Stories

 

CFB Rotary wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas! 

CFB Rotary wishes everyone a very Happy Hanukkah! 

Pictured left to right: Mike Ramirez of R.L. Turner, Terry Smith of Ranchview, Jay Cline of Creekview and Paul Ressa of Newman Smith.

The football coaches of CFB-ISD joined the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club for lunch on August 28th, as they do every year, to help celebrate the memory of Catfish Montgomery, and to update us on the progress their squads made over the summer.  CFB-ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Burns kicked off the luncheon by paying homage to the late, great Catfish Montgomery before turning over the program to Athletic Director Renee Putter.  Putter then introduced the coaches, beginning with Mike Ramirez of R.L. Turner High School.

Ramirez exuded a calm and cool appearance at the luncheon, but admitted to the audience that he was very wound-up inside as it was a game day for the Lions.  Coach also attested that this has been the most anticipated year of his football life, which goes back to his days playing the game as a child.  His student athletes have worked so hard to represent the community, as well as the school.  Ramirez reinforces in them that the most important ingredient in a successful squad is that the players care about each other and lean on each other in times of need.  This mantra has translated to selfless play on the field, with commensurate behavior off the field.

Next up was fourth-year coach Terry Smith of Ranchview High School.  Coach Smith emphasized how he has been so blessed to get to do his favorite thing in the whole world, and work with his best friends while mentoring a great group of student athletes.  For the first time ever, Ranchview will be fielding a team of 100 players, and each and every one of them are working hard.  Coach related a story about a stonecutter that gradually "chips away" at a large mass of granite, resulting in an eventual masterpiece, and likened his 2014 team to this story.  In fact, they have a mantra of their own at Ranchview: "Pound the Rock".  This is exemplified by each player doing his job, and learning, growing - and getting better - every single day.  Smith tends to focus on the process, rather than the end result, and believes this is the key to success for the 2014 Wolves.

To continue reading this story, please click 'More' below.

U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant speaks to the CFB Rotary Club at the August 7th meeting.

Seating was scarce at the August 7th Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club meeting.  Unless you arrived on-time, you were listening to the United States Representative for Texas' 24th congressional district from the cheap seats.  A packed house full of Rotarians and their guests, of which there were many, listened intently as Kenny Marchant addressed the six most inquired-about hot-button issues his office handles each and every day.  Marchant began by comparing his time as Mayor of Carrollton from 1984-1986 to his current role as a state legislator.  The most glaring difference is that in those days, Marchant's mayoral office typically focused on one key issue at a time, whereas today, his office has quite a few more irons in the fire.  In particular, Marchant spoke about critical national topics of interest ranging from the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Russia and Obamacare to the ongoing border crisis, and the VA and IRS targeting scandals.  Marchant led the meeting in an open, town hall-style format, with plenty of audience interaction.  At the conclusion of his remarks, Congressman Marchant took questions from the audience, ranging from President Obama's use of Executive Orders to further his agenda to the marine veteran Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, who continues to be jailed in Mexico on weapons charges.

David Hale presents Mike Harris of Metrocrest Services with a check for $400 for their annual Back To School Supply Program.

Community Service Director David Hale was proud to present Metrocrest Services with a $400 check for their annual Back To School Supply Program.  This year, the program will assist 1,100 children in going back to school fully prepared.  Each one of these children will receive their very own backpack, stuffed with the necessary supplies for whatever their specific curricula call for.  This is very important, as not all the children come from the same school, and required school supplies will vary from classroom to classroom.  Our donation, along with many others, as well as the volunteer work in stuffing the backpacks, helps make this possible and goes a long way toward ensuring these children get the 2014-2015 school year started off on the right foot. 

And speaking of volunteering, if you're interested, you haven't missed your chance!  The backpack-stuffing event will take place August 13th from 6:00-9:00 in the evening at the warehouse on 13375 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 410 in Farmers Branch.  If you have any questions about this fun event, please contact Nicole Newkham at 214-460-2933.  See you there!

Pictured left to right: Albert Shuford, Jeannell Spearman, Charlie Floyd, Jerry Bates and David Smith receive their Paul Harris Fellow pins and certificates from Foundation Chair Mark Sutherland.

Your annual opportunity to volunteer with the Metrocrest Services Back to School Supply Program is here once again.  Because of how big this event has gotten, this year it will be held at the warehouse on 13375 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 410 in Farmers Branch.  The event will take place August 13th from 6:00-9:00 in the evening.  If you have any questions about this fun event, please contact Nicole Newkham at 214-460-2933.  See you there!

Incoming 2014/2015 Club President Bill Bexley presents 2013/2014 Club President Sid Fuller with a plaque commemorating his year at the helm.

Those in attendance at the June 26th lunch meeting witnessed the end of an era.  Sid Fuller bid the Club members goodbye as he ran the final meeting of his Presidency before handing the keys - or in this case, gavel - over to incoming President Bill Bexley.  Fuller had a very successful Rotary year, including, most notably, overseeing the continuation of our Club's signature project -- a playground designed to accommodate special needs children at Gussie Field Watterworth Park in Farmers Branch.  The seed for this idea was planted during Ben Cunningham's term as President in 2012/2013, but was designed to continue as the focus of our fundraising efforts for years to come.  With plenty of time and hard work, President Fuller most certainly left his own stamp on the project.

Incoming President Bill Bexley had nothing but kind words for Fuller, making note of his natural leadership abilities.  "I have big shoes to fill," Bexley remarked, while making note of the fact that that our work is still far from done.  Bexley looked forward to the year ahead, outlining what a few of the major goals of his Presidency will be, in particular membership and fundraising. 

2013/2014 Club President Sid Fuller (left) poses with recipient Tracy Eubanks of Metrocrest Services (center) and Community Service Director David Hale (right).

On June 19th, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club recognized and presented contributions to several valuable community organizations.  The annual event affords the Club members the opportunity to "put a face with the name" and meet the recipients of our fundraising efforts over the past Rotary year.  This year the beneficiaries of the annual donations included The Family Place, Bee's Kids, the Carrollton & Farmers Branch Manske libraries, and Metrocrest Services.  Community Service Director David Hale hosted the event, and made the presentations to the organizations chosen by the Club for the 2013/2014 Rotary year.

To see more photos of the presentation, please click 'More' below.

As an FYI, Metrocrest Social Services provides monthly tours of their facility to give residents a better understanding of what role they serve in the community. There is an open invitation to all of our Club members to attend the June 19th tour from 9:30-10:30 a.m.  Club members may RSVP directly to Tracy Eubanks at teubanks@metrocrestservices.org.  If you are unable to make the June tour, the following dates and times are available for the remainder of 2014:

July 17 ~ 9:30 am

September 11 ~ 9:30 am

October 16 ~ 12:00 pm

November 13 ~ 9:30 am

ALL TOURS ARE ONE HOUR IN DURATION

Grand Prize winner Kimberly Rivera brought the house down with her rendition of "It's a Man's Wiorld"

Newman Smith High School students took to the stage on May 24th for the first-ever "Carrollton's Got Talent" talent competition.  The event, which was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch, as well as the City of Carrollton and the Carrollton Switchyard Fesitval, featured many up-and-coming talents.  Kimberly Rivera took home the Grand Prize with her powerful rendition of James Brown's "It's a Man's World".  Ms. Rivera will get the opportunity to perform live at the Switchyard Festival in November, and will also receive a two-hour recording session at the Texas Music Factory.  Second place honors - and a check for $100.00 - went to Leah Varghese.  Third place went to the Promised Land dancers, featuring Victor Parlette, Nicholas Nguyen, Calvin Nguyen, Alexandra Sanchez, Darius B, Minkya Cairo, and Cristian Dan Tugn, who also received a check for $100.00.

Pictured left to right: Victoria Mendoza, Amanda Messer, William Messer, Al Shuford, Regina Edwards and Steven Patrick. Not pictured: Becky Miller, Harold Elias-Perciful and Joe Pouncy.

A video from the April 5th event, which served over 80 households and raised money for community & international service projects.

The numbers are in.  The verdict?  The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's Spring 2014 SHRED-A-THON fundraiser was a smashing success.  Shredding boxes and boxes of documents from over 80 area households and businesses, the fundraising event raised over $3,000.  The CFB Rotary Club partnered with Keep Carrollton Beautiful to raise the money, which will go toward assisting both local, as well as international, service projects.  Some facts & figures from the event:

• 84 customers (households & local businesses)
• 32 volunteers (18 Rotarians & spouses, 8 Interact, 6 Rotaract)
• 95 hours volunteered (60 Rotarians & spouses, 23 Interact, 12 Rotaract)

The event was such a success that CFB Rotary will be looking into partnering with Keep Carrollton Beautiful once again in the Fall.  In the meantime, please save all your sensitive documents going forward for shredding at the next event!

 

 

Pictured left to right: Vocational Services Director Steve Patrick, Jeralyn Lopez from Newman Smith, Brooke Viegut from R.L. Turner, Club President Sid Fuller, Kevin Kehl of Creekview, and Darius Heath of Ranchview.

Vocational Services Director Steven Patrick probably put it best when commenting that "this may have been the best Four-Way Speech Contest yet". Of course, Patrick was referring to the annual event in which CFB-ISD students visit our Club to give a speech on a topic of their choice, and how the Rotary Four-Way Test applies to it. Contestants from Newman Smith, R.L. Turner, Creekview and Ranchview High Schools put their best feet forward on Thursday, bringing their oratory A-games and a spirit of friendly competition.

Jeralyn Lopez, from Newman Smith High School kicked off the event, speaking about immigration reform, and how the Four-Way Test can be applied to it. Lopez very eloquently spoke of the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States, and our country's struggle to find a solution for them. Lopez pointed out the pain of ripping families apart through the deportation process, and, likewise, the toll this takes on our national economy. In the end, these are human beings that make a large contribution to this country, and to simply deport them to their native lands carries a staggering cost along with it.

