Rotary Program
Thursday, November 19, 2009
LUNCH - Jr. League Ballroom
RSVP REQUIRED by Tuesday, November 17
geraldine@rotaryhouston.org, 713-973-9936
Veterans Day Presentation - Joint meeting with the West Point Society of Greater Houston
Program Title
"Today's Military - Are We Ready for Tomorrow's Challenges?"
Speaker
Colonel Daniel Ragsdale, Ph.D.
Third Vice Dean for Education, USMA at West Point
Colonel Daniel Ragsdale, Ph.D., is the third Vice Dean for Education at the US Military Academy (USMA) at West Point. COL Ragsdale graduated from West Point in 1981 and over the course of his nearly 27 years of active military service he has worked in a variety of positions in operational and academic settings. His current duties focus on assisting the USMA Dean in the development and refinement of strategic plans and policies for the USMA academic program. He is also involved in the development and refinement of educational plans and faculty development programs. He is also responsible for monitoring curriculum development initiatives and for supervising the academic assessment systems. Colonel Ragsdale also coordinates cadet support services and the integration of learning technologies. Finally, he is responsible for coordinating all USMA and program accreditation activities.
From the mid-1990s through 2005 many of Colonel Ragsdale's duties focused on the topic of information security and information assurance (IA) research and education. He has been a frequent speaker and panelist at national and international IA conferences and he has authored dozens of scholarly papers and articles on IA and related topics.
From August 2005 to April 2006 Colonel Ragsdale served as the Deputy Commander of the 17th Field Artillery (FA) Brigade. This unit deployed to Iraq in late August in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the deployment the 17th FA Brigade served as the nucleus for Task Force Thunderbolt whose mission was to provide base defense for the largest coalition base in Iraq. Earlier in his career, Colonel Ragsdale participated in two other contingency operations. In 2002 he took part in Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, serving as the Chief of Assessment for the Combined and Joint Task Force 180 (CJTF-180). In 1983 Colonel Ragsdale participated in Operation Urgent Fury in Grenada, serving as Platoon Leader with the 2nd Battalion 505th Infantry, 82nd Airborne Division.
Colonel Ragsdale's academic and research and development assignments include service as a Research Analyst at the US Military Academy (USMA). Later, while assigned to the Program Executive Office for Standard Army Management Information Systems, Colonel Ragsdale was a Deputy Project Manager for a logistics automation system, the Corps and Theater ADP Service Center. Colonel Ragsdale later served as a project officer in Advanced Distributed Simulation Program Office at the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). Recently, he served as the Director of the Information Technology and Operations Center (ITOC) at USMA. Finally, prior to his deployment to Iraq, he served as the Director of the Information Technology Program in the USMA Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Colonel Ragsdale's academic and professional awards include: the Founder's Medal from the Colloquium for Information System Security Education (CISSE), The Apgar Award for Excellence in Teaching at the US Military Academy, The Educator of the Year Award from the Federal Information Systems Security Educator Association (FISSEA), and the Graduate Student Leadership Excellence Award from the Department of Computer Science, Texas A&M University. Upon his graduation from the Naval Postgraduate School in 1990, Colonel Ragsdale was awarded the Outstanding Department of Defense Student Academic Achievement Award. He was recently recognized by the Texas A&M Department of Computer Science as a Distinguished Former Student.
Colonel Ragsdale's military awards include: the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal with 4 Oak Leaf Clusters, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal with 3 Oak leaf clusters, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.
Chair of the Day
Jon King
Time
11:15 am - Networking/Social
11:45 am - Meeting Begins
1:00 pm - Adjourn
Meeting Location
Junior League of Houston
1811 Briar Oaks Lane
Tickets
Rotarian Tickets
$25.00 each
Non-Rotarian Tickets
$30.00 each
RCH Prepaid Meal Cards Accepted
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Committee Meetings
November 19, 2009
Meetings held at the Jr. League
1811 Briar Oaks Lane
Camp Enterprise
11:00 am - coffee table
Public Health
11:00 am - coffee table
Rotary House
11:00 am - coffee table
Rotary 101
11:00 am - Projects Room
Rotary Orientation
11:00 am - Bride's Room
Youth & Education
1:00 pm - after Rotary meeting
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ROTARY NEWS
2010-2011 Rotary Club of Houston
Officers & Directors
The following club members have been elected to the offices shown for the club year July 2010- June 2011. We extend our heartiest congratulations to each, and also our gratitude to the other candidates who offered their services to the club.
