Stories

Wine is Fine

Paul Martinez was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine.

Families in Rotary

Keep the folks in Uvalde in your prayers!

Congrats to all graduating seniors in the Hill Country!

There is a blood drive going on for Uvalde.

Red Badge Exchange

Posted by Rebecca Hutto on May 25, 2022

Bekki Hutto exchanged her red badge for a new one.

Congrats Bekki!!!

Invocation and Pledge of Allegiance

Posted by William Rector

William Rector opens with Invocation and the Pledge of Allegiance.

George's song

George Eychner leads us in the song America (fourth verse).

Introduction of Guest

Posted by Jeff Wendling on May 25, 2022

Jeff introduces guest

http://rvfrna.org/

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE FELLOWSHIP OF ROTARIANS, N.A.

This group of folks are staying in town for the Folk Festival then on to Houston.

The Rotary Grove near the Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University needs volunteers to help water the new trees that were planted in honor of deceased Rotarians. Janelle Peralt is coordinating volunteers. Please contact her to help out. jperalt@icloud.com

Paul Harris Fellows

Jeff introduce the Paul Harris Fellows plus 5 Weir Labatt

THE SPOKE IS LOOKING FOR WRITERS

Posted by Jimmy Hutto on May 25, 2022

The Spoke wants YOU!

We will show you how to go through the simple steps and provide any assistance that you need.

The steps create The Spoke and update the club web page at the same

time. Extensive computer skills are not a requirement.

This is a great way to learn about our club. It is also an easy way to

contribute to the club on your own schedule. Contact Jimmy Hutto, David Martin, or Sue Whinnery.

Josh the Otter

Thank you for all the volunteers that have helped with the Josh the Otter water Safety program. There are just a few more dates that helpers are still needed, so if you can help, please contact Dave Rittenhouse. dorittenhouse@gmail.com

George Eychner explained to us that Josh the Otter was started by a family whose son (Josh) drowned, and they felt compelled to do something so that the chance of other children drowning is reduced. Our Rotary Club has adopted the program and educates hundreds of school age children each year.

Some fun otter facts: A group of otters floating together is called a raft. It is common for otters to hold hands when sleeping so they don't drift apart. There are 13 species of otters in the world, ranging in size from about 3' to 6' long. They do not instantly know how to swim when born, but are taught early on by their mothers.

4H Stock Show Standouts

Our club welcomed local 4H youth, who got a chance to tell us what they were involved with in the 4H Program.

The 4H Program has a wide variety of activities these youth can participate in, including wool and mohair judging, food and nutrition, fashion and interior design, shooting sports, veterinary science, leadership, robotics and photography. In addition to learning valuable skills, they can earn scholarships for their hard work.

Emma Thompson, below, and in the middle of the photo above, won a $10,000 scholarship this year in the wool judging event at the San Antonio Livestock Show.

Lizzy Scales is a junior this year, and is involved in several activities including wool and mohair judging.

Peter Lockwood is an officer in Tivy FFA.

Ben Watkins is involved in shooting sports and natural resources.

Prayer and Pledge

Gena Daniels led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

George's Song

George led us in singing a version of Home on the Range, in honor of our 4H guests.

Rotary News you Can Use

The recent First Responders Golf Tournament raised $13,000.00 for training and continuing education for local First Responders.

Tree waterers are still needed to help water the Rotary Grove on the Schreiner University campus. The trees are in honor of deceased Rotarians from our club, and they border the River Trail near the Trailhead Beer Garden. Volunteers are needed Monday, Wednesday and Friday each week, and it can be done any time of the day. It takes about thirty minutes to fill the bags on the eight trees. Please contact Janelle Peralt (jperalt@icloud.com) (830-739-3755) if you are able to volunteer for a particular day or more of any upcoming week.

The Rotary District Conference is in Kerrville this fall, and volunteers are needed. Tammy Prout will be sending an email so please sign up if you are able to help.

The Zoom portion of our meetings will be discontinued starting in June, so please note this and come in person.

Guatemala Trip

Kristy Vandenberg and Jane Ragsdale described their mission trip earlier this year to the village of Guayabales in Guatemala. Jane now runs the Heart of the Hills camp near Hunt, but in her early years after college, she was a news reporter in Guatemala, so she has an affinity for the people and their culture. The First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville has been sponsoring the trip for a number of years.

Kristy Vandenberg

Jane Ragsdale

With a several volunteers from our area, the goal was to build a Habitat type house for local school teachers to stay in while they taught at the village.

Here is the building pad they started with.

Foundation tranches were dug by hand.

The conditions were spartan, with no running water or sewer systems and no electricity.

These are the existing restrooms.

The volunteers and local villagers built the structure out a few imported materials including concrete block for the walls and a metal panel roof, but hand mixed the concrete for the foundation, which was dug by hand. A rain water catchment system was built, and a septic system was installed to serve the new bathroom. Solar panels were installed to power the water purification system.

Future goals include building a community oven and grille, and eventually a vocational high school.

Prayer and Pledge

Trey Atkission led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

May Birthdays

George led us in singing Happy Birthday to the Rotarians whose birthday is in May.

Families in Rotary

Please keep Mark Dizdar in your prayers as he having health issues.

Josh the Otter program

At 2:30 PM Wednesday May 18th, after the Rotary meeting, we are scheduled to do our Josh the Baby Otter Water Safety Program at Comfort Elementary. Judy and George Eychner are leading the session.

We will have up to 185 children in a single group. To do this well, we need as many Rotarian volunteers as possible. We should show up around 2 PM to prepare.

If you can be available after Rotary to help at Comfort, please let George and Judy know.

Help is also needed for the remaining Josh the Otter programs. Please contact Ashley Phillips (ashleyb.perry@gmail.com) or Dave Rittenhouse (dorittenhouse@gmail.com) if you can volunteer.

Thank you for your support.

2022 Rotary Picinc

getting set up

The Rotary Picnic was held May 4th at 5:30 at the River Star Theater. The meal was fajita tacos with all the fixings. Beer and Wine were provided. There were cakes for dessert provide by Leslie Rambin. Justin cooked the fajitas and Kenneth early provided background music. This was a TEAM effort buy the Fellowship Committee. A good time was had by all that attended.

Rotary Theme of the Month

May is Youth Services Month when Rotary Clubs of the world give special emphasis to programs which serve children and young people. It's time to sponsor programs for Interact/Rotaract Clubs and awareness campaigns about the problems and needs for survival of future generations.

INTERACT

Interact is a Rotary-sponsored service club comprised of 14-18 year olds. Interact gives young people the opportunity to take part in fun, meaningful service projects. Along the way, Interactors develop their leadership skills and initiative while meeting new friends. Members exchange ideas, opinions and plans with other talented, energetic people, in an atmosphere free from negative pressures and distraction. Interact strives to promote student leadership, local volunteer service, and to make members aware of the many global and world issues that effect people everyday.

Ultimately, students can:

•   Become acquainted with a premiere service organization (Rotary International) and proven leaders from communities throughout Rotary;
•   Learn how to manage and head community service projects;
•   Learn about other Rotary club programs including Rotaract (service club for young adults), Earlyact (a service club for primary school students), youth exchange (a chance to live and study abroad ) and RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards).

The word Interact stands for “international action” and today there are more than 10,700 clubs in 109 countries.

Everything you need to organize, certify, and manage your club is in the Interact Guide for Rotary Club Sponsors and Advisers (PDF)

ROTARACT

Rotaract is a Rotary-sponsored service club for young people ages 18-30. Rotaract clubs are usually community or university-based and are sponsored by a local Rotary club, making them true “partners in service” and key members of the Rotary family.

Young adults augment their knowledge and skill and also address the physical and social needs of their communities while promoting international understanding and peace through a framework of friendship and service. Rotaractors also often spearhead the formation of Interact clubs and participate in RYLA.

Rotaract is one of the fastest-growing programs of Rotary service with more than 9,500 Rotaract Clubs with 291,000 members in 177 countries.

Rotaractors follow the motto “fellowship through service”.

Everything you need to organize, certify, and manage your club is in the Rotaract Handbook (PDF)

ROTARY YOUTH EXCHANGE

Rotary Youth Exchange is an excellent and inexpensive way for high school age students to travel and study in a foreign country.

Youth exchange gives the participant the opportunity to improve their language skills and school and family experiences will teach them the culture of their host country. They also act as ambassadors for their home country. Each year the Rotary Districts that are part of CSRYE send approximately 300 young people to other countries and accept 300 young people from other countries in return.

Accepting a youth exchange student into your club, community and household can be a very rewarding experience. It’s an opportunity for you, your family and your fellow Rotarians to learn about a different culture and also help a young person understand your culture. The goal of Rotary Youth Exchange is to promote the advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace at the person to person level.

Learn more >

RYLA

Each year thousands of young people take part in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) programs worldwide. Young people are chosen for their leadership potential to attend a seminar, camp or workshop to discuss leadership skills and to learn those skills through practice. RYLA aims to:

•   Demonstrate Rotary’s respect and concern for youth;
•   Provide an effective training experience for selected youth and potential leaders;
•   Encourage leadership of youth by youth; and
•   Recognize publicly young people who are rendering service to their communities.

Started in Queensland, Australia in 1959 and officially adopted by Rotary International in 1971, the RYLA program enables young people to debate issues of professional responsibility and human relations, improve leadership and communication skills, learn about businesses or institutions and meet Rotarians, while having fun and making friends. For participants, RYLA provides the opportunity to refine skills and explore pertinent topics with peers and elders; for Rotarians, RYLA offers the chance to help develop leaders, share valuable expertise and bridge the gap between generations. RYLA can help lead to the strengthening and formation of Interact and Rotaract clubs and can be used as a recruiting tool for youth exchange

First Responder Awards

Our Rotary Club sponsored the annual First Responders luncheon last Wednesday, where local law enforcement, fire fighters and EMS personnel received awards for their service during the past year.

The recipients included (top row, left to right) Kerrville Fire Department Officer of the Year - Battalion Chief Mark Logue, Ingram Police Officer of the Year - Mike Baker, EMS Person of the Year- Travis Huser, Criminal Investigations Unit Citation - Captain Carl Arredondo, Special Operations Division Unit Citation- Sheriff's Office Captain Jason Waldrip, Special Achievement award- Precinct 4 Constable Brad Rider.

Bottom row, left to right: Retired Trooper Jim Behrens, Game Warden of the Year- Brent Biggs, Corrections Officer of the Year- Venesa Schmidt, Civilian Employee of the Year- Elizabeth Adame, Kerrville Police Officer of the Year- Detective Ben Ledesma, and Kerr County First Responder of the Year- Divide Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jimmy Dreiss.

Prayer and Pledge

Ashley Phillips led us in the prayer and pledge.

First Responders Week

First Responders Week

We have the 2022

Golf Tournament Scheduled!

Tournament Date is Monday April 25, 2022 at Riverhill County Club... Tournament Flyer is attached.

Again we are asking for your help and support to ensure that this is again a HUGE Success!!

The Tournament will be held at Riverhill Country Club, on Monday April 25, 2022

Schedule of Events:

Registration: 11:00

Lunch: 11:30

Putting Contest: 12:00

Shotgun start: 1:00 w/Peoria Scoring Format

Scoring: 5:00

If you want to sign up to play, please submit your team by the end of the day on Friday April 22, 2022 so the Golf Professionals can prepare and arrange for our event.

All Funds Raised will benefit 1^st Responders in our area and provide them with Needed Additional Training and for Continuing Education.

These Men and Women that will benefit from this are your local Law Enforcement, Kerrville/Kerr County Fire Department/EMS and our much needed and used Area Volunteer Fire Departments as well.

To ensure that we have an enjoyable round of golf with ample opportunity to be able to give back to those who give so much to us, the field will be limited to the first Twenty (20) teams or eighty (80) players.

There are several ways to participate and support this meaningful event.

Sign up a team and play $150/player or $500 for a team of 4 ($100 savings to sign up a team)
Support through Sponsorship, there are many different Levels to Support
Donate to the Cause with a Monetary Tax Deductible Donation
Volunteer your time to help with Registration and Putting Contest

Thank you in advance for your Rotarian Support!

Your humble 1^st Responders Support Committee

Contact Jeff Harris for more information on playing and sponsorships. 512-876-9199 jeff.harris@southstarbank.com

2 nd. First Responders Awards Luncheon will be held Wednesday the 27th at the Kroc Center.

First Responders Week

First Responders Week

Contact Jeff Harris for more information on playing and sponsorships. 512-876-9199 jeff.harris@southstarbank.com

2 nd. First Responders Awards Luncheon will be held Wednesday the 27th at the Kroc Center.

Rotary News you can Use

The Rotary Picnic is scheduled for May 4th at 5:30 at the River Star Theater.

Marta introduces guest

Proposition A

Rosa introduces the guest speaker.

A native of Kerrville, Mindy has been involved in Kerr County leadership roles for many years.

She studied at Schreiner College, Angelo State University and is a graduate of the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.

Mindy served on the Kerrville City Council and numerous local and state boards. She currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Kerrville Convention & Visitors Bureau, the downtown Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone board, the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Peterson Health Foundation Board. She is a member of the Hill Country Youth Ranch Auxiliary, Kerr Country Women's Chamber and numerous organizations in her Riverhill neighborhood.

Mindy is a past trustee for the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and has served as a board member on the Texas Downtown Association and the Lower Colorado River Authority Regional Council.

Mindy's past career positions include the Director of Business Programs for the City of Kerrville, the Director of Schreiner Mansion and Community Engagement at Schreiner University and is the immediate past Executive Director of Families & Literacy, Inc..

In May 2020, Mindy launched her new endeavor, Social Graces by Mindy Wendele, an etiquette and relationship building consulting firm.

Mindy is married to Chief Raymond Holloway, ret'd, has one daughter, Meredith, and one grandson, Foster.

This started with a team selected to study the need for a building that combines offices and have room to grow. The city council voted on this Bond issue in February 2022. This is a 45 million bond issuance.

Its only going to cost more if they wait. This is the Municipal Court.

City is clearly in need of new facilities both fire & police

On the right is another towns public safety facility.

Trying to coordinate different departments is a chore when they can't communicate.

Space for K9 unit Estimated space requirements

Middle not lowest or highest impact on taxes

Location Eric Maloney answers questions

Chris McCall answers questions

See website for more info

https://www.keepkerrvillesafe.com/

George's Song

George Eychner led us in a Jeff's song.

Once around the room over 70 folks and 7 more on line.

New Members

Jeff welcomes two new members, A transfer Gabriel Alonso on the right and Tanner Carlson on the left. Welcome to the club guys.

Families in Rotary

Please keep folks in Ukraine in your prayers!

Keep John Miller in your prayers.

Thanks to God for the moisture we got last evening.

Wine is Fine

Bill Tucker was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine. The wine was Snoop Dog!

Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center

Dan Daugherty from the Heart of the Hills Fisheries Science Center provided the program for us last Wednesday.

The fishery was built in the 1920s, and was commonly known as the "Fish Hatchery". It did serve that purpose until 1969, but today is a research center which aims to conserve aquatic resources and improve fishing for the people of Texas.

One of their most successful programs has been restocking genetically pure Guadalupe Bass into central Texas rivers.

Another program they have been working on is educating the public about the native alligator gars. They are the oldest fresh water fish species in Texas, with their ancestors appearing in the fossil record nearly 200 million years ago. However, like Rodney Dangerfield, they have not gotten the respect they deserve. For years, there were efforts to eradicate the gar due to misinformation about them. But now, there are more fans, and "trophy" gars can weigh over 200 pounds and 8' in length. Scientists can use carbon -14 dating of their otilith, and have found alligator gars over 90 years old.

Studies have shown that the alligator gar do not eat that many game fish, but actually prey on each other when they are small, and are opportunistic eaters that favor carp and tilapia. They can also survive in the salty waters of our bays, and grow up to 30" in length per year when young. If you want to try your hand a catching one, there is a bag limit of one per day in Texas, which was instituted in 2009 to conserve the species.

Prayer and Pledge

Roy Thompson led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

George's Song

George Eychner led us in singing Take Me Out to the Ballgame, in honor of the major league baseball season starting again.

Families in Rotary

Please keep Johnny Miller's wife in your prayers. She fainted during a trip to the zoo, and was taken to the hospital where she had cardiac arrest. She is at home now, and now has a pacemaker.

David Rittenhouse's wife has COVID and is quarantining, so please keep her in your prayers for a quick recovery.

Brian Bowers injured his patella tendon, so prayers go out to him for a successful recovery.

Wine is Fine

Kristy Vandenberg was wearing her Rotary pin when here name was called so she won a bottle of wine.

Feral Pigs in Texas

Clint introduced our guest Justin Foster

Born in Houston

Moved to Roswell New Mexico and graduated from high school.

Holds BS and masters degrees in wildlife mgt.

Has served state and Native American govts and private landowners during 24 year career.

Has been the Research Coordinator for TPWD's Kerr Wildlife Mgt. Area since 2008 where he has focused on intoxicants and delivery systems for wild pig control.

Has spoken locally, nationally and internationally on the subject.

Married with two children.

The term feral refers to a domestic animal that has gone wild.

Columbus brought them to west indies. De Soto had them when he landed in Florida.

The map on right shows where the pigs were 2004 and in 2018.

Showing the pig problem world wide.

Showing cost 2.1 Billion and this does not include habitat. Investments of KWMA.

Products from KWMA. A delivery system for feral pigs.

This was very informative.

When ask about hurting other animals he said they are working on it.

They were working with Sodium nitrite. see https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Sodium-nitrite

Members noted

New Job for Asley

David LaBrot got a new title C.R.M.S.

Gabriel a visitor of Bill Penak

ROTARY'S THEME FOR THE MONTH OF APRIL

According to the United Nations, the COVID-19 pandemic has halted or in some cases reversed progress in global health. It has also shortened life expectancies. It’s more important than ever to provide quality health care and promote well-being for everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable, including mothers and children.

Rotary is working to provide communities with the help and training they need to improve health care for mothers and infants. Mobile prenatal clinics in Haiti, mobile cancer screening units in India, and support for home births in Nigeria are some of the ways our members are working to ensure that mothers and children have opportunities for a healthy future.

April is Maternal and Child Health Month in Rotary. Find inspiration from Rotary members improving lives around the world:

In Nigeria, the Rotary Club of Abuja Maitama distributed birth kits to pregnant women in their communities and helped organize talks at the local hospital during which nurses and midwives shared information about hygiene during and after pregnancy, the benefits of breastfeeding and how to breastfeed, safety for pregnant women and newborns, and the importance of vaccinating babies. Read more.
In Uruguay, the Rotary Club of Río Branco created two dedicated breastfeeding spaces in city childcare centers. Through this project, the club is helping to encourage breastfeeding by providing an accessible and comfortable area for new mothers. Read more.
In India, the Rotary Club of Shri Aurobindo College organized Project Rudhir: Welcoming Womanhood to normalize the stigmatized concept of menstruation. They visit economically disadvantaged areas to educate on proper menstrual hygiene and distribute menstrual products. So far, the project has successfully distributed more than 6,850 menstrual pads to 680 beneficiaries. Read more.
In the United States, the Rotary Club of Englewood in Florida organized a program for girls ages 8-18 to support their social and emotional development and leadership skills through dynamic sessions, participatory activities, field trips, and mentorship opportunities. Read more.
for more info https://rotaryserviceblog.org/2022/04/05/how-to-support-maternal-and-child-health/

Tara Bushnoe Guadalupe River

Clint introduced our guest Tara Bushnoe

Tara Bushnoe
Natural Resources Manager
(830) 896-5456, ext. 227
tbushnoe@ugra.org

She hails from upstate New York but they have two children that were born Texans. So they have anchor babies.

Taking care of the river was the main focus

The dark area inside the blue is the Guadalupe River Basin

This pic shows a water shed. These are the creeks & streams that feed the Guadalupe.

This shows a spring. This is how water is stored under ground in the Aquifer for use later.

This chart shows we have had 1-1/2" since Jan 1st. Norm is 4-1/2

Ways to keep water on your land.

more ways to help river Saving water from your roof

Showing a pump and filter system to use the water for inside your home. It was noted that no home owner association can stop you from collecting water.

We have 3 guzzlers at our ranch in Rock Springs.

Ring the Bell Award

This award was given by the Kroc Center.

Trash Pickup Louise Hays Park

Todd Odom headed up the clean up of the park

Todd Citron, Hill Country Mental Health Center

Todd Citron, executive director of the Hill Country Mental Health and Development Disabilities Center provided the program last Wednesday.

This agency mainly provides mental health services to those who are uninsured or are Medicaid eligible. Nineteen counties are served by about 430 employees. Staffing is an issue, as it is in many fields, and there are over 100 vacancies currently available.

The following are centers that provide help to those in need:

Ambulatory Outpatient Centers

Youth Crisis Respite Center (an alternative to hospitalization)

Group Homes

Adult Crisis Stabilization Units (at the state hospital)

Day Habilitation Center

The year prior to COVID, they served about 8,490 persons. Last year, with ninety percent of services provided virtually, they averaged 9,800 persons served.

New Board and Officers for Rotary approved

Our club elected the board members and executive committee for the next Rotary year starting July 1st.

The Executive Committee is:

President: Marta Diffen

Vice President: Jeff Wendling

Secretary: Kristi Shepherd

Treasurer: Gena Daniels

Past President: Jeff Harris

Board Members:

Roy Boudreaux

E.A Hoppe

Todd Odom

Janelle Peralt

Phyllis Ricks

Donna Peterson

Jeff Harris will serve a year as ex-president.

Thank you to all those who volunteered their time over the last year, especially former presidents Robin Miears and Tammy Prout.

Prayer and Pledge

Todd Odom led us in the prayer and pledge.

VA Dogs of Kerrville

Byron Warren presented the program on Veterans Assistance Dogs of Kerrville.

Suzie was a special canine guest, and she assists local veteran John.

Byron is a board member of VA Dogs, and this organization provides trained service dogs to disabled veterans. The veterans qualify if they are VA rated as 50% disabled, and the dogs are trained to help with their specific needs. The most common needs the dogs serve are PTSD, physical handicaps, diabetes, and anxiety. They also help veterans return to the workplace, and help family relationships.

Labradors are the most common breed used, although some medium size mixed breeds also qualify. They are usually rescue dogs, and go through an intensive training lasting up to three months. Part of that training is with the veteran, and is a big factor in the success of the relationship. Currently there are about seventy veterans on the waiting list, and the cost to train a dog is $20-25,000.

Wine is Fine

David Martin was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine.

Prayer and Pledge

David Martin led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

George's Song

George Eychner led us in singing When Irish Eyes are Smiling, in honor of St. Patrick's Day.

Rotarian of the week Rob Walter

Rob Walter was introduced as the Rotarian of the week by Jack Pratt.

Major General Rob Walter, who is director of Strategic Initiatives for Military Affairs at Schreiner University, has a distinguished military career in the United States Army.

Rob's favorite Rotary Service project is the Veterans Breakfast. His favorite hobbies are hunting and fishing. Billie Jean's Restaurant is the place he like to eat, and a good steak is his favorite food. The Louisville Cardinals is Rob's favorite sports team.

Paul Harris awards

The Paul Harris Fellowship is a recognition to Rotarians or others who donate $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation. The Foundation transforms these gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. There are six areas where the funds are used:

• Promoting peace

• Fighting disease

• Providing clean water

• Saving mothers and children

• Supporting education

• Growing local economies

David Jones was awarded his Paul Harris +6 pin.

Dave Rittenhouse was awarded the major donor Paul Harris pin, which acknowledges cumulative contributions of $10,000.00 to the Rotary Foundation.

Beck Gipson

Clint introduced our guest Beck Gipson

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE APPRAISER

T. Beck Gipson grew Up in the Texas Hill Country, graduated from Mason High School in 1963 and attended college at Texas Tech University. He served in the U.S. Army, 1967 1970, as a Chief Warrant Officer helicopter pilot, including a one year tour in VietNam and eighteen months as a flight instructor at Fort Wolters, Texas.

Education:

Graduate of Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agricultural Economics, 1972 (rural socio economies emphasis). Regularly attends continuing education courses in the appraisal profession.

Experience:

1973- 1979:

1979- 1983-

1984- 1988:

1989-2006:

2007- Current

Engaged in mortgage loan underwriting, construction inspections and chief staff appraiser for over five years with Hill Country Savings & Loan of Kerrville.

Independent appraisal practice.

Partner, Gipson & Neal Real Estate Appraisers and Consultants.

Owner/Appraiser, Gipson Appraisal Company.

President - Gipson Real Estate Services, LLC In addition, Mr. Gipson's local activities include: Ranch operation in nearby area, trading of Kerr County real estate, past President of the San Antonio Appraisal Institute, previous Chairman of the Kerrville Planning and Zoning Commission, former President of the Board of Directors for the Upper Guadalupe River Authority, serves as a Special Commission for Kerr County Condemnation Proceedings, frequently its as a professional counselor and buyer's agent (gipsonrealestateservices.com).

