The Veterans Committee of the Rotary Club of Houston invites you to participate in the “Veterans Day Celebration: Honoring All Who Served Our Country” at the Cloudbreak “Veterans” Community on Thursday, November 9, 2023 at 11:00 a.m.  Our Rotary Club will provide food, beverages, games, and fellowship to our veterans who currently reside at Cloudbreak located at 4500 Travis Street, Houston, Texas 77002.  Come out and celebrate the military service that these men and women provided to our great country.   Space is limited—so please register on-line.

The Cloudbreak Community is one of several active developments that provides supportive housing for homeless and at-risk veterans in nine cities across five states.  Owned and operated by Cantwell-Anderson, Inc, the Cloudbreak Community in Houston—originally a Days Inn Hotel—has housed nearly 3,000 veterans in transitional and long-term housing since 2003.  The mission at Cloudbreak is to assist “each veteran to overcome life’s obstacles and attain his or her potential through mutuality, dignity and respect for all.” 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this fantastic event, please contact Orlando O’Neill at (832) 603-0446. 

Tuesday Night is Trivia Night at Kenneally's Irish Pub!

Trivia officially kicks off at 8:00 pm but come early for fellowship and fun.  Kenneally's offers great food, great drinks and a great time!

FOUR ROTARIANS SHARING THEIR LIFE JOURNEYS AND STORIES
INGA HEBDON, HUSSAIN ALI, KERRY BENOIT, SKEETER BRAUN
 

For our November 16^th program, the Rotary Club of Houston presents. a new concept for your enjoyment. Following our successful program featuring The Three Amigos of Law, (ECKELS, FOSTER, OLSEN) discussing the Law and their Lives, a sequel returns to Tony’s, featuring Four Rotarians. Presenters include former resident of U.K. and Canada INGA HEBDON; former Pakistan resident HUSSAIN ALI; former Canada resident KERRY BENOIT; plain-old-American-resident SKEETER BRAUN. The importance of other people in our lives has become more apparent since the COVID Epidemic. We have all seen the benefit of meaningful connections during hard times. We can improve our overall happiness by having better connections, including our Rotarians. It is time to get to know more about our outstanding fellow Rotarians.

To quote from one of our Rotarian presenters: "EVERY CONVERSATION IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN"  Please attend and continue the process of learning about the many wonderful, successful Rotarians who make up the best club in Rotary-The Rotary Club of Houston.

Joe Colangelo
Program Committee
713-412-1875

Come join the Rotary Club of Houston's Satelite Club of Innovation for an evening of virtual conservation work to make a positive impact on the future for wildlife across the globe, all you need is a smartphone! Free snacks & beverage provided.

Rotary is partnering with ZSL's Instant Wild to support the mobilization of people power to scale up important animal monitoring work, which helps scientists protect wildlife and secure a richer biodiversity for all! This is a casual volunteering event, which is also conducive to socializing with like-minded peers while serving a good cause.

What You Will Be Doing

Motion-triggered cameras provide you with live images and videos from stunning locations worldwide. Examine the images closely, identify the various species of animals, and count their numbers. Your task is to tag the animals and species in the videos or pictures, selecting from the provided list of species in the study area. Your efforts in identifying the animals in each image contribute to wildlife conservation. 

Where

4201 Main Street, 2nd Floor, Ion Common Desk, the Newbury Room

Thursday, November 16th, 5:30pm-7pm

Bring With You

A Smartphone, please download the Instant Wild Volunteering App from the App Store prior to your arrival.

More about ZSL Instant Wild

Instant Wild is a Zoological Society of London (ZSL) Initiative. Founded in 1826, ZSL is a global conservation charity with a mission to conserve the planet's wildlife and their habitats. With two Zoos, a renowned Institute of Zoology and over 50 conservation projects worldwide, ZSL uses ground-breaking science to fuel life-changing conservation.

Learn more at - https://instantwild.zsl.org/about and https://www.zsl.org

Getting to the Venue

Once you have parked, enter the main lobby at the Ion and check-in at the front counter. Ask about the Rotary event, and have your ID handy. The front counter personnel will direct you towards an elevator. Take it to the second floor (the Common Desk) and look for a Rotary sign. If you have any challenges, please reach out to 206-619-0450.

The Veterans Committee of the Rotary Club of Houston invites you to participate in the “Thanksgiving Day Celebration: Honoring Our Veterans” at the Cloudbreak Veterans Community on Thursday, November 23, 2023, at 11:30 a.m.  Our Rotary Club, with the valued assistance of PDG Bob Gebhard and “Operation Turkey Houston,” will provide and serve a delicious Thanksgiving meal to our veterans who currently reside at Cloudbreak located at 4500 Travis Street, Houston, Texas 77002.  Come out and share the blessings of Thanksgiving with the men and women who served our great country.   Because this is a service project and not a luncheon, you will have plenty of time to celebrate the holiday with your family.  Space is limited—so please register on-line.

The Cloudbreak Community is one of several active developments that provides supportive housing for homeless and at-risk veterans in nine cities across five states.  Owned and operated by Cantwell-Anderson, Inc, the Cloudbreak Community in Houston—originally a Days Inn Hotel—has housed nearly 3,000 veterans in transitional and long-term housing since 2003.  The mission at Cloudbreak is to assist “each veteran to overcome life’s obstacles and attain his or her potential through mutuality, dignity and respect for all.” 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding this fantastic event, please contact Orlando O’Neill at (832) 603-0446. 

Richard R. Olsen

Attorney at Law

"Houston's Strengths and Challenges"

Ruth N. López Turley is Professor of Sociology and Director of the Kinder Institute for Urban Research at Rice University, which brings together data, research, engagement, and action to improve lives. In 2011, she founded the Houston Education Research Consortium (HERC), a research-practice partnership between Rice University and eleven Houston area school districts, representing over 700,000 students. A program of the Kinder Institute, HERC works to improve educational equity by connecting research to policy and practice, working directly with district leaders. She directed HERC from 2011 to 2022, during which she raised over $30M so that school districts would not have to pay for research. She also founded the National Network of Education Research-Practice Partnerships, which connects and supports over 60 partnerships between research institutions and education agencies throughout the country. In 2022, President Biden appointed her to the National Board for Education Sciences, which advises and approves priorities for the research arm of the US Department of Education. She is a graduate of Stanford and Harvard and is originally from Laredo, Texas.

