pints for Polio 2024-02-20 06:00:00Z 0
2023 Veterans Day Program 2023-11-14 06:00:00Z 0
Rotary Service Project 2023-07-18 05:00:00Z 0
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive Results 2023-07-17 05:00:00Z 0
Visit from District Governor, John Curtis 2023-07-17 05:00:00Z 0
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive- Friday, July 14th Raytosha O Jones 2023-07-12 05:00:00Z 0
CFB Rotary on Social Media! Pastor Bill Lovell 2023-04-20 05:00:00Z 1

Women in Rotary

Posted on Mar 16, 2023
 
March is National Women's Month. Rotarian Linda Braddy was invited to outline the history of women in Rotary. Allowing women to join Rotary was highly controversial. Facing initial opposition from the then all-male organization, it took decades to pass rule changes at every level. By 2020, there were 277,000 women Rotarians, and, today, Rotary International is headed by its first female president, Jennifer Jones. Shown celebrating Rotary's hard-won diversity are several of our women members, including (Left to Right) Elizabeth Villafranca, Laurie Wilson, Linda Braddy, Becky Miller, Pat Cochran, Cristal Retana, and CFB Rotary's second woman member, Carol Dingman. 
Women in Rotary Pastor Bill Lovell 2023-03-16 05:00:00Z 0

Welcome Joe Scott and Ron Lewis

Posted on Mar 02, 2023
 
CFB Rotary is growing. Welcome to our two newest members–Joe Scott and Ron Lewis, shown above center, with Club Treasurer Bill Bexley and President-Elect Laurie Wilson. Joe is Associate Vice President with Ameriprise, and Ron is Executive Director at Oxford Senior Living.
Welcome Joe Scott and Ron Lewis Pastor Bill Lovell 2023-03-02 06:00:00Z 0
Paul Harris Fellow Mark Sutherland Pastor Bill Lovell 2023-02-16 06:00:00Z 1

Bill Bexley in the News

Posted on Jan 09, 2023

 
Congratulations to Rotarian Bill Bexley who was recently profiled in the Carrollton Leader. As you’d expect, Bill focused almost entirely on the Club! To read the article, click here
Bill Bexley in the News Pastor Bill Lovell 2023-01-09 06:00:00Z 2

Club Study Committee Being Formed

Posted on Jan 05, 2023
Important message from Club President, Matt Wenthold
 
If you would like to participate in a committee to study a way to make our Rotary Club more affordable to existing and potential new members, please text or email me your interest in contributing.
 
This will be a study of the food we serve at our meetings. Is there an opportunity to spend less and still please our membership?
 
Matt’s phone number and email address are available on the Club database.
Club Study Committee Being Formed Pastor Bill Lovell 2023-01-05 06:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Wishes You a Happy New Year

Posted on Dec 31, 2022
 
CFB Rotary wishes you and everyone a happy and blessed New Year! Watch for details of next year's exciting line-up of lunchtime programs, beginning Thursday, January 5, with Club President Matt Wenthold speaking on "The Object of Rotary and a Short History of Our Club." 
CFB Rotary Wishes You a Happy New Year Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-12-31 06:00:00Z 1

Closed for the Holidays

Posted on Dec 22, 2022
 
CFB Rotary will be "closed" for the holidays, in observance of Christmas and Hanukkah. Of course, "service before self" continues year round, but we won't meet again for Thursday lunch until the new year. 
Closed for the Holidays Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-12-22 06:00:00Z 1
Merry Christmas Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-12-19 06:00:00Z 1
Happy Hanukkah Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-12-18 06:00:00Z 1

Congratulations, John Chollampel!

Posted on Dec 17, 2022
 
Congratulations, CFB Rotarian John Chollampel! On December 14former Mayor of Carrollton Becky Miller & past Mayor of Farmers Branch John Dodd presented John with the Marquis Publications Board of “Who’s Who in America” award. Inclusion of the award is limited to individuals who possess professional integrity, demonstrate outstanding achievement in their respective fields, and have made significant contributions to society as a whole. 
Congratulations, John Chollampel! Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-12-17 06:00:00Z 2

CFB Rotary Bids Farewell to David Hale

Posted on Dec 15, 2022
 
CFB Rotary bids farewell to former Club President David Hale, who is retiring as Farmers Branch Police Chief, after 30 years of service in FB policing. Chief Hale is shown above between current Club President Matt Wenthold and Member Ben Hogan. Hale has served the Club in a variety of capacities, always demonstrating the best of "Service Before Self."
CFB Rotary Bids Farewell to David Hale Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-12-15 06:00:00Z 3

CFB Rotary Celebrates 62 Years

Posted on Nov 30, 2022
 
Today, November 30, 2022, is the 62nd anniversary of the founding of CFB Rotary. Former Club Presidents John Dodd, Sonja Dodds and Dick Calvert are shown holding the original charter, dated November 30, 1960. Current President Matt Wenthold comments, "Our club has 62 years of accomplishments to be proud of. Today we are part of an unbroken line of 62 years of efforts to support and improve our community and the world." 
CFB Rotary Celebrates 62 Years Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-11-30 06:00:00Z 1

Club Christmas Party - Thursday, Dec 1 - 6 PM

Posted on Nov 29, 2022
 
Club President Matt Wenthold reminds everyone: Our next meeting is our Christmas Party off-site at 3 Nations Brewing Company, Private Barrel Room, 1033 E Vandergriff Drive, Carrollton, TX 75006. That's just off the Square in Downtown Carrollton. Thursday, December 1, 2022, 6:00 PM. Dinner will be served. Cash bar. Please bring an unwrapped toy for Metrocrest Services. 
Club Christmas Party - Thursday, Dec 1 - 6 PM Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-11-29 06:00:00Z 1

State Rep Julie Johnson Gives Update

Posted on Nov 18, 2022
 
CFB Rotary was honored to welcome our special guest speaker, Texas State Representative Julie Johnson, on November 17. Rep Johnson who represents House District 115 is shown center, in the blue sweater, with (Left to Right) Elizabeth Villafranca, Pat Cochran, Becky Miller, Dr. Linda Braddy, and Carol Dingman. Rep. Johnson gave an update on her plans for the upcoming session of the State House. 
State Rep Julie Johnson Gives Update Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-11-18 06:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Honored by the VFW

Posted on Nov 17, 2022
 
CFB Rotary President Matt Wenthold receives a special certificate of thanks from the Veterans of Foreign Wars for the Club's work among our community's veterans. 
CFB Rotary Honored by the VFW Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-11-17 06:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Welcomes Johnnie Yellock

Posted on Nov 10, 2022
 
As part of CFB Rotary's month-long focus on veterans, Club officers and members welcomed Johnnie Yellock (USAF Retired), second from left, who was seriously injured in 2011 while serving as a Combat Controller in Afghanistan. For his heroism and sacrifice, Yellock received the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Combat Action Medal. Today, he is Executive Director of Boots for Warriors, a non-profit that provides hand-crafted custom boots for our nation's wounded war fighters. 
CFB Rotary Welcomes Johnnie Yellock Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-11-10 06:00:00Z 0

Another Greatest Veterans’ Lunch!

Posted on Nov 03, 2022

 
For nineteen years, CFB Rotary has sought to honor our community’s veterans. On Thursday, November 3, dozens of veterans, of all ages and all branches, were in attendance for our 19th Annual Veterans’ Appreciation Lunch, featuring special guest speaker Lt Gen John Campbell, USAF. 
Another Greatest Veterans’ Lunch! Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-11-03 05:00:00Z 1
Veterans' Appreciation Lunch Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-10-30 05:00:00Z 1

Farewell to Bob Phelps

Posted on Oct 24, 2022
At 5:20 PM today, CFB Rotary Treasurer Bill Bexley issued the following statement: "It is with much sadness we have learned about the passing of Bob Phelps yesterday. Please keep his wife, Dee, and his family, in your thoughts and prayers. We will provide more information as it becomes available." Bob, a long-time and much-loved Rotarian, served as Mayor of Farmers Branch from 1996-2008 and 2014-2017.
Farewell to Bob Phelps Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-10-24 05:00:00Z 1
CFB Rotary Golf Tournament with Early Lunch Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-10-24 05:00:00Z 1
CFB Rotary Hosts District Roundtable Regina Edwards 2022-10-20 05:00:00Z 0
Toilet Paper Drive at El Rincon Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-10-14 05:00:00Z 1

Metrocrest Mayors Forum 2022

Posted on Oct 14, 2022
 
Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce welcomed CFB Rotary to its annual Mayors Forum on Thursday, October 13, at Brookhaven Country Club. 250 people attended. In the photo above, Chamber President Hayden Austin (far left) is shown discussing community life and economic development with (left to right) Addison Mayor Joe Chow, Carrollton Mayor Steve Babick, and Farmers Branch Mayor Robert Dye. Austin, Babick and Dye are all members of CFB Rotary. 
Metrocrest Mayors Forum 2022 Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-10-14 05:00:00Z 1

Matt Wenthold Gives His All

Posted on Oct 06, 2022

 
Club President Matt Wenthold gave his all today to raise $1,400 for the Club’s Philippine water well international project. The week of the OU-UT football game, Matt—a lifelong Oklahoma fan—donned burnt orange UT fan clothing and submitted to what he called “a refreshing Fall weather ice bucket dunking,” after Club members donated more than $1,000. 
Matt Wenthold Gives His All Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-10-06 05:00:00Z 1

New Paul Harris Fellow +2 - Craig Greenway

Posted on Sep 15, 2022
 
CFB Rotarian Craig Greenway was recognized on September 15 as our newest Paul Harris Fellow Plus 2. Craig (left) is shown receiving his pin from Club Foundation Director Mark Sutherland. The Paul Harris Fellowship is made up of individuals who make donations, or who have donations made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. For each donation of $1,000, the fellow is awarded an additional Plus designation. Plus 2 means Craig has donated $3,000. 
New Paul Harris Fellow +2 - Craig Greenway Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-09-15 05:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Helps Provide Water in Jamaica

Posted on Sep 08, 2022
 
Rotary District International Projects Director Regina Edwards reports on progress with the purchase and installation of a much-needed water tank and platform at the Mocho Community Centre and Basic School in Dominica, Jamaica. The project is a partnership between CFB Rotary and the Rotary Club of Montego Bay. Shown above are Jamaican friends celebrating the new tank. 
CFB Rotary Helps Provide Water in Jamaica Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-09-08 05:00:00Z 1
CFB Rotary Supports Ukraine Victims Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-09-03 05:00:00Z 1

Mentoring Returns to Rotary

Posted on Aug 25, 2022
 
CFB Rotary has been involved in mentoring students in the Carrollton Farmers Branch Independent School District for decades, with countless stories of transformational impact. COVID disrupted the Club's involvement. At the Club's meeting on Thursday, August 25, members were invited to get involved once again! On hand to extend the invitation were (left to right) Stephanie Johnson, Principal of Furneaux Elementary; Andrea Alley, President and Founder of Connecting the Community; Dr. John Chapman, CFBISD Superintendent; Lyn Torres, CFBISD Coordinator of Mental Health and Behavior Services; Pam Pena, CFBISD Community Relations Coordinator; and Dawn Parnell, CFBISD Chief Communications Officer--all of whom were welcomed and thanked by Rotary President Matt Wenthold.
Mentoring Returns to Rotary Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-08-25 05:00:00Z 1
CFB Rotary Golf Tournament - Oct 27 Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-08-18 05:00:00Z 1

Rotary Presidents Ready to Go

Posted on Aug 12, 2022
 
CFB Rotary has a long tradition of outstanding leadership. When John Dodd finished his term as Club President on June 30, three successors moved up one space in the well-planned line of succession. Matt Wenthold became President, Laurie Wilson became President Elect, and John Chollampel became Secretary, shown above, in reverse order. If all goes according to plan, Laurie will become President in July 2023, and John in July 2024. 
Rotary Presidents Ready to Go Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-08-12 05:00:00Z 1

Rick Calvert Speaks to Packed House

Posted on Aug 12, 2022
 
Great program yesterday, Thursday, August 11, as Assistant US Attorney Rick Calvert spoke to a packed house on the 2020 murder of local business executive Jamie Faith. Crazy twists and turns...leading to a high-profile trial and successful prosecution!
Rick Calvert Speaks to Packed House Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-08-12 05:00:00Z 1

Thanks to NTTA for Update

Posted on Aug 04, 2022
 
Huge thanks to the North Texas Tollway Authority for a fascinating update during lunch today at CFB Rotary. Assistant Director for Public Affairs Angelica Solana and CEO James Hofman explained what the NTTA is up to and answered questions about plans for the future. They are shown center being welcomed by Rotarian John Mahalik (who also chairs the NTTA Board), Rotary Program Director Charles Heath, and Club President Matt Wenthold. 
Thanks to NTTA for Update Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-08-04 05:00:00Z 1
Dr. Michael Jones - Paul Harris Fellow Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-08-04 05:00:00Z 2

District Recognizes CFB Rotarian Matt Pasant

Posted on Aug 02, 2022
 
CFB Rotarian Matt Pasant was recently recognized by Rotary District 5810 as a "Star Award Winner." The Star Award is presented to Rising Rotarians who demonstrate outstanding leadership and service. Matt is shown here with (L-R) Bob Epstein, District Governor Howard Templin, and Dick Calvert.
District Recognizes CFB Rotarian Matt Pasant Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-08-02 05:00:00Z 0

District Governor Commends CFB Rotary

Posted on Jul 28, 2022

 
Rotary District Governor Howard Templin visited CFB Rotary today where he was welcomed by Club President Matt Wenthold and long-time member Regina Edwards. After meeting for over an hour with the Board, Governor Templin delivered the lunchtime address, commending CFB Rotary as “an outstanding Club,” praising current and past leadership, and expanding on his goals and objectives for the district. 
District Governor Commends CFB Rotary Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-07-28 05:00:00Z 0
CFB Rotary Donates $5k to Metrocrest Services Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-07-28 05:00:00Z 0

Club Officer Installation

Posted on Jul 25, 2022
 
On Thursday, July 21, CFB Rotary began a new Rotary year with the installation of Club Officers, including (Left to Right) Secretary John Chollampel, Treasurer Bill Bexley, Rotary Foundation Director Mark Sutherland, Communications Director Bill Lovell, Club Service Director Terry Wright, Sergeant-at-Arms Elizabeth Villafranca, and Program Director Charles Heath. Incoming President Matt Wenthold led the ceremony and presented a gift to each officer. 
Club Officer Installation Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-07-25 05:00:00Z 0

Metrocrest Chamber and CFB Rotary Do Lunch!