Brooke Viegut, of R.L. Turner High School, was sure to spice-up her speech with plenty of humor and call-outs to the audience. Ms. Viegut chose to speak on the standards of public education today, and the apathy felt my many students and parents, alike. Through the Four-Way Test, Viegut outlined how more investment in education by students and their parents will not only help bring a more stable future, and open more doors of opportunity -- but will also help foster new relationships.

Darius Heath, of Creekview High School, chose to speak about the current generation gap in the United States. Heath explained how this emotional gap between generations continues to widen due to technology and lack of respect for elderly generations. Heath noted that we can bridge this gap by promoting goodwill, respecting one another, and coming to the understanding that we can build stronger bonds and relationships if we meet halfway and continue to learn from each other.

Finally, Kevin Kehl, of Creekview High School spoke on the profound importance of living an authentic life, and just "being yourself". Kehl, who won the Four-Way Test Speech Contest District Finals last year, spoke about the reason many people find it so easy to live inauthentic lives. Particularly, Kehl contended that people find it easier to be accepted if they adhere to social norms -- even if those norms may not be in line with that person's true identity. After a very well-spoken and poignant speech, Kehl concluded that authenticity allows lasting relationships to form, and interdependence to take foot.

And in the end, it was Kehl's speech that, once again, was the winner, taking the grand prize of $250.

Pictured left to right: Vocational Services Director Steve Patrick, Jeralyn Lopez from Newman Smith, Brooke Viegut from R.L. Turner, Club President Sid Fuller, Kevin Kehl of Creekview, and Darius Heath of Ranchview.

Vocational Services Director Steven Patrick probably put it best when commenting that "this may have been the best Four-Way Speech Contest yet".  Of course, Patrick was referring to the annual event in which CFB-ISD students visit our Club to give a speech on a topic of their choice, and how the Rotary Four-Way Test applies to it.  Contestants from Newman Smith, R.L. Turner, Creekview and Ranchview High Schools put their best feet forward on Thursday, bringing their oratory A-games and a spirit of friendly competition.

Jeralyn Lopez, from Newman Smith High School kicked off the event, speaking about immigration reform, and how the Four-Way Test can be applied to it.  Lopez very eloquently spoke of the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States, and our country's struggle to find a solution for them.  Lopez pointed out the pain of ripping families apart through the deportation process, and, likewise, the toll this takes on our national economy.  In the end, these are human beings that make a large contribution to this country, and to simply deport them to their native lands carries a staggering cost along with it.

Brooke Viegut, of R.L. Turner High School, was sure to spice-up her speech with plenty of humor and call-outs to the audience.  Ms. Viegut chose to speak on the standards of public education today, and the apathy felt my many students and parents, alike.  Through the Four-Way Test, Viegut outlined how more investment in education by students and their parents will not only help bring a more stable future, and open more doors of opportunity -- it will help foster new relationships.

Darius Heath, of Creekview High School, chose to speak about the current generation gap in the United States.  Heath explained how this emotional gap between generations continues to widen due to technology and lack of respect for elderly generations.  Heath noted that we can bridge this gap by promoting goodwill, respecting one another, and coming to the understanding that we can build stronger bonds and relationships if we meet halfway and continue to learn from each other.

Finally, Kevin Kehl, of Creekview High School spoke on the profound importance of living an authentic life, and just "being yourself".  Kehl, who won the Four-Way Test Speech Contest District Finals last year, spoke about the reason many people find it so easy to live inauthentic lives.  Particularly, Kehl contends that people find it easier to be accepted if they adhere to social norms -- even if those norms may not be in line with that person's true identity.  After a very well-spoken and poignant speech, Kehl concluded that authenticity allows lasting relationships to form, and interdependence to take foot. 

And in the end, it was Kehl's speech that, once again, was the winner, taking the grand prize of $250.

 

 

The above letter was sent from West Haven Childrens' Home in appreciation of the wheelchair distribution organized by the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, along with the help of our Club, as well as the Rotary Club of Sioux Falls West-South Dakota, the Rotary Club of Custer-South Dakota, Hope Haven International, and Food for the Poor.  Over 200 wheelchairs were custom fitted and distributed this month to children and adults in St. James, Hanover and Kingston, Jamaica.  This entire effort is made possible by overseas fundraisers, including our very own Valentine's Day fundraiser, as well as other volunteer efforts undertaken by the sponsors mentioned above.  Rotary Club of Montego Bay Director of International Service Bhagwan Chuganey speerheaded the effort.  Our Club's International Service Director, Regina Edwards, made the trip to Jamaica - with her family in tow - yet again to help out with a cause that has become very near and dear to her heart. 

The mentees and their mentors pose for the camera, along with CFB-ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Burns, New Generations Co-Chairperson Victoria Mendoza and Santa Claus.

The final Rotary meeting of 2013 was none other than the Mentoring Program Christmas Party, which took place at the December 19th luncheon.  This annual event, which is a Club favorite every year, brings the mentees to Brookhaven Country Club to have lunch with their mentors and the rest of the Club in a spirited and festive setting.  Victoria Mendoza, who has co-chaired the New Generations position with Pete Cross this year, introduced each mentor/mentee combo.  Each of the pairs then took turns introducing each other to the Club, and telling a bit about their time together.  The mentees then took turns reading from Snowmen at Christmas, a spirited children's tale about snowmen who slip away to gather in the town square for a night of caroling, dancing, and an exciting visit from the snowman Santa Claus.  At the conclusion of the story, the children were led to the Christmas tree, where Santa Claus was waiting for them with gifts.  The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club would like to extend the very merriest Christmas wishes to all of the students at both Farmers Branch Elementary and Vivian Field Middle Schools.

To view photos from the Mentoring Program Christmas Party, please click here.

Happy Holidays!  I hope you are staying warm! 

We are in the midst of setting up our Holiday site and need your help!  We still have MANY volunteer shifts open for this year.  This year, Metrocrest Social Services will distribute toys and gifts to over 1,100 local families in need.  We use over 1,000 volunteers to make this happen.

We have recently gone to an online system, BUT you can still sign up without using it.  Thank you if you have already signed up to volunteer, and if you haven’t you still have time!

You have two options:

1) Look at the available shifts by clicking here and then reply back with the shifts that you are interested in (please include your name, mailing address, phone number and number of people in your group).  For a "job description" of the shift, please click here.  Please reply to myself at nnewkham@metrocrestsocialservices.org, or Shay Smith at ssmith@metrocrestsocialservices.org.

2) Click here to register online.  Instructions for online registration may be found by clicking here.

Thank you, and please call me directly at 972-446-2129 with any questions.

Very best,

Nicole Newkham, Senior Director of Development & Special Programs

Newman Smith High School's Interact Club conducted a very successful Food Drive that benefitted Metrocrest Social Services with 451 non-perishable food and healthcare items.  Two-hundred sixty-one of these items were donated by the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.

To view additional photos from the food drive, please click 'More' below.

The Newman Smith Jazz Ensemble plays a mixture of jazz, latin, and funk classics to Club members on October 31st.

The Newman Smith High School Jazz Ensemble turned in a great performance at the October 31st lunch meeting at Brookhaven Country Club.  The many Club members in attendance that day, as well as visiting Rotarians, Rotaract members and other guests, truly enjoyed the show which included a melange of musical genres ranging from classic jazz standards to funky latin beats.  The group, which is comprised of 17 of Newman Smith's best and brightest, began the performance with an upbeat rendition of In the Mood by the one and only Glenn Miller.  From there, the ensemble played a tune from Lenny Niehous, best known for his arrangements in Clint Eastwood films.  Next, things were spiced-up a bit as the group swung into Afro Blue, the popular jazz classic made famous by John Coltane's rendition.  After a few funkier tunes, the band tied a bow on the performance with a show-stopping version of Caravan, by the great Duke Ellington.  The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club members will all agree that the Newman Smith Jazz Ensemble is more than welcome to come back and play anytime.  Thank you!

The Rotaract Club of Brookhaven College was ceremoniously revived on Friday, October 4 with an officer installation at the campus. The club had been inactive for some years, but is now being restored under the direction of Andrew Deibert, Brookhaven’s Service Learning and Civic Engagement Coordinator. Deibert led the campus’ Serve club last year, a student organization dedicated to community service, but welcomed the opportunity to engage students in service while associating with an international organization such as Rotary.

 

The ceremony included installation of this year’s officers by CFB Rotary Club President Sid Fuller, an inaugural speech by Rotaract President Chukwuka “John” Umeojiako, a pinning of the new members by the newly installed officers, and closing remarks by Youth Services Co-Chair Pete Cross. Other installed officers include Vice President Endy Lira, Secretary Raisha Ferguson, Treasurer Genesis Lopez, and Director of Public Information Ifeanyi Okoro. Family and friends of the new members, as well as several board members from the CFB Rotary, also attended the cake-and-punch reception to celebrate the honorees.

Club President Sid Fuller swears in the 2013-2014 Newman Smith High Scool Interact Club at the October 3rd lunch meeting.  Pictured left to right are Fuller, Treasurer Hasnain Mithani, Vice President Blaire McClure, President Paulina Herran and Secretary Karen Pedraza.

The officers of the 2013-2014 Newman Smith High School Interact Club were sworn in by Club President Sid Fuller at the October 3rd lunch meeting.  The meeting was held off-site at Babe's Chicken Dinner House in Downtown Carrollton.  Afterward, Vicki Rowe (of the Rotary Club of Waxahachie) presented the Rotary Club members in attendance with a pop quiz on Rotaract, Interact, RYLA and more.  The meeting was a great learning experience for everybody involved, and doubled as an excellent opportunity for Club members to meet some of their Interact counterparts.

Interact is a club for youth ages 12-18 who want to connect with others in their community or school.  Interact club members have fun while carrying out service projects and learning about the world.  Interact clubs organize at least two service projects a year: one that benefits their community and one that encourages international understanding.  While Interact clubs receive guidance from individual Rotary clubs, they govern and support themselves.  Leadership is an essential aspect of Rotary, and through Interact, participants strengthen their leadership skills, serve their communities, increase their world understanding, build friendships, and more.

