Dana Mackison is Founder/ Director of RYLA 5810 - Youth Leadership Program, Rotary International from Jun 1991 to Present.
RYLA
Mission Statement: RYLA Rotary District 5810 seeks to develop a diverse group of servant leaders by instilling life-long leadership skills and a commitment to service above self. RYLA cultivates an environment for learning and personal growth driven by intentional programming with an emphasis on teamwork and communication. With core themes of authenticity, inclusivity, and belonging, RYLA strives to empower leaders to make a positive impact in their communities.
Though Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award), “Leaders of Tomorrow” have a forum for teamwork, communication, and consensus building in an environment that challenges personal and team responsibilities. Through cabin activities, athletic events, educational workshops, and team building exercises they learn to work with other leaders in your community to achieve a common goal. This annual leadership summer camp provides almost two hundred outstanding high school student leaders opportunities to expand and hone their leadership skills in a weeklong program.
Andy Sommerman is a longtime resident of Dallas County, and he is honored to represent the people of District 2 on the Dallas County Commissioners Court. Commissioner Sommerman is a highly experienced trial lawyer and throughout his career, has always been an advocate for victims in the courtroom. He has frequently taken on pro bono voter protection cases to benefit our community and will apply that same frame of mind to manage challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, our public healthcare system, and to ensure intelligent and efficient use of taxpayer dollars.
As Dallas County Commissioner, he works to innovate public infrastructure, which includes Public Healthcare Services, Mental Health Services, Workforce Housing, and Quality Affordable Childcare. To create a better future, Commissioner Sommerman will build coalitions with public and private entities to deliver excellent services to residents of Dallas County.
Parent Support Specialist at George H.W. Bush Elementary School
Thomas Cantu is the Parent Support Specialist at George H.W. Bush Grade School in Addison.
The Parent Support Specialist serves as the main resource for families in the school by providing information about educational opportunities, engagement activities and linking parents and families to needed community resources.
The Parent Support Specialist works to increase parent and family engagement at the school as well as serves as the liaison to enhance the academic success of students.
Mr. Cantu is a Dallas native and attended The University of Alabama. He has taught English as a Second Language and Spanish. He resides in Oak Cliff with his dog, She-Ra, and is very passionate about cycling.
April 7 Meeting - Parent Support Specialist Thomas Cantu
On March 31 the Addison Midday Rotary Club will make Easter Baskets for Hope Supply. This is our favorite project of the year.
We put together Easter Baskets for Hope Supply to distribute to them to families in need.
Please arrive at the May Dragon by between 11:45 and 12:00 noon. We have asked May Dragon to begin serving at 12:00 Noon. We want to be done eating by 12:30, when the Easter Basket fun begins.
Hope Supply will transport the baskets in their van for distribution.
Carry the Load Vision: Carry The Load is built on more than events or fundraising, it is driven by a clear mission and vision that shape how we serve, remember, and support those affected by service. These principles guide our actions and keep our work focused on lasting impact.
Carry the Load provides active ways to honor and remember our nation’s heroes by connecting Americans to the sacrifices made by our military, veterans, first responders, and their families.
Since 2011, Carry The Load has raised $50.1M to support those who have bravely sacrificed for our country. Ninety-three percent of every dollar raised goes directly to our programs and makes a direct impact in the military and first responder communities.
Kathie Wood Chief Operating Officer
Kathie Wood serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Carry The Load, where she passionately leads initiatives to honor and remember our nation's heroes. With a wealth of experience and a genuine commitment to the cause, Kathie works to ensure that Carry The Load's mission resonates across communities nationwide. Kathie holds a BS from UT Southwestern Medical School of Allied Health and a Certificate in Fundraising Management from Indiana University. Prior to joining Carry The Load, Kathie made a significant impact at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, dedicating years to fostering growth and community engagement. Kathie is supported by her loving family.
MUSKERRY IRISH WHISKEY is a premium blend of single grain and single malt whiskies from the Great Northern Distillery in Dundalk, Ireland. Muskerry Irish Whiskey is inspired by the old Kingdom of Muskerry in County Cork and evokes the timeless spirit that Irish Whiskey at its best can deliver. The team at Muskerry has worked to create a whiskey that is true to the origins of Irish Whiskey while holding mass appeal for the tastes of discerning customers in the American market.
Muskerry Irish Whiskey headquarters is located in ADDISON!
Four-Way Speech Contest - March 3, 2025 -10:30am - George H.W. Bush Grade School, Addison.
There will be no weekly meeting at May Dragon.
This is one of our club's few opportunities to engage with Bush Elementary this year. All members are encouraged to attend.
If possible, wear your yellow rotary shirt!
If you can, please arrive early to help set up, please arrive no earlier than 9:30am. We want to be respectful to the school schedule and time.
If you are not setting up, please arrive early so as not to interrupt students giving their speech.
The student will give their speeches during the first 30 mins or so. Afterwards we will have pizza and ice cream (blue bell cups) for all students, parents, teachers, and club members.
Four-Way Speech Contest - George H W Bush Elementary School
Join us Tuesday, February 24 the hear Resmond Richardson of the Salvation Army.
The Salvation Army of North Texas works to address the startling realities of addiction, homelessness, and poverty across our cities. By re-establishing their goals for processes, partnerships, programs, and places, they can do more than just change lives. They have revolutionized the way they serve our cities.
The Salvation Army of North Texas has 6 shelter and senior living centers that house 1,300 per night; they have 12 food pantries feeding 10,000 per week; and 3 recovery programs treating 500 per week.
Resmond Richardson is a fundraising professional and community leader committed to advancing organizations that serve and uplift others.
With a background in major gifts and strategic development, he focuses on relationship-building, revenue growth, and long-term donor engagement. His leadership philosophy centers on listening, accountability, and empowering others to operate in their strengths.
Resmond also is an author of two books ‘Love’s Trip’ and ‘Moving Mirrors’ while leading his own Sports organization called Have Heart Sports.
February 24 Meeting - Resmond Richard and the Salvation Army
The "Metrocrest" refers to three communities that sit geographically in the crest of the Dallas metropolitan area - Addison, Carrollton, and Farmers Branch.
The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce has three main priorities: 1) continue to serve as the champion for and support local business, 2) provide timely resources for employers and employees, and 3) continue to deliver value and stay the course. Our guiding principle in situations like this is to focus on where we’ll be afterwards as a business community.
Michael joined the chamber from a distinguished background within the chamber of commerce industry, where he most recently served as the President and CEO of the Rowlett Area Chamber & Visitors Center. During his tenure at the Rowlett Area Chamber, he initiated groundbreaking entrepreneurship training, established a groundbreaking workforce development initiative in collaboration with the Garland ISD, enhanced advocacy efforts significantly, and steered the chamber through the rigorous U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accreditation program, earning a prestigious 4-Star Accreditation.
Michael says, “I’m absolutely delighted to be a part of this exciting journey. Taking on the role of President and CEO at the Metrocrest Area Chamber is a privilege, and I’m eager to use my experience and expertise to lead us towards our objectives. Exciting times are ahead for the Addison, Carrollton, and Farmers Branch communities!”
Join us Tuesday for an update on the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce.
March10 Meeting- Michael Gallops - Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce
The "Metrocrest" refers to three communities that sit geographically in the crest of the Dallas metropolitan area - Addison, Carrollton, and Farmers Branch.
The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce has three main priorities: 1) continue to serve as the champion for and support local business, 2) provide timely resources for employers and employees, and 3) continue to deliver value and stay the course. Our guiding principle in situations like this is to focus on where we’ll be afterwards as a business community.
Michael Gallops, IOM, TDM is the new Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce new President and CEO, Nov. 15. Gallops steps into this vital role, succeeding Hayden Austin, who departed in the summer to join Metrocrest Services.
In his new capacity, Gallops will spearhead the chamber’s mission to bolster the local business landscape and provide exceptional support to its esteemed membership, focusing on leadership development, business expansion, advocacy, economic prosperity, and fostering community cohesion.
Gallops joins the chamber from a distinguished background within the chamber of commerce industry, where he most recently served as the President and CEO of the Rowlett Area Chamber & Visitors Center. During his tenure at the Rowlett Area Chamber, Gallops initiated groundbreaking entrepreneurship training, established a groundbreaking workforce development initiative in collaboration with the Garland ISD, enhanced advocacy efforts significantly, and steered the chamber through the rigorous U.S. Chamber of Commerce Accreditation program, earning a prestigious 4-Star Accreditation.
Join us Tuesday for an update on the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce.
On January 20, join us to hear Brittany LaCour of the Dallas Zoo
Brittany LaCour has served as the Individual Giving Manager at the Dallas Zoo since 2023, where she oversees the President’s Circle, the Zoo’s elevated membership program. In this role, she partners closely with donors and Zoo staff to strengthen philanthropic support for animal care, conservation initiatives, and educational programs. Brittany is passionate about helping the community connect with the Zoo’s mission of Engaging People and Saving Wildlife.
On January 13, join us to hear John Creuzot, Dallas County Criminal District Attorney
John Creuzot is a retired Judge and an award-winning lawyer now serving his second term as Dallas County Criminal District Attorney after first being elected in 2018. His background also includes more than 21 years as a Felony District Court Judge, seven years of service as a Dallas County Assistant District Attorney and Chief Felony Prosecutor as well as a criminal defense lawyer while in private practice.
In addition to his trusted service on both sides of the bench, Creuzot has earned a national reputation for his innovative work on drug courts, criminal justice reform and evidence-based sentencing. After his retirement from the judiciary, Dallas County honored Creuzot by renaming its drug treatment facility the Judge John C. Creuzot Judicial Treatment Center in May of 2013.
John Creuzot was born in New Orleans and spent his youth in Houston before coming to the Dallas area in the 1970s. He graduated from the University of North Texas in 1978 and from Southern Methodist University School of Law in 1982.
Nikki Walker, Senior Director of Development Operation Kindness
AMRC members: Please bring canned dog/cat food, treats and toys next Tuesday!
Nikki Walker, Vice President of Advancement and Director of Development Operation Kindness 3201 Earhart Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006
Nikki Walker combined her passion for animals and love of working with people as the Vice President of Advancement for Operation Kindness Humane Society. She has had a successful career as a fundraiser since 2006. She leads a team of compassionate and talented fundraisers dedicated to advancing Operation Kindness’s lifesaving mission through strong donor relationships and signature special events.
Nikki has devoted her career and personal life to improving the community and saving lives, working with Operation Kindness and Catholic Charities Fort Worth. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Nikki lives in Lantana with her husband. They are proud parents of their dog, Bailey, adopted from Operation Kindness. Bailey goes to work with Nikki and can often be found running the halls with his canine co-workers or sitting on Nikki’s desk. Bailey is famously known as the “boss” and brings so much joy to Nikki’s family and coworkers.
October 21, Meeting Ross Rolirad Goodbye Polio Polio - Its History, NIDs, Current Status & How Close we are to Eradication!
Ross Rolirad is a retired Electrical Engineer who has worked Worldwide, mainly in the Refining, Petro Chemical and Power Industries.He and his spouse, Sharon, are both Past Club Presidents, Multiple Paul Harris Fellows, Major Donors & Benefactors.
Ross’s professional and personal travels have taken him to all 7 continents and 105 countries (so far). His travels also took him to India and Ethiopia where he participated in Polio National Immunization Days (NIDs).
As District 5810 PolioPlus Chair, Ross continues to conduct presentations at area Rotary clubs, helping to raise funds to keep Rotary’s signature PolioPlus program going until polio (like smallpox) is finally wiped off the face of the Earth.
Ryan Claustre Addison Community Engagement Officer
Community Engagement Programs The Addison Police Department believes in connecting with the community, citizens, and businesses.
They take pride in keeping Addison a safe community to live and work and enjoy interacting with residents, professionals, and visitors. Community Engagement Programs are vital to this relationship, and they are continually developing new and innovative ways to connect with our community.
Oct 14 Meeting - Ryan Claustre Addison Community Engagement Officer
Chris Freis currently serves as the Chief of Police for the Addison Police Department. Throughout his law enforcement career, he served in multiple capacities, including Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Leader, Use-of-Force Instructor, and Department Firearms Instructor. Before being appointed with the Town of Addison, Chief Freis served as the Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Duncanville, where he oversaw various divisions, including Patrol, SWAT, Internal Affairs, and Training and Personnel. Chief Freis is most proud of his work in developing great officers and leading high-functioning teams.
Chief Freis is a graduate of the 87th session of the Senior Management for Police Institute Police Executive Research Forum, the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Series, the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration School of Police Supervision, the Force Science Institute Certification Course, and the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement Train the Trainer Course. He holds a Master Peace Officer License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Military Science from Dallas Baptist University. He is an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Texas Police Chiefs Association, and the North Texas Police Chiefs Association.
February 17 Meeting - Chief Chris Freis, Addison Police Department
Dr. Jay Ihrig will give us an update on the Addison Arbor Foundation.
The Addison Arbor Foundation (AAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote and enhance landscaping, public art, public parks and parks and recreation programs of the Town of Addison. The Foundation’s impact can be seen in the trees, landscape and public art installed throughout the Town. The Foundation’s free education programs provide useful information about plants, gardening and art.
September 16 Meeting - Dr. Jay Ihrig with the Addison Arbor Foundation
Chris Freis currently serves as the Chief of Police for the Addison Police Department. Throughout his law enforcement career, he served in multiple capacities, including Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Leader, Use-of-Force Instructor, and Department Firearms Instructor. Before being appointed with the Town of Addison, Chief Freis served as the Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Duncanville, where he oversaw various divisions, including Patrol, SWAT, Internal Affairs, and Training and Personnel. Chief Freis is most proud of his work in developing great officers and leading high-functioning teams.
Chief Freis is a graduate of the 87th session of the Senior Management for Police Institute Police Executive Research Forum, the FBI LEEDA Trilogy Series, the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration School of Police Supervision, the Force Science Institute Certification Course, and the Active Bystandership for Law Enforcement Train the Trainer Course. He holds a Master Peace Officer License from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Military Science from Dallas Baptist University. He is an active member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the Texas Police Chiefs Association, and the North Texas Police Chiefs Association.
September 9 Meeting - Chief Chris Freis, Addison Police Department
Back to School time! In August we presented Dr Crowling, Principal of Bush Elementary School in Addison, with over $600 worth of dry erase markers in some multipurpose containers! Teachers favorite! Dr Crowling gave us an update on the innovative initiatives at the school.
Principal Carol Crowling of George H.W Bush Elementary School will talk to us about a new school year, Bush Elementary, four-way test and much more.
Our Club will present to Mrs. Crowling Dry Erase Markers purchased by the AMR Foundation.
George H W Bush Elementary School, the only public school in Addison, TX, is led by Principal Carol Crowling.
Prior to becoming the principal at George H. W. Bush Elementary, Mrs. Crowling was the assistant principal at Bush for one year. Her career with DISD began as a teacher at Billy Earl Dade Middle School where she taught math and Language Arts for 3 years.
At Bush Elementary, her staff is committed to creating a safe and rigorous learning environment where students learn the skills needed to be successful in life. We are a Leader in Me campus where students and staff alike embrace the 7 Habits (#1 Be Proactive, #2 Begin with the End in Mind, #3 Put First Things First, #4 Think Win-Win, #5 Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood, #6 Synergize, and #7 Sharpen the Saw) to guide us on our journey towards excellence.
August 19 Meeting - Principal Crowling - Bush Elementary School
Join us Tuesday to hear Sannon Dion talk about 'Secure our Seniors Safety'.
From the SOSS Website:
Secure Our Seniors’ Safety (SOSS) was founded when the unthinkable happened.
A serial killer, indicted for 22 homicides, murdered our loved ones in their residences for jewelry. The majority of the crimes occurred in four senior independent living establishments in Dallas, Plano and Frisco, Texas. Over time, we learned these establishments knew a stranger was wandering their properties, unattended deaths were reported. The management said nothing to the residents of the crimes occurring.
We found this behavior of silence, cover up, unacceptable. We do not want others to have our experience. We want seniors safe from crime.
Our first goal is legislation passed to improve senior security at residential establishments.
Our second goal is to educate consumers to know what to look for when choosing a residence; increase awareness of crimes against seniors and how to be safe.
SOSS started July 2019 when four daughters found each other and met with State Senator Nathan Johnson and State Representative Julie Johnson, shared their tragic stories and vowed to make changes. We have grown to family members of over twenty victims.
Join us as we work to take care of those who took care of us!
August 5 Meeting - Shannon Dion, Secure Our Seniors Safety
The DART 2030 Transit System Plan (TSP), approved in October 2006, identified the Cotton Belt Corridor (now referred to as the Silver Line Regional Rail Project) as a priority project. In 2016, DART advanced implementation of the project to the year 2022 in its FY2017 Twenty-Year Financial Plan.
The 26-mile Silver Line extends between DFW Airport and Shiloh Road in Plano (see map below). The alignment traverses seven cities: Grapevine, Coppell, Dallas, Carrollton, Addison, Richardson and Plano. The Silver Line Project's primary purpose is to provide passenger rail connections and service that will improve mobility, accessibility and system linkages to major employment, population and activity centers in the northern part of the DART Service Area.
Christine DeCoudreaux-Ngonga was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She is a Director of Public Engagement with ten plus years of experience in generating and managing large and small campaigns tailored to specific audiences. She brings significant experience in working as a communications specialist for nonprofits, publicly traded companies, and small businesses. Christine has an extensive background experience in public engagement, community outreach, event planning and marketing and public relations campaigns. She joined the DART Silver Line team in August of 2019 to assist in managing the various questions that are asked by the community for the Silver Line Project. Christine became the Community Engagement Representative for the Town of Addison and City of Dallas during the pandemic as members of the team retired and was then promoted to her current role Deputy Public Involvement Lead for the Silver Line Project. She has dedicated 6 years of hard work building relationships and connections with the various communities and partners along the 26-mile corridor to the Silver Line Project and is looking forward to the opening ceremonies later this year.
Christine DeCoudreaux-Ngonga
DART Silver Line Project Deputy Public Involvement Lead
Mary Ryan Bedosky is just starting the Rotary year as 2025-26 District Governor for District 5810. She is a member and Past President of the Richardson East Rotary Club. She joined Rotary in 1994 when one of her bank customers invited her to a meeting. Little did she know that she would be replacing that customer as a new member of the Richardson Sunrise Club! She served as Community Service Director and later as Treasurer for that club. She joined the Richardson East Rotary Club in 2003 and served on its board in such roles as Community Service Director, Foundation Chair and Membership Chair. They finally convinced her to be Club President in 2020. YES – that was during COVID. She had a challenging but successful year, while only holding one weekly meeting in person – her very last meeting! The club’s annual Gala still raised over $30,000 - even though it was held remotely.
Since then, Mary has served the District as an Assistant Governor for three years, then as the Team Lead for the Assistant Governors. She has been preparing for her role as District Governor since 2023. She has traveled to Honduras and Mexico with the District to participate in service projects as part of two District Conference cruises. She is a three-time Paul Harris Fellow and is working towards becoming a Rotary Benefactor.
Accreditations and Responsibilities of the Various Fire Department Staff
The Mission Statement of the Addison Fire Department is to save lives, protect property, and serve with integrity.
Committed to guarding and preserving the lives and property of those who call our city home, our department provides fire protection and emergency services across Addison. The Fire Department's 60 members strive to earn the respect of our community through critical operations based upon concern, compassion, and professionalism in all endeavors. Working together to accomplish our mission, our team is certified in emergency medicine, and all our vehicles are staffed with highly trained paramedics who can provide advanced life support services within minutes.
AMRC Member McRee Smith graduated from Centenary College with a degree in Business finance and investment. He has served in the Army national guard for four years as an Intelligence officer. McRee has been in EMS for two years and with the Addison Fire Department for one year.
Philip Hyde has over 15 years of experience as a Firefighter and Paramedic. He was a Field Training Officer for eight years and the Clinical Educator for his department for three years. In these roles, he helped new and experienced Firefighters stay informed on the ever-changing and complex emergency response environment by developing and teaching monthly CE courses to his department.
Philip holds a bachelor’s degree in emergency health science from the University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio and an associate’s Degree in Fire Service Administration from Weatherford College. He was awarded Firefighter/Paramedic of the Year in 2012 and a city-wide Integrity Award in 2016.
In his free time, Philip enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter. He is active in his local church and likes to hunt and fish.
June 10 Meeting - McRee Smith and Philip Hyde, Town of Addison Fire Department
Sarah Kuechler began her service with the Town of Addison in November 2023 serving as Chief of Staff. In this role, Sarah assists the City Manager’s Office in facilitating the execution of strategic priorities, coordinating key initiatives across the organization, and developing high-level communications.
Prior to joining Addison, Sarah served with the City of Denton for almost 7 years in various capacities, including as Chief of Staff, Director of Public Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, and Director of Human Resources. She also worked for the Village of Glenview, Illinois for 5 years as Strategic Services Manager and Assistant to the Village Manager, after completing her Master of Public Administration in 2012 from Northern Illinois University.
Sarah has enjoyed joining the Addison team and serving the “Addison Way”. Personally, she enjoys spending time with her family (her husband Jay, their almost two-year old daughter Dylan, and their German Shorthaired Pointer dog Maggie).
Good Afternoon Kelvin! Attached is a thank you card as a small token of appreciation for your contribution at the Career Day event at Bush Elementary. I’ve also included some photos I thought you might enjoy. In addition, I’ve attached an invoice for your generous monetary donation. Thank you once again for helping make the event such a great success!
Victoria Moore
AMRC Supports G Bush Elementary School's Career Day
The mission of the Town of Addison Neighborhood Services division is to enhance the quality of life for residents by promoting a safe, vibrant, and inclusive community. Through proactive engagement, education, and enforcement, they strive to foster positive relationships, address neighborhood concerns, and ensure compliance with local ordinances. Their dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional service and support to residents, businesses, and visitors, creating a welcoming and thriving community.
RYLA: Selection of Schools and Student Campers; AMRC Involvement
A charter member of the Addison Midday Rotary Club, Jim Duffy is a past president of the Addison Rotary Club. A nine-time Paul Harris Fellow, he is a member of the Paul Harris Society, a Benefactor and a Sustaining Member of the Rotary Foundation. He is also active at the District level of Rotary. He is a past Assistant Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and District 5810 New Generations Chairman, and was twice the District Conference Chair. He received the District 5810 “Service Above Self” award in 2013, was named “Rotarian of the Year” in 2014 and received the “Service to New Generations” award in 2015.
He is involved with the Addison Midday Rotary Club’s Interact Club at Jesuit College Preparatory School. He has also served as his Rotary club’s Treasurer, Sgt. At Arms, Foundation Chair, Club Administration Director and Youth Exchange Officer. Jim’s Rotary passion is Camp RYLA where he is a member of the District 5810 Camp RYLA Committee and Camp Operations Director. He has been involved in RYLA since he entered Rotary in 1991. He also has maintained perfect attendance since joining Rotary.
Outside Rotary, Jim retired after a career in the commercial construction and development business. Jim is married to Donna and they have two grown daughters, Shelleigh Rorie and Deena Martin, and one granddaughter, Laney Grace Martin.
