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

The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular to:

• encourage Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards
• undertake projects and activities to improve life in the Club's community
• expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace
• recognize the positive change implemented by youth and young adults through leadership development activities, service projects, and exchange programs

President Elect Musial for President Dennard presented a check for $1,000 to Dr. Clariday for the Guerrero Clinic in Mexico at a regular club meeting on June 11, 2012.  Dr. Clariday has a deep passion for giving back through his support and participation in medical missions. He currently is the Head of Ophthalmology for The Crystal Foundation, and travels semi-annually to Guerrero, Mexico to assist the indigent people of the Copper Canyon region. He also travels semi-annually to San Fernando, Mexico with a medical outreach mission ministry through his church. The Club has given over $14,000 to the Clinic since 2005.

President Dennard presented Margo Montgomery the Club's donation on October 15, 2011 at the annual Shrimporee to the CrossRoads at Park Place.

CROSSROADS at Park Place, Inc., a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is a joint endeavor of Park Place United Methodist Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and Glenbrook United Methodist Church.  Along with meeting the physical needs of our clients, CROSSROADS AT PARK PLACE affirms that all people should enjoy dignity and self-worth, recognizing that this must also include our neighbors who have no physical address.  The homeless population represents a community of worth—one that is worthy of our respect and compassion. By providing our services, CROSSROADS allows our neighbors to care for themselves, to be informed and proactive.  Read more .

ECOchina Projet Overn Honduras
Donation $5,045

Space Center Rotary Club donated $2,000 to the project in Rotary year 2010-11.  In addition to the $3,000 we will be funding this year, District 5890 has approved a grant for an addition $2,500.  This will help provide 220 new stoves made of concrete and pumice for the program.  In November 2011, the Rotary/Stove Team from Eugene Oregon took volunteers to the Honduras to measure the change in home air quality due to the new stoves. 

Engineers Without Borders
Donation $1,000

Excellence in Education
Donation $6,000

The Excellence in Education Awards for teachers in the Clear Creek Independent School District (CCISD) originated by the Rotary Club of Space Center  with the first award  given in May 1991.  (Read  origin of the program by Dr. David Taylor, Club President 1994-95).  However this is only the fourth year the Club  participated with the Seabrook and League City Rotary Clubs for the "Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year"  awards held at the South Shore Harbour Convention Center.  After the awards dinner, the recepients are guests at a Club meeting.   Almost $75,000 has been awarded to outstanding educators since 1991.

The Rotary Clubs of Space Center, League City, and Seabrook; and the Clear Creek Independent School District School (CCISD) hosted the fourth Rotary/CCISD Teacher of the Year Awards on May 21st at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center (this was the 22nd year for the Excellence in Education Award for the Club. The convention center was filled with about 275 teachers, their families and friends, and Rotarians. The Westbrook Intermediate Orchestra entertained the group before the program began and played the National Anthem at the presentation of the U. S. and Texas flags. Marilyn Musial, President Elect Rotary Club of Space Center, opened the meeting; Scott Rainey, Treasurer Rotary Club of Space Center, gave the innovation; and the Clear Lake High School Color Guard presented the U. S. and Texas flags. Officers of the Seabrook and League City Rotary Clubs lead in the Four Way Test and gave a brief history of Rotary International. All the recipients were recognized before the six finalists were named.

Dr. Greg Smith (right), Superintendent of CCISD, began the program by making a few remarks and introducing the six finalists: Mary (Dee Dee) Payne, North Pointe Elementary; Nicola Clemmer, Creekside Intermediate; Annamary Given, Mossman Elementary; Edna Meeks, Clear Creek High; Todd Parsons, Clear Falls High; and Jennifer Foley, Walter Hall Elementary. From these finalists Jennifer Foley (left), Walter Hall Elementary; and Nicola Clemmer (center), Creekside Intermediate were named the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year respectively. Each finalist received a plaque of appreciation and $500 each. The Teachers of the Year received an additional $500. Read more about the selection and award process.

   

 

Excellence in Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Donation $4,100

Five local police officers were awarded the  Distinguished Law Enforcement Award on April 12, 1993, the first year of the program.  ( Read origin of the program by Dr. David Taylor, Club President 1994-95).  The Law Enforcement Distinguished Service Award was developed by Dr. David Taylor 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.  Over $44,000 has been awarded  to outstanding Law Enforcement Officers/EMS/Fire fighters since 1993.

The 20th Excellence in Public Service Awards program was held July 23. 2012 at the regular Club meeting.  Constable Phil Sandlin, committee chair, and his committee  presented fiveoutstanding  honorees to the Club.  The officers were Stephen Antley, League City Police Department; Philip A. Shaffer, Houston Police Department; Christofher Yetter, Harris County Constable Precinct 8; Walter Hammann, League City Police Department; and Vahid Rabat Jafari, Houston Police Department.  See group picture.

Committee Chair Sandlin recognized Officer Philip A. Shaffer as the Law Enforcement Officer of the Year. Each officer received a Certificate of Distinguished Service Award, a brass star inscribed paper weight, and a monetary award. Officer Shaffer also recieved a pictured plaque.