 

Three checks amounting to $540.00 were presented at last Tuesday's Montego Bay Rotary Club meeting to Club President Emmanuel.  The checks were presented to Emmanuel in the presence of District Governor Jeremy Hurst, who was on an official visit to the Club.  The $540.00 was raised by the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club through an auction of autographed presidential memoirs.  The auction was generously organized by Matt Wenthold, Treasurer of the CFB Rotary Club.  The proceeds will be donated by the Montego Bay Rotary Club to the disabled childrens' homes we help support -- West Haven and Blessed Assurance.

Volunteers pose outside of the Carter BloodCare bus, where on the weekend of September 13th the lives of an estimated 69 patients were saved through blood donations.

CARTER BLOODCARE - Deepest appreciation from all of us at Carter BloodCare  for having us, for recruiting donors, and for donating!  Every donation counts to save the lives of friends, family and neighbors in our community.  The time and energy put into your blood drives means someone gets a second chance at life.  We saw 28 donors, drew 23 whole blood units and 1 double red unit.  You have been instrumental in saving the lives of 69 patients.  A special thanks goes out to David Hale for organizing the blood drives.  And now for the final tally...

Police with 18 votes

Firefighters with 7 votes

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WON FOR 2013 AND REMAINS UNDEFEATED

A letter of appreciation from the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Pictured left to right: R.L. Turner's Michael Ramirez, Creekview's Jay Cline, Ranchview's Terry Smith, Newman Smith's Paul Ressa and CFB Rotary Club 2013-2014 President Sid Fuller.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's beloved tradition of hosting the CFB-ISD head football coaches for their annual update took place at the August 22nd lunch meeting. CFB Superintendent Dr. Bobby C. Burns began the event by recognizing former Club member Catfish Montgomery, whom the annual event is held in honor of.  Dr. Burns then introduced Athletic Director Renee Putter, who in turn introduced the head coaches.  Each gave the members in attendance an update of their respective squads.

As the freshly-minted skipper of the R.L. Tunrer Lions, head coach Michael Ramirez took the first turn at the microphone, communicating his team's vision for a successful championship program through the development of character in the student athletes.  Ramirez has encouraged his student athletes to have a competitive nature in everything that they do.  Admittedly, the Lions have a challenging year ahead, but Ramirez and his squad have happily accepted this -- through hard work, committment and performance on Friday nights, Ramirez believes his team will taste success not only on the gridiron, but in life in general.

Ranchview's Terry Smith spoke next, and expressed how blessed he feels to be at the helm of the Ranchview Wolves' program and to be associated with such great people.  The opportunity to speak today gave Smith the chance to take a step back and reflect on the team's progress over the last year, and take note of areas that still need improving.  Smith emphasizes with his student athletes that they truly need to be 100% "all-in" in order to be successful -- not just in football, but in anything they do.  Through hard work and dedication - and their "machine-like mentality" - the Ranchview Wolves know they've done something they can be really proud of.

To continue reading, please click 'More' below.

Rotarians Hale & Bexley load-up a van full of school supplies on August 15 at Wal-Mart in Farmers Branch.

Seven members of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club descended on Wal-Mart in Farmers Branch on Thursday evening, August 15th,  in a school supply buying frenzy!  Rotarians had the unique opportunity to volunteer their time to assist Nicole Newkham with Metrocrest Social Services to shop for much-needed school supplies.  The original plan for the Rotary Volunteer Day with Metrocest Social Services was to assist with sorting and packing school supplies into backpacks at their headquarters in Farmers Branch.  It was a fun surprise to find out that the volunteer time would be spent shopping for additional school supplies, utilizing donated funds that had been received by Metrocrest Social Services from the community.  This shopping adventure was like no other.  The shopping list included trying to track down 2,500 single subject spiral notebooks, 500 pairs of blunt-end scissors, reams of construction paper, and what seemed like a mountain of binders and other school supplies that will given out to many children in our communities so they are prepared and ready to learn on their first day of school.

Pictured above are Rotarians Bill Bexley and David Hale loading the Metrocrest Social Services van with one of the many basket-loads of spiral notebooks that were purchased.  Rotarians Sid Fuller, Crystal Sheppard, Jeanelll Spearman, Regina Edwards and her two boys, along with Pete and Ardy Cross rounded out the team of shoppers and loaders that volunteered their time.  The van was stuffed full of supplies by the end of the shopping adventure and everyone had a great time helping out with such a wonderful cause.

Joined by his wife, Holocaust survivor Jack Repp shared his story with the Club at the August 15th lunch meeting.

A day before his 90th birthday, Holocaust survivor Jack Repp paid a visit to the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club to share his story.  Mr. Repp's tale, which he told at the August 15th luncheon, was a sad, yet inspiring, story of the atrocities committed against over 6 million Jews during World War II, and the fight for the human spirit to overcome.  Repp, who was sure to keep his sense of humor during such a heavy topic, had each Rotarian hanging on his every word, and commanded the attention of the entire room.

Mr. Repp is from Poland, where he was part of the resistance, stealing from a munitions factory. He was in various ghettos and concentration camps including Kielce, Auschwitz, and Dachau, as well as a death march. He was liberated by American soldiers and came to the US in 1949.

Target employees Caitlin & Jacob, who graciously helped with the school supplies.  A special thanks also goes out to Denise Warnock who coordinates this donation for us each year.

The Target in Carrollton, located at Josey Lane & President George Bush Tollway, donated a $75 gift card toward our Club's purchase of $200 in school supplies for our large and much-cherished Mentoring Program.  Supplies donated included 100 spiral notebooks, 25 ring-binders, 50 packs of colored pencils, 200 folders, and 60 large glue sticks.  The Club also donated 10 backpacks, as well as 34 packs of washable markers and 21 pencil pouches to help the kids start off the new school year right.  All of the members of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club appreciate the ongoing partnership with Target in Carrollton, and its annual donation to the CFB-ISD children.

Pictured left to right: Amanda Messer, New Generations Co-Director Victoria Mendoza, Devon Spencer (Newman Smith), Michelle Dalton (R.L. Turner), Karina Zuniga (R.L. Turner), Jim Duffy, Jeffrey Hung (Newman Smith), Jamie Kim (Catfish Montgomery Scholarship recipient), Brett Proctor (Bill Innis Scholarship recipient), and New Generations Co-Director Pete Cross.  Not pictured: Will Scherer

The annual RYLA luncheon on August 8th gave CFB Rotary members a chance to meet the students they sent to the much-revered camp this summer.  Each camper had their own experiences and each took something different away from the leadership retreat, but there was one common theme heard over and over again:  RYLA is a life-changing experience.  New Generations Co-Director Victoria Mendoza introduced each camper to the Club, where they took turns telling Club members about their week. 

Will Scherer, of Prince of Peace High School, said that while he took home with him many important life lessons from RYLA, the one that stands out the most is that in order to be an effective leader, you must first learn to be an effective follower.  Jeffrey Hung, of Newman Smith High School, elicited a few laughs from the Club as he described his newfound appreciation for early morning calisthenics and the virtues of keeping a clean cabin.  However, learning through teamwork how to be a better leader is what Hung appreciated most of all.

Michelle Dalton, of R.L. Turner High School, described her week at camp as the most amazing experience of her life.  In her first 12 hours at the camp, Dalton found herself in uncharted territory, having never been put into a mix of complete strangers.  However, she was able to open up to her fellow campers and they all ended up becoming close friends.  Dalton's goal of the week was to learn to become a more confident person, and she achieved that goal by learning to step outside of her comfort zone.

To continue reading about the RYLA Luncheon, please click 'More' below.

As we continue to gather information on building a children’s park in our community, the Special Project Committee toured the 6 month old Hope Park in Frisco, Texas after our regular meeting on July 25, 2013.  This park was built by volunteers in partnership with the City of Frisco as an all encompassing park for both special needs children and children of all ages.

The purpose of the tour was to gather information on how the park was conceived, how money was raised, and how the partnership worked with community volunteers and the city staff.  This project involved many different groups in the community, including churches, schools, businesses, and individual contributors, city staff, contractors, and many community volunteers. The design of the park was completed, bids were solicited for costing, and numerous fundraisers were completed along with corporate donations, and city financial support to bring the park to reality. 

The committee will continue to gather information but will also begin to develop the scope of a project that our club can undertake.  Can we get the community and business donations to expand the scope of the project?  Can we size the project into phases that can be added to over the next several years?

These are just a few of the questions we are working to answer.  We know we have the cooperation of our cities and the park staff.  We are still working on determining a good location.

We continue to look for input from our members and other community leaders. The committee is made up of Dick Calvert and Bill Bexley as Co-Chairman, Scott Smith, David Hale, Sid Fuller, Ben Cunningham, and Regina Edwards.  Feel free to email Dick or Bill if you have questions or you know individuals or companies that might donate time and dollars to help us provide an all encompassing park in the Carrollton and Farmers Branch community.

 

 

Pictured left to right: Regina Edwards, Grace McGee, Margherita Zagato, Mary Horn, Corinna Venkes, Michelle Sanchez and Pete Cross.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club welcomed participants of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program to the July 18th luncheon at Brookhaven Country Club.  Club members were pleased to meet Grace McGee and Mary Horn, exchange students who will be heading to Italy, as well as McGee's Italian counterpart Margherita Zagato, who is a short-term exhange student in the program.  Also visiting were Michelle Sanchez, a short-term exchange student from our Club who recently traveled to Germany, and her German counterpart Corinna Venkes.  McGee is being sponsored by the Richardson Central Rotary Club, and Horn by the Carollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.  Each of the Youth Exchange participants had the opportunity to speak to the Club about their experiences with the program.  Additionaly, Ms. Venkes presented our Club with a flag from the Rotary Club in Germany that sponsored her.

For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs.

'13-'14 President Sid Fuller presents Past-President Ben Cunningham with a plaque commemorating his Service Above Self as the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club President for the 2012-2013 year.

At the June 27th Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club meeting, Past-President Ben Cunningham bid the Club farewell as President, recounting for all in attendance his busy year at the helm. 