Nicole Binkley is the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of TRAC – the Transition Resource Action Center. TRAC connects young people ages 16–24 who are transitioning out of foster or juvenile care and their unhoused peers with the support they need to reach self-sufficiency. Before joining TRAC, Binkley served as the COO at Austin Street Center, a 451-bed shelter in Dallas. Previously, Nicole held a leadership role at Metrocrest Services, a Carrollton-based organization that helps individuals and families stabilize their lives for a brighter future. She helped the organization through a significant expansion in services, increasing revenue from $6 million to over $12 million annually and leading a capital campaign. Binkley’s expertise spans corporate and foundation giving, grant management, capital campaigns, and operational restructuring and management to align resources with mission-critical objectives.
On April 15, Traffick911 talked to our club about child sex trafficking and left with a check for $2,500. The donation was in part from a District 5810 Grant.
Traffick911 will use the donation to sponsor a Prayer Breakfast Table. Their table will help them gain public recognition and possibly more funding.
Traffik911 helps victims of child sex trafficking. Traffick911 is the only agency offering around-the-clock crisis intervention and continuous care for child victims across all of North Texas. Their services are referred by Police and Child Protective Services.
As part of District 5810's Rotary Shoe Drive, the Addison Midday Rotary Club collected slightly used shoes on April 15 and will drop them off at the District's May Roundtable.
The shoes will support numerous local charities and international service projects.
In conjunction with the Dallas-Uptown Rotary Club, the Addison Midday Rotary Club donated 103 Webster’s Dictionary for Students to the 103 third graders at George H. W. Bush Elementary School.
The dictionaries were donated by the Dallas-Uptown Rotary Club and AMRC delivered the dictionaries to the school.
Dallas native, Michelle's personal experiences have given her a deep connection to marginalized communities, fueling her passion for advocacy and truth. She is dedicated to being a bridge for those without a voice and championing their stories through various media.
She earned a Bachelor's in Communications from Oral Roberts University and returned to DFW to pursue full-time ministry, driven by her commitment to connecting people to visionary work. For the past two years, she has been with Traffick911, advocating for truth, amplifying survivor stories, building strategic partnerships, and leading fundraising events to support the fight against child sex trafficking.
Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Carrollton Conference Center
1201 Raiford Rd.
Carrollton, TX 75007
The club is subsidizing the Keyholder Breakfast. If you would like to go, sign up with Mary Reed and pay her $20. The club will pay the difference and write one check to Metrocrest Services. We will have a sign on our table and can all sit together.
No Meeting at May Dragon on Tuesday
April 3 - Metrocrest Services Key Holder Breakfast
Shane Peterman has worked extensively in show business for over 25 years as a chief executive, entrepreneur, artistic director, executive producer, associate producer, casting director, director and performer. He’s been involved in hundreds of productions. He comes from a long family line of entrepreneur's and business owners and opened his first business in 2003 following a successful performance career. Shane currently leads Addison’s highly acclaimed professional theatre, WaterTower Theatre in Addison as the Producing Artistic Director. When Shane first took the helm, WaterTower Theatre turned around a six-figure deficit and near bankruptcy into a surplus for the company in just two quarters by rebuilding the company and its team and working closesly with it’s partner, The Town of Addison. In his first season, WaterTower garnished numerous Dallas/Fort Worth regional theatre awards.
Shane recently led the pre-Broadway World Premiere Musical, GOIN’ HOLLYWOOD penned by David Krane and Stephen Cole, the third pre-Broadway premier of his producing career thus far headed to London in September. Several more projects are in development including; ALL ABOUT BETTE written by Camilla Carr (made its Palm Springs debut last week), SAY GOODNIGHT written by Grammy and Emmy Award Winning Team, Rick Hawkins, Steve Dorff and John Bettis, and SAME KIND OF DIFFERENT AS ME based on the New York Times Best Seller and 2017 Paramount Pictures movie by Ron Hall. In late 2024, Shane was asked to join the Benefit Committee for The Neighborhood Playhouse, New York City's historic school for the performing arts, to honor Pamela Moller Kareman and Mary Steenburgen alongside Honorary Chair Ted Danson.
Previously, Shane was Producer for Lyric Stage. He was instrumental in its relocating to Dallas’ historic Majestic Theatre and in programming several award winning seasons. As a person and theatremaker with a disability, Shane takes pride in championing efforts for inclusion for all - especially those with their own unique challenges. As a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason, he proudly volunteers his time with Texas Scottish Rite Hospital of Dallas where he was a patient with his own physical challenge as a child. Shane currently lives in Trophy Club, Texas with his wife and two children.
Join us on March 11 to hear Chef Richard Chamberlain, owner of Chamberlain's in Addison.
Considered one of America’s leading chefs, Richard is the owner of Chamberlain’s Steak and Fish in Dallas – named one of Bon Appetit’s top new restaurants shortly after opening in 1993. Since then, both he and the restaurant have garnered stellar reviews and accolades from premier publications such as Gourmet and Zagat Guide.
Consistently recognized by the world’s top restaurant and dining publications, Chef Chamberlain’s awards include:
“One of America’s Top Tables,” from Gourmet
“One of America’s Top Restaurants,” from Zagat Guide
Four-Way Speech Contest - March 4, 2025 -11:00am - George H.W. Bush Grade School, Addison.
There will be no weekly meeting at May Dragon.
This is one of our club's few opportunities to engage with Bush Elementary this year. All members are encouraged to attend.
Please reply to kelvin@roqski.com if you are planning on attending. Please indicate if you are willing to judge.
If possible, wear your yellow rotary shirt!
If you can, please arrive early to help set up, please arrive no earlier than 10:30am. We want to be respectful to the school schedule and time.
If you are not setting up, please arrive early so as not to interrupt students giving their speech.
The student will give their speeches during the first 30 mins or so. Afterwards we will have pizza and ice cream (blue bell cups) for all students, parents, teachers, and club members.
Four-Way Speech Contest - George H W Bush Elementary School
Dana Mackison is Founder/ Director of RYLA 5810 - Youth Leadership Program, Rotary International from Jun 1991 to Present.
Though Camp RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Award), “Leaders of Tomorrow” have a forum for teamwork, communication, and consensus building in an environment that challenges personal and team responsibilities. Through cabin activities, athletic events, educational workshops, and team building exercises they learn to work with other leaders in your community to achieve a common goal. This annual leadership summer camp provides almost two hundred outstanding high school student leaders opportunities to expand and hone their leadership skills in a weeklong program.
Rich Stone is the CEO of EXPOCAD® by ACT, Inc. EXPOCAD touches virtually every tradeshow in North America, is used in 26 countries, translated to 7 languages with offices in 6 countries. Rich has presented for many not-for-profit organizations on AI. AI was added to the EXPOCAD software within 2 weeks of the release of ChatGPT in November 2022. Working in tech for the exhibition and events industry for 37 years, Rich has multiple US and international patents, has served on numerous industry panels, committees, boards and has been named to the top 100 of Who's Who in the exhibition industry.
Addison Midday Rotary is proud to continue our support ofWoven Health Clinicdonating $1,500 for vaccines and some over the counter cold/flu supplies for their clients. Woven provides quality health care for the uninsured in our area. Jackie Rakowski, Woven Executive Director, spoke to us about the current activities at the clinic.
Tracy Eubanks has been the CEO of Metrocrest Services since 2013. Prior to joining Metrocrest Services, Tracy served as the president of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce and previous to that ran Mapsco, Inc., the map company that began in Dallas in 1952. Mapsco won the Metrocrest Chamber’s 2009 Business of the Year Award.
Tracy has served on the boards of the Texas Retailers Association and the International Map Trade Association. He currently serves on the North Texas Food Bank Perot Family Campus Board and on the Advisory Board for the University of North Texas Non-Profit Leadership Studies Program.
In 2014, the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce honored Tracy with the 2013 Metrocrest Citizen of the Year Award and the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity honored Tracy as a Golden Legend for his work in the community. In 2021 he accepted the D CEO Non-Profit Award on behalf of Metrocrest Services which recognized the Best Large Non-Profit in the Dallas area. In 2022, the Carrollton Masonic Lodge awarded Tracy the Community Builders Award, their highest honor for a non-Mason. In 2023 the Coppell Chamber honored Tracy with the Cliff Long Leadership Award.
He is a graduate of Newman Smith High School and the University of North Texas. He lives in Carrollton with his wife.
Jackie Rakowski is a passionate and seasoned Executive Director with extensive experience in community engagement and nonprofit development. She currently leads Woven Health Clinic, where she drives strategic vision and oversees the clinic's outreach, engagement, and partnership initiatives.
Before joining Woven Health Clinic, Jackie served as the Director of Constituent Events at the Alzheimer’s Association in Dallas, where she led impactful campaigns like the Walk to End Alzheimer’s and The Longest Day. Her leadership resulted in significant community involvement and fundraising success.
Jackie holds a Master of Business Administration degree with an emphasis on Healthcare Administration and a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies, both from Texas Woman’s University.
AMRC members are asked to bring a “winter/cold & flu “over the counter" donation next week for Woven.
Join us December 3 to hear Joe Pack, Assistant Director of Parks with the Town of Addison, to talk about Parks in Addison.
Joe is an experienced, licensed Landscape Architect and Park Planning and Development Manager with over 24 years of experience in the local government administration industry. He is skilled in managing public and private partnerships, budgeting, grant administration, aquatic park projects, site planning and overseeing professional service consultants and contractors. Joe graduated with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture focused on Landscape Architecture and Park Administration from Texas Tech University.
Join us November 12 when AMRC club member Stan Herrin will talk about the Rotary Foundation.
The Rotary Foundation is recognized as one of the most effective and well-managed charitable organizations in the world, with 12 consecutive four-star ratings from Charity Navigator and an A-plus rating from CharityWatch.
Our Mission
The Rotary Foundation helps Rotary members to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace by improving health, providing quality education, improving the environment, and alleviating poverty.
Head of Fine Arts at Green Hill School in Addison, TX
Terry is an accomplished theater artist, director, and actor with over 40 years of experience in the performing arts. He currently serves as Head of Fine Arts at Greenhill School in Addison, Texas, where he oversees the arts curriculum for PreK-12 students and leads a team of 23 faculty members. Terry spent 17 seasons as Producing Artistic Director of WaterTower Theatre, directing or producing over 150 productions and helping to elevate WTT into one of Texas’ premier regional theaters. His directing credits at WTT include One Man, Two Guvnors, Dogfight, The Grapes of Wrath, Spring Awakening, The Diary of Anne Frank, and Sweeney Todd, among others.
Before moving to Dallas, Terry spent 13 years in New York City, where he performed in television shows such as One Life to Live and To Serve and Protect. He had the privilege of studying with renowned theater figures like Sanford Meisner, Fred Kareman, and Wynn Handman. Terry continues to direct locally and teaches ongoing professional acting classes in the Meisner Technique.
Join us October 15 when Rotary District 5810 Governor 2024-2025 Regina Edwards visit the club and tells of her vision for Rotary
Regina is a member and Chair of the Past Presidents of the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Texas, where she has served numerous years as the International Service Director. At the District level, she has held several positions including three years as an Assistant Governor, three years as International Service Chair, and three years as a Foundation Committee Member. She has been a Rotarian for 27 years and has completed 25+ International Service trips to 6 countries (Jamaica, Mexico, Tahiti, New Zealand, Dominican Republic, and Honduras). She is a Paul Harris Fellow, a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member, and a Rotary Benefactor. She enjoys mentoring and volunteering with many organizations and is proud to be a Gold/First Class Girl Scout.
Regina was born and raised in Southwest Missouri. She graduated from Baylor University with a BBA and JD. She has worked 30+ years as a municipal attorney. Her husband Ken is a Paul Harris Fellow, and her sons grew up in Rotary enjoying many International Service trips and were very active in Interact at Newman Smith High School in Carrollton. Regina believes Rotary should be a pathway for a family to serve locally and internationally and to grow together.
David Jones, Fire Chief for the Town of Addison, has 30 years of fire service experience, including over 26 years in Addison. He leads a 60-member department operating out of two stations, also serving a major general aviation airport. Prior to Addison, he was a Firefighter/Paramedic in Frisco.
Chief Jones holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Resource Management and a Master of Science in Fire Safety Management. He is a Licensed Paramedic and has upper-level certifications from the Texas Commission on Fire Protection and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement. He served as a tactical medic for SRT/SWAT and is credentialed as a Chief Fire Officer and Chief Training Officer. A graduate of the Texas Fire Chiefs Academy and National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, he is also a recognized Fire Service Chief Executive Officer. Additionally, he completed the Certified Public Manager program at Texas State University.
Join us September 24 to hear Christopher J. Freis, Chief of Police, Addison Police Department.
Chris Freis currently serves as the Chief of Police for the Addison Police Department. Throughout his law enforcement career, he served in multiple capacities, including Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer, Field Training Officer, SWAT Team Leader, Use-of-Force Instructor, and Department Firearms Instructor. Before being appointed with the Town of Addison, Chris served as the Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Duncanville, where he oversaw various divisions, including Patrol, SWAT, Internal Affairs, and Training and Personnel. Chris is most proud of his work in developing great officers and leading high-functioning teams.
On September 17, The Addison Midday Rotary Club met at the White Rock Chapel in Addison for lunch and to hear the story of the Freeman Community, the Chapel, and the people who built the chapel. Afterwards we presented Dr. Donald Wesson and Wanda Wesson with a gift for use of the facility.
2024 Metrocrest Chamber Economic Development Lunch
Wednesday Aug 28, 2024 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM CDT
Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Carrollton and Carrollton Conference Center 1201 Raiford Rd, Carrollton, TX 75007
Featuring:
Wayne Emerson, Economic Development Director, Town of Addison
Retail Evolutions: From Incentives to Entertainment
Perla Tavera, Director of Economic Development and Tourism, City of Farmers Branch
Future of Branding
Ravi Shah, Executive Director of Development, City of Carrollton
Reviving the Retail Built Environment
Special Guest Speakers:
Bryan Daniel, Chair of the Texas Workforce Commission, will provide insights on TWC initiatives, workforce trends, and their impact on Economic Development.
Jason Saving, Senior Economist of the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, will offer an in-depth look at the State of the Economy in North Texas and its implications for our region.
For more information, please contact Kelvin Roquemore kelvin@roqski.com
Join us August 6 to hear Mary Pat Higgins, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum President and CEO. Mary Pat Higgins leads the Museum in its mission to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred and indifference.
Founded in 1984 by Holocaust survivors, the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum is a sacred place for remembrance, serving as a home to both horrific history and noble moments. Its mission is to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred, and indifference.
Under Mary Pat’s leadership, the Museum underwent a significant transition as it moved from its transitional location to a new, permanent home, which opened to the public on September 18, 2019. The new state-of-the-art facility accommodates an expanded core exhibit and a larger volume of visitors. Additionally, it has enabled the Museum to grow its educational programs. The new permanent exhibition includes a broadened perspective, with installations, artifacts, multimedia, and narratives focused on human and civil rights, pluralism and diversity, and other genocides, in addition to the history of the Holocaust.
Mary Pat has been a longtime advocate for children and educational initiatives. Prior to her role at the Museum, Mary Pat served as Associate Head and Chief Financial Officer at The Hockaday School in Dallas. She oversaw the annual operating budget, numerous school departments, investment management for a $125 million endowment and substantial construction and renovation activities.
On July 30, 2024, Principal Crowling from George H. W. Bush Elementary School spoke to the Addison Midday Rotary Club. She told us 6th was now being taught at Bush Elementary. She also taught us additional math tools that can be used with traditional math methods for computation. At that meeting she was presented with Dry Erase Markers purchased by the Addison Midday Rotary Foundation.
Join us on July 30, when Ms. Crowling, Principal G. H W. Bush Elementary School in Addison will talk to us about the new school year, Bush Elementary, four-way test and much more.
Our Club will present to Mrs. Crowling Dry Erase Markers purchased by the AMR Foundation.
George H W Bush Elementary School, the only public school in Addison, TX, is led by Principal Carol Crowling.
At Bush Elementary, her staff is committed to creating a safe and rigorous learning environment where students learn the skills needed to be successful in life.
Also tomorrow, The Addison Midday Rotary Club and the Addison Midday Rotary Foundation is making $1,000 donation to Metrocrest Services for it Sack Summer Hunger.
Join us this Tuesday, July 23, when Chad Stanley, with Pyro Shows of Texas will talk to us about Fire Work Displays (or as Jimmy Buffet said “painting the sky’).
Pyro Shows has over 50 years in the fireworks business and has shot displays for many major and minor events. Those events include Super Bowls, the Washington Mall, Nashville Fourth and New Year’s Eve, the Woodlands Township, and of course, Addison Kaboom Town since the beginning of the event, and more professional fireworks displays than any other company shot in Texas.
Chad Stanley is the General Manager at Pyro Shows. Chad is also their lead show designer/producer and has over 7 years of experience choreographing every show that Pyro
Shows of Texas has produced in the last 7 years, including Addison Kaboom Town.
Join us this Tuesday, July 16, when Judy Rorrie, Executive Director of the North Dallas Shared Ministries will talk to us about their services
From North Dallas Shared Ministries web page:
NDSM is an interfaith community of volunteers, partners and collaborators providing charitable assistance to persons in need. We have three main goals in support of our mission: - We provide appropriate emergency assistance. - We promote their wellness and financial independence. - We help access entitlement, health and community programs designed to help them achieve long-term stability.
Join us Tuesday, July 9 to hear Heather Bosillo, Director of Corporate and Community Philanthropy with Make-A-Wish North Texas.
In her role she partners with the communities of El Paso, Midland, Odessa, Amarillo, Lubbock, Dallas, and Fort Worth to raise funds to grant wishes for critically ill children in these areas and surrounding counties. Raising over $8M annually and granting over 630 wishes annually, the North Texas Chapter of Make-A-Wish is the 4th largest chapter in the country!
Make-A-Wish gives children with critical illnesses renewed strength to fight their illnesses, bringing families closer together and uniting entire communities.
Midday News is going on a Hiatus. This is the last issue for the immediate future.
Hiatus implies Temporary. I do not know when the Midday News will resume publication.
I have been publishing the Midday News for 10 years - since January 2014. I work on the articles on Thursday and send out the newsletter on Friday. I need to free up these two days for personal reason.
Early College High School at the Brookhaven College
Campus Information
About Us
The Early College High School (ECHS) is housed on the Brookhaven College campus. Early College opened in 2006 and became the district’s fifth high school. ECHS is part of the Texas High School Project where students have the opportunity to earn an associate degree from Brookhaven College while earning a high school diploma.
Motto
Transforming Dreams into Realities
Vision
The vision of Early College High School is to create a transformative educational experience that drives inspiration, innovation and dedication for all students and staff.
Mission
The mission of Early College High School is to graduate globally-minded citizens that are competently and confidently prepared to complete a four year university program and who can positively lead and democratically serve their local communities.
Timothy Isaly
As the grateful principal to 353 of the kindest, hardest-working, highest achieving and service-oriented students taught by the most inspired, motivated, and dedicated faculty and staff, Timothy Isaly wishes to thank Addison Midday Rotary for offering him this opportunity to discuss how he and his team transform the Early College High School learning experiences so that every person can become an innovative and inspired citizen.
Mr. Isaly has served as a teacher, assistant principal and now as a principal (8th year). He spent two years with the United States Peace Corps in the Republic of Vanuatu at the Rensarie Junior Secondary School teaching math in English/French, ecumenical religion, team-taught English and rugby.
His teaching venues include an international site, inner-city schools (Detroit and Dallas), suburban school (Springfield, Ohio), and a country school (Mt. Pleasant, TX).
Mr. Isaly’s administrative career all happened in Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD (8 years at Newman Smith, 2 years at Ranchview, 1 year at Creekview and 7 years at Early College High School).
Candy Marcum is a seasoned therapist based in Dallas, Texas with over 40 years of experience in mental health and counseling. Candy has dedicated her career to helping individuals, couples, and families navigate challenging life situations and mental health issues. A healer by nature, one mantra has guided her own journey: “Helping People Bring Meaning to Their Lives.”
In addition to her work with couples, Candy is also a licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor. She has a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those struggling with addiction and compulsive behaviors, and she works with them to develop effective coping strategies and overcome their addictions.
Candy's clients describe her as empathetic, compassionate, and skilled at guiding them through difficult times. She is committed to providing the highest quality care to everyone she works with, and she takes great pride in helping her clients achieve their goals and improve their lives.
June is designated as “Rotary Fellowships Month” by the RI Board to recognize the importance of international fellowship and good will among Rotarians with similar recreational interests, vocations, and health and medical issue-oriented interests, to promote increased participation in fellowships and increase understanding of this program. The RI Board encourages fellowships groups to highlight activities through projects, activities, and events in celebration of “Rotary Fellowships Month” in June.
Learn more about the interesting and unique importance of bees in our world
Ryan Giesecke owns and operates “G-Bar Naturals”, an urban homestead project located in East Dallas. From there he offers homegrown products and learning opportunities, as well as performing bee-friendly removals of honeybees and bumble bees as “Honey Bee Relocation Services.”
He is president of the Texas Association of Professional Bee Removers, past president of Trinity Valley Beekeepers Association in Dallas and Metro Beekeepers Association in Fort Worth and is a Texas Master Beekeeper.
Ryan trained with the North Texas Master Naturalists, has taught classes on bees at area colleges, presents on beekeeping across the state, and is currently at work on a first book about bees.
Addison Midday Rotary sent our speaker, Bush Elementary Principal Carol Crowling, back to school with 15 dozen cookies for teachers and staff! She shared what is going on now and what is planned for next year. It includes adding a Service component and more involvement with our club.
An official invitation will be sent out to all members soon but for the moment please put this date on your calendar…and feel free to pass the information along to others.
Al and Lynn have once again graciously agreed to host our end of the year gathering.
The event will be very casual – it will be catered by The Hamburger Man.
Founded in 1982, the North Texas Food Bank (NTFB) is a nonprofit hunger relief organization that distributes donated and purchased foods through a network of nearly 500 Partner Agencies and Organizations in 13 counties.
Ashley Watkins is a Major Gift Officer for the North Texas Food Bank. With more than 8 years of experience fighting hunger in North Texas, Ashley builds partnerships with corporate and individual donors who make significant investments into the Food Bank’s mission. She is passionate about educating the community on hunger and inspiring others to take action, right here, in North Texas.
Ms. Carol Crowling, Principal Bush Elementary School
Teacher Appreciation Week
Carol Crowling, Principal of George Bush Elementary, will join Addison Midday Rotary for lunch on May 7th and share with us what’s happening at Bush as the school year ends and summer begins.
In celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week and to show our appreciation and support of the Bush teachers and entire staff, Ms. Crowling will take back to the school special treats compliments of Addison Midday.
George H W Bush Elementary School, the only public school in Addison, TX, is led by Principal Carol Crowling.
Prior to becoming the principal at George H. W. Bush Elementary, Mrs. Crowling was the assistant principal at Bush for one year. Her career with DISD began as a teacher at Billy Earl Dade Middle School where she taught math and Language Arts for 3 years.
May 7 Meeting - Principal Crowling - Bush Elementary School
On March 1, 2024, Mike Vincent assumed the role of Interim Police Chief of the Town of Addison, TX.
The Town of Addison has engaged a recruitment firm to assist with the Police Chief search. The five- to six-month process will include a national recruiting effort and an opportunity for public input on the final candidates.