Come join the Rotary Club of Innovation for a Friday afternoon of wrapping gifts for the students of Blackshear Elementary, at the Ion! This event is in partnership with the Ion, and Operation Love.

Gifts and wrapping paper will be provided, but more gifts are welcome! If you are interested in donating please bring any of the following items for ELEMENTARY SCHOOL KIDS, lightly used or new:

-toys: balls, legos, dolls, fun stuff!

-clothing: shoes, winter coats, socks and undergarments (only new)

-bigger items: laptops and electronics, bikes

The ‘Operation Love’ project grew out of a love for the children and families of Third Ward. It is a project of the Tre Missional community in partnership with community businesses and other ministries in the greater Houston area. Blackshear Elementary School has been in the heart of Third Ward for more than 100 years. In 2017, there were approximately 537 students attending the school. Approximately, 94 percent are economically disadvantage with 63.7% consider at risk of dropping out of school. This school is located in a predominately African American community. Through generous donations from the community, Operation Love has been able to provide toys and books to every child; new and gently used clothing and coats to families; a hot meal of hamburgers and hot dogs, snacks and desserts; prizes and entertainment with the message of LOVE.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE RECEPTION AND GALA

The Rotary Club of Innovation is a proud Community Partner of the first ever annual Jingle Mingle - a Houston Tech eXtravaganza, a celebration of the Houston startup ecosystem and the people who make it happen.

The party is going down Tuesday, December 5th, 2023 on the Skylawn/OutPost of POST with amazing views of the Downtown skyline and complimentary access to the (ticketed) Winter Wonderlawn with over 100,000 lights.

Register at with the promo code below: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/jingle-mingle-a-houston-tech-extravaganza-tickets-757263995997

PROMO CODE: rocket100

Come decked out in holiday style (whatever that means to you!) and celebrate with your friends in the Houston startup community.

Tickets include entry to the party, access to the Winter Wonderlawn, 2 drinks (a cash bar will also be available), and more.

What's happening:

5-7 PM

• Check in and get your wristband when you arrive to get access to the Winter Wonderlawn
• Grab a drink from the bars
• Take a selfie at the selfie stations
• Learn about what's coming up in 2024 from the Community!
• More activities to come!

BEAR ... BE A Resource for CPS Kids

The BEAR will provide lunch for participants.

Rotarians will separate gifts by age to create gift bags according to CPS children's wish list.

BEARing Gifts provides holiday gifts to children involved with Child Protective Services who otherwise would have no holiday cheer at all. Over 14,000 children were served with our help last year!

Let's do it again this year! Bring your donation of new, unopened toys to the Warehouse on Thursday December 7^th 2023.

*Located at the end of the Brookwood Business Park next to Oaks Dads’ Club (baseball fields). Click here for directions!

Come out for fun and fellowship with your fellow Rotarians!

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF GERRY K. GROGIN, INTERVIEWED BY RICK OLSEN 

"LIFE ISN'T TIED WITH A BOW, BUT IT'S STILL A GIFT"

On December14, the Rotary Club of Houston is honored to present our 97-year-young Gerry Grogin, interviewed by fellow Rotarian, Rick Olsen. The program committee decided to feature Gerry while he is still young and able to remember significant events from his colorful life.

 Gerry and Rick will converse about Gerry’s life and times aided by Gerry’s best friends, Melvin Maltz, class of 47, who will also offer some observations about an Aggie friendship that has spanned 80 years.

You won’t want to miss this “once in a lifetime” opportunity to hear Gerry, and Rick aided by Melvin,  in discussion about Gerry’s ancestors who came from Russia and Poland, how three of Gerry’s ancestors died at the Alamo, how Gerry enlisted in the U.S. Army at 16 and served in the Pacific during W.W.II, you will also hear about the famed Aggie Muster on Corregidor Island  April 21, 1946 and why Gerry is thankful for the Atom bomb and the G.I. Bill.  You will also learn why Gerry has been called Aggie Royalty. Finally, you will hear about Gerry’s sixty-year love for The Rotary Club of Houston.

 Please invite your friends to this incredibly special event in our club’s history.

Joe Colangelo
Program Committee

Join Virtually ===> December 14, 2023

Please join members and friends of The Rotary Club of Houston as we participate in our annual “Holiday Wreaths for Veterans” service project on Saturday, December 16, 2023 from 11:30 am to 1:00 pm.  For the fourth year now, The Rotary Club of Houston has partnered with “Wreaths Across America-Houston” to place holiday wreaths on the headstones of our fallen veterans at Houston National Cemetery.  Once again, we are honored to join forces with our fellow Rotarians from the Rotary Club of Greater Houston Veterans in Sections P, I and E of the National Cemetery (marked by green arrows on the attached map), along with Sections A, S3 and S2 (marked by blue arrows).  

Bring your family and friends to this memorable holiday event. 

See the information below from the www.waahouston.com website:

Important Information –

Parking

• The best place to park is at Greenspoint Mall and take the free shuttle to the National Cemetery.
• The parking on the Cemetery grounds will usually fill by 9:00 a.m. so Greenspoint Mall is your best option.
• Parking on Veterans Memorial Road is not recommended due to the volume of traffic.

Timing

• 7:30 a.m. –  Free Shuttle Service Starts
• 8:00 a.m. –  Motorcycle Escort and Trucks Arrive
• 11:00 a.m. –Ceremony Starts
• 11:45 a.m. –Wreath Laying Starts  (no wreaths will be laid until the Ceremony is over)
• 2:30 p.m. –  Free Shuttle Service Stops

Join Virtually ===> December 21, 2023

Come out for fun and fellowship!

