Editor: Richard Bills
Date: Nov 16 2009
Many thanks to Rich Bills for taking notes on the entire meeting! His writing style is much more amusing than mine.
The Rotary Meeting of Friday the 13th went off without any significant episodes that one would expect on such an ominous day. Linda's word of the week was "aidant". It means "helpful".
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Editor: Lewis, Thomas
Date: Nov 13 2009
Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News -- 12 November 2009
In 1990, several students from Leipzig, Germany, visited Houston as part of a historic Rotary Youth Exchange that took them to District 5890, just months after street marches in their city set the stage for the fall of the Berlin Wall.
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Editor: Lewis, Thomas
Date: Nov 9 2009
By Ryan Hyland
Rotary International News -- 5 November 2009
Rotarian Budi Soehardi's devotion to bettering the lives of disadvantaged children in Indonesia earned him a spot as one of 10 finalists for the 2009 CNN Hero of the Year award .
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Editor: Richard Bills
Date: Nov 4 2009
Witches and Goblins come out during Halloween.
Our own Jeff Peterson did a great job of telling us about the Cypress Creek Family YMCA's operations and current construction project. Thanks, Jeff!
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Editor: Lewis, Thomas
Date: Nov 4 2009
Rescuing the World Costs Less Than You Think by John Conroy in November's "The Rotarian".
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Editor: Lewis, Thomas
Date: Nov 4 2009
The mission of The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is to enable Rotarians to advance
world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of
education, and the alleviation of poverty.
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Editor: Lewis, Thomas
Date: Oct 27 2009
By Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News -- 19 October 2009
Norwegians love to tell stories, especially funny ones.
So when the Rotary Club of Gamlebyen-Fredrikstad came up with the idea of producing a book full of jokes and humorous tales to raise money for Rotary's US$200 Million Challenge , it didn't take long for the idea to catch on.
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Editor: Richard Bills
Date: Oct 27 2009
Pam Wells, Associate Superintendent for Facilities, Planning, and Community Relations for the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD, gave an excellent presentation on school funding. Pam's husband Jim is principal at Cypress Creek High School.
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Editor: Beth LaPenna
Date: Oct 21 2009
by JWerner of The Chronicle
Karen Akiens, Attorney at Law, Achieves Best in Client Satisfaction for Estate Planning
In a 2009 independent survey by Five Star Wealth Managers for "Best in Client Satisfaction", Karen Akiens, Attorney at Law with the firm of Riddle, Butts, & Akiens, LLP, was recognized as first in Estate Planning. Akiens is Board Certified in Probate and Estate Planning by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She limits her practice to the following areas: estate and gift tax, business planning and taxation, asset protection, and estate administration. In addition to the Juris Doctorate, Akiens has a Masters of Law in Tax and an MBA.
Professional affiliations include The Woodlands Bar Association, South Montgomery County Woodlands Chamber of Commerce, Northwest Houston Business & Professional Women, Willowbrook Rotary Club, and The Woodlands #1 BNI.
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Editor: Lewis, Thomas
Date: Oct 21 2009
Rotary International News -- 14 October 2009
Kumbo, Cameroun, and Honesdale, Pennsylvania, USA, may be worlds apart, but through Rotary, the two communities are forming a long-term, mutually enriching partnership.
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Editor: Lewis, Thomas
Date: Oct 21 2009
This October marks 95 years since Jonas Salk, developer of the first safe and effective polio vaccine, was born. Saturday, 24 October, is World Polio Day – a perfect opportunity to celebrate our success and to renew our resolve to END POLIO NOW.
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Editor: John Mitchell
Date: Oct 16 2009
Dear Willowbrook Rotarians,
Many thanks to Jenny Whitaker for telling us about District 5890's Veterans' Programs. Jenny assists Meredith Iler, who is the District Chair for this project. Rotary has been involved in helping to get homes built that accommodate the needs of wounded veterans. These special houses allow the veteran to live independently. Paul Marshall, a visitor and Annapolis graduate, told us about Cypress Cares and other programs that help veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
WORD OF THE WEEK: Ineluctable. It mean "not to be avoided, changed or resisted".
GUESTS: Mrs. Rajiv, Shahnaz's sister-in-law from Islamabad, Pakistan. Ernie Honig, husband of Linda. Paul Marshall, friend of the Honigs
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
John Mitchell has arranged to hire the same caterer that we used last year for the Christmas Party. Costs will be $39 per person. The party will be our regular meeting, so we will not meet on December 11. Members who pre-pay for lunch will get one $10 credit.
John Mitchell has agreed to be nominated as President-Elect to follow David Smith.
Students interested in Rotary Youth Exchange will be interviewed at Tom Jackson's office on November 14 and 15. Volunteers are needed. Please contact Anais or Gary.
GOOD NEWS :
I'm beginning to notice a pattern of Good News each week. Gary, Anais, Joe, Randy....