Mike Vincent has been with the Addison Police Department for nearly 20 years; in that time, he has served as an officer and supervisor in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, SWAT, and Administration. During his career, Mike also served in numerous collateral assignments, such as Range Master, and instructed hundreds of hours of police training. He is a proud Texas Aggie, where he was a member of the Corps of Cadets and graduated with a bachelors degree in marketing, and later obtained his masters degree in Justice Administration from the University of Texas at Dallas. Prior to being named Interim Chief, he oversaw the Operations Division as the Assistant Chief, where he oversaw a broad array of responsibilities, most notably the Patrol and Criminal Investigations sections. He is a graduate of the Institute for Law Enforcement Administration’s School of Executive Leadership and is currently participating in the Leadership Metrocrest program.
April 30 Meeting - Mike Vincent, Addison Interim Chief of Police
On April 16, AMRC Member Kelvin Roquemore was a judge in the Plano Rotary Club Four-Way Test Speech Contest. The contestants consisted of seven high school students. The winner received $250 from the Plano Rotary Club and goes to District 5810'sFour-Way Test Speech Contest to compete against entrants from other Rotary Clubs in District 5810.
District 5810's contest is May 4, 2024. The winner will receive $900.
Courtyard by Marriott Dallas Carrollton Conference Center
1201 Raiford Rd.
Carrollton, TX 75007
The club is subsidizing the Keyholder Breakfast. If you would like to go, sign up with Mary Reed and pay her $25. The club will pay the difference and write one check to Metrocrest Services. We will have a sign on our table and can all sit together.
April 23 - Metrocrest Services Keyholder Breakfast
Encore Memory Care Day Center is focused on providing specialized programs for people with Alzheimer’s or other related Dementia diseases. Dementia is a general term (not a diagnosis) for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Think of Dementia as an umbrella term with the various types of Dementia identified under it.
Prior to owning Encore Laura Lester has always been an entrepreneur and owned and invested in other small businesses. Because she has cared for loved ones with dementia in her family, this cause is especially dear to her heart. When the opportunity arose to invest in this venture, Laura and her husband gave capital to get it started, never dreaming that eventually she would be running it and looking forward to coming to work there every day. Laura has owned Encore Memory Care Day Center for almost fourteen years and she and her staff consider it their ministry. We have created a place that we would have had our loved ones attend, if it had been available when we needed it.
April 2 Meeting - Laura Lester; Encore Memory Care Center
If you are interested, there are volunteering opportunities with the City of Addison at their Eclipse Celebration. Suchi Rao sent us the link to volunteer. Please note that many of these volunteers will be located indoors. Check it all out at the link:
Here’s the signup link! Let me know if you have any questions. Volunteers will also receive an Eclipse shirt and glasses!
On March 19, the Addison Midday Rotary Club made 75 Easter Baskets for Hope Supply. Hope Supply will distribute the baskets to needy children in the Dallas Area.
Hope Supply can always use more baskets. Please consider making some baskets for Hope Supply.
On April 8, North America will experience its second total solar eclipse in seven years. The moon will glide over the surface of our sun, casting a shadow over a swath of Earth below. Along this path, the world will turn dark as night. Dan Henry is an Emmy Award winning meteorologist with nearly 35 years of broadcast television experience at FOX 4 in Dallas will explain the Eclipse to us.
Dan, a resident of Addison, TX, with nearly 35 years of broadcast television experience, has served as FOX 4 in Dallas' Chief Meteorologist since 2003.
Dan has witnessed just about everything Mother Nature can dish out: Spring supercells that spawn tornadoes and giant hail, flash flooding, ice storms and snowstorms, blistering heat waves, and Arctic blasts that can drop temperatures over 50 degrees in a matter of hours.
He’s honored to have been awarded five Emmys, including three for Best Television Weathercaster in Texas. He earned the American Meteorological Society's Seal of Approval in 1992, and he was the first meteorologist in the DFW area to earn the prestigious Certified Broadcast Meteorologist Seal in 2007.
Dan is a resident of Addison, Texas.
March 26 Meeting - Dan Henry - The April 8 Eclipse
On March 19 the Addison Midday Rotary Club will make Easter Baskets for Hope Supply. This is our favorite project of the year.
We put together Easter Baskets for Hope Supply to distribute to them to families in need.
Please arrive at the May Dragon by between 11:45 and 12:00 noon. We have asked May Dragon to begin serving at 12:00 Noon. We want to be done eating by 12:30, when the Easter Basket fun begins.
Hope Supply will transport the baskets in their van for distribution.
Traffick911 is a North Texas-based non-profit organization existing to free youth from sex trafficking by building trust-based relationships.
Founded in 2009, Traffick911 frees youth from sex trafficking by building trust-based relationships. This is accomplished through its flagship Voice & Choice Program which provides 24/7 crisis response, field-based advocacy, and specialized case management for child sex trafficking victims alongside law enforcement and community multi-disciplinary team partners.
The scope of child sex trafficking in North Texas currently outweighs the resources available to address it. Through Traffick911’s support of more than 2,000 survivors over 12 years, there has been a continuous pattern noted: victims are not receiving the specialized services they need and the emotional support for long-term healing. This often leads to victims returning to a life of exploitation.
Growing up in the Navy, Kristi Roye’s relationship building started at a young age. Moving every couple of years, she was tasked with learning new places, building friendships, and relying on her strong values. Throughout her life, relationships became the core of who she is – developing a passion for helping people regardless of their life circumstances. Her nonprofit career expands almost 15 years and has led her to organizations focused on marginalized populations, youth, and social justice issues - many pointing to the intersectional issues within child sex trafficking. Through her experiences, and by recognizing that there are so many pressing needs in our own backyards, Kristi finds the most joy in connecting people to the causes they care about – asking them to volunteer, lead, give, or serve to make their world a better place - and dropping love bombs on them when they do!
At our February 20 meeting, after Jackie Rakowski, Executive Director of Woven Health Clinic, made her presentation, the Addison Midday Rotary Club made a $1,500 donation to WOVEN Health Clinic.
The donation will be used to provide vaccination shots to those who cannot afford the cost of the shot.
Over 85% of the patients at WOVEN Health Clinic are uninsured.
Operation Kindness is a pioneer in Texas for assisting animals in need of veterinary care, companionship and most of all, a home. Their lifesaving shelter in Carrollton is a safe haven for more than 5,000 homeless dogs and cats each year.
Operation Kindness is proud to be a vital resource for community pets by providing affordable and accessible veterinary care, and innovative programs that enable their shelter partners to increase their life-saving outcomes.
Julie Goff is a 17-year veteran of Operation Kindness. In her role of Senior Development Manager, Julie is passionate about sharing the mission and impact of Operation Kindness with donors and the community. By forging important partnerships and engaging key supporters, she works to achieve Operation Kindness' annual fundraising plan of $15,000,000.
As a non-profit, Woven Health is an innovative patient-centric model of comprehensive direct primary healthcare, combined with high-quality integrated care. Ultimately, Woven Health is designed to focus on wellness and disease prevention – all of which are accessible, and affordable.
Passionate about community engagement and non-profit development, Jackie Rakowski is a seasoned Executive Director and development professional currently serving as the Executive Director of Woven Health Clinic. In this pivotal role, Jackie leads with vision and strategy, overseeing the clinic's outreach and engagement initiatives while forging key partnerships.
It's that time of year for one of the coolest community services projects that we actually get direct interaction with our community. Awesome, right?
Bush Elementary School has invited us to read to students on Dr Suess Reading Day. This event used to be Read Across America, which so many of you have participated in previously.
You can participate in this effort in any of these 3 ways:
1. Sign up to read to students.The event is scheduled March 1st between 8:15 - 10:30 a.m. Sign up for 1 or 2 hours, whatever your schedule permits.
2. Donate interesting books. Anything you have that might interest a pre-K through 5th grader is welcome.
3. Donate cash ($5, $10, or $20) for funding the school store. Cash is always needed at the School Store.
While books and money are always in need, it is also important that the kids see us (leaders in the community) and benefit from our presence in the school. If you are available, please consider signing up to read.
As always, if you have any questions or comments email or call Kelvin or Cliff.
Thank you!
Honorary Reading Day Chair
Mrs. Laura Bush, Former First Lady of the United States
Former first lady of the United States. Mrs. Laura Bush, is this year’s Reading Day chair. A former librarian and teacher, Mrs. Bush is a vocal advocate for early reading initiatives. This year, two of our Reading Day book selections are from Mrs. Bush’s 2023 Summer Reading List for Kids.
Home Health Care Benefits for Veterans and Spouses
AMRC member, Eric VanGoethem, has owned Amada Senior Care since February 2018 and has made it his mission to help seniors live safely and comfortably in the comfort of their own homes. Amada Senior Care is dedicated to finding nearby caregivers, finding the best local senior housing options, and connecting clients with an advisor who will provide information on funding their care needs.
Eric deeply empathizes with families who have experienced the vulnerability and uncertainty of seeing a loved one battle a disease. He watched his father quickly deteriorate from Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease—a rare, degenerative prion disease that attacks the brain and is always fatal. Eric says, “I watched my mom become my dad’s caregiver and saw the toll that it took on her physically and emotionally while trying to still be the loving, supporting wife that she had been over 40 years—it drained her for years to come. Had we known and understood the benefits of in-home caregivers at the time, I know we would have navigated that difficult time of transition more smoothly.”
Eric’s wife and Chief Operating Officer Sabrina VanGoethem’s own family experiences sparked her interest in making a difference in seniors’ lives. She is inspired by her mother, who has been working as a caregiver for years in San Antonio. Hearing her mother’s stories of feeling fulfilled by her work and witnessing her passion for being a caregiver, Sabrina developed her enthusiasm for providing in-home senior care. Says Sabrina, “I just loved hearing her stories from her clients—they have experienced much change in their lives, and it was fascinating to listen.”
Dr. Christa Slejko has served as President of Dallas College North Lake since September of 2011 including three years as interim prior to her permanent appointment. For ten years, she served as Vice President of Business Services responsible for the budget, facilities, and other operations of the college. She helped create the sustainability identity of which North Lake College is so proud. Christa began her career at Dallas College at the Mountain View campus in Information Technology and served as an adjunct instructor in Computer Science and Human Development.
January 23 Meeting - Dr. Slejko, Dallas College North Lake
Suchi Rao, Volunteer Coordinator for the Town of Addison will talk about the Addison Advocates Volunteer Program.
If you are interested in being an adult volunteer for the Town of Addison, you need to attend the meeting! The Addison Advocates Volunteer Program is an organization that takes pride in the quality of service they provide, since the member's contributions will only help build on this reputation. The Addison Advocates Volunteer Program hopes your volunteer experience in Addison will be rewarding as you serve the community and bring pride to the program!
January 9 Meeting - Suchi Rao - Volunteer Coordinator
Join us at May Dragon for a Festive Fun Meeting led by the Mayor of Addison. Among the fun we will be telling Christmas memories. Did you see Santa Claus? Do you have a favorite cookie at this time of year or are you like me and cannot stand Chocolate Covered Cherries because you ate too many one Christmas? Be prepared to tell all this Tuesday.
On December 5, The Addison Rotary Club and The Addison Midday Rotary Club presented the Addison Fire and Police Departments with check for their Santa's Hero's program. The money represents the proceeds from the Pancake Breakfast jointly held by both clubs on November 11.
Since January of 2023, David Gaines has been the City Manager for the Town of Addison, where he provides administrative oversight for all Addison functions and staff. From water resources to public safety, traffic flow to economic development, computer infrastructure to special events, the City Manager's Office serves to administer the annual budget, compliance, and oversight for daily operations. He previously served as Denton’s Deputy City Manager and has also worked with the Brushy Creek Municipal Utility District, and the City of Dublin, OH, as well as the cities of Grand Prairie, Celina, and Carrollton in Texas. He earned his Master of Public Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of North Texas and is a Certified Government Finance Officer.
Registration11:30 am; lunch at 12:00 noon with your preordered lunch.
Offsite meeting for a tour of the Addison Airport Offices, 4545 Jimmy Doolittle, Suite 200, Addison. - See Map below.
The tour will be given by Darci Neuzil, the deputy director of the Addison Airport, a busy corporate general aviation airport in the North Dallas business district. Darci was part of a start-up project team responsible for the airport management contract beginning in 2000. In her current position, she oversees the airport’s positive community relations, marketing, administration, communications, and special projects. She publishes business development materials, implements the successful airport noise program, and coordinates all airport special events and outreach. Prior to working at Addison Airport, she served as administrator of planning and development at DFW International Airport.
No Meeting at May Dragon.
Lunch
Please RSVP to Stephanie or Suzie via email by noon Monday
With your sandwich and side choice.
(NO ORDER, NO LUNCH)
“TIRED OF TURKEY?”
Delicious Barbeque Lunch from Addison’s own Austin’s BBQ
Select:
Choice of sandwich – beef brisket or pulled pork
Choice of 2 sides: fries, BBQ beans, coleslaw or potato salad*
Are you Contributing to "Every Rotarian Every Year" [EREY]?
The Rotary Foundation Annual Fund makes it possible for Rotary clubs to transform lives worldwide. Your generous support funds local and international projects that advance The Rotary Foundation’s mission. All contributions to the international fund are spent on quality international Rotary projects. Help support these projects.
Give today.
The “Every Rotarian, Every Year” (EREY) initiative encourages all Rotary club members to contribute $100 every year to help us reach our goal to support the Rotary Foundation financially each year.
If you contribute $25 each quarter to the Rotary Foundation, you are participating.
If you do not, please consider contributing $100 to the Rotary Foundation on MyRotary.org. My Rotary | My Rotary
Looking for something to do on Thanksgiving morning?
Join Martika and Kelvin for this wonderful opportunity to help others on thanksgiving morning. Kelvin and Martika have volunteered for this event for the past several years.
Carol Benavides (who owns Joe’s Pizza in downtown Carrollton) operates this event. It’s a great group of volunteers.
No one else does this: not the government, not other charities. From small house fires to multi-state natural disasters, the American Red Cross goes wherever we’re needed, so people can have clean water, safe shelter and hot meals when they need them most.
We respond to an average of more than 60,000 disasters every year.
95% of our disaster relief workers are volunteers.
The vast majority of disasters we respond to are home fires."
Dr. Linda Braddy joined the American Red Cross North Texas Region as its CEO in February of 2023. Linda served as the president of Dallas College Brookhaven Campus from 2019 to 2023, where she was responsible for leading initiatives which contribute to the vibrancy, growth, and economic stability of Dallas County. Among her responsibilities, Linda served as interim provost while helping Dallas College restructure to meet the needs of students and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Dr. Ruben Arellano will focus on the origins of the Day of the Dead and explore the cultural phenomenon that it has become. He will briefly describe its deep indigenous origins, process of Christianization, cultural evolution, and its growth in popularity in recent years.
Dr. Arellano is an artist and scholar who has dedicated his life to advancing indigenous knowledge and to being actively involved in the Mexican American community of Dallas. He is a founding member of Kalpulli Tonalpilli (“People of the Sun” – an indigenous spiritual and cultural community) and serves on the Repatriation Committee for the Indigenous Cultures Institute of San Marcos, Texas. He is currently vice president of the Dallas Mexican American Historical League and is a founding member of The Mexican American Museum of Texas. He holds a Ph.D. in history from Southern Methodist University and is a faculty member at Dallas College–Mountain View. His academic scholarship examines the history of Mexican Americans in Dallas and explores the indigenous landscape of the Chicano community.
Addison Midday Rotary Club is participating in the Trunk or Treat
Dress up if you want to or wear your most loved neon Rotary shirt! We will decorate Mary Jo's car and give out Halloween candy at the Athletic Club on Oct 28th from 4:00 - 6:00pm.
The Town will provide some candy, but you can never have too much! Even little Halloween items might be fun! All donations welcome!
Dr. Jay Ihrig will give us an update on the Addison Arbor Foundation.
The Addison Arbor Foundation (AAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to promote and enhance landscaping, public art, public parks and parks and recreation programs of the Town of Addison. The Foundation’s impact can be seen in the trees, landscape and public art installed throughout the Town. The Foundation’s free education programs provide useful information about plants, gardening and art.
October 10 Meeting - Dr. Jay Ihrig with the Addison Arbor Foundation
We did it! Thanks to the donation of 19 generous donors our Club raised $2,030.
While this is not quite the goal of $3,000, this is still significant and will go a long way to helping us with our Mission of supporting those in need and making our community a better place to live.
Thanks to all of you that helped in various ways to make this a successful event.
At the age of 19, Richard Miles was wrongly arrested and sentenced to 60 years for murder and aggravated assault. In 2007, an innocence organization accepted Richard’s case and was released October 12, 2009. February 15, 2012, the Court of Criminal Appeals ruled unanimously and granted Actual Innocence. (Ex Parte Richard Miles (359 SW 3rd 647). The ruling granted Richard compensation under Texas law. In June of 2012, Richard made an initial seed investment to start Miles of Freedom. “Miles” is the acronym for (Motivating Inspiring Law-abiding Enthusiastic Successful). The mission of Miles of Freedom is to provide holistic support for individuals, families and communities impacted by incarceration. Richard’s story has been featured on the Larry King Show, TV One documentary and multiple news/media outlets.
In 2019, Richard Miles shared the international stage as one of the Top 10 CNN Hero’s. Most notably, September 1, 2021, the Richard Miles Act was passed in Texas. This law addresses the accountability and timely disclosure of evidence as it relates to arresting officer/agencies. Richard is enrolled at Paul Quinn College working on his bachelor’s in business administration. Richard serves on the boards of God’s Holy Church of Christ, Dallas Sheriff Community Partnership, Centurion Innocence Organization and Power in Action.
The Dallas Historical Society is a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Dallas and Texas history. Offering education programming, lectures, historic city tours, museum exhibitions, and other special events, this organization strives to be the preeminent resource for exploring, and instilling appreciation for the diverse history of Dallas and Texas. Formed in 1922, the Dallas Historical Society is the oldest organization in Dallas County committed to preserving the history of the region and presenting it to the public in innovative and informative ways.
Ashlee Brill-Weidner is the Director of Marketing and Development for the Dallas Historical Society. After graduating with a BA in History from the University of the Pacific, Ashlee has worked as a community leader in Dallas for the last 18 years. While sitting on numerous boards advocating for women’s and children's welfare and serving as a volunteer mentor, Ashlee has fundraised upwards of $20 million for local non-profit agencies.
In addition to volunteering and fundraising, she has worked for various start-ups as Marketing and Operations Director.
On August 26, 2023, our Rotary District 5810, held its annual Awards Banquet.
This year, the following awards were given to the Addison Midday Rotary Club and members.
Leadership Award - Mary Jo Cater
The purpose of this award is to recognize, at the club level, an individual Rotarian who has demonstrated leadership in an exemplary manner, and influences or impacts his or her fellow Rotarians in a positive and productive manner, inspiring them to leadership and/or action.
Children's Advocacy Award - Club
The purpose of this award is to recognize a club that has an outstanding program in support of children.
Literary Award - Club
This award recognizes a club, which through its actions, has done the most to increase literacy locally, globally, or internationally.
Star Award - Kelvin Roquemore
This is a club generated award for one individual in your club who has shown exemplary leadership and accomplishment this year.
Celebrating the opening of Metrocrest Services' new home!
Date and time
Tuesday, September 12 · 4 - 6pm CDT
Location
Metrocrest Services
1145 North Josey Lane Carrollton, TX 75006
Join Metrocrest Services as they celebrate the official opening of our new home! Located in the heart of community need, Metrocrest Services provides hope through programs that lead to self-sufficiency and foster independence.
Remarks from CEO Tracy Eubanks and joint ribbon cutting with the Coppell, Farmers Branch, and Metrocrest Chambers at 4:30 PM. Please Note the program begins at 4:00.
Light refreshments and building tours will be provided. Housewarming monetary gifts and hygiene items for the Food Pantry are welcome.
September 12 - Metrocrest Services Housewarming Party
North Texas Giving Day: Thursday September 21 - Early Giving Opened on Sept. 1! ·
North Texas Giving Day is an annual online giving event throughout North Texas, providing millions to local nonprofits, every year.
Donations can be made to the Addison Midday Rotary Club through the North Texas Giving Day Website.
Our goal this year is to surpass our previous $3,000 fundraiser. If each of you get 10 people to donate at least $10 we can certainly surpass lasts years efforts. Together we can change the course of history and make our communities better.
We need your help distributing this link to as many people as possible.
The Addison Midday Rotary Club is participating in "North Texas Giving Day" on September 22 but you can make donations starting September 1.
Your donation to Addison Midday Rotary will impact several local nonprofit organizations we support which help so many in our community!
Our recipients include Metrocrest Services who specialize in helping individuals, families and seniors in crisis stabilize their lives for a brighter future. Another recipient is Hope Supply Co., who meet the critical needs of homeless and at-risk children across North Texas by providing necessities including diapers, wipes, hygiene kits, baby food and formula, clothing, school supplies and toys to enhance their lives.
We assist the Addison Police and Fire Departments' Santa's Heroes Toy Drive plus Kids and Cops which support local children. Bush Elementary School gets our support throughout the year with needed teacher supplies, reading programs, and assistance with fundraising for the school.
Beginning September 1, you may use the link below to make your donation. Your help and support will make a difference.
4-Way Test Speech Contest at GHW Bush on October 24, 2023.
Pancake Breakfast in November (date TBD).
Kelvin has extended an invitation to all members to join planning committees for either (or both) project. Both projects benefit from our experience last year which we will want to improve upon.
If you are able to join either committee, please let Kelvin know ASAP.
Why is it that certain membership organizations face challenges in retaining members, while others flourish and experience remarkable growth? For more than 20 years David Heimer was the Chief Operating Officer of a thriving business based on memberships. In this session, David will delve into the fundamental aspects of membership growth, shedding light on why individuals join, what encourages them to stay, and the reasons behind departures. Moreover, he will explore effective strategies for organizing and fostering membership growth, and brainstorm recruitment ideas. If your aim is to elevate your Rotary Club Membership this year, you won't want to miss this!
David Heimer is the President Elect for the Addison Rotary Club in Addison Texas. He is the co-founder and retired Chief Operating Officer of Service Nation, Inc which he ran for more than 20 years. David is the founder and host of the Profiles in Prosperity podcast, and the author of many articles published in business trade magazines.
Recognized for his contributions to the industry, David was inducted into the Contracting Business Hall of Fame in 2019.
In support of non-profit organizations, David served multiple terms as the International Chair of the Addison Rotary where he supported a myriad of projects for clean water, sustainable food, and education in the Democratic Republic of Congo. David also served on the Board of Directors for the Joseph Groh Foundation, the Board of Management for the Richardson YMCA, and as Chair of the Richardson Public Library Board.
The Addison Midday Rotary Club is joining our Rotary District in raising school supplies and books for a school in Yucatan Mexico
Rotary District 5810 is seeking donations of 10,000 books in English for kindergarten through 5th grade for the Books Brigade to Mexico this fall. In addition, the district is seeking school supplies or donations to buy school supplies and Days for Girls Hygiene Kits ($11 each).
Books, school supplies and check donations can be brought to our club meeting on September 26.
School Supplies Needed:
Pencils
Pens
Crayons
Scissors
Geometry Sets
Glue Sticks
DG John Curtis and DGE Regina Edwards will be bringing these supplies to the Yucatan on a Carnival Cruise in November 2023.
