Early Sunday morning I walked through Landolt Pavilion and surrounding park area noticing how clean and quite it was with all the 600 park chairs stacked and stored.  It was the beginning of a beautiful day, much like the two days before.  The rented tent, 80 rented tables nearly stacked behind the pavilion, and the ice trailer were about all that remained from the two days before.  Along the fence in the back was a large pile of black trash bags with 8 clear bags full of aluminum cans and plastic bottles next to them.  A couple of things came to mind, one was what a herculean job the student volunteers and scouts did keeping the bags picked up and moved out; and secondly, if it were not for Courtney Lindberg’s continued efforts, these reclyable items would not be here.

I thought how one day makes a difference?  This time yesterday there were 1000 pounds of frozen shrimp, 350 pounds of sausage, about 50 gallons of beans, cases of soft drinks and bottled water, 2000 ears of frozen corn, wieners; and associated cooking and serving supplies such as aluminum pans, carry out containers, paper plates, aprons, towels, crab boil, sauces, bread and buns, cutlery kits, charcoal, paper plates, and chips lining the kitchen walls.  The shrimp cooker, cooling table, propane tanks, utensils, trays and other associated items were brought and unloaded Friday afternoon, setup and ready to go.  The ice trailer ordered by Vic Maria also came Friday with 100 forty pound sacks of ice.

Yesterday at this time, Jean Walker was lighting the charcoal for the two warming grills, Bill Lowes was setting up the two meat slicing machines, and Bill Taylor making sure the right thing was in the right place at the right time.  The burners were being lit for the shrimp cooker under the auspices of Geoff Atwater and Bob Taggart who did a tremendous job of cooking during Bill Geissler’s absence.  Soon leaders from the CCISD and Boy Scouts arrived with dozens of volunteers.  In about two hours they have transformed the pavilion into our normal Shrimporee arrangement, with 70 tables and 400 chairs set up for the eating area, ten tables for the silent auction and 200 chairs for the live auction guests.  The 80 rented tables had been placed and were being covered with plastic readying them for the food preparation and sales.  The big cooker and smoker rig with 1000 pounds of cooked, but frozen, brisket soon arrived and was placed by the kitchen.  Rotarians, adult volunteers, student volunteers, Interactors, and Rotaractors continued to come in

Trucks and SUV’s began to arrive filled with auction items.  Jerry Smith and Alan Wylie strategically placed the live auction items in the exact place on and in front of the pavilion stage.  Rae DeCastro set up the silent auction tables and made sure all the arrangements and baskets were just right.  Signs were going up everywhere with the help of Dick Meyer, Dennis Paul, and volunteers.  The Women of Rotary were bringing all kinds of sweet goodies and setting up the cotton candy and popcorn machines under the guidance of Micki Czarnik.  Chief Deputy Phil Sandlin and his people begin to arrive to establish security for the area.  Soon the beer kegs were located at the pavilion, kitchen, and shrimp boil area.  John Branch took over the beer sales this year.  Gary Johnson set up his wine sales table between the beer and the sweet table.  Bottled water and soft drinks were being iced down getting ready for Rafael Lugo to start the sales; corn being cooked in a special recipe by Billy Smith; and hot dogs being readied to serve by Olive Murphy and Kathy Dooley.  Three inflatables, a jumper, slide, and obstacle course, arrived for the children’s activities and were located on the grassy area behind the pavilion under the watchful eyes of Marc Schneider.  The shaved ice trailer arrived and was placed adjacent to the sweet tables. 

At 10:30 the band began to play as food preparations began to come together at Marilyn Musial's serving lines being readied for the eleven o’clock hour.  Roger Donnelly set up the raffle sales table and Alice May-Sexton started the raffle sales.  Owen Morris and Art Wood set up the bidders' and VIP's registration table.  At eleven guests began to arrive and the 37th Shrimporee officially began.  At noon Greg Smith kicked off the silent auction with notice that the first table was closing.  Then at 1 o’clock Scott Rainey started the live auction recognizing the two auctioneers, Judge Louie Ditta and Commissioner Steve Phelps.  The live action continued until about 4 o’clock with a brief pause to draw for the raffle prize.  Jessica McIntosh was the winner of the beautiful necklace from Lewis Jewelers.  About 90 live auction items and about 25 silent auction items were auctioned off.  There were several political visitors who were escorted by Kippy Caraway and Sheryl Berg.  Mike Duckworth visited all the sales tables and closed out the sales with each one.  Photos were taken all throughout the Shrimporee by Bob Mitchell, John Lee, Mary A. Cherry, and Peter Cronk (Pam Culpepper).  Shrimporee Chair, Mike Dennard, was all over the place shoring up areas in need and Ambassador of Good Will Coney was mixing with the guests and workers.