After recognizing each of the members of his Board, Cunningham celebrated the 2013 Fund Drive, which raised a grand total of $15,170.  The result of the Club's fundraising efforts yields an additional $10,000 for our future Park Project, and $5,000 to distribute in grants to local nonprofit agencies. 

Club social events were also a big part of the past Rotary year, with the implementation of Club Happy Hours complementing the Fall Fiesta at the Villafranca's and the Christmas Party at the Lonquist's.  The Club raised $2,725 for the Rotary Foundation, and Regina Edwards once again worked with the Montego Bay Rotary Club in Jamaica to benefit the Cornwall Regional Hospital, and Blessed Assurance and West Haven Children's Homes. 

Our Club was once again home to the Four-Way Test Speech Contest Champion, Kevin Kehl, and was featured in Forbes Magazine for our efforts in Jamaica, as well as here at home with the Mentoring Program.  Five of our Club members were nominated for District Awards, and Doug Rudman conducted a New Member Orientation at Newman Smith High School.  We honored our nation's Veterans for the 9th consecutive year at the Veteran's Day luncheon, and sposored a Hebron High School sophomore to travel to Germany as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange.

All in all, is was a very productive year, and our Club made leaps and bounds in becoming more relevant, which was Cunningham's vision at the start of his term.

 

Pictured left to right:  2012-2013 Club President Ben Cunningham, Crystal Sheppard, Debra Mitchell-Ibe of The Family Place, Bernadine Carter-Herron of Senior Adult Services, Kelly Burns of the Carrollton Library, Bel Salazar of Bee's Kids, and Sarah Grace Roemer & Denise Wallace of the Farmers Branch Manske Library.

On June 20th, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club recognized and presented contributions to serveral valuable community organizations.  The annual event showcases the fruit of our Club's fundraising labor for the past year.  This year the beneficiaries of the annual donations included The Family Place, Senior Adult Services, Bee's Kids, the Carrollton & Farmers Branch Manske libraries, and Metrocrest Social Services.  Fundraising Director Carol Dingman emceed the event, and made the presentations to the organizations chosen by the Club for the 2012/2013 Rotary year.

To read the entire letter, which goes on to mention the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club, please click on 'More' below.

Please enjoy this very moving video from the Montego Bay Rotary Club about the wheelchair fittings/distributions at Cornwall Regional Hospital's Physio Therapy Department, and West Haven Children's Home.

 

The next day we visited the charity hospital that we support: Cornwall Regional.  It serves the western-third of Jamaica.

To continue enjoying the photo blog, please click on 'More' below.

In April 2013, the Rotary Clubs of Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Montego Bay, Jamaica completed their seventh joint International Service Project together.  The following is a photo blog of the experience...

In late March, Rotarians Pete Cross and Regina Edwards, and Baylor Health Care System's Faith in Action Initiatives Director Donald Sewell packed 5 1/2 boxes (weighing 154 lbs.) of medical supplies generously donated by Baylor Health Care System.  Thank you, Baylor!!!

A detailed manifest was prepared and sent to the Montego Bay Rotary Club so Past-President Bhagwan Chuganey could coordinate with the Ministry of Health in Kingston, Jamaica, allowing these items to enter the country duty-free.

To continue enjoying the photo blog, please click on 'More' below.

A grateful woman and her son, Shemario Penny Cooke (age 11), who, until this day, had never had a wheelchair.  It took the ROC Wheels team four hours to fit this chair.

The Montego Bay Rotary Club and ROC Wheels, a non-profit based in Bozeman, MT that works to provide wheelchairs to children in need in developing countries, teamed up to custom-fit 32 specialized wheelchairs to some very-deserving children at West Haven Children's home.  The fittings, which began on Memorial Day, continued throughout the week as the ROC team worked tirelessly on this wonderful Joint International Project.  At Cornwall Regional Hospital - the hospital that our Club partners with - a total of 47 wheelchairs will be delivered and fitted, and still others will be sent to other locations.  Our Club donated the $1,500 raised in 2012 and the $900 in 2013 from the Valentine's Day fundraisers to aid in shipping the wheelchairs to Jamaica.

Please click here to view the thank you letter received by the President of the Montego Bay Rotary Club, Bhagwan Chuganey, from West Haven Children's Home.

 

Pictured left to right: Equest Program Counselor Jeff Hensley, Korean War Veteran Dick Lethe, and Barry Jordan.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club welcomed Jeff Hensley of Equest to speak at the May 8th luncheon.  Mr. Hensley, who spent 21 years as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy, completed two combat deployments in Iraq before deciding to pursue his Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas.  A newly-minted graduate in December, Mr. Hensley now works as the Program Counselor for Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship in Wylie.  It is there that Hensley provides equine-assisted therapy for veterans through the "Hooves for Heroes" program. 

"The goal of our program," said Hensley, "is to improve the overall wellness of our returning warriors through equine-assisted activities and the camaraderie of other veterans.  We are proud to offer the program to active duty, Guard or Reserve members, and, of course, honorably-discharged veterans of any era.  There is no charge to our veterans to participate in this program -- we believe these men and women have already paid through their service to our country."

Equest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies on individual and corporate donations to fulfill its mission: to enrich, empower, and educate through horses.

We would like to formally recognize the following members of our Club who were nominated for a District Award.  Each of these members is deserving of their nomination, and for that we feel honored.

Ethics Award ~ Dr. Bobby Burns

Service to New Generations ~ William Messer

Service Above Self Award ~ Doug Rudman

Outstanding New Rotarian ~ Victoria Mendoza

Rotarian of the Year Award ~ Jerry Bates

Spirit of Cooperation Award ~ Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club

On April 25th, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club received international acclaim when Forbes Magazine contributor Devin Thorpe published a piece to the magazine's website entitled What is Rotary International?  Your Local Rotary Club is Doing More Than You Think.  The article highlighted Thorpe's own experiences with his Club in Salt Lake City before going on to feature other Clubs around the world, and what they've been doing to place Service Above Self.  At the top of the list?  The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.

The article underscored two of the more dear projects to our Club members' collective hearts -- the International Service Project spearheaded by Regina Edwards of providing medical equipment to homes for disabled children in Jamaica, and the long-cherished mentoring program for students of Farmers Branch Elementary and Vivian Field Middle School started by Pete Cross 13 years ago.

"Service Above Self, a simple Rotary motto to aspire to, and even more fun and rewarding when you put it into practice," Edwards commented in the feature, referring to the $300,000 of medical equipment our Club has provided to the Cornwall Regional Hospital and Blessed Assurance and West Haven homes for disabled children.

With regard to the mentoring program, Cross, ever-enthusiastic about helping the oftentimes struggling students, added that "the greatest impact of the effort is the number of kids who graduate from high school and go on to college."

While the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club is honored to have been featured in a magazine as recognized as Forbes, the true honor for all of its members is being able to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Brad Mink, City of Carrollton Director of Economic Development, spoke to the Club at the April 11th lunch meeting.

The third and final off-site lunch meeting for this Rotary year took place on April 11th, as CFB Rotary Club members converged on the hallowed Babe's Chicken Dinner House in downtown Carrollton.  The guest speaker for the meeting was Mr. Brad Mink, Director of Economic Development for the City of Carrollton.  As members enjoyed delicious fried chicken, catfish and chicken-fried steak, Mink spoke a bit about the favorable business climate in Carrollton.

When Mink began his career with the city, some two hundred businesses called Carrollton home.  That number has since ballooned to over five thousand, ranking Carrollton among the top cities in the region in creating the highest number of new jobs and total new-development square footage.  The number of businesses moving to Carrollton, including the expansion of current businesses, has grown exponentially over the years, and as Mr. Mink is quick to point out, the City has given out very few tax-incentives to accomplish this.  In fact, this momentum in commercial/industrial development continues, and the economic cornerstone is, indeed, the well-balanced residential and business tax base.  Mr. Mink also credited the growing ethnic influence in the area -- primarily Asian -- with a substantial influx of money to the government's coffers.  The city currently has both the largest Korean spa and grocery store in the United States.

A Q&A session followed Mink's prepared remarks, covering topics from working with neighboring municipalities and infrastructure to the perceived excess of empty retail space in the area.

Pictured left to right:  Kevin Kehl of Creekview, Merryn McNeil of R.L. Turner, Sarah Grace Withers of Newman Smith, and Sean Kelly of Ranchview.

The 2013 Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Four-Way Speech Contest was a resounding success once again, with the four particpating students "wowing" Rotarians, educators, friends and family.  The annual program -- cherished by Club members and always a highlight of the year -- featured Kevin Kehl from Creekview High School, Merryn McNeil from R.L. Turner High School, Sarah Grace Withers from Newman Smith High School, and Sean Kelly from Ranchview High School.

The winning contestant, Kevin Kehl, applied the Rotary Four-Way Test to the double standards that too often pervade our society.  His lively and animated, yet introspective, speech had the crowd laughing at certain points, and deep in thought during others.  Ms. McNeil, who participated in last year's contest, returned to the Garden Terrace at Brookhaven to talk about her personal struggle with muscular dystrophy.  Ms. Withers implored our national leaders to apply the Four-Way Test to the ballooning national debt crisis, and to get our fiscal house in order.  Finally, Mr. Kelly weighed the virtues of AP & IB classes in high school, and ruminated about the value of such courses to the students enrolled in them.

While all of the speeches were outstanding, there could only be one winner.  Mr. Kehl took top honors, while McNeil came in second, Withers placed third, and Kelly rounded out the fourth spot.  This was not an easy decision for our judges by any stretch of the imagination.

To view photos from the Four-Way Speech Contest, please click here.

 

Fire Station #1, located at 13601 Webb Chapel Road, is the crown jewel of the Farmers Branch Fire Department.

"Caring Service... Proud Tradition."  These words could most certainly be used to describe our very own Club, but in fact, they're the motto of the Farmers Branch Fire Department.  The CFB Rotary Club had the distinct honor of visiting Farmers Branch Fire Station #1 for the March 21st luncheon. 