Janna Tidwell - The Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Addison
The Parks of Addison
Janna Tidwell will speak to us about the Town of Addison's parks and recreation opportunities.
From the Town of Addison's Web Site: "Our mission is to preserve and enhance Addison's exceptional quality of life and work-environment by maximizing the recreational, social, and environmental and placemaking benefits of the community's parks, green spaces, and recreation facilities."
Principal Carol Crowling of George H.W Bush Elementary School will talk to us about a new school year, Bush Elementary, four-way test and much more.
Our Club will present to Mrs. Crowling Dry Erase Markers purchased by the AMR Foundation.
George H W Bush Elementary School, the only public school in Addison, TX, is led by Principal Carol Crowling.
Prior to becoming the principal at George H. W. Bush Elementary, Mrs. Crowling was the assistant principal at Bush for one year. Her career with DISD began as a teacher at Billy Earl Dade Middle School where she taught math and Language Arts for 3 years.
At Bush Elementary, her staff is committed to creating a safe and rigorous learning environment where students learn the skills needed to be successful in life. We are a Leader in Me campus where students and staff alike embrace the 7 Habits (#1 Be Proactive, #2 Begin with the End in Mind, #3 Put First Things First, #4 Think Win-Win, #5 Seek First to Understand, Then to be Understood, #6 Synergize, and #7 Sharpen the Saw) to guide us on our journey towards excellence.
August 1 - Principal Crowling - Bush Elementary School
NTTA: Who is NTTA; NTTA projects and operations; and SAFETY
Michael Rey has been NTTA’s media relations manager since 2011.
You may also remember Michael from his days as a helicopter-borne traffic reporter on Ron Chapman’s morning show on KVIL radio. He also served as sideline reporter for radio broadcasts of Dallas Cowboys games. Michael became the lead anchor for Texas Cable News, a channel 8 sister cable station, in 1999. He later joined WFAA-TV as morning anchor and reporter. He finished his broadcast career at KDAF-TV.
Michael received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism from the University of North Texas.
Congratulations to the AMRC Award Winners for the 2022-2023 Rotary Year
Service Above Self Award
Suzy Oliver and Heather Young
The Service Above Self Award is to recognize individuals living and working in our community who demonstrate Rotary’s spirit of service.
Spirit of Rotary Award
Nancy Craig
The Spirit of Rotary Award is presented to that Rotarian who through sustained, outstanding and unusual dedication to the ideals of “Service Above Self,” has contributed in a significant way to the established work of Rotary.
Rotarian of the Year Award
Kelvin Roquemore
The Rotarian of the Year award is presented to a member who has exhibited outstanding achievements for the Club during the past year -- and including basic Rotary activities such as attendance, committee work, Foundation support, new member proposals, etc.
Addison Midday Rotary Club 2023-2024 Board
Left To Right
Howard Templin - 2022-2023 District Governor
Nancy Craig - Secretary
Mary Reed - Treasurer
Mary Jo Cater - President
Greg Thornbury - Sargent-at-Arms
2023-2024 President
Mary Jo Cater
President Mary Jo Cater presents past President Jerry Allison with a Past President Plaque, Past President Pin, and Past President badge.
AMRC Installation and Awards Dinner - June 22, 2023
The Warren Center advocates, serves and empowers the children and families impacted by developmental delays and disabilities.For more than 50 years, the Warren Center has given parents access to the resources their children needed, and more importantly, hope and support.
Amy Spawn has over 30 years of experience in the field of early childhood intervention, speech language pathology, leadership and strategic philanthropy. In June 2013, Amy Spawn was selected to lead The Warren Center by its board of directors. The Warren Center is a nonprofit agency that provides professional evaluations, therapy services and support to children with developmental differences.
As Chief Executive Officer, Spawn provides oversight to the agency’s operations and programs to ensure that its goals are aligned with one mission: to advocate, serve and empower children and families impacted by developmental delays and disabilities. Under her leadership, The Warren Center has expanded its service area, going from serving 200 children and families each week to serving well over 1300. She also spearheaded the launch of the agency’s Clinic Therapy Services for children over the age of three and its Autism Assessment service, cutting down the 18-month wait time for children in the DFW area waiting for testing.
Today, the topic of UFOs (or UAPs as they are now being called) have captured the interest of the media, of Congress, of academia, of NASA, and of course the military. But why? What is it about this subject that has been in the public discourse for some 75 years that caused such a resurgence in today's culture? Maybe at least a partial answer can be found in the context and history of the phenomena which will be discussed in this program.
On May 16, 2023 the Addison Midday Rotary Club (AMRC) sponsored a Four-Way Test contest at the George H W Bush Elementary School in Addison. Nineteen students from three grades participated in the contest. Each student who participated received passes to the Ross Perot Museum. Judges included Rotary District 5810 Govenor Howard Templin, AMRC Member and Addison Mayor Bruce Arfsten and AMRC Member Stephanie McGovern.
Exodus Ministries transforms the lives of formerly incarcerated mothers and their children by providing a safe place to live, tools needed for success, and Christ-centered spiritual support.
Susan Stephens and her husband, Paul, homeschooled their children from Kindergarten through High School Graduation. Once their youngest went off to college, God called Susan to serve "the least of these", "the forgotten", "the marginalized" -- formerly incarcerated women and their children. She is currently the Executive Director for Exodus Ministries. She has found that, at Exodus, God uses everything He has given her to serve these families every day --counseling, advice, wisdom, discipline, insight, encouragement and creativity. It's all part of her daily job. She says she is truly blessed to have the privilege of a front row seat to watch God move in the lives of these women and children. He performs miracles every day and occasionally He allows her to participate. Praise God for His mercy and redemption!
Her motto is the “Bloom where you are planted” and she has certainly done that. She thinks that Erma Bombeck said it best when she wrote, “ When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, 'I used everything you gave me'.”
Greetings to all who supported the Global Grant for an Ambulance in Kenya sponsored by the Rotary Club of Waxahachie. I am proud to announce that the ambulance was delivered yesterday and is already in service today.
This miracle to the poor people of Southwest Kenya in Homa Bay County would not have happened without your generous support. Through your individual and Club decisions to join in this Global Grant you are literally saving lives and making a difference for our human family.
Brian Gonzales, Director of Audience and Benefactor Development.
Watertower Theater Brian is glad to be home and working with WTT again as the new Director of Audience and Benefactor Development. He's been fortunate enough to work in theaters and venues all over the country, plus some TV, and a brief stop in London, England. (I dunno, one minute I was sword fighting in the New Amsterdam Theatre, and then BAM…everyone talked British for two weeks.) He is married to Ashley Puckett Gonzales, a genius. (She's also a terrifying empath, and Brian’s best friend in the world.) They have two sons. Simon, a Godzilla fan, who has ASD, SPD, OCD, and Anxiety Disorder- yet chooses joy, practices flexibility, and thinks of others more than he realizes. And then there’s Gideon, the more spectral of the two, who goes his way. Brian likes cheese and tree sloths.
Rotary’s programs are developing the next generation of leaders, providing funding to make the world a better place, and making peace a priority.
Youth Service is Rotary’s 5th Avenue of Service and comes a variety of forms throughout our District and the Rotary world - including: Rotaract, Interact, Rotary Youth Exchange and Rotary Youth Leadership Awards.
We are proud to cheer for AMRC Members Kelvin and Heather as they graduate from Leadership Metrocrest!
Please join Mary Jo at their graduation lunch on Friday, May 12th at Brookhaven Country Club, 11:30 - 1:00.
Cost is $40 because AMR is a chamber member.
Go to the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce website to sign up. Heather’s hospital has a Sponsor Table - She has 4 seats still available! please let me know if you want to attend.
and let Mary Jo know so everyone can sit together!
Registration Closes May 10th at 5PM
Leadership Metrocrest is a program of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce designed to increase the community knowledge and leadership skills of individuals seeking civic leadership positions in the community.
Luncheon for Leadership Metrocrest Graduates Kelvin and Heather
On April 11, 2023 AMRC member Kelvin Roquemore graduated from the Addison’s Citizen’s Academy.
Congratulations Kelvin!
The Addison Citizens Academy provides a behind the scenes look at the Town of Addison’s operations. Participants learn the basics of municipal government through tours, activities and face-to-face interaction with Town leaders and staff.
Participants will be able to become involved in Town activities, serve on Council-appointed boards, commissions, committees, and task forces or will otherwise become involved in the Town’s governance. The Academy provides an opportunity for citizens to learn about the Town of Addison government through first-hand experience and gain exposure to the wide range of services, functions, activities and issues.
"It is the mission of our orchestra to inspire, educate, entertain and involve the children, youth and adults of our community in the enjoyment of great music."
Gregory Patterson was appointed Executive Director of the Plano Symphony Orchestra in May 2022. Prior to that, Gregory was the PSO’s Director of Development. Gregory’s distinguished career in arts management has cover a wide range of areas from marketing and communications to development and executive management.
Gregory served as Director of Public Relations and Communications for The National Ballet of Canada, touring extensively with the company across North America and Europe, including tours to New York City, London, Berlin, Paris, and Los Angeles.
In 1990, Patterson joined the English National Ballet in London, England, as the Director of External Affairs and Development under Artistic Director Ivan Nagy. Patterson was then hired as the Director of Public Relations at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts (formerly Orange County Performing Arts Center) in 1992. Patterson’s role later expanded to include management of all the Center’s series, from Broadway and Chamber Music to Jazz and Pop, and he was given the title of Vice President of Marketing and Communications.
Patterson has also served as Director of Marketing for American Ballet Theatre and for the Los Angeles Opera under General Director Placido Domingo. He was also the Director of Development and Marketing for the Atlanta Opera. North Texas residents might recognize Patterson from his nine-year tenure at WaterTower Theatre in Addison, where he worked as Director of Development and later, Managing Director. After forming Gregory Patterson Consulting, LLC in 2017, some of Patterson’s clients included Kitchen Dog Theater, Bishop Arts Theater Center, and the Texas Nonprofit Theater Association, among others.
Recently President Jerry received news that our Global Grant application has been uploaded for Rotary International to review. The Grant has not been approved. However, all the financial commitments and required signatures from our club and our District have been met.
AMRC and the Rotary Club Legaspi West Global Grant is to supply water to small community in the Philippines. Presently the community of approximately 500 people must walk about a mile to a spring and carry the water back to the village.
The proposed project will build a concrete tank and install a solar pump in the spring to pump water into the tank. A pipeline will be constructed to carry the water into the village.
April is Environmental Month - The first Earth Day was held on 22 April, 1970, launching a wave of action to protect our environment, including the passage of landmark environmental laws in the United States. Other countries soon followed suit. Every year since, the day has been set aside to focus on mobilizing for action to protect our planet.
As people of action, Rotarians have been shaping the conversation on the environment for years, from addressing climate change that threatens entire food systems to fighting pollution that clogs our air and water. Rotarians are well-suited for the challenge. They use their connections to find creative solutions and take action to safeguard our vital resources.
The Addison Midday Rotary Club supported the MetroCrest Services at their Keyholder Breakfast by hosting a table for club members.
Funds raised at the event will support current operations and expanded programming at their new building.
In 2005 Metrocrest Services (then Metrocrest Social Services) launched the annual Keyholder Breakfast. The name pays homage to the original Metrocrest Services’ logo, which featured a key and the tagline, “the key to preventing homelessness.”
April is Maternal and Child Health Month - Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. At least 7 million children under the age of five die each year due to malnutrition, poor health care, and inadequate sanitation. To help reduce this rate, we provide immunizations and antibiotics to babies, improve access to essential medical services, and support trained health care providers for mothers and their children. Your Rotary projects ensure sustainability by empowering the local community to take ownership of health care training programs.
On March 28 the Addison Midday Rotary Club will support the MetroCrest Keyholder Breakfast by holding their regular meeting at this event. The club has reserved a table for members. It is too late to get on the AMRC table list - Names have already been submitted.
However, we still have two openings. If you want to join our table, please sign up at Keyholder Breakfast - Metrocrest Servicesand note on the registration form that you will be sitting at the Addison Midday Rotary Club table.
Metrocrest Services invites everyone to their 18th annual Keyholder Breakfast to discuss how Metrocrest Services’ new building will become a community gathering space that lays the foundation needed to create a thriving community for ALL.
Funds raised at the event will support current operations and expanded programming at their new home.
In 2005 Metrocrest Services (then Metrocrest Social Services) launched the annual Keyholder Breakfast. The name pays homage to the original Metrocrest Services’ logo, which featured a key and the tagline, “the key to preventing homelessness.”
March 28 Meeting - Metrocrest Services Key Holder Breakfast
On March 21 the Addison Midday Rotary Club made 75 Easter Baskets for Hope Supply. This is at least our tenth year of making baskets and is our favorite project of the year.
Page Tucker, Director of Program Operations at Hope Supply responded with this note:
Thank you, and all the members of the Addison Midday Rotary Club, for the fabulous Easter Baskets. They are phenomenal and are sure to bring many smiles, to many young faces. We are so appreciative of your time, resources, and talent, in making these baskets. Hope Supply Co. is not able to purchase items, like these Baskets, so your donation is priceless. We would not be able to provide these wonderful treats without your assistance. Please know we are so grateful for your support.
The Addison Midday Rotary Club was full of lovely people, with very giving spirits, and it was a joy to be with everyone today. Thank you too for our lunch. Was very generous of you to buy that for us as well.
We so appreciate the Rotary Club remembering Hope Supply Co. again this year. We know you have a lot of choices, when it comes to non-profits in the area, and we are thrilled we were chosen by you.
March is Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Month – Over 750 million people in the world lack access to safe water and more than 2.5 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation facilities. At least 3,000 children die each day from diarrheal diseases caused by unsafe water. Rotary's projects give communities the ability to develop and maintain sustainable water and sanitation systems and support studies related to water and sanitation.
The Board of Directors of the Addison Midday Rotary Club has voted to support the MetroCrest Keyholder Breakfast. This includes supporting our member attendance at this event. There will be no regular meeting on this date.
The cost of the event is $75. The Club will contribute $50/member, and the member will pay the reminder $25. We plan to reserve at least one table. We need a minimum of 10. All are welcome. If you plan to attend, please contact Cynthia.
March 28 - AMRC Reserving a Table for Metrocrest Services Keyholder Breakfast
Our favorite project of the year. We put together Easter Baskets for Hope Supply to distribute to them to families in need.
Please arrive at the May Dragon by between 11:45 and 12:00 noon. We have asked May Dragon to begin serving at 12:00 Noon. We want to be done eating by 12:30, when the Easter Basket fun begins.
Hope Supply will transport the baskets in their van for distribution.
One card left in the weekly club raffle - whose ever ticket is chosen this week wins the pot of over $1000. Half goes to the winner and the other half goes to the Rotary Foundation in their name.
You must be present to buy a ticket, so be there Tuesday!
On February 28, Immediate Past District Governor Max Duplant presented AMRC President Jerry Allison with 2021-2022 Rotary Citation for all the work the club did this past year. Congratulations to Immediate Past Club President Ben Wobler for his great leadership.
On March 2nd, the Addison Midday Rotary Club participated inDr. Suess Day as part of the National Read Across America Day. Club members read to students. Most of the books were Dr. Suess Books. In addition, club members donated books and cash-for-books to the school's library.
The Addison Miday Rotary participated in Metrocrest Services ’Hearts for Hygiene Challenge’ on February 28. The club collected hygiene items that promoted health, wellness and empowerment to families and senior in crisis. Hygiene item donations included Shampoo/ Condiotioner, Body Wash/Soup, Lotion, Deodorant, Diapers, Baby Wipes Laundry Detergent, etc. Club members brought the items to the club meeting and Metrocrest Services picked up the items.
Bring to the February 28 Meeting the Hygiene Items you have collected as part of the “Hearts for Hygiene Challenge”.
As discussed in the next Story, AMRC is collecting Hygiene Items as part of the "Hearts for Hygiene Challange" and bringing those Items to our February 28 Meeting.
Afterwards, Nicole Binkley, Chief Operating Officer at Metrocrest Services, will talk to us about Metrocrest Services.
February 28 Meeting - Hearts for Hygiene Challenge
Dr. Suess Day as part of the Read Across America Initiative.
Bush Elementary School has invited AMRC to read to students on Dr. Seuss reading day. This used to be Read Across America, in which many of you previously participated.
As you know you can participate in any of 3 ways:
1. Sign up to read to students. The event is scheduled March 2nd between 8:15 - 10:30a. Sign up for 1 or 2 hours, whatever your schedule permits. IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE TO READ PLEASE NOTIFY KELVIN ASAP WITH YOUR AVAILABLE TIME SLOT.
2. Donate interesting books. Anything you have that might interest a pre-K through 5th grader is welcome.
3. Donate cash ($5, $10, or $20). Give funds to me or Nancy Williams. Thank you Nance for agreeing to shop for books or donate the cash. CASH DONATIONS MUST BE MADE NO LATER THAN MARCH 24, 2023.
While books and money are always helpful, it is really important these kids see us (leaders in the community) and benefit from our presence in the school. If you are available, please consider signing up to read.
February is Peace and Conflict Prevention/Resolution Month–Rotary’s goal today is to create environments where peace can be built and maintained through sustainable and measurable activities in communities worldwide. Peacebuilding remains a cornerstone of our mission as a humanitarian service organization.
During his 18-year career with the Town of Addison, TX, Captain Michael Vincent has served in Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Deployment, SWAT, and is a Firearms Instructor. Capt. Vincent is a proud Aggie, graduating from Texas A&M University in 2004 with a bachelor’s degree in Marketing; he later completed his master’s degree in Justice Administration with the University of Texas at Dallas. Capt. Vincent currently commands the Support Division, where he oversees training, hiring, and a myriad of other administrative tasks.
From Collins on-line dictionary - A SWAT team is a group of police officers who have been specially trained to deal with very dangerous or violent situations. SWAT is an abbreviation for `Special Weapons and Tactics.'
Hello Metrocrest Volunteers, We are excited to announce that we are partnering with StreetSide Showers to offer showers to our unsheltered neighbors in our service area. Starting Friday, February 3, they will be bringing their trailer to North Dallas Family Church in Carrollton from 10 am – 1:30 pm to provide showers to up to 35 unsheltered individuals. More information about this organization can be found athttps://streetsideshowers.comand on the attachment (AMRC - Contact Stan for the attachment).
Through this partnership, we have an opportunity that we wanted to share with you – StreetSide Showers is looking for individual volunteers to serve as shower valets. Volunteers are encouraged to sign up individually through StreetSide Showers athttps://www.signupgenius.com/go/904054eaeab22a1f49-carrollton#/.
StreetSide Showers is also in desperate need of a licensed cosmetologist to help with haircuts. You can sign up to be a barber/hairstylist through the volunteer link above.
Additional questions? Reach out to Lori Rains, lrains@metrocrestservices.org, and she will put you in touch with someone at StreetSide Showers.
Thank you for continuing to be a great advocate and partner as we help the most vulnerable in our community.
At the January 10 meeting of the AMRC, the Addison Rotary Club and the Addison Midday Rotary Club presented Fire Chief David Jones a check for the Addison Fire and Police Departments 'Santa's Heros" program.
The money was raised from a joint club Pancake Breakfast.
Rotary Clubs donate to Addison's Fire and Police Departments 'Santa Hero's' program.
Dr. Linda Braddy is President of Dallas College Brookhaven where she is responsible for leading initiatives which contribute to the vibrancy, growth, and economic stability of Dallas County. In 2020, she served as the inaugural Provost in an interim capacity for Dallas College as they transitioned from seven independently accredited colleges to a singly-accredited college.
Dallas College Brookhaven Campus was founded in 1978, making it the youngest of the seven Dallas College locations. The campus now welcomes more than 13,000 students each semester and serves the Farmers Branch, Carrollton, Addison and North Dallas areas.
Dr. Braddy has embraced change throughout her career and welcomed opportunities to lead major organizational and cultural changes at multiple organizations. She has promoted the use of evidence-based teaching practices that improve student learning outcomes, and in the past decade, she has focused on promoting social justice in society through higher education.
January 31 Meeting - Dr. Linda Braddy, President Dallas College Brookhaven
Metrocrest Volunteer Opportunities - Urgent Need for Warehouse Volunteers! Kick off the new year by helping sort and pack food to distribute to our communities. Sign up for a shift today by visiting https://metrocrestservices.org/volunteer-opportunities/.
Monday - Friday | 9 - 11 AM Shifts Available
3210 Skylane Drive
Carrollton, TX 75006
For questions or concerns, email lrains@metrocrestservices.org or call 469-317-2541.
Metrocrest Volunteer Opportunities - Urgent Need for Warehouse.Volunteers
Deena Israel will update us on the new and improved Addison Athletic Club.
From Deena:
Hello, my name is Deena Israel. I graduated college at Eastern Kentucky University with a Therapeutic Recreation Degree in Science. I landed my first job with the town of Addison, my first and only interview. I have had the joy of working here for the Town of Addison for 23 years. I have had many different roles at the Addison Athletic Club. I first Started as the Children’s Coordinator and oversaw all children’s programs for 7 years, then moved over to Senior Coordinator and programmed for all the town seniors for 9 years, then moved to Recreation Supervisor for 5 years, and now have been promoted to Program Recreation Manager with senior programs for the past year. Its been a crazy and fun journey but I would not have changed a thing. I love creating community for the Town of Addison. It gives pure joy to bring community together.
Vocational Service focuses on: The recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, not just those that are pursued by Rotarians. ... The contribution of your vocational talents to solving the problems of society and meeting the needs of the community.
December is Disease Prevention and Treatment Month
Rotary is dedicated to fighting and preventing disease. Disease Prevention and Treatment is one of Rotary’s Six Area of Focus. Disease and illness results in pain and injury. Prolonged severe illness may result in loss of employment and income. It affects families. It affects quality of life.
Rotary and Rotarians are committed to helping people to live healthy lives. Our signature project in this area is Polio Eradication. But polio is not the only disease or aspect of healthy living on which Rotarians have expended energies.
On December 6, 2022, members of the Addison Midday Rotary Club helped prepare the Metrocrest Services Holiday Store to open for the season. We helped setup, organize and sort the items.
The Metrocrest Holiday Store is located at 11888 Marsh Lane, Suite 408, Dallas, TX 75244.
(This is a new location, and not the same location as in past years.)
For additional pictures, see the 'Photo Album' on the homepage.
Thanks, Kelvin, for Organizing the event!
AMRC Helps Metrocrest Services Prepare their Holiday Store
Our December 6th Meeting will be at the Metrocrest Holiday Store, located at 11888 Marsh Lane, Suite 408, Dallas, TX 75244. We will help setup, organize and sort items at the holiday store from 12 - 2p (stay as long as you can).
NOTE: This is a new location; Not the same location as in past years.
December 6 Meeting- Metrocrest Services Holiday Store
Our December 6th Meeting will be at the Metrocrest Holiday Store, located at 11888 Marsh Lane, Suite 408, Dallas, TX 75244. We will combine a service project and lunch by helping setup, organize and sort items at the holiday store from 12 - 2p (stay as long as you can).
NOTE: This is a new location; Not the same location as in past years.
AMRC will provide box lunches. If you have not ordered your Box Lunch, contact Kelvin immediately!
The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary International, the Rotary Foundation taps into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into Rotary priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.