Officers elected for 2010-2011
President - George Elam
President-Elect - Jeff Gray
Treasurer - Randy Ward
Treasurer-Elect - Tom Vann
Sergeant-At-Arms - Kathy Fenninger
Directors who will serve from 2010-2013
Merritt Chastain
Lindsey Kroll
Paul Michael
Burt Palmer
BJ Randolph
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Poinsettias Sale
The Rotary Club of Houston is selling Poinsettias with proceeds benefiting The Brookwood Community and club operations.
DEADLINE TO PRE-ORDER
NOVEMBER 20, 2009
Price:
$15.00 per plant - for orders over 20, call for discount pricing
Colors:
Red, White, and Pink - please specify color desired
Pick-Up Date:
December 3, 2009 at the Jr. League during the weekly meeting
Delivery:
Available for an additional charge of $40.00
TO ORDER, click on a button below:
RED Poinsettias
WHITE Poinsettias
PINK Poinsettias
DELIVERY - $40.00
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Rotary Service Day
A great big thank you to all the volunteers that came out to serve on October 21, 2009. What a great experience!
We will not have a Service Day in November or December due to the Holidays. Mark your calendar to attend the next Service Day to be held on Thursday, January 28, 2010. Bring your friends and family and introduce them to "Service Above Self".
For a list of locations, go to the Upcoming Speakers & Events section of the website. To sign-up, contact the Rotary office at geraldine@rotaryhosuton.org.
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Learn More About:
The history of Rotary International, Rotary's role & service worldwide, important issues facing Rotary, being a better Ambassador for the Rotary Club of Houston and, of course, enjoy fun, fellowship, & a better understanding of your club.
Next Class:
November 19, 2009 -
11:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Junior League - Projects Room
Contact:
Rotary Office 713-973-9936 geraldine@rotaryhouston.org
Contact the Rotary office for a copy of the class book
"A Century of Service"
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Rotary District 5890 Conference
Date: April 22 - 24, 2010
Event Fee: $180.00 per person
Location:
Hyatt Regency Hotel
1200 Louisiana,
Houston, TX 77002
Come see all the activities of District 5890!
District 5890 is alive and vibrant, learn how to make your club grow, maintain membership, why the Rotary Foundation is important to your Club, and District 5890 and the World as a whole. Make new Rotary Friends, reconnect with old Rotary Friends, connect for new projects with other Rotarians and Clubs. See how we help the youth of District 5890 and other Rotary Districts.
Spend a weekend enjoying downtown Houston, enjoying a Murder Mystery Dinner, A Wine Dinner or a couple of hours enjoying the Museums.
For more information contact:
Jack Wallace, District Conference Chair
713 626 7500 or Jack@Jackwallace.com
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RCH Featured in Rotary Global History
Each month RGHF selects an example of Rotary History, found on the internet. This month they feature the Rotary Club of Houston (Club #53) as the history of the month, part of Rotary Global History Day www.11october.org.
HISTORY:
The Rotary Club of Houston was founded in August of 1912, soon after newspaper executive Robert Cornell returned from an advertising convention in Dallas, where he had met a member of the newly formed Minneapolis Rotary Club. The new Houston club began meeting in the Mecca Cafe, where club president Cornell had to hear members complain about the $1 initiation fee and $2 annual dues. A year later, club members and wives gathered for an evening banquet at the brand new Rice Hotel a day before its official opening. Click here for more info.
COMMENTARY:
The Rotary Club of Houston came to the attention of the RGHF recently when a young member of the club, Bernard Lorino, celebrated seventy-one (71) years of perfect attendance. Also, Houston is one of the first 100 clubs, which prompted the creating of this project in 2000, and they and many others are about to celebrate their centennials. I had felt, when I started this, and still do feel, that we can learn much from the first 100 clubs. And, it's amazing all of them are still in business.
Jack Selway,
RGHF Founder, Chair Emeritus, and counsel to the RGHF executive committee (contact through www.historycomment.org)
Rotary Global History Day was created, by RGHF, to bring attention to the vital role that history plays in preserving Rotary. RGHF "Seeks to serve Rotarians, present and future, by preserving the Global
History of Rotary".
