Week of February 16 - february 20, 2026
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🌸 Celebrating Life Through Flowers with Abel 🌸 

On February 13, we were thrilled to welcome Abel Gonzalez Mencio, owner of Casa Granada Floral, as our special guest presenter. Abel, a decorated floral designer with decades of experience including 2023 Texas State Designer of the Year 🏆 and top placements in national competitions 🌹shared his expertise on flowers and their role in marking life’s milestones.

We explored different blooms, including the bird of paradise 🐦, whose striking shape resembles a hummingbird in flight 🌺. We reflected on how flowers accompany us at every chapter: births 👶, birthdays 🎉, graduations 🎓, get-well wishes 💌, anniversaries 💑, and funerals ⚰️.

The program was full of energy ✨, with giveaways 🎁 and even an off-the-cuff live auction 💐💸, creating an interactive and memorable experience. Abel reminded us that flowers are more than decoration, they are witnesses to our stories, carrying meaning and celebration from beginning to end 🌷.

🌟 Upcoming Speaker: Edward C. Camarillo 🌟

Join us this Friday, February 20th as we welcome Edward Camarillo, newly elected to the Texas Southmost College Board of Trustees 🏫. A Brownsville native, community leader, and lifelong advocate for education, public service, and civic engagement, Edward has served as City Commissioner 🏙️, Student Government President 🎓, and now Executive Director of Sunshine Haven ☀️.

He’s also the founder of Project R.E.A.D.Y 📚, cofounder of Camarillo Meals on Wheels 🍲, and creator of Brownsville’s first Walk to End Alzheimer’s 🚶‍♂️. Don’t miss this chance to hear his insights on leadership, service, and community impact 💡🤝.

🌟 Honoring Lucy Cadenas 🌟

We are proud to recognize Lucy Cadenas for achieving Paul Harris Fellow +8, a testament to her long-term commitment to Rotary’s mission 🌍. Presented by fellow Rotarian, Kathy Preddy, Lucy’s Multiple Paul Harris Fellow pin with three red stones 💎 symbolizes years of consistent support for programs like global grants and PolioPlus.

Beyond financial support, Lucy has led with dedication serving as Club President, Rotary Foundation Chair, and PolioPlus Chair strengthening our club and advancing Rotary’s work both locally and globally 🤝. Her achievement reflects steady leadership, passion, and service that inspire us all.

Looking back, we were delighted to host Abel Gonzalez Mencio 🌸, owner of Casa Granada Floral, who shared his expertise in floral design just a day before Valentine’s 💐❤️. His presentation showed us how flowers mark life’s milestones from births 👶 and graduations 🎓 to celebrations of love 💑 and remembrance ⚰️- bringing joy, connection, and meaning to our communities.

We also celebrated Lucy Cadenas 🌟, who received her Paul Harris Fellow +8 pin 💎 demonstrating her years of dedicated service and support to the Rotary Foundation🤝.

Looking ahead, we are excited to welcome Executive Director of Sunshine Haven, Edward Camarillo 🌟 His insights on leadership and civic engagement will inspire us all 💡.

As we move through February, let us continue to make service personal, lead with integrity, and work together to foster understanding, promote dialogue, and make a meaningful difference in the Valley and beyond.