Posted on Jul 14, 2022
 
Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce invited CFB Rotary to attend their annual Economic Development Luncheon at Brookhaven Country Club on Thursday, July 14. Rotarians participated in all aspects of the program and heard updated reports from economic development officials for Addison, Carrollton, and Farmers Branch. 
Metrocrest Chamber and CFB Rotary Do Lunch! Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-07-14 05:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Meeting Cancelled

Posted on Jun 02, 2022
 
Today's meeting of CFB Rotary, Thursday, June 2, has been cancelled. According to Treasurer Bill Bexley, "We have been informed that Brookhaven Country Club has lost power, has downed trees, and roof leaks due to the storm that came through in the early morning. We have no choice but to cancel the meeting today."
CFB Rotary Meeting Cancelled Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-06-02 05:00:00Z 1

Welcome New Member Ron Lewis

Posted on May 24, 2022
 
CFB Rotary President John Dodd and Rotarian Dick Calvert welcome new member Ron Lewis during the Club meeting on Thursday, May 19. 
Welcome New Member Ron Lewis Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-05-24 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Supports College Veterans

Posted on May 18, 2022
 
The new Veterans Room at Dallas College Brookhaven is open! CFB Rotary President John Dodd joins Brookhaven President Linda Braddy, Dallas College Senior Manager of Veteran and Military Student Services Jon Tarell, and Farmers Branch Mayor Robert Dye in the official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 12. 
CFB Rotary Supports College Veterans Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-05-18 05:00:00Z 0

Welcome New Member Raytosha Jones

Posted on May 18, 2022
 
CFB Rotary welcomes our newest member, Raytosha Jones. Raytosha serves as Senior Director of Campus Administration at Dallas College, Brookhaven. Originally from Minneapolis, MN, Raytosha and her husband Corey have a six-year-old son. They enjoy all sports! Raytosha is shown above receiving her new member packet from Dick Calvert and Club President John Dodd. 
Welcome New Member Raytosha Jones Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-05-18 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Golf Tournament - June 17

Posted on May 05, 2022
 
Leigh Ferguson, Club Fundraising Director, is pleased to announce the upcoming CFB Rotary Golf Tournament, June 17, at the Indian Creek Golf Club-The Creek Course. A variety of sponsorship levels are available, beginning with $50 for Amateur Hour and $200 for an Individual Player. Proceeds from the Tournament will benefit CFB Rotary's youth scholarships, our veterans programs, Metrocrest Services, and our Signature Project. Click on the event link for further details and an online registration form. 
CFB Rotary Golf Tournament - June 17 Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-05-05 05:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Assemble Flags for Veterans Room

Posted on May 05, 2022
 
CFB Rotarians gathered in the new Veterans Room at Dallas College Brookhaven to assemble the service flags that adorn the entry. This space has been specially equipped by CFB Rotary so that Veteran students can gather to study, meet together, and share fellowship while attending Dallas College. Participants included (left to right) Dallas College's LaJuanda Jones, Ben Hogan, Charles Heath, Barry Jordan, Matt Wenthold, Paul Lonquist, Monica Wenthold, Bill Bexley, and Dallas College's Raytosha Jones. 
Rotarians Assemble Flags for Veterans Room Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-05-05 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Donates to Metrocrest Building Drive

Posted on Apr 07, 2022
 
 
CFB Rotary donated a total of $6,330 to Metrocrest Services, in support of their 2022 Building Our Future Capital Campaign. Metrocrest, which assists residents of Addison, Carrollton, Farmers Branch, and Coppell, is constructing a new facility at Josey and Belt Line. Shown above, presenting the final check, are (Left to Right) Matt Wenthold, Mark Sutherland, Tracy Eubanks, Club President John Dodd, Charles Heath, Ben Hogan, and Bill Bexley.
 
CFB Rotary Donates to Metrocrest Building Drive Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-04-07 05:00:00Z 0
Rotarian Focuses on Early College High School Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-04-05 05:00:00Z 1
Newest Paul Harris Fellow - Matt Wenthold Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-03-29 05:00:00Z 0

Hope Village

Posted on Mar 29, 2022
 
On Thursday, March 24, CFB Rotary welcomed Cindy Cunningham, Founder and Executive Director of Hope Village, a Christian ministry in Uganda. Cindy shared the amazing story of how she and National Director Rose Aber met and began working together to help hundreds and then thousands of needy children victimized by violent extremists across Uganda. 
Hope Village Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-03-29 05:00:00Z 0

Congrats Not Once, But Twice!

Posted on Mar 03, 2022
 
CFB Rotary’s very own John Chollampel was the recipient of two awards back to back!  On Friday, February 25, John received Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce's “Carrollton's Rising Star” award for 2022 presented by Carrollton Mayor Pro Tem Pat Cochran. Nominees are selected by the Carrollton City Council for strong volunteer commitment and demonstration of leadership. As Chair of the Neighborhood Advisory Commission (NAC), John thought of and spearheaded the City’s first HOA & NAC dinner event, so the City of Carrollton may build stronger & more personal relationships with future leaders of Carrollton. The dinner was successful & feedback was very positive.
Congrats Not Once, But Twice! 2022-03-03 06:00:00Z 2

Democrats & Republicans Working Together

Posted on Mar 02, 2022

 

How long have you been waiting to see Democrats and Republicans get along? Well, wait no more! You are invited by the Carrollton Farmers Branch Rotary Club to witness a panel of civil discourse between former Dallas County Democratic Party Chair Carol Donovan & former Dallas County Republican Party Chair Rodney Anderson on how they were able to work together to administer elections in Dallas County. The moderator is CFB Rotary Club President Hon. John Dodd.

Democrats & Republicans Working Together Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-03-02 06:00:00Z 0

Meeting Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather

Posted on Feb 23, 2022
 
 
CFB Rotary will not meet on Thursday, February 24, due to inclement weather. Our featured speakers will be rescheduled at the earliest possible opportunity. Stay safe! 
Meeting Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-02-23 06:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Receives Rotary Citation

Posted on Feb 10, 2022

 
Past District Governor John Moser presented CFB Rotary with the Rotary Citation for excellence in the District for 2020-2021. 
CFB Rotary Receives Rotary Citation Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-02-10 06:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary - Back to Brookhaven!

Posted on Feb 09, 2022
 
CFB Rotary is heading home! On Thursday, February 10, after a month in Addison (and last week's snow cancellation), we will begin meeting again in our familiar space at Brookhaven Country Club. Brookhaven is located at 3333 Golfing Green Dr, Farmers Branch, TX 75234. Click here for directions. 
CFB Rotary - Back to Brookhaven! Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-02-09 06:00:00Z 0

Meeting Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather

Posted on Feb 01, 2022
 
 
CFB Rotary will not meet on Thursday, February 3, due to inclement weather. Brookhaven Country Club will be closed. Our featured speakers will be rescheduled at the earliest possible opportunity. Stay safe! 
Meeting Cancelled Due to Inclement Weather Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-02-01 06:00:00Z 0
CFB Rotary Meets at The Midway Point Pastor Bill Lovell 2022-01-03 06:00:00Z 0

Passing of PDG Beverly Grogan

Posted on Dec 07, 2021
 
CFB Rotary mourns the death earlier today of Past District Governor Beverly Grogan (shown above last year with CFB Rotary's Bill Bexley and Sonja Dodds). Current District Governor Max Duplant sent an email message to Rotarians in District 5810: "It is with a very heavy heart that I report to you that we lost Past District Governor (2019-2020) Beverly Grogan this morning after a very difficult struggle with cancer. Beverly was the most giving [person] I have ever met.  She lived the 4-Way test in everything she did and Rotary was the passion that drove her in life."
Passing of PDG Beverly Grogan Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-12-07 06:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Honors Black Veterans

Posted on Nov 18, 2021
 
CFB Rotary participated in a ceremony at Carrollton's Black Cemetery on Veteran's Day 2021 honoring Carrollton's black veterans who are buried there. Laying a wreath and offering thanks were (Left to Right) former Carrollton Mayor Ron Branson, current Carrollton Mayor Kevin Falconer, former Farmers Branch Mayor John Dodd, Pastor Willie Rainwater, former Carrollton Mayor Becky Miller, and current Carrollton Mayor Pro Team Pat Cochran. 
CFB Rotary Honors Black Veterans Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-11-18 06:00:00Z 1

"Our Best Veteran's Day Luncheon Yet"

Posted on Nov 17, 2021
 
CFB Rotary's 18th Annual Veteran's Day Luncheon, Thursday, November 11, was our best yet, said many Rotarians and guests. Of course, that's what we say every year, but, no doubt, Col Anthony Wood (USMC, Retired) did an exceptionally good job as our guest speaker. Everyone in attendance was riveted as Col Wood recounted his experience overseeing the US evacuation of Saigon in April 1975.
"Our Best Veteran's Day Luncheon Yet" Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-11-17 06:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Welcomes Mayor Falconer

Posted on Sep 30, 2021
 
CFB Rotary was honored to welcome Carrollton Mayor Kevin Falconer to speak Thursday, September 30, on "The State of the City of Carrollton." Mayor Falconer spoke on exciting developments and important challenges. He was greeted by Rotary Program Director Pat Cochran, who also serves as Carrollton Mayor Pro Tem. 
CFB Rotary Welcomes Mayor Falconer Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-09-30 05:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Still Cares

Posted on Aug 31, 2021
 
Back in July, CFB Rotary launched a new initiative called "CFB Rotary Cares." We began placing blue Care Cards (aka Concern Cards) on the tables during each weekly meeting and encouraged members and guests to share concerns with us. Six weeks later, we're still doing it!
CFB Rotary Still Cares Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-08-31 05:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Toilet Paper Drive

Posted on Aug 26, 2021
 
CFB Rotary is supporting Metrocrest Services' "2021 Great Toilet Paper Drive" for National Toilet Paper Day. Metrocrest Services' goal is to collect 100,000 rolls of toilet paper—approximately a year's supply for the pantry to help our needy neighbors. CFB Rotarians have already collected over 6,000 rolls, and our goal is to collect a total of 15,000 before we're finished! CFB Rotarian Mark Sutherland, shown above, has been leading our Club's drive, with the help of his wife Debbie.
CFB Rotary Toilet Paper Drive Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-08-26 05:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Welcomes New Member David McCool

Posted on Aug 26, 2021
 
CFB Rotary Treasurer Bill Bexley and President John Dodd introduce David McCool, our newest member, during today's meeting on Thursday, August 26. David is a CPA and a long-time resident of Farmers Branch.
CFB Rotary Welcomes New Member David McCool Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-08-26 05:00:00Z 0
CFB Rotary Welcomes New Members Steve Babick & Mike Allbright Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-08-19 05:00:00Z 0

Metrocrest Honors Rotarian Carol Dingman

Posted on Jul 29, 2021

 
Metrocrest Services has announced that they will honor long-time Rotarian Carol Dingman with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Carol is shown above receiving a bouquet of flowers from Metrocrest CEO Tracy Eubanks and Club President John Dodd. 
Metrocrest Honors Rotarian Carol Dingman Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Cares

Posted on Jul 23, 2021
 
CFB Rotary really does care! Please take advantage of the blue Concern Cards which are placed on the tables during each Thursday meeting. You can mark your Concern as Public (in which case it will be shared with the club) or Confidential (in which case it will only be shared with the Chaplain Team). We ask all members to please keep these concerns in your thoughts and prayers and not to share this information with anyone else without the explicit permission of the person sharing the concern. 
CFB Rotary Cares Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-07-23 05:00:00Z 0

COVID-19 Relief in India

Posted on Jul 15, 2021
 
CFB Rotary presented a $1,000 grant to help with relief of COVID-19 in India, which has been hit recently with a deadly new strain of the virus. Outgoing Club President Sonja Dodds (second from left) arranged for the donation at the request of Rotarians Simon Chamakala (far left) and John Chollampel (third from right). Father Renny Kattel (fourth from right) of Christ the King Catholic Church in Farmers Branch accepted the gift which will be used in southwest India, in the State of Kerala. 
COVID-19 Relief in India Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-07-15 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Survey

Posted on Jul 09, 2021
Check your email inbox, and you should find a message from Club Program Director Pat Cochran. To help her better meet the interests of our members, she has prepared a survey (for current Club members only) to guide her in selecting speakers. To participate, just click on the word "survey" at the bottom of the email (or click on it here). Please complete the survey prior to our meeting on Thursday, July 15.
CFB Rotary Survey Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-07-09 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Flag Program in the News

Posted on Jul 07, 2021
 
CFB Rotary recently made the cover of the Carrollton Leader with a report on the Club's signature Flag Program. Flag "Czar" Bill Bexley, a long-time Rotarian, explained the Program's purpose and great success in the Carrollton-Farmers Branch community. You can view the full article by clicking here
CFB Rotary Flag Program in the News Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-07-07 05:00:00Z 0

Dodds Passes the Baton to Dodd

Posted on Jul 06, 2021

 
Passing the baton at CFB Rotary, outgoing President Sonja Dodds joins incoming President John Dodd in extending a warm invitation to everyone to join us in serving our community. 
Dodds Passes the Baton to Dodd Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-07-06 05:00:00Z 0

2021 Community Service Grant Recipients

Posted on Jun 24, 2021
 
CFB Rotary enthusiastically supports the communities of Carrollton and Farmers Branch. Our community service grants for 2021 were presented on Thursday, June 17, by Community Service Director Victoria Mendoza (far left) and Club President Sonja Dodds (far right).
2021 Community Service Grant Recipients Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-06-24 05:00:00Z 0

Goodbye, Zoom! And Thank You!