 LIVING THE LEGACY OF REV. DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
“A CONVERSATION WITH PAULA McCANN HARRIS"
Senior Vice President of Community Affairs
Executive Director of the Astros Foundation

The Rotary Club of Houston is proud to present "A Conversation with Paula McCann Harris" on the occasion of the birthday of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Dr. King preached nonviolence to solve the many racial and economic divides in America but he also was a strong advocate on the value of education, a life lived in service to others, and speaking up about things that matter.  Paul McCann Harris' life embodies all the attributes Dr. King asked of each American: Graduate of Texas A&M with a degree in Petroleum Engineering; distinguished thirty-three career with the leading oil driller in the world, Schlumberger; elected to the HISD Board of Trustees with an emphasis on promoting STEM education, and increasing the academic achievement of the children of HISD;  Board Chair of STEM Charter School. Noted author and publisher of books that introduce girls to STEM education with a focus on coding and robotics. Established workshops and global initiatives promoting STEM, especially Robotics and Coding.

Please invite your friends to this important and inspiring program.

Joe Colangelo
Kathy Fenninger

Program Committee

Paula McCann Harris
Senior Vice President of Community Affairs
Executive Director of the Astros Foundation

 

2022 Top 30 Most Influential Women in Houston

The Top 30 Women celebrate the accomplishments and giving spirit of hundreds of diverse, influential and powerful women in Houston and the surrounding areas. 

Paula Harris is the Senior Vice President of Community Affairs for the Houston Astros and also serves as the Executive Director of the Astros Foundation. Paula enjoyed a 33-year career with Schlumberger. Paula started as a field engineer logging wells in the Gulf of Mexico. The position she held when she retired was designing and implementing strategic ESG programming to ensure Schlumberger was a respected partner in the communities in which we work across the globe. Paula serves on the board of Chart Industries (GTLS) and Hunting PLC (HTG). She also served as Board Chair of the Petroleum Club of Houston and the Texas A&M Black Former Students board. Paula currently serves as Board Secretary for the Children’s Museum of Houston. She has been profiled in Black Engineer, Graduating Engineer, and Money Magazine. Paula has received numerous recognitions, including: • Black Engineer’s 50 Who make a Difference • Greater Houston Women’s Chamber -Woman of Distinction

Texas Executive Women Award • United Nations Global Citizenship Award • Texas A&M Aggie Impact Award • Houston Business Journal Lifetime Legacy Award • Women of Color in Technology Award • Paula is a highly requested global speaker on topics such as Women in Energy, Energy Education, STEM, Coding in Schools, and Navigating the Energy Transition. Paula’s memberships include: • Executive Leadership Council • National Society of Black Engineers • The Links, Incorporated, Society of Petroleum Engineers • American Leadership Forum • Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Paula has previously served as an elected official on the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Board of Trustees. She was an integral part of developing theories of action, promoting strategy STEM planning, and developing and managing the district's $1.6-billion-dollar budget. Her emphasis was on increasing the academic achievement of the 215,000 children in the district. During her 8 years (2 terms) on the HISD Board of Trustees, Paula served as board president and vice president, and HISD was recognized twice by the White House under her leadership. She is currently the Board President of the Energized for STEM Charter School. She is an author, and her first book is titled, For Sister: The Guide for Professional Black Women. Her publishing company, MadisonHouse Publishing also published her children’s book, When I Grow UP, I Want to Be an Engineer. This book has been translated into 4 languages and over 100,000 copies of this popular book have been distributed globally to school systems and STEM organizations. Paula’s passion is introducing children and especially girls around the globe to STEM education with a focus on coding and robotics. The book and her workshops are global initiatives to ensure that children from all walks of life can get exposed to and excited about STEM. Paula is a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Petroleum Engineering. She has also obtained a master’s in Educational Technology Design from Abilene Christian and certification in Sustainable Leadership from Cambridge University. Paula and her husband Dwayne own DPM Investments. They are also the proud parents of Madison

Houston Astros www.astros.com

Join Virtually ===> January 11, 2024

Due to the expectation of freezing weather, this meeting will be held virtually.

Join Virtually ===> January 15, 2024

Rotarians and guests are cordially invited to attend a very special meeting to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Rotary Lombardi Award where we will present the proceeds from that event to our 3 charity partners (American Cancer Society, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Texas Children’s Cancer Center) ,  welcome the 2024 Rotary Lombardi Award co-chairs, Rhonda Walls Kerby and Lindsey Kroll, and recognize Murry Bowden, (The Hanover Company), recipient of our Rotary Community Impact Leader Award. You will also hear from our special guest, Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer, (Professor, Pediatric Cancer Survivorship-Texas Children’s Hospital) who has been a unique part of The Award for almost 30 years.

We anticipate being joined by the 2023 Lombardi Award winner, Laiatu Latu (UCLA) and several past winners of the award via zoom.

This is the perfect opportunity for all Rotarians and guests to personally thank the yearlong efforts of Vicki Brentin, for successfully guiding the event and delivering one of the largest contributions to cancer research, ever, in the fabled history of the Lombardi Award. Congratulations, Vicki, on a job well done.

Join Virtually ===> January 25, 2024

(FORMERLY BURNETT-BAYLAND REHABILITATION CENTER-NOW FOCUSED ON COMMUNITY-BASED ALTERNATIVES TO INCARCERATION) 6500 CHIMNEY ROCK @ GULFTON (11:15-1:00) PLEASE ARRIVE AROUND 11:15 A.M. FOR SIGN-IN.

You are cordially invited to attend the Rotary Club of Houston’s field trip to  honor it’s first Community Service Project.  Our first committee, which is also one of the oldest (105 years) in Rotary International, is the Burnett Bayland Rehabilitation Center (BBRC) Committee. Our first project was supporting what was then known as an orphanage called the Bayland Orphans Home. We eventually started working with the Mary Burnett Home for Girls which was for troubled youth who were often court-ordered to live in the home. We continued supporting BBRC at its location until its closure as a juvenile detention center in 2019.

On November 3, 2023, BBRC transformed to the Youth Opportunity Center. 

Our program will include hearing from Henry Gonzales, Executive Director, Harris County Juvenile Probation Dept.  Mr. Gonzales will discuss the revolutionary effort to reform the juvenile justice system in Harris County and will lead the ongoing conversation about reforming the juvenile justice system.

