📣 MY FELLOW ROTARIAN,
This past Friday we had the privilege of hearing from Dr. Veronica Kortan, Superintendent of Harlingen CISD and fellow Rotarian. Alongside her team, she provided valuable insight into the district’s priorities and the progress being made to support both students and teachers. Dr. Kortan spoke with a clear focus on the future of children in the Harlingen community, underscoring how strong leadership in education and literacy creates lasting impact for families and strengthens the fabric of our community—principles that align closely with Rotary’s mission.
___________________________________________________
This Friday* we welcome Tina Yturria Buford, Director of Education for the East Foundation, where she leads natural-resource education programs for youth in South Texas. She also partners with her family in managing the H. Yturria Land & Cattle Company, continuing a legacy of stewardship, education, and service.
Ms. Buford’s leadership extends across Texas. She has served as president of the Texas Wildlife Association and its foundation, sits on the board of Texan by Nature, and has been a voice for conservation, education, and women’s leadership at the state level. She holds a B.S. in Rangeland Ecology & Management from Texas A&M and a Ranch Management Certificate from TCU.
Her work directly reflects Rotary’s October theme of Economic & Community Development, emphasizing how education, conservation, and sustainable resource management create opportunities that strengthen communities and prepare the next generation for the future.
Join us Friday as Ms. Buford shares her vision for connecting land, science, and stewardship to the future of our community.
____________________________________________________
*Parking Notice for Friday’s Meeting
Golden Palms will continue performing work on the covered parking area this Friday. All visitors are asked to park in the front or on the sides of the Golden Palms property. Additional parking will be available at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints: 2320 Haine Dr., Harlingen, TX 78550.
Golden Palms apologizes for the inconvenience, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
____________________________________________________
15th Annual Friends of Rotary Golf Tournament
A Hole-in-One Event!
On Saturday, September 27, the Rotary Club of Harlingen hosted its 15th Annual Friends of Rotary Golf Tournament at Tony Butler Golf Course, where Rotarians, volunteers, and community supporters joined together in spirit of comradery and teamwork.
We’re thrilled to report that we raised over 30K in support of our FutureReady signature project.
Special thanks go to our steering committee — Linda Alaniz, Tré Peacock, and especially Col. Bob Grider, who took the fundraiser “by the horns,” applying the same discipline and leadership we admire in his military service. Even Roxy Shimotsu showed up to honor the occasion — and yes, it was on her birthday!
We extend heartfelt gratitude to all sponsors (your generosity made this possible) and to our host Tony Butler Golf Course for providing the ideal setting for this event.
This was more than a fundraiser ; it was proof that when we unite in service, we can strengthen our community and invest in the future of our children.
🎟️ 50/50 RAFFLE – The Ace of Diamonds is the card to pick! The pot is currently holding at $67 dollars. It may be small for now, but every jackpot has to start somewhere.
Secure your tickets online and pick them up at Will Call—quick, easy, done.
-
Tickets: $2 each
-
Proceeds support local service projects
🥪 FRIDAY MEAL – $15
-
Menu: TBD
-
Only 14 meals available
🗳️ Bylaws Update – Honorary Membership
On September 26, members unanimously approved a bylaws amendment creating clear guidelines for Honorary Membership. The update honors long-serving Rotarians by setting eligibility at 15+ years of service (suggested age 70), requires annual Board review, waives dues, and allows Interact/Rotaract sponsors to be recognized. Honorary members may attend meetings but do not vote or count toward quorum.
____________________________________________________
Rotary’s October Theme — Economic & Community Development
This month, Rotary highlights the importance of strengthening local economies and creating opportunities for growth. In that spirit, join fellow Rotarian Dr. Benjamin Clinton, Founder of Beacon Administrative Consulting, for the Greater Chamber of Harlingen’s Business Over Breakfast on October 2. His session, The Power of Connection in Business & Leadership, will share strategies to improve communication, build stronger teams, and drive results, along with resources on small business training grants to support workforce development.
💙 As we close Basic Education and Literacy Month 📚✏️, we celebrate three months into the Rotary year filled with growth—new members, expanded service, successful fundraising, renewed energy, and the enduring spirit of Rotary. Every effort, every project, and every connection strengthens our community and embodies Service Above Self.
Now, we turn our focus to October’s theme, Economic & Community Development, ready to create opportunities, empower local businesses, and continue making an impact that lasts.
Lotería with Rotary Club of Harlingen 
Saturday, October 4th
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM
221 E. Van Buren Ave, Harlingen (Old Post Office Building)
$20 for 2 cards – purchase yours here:
Bring your family and your friends!