Posted on Jun 17, 2021
 
Attendance at CFB Rotary's in-person meetings has been growing steadily. Today's full-house underscored the fact that we are pretty much "back to normal." As a result—after over a year—we are finally saying goodbye to Zoom, effective Thursday, July 8. Note: Zoom will still be available one more time, for the meeting next Thursday, June 24. Rotary will not meet on July 1. 
Goodbye, Zoom! And Thank You! Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-06-17 05:00:00Z 1

New Member: John Mahalik

Posted on Apr 29, 2021
 
CFB Rotary is pleased to welcome new member John Mahalik, shown above with fellow Rotarian Charles Heath (left). John recently succeeded Charles as Chief Executive Officer at Metrocrest Hospital Authority. A former Carrollton City Councilman (2005-2011), John also chairs the Board of Directors of the North Texas Tollway Authority. 
New Member: John Mahalik Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-04-29 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Receives Community Award

Posted on Apr 22, 2021
 
On Tuesday night, April 20, the City of Carrollton presented Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary with the 2021 Outstanding Community Organization Award (shared with Inspiring Lives Inc). The Club was specifically recognized for the construction of a handicapped-accessible playground at Mary Heads Carter Park and the donation of over $30,000 to Metrocrest Services to help the needy during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
CFB Rotary Receives Community Award Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-04-22 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Welcomes Cellist Joseph Kuipers

Posted on Apr 15, 2021
 
Noted local cellist Joseph Kuipers played selections of classical and contemporary music as he talked to CFB Rotary on Thursday, April 8, about Texas Cellos, a cello choir aimed at helping the next generation of Texans to learn great music in an inspiring environment. Kuipers invited all Club members to Music@Mill, a new music festival in McKinney, April 23-24, highlighting a wide variety of music and other activities. 
CFB Rotary Welcomes Cellist Joseph Kuipers Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-04-15 05:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Scholarships

Posted on Mar 22, 2021
 
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary is now accepting scholarship applications from high school seniors and current college students who meet eligibility requirements. The electronic scholarship application must be submitted by April 16. Scholarship money will be used to advance college opportunities in Fall 2021 for those who have an established connection to the CFB Rotary Club. Please email scholarship@cfbrotary5810.org with any questions. 
CFB Rotary Scholarships Kathy Riojas 2021-03-22 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Cancelled - Feb 18

Posted by Pastor Bill Lovell on Feb 17, 2021
CFB Rotary President Sonja Dodds has cancelled the meeting for Thursday, February 18. She writes, "Due to the weather conditions and power outages, all CFB-Rotary activities are cancelled for tomorrow. Everyone please stay safe and warm!" 
CFB Rotary Cancelled - Feb 18 Pastor Bill Lovell 2021-02-17 06:00:00Z 0

International Service Update

Posted by Regina Edwards on Feb 12, 2021
 
CFB Rotary set a new Valentine's Day sale record for West Haven and Blessed Assurance children's homes! We are very excited to announce that Rotarian Gary Embrey of Shamrock Precision generously donated $1,000 today, and since the Rotary meeting and Valentine's Day sale were cancelled due to the icy weather, Regina and Gary took the Valentine's Day party to Shamrock's break room with goody bags and small gifts for all 50 employees.
International Service Update Regina Edwards 2021-02-12 06:00:00Z 0

Annual Valentine's Day Sale

Posted by Regina Edwards on Feb 08, 2021
 
Valentine's Day is this Sunday, February 14, which means this week we will hold our annual Valentine's Day Sale for the two disabled children's homes in Jamaica. ALL proceeds will be sent directly to the homes to support these wonderful kids. Last year we raised $1,000 and $800 the year before. 
Annual Valentine's Day Sale Regina Edwards 2021-02-08 06:00:00Z 0

"Dear Hero, Thank You for Your Service"

Posted on Dec 17, 2020
 
During our lunchtime meeting on Thursday, December 10, CFB Rotary Club members hand-signed Christmas cards to hundreds of service men and women, extending seasons greetings and thanking them for their service. We appreciate all those who serve our country and put their own lives at risk for the rest of us. To each of them, CFB Rotary says, "Dear Hero, thank you for your service!"
"Dear Hero, Thank You for Your Service" 2020-12-17 06:00:00Z 0

Jamaican Water Tank Honors the Late Peter Cross

Posted on Dec 17, 2020
 
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club recently provided funding to the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Jamaica, to install a water tank at Salt Spring Primary and Infant School. The tank was presented in memory of CFB Rotary Past President Peter Cross, who died at age 80 on July 29, 2015. Dominica Pradere, Montego Bay Rotary Club Past President/International Service Director, took the picture above of Club Secretary Lorraine Spence. 
Jamaican Water Tank Honors the Late Peter Cross 2020-12-17 06:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Congratulates Early College High School

Posted on Nov 30, 2020
 
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club was proud to celebrate @CFBISD’s @EarlyCollegeHighSchool for being named a National Blue Ribbon School, one of only 26 in Texas! Participating Rotarians included Kathy Riojas, Victoria Mendoza, Laurie Garber Wilson, Sonja Dodds, Erin Carter, Debbie Sutherland, Mark Sutherland, and Principal Timothy Isaly.
CFB Rotary Congratulates Early College High School Victoria Mendoza 2020-11-30 06:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Loves Our Interact Students

Posted on Nov 09, 2020
 
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary welcomed Interact students to our lunch-time meeting on Thursday, November 5. Eleven students attended in person, and several others participated via Zoom. Schools represented included R.L. Turner High School, Early College High School, and Newman Smith High School.
CFB Rotary Loves Our Interact Students Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-11-09 06:00:00Z 0

Meet Raphael & Paula Hernandez - Veterans Program Speakers 

Posted on Nov 01, 2020
 
CFB Rotary is thrilled to welcome Raphael and Paula Hernandez as the guest speakers at the 17th Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Thursday, Nov 12, from 11:30-1:00 at the Brookhaven Country Club. Raphael served as a logistics officer and as an operational multi-tour recruiting expert in the United States Marine Corps. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after 22 years of service in 2015. Paula is a "professional volunteer," with years of experience as a Marine Corps wife. 
Meet Raphael & Paula Hernandez - Veterans Program Speakers 2020-11-01 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Welcomes New Member, Architect Terry Wright

Posted on Oct 27, 2020
 
CFB Rotary is thrilled to welcome new member, Terry Wright, shown center with Dick Calvert and President Sonja Dodds. Terry is a local architect and business leader in Downtown Carrollton. A native of Hinton, Oklahoma, he graduated from Oklahoma State University in 1988. He is married to Pam. 
CFB Rotary Welcomes New Member, Architect Terry Wright Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-10-27 05:00:00Z 0
17th Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon 2020-10-21 05:00:00Z 0

"Catfish" Montgomery High School Football Preview

Posted on Oct 18, 2020
 
CFB Rotary hosted CFB-ISD's four outstanding football coaches at our annual "Catfish" Montgomery High School Football Preview on Thursday, October 15. Joining us and giving overviews of their teams were (Left to Right) Coach Paul Reesa (Newman Smith Trojans), Coach Terry Smith (Ranchview Wolves), Coach Jay Cline (Creekview Mustangs), and Coach Michael Garda, Jr (R.L. Turner Lions). The program honors longtime Rotarian Carl Benjamin "Catfish" Montgomery and is one of the highlights of the Rotary year. 
"Catfish" Montgomery High School Football Preview Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-10-18 05:00:00Z 0
CFB Rotary Sponsors Heartland Church Bicycle Rodeo Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-10-10 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Welcomes Former District Governor Bill Dendy

Posted on Oct 09, 2020
 
CFB Rotary President Sonja Dodds (Left) and International Service Director Regina Edwards (Right) welcome William "Bill" Dendy, former District Governor of Rotary District 5810. Governor Dendy currently serves as chair of both the District Interact Committee and the District International Service Committee. 
CFB Rotary Welcomes Former District Governor Bill Dendy Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-10-09 05:00:00Z 0
CFB Rotary Welcomes District Governor & Mrs. John Moser Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-09-24 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Supports Metrocrest Services

Posted on Sep 18, 2020
 
With the continuing impact of COVID-19, many in our community are in serious lack of sanitation and hygiene supplies. To help, CFB Rotary's Bill Bexley (center) hand-delivered a check for $1,150 to Metrocrest Services Chief Operations Officer Nicole Newkham-Binkley (left) and Chief Executive Officer Tracy Eubanks (right). 
CFB Rotary Supports Metrocrest Services Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-09-18 05:00:00Z 0

Welcome Dr. Linda Braddy, Our Newest Member

Posted on Sep 04, 2020
 
Dr. Linda Braddy, President of Dallas College-Brookhaven Campus, was initiated into the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club on Thursday, September 3. Dr. Braddy (center) is shown being welcomed by Dick Calvert and Club President Sonja Dodd. In June of this year, all the colleges formerly known as the Dallas County Community College District were united as Dallas College, with a single degree-granting authority. As president of the Brookhaven campus, Dr. Braddy is responsible for leading initiatives which contribute to the vibrancy, growth, and economic stability of Dallas County.
Welcome Dr. Linda Braddy, Our Newest Member Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-09-04 05:00:00Z 0
The Red Basket Program: Hungry Students + Snacks = Boosted Brain Power Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-08-13 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Welcomes Tracy Walder, "The Unexpected Spy" 

Posted by Pastor Bill Lovell
 
Not your stereotypical spy! Our guest speaker at today's meeting of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club was Tracy Walder, a mild-mannered college history professor who formerly worked for the CIA and the FBI, tracking and engaging some of the world's most dangerous villains. 
CFB Rotary Welcomes Tracy Walder, "The Unexpected Spy" Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-08-06 05:00:00Z 0

Introducing FIFTH THURSDAY Programs

Posted on Jul 29, 2020
 
Join us this Thursday, July 30, for our first FIFTH THURSDAY Program. Every fifth Thursday of the month, in place of hearing a speaker, Club members are invited to do a service project together to support our Club's outreach to the community. This week, we will be putting together marketing materials for our Flag Program.
Introducing FIFTH THURSDAY Programs Pastor Bill Lovell 2020-07-29 05:00:00Z 0

Speaker on July 23-Andy Horn

Posted on Jul 22, 2020
 
Andy Horn will speak at CFB Rotary on Thursday, July 23, at noon! His topic will be "Information Technology." Andy is the Information Systems Director for the City of Carrollton. 
Speaker on July 23-Andy Horn Bill Lovell 2020-07-22 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary's Regina Edwards on Service Work in Jamaica

Posted on Jul 17, 2020
 
CFB Rotary's Regina Edwards was interviewed two weeks ago by Bill Dendy, Past District Governor of Rotary District 5810, about her passion for Jamaica and our club's investment there over many years. Dendy points out that, since Regina's first visit to Jamaica in 2003, she has become Rotary's International Service "guru" for North Texas! "You are just the epitome of what a great Rotarian should be doing!" Watch the full interview here
CFB Rotary's Regina Edwards on Service Work in Jamaica Bill Lovell 2020-07-17 05:00:00Z 0
Painless Way to Support CFB Rotary Bill Lovell 2020-07-17 05:00:00Z 0

District Governor Grogan Finishes Her Tour at CFB Rotary

Posted on Jul 10, 2020
 
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary was privileged to host dear friend Beverly Grogan for her last official act as Governor of Rotary District 5810. Beverly presided on Thursday, July 9, at the installation of this year's new Club officers. She is shown above receiving a bouquet of flowers from Club Treasurer Bill Bexley (left) and newly installed Club President Sonja Dodds (right).
District Governor Grogan Finishes Her Tour at CFB Rotary Bill Lovell 2020-07-10 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Safe In-Person Reopening

Posted on Jul 09, 2020
 
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club opened again for in-person meetings on Thursday, July 9, at Brookhaven Country Club. With the careful and expert help of the Country Club staff, we safely welcomed twenty who attended in person and ten more who attended via Zoom, for a total of thirty. COVID-19 protocols included required masks, social distancing, plated serving, and limited personal physical interaction. Reviews were very positive. 
CFB Rotary Safe In-Person Reopening Bill Lovell 2020-07-09 05:00:00Z 0
Rotary Supports Our Local Libraries Bill Lovell 2020-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

Ticket Drawing 2020

We finally had our overdue ticket drawing tonight while several of us were doing flag assembly in preparation for the 4th of July.
 
Many thanks to Paul, Mark, Debbie, John and Timothy for helping get our last 25 flags assembled.  Paul, Ben, and I did 25 on Monday night to make the 50 we need to meet the demand for the 4th of July. We are delivering 369 flags for the 4th.
 
The winners of the ticket drawing are as follows:
 
$  500.00   Ben Hogan
$  750.00   John Allen
$1,000.00  Austin Newell
 
Click on Ticket Drawing to watch the video of the drawing.
 
Thanks to everyone for participating and a special thanks to Debbie Walton for all her help in getting the drawing set up.
 
Thanks
Bill Bexley
 
 
Ticket Drawing 2020 Bill Bexley 2020-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Grant to The Family Place

Posted on Jun 30, 2020
 
CFB Rotary Community Service Director Ben Hogan (right) was joined by Rotarian Pat Cochran (left) in delivering the check for a 2020 Community Service Grant to Chief Executive Officer Paige Flack (center) of The Family Place. The Family Place has been helping victims of family violence in North Texas since 1978, providing everything needed to help victims become survivors.
Rotary Grant to The Family Place Bill Lovell 2020-06-30 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Supports Bea's Kids

 
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club has long supported the work of Bea's Kids, a local non-profit whose mission is "to provide educational and personal development programs to children from low income families so they will stay in school and break the cycle of poverty." CFB Rotary Club President David Hale and Community Service Director Ben Hogan presented one of five Annual Community Service Grants to Bea's Kids' Executive Director Mari Rubio. 
CFB Rotary Supports Bea's Kids Bill Lovell 2020-06-24 05:00:00Z 0

Raul Paredes - We will miss him

 
We are saddened for the loss of one of our beloved members, Raul Paredes.  He passed away last week after courageously battling cancer for many months.  Raul was a great example of what it means to be a Rotarian.  He lived his life following the guiding principles of the 4-way test, and it was never a doubt that he followed the Rotary motto "Service Above Self."  When you were in his presence, you always felt as if you were the most important person in his life at that moment.  On a personal note, he always called me Billy. I have not been Billy since high school, but when he called me Billy, I felt as of I had known him all my life.
 
