Club Meeting At
South Shore Habour Resort and Convention Center
May 16

City of  Houston Mayor Parker
is our guest speaker today

The regular meeting of the Space Center Rotary was called to order by President David Coney.  Jack Bacon led the song, Carlos Villagomez gave the Easter prayer, Alice May-Sexton led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U. S. Flag, and Jack Lister kicked off the Four Way Test.  Bill Lowes introduced visitors and guests, including City of Houston Councilmember Mike Sullivan (left in photo) and Suzi Allen, Community Liaison from the Harris County Commissioner’s office.  Assistant District 5890 Governor, Chris Schneider, was also there to honor the awardees.

Geoff Atwater reminded members that the Springoree is scheduled for this Thursday.  Raffle tickets are on sale, and final RSVPs are needed as soon as possible.  Jack Bacon asked for volunteers to host incoming guests from Japan over Easter weekend.  President Coney reminded members to register for the District 5890 Conference.  The Clear Lake High School Interact Club is raising funds for the relief effort in Japan.  A walk and tee-shirt sales will be ongoing this Wednesday from 5-8 p.m. at the District stadium.  Volunteers are invited to come out and work the tee-shirt booth with students.  Roger Donnelly announced that the May 12th Paul Harris/Floyd Boze Dinner reservations are coming in, but members need to be sure to indicate their choice of meal. President Coney recognized J.B. Fox for his ongoing commitment of $1,000 a year to The Rotary Foundation.

Chair Phil Sandlin introduced the Excellence in Public Service Committee and gave a brief overview of the program.  This year the Space Center Rotary Distinguished Service Award was presented to an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) or Paramedic.  Recommendations were received from local emergency services Chiefs and Captains.  The top 5 finalists were interviewed and presented today.  All five finalists received a cash award of $600 and a Certificate of Distinguished Service.  The EMT/Paramedic of the Year was chosen from the finalists.

Rafael Lugo introduced the first finalist, Paramedic Darryl Pell of the Clear Lake Emergency Medical Corps (CLEMC).  Paramedic Lowell Korenek of the Houston Fire Department was introduced by Marilyn Musial.  Phil Sandlin introduced Paramedic Zeno Alexander, also of Houston Fire Department, and EMT Mark Lavalle of CLEMC was introduced by Glenn Langford.  The fifth finalist, Paramedic Martin Downey of Houston Fire Department, was introduced by Kippy Caraway.  All five finalists received recognition and a round of applause.  Chair Sandlin recognized Paramedic Lowell Korenek of Houston Fire Department as the Space Center Rotary Paramedic/EMT of the Year.  Paramedic Korenek received a plaque and an additional $600 cash award in recognition of his outstanding service.  Rae DeCastro, Vocational Services Director, recognized Phil Sandlin for his excellent work putting the program together..

The meeting was adjourned by President Coney.

Origin of Excellence in Public Service Awards

The Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Award was developed by Dr. David Taylor, Club President 1994-95, in 1993 utilizing the organizational model he developed for the excellence in teaching award.  One outstanding feature was that it was not an award for "bravery", as important as that sometimes is in law enforcement, but an award for excellence in upholding the law in a professional way and serving the community.  The criteria were: professionalism, effectiveness, community involvement, and valor.  Read more on the story. Over $36,000 has been awarded  to outstanding Law Enforcement Officers/EMT's/Firefighters since 1993. 



 

 District 5890 Nears Goal for Polio Challenge