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08-09 District Governor Rhonda Kennedy,
08-09 RI President DK Lee, RCH President Michelle Bohreer
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Rotary Club Apparel - Fundraiser
Reduced Prices!!
The Rotary Club of Houston introduces a new fundraiser - custom embroidered Rotary club apparel. $20.00 from each purchase goes directly to the club to help support operations. Check out the new Custom Apparel Website by visiting www.companycasuals.com/rotaryhouston and order your custom embroidered Rotary club apparel today.
Logo includes this year's theme, "Make Dreams Real " and "Soaring To New Heights", along with the Rotary wheel and Rotary Club of Houston tag line.
How To Order:
1. Go to the website and preview the selections, colors, and
sizes available.
2. If you see want you want, select that product, then click the
"Add To Shopping Cart" button. Enter color, size, &
quantity selection.
3. Once you've made all you selections, click the "View Cart
at the top of the page.
4. Confirm your selections.
5. Submit your request.
6. The Rotary Office will contact you to confirm your order.
For Questions Call
Paul Michael
713-823-4577 / 888-686-7809
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Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International
Houston, Texas
For a number of years during the early 1960’s, the Rotary Club of Houston provided lodging at very economical rates for patients and their families, including a high percentage from other countries around the world, who were being treated at the Texas Medical Center for cancer and other serious illnesses. The club was able to do so by making available several apartments that it owned in the near proximity to the Center.
In the mid sixties, the club joined the University Of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in discussions concerning a separate facility that would accommodate patients and their families, provide easy access to the medical center and allow for diagnostic services to be provided at the facility itself. The project stumbled through several false starts through the 1970’s and early 1980’s, but in 1986, they concurred that a 200 room facility was needed.
With Rotary’s goal of $9 million toward its total cost of $18 million, contributions from individual club members were joined by a $6 million commitment from Houston Endowment, the legacy of Houston’s pioneer industrial leader, Jesse Jones. Also, other Rotary clubs added their contributions to the project. On February 14, 1993, the Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International was dedicated, and became the largest project by a single club in Rotary history. Owned by the UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, it is operated by the Marriott Hotel Corporation. Room rates are reasonable, and numerous complementary guest facilities are available to patients and their family members. So successful has been the availability of this temporary housing facility, particularly with its convenient air bridge over a major thoroughfare between Rotary House and the M.D. Anderson Hospital, some 124 additional rooms were added in 2001, and a third phase of added construction is presently underway.
Rotary Club of Houston members continue to volunteer support services to the facility and its residents, including a monthly social at which patients and families express their great appreciation for not only the Rotary club’s involvement but also the excellent care and compassionate treatment by M D Anderson staff members. Many of the guests volunteer their gladness and gratitude for having gained access to the superior services of the world renowned M.D. Anderson Cancer Center which they compare most favorably to their hometown hospitals. Patients from throughout the United States and from over 70 countries around the world have benefited from this project which continues to be a jewel in Rotary’s crown. For further information on the Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International, contact General Manager and Rotarian Kyle Ariza at kyle.ariza@marriott.com or (713) 795-7008.
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Every Rotarian Every Year
There are thousands of charitable organizations working throughout the world that make a positive impact on those in need. But your Rotary Foundation is the only charitable organization funded by contributions from Rotarians, for programs, and projects identified by Rotarians, and administered by Rotarians at the project site. The Rotary Foundation is YOU -- Every Rotarian, Every Year.
When you contribute $100.00 or more each year to the Foundations Annual Programs Fund, you become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member. Your generosity enables Rotarians to work together across oceans and vast terrain to find innovative solutions to complex problems that plague villagers in remote areas as well as city dwellers.
If you would like to become a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, contact the Rotary office at 713-973-9936 or geraldine@rotaryhouston.org
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Paul Harris Society
The Paul Harris Society is a special district recognition program designed for Rotarians who wish to support The Rotary Foundation in a more substantial way each year.
The Paul Harris Society recognizes Rotarians and friends of the Rotary Foundation who annually contribute $1,000.00 or more to the Annual Programs Fund, PolioPlus and PolioPlus Partners, or the Humanitarian Grants Program.
