If you have been selected as an officer/director for the Rotary year 2018-2019, please register for the District Training in D5890 to be held on April 7th. Save the date - begins at 8:00 am and dismisses at 1:00 pm. We may also go out for lunch together following the training, but not required. The location is:
Houston Community College 5601 West Loop S, Houston, TX 77081 United States
Bring club officers, committee chairs, board members and others to this valuable training program.
The fee is $20:00 per member, checks should be mailed to:
Alice Hastings-James c/o The Rotary Club of University Area PO Box 980834 Houston, TX 77098
You may register on the Rotary District 5890 website. There will be break-out sessions for each officer and committee chairs.
If you reside in another district, as several of our officers in the upcoming Rotary year, it would be great if you could attend your local district training. If you need help to identify your Rotary district, please contact President-Elect Robin Charlesworth (robinech1952@gmail.com) for assistance.
“You’ve got this planet beneath you, and a lot of what you see, especially during the day, does not necessarily point to a human presence. If you look at it on a geologic timescale, it’s almost like we are this flimsy presence, and we really have to stick together as a human family to make sure we are a permanent presence on this planet and not just this blink of an eye.”
Samantha Cristoforetti
The Italian astronaut holds the record for the second longest uninterrupted spaceflight by a woman, having spent 199 days on the International Space Station in 2015. (NASA’s Peggy Whitson topped that record by almost a hundred days in 2017.)
Team First Book Houston is a volunteer board working as a team since 2013 under First Book, an international literacy non-profit in Washington, D.C. First Book provides books, educational resources, and supplies to students in low-income areas.
Pictured: Pre-Kindergarten students of Neff Early Learning Center; (L-R) Sheila Armstrong, Houston Team First Book Chair; Molly Maria Flynn Vilaseca, Houston ISD Board Member; Cynthia Cisneros, abc Channel 13 Vice President of Community Affairs; Erik Barajas, abc Channel 13 Eyewitness News Reporter and Anchor; Grettel Monge, Neff ELC Teacher; Principal Gerardo Leal, Ed. D., Neff ELC Principal
Team First Book Houston donates 100% of all funds raised to purchase brand new books and supplies for Neff Early Learning Center and other schools. The need is great now because some of the books that were previously distributed have been damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Harvey.
We are focused on helping families in low-income areas who need to learn to read and speak English. We distribute these new books to children's hospitals, women's centers, and schools in Houston ISD as well as other school districts in the Greater Houston area.
Our students are 4 years of age to seniors in high school and they pledge to read to others and teach others to read. We record and maintain data collected through reading assessments and teacher feedback to track how our students are progressing. This data is proving that "our" students are making verifiable progress.
Since 2013, our team and partners have been able to obtain, sort and distribute $ 995,650 worth of books, retail value. We anticipate going over $1 million by May 2018.
Some of the first grade students at Neff Early Learning Center's reading scores are the highest for first grade students in Houston ISD. Data is so important to keep track of student progress.
A 7 year-old student in the 1st grade was asked what would he do now that he could take home his brand new books?
"I am a good reader now, but now I will become a great reader."
When he was asked, "what is your goal?"
"My goal is to become a heart doctor. I will fix people's hearts so they will feel good. And when they feel good, they will do good for others."
This is why our volunteers and partners work so hard.
Our students are traumatized by Harvey. One students says he puts his books by the front door in plastic sacks so he will grab them when it starts to rain.
These books are going to be the first thing they can call their own since Hurricane Harvey.
Our Students Accept Their Responsibility
Our students say the following "Promise" every morning and evening after they finish brushing their teeth. They put their right hand over their heart, look in the mirror, and say out loud:
"I am smart. I am important. I read to others. And I teach others to read. I promise."
Here is our 17-minute documentary, "Eradicating Illiteracy, 2015."
Team First Book Houston, the staff and students of the Jack J. Valenti School of Communication of the University of Houston have won 3 GOLD REMI AWARDS from the WorldFest International Film Festival. At the April 2017 Gala, there were attendees from 74 different countries with over 4,500 submissions!
DISNEY used this short documentary as part of their National Reading Campaign!
Due to Hurricane Harvey, many children lost their home libraries. If we are successful with our fundraising, this may be a project for our club to consider.