Vanessa Ramirez, Director of Strategic Partnerships will take us on a tour of the facilities introducing us to the students and youth activities such as learning labs, vocational workshops, electrical, digital fabrication, electronic systems installation, music production, GED diplomas. The center shares facilities with partners, “Work Texas”, “Boys and Girls Clubs,” “The Houston Food Bank,” trade-training programs, job placement help, and is supported by 40 business entities in our community.

NOTE: PLEASE ARRIVE BEFORE 11:15 SHARP, FOR SIGN-IN FOLLOWED BY OUR PROGRAM

See you Thursday,

Joe Colangelo, Kathy Fenninger
Program Committee Co-Chairs

Henry Gonzales, MS
Executive Director
Harris County Juvenile Probation Department

For the past 35 years and counting, Henry Gonzales has dedicated his career to the field of juvenile justice.

From the beginning as a volunteer mentor, to his current role as Executive Director and Chief Juvenile Probation Officer (CJPO) of Harris County Juvenile Probation Department, (HCJPD) Henry’s professional life reflects decades of commitment to young people, families, and communities in contact with the juvenile justice system.

In addition to his role as Executive Director and CJPO, Henry serves as the Superintendent* of HCJPD’s Excel Academy Charter School, the academic institution serving residents of the department’s pre- and post-adjudicated facilities, and the Education Transition Center, (ETC) a community-based campus for justice involved youth with a focus on vocational training, job placement, and supportive services.

An ardent proponent of juvenile justice transformation, Henry works closely with the Annie E. Casey Foundation as a partner in their Deep End Reform and Probation Transformation initiatives aimed at “transforming juvenile probation into a focused intervention that promotes personal growth, positive behavior change, and long-term success for youth who pose significant risks for serious offending.” -Annie E. Casey

As a member of Youth Correctional Leaders for Justice, Henry collaborates with current and former youth correctional administrators to help shift juvenile justice culture toward embracing a vision focused on youth, family, and community-centered solutions as an alternative to incarceration and punitive sanction practices.

Henry serves on the Executive Steering Committee of My Brother’s Keeper Houston (MBK). MBK Houston works on identifying pivotal, life-success milestones from a young person’s path to adulthood while seeking to uncover roadblocks to success resulting from involvement in the juvenile justice system.

Henry serves on various boards and advisory committees including the University of Houston Downtown School of Public Service where he earned his undergraduate and graduate degrees and teaches in an adjunct capacity.

*Henry’s annual salary as superintendent is $0.00.

Innovation + Collaboration = Houston's Approach to Homelessness

Kelly Young is the President and CEO of the Coalition for the Homeless of Houston/Harris County- A major part of the reason the Houston region has reduced homelessness by 60% since 2012 and helped place more than 30,000 into permanent housing. She has been with the organization since January 2024. Kelly helps guide CFTH’s overall mission and provides strategic leadership to manage the organization and navigate stakeholder relationships. Previously, Kelly served as CEO for Career and Recovery Resources where she helped break barriers for people experiencing substance abuse, underemployment, and housing instability. With over 20 years of leadership, change management, and organizational and program design experience, Kelly’s career has centered on building programs and leading organizations that serve vulnerable populations experiencing difficult social and health concerns. Kelly has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Portland State University and a master’s degree in Managerial Sciences from Amberton University.

Rebecca Schuetz (using the byline R.A. Schuetz) Houston Chronicle investigative, real estate and housing reporter who has written many articles about the homeless situation in Houston, including Food-Not-Bombs @ Downtown Library; Tent City Closing; When Homeless Move to Apartments; Living on the Houston Streets.  She also hosts the real estate podcast Looped In. Named Best Young Journalist by the National Association of Real Estate Editors for showing how disaster investors after Hurricane Harvey turned swaths of neighborhoods into vacant foreclosures as plans to flip homes failed. Also awarded NAREE’s Best Economic Analysis for revealing how Gov. Greg Abbott took a federal tax overhaul meant to boost jobs in low-income neighborhoods and instead designated the funds for areas with robust growth and recognized by the organization for architecture, interior design and mortgage writing. Honored by the Society for Advancing Business Editing and Writing with Best in Business Award for real estate reporting based on coverage of how racism, the pandemic and supply chains have impacted the industry.  Rebecca has an undergraduate degree from Harvard University and is working on a graduate degree from Columbia Journalism School.

Join Virtually ===> February 8, 2024

John Whitmire, the former Dean of the Texas Senate, was sworn into office as Houston's 63rd Mayor on January 2, 2024. He  has served his community his entire adult life.

As a young boy, John worked odd jobs and learned the value of hard work, even shining shoes at a Harrisburg Beer Hall. He also witnessed domestic abuse and moved frequently as a child.

When a fire burned down his family home, the community wrapped their arms around him, donating clothes and providing shelter. That lesson in compassion and empathy would guide him as a public servant.

In his teenage years, Whitmire settled into a more stable life in Houston with his mother, a nurse, and his stepfather, a social worker. Watching his parents help people as public servants steered John towards a career path of service.

After graduating from Waltrip High School, he soon began working for the Texas “Food Stamp” office, at the time a nutrition initiative for poor families. The case numbers became people and families when he was sent out to do house visits. These real-life interactions would become the base for how John would analyze and shape policies.

At the age of 22, a chance meeting with his UH professor, the legendary Richard Murray, presented the precocious Whitmire with the chance to run for a newly drawn Texas House District. The new single-member district showed his home, high school, church, and hospital where his mother worked.

“It looks like they drew that one for me,” Whitmire recalled. And in that moment, his journey as a public servant was solidified.

Throughout his career as a State Representative for 10 years and State Senator for 40, Whitmire has fought tirelessly for district representation across Houston. Notably, he played a key role in establishing the first Latino state senate district in Harris County and has been a staunch advocate for expanding access to early voting in person and Election Day polling locations in African American and Latino communities. His commitment to LGBTQ+ rights earned him the Harvey Milk Award in 1993 for his efforts against the decriminalization of the Sodomy Law. Whitmire has also been a vocal champion of women's rights, backed by a 100% voting record. He has worked tirelessly to preserve the DREAM Act, ensuring undocumented young individuals can access in-state tuition rates. Additionally, he supported workers' compensation for injured farm workers and unemployment compensation.