AMRC has received a donation of 400 copies of Author Michelle Staubach Grimes' book "Pidge Takes the Stage". These books will be given to our Rotary District 5810 to support the District's International Global Grant Project supporting education in Roatan, Honduras and Cozumel, Mexico.
District 5810 is hoping to collect 20,000 books for this project. Royal Caribbean Cruise line will be donating the space to transport 20 pallets of books.
The books will be distributed as part of the District 5810 District Conference & Service Cruise, April 23-30, 2023 - a 7-night Caribbean Service Cruise, which of both the District Conference and Service Projects.
Michelle Staubach Grimes brief Biography:
Michelle Staubach Grimes is a mother, wife, Board Member of The Innocence Project of Texas, Pro Bono Attorney for The Innocence Project of Texas, and author of "Where is Pidge?" and "Pidge Takes the Stage." Michelle has a background in history, political science, law, creative writing, and media. She's passionate about her work with The Innocence Project of Texas @innocencetexas.org, exonerating the innocent/wrongful convictions, criminal justice reform, ending systemic racism, erasing the stigma of mental health, finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, literacy, and ending domestic violence.
Author Michelle Staubach Grimes donates 400 Copies of her Book
Bill Dendy LOVES Rotary. He joined Rotary in 2000 with the Rotary Club of Dallas. Bill served as District Governor in 2016-17. During that time, North Texas Rotary led our Rotary zone in membership growth. Additionally, the North Texas District was recognized as top district for public image in the paired zones. Furthermore, our District’s Rotary Foundation giving grew with overall Foundation contributions increasing by over a million dollars.
Bill continues to serve our Rotary Community. He is our our District Foundation Chairperson. Bill is a Foundation Major Donor and a member of the Paul Harris Society, White Hat Society, and Bequest Society. He was District Rotarian of the Year in 2012, and in 2020, Bill received Rotary International’s highest honor, the Service Above Self Award (only 150 worldwide per year).
November 15 Meeting - Bill Dendy talks The Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation is the charitable arm of Rotary International and is supported solely by contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation. Through Foundation grants, Rotarians are able to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvements of health, the support of education, and alleviation of poverty.
Contributions to the Rotary Foundations’ Annual Fund – SHARE are invested on a three-year cycle. The contributions, less administrative and fundraising expenses, are then used to fund the World Fund and the District Designated Fund (DDF). The World Fund is used by Rotary Foundation to pay for Foundation activities available to all Rotary Clubs. The DDF is used by Districts to fund Foundation grants, activities in our club, as our district chooses.
In 2005, the Addison Midday Rotary Club started the Addison Midday Rotary Foundation with the purpose of creating an entity to receive the results of our fundraising with the side benefit of allowing our donors a tax deduction if they so choose. Our foundation primarily provides funding for a specific project of charities in or serving Addison. Charities are selected by the Addison Midday Rotary Club.
The AMR Foundation has been funded through individual donations, North Texas Giving Day, our Flag Lease Program and other fund-raising activities of the Addison Midday Rotary Club.
Rotary International Foundation vs AMRC Foundation
We are ordering Jimmy Johns box luncheons for our December 6 meeting . The JJ menu is found below. Box luncheons include a sandwich, chips, cookie and a drink. Please select one or each. Jimmy Johns will make a selection for should you fail to specify.
Please reply to kelvin@roqski.com with your orders no later than December 1, 2022.
Kelvin says this is an 'Awsom Cause' and would like you to consider helping and/attending.
From our District Governor Howard Templin:
The Dallas Fire Rescue is celebrating 150 years of servicing the City of Dallas and this public celebration will take place October 28-30, 2022 (this Friday-Sunday) at the Ladders and Lagers Festival held at Community Beer and hosted by the Dallas Firefighter's Museum. This festival is only held once and once only.
They are in need of volunteers because the event has grown. They specifically need several positions and Firefighter Challenge (ESPN will be there too!). You can see all the volunteer opportunities available here: https://www.laddersandlagers.org/volunteer. All volunteers will receive a festival shirt and other goodies.
The Festival will have live entertainment, kids' zone, firefighter challenge, Fletcher's Corny Dogs, a custom beer to celebrate called Valor, and more. We could really use some volunteers to support them as we celebrate.
October 28 - 30 Dallas Fire Rescue 150 Anniversary Celebration
The Warrior Connection strives to end Veteran suicide, provide support, and repair family relationships through proven holistic residential retreats for Veterans and military spouses.
TWC provides residential retreats and services to veterans and their families. We gather together to heal the invisible injuries that incurred while in uniform.
The Warrior Connection (TWC) understands the inner journey that continues when the war is brought home. We understand the journey of military sexual trauma survivors. We understand this journey because we are veterans. We are military spouses. We are advocates for the veteran community. We are a connection of warriors working together to improve the overall well-being of our brothers and sisters that have served.
We serve Veterans of all eras from all 50 states at no cost, thanks to our donors, sponsors, and volunteers. The TWC mission continues until we get to ZERO Veterans lost from post-traumatic stress (PTS).
Rotary International has announced a three-year, $150 million commitment to the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) to fight the deadly disease.
Announced during the Global Citizen Festival, the funding will support efforts to eradicate polio—through surveillance, integration of routine immunizations, and targeted campaigns—particularly in Afghanistan and Pakistan, where wild poliovirus remains endemic. GPEI also works in 33 "outbreak" countries, including the Central African Republic, Liberia, Ukraine, the United States, and Yemen, as well as eight "at-risk" countries, including China, Iran, and Kenya.
Addison Midday Rotary Club (AMRC) has pledged $15,000 over the next 3 three years for the new Metrocrest Services Headquarters.
At our October 18 meeting, AMRC presented Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services with our Second-year donation. The check for $5,000 comes from money raised through our Flag Lease Program and North Texas Giving Day.
METROCREST SERVICES anticipates its new headquarters at 1835 Walnut Avenue will be open in the Spring of 2023.
Metrocrest Services has raised $12.7 million of the $15.8 million goal.
For more information about the Metrocrest Services Building Our Future capital campaignclick here
AMRC Continues Support for the New Metrocrest Services Headquarters
October is Economic and Community Development Month.Rotary supports investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities.
The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable and long term economic improvements in their communities and livelihoods.
Since 1971, Metrocrest Services has provided hope and relief to those who need a helping hand. Metrocrest offers a comprehensive bundle of services to address gaps in finances, employment, and nutrition to holistically help end poverty.
Tracy Eubanks has been the CEO of Metrocrest Services since 2013. Prior to joining the organization, he served as a Metrocrest board member for six years including serving as Board Chair.
Almost a year ago, on November 16, 2021, Metrocrest Services broke ground on their new building at Belt Line Road and Josey Lane in Carrollton. This new location will improve accessibility, capacity, and ability to serve those seeking assistance by consolidating operations where the need is greatest.
On Friday, October 7, 2022, the tilt walls for the building began going up.
On October 12, 2022, the Addison Midday Rotary Club donated 12 cases of XL gloves to the Addison Fire Department. One of our club members owns European Wax Centers in Dallas, including the one in Addison. Her glove supplier mistakenly sent her the XL gloves. When she contacted them about the mistake, she was told to keep the gloves. Since no one on her staff uses the XL gloves, she donated them to the Addison Midday Rotary Club who donated them to the Addison Fire Department, who will put them to good use.
The Addison Fire Department uses almost exclusively XL gloves. 12 cases are 120 boxes of gloves.
Thank you, European Wax Centers!
European Wax/AMRC Donates Gloves to Addison Fire Department
If you have never been in/seen the George HW Bush Elementary School, this is your change. Students at the school will be giving tours of the school, including special activities in the music and arts classes.
The tours are staggered through the Community Event. You do not have to be there at 8:30 to have a tour.
Plus - this is a great chance for community engagement and visibility of our club.
DISD and the Dallas Regional Chamber are sponsoring the Principal for a Day program George HW Bush Elementary School.
Unfortunately, all the spots are filled.
However, there is also a community open house, at Bush Elementary School from 8:30am – 10am the same day. If you have never been in Bush Elementary School, this is a great opportunity.
October 18 - Principle for A Day - Bush Elementary
Orlando Campos, Director of Economic Development for the Town of Addison
The Current State of the Economy in Addison
Orlando Campos, Town of Addison’s Economic Development Director, works closely with the City Manager’s Office and Town Council to execute the Town’s Strategic Economic Development Plan for corporate recruitment, business retention & expansion, entrepreneurial development, tourism development, and community redevelopment. Mr Campos has the distinction of serving as the Town of Addison’s first Economic Development Director.
Opportunities abound in Addison for companies that are looking to relocate or expand, for people who want to start a business, or for groups that want to host a meeting in Addison, North Texas' most dynamic community! These companies need to consider the Town of Addison’s:
Location
Uncover Local Opportunities
The Work Force
Quality of Life
Industry Trends
Transportation
Research Customers
Analyze Competition
Business Climate
October 11 Meeting - Orlando Campos and Economic Development
Project Moses is a mission founded by parishioners of Saint Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church to highlight the truths of human trafficking and share the Light of Christ with its survivors.
This ministry focuses on the scourge of human trafficking in our community through education and awareness, advocacy with legislators and law enforcement, and partnerships with many agencies working on the rights and rehabilitation of the many victims of this crime.
Congratulations to the Addison Midday Rotary Foundation for achieving a total of $3125 during this year’s North Texas Giving Day Campaign. This is more than $100/member solicited. Thank you for reaching out to your friends, family, and colleagues to ask for support for our amazing projects. Thank you to all of our Club members that also contributed to make this campaign a success.
At our September 20 meeting, after Lisa Rigby, Executive Director of Woven Health Clinic made her presentation, the Addison Midday Rotary Club made a $1,000 donation to WOVEN Health Clinic.
The donation will be used to provide 50 flu shots to those who can not afford the cost of the shot.
Over 85% of the patients at WOVEN Health Clinic are uninsured.
Director, Women's Advancement George W. Bush Institute
Natalie Gonnella-Platts serves as the Director, Women's Advancement at the George W. Bush Institute. Ms. Gonnella-Platts is responsible for research and programmatic efforts that support women and girls worldwide to lead in their communities and countries. This includes the work of the First Ladies Initiative, which aims to enable and support global First Ladies in effectively using their platforms to impact change.
Ms. Gonnella-Platts studied Communications and International Studies (Peace and Conflict) at the State University of New York (SUNY) at Fredonia. She earned an MA in War, Violence and Security studies from the University of Sussex in Brighton, United Kingdom.
September is Basic Education and Literacy Month Our goal is to strengthen the capacity of communities to support basic education and literacy, reduce gender disparity in education, and increase adult literacy. We support education for all children and literacy for children and adults.
Interact is an international Rotary-sponsored organization of community leaders who create positive, lasting change in their local communities and the global community through a motto of “service above self”. The name “Interact” is a call to International Action - it is a call to service and a call to increased international understanding. We are looking for reliable students who are committed to social justice, enjoy a hands-on approach to service, and are willing to step out of their comfort zones to compassionately interact with people with different cultural backgrounds and experiences. Members of Interact will complete their junior year service requirement by supporting various refugee services in the Dallas area (McShan Elementary Refugee Outreach, Saint Patrick’s Refugee Outreach), Catholic Charities Refugee and Immigrant resettlement programs, and will have the ability to be involved in Rotary sponsored service and leadership opportunities. Meetings occur at least every two weeks.
On September 13, Principal Crowling from George H. W. Bush Elementary School spoke to the Addison Midday Rotary Club. At that meeting she was presented with Dry Erase Markers purchased by the Addison Midday Rotary Foundation.
George H. W. Bush Elementary is proud to be a Leader in Me School. Leader in Me is an evidence-based PK-12 model, developed in partnership with educators, designed to build resilience and leadership in students, create a high-trust culture, and help improve academic achievement. This evidence-based approach empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in college and career. We focus on developing the whole child by:
teaching LEADERSHIP to every student,
creating a CULTURE of student empowerment,
and aligning systems to drive results in ACADEMICS.
On September 13, Principal Crowling from George H. W. Bush Elementary School spoke to the Addison Midday Rotary Club. At that meeting she was presented with Dry Erase Markers purchased by the Addison Midday Rotary Foundation.
George H. W. Bush Elementary is proud to be a Leader in Me School. Leader in Me is an evidence-based PK-12 model, developed in partnership with educators, designed to build resilience and leadership in students, create a high-trust culture, and help improve academic achievement. This evidence-based approach empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in college and career. We focus on developing the whole child by:
teaching LEADERSHIP to every student,
creating a CULTURE of student empowerment,
and aligning systems to drive results in ACADEMICS.
Please sign up today to come with your family and friends for this amazing event!
Cowboys VIP Tour & Dinner: Sunday, Sept. 25, 5 PM to 8:30 PM
Includes VIP Guided 90-Minute Tour
Includes 1 drink ticket (per person)
Professional 5x7 Photo
Includes very nice 3 course meal – served suite style in the Stadium Club
Free parking - Lot 1 or 2, Entry A, AT&T Stadium, 1 AT&T Way, Arlington, TX
Package VIP Guided Tour of the stadium is a 90-minute private tour, more exclusive than for the public. Tour includes:
Cowboys Locker Room
Cheerleaders Locker Room
Postgame Interview Room
Miller Lite Fan Club
Media Press Box
Field
Luxury Suite
Cotton Bowl Offices
Club Areas
Dr. Pepper Star Area
All for $84 per person. A minimum of 50 people is required! PLEASE INVITE FAMILY AND FRIENDS AS WE NEED 50 attendees and we put down a $2000 deposit already so please sign up and pay today!
Lisa Rigby is the Executive Director at Woven Health Clinic, a 501(c)(3) community healthcare clinic. Woven Health Clinic provides a medical home for low income, uninsured adults that live in Dallas and surrounding areas.
Since she started with Woven in 2015, Ms. Rigby has increased Clinic funding from $650,000 to $2,500,000, launched an innovative integrated healthcare program focused on disease prevention, and expanded services from primary care only to include nutrition therapy and basic mental health care, with a strong emphasis on preventing diabetes and heart disease.
Ms. Rigby is passionate about reinventing health care payment and delivery models to ensure that everyone has access to quality, affordable health care.
Please sign up for Amazon Smiles, a program that rewards the Addison Midday Rotary Club based on your purchases
Received from Amazon Smiles on October 5, 2022
Addison Midday Rotary (EIN: 20-2624922) did not receive a donation this quarter from the AmazonSmile Foundation because your donation balance was less than the $5 minimum disbursement amount. Don't worry - we will hold your donation and add it to a disbursement in a future quarter.
When prompted to enter Charity Name, enter Addison Midday Rotary Club
Select our club and answer the next screen
Please note the comment on the screen:
You must start your shopping at smile.amazon.com
Tom Thumb for U Rewards
In August 2022, AMRC received a letter from Tom Thumb stating: Based on the fact that there was limited activity during 2021, Tom Thumb removed the AMRC account from the Good Neighbor Program.
Master Salvador S. Padilla is an energetic professional with extensive experience in mentoring, team-building, and client development. He has over 35 years of progressive martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, stick, knife and pistol experience.
In addition to paid individual and group training, he has delivered instruction to tens of thousands of people via community outreach initiatives to social organizations, schools, and churches.
After experienced bullying as a child. Padilla joined a local martial arts academy expecting to learn self-defense, but he gained so much more: martial arts empowered him to communicate effectively through active listening and fundamentally and positively shaped his personality.
In 2003 he took a leap of faith and founded Padilla Martial Arts Inc., which he sold in 2010. In 2011 he opened Combat Fitness USA with a mission to empower individuals and small groups through realistic and progressive martial arts, hand-to-hand combat, stick, knife and pistol training.
September 6 Meeting - Self Defense with Salvador S. Padilla
Monica Christopher serves Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) as the foundation’s Senior Vice President, Chief Giving and Community Impact Officer. She oversees the teams responsible for grantmaking, cultivating and stewarding donor relationships, and the implementation of North Texas Giving Day.
Community Foundation of Texas is a grantmaking public charity that is dedicated to improving the lives of people in North Texas. CFT’s mission is to create a thriving community for all.
As one of the largest community foundations in the nation, CFT professionally manages more than 1,000 charitable funds for families, companies, foundations, and nonprofits and has awarded more than $2 billion in grants since its founding in 1953. CFT awards more than 5,000 grants per year.
Communities Foundation of Texas’ North Texas (NTX) Giving Day is an 18-hour online giving event designed to empower every person to give back to their community by supporting local nonprofits and causes they care about in one easy-to-use platform.
We had a dry Strictly Social Meeting at Olive Gardens on August 23. Rain did not dampen our event. Travel and babies were two big topics of discussion.
Wednesday, August 24, 6 pm: DRAFT DAY for the 2022-23 Addison Midday Rotary Club Fantasy Football League
Once again, Mary Jo has volunteered to host a draft party at her home, 17043 Vinland in Addison. We will start gathering after 5 pm and the draft will start promptly at 6 pm. You do not have to attend the draft party to participate as the draft will be online and automated. If you aren’t familiar with the ESPN Fantasy Football website and phone app I suggest you get caught up before the season starts. They have lots of information and training videos for you to learn your way around the system.
It will be a snake draft with 90 seconds allowed for each pick or you can set your draft to automatic and let the system make your choices.
Thanks to everyone for signing up. We are all looking forward to another fun season. Each 'team owner' owes Jim Duffy $10 cash for the prize pool.
Addison Midday Rotary "Strictly Social Luncheon" Tuesday, August 23, 2022 11:30am Olive Garden Italian Kitchen 4240 Beltline Road (at Midway)
Order from regular menu - Individual checks In order for restaurant to be prepared with appropriate staff to serve us, please make a reservation by August 20th email suzie_oliver@tx.rr.com
Guests are welcome! Salute! Heather Young & Suzie Oliver
August 23 - Strictly Social Luncheon - Olive Garden
Michael Poku, MD, MBA is a senior medical director for Oak Street Health, a network of primary care centers that delivers value-based care to adults on Medicare. Michael is passionate about developing and implementing novel care models and is a proponent of "whole person care". Michael also holds clinical faculty positions at the Methodist Health System in Dallas and UT Southwestern. Michael has past experiences in management consulting at McKinsey & Company where he worked in the healthcare payer and provider space; he also has experiences in intellectual property management, healthcare provider operational/clinical leadership, VC/PE, and healthcare operations and strategy.
Tiara Chapman is inviting all Addison Addvocates who have volunteered at least 8 hours of service since Jan 1st of 2022 to come and celebrate at the Employee Appreciation Luncheon August 18th from 11:45am – 2 pm. Please respond, please email Tiara Chapman at tchapman@addisontx.gov by Monday August,15th so she can get an accurate head count.
AMRC Member and Past President StanHerrin will explain the difference between ClubRunner and MyRotary.org, highlight some of features available on ClubRunner and talk about the ClubRunner Mobile App.
Our Homepage and Newsletter are the product of Clubrunner.
"An Official Rotary International Licensee, ClubRunner serves thousands of Rotary clubs and districts just like yours across the globe with one goal in mind - to make technology work for anyone, anywhere while enabling Rotarians to streamline club processes and improve productivity."
Jerry Allison, President and Past President of Addison Midday Rotary
Rotary Action Groups and Fellowships
What is a Rotary Action Group? What are Rotary Fellowships? What is the difference? Why do we need these?
Rotary is full of opportunities to serve your community, collaborate with projects in your District or State, contribute or join Global Grants around the World, prepare our future leaders, share knowledge with business leaders in underserved countries, etc. But there is so much more you can do in Rotary. You can visit Clubs locally, around your State or Country, or when traveling to other countries. Another way to meet Rotarians is to join groups with common education or experience as yourself or join groups that have similar passions to help others.
President Jerry will share with attendees the difference between Action Groups and Fellowships. We will explore some of the various groups available, why they exist, how they were formed, who should join, what do they do, when and where do they meet, what does it cost, and how to join. One does not necessarily need to be a Rotarian to join these groups.
If you are a Rotarian, or considering joining Rotary, Action Groups and Fellowships may be another way to achieve fulfillment in your life.
President Jerry has been with the Addison Midday Rotary Club for 7 years, and a member of Rotary International for 26 years. He has been a member of Rotary Clubs in the United States, Maranians Islands, and the Philippines.
John Crawford, Deputy City Manager for the Town of Addison
Addison Today
John Crawford will speak on Addison Today.
He oversees the Addison Airport, Marketing and Communication, Public Works and Engineering, Parks and Recreation, and Special Events. Previously he oversaw Finance and Budgeting, Economic Development, Municipal Court, and General Services.
Hampton Aldridge will give us a brief presentation about his Camp RYLA experience. Hampton has a very busy summer schedule, so having him speak is a treat. Hampton attends Jesuit College Preparatory Academy of Dallas and is one of two RYLA campers we sponsored this year.
The Rotary Year is from July 1 to June 30. These dates coincide with our club's tax year.
Beginning July 1, 2022, the Rotary International President is Jennifer E. Jones.
The 1st Woman President of Rotary International.
She is a member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland, Onterio
The theme for 2022-2023 Imagine Rotary, asks Rotarians to dream big and harness their connections and the power of Rotary to turn those dreams into reality.
July is Transition Month - each year Rotary Clubs and Districts across the globe induct new leaders. Our leaders exemplify all of the qualities that make our members extraordinary: integrity, expertise, and commitment to service.
Serving as a Club or District officer or committee member provides an opportunity to enrich your leadership skills by sharing experiences and ideas with other Rotarians throughout the region.
During the 2021-2022 Rotary Year, the Addison Midday Rotary Club conducted 12 service projects, and our members provided a total of over 270 volunteer hours to get them done.
For two of the service projects, our club received Matching District Grants for Projects with the Addison Police and Fire Departments (Santa’s Heroes and Cops & Kids). For each of these two Service Projects, our club provided $930 worth of gift cards. The matching District Grants provided the same amount of money, bringing the total of donations to nearly $3,900!
The club also provided the yearly Easter Baskets for Hope Supply. But in addition to these club funded donations, the members also came up with additional, own and individual donations – for example our toilet paper drive, the books and toys provided for George H W Bush Elementary School, the cereal for Metrocrest Services.
It is important to note that setting out and picking up flags as well as all the work done at the flag workday is not included in the volunteer hours related to the service projects. This is fundraising, helping to create the income we have from this program. The true hours committed by our members to our club therefore is much higher.
Please note our meeting will start early on June 14. Please arrive early
From Wikipedia: Artificial intelligence (AI) is intelligence demonstrated by machines, as opposed to the natural intelligence displayed by animals including humans. Leading AI textbooks define the field as the study of "intelligent agents": any system that perceives its environment and takes actions that maximize its chance of achieving its goals. Some popular accounts use the term "artificial intelligence" to describe machines that mimic "cognitive" functions that humans associate with the human mind, such as "learning" and "problem solving", however this definition is rejected by major AI researchers.
Jan is the brother of Club President Ben Wolber. Although he lives in England, he is visiting Ben and will making a live presentation.
On June 14 (Flag Day) Mary Jo has challenged us to fill her SUV with Cereal Boxes!
This summer, we’re collecting cereal boxes for Metrocrest Services that will be distributed to children during the Sack Summer Hunger program and the Food Pantry.
Remember eating cereal as a child? As an Adult? What was your favorite? Bring 4 -8 boxes to our June 14 meeting.