Dualifications:

xas Real Estate Broker's License #199499 since 1976.

signated SRA, Senior Residential Appraiser, The Appraisal Institute, 1979.

ignated SPA, Senior Real Property Appraiser, The Appraisal Institute, 1990.

ignated State Certified General Real Estate Appraiser, 1991, Certificate #TX 1320674 G ert witness in County, State and Federal Courts.

ciate member of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers.

this date, I, T. BECK GIPSON, have completed the requirements under the continuing

Beck's dad Fred is the author of the book Old Yellow. Fred early days was doing odd jobs around Mason Tx. Breaking mules, building fences, and painting. One day his brother who was at Texas University called and said come to school you can get odd jobs and go to school. He majored in journalism. All his life he was a story teller. His stories were always based on events that were true. The story in Old Yellow is based on what happened to his grandfather. The dog was different that the movie. The dog was defending his grandfather against a rabid wolf.

For a list of his books see shttps://www.thriftbooks.com/a/fred-gipson/219151/ee.

After school He landed a job with Harte-Hanks Newspapers making $15 a week. With that he bought a car and had money for a place to stay.

Rotary News you can Use

Mark your calendar for March 26, as there will be a trash clean up in Louise Hays Park.

The Kroc Center needs help stuffing plastic eggs with candy to use for lots of their kids at Easter. Contact Jeff Harris ( jeff.harris@cfnbtexas.com ) or Doug Whinnery ( dwhinnery46@gmail.com) for more information.

Please consider attending the Rotary International Convention in Houston this year, June 4-8th. The annual convention is held at locations over the world, so this is about as close as you can get to attend a convention.

First Responders Week is near the end of April. Here are the scheduled events:

1st. The First Responders Golf Tournament is scheduled for Monday April 25th at River Hills Country Club. This tournament provides funding for first responder training and continuing education.

Contact Jeff Harris for more information on playing and sponsorships. 512-876-9199 jeff.harris@southstarbank.com

2 nd. First Responders Awards Luncheon will be held Wednesday the 27th at the Kroc Center.

The Veterans Breakfast is scheduled for April 15th from 8-9:30. Please consider attending this annual event to show support for our veterans.

Kenneth O'Neal

Kenneth O'Neal president of the Morning Rotary Club introduced a guest that wants to become a member of the Noon Rotary Club. his name is Allen Airs.

Wine is Fine

Mike Wilson was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine.

Families in Rotary

Jacques DeBose lost his daughter, so please keep him and his family in your prayers.

Ed Hamilton's daughter also passed away, so keep Ed and his family in your prayers.

Phillip Stacy's mother is on hospice. Please hold Phillip's family in your thoughts and prayers.

Continue to pray for Robin Miears' sister, who is recovering from COVID.

Please keep the citizens of Ukraine in your thoughts and prayers.

George's Song

George Eychner led us in Happy March Birthdays.

What makes Texas "Texas"

The program at the Rotary Club of Kerrville last Wednesday featured a short history on the founding of the Republic of Texas, and an examination of what makes our state unique. It included a video primer on the development of our state by Schreiner University professor Don Frazier. The video was produced by Ben Friberg, also of Schreiner University, and several students from Schreiner University and Howard Payne University followed, expanding on a current day examination of Texas.

The students were beneficiaries of scholarships from the Sumners Foundation. These competitive scholarships encourage critical thinking, and recipients are expected to become politically informed and become good citizens by participating in democratic process on the local, state and national level.

Professor Don Frazier

Dr. Frazier explained that the early Texans who declared their independence were a diverse group that came from all over the United States and Mexico. They were merchants, farmers, lawyers, doctors and other varied occupations. They had in common a strong belief in self government and personal liberties.

Several former Sumner Scholars explained the benefits of having participated in the program. And, current student scholars noted some of the unique aspects of Texas including geographic diversity, friendly business attitude, plenty of opportunity, a large sense of identity and self sufficiency.

Prayer and Pledge

Paul Martinez led us in the prayer and pledge.

Hill Country Chorale

https://www.hillcountrychorale.org/

Hill Country Chorale

Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 4 P.M.

Classical Music Festival
Grace Covenant Presbyterian, Ingram

Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 4 P.M.

Spring Concert

Happy Birthday to Rotary

George Eychner led us in a happy birthday song for Rotary International (founded in 1905) and our Club (founded in 1926).

George's Song

George led us in singing "Home on the Ranch" in honor of our program about what 4H is doing for Kerr County.

Jennifer Smith Kerr County 4-H Agent

In early January we heard from Stock Show executives Steve Bauer and Rusty Henderson regarding the Kerr County Stock Show and what's involved in producing the show.

We wanted to do a follow up with individuals that were in the Show.

Due to school schedules the students could not make it; but we do have an expert that will talk about the Stock Show experience.

Charlie introduces our guest Jennifer Smith.

Today's speaker is Jennifer Smith. She is the Kerr County 4-H Agent with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension.

She lives in Boerne with her husband, Robert and two children Dustin and Corrie.

She graduated from Southwest Texas with a bachelor's Ag Business and from Texas State with a Master's degree in Adult Education with a Teachers Certification.

Over 7 million youth participate in 4-H each year to become self-motivated, productive, and contributing citizens. 4-H is designed to be a family affair so 4-H parents are encouraged to get involved in the 4-H experience. Ways that 4-H parents can contribute range from serving as a project leader to providing transportation to activities, or even supplying refreshments for meetings or special events. 4-H parents are also needed to supervise 4-H activities. Kerr County has an outstanding group of dedicated adult volunteer leaders as well as a superb group of motivated 4-H members. We welcome your family into our Kerr County 4-H family! Please feel free to contact the Kerr County Extension Office or visit our website at kerr.agrilife.org for more information about the county 4-H Program.

She pointed out that this is county ran and is not part of school district.

Its ran by volunteer leaders. There are 300 kids in 4-H in Kerr County. In the county show there were 217 kids with 418 animals. The district had 90 kids with 195 animals.

Noted that there is more to 4-H than animals. There is trap & sheet, Judging all kinds of things, cooking.

They have all sorts of programs and different things for kids to do.

She reminded us that the 4-H wild game supper is a fund raiser.

For more info

Kerr County 4-H | Kerr (agrilife.org)

For a list of 4-H clubs in Kerr County see this link

Kerr-County-Marketing-21-22.pdf (agrilife.org)

Rotary News you can Use

Marta rings the bell to get us started.

Mark your calendar for March 5th for highway cleanup. Tally Elementary at 7:30 am

Mark your calendar for March 26, as there will be a trash clean up in Louise Hays Park.

The Rotary Grove near the Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University needs volunteers to help water the new trees that were planted in honor of deceased Rotarians. Janelle Peralt is handling signup. 3 days a week will be the watering days. MWF let her know.

Jeff introduces members with guest.

Kristy passed out fliers about joining Rotary

We had 14 online with 54 folks live.

Rotarian of the week

Each week, a Kerrville Rotarian is highlighted so we get to learn a little more about a fellow member.

Jack Pratt was introduced by Ashley Phillips.

Jack is married to Missy for over 20 years. A former Major of Kerrville and is running for County Commissioner Precent 2. He was president the Houston Rotary Club.

His favorite memory is of making a trip to Mexico drilling water wells.

Loves golf and fishing and is an avid snow skier. Jack also loves woodworking and antique cars.

Favorite restaurant: Wahoo

Favorite food: Italian

Families in Rotary

Continue to keep Robin Miears' sister in your prayers, as she recovers from COVID. She is doing better.

Keep Ron Blilie in your prayers. An active Rotarian with our club, who slipped and fell while walking his dog. He broke a rib and his hip. This is after they just got back from vacation in the Artic Circle.

Hill Country Youth Orchestra

George Eychner introduced the Hill Country Youth Orchestra, which is the nation's only tuition free youth orchestra. Our Rotary Club has supported the club in the past by donating money for the purchase of instruments and performance attire. The HCYO has been in existence for 37 years, and has taught over 2,000 students in that time. It introduces string instruments to kids that might not otherwise have the opportunity to learn about them. The HCYO is 100% funded by grants, annual fund raising and private donations.

Teresa Britt is an instructor for HCYO, as well as a fiddler, violinist and singer with several groups in the hill country. She has also performed in numerous ensembles and orchestras in Texas.

We heard some great performances by students Jude Parker and Natalie McDonald.

Natalie also gave a testimonial on how she became involved in the Hill Country Youth Orchestra, and how she has benefitted from the program.

Former Rotarian Greg Shrader explained more about the program. Three churches in the hill country provide instruction and performance space for the students, in Kerrville, Boerne and Fredericksburg. The biggest fund raiser is a show put on by Robert Earl Keen each year at the Cailloux Theater. The upcoming show is sold out, but there is also a benefit golf tournament coming up on March 19 at Riverhill Country Club.

Prayer and Pledge

Tammy Prout led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

New Member Paul Martinez

Paul Martinez officially became the newest member of Rotary.

Paul is Director of Engineering for Kerrville Public Utility Board.

Red Badge Exchange

Rob Walter exchanged his red Rotary badge for a new one.

Wine is Fine

Dave Samuel was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine.

Red Badge for New members

Red Badges for new members and transfers.

Bill Penak, Jessica Belschner and Bekki Hutto get their red badge as new members. Woody Lockhart is a transfer from Houston.

Opening Bell

Posted by Jimmy Hutto on Feb 09, 2022

Jeff opens with the ringing of the bell

Just before we started the gang!

Once around the room.

Marta introduces guest and talks about Main Event.

Valentine Sweethearts Day

Crystal Dockery our former member was the MC for the Valentine's Sweetheart Day. A rose was handed out to each lady that came to the event. Besides running the show she also presented interesting facts about Valentines holiday between each guest.

George spoke first then Judy. It was a blind date and Judy did say that George was not Tall, Dark and Handsome. But he was cute! George told the 8 crossroads that led him towards Judy.

Steven (Woody) Lockhart was next speaker. He had been asking his lady friend out for lunch for a spell and got nowhere.

Later found out she worked out during lunch. First time she agreed to go on a motorcycle ride is was 400 miles. He learned the passenger could always grab his helmet to get him to look at what she was looking at.

Kristi Shepherd was nest guest. She went to online dating service under someone else's name to look around. When she finally went out with Sterling, they went to several places to dance. Well the song I relate this story to is the Cheers song (Where everybody knows your name) comes to mind.

Her words Sterling was a player!!!

Jeff Talarico our next guest tells of the evening he first met Caryn the entire night was based on a little white lie.

They are still happily married. With a grandchild!!!

George's Song

George Eychner led us in February birthdays song.

Families in Rotary

Please keep Robin Miears' sister in your prayers, as she is recovering from Covid.

Please pray for families of the death and injuries occurring during last week mini Snowmagedden. The 14 hour traffic jam on I10.

Wine is fine

Wayne Uecker was wearing his Rotary Pin, so he won a bottle of white wine when his name was drawn.

Main Event Fundraiser

The Rotary Club of Kerrville Main Event Fundraiser was held on Saturday February 5th. Thank you to all who supported and attended.

Oak Wilt program

Erin Davis with the Texas A&M Forest Service provided the program on oak wilt in Texas. Erin graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Renewable Natural Resources and Forestry, and she provides information to land owners in Texas on how to identify and treat trees with signs of oak wilt.

Oak wilt is an infectious tree disease caused by a fungus, which can produce spores on red oaks that it has killed. All oaks are susceptible to this potentially deadly disease. These spores can be inadvertently spread by beetles feeding on the fungus. If these beetles land on a fresh wounds or pruning cuts on an uninfected oak, the spores may enter and infect a new tree.

This disease can also spread from tree to tree through the interconnected root systems. Trees as far away as 200 feet from each other may be at risk, and it can spread as much as 75' per year.

Early signs of oak wilt include trees losing their leaves and live oaks with yellow and brown leaf veins. Red oaks may die within 4-6 weeks, and live oaks die in 3-6 months.

You can reduce the risk of oak wilt by avoiding pruning oak trees between February 1 and June 30. Paint all oak wound and cuts, and sterilize tools between use with 10% bleach.

If your trees are affected or at risk, consult with an Oak Wilt Qualified Arborist. Treatment may include trenching and/or fungicide injections.

For more information, go to texasoakwilt.org. You may also contact Erin Davis at 830-792-8885, or edavis@efs.tamu.ed

Prayer and Pledge

Jimmy Hutto led us in the prayer and pledge.

Valentine's Day Program

This Wednesday will be the annual Valentine's Day program, where we will get to hear stories from our members about meeting their spouse.

Main Event Rotary Fundraiser

Happy New Year! I hope 2022 holds great promise for us all! One way that we can ensure that we are able to serve our community and bring a little joy and promise, is to have a successful Main Event and raffle. The Main Event is Saturday, February 5. Tickets are available at our club meetings and have been packaged in groups of four to sell for each active member of Rotary Club of Kerrville Noon Club. And, I have extra raffle tickets available for Satellite members and others who expect to sell more than the initial four.

Tickets are $100 each and the prizes are:

Grand Prize: $10,000 gift card (with $2.500 allotted to the IRS for tax purposes)

Jill Reno ladies pendant valued at over $1,500

Ashley HomeStore gift card valued at $1,000

Paul Harris Fellow

Taste of Kerrville restaurant gift cards valued at $350

The Main Event will be at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. The theme is Viva Las Vegas and this will be an event to remember! We will have a buffet meal starting about 6:30 pm, 7 gaming tables, wine and whiskey pull, etc. Remember, we are asking members to donate one bottle of wine or whiskey to the pull. You can bring your donations to any of the January Wednesday meetings or drop them off at Amber Thomason's office on Thompson Drive. Our goal is 75-100 bottles.

See you soon!

Marta

Rotary News you can Use

Jeff and Tammy makes announcements

Jeff introduces guest. Also announced the Annual Golf Tournament to be held on April 24th.

Once around the room

54 live with 18 on line

Texas Railing Systems

Clint introduces our own member Wayne Uecker

Wayne is a member of the Trinity Baptist Church.

He brought his wife Hollis, Son Brandon and his Dad to the Rotary meeting today.

Wayne was born in Kerrville and came back to town in 1999.

he spent 27 years on the wood working business.

It took a while to get the business going. His crew was He, his wife and two boys.

In 2013 they paid off their home. Then they found a location to move the business too. The address is104 Magical Lane N. Kerrville.

He took a job in San Antonio redoing a gym

From this job he got 4 referrals.

Texas Railing Systems was founded in 2009 out of the desire to meet the need for a specialist in the niche market of architectural contemporary railing. We are spearheaded by professional leadership with over 35 years' experience in the commercial, residential, and manufacturing environments. To date we have grown every year, both in volume and miles traveled. With well over 1,000 projects managed and valuations up to 1.5 million, choosing Texas Railing Systems takes the worry out of the process. Located in the the Texas Hill Country, we can reach anywhere in the state. Your Texas project is not beyond our range. We take pride in keeping our work area clean and neat, and measure our quality in terms of our timeliness, as well as project excellence. Our commitment is getting the project done to your satisfaction and on schedule, so you can enjoy the views that much sooner.

SAVE THE VIEW.

We deliver “WOW” reactions by providing architectural guardrails in
contemporary designs, which focus on our slogan— Save the View

Feed My Family was a thought but change to Feed Our Family
Business mix is 80% business and 20% Residential

See link for pictures https://www.texasrailingsystems.com

AVODAH

work, worship, and service

Avoda, or Avodah (Hebrew: עֲבוֹדָה), literally means "work, worship, and service" in Hebrew. In a modern context, usually referring to business-type activities, it can also mean agricultural work and, more traditionally, serving God.

Wayne has religion and prayers in is family and business always.

Families in Rotary

Long time Rotarian John Grimes passed away on January 18th. Please keep Johnny, Stacey and the family in your prayers.

Also keep the families of Dash Peterson and Richard Ferris as they both passed.

We lost another local man that helped many Veterans in this area of the state

Allen Hill who ran the Veterans Center here in town. See below.

Memorial Service
Hill Country Veteran Center
411 Meadowview Ln.
Kerrville, TX 78028
Saturday, January 29, 2022 11 AM

Robin's sister has the Co-Vid Prayers for their family.

George's Song

George led in in singing a song for our own Wayne.

Wine is Fine

Kristi Shepherd was wearing her Rotary pin when her name was called, so she then turned the bottle back to Marta for wine pull! Way to go Kristi

Paul Harris awards

Weir Labatt gets his Paul Harris plus 4 Bruce Mckenzie plus 1

January is Vocational Service Month

January is Vocational Service Month in the Rotary International Calendar

One of the most important aspects of Rotary is building relationships. Learning about professions and job involvement is one of those foundation stones to creating an environment in our Rotary Clubs which builds relationships. Often during the introduction of a new member there can be glimpses of what job choice has been made. And there are those occasional programs devoted to Rotary membership talks where a new member or a more seasoned member shares their life story and work experiences.

Intriguing, interesting and informative are words that will often describe these vocational talks.

New and innovative work positions are being created in our world. Vocational Service month is a great time to celebrate and learn about the life work of our members, whether it is a profession that has lots of history or newly established.

This month and in the months ahead, take some time during your club meetings to have Rotarians share their stories of what they do to impact their world. Relationships will be stronger and one of the reasons for the founding of Rotary will be expressed.

Program on Human Trafficking

Kerr County Sherriff Department Captain Carl Arrendondo provided the program on Human Trafficking at the meeting last Wednesday. According to the State Attorney General's website, there are approximately 79,000 victims of trafficking at any given time in Texas. There are several categories of this crime including adult sex trafficking (those forced into prostitution), children under the age of 18 sex trafficking, and both adult and children labor trafficking.

Those who are most susceptible include victims of abuse, runaways, kids in foster care and those with a juvenile record. The traffickers themselves can come from various backgrounds including being an intimate partner of a victim, bosses, and owners or strip clubs and massage parlors. Trafficking is described as modern day slavery. The most important thing citizens can do to help is to report suspicious activity- if you see something, say something.

Prayer and Pledge

Roy Boudreaux led us in the prayer and pledge.

Rotarian of the Year

Kristi Vandenburg District Governor introduces Tammy

Congratulations Tammy.

K9's for Warriors

Clint introduces our guest speaker Jessica Mendoza

Jessica is Development Manager, Major Gifts at K9s For Warriors.

She noted that K9s for Warriors is the largest trainer of Dogs in the US.

All dogs used are rescue dogs. If for any reason the dogs are untrainable or don't get along with the veteran then they find a home for the dogs.

Dogs are trained in 5 to 8 months. They learn phrases like, got my 6, meaning to check out what's behind the veteran. They also are trained to wake up the veteran if they are going through night terror.

One veteran was able to attend his son's high school football game with the service dog by his side. Dogs help with PTSD.

Only mid sized dogs are used for the program as some vets need to lean on the dogs for support. After training then comes the bonding of the dog to the vet. This takes around 21 days.

The waiting list to get a trained dog is now out to 2026.

K9s are connected to the paws act

Puppies Assisting Wounded Servicemembers Act of 2021 or the PAWS Act of 2021

This bill requires the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to implement a grant program for the purpose of pairing service dogs with eligible veterans. Organizations that receive grants must provide veterinary health insurance coverage, hardware, and travel expenses for each service dog and veteran participating in the program.

Eligible veterans are those who (1) are enrolled in the VA health care system, (2) have been evaluated and treated for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but remain diagnosed with PTSD, (3) may benefit from a service dog, and (4) agree to successfully complete training provided by an eligible organization. Veterans are required to see a VA health care provider at least once every six months to determine whether the veteran continues to benefit from a service dog.

Eligible organizations are nonprofit organizations that

provide service dogs to veterans with PTSD,
meet publicly available standards set forth by the Association of Service Dog Providers for Military Veterans,
have expertise in the needs of veterans with PTSD,
agree to cover all costs in excess of the grant amount to guarantee the benefits of the program,
agree to reaccept or replace a service dog provided to a veteran, and
submit an application to the VA.

Any improvement in PTSD symptoms as a result of the provision of a service dog shall not affect the veteran's eligibility for any other VA benefits.

The Government Accountability Office must report on the grant program.

Several vets have reported that since they got a dog they went completely off all meds that they were taking for PTSD. They got there first Vietnam vet in the program last year.

for more info https://k9sforwarriors.org/program/

Across US Vets that have received dogs

Vets in Texas

Hill Country Quilt Guild

Rebecca Peterson Administrator of Hill Country Quilt Guild

She was a guest and told us about the Guild.

Hill Country Quilt Guild

The Hill Country Quilt Guild is a 501C 3 charity, based in Kerrville, Texas. We Support quilting education and fiber based charitable donations for our community.

On January 1, 2020 we were an organization of 241 strong. So far, we have lost over 100 members to health concerns and the pandemic. This huge drop in women-power, we were still able to donated 278 quilts to the community in 2021. We also donated 125 hand made Christmas stockings to the Hill Country Youth Ranch along with 113 adult shirt protectors for the Alamo Hospice.

Our guild is the nationally licensed Quilts for VALOR RESOURCE for Kerr County. During 2012, we draped 27 veterans with newly created quilts.

The Hill Country Quilt Guild is a diverse group of women including nurses, educators, professionals, construction managers and military veterans. One member is currently completing her bachelor’s degree and another has recently graced the stage at the Cailloux and The Point theater. By the way, watch for the production of “Blyth Spirt”.

We our donations come from a simi annual quit show. We invite you to experience “Alonge the Silk Road”, a fantasy of the sights a d sounds experienced by the explores and merchants who traveled the earth’s longest active trade routes.

Our show is February 18-19 at the Hill Country Youth Event Center (Happy State Bank Expo). Please join us..

Thank You!

Hill Country Youth Guild

George's Song

George Eychner led us singing Happy birthday to Todd

Families in Rotary

Prayers to anyone with Co-vid.

Prayers for all the absenteeism in our schools.

Once around the room

Close to 45 with 7 online

Judge Rob Kelly

Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly provided updates on our county last Wednesday. Rob has been the judge since 2018, and is running unopposed for another term. Here are a few of the highlights he spoke about at our meeting:

Five candidates are running for the Precinct 2 commissioner position.

The county accepted 10.2 million from the American Rescue Plan of 2021. Half of it is in the county's hands now, and the county has until 2024 to commit to using the funds. They will need to be spent by the end of 2026.

Kerr County is contemplating a Bond Issue for capital improvements. A committee toured county facilities, and received input to determine what the funds should be used for. The plans include a new West Kerr County Annex to be built in Ingram, a courthouse annex on Earl Garrett, a new Animal Services Facility, a new Storage facility for County records, upgrades to the Hill Country Youth Complex, and other projects. The approximate value of the bond will be announced soon.

Growth is a hot topic of discussion in Kerr County. Domestic water and sanitary sewer / septic facilities are being discussed, both for individual projects and for long term availability of water and treatment of waste water in our area.

The Subdivision Rules for the county are being rewritten to comply with recent state level changes to subdivision requirements. These requirements, encouraged by the developer lobby, provide a very short timetable to review final plats proposed by anyone who wants to develop their property. The preliminary plat process was eliminated, so when a developer submits the plat to the county for approval, it is usually the first time the county engineers have had a chance to review it. They can approve, disapprove or approve with comments, but only have one month to do so.

New member Jessica Belschner

Jeff Harris welcomed our newest member, Jessica Belschner. She transferred to our club from the Valley.

Prayer and Pledge

Kristy Vandenberg led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

Member fun facts

Kristy Vandenberg has started a new tradition of telling us a little about a member of the club. This week she gave some fun facts about our President, Jeff Harris.

Jeff is a senior VP at South Star Bank in Kerrville. His wife is also named Kristy, and they have two cats named Simon and Garfunkel. His hobbies are golf and fishing. In addition to being our club president, he has a big heart for veterans, and recently became a member of the Kerrville Planning and Zoning Commission, at the City of Kerrville.

Blue Santa Success

Blue Santa was a big success again this year. Each family got 3 of the red bags loaded with food and a turkey including roasting pan plus bags of apples, oranges and potatoes. We provided food for 39 families at Ronnie Bock’s RV place and 40 at Doyle Community Center. Thank you to all who participated in this event.

Salvation Army Bell Ringers

Merry Christmas to all, and a big thanks to all who rang the bell for the Salvation Army this year.

Bell Ringers and past Christmas Cheer

Here's a few photos of Rotarians during the Christmas season from the past few seasons. Thank you to all who have helped the Salvation Army over the years.

Rotary Christmas Party

This was in support of the following. Those who did not show up missed out.

Brass Band from Dallas

headquarters

Capt. Jeremiah Romack of the Kerrville Kroc Center introduces our guest.

This ensemble 3 of which out of Salvation Army State Headquarters in

Dallas and one Kaitlyn from Kerrville.