In a pivotal moment in his life, Whitmire and his family were robbed at gunpoint, an experience that ultimately led to his chairmanship of the Criminal Justice Committee and his fight for public safety.

As a long-serving chair of the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, Whitmire has demonstrated his ability to strike a balance between being tough on crime and being smart on crime by implementing intelligent reforms. He authored the Sandra Bland Act, addressing law enforcement training, jail resources, and support for individuals with mental illness, substance abuse, or intellectual differences. He also spearheaded grand jury reform, eliminating the "pick a pal" system and promoting diversity in panel selection. Additionally, he successfully led efforts to decriminalize school behavior and expunged thousands of class C misdemeanors from the records of young Texans.

When called on by the people of Houston to run for mayor, Whitmire eagerly accepted the challenge because he believes in answering the call wherever it leads. With a wealth of experience working alongside nine mayors and seven governors, he possesses invaluable knowledge in public safety, infrastructure, and effective problem-solving.

John Whitmire's extraordinary life experiences, unwavering dedication, and a proven track record in getting things done make him a true public servant committed to the well-being of Houstonians.

Join Virtually ---> February 15, 2024

Join Virtually ---> February 19, 2024

Fellow Rotarians:

Stephen Cooney, Chair of the Rotary House committee, and I have some very exciting news: WE’RE GOING BACK TO ROTARY HOUSE!

After an extended pause due to the safety protocols surrounding Covid 19, we have been given permission to resume our monthly “Rotary Night at Rotary House” receptions. And our first reception is next Wednesday, February 21st from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

These receptions are an opportunity for Rotarians to spend time with the MD Anderson patients and their family members who are staying at Rotary House. All of the patients are away from home and facing the uncertainties and challenges of cancer. With live music, beverages and light hors d’oeuvres, along with good ol’ Houston, and Rotary, hospitality, we are able to give the Rotary House guests a much-needed break and have some fun. And I can tell you from past experience, they love it and are so appreciative.

We need 10 volunteers to help make the evening a success and I encourage you to use the link below to sign up. I particularly want to invite those of you who are new to Rotary or new to the Rotary Club of Houston to join us to see the Rotary Club of Houston in action. We are so proud of the major role that our Club played in the building of this wonderful hotel. So please come check it out, have some fun and see why we are so excited to be “going back to Rotary House”.

Here is the reception information:

Location JH Jones Rotary House International Hotel

1600 Holcombe Blvd.

Date: Wednesday, February 21

Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Atrium on the first floor

Dress: Business casual Parking: Please pull into the circle drive at the entrance to the hotel and tell the valet that you are with Rotary. If they have available valet spots, they will park your car and the hotel will validate you valet ticket. If spots are not available, please go to the front desk, tell them you are with Rotary and you will receive a key card for free parking in the garage behind the hotel.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call Tom Vann at 713 824-4563 or email him at thvann@comcast.net .

Yours in Rotary,

Tom Vann

WE'RE CELEBRATING ROTARY INTERNATIONAL'S 119TH BIRTHDAY AT OUR DISTRICT 5890 "FAMILY OF ROTARY" ALL CLUB DINNER!

WE ARE EXCITED FOR EACH OF YOU TO ATTEND THIS SPECIAL CELEBRATION!

CHALLENGES OF CRIME PREVENTION IN A CONFLICTED HOUSTON

Come out for Fellowship and Fun with the Rotary Club of Houston at Kenneally's Irish Pub.

For more than 30 years as an American diplomat, Michael Pelletier worked around the world advancing the goals and objectives of the United States government, most recently as the U.S. Ambassador to Madagascar and Comoros. Now Ambassador Pelletier is bringing his expertise in foreign affairs to the University of Houston, appointed this week as the first executive director of the Institute for Global Engagement, an Aspire Initiative.  

The new interdisciplinary institute aims to enhance students’ international and cultural understanding by embedding learning and research experiences focused on globally relevant topics within all academic programs and disciplines. By expanding the University’s international footprint, graduates will become global change makers known for their capacity to innovate solutions to complex challenges and devise strategies to drive systemic change.

“The Institute for Global Engagement will equip students with a global mindset to meet the opportunities and challenges of an increasingly interconnected world,” said Paula Myrick Short, senior vice president for academic affairs and provost. “Ambassador Pelletier will play a pivotal role in the future of the Institute and the University. He is a visionary and innovative leader with tremendous international experience and global expertise.”

Pelletier was appointed as the United States Ambassador to the Republic of Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros on January 2, 2019, a position he held for more than two years. He is a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, class of Minister-Counselor, and served as an American diplomat from 1987 until his retirement last summer. From 2016-2019, Pelletier was dean of the School of Professional and Area Studies at the Foreign Service Institute, the U.S. government’s premier foreign affairs training provider.

He has served at eight U.S. missions overseas and in senior leadership positions at the U.S. Department of State, including as deputy chief of mission at the U.S. embassy in New Delhi, India, and deputy assistant secretary in the Bureau of African Affairs. 

"Global engagement enriches everything we do. I am excited to join UH's great team to build on the University’s strong commitment to international engagement and on the diversity of the University and city of Houston to help take UH global," said Pelletier. “We will work to equip our students with the tools to succeed and thrive on the world stage, while adding value to the community and workforce.”

Pelletier is no stranger to leading ambitious global initiatives, responsible for launching the Dubai Regional Media Hub for the U.S. Department of State to improve engagement with the Arab world. Fluent in Arabic, French and English, he spent three years conducting interviews with journalists and building relationships with Arab leaders to ensure that the United States was part of ongoing international conversations.

The UH Institute for Global Engagement seeks to collaborate with industry partners that have international interests and operations, Pelletier said. Houston was recently ranked the most diverse city in America, according to a WalletHub study.

“By all measures, Houston is a great global city, set apart from many of our U.S. peers by our strong cultural and business ties around the world. In our increasingly interconnected world, it’s more crucial than ever for students to have a deep understanding of these connections to not only drive personal success, but to advance Houston’s prominence on the global stage,” said Bob Harvey, president and CEO of the Greater Houston Partnership, the region’s principal business organization focused on attracting investment and trade to Houston, building a strong workforce and advocating for sound public policy.