Funny story - In southern Illinois there is a town of Creal Springs. Twice a year the Boy Scout troop where I was Assistant Scoutmaster drove through this town about 9:00pm after driving for 3 hours - we were going backpacking in the Shawnee National Forest. I convinced some Scouts the name of the town was Cereal Springs, which many of them called it for several years.
So, remember this is a Cereal Drive and not a Creal Drive
Upon Board and Club approval, you will be invited to join AMRC.
You will be presented with new member Rotary literature
Step 5 Initiation Fee Payment
Upon your payment of initiation fee, you will be inducted into the Addison Midday Rotary Club and presented your Badge
Step 6 Attend
A New Member Orientation course will be scheduled for you.
Step 7 Complete the New Member Requirements
1. Greet members and guest at the door (Four Times);
2. Attend one board meeting;
3. Two months perfect attendance (including make-ups);
4. Lead Prayer and pledge once;
5. Sign up for one of the committees;
6. Bring in a potential new member;
7. Do one vocational talk.
MEMBERSHIP
The Addison Midday Rotary Club is composed of adult persons who demonstrate good character, integrity, and leadership; possess good reputation within their business, profession, and / or community; and are willing to serve in their community and /or around the world."
The Addison Midday Rotary Club has five types of membership:
An Active Member is an individual elected to the club but not as a Corporate, Household, Under 40, or Honorary Member.
A Corporate Member is an individual elected to the club under the Corporate Membership Policy.
A Household Member must be a spouse, family member, or partner of an Active Member living at the same address.
An Under 40 Member must be under the age of 40 when applying for membership in this club. If elected, this person's membership shall expire upon the beginning of the next quarter after the member's 40th birthday, at which time membership continues but not as an Under 40 membership.
An Honorary Member must be recognized by the club for distinguished meritorious service in the furtherance of Rotary ideals and be considered a friend of Rotary for their permanent support of Rotary's cause.
Our entry into the world of neuro-recovery is not all that unique, but where we’ve taken things is anything but traditional!
Kendell, born and raised in Dallas, was fueled by a life defined by progress. Working in the financial sector as an auditor for KPMG, her life was derailed in a moments time. It was October 31, 2009. A seemingly inconsequential decision to ride with friends that Halloween ended up being a choice that changed the course of her life forever. She was in a car accident. The speed and intensity of fishtailing left to right, over and over, snapped Kendell’s neck – instantly paralyzing her.
Ryan, born and raised in Waco, was fueled by a life of sports. Just as he finished several collegiate strength and conditioning internships with universities like Baylor and Missouri, Kendell had placed a job opportunity on the National Strength & Conditioning Association’s website for a coach capable of taking on the delicate challenge of caring for people overcoming traumatic conditions while pushing them beyond what they believe is their limit. Ryan was eager to prove himself and relocated to Dallas for the job. Instantly he found himself in awe of the willpower it takes to overcome conditions like a spinal cord injury, brain injury, stroke, MS and the many other neurological diagnoses his clients face .
Everyday, the Bachik’s commit themselves to serving others through improved movement. Together, their team continues to push the realm of what’s possible in neuro-recovery. Utilizing experience, knowledge and the brain’s ability to dictate movement, Bachik Methods has created a system of training that propels client’s well beyond what many say is possible.
Physical and emotional recovery do not occur independently. They are so closely intertwined that unless we address both, you will not achieve what you are capable of! We are committed to improving every person that trusts our family in their recovery.
You will FEEL our passion. Our team will take you where you cannot take yourself!
Dave McSpadden is the Past District Governor from the Waxahachie Rotary Club.
Samwel Otieno founded a hospital in Kenya in 2014. In December 2021, while seeking assistance for the hospital, he met fellow Rotarian and Waxahachie resident Dave McSpadden. Working together, Otieno and McSpadden created the U.S.-based nonprofit arm of RTC to help raise funds for the hospital.
Thanks to a Rotary District 5810 Grant, Addison Midday Rotary was able to provide a second installment of funds for the Addison Police and Fire Department's community outreach programs: Santa’s Heroes/Cops & Kids community outreach programs! Accepting the check is the Town of Addison's Police Chief, Paul Spencer. #addisonmiddayrotary#serviceaboveself#district5810proud
At the April Board Meeting of the Addison Midday Rotary Club, Jim Duffy reported that the net proceeds of the Flag Lease Program from the third quarter of 2021-20220 was $1, 721.80. These funds were transferred to the Addison Midday Rotary Foundation to be used on upcoming projects. A BIG THANKS to everyone who has participated in the Flag Lease Program.
The waiting period is up - Next time you see them, welcome our two new club members - Heather Young and Eric VanGoethen. Heather is a new Rotarian and Eric is a transfer from another club.
Mary Lynn Amoyo will introduce us to their work as a workforce development organization committed to equitable access to economic opportunities, education, and justice for all young adults. They are working with Dallas Colleges El Centro Campus.
Year Up's mission is to close the Opportunity Divide by ensuring that young adults gain the skills, experiences, and support that will empower them to reach their potential through careers and higher education.
Year Up believes that every young adult has potential and deserves opportunity and economic justice.
At the Regional Rotary PETS (President-Elect Training Session) items were gathered for victims of human trafficking. The Addison Midday Rotary Club donated T-shirt’s and underwear. AMRC President-Elect Jerry Allison collected the donations.
Read Across America at as part of the Read Across America Initiative.
The Addison Midday Rotary Club helped celebrate Read Across America March 2, 2022 (Dr. Seus’ birthday) at George H. W. Bush Elementary School in Addison. Visitor restrictions limited our participation to five members, so we brought along a bunch of new books donated by individual club members! The school principal and teachers were in costume.
Rotary District 5810 is now accepting Rotary Peace Fellowship applications for the 2023-24 academic year. Candidates have until 15 Mayto submit applications to The Rotary Foundation. Rotary endorsers must submit endorsements to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July.
Rotary District 5810 is pleased to report that the district's candidate for 2022, Carrie Perkins, has been accepted to go to Thailand.
Please contact PDG Linda Elliott for further details about the Rotary Peace Fellowship.
Clubs and districts have the power to shape the next generation of peacebuilders by recruiting Rotary Peace Fellows and helping them stay involved with Rotary after their studies. Each year, The Rotary Foundation awards up to 50 fellowships for master’s degree programs and 80 for professional certificate programs at the seven Rotary Peace Centers around the world. By supporting a peace fellow, your club or district can engage with the program in meaningful ways.
Rotary Peace Fellowship Program
Through academic training, practice, and global networking opportunities, the Rotary Peace Centers program develops the capacity of peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace. The fellowships cover tuition and fees, room and board, round-trip transportation, and internship and field-study expenses.
Since the program began in 2002, the Rotary Peace Centers have trained more than 1,500 fellows who now work in over 115 countries. Many serve as leaders in governments, NGOs, education and research institutions, peacekeeping and law enforcement agencies, and international organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank.
President, and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum
Mary Pratt Higgins will give us an introduction to the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museums messages and collection.
The Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum tells the story of the Holocaust, the emergence of international human rights following the war, and the development of human and civil rights in America.
On January 26 the Addison Midday Rotary Club met with the Rotary Club of Wangen-Isny-Leutkirch (of Germany). The meeting was virtual via Zoom.
The 2021-2022 AMRC President, Ben Wolber, grew up in Leutkirch, Germany. He contacted his father in Leutkirch who put been in touch with members of the Wangen-Isny-Leutkirch Rotary Club.
The Wangen-Isny-Leutkirch Rotary Club meets at 7:00 on Wednesdays. Addison Midday meets at noon on Tuesdays. For this meeting only, the Addison Midday Club moved their meeting to Wednesday, but started their meeting at the usual time since there is a 7-hour difference between Addison, Texas and Wangen-Isny-Leutkirch, Germany.
Each club talked about themselves: Topics included:
● Club History
● Dealing with COVID
● Partner Clubs
● Service Projects
● Fund Raising
● Social Activities
● Outlook
The AMRC wanted to know more about the Club Trips taken by the Rotary Club of Wangen-Isny-Leutkirch and the Rotary Club of Wangen-Isny-Leutkirch wanted to know more about the Four Way Test.
Both Club agreed it was a very enjoyable meeting.
Addison Midday Rotary Club meets with the Rotary Club of Wangen-Isny-Leutkirch ( Germany)
During World War II thousands of British cadets learned to fly at six civilian training schools across the southern United States. The first and largest of the schools was in Terrell, Texas. More than 2,200 Royal Air Force and United States Army Air Corps cadets earned their wings over North Texas between 1941 and 1945.
The museum celebrates this little-known chapter of World War II history with an archive that contains the most extensive record of the No. 1 British Flying Training Schools in existence.
February 1 Meeting - British Flying Training School Museum
Thanks to everyone for donating toys, books and games to the 'Bush Galleria' at G H W Bush Elementary School'. And a special 'hats off' to Mary Jo for organizing this service project.
The school and the students were very appreciative of the donation.
Teachers and staff at GHW Bush Elementary School reward students with "Bush Bucks" when the student:
Helps out in class
Meets their (the student's) goals
Completes homework, etc.
Is observed doing the right thing in the cafeteria
Is walking quietly in the halls
Shows good leadership.
The student uses the Bush Bucks to 'purchase' the items in Bush Galleria - the items have different prices.
Bush students and their sponsor, Mrs. Thomas, meet to determine the 'price' for each item.
Initial donations for Bush Galleria came from students at Greenhill and GHW Bush staff and students at Greenhill School, a coed independent day school for prekindergarten – Grade 12.
Stocking the 'Bush Galleria' at G H W Bush Elementary School Service Project
Thanks to the Addison Midday Rotary volunteers who staffed Metrocrest Services' Holiday Store on December 18, selecting gifts to fulfill the wish lists of local children!
December Service Project - Staffing the Metrocrest Service Holiday Store
AMRC President Ben Wolber will be speaking about the German Towns that are represented by the German Rotary Club we will be jointly meeting with the next week.
From President Ben: "As a preparation for the joint meeting with the German Rotary Club of Wangen-Isny-Leutkirch, Ben Wolber will introduce the 3 towns the members are from.
Also please remember - in the last week of January, the meeting will be on Wednesday January 26 instead of Tuesday January 25."
Addison Midday Rotary Club (AMRC) has pledged $15,000 over the next 3 three years for the new Metrocrest Services Headquarters.
At our December 14 meeting, AMRC presented Tracy Eubanks, CEO of Metrocrest Services with our first-year donation. The check for $7,500 exceeds our annual pledge of $5,000 and comes from money raised through our Flag Lease Program and North Texas Giving Day and individual donations made to the Addison Midday Rotary Foundation.
Your support of our Flag Lease Program supports Metrocrest Services.
METROCREST SERVICES is developing their new headquarters at 1835 Walnut Avenue. For this multi-million dollar project, Rotary Clubs in the area served by Metrocrest Services, have been approached by Metrocrest Services with a request to help with a financial donation. In return, a prominent part of the new building will bear the Rotary name. Each club can pledge what is reasonable for them, based on the financial situation and possibilities. To make it easier for the clubs, the pledge would be made over the course of 3 years.
AMRC Supports the new Metrocrest Services Headquarters
This year the Addison Midday Rotary Club supported Santa’s Heroes and Kids N Cops with two grants from Rotary District 5810.One grant is for Santa’s Heros and the other grant is for Kids N Cops. Each grant is for $930. We have purchased 66 gift cards, primarily in $25 amounts from Target and $930 from Kroger.
The cards were presented to Town of Addison Police Chief Paul Spencer at our December 14 meeting.
The Santa Heros cards will be distributed to needy families in the Addison community during the week of December 20. The needy families have been identified by Metrocrest Services!
This year the Addison Midday Rotary Club supported Santa’s Heroes and Kids N Cops with two grants from Rotary District 5810.One grant is for Santa’s Heros and the other grant is for Kids N Cops. Each grant is for $930. We have purchased 66 gift cards, primarily in $25 amounts from Target and $930 from Kroger.
The cards were presented to Town of Addison Police Chief Paul Spencer at our December 14 meeting.
The Santa Heros cards will be distributed to needy families in the Addison community during the week of December 20. The needy families have been identified by Metrocrest Services!
AMRC 2021's District Grant Supports Santa's Heroes
We will be volunteering at the Metrocrest Services' Holiday Store, 1835 Walnut Ave, Carrollton, TX 75006 (located at the old First Christian Church building).
Volunteers will move around the site, selecting donated toys for the children based on age and a wishlist they have filled out.
Stan Herrin will lead a discussion - tell us of an incident where you interacted with someone famous!
Example - Stan Herrin was leaving a University of Illinois football game, when his wife decided to use the restroom. She gave Stan her purse to hold while she was inside.
Bruce Webber, the University of Illinois Basketball coach at the time (he is now at Kansas State), walked by, looked at Stan and said, "Nice Purse" and kept walking.
We are going to clean-up-the-park on Saturday morning, Oct 23rd at White Rock Creek Trail. Park at Al’s and clean up crews will start at each end of the trail. 9:00am start and after finishing we will regroup at Panera’s for refreshments and fellowship afterward. Last year clean up took less than one hour.
District 5810 Governor Max Duplant promises an exciting 2021-2022 Rotary Year, during her zoom visit on July 6.
The Addison Midday Rotary Club helped start the year on the right foot by donating to the Rotary Foundation. From left to right ADG John Johnstone, AMRC President Ben Wolber, and Aide to the Governor John Van Buren.
From Wikipedia: The Oktoberfest is the world's largest Volksfest (beer festival and travelling funfair). It is held annually in Munich, Bavaria, Germany. It is a 16- to 18-day folk festival running from mid- or late September to the first Sunday in October, with more than six million people from around the world attending the event every year. The Oktoberfest is an important part of Bavarian culture, having been held since the year 1810. Other cities, such as our Addison, across the world also hold Oktoberfest celebrations that are modeled after the original Munich event.
During the event, large quantities of Oktoberfest Beer are consumed. During the 16-day festival in 2013, for example, 7.7 million liters (1,700,000 gals) were served. Visitors also enjoy numerous attractions, such as amusement rides, sidestalls, and games. There is also a wide variety of traditional foods available.
Kristen Williams Munoz is an educator and consultant and she will be speaking about combatting Nature-Deficit in children. Many children in urban school districts do not get to experience nature in the broader sense and Kristen will talk about the curriculum she is developing to address this situation.
Next Tuesday, Dr Edwin Flores, our DISD board member will be speaking about educating during a pandemic and he will give an update on their bond program capital projects.
AMRC helped the Town of Addison prepare for Oktobertfest on Sept 8th at the Addition is on Conference Center.
Club volunteers put together packets of information, folding t-shirts and organizing supplies for crafts.
The following Thank You was sent to Mary Jo by Stacy:
“Yesenia said you all did a fabulous job and knocked out all the projects they had in just a couple of hours! We appreciate all of you so much, the group effort saved our staff members days if work. They are free to focus all their energies in making a Oktoberfest a huge success!”
Addison Midday Rotary Club (AMRC) has pledged $15,000 for the new Metrocrest Services Headquarters.
METROCREST SERVICES is developing their new headquarters at 1835 Walnut Avenue. For this multi-million dollar project, Rotary Clubs in the area served by Metrocrest Services, have been approached by Metrocrest Services with a request to help with a financial donation. In return, a prominent part of the new building will bear the Rotary name. Each club can pledge what is reasonable for them, based on the financial situation and possibilities. To make it easier for the clubs, the pledge would be made over the course of 3 years.
For the Rotary Club of Addison Midday, has approved a pledge of $15,000 over the next 3 years ($5,000 yearly) .
The other Rotary Clubs – Farmers Branch, Carrollton-Farmers Branch, Coppell and Addison Morning – are working on a similar pledge. The Rotary Club of Coppell has already voted to pledge a $30,000 gift.
AMRC Pledges to Support the new Metrocrest Services Headquarters
The Addison Midday Rotary Club is participating in the North Texas Giving Day campaign this month.
AMRC has set the goal to raise $100/member on North Texas Giving Day.
We do not expected that each member contribute $100, but rather reach out to your network of friends, relatives, colleagues, and others to help support our service projects locally and abroad.
One of their properties, which is an area I used to camp and hunt, is Warbler Ridge. Last April I spent an afternoon planting trees in the river bottoms of Warbler Ridge.
I have been looking at 'Wolber' and reading 'Warbler'. Hopefully by writing this apologize I will remember the correct spelling.
Imani Kenya’s Mission is to match bright and deserving graduating 8th graders who would not otherwise be able to attend high school, and potentially college, with financial sponsors and local mentors; and to empower communities through economic development projects that will allow families to send their own children on to higher education.
Brad began his career with Kodak in Rochester, NY, where he worked for 20 years. Over his next 15 years as a supply chain management professional, he worked for 5 companies in 5 different industries, and is now gainfully retired in Dallas, Texas! Since 2013, Brad has been a member of Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, where he met Pastor Jacob. Pastor Jacob grew up in Meru, Kenya, and was educated there through primary, secondary and seminary schools with support from the Methodist Church of Kenya and his community. In 2009-2010, Jacob and his family relocated to Dallas, Texas, so that he could take advantage of the opportunity to attend SMU/Perkins School of Theology.
A prayer and a dream started Imani Kenya's Mission in January 2014.
Waste Management - The Status of Recycling and World Markets
Greta Calvery is the Public Affairs Manager at Waste Management. Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America.
Recycling - Recycling is the process of converting waste materials into new materials and objects. Recycling can prevent the waste of potentially useful materials and reduce the consumption of fresh raw materials, thereby reducing: energy usage, air pollution (from incineration), and water pollution (from landfilling). wikipedia
Director Of Development Services at Town of Addison
Ken Schmidt, Addison's Director of Development Services, will talk about 1) Belt Line Road Survey and 2) Addison's Uniform Code.
Inspired by Addison's strong history as the place to do business and committed to keeping Addison the place to live, the Development Services Department fosters a bright future for our community with a holistic perspective.
Development Services is dedicated to protecting and enhancing our Town through responsible, sustainable planning and expansion initiatives. On a mission to guard the public's well-being and welfare, Director of Development Services leads the enforcement of building and maintenance codes, manages inspections of restaurants, as well as public and private facilities, and assures compliance with environmental and public health regulations. From planning and zoning decisions to diverse permitting programs, the Development Services department supports the integrity of Addison’s business centers and family resources.
Assistant Director of Individual Giving and Membership at Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo
By providing guests with real-world opportunities to make memorable connections with wildlife and supplementing their experience with conservation messaging, the Dallas Zoo aims to inspire and empower visitors to take action on behalf of wildlife in Texas and around the world.
The nonprofit Dallas Zoo is open 364 days a year and welcomes more than one million guests yearly. 350 employees and 750 volunteers provide unparalleled care, educational experiences, and supporting local and global conservation efforts.
Located three miles south of downtown Dallas, the 106-acre Dallas Zoo is the oldest and largest zoo in Texas. Founded with just two deer and two mountain lions in 1888 as the first zoo in the Southwest, this City of Dallas-owned but privately managed zoo is a thriving example of a successful public-private partnership. As an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) for 35 years, the Zoo provides a home for more than 2,000 animals representing over 400 species.
Congratulations to the AMRC Award Winners for the 2020-2021 Rotary Year
Service Above Self Award
Ron Whitehead
The Service Above Self Award is to recognize individuals living and working in our community who demonstrate Rotary’s spirit of service.
Spirit of Rotary Award
Mary Jo Cater
The Spirit of Rotary Award is presented to that Rotarian who through sustained, outstanding and unusual dedication to the ideals of “Service Above Self,” has contributed in a significant way to the established work of Rotary.
Rotarian of the Year Award
Jim Duffy
The Rotarian of the Year award is presented to a member who has exhibited outstanding achievements for the Club during the past year -- and including basic Rotary activities such as attendance, committee work, Foundation support, new member proposals, etc
Jim Duffy also received his 30-year perfect attendance award/pin
Meet our new Board
Bruce Arfsten - Past President
Jim Duffy - Treasurer
Cynthia Allison - Secretary
Ben Wolber - President
Past President Bruce Arfsten
Past President Bruce Arfsten
New President - Ben Wolber
AMRC Installation and Awards Dinner - June 29 2021
Congratulations to the AMRC Award Winners for the 2020-2021 Rotary Year
Service Above Self Award
Ron Whitehead
The Service Above Self Award is to recognize individuals living and working in our community who demonstrate Rotary’s spirit of service.
Spirit of Rotary Award
Mary Jo Cater
The Spirit of Rotary Award is presented to that Rotarian who through sustained, outstanding and unusual dedication to the ideals of “Service Above Self,” has contributed in a significant way to the established work of Rotary.
Rotarian of the Year Award
Jim Duffy
The Rotarian of the Year award is presented to a member who has exhibited outstanding achievements for the Club during the past year -- and including basic Rotary activities such as attendance, committee work, Foundation support, new member proposals, etc
Jim Duffy also received his 30-year perfect attendance award/pin
District Governor Max Duplant would like to meet with the Board half an hour before the regular meeting to talk with us. She asks that this meeting not be a regular or real board meeting.
AMRC Present Ben is inviting any committee chair or anyone else who has a club function to this non-Board Pre Meeting with the DG. He would like us to be there by 11:15
District Governor Duplant is scheduled to be at May Dragon at 11:30.
On Thursday June 17, Addison Midday Rotary Club divided large bags of Apples-Potatoes-Onions into small bags. The large bags were from a supplier to Metrocrest and the smaller bags were for children to take home as part of Sack Summer Hunger. AMRC created over 350 of the small bags.
We will again be 'Sacking Summer Hunger' on July 22.
Addison Midday Rotary Club is sacking Summer Hunger
The Rotary Year is from July 1 to June 30. These dates coincides with our club's tax year.
Beginning July 1, 2020, the Rotary International President is Holger Knaack
and the year's symbol to the left.
The theme for 2020-21, Rotary Opens Opportunities, asks Rotarians to create opportunities that strengthen their leadership, help put service ideas into action, and improve the lives of those in need.
Lauren Marold will be speaking on the Modality of Story Telling. As humans, we have built our understanding of the world through oral tradition. Storytelling builds empathy and develops connections between people as we seek to better understand our own experiences in life. Lauren will share ideas on how we can continue to tell our stories and create lasting connections with our families, friends, and communities.
Lauren was is a 2002 RYLA Alumni and has been a speaker and counselor for that program for many years. She has an undergraduate degree in Painting from Texas State University, a Masters from SMU in Liberal Studies and Creative Writing, and a Masters from George Washington University in Educational Technology Leadership. She has just accepted the position of Director of Technology at Preston Hollow Presbyterian School in Dallas.
Methodist Hospital for Surgery offers top notch surgical services for Spine, Orthopedics, Ear Nose & Throat and Podiatry. Touting some of the area’s leading specialists in these fields, Methodist Hospital for Surgery is setting a new standard of care for the Dallas/Fort Worth metro area.
Heather Young is the Hospital Liaison Manager for Methodist Hospital for Surgery in Addison. She has been with Methodist Hospital for over six years. She is a graduate of the University of Houston and New Mexico State University.
June 15 Meeting - The Methodist Hospital in Addison
Thursday 6/17 5pm – 6: 30 pm – If you signed up for a spot and can not make it, please contact Mary JO
Attire: Masks and closed-toed shoes are required for volunteers' safety. Please no flip-flops or open toed sandals. T-shirts, jeans, and shorts of appropriate length are recommended.