He spoke of the fact that 56,000 employees, with over 2 million Volunteers.

There are over 7,000 operations in 132 countries.

The group played music as audience sang along in some cases.

https://caringmagazine.org/30-facts-the-salvation-army/

local https://kerrvillekroc.org/programs/

Easter Extravaganza (20,000 eggs)

Harvest Festival

Back to School Bash

Christmas at the Kroc (Santa Breakfast)

Rotary News you can Use

Marta opens the meeting

The Christmas party was held on Dec 8. at Sendera Springs

https://senderasprings.com A great time had by all that attended. Their were a number of folks that signed up to go to this event that did not show.

Rotary News you can Use | Rotary Club of Kerrville

Dave encourages members to signup for bell ringing. This is done thru Clubrunner.

Ed Hamilton was called and a man had his mothers collection of antique dolls, and said if Ed don't take their going to the dump. He picked up 2000,

and has given away 800. So if you have girls of granddaughters 12 and under

contact Ed.

The main event for Rotary will be held Feb 5th 2020. This is our only fund raiser.

George's Song

George Eychner led us in Jingle Bells !!

Rotary News you can Use

The Hill Country Youth Orchestra will receive new tuxedos and gowns, thanks to a matching grant from our Rotary District and our club.

The Blue Santa program will receive a matching grant from the District as well. December 11th is the day of the event, at Ronnie Bock's RV in Kerrville. Contact Phyllis Ricks if you would like to help give out Christmas goods and cheer. ricks.phyl@gmail.com

Bell Ringers are needed for a few slots to benefit the Salvation Army. The ringing takes place at Gibson's over the next few Saturdays. Go to our website to sign up. You might have as an exciting time as Clint Morse did last week. If you didn't hear his story, you can catch it on the YouTube replay.

Marta Diffen and Todd Odom ring the bell.

Christmas Message from David Payne

David Payne, pastor at the Kerrville First United Methodist Church, was the speaker last Wednesday. David has been in Kerrville about four and one half years. His inspirational Christmas message is that simple acts of kindness can change not just Kerrville, but the world. This season, supply chain issues won't stop generosity and the true meaning of Christmas.

Wine is Fine

David Rittenhouse was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine.

Prayer and Pledge

Rick Cunningham led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

George's Song

George Eychner led us in the Kerrville version of "It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas".

New Member E.A. Hoppe

E.A. Hoppe is the newest member of our club. E.A. is the City Manager for the City of Kerrville.

Pints for Polio Success

Robin Miears reported that the Pints for Polio held at the Trailhead Beer Garden on the Schreiner Campus raised $12,800.00 for the polio eradication campaign. Thank you to all who donated and showed their support at the event.

Blood Drive

Tammy Prout thanked those that participated in the Blood Drive on November 29th. Seventeen people donated, and the next opportunity will be in the Spring.

Kristy Vandenberg

Kristy spoke about several things.

This is the only fund raiser for The Ultimate Gift of Life.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Foundation Giving

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

What the Rotary Foundation Does.

Kerr County Livestock Show

Charlie introduces the two guest speakers

Rusty Henderson and the other Steve Bauer

to see more about Rusty see the link below

https://hcdjls.org/stories/volunteer-and-family-feature-henderson-and-mcclintock

Fourth generation involved with Kerr County Livestock Show

Rusty is currently manager at Windstream.

Steve and wife Mary Beth are owners of Double Feed, both locations.

Steve is also President of the KCDLSA

Both men supports the Live Stock Shows.

Since CO-VID they have divided the shows in to two parts

Part 1 The Kerr County Livestock Show Jan 5-8th, 2022

This show last year had 206 entries with money brought in $50,000

Part 2 2022 Hill District Grandstand Show Jan15-22, 2022

This district show covers 33 Counties and 1,200 entries and 2,400 projects.

Both shows teach kids Responsibility, how to show, how to keep books and many more life skills. Encourages kids to move on in life.

The district show is the 5th largest in the state and the 1st that is all volunteer.

Vets return to West Point

Rotarian and West Point graduate David Rittenhouse provided the program last Wednesday, detailing his return to West Point Military Academy. David and about seventy other graduates returned to the academy for their 50th anniversary of starting their journey, in the fall of 1971. David graduated in 1975 from West Point, and has returned several times for reunions.

David and his classmates participated in the New Cadet March and enjoyed socializing with the first year students. He observed that the cadets were hard working, well trained, well equipped, and better directed now.

David recalled that on his new cadet march in 1971, it was pouring rain.

David met his wife while they both were in the military.

West Point accepts between 1,300 and 1,400 new cadets each year, and the total enrollment is around 4,400. It is a rigorous program, with about 60% of cadets graduating in four years, which is a fairly high percentage compared to most universities. The first year women graduated was in 1980, and women cadets currently comprise about 23% of the student body.

Prayer and Pledge

Coast Guard veteran David Jones provided the prayer and led us in the pledge.

George's Song

In honor of our armed forces, George led us in the Marines' Hymn.

Birthday Song

The Rotarians whose birthdays are in November were recognized, and were serenaded with the Happy Birthday song in perfect harmony.

Wine is Fine

Kristi Shepherd was wearing her Rotary pin when here name was called, so she won a bottle of wine.

Veterans Recognized

In honor of veterans Day, the veterans in our club were recognized and appreciated.

Rotary News you can Use

The annual Kerrville Rotary Christmas party is the evening of Saturday, December 8th. Please RSVP to Jimmy Hutto. javalinahutto@gmail.com, 713-410-1647

The next Highway Trash Pickup is this Saturday at 7:30 am. Meet at Talley Elementary. Refreshments will be provided, and then the trash pickup will begin along Goat Creek Road.

The Rotary Main Event Fund Raiser for our club is in the planning stages. If you would like to help with this event, please contact Marta Diffen. mdiffen@schreiner.edu

The next Blood Drive will be at Crenwelge Motors on November 29th, from 10-3. Sign up is at https://donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/131602

Veterans Breakfast

Thank you to all who participated in the Veterans Breakfast held last week.

Families in Rotary

Please keep Tom Terrell in your thoughts and prayers.

Alex Judd Path for Growth

Wayne Uecker introduces Alex Judd

About

Founder and CEO of Path for Growth

Graduated from The University of Texas with High Honors.

BS Corporate Communications, Moody College of Communication
Business Foundations, McCombs School of Business

Passionate learner, communicator, and self-starter.

Ironman Triathlete, 7x Marathon Finisher, and former Drum Major of The University of Texas Longhorn Band.

https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/reviews/the-19th-century-frenchman-you-should-read/

When he applied for the Drum Major job they said your not in band. He said do you want someone in band or someone who will memorize all 200 band members in two weeks. He got the job.

In 1831 a French man came to America and to study how America worked.

He said that in America organizations could freely meet and solve local needs. Like building a Church, a park or any other needs the community needed.

Growth is Consistency

1. Certainty habit, routine, order

2. Uncertainty

3. Significance faith, hope, meaningful

4. Human Connection Church, clubs, ect.

5. Growth

6. Contribution make something happen.

Alex delivered the presentation without a note one. He kept every ones attention.

Wine is fine

Gena Daniels was wearing his pin , so she won a bottle of red. Way to go Gena.

Rotary News you can Use

Just a reminder our 11th Free Veterans Appreciation breakfast is this Friday at the Veterans center (411 Meadowview lane) here in Kerrville. It starts at 8 am and goes until the tacos are gone. If you are not able to make it and would like to donate to their pantry you can bring you donation to the noon meeting this week and give it to Jeff Harris. We hope to see as many Rotarian's as possible at the event to show our appreciation and share a meal with our local Veterans. If you have any questions you can email Donna Peterson at dd5201@aol.com, or give call/text at 402-802-6829.

The season is coming up soon for Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army. Go to our website to sign up to ring the bell and help raise money for all the Salvation Army's worthy causes.

Blue Santa is scheduled for Dec 11, 2021 at 8 am at Ronnie Bock’s Kerrville RV. They are planning for the children to be able to meet Santa and get their presents at this time. If the COVID numbers increase then it could change to a drive thru like last year. Please contact Stephanie Skrumeda (830-370-5789) if you would like to participate in this event. It should be done around 11:30.

Brad Barnett and the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce

Brad Barnett, executive director of the Kerrville area Chamber of Commerce, provided the program for the meeting last Wednesday.

Brad has an extensive background in communications, including recent work in the Midland, Texas Chamber of Commerce, and previously served as a minister. The chamber has four staff members currently, and has worked on a number of improvements over the last year.

The Chamber has developed a new logo, mission and vision statement and focuses on being the premier advocate and business hub for the area. A consultant was brought in to help work on their strategic plan, and how to be in step with the City of Kerrville's 2050 Plan. One of the goals of the Chamber is to develop young leaders in the community, using the Leadership Kerr County program, which will help lead the development of businesses in the future.

There are numerous events and programs scheduled for the year, including the Business Expo, Awards Banquet, State of Education Luncheon, State of Health Care event, Ribbon Cuttings for new businesses, Business After Hour Mixers, Legislative Updates, as well as the publication of "Our View".

For more information, visit the Chamber's website.

Prayer and Pledge

Ashley Phillips led us in the prayer and pledge.

George's Song

George Eychner led us in a song honoring the work of the Kerrville Chamber of Commerce.

Bake Sale success for Polio

Thank you to all who bid and donated baked goods to raise money for polio eradication. Todd Odom did a great job as the lively auctioneer.

Tammy, Brenda and Ashley presented the delicious cakes, pies and assorted treats.

Pints for Polio at the Trailhead

Thank you to all who donated and participated at the Pints for Polio event at the Trailhead Beer Garden on the Schreiner University campus.

Families in Rotary

Please keep Stockton Williams in your prayers. He was back in the hospital after complications with his knee surgery.

Congratulations to Jeff Talarico on his recent ordination into the ministry, and his and Caryn's 34th wedding anniversary.

Please keep the families of those who were injured or lost their lives, and first responders at the drag races in your prayers.

Chuck Chandler

Clint Morse introduces our guest Chuck Chandler

Chuck is a member of the Harris county historical commission.

Chuck went to Texas A &M and plays the banjo & fiddle.

Hurricanes were not named until 1951. Before this time they we named by the year or an event during the storm.

In the early days there was two bayous on the island.

This map is 1845.

The first storm that was recorded was in 1527

see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Narv%C3%A1ez_expedition

Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca, was on board and roamed the southwest for 10 years.

1818 another hurricane hit not to bad.

1837 a big one hit the island. It is known as Racer's hurricane, from the Royal Navy ship HMS Racer. Winds knocked building off foundations. 16 foot tidal surge, rained for 36 hours.

see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racer%27s_hurricane for more information. Another hits five years later.

1854 hurricane has winds up to 105 MPH and 8 foot storm surge.

1867 with a population of 15,000 it was noted 1,200 died of yellow fever.

18" of water in the Strand area, The rail road bridge was knocked out and tidal surge highest since 1937.

1871 there was 3 ft of water inside the Railroad station. Locals voted to raise sidewalks in downtown area. They are still like this today. When it rained real hard the streets looked like Venice. Completed in 1874.

Picture taken 1875 before storm.

1875 Indianola hurricane. Surge was 4 foot higher than high tide. Boats were found 9 miles inland. 800 people lost their lives with 300 being from Indianola. At this time Indianola was a lager port than Galveston. Rain was 10.58" and flats were developed. It was most destructive. The town would be rebuilt, only to be devastated again by the 1886 hurricane. At Galveston, several houses and a railroad bridge were destroyed, and a ship, the Beardstown, sunk in Galveston Bay. The town suffered about $4 million in damage and 30 deaths.

1886 hurricane destroyed Indianola. In Galveston, Texas, the storm capsized a forty-ton schooner, the Liviona Perkins, killing three crew members. The storm also damaged roads, railways, and houses, leading to an estimated $200,000 in damage (equivalent to $5.2 million in 2019^[7]).^[6]^{After this hurricane}^{they formed the Seawall Protection group. But politics and money delayed}

^{anything getting done.}

1900 hurricane

15 foot over high tide

100 to 120 mph winds before wind gauge blew away.

Deaths 8 to 12 thousand.

All the greyed area was destroyed what saved downtown area was the tide pushed the debris into large piles that stopped the surge from getting there.

And then the building of the wall and raising the city starts.

https://www.swg.usace.army.mil/Portals/26/docs/PAO/GalvestonBulwarkAgainsttheSea.pdf

The wall was built 17 ft tall. So the rest of Galveston had to be raised to 17 feet. The government helps with the wall but the property owner was responsible for raising there own house.

Before the ground was raised they built steps so to catch the train.

They started the wall in 1905.

In 1889 President Grover Cleveland appointed him to a board of engineers to recommend a western Gulf port for the government to develop to handle tonnage that was increasing each year. Robert selected Galveston as the only site that could meet the conditions to become a major Gulf port. Congress approved his proposal and appropriated the funds. After the Galveston hurricane of 1900 Robert served as consulting chairman of the board of engineers to design means of protection against future tidal waves. The recommendations of this board resulted in a seawall that successfully saved the city of Galveston on two subsequent occasions, 1909 and 1915. After each tidal wave Robert was called back to report on seawall damage and to make further recommendations. He was also asked to help design a highway and railroad bridge between Galveston and the mainland. Just before he reached retirement age he was promoted to brigadier general, chief of engineers, United States Army, on April 30, 1901

Robert also became this country's leading parliamentarian. Robert's Rules of Order, first published in February 1876, remained in print in the 1990s as an authoritative reference work on parliamentary procedure.

They started by driving cedar logs down to bedrock with pile drivers.

Then poring cement. They completed 3 miles. They did complete another 7 miles so its today 10 miles

Rotary News you can Use

Join us for the Pints for Polio at the Trailhead Beer Garden at Schreiner University Trailhead Beer Garden, October 24th from 3-5 pm. This is a great way to help end polio.

Individual tickets are $50 each and this includes, wristband for entry, an event glass, & one food ticket. There are sponsorship opportunities also for businesses or individuals. Please plan to attend if you can! See attached flyer for sponsorship details. Email or call Amber Thomason (amber.thomason.erx6@statefarm.com) 830 315 5433 or Robin Miears (robin@joecookagency.com) 830 377 4819. We look forward to seeing you all at our event!

The annual Veterans Breakfast will be Friday, November 5th, at the Hill Country Veterans Center on Meadowview in Kerrville.

The Bake Sale and auction is upcoming on October 27th.

Think of this as an old fashioned barn raising, money making event. We are asking all members to bring some sort of baked deliciousness! Every item will initially be priced at $20 and we need to sell them all!

Once you win, you can bring these treats back to work to share or home to devour. You can also donate your sweets and bring them to an office/business where you can show your appreciation for their staff or volunteers.

As items are presented, if you want to bid more than $20, you get 15 seconds to get the bidding started with $30 bid. Todd Odom will be our auctioneer and he is sure to try and get the best price for each item! Bid high and bid often!

To make the transactions as quick and easy as possible, bring your cash or check to pay for the items. Plan now to support Polio Plus and get rewarded with amazing treats - no tricks!

The season is coming up soon for Ringing the Bell for the Salvation Army. Go to our website to sign up to ring the bell and help raise money for all the Salvation Army's worthy causes.

Robin Miears was wearing her Rotary pin at the meeting, so she won a bottle of wine, and then donated it back to the club.

Don Frazier, The Texas Center

Don Frazier provided an entertaining and informative program on Texas history and the 1836 project. Don is the director of the Texas Center at Schreiner University, whose mission is to help students and the general population learn and appreciate Texas history, culture and people.

Don was appointed to the 1836 Project by Governor Greg Abbott. This project goal is a "presentation of the history of this state’s founding and foundational principles; examination of how this state has grown closer to those principles throughout its history; and explanation of why commitment to those principles is beneficial and justified.”

In addition to Texas' fight for independence from Mexico and entry into the Union, there will be some additional historical topics that will be part of the project, including indigenous people, the state’s Spanish and Mexican heritage, Tejanos and Juneteenth. A "long read" brochure will be produced that tells the story of Texas, and it will be provided for anyone who gets a Texas Driver's License. The project information will also be available to Texas agencies, historical parks and museums.

Don is passionate about educating people on what makes Texas unique, and presents a wealth of historical and cultural information in his presentations.

John Fletcher- for Chip Roy

Chip Roy was unable to make it to the meeting Wednesday, but his District Director, John Fletcher came and gave a brief legislative update.

Pledge and Prayer

David Horn led us in the prayer and pledge.

New Member Robert Walter, Jr.

Our newest member is Major General Robert Walter, who is director of Strategic Initiatives for Military Affairs at Schreiner University. Welcome Rob!

Families in Rotary

Please keep the following members and their families in your prayers:

Carolyn Northcutt lost her husband, Robert.

Sue Whinnery had shoulder surgery recently.

Jimmy Hutto had foot surgery.

Stockton Williams had knee surgery.

Economic and Community Development

October is Economic and Community Development month.

Rotary members help Indian weavers achieve better wages and working conditions.

Nearly 1.4 billion employed people live on less than $1.25 a day. Our members promote economic and community development and reduce poverty in underserved communities through training, well-paying jobs, and access to financial management institutions. Projects range from providing people with equipment to vocational training. Our members work to strengthen local entrepreneurs and community leaders, particularly women, in impoverished communities.

Kristi Vandenburg District 5840 Governor

Carol Holmes introduces our own Kristi Vandenburg District Governor

Kristi started out by saying she was more nervous about speaking at this club than anywhere else she has spoke. Her vision statement is Serve to Change Life.

25 years ago there we 1.2 million people in Rotary and today there about 1.2 million people in Rotary. And 1.3 million people joined Rotary during that 25 years. Where are they going? Right out the back door. If they don't find something they are passionate about they leave. Our job is get new members involved in something they enjoy doing.

As a District Governor you get invited to international conventions. Hamburg, Germany was 2019 and it was virtual, 2020 was in Hawaii and it was virtual, this year its in Houston.

She said we all need to bring someone to Rotary. Bring one Loose none!

30% of all Rotarians are over 70. We need to get the mid 50's folks to Rotary.

She want to try to end Human Trafficking. Wants to get all the 55 clubs in the district on the same page. Of the 313,000 people trafficked 1/3 are for sex and 2/3 are for labor.

She ask folks to buy chances to win a wheel barrel full of Wine & Booze. 14 folks paid for $200 worth of tickets and 11 folks paid for $100 worth of tickets. Jimmy & Asley will help collect the Wine & Booze along with money.

Prayer and Pledge

Mark Dizdar led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

Ham Radio

Dale Gaudier was the guest speaker last Wednesday, and gave a presentation on Amateur Radio, often referred to as "Ham Radio". Dale has been past president of the Hill Country Amateur Radio Club, and developed an interest in the field in his early teens.

Ham Radio is an effective way of communicating with others over the air waves. While hams may use the internet or a repeater system, they do not have to do so. In fact, one of the biggest advantages is that ham radio operators can talk directly with others without any outside infrastructure. This becomes really important during a natural or man made disaster when typical communication systems fail.

Amateur Radio enthusiasts do not use it for business. It is purely a hobby with a purpose. Hams practice efficient communication, and and expand their knowledge of geography, match and electronics while having fun doing it.

George's Song

George Eychner led us in song with a Kerrville Version of "Deep in the Heart of Texas".

Wine is Fine

Roy Boudreaux was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine.

Families in Rotary

Congrats to Kristi Vandenberg for completing the recent triathlon.

Bekki Hutto is recovering from surgery, so continue to keep her in your prayers.

Please keep Mark Dizdar in your prayers.

Rise Against Hunger

Thank you to all who participated in the Rise Against Hunger event at Schreiner University on September 19th. 30,000 meals were packaged for those in need.

Matlock, Texas Ranger

Chad Matlock, a Texas Ranger, provided the program at Last Wednesday's meeting.

Chad has a number of family members in law enforcement, so it was natural for him to be in the field as well. He spent time in the highway patrol before becoming a Texas Ranger, and covers Kerr and Gillespie counties, and assists in several other surrounding counties.

The Texas Rangers are the oldest state police organization in the United States. In 1823, Stephen F. Austin "employed" ten men to patrol the range lands of Texas to protect the early settlers, and so the "Ranger" name stuck. In 1935, the rangers became part of the Department of Public Safety, and today there 161 rangers, including four women.

Their duties include crime scene investigations, body excavations, border security, police shooting investigations and tactical operations and crisis negotiations. They assist local law enforcement agencies, and also investigate unsolved crimes. Several years ago, Chad survived a shooting while pursuing a criminal. Most Texas Rangers are in it until they retire, so there is little turnover.

Surprisingly, he often gets asked if Chuck Norris (Walker) was actually was a Texas Ranger. Not surprisingly, the answer is no. For more history, visit the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame and Museum in Waco.

George's Song

George Eychner led us in the "Eyes of the Ranger" for the song of the day.

KISD Mentoring Program

Clint Morse introduces our two guest Laurie Rees and Phyllis Blair

Laurie started the program and Phyllis finished up.

This mentoring program started 30 years ago. They have volunteers that have been in program for 29 years. Its rewarding for the mentor. This is not tourting but just being a friend and advisor. Its asking questions to let the child see things in a different light. One child told a mentor about having nightmares. Mentor ask when does family watch TV? He said on Friday nights and it always scary movies. The mentor ask student if they would mind if he went to his room during the movies. He said that would be ok and he no longer has nightmares.

Mentors incourage students. They really like being incouraged.

Mentoring / Department Overview (kerrvilleisd.net)

The above link tells a bit more about program.

Contact Laurie Rees on the Daniels campus at 257-2233 or email her at Laurie.rees@kerrvilleisd.net.

When ask how many mentors are needed Phyllis they have 60 mentors and over 200 students.

George leads us in Song

Posted by George Eychner on Sep 15, 2021

George led us in song

Captain William Groneman- 911 remembered

Bill Groneman was a captain in the New York City Fire Department on September 11, 2001. That was his day off, and he had been for a walk on the beach, but soon after he left he found out there was a disaster in progress and made it to the fire station. His unit then was dispatched to a command post on the east side of the collapse zone.

The smoke and dust were intense, and made for a surreal experience, especially when he saw a jet engine sitting on the corner of a street. He and many others worked for days on the rubble and debris pile left from the collapse, first in rescue mode, and then in recovery operation.

Bill also displayed a unique look at photos from 911, and famous pieces of art that evoked similar emotions of the tragedy, anguish and disbelief from both witnesses and firefighters.

Bill has written a book titled "September 11- A Memoir" about his first hand account in the aftermath of 911. He is an accomplished writer, and has also written several books on the Alamo.

Prayer and Pledge

Dennis Glenewinkel led us in the prayer and pledge last Wednesday.

Walk a Fun

Thank you to all who participated in the Labor Day Walk A Fun event at Louise Hays Park.

Wine is FIne

Of course Kristy was wearing her pin so she won a bottle of wine.

Bill Raleigh Director of Athletics Schreiner

Clint introduces our guest Bill Raleigh

Bill Raleigh was named Schreiner University’s Director of Athletics in August of 2017.

Bill has served as the Assistant Athletic Director for Southwestern Athletics. He is also served as the Chair of the Exercise & Sports Studies and Fitness and Recreation Activities programs. Prior to his role in administration, Raleigh coached the men’s basketball program at Southwestern for 15 years.

During his tenure with Southwestern’s basketball program Raleigh guided the Pirates to success on the court as well as in the classroom. The team consistently had a team GPA of above 3.0 and for 10 straight years was recognized by the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC) Honor Court for their academic accomplishments. All but one of the four year letter winners who played for Raleigh during his tenure graduated from Southwestern University. On the court, the Pirates had their best season under Raleigh’s tutelage during the 2004-2005 season. With a 20- 7 overall record and 11-3 in the SCAC, the Pirates earned their best record, a regular season championship and #1 seed in the conference tournament for the first –time in school history. Also, the Pirates advanced to the Championship game of the SCAC tournament during the 2008-2009 season with an 18-10 overall record. Raleigh was twice named SCAC Coach of the year and coached SCAC Player of the Year and NABC 3rd team All-American, Aaron Bowser. Furthermore, Coach Raleigh produced 34 All-SCAC selections and two 1,000 point scorers during his tenure.

Before joining Southwestern, Raleigh was the head men's basketball coach/head golf coach at the University of Dallas and an assistant basketball coach at Randolph-Macon College in Ashland, VA and Washington & Lee University in Lexington, VA.

After earning bachelor’s degree in business administration from Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA, Raleigh attended Seton Hall University’s School of Law in Newark, NJ and earned his juris doctor degree.

A Native of Colts Neck, NJ, Raleigh has two teenage daughters, Casey and Carson, and has been married to his wife Maureen for over 20 years.

Schreiner is focused on bringing more to the University.