1. Anais Watsky was pleased that Buddy's session at MD Anderson had gone very well. They found a few hot spots and forced him to drink radioactive iodine, but things look good. She also indicated, in response to Beth's Rotary Hour, the she had been the first female Willowbrook Rotarian. She joined the Club in 1988.
2. Gary Aguren reported that the 2nd student parent RYE Night had produced another 11 students expressin
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Editor: Linda Honig
Date: Oct 14 2009
Dear Willowbrook Rotarians,
Thanks so very much to Patricia Harless for coming to our meeting to give us a report on what was accomplished during the last session of the Texas legislature! She also reviewed some of the constitutional amendments that will be on the ballot.
WORD OF THE WEEK: Scintillating. It means "brilliantly lively, stimulating or witty." That really describes us doesn't it? Complaints were received that this word is too ordinary. Wait until next week!
GUESTS: Virginia Crawford, Doug's wife. Stephanie Dehond, a member of Representative Harless's staff.
SPECIAL MEETING: We adjourned the regular meeting for a brief time so that a special meeting could be called to elect David Smith as President-Elect.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
A brief report on the October 8th Board meeting was given.
We will be providing lunch for Habitat for Humanity workers on October 24. Tom Jackson, Sr., will be the co-coordinator.
Randy Thompson is going to Haiti on October 24. He needs to have some children's shoes donated.
Phil Baker reported on fund raising for PolioPlus and announced the Foundation Seminar on November 7.
Monte Carlo Night will be held on February 13, 2010.
Extensions of their Leaves of Absences have been given to Paul Baker and John Gilligan.
Wayne Roush is doing well and may be able to return to Houston in November. He is hoping to find a surgeon here who is willing to re-fit him with a new artificial knee.
GOOD NEWS (as reported by Rich Bills):
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Editor: Lewis, Tom
Date: Oct 5 2009
By Susan Hanf and Donna Polydoros
Rotary International News -- 1 October 2009
The 1989 Council on Legislation vote to admit women into Rotary clubs worldwide remains a watershed moment in the history of Rotary.
"My fellow delegates, I would like to remind you that the world of 1989 is very different to the world of 1905. I sincerely believe that Rotary has to adapt itself to a changing world," said Frank J. Devlyn, who would go on to become RI president in 2000-01.
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Editor: Richard Bills
Date: Oct 5 2009
Our speaker on October 2 was Amy Lanier from the American Diabetes Association. She gave a well-prepared and informative presentation on diabetes — a topic near and (not so) dear to the heart of your president and several other Club members.
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Editor: Lewis, Tom
Date: Oct 1 2009
John Kenny
President, Rotary International
My fellow Rotarians:
There are many service organizations in the world today, but none so old or so successful as Rotary. There are many reasons for that, and Vocational Service is one of them. This year, I wish you to place a special emphasis on Vocational Service, which is sometimes the forgotten Avenue of Service in Rotary.
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Editor: Tom Lewis
Date: Sep 26 2009
By Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News -- 24 September 2009
Two Rotary clubs, in England and Sweden, have discovered the power of social networking to transform their Rotary experience.
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Editor: Linda Honig
Date: Sep 26 2009
Our speaker today was Carlene Thompson, a Realtor who has written a book about all the amusing and incredible things that have happened during her career. Her talk was truly funny!
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Editor: Linda Honig
Date: Sep 21 2009
Dear Willowbrook Rotarians,
Many thanks for Randy Thompson for inviting his friend Craig Snook to tell us about the work of the Executive Service Corps of Houston (ESCH). ESCH is committed to excellence in the management of non-profit organizations. Craig lives in Lake Jackson, and we give him a special thanks for driving such a long way to be our speaker.
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Editor: Richard Bills
Date: Sep 21 2009
1. Randy Thompson (aka: Dad) continue his series of updates in the life of
a Thai exchange student -
Dad - why do we put our hand over our heart and
say words in 2nd period (pledge)
Dad - why do they have a loud noise and
make us go outside (fire drill)
2. Joe Georgiana, in addition to being
beaten in the football pool by John Gilligan, witnessed his beloved Leprechauns
pull defeat from the laws of victory.
3. Gary Agurren and Anais Watsky
went to Kelin HS to talk to students about Rotary Youth Exchange. In the past,
it had been limited to advanced students, but everyone came this year and they
spoke to 1500 to 2000 students and had a great response.
4. David Smith,
as opposed to Joe, was happily able to report that UH had won a big'un. How
'bout them Coogs!
5. Rich Bills reported that he had run into John
Gilligan while biking. (Fortunately no one was hurt!) John said Kathy was weak
from chemo but otherwise doing well. He also reported that Louella Rousch had
called out of the blue with the understanding that he would help with their
pool. It was the first that he had heard of it, but if it was you, please join
Rich Saturday morning to see what needs working on.
6. Tom Jackson Sr.
had survived a month in Colorado in the presence of the King with no apparent
ill effects.