He joined our club in March of 2006.  He immediately got involved in whatever he was asked to do. He was our club secretary in 2009/2010, then our incoming president in 2010/2011, and our club president in 2011/2012. That was an outstanding year under his leadership, and was the recipient of the District 5810 Outstanding President of the Year Award. There were over 60 clubs in the district, and to win this prestigious award was not only a great achievement for Raul, but for our club as well.
 
As you would expect, Raul was a generous man, not only with his time, but also with his support of our club.  He lived his life as a Christian, a loving husband, father, and grandfather as well a great Rotarian.
 
We extend our deepest sympathy to Aurora, his beloved wife of over 45 years, as well as to his children, grandchildren, and other family members.
 
We will miss him
Bill Bexley
 
Raul Paredes - We will miss him Bill Bexley 2020-06-23 05:00:00Z 0

Raul Paredes, Rest in Peace

 
Raul H. Paredes, former President of Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club, died on Monday, June 15. "Raul was a great Rotarian," commented long-time friend Bill Bexley.  "He was certainly a great example of someone that lived his life following the 4-Way Test and Service Above Self.  He will be missed!"
Raul Paredes, Rest in Peace Bill Lovell 2020-06-19 05:00:00Z 0

We Want Your Input About Reopening

Posted on May 29, 2020
 
 
CFB Rotary President David Hale has asked every club member to give him input about when we should reopen for in-person meetings. Following up on a spirited discussion at our most recent meeting via Zoom, Chief Hale wrote in an email, "I need to know of your willingness to return to in-person meetings at Brookhaven on June 11, 2020, by simply giving me a YES or NO response." "This is a personal decision," he added, "based on what is best for you and has no judgement associated with it." Those who aren't ready to reopen are asked to let him know when they think they might be comfortable enough to do so. 
We Want Your Input About Reopening Bill Lovell 2020-05-29 05:00:00Z 0

Four Centuries of Rotary

Posted on May 13, 2020
 
 
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club has over four centuries of club experience! During our Rotary Zoom meeting on Thursday, May 7, we asked the 24 members present (out of 66 on the active rolls) to share how long they have each been in the Rotary Club. Added together, there was a total of 423 years. That's a lot of Rotary experience! 
Four Centuries of Rotary Bill Lovell 2020-05-13 05:00:00Z 2

CFB Rotary Hosts International Zoom Meeting

Posted on May 06, 2020
 
Zoom Rotary meetings have become the new norm for many clubs during the COVID-19 crisis. While club members would rather meet in person, one of the benefits of Zoom meetings is the opportunity for those members and clubs that have a connection to a club in a different country to join in from around the world. On April 30, during CFB Rotary's weekly Zoom meeting, we invited our current global grant student along with The Rotary Club of Montego Bay, Jamaica, to join in. District 5810 Governor, Beverly Grogan, also joined in.
CFB Rotary Hosts International Zoom Meeting Bill Bexley 2020-05-06 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary International Livestream Telethon

Posted on Apr 24, 2020
 
Rotary District Governor Beverly Grogan invites everyone to participate in a COVID-19 #RotaryResponds one-hour Telethon to raise critical funds for disaster response. This Facebook Live event, beginning at 10am (CDT) on Saturday, May 2, will be simulcast on the Rotary International Facebook page. The goal is to raise more than $1 million dollars.  Beverly says the links below are now live! 
Rotary International Livestream Telethon Bill Lovell 2020-04-24 05:00:00Z 0
CFB Rotary Donates Additional $20K to Metrocrest Services Bill Bexley 2020-04-23 05:00:00Z 0
Our First-Ever Membership Meeting via Zoom Bill Lovell 2020-04-16 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Cares!

Posted on Apr 14, 2020
 
CFB Rotary cares! Rotary Board members John Dodd and Bill Lovell have been tasked with reaching out to Club members to check in and stay in touch. Many of our members are facing enormous challenges at home and at work: money, relationships, health, and pretty much everything else. One member said the COVID-19 epidemic is the biggest crisis he's had to face in his forty-five-year career! 
CFB Rotary Cares! Bill Lovell 2020-04-14 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary's First-Ever Virtual Board Meeting via Zoom

Posted on Apr 09, 2020
 
The Board of Directors of the CFB Rotary Club had its first-ever virtual Board meeting on Thursday morning, April 9, using the online collaboration platform Zoom. Sixteen Board members were convened by President David Hale, as Erin Carter moderated. The Metrocrest Chamber graciously allowed us to use their Zoom account. 
CFB Rotary's First-Ever Virtual Board Meeting via Zoom Bill Lovell 2020-04-09 05:00:00Z 1

Rotarians Serving Food to Needy Families

Posted by Bill Lovell on Apr 06, 2020
 
Rotarians John Chollampel (left, in white) and Simon Chamakala (right, in blue) work with volunteer staff at Joe's Soup Kitchen in Carrollton as they prepare meals for over three hundred needy school kids, senior citizens, and veterans. 
Rotarians Serving Food to Needy Families Bill Lovell 2020-04-06 05:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Exploring Virtual Meetings

Posted by Bill Lovell on Apr 01, 2020
 
CFB Rotary is exploring ways to conduct virtual meetings using collaboration platforms such as Zoom. Club President David Hale has cancelled all regular meetings, citing local and national authorities which mandate social distancing, but Hale and other Rotarians are eager to stay in touch and maintain our commitment to serve the Carrollton and Farmers Branch communities. 
CFB Rotary Exploring Virtual Meetings Bill Lovell 2020-04-01 05:00:00Z 0

Regular Meetings Cancelled Through April 29

Posted by Bill Lovell on Mar 31, 2020
 
CFB Rotary Club President David Hale has cancelled regular Club meetings through April 29, due to COVID-19 restrictions. Chief Hale sent an email to Club members to explain his reasons, "The President has issued a social distancing recommendation through April 30, and Brookhaven Country Club has canceled all gatherings through April 29. Dallas County is still under a shelter in place order through April 3, and this is expected to be renewed several more times before we see the other side of this pandemic."
Regular Meetings Cancelled Through April 29 Bill Lovell 2020-03-31 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary & Metrocrest - The Rest of the Story

Posted by Bill Bexley on Mar 30, 2020
 
CFB Rotary was successful in obtaining a 5810 District Grant in the amount of $1,250 for Metrocrest Services' COVID-19 Response.  That, plus CFB Rotary's contribution of $1,500 last week, means Rotary's total contribution is $2,750.  Treasurer Bill Bexley (left) presented the check to Metrocrest Services CEO Tracy Eubanks today. As you can see, they were practicing social distancing! 
Rotary & Metrocrest - The Rest of the Story Bill Bexley 2020-03-30 05:00:00Z 1

CFB Rotary Supports Metrocrest Services

Posted by Bill Bexley on Mar 26, 2020
 
Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch contributed $1,500 to Metrocrest Services to help meet the urgent need during the COVID-19 pandemic. The check was presented to Metrocrest CEO Tracy Eubanks (in red shirt) by (left to right) Paul Lonquist, Club President David Hale, Treasurer Bill Bexley, and Victoria Mendoza. 
CFB Rotary Supports Metrocrest Services Bill Bexley 2020-03-26 05:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Cancelling March Meetings

Posted by Bill Lovell on Mar 17, 2020
 
CFB Rotary Club Meetings on Thursday, March 19, and Thursday, March 26, have been cancelled, per Club President David Hale. Chief Hale says we will evaluate beginning April 1st when and if we will resume regular meetings. Rotary International has issued a statement on COVID-19 which you may read here
CFB Rotary Cancelling March Meetings Bill Lovell 2020-03-17 05:00:00Z 0

Veterans Day Luncheon 2019

Posted by Bill Lovell on Nov 11, 2019
CFB Rotary hosted a room full of heroes today for our 16th Annual Veterans Appreciation Luncheon, featuring guest speaker Lt. Col. Allen B. West. There were 40 veterans in attendance. We also welcomed Rotary District Governor Beverly Grogan and members of Interact Clubs from the CFB-ISD
Veterans Day Luncheon 2019 Bill Lovell 2019-11-11 06:00:00Z 0

Launching a Flag Holiday Program

Posted by Bill Bexley on Oct 31, 2019
 
 

Our Rotary Club is launching a Holiday US Flag Program for the Cities of Carrollton and Farmers Branch. If you live in the following zip codes we encourage your to sign up.

75006, 75007, 75010, 75011, 75234, 75244

We are doing this in partnership with Scouting Units in the Elm Fork District.  They will deliver and pick up the flags for 5 holidays.  They are Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, and Veterans Day.
 
Signing up is easy.  Go to www.flagsovercfb.com and either sign up via your credit card, or complete the Order by Mail Form.  Click on Form to download.
 
If signing up Online, select Neighborhood Not Listed unless you see it as a choice in the dropdown list
 
The cost is $45.00 per year for the 5 holidays.  Part of the proceeds go to the Scouting Units delivering and picking up the flags. The balance goes to scholarships and community organizations we support. 
Launching a Flag Holiday Program Bill Bexley 2019-10-31 05:00:00Z 0
CFB Rotary Donation to Support Children's Homes in Jamaica 2019-05-21 05:00:00Z 0 jamaica

All Accessible Playground - Rosemeade Park

Posted by Bill Bexley on Mar 29, 2019
 

 
The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch in partnership with The City of Carrollton is raising money to purchase and install All Accessible Playground Equipment for the park located at Rosemeade Rec Center. The picture is the latest rendering of what we are purchasing. You will note a Merry-go-Round off at the top right of the picture. This is a brand new feature that we are purchasing. Click on Merry-go-Round to view a video of how this will be a wonderful all accessible feature

This Signature Project is a multiple-year project  that started several years ago when we partnered with the City of Farmers Branch and the Rotary Club of Farmers Branch and completed the park at Gussie Field Watterworth Park in Farmers Branch.  To view that dedication ceremony and have a glimpse of what to expect at Roesmeade Park, click on
https://youtu.be/I0wlMmmDLLw

Our goal is to raise $155,00.00 over the next couple of months through our members, our member's companies, other community organizations and anyone that wishes to participate in this endeavor.

For more information and to make a donation go to
http://rosemeadepark.org/
All Accessible Playground - Rosemeade Park Bill Bexley 2019-03-29 05:00:00Z 0

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club is at Farmers Branch Elementary.

Posted by Erin Carney on Aug 20, 2018
The CFB Rotary PomPom Patrol was on the scene for the first day of school at Farmers Branch Elementary School this morning to greet each student and wish them a successful 2018-19 school year. Want to get more involved with Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District this year? Give our club a shout - we have an amazing mentoring program that’s changing the world one buddy at a time. #cfbfirstday #cfbmatterstome #changingtheworldonebuddyatatime #pompompatrol
Image may contain: 7 people, people smiling, people standing and indoor
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club is at Farmers Branch Elementary. Erin Carney 2018-08-20 05:00:00Z 0

Paul Lonquist - Club President of the Year 2017/2018

Posted on Aug 18, 2018
Congratulations to Paul Lonquist as the District 5810 President of the Year 2017/2018.  Paul was honored at the District 5810 Awards Banquet receiving the most prestigious award.  Please come to next Thursday's meeting to help congratulate Paul for his outstanding year.
 
 
Paul Lonquist - Club President of the Year 2017/2018 2018-08-18 05:00:00Z 0
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club is at Brookhaven CountryClub. Erin Carney 2018-08-09 05:00:00Z 0
Volunteers Help Sort School Supplies for Metrocrest Services Erin Carney 2018-07-30 05:00:00Z 0

ICE Bucket Challenge

Posted by Erin Carney
Ice, ice baby! Club President Dr. Paul Lonquist, President-Elect Jerry Bates, and Immediate Past-President Steve Patrick braved the ice bucket challenge in the Texas summer heat in celebration of an awesome year of fundraising efforts. A club that fundraises and laughs together, achieves together! To view a Video, click on this link https://youtu.be/TvtJANyIQes. ! #iceicebaby #thebigchill #serviceoverself
Image may contain: 5 people, people smiling, child, shoes, sky, tree, outdoor and nature
 
Image may contain: 5 people, people smiling, child, shoes, sky, tree, outdoor and nature
ICE Bucket Challenge Erin Carney 2018-06-21 05:00:00Z 0
Newman Smith Interact Club Seniors Receive Sashes 2018-06-04 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Park - Farmers Branch Texas

Rotary Park also know as Gussie Field Watterworth Park, was once again host to Joni and Friends.  Joni and Friends is an organization that supports people and families with disabilities.  They gathered at the pavilion which is adjacent to the fully accessible  playground and park that our club, the Rotary Club of Farmers Branch and the City of Farmers Branch dedicated almost two years ago.  Children of all ages with special needs can play along with their siblings and family members.  An adult volunteer that is wheelchair bound said that this was the first park that he could access all the way to the top. It was a fun filled day.  Our club was honored to sponsore the Ice-cream Truck.
Rotary Park - Farmers Branch Texas 2018-03-03 06:00:00Z 0

Fourway Speech Contest

One of the world’s most widely printed and quoted statements of ethics is The 4-Way Test. Created in 1932 by Rotarian Herbert J. Taylor and adopted by Rotary in 1943, The 4-Way Test has been translated into more than a hundred languages and published in thousands of ways.

This week's CFB Rotary featured The 4-Way Test Contest. Four outstanding speakers came from CFBISD high schools (Creekview, Newman Smith, Ranchview, and R.L. Turner) to present speeches today. The names in order are Elizabela Hernandez, Creekview, Hoewon Huh, Newman Smith, Joshua Straup, Ranchview, and Edger Avila’ Mendoza, RL Turner, who was the winner. They were all outstanding! Well done, students!