Guidelines
-- Recognizes individual donors who make a commitment to
contribute $1,000.00 or more each year
-- With an additional gift of $1,000.00, donors may also
recognize their spouse as a Paul Harris Society member
-- Membership in the Paul Harris Society will be tracked and
recognized in the donor's district
-- Members receive Paul Harris Society recognition as
designated by their district
-- Paul Harris Society contributions are eligible toward
Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, Paul Harris Fellow,
Multiple Paul Harris Fellow, and Major Donor recognition
Exceptions
-- Contributions to the Permanent Fund are not eligible
-- Contributions toward specific club projects or charities do
not qualify toward Paul Harris Society membership unless
the funds are receive and recorded by the Foundation
-- Foundation Recognition Points amy not be used toward
Paul Harris Society membership
What is Accomplished with your Gift
Contributions to The Rotary Foundation support our goal of advancing international understanding, goodwill, and peace. Your participation in the Paul Harris Society is an especially meaningful and significant commitment.
Your annual contribution can help provide:
-- A well for clean water to a community in India
-- Equipment for a children's library in Ecuador
-- Polio vaccine for numerous children
-- Playground equipment, musical instruments, and
therapeutic toys for rehabilitating orphans and other
children in the Czech Republic
-- Eyeglasses for needy adults in the Philippines
-- Funding for a portion of a Group Study Exchange
These programs can only be sustained with the ongoing support of dedicated Rotarians.
Contact Us
Program Co-Chairs
F. David Khan
Rick Slemaker
President
Michelle Bohreer
713-526-8100 michelleb@bohreerzucker.com
Club Administrator
Geraldine Mullins
713-973-9936 geraldine@rotaryhouston.org
Rotary Club of Houston
The Rotary Club of Houston Foundation
P. O. Box 690673
Houston, TX 77269-0673
713-973-9936
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Proposed New Members
November 12, 2009
No New Members to Post
RCH Rotarians - Any objection should be made in writing and sent to the Rotary Club of Houston office within 7 days following publication of information about the prospective member.
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Rotary Meeting Schedule
(unless otherwise posted)
1st Thursday of the Month LUNCH
Jr. League Tea Room
11:30 am Networking/Social
12:00 noon Meeting Begins
1:00 pm Adjourn
2nd Thursday of the Month
BREAKFAST
Jr. League Tea Room
7:00 am Networking/Social
7:30 am Meeting Begins
8:30 am Adjourn
3rd Thursday of the Month
LUNCH
Jr. League Ballroom
11:30 am Networking/Social
12:00 noon Meeting Begins
1:00 pm Adjourn
4th Thursday of the Month
SERVICE DAY
Members will go out into the community to serve. Details posted under Upcoming Speakers & Events. No Luncheon at the Junior League
5th Thursday of the Month
FIELD TRIP
Members will go to a scheduled location that will host the club for a meeting. Details posted under Upcoming Speakers & Events. No Luncheon at the Junior League
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District Newsletters
Click here to access Distirct Governor Ed Charlesworth's Monthly Newsletter
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The Four-Way Test
of the things we think, say or do:
1. Is it the truth?
2. Is it fair to all concerned?
3. Will it build goodwill & better friendships?
4. Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
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Jesse H. Jones Rotary House International
Rotary House is a Patient Housing facility exclusively dedicated to serving the needs of M. D. Anderson patients and their families.
For more information, click here.
1-800-392-1611
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Thank you to Rotarian Jim Adam, President of Breen's Braeswood Florist, for providing the stage flowers for the weekly luncheon.
Please visit their website at
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"What is Rotary?"
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“I applaud the community and leadership efforts of the Rotary Club of Houston. The Immunization Collaborative and the East End Initiative are great examples of the tremendous difference Rotary is making for our City.”
Bill White
Mayor of Houston
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“From Camp Enterprise to its East End Initiative, the Rotary Club of Houston is actively engaged in making all corners of our community great places to live and work. It is gratifying to support the Rotary from a corporate level, but even more rewarding to see our employees contribute their time as Rotarians. Amegy Bank salutes the Rotary Club of Houston for its consistent leadership and service.”
Paul Murphy
CEO, Amegy Bank