About 4 o’clock it was all over but the cleanup.  The volunteers had the area restored to the park arrangement, kitchen and serving utensils cleaned, rented tables gathered and stacked for return, and the area general cleaned up by 5.  Excess food was given to Bay Area Turning Point. 

Now a day later, the sound of music; the hum of guests, their family and friends laughing and talking; the auctioneer calling for bids; and the hawkers recognizing a bid are all silent; the laughter of children quiet and their running around with bright colored hair and their faces painted gone; and Scott Rainey emceeing done for another year.

But memories live on; there were things about this Shrimporee that I will remember.  The food was absolutely delicious, thanks to Brian Ellis, wife Alice, and all involved in cooking and preparations; the volunteers were outstanding, thanks to Nancy Mallini and Art Oswald and all the support from the CCISD and Boy Scouts; and I saw old friends Murray Epstein, Dennis Dillon, and Earl and Terrilee Maudlin.  There was also a rare moment when the three of our Club members who had been district governors, Floyd Boze, Billy Weseman (wife Ann), and Suzi Howe (husband Bill) were together and Mary Alys took a picture.  I enjoyed the visit with District 5890 Governor Sunny and wife Rashmi Sharma as well as Assistant District 5890 Governor Chris Schneider.  It was good to see Harris County Precinct 8 Constable Bill Bailey.  Although not said I suspect he was checking on his 55 gallon tea keg.  The Constable loaned the use of the keg, and furnished the tea, cups and sweetener. 

But perhaps most rewarding was that I saw folks just fellowshipping.  For one, the kitchen work was essentially completed by 1 pm, but folks stayed on, gathered together, and just talked for a while before the final cleanup.  Hopefully our club members got to know the new members better and the new members got to know the older members better.  Also saw the third generation of our members there, guess they were being acclimated early to Rotary.  Perhaps the most rewarding were the comments I received from one to the Scout troops leader.  I was thanking them for their support and they said we will be back next year.  We appreciate what you are doing demonstrating what community service is all about for the young folks.  Also we like the scouts to be around these people, they are good examples for them.  And what about the wonderful student volunteers, they were hard working, well behaved, and courteous, and did not hesitate to do what was asked of them.  What a great bunch of young women and men.  And I can’t say enough about the faithful adult volunteers who come year after year.  Just thanks.  And thanks to our faithful members who work and make the Shrimporee what it is.  And in closing I want to express my appreciation for those of you who are getting up in age and still visit and some even work the Shrimporee.  I know it is difficult to come, but you do and you are always an encouragement to the rest of us when we see you at the Shrimporee and at the Club meetings.

Well Rotarians, it was a great day.  Mark on your calendars October 15, 2011, the date for Shrimporee 38.  Marilyn is beginning to think about it already.  However for now she is compiling the financial data on Shrimporee 37.

 



October 18, 2010 Club Meeting Review
Editor Kathy Dooley
Photographers John Lee and Bob Mitchell

" I would love for us to focus on improving our attendance, building better frienships with our Rotarian friends and actively seek ways to become the best Rotary Club we can be." .... President Coney

The meeting opened with Debby McBride leading the membership in “The Yellow Rose of Texas”.  Dennis Dillon led the prayer, and thanked everyone for their concerns while he was in the hospital.   John Stwartuout led the pledge, and  Floyd Boze  the Four Way Test

Art Wood introduced visitors and guests, including  Susy Donovan, Hope Village Recreation Director, and Hope Village residents Kerry, Jarrett, Susy, and David.  Dr. Fustok, honorary Rotarian and representative of the World Health Committee, reminded members of the importance of our past partnerships providing cleft palate corrective surgeries and asked the Club to bring more opportunities for such work.  Old friends Dr. Taylor (left in photo) and Dr. Fustok discussed their performing corrective surgery on children in the past.  Past District 5890 Governor Suzi Howe announced that Sunday is World Polio Eradication Day.  Anyone donating to the Polio Plus Fund this week will receive 2 for 1 Rotary Foundation credits.  Past Club President (1997-98) Donnie Johnson and  meet old friends and President Coney (right in photo).  Her daughter, Jordin Kruse an attorney in Clearlake, also visited and meet Hope Village resident Jarrett.

Roger Donnelly distributed reminders of the upcoming social events, and asked anyone attending to please RSVP to him either by phone or email.  Scheduled socials include October 20 at Mely’s in Seabrook; October 27 at the Italian Café, 4322 NASA Road One; November 17 at 888 Bistro on El Camino Real; and the Christmas party December 15 at Bay Oaks Country Club.  A head count for the Christmas party is need by December 10.  Marc Schneider announced that Gene Tromblee is in intensive care and asked for everyone’s prayers. (editor's note:  Gene passed away on October 21.)

