Copy of Newsletter 2025-26 (Sep. 13, 2025)

📣 MY FELLOW ROTARIAN,

On Friday, September 12th, we continued our celebration of Basic Education and Literacy Month with a meaningful presentation from Marina Preston, Executive Director of the Literacy Center of Harlingen, and her student, Alicia Valadez. Marina shared powerful statistics highlighting the literacy challenges faced in our region and the vital role the Center plays in addressing them. Alicia offered a heartfelt testimony about her own educational journey and her commitment to furthering her studies, reminding us of the life-changing impact of literacy programs.

We extend our gratitude to Marina and Alicia for inspiring us with their work and stories. Their dedication embodies the importance of education as the foundation for opportunity, empowerment, and community growth.

🎤 UPCOMING SPEAKER – September 19

We are honored to welcome David Leija, a San Benito native, as our guest speaker. David is the founder and President of TKO (Tolerance Kindness Overcomes), an organization born out of a desire to combat bullying and promote understanding among young people.

He will share insights from his children’s book, TK’s First Lesson, the first in a series aimed at helping kids navigate important emotional and social lessons such as diversity, shyness, and tolerance.

🎟️ 50/50 RAFFLE – The Ace of Diamonds slipped past Mike Mezmar, so the pot rolls over to this Friday. It may be small 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
Purchase Here

🥪 FRIDAY MEAL – $15

Menu: Chicken Parmesan over capellini, vegetable blend, garlic blend, and dessert!
Only 14 meals available
Reserve yours now

🗳️ Bylaws Update – Honorary Membership

As part of our ongoing efforts to strengthen club operations and uphold Rotary values, the Board has approved a proposed add-on to our club bylaws regarding Honorary Membership. This update outlines eligibility, annual review procedures, and expectations for honorary members.

In accordance with Article 16, this announcement serves as the first of two consecutive bulletin notices. The proposed amendment will be formally voted on by the club membership at a regular meeting in two weeks.

Thank you for your continued support as we grow and improve in service to our community and the Rotary mission.

Proposed Bylaws Add-On – Honorary Membership

A new section will be added to clarify the process for Honorary Membership:

• Must have served as a Rotarian for 15+ years

• Suggested minimum age: 70

• Honorary status is reviewed annually by the Board in July

• No dues required

• Interact/Rotaract sponsors may be granted honorary status at no cost

• Honorary members may attend meetings but do not vote or count toward quorum

This amendment will be voted on by the club in two weeks (Friday, Sept. 26), following the required bulletin notice period.

💙 Looks like I’ll be missing out on my chance at that coveted Dairy Queen gift card 🍦! I won’t be scoring perfect attendance for September 📅 since duty calls me away to a Loaves & Fishes conference this Friday 🍞🐟. You’ll be in the very capable hands of President-Elect Belinda 👏.

And as we highlight basic education and literacy this month, 📚✏️let’s never forget that every lesson learned has the power to transform a life.🌟

Week of September 15 - September 19, 2025 Home | Events | Contact Us

Week of September 15 - September 19, 2025
Home | Events | Contact Us