At the second off-site meeting scheduled for the year, Rotarians enjoyed a catered Dickey's BBQ lunch, complete with all the trimmings, and afterward listened to Fire Chief Steve Parker talk a bit about the Department, and the new fire house located just south of the Manske Library on Webb Chapel Road.  After taking Q&A from several Club members, the Chief allowed those in attendance to take a full tour of the state-of-the-art fire house, which is decked-out with a full gym, individual dormitory-style bedrooms, a cutting edge media room, and a restaurant-quality kitchen.

The 12,000-square-foot facility, on which construction was completed in February 2012, sits strategically in the middle of the Farmers Branch residential community.  To view photos of the luncheon, please click here.

Yes, Rotary International and its 1.22 million members have helped to nearly wipe polio off the face of the Earth.  But we have done so much in addition to that...  Rotarian volunteer efforts include many sustainable service projects including peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development. 

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club makes direct contributions through capital expenditures, and -- more importantly -- boots-on-the-ground, sweat-equity efforts, to each of Rotary International's aforementioned areas of focus.  Whether it's our Zambian water-well project, which helps provide clean and safe drinking water to countless people in need, or our efforts in Jamaica, where we've partnered with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay to help provide medical devices to disabled children, or our mentoring and teaching children right here in our own community, our Club's efforts have reached a wide swath of people across the globe.

To learn more about what Rotary is, what Rotarians do and how you can get involved, please click on 'More' below. 

A $900 check is presented to Rotary Club of Montego Bay President Roxanne Thamani from Director of International Service Bhagwan Chuganey.

The Club completed its 3rd Annual Valentine's Day Fundraiser last month, netting $900 for the two disabled children's homes that we support outside Montego Bay, Jamiaca:  West Haven and Blessed Assurance.  These residential facilities support over 100 children with a broad range of disabilities from cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, mental retardation and more profound handicaps.

Once again, orchids, candies and balloons were sold to Club members, with all profits going straight to our friends in the Montego Bay Rotary Club who will distribute the funds as needed to the homes.  Right now they are trying to raise money to help cover the costs of shipping another container of specialty wheelchairs from the United States to these children.  Because the children suffer from different ailments and are growing in size (as kids often do), there is an ongoing need for wheelchairs designed to fit each child to increase their comfort and decrease their risk of bed sores and other complications.  They are hoping for an April 2013 delivery date.  This was the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch's seventh joint project with the Montego Bay Rotary Club since 2003.

Thank you so much for your support of this International Service Project

~ Steven Patrick & Regina Edwards

Please click 'More' below to view a few more photos.

The NSHS Vocal Ensemble treated the Club to a string of classic melodies at the February 7th meeting.

The Newman Smith High School Vocal Ensemble, made up of 11 very bright young men and women, treated the Club to some of the favorites in their vast repertoire.  The performance, which took place at the February 7th meeting at Brookhaven, featured classics such as Billie Holliday's Moonglow, as well as Always Look On the Bright Side of Life from the 1979 film Monty Python's Life of Brian.  The routine not only showcased the Ensemble's singing range, but their dance steps, as well, as group members were often hand-in-hand, arm-in-arm -- and in one another's lap.  In the middle of the performance, each of the members got a chance to introduce themselves to the Club, and give a brief accounting of their studies and extra-curricular activities at Newman Smith.  In order to become a member of the Vocal Ensemble, the members have to go through a rigorous audition process, proving their singing and dancing abilities.  The students were led on the piano by Newman Smith High School Choral Department Co-Director Robin Brockway-Nichols.

    Rotarians arrived to find Apple, Pecan & Blue Cheese Salads waiting for them.

The CFB Rotary Club met at an off-site location for the January 17th meeting to enjoy a nice lunch at the hottest restaurant in town -- Cafe Smith, at Newman Smith High School.  The cafe is a non-profit student-run restaurant that serves weekly lunches for school and district staff throughout the school year.  Rotarians were treated to delicious Apple, Pecan & Blue Cheese Salads, followed by mouth-watering Steak & Vegetable Kabobs, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Buttered Yeast Rolls.  French Silk Chocolate Pie was the icing on the cake, so to speak.  The Director of Cafe Smith, Evelyn Dodson, took questions about the program, and Rotarians were treated to a tour of the kitchen after the meeting adjourned.

The restaurant, which opened its doors during the 2006-07 school year, allows students who wish to pursue a career in the hospitality industry to get ahead of the game with valuable experience ranging from the dishwasher, sous chef, and server positions to learning the financials and budgeting decisions that go into a real, live fully-functioning restaurant.  All students enrolled in the culinary program at NSHS have the option of participating in an externship during their junior or senior year in the form of cooperative education at local restaurants.

All lunches at Cafe Smith are served on Wednesdays.  Reservations are due by 3 pm the Monday prior.  The cost is $7.00 per meal.  Lunch times are 11:18 am, 11:47 am and 12:16 pm.  For more information, please contact Evelyn Dodson at dodsone@cfbisd.edu or 972.968.5200.  To view a listing of upcoming dates when lunches will be served, please click 'More' below.

LBJ Express mouthpiece Andy Rittler was the much-anticipated guest speaker at today's lunch meeting.  Mr. Rittler, whose company was awarded the $2.7 billion contract to overhaul the notoriously congested 13-mile stretch from I-35E to I-635 to US-75, presented an animated rendering of the finished product, and also fielded a barrage of questions about the Project.  The massive untertaking, which Mr. Rittler noted is currently 40% finished and slightly ahead of schedule, is slated for completion in December 2015.

Club members in attendance had a myriad of questions related to the seemingly never-ending construction zone, ranging from completion timetables, speed limits and enforcement -- even the decision to use asphalt as the final surface for the super-highway.  However, most of the questions were - not surprisingly - on the new managed toll lanes, the price of which will adjust upward if the average speed of traffic falls below 50 mph.  The idea is to deter those drivers unwilling to pay the higher toll rates, thus reducing the amount of traffic on those lanes.

Mr. Rittler acknowledged that the Project has plans to roll-out an educational campaign soon on how all of this will work, though he did not specify exactly when.  While, still, many questions today probably went unanswered, Members now have a clearer understanding of the breadth of the Project, and when they can expect some sign of normalcy again on the dreaded I-635.

To view an animated flyover rendering of the LBJ Express Project, please click 'More' below.

The Club enjoyed cake honoring Milburn, while listening to remembrances of the esteemed former Mayor

Today, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club honored Mayor Milburn Gravley, a longtime member of the Club, who passed away last year on October 13th.  The Club paid tribute to a man who devoted much of his life to public service, and to leaving his longtime home of Carrollton, Texas better than he first found it.  Members of the Club, including Dick Calvert, John Dodd, Clayton Hutchins, Pat Canutsen, Harold Elias-Perciful, Bill Bexley, Shawn Bhagat and Doug Rudman personally gave remembrances of Milburn, and how he touched their lives.

Milburn's wife, Sylvia, and daughter Linda paid a special visit to the meeting, which fell on what would have been his 82nd birthday. 

To view the video tribute to Mayor Gravley's life, composed by Rotarian Bill Bexley, please click 'More' below.

 

Santa presents Travis, a mentee at Vivian Field Middle School, with some Christmas goodies

The annual Mentoring Program Christmas Party took place at the December 20th lunch meeting, and as usual, it served to recognize all whose efforts make the Mentoring Program so successful.  New Generations Co-Director Pete Cross, who has been involved with the Program since its inception fourteen years ago, kicked off the event with some statistics that would make any club proud -- in particular, the 300-plus children that have benefitted from the time, attention and positive influences our Club members have provided over the years.  CFB Rotary members have given over 3,500 hours of their time to the Mentoring Program, leaving a mark on many, many lives. 

The Christmas Party introduced the mentees, themselves, to the Club members.  New Generations Co-Director Victoria Mendoza introduced each mentor/mentee combo, who then took turns introducing each other to the room, and telling a bit about their time together.  Afterward, the children were led to the Christmas tree, where Santa was waiting with gifts for them.

To view photos from the Mentoring Program Christmas Party, please click here.

Rotarian Dick Calvert introduces the newest member of our Club, Truett Calvert

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club welcomed the newest member into its family at the December 20th lunch meeting.  New Rotarian Truett Calvert was sponsored and introduced to the Club by Dick Calvert, who is not related to Truett.  New Rotarian Calvert is a funeral director at Rhoton Funeral Home in Carrollton, where he has been employed for the last two years.  Mr. Calvert has been in the industry for the last five years.  Given a chance to speak at the podium, Truett told a little bit about himself, and expressed an eagerness to give back to the community through the outlet of Rotary.  Truett, who first learned of our Club through this very website, is a welcome addition to the Club. 

Conductor Lamar Smith lead the NSHS Symphonic Orchestra in a medley of Holiday classics

At the December 13th lunch meeting, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club was treated to some sounds of the season, compliments of the Newman Smith High School Symphonic Orchestra.  CFB-ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Burns, and Newman Smith High School Principal Joe Pouncy, introduced the students, who were led by conductor Lamar Smith.  The Club enjoyed an ensemble of assorted Christmas classics, with renditions of Burl Ives' Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas! and Vince Guaraldi's Christmastime Is Here, from A Charlie Brown Christmas.

To view a photo album of the musical performance, please click here.

To view a video on one of the songs they played, click on 'more' immediately below.

A table of Navy recruiters bonds over lunch, and enjoys the celebration.

On November 8th, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club rolled out the red carpet for the ninth year in a row for local Veterans.  Veterans in attendance had served in every major conflict overseas from World War II, Korea and Vietnam to Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom.  Veterans of each major branch of our country's great military were present, as well as members of the Carrollton and Farmers Branch Fire and Police Departments who also served overseas.  Each Veteran in attendance was introduced to the audience, along with a brief bio of their service to our country.