 
 
Fourway Speech Contest 2018-02-27 06:00:00Z 0
Mentoring Christmas Party Pat Canuteson 2017-12-15 06:00:00Z 0

Mentoring Christmas Party

Our Club’s annual Mentoring Christmas Party was held today, and all the kids, their mentors, and even Santa joined in the celebration! Thank you, Victoria Mendoza, for all the hard work you put into the CFB ISD mentoring program, and thank you to all of our Club members and others who mentor these kids! Merry Christmas, everyone!
Mentoring Christmas Party Pat Canuteson 2017-12-14 06:00:00Z 0

Rotary Christmas Party @ Sam Pack’s Car Museum

our club’s annual Christmas party was held on December 7, 2017, at Sam Pack’s Car Museum. Club members, spouses, and friends enjoyed celebrating Christmas together, but they also donated Christmas toys to be donated to Metrocrest Services for local children. Thank you for all the planning for this event, and for all of you who attended. Our local kids will also appreciate your Christmas giving!
Rotary Christmas Party @ Sam Pack’s Car Museum Pat Canuteson 2017-12-08 06:00:00Z 0

ClubRunner App

Posted on Oct 31, 2017
 
The ClubRunner Mobile App is your key to connect to your ClubRunner website on the go! Completely, free to download and use, this app will let you access the key info you need while you're on the go. Password protected just like your website, the ClubRunner Mobile app allows you to to view your member directory, contact your members and executives, read the latest articles posted to your website, learn more about your upcoming events and speakers, view your meeting details and track your attendance statistics, right from your smartphone or tablet! 
 
To download the app from the Apple App Store or from Google Play, simply type in 'ClubRunner' in the search bar. Our mobile app is compatible with all versions of the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch sets that have iOS 8.0 or later and with versions of Anrdoids that are 4.0.3 or better.
 
Click on Read More to view the tutorial
ClubRunner App 2017-10-31 05:00:00Z 0
District Awards Banquet Pat Canuteson 2017-09-28 05:00:00Z 0

Metrocrest Social Services

 
 
Tracy Eubanks of Metrocrest Social Services has notified our Club of a pressing need for food, money, and supplies due to victims of Hurricane Harvey.  Many victims of the Hurricane are now in our area and in need of various supplies.  While Metrocrest Social Services primary focus is providing food, they also need clothes vouchers at their Retail store and other services based upon need.  You can help by donating any of the items listed below.  Donations can be delivered to our Carrollton/Farmers Rotary Club at our Thursday meetings at noon at Brookhaven Country Club, or to their office at 13801 Hutton Drive, Suite 150, in Carrollton.  If you prefer to donate money, you can do so by going to their website at www.metrocrestservices.org and choose "Pantry" as the designation.  A list of items they need is as follows:
 
Hurricane Harvey Relief Effort
 
                                                 MOST URGENTLY NEEDED ITEMS
 
Hygiene items:
Bath Soap                                                           
Tooth brush                                                      
Tooth paste                                                       
Razors                                                                  
Shaving Cream                                                 
Deodorant                                                         
Shampoo                                                            
Lotion                                                                  
Feminine products
Wipes
Baby Diapers
Baby Hygiene items      
First aid kits
Hand sanitizer                                  
 
Household Items:
Disposable plates                                           
Disposable bowls
Disposable cups                                              
Disposable Utensils                                       
Paper towels                                                    
Can Opener                                                       
Laundry detergent                                         
Dish wash soap                
Food Items:  Select pull top cans or packaging that do not require  can openers
Canned Vegetables                                       
Canned Soup                                                                    
Canned meat                                                    
Canned fruit                                                     
Bottled water                                                                   
Cereal                                                                  
Peanut butter                                                  
Snack Crackers                                                 
Granola
Shelf stable milk
Juice boxes
Pet Food
Trail Mix
Raisins             
 
Thanks for your help!                                    
Metrocrest Social Services Pat Canuteson 2017-08-30 05:00:00Z 0

Metrocrest Service Project 2017  

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jul 26, 2017
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Twenty three members and guest met at Metrocrest Services to help pack bags of school supplies.  We filled close to 150 bags from a list of requested supplies for each grade level and school.  Our group is just one of many groups that will gather over the next few days to get ready for handing out the supplies in August.  Metrocrest still need more assistance and additional supplies.  If you want to provide additional help, contact Brittini Coe, Volunteer Manager at bcoe@metrocrestservices.org.
 
To view pictures, click on Metrocrest 2017
Metrocrest Service Project 2017   Bill Bexley 2017-07-26 05:00:00Z 0

Members Celebrate at then100th Birthday  Party of Rotary Foundation 

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jun 04, 2017
This past May, several of our members celebrated the 100th Birthday of the Rotary Foundation. The party was held at the Frontier Flight Museum.  It was a great celebration where several thousand dollars was raised for Polio Plus. This fund is dedicated to eliminating polio in the world. As of this date it has been several weeks since anyone has been diognose with polio. 
 
 
Members Celebrate at then100th Birthday Party of Rotary Foundation Bill Bexley 2017-06-04 05:00:00Z 0

3rd Annual Glow Ball Tournament - Huge Success

Posted by Bill Bexley on May 08, 2017
 
 
 
The 3rd Annual Glow Ball Tournament was a huge success.  We especially thank Sonja Dodds for organizing the event.  We played for the first time at Riverchase Golf Course in Coppell. 
 
We have 52 players that teed off at 6 pm for our 9 holes before dark.  Following dinner in the clubhouse, we wen back around 8 pm and teed off for he glow ball part of the tournament on the same 9 holes.
 
There were numerous calls to the clubhouse from neighbors asking if there was a tournament going on. They wanted to see if they could play. Also, a neighbor out walking the course for exercise joined our threesome and road with us to the finish of the tournament.  We all had a lot of fun.
 
Thomas Bexley and his friend Coby Allen joined me to make up our threesome.  The pictures are of Thomas, Allen an my self. The video shows what it looks like teeing off one of the tee boxes.
 
As usual, it was a lot of FUN and we raised a lot of money for our community organizations and our upcoming playground park for Carrollton.
 
#glowball
 
 
3rd Annual Glow Ball Tournament - Huge Success Bill Bexley 2017-05-08 05:00:00Z 0

C/FB Rotary Honored with District 5810 Community Service Award

Posted by David Hale on Sep 26, 2016
The Carrollton/Farmers Branch Rotary Club is honored to receive the Rotary District 5810 Community Service Award.  Every member should be proud of this award!  The all inclusive Rotary playground at Gussie Field Watterworth Park was one of the significant projects that helped the Club garner this award.  Well done everyone!
C/FB Rotary Honored with District 5810 Community Service Award David Hale 2016-09-27 00:00:00Z 0
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive 2016! 2016-08-16 00:00:00Z 0

Veterans Coalition of North Texas


 
 
 
Nekima Horton did a fantastic job of presenting all the benefits available to our Military Veterans through the Veterans Coalition of North Texas.  If you want more information or wish to donate click on the following link http://www.vcnct.org
Veterans Coalition of North Texas 2016-08-11 00:00:00Z 0
Newman Smith Interact Club recieves Rotary Presidential Citation 2016-08-02 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians assist Dallas area officers and their families following tragic events of July 7, 2016.

Posted by David Hale on Jul 20, 2016

 


The Board of Directors of the Carrollton/Farmers Branch Rotary convened at their regular board meeting on July 21, 2016 and voted unanimously to donate $1,000 to the Dallas Foundation Line of Duty Fund for Fallen Officers.  The Line of Duty Fund at The Dallas Foundation will work closely with the Dallas Police Department and the Dallas Area Rapid Transit Authority to distribute 100% of the funds collected to the officers and families affected by the shootings in Dallas on July 7th.

Rotarians assist Dallas area officers and their families following tragic events of July 7, 2016. David Hale 2016-07-21 00:00:00Z 0

Texas Discovery Gardens Pays CFB Rotary a Visit

Posted by Bill Bexley on May 24, 2016
Texas Discovery Garden's Director of Horticulture Roger Sanderson discusses the finer points of snake-handling with Club member John Osborn.
 
Roger Sanderson, Director of Horticulture for Texas Discovery Gardens, was our guest speaker and program on May 25th.  He brought several snakes that were displayed and part of the many features at the Garden.  He explained, in great detail, the differences in venomous and non-venomous snakes, as well as how safe it is to be in the outdoors and not be fearful of snakes.  Roger also explained how to identify the different species of snakes that are most common in Texas and our immediate area.
 
Texas Discovery Gardens is a great place to visit.  They have a Butterfly House where butterflies are brought in from all over the world each day.  They hatch, and are then placed in the Butterfly House for all to see and enjoy.
 
Texas Discovery Gardens Pays CFB Rotary a Visit Bill Bexley 2016-05-25 00:00:00Z 0

New Fully-Accessible Park Opens in Farmers Branch

Posted by Bill Bexley on Apr 12, 2016
Children enjoying the brand-new playground at Gussie Field Watterworth Park in Farmers Branch
 
Ground breaking ceremony and video produced by Farmers Branch Parks Department.
 
 
 
The Rotary Clubs of Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Farmers Branch, along with the City of Farmers Branch, teamed up to provide a fully-accessible playground for children of all ages.  The playground opened on Wednesday, April 12th at Gussie Field Watterworth Park, located next to Farmers Branch City Hall at 13000 William Dodson Parkway.  Elementary and middle school students from local schools were invited to the park to test out the new playground equipment and enjoy a picnic lunch.  The official opening and will be at 11 AM on Saturday, April 30th.  Click om More Pictures to view the Park Album
 
New Fully-Accessible Park Opens in Farmers Branch Bill Bexley 2016-04-12 05:00:00Z 0

Rotary Volunteer Night at Metrocrest Services - IMPORTANT INFO

Posted by David Hale on Dec 02, 2015
If you have already done so, we would like to thank you for registering to volunteer at Metrocrest Services Family Night.  If you are in a group, please email Erica so that they can reserve the correct number of shifts for your group.
 
Location: 2661 Midway Road #216, Carrollton, Texas 75006
Directions: Southwest corner of Trinity Mills & Midway, next to Nickel Mania
Attire: Please wear close-toed shoes and dress comfortably.  The store generally reflects the temperature outside, so please dress accordingly
Task: Volunteers will assist in sorting food donations and will make stocking stuffers for the clients visiting the holiday store
Contact: Erica Mahoney 469-348-1523 or emahoney@metrocrestservices.org
 
If possible, all volunteers are encouraged to come with a couple of items to donate; it's amazing the impact a group can have when everyone brings a small amount!
Rotary Volunteer Night at Metrocrest Services - IMPORTANT INFO David Hale 2015-12-03 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Volunteer Night at Metrocrest Services!

Posted by David Hale on Nov 16, 2015
 
Calling all Carrollton/Farmers Branch Rotarians!  Please come and help sort donations and make stocking stuffers at Metrocrest Services on Tuesday, December 8, 2015 from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.  This is one of the family nights, so kids are welcome to come and help!  Contact David Hale at david.hale@farmersbranchtx.gov if you plan on attending.  
Rotary Volunteer Night at Metrocrest Services! David Hale 2015-11-17 00:00:00Z 0

Save The Date: Annual Mentoring Program Christmas Luncheon December 17th

Posted by Nanette Foght on Nov 15, 2015
 
The December 17th Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club lunch meeting will feature as its program the Annual Mentoring Program Christmas Party.  This annual event, which is a Club favorite every year, brings the mentees to Brookhaven Country Club to have lunch with their mentors and the rest of the Club in a spirited and festive setting.  Victoria Mendoza, who has co-chaired the New Generations position with Mentoring program founder Pete Cross in years past, will introduce each mentor/mentee combo, after which each of the pairs will then take turns introducing each other to the Club, and telling a bit about their time together.  The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club cherishes this annual event with the students of both Farmers Branch Elementary and Vivian Field Middle Schools, and all Club member are encouraged to attend.
Save The Date: Annual Mentoring Program Christmas Luncheon December 17th Nanette Foght 2015-11-16 00:00:00Z 0

You're Invited: Annual Veteran's Day Luncheon 2015

Posted by David Hale on Oct 29, 2015
 
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club invites you to be our special guest as we honor you for serving our great nation as a former or current member of the United States Armed Forces.  Please be our guest for lunch at Brookhaven Country Club in Farmers Branch on Thursday, November 5, 2015 at 11:45 AM. Brookhaven Country Club is located in Farmers Branch at 3333 Golfing Green Drive.   Please arrive a few minutes early so we can seat you.  Our keynote speaker will be Colonel John Norwood (Ret.).  Colonel Norwood is a West Point Graduate who served for over 26 years in the United States Army. He is a veteran of the Cold War and Operation Iraqi Freedom and was in the Pentagon when it was attacked on 9/11.  Please R.S.V.P. to Community Service Director David Hale at david.hale@farmersbranchtx.gov if you are able to join us. So that we may recognize you personally, please include the following in your R.S.V.P:  Your name, rank, and branch of service; where you have served, if applicable, and any other short description of your service that you would like us to know about.
You're Invited: Annual Veteran's Day Luncheon 2015 David Hale 2015-10-30 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary International President to Speak at Dallas Rotary Club Philip Orwig 2015-10-30 00:00:00Z 0

Bill Bexley Wins Outstanding President of the Year District 5810 Award

Posted by Douglas Rudman on Oct 22, 2015
District Governor Bill Dendy poses with Bill Bexley, Past-President of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club and winner of the Outstanding President of the Year District 5810 Award.
 
On October 3rd, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Past-President Bill Bexley took home the award for Outstanding President of the Year for District 5810.  While this probably doesn't come as a surprise to anybody who knows Bill and the passion he has for Rotary, Bexley nonetheless was very gracious and humble in accepting the honor.  Bexley pointed out how this is an award for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club as a whole, the members of which made the success of several initiatives possible.  An impressive growth in membership, new and innovative fundraising efforts and our Club's ongoing commitment to the Signature Playground Project made this award possible, and each and every member should feel as honored as Bill that our Club is once again home to such an esteemed distinction.
 