Parking Details: Park in the Food Pantry parking lot in the back of the building. To get to the food pantry continue past the parking lot to turn right onto Hutton Ct. then turn right into the parking lot at the back. Walk up the ramp to Door C and ring the doorbell.
Check-in Details: Volunteers will come up the ramp to Door C and ring the doorbell to be let in by a Metrocrest Services staff or AmeriCorps Member.
This meeting will provide members an overview of Rotary's principles and history. It will also offer Rotarians ideas on how to make the most of their service, fellowship, opportunities and obligations within the organization.
The future Dallas North Tollway (DNT) Phase 4 project will extend the tollway 13.7 miles north of US 380. When this extension is complete, it will provide a direct link between downtown Dallas and growing areas in Collin, Denton and Grayson counties. The project is currently in the planning and design phase.
The NTTA Board of Directors chose an alignment for the Phase 4 extension that straddles the Collin-Denton county line from FM 428 in Collin County to the Grayson County line. The county alignment provides a greater economic development benefit for most of the region, requires less right of way and follows an existing county road system.
Initially, there was an additional section identified as part of this extension. It was referred to as Phase 5A and would have extended the DNT from the Grayson County line to FM 121 in Grayson County.
For any Rotarian willing to put a Metrocrest Services “I Volunteer” sign on your yard please fill out this short survey confirming your address. A volunteer will place the sign in your lawn the first week of May. As an incentive for saying YES, you’ll also be receiving a Metrocrest t-shirt!
Club Member Jon Silva will talk to us about the only store generating proceeds to support Metrocrest services in its efforts to help families in need.
By choosing to shop or donate, you are helping low income families right here in our community through aid programs provided by Metrocrest Services to families and seniors in Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Coppell, Addison and Dallas in Denton County.
The Metrocrest Services Volunteer Appreciation Event (May 8, 3:00-4:00 p.m.) is Virtual this year. We’d love for you to RSVP for this virtual (FREE) event. The event is a celebration of Volunteerism, celebrating you and those that have served our community for the past 50 years.
Addison gets its water from the Dallas Water Utilities (DWU), a non-profit City of Dallas department that provides services to the city of Dallas and 31 nearby communities, including Addiosn
DWU currently obtains water from area reservoirs: Lake Ray Hubbard, Lake Lewisville, Lake Grapevine, Lake Ray Roberts and Lake Tawakoni. DWU plans to use Lake Fork and Lake Palestine in the future when water demands increase.
We made 50 Easter Baskets. Hope Supply is distributing them through out the community. They can use more baskets. Consider this project for you group next year.
There is an advantage to growing up in a humble setting with meager means. The reality of your circumstances can either pummel you into mediocrity or extract from you a burning desire to excel and rise above. My story is one of the latter. For the last three decades my hunger to rise above has yielded an impressive array of accomplishments. From multiple successful businesses to bodybuilding championships, radio, TV, stage, and print work to authoring 9 books; from an entire Sales and Personal Development series to speaking in front of many diverse audiences on different topics; all have uniquely qualified me to offer valuable knowledge, instruction, inspiration, and impact to those seeking to develop a higher and greater expression of themselves.
June is designated Rotary Fellowships Month to recognize the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with similar recreational and vocational interests, promote increased participation in fellowships, and increase understanding of this program.
What are the benefits for Rotarians in joining the Rotary Fellowships? Fellowship provides opportunities for Rotarians to make lasting friendships outside their own Club, District or country. There are many Fellowships that would be of interest to our members, and they are detailed on https://www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/more-fellowships
The Federal Reserve System is the central bank of the United States. It performs five general functions to promote the effective operation of the U.S. economy and, more generally, the public interest.
Stephen Clayton joined the Communication and Outreach department at the Dallas Fed in August 2010. He assumed responsibility for the Bank’s Community Engagement department in October of 2015. Clayton leads a team responsible for building relationships across the Eleventh District that support the amplification of Dallas Fed research and facilitates dialogues with business and community leaders about the economy and community issues.
AMRC received this Thank You note from Chloe Keggen. Chloe was one of our selected campers for Camp RYLA 2020 and she successfully completed our virtual camp RYLead yesterday. Her cabin won the coveted Camp Cup which is a camp long competition with many elements.
Another of our campers, Kevin Utz, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship yesterday for his exceptional work throughout RYLead. Only five scholarships were awarded from the 70 students who completed all six modules of RYLead. The scholarships were provided by the RYLA 5810 Foundation.
Dear Mr. Duffy,
Early last year, I reached out to you in hopes of getting involved with RYLA. A few emails and an interview later, I found myself excited for the opportunity to join the RYLead family. I want to thank you for this opportunity and these lessons that I’ve learned in each module.
We just concluded our last module, and we reflected on the past few months. My cabin, Cabin 9 *cough cough the winning cabin cough*, shared how we feel at home in the RYLA family. Thank you for inviting me to be a part of that.
I hope to continue being involved with RYLA 5810, and I am so excited for what the future holds.
Joel Jenkinson will be giving us an update on what is happening at Addison Airport and tell us what all that construction along Addison Road is 'all about'.
In the interest of staying warm and safe, we will not have an in-person option for our meeting this coming Tuesday, February 16. We will be Zoom only.
February 16 Meeting - Addison Airport is Taking Off!
At our Feb 2 meeting, Speaker Lisa Rigby of Woven Health Clinic presented club member Al Angell with a Top Donor Award for his contribution to Woven Clinic.
Club President Bruce Arfsten will visit the Interact Club at Jesuit Dallas to present their Interact lapel pins on Feb 25! Addison Midday Rotary is proud to sponsor this club.
Shannon Hicks, P.E., Director of Public Works and Engineering Services
Midway Road Reconstruction
You may have noticed that the Midway Road construction project signs have been installed. Construction will begin at the intersection of Midway and Belt Line in the later half of February. Town staff is in the process of working with its contractors to finalize the phasing and traffic plans. Once finalized, the Town will be able to share a more definitive schedule for lane closures and traffic switches.
To track road closures and other useful information during construction, click on Midway Road Reconstruction.
The Paul Harris Fellow program recognizes individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation.
The honor is named for Paul Harris who founded Rotary at age 36.
In December 2020, the Addison Midday Rotary Club picked pick up litter along the White Rock Creek Trail in Addison. Why December? – No snakes and the vegetation had thinned due to the frost. We also saw the great carvings / art installation along the trail. The carvings were made in trees that were toppled in a windstorm. Thank you, club member Mary Jo, for organizing the cleanup work with the Addison Parks Department and providing refreshments. Mary Jo loves this park where the Addison Arbor Foundation turned storm damaged tree stumps into art! Great job everyone!
Erin Carter will give us an update from a local, regional, and national perspective on the business community, as well as discussion on the upcoming legislative issues.
January 12 Meeting - Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce
On December 5, the Addison Midday Rotary Club helped Metrocrest Services set up their Holiday Store with Addison Midday Rotary members and volunteers!
Qualified families may come to the store to receive unwrapped toys and gifts, boxes of food and new or gently used winter coats. Distributions are based on family size and conducted at the temporary Holiday Store - by appointment only.
Metrocrest Services is doing a fundraiser that lets people signup for Santa to call their child.
They need great Ho Ho Ho voices to call approximately 15 households during the week before Christmas doing their best Santa imitation. Estimated time is 3 hours, calling from your home or office.
Please contact Nicole Binkley at Metrocrest Services. Her number is 972-446-2129 and email is nbinkley@metrcrestservices.org
Please be sure that she knows you are with Addison Midday Rotary!
This is a “drive through” - fully socially distanced - food pantry experience. There are 3 loading stations, 1 station for toiletries, 1 for perishable food (meat, eggs, milk, etc.) , and 3 a stop for non-perishables (canned goods, pasta etc.). Families must stay in their cars while pantry workers put food in the trunks or backseats of vehicles. Most of the time (easily over 90%) you are outdoors.
Food Box Assembly and Sorting at Skylane Warehouse
Job Description: Volunteers will assembly bags and boxes of shelf stable food items that will be distributed through our Drive-Thru Food Pantry, as well as sorting and processing donated food items. This job does not interact with clients, only Metrocrest Services staff, and the other volunteers serving with you.
Qualifications: Volunteers must be comfortable with moving and standing for extended periods of time, and be comfortable with lifting up to 5-15 lbs.
Shift opportunities: Shifts will be 9am to 11 am and 12 pm to 2 pm Tuesday-Thursday. There are a maximum of 12 volunteer spots available per shift.
If you can not work the 17th, sign up for another date.
Help set up the Metrocrest Services Holiday Store!
Saturday, December 5th
from 9:00 - 11:00 am
Location: Metrocrest Services Holiday Site: 3427 E. Trinity Mills Rd. Suite 900 Dallas, TX 75287
Parking and Check in- Volunteers will park in the parking lot in front of the Holiday Site. Volunteers must wear masks into the building. Volunteers will be greeted by a staff member or Metrocrest Services employee. We ask that volunteers please maintain physical distancing from other volunteers as you check in and volunteer.
So if you are unable to fill your spot, please tell Mary Jo!
The Addison Midday Rotary Club will pick up litter and explore the White Rock Creek Trail and the art installation along the trail.
We we meet at Al Angell's house - 14540 Winnewood, Saturday December 19.. As always park in Al's drive. If no room in the drive, park on the side of the street with his house.
We will begin at 10:00am and we are expect to be done picking up litter by 11:30. Hot apple cider and muffins to go.
If it is nasty weather, we will postpone.
Please let Mary Jo know if you plan to participate. She needs to reserve the equipment. And needs to send everyone who signs up the legal wording from the Town that you will not hold them liable for anything.
December 19 - Clean and Explore the White Rock Creek Trail
Rich Perry - Community Service Director at Jesuit Dallas
The Interact Club Sponsored by AMRC
Richard Perry is also the staff adviser for the Jesuit Dallas Interact Club sponsored by the Addison Midday Rotary club. Mr. Perry provide us with an update on the various service projects the Interact members have been involved with this fall.
Interact is a service club for youth ages 12 to 18 who want to connect with other young people and have fun while serving their communities and learning about the world. Clubs, which meet at least twice a month, are sponsored by local Rotary clubs. Interact clubs organize two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Members of sponsor Rotary clubs mentor Interactors as they carry out the projects and develop leadership skills.
John graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. He is an Enrolled Agent, a Fellow of the National Tax Practice Institute, and a Certified Tax Resolution Specialist. John specializes in representing clients before all administrative branches of the Internal Revenue Service. He is an expert at representing taxpayers in audits, filing offers in compromise, establishing currently not collectible status and installment agreements, removing wage garnishments, reversing bank levies, and removing tax liens.
Any date is a good time to donate to Metrocrest Services
We all know that the number of families assisted by Metrocrest Services has skyrocketed and there is real continuing unmet need in our community. The Pantry has just updated their critical needs Wish List on Amazon!
The Addison Midday Rotary Club is sponsoring a virtual food drive, Oct first through the tenth.
To donate, click the Amazon link below and have the products shipped directly to the Metrocrest Services Warehouse! You will notice there are many personal hygiene items on this list - items that Metrocrest Services does not receive from other agencies.
Take a few minutes to help fill the warehouse today!
On Wednesday, October 14, the Addison Rotary Club will be at the Metrocrest Food Pantry, located at 13801 Hutton Drive in Farmers Branch from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm.
We will be stocking shelves and helping fill requests, among other activities.
We will observe COVID-19 protocols, including face masks, social distancing, constant hand washing, and wearing gloves while handling food packages.
Amazon Prime Day is back starting October 13 and will run through October 14. This is a great opportunity to increase AmazonSmile donations during this epic two days of deals and promotions.
We will talk about the club, new members and projects.
Please remember World Polio Day is October 24. Global health experts and partners share our progress on the road to polio eradication. Visit the Rotary International Facebook page to watch with other end polio supporters.
One College concept and progress at the Brookhaven Campus
Dr. Linda Braddy is President of Dallas College - Brookhaven in Farmer's Branch, Texas, where she is responsible for leading initiatives which contribute to the vibrancy, growth, and economic stability of Dallas County. She recently also served as interim Provost for Dallas College as they transitioned from seven independently accredited colleges to a singly-accredited college.
She previously served as Vice President for Academic Affairs and academic dean at Tarrant County College in Fort Worth; Deputy Executive Director of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA) in Washington, D.C.; and chair of the Department of Mathematics at East Central University in Ada, Oklahoma. She has a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Oklahoma and promotes social justice in society via equity, inclusion, and the use of culturally responsive practices in higher education.
On November 3rd, Dallas voters will vote on a nearly $3.7 billion Dallas ISD bond package.
The package would touch nearly every building in the state’s second-largest school district over the next decade, with over $1.9 billion allocated for modernizations and renovations. Ten new facilities and 14 replacement campuses would be constructed, at a cost of $1.1 billion.
The last three bonds issued by Dallas have all been in excess of $1 billion: $1.6 billion in 2015, $1.366 billion in 2008 and $1.35 billion in 2002.
Hats Off to Club Past President Jerry Allison for leading the club to achieving the Rotary Citation during 2019 - 2020!
The Rotary Citation recognizes Rotary clubs that support our strategic priorities by completing certain activities. Clubs have the entire Rotary year to achieve the citation’s goals. Rotary can automatically verify many of you
September 22nd- Tracy Eubanks CEO of Metrocrest Services will speak to us about how we might offer individual services and mentoring to clients during these times.
Mike Pugh will talk to us about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and serving as a host family
Rotary Youth Exchange inspires young leaders to serve as catalysts for peace and social justice in their local communities and throughout the world, long after their exchanges end. This program is possible because of the dedication, leadership, and passion of the tens of thousands of volunteers — Rotary members and nonmembers alike — who make this unique program so successful.
Psychologist Dr. Karl Neiumann will have a conversation with us about the Stress of a Covid-19 World and some ideas for helping us and others cope.
The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may be stressful for people. Fear and anxiety about a new disease and what could happen can be overwhelming and cause strong emotions in adults and children. Public health actions, such as social distancing, can make people feel isolated and lonely and can increase stress and anxiety. However, these actions are necessary to reduce the spread of COVID-19.
Jana Tidwell - The Director of Parks and Recreation for the Town of Addison
The Trail System in Addison
Jana Tidwell will speak to us about the new Trail System plan that is being formulated and activities in her department.
The Town of Addison is building upon previous community planning efforts to establish a City-Wide Trails Master Plan. Trails are important to the city’s health and play a vital role in the community. This past spring, the city undertook a survey to identify what is needed, what trail connections need to be made and what types of connections are most important to Addison.
November is Rotary Foundation Month The Rotary Foundation transforms your gifts into projects that change lives both close to home and around the world. As the charitable arm of Rotary International, we tap into a global network of Rotarians who invest their time, money, and expertise into our priorities, such as eradicating polio and promoting peace. Foundation grants empower Rotarians to approach challenges such as poverty, illiteracy, and malnutrition with sustainable solutions that leave a lasting impact.
In this time of economic crisis, many Rotarians are finding themselves in an unfortunate state so many Americans are experiencing, unemployment. We believe Rotarians should help each other, so Districts 5790 and 5810 are launching the Districts 5790 and 5810 Virtual Jobs Fair.
Rotarian members of our districts with job opportunities can post them here. Rotarians desiring a job will be able to look for opportunities that fit their skills and Rotarian employers can be assured of hiring a person of integrity and ethical character. This is Rotarians helping Rotarians.
• Purpose: Connect Rotarians looking for a job with Rotarians looking for good people.
• Execution: The intent is for this to be a ’self-serve’ system where Rotarians can contact each other to arrange interviews, etc.
• Duration: The initial plan is 120 days. This may change depending on circumstances.
• Repository: Dropbox will provide a secure location where Rotarians resumes can be uploaded and job opportunities can be posted.
• Job seekers: Resumes will be posted with a document title indicating their name, type of job their are seeking and their preferred industry.
• Employers:. Resumes can be reviewed in the Resume Folder and downloaded as desired.
• Dealing with Resumes: To be ‘fair to all concerned’, participants will be required to remove their listings when the jobs are filled.
To find out how you can become a Rotarian and take advantage of this service, please contact the Addison Midday Rotary Club at addisonmiddayrotary@gmail.com
George Bush Elementary School Principal, Carole Crowling accepted our collection of dry erase markers - still the most requested school supply! Check out her cool shield!
In addition, over $150 was raised for the school to purchase more Dry Erase Markers when needed. This is the fourth year our club has provided Dry Erase Markers to Bush Elementary School.
Congratulations to the 2019-2020 Award Winners, announced at our Virtual Installation Dinner on June 30
At awarded on August 4, our first 'Live' meeting
Rotarian of the Year - Ivan Hughes
The Rotarian of the Year award is presented to a member who has exhibited outstanding achievements for the Club during the past year -- and including basic Rotary activities such as attendance, committee work, Foundation support, new member proposals, etc.
And a big thanks, plaque and pin were given to our past President, Dr. Jerry Allison.
History and Memory at the Alamo and San Jacinto Battleground
Jeff Dunn will not dwell on the facts of these events, but instead will focus on what happened to these sites after 1836, how and when the state acquired the sites, and the controversies that followed concerning how to present these sites to the public.
From Wikipedia: “The Battle of San Jacinto, fought on April 21, 1836, in present-day Houston, Texas, was the decisive battle of the Texas Revolution. Led by General Samuel Houston, the Texan Army engaged and defeated General Antonio López de Santa Ann’s Mexican army in a fight that lasted just 18 minutes. A detailed, first-hand account of the battle was written by General Houston from the headquarters of the Texan Army, San Jacinto, on April 25, 1836. Numerous secondary analyses and interpretations have followed.”
Two of the people that have been most involved with RYLA - Dana Mackison and Sly Majid - will speak on the new program called RYLead.
With the cancelling of Camp RYLA District 5810 due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we want to ensure the group of students and alternates selected to participate in this year's program have an opportunity to expand and develop their leadership skills.
This summer the RYLA staff and alumni will pilot a digital leadership program called RYLead (Rotary Youth Leadership Education and Development). The program will be delivered virtually and serve as a high-level leadership training program that is educational, engaging, and entertaining.
The students will receive specially curated leadership workshops, mentorship from RYLA alumni who participated in the program, and unique one of a kind experiences to support them during their senior year and further prepare them for their future. Although not a camp experience we will be sharing a lot of the same core values with this group.
Club Assembly to Discuss Schedule of Events During this Pandemic.
Ron will lead a discussion on the schedule of events and speakers planned for the next couple of months. We need to talk about talk about expanding membership during the pandemic. Question - how can we approach former members now that we are operating remotely.
"We meet the critical needs of homeless and at-risk children across North Texas by providing necessities including diapers, clothing, school supplies and toys to enhance their lives."
Barbara Johnson grew up in the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia where her father was an international business man. She attended Stanford University and studied economics and International Relations.
"Growing up in developing countries, I experienced around me a lot of poverty and need, and was really struck by the inequalities in the world. While we lived comfortably in homes with air conditioning, furnishings and ample food, families and individuals were living in squalor…..even sometimes in cardboard boxes. It had a lasting effect on me." After relocating to Dallas 30 years ago, she first stayed home raising my children while working part time on a tax and accounting business at home. About 10 years ago she volunteered at a nonprofit where she eventually got hired. Her nonprofit career had begun!
Hi Jerry and the Members of Addison Midday Rotary,
We hope that you are safe and healthy and coping well with the Covid-19 crisis.
We have received and deposited your check. Thank you so much for your incredible contribution to support our 2020-2021 Nutrition Fund at Education Plus. We appreciate your kindness and your immense generosity in these uncertain times.
As you may know from our newsletter, during the pandemic we have suspended our on-site services and now provide our students with homework and food packets to be prepared at home. We hope to get back to having classes and serving lunch on-site sometime this summer.
Your gift has been matched for a total contribution of $4,800 and will provide our students and their families with over 10,000 nutritious meals! Our kids love the food that we serve them and you are helping to provide the nutrition that they need to be healthy and to concentrate on their studies at home.
Let’s hope that this crisis is over (or at least safer!) soon and we can get back to serving and teaching these children the way that we do best; with an abundance of positive reinforcement and love. Things may not be “normal” for a very long time, but we will keep adapting to whatever challenges that we face.
Here’s a short video of our Food Distribution Program in times of Covid-19 at Casa de Los Sueños for you to share:
Club President Jerry is pleased to report the Addison Midday Rotary Club raised $2,400 for Education Plus Nicaragua, a charity he worked with on his Rotary trip to Nicaragua.
In June 2014, our community center Casa de los Sueños (CDLS) opened to the joy of nearly 200 children and their parents. Here we provide food, education, and activities in order to eliminate malnutrition, instill core values, and give them the resources they need to rise above their impoverished circumstances. We offer our children a safe haven that keeps them off the streets, and exciting opportunities that keep them into education. In a country with the highest primary school dropout rate in Central America, our students believe that going to university is within their reach. Not only that, the children arrive to our program overjoyed to be there. Instead of hunger, what these children – the “forgotten children” – now have, is hope.
The Rotary Club of North Texas Veterans is being formed to support veterans and veteran causes in North Texas. Do you know of any veterans that should be Rotarians? Veterans who want to continue to serve the community and build goodwill and camaraderie alongside fellow Veterans? They can find out more about Rotary Club of North Texas Veterans via Zoom this Thursday June 4th 7:00 PM.
“Service Above Self” is what best describes the work of a Rotarian and it is the motto of Rotary International. When we took that Oath of Service to join the military, we put aside our individual goals and do what is best for the people and community that we are serving.
June 9th Meeting: Vote on the new Governing Documents
- Adopt the Standard Rotary Club Constitution (no changes). - Approve the updated bylaws and P&Ps.
On May 19th, an email was sent to Club Members from Ivan which included: - A summary of changes in the constitution, in the draft bylaws, and in the draft Policies and Procedures (P&Ps); - The July 2019 Standard Rotary Club constitution — the only changes are that our name and locality have been typed in; - Draft updated bylaws; and - Draft updated P&Ps.
if you can not find your copy, please contact Ivan for a second set.
1776 a group of determined individuals face impossible odds. Their goal: to defeat the mightiest nation on earth. They are unorganized, have few resources, and no outside support. But they have a dream -- freedom - - and they will not give up.
Using thrilling stories from the American Revolution combined with the words of the Founding Fathers, this inspiring presentation provides direction for anyone who has a dream to achieve.
See how the actions and words of America’s first patriots still point the way to success for us today … … hear how the beliefs of the Founding Fathers became a force stronger than the best armies in the world. … listen to the words that motivated the citizens of the 13 colonies and unified them into one nation. … learn the leadership secrets that enabled ordinary people to turn the world upside down.
JUNE IS ROTARY FELLOWSHIP MONTH. June is designated Rotary Fellowships Month to recognize the importance of international fellowship and goodwill among Rotarians with similar recreational and vocational interests, promote increased participation in fellowships, and increase understanding of this program.
We need volunteers to set out and pick up flags. Friday/Saturday May 22, 23 and May 29,30
We can break into smaller routes if needed.
We can try Caravans. Ben and Virginia have volunteered to drive behind Al, and put the flags in Al's van at the storage unit and put out the flags in Addison East. Al will never get out of the van.
Ivan and Wanda have volunteered to drive another route - someone is needed to put out the flags.