The keynote speaker at this year's event was Mr. Clint Bruce, an ex-Navy SEAL who now runs Trident Response Group, a privately-held global intelligence and advisory firm located in Dallas.  Mr. Bruce spoke passionately about those that had served before him, and the inspiration he drew from them.  Bruce highlighted the importance of the sacrifices those before him had made, and what this day truly symbolizes for him, and for our nation.  Bruce's powerful, yet impassioned, words seemingly struck a chord with everybody in the room.

After Mr. Bruce's time at the podium, the luncheon was wrapped-up by Club member Scott Smith, who led the room in the singing of America, The Beautiful.  To view some photos of the event, please click here.  A video of Mr. Bruce's keynote address will be posted to this website shortly. 

The event was, once again, organized and emcee'd by Club member Barry Jordan.

Pictured left to right: Rotarian Becky Miller, Roland Dickey of Dickey's BBQ, and Chris Davis of the Dallas County Commissioners Court

"No great barbecue was ever achieved without enthusiasm" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

It was a mouth-watering meeting this week, as the Club welcomed current Dickey's BBQ patriarch Roland Dickey as the guest speaker.  His enthusiasm has, indeed, helped him to take the reins from his father, Dickey's BBQ founder Travis Dickey, and grow the company into the largest barbecue chain restaurant in the United States, operating in 30 states at 300 different locations.  Dickey, who now heads up the company's public relations department, told the Club how after his father's passing he took over the original Dickey's BBQ stand at US-75 & Henderson Ave. in Dallas.

Originally, the Dickey family owned and operated 13 company stores, but they had bigger dreams of expanding outside of Dallas.  They finally began franchising 18 years ago, when one loyal customer badgered Roland Dickey relentlessly, finally landing a purchase of the first Dickey's franchise -- all the way in Mesquite, Texas.  The company continued to expand, opening it's first out-of-state franchise in Hattiesburg, Mississippi a short time later.  Today, there are Dickey's BBQ stores literally from coast to coast, with the bulk of them being located in the south and southeast United States. 

Mr. Dickey kindly treated each of the Club members in attendance to a free copy of his family's cookbook, "Mr. Dickey's Barbecue Cookbook".  In it you'll find recipes for all the staples you're used to enjoying at Dickey's BBQ, but the true gems are the recipes for the off-the-menu Dickey family-favorites.  Many of the Club members stuck around after the meeting to meet Mr. Dickey personally, and have him sign their copies of his cookbook.

 

Milburn Ray Gravley was active in Carrollton civic affairs for more than half a century, with service that included 12 years as mayor.  Mr. Gravley, 81, died Saturday of complications of cancer at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Carrollton, where services will be at 1 p.m. Friday. He will be buried with Masonic rites in the Perry Cemetery in Carrollton.

“His main focus was the community — always,” said his wife, Sylvia Gravley of Carrollton. “He just believed in serving his community. He just simply loved the life he lived; he said that many times,” she said. “He always thought that life was a gift — so do good and cherish every moment.”

Born in Carrollton, Mr. Gravley grew up on the family farm. He was the great-grandson of Alexander Wilson Perry, a Carrollton pioneer. Mr. Gravley graduated from Carrollton High School and attended Southern Methodist University. He owned and operated Gravley Hardware Co. in Carrollton’s historic district for many years until he retired in 1981. He was deeply involved with Carrollton for years but did not run for public office until 1982. His non-elected service included being acting city secretary in 1957 and a member of a panel that reviewed the city charter in 1968.

“I always thought that politics and owning a business didn’t mix,” he recalled in 1996. “Lots of people encouraged me to run for office, but I wouldn’t do it. After I retired, several people asked me, ‘What’s your excuse now?’ I didn’t have one, so I ran for the council.”

In 1982, Mr. Gravley was elected to the City Council, where he served and was elected mayor in 1986. He left office in 1994 but felt the call to run for mayor again in 1996. He was drawn back to politics by business owners’ concerns about plans to revitalize Carrollton’s Interstate 35E corridor. He received more than 70 percent of the vote for mayor in the May 1996 election. He served two terms as mayor before retiring from elected office a second time. Mr. Gravley served on dozens of civic boards and committees, including the Dallas County School Board, the Carrollton Planning and Zoning Board and the American Red Cross.

At the time of his death, he was chairman of the Trinity River Authority Advisory Board, a member of Valwood Improvement board, the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce and the Old Downtown Carrollton Association board.

Story Credit:  Dallas Morning News, October 16, 2012

Pictured left to right:  Regina Atwell-Edwards, Jeanell Spearman, Carol Dingman, Fred Ferguson and Dick Calvert

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club took a field trip to the Sam Pack Automotive Museum for its weekly meeting on October 11th.  Members in attendance were treated to a VIP all-access tour of the museum, which is normally closed to the public.  Members also noshed on mouth-watering fajitas and enchiladas from Club member Elizabeth Villafranca's restaurant Cuquita's.

Once inside the musuem, members feasted their eyes on countless classics from yesteryear, including Cadillacs, Fords, Lincolns and Packards, as well as some vehicles known for their speed, such as the Shelby Cobra and Jaguar.  All of the vehicles on-site, of which there were about 100, were beautifully restored and in perfect working condition.  Many of the autos on display that day came with rich histories and stories behind them -- some were used competitively in racing, others in feature films, such as JFK.  There was even a 40th Anniversary Shelby Cobra that was polished to a high, chrome-like finish by inmates of the Nevada penal system to help offset the cost of their incarceration.  This vehicle, valued at a cool $5 million, was a favorite of many Club members.

To view a photo album of the meeting at the museum, please click here.

When it comes to charitable giving, what’s your passion?

That’s the question facing our Club this year as we start to re-invent ourselves and become relevant to our community. President Raul started us on this journey last year by giving us a task. He said, “All our hearts and hands will work together to write the history of our Club’s next 50 years.” To start us on our way, we worked together to raise over $18,000 from you, our members, to provide resources for that journey.

This year under President Ben’s direction of “relevance” we will find our destination and continue to Build Resources for the Future. At the last meeting, the Board decided that our club should have 2 main service projects – a sweat equity project where we give mainly our time and talents and a capital project where we give mainly money. The scope of these projects, which will be decided by all of us, will make us relevant to the community.

As the first step in this process, the Board wants to know “When it comes to charitable giving, what’s your passion?” Is it kids, seniors, conservation, veterans, puppies? The Board will use your answers to guide us in choosing what type of projects our club should look at. With your ideas and some conversation with key people in the community we will come up with some projects to present for your approval in the next few months.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's Annual Veterans Celebration will feature Clint Bruce as this year's distinguished guest and speaker.  Mr. Bruce, the founder and president of Trident Response Group, will help the Club honor multiple generations of veterans at the November 8th luncheon.  Trident Response Group is a privately-held global intelligence and advisory firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas.  Mr. Bruce is a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from leadership, motivation, counter-terrorism, private sector intelligence, defense technologies & development, and vulnerabilities of companies during the Global War on Terror.  This will be a luncheon you won't want to miss!

To learn more about Mr. Bruce, please click here.

Amy Fuller, wife of Rotarian and Farmers Branch Chief of Police Sid Fuller, donated blood

In the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive held September 14th & 15th at the Farmers Branch Health and Wellness Expo, the Farmers Branch Police Department kept its winning streak alive, defeating the Fire Department by a respectable margin of 34 units to 26 units of blood.  The Police Department will have the privilege once again of hoisting the traveling trophy awarded to the agency with the most donations made on its behalf.

Carter Blood Care was on-hand, taking the donations from the volunteers, many of whom were members of our Rotary Club.

"The numbers were great," said Chief of Police Sid Fuller.  "We had a total of 65 people sign-in for the two days, and a total 60 units of blood collected."

Chief Fuller was appreciative and humbled by the support of the volunteers. 

"Thanks go out to the Rotarians who donated their time and blood, and thank you to everyone that worked at recruiting and escorting all the donors.  It really makes a difference when someone is there to ask face-to-face to come out and save a life."

To see more photos from the event, click "more" below, or visit the Club Facebook page.

Pictured left to right:  Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert, Ben Cunningham, U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña, Dallas District Attorney Craig Watkins, and Regina Atwell Edwards

It was a standing-room-only crowd as United States Attorney for the Northern District Sarah Saldaña spoke at the September 13th meeting of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.  Saldaña, who gave the keynote, was joined by her state-level counterpart, Dallas D.A. Craig Watkins, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert, son of Dick and Sandy Calvert.   Saldaña's visit headlined a special program honoring those in law enforcement.

Saldaña talked about how proud she is of the U.S. Attorney's office and its mission.  The Northern District of Texas, which is her jurisdiction, is the second-largest in the state.  It is in this wide swath of land - 97,000 square miles, to be exact - that her office enforces the federal law.  Saldaña regaled the Club with some of the more notorious cases she has worked, including those in violent crimes, major crimes, organized crime, economic crimes and special prosecutions, such as terrorism. 

Saldaña explained how her office operates within the U.S. Department of Justice, and prioritizes national security, violent crime, financial fraud and protection of the most vulnerable, such as children, seniors and civil rights.  However, the main focus of the Northern District has proven to be violent crimes and immigration.

It was quite an honor having U.S. Attorney Saldaña visit the Club and speak, and all members in attendance will agree that it was an interesting and informative luncheon.  The Club would like to thank Dick and Sandy Calvert, as well as their son Rick, and Regina Atwell Edwards for making this special program possible.

 

Pictured left to right: CFB-ISD Athletic Director Renee Putter with head coaches Tyrone Larkins of RL Turner, Jay Cline of Creekview, Paul Ressa of Newman Smith, and Terry Smith of Ranchview

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's time-honored tradition of hosting the CFB-ISD head football coaches for their annual update took place at the September 6th lunch meeting.  CFB Superintendent Dr. Bobby C. Burns kicked off the presentation by recognizing former Club member Catfish Montgomery, whom the annual event is held in honor of.  Athletic Director Renee Putter introduced the head coaches, who each gave the members in attendance an update of their respective teams.

