 

Event:  Host Welcome Event  – Saturday night June 4, 2022

Join us for an evening of fun, food and entertainment as we kick-off the beginning of the 2022 Rotary International Convention. This event will take place on the Avenida Plaza in front of the George R Brown Convention Center, just a few feet away from Houston premier Green Space, Discovery Green Park. See Texas dancers like no other as the Texas Aggie Wranglers two step their way into your hearts. Enjoy the fun as the “ Little Armored Ones”, the Texas Armadillos, show off their racing skills. For those that have always wanted to be a Cowboy, climb on the mechanical bull, and see if you can last 8 seconds. This ticketed event will be filled with tastes, sights and sounds reflecting the cultural diversity of the City of Houston and the welcoming flair of the big heart of Texas. Please purchase your “Beer/Wine Tickets” prior to this event. A night of Texas hospitality with an international flair awaits you. The attire for this event is Texas casual.  Ticket price $125 USD.

Event :   Tour of Space Center Houston – Monday night June 6, 2022

Welcome to Space Center Houston.  Our guests will be bused to the Space Center in Clear Lake for an evening of out of this world exhibits and entertainment.  The visit to the space center includes a meal, round trip transportation and access to the Space Center Houston exhibits and activities.  The Trams to mission control and rocket-ship park will also be operating.  This visit will include live astronaut presentations, access to the Boeing 747 with the Space Shuttle and the new Falcon 9 exhibit.  Be prepared to be amazed at the human space fight interactive exhibits and shows. Ticket price $125 USD.

Event:  Magic on the Bayou – Monday evening  June 6, 2022

An evening of food, wine and magical entertainment. Enjoy a wonderful dinner, great wines and plenty of laughs as local magicians amaze you at your table.  The evening will conclude with 2 time International Champion of Magic and winner of the World of Magic Seminar in Las Vegas, NV- Ben Jackson, More Than Magic, as he performs his “Magic, Music and Mayhem” show. Ben has been featured on numerous national television shows and calls Houston his home.  Ballroom at the Bayou Place is easy to find in the theater district and on the main bus route.  Transportation not included in ticket price. Ticket price $100USD.

Event:  Host Hospitality Night – Tuesday evening  June 7, 2022

Sign up for an evening for host hospitality and join the Rotary clubs of District 5890 and 5910 for an evening of food, fun and fellowship.  A highlight of many conventions to come meet your Rotary friends and share the fellowship of the Rotary family. Ticket price $35 USD.  THIS IS OUR NIGHT AT THE SILOS!  Pre-purchase of tickets on WHATSAPP for our club or the following website:  https://www.tickettailor.com/events/rotaryeclubofhouston/648485 ***members of our club should not sign up for this event on RI website or you may be assigned to another club's party.  We need "all hands on deck" for this special event hosting 50 Rotarians from around the world.  Robert Stein is ordering BBQ, Chopin Kiang has arranged for terrific & talented musical entertainment, Isis is arranging for the "booze", and Robin's committee has hand-painted oyster shells for small gifts for all attendees as a token representative of the Texas Gulf Coast region.  To offer help or be assigned a task, contact Akin Olufowoshe.  Leenette Wilke and Wind Nguyen will accompany our group who registered through Rotary International on a bus to The Silos.

 

 

 
Rotary & Disaster Response

With more than 1.2 million members worldwide, Rotarians are on the ground and ready to take action to help communities recover when disasters strike.

Rotary members and The Rotary Foundation play a unique role in disaster recovery and rebuilding efforts. Working closely with our partner ShelterBox, Disaster Aid, and other organizations that specialize in disaster relief, Rotary members lead projects to support every phase of a community's recovery.

Rotary supports three phases of relief:

  1. Immediate response: Our local clubs and partners immediately offer helping hands and supplies.
  2. Short-term assistance: Our clubs and districts help affected communities wherever we can through funds and materials to re-establish day-to-day operations.
  3. Long-term rebuilding: Our clubs plan and implement projects that rebuild affected communities.
Each year we have disasters on US soil largely due to extreme weather events, such as tornadoes and flooding, which creates opportunities for Disaster Relief.  Many clubs are currently invested in Disaster Relief in Ukraine and the neighboring countries who have taken in refugees to feed and provide shelter.  The world sees to create endless opportunities for Rotarians to take action and help those in need as they face unexpected life circumstances.
First Gourmet Night. - POSTPONED
Caribbean style cuisine will be planned for the first "Gourmet Night" to be held at the home of Linda and Karl Blench in Pearland, Texas.  They will provide recipes for those interested and recorded music of a steel drum band will provide an appropriate ambiance for the evening.  The meal will be prepared once guests arrive in the. kitchen all together and then seating will be outside. It will be BYOB. This kick-off will be limited to only four couples and others may attend via Zoom.  Watch WHATSAPP for. updates as a second dinner may be planned in the Cypress area.  Guests who are not in our Rotary club will be welcome, too.  Brandt Smith has offered to host if needed.  BON APPETITE, YA'LL!
 
DATE TO BE DETERMINED
In Closing, the Rotary Four-Way Test
 
Executives
President
 
Secretary
 
Treasurer
 
Club Foundation Chair
 
Club Membership Chair
 
Immediate Past President
 
Club Administration
 
President Elect
 
Community Service
 
Next Generation Service
 
Program Chair