Pelletier earned a bachelor’s degree in foreign service from Georgetown University, a Certificat d’Etudes Politiques from Institut d’Etudes Politiques in Paris, and a master’s degree in international affairs from Columbia University. He is the recipient of 13 senior State Department awards, including a Presidential Meritorious Service Award and the Linguist of the Year.

The Institute for Global Engagement is the first institute to launch from funding from the Aspire Fund, a landmark $50 million gift to build upon the University’s current strengths, support our ability to recruit renowned faculty and expand thought leadership around four complex, global issues that uniquely underpin the social, political and economic future of Houston and the world. The donor, who is remaining anonymous, launched the fund and the University’s $100 Million Challenge to encourage matching investments from other donors.

Join Virtually ---> March 14, 2024

https://rotaryd5890.org/event/2024-rotary-night-at-the-rodeo/

These receptions are an opportunity for Rotarians to spend time with the MD Anderson patients and their family members who are staying at Rotary House. All of the patients are away from home and facing the uncertainties and challenges of cancer. With live music (our own Kate Gabriele, harpist), beverages and light hors d’oeuvres, along with good ol’ Houston, and Rotary, hospitality, we are able to give the Rotary House guests a much-needed break and have some fun. And I can tell you from past experience, they love it and are so appreciative.

We need 10 volunteers to help make the evening a success and I encourage you to use the link below to sign up. I particularly want to invite those of you who are new to Rotary or new to the Rotary Club of Houston to join us to see the Rotary Club of Houston in action. We are so proud of the major role that our Club played in the building of this wonderful hotel. So please come check it out, have some fun and see why we are so excited. 

Here is the reception information:

Location JH Jones Rotary House International Hotel
1600 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030

Date: Wednesday, March 20, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Atrium on the first floor

Dress: Business casual Parking: Please pull into the circle drive at the entrance to the hotel and tell the valet that you are with Rotary. If they have available valet spots, they will park your car and the hotel will validate you valet ticket. If spots are not available, please go to the front desk, tell them you are with Rotary and you will receive a key card for free parking in the garage behind the hotel.

GETTING TO KNOW YOUR FELLOW ROTARIANS

ROTARY MEANS CONNECTIONS

Rotary is the perfect place to meet new people, take part in activities they are interested in and be part of a community of caring, service-oriented Houstonians. Our Rotary Club of Houston provides the opportunity to connect with others from various backgrounds, with varying world views, while creating lasting memories to enrich each of our lives, plus, making valuable professional connections. Along the way we meet some of the top newsmakers of Houston and Texas.

 On a purely voluntary basis, our President and Program Chair will ask members to give us their elevator pitches about their businesses. (maximum 30 seconds).

For all members, again, on a purely voluntary basis, we will ask questions  (30 second max), such as:

      A piece of advice you would give everyone,

      a top item on your bucket list,

      where you grew up,

      one thing we don’t know about you,

      what your perfect day would look like,

      a day in your life you would love to relive,

      how your life has been different than what you thought,

      your best memory about school,

      the most important person in your life.

We do not expect every member to respond to every question, just the ones you feel that you want to share and feel comfortable sharing.  We should be able to move quickly through questions, saving the ones we don’t ask for later.  No pressure, just a heart-warming meeting.

Joe Colangelo
Rotary Club of Houston
Program Committee
713-4121875

Duncan F. Klussmann served as the Superintendent of Schools in Spring Branch Independent School District (SBISD) from December of 2004 until June 30, 2015. On July 1, 2015 he assumed the title of Superintendent Emeritus. Prior to this appointment, Dr. Klussmann served as an interim superintendent and area superintendent for SBISD. His vast experience includes periods as a school principal and assistant principal, as well as a classroom teacher.

During his 11 year tenure in SBISD, the school district passed the largest bond program in the history of the school district. The $597 million program replaced 13 aging elementary schools, renovated all remaining campuses, provided for new school buses, enhanced athletics facilities, and greatly expanded technology use in the school district. The original program called for the work to be accomplished over a 10 year period of time. As the result of a carefully designed management program, the bond work is scheduled to be completed well ahead of schedule with significant financial savings.

In 2012, Dr. Klussmann helped create the SKY Partnership, which joins together SBISD with KIPP Houston (KIPP) and YES Prep Public Schools (YES Prep) at two district middle schools where new campus program charters now operate. In August of 2015, the partnership expanded into high school. In the Houston region, such an innovative partnership between a school district and charter schools is one of a kind.

In addition, Dr. Klussmann worked closely with the board of trustees, community, staff and students on the creation of the Spring Branch Plan 2012-2017 Goal and Belief Statements. Utilizing a single-focused goal, SBISD doubled the number of students completing a technical certificate, military training and two or four-year degree. This ambitious goal is referred to as Spring Branch T-2-4.

Dr. Klussmann has twice served as president of the Texas School Alliance, an association of 39 of the largest and most influential school districts in Texas. He was recently named one of three 2014 Houstonians of the Year by the Houston Chronicle. A recipient of the Lifetime Member Award from the Texas Parent and Teacher Association, Dr. Klussmann received the TABE Honoree Award for Public Education in 2012. Dr. Klussmann now serves as a board member with United Way, and he remains active with numerous community groups.

A native of Brenham, Texas, Duncan Klussmann lives in Houston with his wife, Marissa, and their three children.

Taylor Landin is Executive Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at the Greater Houston Partnership. The Greater Houston Partnership is the principal business organization serving the greater Houston region, with over 900 member companies that together employ about a fifth of all metro Houston workers.  The mission of the Partnership is to make the Houston region a great place to live, work, and build a business.
 

At the Partnership, Taylor leads a team of public policy and advocacy professionals who work to advance the Houston business community’s policy priorities at the federal, state and local levels. This is Taylor’s second stint with the organization where he was previously Vice President of Public Policy for three years before joining AT&T as Regional Vice President for External Affairs where he was responsible for stakeholder relations and advocacy throughout Southeast Texas.
 

Taylor began his career working on campaigns and for elected officials. These positions included two presidential campaigns, the Office of Legislative Affairs in the White House and staff for two members of Congress from Texas.

Please join us for some Rotary FUN and create Easter baskets for children at the Salvation Army Woman and Family Shelter. 