ATHLETIC TRAINING

Schreiner Athletic Training Mission Statement

The mission of the Schreiner University Athletic Training program is to provide recognized athletic training services to the student-athletes of Schreiner University. All student-athletes will receive access to injury education, prevention, management and rehabilitation services associated with athletic participation. Referral for additional medical evaluation and treatment as necessary is also provided. The goal is to return any injured student-athlete to activity as quickly and safely as possible.

The Athletic Training staff is dedicated to this mission and compliance to Schreiner University, the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference, the NCAA, and the National Athletic Trainers' Association.

The Schreiner University Athletic Training program will be under continuous evaluation both internally and externally to insure that quality athletic healthcare is provided to the student-athlete.

Under the Varsity Programs are Equestrian, Rifle & Shotgun..so far

And they have a golf program.

Bill said they wanted to increase the campus resident to about 1200 students. They understand that these sports program attract students. The parents used to try to get the kids to good prestigious schools. But those schools cost a lot of money. Now the parents are trying to find less expensive schools. Schreiner is a small less expensive school.

They are looking into bringing football to the campus if they can find the money. A Bass fishing club was also mentioned.

Schreiner University (schreinermountaineers.com)

Academics | Schreiner University

I had no idea they offered so many different fields of study.

Bill also brought up the fact that Schreiner has a new women's basketball coach Stacy Stephens.

Stacy Stephens Named Women's Basketball Head Coach - Schreiner University (schreinermountaineers.com)

The Birthday Song

George led us in singing The Birthday song

Rotary News You can Use

The Labor Day Walk-a-fun at Louise Hayes Park is coming up on September 6th.

The Rise Against Hunger event will be September 18th.

The Club is looking for members to head up the Pints for Polio event this year.

Amber says she will cochair. Way to go Amber

Tivy Coach David Jones

Head football Coach David Jones provided an inspirational talk to our club last Wednesday. He likens the lessons on the football field to life: when you get knocked down, you have to get back up and keep playing. Coach Jones enjoys what he does, and even though he could retire, he wants to keep coaching and trying to inspire his team to be the best player and person they can be. His twin boys are now in high school and playing football, so he has two more reasons to keep working on the gridiron.

Tivy's first football game was last Friday, and we look forward to seeing how the teams do this year.

Tivy Fight Song

George Eychner and Tivy alum Bob Fairchild led us in singing the Tivy Fight Song, in honor of our speaker, Coach David Jones.

Prayer and Pledge

Tim Crenwelge led us in the Prayer and Pledge.

Rotary News you can Use

Thank you to all who participated in the UGRA Guadalupe River Trash pickup last Saturday.

Here are several upcoming events to put on your calendar:

The Labor Day Walk-a-fun at Louise Hayes Park is coming up on September 6th.

The Rise Against Hunger event will be September 18th.

River Cleanup

Dub Thomas

Clint introduces our guest W B Dub Thomas Emergency Management Coordinator.

A Little about Dub

I worked as a Texas State Trooper in the Highway Patrol Division from 1985 until retiring in 2010. While at DPS I promoted up through the ranks to Highway Patrol Lieutenant and have been assigned to duty stations in Freer, Hillsboro, San Angelo, El Paso and the final duty station of Waco for the last 9 years of my career. While in Waco I was the contact person for the United States Secret Service when it came to providing security at the western white house in Crawford for President Bush. I was the Regional Canine Coordinator, Accident Reconstruction Team Coordinator, Recruit School Instructor, RADAR and Laser Instructor and was responsible for 7 Sergeant areas comprised of about 70 Troopers, 7 Sergeants, 6 canines and handlers and numerous non-commissioned staff.

I was also the State Disaster District Coordinator for Region 4A while stationed in El Paso and the Assistant District Disaster Coordinator for District 6A while stationed in Waco. Emergency Management was one of my functions at the state level (More on that later)

Have been the Emergency Management Coordinator for Kerr County and the City Of Ingram since November 2015 and am responsible for the Kerr County/City of Kerrville/City of Ingram Emergency Management Plan, Code Red, CERT ( Community Emergency Response Team), Kerr County Search and Rescue Team and other disaster related duties as assigned.

He went over stats for Kerr County

After he was done there were many questions from folks around the room. He said there were somewhere around 250 active COVID cases in Kerr County. He also said these numbers change twice a day. He said there will be peaks and valleys in the numbers until we get more folks vaccinated.

It was also brought up that if you were to get a booster shot you will have to wait at least 8 months after your last shot.

DubThomas

Families in Rotary

Stephanie says they are now empty nesters!

Prayers go to all the kids going back to school and parents!!!

Prayers go out to the family of Toby Appleton as he has the CO-VID

Wine is Fine

David Jones was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called so he won the wine. Since no wine was present he will get at next meeting

Wayne Uecker and John Miller were both wearing their pins so they won a bottle of wine. So now we are all caught up!

Tivy High School Athletic Hall of Fame

Guy Overby provided the program last Wednesday, and announced this year's inductees into the Tivy Athletic Hall of Fame.

There were 72 nominations this year. The nominees can come from one of three categories: Athlete, Coach or Supporter. The three inductees are:

Kelly McCarter: Kelly was a basketball and volleyball star from the class of 1999. She earned all district selections all four years in volleyball and basketball at Tivy, and received a four year scholarship at the University of Arkansas. She went on to coach volleyball at Weatherford, Texas, where she was named 2007 District 3-5A Coach of the Year.

Pierce Harold (Tuffy) Fletcher: Pierce played football, basketball and track, and was from the class of 1962. He was a three year letterman in football and basketball and a two year letterman in track. His standout abilities earned him a football scholarship to Texas A&M, where he earned three letters.

Donnie Laurence Sr.: Donnie was the Tivy football coach from 1987 to 1997. His overall record was 165 wins, 65 losses and 5 ties, making him the coach with the third most wins in Tivy history. Tivy had 7 district championships during his tenure and was a state semi finalist twice.

The Induction ceremony will be Friday, September 24th at 6:15 pm at Tivy Stadium, prior to the Tivy - Calallen football game. The ceremony will also recognize the inductees from 2020, including Jacquelin Overby-Brummett, Marty Jefferson and Stuart Cunyus.

Tivy Fight Song

George Eychner and former Tivy High School graduates provided the Tivy Fight Song for our song of the week.

Prayer and Pledge

Rick Cunningham led us in the prayer and pledge.

Napa Rotary

Tim Cooney recently returned from the Napa Valley in California, where he visited the Napa Club and brought back a flag.

Families in Rotary

David Rittenhouse's wife Jean went to the ER. Please keep her and David in your prayers.

Dr. Mark Moiser CEO Kerrville Airport

Bruce McKenzie introduces our guest Dr Mark Moiser

Mark said that flying was in his family for years.

This is his grandmother on the right in her early twenties and was flying back then. She was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

The airport is jointly owned by the city and the county. in 2011 they formed a board of Directors with 5 people on the board. They have is now, where after 5 year term you are replaced. So they loose one every year now.

He said that this airport brings over 38 million dollars to the Kerrville area.

He often spoke of his do everything lady. She was at this meeting also.

More money would bring more hangers and this would bring more business to this area. If you build it they will come! Not all involved believe this theory.

Big Brothers-Big Sisters and Boys and Girls Clubs

Clint Morse introduced two dedicated ladies who told us about two local programs that help our youth.

Elaina Beard is the director of the local Boys and Girls Club, which operates out of the Salvation Army's Croc Center. Their mission is to enable young people to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible adults.

Currently they are offering a Summer Day Camp, with about 175 youth capacity. Their daily activities include swimming, reading, bible studies, studying other countries and occasional special guests. It operates 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. During the school year, an after school program is offered with homework assistance, life skills, youth programs and leadership development. About 40 percent of the youth served are on scholarships.

Rianna Sykes Wenske is the director of the local Big Brothers Big Sisters organization, which pairs adult mentors with youth in need. The "Bigs" usually meet one on one once or twice a month with their kid, and provide a positive role model and individual attention.

The club currently has about fifteen adults and youth matched, which is down significantly due to Covid, but is trying to expand its numbers. Their last fund raiser netted about $14,000, and there are many success stories of lives that were changed from this club. Anyone interested in becoming a mentor or serving on their board is encouraged to contact the local Big Brothers Big Sisters office.

Prayer and Pledge

John Forister led the club in the prayer and pledge.

Coast Guard Birthday

David Jones, who served in the Coast Guard, reflected on the upcoming 231st birthday of this military branch. "Always Ready", the Coast Guard patrols 95,000 miles of US coastline, has 35,000 members on active duty, and is involved in an average of forty two search and rescues in a typical day.

Rotary News you can Use

Marta opens the meet since Jeff is ill.

We will do another Rise Against Hunger event on September 18th.

Jeff introduces members with guest.

Andrew Murr
rr

Our guest was introduced by Kellie Early District Director at Representative Andrew Murr. Kellie then presented a

Resolution from the House of Representatives for appreciation of work done by past Kerrville Convention & Visitor's Bureau President, Charlie McIlvain.

Andrew Murr – an eighth-generation Texan and the descendant of a pioneering family of one of our brave defenders of the Alamo – Representative Murr comes from a long line of Texans committed to making our state a better place to live for future generations.

He is extremely busy, this is some of the items he is working on:

for more info Representative Andrew Murr. He said the Texas Governor will keep on calling special sessions until they get a quorum.

George's Song

We all sang along

Wine is fine

Mike Huff was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine.

Paul Harris Plus 1

Mike Allen gets his Paul Harris plus one. Mike won this when he had the best Bur Oak tree planted from seed. Ed Hamilton was providing seeds to all that wanted some.

Family in Rotary

Posted by Stephanie Miller on Jul 21, 2021

Congratulations to Donna Peterson who married Jamie Saldana

Prayers to all that has to deal with the CO-VID

UT Veterans Assistance

Bryant Truitt introduced Jeremiah Gunderson, who is the Director of Veteran and Affiliated Services for the University of Texas.

Bryant Truitt

Jeremiah Gunderson

Jeremiah is a veteran who served two tours in Iraq, and went to college after his military service. As the director of Veteran Services, his office helps student veterans at the University of Texas by providing resources for financial and academic support, health services and career counseling. Veterans are obviously older than traditional students, and have life experiences that are significantly different as well.

There are about four hundred veterans on campus at UT. That number is fairly small because the University of Texas has stringent entrance requirements for traditional students (top six percent of their high school graduating class), and there are many more applicants than space available. There is a small percentage of slots available for others that aren't in that 6% category, including transfer students, veterans and international students. The Veterans Office helps evaluate all incoming applications from veterans, and provides recommendations to the Admissions office. Those that are accepted come in as transfer students.

If you are interested in supporting our student veterans at UT, you can contact the Vice President for Student Affairs Development at 512-475-6134.

Prayer, Pledge and Song

Carol Holmes led us in the prayer and pledge.

George Eychner led us in singing America the Beautiful.

Jeff Harris New President of Kerrville Rotary

Jeff talks about what his goals are for the coming year. Kristy Harris name was mentioned, he said without her he would not be where he was.

1 Membership club need to increase members

2 Walk of Fun

3 Blood drive to continue

4 Trash pickup

5 Guadalupe River clean up

6 Chalk Fest

7 Rise Against Hunger

8 Super Ball

9 First Responder Week with meeting and golf Tournament

10 Josh the Otter

11 Youth Citizenship Awards

12 Rotary Scholarship

13 Polio

14 Veterans Pantry

15 Bell Ringing

16 Blue Santa

17 Kiwanis Rotary Holiday Meal

18 Christmas Party

19 Hill Country Youth Orchestra

20 Woman's Shelter

21 Rotary Growth Program

District Governor Kristy

Kristy starts the installation of officers with the new president Jeff Harris. Kristy Harris puts his new president pin on his lapel,

Kristy proceeds with installation with president elect Marta Diffen, Sectary Jeff Windling, Treasure Gena Daniels and past president Tammy Prout. These are the officers that will be working with Jeff.

Kristy then proceeds with the installation of the Board of Directors

Dave's Song

Image result for dave rittenhouse kerrville

Jeff’s Welcome Song

To the tune of The Marines’ Hymn

From the Halls of Montezuma

Hails our new Prez Jeffery

He will lead our Club’s efforts

Marching on in Victory

First in Kerrville and then the world

With our service ever keen

We are proud to claim as our Prez

A United States Marine

Dave leads us in a Jeff song

Thanks Dave. Semper Fi

President Tammy's Year in Review

Outgoing Club President Tammy Prout provided a great summary of the past year of Rotary events. Despite the pandemic, our club had many accomplishments. Here's a short list of the activities, events and service projects that we participated in throughout the year:

Guadalupe River Clean up

Veteran's Food Drive

Labor Day Walk-a-Fun

Blood Drives

Trash Pick ups

Hill Country Families Ending Polio

Veterans Breakfast

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Main Event Fundraiser and Silent Auction

First Responders Golf Tournament

First Responders Luncheon

Rise Against Hunger

College Scholarships awarded

Youth Citizenship Awards

George Eychner wrote Tammy's Goodbye Song, and Charlie McIlvain led us in singing to honor Tammy and her leadership this year.

Our Rotary board members and directors were honored for their contributions this year as well: Pictured are Tom Odom, Jeff Harris, Roy Boudreaux, Gena Daniels, Janelle Peralt and Charlie McIlvain.

Clint Morse Was awarded the Rotarian of the Year honor.

Brenda Thompson and Jimmy Hutto were awarded the Rotary Distinguished Service Citations for their work in our club.

A Rotary Grove is planned in the near future, and trees will be planted to honor the memory of Rotarians from our club.

Rotarians Bruce McKenzie, Stephanie Skrumeda, Gerald Irion, Gena Daniels and Kristy Vandenberg were also honored for their service this year.

As a club, we donated $50,231.00 to the Rotary Foundation this year, including a significant anonymous donation.

A special gift of $3,000.00 was given to honor the memory of Arianna Lopez, a student at Starkey Elementary.

Donations of $1,000.00 were also given to several local Art Organizations: Museum of Western Art, Hill Country Arts Foundation, Playhouse 2000, and Kerr Arts and Cultural Center.

The local Volunteer Fire Departments were honored and donations were given to eight VFD's.

Donations were also given to the local Women's Shelter and The Kerrville Christmas Lighting organization.

Charlie McIlvain read a message from our District Governor Kristy Vandenberg, honoring Tammy's great work as our president.

Jimmy Hutto provided the prayer and pledge to start the meeting

Wine is Fine

Dave Samuel was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won a bottle of wine.

Jeff Wendling was also wearing his pin, won a bottle, and gave it away to others in the audience.

CEO & President Cory Edmondson

Tom Martin Introduces our guest CEO & President of Peterson Health Cory Edmondson

Cory was raised in Amarillo and then went to Tech.

He ended up in the medical field in Midland Tx. After 25 years there he came to Kerrville.

In order to expand the Ambulatory Care Center they are creating an Ambulatory Surgery Center shown above as the blue building in front and to the right of the main hospital.

At the end of the presentation the officers gifted Peterson Health with a check for $10,000.

Wine is Fine

Doug Whinnery was wearing his Rotary pin, on Zoom when his name was drawn, so he won a bottle of red wine. Congrats!

Rotary News you can Use

Governor Installation

Kristy Vandenberg as the District 5840 Governor, it closed yesterday. It is a rare event for our club to witness.

It was held at Rails - A Cafe at the Depot event center on Tuesday, June 22, from 6-8 p.m.

Kerrville's Long Range Water Plan

Kerrville City Manager EA Hoppe introduced our Guest speaker Zach Stein.

Zach is from Texas and attended Texas A & M. He is a water engineer working for HDC Engineering working out of Dripping Springs.

He explained how the system was developed buy first figuring out Kerrville's current demand and also future demands.

Objectives

Plan

Demand

Sources

The firm then together with several entities developed a plan.

Follow the link to find out more details. Every answer was then given a cost to insure we get most bang for the buck.

20200128_Report_Kerrville_Long_Range_Water_Plan_Final.pdf

More about the ellenburger-san saba aquifer see link CHAPTER 7 draft_81406.indd (texas.gov)

Currently there is a Water Master working in the TEFC Homepage - Texas Commission on Environmental Quality - www.tceq.texas.gov

This man can control the water in the Guadalupe in a drought such that we cannot touch the water that passes thru Kerrville.

Both men answered questions after the presentation.

The data was in acre foot of water. One acre foot contains 325,851 gallons of water.

Drug Enforcement Administration

Jeff Wendling introduced Frank Sorianello, who is the chief of the San Antonio office of the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Frank explained that the DEA is a single mission administration, and that mission is to enforce the drug laws of the United States. Worldwide, the DEA has 91 offices in 70 countries, and the staff varies from 2 to 40 persons in the various offices. They partner with local county sheriff offices and city police departments to enforce the laws. Because 65-70% of violent crimes have drugs involved in some way, there is obviously cause for concern.

The priorities for the San Antonio DEA office are the trans-national criminal organizations (cartels) and gang related activity. However, a growing crisis is the counterfeit pills that are on the market that mimic Oxycontin and Hydrocodone. When people are dependent on the prescription drug versions, and are unable to continue getting them, they often turn to the black market for these drugs. Unfortunately, some of the counterfeit versions of these drugs can be toxic, and thousands of people a year die in the US from overdose.

Methamphetamine abuse is perhaps the #1 drug issue, and 90% of it comes from Mexico. It often is smuggled in liquid form and then is converted to solid form by local meth labs in the US. There is also a lot of marijuana smuggling into Texas that comes from Colorado and other states where it is legal. Marijuana is significantly stronger than it was a number of years ago, with the THC content approaching 30%, compared to 3% in the past.

For those interested in the DEA for employment, agents coming into the field are usually at least in their late twenties. The administration likes applicants to have a college degree, and prefer military or police department experience. Since following the money is a big part of the DEA's investigations, a background in finance or cyber security is also advantageous.

Prayer and Pledge

Judy Eychner led us in the prayer and pledge.

Citizenship Awards

Jeff Anderson introduced our yearly program that provides Citizenship Awards to area fifth grade students.

Jeff and the committee have worked with local schools to select students who exemplify Service above Self in their daily lives. The student's motto is "We above Me".

A number of local organizations and businesses helped with the program this year.

Neil Griffin was a big supporter of this program since its inception, and he was honored for his contributions.

Crystal Dockery came from Austin again this year to recognize the students and tell a little about each of them.

Here are the award winners:

Toby Appleton with Schreiner University announced that each of the students would receive a $5,000.00 per year college scholarship for four years if they choose to go to Schreiner.

New members

Two new members were welcomed into our Rotary club.

E.A Hoppe is the new City Manager for the City of Kerrville.

Kristi Shepherd works for Fannie Mae.

Wine is Fine

Dave Samuel was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was called, so he won the bottle of wine for the week. Dave donated it to Crystal Dockery, who was one of the speakers for the Citizenship awards program.

Opening Prayer

Kenneth Early led us in the opening prayer.

Closing Prayer

Kathleen Maxwell Rambie provided the closing prayer for the students, parents and all who work in the schools.

Paul Harris Awards

Carol Holmes was awarded her Paul Harris +2 award at the meeting last week.

Rotary News you can Use

Blood Drive

Our final event for this Rotary year will be our South Texas Blood & Tissue Center blood drive. It is scheduled for Thursday, June 24, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Crenwelge Motors.

We need 30 donors and I hope you will be one of them.

Here is a link to register to participate in this blood drive.

https://donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/130455

Already short on the needed blood supply, the STB&TC is reporting an anticipated increase in need due to summer months and COVID restrictions being lifted. Your donation can save a life.

Governor Installation

If you haven't already RSVP'ed to attend the installation of our own Kristy Vandenberg as the District 5840 Governor, please do so. It is going to be a rare event for our club to witness.

It will be held at Rails - A Cafe at the Depot event center on Tuesday, June 22, from 6-8 p.m.

Everyone is invited. There will be food and refreshments and time for fellowship as we honor Kristy and celebrate this great achievement. There is no cost to attend.

Here is the link to RSVP:

https://www.crsadmin.com/eventportal/registrations/publicfill/eventpublicfill.aspx?evtid=3d1e325e-a47c-4df2-8f8f-3f62bed4ad41

First responder training

Our First Responder Committee hosted a training session recently for area law enforcement. The training was on civil document, case procedure and included 15-16 law enforcement officers.

This is one of the many training sessions our club sponsors through this committee.

Schreiner Mansion completed 1927

For Color pictures see 1927 - Kerrville, TX - Old House Dreams

Clint Morse introduces guest Hunter & Rebecca Schmidt

Hunter says he meet his wife Rebecca while both were in US Marines.

This house was the third historic house they tried to purchase. When they first looked at it the price was too high for their budget. When the price was lowered they did purchase. Schreiner Mansion built in the 1920's - Very private & flat usable 10 acres.

Built by Adams & Adams. Other buildings this firm built around the state.

Other homes built by Adams & Adams

The sellers of the property had all the documents that pertained to building the house

Envelops from 20's This is a letter written in 1927 saying the walls leak.

We were informed they still leak.

Blue prints and and Elevation view of the front of the house.

All Lights, fixtures, floors, walls, tiles, windows, fireplace and faucets are original. It was noted the faucets all leaked. Windows are single pane.

They know they will have to replace items as needed.

Of the 10 acres two along Harper rode are spoken for, They will keep 4 acres for house and out buildings, with another 4 acres for 11 or so houses to be built. The first house should be completed in 4 months

Paul Harris Fellows

A number of Paul Harris fellowships were awarded:

David Martin, PH +3

David Jones, PH +5

Leslie Rambin, PH and PH +1

Charlie Mclivain PH +4

Rotary News you can Use

Kristy Vandenberg will be installed as the Rotary District 5840 Governor at Rails- A Cafe at the Depot in Kerrville, on June 22, from 6-8 pm. All Rotarians and spouses are invited, and there will be a cash bar and appetizers.

A blood drive will take place on June 24th. More details to follow.

Hill Country Archeology

Mike McBride of the Hill Country Archeology Association gave a presentation to our club last Wednesday.

The HCAA is an organization of volunteers (avocational archeologists) whose goal is to preserve the local archeology and educate landowners and the public about the rich history of our area. They work with private land owners, by their invitation, to help them understand archeological sites on their property. Any artifacts found remain the property of the land owner.

Through a series of slides, Mike educated us about the migration of the earliest humans to the Americas. During the last ice age, when the ocean was 300-400 feet shallower than today, a land bridge formed between current day Siberia and Alaska, allowing land travel down the Pacific coast through Canada and eventually to our area. They believe the period of migration down the Pacific coast took place over several thousand years, from roughly 25,000 years ago to 18,000 years ago. Recent DNA research indicates that Native Americans can be traced to perhaps three distinctive populations of these early inhabitants.

Artifacts point to Native Americans reaching Texas as early as 15,000 years ago. The flint in the hill country area is some of the best in the United States, and so it is not surprising that they found Texas appealing with the flint for arrowheads and tools, plentiful game, varied plants for food, and permanent and reliable water sources.

The HCAA will host the Texas Archeology Field School June 12-19 of this year, with a week of excavation and research, and they are expecting about 400 people. The public is invited to the event one evening, June 17th at 7:00 pm, for archeological demonstrations and informal Q&A with members. Bring your artifacts for help with identification.

Prayer and Pledge

Rick Cunningham led us in the prayer and pledge.

George's song- Hagi's palms

George Eychner led us in a song about Hagi's Palms, in reference to the Mamacita's restaurant palm trees that took a hit in the Big Freeze in February. A few of you might remember George did a similar song when the restaurant first opened over fifteen years ago.

Christopher Combs FBI

Bryant Truitt introduces our guest Special Agent in Charge Christopher Combs.

Bryant also thanked Robin Miears and Britney Perez for their help in getting our guest.

Christopher Combs Special Agent in Charge San Antonio.

He is over 60 counties and has 6 satellite offices

Austin

Brownsville
Del Rio
Laredo
McAllen
Waco

They were in Austin for the 2018 bombing, in Odessa for the 2019 shootings.

it was noted that since covid in 2020 the shooter problem has stopped.

He said that if you riot at a federal build you are breaking the law and it will be arrested by the FBI.

They are still arresting people that were rioting at the capitol building. It takes a while for them to go thru

states to get to the people involved. Over 411 people were arrested.

When ask what he thought was the worst problem he said attacks on Jewish people. This is a hate crime.

Also when you attack police you will be arrested.

Child abduction is a priority for the FBI. They have developed the Child Abduction Rapid Deployment Team. This is known as CARD team. See link for further info https://www.fbi.gov/audio-repository/news-podcasts-thisweek-child-abduction-rapid-deployment-team.mp3/view.

Anyone in Business can be hacked. One of the problems is lack of security for both individuals and business.

It is known that a lot of folks used easy passwords like business name123. These are easily hacked.

And both business and individuals need to change passwords on a regular basis. There is not much they can do if you have a very easy password.

When asked about the problem of law officers leaving across the country due to the treatment of officers along with increase in police shootings, He said a lot of those are coming to work at the FBI.