Coach Terry Smith, head coach of the Ranchview Wolves, discussed how his goal at the onset of summer camp was to help his student athletes become better men, and to learn how to overcome adversity.  He spoke of a set of covenants that each player on the team agreed to, including conducting themselves with integrity, being accountable for their actions, and exhibiting leadership both on and off the field.  Coach Smith related how he and his staff are much more than football coaches.  In particular, they are the "molders and makers" of young men.

Coach Jay Cline, skipper of the Creekview Mustangs, also has a set of covenants with his student athletes.  Coach Cline gave each of his players goals to strive for:  to be unselfish, to be tough, and to show determination at every level and in everything they do in life. 

 

Pictured left to right:  District Governor Sandy Forster, Club President Ben Cunningham, and Asst. District Governor Sandra Moudy

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club had the distinct honor of welcoming District 5810 Governor Sandra "Sandy" Forster to the weekly lunch meeting on August 30th as the guest speaker.  Forster has been visiting each of the Clubs in the District, challenging them to reinvent themselves.  Forster recognized our club's highly-esteemed mentoring program at Farmers Branch Elementary and Vivian Field Middle Schools, as well as our annual donation of backpacks and school supplies.  However, she asked each of the club members in attendance to dig deep, and try and remember why they joined Rotary in the first place.  The unorthodox luncheon had each table break into brainstorming sessions to discuss why we are Rotarians, the light in which we currently view our Club, and the future of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.

Forster told of her own beginnings in Rotary International, realizing that she wanted to give back to her community, lift up the lives of those less fortunate than her, and make a change in any small way that she could.  In fact, it was her father who ultimately helped her decide that Rotary was the best outlet for her to channel her energies.  Since joining the Garland Rotary Club in 1992, Forster has served as the Club's first female President, and has helped facilitate and participate in Matching Grants, Group Study Exchange, Youth Exchange, and the RI Teacher Exchange Program.  District Governor Forster has come to realize that Rotary has given her more than she will ever be able to give back.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club has made a $250.00 donation in District Governor Forster's honor to the Achievement Center of Texas.

Matt Wenthold (left) and Pete Cross helped Metrocrest Social Services pack school supplies

Members of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club assisted Metrocrest Social Services on Wednesday, August 22nd in packing school supplies and distributing them to local students.  Joan Bexley and Becky Miller greeted the parents and incoming students, while Bill Bexley, Todd Martin and Steve Patrick escorted the students to pick their uniforms, select a backpack, and receive the appropriate school supplies.  Matt Wenthold, Dave Hale, and Pete Cross, along with David Smith and his wife filled and distributed the sacks of school supplies.

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club and the Target store located at President George Bush Tollway and Josey Lane have joined forces for a third consecutive year to donate school supplies to the Mentoring Program at Farmers Branch Elementary School.  The total value of donations for the 2012-2013 school year reached $300, due in large part to the generosity of Target.  Great back-to-school sales, as well as wholesale shopping for the backpacks and a $25 gift card donated by Target, allowed the Club to provide so much for so little money.  Each year, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club donates the school supplies to help the valuable Mentoring Program kick off the year prepared and ready to go.  The following donations were made this year:

• 10 backpacks
• 28 pais of scissors
• 10 boxes of pencils
• 20 plastic pencil boxes
• 20 pencil pouches
• 20 pink erasers
• 100 glue sticks
• 50 boxes of Crayola crayons
• 20 boxes of Crayola markers
• 20 boxes of Crayola colored pencils
• 50 100-sheet composition books
• 200 spiral notebooks
• 200 folders with prongs

 

Pictured left to right:  Asst. Counselor Kristen Helmberger, District 5810 RYLA-New Generations Director Jim Duffy and Asst. Counselor Hena Fariq

At the August 2nd meeting, Jim Duffy spoke to the Club about the 22nd Annual Camp RYLA held in June, its 160 campers, and the enormous ripple-effect this program is having on the campers' lives.  Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) was created by Rotary International to encourage strong leadership in youth. Young people chosen for their leadership skills attend an all-expenses-paid camp to develop and enhance leadership skills through activities conducted in an atmosphere of trust and respect. 

The goal of RYLA is to select potential campers based on an already-proven history of leadership.  The campers typically are juniors in high school, with the idea being that they will build upon their existing leadership foundation, and later, apply it when they are seniors and have a more significant role at school.  Not only does the indoor/outdoor camp enhance leadership capabilty, it also introduces Rotary International to campers at an early age, fostering the spirit of Service Above Self.

In addition to presenting the annual RYLA video, today's meeting highlighted the recipients of the Bill Innes and Catfish Montgomery Scholarships -- Hena Fariq, who will be attending SMU this Fall as a Political Science major, and Kristen Helmberger, who looks forward to beginning her freshman year at Collin College as a Creative Writing and Business double-major.  Each spoke of the huge impact RYLA has had on their lives.

Pictured left to right:  Amanda Messer, Blake Gorman, Monika Shah, Celeste Bucchan, Simina Grecu, McKenzie Wilson, Mary Horn, Ryan Mehl and Past District Governor Mark Healy. 

Our 2012 Carrollton-Farmers Branch RYLA Campers spoke about their camp experiences at our June 14th meeting.  Amanda Messer coordinated the program, and all but one of the campers were able to attend, along with a returning camper, Celeste Bucchan,  from Creekview.  As  you might expect, each of the students had a little different take on their experiences, but all agreed that it was a "life changing" experience and opportunity.

These students were selected because they already exhibited leadership skills.  However, RYLA taught them how to use their skills more effectively.  They learned that it is OK to be a follower and still influence the results.  They learned that leadership by example builds team spirit, better solutions to problems, and more satisfaction with the results. They learned a lot about themselves and how to be better leaders.

Speaking at the meeting were Blake Gormon from Newman Smith, Mary Horn from Naaman Forest (Garland ISD), McKenzie Wilson from Creekview, Simina Grecu from RL Turner, Ryan Mehl from Jesuit, Monica Shah from RL Turner, and Celeste Bucchan from Creekview..

Click on "more" below to learn more about some of the student's experiences and to view a video of RYLA Camp 2012

We are coming to the end of the 2011/2012 Rotary year.  Under the leadership of Raul Paredes, our club has grown in many ways. Raul was nominated and received the Outstanding President District 5810 Award.  (Read more about Raul's award in the article titled President Raul Paredes Wins District Award). 

We have grown in membership. Under the leadership of Pete Cross, our mentoring of elementary and middle school boys and girls has dramatically increased.  Our contributions to the Rotary Foundation have gone up and under the leadership of Carol Dingman, we raised money that allowed our club to continue providing financial support to community organizations. 

These are just a few of the accomplishments for the year 2011 / 2012. To learn more about this year's accomplishments, click on the link below.

Year End 2011/2012 Report

Pictured left to right:  Herb Weidinger, Sgt Major Hayward Bellah, Raul Paredes, Carol Dingman, Cia Bond, Bunnie Summerlein, Bea Salazar,  Cathy Foxworth, Debra Mitchell-Ibe, Crystal Shepard.  Not pictured:  Kelly Burns, Leann Underwood.

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.  Service Above Self is Rotary’s principal motto,which means that every Rotarian is responsible for finding ways to improve the quality of life in his or her community and in those around the world through service.

The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch was founded over 50 years ago. A Rotary Club’s Community Service covers the projects and activities it undertakes to improve life in its community.  The role of Club service projects is to help develop and implement educational, humanitarian, and vocational service projects that help our community.  One way our Club does this is by giving grants to local agencies that address community needs.  This year, money for these grants was raised through the personal contributions of Club members.  The Grant Selection Committee, headed by Acting Community Service Director Carol Dingman, included Ben Cunningham, Sid Fuller,Craig Greenway and Bill Bexley.

This year we were pleased to award 8 grants.  Each organization receiving a grant sent a representative to to tell us a little about their mission and how our donation will be used.  Grants were given to The Family Place to support its Metrocrest Center, Bea’s Kids for support of its Carrollton and Farmers Branch Tutoring Centers, Metrocrest Social Service for general program support, Senior Adult Services for general program support, Flags for Fallen Vets to place flags on graves at DFW Nat’l Cemetery for Memorial Day, Carrollton Library for the summer reading program, Farmers Branch Library for the summer reading program, and Metrocrest Medical Foundation for screening mammograms.

Club President Raul Paredes with wife Aurora

Raul Paredes won Rotary District 5810’s 2012 award for Outstanding Club President of the Year at the District Conference.   

The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch nominated Raul Paredes for Outstanding Club President of the Year for the exceptional job he has done serving as Club President.  Raul has demonstrated exemplary leadership that has inspired his fellow Club members to take action to further Rotary’s mission and to raise awareness of Rotary as our community’s premier service organization.  He has led us all to be better Rotarians by his example of living according to the Four Way Test. 

The Club unanimously supported Raul’s nomination.  Several Club members wrote short testimonials to Raul’s effectiveness which contributed to winning the award.  The nomination was based on the Goals Raul and the Board adopted for this year and the results the Club achieved in reaching them.  Carol Dingman wrote the nomination.

Pictured left to right: Shelia Maher, Crystal Shepherd, Jeanell Spearman, Teddy Barker, Carol Dingman, Jessica Smith, Regina Atwell Edwards and Becky Miller

Today, our Club has 61 members, 14 of whom are women.  This is an all-time high for female membership in our club.  For 25 years, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club was for men only.  On May 4, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Rotary clubs may not exclude women from membership on the basis of gender.  Patsy Fulton, then-President of Brookhaven Community College, was our Club’s first female member.

On May 3, 2012, we marked this important anniversary by highlighting our female members.  Jessica Smith, a new member, recounted the history leading up to the Supreme Court’s decision, and told us what Rotary membership means to her as a young professional.  In 1998, our club elected its first female President, Teddy Barker.  Teddy returned for a visit and told of her Rotary experience.  Regina Edwards represented the other 3 female Presidents our Club has had -- Jeannie Hooker in 2002, Regina in 2005 and Allison Fanin in 2010.  Last but not least, Dick Calvert, who was there when it happened, gave us a behind the scenes look at how women got into our Club.