Congratulations, Bill!
Bill Bexley Wins Outstanding President of the Year District 5810 Award Douglas Rudman 2015-10-23 00:00:00Z 0

Don't Miss the Dallas Zoo Animal Outreach Lunch Program - October 29th

Posted by Nanette Foght on Sep 22, 2015
Founded in 1888, the Dallas Zoo was the first zoo in the Southwest, and is the largest zoological experience in Texas.  This year its 11-acre Giants of the Savanna exhibit was named one of the top-10 exhibits in the country by USA Today's 10Best Competition.  The habitat is the only one in the U.S. that integrates elephants, giraffes, impala, zebra and guinea fowl in one shared environment.  Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the zoo features a 106-acre park, thousands of animals, and an education department that offers programs for all ages.  Be sure to follow along for updates on the amazing animals, conservation initiatives and programs for the whole family on www.dallaszoo.com and social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Zoohoo! blog.
Don't Miss the Dallas Zoo Animal Outreach Lunch Program - October 29th Nanette Foght 2015-09-23 00:00:00Z 0

Congratulations to New Members Jim Palma & Bradley Marshall

Posted by Dick Calvert on Sep 16, 2015
From left to right, new members Jim Palma & Bradley Marshall pose with Dick Calvert and Club President Pat Canutesen.
 
Congratulations to our newest members Jim Palma and Bradley Marshall.  The pair were inducted at the September 17th lunch meeting, and are both looking forward to working on various Club initiatives going forward.  Each new member completely embodies our motto, "Service Above Self".  We know they'll both have a positive impact on our Club, and our community, for many years to come.
 
Welcome, Jim & Bradley!
Congratulations to New Members Jim Palma & Bradley Marshall Dick Calvert 2015-09-17 00:00:00Z 0

Monotronics Makes Generous Donation to Playground Project

Posted by Bill Bexley on Sep 16, 2015
Scott Smith and Mayor Bob Phelps are presented with a $10,000 donation for the Rotary Playground Project from Monotronics.
 
On behalf of every member of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club and the Farmers Branch Rotary Club, as well as the City of Farmers Branch, we would like to extend our most sincere appreciation for the very generous $10,000 donation made by Monotronics for the Rotary Playground Project.  This is truly in the spirit of the project, and will go a very long way toward completing this endeavor.  
 
Monotronics is recognized as an industry-leader in alarm monitoring and security services.  They are a five-time Frost & Sullivan Alarm Monitoring Company of the Year (2008, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014), and a four-time recipient of the Consumers' Choice Award (2012, 2013, 2014, 2015) for excellence in business and customer service in Dallas/Fort Worth-headquartered alarm system companies.
Monotronics Makes Generous Donation to Playground Project Bill Bexley 2015-09-17 00:00:00Z 0

600-Pounds of Supplies Begin Journey to DR

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Aug 27, 2015
 
Thanks to everyone!  We had close to 600 lbs. in fourteen boxes for our Pete Cross Memorial 2015 International Service Trip!  Boxes are at the Atlanta airport right now waiting on our 8 a.m.  flight tomorrow to Punta Cana, assuming the weather cooperates.  Austin and I are enjoying downtown Atlanta right now while we wait.  Prayers for everyone affected by this storm.
600-Pounds of Supplies Begin Journey to DR Regina Atwell Edwards 2015-08-28 00:00:00Z 0

Preparations Continue for International Service Trip

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Aug 15, 2015
Regina Edwards' sons earned Boy Scout community service hours for the efforts.
 
Regina Edwards' sons earned Boy Scout community service hours this weekend packing boxes in preparation for the Joint International Service Trip.  They are members of Troop #714 in Carrollton.  They organized school supplies in pencil boxes for the El Cajuil School in Macao, Dominican Republic.  Together they packed six boxes of school supplies and two boxes of medical supplies.  They also helped type the manifest for the boxes.
Preparations Continue for International Service Trip Regina Atwell Edwards 2015-08-16 00:00:00Z 0

Fourth SHRED-A-THON Set For Halloween

Posted by Sonja Dodds on Aug 12, 2015
 
For the fourth time, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club will be partnering with Keep Carrollton Beautiful to host the SHRED-A-THON, which raises much-needed money to go to both local and international service projects around the world.  The event will be held Saturday, October 31st, 2015 from 10 am to 12 pm at the Newman Smith High School parking lot. All residents of Carrollton and Farmers Branch are encouraged to bring old, sensitive documents to dispose of in a safe and secure manner.  Need ideas for things to bring?  How about old tax returns, bills & receipts, business records and bank statements, canceled checks, credit card statements and other documents containing personal information.  There will even be an electronics recycling shredder there, too.  Suggested donations are $10 for the first banker-sized box, and $5 for each additional box.  Please start saving your sensitive documents now, and we'll see you on Halloween!
Fourth SHRED-A-THON Set For Halloween Sonja Dodds 2015-08-13 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Prepare for Punta Cana Service Trip

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Aug 12, 2015
Rotarians Regina Edwards (far left) and Young Sung (far right) were accompanied by Young's children Jessica and Joshua (center) at the Faith in Action Initiatives warehouse.
 
 
 
On August 12, 2015, Rotarians Regina Edwards and Young Sung were accompanied by Young's children Jessica and Joshua at Baylor Scott and White's Faith in Action Initiatives warehouse where they packed several boxes of vital medical supplies.  The boxes will be delivered later this month to two rural cities outside of Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.  Fortunately, all boxes are always shipped complimentary thanks to our awesome friends and partners at Southwest Airlines who have generously supported these projects for years now.  This project is our Club's 2nd Joint International Service Project with the Rotary Club of Punta Cana-Bavaro.  We will also be delivering school supplies for the El Cajuil School outside of Macao.  We want these precious children to start the year off right with new school supplies.  This trip will be in memory of Rotarian Pete Cross who has assisted on every mission trip that our Club completed since 2003.  We'd like to sincerely thank Baylor Scott & White and Southwest Airlines for their ongoing assistance!  Together we transfer not only medical supplies, but also hope and comfort to so many.
Rotarians Prepare for Punta Cana Service Trip Regina Atwell Edwards 2015-08-13 00:00:00Z 0

First Annual CFB Rotary Glo-Ball Golf Classic an Evening To Remember

Posted by Sonja Dodds on Aug 04, 2015
The winning foursome of Houston Goodspeed, Andy Layman, Steven Patrick and Craig Goodspeed pose for a photo with Sonja Dodd.
 
The First Annual Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Glo-Ball Golf Classic took place Friday, July 24th at Lake Park Golf Club in Lewisville, Texas.  The rescheduled rain date was a conflict for some, but more than 40 golfers were able to play and generated more than $9,700 in net revenue for the club!  The BB&T team - Steven Patrick, Terry McLellan, Andy Layman and Houston Goodspeed - took first place over Valwood Improvement Authority Team # 1, which included Club President Pat Canutesen, Gary Greer, Kevin Price and Ed Jones.  The tournament came down to the wire in an exciting score card playoff.  Josephus Howard of Frost Bank took long drive honors, while Kevin Price placed a shot closest to the pin.  The evening started out with the front nine being played at dusk.  The golfers then broke for dinner.  By the time they returned to the course, the sun had set and the back nine would be played as "Glo-Ball."  A great time was had by all, with all participants declaring they'll be back again next year.  For some additional photos from the event, please click 'Read More' below. 
First Annual CFB Rotary Glo-Ball Golf Classic an Evening To Remember Sonja Dodds 2015-08-05 00:00:00Z 0

In Memoriam: Pete Cross 1935 - 2015

Posted by Philip Orwig on Aug 02, 2015
 

We're heartbroken to announce the passing of Pete Cross, longtime Rotarian and highly-esteemed member of our Club since 1999.  Without a doubt, Pete will be remembered in our Club as the founder of the Rotary Mentoring program at Farmers Branch Elementary and Vivian Field Middle Schools.  Pete's kindness and generosity left an indelible mark on each young man and woman with whom he came in contact.  Please click here to read Pete's obituary.  To make a donation to the Dallas Foundation with proceeds going toward The Pete Cross Memorial Mentoring Program, please click here.  In the Tribute Gift section, please click 'In memory' and enter Pete's name in the accompanying field.

In Memoriam: Pete Cross 1935 - 2015 Philip Orwig 2015-08-03 00:00:00Z 0

Update: Steele Excels at District Four Way Speech Contest

Posted by Philip Orwig on Jun 22, 2015
 
Thomas Steele of Creekview High School was one of four students to speak to our Club back in March at our annual Four Way Speech Contest.  To nobody's surprise, he also happened to be one of the finalists in the recently-held District Four Way Speech Contest. For future plans, Steel is considering Emerson College in Boston where he is planning on majoring in film production.  He is pictured on the far-left in the above photo.
 
 
Update: Steele Excels at District Four Way Speech Contest Philip Orwig 2015-06-23 00:00:00Z 0

Jeanell Spearman - Kentucky Derby

Jeanell Spearman and her fiancée Gary Doyle are enjoying the Kentucky Derby, courtesy of winning the Rotary District  5810 raffle drawing. It looks like they are dressed for the occasion.  
 
Jeanell Spearman - Kentucky Derby Bill Bexley 2015-05-02 00:00:00Z 0

Embry Receives 5th Paul Harris Fellow, Sponsors Miller for 1st

Posted by Philip Orwig on Apr 29, 2015
Shamroze Miller's husband, Michael, prepares to attach her first Paul Harris Fellow pin, as sponsor Embry looks on.
 
The April 30th lunch meeting began with much fanfare as longtime Club member Gary Embry was crowned with his 5th Paul Harris Fellow pin.  The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.  Embry's new pin boasts 4 sapphires, with the pin itself representing his first Paul Harris Fellowship.  Embry also sponsored former Club Executive Shamroze (Somani) Miller, who had served in that capacity from July 2007 through June 2011, and has been in Embry's employ at Shamrock Precision for nearly 10 years now.  Mr. Embry was eager to sponsor somebody who truly understood what a Paul Harris Fellowship was, and appreciated the honor and significance of it.  Many notable figures have been named Paul Harris Fellows, including U.S. President Jimmy Carter, U.S. astronaut James Lovell and polio-pioneer Jonas Salk.
Embry Receives 5th Paul Harris Fellow, Sponsors Miller for 1st Philip Orwig 2015-04-30 00:00:00Z 0

Pamela Boyd Newest Inductee of CFB Rotary Club

Posted by Dick Calvert on Apr 15, 2015
The Club continued to grow this Rotary year, with Sergeant-at-Arms Dick Calvert inducting our newest member, Pamela Boyd, at the April 16th meeting.
Pamela Boyd Newest Inductee of CFB Rotary Club Dick Calvert 2015-04-16 00:00:00Z 0

1st Annual Raffle Fundraiser Raises $8,000 Toward Playground Project

Posted by Paul Lonquist on Apr 15, 2015
Club Member and CFB-ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Burns draws the raffle ticket for 1st Prize.
 
The 1st Annual Raffle Fundraising event was a smash-hit, raising about $8,000 toward our signature playground project.  Each Club member was tasked with selling 20 raffle tickets at $15 each.  The ticket stubs doubled as $15-off coupons to area eateries, including Kenny's Italian, Agave Azul, and Marshall's BBQ.  All in all, 900 tickets were sold, with the drawing held at the end of the April 16th meeting.  The winning ticket holders were Philip Orwig (1st Prize - $2,500), Ken Carter (2nd Prize - $1,000) and Craig Greenway (3rd Prize - $500).  The Club is looking forward to building off of this experience, and having an even more successful raffle next year.
1st Annual Raffle Fundraiser Raises $8,000 Toward Playground Project Paul Lonquist 2015-04-16 00:00:00Z 0
CFB Rotary Club Presents City of Farmers Branch with Playground Funds Bill Bexley 2015-04-16 00:00:00Z 0

Spring SHRED-A-THON Proves Successful Yet Again

Posted by Bill Bexley on Apr 10, 2015
Volunteers help unload boxes of items to be shredded at the 3rd SHRED-A-THON, held last Saturday.
 
The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch once again teamed up with Keep Carrollton Beautiful for our 3rd SHRED-A-THON.  It was held in the parking lot of Newman Smith High School.  Over 20 volunteers from our Club, along with volunteers from the Newman Smith Interact Club, greeted those that brought items to shred, as well as help unload hundreds of pounds of paper to be fed into the two shredding trucks.  Keep Carrollton Beautiful also had an Electronic Recycling Truck that was filled to capacity with items such as old televisions, monitors and computers.  It was a very successful fundraising activity for the Club, but also served a community need for protecting sensitive documents. Thanks to all that made it a great success.
 
Spring SHRED-A-THON Proves Successful Yet Again Bill Bexley 2015-04-11 00:00:00Z 0

Four-Way Test Speech Contest Features CFB-ISD Wordsmiths

Posted by Philip Orwig on Mar 25, 2015
 
 
Four-Way Test Speech participants Darius Heath, Ayesha Hughes, Thomas Steele and Monsoor Khan pose with Club Secretary Steven Patrick.
 
This year's Four-Way Test Speech Contest was no different from past years, featuring the best and brightest young orators from CFB-ISD. Club members in attendance were treated to impassioned speeches that were both serious and humorous, and featured the Rotary Four Way Test and how it can be applied to just about any topic imaginable. 
 
The first contestant, Ayesha Hughes from R.L. Turner High School, kicked off the series with a few laughs as she made the bold proclamation that she's been a practicing feminist since she was 12 years old. She discussed the misconceptions of feminism as a radical ideology, when in reality it is an equal gender rights movement. Ms. Hughes was particularly adept at adding humor to her speech. Ms. Hughes plans to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Acting next year in New York City.
 