Team First Book Houston works with many partners: First Book, Washington D.C.; Channel 13 abc; DISNEY; Richard Carranza, Superintendent of Houston ISD; Bill Palko, Rotary District Governor of 5890 with 62 Rotary Clubs, including Sharpstown, Houston, and North Shore, as well as other Rotary Clubs and Rotarians.
We work with the students and faculty of the University of Houston's Jack J. Valenti School of Communication to create award-winning documentaries.
The purpose of our documentaries is to inspire viewers from all over the world to give of their talents and time plus donations to make "Literacy for All Students" happen now!
Our documentaries capture the excitement of students receiving their new books while highlighting the importance of community, partnership, volunteerism, and literacy.
Volunteer firefighter Mark Bezos tells a story of an act of heroism that didn't go quite as expected -- but that taught him a big lesson: Don't wait to be a hero.
Mark Bezos is the SVP, Development, Communications & Events at Robin Hood, the leading poverty-fighting charity in New York City. Bezos joined Robin Hood following the sale of his advertising agency, excited to have found a way to use his powers of persuasion for good.
Bezos is the Assistant Captain of a volunteer fire company in Westchester County, New York, where he lives with his wife and four children. He is continuously amazed and motivated by the everyday acts of heroism--big and small--that surround him. Neer
Never underestimate the value of your time and effort as a Rotary volunteer. Everything you do, however small, is greatly appreciated. So, remember "It's a good thing to save the shoes", says Robin Charlesworth. Look for everyday heros around you in your community. They most likely do not think of themselves as "heroes", but others recognize the importance of what they do for others.
WorldWaterDay, on 22 March every year, is about focusing attention on the importance of water.
The U.N. says 2.1 billion people live without clean drinking water at home, which affects health, livelihood and education.
The United Nations World Water Development Report says that nature-based solutions can improve the supply and quality of water and reduce the impact of natural disasters.
Our District participated in a Rotary Friendship Exchange with South Africa in 2015 and our trip began in Cape Town which is now in a water crisis.
Here is an excerpt fromManuel Crespo-Feliciano's article for Accuweather printed on February 27, 2018.
Cape Town, a cosmopolitan city of 3.7 million people on the west coast of South Africa, is about to run out of water.
Weeks ago, local authorities were predicting that “Day Zero” in Cape Town was going to arrive in late April, and that people will have to start procuring water from one of the 200 collection points throughout the city.
Now, afterthree postponements, the city calculates that it will reach that crisis point on July 9.
At that point, the remaining water will go to hospitals and certain settlements that depend on communal faucets. Most people in the city will run out of tap water for drinking, bathing or other uses.
In this way, Cape Town could be just the first of many other cities that could have no access to clean water.
However, the fact that the residents of the area have taken the necessary precautions to conserve the water could represent good news for Cape Town.
The winter season begins on June 21, and according to AccuWeather Meteorologist James Andrews, some precipitation could be expected at this time.
"The climate of Cape Town has parallels to that of Northern California’s Bay Area. Both are Mediterranean climates, marked by dry summers and relatively rainy winters," said Andrews.
Still, the problem appears to be more related to the demand of water in the area rather than the lack of significant precipitation in the Cape Town area.
"According to AccuWeather data, 2017 had 82 percent of normal rainfall (13.82 inches to be exact). This is, if accurate, a relatively small shortfall for a dry climate such as the Cape region. It could be that this is not representative of overall regional rainfall. Also, it could be that demand is more of a factor than the shortfall resulting from dearth of rainfall," Andrews added.
Although drought is but one of the many challenges facing the planet, it is necessary to highlight it within this context of major challenges because it will surely cause humanity to face great transformations and struggles for survival.
Rotarians, we say, "Water...that's what we do." One of the Six Major Areas of Focus for sustainable projects worldwide. Clubs choose how they want to make a difference and raise money to support water projects. It is not just a problem in Africa or India, but following Hurricane Harvey we have had many illnesses locally due to water-borne viruses. Objects that had been submerged in water can also cause infection if touched or used after. Houses continue to be "gutted" and piles of debris remain in many neighborhoods. We will continue to make a difference as Rotarians in our own community and abroad.
Help save lives by providing the gifts of fresh water and sanitation to people all over the world — and have fun doing it!