Marilyn Musical announced preliminary figures for the Shrimporee.  1755 meals were served, with a tentative net projected income of $68,000.  She expressed thanks on behalf of Mike Dennard for all the hours of service provided by Rotary members, and by the high school students and Scouts who also volunteered.

Club member Dr. Jack Bacon shared his experiences in projects with Engineers Without Borders and discussed the difference between charity and volunteering.  He shared volunteer resources such as volunteermatch.net, discussed the UN Millennium Goals, and suggested the World Community Grid as a place to volunteer your computer processing time for use in a variety of research projects.  Dr. Bacon talked about problems that cause international projects to fail, such as terrorism, lack of local investment, or failure to follow up on the project.  He noted that there are many ways to get involved in projects, even while sitting at home.

President David Coney recognized Billy Smith for his extensive work in updating the Club Bylaws.  The revised bylaws have been emailed to the membership twice and have been posted at the last 2 meetings.  President Coney called for a vote on the proposed revised Bylaws.  Marilyn Musial verified that a quorum was present.  A motion was made to adopt the proposed bylaws, was seconded and passed.  President Coney briefly discussed the difference between the bylaws and the constitution, and the meeting was adjourned.

Our Service Heritage

Let’s go back 47 years to better understand the “Service Above Self” passion which drove our founding members to lay the foundation of service for our Club. 

From the 1964-65 history file: The community service program of the club began almost immediately as the Space Center Rotary Club began work to establish a public library (The Theodore C. Freeman Memorial Library, in honor of the deceased astronaut), in the Clear Lake area.  Citizens of the area along with the Club organized the library and established temporary quarters in the Clear Lake City Recreation Center in January 1965.  Two thousand volumes were donated by residents to help get the library started.  The operation was entirely voluntary, from staffing to funding.  Richard Veth and Richard Allen, members of Space Center Rotary, were elected to the first Board of Trustees of Freeman Memorial Library.  Since that time, numerous Rotarians and Rotary Anns (Rotarians' wives) have served on the Library Board.  Club members also participated in a variety of projects at the library: renovating the building, changing of partitions, constructing shelving, painting and landscaping.  There was also a repainting job on the library by club members.  Minutes of the Club Assembly dated February 16, 1965 gives a more indepth look into the Club's activities and plans.  (Note: The grammar has not been corrected.  In addition,  Club member   Vince Lipovsky  is one of the 35 charter members of our Club.)

Officers and Directors  elected for 2011-2012

The Rotary Clubs of Space Center, League City, and Seabrook; and the Clear Creek Independent School District School (CCISD) hosted the third Rotary/CCISD Teacher of the Year Awards on May 16th at the South Shore Harbour Resort and Conference Center.  The convention center was filled with about 300 teachers, their families and friends, and Rotarians.  The Clear Brook Jazz Ensemble entertained the group before the program began.  Birda Gaskin, President of League City Rotary, opened the meeting and the Clear Falls Color Guard presented the U. S. Flag for the pledge of alliance.  Michael Huss, President of the Seabrook Rotary Club, gave the innovation and lead in the Four Way Test.  He also spoke about “what Rotary is not”.  President Coney gave a brief history of the Teacher of the Year Award.

Dr. Greg Smith, Superintendent of CCISD, began the program by making a few remarks and introducing the six finalists: Gwen Cash, Clear Creek High School; Tom Dinardis, Westbrook Immediate; Donna Stone, Clear Brook High School; Barbara Scott, Brookwood Elementary; Kortney Peterson, Hyde Elementary; Mishelle Azbell, Robinson Elementary.  From these finalists, Barbara Scott, Brookwood Elementary; and Donna Stone, Clear Brook High School were named the Elementary and Secondary Teachers of the Year respectively.  Each finalist received a plaque of appreciation and $500 each.  The Teachers of the Year received an additional $500.  View the program cover and other associated information.

Footnote: It is interesting to note that the Club’s Dr. David Taylor originated the idea of excellence in education and established the program in 1991, making this the 21st year to honor teachers. This year forty four teachers were nominated by their peers as representatives of the best in the CCISD.  A team of district administrators made the difficult task of determining six finalists.  A committee of administrators and Rotary Club representatives then selected the Elementary Teacher of the Year and the Secondary Teacher of the Year from those six finalists.

Over $1 Billion
by Terry R. Ziegler
District 5890 Polio Eradication Chair

Thanks to all of you who have donated to the Polio Plus $200 Mil Challenge.  Today our District Clubs and Rotarians passed the
$600,000 milestone in giving to the $200 Mil Challenge, ranking us in the top 25 of all 535 Rotary Districts Worldwide! Rotarians have donated a total of $169 Mil since the start of the $200 Mil Challenge in 2007 and a total of over $1 Billion since the start of Polio Plus in 1985.

