Blastoff April 4,2011 - Rotary Club of Space Center

Blastoff
2010-2011

Blastoff
April 4, 2011
Reporter Kathy Dooley
Photographers
John Lee
and Bob Mitchell

ON FRIENDSHIP
Friendship was the foundation rock on which Rotary was built and tolerance is the element which holds it together
Paul P. Harris

The Rotary Club of Space Center (Houston), Texas, and U.S.A.
Rotary International District 5890 (589)
Club 2010
Chartered August 6, 1964

"Service Above Self"

March 28, 2011 Club Meeting Review

The regular meeting of Space Center Rotary was called to order by President David Coney. Members sang “Waltzing Matilda”, led by Jack Bacon. Dennis Dillon gave the prayer, Dr. Greg Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance, and Rafael Lugo kicked off the Four Way Test. Bill Lowes recognized visitors and guests. Roger Donnelly reminded members that May 12th is the Floyd Boze Paul Harris Fellows Dinner. Tickets are $30/person. Email Roger if you will be attending. Jean Walker recognized Suzi Howe for 17 years of perfect attendance.

Geoff Atwater announced that the Springoree will be held April 21st at Cullen’s. Tickets are $75 each, and the theme is Hawaiian Cowboy. Raffle tickets are available for $10 each, or 6 for $50. The prize is the choice of either a watch or a necklace valued at $2,500. Scott Rainey displayed one of the items available in the silent auction and noted that donations are welcome. Micki Czarnik invited members to the next Women of Rotary luncheon on April 14th at Matt’s on Marina Bay Drive. President Coney shared the news that Floyd Boze is out of the hospital and has moved to the Bay Wind Village Rehabilitation Center in League City. Visitors are welcome. Jon McKinnie recognized Alan Wylie with the news that Alan has been asked to sit on the Rotary International Youth Exchange Committee.

Sarah Mabin, President of the Clear Lake High School Interact, updated members on the group’s success in raising $567 to be donated to Texas Children's Cancer Fund in honor of a member who had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Interact is working with the Student Council on a walk to raise money for the Japanese relief fund. They would like to have a Rotary booth, and are raising money to provide shirts to sell for the walk. The estimated cost is $700. Scott Rainey collected donations from members. Mike Cornett of Texas Citizens Bank gave a $500 donation. Total funds raised for the Interact project were $816.

Program Chair John Branch introduced Gene Hafele, Meteorologist in charge of the Houston/Galveston Weather Forecast office of the National Weather Service. Gene discussed the group’s areas of responsibility and recapped changes in technology and tools used, comparing tools available during Hurricane Carla 50 years ago, and technology today.

President Coney reminded members to register for the District Conference and to calendar the May 14th assembly in Katy and then adjourned the meeting.

Each is valued at $2,500
Courtesy of Ben Bridge Jeweler
Travis Vermeer

Prestigious Rotary Youth Exchange Award

Recognize the faces ???

On February 12, 2011, in Sacramento, California, Rotary District 5890 was recognized at the North American Youth Exchange Network (NAYEN) conference as the #1 district in Rotary Youth Exchange for all of North America, including Canada, the USA, and Mexico. The award recognizes the outstanding efforts of the numerous Rotary clubs / Club Youth Exchange Officers / Club Committees throughout our district and the tireless efforts of the district youth exchange committee. Thank you to everyone who has contributed to this monumental award for District 5890. Read more by Jon McKinnie

Guerrero Clinic

The Guerrero Clinic needs your assistance. The eyeglass center which has provided thousands of glasses really needs additional glasses inventory. Please accept our invitation to join us in our passion for this noble effort as we create miracles in the lives of thousands of people in rural Mexico and around the world. Here is the story by Jon McKinnie.

Visitors from India

In this world of fighting, chaos, and strife it is rewarding to hear about people helping people and the international friendship that exist among Rotarians. Such a case becomes a reality for us. Our Club has been asked to host 25 students and 5 Rotarians from India. The prime objective of this project is to take children from down trodden community and that too having good skills in science and technology - take them to NASA in order to motivate them for their better career and also show them the scientific developments around the world. The entire cost of the project is borne by the Rotarians of the Tirupur North Rotary Club. Please read the email to President Coney from Maddy in India.

Important Events Coming Up

Springoree - Cullens Upscale American Grill
Thursday April 21

The 11th annual Springoree, will be held at Cullens Upscale American Grill April 21. There will be Live and Silent Auctions, Delicious Buffet Dinner, Fantastic Raffle, CASH BAR for beer and wine, and Fun for All. Dress is Hawaiian Cowboy/Cowgirl. View the Sponsor Invitation for more information.

District Conference - April 28-30

The 2011 District Conference will be held April 28 - 30, 2011, at the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa in Bastrop, Texas. Come see all the activities of District 5890. District 5890 is alive and vibrant. See how to make your club grow and maintain membership. Learn why the Rotary Foundation is important to your Club, District 5890, and the world as a whole. Early Bird Registration Special: Register for 2011 District Conference and get $20 discount.

The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement
25th Anniversary Event
Friday May 6

The Rotary National Award for Space Achievement (RNASA) Foundation was founded by the Space Center Rotary Club of Houston, Texas in 1985 to organize and coordinate an annual event to recognize outstanding achievements in space and create greater public awareness of the benefits of space exploration. Each year since 1987, the Foundation has presented the National Space Trophy to an outstanding American who has made major contributions to our nation's space program at a gala event held in Houston, Texas.

The RNASA Board of Advisors has selected the Commander of U.S. Strategic Command, and former Space Shuttle astronaut, General Kevin P. Chilton (USAF) , to receive the 2011 National Space Trophy.

The 25th anniversary event will be held Friday, May 6, 2011 at the Houston Hyatt Regency. Please see ticket and table information. Read additional information from Bill Geissler.

Floyd Boze/Paul Harris Dinner
May 12

The second annual Floyd Boze/Paul Harris dinner will be May 12th at the Bay Oaks Counry Club. Roger Donnelly is coordinating the event and will provide more information about it.

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

The Club will meet at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Convention Center for the May 16th club meeting in conjunction with the Excellence in Teacher Awards program. This program is a joint effort by the Rotary Clubs of Space Center, League City, and Seabrook; and the Clear Creek Independent School District School (CCISD). It will be the third joint program and the Club's 21st. Dr. David Taylor was the originated of the program with the first awards in 1991.

Rotary International Convention
New Orleans May 21-25

Find out more about New Orleans, download the convention logo, and watch the 2011 Rotary International Convention promotional video.