Blastoff August 9, 2010

The August 2nd meeting kicked off with a reminder to buy tickets for the pancake breakfast August 14th.  Tickets are $7 each, of 5 for $30.  Visitors and guests were introduced, and then Roger Donnelly reminded everyone to bring family and friends to Putt Putt Fun House Thursday night for free games and fun.  Scott Rainey recognized additional Shrimporee sponsors John Davis -Texas State Representative, Johnnie White - State Farm Agent, Tim Kropp of MRI, Rae DeCastro of Las Colinas Interiors, and Mike Duckworth of Hometown Bank.

President David Coney provided a pop quiz, asking members if they know what happens to the banners like the one displayed by Gary Johnson from the South Reno Rotary Club.  Each banner is digitized and posted on the Club history web site.  Jerrold Dewease has invested hundreds of hours documenting the Club's extensive history.  To see the banner collection, go to www.spacecenterrotary.org , look under Club Links on the left side of the screen, click on Club History, then scroll down to Exchanged Club Banners.

Alan Wiley recognized his father, Jess Alvin Wiley, with a Paul Harris Fellow.  Jess Wiley passed away in 1998.  His impressive history of career accomplishments and community involvement began with his entry into the banking industry in 1928.  President Coney performed a ceremonial banner change, posting the new 2010-2011 Rotary International banner with the new theme Building Communities Bridging Continents. 

Assistant District 5890 Governor Chris Schneider was introduced.  ADG Schneider brought greetings from District 5890 Governor Sunny Sharma and his wife Rashmi.  His presentation included introduction of the new Rotary International theme, the leadership team, goals, a calendar of events, and Rotary resources.  He reviewed the objectives handed down from the Rotary International leadership of explaining Rotary to non-Rotarians, and validating the work of Rotarians.  He discussed Rotary as a "spirit of services" in addition to the more common definition as an organization.  ADG Schneider recognized the numerous accomplishments of the Rotary of Space Center membership, and noted that the primary purpose of the District is to serve the Rotary clubs.  He reviewed the five lanes of service, recapped the District goals in the areas of membership, Rotary Foundation, training, service, public image, District Conference and administration.  He also restated the membership wide goal to "share Rotary and have fun".  The upcoming calendar of events includes the official Governors visit on September 27th, Rotary Foundation Seminar on September 25th, and the Be a Friend Dinner on October 22nd.

President Coney recognized the volunteer efforts of several members, including Past District 5890 Governor Suzi Howe for her donation to Polio Plus.  He announced that Director of Club Administration, Kippy Caraway, has been asked to organize the District 5890 Conference, and recognized past President Jon McKinnie as District Chief of Staff with oversight responsibility for 20 committees.  Homework assignments for those in attendance are to log on to the Rotary web site and tinker with the various web pages