Current stats show that police shootings are at an all time all time high.

for more info on FBI San Antonio office see link https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/sanantonio

Once around the room premeeting

We had close to 70 folks live and another 24 via zoom! Great turn out for FBI guest!

Rotary News you can Use

Our Rotary Club year is coming to a close, but we are not sitting back and counting the days. WE ARE PEOPLE OF ACTION!

As you know, we successfully completed our Rise Against Hunger mission on Saturday. It was only possible because the determination and Service Above Self efforts of more than 30 Rotarians and 12-15 Interact students and their sponsors. To repeat, we packaged 14,256 meals in two hours! We will be tracking where our boxes are being shipped and will report back.

Blood Drives

In my first meeting as club president, I committed to quarterly blood drives, a new project for our club. This project was personal to me, but more importantly, COVID has caused a blood supply issue that I hoped to address. We have successfully completed three blood drives so far and our final blood drive of the Rotary year will be THURSDAY, JUNE 24 at Crenwelge Motors.

I will send out the sign up link when it is available and I hope you will participate.

So far this year, our club is responsible for the following donations:

• 72 Whole Blood Units

• 14 Double Red Cell Units

• 2 Red Cell and Plasma Units

Thank you so much for supporting this effort.

Future donations and projects

Your board met today and we have shored up our budget, our goals and are making plans to support several other projects and organizations with funds not used due to COVID!

I will report more on this once we have everything finalized, but it is going to be EXCITING!

Memorial grove

One of our goals this year was create a "Rotary Grove," a place to honor longtime Rotarians who have passed away. We will have a groundbreaking soon and will report further at that time. It is really going to be nice!

Scholarships

Our scholarship committee, headed up by Roy Boudreaux and Donna Peterson, has completed the application review process and we have begun notifying students. We will be providing $1,000 scholarships to 25 local students. They are broken down as follows:

• Tivy = 16

• Ingram = 2

• Hill Country High School = 1

• OLH = 1

• College students = 5

Citizenship Awards

Our Youth Citizenship Awards luncheon will be held June 2. As you will recall, our club has partnered with Schreiner University to recognize fifth grade students in elementary schools throughout the county. It is an amazing effort headed up by member Jeff Anderson and results in $20,000 in scholarships from Schreiner University.

Induction

Our very own Kristy Vandenberg will be inducted next month as the Rotary District 5840 Governor! She has chosen to have the ceremony at the Arcadia Theater and we are all invited. Due to limitations on gatherings, out fellowship committee budget will be used to allow for all club members to attend.

We will provide the date and time once we have finalized the plans.

Tammy

Wine is fine

Bryant Truitt name was called, so he won a bottle of red wine! Way to go Bryant !!! Three names were called before Bryant's.

Families in Rotary

Prayer for the family of Tom Ray as his wife passed away.

Rise Against Hunger

Thank you to all who answered the call to help package food last Saturday for Rise Against Hunger.

We packaged 14,256 meals in little more than two hours! These meals will be sent to where they are needed most and we will be able to track where our hard work is being sent.

In my refusal to allow COVID rob us of yet another event to help individuals in need, I worried that we might not have enough volunteers. BUT that was not the case. I continue to quote the Rotary slogan of "People of Action," because in this very difficult year, that is what we have been as a club. We've served our community as we always have. We showed up when needed. And, we stepped up with wallets in hand when asked.

I thank each of you. I would also like to commend our Tivy Interact Club members and their sponsor, Shanna Vecchio! They were truly instrumental in helping us achieve our goal today.

Our food drive items will be delivered to Christian Assistance Ministry.

Tammy

Rotary Picnic

Last Wednesday was the Rotary picnic at Jimmy and Bekki Hutto's house. Thank you to the Huttos and the the fellowship committee for all their work in putting this together!

Rotary News You can Use

Rise Against Hunger

We have planned our Rise Against Hunger food preparation event for May 8 at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. In July, I asked each of you to step out of your comfort zone and actively participate in one of our service projects. If you have not been able to do so this year, please consider volunteering on this day. We will begin at 9 a.m. and will need 50-60 volunteers to work shifts over four hours.

The annual picnic will resume this year, with a socially distanced event at the Hutto's house on May 5th. Check your email to RSVP.

The Texas Military Department will operate a mass vaccination clinic from Monday through Friday, May 3-7, at Kerrville First United Methodist Church, 321 Thompson Drive.

For 5840 schedule of events Home Page | District 5840 (rotary5840.org)

Guest attending today

Marta

We had 47 people attending the live meeting & 31 on zoom.

Ramon Garcia

Ramon was born in Austin and raised in Kerrville.

He has helped with Habitat for Humanity, UGRA, Community Service along with assisting in the 2050 plan for Kerrville.

He believes in public service and the people are the boss.

Do we have enough affordable housing in Kerrville? If we are to bring more jobs to the city we need housing.

City codes are too complex they finally updated the 2006 codes in 2018.

Need to insure water sources, Citizens are first, values principles.

Forum for Two Candidates

Special thanks goes to Ingrid Painter for her help in setting up this forum.

Clint introduces the man and woman running for City Council Place 1

Mary Ellen Summerlin

Roman Garcia

Mary Ellen Summerlin

Mary presented her program in bullet points.

1. Experience Using city resources, city council & EIC

2. Education, Degree's delivery on topics.

3. Tax policy, Believes not lowering taxes just to lower them, good physical management, Operation management, manage debt.

4. City council when, how much, and what needs to be done.

5. Fair representation, have elections on all major debt, not the emergency expenses.

6. No attack adds, positive ideas, 10 years in public office.

Tivy High School Standout

Clint Morse introduced a Tivy High School senior, Jonathan Halpin. Jonathan has received offers of a full ride college scholarship from both the Navy and Air Force, and plans to attend Texas A&M in the fall to study engineering. He will participate in the Corp at A&M, and will enter the armed services upon college graduation. He wants to be a pilot, and will soon decide which of the scholarship offers he will accept. Jonathan is the Corps Commander at the Tivy Air Force Junior ROTC program this year, and well as the Tivy band drum major. Jonathan is obviously a hard worker with many accomplishments already, and we wish him the best of luck in the future.

The Arcadia, Then and Now

Anne Overby provided the program last Wednesday on the newly renovated Arcadia in downtown Kerrville. The venue operated as a movie theater from 1926 until the late 1980's and was closed for over thirty years. After a number of different owners and good intentions to reopen it, the theater was gifted to Kerrville's Fourth on the River organization by owners Steve and Shawna Huser. The Arcadia Theater is now known as Arcadia Live! and is a multi purpose venue, featuring live music weekly, a variety of performances and is available for receptions and private parties.

This is the original facade from 1926.

It was renovated to the Art Deco architecture in the late 1940's.

Here's a slide showing the original and now renovated front elevation.

The building honors the past by retaining elements of the two different architectural styles, while updating the main room with numerous platforms and seating areas, a large stage, and overhead glass doors that open onto a spacious deck overlooking the Guadalupe River.

Glen Crain's surprise birthday

Fellow Rotarian and WW II veteran Glen Crain was surprised with a birthday party in his honor at the Veteran's Center. Glen also met a fellow vet who shared the same birthday.

Rotary News You can Use

Congratulations to Captain David Swyers of the Salvation Army, who was promoted to major. With this promotion, David will be transferring to Florida to continue his good work there.

Kristy Vandenberg will be the next District 5840 Governor for Rotary. Congratulations and a big thank you go to Kristy for her hard work in numerous positions in our club, and now she will continue her work leading our district.

The Rise Against Hunger event will be May 8th, where we will be assembling packages of food to serve those in need. Go to our website to sign up. Kerrvillerotary.org

The annual picnic will resume this year, with a socially distanced event at the Hutto's house on May 5th. Check your email to RSVP.

Veterans Breakfast

Posted by Jimmy Hutto on Apr 14, 2021

Over 200 tacos were bought for this event. Over 80 vets came thru the line. Coffee, Milk, Orange juice, fruit and donuts were also provided.

This was a hit again way to go Rotarians!

Father Rafal Duda,

Clint introduced our guest speaker Father Rafal Duda

Rafal is with the Notre Dame Catholic Church Kerrville.

Rafal told us he remembers being on a soccer field when he was one year old. By age of 10 he was on an organized team. By 17 he was playing second division teams.

He thought that he wanted to be famous and have cars, money and nice things. He then bought his first Bible. At 19 still playing ball he has some problems with his ankle. Then he decided that if he passed his test he would go to seminary school. His parents approved.

At seminary school it was like they were always trying to test and question his motivation and commitment to God. They kept asking and he kept answering to their satisfaction. He finally reached his goal of becoming a priest.

After meeting some folks from US he thought Texas sounded good.

First he went to San Antonio, from there to Kerrville in February of 2019. He still likes and plays soccer & Chess. He speaks 5 languages.

First Responders Golf Tournament

An here comes the FUN! Our 4th Annual 1st Responders Golf Tournament!

An Outdoor Event That Will Allow All Of Us To Enjoy The Spring Sunshine, Great Weather, Rotary Involvement, Service Above Self, A Way To Build Goodwill and Better Friendship and Of Course It Will Be Beneficial To All Concerned as we can continue to Serve Our First Responders!

The Tournament will be held at Comanche Trace Golf Club, on Monday April 12, 2021

Schedule of Events:

Registration: 11:00

Lunch: 11:30

Putting Contest: 12:00

Shotgun start: 1:00

Scoring: 5:30 w/Peoria Scoring Format

If you want to sign up to play, please submit your team by the end of the day on Friday April 09, 2021 so the Golf Professionals can prepare and arrange for our event.

All Funds Raised will benefit 1^st Responders in our area and provide them with Needed Additional Training and for Continuing Education. These Men and Women that will benefit from this are your local Law Enforcement, Kerrville/Kerr County Fire Department/EMS and our much needed and used Area Volunteer Fire Departments as well.

To ensure that we have an enjoyable round of golf with ample opportunity to be able to give back to those who give so much to us, the field will be limited to the first Thirty (30) teams or one hundred twenty (120) players.

There are several ways to participate and support this meaningful event.

Sign up a team and play $150/player or $500 for a team of 4 ($100 savings to sign up a team)
Support through Sponsorship, there are many different Levels to Support
Donate to the Cause with a Monetary Tax Deductible Donation
Donate an Item(s) for the Silent/Live Auction
Volunteer your time to help with Registration... Thank you those whom have already volunteered for this!!

Please see the attached Registration Form which has the schedule of events, registration form so you can sign up individually or as a team... Don't worry, if you cannot or do not play golf... you can also support the event with a donation.

Again we are asking for your help and support to ensure that this is again a HUGE Success!!

Thank you in advance for your Rotarian Support!

Your humble 1^st Responders Support Committee

Jeff & Jeff

Look for the email from Jeff Harris for the registration form.

Trash pick up

Thank you to all who participated in the trash pick up last Saturday.

First Responders Awards

The Rotary Club sponsored the First Responder Awards program again last Wednesday. This program recognizes achievements by outstanding individuals from various agencies in the Kerr County area, and provides funds for continuing education for the first responders.

Following the presentation of the colors, Jeff Wendling provided the invocation and pledge, and introduced the head of the agencies that were honored today.

Here are the award recipients:

Kerr County Sheriff's Department Officer of the Year: Captain Carl Arrendondo

Corrections Officer of the Year: Sargent Brenda Cardona

Kerrville Fire Department EMS Person of the year: Firefighter/ Paramedic Ryan Michel

Kerrville Fire Department Fire Fighter of the year: Driver Casey Goodman

Kerrville Fire Department Officer of the year: Lieutenant Jaran Floyd

Kerrville Police Department Officer of the year: Jacob Trevino

Ingram Police Department Officer of the year: Officer Michael McDonald

Kerr County Volunteer First Responder of the year: Allison Sullivan Moyer

Texas DPS Trooper of the year: Trooper V Michael Bacon

Texas Parks and Wildlife Game Warden of the Year: Game Warden III Carson Wardlow

Lifetime achievement awards were presented to the following individuals:

Kerr County Sheriff's office: Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer

Kerr County Sheriff's office: Chief Deputy Clay Barton

Kerrville Police Department: Chief David Knight

Elm Pass Volunteer Fire Department: Chief Jerry Vincent

Former Constable Gene Huffaker

At the end of the program, Rotarians Tammy Prout, Marta Diffen, Jeff Harris and Jeff Wendling all voluntarily received a pie in the face, as part of achieving the challenge of selling 400 raffle tickets for our fund raiser. Thank you to our Rotary leaders!

Rotary News you can Use

Jeff Harris advised The First Responder Luncheon will be April 7th, and the golf tournament that raises funds to provide continuing education for First Responders will be April 12th. This will be known as First Responders Week.

Todd Odom who was an auctioneer in an early career ran the auction of tickets to the members.

It was decided to auction any items left over once a week till they are all gone.

Main Event Fund Raiser

We sold 400 tickets and did well on the Auction on line.

Andrea Wilson won the Paul Harris Fellows Award. ($1,000)

Allen Massey won the Asley Furniture gift card ($1,000)

Martin Peterson won the Kamado Joe Egg Cooker

Robert Lang won the 9.42 Peruvian Silver ring

Bryant Truitt won the 29"Amazonite Gold Necklace

Janelle Peralt won the $10,000 grand prize girt card

A Special thanks to all the Sponsors that donated to our Silent Auction

Volunteers Recognized

Families in Rotary

Heraldo Aldredge had a stroke and is now at home on Hospice.

Prayers go out to the family.

CR Prince, one of only two WWll vets at the VA Hospital passed away

on March 22 2021. I went to school with his kids and I knew him back in the 60's.

Basement Brewers of Texas

Last Wednesday, Rotarian Chris Chedzoy gave us a virtual tour of Basement Brewers of Texas, with his partners Doug Landrum and Randy Rose. Their brewery is at 521 Clay St. in Kerrville, and provides the largest selection of craft beer in the Texas Hill Country. Located in an old reconverted warehouse building, they offer beer, wine, and non alcoholic cider and soft drinks in a family and dog friendly atmosphere. They have fourteen taps for a number of small batches they produce, and always have some interesting varieties.

They have fun with their beer selections, and recent brews include Girls Scout Cookie Beer, Christmas Cake, and Putin Hacked my Stout. There is seating both inside and outside, with a large yard and picnic tables in the back yard. You can order beer to take home with you to enjoy later, in 64 or 32 oz. growlers, or they can even make aluminum cans, filled with beer straight from the tap.

Although they don't sell food, they encourage folks to bring their own or even order delivery from any one of numerous restaurants in Kerrville. Basement Brewers also hosts a variety of fun events, including back yard game tournaments, trivia nights, holiday parties and sports events.

Kerrville Chief of Police

Mark McDaniel introduces Chief Chris McCall

Mark expressed thanks to Chief Thomason for his help in going thru over 50 applicants.

Chief McCall’s Bio

Police Chief Chris McCall brings with him more than 20 years of law enforcement experience in Hobbs, N.M., where he began his career as a patrol officer in 1999. He served as deputy chief from 2010-12 and interim chief before his promotion to chief of police in 2013. During his tenure as chief in Hobbs, McCall:

provided strategic leadership and direction to 150 staff members;

oversaw operations of a 75-bed detention facility;

managed media relations and social media engagement;

devised crime and traffic enforcement strategies;

drove community engagement efforts aligned with policing in the 21st century;

served on various state level boards;

consulted senior community leaders on public safety issues and emergency response efforts.

McCall holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Upper Iowa University and an Associate’s Degree in Mid-Management from Eastern New Mexico University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy 241st Session, the Kennedy School for State and Local Government Executives at Harvard University, the LEAD-Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service at the University of Virginia, and the West Point Leadership Program.

McCall has served as president of the New Mexico Association of Chiefs of Police and the New Mexico Law Enforcement Professional Standards Counsel, and has been a board member of the New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy Board, the New Mexico Municipal League, the Lea County Communication Authority, Crime Stoppers, the Hobbs Rotary Club, and the Lea County Drug Task Force Board.

McCall has a proven background in practical application of law enforcement processes and procedures, problem resolution, data analysis, and the training and development of personnel.

Chris spoke about coming into Kerrville. He learned the group was lean & mean. Also mentioned about the need to get a new facility and to see what other units in town could possibly join the police department efforts to move to another location.

He also wanted to have a K-9 unit in Kerrville. Wants to get up to a unit with a two dogs and available seven days a week.

Make sure everyone knows about the Kerrville Police Foundation, a 501-C3 non profit and that it will accept donations. To insure that there is interaction with other law enforcement units to insure the sharing of information with all.

The two major points were to improve communication between community and organizations.

Questions ask

are the officers wearing cameras? Yes on their body and in vehicles.
With all the officers leaving jobs in other states are you looking at them as a source of potential personal. Yes we are
What are the minimum requirements and how are you getting the postings out, They must have a clean record and a high school degree, and pass a psychological review. You can access openings thru our web sight. Also posting at colleges and universities.
What is salary? $49,000
What is the size of force? 75 total and of that 35 are patrol officers and the rest are criminal investigators and information officers.
What about growth? There is strategic plan of growth and a process of looking at needs now and the future.

Something was said that brought a smile to a lot of folks!!!!

Families in Rotary

Jack Pratt is recovering in ICU after a Triple bypass. Dr. says the surgery went well.

Rotary prayers work! I would like to pass along a conversation with another Rotarian who shared a very personal story with me. Little over a year ago, Rotarian Guy Overby was diagnosed with cancer and began treatment. He told me that the prayers, notes, phone calls and support he received from his fellow members of the Rotary Club of Kerrville was so appreciated. Guy told me that he felt the love and support, which in turn motivated him to get through the difficult situation.

Today, he is cancer free and thankful.

The chef at the Kroc Center, Ed Lawrence , was recognized for making corn beef and cabbage and Irish stew. Both were great.

Jeff Harris told of an event. as he was driving home he saw his neighbor walking home. He stopped and ask if the neighbor Glen Crain would like a ride home. Glen said I don't ever take rides from folks I do not know. Jeff said

he was in Rotary with Glen and they were neighbors. Then Glen took the ride home.

Main Event and Blood Drive

There were 42 folks live and 26 online

Main Event

MAIN EVENT

Our Main Event Online Auction is now live! There are 94 wonderful items for you to bid on. So bid today and bid often! The Bidding closes on March 29th. The link to all of the online fun is:

https://www.32auctions.com/RotaryMainEvent?fbclid=IwAR1eEZVCL8TDgQ5jQlJtkKwn0V2MS__198VOFahC7AKC9Bg2emB6mEizPD8

RAFFLE TICKETS

We have hand-delivered and mailed raffle tickets to every member and now we need to collect funds and raffle ticket stubs.

Please bring your money and ticket stubs to Wednesday's meeting to turn into President-elect Jeff Harris or his Main Event Co-chair Robin Miears.

If you cannot or will not attend in-person, please contact us so that we can come and collect your stubs and money. We have had great response so far and I am so proud of our club participation. At this point, only about 25 percent of our members have turned in their funds, but almost everyone has agreed to step up and sell their four tickets. We still have this week and next week, so let's FINISH STRONG.

Remember, we have only one fundraiser per year to fund all of our wonderful service projects. AND it takes all of us to get it done.

BLOOD DRIVE

After discovering the technical glitch on the South Texas Blood & Tissue Center website that omitted our blood drive for public viewing, we had only 12 people signed up to participate a week ago. Once we fixed the website glitch, I sent out plea to our club and asked the City of Kerrville to promote our blood drive.

I am so pleased to report that we filled all 40 time slots! Thank you all so much! And, thank you to the City of Kerrville for their support of this project! It was a success!

Kerrville City Manager Mark McDaniel

Mark McDaniel, Rotarian and our City Manager of Kerrville, gave an update on current projects and the state of the city. Mark has been the City Manager since 2017, and has served in city government previously in several capacities.

One of the driving forces in guiding our city is the Kerrville 2050 Plan, which was compiled from citizen input at numerous meetings and workshops. Growth is inevitable, and with Kerrville approaching 25,000 residents, it is important to manage the growth to preserve the natural beauty and small town charm that we all enjoy.

Public Infrastructure:

New Ellenberger Well: This well into the Ellenberger Aquifer will supplement our domestic water needs.

Olympic Drive Extension: An extension of an existing road to provide better access to the new middle school, set to open shortly after spring break.

Legion Dr. lift station: This expands the city's sewage capabilities for a significant area of Kerrville, providing the capacity to tie to the sewer system for areas previously unable to.

Major Street and Drainage Improvements: Ongoing maintenance and complete rebuilding of a number of streets, and drainage systems improvements is ongoing.

New Public Safety Building: This project is still in the planning stage but will house a new Police Station, Fire Administration and Municipal Court.

Knapp Lift station: This will expand sewage capacity on the west side of town.

River trail new section: A concept plan has been approved for an extension of the River trail that would go from G Street to downtown, on the north side of the river. (not funded yet)

Sidney Baker Bridge: A grant will be applied for seeking funding for a wider, safer pedestrian walkway on the bridge over the Guadalupe River.

Main St. Board: A grant has been applied for to improve the walkability and safety of the pedestrian areas in the downtown area. They are also doing a study to identify businesses that could be a good fit for the downtown area.

Economic Development:

In addition to the Killdeer Plant, existing businesses including All Plastics and the State Hospital have added employees, and James Avery is back up to pre-Covid employment levels

Residential Development:

A new residential subdivision is being planned with Lennar Homes, which will be located off of the new Olympic Drive extension. Several multi family projects are also either recently completed or are in the planning stages.

Retail Strategies:

The big box and home improvement stores fared well during the pandemic, as well as HEB, which allowed our sales tax revenue to improve, contrary to much of the rest of the state. Online sales have also contributed to the sales tax revenue.

Tourism Strategies:

Although hotel visitation is down, other business are doing well during the pandemic, including air bandb's, RV parks and cabin rentals. Outdoor recreation is popular, as evidenced by the Sports Complex leagues and tournaments that bring visitors to town.

Tactical tools:

Improvements have been made to the Zoning, Sign and Subdivision Codes, and also to the Development Services department processes for building permits and development.

Financial Strategies:

Due to anticipated reduced income from the pandemic, a lean budget was adopted for the year. However, revenues were surprisingly better than expected, resulting in reserves being stronger than any other time in the city's history.

Dr Doppler Cary Burgress

Dr. Doppler Cary Burgess

Clint Morse introduces the guest speaker Dr. Doppler Cary Burgess

Cary Burgess, formerly of Kerrville and Tivy Class of 1986, had some very memorable moments in his meteorlogical career in July 1987. That was the year Kerrville experienced the massive flood that took the lives of 10 summer campers whose bus was washed off a low-water crossing.

Cary said that he used to chase storms and was always getting hit in the head with hail or other flying debris. One time he was explaining weather to 1st and second graders and one called him Dr. Doppler. The name stuck.

He was planning to talk about Texas drought but the storm was more important. The snow the last two week really helped the drought. Over all we were 4" short of rain so far this year. Also mentioned that it only takes 6" of water over a road to wash a vehicle off the road. Go Around don't Drown.

He noted that for the most part even decades meant Rain and Odd decades meant drought.

for more info on Dr Doppler

Dr. Doppler returns home to share love | | hccommunityjournal.com

Rotary News you can Use

Tammy opens meeting Gina made the announcement about dues

Tickets for the SuperBall are in. Contact Jeff Harris for your tickets.

Phone bank volunteers needed

Rotarians historically have stepped up to help the world, nation and their respective communities in times of crisis. Rotary Club of Kerrville members have a unique opportunity assist in the historic effort to help local residents receive the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine by helping man the planned phone bank to help set appointments for local residents.

The COVID-19 Community Vaccination Phone Bank will be headquartered at 333 Earl Garrett Street, thanks to the space loaned specifically for that use by the American Red Cross Hill Country Chapter.

The phone bank will be operational Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Volunteers will work 4-hour shifts. President Tammy is currently in communication with Kerr County officials to determine detail on how many daily volunteers they need. More information will be forthcoming.

Code Red

Vaccine distribution information will be available through the county’s Code Red system.

To register for CodeRed alerts, just visit co.kerr.tx.us/eservices/ and click on the underlined link that reads “Click here to sign up for free.” A link to registration for CodeRed is also available on the City of Kerrville’s website, kerrvilletx.gov. at the bottom of the home page under “Helpful Links.”

Help needed for Zoom Meetings

As you know, Dave Rittenhouse has been doing a great job of hosting our virtual guests each week. However, we need more help. If you are willing to facilitate our Zoom meetings, we will provide the training you need to do so.

It is very important to have backup for Dave. When this began, we did not know how long the need for virtual meetings would last. As it turns out, we still do not know how long we will need to offer virtual attendance.

Please let President Tammy know if you would be willing to rotate in as a Zoom facilitator for our club.