Darius Heath of Ranchview High School spoke next, and debated the ever-widening generation gap, and the problems therein. Mr. Heath maintained that, while there has always existed tension between different generations, the technology of today has been a primary driver of it.  Mr. Heath posited that the different generations not only need, but depend, on each other. Tolerating differences will facilitate more ideas and innovation, and younger folks with exceptional ideas will be accepted and embraced, rather than scrutinized and rejected. Mr. Heath is still looking at schools for his post-secondary education, but wishes to remain close to his family in Texas.
Four-Way Test Speech Contest Features CFB-ISD Wordsmiths Philip Orwig 2015-03-26 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Youth Exchange Update

Posted by Victoria Mendoza on Jan 07, 2015
A video Sonja uploaded to YouTube from her trip to France.  Please read below for her comments on the experience so far.
 
"I can't possibly find the words to explain my exchange so far. I don't even believe that pictures are worth a thousand words in this case, because they can't possibly express the sentiments of any moment in my exchange. With only 5 months I found myself another family, saw things that I could only dream of seeing before, and I've made another life here in France.  I have a feeling I will always have a piece of me in France, and I'm sure I will have people who will welcome me back warmly.  For now, my exchange is far from over and I hope to make many new memories here.  I would like to thank your Rotary Club again -- your help has been so instrumental in this experience, and the contacts I have made will leave me always grateful for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club." 
Rotary Youth Exchange Update Victoria Mendoza 2015-01-08 00:00:00Z 0

Christmas Fiesta at El Cajuil School in Dominican Republic

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Dec 20, 2014
 
Paul, our Rotary friend in the Dominican Republic, sent us some photos!  For the past month, his club in Punta Cana has withheld a large part of our gifts for the school so they could pass them out to the kids at their Christmas party.  It looks like we missed quite a party!  So glad the kids had a great time. This is what spreading Christmas cheer is all about.  Thank you to all of our partners for making this possible!  These trips take a village of caring people working together to help these precious students.
Christmas Fiesta at El Cajuil School in Dominican Republic Regina Atwell Edwards 2014-12-21 00:00:00Z 0
Donations Continue as Dallas Sidekicks, Sports Authority Contribute Regina Atwell Edwards 2014-11-12 00:00:00Z 0

Interact Students Assist in Raising Donations for Punta Cana Trip

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Nov 08, 2014
 
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club would like to send a heartfelt 'thank you' to the Interact students, who very generously help raise 65 pounds in school supplies. Over all, we have 526 pounds of medical supplies and Christmas gifts -- and even 50 pounds of candy wrapped up in 91 goody bags for the kids outside Punta Cana.  The sweets will be gone in a week but the school supplies will be useful all year! 
Interact Students Assist in Raising Donations for Punta Cana Trip Regina Atwell Edwards 2014-11-09 00:00:00Z 0

Thank You Frisco Roughriders!

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Nov 04, 2014
 
The Frisco Roughriders baseball team has donated 66 baseball caps and 29 T-shirts for the El Cajuil School in Macao, Dominican Republic. Special thanks to our friend Bryan Henderson, Corporate Marketing Manager, for coordinating this great donation!  The kids will also be receiving 65 baseballs and 6 backpacks donated by Rotarian Keith Vanderburg of Vanderburg Drafting Supply.  Because the MLB includes many players from the Dominican Republic, we thought these would be fun items to deliver from this Double A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. 
Thank You Frisco Roughriders! Regina Atwell Edwards 2014-11-05 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Prep for Dominican Trip

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Oct 29, 2014

Rotarian Young Sung at Baylor's warehouse after he and Regina Edwards gathered supplies for the upcoming aid-trip to the Dominican Republic.
 
Young Sung's daughter Jessica, wife Susan and son Joshua helped load boxes into the van after inventorying the medical supplies from Baylor.
Rotarians Prep for Dominican Trip Regina Atwell Edwards 2014-10-30 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Ready 8,000+ Vitamins for Dominican Trip

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Oct 29, 2014

Regina Edwards' boys assist with the unpacking of prenatal vitamins from their packaging to make room for additional product.  Pete and Ardy Cross joined Regina and her boys in completing this task over the weekend.
Rotarians Ready 8,000+ Vitamins for Dominican Trip Regina Atwell Edwards 2014-10-30 00:00:00Z 0

Blessed Assurance Children's Home Beach Day

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Oct 28, 2014
 
On Monday, October 27, 2014, the children of Blessed Assurance Children's Home (which is one of the disabled children's homes outside Montego Bay, Jamaica that our club supports) spent a lovely day at Cornwall Beach.  They left their cottages high in the mountains to journey down to enjoy some fun in the sun and surf.  The Rotary Club of Montego Bay sponsored the children's lunches, snacks and drinks for this excursion.
Blessed Assurance Children's Home Beach Day Regina Atwell Edwards 2014-10-29 00:00:00Z 0

Interact/Rotaract Leadership Seminar a Success

Posted by Victoria Mendoza on Sep 26, 2014

 
On Saturday, September 27, Interact and Rotaract Officers and their Faculty Advisors attended the annual Rotary District 5810 Interact/Rotaract Leadership Seminar. The purpose of the orientation was to assist officers and sponsors in leading their clubs more effectively by being aware of and using the resources Rotary has to offer, as well as networking and sharing ideas with each other. Attendees were welcomed by Brian Loughmiller, Mayor of McKinney and a Rotarian, and met many District 5810 leaders, including District Governor Bill Dendy who gave the main address.
Interact/Rotaract Leadership Seminar a Success Victoria Mendoza 2014-09-27 00:00:00Z 0
SHRED-A-THON Happening Again November 1st Jeanell Spearman 2014-09-09 00:00:00Z 0
Farmers Branch Battle of the Badges Blood Drive Sid Fuller 2014-09-03 00:00:00Z 0

Annual Catfish Montgomery High School Football Update

Posted by Philip Orwig on Aug 27, 2014

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Pictured left to right: Mike Ramirez of R.L. Turner, Terry Smith of Ranchview, Jay Cline of Creekview and Paul Ressa of Newman Smith.

The football coaches of CFB-ISD joined the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club for lunch on August 28th, as they do every year, to help celebrate the memory of Catfish Montgomery, and to update us on the progress their squads made over the summer.  CFB-ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Burns kicked off the luncheon by paying homage to the late, great Catfish Montgomery before turning over the program to Athletic Director Renee Putter.  Putter then introduced the coaches, beginning with Mike Ramirez of R.L. Turner High School.

Ramirez exuded a calm and cool appearance at the luncheon, but admitted to the audience that he was very wound-up inside as it was a game day for the Lions.  Coach also attested that this has been the most anticipated year of his football life, which goes back to his days playing the game as a child.  His student athletes have worked so hard to represent the community, as well as the school.  Ramirez reinforces in them that the most important ingredient in a successful squad is that the players care about each other and lean on each other in times of need.  This mantra has translated to selfless play on the field, with commensurate behavior off the field.

Next up was fourth-year coach Terry Smith of Ranchview High School.  Coach Smith emphasized how he has been so blessed to get to do his favorite thing in the whole world, and work with his best friends while mentoring a great group of student athletes.  For the first time ever, Ranchview will be fielding a team of 100 players, and each and every one of them are working hard.  Coach related a story about a stonecutter that gradually "chips away" at a large mass of granite, resulting in an eventual masterpiece, and likened his 2014 team to this story.  In fact, they have a mantra of their own at Ranchview: "Pound the Rock".  This is exemplified by each player doing his job, and learning, growing - and getting better - every single day.  Smith tends to focus on the process, rather than the end result, and believes this is the key to success for the 2014 Wolves.

To continue reading this story, please click 'More' below.

Annual Catfish Montgomery High School Football Update Philip Orwig 2014-08-28 00:00:00Z 0

Congressman Marchant Addresses Key Issues

Posted by Philip Orwig on Aug 06, 2014

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U.S. Congressman Kenny Marchant speaks to the CFB Rotary Club at the August 7th meeting.

Seating was scarce at the August 7th Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club meeting.  Unless you arrived on-time, you were listening to the United States Representative for Texas' 24th congressional district from the cheap seats.  A packed house full of Rotarians and their guests, of which there were many, listened intently as Kenny Marchant addressed the six most inquired-about hot-button issues his office handles each and every day.  Marchant began by comparing his time as Mayor of Carrollton from 1984-1986 to his current role as a state legislator.  The most glaring difference is that in those days, Marchant's mayoral office typically focused on one key issue at a time, whereas today, his office has quite a few more irons in the fire.  In particular, Marchant spoke about critical national topics of interest ranging from the attack on the U.S. Embassy in Benghazi, Russia and Obamacare to the ongoing border crisis, and the VA and IRS targeting scandals.  Marchant led the meeting in an open, town hall-style format, with plenty of audience interaction.  At the conclusion of his remarks, Congressman Marchant took questions from the audience, ranging from President Obama's use of Executive Orders to further his agenda to the marine veteran Sgt. Andrew Tahmooressi, who continues to be jailed in Mexico on weapons charges.

Congressman Marchant Addresses Key Issues Philip Orwig 2014-08-07 00:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Donates $400 Toward Metrocrest Services School Supply Program

Posted by David Hale on Aug 06, 2014

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David Hale presents Mike Harris of Metrocrest Services with a check for $400 for their annual Back To School Supply Program.

Community Service Director David Hale was proud to present Metrocrest Services with a $400 check for their annual Back To School Supply Program.  This year, the program will assist 1,100 children in going back to school fully prepared.  Each one of these children will receive their very own backpack, stuffed with the necessary supplies for whatever their specific curricula call for.  This is very important, as not all the children come from the same school, and required school supplies will vary from classroom to classroom.  Our donation, along with many others, as well as the volunteer work in stuffing the backpacks, helps make this possible and goes a long way toward ensuring these children get the 2014-2015 school year started off on the right foot. 

And speaking of volunteering, if you're interested, you haven't missed your chance!  The backpack-stuffing event will take place August 13th from 6:00-9:00 in the evening at the warehouse on 13375 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 410 in Farmers Branch.  If you have any questions about this fun event, please contact Nicole Newkham at 214-460-2933.  See you there!

CFB Rotary Donates $400 Toward Metrocrest Services School Supply Program David Hale 2014-08-07 00:00:00Z 0

Five New Paul Harris Fellows Inducted

Posted by Mark Sutherland on Jul 30, 2014

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Pictured left to right: Albert Shuford, Jeannell Spearman, Charlie Floyd, Jerry Bates and David Smith receive their Paul Harris Fellow pins and certificates from Foundation Chair Mark Sutherland.

Five New Paul Harris Fellows Inducted Mark Sutherland 2014-07-31 00:00:00Z 0

Volunteer with Metrocrest Services' Back to School Supply Program

Posted by David Hale on Jul 23, 2014

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Your annual opportunity to volunteer with the Metrocrest Services Back to School Supply Program is here once again.  Because of how big this event has gotten, this year it will be held at the warehouse on 13375 N. Stemmons Freeway, Suite 410 in Farmers Branch.  The event will take place August 13th from 6:00-9:00 in the evening.  If you have any questions about this fun event, please contact Nicole Newkham at 214-460-2933.  See you there!

Volunteer with Metrocrest Services' Back to School Supply Program David Hale 2014-07-24 00:00:00Z 0
Join us at the Rotary Club Ice Cream Social! Victoria Mendoza 2014-07-24 00:00:00Z 0

Sid Fuller Passes Club President Torch to Bill Bexley

Posted by Philip Orwig on Jun 25, 2014

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Incoming 2014/2015 Club President Bill Bexley presents 2013/2014 Club President Sid Fuller with a plaque commemorating his year at the helm.

Those in attendance at the June 26th lunch meeting witnessed the end of an era.  Sid Fuller bid the Club members goodbye as he ran the final meeting of his Presidency before handing the keys - or in this case, gavel - over to incoming President Bill Bexley.  Fuller had a very successful Rotary year, including, most notably, overseeing the continuation of our Club's signature project -- a playground designed to accommodate special needs children at Gussie Field Watterworth Park in Farmers Branch.  The seed for this idea was planted during Ben Cunningham's term as President in 2012/2013, but was designed to continue as the focus of our fundraising efforts for years to come.  With plenty of time and hard work, President Fuller most certainly left his own stamp on the project.

Incoming President Bill Bexley had nothing but kind words for Fuller, making note of his natural leadership abilities.  "I have big shoes to fill," Bexley remarked, while making note of the fact that that our work is still far from done.  Bexley looked forward to the year ahead, outlining what a few of the major goals of his Presidency will be, in particular membership and fundraising. 

Sid Fuller Passes Club President Torch to Bill Bexley Philip Orwig 2014-06-26 00:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Club Makes Annual Contributions to Local Organizations

Posted by David Hale on Jun 18, 2014

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2013/2014 Club President Sid Fuller (left) poses with recipient Tracy Eubanks of Metrocrest Services (center) and Community Service Director David Hale (right).

On June 19th, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club recognized and presented contributions to several valuable community organizations.  The annual event affords the Club members the opportunity to "put a face with the name" and meet the recipients of our fundraising efforts over the past Rotary year.  This year the beneficiaries of the annual donations included The Family Place, Bee's Kids, the Carrollton & Farmers Branch Manske libraries, and Metrocrest Services.  Community Service Director David Hale hosted the event, and made the presentations to the organizations chosen by the Club for the 2013/2014 Rotary year.

To see more photos of the presentation, please click 'More' below.