Masaii children at the Nkenijii School near Narok, Kenya were able to get fresh water for the first time, thanks to a project by the Maywood, NJ Rotary Club that built a pipeline to the school from a spring 2-1/2 km away - with the help of WASRAG. While at the school, one of the volunteers taught the teachers and children some yoga. The kids loved doing the Warrior Poses. So, these children became the first "Water Warriors!"
To become a Water Warrior, try one of the three Warrior Poses pictured below, while symbolically offering a glass or cup of clean water to a child - and then make a donation to WASRAG's annual fund. Snap a photo or take a video of yourself doing the pose while you hold out a glass of water. You can do this by yourself, with a friend or two, or even invite a group like a yoga class or classroom or Rotary club to become "warriors" with you. Have fun!
If you choose to support clean water projects with WASRAG, go to http://www.wasrag.org/page/water-warrior to donate on-line. Please send your photos to Robin Charlesworth, Editor, and you will see yourself in our newsletter with your permission.
This year’s District Conference is fast approaching and plans are being made to have an informative and useful program at our “Fiesta of Service” on the Riverwalk in San Antonio on April 26th through 29th. Highly recommended for new Rotarians and seasoned Rotarians to attend. Great information, inspirational, and FUN with Rotarians from all other clubs in our district.
Full Refund if submitted in writing by March 15, 2018
25% cancellation fee if submitted in writing by March 30, 2018
50% cancellation fee if submitted in writing by April 15, 2018
No refund if cancelled after April 15, 2018
Our District 5890 has a tradition of doing a service project to benefit the local community where our conference is held, and we’ll have two wonderful District Conference Service Projects benefiting the military patients in San Antonio:
This has been on the “wish list” of the South Texas Veterans Health Care System, but could not be built due to a lack of funding. They said this would be “an impactful donation of great value as it would be long-lasting” due to the fact that the PTRP facility helps military patients live independently while still receiving therapy to learn the skills needed to successfully reintegrate back into the community after their multiple injuries.
Purpose: Walking a labyrinth is a type of moving meditation for patients at the facility which can clear their mind for facing life’s challenges. The spiritual benefits of walking a labyrinth include sensory awakening, reconnecting with self, sense of destination, restoration, and safety. A “Rotary District 5890” recognition plaque will be placed near the labyrinth.
How can you or your Rotary club help? Make a contribution by issuing a check payable to: District 5890 Charities, Inc., c/o Jackie Barmore, 3525 Preston Ave., Pasadena, TX 77505.
Items needed: Socks, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, body wash (no bar soap), mouthwash (must be alcohol free), underwear (various sizes of briefs/boxers are needed).
Visit this VA Hospital: On Friday, April 27th, a group of thirty-five District 5890 Rotarians will be transported via vans to this VA hospital for an opportunity to visit patients, plus deliver much need comfort items that we’ll pack into bags. Gift bags will be given to the patients, plus we leave additional bags that the hospital staff will distribute to patients.
How your club can help: Collect items, and bring them to our District Conference Registration Desk in the hotel when you arrive in San Antonio. We’ll collect the items and pack them into bags which we’ll take to the hospital on Friday, April 27th.
Service Project Contact: Charlie Buscemi at cjsb@SuddenLink.net or 713-598-7129 (Cellular).
Great! The Membership Application is found on our website (www.rotaryeclubhouston.org). Complete the application and press send, it will arrive to our club Membership Chairman Adriene Miller (adriane0303@aol.com).
On the membership application you will be asked if you have attended two Rotary e-Club of Houston meetings on-line. Look for the Weekly Program and either view the video or read the article, then go to the tab for Weekly Meeting beneath the banner of the page and submit the attendance form to receive credit.
If you have any questions, please email Adriane Miller (adriane0303@aol.com) . We look forward to getting to know you and working together on service projects wolrdwide as we live our Rotary Motto of "Service Above Self".
Adriane Miller
Membership Chair 2017-18 Rotary e-Club of Houston, Texas, USA
To pay your membership dues: By credit card, please click on the PayNow yellow link on the left side of the home page. By check: Please mail it to Alexis Campestre, Club Treasurer 2017-18,(address TBA soon) and just submit your application from our online blue button here on top of our website!
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