Girl Scouts
Donation $1,000

President Musial presented Pam Ugalde (right) $500 each for San Jacinto Girl Scouts Troops 7640 and 7363.

Interact
Donation $240

The Rotary International Board of Directors approved Interact, a youth program for service and international fellowship, in 1962.  The program's name combines inter, for "international," and act for "action."  It targets young men of secondary-school age.  The first Interact club is formed in Melbourne, Florida, USA.  Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 12 to 18.  Interact clubs are sponsored by individual Rotary clubs, which provide support and guidance, but they are self-governing and self-supporting. The Interact Club was set up at the Clear Lake High School.   Over $8,500 has been given to the Interact Club since 1992.

Interfaith Caring Ministries
 Donation $2,000

Susan Bailey (right), Communications and Special Events Coordinator, was presented a check from President Dennard for $2,000 at the regular Club meeting on May 7.  Interfaith Caring Ministries was founded in 1985 by a group of citizens and local area churches concerned with the areas growing population of working poor families. They recognized a need for an alliance that would allow them to screen clients for need and offer services on a consistent basis. Since then, Interfaith Caring Ministries has been a cornerstone in helping to fill in gaps within government social service, health, and education. There are over 25,000 working poor families in ICM’s service area. In 2011, ICM served approximately 4,000 families.  Read more about Interfaith Caring Ministries.  The Club has given over $28,000  to the Ministries since 1986.

Project Graduation
Donation $1,000

President Mike Dennard presented Dinah Matthews (center) and Janis Blizzard of Clear Lake High School (CLHS) 2012 Project Graduation a $1000 from the Space Center Rotary Club at the regular Club meeting January 23, 2012 at Bay Oaks Country Club.

Project Graduation’s purpose is to provide a safe, substance free all-night party for the Class of 2012 immediately following their June 3 graduation ceremony.  Traditionally the party is attended by an overwhelming majority of all CLHS graduating seniors.  Project Graduation is a committee composed of parent volunteers, primarily parents of seniors, who organize and raise funds for the all-night graduation celebration, which is also known as Project Graduation.

The celebration is financed by fundraisers and generous donations by community corporate partners and families.  The goal is to raise $50,000 in order to permit the 2012 graduates to attend the event at a nominal charge and to provide door prizes that are distributed throughout the event as an incentive to keep the seniors at the party all night long.

$11,000 has been given to the project since 2005.

The Rotary Foundation
Donation $4,000

Over $102,000 given since 1975.





Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE)
Donation $11,400

Our Club began the program in 1986.  Since 1986 there have been 34 inbound and 30 outbound students and over $109,000 given to the program.  An historical perspective on the Club's program is provided by Bob Wren, Club President 1985-86.  There are currently two outbound students and three inbound students.  See photos of current students.  

 

Scholastic Scholarships
Donation $9,800

Dr. Greg Smith , Superintendent of the Clear Creek Independent School District, introduced the 6 finalists for the high school academic scholarships at the regular Club meeting on December 12.  They were  Macy Brinton – Clear Lake, Scott Burger– Clear Lake, Vinamrata Singal – Clear Lake, Katherine Bischouf – Clear Brook, Rochelle Brannon – Clear Brook, and  Ellen Zhou – Clear Brook.  Each received a $1,500 cash scholarship.  Belinda Skloss was the selection committee chair and J. B. Fox, Lou Gaigher, and Mike Cornett committee members. 

"On behalf of the Board of Trustees and our staff, I hope as businessmen and women you feel you are getting a strong return on your investment as we graduate more than 2,200 students every year prepared for college and the workforce" noted Dr. Smith at the conclusion of the presentation. Read more about the accomplishments of the Clear Creek Independent School District by Dr. Smith. 

Over $123,000 in scholastic scholarships have been awarded by the Club to outstanding students since 1971.

Senior Citizens Valentine's Day
 Donation $968

On February 14th, the Club  sent out 14 Rotarians and friends to ensure that seniors in  four nursing homes would have a GREAT VALENTINES day. The group assembled at the  United Way on Bay Area Blvd at 9:00 am and then divided up 320 Roses with a Rotary tag attached to each rose (Wishing you a Happy Valentine’s Day from your friends at Space Center Rotary).  The Nursing homes visited were The Rosemont on Bay Area Blvd, Bay Wind off Egert Bay Blvd in League City, The United Way Senior Center on Bay Area Blvd, and Regency Center in Webster TX.  A special thank you to Pam Culpepper Cronk, who so graciously took pictures of the Rotarians and residents; and Steve Waldner who helped with the arrangements.  Over $26,000 has been given since 1978.

USAID
Donation $1,000

Following the success of the reconstruction of Europe after World War II through the Marshall Plan and the Truman Administration's Point Four Program -- the 1950 program to engage in technically-based international economic development -- President John F. Kennedy signed the Foreign Assistance Act into law in 1961 and USAID was created by executive order. Since that time, USAID has been the principal U.S. agency to extend assistance to countries recovering from disaster, trying to escape poverty, and engaging in democratic reforms.  Read more about USAID.