Delane introduces her guest

Dr Doppler Cary Burgress

Texas Multi-Chem follow up

Note from: Steve Caraway / Texas Multi-Chem, Ltd., who was our presenter at Rotary on February 17th

I want to thank Rotary Club members for allowing me to tell our story on February10. However, I would like to properly introduce my son, Blake Caraway, who is
our general manager.

Blake is a 1993 Tivy graduate and besides being a very good student, played baseball and basketball for the Antlers. Graduated from Southwest Texas State University with a degree in Computer Information Systems. Blake is married to Kristy and has 3 kids, Mackenzie 11th grade at Tivy, Grant 9th grade at Tivy and Davis 7th grade at Peterson. Blake worked for Dell, Callaway Golf and Headsprings of Austin, to gain valuable IT experience. He brought that experience back to the Hill Country and TMC. During the past 12 years Blake has inserted technology into every phase of our daily business, managing information and allowing the company to grow. As our general manager, Blake handles day to day operations, scheduling, employee relations and payroll just to name a few. It has truly been a blessing to be able to work with our son to make TMC bigger and better.

Also, I want to thank Dennis Glenwinkel. Dennis has been our business consultant for several years. He has helped us navigate our expansion and growth plans at TMC.

Animal Rights Advocates

Last Wednesday, we heard from several animal rights advocates in the Kerr County area.

City Council member Brenda Hughes is active in Hill Country Animal Advocates, which is a volunteer organization whose focus is to save dogs and cats from being euthanized.

The Kerr County Rabies and Animal Services (Animal Control) duty is to protect people and property from roaming uncontrolled animals. Rabies control is their primary focus, and although they offer pet adoptions, they are understaffed to provide homes or owners of all the animals in their care. This is where several local non profit groups help out by rescuing animals, finding veterinary care and finding good homes for these animals.

Freeman Fritts is a low cost vet clinic and shelter that provides help for folks that can't afford the typical veterinary fees. They are a non profit, and are often the last stop for saving animal lives. They work with a number of other rescue organizations, and can often someone who can help. The clinic was very busy during the recent winter storm, taking in a number of animals whose owners either couldn't get back home to care for them, or others who feared their animals wouldn't survive the low temperatures in homes without power and heat.

Freeman Fritts

Fund raising is under way for a new shelter facility.

Paul Harris Awards

A number of Paul Harris awards recipients were recognized at the meeting last Wednesday.

Brenda Thompson +1

Wayne Uecker +1

Mike Huff +1

Marta Diffen +3

David Martin +3

Dennis Glenewinkel +3

Tammy Prout +3

Rhonda Sanford +4

Gerald Irion +5

Tim Crenwelge +5

Robin Miears +7

Clint Morse +8

Cecil Atkission +8

David Rittenhouse +9

Texas Multi Chem

The program last Wednesday was presented by Steve Caraway, owner of Texas Multi-Chem, which installs, renovates and maintains athletic fields. Steve grew up in San Angelo, where he played baseball and developed a love of athletics, and eventually turned that passion into a business. The initial business started by selling industrial chemicals and fertilizers for athletic fields, and evolved into the construction and maintenance side after volunteering to build some fields for the Kerrville Little League program.

Texas Multi-Chem has 28 employees now and three offices which cover a large area of Texas. They have built or renovated hundreds of fields, including the Tivy High School baseball field. The trend in sports has been moving towards synthetic turf, with numerous schools trying to keep up with their competition. However, Steve's studies have shown that over the life of the field, natural turf is is still less expensive. Although the natural turf fields are their specialties, Texas Multi-Chem does offer maintenance programs for synthetic fields, because contrary to popular belief, they are not maintenance free. These fields do need periodic deep cleaning and disinfecting to remove bacteria and fungus that can grow from a variety of sources, including animal and bird droppings.

A big factor in choosing synthetic versus natural turf is the amount of use an athletic field receives. Natural grass does need to recover between uses, so if a field is to be used for multiple teams, bands or public use, then a synthetic field may be the best choice. Other factors include the use or availability of water in drought prone areas, and the maintenance and quality control capabilities of school districts.

Rotary News you can Use

Raffle Tickets

President-elect Jeff Harris and his "Main Event" co-chair Robin Miears are busy distributing raffle tickets to Rotarians. As you know, our annual in-person event cannot happen, so it will take each one of us to raise the funds we need to provide for next year's many, many service projects.

You are being asked to sell four tickets each. Each ticket costs $100 for a chance to win a grand prize of a $10,000 VISA Gift Card. Additionally, you can win a Paul Harris Fellowship; a $1,000 Ashley HomeStore Gift Card donated by Phyllis Ricks, A Kamado Joe Ceramic Egg Cooker donated by Lowe's or one of two Jill Reno originals: a 9.42 CT Peruvian Opal Hand Forged Sterling Silver Ring, size 7; or a 29: Amazonite Natural Yellow Agate, 24k Gold Vermeil Necklace. Both jewelry items were donated by Jill Reno.

We are distributing the raffle tickets at the Kroc Center weekly before and after our regular meetings. For those members attending our meetings virtually, we will hand-deliver to you your envelope containing your assigned tickets.

The winner will be drawn on Facebook Live during our regular meeting on March 31. Also, the secondary prizes will be drawn first and those tickets will be put back in the hopper, so each ticket could win more than one prize, including the grand prize of $10,000 VISA Gift Card.

Congratulations to Tim Crenwelge

Tim Crenwelge, a member of our club and local Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram and GMC dealer, was named a finalist today during the prestigious TIME Dealer of the Year award ceremony.

Tim was nominated as the only dealer in the State of Texas by the Texas Auto Dealers Association and is one of only 40 nominees nationally.

During the ceremony, Tim was named one of the five regional finalists. The event was held during the National Auto Dealers Association (NADA) annual convention.

Blood Drive

Our next blood drive will be held March 16, beginning at 9 a.m. at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. Please consider making an appointment donate blood or encourage others to do so.

You can schedule appointments at the following link:

https://donor.southtexasblood.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/128589

Families in Rotary

Congratulations to Amanda Taylor, who just had a new baby, and Jill Sadberry, who now has a new grandson.

Paul Harris Fellow

Donna Peterson has been busy awarding Paul Harris Fellow awards to several Rotarians:

Congrats to Jimmy Hutto (Paul Harris +6)

Greg Nichols General Manager HEB

Bryant Truitt introduces our guest Greg Nichols General Manager

Greg showed us the plans and pictures all during this 3 year project.

The store opened on 11/11/20. The parking will be done by April 2nd this year.

and plans

And then he went over Covid

Kristy Vandenburg

New Members

Posted by Jimmy Hutto on Feb 03, 2021

New Members

Richard Bolen

Last week I made an error and put David's last name incorrectly

David Keith LaBrot

Transfers

Rick Cunningham comes back to Kerrville after being gone for over 4 years. Welcome back Rick!

Families in Rotary

Pete Miller is recovering from surgery prayers.

Prayers for Scott Bolton since he lost both his in-laws to covid-19

Keep cards, letters, & Email to /Phillis Ricks since she is having surgery on her foot. Calls are welcome.

Future of Schreiner Institute

Jeff Harris introduces our guest General Robert Walter

General Robert Walter

Director of Strategic Initiatives for Military Affairs at Schreiner Institute at Schreiner University

A former senior military officer with over 12 years of executive-level leadership and 25 years of specialized intelligence expertise in the US Army. A proven strategic and operational leader of large organizations managing complex skill sets with a diverse workforce. A result-oriented, innovative, and creative problem solver with strong interpersonal skills. Extensive experience with organizational effectiveness, change management, resource and logistics management, information technology management, and all aspects of security and training management. A Subject Matter Expert on Human and Counter Intelligence and their related collection operations.

For his experience see Robert L. Walter, Jr. | LinkedIn

SI History

Schreiner University has provided military instruction and programming to its students for nearly 100 years. When Schreiner Institute first opened its doors, it served 95 young men from the Texas Hill Country and a few from surrounding states. These students were faced with the challenge of not only participating in the routine of academic programs, but they also learned military drills, bearing, and discipline through a strictly enforced regimen.
These students began their days with a morning workout, followed by an inspection of their living quarters, and then spent the next 6 to 7 hours in a classroom where they were challenged (four square) mentally. Following their time in the classroom, they spent an hour conducting close-order drill 3 days a week. After performing drill, students would have a brief amount of time to relax and eat before conducting a nightly study hall. By no later than 9:45 pm they would be in their beds in order to rest up for the next day’s event

SI Schreiner Institute Today

What originally started out as Schreiner Institute has emerged to become a modern university. Although military instruction is not required as a core component to the curriculum, Schreiner University still offers programming in line with military tradition, such as Military Academy Preparatory School (MAPS) and Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC). Today, Schreiner Institute is a program designed to provide comprehensive support and programming for students working to receive a military academy appointment, those who wish to pursue a commission through ROTC, as well as active-duty military and veterans transitioning back into civilian life. The mission of Schreiner University is “to prepare students for meaningful work and purposeful lives in a changing global society.” Schreiner Institute strongly supports the university’s mission through three programs: ROTC, Military Academy Preparatory, and Veteran Resources. Through the services provided in each of these programs, students will be better prepared for meaningful work and purposeful lives in a changing global society.

Military Academy Preparatory School (MAPS)

The Schreiner Institute Military Academy Preparatory School Core Values are Self-Discipline, Integrity, Motivation, Attentive, Productivity, and Service. MAPS inspires and equips leaders of character. The five military academies demand cadet candidates be committed to the ideals of duty and honor to our nation. During our 11-month program, the behavior and character of the cadet candidate will be modified and developed, respectively.

Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC)

Air Force ROTC

We participate in a cross-town agreement with the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) AFROTC Detachment 842.

What this means is that students who are interested in participating in Air Force ROTC will be able to do so while also attending Schreiner University. On Tuesdays and Thursdays Schreiner University will provide transportation for students to attend ROTC required activities located at the UTSA campus. These activities include morning physical training as well as afternoon leadership classes. When students are not participating in ROTC events while on the UTSA campus between morning physical training and afternoon classes, they will have access to all available recourses on the UTSA campus.

Veteran Resources

Schreiner University thanks our veterans for their service to our country. We are also proud to be a Yellow Ribbon school and strive to help our service members, and their dependents complete their degrees and find their next careers quickly and easily.
Schreiner Institute strives to provide active duty and veteran students and their dependents resources, certification of their educational programs, as well as general resources and connections to benefits as needed. We have a small lounge for those that commute to campus and are aggressively improving the Schreiner Institute lounge to be a place for veterans commuting to Schreiner a place to relax or study.

for more info see Schreiner Institute | Schreiner University - Hill Country of Texas

Robert wanted to make sure the Veterans Resource Center was staffed and geared to help veterans. Focus on veterans and dependants.

Robert said that when applying for Military school go ahead and apply at all branches. They were 14,000 students apply at the academies and they only took 800 combined.

Polio work helps Coronavirus response

The Program last Wednesday highlighted Rotary's fight against polio, and how Rotary's work has helped the world fight the coronavirus.

Rotarians and others have shared their successes and strategies on fighting polio with health experts to address the pandemic vaccine rollout. Important information passed on to organizers, including contact tracing and worker training, have helped in the initial stage of the pandemic. Other important lessons learned include setting up emergency operations centers, managing data, and getting access to remote areas. Organizers understood that engaging the help of trusted community influencers is key to acceptance of the validity of the vaccine.

There are similarities between the early polio fight and the corona virus. In the 1950s, there was propaganda against the polio vaccine when it was first tested. But, over 1 million children volunteered to be tested, and their efforts ultimately paid off with a successful vaccine.

Today, the wild polio virus is only found in two countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Through Rotary International and its partners, we continue to get close to eradicating polio from the planet. We can help this cause by signing up for Rotary Direct, to commit to a donation on a monthly, quarterly or yearly basis. Rotary Direct

Contact Kristy Vandenberg for help on getting set up: kvandenberg1909.gmail.com

Families in Rotary

Cynthia McNeely's father passed away recently. Please keep Cynthia and her family in your prayers.

Stephanie Miller's son participated in the Hill Country Junior Livestock Show, and was awarded the reserve champion honor.

The Honorable Rob Kelly

Clint Morse introduced our speaker The Honorable Rob Kelly

A little bit about Rob.

“I truly believe God has been preparing me for this position all my life,” Kelly said. “I didn’t go looking for this job, it came looking for me. When asked to run, I told them ‘no thanks, my gate is closed.’ They persisted and persuaded me to open it. My family and I earnestly prayed about every aspect of this decision and believe this is the time. I’m ready to serve the citizens of Kerr County as their next county judge.”

Kelly has been a commercial litigation attorney, mediator and arbitrator for more than 40 years. He practiced in San Antonio where he served on the management committee of one of the largest law firms in South Texas prior to running as the Republican candidate for Chief Justice of the San Antonio Court of Appeals. After the election he moved his practice to Kerrville to be near the family ranch in the Camp Verde area.

Kelly has a strong record of leadership in his profession and the community. He has been a frequent author and lecturer for the State Bar of Texas, the American Banking Association, Texas Association of Defense Counsel, The University of Texas, University of Houston Law School and Texas Tech University Law School.

He chaired the San Antonio Bar Association Ethics Committee, was president of the Christian Legal Society, served on the board of the Bexar County Dispute Resolution Center and was the volunteer coordinator of Habitat for Humanity.

He also was active with the United Methodist Church as a lay stewardship speaker and lay director on the Walk to Emmaus. He was involved in the Kairos Prison Ministry and has served on many Emmaus and Kairos teams.

Since moving to Kerr County, Kelly continued his community service on the Kerrville Independent School District board and was president during the successful bond issue to build the new Tivy High School and Fred H. Tally Elementary School.

He continued with Habitat for Humanity and was president as the organization grew from building one house each year to four homes per year.

He was president of the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country and served on the Peterson Regional Medical Center Development Committee raising the funds to build the new hospital.

He led the Hill Country Emmaus Community and has worked on dozens of teams. Kelly has taught biblical principles of dispute resolution to numerous Sunday School classes, the Texas Coalition of Home Schools, Laity Lodge and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes among others. He served on the Alternative Dispute Resolution Council of the State Bar of Texas.

Recently, Kelly was certified as a member of the Kerr County Community Emergency Response Team. He also is a graduate of the Kerr County Sheriff’s Office Citizen’s Academy and the Kerrville Police Department Citizen’s Academy, as well as has worked with Kerr County Crime Stoppers.

Kelly is a member of First United Methodist Church. He and his wife, Vicki, also a widow, live in West Kerr County, where she is an artist.

Together they have four children and five grandchildren, Meg Russell in Austin, Dan and son, Connor, in Bandera, Jennifer married to Scott Delaney with children, Bradley and Brynne, in Philadelphia, and Alan Van Reet married to Bobbi Richardson with daughters, Jayme and Ashlee, in Keller.

Rob started laying out what he was going to inform us about.

He said he would like to present 3 issues

1. Info on Co-vid 19

2. Property being purchased to make sure we have room for growth.

3. Public Defenders Office.

The first thing he advised was the hot line that will be set up

830-315-5900 1,2,3,4 for a total of five lines. And we will have online portal.

He made it clear about the closing of bars, and dealing with restaurants and the fact that it out of control of any local official. It has to pertain to executive order GA32

Executive Order GA-32 (texas.gov)

This is tied to folks in hospital. When the amount of people in hospital gets over 15% then restaurants must go back to 50%. Then he told us they have 125 beds in the hospital. But the Texas hospital bed capacity determines how many are used in formula.

You can google this for more info. Anyway they say we only have 88. %15 of 88 equals 13.2 and we now have like 23 in the hospital.

Next was the 1A, 1B then the rest of the people.

As new, active COVID-19 cases climbed sharply this week, Kerr County public health authorities have been working fastidiously behind the scenes to organize a communitywide phone bank to assist in the organized distribution of vaccinations to the public when enough doses become available. At the same time, they continued to plead with citizens to be extra vigilant by using safety precautions.

Mass Vaccination Plan

“There has been a lot of confusion and misinformation by word of mouth or social media regarding the vaccinations and when certain individuals can expect to be inoculated locally,” said William B. “Dub” Thomas, coordinator of Kerr County Emergency Management.

“What we hope everyone can understand is that we are still trying to make sure our first tier of vaccine recipients – health care workers, first responders, etc. – are covered if they choose to be,” Thomas said. “Then, and only then, will we move on to Tier 1B, which is the level that includes those individuals 65 years of age and older who have an underlying medical condition.”

“We understand that many residents want to get their vaccination and the protection it will provide as quickly as they possibly can,” Thomas said. “This sense of urgency has resulted in local pharmacies and the hospital being inundated with phone calls.”

“We live in a community where many individuals will fall into the 1B category, and they know their turn will be next,” Thomas said. “Once we receive large doses of the vaccines, we will implement our communitywide vaccination plan to take care of a maximum number of recipients as quickly as possible.”

Meeting on Wednesday afternoon to work on the roll out of the protective doses of Moderna to the local population was the Kerr County Vaccine Task Force, comprised of city and county emergency management leaders, as well as representatives from Peterson Health, Family Practice Associates and HEB.

Working hard on behalf of the welfare of all Kerr County citizens who want to receive the vaccination, they nailed down details of the communitywide vaccination plan, which will include a phone bank for securing appointments, forms to fill out in advance and more.

Many healthcare workers in that first tier still need to get their shot before incoming vials of the vaccine can be given to the next tier of the public, said meeting host Fredericksburg Fire Department and EMS Fire Chief Eric Maloney.

Kerr County has a large number of people working in healthcare – some 3,400 people who work in various medical capacities, whether they are private physicians, home health care nurses, paramedics and the like. The large number of healthcare personnel here, coupled with the small allotment of doses provided in the first round, means that many here in that first tier still need to be vaccinated.

When it is time to vaccinate the Tier 1B category of individuals – those who are 65 years or older and who have an underlying medical condition – Kerr County has a “mass vaccination footprint” model in the form of its communitywide flu clinic developed some 10 years ago.

The fact that recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine will need to be observed for 15 minutes after they receive their shots “would be a problem for a drive-through clinic, so the model will need to be adapted slightly,” Thomas said.

The task force is coordinating with a few select sites around Kerrville, so that everything is set up and ready to go quickly when Kerr County receives a large enough cache of doses.

Thomas is working on acquiring and lining up volunteers from the Kerr County CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) and others to man the COVID-19 phone bank, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays. That way, Kerr County individuals can call and reserve their time to receive their first dose.

Organizers will limit how many people will be in the clinic area at a time by asking vaccination recipients to come alone. The appointments will also allow organizers to space out visits so that attendees will be able to avoid the risk of catching the novel coronavirus from a crowd of people congregated in waiting lines.

“We will release the phone numbers to the COVID-19 Phone Bank as soon as they are established and online for taking calls,” Thomas said. “We will make public announcements asking people to call the phone bank and set up their appointments, but again, that will not happen until we receive enough doses in our area to host a mass clinic.”

In a show of community solidarity through this pandemic, the various sites around town that receive doses of the vaccine are keeping the lines of communication open between them and are coordinating their efforts. That way, if one place finds itself with an excess of doses and another site has a need, they can be sure that the doses are distributed in a timely way to those who want them.

“We do not want to sit on something,” but instead work together to roll out the vaccines as quickly and orderly as we can, Maloney said. The idea is to make sure as many individuals receive their first doses as soon as possible.

Task force members agreed that they could make the shot clinic(s) run faster and more smoothly, by making a pre-registration packet that contains the necessary paperwork. The packet could be read, filled out at the recipient’s convenience and then just handed over at the time of their appointment. Expected to be included with the packet are information sheets, educating vaccine recipients of the requirements they must meet to receive the shot – such as not having had another vaccine within a certain time frame, etc.

Amber Burress, pharmacy manager at H-E-B, also suggested that when a citizen makes his/her appointment, that they will automatically be scheduled for their second dose of the vaccine to come at the same time of their appointment on a date exactly 4 weeks after their first dose. (The Moderna vaccine, which is the one that will be distributed in Kerr County because its storage requirements are more easily met without special refrigeration devices, consists of two doses, given through injection exactly 28 days apart.)

Then we found out that there will only be 6 providers in Kerrville. So when we get the vaccine in bulk. A command center will be set up and open 8 to 5 M thru F. It was noted that if your not on code red for Kerr County you should get on it. Here is link CodeRed Emergency Notifications | Kerrville TX - Official Website

3. The cost of providing attorneys to people that can't afford on was $750,000 last year. A plan to combine 5 counties was developed. The public defender’s office would serve the counties of Kerr, Bandera, Gillespie, Kendall and Medina County, with Kerrville being the home base. A small number of staff — apart from the approximately 20 in Kerrville with another office in Hondo, officials have said. This will save Kerr county $300,000 a year.

Various officials have hailed the PDO as an economic boon for the area, due to the new jobs that largely will be paid for with out-of-county money. Salaries and benefits for the office would total about $3,009,996, according to a proposal presented by the TIDC in March.

The amount of the grant awarded to PDO is $2,503,264 for its first year, according to the county's press release. The TIDC, using monies allocated by the Texas Legislature, would fund 80% of the cost of the office the first year and two-thirds of the cost in subsequent years. Participating counties would pay the remainder, shared at a prorated amount based on case counts. They have a goal of meeting with a client within 48 hours of being locked up.

Contact and Phone Numbers

Rob Kelly

700 Main, Ste. 101
Kerrville, TX 78028
(830) 792-2211
(830) 792-2218

Trash Pick up

Tom Odom led a group of volunteers last Saturday morning to pick up trash along Goat Creek Road. Thank you to Emily Forsythe, Austin Dickson, Marta Diffen, Tim Campbell, Jimmy Hutto, John Forister and Tom Odom.

Vaccine Overview

HEB pharmacy manager Amber Burress provided an overview of the COVID-19 vaccine at our last meeting. Amber is a Tivy High School Alumni, and has her doctorate in Pharmacy.

The sequence of providing the vaccine is for front line workers first (Phase 1A- health care workers and first responders). Phase 1B follows for older adults and those with significant underlying health conditions that puts them at a greater risk. The general population will follow after that, with persons in higher risk work settings and health conditions of moderately higher risk given priority. In Kerrville, there are approximately 3,400 heath care workers, but so far there have only been about 1,600 vaccines given. The availability of the vaccine is the issue so far- the supply has been limited.

Kerrville is ready to roll out a large scale immunizations as soon as the vaccine is more readily available. Local officials have been planning for an event like this for over ten years, and continue to monitor and plan for distribution. Newspapers and local media will provide information on how, when and where to get vaccinated. The date of availability is a moving target, but current projections for Phase 1B is late February or March.

Here is additional information from Amber's presentation:

Rotary News you can Use

Dave Samuel reported that the Bell Ringing for the Salvation Army at Gibson's was a great success, so thank you to all who participated.

Another blood drive will be coming soon. Antibody testing will be available for those who donate blood, so keep that in mind if that is something you are interested in.

Tickets for the SuperBall will be available soon, so be on the lookout for those.

Blue Santa

The Blue Santa will be on December 12^th from 8-12 at Ronnie Bocks RV and we are looking for volunteers to help assemble the food bags and give them to the recipients. KCAAP has also asked for additional volunteers to help with their part of the distribution of items since we will be having the event as a drive thru this year. If anyone is interested please contact me at 830-370-5789 for more details or to sign up.

Thank you,

Volunteers are also needed at the Doyle Community Center from 1 to 4 to help get supplies ready for 65 families.

Stephanie Skrumeda

Rotary News you can Use

The Cards are in contact Kristy for your cards

PolioPlus Christmas Cards

We have ordered 150 PolioPlus Christmas Cards. We have taken orders so far of around 100 and wanted to make sure there were some available for members who had not yet placed an order.

The purchase of these cards goes toward your Paul Harris Fellowship and directly to the PolioPlus fund. The card is beautifully designed and explains to the recipient that 16 children will be vaccinated in their honor.

The cost of the card is $10 and will help to vaccinate 16 children for a lifetime free of the crippling effects of the polio virus.

If you would like to send these cards out to your friends and loved ones, please contact Kristy Vandenberg via e-mail at kerrvillerotary@gmail.com.

Mike Huff was master of the Ace of spades card game.

5 numbers were drawn and no winners

Bell Ringing at Gibsons

Just two more weeks to volunteer. Lets Get Er Done!!!

Kroc Center Happenings

Molly Putnam Director of Operations

Molly says she has been at the Kroc Center for 9 years and the Kroc Center is 10 years old this year.

Since Easter got canceled this year They jumped thru hoops to figure out how to keep servicing the people of Kerrville.

They started with a back to school bash drive thru that serviced 384 people.

Next they held a Pumpkin Run that 105 people were involved/

They also help a Harvest Fest that helped 480 people.

Then they help a Thanksgiving Dinner that fed over 1000 plus people.

They are having a drive thru Christmas this Saturday from 10 to 2.