Happy 50th Pat and Wayne Young

Just Photos

 A regular meeting of Space Center Rotary was called to order by President David Coney.  Jack Bacon led members singing “You’re a Grand Ole Flag”, followed by Happy Birthday in honor of John Lee.  Carlos Villagomez gave the prayer, Delia Stevens led the Pledge of Allegiance to the U.S. Flag, and Kathy Dooley kicked off the Four Way Test.  Becky Reitz introduced visitors and guests.

President Coney presented a check for $1,000 to Walter Branson for the Guerrero Clinic in Mexico.  Walter discussed the work done by volunteers at the clinic and recognized Dr. Clariday (an honoray member of the Club) from our area as the doctor who performs most of the cataract surgeries there.  The clinic has formed a partnership with the Mexican government that will help considerably with funding, but they still need about $30,000 to complete the facility.

Dick Meyer introduced Mina Aras, Youth Exchange student from Istanbul, Turkey.  Mina shared the history of her country and answered questions concerning her experiences here.   Bob Wren presented a Floyd Boze Fellow Award to Rodolfo Gonzalez  (center) in recognition of his outstanding behind the scenes work on the RNASA banquet and ceremonies.

Darryl Smith introduced Fred Lewis and Major General John Bailey of the Bronze Eagles of Texas, a local chapter of Black Pilots of America, Inc.   See photo Major General John Bailey, Fred Lewis and President Coney.  Fred discussed the organization’s activities, which include flying as well as teaching, mentoring, and coaching youth.  The group conducts a summer flight academy each year at Ellington Airport.  The academy instructs student pilots and operates a ground school.  The cost of the academy is $3,100/student.  Chapters from around the United States fund the program in an effort to keep kids in school and teach them a skill.  The program targets kids between the ages of 15 and 19.  They are housed at Texas Southern University during the academy, and attend classes from 8 am to 8:30 p.m.  The next camp will be July 9 – 23.

President Coney  gave Fred an engraved Rotary paper weight and adjourned the meeting.

June 20, 2011 Club Meeting Review

Reporter Kathy Dooley
Photographers
John Lee
and Bob Mitchell

WELCOME BACK MR. ROTARY
Just Photos

June 27, 2011 Club Meeting Review



Thanks for a GREAT year President Coney

"That on the behalf of the citizens of the City of Houston, Texas I take great pride in joining
Space Center Rotary, and David Coney’s family and friends in honoring him for his time as Club President."
Mike Sullivan, Houston City Council Member, District 1.


Thank you Andrea for your support
Wayne Musial  received a Paul Harris Fellow
Stan Galanski received a Floyd Boze Fellow
Transfer of the Presidential Gavel
Space Center Rotary Club President 2011-12
Space Center Rotary Club Officers 2011-12
Space Center Rotary Club Directors 2011-12
Just Photos

A regular meeting of Rotary was called to order by President David Coney.  District 5890 Governor Nominee Bob Gebhard led the singing, Bob Wren led the Pledge of Allegiance to the American Flag, Dennis Dillon gave the prayer, and Owen Morris initiated the Four Way Test.  Billy Smith introduced visitors and guests, including Assistant District 5890 Governor Lisa Faith Massey, District 5890 Governor Nominee Bob Gebhard, Houston City Councilman Mike Sullivan, Youth Exchange Inbound Student Adam Keve, and Andrea Coney.

President Coney announced that the renovations at Hope Village were completed last weekend, and recognized Phil Messarra for his significant contributions to the project.  "Service Above Self" Awards (vases) were presented to " to Roger Donnelly, Rae de Castro, and John Nugent (read about President Coney mother's write up on Horse Hair Pottery).  Bob Wren assisted President Coney in presenting a Floyd Boze Fellowship to Stan Galanski.  Marilyn Musial awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship to her husband Wayne.

District 5890 Governor Elect Chris Schneider conducted the officer induction.  He discussed the objectives of Rotary and how each Rotary chapter is a reflection of its leaders.  Current officers and directors were recognized.  New officers inducted are as follows:  Immediate Past President David Coney, Secretary Sheryl Berg, Treasurer Scott Rainey, Sergeant at Arms Kippy Caraway, Directors Mike Duckworth, Marc Schneider, John Branch, Roger Donnelly, Slade Lewis, Phil Sandlin, Bob Taggart, Alan Wylie, and Steve Owens, President Elect Marilyn Musial, and President Mike Dennard.  The gavel was transferred from President Coney to President Dennard, and District Governor Elect Schneider declared the new officers installed.

Mike Dennard recognized the good work that David Coney had done during the last year, and presented David with a plaque and a turkey leg.  President Dennard discussed his vision and plans for the upcoming year.

There will be no meeting next week due to the holiday.  The meeting was adjourned by President Dennard .