Carol Dingman organized and moderated the program. As the second woman to join - on August 1, 1988 - she told of her introduction to Rotary through who else, but Catfish Montgomery.  The program closed with a pledge by the women to work for our Club as “Equal Partners” with the men.

 

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club is pleased to welcome our members and guests to our website.  You will find information about upcoming meetings and events along with community stories of interest. The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club is all about serving our community.  We encourage all of our members to provide information that highlights the most urgent needs of our community and the many success stories that meet those needs. Our hope is that this website will prove to be an effective conduit to our members and the many community organizations we support.

 

The District 5810 Level 4-way speech contest was held April 28 at South Grand Prairie HS.  A total of 26 students were entered and among them our Club competition winner Kevin King.  A nice surprise was, that our Club runner up Marynn McNeil did compete again at the Farmers Branch Club and as the winner, she also participated at the District level. After a briefing by Dr. Susan Gainer, the competition was hard “fought” by all students. Those attending were gland they did not have to sit in the judges chairs.  All students were extremely capable and all speeches would deserve to be published.  Our Governor made an appearance and was available for a few photo opportunities.

But in the end, it was Kevin King, our Club Winner who took First Place, a nice scholarship check, and a Rotary plaque. Congratulations to Kevin and all participants from the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.  We are extremely proud of you.

The winners were: First Place - Kevin King; Second Place - Zach Stone; Third Place - Vincent Lee; Fourth Place - Marynn McNeil; Fith Place - Paul Russel; Sixth Place - Luke Calvert

As many of you know for twelve years, members of our club, have been working with several elementary and middle schools to assist educators with youth who need support from adults.  This is usually in the form of contact, reading, specific subject assists as well as behavioral help as specified and requested by teachers at their schools.  The satisfaction gained by involved Rotarians far outweighs the time expended.  Many of the students have made significant strides in overcoming problems and have gone on to be quite successful in High School and College.  Others have found that just having someone to talk to, feeling they are being supported and cared for is enough to get them through another hectic day.  All are not success stories, but enough are to warrant doing it year after year and feeling one has truly given "Service above self".

Our club presently has approximately twenty members or family members actively involved. Out of that last six new members, three are mentoring, one is administering the program for CFBISD and one is a Principal at one of the schools served.  Our so called "New Generations" are definitely the future of our country and the effort is indeed well placed within the Rotary Club of Carrollton/Farmers branch. 

Pictured above are the kids that are part of the mentoring program along with our club member that give their time and talents in this labor of love. You can see by the smiles on their faces that they enjoy coming to our club each year.

Please show your appreciation to all of these volunteers and especially to Victoria Mendoza and Pete Cross for coordinating this very important service opportunity.

For 4 weeks in January and February the Carrollton-Farmers Branch club members had a chance to purchase Valentine’s Day goodies to support the 2 disabled children’s homes near Montego Bay that our club has been supporting since 2010.

Valentine gift choices this year included large stuffed dogs with an adoption certificate and various gift baskets for ladies, girls and boys.  A basket for monetary donations was also available for those preferrinb that option.

While our 2012 goal was set at $600, a total of $1,000 after expenses was raised which was matched by Rotarian Gary Embrey for a total of $2,000!   Adding this to the $400 from the 2011 Valentine’s fundraiser we now have a total of $2,400.00.  We believe $1,200 for each home will have positive impacts on their budgets this year in providing necessary supplies for these precious children.

We also decided it would be fun to deliver some extras so we have began a campaign to collect crayons, markers, pens, pencils, coloring books and DVDs for the 2 homes. To learn more about the 2 homes, click on "More" below.

Regina Edwards and her family will travel this spring to deliver a check to the Montego Bay Rotary Club and to visit the 2 homes.  (Watch for pictures to be posted on this website after they return.) Past President Bhagwan Chuganey and our long-time Rotary friends in the Montego Bay Club will deposit the proceeds in an account that can be used by the 2 homes as needs arise. They will let us know how the funds are used.

Thank you so much for your support of this International Service Project. We shattered our goal and are so proud to be able to reach out to these 2 deserving homes and share our love and support this year.

Past President Regina Edwards and International Service Director Steven Patrick

Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch

Front Row: Marlee Vadergrift, Merryn McNeil, Michael Schrag, Kevin King       
Back Row:  Dr. Bobby Burns and Hans Mecker

 Students from all four high schools competed in the Four Way Test Speech Competition at our regular meeting on February 16th. This is one of our favorite meetings every year. The students this year were Kevin King from Creekview High School, Marlee Vandergrift from Ranchview High School, Michael Schrag from Newman Smith, and Merryn McNeil from Turner High School.

Marlee talked about Reality Television and how so much of what we are seeing on TV does not come close to measuring up to the four way test. Kevin talked about how our four fathers built this country focusing on "We" and not "Me". If more people would focus on the four way test, our country would begin to gravitate back to what has made this country what it is today. Michael, talked about the negative 2012 campaigning and how it does not even come close to measuring up to the four way test. Finally, Merryn talked about how our Virtual World is impacting our Real World. Twitter is taking the place of fact-to-face conversation and reducing the personal interaction, especially among young people.

All of these speeches were outstanding making the judge’s decision very difficult. Marlee was our 4th place winner with Michael claiming 3rd place. Merryn came in 2nd place. Our 1st place winner was Kevin King from Creekview High School.

It is refreshing to know that young people like Marlee, Michael, Merryn, and Kevin will be our future leaders and the Four Way Test will be part of their decision making as they pursue their respective careers.

On Saturday, March 3 ^rd, the USO-DFW is hosting a large number of people visiting the DFW Airport to greet our troops. The arriving flight that day will be one of the last flights coming to DFW with our troops bound for R & R as this USO operation is being phased out on March 14^th. To go and support our Veterans, everyone should call 972/574 0392 Friday night and, for sure on Saturday morning to confirm flight time and gate arrival. Expectations are that an afternoon arrival is possible, but, calling 972/5740392 is imperative. Before you leave the terminal, please be sure to get a free parking pass from a USO volunteer.

As many of you know, Richard McCrary passed away Saturday evening after battling cancer for many months.  As one of our faithful Rotarians he will certainly be missed. The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club extends our condolences to Richard's family and his many friends at Brookhaven Community College.

There is a website set that was set up for Richard many months ago.  Now there is an opportunity to extend your personal condolences to Richard's family by clicking on Richard McCrary Website.
 

Information on the services for Richard are pending at this time.  As soon as we hear, we will pass on the information.

 

 

 

Our own Rotarian George Crawford, a veteran of World War II, was honored during our Veterans Celebration when he received the highest Rotary recognition, the Paul Harris Fellow. The presentation was made by Mark Sutherland, Foundation Chair and George was escorted by Pete Cross.

George served in the U.S Army Air Corps, now the U.S Air Force as a Flight Engineer and Gunner on a B24 Liberator Bomber.  He flew missions over Germany when the ratio of returning aircraft was very low and the success of the German fighters was high. 

 George has been an active member of The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club for many years. Over the years the so named "Geezer Table" of our Rotary Club has been graced by the presence of our oldest and only surviving World War II veteran.  The club has been regaled by his fantastic tales, such as going through customs with a monkey up his pants leg.

We congratulate George as the most recent recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow 

Click on "more" below for pictures.

For the second year in a row, the Target Store in Carrollton at Josey Lane and George Bush Tollway has donated approximately $1,200 in school supplies to CFB-ISD.  The store’s Asset Protection Executive Team Leader Scott Keen is a former police officer who works with the Carrollton Police Department to sponsor some of its events and he loves kid-related charities. He coordinated the donation from Target and worked with Regina Edwards, Past President of the Rotary Club and Archie Nettles, former Rotaract member at Brookhaven College to deliver the supplies to CFB-ISD.  The supplies will be distributed to various schools as Superintendent Dr. Bobby Burns and his staff see fit. These 1254 packages of filler paper and 353 notebooks will help a lot of kids complete their school assignments and homework.

.

As many of you know, Richard McCrary has been diagnosed with cancer.  He traveled to MD Anderson to get a better diagnosis and returned home to begin radiation treatment at Baylor. The latest news from Marilyn Kolesar-Lynch is that he is improving, having finished his treatment.  He is resting at home.  We ask that everyone keep Richard in your prayers.

Richard has set up a website where we will be able to communicate and keep up with his progress.  You can get to the site by clicking on Richard McCrary Website. Make your way to this website for the latest news and be sure to add your good wishes to the Guestbook.

Again we appreciate Marilyn Kolesar-Lynch who is serving as the Interim President of Brookhaven Community College for giving us this information. She is also attending our meetings each week.  If you want to send a card to Richard, we have his home address available. 

  

 

 

 We have been missing George Crawford these past few weeks.  Pete Cross was finally able to catch up with George.  He fell a few weeks back and was in the hospital for about a month.  He fell on his tailbone and could not walk.  He is at home now with help and is recovering.  He told Pete that he hoped to be at Rotary this coming Thursday.  Let's keep George in our prayers for a speedy recovery.

I wanted to provide a link to a District 7020 newsletter (please see pages 23-27) that contains the details and numerous photos from Cornwall Regional Hospital, Westhaven Children’s Home and Blessed Assurance Children’s Home. 

 

This wonderful wheelchair project was the effort of the Montego Bay club in Jamaica that we work with on our international service projects and the same recipients.

I thought you would enjoy the update from Jamaica.  Prayers of joy for this blessing of a 45 foot container of wheelchairs.

 

Regina Edwards

 

 Link to Newsletter 

Pam Smith, Landscape Manager for the City of Farmers Branch, was surprised and honored when she receive a Paul Harris Fellowship.  Pam has been with the City of Farmers Branch for over 12 years receiving numerous awards for her expertise in landscaping over 20 parks for the city.  Please help us congratulate Pam Smith as the most recent recipient of the  Paul Harris Fellowship.

Pictured with Pam from left to right is Milburn Gravley, who made the presentation on behalf of our club, along with Charles Cox, also member of our club and Finance Director for the City of Farmers Branch.