Peter Bhatia, a multiple Pulitzer Prize-winning editor who has spearheaded meaningful journalism and digital advances at numerous news sites across the country, is chief executive officer of Houston Landing, a non-profit, non-partisan, no-paywall local news site that launched in spring of 2023.

Previously, he was editor and vice president at the Detroit Free Press from 2017-2023, and served as a regional editor for Gannett, supervising newsrooms in Michigan and Ohio.

He was named the Benjamin C Bradlee editor of the year in 2021 by the National Press Foundation. He was honored as Gannett’s employee of the year in 2022. He won the 2018 Robert McGruder Diversity Award, presented by Kent State University for commitment and service to the profession.

Prior to Detroit, he served two years as editor and vice president of audience engagement at the Cincinnati Enquirer, where he led the paper to its first-ever news Pulitzer Prize, for a project that documented the impact of opioid addiction on the Cincinnati area. Bhatia came to Cincinnati from Arizona State's Cronkite School of Journalism. He joined the university in June 2014 as a visiting professor in journalism ethics after a 21-year career at The Oregonian in Portland, where he was editor.

His resume includes helping lead newsrooms that won 10 Pulitzer Prizes, including six in Portland. He is a seven-time Pulitzer juror. He is the first journalist of South Asian heritage to lead a major daily newspaper in the U.S., running The Oregonian from 2010 to 2014. He served as president of the American Society of Newspaper Editors in 2003-04.

Bhatia was executive editor of The Fresno Bee, managing editor of The Sacramento Bee, editor of the York (Pennsylvania) Dispatch and Sunday News, managing editor of the Dallas Times Herald, deputy managing editor of the San Francisco Examiner and a reporter and editor at The Spokesman-Review in Spokane, Washington.

He is a leader in journalism education, having served 13 years as president of the national organization that accredits college schools of journalism and mass communication. He has led or served on more than 25 Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications accrediting teams in the U.S., Middle East and New Zealand. He was honored with the Gerald M. Sass award for service to journalism education in 2022.

He is a 1975 graduate of Stanford University with a B.A. in history and communications. Peter and his wife, Liz Dahl, have two grown children who live in Spokane and Los Angeles, and two grandchildren.

Join Virtually ===> April 4, 2024

Wednesday night is game night (and Irish Sessions)!

Come on out for fellowship and fun!

Come see the recap about what our club accomplished through our Camp Enterprise Committee April 5 - 7, 2024! 

A 3-DAY CAMP FILLED WITH MENTORING, TEAM-BUILDING ACTIVITIES, AND HEALTHY COMPETITIONS

Since 1986 the Rotary Club of Houston has sponsored an immersive business training experience for Greater Houston high school juniors (11th graders) called Camp Enterprise. 

Dear Rotary Club of Houston Members,

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to partnering with us on our Pathways to End Hunger initiative. Together, we are creating immediate and long-term solutions to combat hunger by Nourishing Lives, Empowering Communities, Responding to Emergencies, and Growing the Movement!

We are excited to extend a special invitation to you and your families to join us for a meaningful event: a Meal Packaging Experience with the Rotary Club of Houston, as we work together in the movement to end hunger.

Event Details:

Date: April 13, 2024

Time: 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM

Location: Rise Against Hunger - Houston Warehouse

8901 Jameel Rd, Ste. 130

Houston, TX 77040

Register: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/rotaryclubhouston2024

By participating, you will have the opportunity to make a tangible difference in the lives of those struggling with hunger. With your help, we can package more than 10,152 meals, providing nourishment and hope to individuals and families in need.

Registration: Please register for the event here to secure your spot: http://events.riseagainsthunger.org/rotaryclubhouston2024

This event is not only a chance to give back to our community but also an excellent opportunity to involve your family and children (ages 4+) in the spirit of service and compassion.

To learn more about Rise Against Hunger and the impact of our work, please watch this video. https://youtu.be/TI9LOljt1RU

Together, let's take a stand against hunger and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. We look forward to seeing you there!

Warm regards,

ROTARY MEANS BUSINESS THROUGH SERVICE
KICKOFF HAPPY HOUR -- Current Rotarians Only

Escalante's Meyerland Plaza Private Room (Light Appetizers Provided, Cash Bar - Individual Tabs)

• Rotarians can RSVP for Kickoff Event on 4/15 here: https://form.jotform.com/240808936779171

Remember for the Kickoff Event, we want to encourage current Rotarians & Club Board Members only to join for this event.

These receptions are an opportunity for Rotarians to spend time with the MD Anderson patients and their family members who are staying at Rotary House. All of the patients are away from home and facing the uncertainties and challenges of cancer. With live music (our own Kate Gabriele, harpist), beverages and light hors d’oeuvres, along with good ol’ Houston, and Rotary, hospitality, we are able to give the Rotary House guests a much-needed break and have some fun. And I can tell you from past experience, they love it and are so appreciative.

We need 10 volunteers to help make the evening a success and I encourage you to use the link below to sign up. I particularly want to invite those of you who are new to Rotary or new to the Rotary Club of Houston to join us to see the Rotary Club of Houston in action. We are so proud of the major role that our Club played in the building of this wonderful hotel. So please come check it out, have some fun and see why we are so excited. 

Here is the reception information:

Location JH Jones Rotary House International Hotel
1600 Holcombe Blvd.
Houston, TX 77030

Date: Wednesday, April 17, 2024
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. in the Atrium on the first floor

Dress: Business casual Parking: Please pull into the circle drive at the entrance to the hotel and tell the valet that you are with Rotary. If they have available valet spots, they will park your car and the hotel will validate you valet ticket. If spots are not available, please go to the front desk, tell them you are with Rotary and you will receive a key card for free parking in the garage behind the hotel.

(David Satterfield was appointed the Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian issues on October 15, 2023. We are excited he will join us during his busy travel schedule)

The Honorable David M. Satterfield is the director of Rice University’s Baker Institute for Public Policy. He has more than four decades of diplomatic and leadership experience, including service as special envoy for the Horn of Africa, assistant secretary of state, National Security Council staff director and as ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey and charge d’affaires in Iraq and Egypt.