Also Salvation Army Angel Trees are located at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, River Hills Mall, Belk, Gibson’s, Walmart and at local banks during the holidays. The trees are decorated with paper angels, each representing a child or senior who, without this program, might not receive a gift at Christmas.

This will get gifts for 236 families and 50 Seniors. 650 Kids will get gifts.

Molly stated that the Kroc Center acquired a 21 foot, 6 Sided rock climbing wall.

This will go from beginners to pro.

They also acquired an inflatable cover for the pool. This will allow all kinds of water activities during cold days. They pool is also heated

The Kroc Center helps folks in the Kerrville area.

Amazing this is all happening during the Pandemic,

Kerrville Christmas Lighting

George Eychner provided the program last Wednesday on the Kerrville Christmas Lighting Corporation's (KCLC) successful plans to add some Christmas joy to our town. He also reported on a number of other events and Christmas Spirit shining in Kerrville.

(Photo from file)

George retired from the Air Force after 22 years of service, and also has a bachelors and masters degree in Music Education. He and Judy have been active in community service for a number of years, including George as the president of our club.

Here's the history of the early years of the Christmas Lighting project:

Christmas Lights haven't been on Sidney Baker St. for 25 years, but the KCLC organized and raised funds to do it in a short period of time this year. Forty four large ornaments are placed on the power poles with KPUB's help installing the trees and providing power to them.

The Holiday Parade to kick off the courthouse lighting was canceled due to COVID this year, but with some creative thinking and hard work from volunteers, a virtual show was held with Charlie McIlvain and Allison Bueche providing the commentary.

And, Mayor Bill Blackburn got to visit with the man in the red suit (AKA Jeff Talarico).

Tranquility Island at Louise Hays Park is lit up again this year.

This is beautiful, and the KCLC wants to do this even bigger, by selling more tree lighting (donate $800.00 to help light one big cypress tree). They also are working on a fund raiser to bring permanent flood proof power on Tranquility Island to power the trees for Christmas and other events, like the July 4th celebration.

Thank you to George Eychner and all the other volunteers that help make this time of year special in Kerrville.

SuperBall

Jeff Harris let us know that because of COVID-19, we will not be having an in-person Superball this year. However, the committee is committed to continuing the fund raising part of the SuperBall in order to help with funding of scholarships and other service projects we do every year. There will be a silent auction, so if you have any items or ideas about donating something, please contact Jeff or any of the committee members. There will also be a raffle, so each member will get four $100.00 tickets to sell.

Rotary News from President Tammy

A poll was sent out about the Christmas Party. The verdict was we will try to have a party in the future.

Jimmy Hutto

2021 Super Ball event. This one event provides all the necessary funds for our many service projects each year, so please pray for him, support him and answer the call for help when he issues it.

All members will be sent 4 tickets to be sold or purchased. The ticket will be a raffle and we have many prizes to be awarded. In order to give everyone time to

sell before drawing date. The date is 3/31/21.

I will see you soon!

Jeff Harris

SPEAKERS

Future \Speakers

Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer

Nov 25, 2020

My Time as Kerr County Sheriff

open

Dec 02, 2020

Salvation Army Brass Band

Dec 09, 2020

Christmas Concert

Tammy

Dave has set up the schedule for Bell Ringing at Gibson's. So got to website and signup. We are still short for Saturday after Thanksgiving

An auction was held for a jar of 1026 M&M Peanuts.

Jeff won the bid.

Visitors

Ex-president

gave us a few words.

Ways to Recycle

Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling

Karen Tucker was introduced buy Betty Vernon

Work

Works at Retired

February 2, 2013 - Present·Hunt, Texas

Former Sr. Sourcing Specialist at GenOn Energy, Inc.

2009 - February 1, 2013·Houston, Texas

Former Sr. Sourcing Specialist at RRI Energy

June 1992 - 2009·Houston, Texas

Former Purchasing Assistant at

Houston Lighting & Power

June 1, 1981 - 1992·Houston, Texas

Karen has been researched recycling for some time.

Here are her notes

Misc pictures of the ideas in her plans.

Zoom

We had 29 folks attending the Zoom Meeting Even ART made an appearance.

We had 27 folks attend the face to face meeting

Wine is Fine

Mike Wilson was wearing his Rotary pin when his name was drawn, so he won a bottle of red wine.

Proposed Officers and Directors for 2021-2022

Past President Charlie McIlvain gave a report that listed the officers and directors for 2021-2022:

President: Jeff Harris

President Elect: Marta Diffen

Secretary: Jeff Wendling

Treasurer: Gena Daniels

Immediate past president: Tammy Prout

Directors: Tom Odom, Phyllis Ricks, Janelle Peralt, Donna Peterson, Roy Boudreaux, Michael Huff

Executive Secretary: Kristy Vandenberg

Thank you all for your service to the club.

Rotary News you can Use

On November 6, our club hosted 49 veterans and their guests to a wonderful breakfast and fellowship at our Veterans Breakfast event held at the Hill Country Veterans Center.

This committee, made up of a large contingent of Satellite Club members and Noon Club members as well! They did an excellent job of honoring our military veterans in a safe, socially-distant environment. They took great care in planning to implement masked, gloved single serving stations and individually-wrapped food items.

Thank you all for representing our club so well, recognizing and honoring our community's military hero veterans.

Christmas Cards to Fight Polio

Rotary International has created a wonderful fundraising effort for PolioPlus efforts, offering a Christmas Card campaign in a very unique way.

These Christmas cards are designed in a way that explains to the recipient that the card was purchased in their honor to help continue the fight to eradicate polio. There will be text that describes how the card was purchased with the recipient in mind. The cost of the card will help to vaccinate 16 children for a lifetime free of the crippling effects of the polio virus.

The Christmas Cards are $10 each and will be a very personal, thoughtful gift for family and friends. IN ADDITION, your purchase will be counted toward your Paul Harris Fellowship goals. ALSO, it would be a great way for those who don't normally contribute to the Foundation to do so.

Please consider participating in this program. We will need to order what we need for our club, so please let us know your interest level.

Here's a sample of the cards:

Blood Drive

Our next South Texas Blood & Tissue Center Blood Drive will be Dec. 8 at the Hill Country Youth Event Center. We moved the drive to this location to accommodate the many donors that tried to participate on Sept. 29, but could not get an appointment.

You know how personal this project is to me, but more importantly, the STBTC has issued multiple dire pleas for help for blood donations because of an ongoing shortage caused by COVID-19.

I hope you will consider donating blood on this day. I will send the appointment link once it is supplied to me.

Lot's to be proud of

Our club is doing great things in our community and it is all because of each of you. Thank you so much for your commitment to SERVICE ABOVE SELF and the Rotary Club of Kerrville vision.

I look forward to seeing each of you Wednesday (in-person or virtually).

Families in Rotary: Congrats to the Ingram High School girls volleyball team for a great season. They played their final game of the playoffs, and ended with a 29-1 record.

Tammy

Tivy Basketball Coaches

Tivy head basketball coaches Joe Davis and Christy Dill spoke to us via zoom last Wednesday.

Joe Davis is the boy's basketball head coach and has been in the area quite a while. He went to Schreiner University as a student athlete, and played basketball there. After college he spent several years as an assistant coach at Tivy, then did a stint as a head coach at Van Vleck High school. Joe then returned to Tivy as an assistant coach again, and took over this year as the head coach when Brian Young retired. This is Joe's 15th year in coaching.

Tivy graduated seven seniors last year, so the boys basketball team is young but has been competitive so far. Coach Davis' philosophy starts with the acronym "FACTS", which stands for Faith, Attitude, Character and Teamwork. He emphasizes that the students behavior off the court is as important as on the court. "Do your best with what you've got."

Coach Christy Dill is the girls coach, and has been coaching for 25 years. She also has an acronym for important traits instilled in the team: "CARE". Character, Attitude, Respect and Effort. Judging from past team performances, this philosophy is working.

She has two assistants, Coach Fierro and Coach Johnson. It has been a hard year on everyone, including the athletes and coaches. They usually participate in team building and off season training in the spring, but because of COVID, they are doing that as they practice and play this season. Coach Dill emphasizes that the girls should only focus on what they can control. They too lost numerous seniors from last year, but are playing well and their games have been close so far.

Tickets for games can only be purchased online, and seating is limited, but they will put on a great show. Live streaming is also available for these games, so you can watch them from the comfort of your living room if you can't make the games.

Bell Ringing at Salvation Army

Sign up for Ringing the Bell at Gibson's to help raise money for the great programs the Salvation Army provides. Go to the Kerrville Noon Rotary Website http://kerrvillerotary.org

to sign up.

Blue Santa

The annual Blue Santa event is scheduled for December 12, at Ronnie Bock's RV in Kerrville. This event provides assistance to needy families in our area just in time for Christmas. Contact Phyllis Ricks for more information or to volunteer.

Update on Polio Fundraising Event

The Polio Fundraiser was a big success this year. The current total amount raised is $12,392.00 Thank you to Bob Schmerbeck, Doug Whinnery and all the volunteers who participated.

Treue der Union Monument

Marta Diffen introduced our guest Dr. Don Frazier, of The Texas Center at Schreiner University.

Our presenter will be Dr. Don Frazier, of The Texas Center at Schreiner University.

Frazier is a graduate of The University of Texas at Arlington and Texas Christian University and is the award-winning author of five books on Texans in the Civil War including Blood and Treasure, Cottonclads, Fire in the Cane Field, Thunder Across the Swamp and Blood on the Bayou. His latest work, Tempest Over Texas, is released in May 2020. His other work includes serving as co-author of Frontier Texas, Historic Abilene and The Texas You Expect, as well as general editor of The U.S. and Mexico at War and a collection of letters published as Love and War: The Civil War Letter and Medicinal Book of Augustus V. Ball

One of the things the people in Europe were experiencing rulers telling them what to do. Not letting them practice their own religion.

from 1840 to 1860 over two million immigrants came to the US.

Uncle Sam's youngest son, Citizen Know Nothing

A bust portrait of a young man representing the nativist ideal of the Know Nothing party. He wears a bold tie and a fedora-type hat tilted at a rakish angle. The portrait is framed by intricate carving and scrollwork surmounted by an eagle with a shield, and is draped by an American flag. Behind the eagle is a gleaming star. The flag hangs from a staff at left which has a liberty cap on its end. The Citizen Know

but trouble finds the peaceful folks in Texas

When Texas votes to succeed from the Union not all Texans were for it. A lot of counties were in the Hill /country

When the Confederates took over they sent Provo Marshalls into cities. The folks that did not want to join and fight with confederates were considered bad. Many younger men were told to head to Mexico until this was over.

check the links below and you can see the names of all the folks killed

Very interesting history of the German people that lived and died here in Hill country.

Several men went to San Antonio and Joined the Confederates to avoid being hunted down and killed.

Rotary News you can Use

Polio Event

Our "Hill Country Families Ending Polio" event committee is working very hard to get ready for our event scheduled for Oct. 24 - World Polio Day - at the River Star Park Pavilion.

This is a family event, scheduled from 3-7 p.m. We will be offering food, drinks, music, games, a silent auction and much more. This outdoor venue will allow for social distancing and masks will be worn.

Our Co-chairs, Bob Schmerbeck and Doug Whinnery are working hard obtaining sponsors for the event and organizing committee members to make this event special.

It will be a wonderful celebration of Rotary International's 35-year effort to rid the world of the poliovirus and we will do our part by raising funds on this special day. Don't forget, every dollar that we submit to RI will be matched 2-to-1 by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

Please plan to attend, sponsor or donate. To do so, please contact Bob at bob@garrettinsurance.com or Doug at dwhinnery46@gmail.com.

In-person meetings

I will be meeting with John at the Kroc Center to begin planning for in-person meetings for our club. We will work diligently on providing a safe way to reunite the many, many club members who are wanting to resume in-person meetings.

Please note, we will not return to the Kroc Center unless we can offer a dual platform of both in-person and virtual meetings, by simultaneously Zooming to those members who do not feel comfortable in attending.

I will report back when I know more. If we can meet all of the safety requirements, we will be back at the Kroc Center in November.

Veterans Breakfast

Our club will once again host a Veterans' Breakfast event on Nov. 6 at the Hill Country Veterans Center to honor our local active military and military veterans in advance of Veterans' Day.

You are invited to join us from 8-9:30 a.m. Masks and social distancing will be required.

Super Ball

President Elect Jeff Harris has begun meeting and planning for our February 2021 Super Ball event. This one event provides all the necessary funds for our many service projects each year, so please pray for him, support him and answer the call for help when he issues it.

Because of the pandemic, he and his committee are planning for an in-person event, with contingency plans in place to provide for the fundraising our club needs in case we cannot host an in-person event.

We will report more when details are available, but please know we will need your help!

I will see you soon!

Tammy

There were over 40 folks at the Zoom meeting

SPEAKERS

Future \Speakers

SPEAKER	DATE	TOPIC
Richard Lee	Oct 28, 2020	My 50 Year Radio Broadcasting Career
Dr. Donald Frazier	Nov 04, 2020	Treue der Union
Joe Davis, New Tivy Basketball Coach	Nov 11, 2020	Preview of Upcoming Season
Karen Taylor	Nov 18, 2020	No More Recycling. Now What?
Sheriff Rusty Hierholzer	Nov 25, 2020	My Time as Kerr County Sheriff

Richard Lee, Radio Broadcast career

Richard Lee was our guest speaker last week. He has been in radio broadcasting for 50 years, starting out in Bishop California, working for Buck Owens Productions where Buck had a recording studio and radio station.

Richard then moved on to Bakersfield Ca., Cheyenne Wyoming, and then Milwaukee Wisconsin. He eventually worked in a national format, where music and programs were broadcast around the country, including some locally in Kerrville. Richard had the opportunity to interview many country music stars, and did research on them before the interviews to be prepared with good questions. Some of the performers he interviewed include Merle Haggard, Kenny Rogers and Reba McEntire, Charlie Pride, Mel Tillis, George and Tammy Wynette, Garth Brooks, Hank Williams Jr. and the Judds.

He was working in Dallas when he eventually retired from the network in 2010. Richard then had the opportunity to come to Kerrville and work at 92.3, The Ranch Radio, as a morning show host.

Rotary meeting Breakout Sessions

At the end of our regular meetings, we have been having breakout sessions with random small groups of our club. Last time we discussed our favorite Rotary Service project. It was a great reminder of the beneficial things we do as Rotarians. Some of the service projects mentioned included Blue Santa, Josh the Otter water safety program, the Salvation Army bell ringing and the Veterans Breakfast.

Pints for Polio Event

The event went off with out a hitch! Or at least nothing we could not overcome.

Jimmy, David & Zach all helped get together Ice, beer & things from storage

Tammy Opened the meeting Doug gave all some facts about the fight against Polio

Bob Schmerbeck along with Doug were heading up this event! Great Jobs guys!!!

Kristi & Stephanie at the check in!! Looking good!

Sausage made by Salvation Army. They were great!

District Governor Xavier Tonson

Bob introduces our guest speaker District Governor Xavier Tonson

Xavier was telling the group about Rotary needs to open new opportunities, Stay Positive.

Get more folks in rotary! Creating new clubs. Think outside the box, Create more satellite clubs to get younger people into Rotary.

Have clubs support more Rotaract Clubs. This effort should be directed to all clubs.

Rotary needs to solve tough global problems, Water, Glasses, Social injustices., Need more resources

Clubs need to hold strategic plan meetings to see where club is heading! Need surveys to see what members ideas are

Selection of new members carefully, insure they have great sprits, and value alignments similar to ours.

Need to take care of members needs, reach out to them. Make sure they have the tools & resources they need!

And of course End Polio! Only two countries still have polio in the world. Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Bill Blackburn running for Mayor Kerrville

Clint introduces Mayor Bill Blackburn to Noon Rotary Club in Kerrville

About Bill

Get to know Bill

Bill Blackburn is a retired Baptist minister who has resided in Kerrville for over 30 years. Bill and his wife Deana, a retired schoolteacher, have two children -- Cara and Carter -- and are blessed with eight grandchildren.

Bill has been a public servant his entire life. Ordained to the Christian ministry in 1972, he served as a pastor in various capacities and locations until his retirement in 1999. Bill led the congregation of Trinity Baptist Church from 1984 to 1999.

Upon his retirement, he did not go quietly into the night. Bill founded Partners in Ministry, a nonprofit organization focusing on the needs of children, youth, and the poor in Kerr County. He has also been involved with numerous organizations in the hill country area:

Habitat for Humanity
Christian Assistance Ministry (CAM)
New Hope Counseling Center
Christian Women's Job Corps
Christian Men's Job Corps
Doyle School Community Center
St. Peter Upon the Water Retreat Center
Western Hills Baptist Church
Sunrise Baptist Church
Soul Cafe
Salvation Army Advisory Board
Kerrville State Hospital Advisory Board
Leadership Kerr County Steering Committee
Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country
Long Range Facilities Committee of the Kerrville Independent School District
Peterson Regional Medical Center Foundation
AACOG Criminal Justice Advisory Committee

Bill's community service continues to this day, and he continues to be involved in local government. He was the vice chairman of the 2002 Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee for the City of Kerrville. He also served on the Kerr Economic Development Foundation.

For his community service, in 2006 he was awarded the inaugural “Spirit of Texas Award” by the Kerr County Bar Association.

In September, 2007, Dr. Blackburn was named “Citizen of the Year”
by the Kerrville Daily Times and the Kerrville Area Chamber of Commerce.

Education

Rev. Dr. Blackburn received his undergraduate education at Baylor University, a Masters of Divinity and Doctor of Philosophy from Southwestern Baptist Seminary, and pursued post-doctoral studies in biblical studies, medical ethics, and psychology at Oxford University in England.

Writing

Dr. Blackburn is the author of five books with chapters in five more, and over 200 magazine, journal, and newspaper articles. One of his books, What You Should Know about Suicide, has been translated into Chinese. He has just finished a book entitled What Can You Expect of the Pastor?

For eight years, he has been a columnist for the Kerrville Daily Times. He was previously a columnist for the Bryan-College Station Eagle (TX). His columns for the Kerrville Daily Times will be published in book form as The Effective Nonprofit Organization.

Speaking

Dr. Blackburn has taught, led conferences, and preached in sixteen states and six foreign countries. He has appeared on over sixty radio and television shows.

Teaching

Blackburn was a Garrett Teaching Fellow at Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, as a Ph.D. student. He has been a visiting
professor at the same seminary. He was an adjunct field instructor for the Center for Studies on Aging at the University of North Texas and has served as an adjunct professor at Schreiner University. He has also served as a visiting professor and Doctor of Ministry supervisor at the George W. Truett Theological Seminary at Baylor University.

Accomplishments as Mayor:

Restored an air of respect, civility and productivity to City Council
Active participation, leadership and approval of the Kerrville 2050 Comprehensive Plan
Provided leadership for collaborative task force in addressing community disruption caused by COVID-19 pandemic
Pursued multiple economic development opportunities, creating new jobs, new capital investment and additional housing
Accelerated paving and repair of 277 miles of city streets
Completed reworking of Zoning Code and Sign Ordinance
Supported River Trail extension to Schreiner University, development of Sports Complex, revitalization of Arcadia Theater
And more, all with... No increase in tax rate!

Governing Principles

Bill has identified several principles of good governance that he will strive to embody as mayor. Many of these principles are also identified in the City of Kerrville's Comprehensive Plan Vision Statement for 2018. The principles that Blackburn has identified are as follows:

Clarify and build on a commonly accepted vision of the city
Mayor and Council set policy, provide oversight, and leave day to day management to staff
Hold to a limited role of government and fiscal responsibility as seen in priorities set
Balance property rights and the common good
Invite and promote involvement of citizens in seizing opportunities and solving problems
Promote safety through wise, appropriate, and enforced laws
Maintain and set policies that ensure smooth, efficient, and safe flow of people, traffic, water, wastewater, and revenue
Maintain a positive environment for business to operate within
clear, consistent, and reasonable regulations
Cooperate and collaborate with Kerr County and the other local governments in the county
Protect and promote beauty in the natural and built environment, and preserve the history of the area and historic places
Maintain excellent city staff by providing fair compensation and benefits, continual training, and support and encouragement
Carry out all duties in an ethical, legal, honest, and transparent manner

Bill presented his accomplishments so far during his term as Mayor of Kerrville. He also answered questions ask during the question and answer time.

David Baker running for Mayor of Kerrville

Clint flipped a coin and Mayor Bill Blackburn won the toss. He elected to have David Baker go first.

David Barker has over 40 years of cumulative experience in a broad range of businesses including engineering, construction, manufacturing, project management, procurement, finance and accounting, emergency planning, business restoration, start-up, testing, quality assurance and control. He also taught project management at two universities. He has exceptional skills in several engineering disciplines in addition to physics, chemistry and metallurgy. Most recently Mr. Barker started The Barker Consulting Group which provided a broad range of professional business services to many industries primarily focusiing on management challenges and business improvement processes. He is considered an expert in project management, organization, execution and in turnaround assignments across many disciplines for projects that are identified as global in scale.

David was previously employed for 10 years at Dril-Quip, Inc. where he held several key positions as head of manufacturing, project management and the Aftermarket Business Unit where he supervised over 500 highly skilled engineers and technicians. As Director of the Aftermarket Business Unit he was responsible for the overall aftermarket support and services which included customer refurbishment projects, capital drilling equipment repair and recertification and field life management services. Additional responsibilities included global service for rental tools, writing of technical service manuals, personnel training and certification of field service technicians.

Prior to joining Dril-Quip, Inc., Barker had a progressive career in the nuclear power field working on the NS Savannah Program, the world's first nuclear powered commercial vessel. He served as Project Manager on the South Texas Nuclear Project for Houston Lighting and Power Company and was a key manager in bringing the plant to its current operable status where he was directly responsible for 600 employees and as many a 10,000 sub-contractor employees. In addition, he managed major architectural and construction programs on large commercial real estate projects throughout the state as well as several coal fired electric generating stations for the Reliant Energy family of companies (HL&P and CenterPoint Energy). In these assignments his career was progressive rising to the level of COO of CenterPoint Energy Management Services. The Chairman of Reliant Energy at that time identified his career as being distinguished and exemplary. Mr. Barker also worked for the H.B. Zachry Company in San Antonio, Texas prior to joining HL&P.

Mr. Barker has a BS in mechanical engineering and MS in nuclear engineering from Texas A&M University and an Executive MBA from Penn State University. Prior to enrolling at Texas A&M University in 1964 Mr. Barker received his AA degree in engineering from Schreiner Institute in Kerrville, Texas. He is also a registered professional engineer. David also completed the Executive Development program at The University of Idaho.

At this time in Kerrville's history when we are facing difficult challenges, it is my goal to bring 40+ years of business and technical experience and work with the Council & City Manager to produce long-term viable solutions.

We must ensure a safe, long-term water supply based on sound engineering and financial practices.
We must have responsible growth across all sections - including residential & commercial - benefiting ALL citizens.
We must be innovative, and open to the public, when considering all real estate developments - and certainly not at the expense of our existing residents and taxpayers.
Kerrville's infrastructure is in need of immediate attention as well as the development of a long-term capital improvement plan.
I propose an objective review of the recent LONG-TERM WATER SUPPLY PLAN to ensure proper supply and safety concerns are understood and presented clearly to the public.
All annual budgets proposed by the many city departments must be carefully prepared and based upon ongoing needs, while taking into account new operating and maintenance requirements.
The Council has a duty to ensure that all funds are consistent with the annual approved budget. The conduct of the Council must be in accordance with all Texas Governmental Codes.
Work with the City Council and City Manager to improve intergovernmental relationships.
We must assure cost effective use of long-term debt.

He presented his plan for Kerrville if elected. Answered questions during question and answer time for both.

Hill Country College Fund

The program last Wednesday was the Hill Country College Fund. Each year, funds are raised to help deserving area students pay for tuition at Schreiner University.

Schreiner University President Charlie McCormick provided opening remarks and noted there are several new and exciting things on campus. Schreiner Institute is a new program designed to help students obtain a military academy appointment. Dr. Frazier leads a new program called The Texas Center, aimed at educating students and the community about all things Texas. And, the new section of the river trail in Kerrville now has a trailhead at Schreiner University. Although not yet open due to Covid-19, there will be a beer garden and gathering pavilion for students and residents alike at the trail head.

Mark Tuschak, Vice President for student recruitment, provided some history of the Hill Country College Fund. He explained that Karen Kilgore, who will retire this May from Schreiner University, had the original dream of the college fund forty one years ago, and it has helped many students who otherwise could not afford to go to Schreiner.

We heard from three inspiring students who expressed their appreciation to all who donate to the fund.

Annie Wallace is a sophomore Sports Management major. She plays softball and likes being in a small school environment where she can be involved in numerous campus activities, including student government.

Chris Flores is a first year student. He is a great example of a non traditional student, who worked first and now is attending college. Chris overcame a lot of adversity in his life, is a psychology major, and helps out as a shelter monitor at the Salvation Army.

