Reporter Rena Deitrich
Photographers John Lee and Bob Mitchell 



March 7, 2011 Club Meeting Review

President Coney opened the regular meeting at the Bay Oaks Country Club to an overflow group.  Jack Bacon led the song “You are my Sunshine” in recognition of the fine young visitors that were honored today.  Keeping with the theme of hope, our prayer was led by Carlos Villagomez, and Dick Meyer proudly led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American flag.  Long time member and former Club President, Al Ligrani, recited the 4-Way Test.  Visitors and guests were introduced by Dr. Vissett Sun.   Announcement from Mike Dennard on the GSE – Japan April 22-25; Mike commented that Jack Bacon would house two of the four Japanese GSE team members on Easter weekend but needed help placing the other two.  Guest Ronnie Archer reminded us about the Golf Tournament held at Bay Oaks Country Club on May 9th.

We were informed that fellow Rotarian and former Mayor of Nassau Bay Jerry Allen passed away. Our sincere condolences go out to Jerry’s family and friends.  Our friend Floyd Boze is still hospitalized due to health complications, please keep Floyd and his family in your thought and prayers.  

Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent of the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) presented “Education, Go Get It” and gave thanks to Space Center Rotary for its support of the Scholarship programs by helping our future leaders reach their goals, to the families for their on-going support of their children, and to the district. One Thousand Dollar scholarships were awarded to: Alicia Dittrich, Clear Brook High School;  Dylan Domel-White, Clear Brook High School; Rachel Arend, Clear Brook High School; Nicole Wren, Clear Lake High School; Barrett Warren, Clear Lake High School; and Michael Hoffmann, Clear Lake High School.  Sixty seven students applied, 20  interviewed, and then came the difficult choice of picking only 6.   Read more in special article below.  The Club  also honored the E. A. Smith Family YMCA with a check for $1,000 received by Executive Director, Jami Huygens.  Over $59,000 have been given to service projects by the Club so far this Rotary year.

President Coney then called on John Branch to announce today's Guest Speaker.  John announced Don Netek, Jr.   Author of “The Sportsman's Cookbook and Then Some."  Don introduced us to the benefits of Wild Game cuisine; it’s very healthy and just plain good according to Don. Don also gave us tips on how to prep, dress, store and cook our hunt!  I think we are ready for a Space Center Rotary hunting adventure!  The floor was then opened for questions to Don and there were many interesting and clever ideas from Wild Turkey to Armadillo!