Dean volunteered to drive one weekend.
Phyllis and Ray have volunteered to drive one weekend.
We need drivers and workers for at least three routes each week. We do not want to put anyone at risk, so the caravan idea may be a good strategy.
As an alternative we can break the routes into smaller routes that can be picked up and put into one vehicle - may 15 flags.
We also need a coordinator - Mary Jo is unavailable after May 5.
Please let us know your availability to work or drive on each weekend. And if Friday or Saturday works best for you. Please commit!
During our virtual meeting on April 21, 2020 it was announced that Scott Buzzell has been made an Honorary Member. Scott is Past-President of the Addison Midday Rotary Club, was an Assistant District Governor of Rotary District 5810 and was Chairman of the District's Awards Committee for two years.
Visit our Facebook site to hear comments about Scott from a few of our members.
Addison Midday Rotary Club donates chocolate bunnies to Metrocrest Services.
The club had planned to make Easter Basket at our March 24 meeting. Due to the Dallas County Local Disaster Declaration, we could not meet and make the baskets. Some of the items, include 70 chocolate bunnies, could not be saved for reuse next year. These items were given to Metorcrest Services.
Goggle Donation
Club member Nancy William arranged for 100 safety goggles from the Good Shepherd Episcopal School to be donated to President Jerry Allison’s physician group. Dr. Allison is an Emergency Room Doctor.
Recent Community Services provided by the Addison Midday Rotary Club
Addison Midday Rotary Club arranged for a $4,500 donation to Metrocrest Services.
On March 24, 2020 the Board of the Addison Midday Rotary Club approved a $2,000 donation to Metrocrest Services to support their programs including their food pantry.
On March 25 District 5810 announced the District would match up to $1,250.00 per grant request, resulting in a $2,500.00 total grant, to meet the critical needs of communities in the district. In addition, each club was invited to add to that amount. Grant funding was mad available thru the District Designated Funds (DDF). The District rules and process applied to this one-time grant.
On March 26, the Board of the Addison Midday Rotary Club approved an additional donation of $1,250 to Metrocrest Services and approved a grant application to District 5810 for a matching grant from the District Designated Funds.
On March 31, District 5810 approved our matching grant from 3250. Addison Midday Rotary Club quickly wrote an additional check to Metrocrest Services for $1,250.
No Meeting at May Dragon. Meet and tour Bitter Sister Brewery, 15103 Surveyor Dr., Addison, TX. Bitter Sisters Brewing Company is a family-run craft brewery specializing in ales & lagers with a simple tasting room. Their motto is “Our sisters are bitter… Our beer isn’t”.
The Addison Rotary Club has a friend going to an eye clinic, in March, in Mexico. If you have any old, but in good shape, unused eyeglasses, you can donate them to the eye clinic in Mexico. Donations are needed by Feb 16.Contact President Jerry if you have any old glasses to donate.
Location Escape Expert 2201 Ave K Suite A-200, Plano 75074
Lunch is provided
This is a District training opportunity that utilizes The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner, 2012. The five practices that will be examined during this training combine to produce a powerful impact within organizations by creating environments in which ordinary people achieve extraordinary results.
The Addison Athletic Club Open House will be Friday January 24, 2020. We will stuff string bags during our lunch hour on Tuesday, January 21. We will meet at the Athletic Club.
Clubmembers Corky Pledger and Cynthia Allison spent Wednesday buying $2,000 worth of presents for Santa's Heroes, sponsored by the Addison Police and Fire Department. Funds for the presents came from the Addison Midday Rotary Club with matching grant from the Rotary Foundation / District 5810.
The presents will be distributed in Addison before Christmas, but will be wrapped next week.
A representative from each Rotary club must attend the Foundation Seminar/Grant Certification Training to be eligible to apply for a District and/or Global grant in 2020-2021.
On July 29 at the Town of Addison's council meeting, the Police and Fire Departments received donations from the Addison Rotary and Addison Midday Rotary Clubs in the amount of $800 each.
This money will be used towards Santa's Heroes and the Addison Police and Fire Relief Fund. We sincerely appreciate their support of our organization and the community we serve!
Donation to the Addison Police and Fire Departments
On October 29 at 7 pm at the Town of Addison City Council meeting, a check will be presented to the Addison Fire and Police Departments Cops-n-Kids program from the Addison and Addison Midday Rotary Clubs.
This check is the money raised from our pancake breakfast held last summer.
Please try to make the meeting to see the presentation.
Polio eradication is Rotary’s top philanthropic priority. When Rotary launched the PolioPlus program in 1985, there were more than 350,000 polio cases in over 125 countries. Since 1988, Rotary has worked with its partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative to help immunize more than 2.5 billion children and reduce the incidence of polio by 99 percent. Rotary has contributed more than US$1 billion to the global eradication efforts.
The Addison Midday Rotary Club is raising money for Polio
As of October 17 we have raised $170.
Tickets are 1 - for $10 or 3 - for $20
No other combination of tickets. If you would like 6 tickets the cost is $40.
Drawing is October 22, you do not need to be present to win.
Write you name on the back of the ticket to be eligible to win.
Third prize – a $25 gift card plus 1 Foundation Recognition Point for each dollar (170 points minimum) raised up to 500 points
Second prize – a $50 gift card plus 2 Foundation Recognition Points for each dollar (340 minimum) raised up to 1,000 points.
First prize – a $100 gift card plus 3 Foundation Recognition Points for each dollar raised (510 minimum) up to 1,500 points.
The Foundation Recognition Points will be submitted to the Rotary Foundation in the winner’s name.
You could become an instant Paul Harris
In addition, donations to Polio Plus will be accepted at the meeting.
For each check put in the donation container, one additional Foundation Recognition Point, for each dollar on the check, will be donated in the persons name to Polio Plus/Paul Harris. A maximum 1,000 points will be donated for all the checks in the container. If more than $1000 is raised the 1000 Foundation Recognition Points will be pro-rated between donations.
Example: A donation of $100 will get a person 200 points (one point per dollar donated and one point from AMRC).
There will be a REAL Leadership Training - Basic workshop on October 19 from 8:00AM to 5:00PM at the Escape Expert, 2201 Ave K Suite A-200, Plano 75074. Lunch is provided.
The workshop is $75 and is open to all Rotarians. To register, talk to President Jerry.
REAL Basic utilizes The Leadership Challenge by Kouzes and Posner, 2012. Much has been written about leaders and leadership. The following leadership practices framework is based on research around the world. The research shows that this framework works in all kinds of organizations, large and small, for profit and not for profit, and in different cultures. Have confidence that the framework is sound. The five practices combine to produce a powerful impact within organizations by creating environments in which ordinary people achieve extraordinary results.
DG Grogan will share her vision for the 2019-2020 Rotary year.
DG Grogan is an experienced Event Coordinator with a demonstrated history of working in the government administration industry. She is skilled in Nonprofit Organizations, Government, Sales, Event Management, and Volunteer Management. Strong community and social services professional with a Graduate Studies focused in Organizational behavior, telecommunications from St. Mary's University, San Antonio - Webster University, St. Louis.
Board members please remember to arrive at 11:00 to meet with DG Grogan
Our club has sent about 400 pill jars overseas. Originally the cost was free, but no longer. The Board has decided to no longer participate in this project.
Help support the RYLA 5810 Foundation this NTGD! September 19, 2019
Every year, Camp RYLA 5810 has the opportunity to impact 185+ juniors in high school, from all over District 5810 for 6 days of camp. All Rotarians know that the impact of those 6 days, last the other 359 days of the year and beyond. The RYLA 5810 Foundation, was created to not only support Camp functions, but to help us build towards our greater mission of becoming a global leader in alternative, highly effective leadership training for leaders from youth to executive level.
The RYLA 5810 Foundation asks you to consider giving on North Texas Giving Day! You can also preschedule your gift starting September 9th. Your gifts will support the continuation of the excellent programming currently offered by our organization, with the support of District 5810 Rotary clubs, and help RYLA 5810 keep an eye to the future.
Save the date! Celebrate the power of volunteerism at the 7th Annual Seasons of Service Luncheon on Monday, October 7, from 11:30 a.m . to 1:30 p.m. at the Courtyard Marriott, Carrollton Conference Center.
Hi Linda, I wanted to take a minute to share with you my thoughts on RYLA this passed week, that my son attended. He came home beaming and saying that it was the BEST week ever! He could not even share his experience fast enough as he was still on a “high”. The relationships he made were clearly life changing. Last night he went thru the pictures with us, each picture was a story to be shared. Needless to say he/they are working on a reunion soon. Thank you for putting up with my uncertainty and questions. You really made me feel at ease and comfortable with the whole experience. Thank you again RYLA!
Congratulations to the Award Winners at our Installation Dinner on July 10
Rotarian of the Year - Lori Ward
The Rotarian of the Year award is presented to a member who has exhibited outstanding achievements for the Club during the past year -- and including basic Rotary activities such as attendance, committee work, Foundation support, new member proposals, etc.
Spirit of Rotary Award - Al Angell
The Spirit of Rotary Award is presented to that Rotarian who through sustained, outstanding and unusual dedication to the ideals of “Service Above Self,” has contributed in a significant way to the established work of Rotary.
Perfect Attendance
Jim Duffy - 28 Years
Greg Hanson - 25 Years
Stan Herrin - 10 Years
Linda Groce - 9 Years
Thanks Bruce Arfsten for being a great host and ententainer
On June 18 we met at the Metrocrest Services Warehouse were we unpacked bags that were not distributed during the previous Sack Summer Hunger Distribution.
Metrocrest Services distributes over 1,000 meals each week during the summer.
Additional pictures found in the Album Section on this homepage.
The Addison Midday Rotary Club received the District 5810 Literacy Award at the District's Award . The Literacy Award is presented in Honor of P.D.G. Paul Yeager by the Rotary Club of McKinney Sunrise Club. The Literacy Award recognizes the club, which through its actions, has done most to increase the literacy level of people either locally and/or internationally.
The Addison Midday Rotary Club volunteered at the George H W Bush Elementary School's PTA Carnival - 2019 Patriot Fest. We helped set up the games, sold tickets and manned the games. Great seeing so many smiles! More pictrues can be found under Photo Album.
At the May 14 meeting of the Addison Midday Rotary Club two new membership categories were approved
1) Household Membership : Be a spouse, family member or partner of an Active Member living at the same address.
2) Under 40 Membership:
(a) Is under the age of 40 when applying for membership in this club, and
(b) Expires upon the beginning of the next quarter after the member’s 40th birthday, at which date the membership automatically become an Active Membership.
Please tell friends, relatives, and household members of these new categories and see if they are interested in joining Addison Midday Rotary Club!
After Rev. Webster Kaisi and Mark Harris of the Medical Benevolence Foundation told us of running a Hospital in Malawi, a country where over 90% of the electricity is generated hydrelectricly. In time of drought, electricty is difficult to obtain. The Addison Midday Rotary Club donated to their drive to obtain solar power for the Hospital.
Again this year, the Addison Midday Rotary Club made 50 Easter Baskets for Hope Supply. Hope Supply told us that they were about 200 Easter Baskets short of requested baskets. This is a good project for a Rotary Club, group or individual. We make the baskets for less than $10 and we assemble them in 20 minutes.
Did you see this story in the Dallas Morning News about REACT in Addison? In 2018 the Addison Midday Rotary Club supported REACT with a scholarship to REACT's "No Athlete Left Behind" program and a scholarship to REACT's "Legacy Project". Funds for these scholarships came from our Flag Lease Program.
Christine DeCoudreaux-Ngonga was born and raised in Chicago, IL. She is a Director of Public Engagement with ten plus years of experience in generating and managing large and small campaigns tailored to specific audiences. She brings significant experience in working as a communications specialist for nonprofits, publicly traded companies, and small businesses. Christine has an extensive background experience in public engagement, community outreach, event planning and marketing and public relations campaigns. She joined the DART Silver Line team in August of 2019 to assist in managing the various questions that are asked by the community for the Silver Line Project. Christine became the Community Engagement Representative for the Town of Addison and City of Dallas during the pandemic as members of the team retired and was then promoted to her current role Deputy Public Involvement Lead for the Silver Line Project. She has dedicated 6 years of hard work building relationships and connections with the various communities and partners along the 26-mile corridor to the Silver Line Project and is looking forward to the opening ceremonies later this year. 
A charter member of the Addison Midday Rotary Club, Jim Duffy is a past president of the Addison Rotary Club. A nine-time Paul Harris Fellow, he is a member of the Paul Harris Society, a Benefactor and a Sustaining Member of the Rotary Foundation. He is also active at the District level of Rotary. He is a past Assistant Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and District 5810 New Generations Chairman, and was twice the District Conference Chair. He received the District 5810 “Service Above Self” award in 2013, was named “Rotarian of the Year” in 2014 and received the “Service to New Generations” award in 2015.
In conjunction with the Dallas-Uptown Rotary Club, the Addison Midday Rotary Club donated 103 Webster’s Dictionary for Students to the 103 third graders at George H. W. Bush Elementary School. 
Tracy Eubanks has been the CEO of Metrocrest Services since 2013. Prior to joining Metrocrest Services, Tracy served as the president of the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce and previous to that ran Mapsco, Inc., the map company that began in Dallas in 1952. Mapsco won the Metrocrest Chamber’s 2009 Business of the Year Award. 
Jackie Rakowski is a passionate and seasoned Executive Director with extensive experience in community engagement and nonprofit development. She currently leads Woven Health Clinic, where she drives strategic vision and oversees the clinic's outreach, engagement, and partnership initiatives.
Join us November 12 when AMRC club member Stan Herrin will talk about the Rotary Foundation.
David Jones, Fire Chief for the Town of Addison, has 30 years of fire service experience, including over 26 years in Addison. He leads a 60-member department operating out of two stations, also serving a major general aviation airport. Prior to Addison, he was a Firefighter/Paramedic in Frisco.
Join us September 24 to hear Christopher J. Freis, Chief of Police, Addison Police Department.
On September 17, The Addison Midday Rotary Club met at the White Rock Chapel in Addison for lunch and to hear the story of the Freeman Community, the Chapel, and the people who built the chapel. Afterwards we presented Dr. Donald Wesson and Wanda Wesson with a gift for use of the facility. 
Join us August 6 to hear Mary Pat Higgins, Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum President and CEO. Mary Pat Higgins leads the Museum in its mission to teach the history of the Holocaust and advance human rights to combat prejudice, hatred and indifference.
Mary Pat has been a longtime advocate for children and educational initiatives. Prior to her role at the Museum, Mary Pat served as Associate Head and Chief Financial Officer at The Hockaday School in Dallas. She oversaw the annual operating budget, numerous school departments, investment management for a $125 million endowment and substantial construction and renovation activities.
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We need two (2) adults and one (1) vehicle to drive RYLA campers to Camp RYLA on May 26 and return May 31.
Encore Memory Care Day Center is focused on providing specialized programs for people with Alzheimer’s or other related Dementia diseases. Dementia is a general term (not a diagnosis) for loss of memory, language, problem-solving and other thinking abilities that are severe enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s is the most common cause of dementia. Think of Dementia as an umbrella term with the various types of Dementia identified under it.
Prior to owning Encore Laura Lester has always been an entrepreneur and owned and invested in other small businesses. Because she has cared for loved ones with dementia in her family, this cause is especially dear to her heart. When the opportunity arose to invest in this venture, Laura and her husband gave capital to get it started, never dreaming that eventually she would be running it and looking forward to coming to work there every day. Laura has owned Encore Memory Care Day Center for almost fourteen years and she and her staff consider it their ministry. We have created a place that we would have had our loved ones attend, if it had been available when we needed it.
Julie Goff is a 17-year veteran of Operation Kindness. In her role of Senior Development Manager, Julie is passionate about sharing the mission and impact of Operation Kindness with donors and the community. By forging important partnerships and engaging key supporters, she works to achieve Operation Kindness' annual fundraising plan of $15,000,000.
developed her enthusiasm for providing in-home senior care. Says Sabrina, “I just loved hearing her stories from her clients—they have experienced much change in their lives, and it was fascinating to listen.”
The tour will be given by Darci Neuzil, the deputy director of the Addison Airport, a busy corporate general aviation airport in the North Dallas business district. Darci was part of a start-up project team responsible for the airport management contract beginning in 2000. In her current position, she oversees the airport’s positive community relations, marketing, administration, communications, and special projects. She publishes business development materials, implements the successful airport noise program, and coordinates all airport special events and outreach. Prior to working at Addison Airport, she served as administrator of planning and development at DFW International Airport.
Dr. Linda Braddy joined the American Red Cross North Texas Region as its CEO in February of 2023. Linda served as the president of Dallas College Brookhaven Campus from 2019 to 2023, where she was responsible for leading initiatives which contribute to the vibrancy, growth, and economic stability of Dallas County. Among her responsibilities, Linda served as interim provost while helping Dallas College restructure to meet the needs of students and the community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Mary Jo (dressed as Little Red Riding Hood) 
Ashlee Brill-Weidner is the Director of Marketing and Development for the Dallas Historical Society. After graduating with a BA in History from the University of the Pacific, Ashlee has worked as a community leader in Dallas for the last 18 years. While sitting on numerous boards advocating for women’s and children's welfare and serving as a volunteer mentor, Ashlee has fundraised upwards of $20 million for local non-profit agencies.
Children's Advocacy Award - Club
Literary Award - Club
Star Award - Kelvin Roquemore
We assist the Addison Police and Fire Departments' Santa's Heroes Toy Drive plus Kids and Cops which support local children. Bush Elementary School gets our support throughout the year with needed teacher supplies, reading programs, and assistance with fundraising for the school.
Kenny’s Italian Kitchen
From the Town of Addison's Web Site: "Our mission is to preserve and enhance Addison's exceptional quality of life and work-environment by maximizing the recreational, social, and environmental and placemaking benefits of the community's parks, green spaces, and recreation facilities."
We inducted two new members: McRee Smith and Graig Hunter.
At his first meeting after becoming a new member, Mcree Smith received his AMRC Badge.
OF THE THINGS we think, say, or do:
Susan Stephens and her husband, Paul, homeschooled their children from Kindergarten through High School Graduation. Once their youngest went off to college, God called Susan to serve "the least of these", "the forgotten", "the marginalized" -- formerly incarcerated women and their children. She is currently the Executive Director for Exodus Ministries. She has found that, at Exodus, God uses everything He has given her to serve these families every day --counseling, advice, wisdom, discipline, insight, encouragement and creativity. It's all part of her daily job. She says she is truly blessed to have the privilege of a front row seat to watch God move in the lives of these women and children. He performs miracles every day and occasionally He allows her to participate. Praise God for His mercy and redemption! 
We are proud to cheer for AMRC Members Kelvin and Heather as they graduate from Leadership Metrocrest! 
Bring to the February 28 Meeting the Hygiene Items you have collected as part of the “Hearts for Hygiene Challenge”.
Hello, my name is Deena Israel. I graduated college at Eastern Kentucky University with a Therapeutic Recreation Degree in Science. I landed my first job with the town of Addison, my first and only interview. I have had the joy of working here for the Town of Addison for 23 years. I have had many different roles at the Addison Athletic Club. I first Started as the Children’s Coordinator and oversaw all children’s programs for 7 years, then moved over to Senior Coordinator and programmed for all the town seniors for 9 years, then moved to Recreation Supervisor for 5 years, and now have been promoted to Program Recreation Manager with senior programs for the past year. Its been a crazy and fun journey but I would not have changed a thing. I love creating community for the Town of Addison. It gives pure joy to bring community together.
Bill Dendy LOVES Rotary. He joined Rotary in 2000 with the Rotary Club of Dallas. Bill served as District Governor in 2016-17. During that time, North Texas Rotary led our Rotary zone in membership growth. Additionally, the North Texas District was recognized as top district for public image in the paired zones. Furthermore, our District’s Rotary Foundation giving grew with overall Foundation contributions increasing by over a million dollars.
World Polio Day is 24 October!
President is putting together the 2022-2023 Calendar.
At the April Board Meeting of the Addison Midday Rotary Club, Jim Duffy reported that the net proceeds of the Flag Lease Program from the third quarter of 2021-20220 was $1, 721.80. These funds were transferred to the Addison Midday Rotary Foundation to be used on upcoming projects. A 
Rotary District 5810 is now accepting Rotary Peace Fellowship applications for the 2023-24 academic year. Candidates have until 15 May to submit applications to The Rotary Foundation. Rotary endorsers must submit endorsements to The Rotary Foundation by 1 July.
Thanks to everyone for donating toys, books and games to the 'Bush Galleria' at G H W Bush Elementary School'. And a special 'hats off' to Mary Jo for organizing this service project.
Did you miss the video of the AMRC Octoberfest?
This year the Addison Midday Rotary Club supported Santa’s Heroes and Kids N Cops with two grants from Rotary District 5810.
Example - Stan Herrin was leaving a University of Illinois football game, when his wife decided to use the restroom. She gave Stan her purse to hold while she was inside.
On August 17, new member Mary Reed received her Rotary Pin. 
The District Awards Celebration Event was held on August 5.
● Environmental Health
Spirit of Rotary Award
Rotarian of the Year Award
New Member Vocational Talks
At our Feb 2 meeting, Speaker Lisa Rigby of Woven Health Clinic presented club member Al Angell with a Top Donor Award for his contribution to Woven Clinic.
They need great Ho Ho Ho voices to call approximately 15 households during the week before Christmas doing their best Santa imitation. Estimated time is 3 hours, calling from your home or office.
Interact is a service club for youth ages 12 to 18 who want to connect with other young people and have fun while serving their communities and learning about the world. Clubs, which meet at least twice a month, are sponsored by local Rotary clubs. Interact clubs organize two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Members of sponsor Rotary clubs mentor Interactors as they carry out the projects and develop leadership skills. 
SERVICE OPPORTUNITY - Mertrocrest Services!!
Mike Pugh will talk to us about the Rotary Youth Exchange Program and serving as a host family
I
Hi Jerry and the Members of Addison Midday Rotary,
1776 a group of determined individuals face impossible odds. Their goal: to defeat the mightiest nation on earth. They are unorganized, have few resources, and no outside support. But they have a dream -- freedom - - and they will not give up. 
See how the actions and words of America’s first patriots still point the way to success for us today … … hear how the beliefs of the Founding Fathers became a force stronger than the best armies in the world. … listen to the words that motivated the citizens of the 13 colonies and unified them into one nation. … learn the leadership secrets that enabled ordinary people to turn the world upside down.
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Service Lunch
Beverly Grogan
Thanks to everyone who donated markers to George HW Bush Elementary School.
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On June 18 we met at the Metrocrest Services Warehouse were we unpacked bags that were not distributed during the previous Sack Summer Hunger Distribution.
Welcome to our newest member of the Addison Midday Rotary Club.jpg)
The Addison Midday Rotary Club received the District 5810 Literacy Award at the District's Award . The Literacy Award is presented in Honor of P.D.G. Paul Yeager by the Rotary Club of McKinney Sunrise Club. The Literacy Award recognizes the club, which through its actions, has done most to increase the literacy level of people either locally and/or internationally. 
The Addison Midday Rotary Club volunteered at the George H W Bush Elementary School's PTA Carnival - 2019 Patriot Fest. We helped set up the games, sold tickets and manned the games. Great seeing so many smiles! More pictrues can be found under Photo Album.