7. Juan Gutierrez was not happy to report that due to the
poor economy, he is going to have to take a leave of absence from Rotary. Please
encourage your friends to eat at County Line so we can get Juan
back!
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Editor: Linda Honig
Date: Sep 15 2009
Groups like Rotary, Lions hope embracing technology will attract members.
SEEKING NEWCOMERS: Rotary Clubs see Facebook, Twitter and the iPhone as ways to increase the
demand for their name badges. Many offer meetings online.
By JENNIFER LATSON
HOUSTON CHRONICLE
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Editor: Lewis, Tom
Date: Sep 15 2009
By Arnold R. Grahl
Rotary International News -- 14 September 2009
Lisa Monette knew she wanted to do something for her class project that would have a lasting impact.
Monette, a Rotary World Peace Fellow at Chulalongkorn University, joined forces with three other peace fellows who were thinking along similar lines. Together, they dreamed up A Million Acts of Peace, an effort they launched online 27 August to encourage one million people to carry out one act of peace each.
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Editor: John Mitchell
Date: Sep 13 2009
Dear Willowbrook Rotarians,
Thanks so very much to Dr. James Cain, Superintendent of Klein ISD, for the update on activities in the Klein school district. It was interesting to hear about the effect the economic downturn has had on KISD. We all got a good idea about what it means to be a school superintendent faced with financial problems, maintenance issues, and technological changes.Meeting summary:
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Editor: Lewis, Tom
Date: Sep 12 2009
Rotary International News -- 8 September 2009
UNHCR was established in 1951 as the UN agency responsible for handling refugee issues. That same year, Ogata went to the United States as the second Rotary Foundation Fellow (now called Ambassadorial Scholars) from Japan.
Following in Ogata's footsteps, seven Japanese former Foundation scholars and a Rotary World Peace Fellow have worked for UNHCR.
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Editor: Linda Honig
Date: Sep 9 2009
Dear Willowbrook Rotarians,
Many thanks to our Assistant Governor (and Lieutenant Governor) Glen Rowe for presenting the program. He spoke on Rotary's themes and goals for this year. And, he delighted and impressed us all by reciting Dr. Seuss's poem "The Places You Go" from memory! WORD OF THE WEEK: Perseverant. This word was selected because it is so frequently mispronounced. Even President Obama says "PerSERverant". That second R just shouldn't be there.
GUESTS: Kas and Marjolein Storm, parents of Ashley. Ashley is our exchange student from The Netherlands.
VISITING ROTARIANS: Carly Sturdavant and Dennis Mosley from the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: - If anyone who wants to attend has not yet signed up for "End Polio Now Day" at Minute Maid Park on September 27, please contact the Club president.
- Joe started the football pool. Thanks to Joe for all the time and effort that this requires.
- Gary asked members to sign up to help show our foreign exchange students around the city.
Sandy Smith's mother passed away earlier in the week.
- We tried to call Wayne, but he did not answer his phone.
Reported by Linda Honig
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Editor: Lewis, Tom
Date: Sep 7 2009
Rotary International News -- 2 September 2009
In a one-night-only performance, violinist and polio survivor Itzhak Perlman will perform with the New York Philharmonic at the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts in New York City on Wednesday, 2 December, 7:30 p.m.
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Editor: Richard Bills
Date: Sep 7 2009
1. Tom Lewis visited Rusty Schlattmann to have a crown replaced and he feels much better.
2. Beth LaPenna, once again getting more out of a Good News dollar than any other average Rotarian, confirmed her impending senility by admitting having stolen Harald's set and Joe's napkin after her two recent good news forays.
3. Anais Watsky extolled (is that correct linda?) us with a tail of travail in trying to get exchange stdent ID's only to have the power go out after waiting for hours.
4. David Smith appreciated everyone's thoughts and deeds with the recent passing of his Mother-in-Law. She suffered from severe Alzheimers and pain so it was a blessing. He especially thanked Beth and Joe for bringing food.
5. Juan Guitierrez noted that Dr. Moyer was making progress having moved up from soup to baked potato. He also shared that his daughter Noel was fairly adamant in proclaiming he dislike of scholll.
6. Shanaz Kueshy was pleased to say that she had recovered from a bout of the flu (non-swine).
7. Linda Honig was heading out with Ernie to Davenport, Iowa to visit with the caregivers of their only grandaughter.
8. Phil Baker was pleased that he had been able to process a building permit in only 2 weeks instead of the normal 6. Either no one's building or Phil's learned the system.
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Editor: Lewis, Tom
Date: Aug 30 2009
Sure, we knew you wanted to stay abreast of our club's wonderful deeds while you Social Network, so here's another opportunity. Visit Willowbrook Rotary Club.
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Editor: Linda Honig
Date: Oct 30 2009
President Linda begins the club's meeting with a linguistic lesson. Stay tuned to your future bulletins to increase your vocabulary as strive to become the most bombastic club in District 5890! Each week Linda's new word is added to this bombastic list.
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