Miranda Spires really appreciates the HCCF because along with the G.I. Bill, it allows her to concentrate solely on school.

Please consider helping deserving students at our hometown University:

Andrew Murr

Clint Mores introduced our guest Representative Andrew Murr

Representative Andrew Murr was first elected in 2014 to represent District 53 in the Texas House of Representatives. The district includes Bandera, Crockett, Edwards, Kerr, Kimble, Llano, Mason, Medina, Menard, Real, Schleicher and Sutton Counties. An eighth generation Texan, he was raised on a ranch in Kimble County, and attended school in Junction.

Representative Murr attended Texas A&M University, receiving a bachelor degree, summa cum laude, in Agricultural Development with an emphasis in economics and policy. Following graduation, he worked toward his master's degree at A&M and earned his teaching certification, completing his student teaching in Mason. He subsequently graduated with highest honors from Texas Tech University School of Law. In 2008, Representative Murr was elected Kimble County Attorney. However, he was appointed to the position of County Judge, due to a vacancy, before he was sworn in. His kids are twelve and one year old.

Legislature of the State of Texas, operating under the biennial system, convenes its regular sessions at noon on the second Tuesday in January of odd-numbered years. The maximum duration of a regular session is 140 days. There are appoxmently 9 to 12 thousand ideas for bills brought up every session. Only about 20% get passed

The Texas budget shortfall of about 2 billion dollars. This was due the the Covid-19 shutdown.

The speaker of the house is retiring and Andrew is not looking to fill that positio

He sponsored House Bill HB-297

AUSTIN— Today, the Texas House passed HB 297 which would eliminate the school districts’ maintenance and operations property tax and replace it with a more efficient sales tax.

“Texas’ economy is the strongest in the country — owing in large part to the commitment of policymakers to the Texas Model and strong conservative fiscal leadership,” said Kevin Roberts, Ph.D., executive director of the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “HB 297, if paired with fiscal restraint in budgeting, would sustain our prosperity.”

HB 297 would establish an interim committee to study the most effective way to move from a maintenance and operations property tax to a sales tax system by January 1, 2022.

“The Foundation has long supported the elimination of property taxes in favor of a less burdensome sales tax system,” said Vance Ginn, Ph.D., senior economist and director of the Center for Economic Prosperity at the Texas Public Policy Foundation. “The Texas House’s passage of HB 297 provides an excellent opportunity to eliminate nearly half of the costly property tax burden along with almost all of the disliked Robin Hood system. This legislation should make its way through the process and to the Governor’s desk so there can be a robust discussion during the interim of how to make Texas an even greater economic juggernaut for prosperity.”

Interested in Ways and Means committee, Jurist and Criminal prudence.

Questions ask Will Texas ever get gambling? He said not at this time

Early voting starts Oct 13th thru 30th.

His director in the Kerrville office is one of our own Kellie Early

Chip Roy

U.S. Congressman Chip Roy visited our Rotary Club last Wednesday via zoom, and gave an overview of current affairs in Washington. He has been focusing on the fiscal year end and is working with the other members on a funding plan for the government through December.

Recent highlights of legislative action and answers to some questions:

Congress passed successful funding of the PPP bill last June, and they are now working on expediting the forgiveness part of the loans to businesses.

The President will (and now has) nominated a Supreme Court judge Amy Coney Barrett.

Riots, protests: The federal government can step in to help quell riots if federal property is threatened. Private citizens can sue if states don't protect citizens life and property.

Fracking: He is concerned about the recent attempts to limit or ban fracking, because this could affect jobs in the oil and gas industry in Texas.

Dr Gomez

Dr. Samantha Gomez Ngamsuntikul, Associate Medical Director at BioBridge Global, was part of the team that implemented the Brothers in Arms program to bring lifesaving blood transfusions to seriously injured patients in San Antonio and South Texas.

The subsidiaries of BioBridge are follow the link https://biobridgeglobal.org/subsidiaries.

Witch includes the South Texas Blood and Tissue Center.

Dr. Gomez talked about since the pandemic started less folks are giving blood. This increases the urgency of blood donations. The Blood center is down to like 2 days supply.

Dr. Gomez talked about convalescent blood drive. This is taking blood from people that have recovered from

recovered from COVID-19. This blood can be used to help cure people that have COVID-19. For more info https://southtexasblood.org/covid19.

She also talked about antibodies both A and B. to find out more about antibodies see https://southtexasblood.org/covid19.

Dr. Gomez also has advise about giving blood if you are nervous.

* Hydrate

* make sure you eat

* get a good nights sleep

* talk to the tech

Once you get there you will go thru a mini physical, iron count, blood pressure and the like.

then you will have to answer questions.

Its not that hard, I have given over 100 units.

the 8 differrent types of blood see link https://www.knowledgepublisher.com/article/326/blood-groups-types-explained-blood-group-diet-blood-group-matching.html#:~:text=If%20Your%20Blood%20Group%20is%20O%2B%20A%2B%20AB-,YES%20YES%20A-%20B%2B%20YES%203%20more%20rows

Museum of Western Art

Darrell Beauchamp, the executive director of the Museum of Western Art, provided the program last Wednesday. The Museum opened in 1983 as the Cowboy Artists of America, with works on display by the Cowboy Artists of America. In 2003, the museum changed its name to the Museum of Western Art to expand the type of art and artists in this genre, including women artists and Native American artifacts.

The Museum closed in March and April due to COVID-19, but reopened in May.

There is a lot to see at the museum, and here's a list of the 2020 exhibition line up:

A few examples of the work you can enjoy:

The annual Exhibition and Sale is coming soon (limited to 150 persons):

So, consider supporting this fine museum by touring the exhibits and art, being a member or business sponsor, attending the Gala, and getting the word out about this gem in our backyard.

Families in Rotary

Prayers go to all the area teams who are starting their seasons,

Rotary News you can Use

There will be a blood drive coming soon, and details will follow.

The Labor Day Walk-A-Fun is scheduled for Labor Day, September 7th, and has been adjusted to meet the requirements of the City of Kerrville amid COVID-19 concerns.

It will be at Louise Hays Park, and Rotarians will be handing out cold water and sharing the story of Rotary from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.. We will be able to post our awareness signs along the River Trail and hand out invitations to NEXT YEAR'S EVENT! We will not have groups of more than 10 people and will be wearing masks and following CDC guidelines for social distancing.

Service Above Self Award

In early August we presented the "Service Above Self Award" to Maggie Rector, a Kerr County 4-H student as part of KC 4-H annual awards night. Maggie was selected by her peers to receive the award, which is based on the Rotary motto. She was unable to attend the awards banquet, so we recently met to take a photo to commemorate the event.

Maggie has performed nearly 100 service hours, even during a Pandemic and is an active member of three local service organization boards, in addition to volunteering on many levels. It was an honor to meet her.

'Thank You' note received

We recently received a "Thank You" note from scholarship recipient Liz Twiss. I want to share with each of you her words to our club. She wrote:

"Kerrville Rotary Club,

Thank y'all so much for your generous scholarship! I appreciate it way more than you think! Without your generosity, college would be even tougher. Thank you for seeing the grit in me to pursue my dreams, while positively representing y'all. I promise to give nothing but my best in consideration for y'all. Thank you again.

Sincerely,

Liz Twiss"

Concession Stand help needed

Past President Stephanie Miller has asked for help manning the Ingram Tom Moore High School concession stand on Friday nights during home football games.

She would appreciate help from membership or businesses. Volunteers can wear club or business shirts for visibility. It would mean a lot to her and the athletes to receive some help.

If you or your business would like to provide the assistance she is requesting, please contact her at Steph_hillview@yahoo.com.

What could be better than spending a night at a high school football game?

Hotel Fire: Flee or Hunker Down

Clint Morse introduced our guest speaker Dan Wheat

Dan started Rotary 65 years ago in Beaumont Texas. Dan did point out that out of that time there was 3 years he did not attend Rotary since they were living in a small town. Dan is the correct man to tell us about fires.

He has been in 3 different fires in 3 different hotels.

Dan noted that the decision to flee or hunker down can be made for Hurricanes, Tornados, Floods or Fires like going on in California. He told us about when he and family we staying at the Conrad Hilton Hotel the time it caught on fire. The hotel had 1,544 rooms and 30 floors. It a grand place for sure. In 1928 the Oscar's were held there. After falling on hard time it was used as a Technical training school for the US Army Air Corp.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilton_Chicago The Democratic National Convention was held there in 1968.

January 26th 1970 about 6:45 Dan heard fire trucks in the distance. They stopped at the hotel and started going in. They were on the 13th floor and brother and family were on the 19th floor. They then started to head to elevators. One opened and they started down. When they got to lobby they went outside to see what's going on. They saw ropes made of bed sheets hanging out windows. The ladders only went up to 7th floor and the fire was on the 9th floor. The brother was going to start down the outside stairs that were bolted to building. They passed fireman going up with hoses to put out fire on 9. When they finally made it to the lobby they met up with Dan and family.

There was a group of 40 deaf kids from a school staying at the hotel with only one chaperone. Wow they were good boys and all but two made it safely out of the building. These two were the only victims in the fire. See the links below the hear their stories.

After thinking about taking the elevator to get down Dan says that's not a good idea. These days just wait in your room until someone comes to rescue you, or take the stairs. It's a very good idea to find the stairs close to your room when you check into anywhere.

Tivy Coach David Jones

Tivy High School football coach David Jones provided the program on the upcoming season of football and other sports. Plans have been made and remade over the last six months, and we are now finally nearing the start of the season. Tivy football starts out with a tough pre-season, with Dripping Springs on September 25th, Calallen follows and then Killeen Shoemaker as their home opener.

The football team will be able to start practicing in pads on September 7th, and on the 12th they'll have an inter squad scrimmage. Although some schools have experienced a decline in the numbers of players, Tivy has seen an increase from about 150 players last year to 175 players this year. This is the second largest number since David Jones has been here. In addition to the varsity, there is a junior varsity and two freshman teams, with 11 coaches.

The football players are scanned each day before practice, and are asked a series of questions about COVID-19. In addition to those precautions for the players, the football tickets for fans will only be available online, and at a reduced capacity. The home side usually accommodates 3,000 to 4,000 fans, but with limited seating and proper spacing, there will be only about 1,300 fans. Live streaming of the games will be available for the first time this year due to the pandemic.

So, support the local teams, either in person or watch the game live. Go Antlers!

Food Drive Veterans Center Pantry

Posted by Jimmy Hutto on Aug 22, 2020

Jimmy & Bekki Hutto went to JAM Broadcasting on Monday morning and presented the Food Drive information on all three morning channels the Buck 103.7,107.7 - Mike FM 99.1 - The Rock 94.3

COVID-19 is not holding us back, we are busier than ever!

Have you purchased your food for our Hill Country Veterans Center Food Drive this Saturday? As a club, we have adopted this food pantry and continue to keep it stocked. The effects of COVID-19 have been especially hard on all food pantries, including the one at HCVC.

This particular food pantry is unique in that only veterans are served. Help us help our local veterans.

Drop off your donation of food and/or cash at the Hill Country Veterans Center, located at 411 Meadowview Lane, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. All you have to do is pull up and someone will unload your donation. You never have to leave your vehicle!

We also need volunteers, so if you are available, please come and help.

Texas Center at Schreiner University

Marta introduces our guest.

Donald S. Frazier is the Director of The Texas Center at Schreiner University in Kerrville,

Don is really motivated to teach all Texans about all aspects of Texas.

His Texas History courses for the general public can be found at www.go2history.com. He is the award-winning author of books on the American Civil War, Texas History, Military History, and the US-Mexican Borderlands.

a list of Books he has written https://www.thriftbooks.com/a/donald-s-frazier/410834

Don wants to look into Texas past, Present and then plan for the Future.

1 Determine how Texas works, Business, Jobs and Technology.

2 Learn about Music, Art & Recreation in Texas.

3 History and culture and instead of teaching 80 kids in a class he now has 26 million folks, of all of Texas.

STATE HOUSE PRESS moved to its new location, The Texas Center at Schreiner University, this summer. It was formerly located in Austin and Abilene. The publishing imprint of The McWhiney History Education Group, State House Press is part of the Texas Book Consortium led by Texas A&M University Press and its books are available wherever books are sold.

With all these additions Studio, Podcast, and Multimedia The Center can get the message out to everyone.

Don used the term weaponize to denote that they have all the tools to get the message to the public.

Don wants to get 300 folks committed to support the Texas Center. Sort of like the original 300 folks Austin signed up tp come settle Texas.

Email: DSFrazier@schreiner.edu

Rotary News you can Use

Work continues on our planned Hill Country Veterans Center Food Drive. As a club, we have been dedicated to keeping the HCVC Food Pantry filled throughout the year. They are running low on food items due to the additional needs stemming from COVID-19. Please consider donating non-perishable food items on Aug. 22 at the HCVC from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. If you would rather donate money, we will do the shopping for you!

Also, if you own a business, include your employees and customers. We adopted this food pantry when we learned that veterans don't usually ask for help and feel more comfortable going to a veteran-run organization should they need something.

Please help us FILL THAT PANTRY.

xxxxxx

The Labor Day Walk-A-Fun is scheduled for Labor Day, September 7th, and has been adjusted to meet the requirements of the City of Kerrville amid COVID-19 concerns.

It will be at Louise Hays Park, and Rotarians will be handing out cold water and sharing the story of Rotary from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m.. We will be able to post our awareness signs along the River Trail and hand out invitations to NEXT YEAR'S EVENT! We will not have groups of more than10 people and will be wearing masks and following CDC guidelines for social distancing.

Trash pickup

We are so excited to be able to resume some of our activities, which includes our quarterly Trash Pick Up effort. It's been more than nine months since our last event and we are really going to need volunteers.

It will be held Saturday, Sept. 12 from 7:30-9 a.m. Event organizer Todd Odom says if you come at 7 a.m., he will provide individually wrapped food and drink for you! The group will meet at 7 a.m. at Tally Elementary. Our assigned cleanup area is on Goat Creek Road.

Todd is hoping for 20 volunteers, so please contact Todd at todom.stoepelmotors.com@clubrunner.email and let him know you will be happy to give an hour and a half of your Saturday to clean up our assigned highway.

Labor Day Walk-A-Fun 2020

Posted by Jimmy Hutto on Aug 19, 2020

put this in your calender

Hello All,

I am emailing this to everyone who worked on last year's Walk-A-Fun event. If you know of anyone who might be interested in helping to coordinate this event, please forward them this email. I am going to make an announcement at lunch too!

We are hoping to add a few more "incentive" activities to boost attendance.

To make this a success, we need the help of all Rotarians - but we start with a strong committee! So, let's brainstorm, assign tasks, delegate, and get it started!

Kristy Vandenberg
Rotary Club of Kerrville

Families in Rotary

Prayers for the family of Bekki Hutto since her son Shane has been deployed overseas.

Tivy Athletic Hall of Fame- 2020

Guy Overby presented the inductees for the Tivy Athletic Hall of Fame for this year. Potential members can be either athletes, coaches or an avid supporter.

The three inductees this year are basketball star Jacqueline Overby Brummett, Avid Supporter Stuart Cunyus, and Football star Marty Jefferson. Thank you to Guy for a great program!

2020 Rotary Youth Citizenship Awards

Jeff Anderson starts the meeting. The six pillars of Service Above Self

define the attributes that teachers seek in selecting award winners.

Crystal Dockery had the honor of introducing the winners.

Each of these kids will receive a scholarship to Schreiner University for four years for a total of $20,00.

Chief Golden Eagle aka Steve Schmidt promotes "We is greater that Me"

Charlie McCormick, PhD

President Schreiner University

Charlie spoke about trying to get local kids to attend local university. He thought the scholarships were a great idea.

Mark Tuschak

Vice President for Student Recruitment, External Affairs, Marketing & Communications

Advancement

Mark talk about the university and the kids.

Citizenship Awards Programhttp://RotaryYouthCitizenshipAwardsTab1.pdf

A lot of the kids and parents were present at the Zoom meeting,

George's Song

George Eychner played the National Anthem on his horn

Turtle Creek Olive and Vine

Dan Schulse gave the program last Wednesday on his Turtle Creek Olive and Vine enterprise. Dan was in the oil and gas business previously, but moved to Kerrville with his wife in 2015 and started the craft agricultural operation. They grow olives, grapes, pecans and more, and have a sales table at the front door of their property, located south of Kerrville on Turtle Creek.

The property also has a VRBO villa available for guests that would like to stay at the private working farm. They also have opened a wine tasting shop in downtown Kerrville in the historic Masonic Building at 215 Earl Garrett, where they offer locally produced wines, olive oil and more.

https://shop.turtlecreekolivesandvines.com/

Rotary News you can Use

The Rotaract Club participated in the river clean up recently. Kudos to the club and to Jimmy Hutto and others for helping to keep the river and creeks clean. Opportunities are still available through November to do individual group clean ups. Contact the Upper Guadalupe River Authority for more information.

Kristy Vandenberg gave a short tutorial on the Clubrunner, so members can get information about our Rotary club, including upcoming speakers, forms needed for new member proposals and more.

This Wednesday, the program will be Jeff Anderson hosting the annual Citizenship Awards given to local elementary school students.

River Clean Up - Reimagined

River clean up with Rotaract Club. 8:30-10:30. Land and river.

Sent from my iPhone

Jimmy, Bekki & Connie started River Cleanup on June 18th. Connie is moving to Kerrville from Kansas City.

Then, 3 Rotarians and 4 Rotaractors with their kids spent a couple hours on July 25th cleaning the river and street shoulders on Saturday, July 25th.

Hello Rotaractors!

As you are all aware Saturday is when we are planning to do the UGRA River Clean Up. We would like to focus on the two locations circled below (Legion Bridge & Legion Crossing-In Boat). We personally have three kayaks for those who would like to get into the water and encourage those who have or can borrow kayaks to do the same. For those that do not want to get in the water you will be able to clean up along the river. Plan on meeting at Old Rivers drive next to the low water crossing at 8:30 am and cleaning until 10:30 am. Below is the registration email that was sent out Friday afternoon from UGRA. You will have to follow the procedures for registering and picking up supplies. Please be sure when you register to list that you are with Rotaract in the groups section of the form. I understand that there may be potential for rain, so we will just have to monitor the forecast as the week goes on. Please let me know if you have any questions!

Brandon Aery

Earlier this month, UGRA made the decision to cancel the one-day Annual River Clean Up event for the first time in 16 years! The decision was made in the interest of public safety and due to current guidelines for public gatherings.

Since we have many people in our community dedicated to keeping the watershed clean, we wanted to still honor that enthusiasm by offering a modified cleanup format. UGRA “reimagined” the one-day event to be done in small groups, at your own pace, and when you have time between now and November 1st. I invite you to participate in our 2020 River Clean Up – Reimagined! We’ll still support your cleanups by providing supplies and coordinating trash drop off areas. Volunteers will also receive our Annual River Clean Up t-shirt and other freebies provided by our community partners and be eligible for the prize drawing! (All those who complete a cleanup before the deadline will be entered into the drawing. There are over 35 prizes and you will get an entry in the drawing for each cleanup day you complete).

You can register to conduct your cleanup at a time of your choice between now and November 1st. You can sign up for more than one cleanup day, too! Starting July 23rd, registered volunteers can pick up supplies at UGRA on Thursdays or Fridays from 8 AM – 5 PM. After your cleanup, you will be asked to transport your trash to one of the identified drop off locations, return supplies to UGRA, and complete the reporting form.

"Forecasting Weather in Kerr County and Why the Severe Storms Happened.

Clint Morse introduced our guest speaker.

Paul Yura

Warning Coordination Meteorologist at National Weather Service.

Paul said he started at University of Texas but then had to finish up at Oklahoma University.

Paul says he is a UT fan thru & thru.

Paul opened with the power of Weather This map shows different areas of Weather Service offices.

This is the map of the 33 counties in Paul's area. This shows the Billion dollar weather Disasters. Texas leads

These are hazards of storms Lighting facts only 20 people killed in 2019.

Trees are not safe Does this mean men are greater risk takers?

Fatalities from flooding per county Coming off the hills makes Flash Flood Alley

Hail can damage Turn around don't drown.

Most of the drowning deaths are local people that get in a hurry.

Down drafts How down drafts work

Kerrville Damage 1985 down draft accident

Tornado types. Tornados happen from Central US to east coast

Data from Weather balloons. Only three cities Different equipment used for weather prediction

used to launch balloons Del Rio, Corpus Christi

and Dallas

We get a lot of weather from instruments on planes More data

With the Covid there has been a 75% drop in traffic making it more difficult to predict weather.

Ways to keep informed A Forecast

Paul said any questions your can call or email him.

Paul presented a great program that we got a lot out of.

Families in Rotary

Prayers go out to the following:

Mark Armstrong back surgery X2

Carolyn Northcutt's husband is at Audie Murphy Hospital in San Antonio with Covid.

Betty Vernon's brother Leland Vernon passed away.

Kudos to Rotarian Gena Daniels, who is performing in a play at VK Garage.

Rotary News you can Use

Before the meeting Kristy played a video about giving to Rotary.

Tammy opens the meeting

Pics of the gallery of members. We had up to 55 members in attendance today

Also our newest member Kolt Alan, dressed in his Rotary onesie.

Rotary Labor Day Walk of Fun Committee met via Zoom on 7/21/2020.

The committee members that were not there got assignments as did the ones in attendance.

An Email will be sent out showing who is responsible for what job.

The Rotary Labor Day Walk of Fun is planned to happen on September 7th at Louise Hays Park.

This is assuming the city, or state or whoever allows this to happen.

KPUB's response to the late May storms

Mike Wittler provided the Zoom program last Wednesday on the storms that rolled through the Kerrville area in late May, causing power outages throughout the area.

The storms were the worst in at least thirty two years, and there were more outages in four days than in the last four years. It started with a storm on Sunday, May 24th about 8 p.m., with lightning and wind causing power outages for about 60 locations. Power was restored by about noon the next day.

On Monday the 25th, there was a power outage at the stadium substation, which caused a loss of power in downtown and to businesses on Sidney Baker, including traffic lights.

On Wednesday evening, a dump truck incident caused power to go out for 250 customers. Then, one hour later at about 8 p.m., the big storm with wind, rain and hail hit Kerrville. There were 5,482 customer without power, about 1/4 of KPUB's customers. Most of the damage was from tree limbs falling on lines, but overall there were also 30 broken poles. The crews worked all night, and additional outside contractors were brought in the next day. In addition, several outside municipalities sent crews to help.

Thursday night another storm hit, and 1,559 customers were still out of power. Friday, a previously damaged tree on Harper Rd. finally fell, knocking out service to 600 additional customers. And finally, on Friday night, a house fire on Alice St. caused loss of service to 20 homes. By mid afternoon Saturday, all power was restored, and crews continued to work through the weekend.

Tammy's Starting Year

Tammy Prout Publisher and Editor — Hill Country Community Journal is the new President of Rotary for the 2020 thru 2021 year.

She has been a member for over 14 years. She spoke of her life growing up. How she met & married her

husband and had her children. She always put family, learning a trade, and teachers high on her list of priorities.

Some of her new projects that she would like to bring to Rotary.

* rotary blood drive to help the local blood supply

* Have an Adoption Picnic. To put foster children with foster parents.

* Global Project Let Hope Begin. Getting a global grant to help build a bridge in Guatemala. This will

help the people a great deal.

* Allow new board members to experience what goes on in board meetings.

Roy Boudreaux Mike Huff Marta Diffen

A warm welcome to all the new board members!!!

* To encourage all members to join a committee and help the club!

for a complete recording of this meeting see the home page of clubrunner.

Families in Rotary

Bill Crumrine is now on Hospice.

Rosalie Reast had shoulder surgery on July 8th.

A child was lost in a drowning last week in Hunt. Please keep the family in your prayers.

Invocation

Posted by Jimmy Hutto on Jul 08, 2020

Asley leads the group in the Invocation

Rotarians of the Year

Congratulations go to two members who have been selected as Rotarians of the year.

Clint Morse, who heads up the committee that provides great programs for our club, and Stephanie Skrumeda who is on numerous committees including Blue Santa and SuperBall.

Thank you both for all your hard work throughout the year!

President Charlie's Year in Review

Charlie McIlvain en

RECREATIONAL VEHICLE FELLOWSHIP OF ROTARIANS, N.A.

THE SPOKE IS LOOKING FOR WRITERS

https://www.hillcountrychorale.org/

Hill Country Chorale

Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 4 P.M.

Classical Music FestivalGrace Covenant Presbyterian, Ingram

Saturday, April 30, 2022 at 4 P.M.

Spring Concert

SAVE THE VIEW.

January is Vocational Service Month in the Rotary International Calendar

Classical Music Festival
Grace Covenant Presbyterian, Ingram