Blastoff  October 25, 2010
Editor Kathy Dooley
Photographers John Lee and Bob Mitchell 



October 18, 2010 Club Meeting Review

" I would love for us to focus on improving our attendance, building better frienships with our Rotarian friends and actively seek ways to become the best Rotary Club we can be." .... President Coney

The meeting opened with Debbie McBride leading the membership in “The Yellow Rose of Texas”.  Dennis Dillon led the prayer, and thanked everyone for their concerns while he was in the hospital.   John Stwartuout led the pledge, and  Floyd Boze  the Four Way Test

Art Wood introduced visitors and guests, including  Susy Donovan, Hope Village Recreation Director, and Hope Village residents Kerry, Jarrett, Susy, and David.  Dr. Fustok, honorary Rotarian and representative of the World Health Committee, reminded members of the importance of our past partnerships providing cleft palate corrective surgeries and asked the Club to bring more opportunities for such work.  Old friends Dr. Taylor (left in photo) and Dr. Fustok discussed their performing corrective surgery on children in the past.  Past District 5890 Governor Suzi Howe announced that Sunday is World Polio Eradication Day.  Anyone donating to the Polio Plus Fund this week will receive 2 for 1 Rotary Foundation credits.  Past Club President (1997-98) Donnie Johnson and  meet old friends and President Coney (right in photo).  Her daughter, Jordin Kruse an attorney in Clearlake, also visited and meet Hope Village resident Jarrett.

Roger Donnelly distributed reminders of the upcoming social events, and asked anyone attending to please RSVP to him either by phone or email.  Scheduled socials include October 20 at Mely’s in Seabrook; October 27 at the Italian Café, 4322 NASA Road One; November 17 at 888 Bistro on El Camino Real; and the Christmas party December 15 at Bay Oaks Country Club.  A head count for the Christmas party is need by December 10.  Marc Schneider announced that Gene Tromblee is in intensive care and asked for everyone’s prayers. (editor's note:  Gene passed away on October 21.)

Marilyn Musical announced preliminary figures for the Shrimporee.  1755 meals were served, with a tentative net projected income of $68,000.  She expressed thanks on behalf of Mike Dennard for all the hours of service provided by Rotary members, and by the high school students and Scouts who also volunteered.

Club member Dr. Jack Bacon shared his experiences in projects with Engineers Without Borders and discussed the difference between charity and volunteering.  He shared volunteer resources such as volunteermatch.net, discussed the UN Millennium Goals, and suggested the World Community Grid as a place to volunteer your computer processing time for use in a variety of research projects.  Dr. Bacon talked about problems that cause international projects to fail, such as terrorism, lack of local investment, or failure to follow up on the project.  He noted that there are many ways to get involved in projects, even while sitting at home.

President David Coney recognized Billy Smith for his extensive work in updating the Club Bylaws.  The revised bylaws have been emailed to the membership twice and have been posted at the last 2 meetings.  President Coney called for a vote on the proposed revised Bylaws.  Marilyn Musial verified that a quorum was present.  A motion was made to adopt the proposed bylaws, was seconded and passed.  President Coney briefly discussed the difference between the bylaws and the constitution, and the meeting was adjourned.

Rotary Fellowships

The list of places for Rotary Family Night Out and information about the Christmas Party can be viewed by clicking here.