Satterfield’s extensive bilateral and multinational negotiating background most notably includes the 1995 Roadmap for Israel-Palestinian Peace (with the United Nations), the 2000 withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from Lebanon and Blue Line boundary agreement (with the United Nations), and the 2008 Status of Forces Agreement between the U.S. and Iraq. As the State Department’s coordinator for Iraq, he managed the largest domestic staff in the department’s history and directed fundamental reforms to the Foreign Service.

As director general of the Multinational Force and Observers, Satterfield conceived and directed the comprehensive modernization of military and civilian peacekeeping operations and led fundraising efforts with the U.S. Congress and donor governments.

Among other honors, Satterfield is the recipient of the highest Department of State recognition, the Secretary of State Distinguished Service Award, and the highest award for senior federal executives, the Office of Personnel Management Distinguished Federal Executive Rank Award.

Satterfield is a graduate of the University of Maryland and speaks Arabic, French and Italian. He is married to Elizabeth Ann Fritschle, a career Foreign Service officer.

Join Virtually ===> April 18, 2024

Calling ALL Leaders ... Club Assembly is for all members of club leadership teams and those aspiring to become more involved in club or district leadership.

There will be General Sessions as well as Break-out Sessions for ... Club Secretaries, Club Treasuers, Membership Chairs, Public Image Chairs, Presidents, President-Elects, President-Nominees and more for other areas of focus. This is a great time to get involved with all that Rotary has to offer. We will offer leadership development as well as inspiring sessions on areas of focus Rotary 101.

This is a great opportunity to gather and share ideas with members across the district and learn best practices. Whether you've been in Rotary 1 month or 20+ years; there is something for everyone here.

Coffee, juices, and light breakfast will be available for your indulgence.

Sessions will begin promptly at 8:19am

Thursday May 2, 2024
11:30 AM – 1:00 PM

Tony’s
3755 Richmond Ave
Houston, TX 77046

On May 2, Rotarians and guest will be treated with an important program presented by two distinguished former Judges, lifetime attorneys, public servants who will be part of Rotary’s Celebration of Law Day-a day in the year when we focus on the laws as the rules that bind people living in our country/community and we remember that laws protect our general safety, and ensure our rights as citizens against abuses by other people, by organizations and by government itself.  We have laws to help provide for our general safety: they establish standards, maintain order, resolve disputes and protect liberties and rights.

It is no secret that public trust and confidence in the Rule of Law is at a very low level. Institutions are under siege, law enforcement, Congress and our leaders are under siege.  The country is at a low point in its life and much of our governmental structures and political parties are in conflict.

What better time than to have our distinguished President, Robert Eckels, in conversation with two distinguished former judges, all three lifetime Attorneys and major political personalities in Houston and Texas, discuss these important issues.

Please invite your friends to this important program presented by the Rotary Club of Houston-112 years young and still relevant in our community. They can sign up by using the guest prompt In the invitation.

Joe Colangelo
Program Committee
Rotary Club of Houston
713-412-1875

Linda Garcia Assistant County Attorney at Harris County

Linda Garcia currently works as an Assistant County Attorney in Harris County, representing the Department of Family and Protective Services in cases with allegations of the abuse and neglect of children.  

She began her legal career in 1993 as an Assistant District Attorney under Johnny Holmes.  Linda worked at the DA's office from 1993-1999 and then again from 2008-2015, when she left to become the first-ever Presiding Judge of Harris County Criminal Court No. 16. From 1999 - 2008, Linda served on the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles making release and revocation decisions for incarcerated offenders throughout Texas.  

Although she is committed to her practice and public service, nothing is more important to her than her family - husband, Tom Butler, proud Aggie son, Trent, and the three ridiculous dogs they all share.  

Judge Eric Andell - Justice, First Court of Appeals, State of Texas 1992 – 2000

In 2018, Judge Eric Andell was appointed by Judge Michelle Moore as Associate Judge to the 314th District Court. Judge Andell served as the Judge of the 315th District Court and the First Court of Appeals. In those capacities he was named “Outstanding Texas Judge” by the Texas Bar Association and was twice recognized as “Appellate Judge of the Year” by the Texas Association of Civil Trial and Appellate Specialists. After the Court of Appeals, Judge Andell served as Deputy Undersecretary of Education in Washington D.C. After his return to Houston, he served as an assigned Judge, Mediator and Arbitrator for over 10 years.

Judge Andell has been a community leader involved with children’s issues for over 40 years. He has served on countless boards and commissions, including serving as Vice Chair of the Mental Health Mental Retardation Authority of Harris County and Chair of the Texas Juvenile Probation Commission. He also sat on the boards of Lemonade Day, Prepared for Life, Harris County Education Foundation and Brilliant Lectures, Inc. Judge Andell has received numerous awards and honors including the “Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Volunteer Service” and is a radio personality on 700AM KSEV’s Talk of Texas Show – The Amigos.

Join Virtually ===> May 2, 2024

Come join us for an informal Happy Hour at Second Draught at the ION!

This is a monthly event for all Rotarians in Houston, guests, & prospective members to get together in a casual setting and learn more about the Rotary Club of Innovation and our mission!

This event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Innovation (RCOI) and the Rocket Network, located in the Ion District. RCOI's mission is to serve communities in the Third Ward, Ion District, and Greater Houston Area as a catalyst for change, empowering these communities to achieve equity, address food insecurity, and combat human trafficking.

Grab a glass or just join us for the fellowship as we share updates on the awesome projects our club is leading and hear directly from the communities we support and serve!

THE VENUE

Second Draught is a "craft beer pub at the Ion District, featuring an incredible line-up from Houston breweries!" 

"The Ion fosters a community and culture where corporate innovators, academic partners, community partners, startups, and entrepreneurs come together to solve some of the world’s greatest problems. This 266,000-square foot structure is designed to bring Houston’s entrepreneurial, corporate, and academic communities together into collaborative spaces and programs."

PARKING

Parking is available in three areas:

1. The main parking lot in front of Second Draught

2. In the Ion District parking garage

3. Across the street in the gated parking area. You can press the call button when you pull up to the gate and they will let you in the gated lot after hours. Street parking may also be available in some areas and may be free beginning at 6:00pm. Read all signs carefully.