CFB Rotary Club Makes Annual Contributions to Local Organizations David Hale 2014-06-19 00:00:00Z 0

Metrocrest Social Services Offering Monthly Tours

Posted by Sid Fuller on Jun 02, 2014

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As an FYI, Metrocrest Social Services provides monthly tours of their facility to give residents a better understanding of what role they serve in the community. There is an open invitation to all of our Club members to attend the June 19th tour from 9:30-10:30 a.m.  Club members may RSVP directly to Tracy Eubanks at teubanks@metrocrestservices.org.  If you are unable to make the June tour, the following dates and times are available for the remainder of 2014:

July 17 ~ 9:30 am

September 11 ~ 9:30 am

October 16 ~ 12:00 pm

November 13 ~ 9:30 am

ALL TOURS ARE ONE HOUR IN DURATION

Metrocrest Social Services Offering Monthly Tours Sid Fuller 2014-06-03 00:00:00Z 0

Newman Smith Students Compete at Carrollton's Got Talent

Posted by Amanda Messer on May 23, 2014

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Grand Prize winner Kimberly Rivera brought the house down with her rendition of "It's a Man's Wiorld"

Newman Smith High School students took to the stage on May 24th for the first-ever "Carrollton's Got Talent" talent competition.  The event, which was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch, as well as the City of Carrollton and the Carrollton Switchyard Fesitval, featured many up-and-coming talents.  Kimberly Rivera took home the Grand Prize with her powerful rendition of James Brown's "It's a Man's World".  Ms. Rivera will get the opportunity to perform live at the Switchyard Festival in November, and will also receive a two-hour recording session at the Texas Music Factory.  Second place honors - and a check for $100.00 - went to Leah Varghese.  Third place went to the Promised Land dancers, featuring Victor Parlette, Nicholas Nguyen, Calvin Nguyen, Alexandra Sanchez, Darius B, Minkya Cairo, and Cristian Dan Tugn, who also received a check for $100.00.

Newman Smith Students Compete at Carrollton's Got Talent Amanda Messer 2014-05-24 00:00:00Z 0

Special Thanks to Volunteers for Carrollton's Got Talent!

Posted by Amanda Messer on May 23, 2014

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Pictured left to right: Victoria Mendoza, Amanda Messer, William Messer, Al Shuford, Regina Edwards and Steven Patrick. Not pictured: Becky Miller, Harold Elias-Perciful and Joe Pouncy.

Special Thanks to Volunteers for Carrollton's Got Talent! Amanda Messer 2014-05-24 00:00:00Z 0

SHRED-A-THON a Success, Raises Money for Local Charities

Posted by Jeanell Spearman on Apr 04, 2014

A video from the April 5th event, which served over 80 households and raised money for community & international service projects.

The numbers are in.  The verdict?  The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's Spring 2014 SHRED-A-THON fundraiser was a smashing success.  Shredding boxes and boxes of documents from over 80 area households and businesses, the fundraising event raised over $3,000.  The CFB Rotary Club partnered with Keep Carrollton Beautiful to raise the money, which will go toward assisting both local, as well as international, service projects.  Some facts & figures from the event:

  • 84 customers (households & local businesses)
  • 32 volunteers (18 Rotarians & spouses, 8 Interact, 6 Rotaract)
  • 95 hours volunteered (60 Rotarians & spouses, 23 Interact, 12 Rotaract)

The event was such a success that CFB Rotary will be looking into partnering with Keep Carrollton Beautiful once again in the Fall.  In the meantime, please save all your sensitive documents going forward for shredding at the next event!

 

 

SHRED-A-THON a Success, Raises Money for Local Charities Jeanell Spearman 2014-04-05 00:00:00Z 0

2014 CFB Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest 'Best Yet'

Posted by Philip Orwig on Apr 02, 2014

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Pictured left to right: Vocational Services Director Steve Patrick, Jeralyn Lopez from Newman Smith, Brooke Viegut from R.L. Turner, Club President Sid Fuller, Kevin Kehl of Creekview, and Darius Heath of Ranchview.

Vocational Services Director Steven Patrick probably put it best when commenting that "this may have been the best Four-Way Speech Contest yet". Of course, Patrick was referring to the annual event in which CFB-ISD students visit our Club to give a speech on a topic of their choice, and how the Rotary Four-Way Test applies to it. Contestants from Newman Smith, R.L. Turner, Creekview and Ranchview High Schools put their best feet forward on Thursday, bringing their oratory A-games and a spirit of friendly competition.

Jeralyn Lopez, from Newman Smith High School kicked off the event, speaking about immigration reform, and how the Four-Way Test can be applied to it. Lopez very eloquently spoke of the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States, and our country's struggle to find a solution for them. Lopez pointed out the pain of ripping families apart through the deportation process, and, likewise, the toll this takes on our national economy. In the end, these are human beings that make a large contribution to this country, and to simply deport them to their native lands carries a staggering cost along with it.

Brooke Viegut, of R.L. Turner High School, was sure to spice-up her speech with plenty of humor and call-outs to the audience. Ms. Viegut chose to speak on the standards of public education today, and the apathy felt my many students and parents, alike. Through the Four-Way Test, Viegut outlined how more investment in education by students and their parents will not only help bring a more stable future, and open more doors of opportunity -- but will also help foster new relationships.

Darius Heath, of Creekview High School, chose to speak about the current generation gap in the United States. Heath explained how this emotional gap between generations continues to widen due to technology and lack of respect for elderly generations. Heath noted that we can bridge this gap by promoting goodwill, respecting one another, and coming to the understanding that we can build stronger bonds and relationships if we meet halfway and continue to learn from each other.

Finally, Kevin Kehl, of Creekview High School spoke on the profound importance of living an authentic life, and just "being yourself". Kehl, who won the Four-Way Test Speech Contest District Finals last year, spoke about the reason many people find it so easy to live inauthentic lives. Particularly, Kehl contended that people find it easier to be accepted if they adhere to social norms -- even if those norms may not be in line with that person's true identity. After a very well-spoken and poignant speech, Kehl concluded that authenticity allows lasting relationships to form, and interdependence to take foot.

And in the end, it was Kehl's speech that, once again, was the winner, taking the grand prize of $250.

2014 CFB Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest 'Best Yet' Philip Orwig 2014-04-03 00:00:00Z 0

2014 CFB Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest 'Best Yet'

Posted by Philip Orwig on Apr 02, 2014

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Pictured left to right: Vocational Services Director Steve Patrick, Jeralyn Lopez from Newman Smith, Brooke Viegut from R.L. Turner, Club President Sid Fuller, Kevin Kehl of Creekview, and Darius Heath of Ranchview.

Vocational Services Director Steven Patrick probably put it best when commenting that "this may have been the best Four-Way Speech Contest yet".  Of course, Patrick was referring to the annual event in which CFB-ISD students visit our Club to give a speech on a topic of their choice, and how the Rotary Four-Way Test applies to it.  Contestants from Newman Smith, R.L. Turner, Creekview and Ranchview High Schools put their best feet forward on Thursday, bringing their oratory A-games and a spirit of friendly competition.

Jeralyn Lopez, from Newman Smith High School kicked off the event, speaking about immigration reform, and how the Four-Way Test can be applied to it.  Lopez very eloquently spoke of the 11 million undocumented immigrants currently living in the United States, and our country's struggle to find a solution for them.  Lopez pointed out the pain of ripping families apart through the deportation process, and, likewise, the toll this takes on our national economy.  In the end, these are human beings that make a large contribution to this country, and to simply deport them to their native lands carries a staggering cost along with it.

Brooke Viegut, of R.L. Turner High School, was sure to spice-up her speech with plenty of humor and call-outs to the audience.  Ms. Viegut chose to speak on the standards of public education today, and the apathy felt my many students and parents, alike.  Through the Four-Way Test, Viegut outlined how more investment in education by students and their parents will not only help bring a more stable future, and open more doors of opportunity -- it will help foster new relationships.

Darius Heath, of Creekview High School, chose to speak about the current generation gap in the United States.  Heath explained how this emotional gap between generations continues to widen due to technology and lack of respect for elderly generations.  Heath noted that we can bridge this gap by promoting goodwill, respecting one another, and coming to the understanding that we can build stronger bonds and relationships if we meet halfway and continue to learn from each other.

Finally, Kevin Kehl, of Creekview High School spoke on the profound importance of living an authentic life, and just "being yourself".  Kehl, who won the Four-Way Test Speech Contest District Finals last year, spoke about the reason many people find it so easy to live inauthentic lives.  Particularly, Kehl contends that people find it easier to be accepted if they adhere to social norms -- even if those norms may not be in line with that person's true identity.  After a very well-spoken and poignant speech, Kehl concluded that authenticity allows lasting relationships to form, and interdependence to take foot. 

And in the end, it was Kehl's speech that, once again, was the winner, taking the grand prize of $250.

 

 

2014 CFB Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest 'Best Yet' Philip Orwig 2014-04-03 00:00:00Z 0

West Haven Appreciative of Wheelchair Distribution Effort

Posted by Philip Orwig on Feb 19, 2014

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The above letter was sent from West Haven Childrens' Home in appreciation of the wheelchair distribution organized by the Rotary Club of Montego Bay, along with the help of our Club, as well as the Rotary Club of Sioux Falls West-South Dakota, the Rotary Club of Custer-South Dakota, Hope Haven International, and Food for the Poor.  Over 200 wheelchairs were custom fitted and distributed this month to children and adults in St. James, Hanover and Kingston, Jamaica.  This entire effort is made possible by overseas fundraisers, including our very own Valentine's Day fundraiser, as well as other volunteer efforts undertaken by the sponsors mentioned above.  Rotary Club of Montego Bay Director of International Service Bhagwan Chuganey speerheaded the effort.  Our Club's International Service Director, Regina Edwards, made the trip to Jamaica - with her family in tow - yet again to help out with a cause that has become very near and dear to her heart. 

West Haven Appreciative of Wheelchair Distribution Effort Philip Orwig 2014-02-20 00:00:00Z 0
Enjoy Our Mentoring Program Christmas Party Video! Victoria Mendoza 2013-12-19 00:00:00Z 0

Annual Mentoring Program Christmas Luncheon a Joyous Occasion

Posted by Victoria Mendoza on Dec 18, 2013

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The mentees and their mentors pose for the camera, along with CFB-ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Burns, New Generations Co-Chairperson Victoria Mendoza and Santa Claus.

The final Rotary meeting of 2013 was none other than the Mentoring Program Christmas Party, which took place at the December 19th luncheon.  This annual event, which is a Club favorite every year, brings the mentees to Brookhaven Country Club to have lunch with their mentors and the rest of the Club in a spirited and festive setting.  Victoria Mendoza, who has co-chaired the New Generations position with Pete Cross this year, introduced each mentor/mentee combo.  Each of the pairs then took turns introducing each other to the Club, and telling a bit about their time together.  The mentees then took turns reading from Snowmen at Christmas, a spirited children's tale about snowmen who slip away to gather in the town square for a night of caroling, dancing, and an exciting visit from the snowman Santa Claus.  At the conclusion of the story, the children were led to the Christmas tree, where Santa Claus was waiting for them with gifts.  The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club would like to extend the very merriest Christmas wishes to all of the students at both Farmers Branch Elementary and Vivian Field Middle Schools.

To view photos from the Mentoring Program Christmas Party, please click here.

Annual Mentoring Program Christmas Luncheon a Joyous Occasion Victoria Mendoza 2013-12-19 00:00:00Z 0

Volunteering Opportunities at Metrocrest Social Services

Posted by David Hale on Dec 09, 2013

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Happy Holidays!  I hope you are staying warm! 

We are in the midst of setting up our Holiday site and need your help!  We still have MANY volunteer shifts open for this yearThis year, Metrocrest Social Services will distribute toys and gifts to over 1,100 local families in need.  We use over 1,000 volunteers to make this happen.

We have recently gone to an online system, BUT you can still sign up without using it.  Thank you if you have already signed up to volunteer, and if you haven’t you still have time!

You have two options:

1) Look at the available shifts by clicking here and then reply back with the shifts that you are interested in (please include your name, mailing address, phone number and number of people in your group).  For a "job description" of the shift, please click here.  Please reply to myself at nnewkham@metrocrestsocialservices.org, or Shay Smith at ssmith@metrocrestsocialservices.org.

2) Click here to register online.  Instructions for online registration may be found by clicking here.

Thank you, and please call me directly at 972-446-2129 with any questions.

Very best,

Nicole Newkham, Senior Director of Development & Special Programs

Volunteering Opportunities at Metrocrest Social Services David Hale 2013-12-10 00:00:00Z 0

Newman Smith Interact Club Food Drive Benefits Metrocrest Social Services

Posted by Victoria Mendoza on Dec 01, 2013

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Newman Smith High School's Interact Club conducted a very successful Food Drive that benefitted Metrocrest Social Services with 451 non-perishable food and healthcare items.  Two-hundred sixty-one of these items were donated by the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.

To view additional photos from the food drive, please click 'More' below.

Newman Smith Interact Club Food Drive Benefits Metrocrest Social Services Victoria Mendoza 2013-12-02 00:00:00Z 0

Members Enjoy Smooth Sounds of Newman Smith Jazz Ensemble

Posted by Philip Orwig on Oct 30, 2013

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The Newman Smith Jazz Ensemble plays a mixture of jazz, latin, and funk classics to Club members on October 31st.

The Newman Smith High School Jazz Ensemble turned in a great performance at the October 31st lunch meeting at Brookhaven Country Club.  The many Club members in attendance that day, as well as visiting Rotarians, Rotaract members and other guests, truly enjoyed the show which included a melange of musical genres ranging from classic jazz standards to funky latin beats.  The group, which is comprised of 17 of Newman Smith's best and brightest, began the performance with an upbeat rendition of In the Mood by the one and only Glenn Miller.  From there, the ensemble played a tune from Lenny Niehous, best known for his arrangements in Clint Eastwood films.  Next, things were spiced-up a bit as the group swung into Afro Blue, the popular jazz classic made famous by John Coltane's rendition.  After a few funkier tunes, the band tied a bow on the performance with a show-stopping version of Caravan, by the great Duke Ellington.  The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club members will all agree that the Newman Smith Jazz Ensemble is more than welcome to come back and play anytime.  Thank you!

Members Enjoy Smooth Sounds of Newman Smith Jazz Ensemble Philip Orwig 2013-10-31 00:00:00Z 0

Revival of Brookhaven College Rotaract Club a Success

Posted by Victoria Mendoza on Oct 03, 2013

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The Rotaract Club of Brookhaven College was ceremoniously revived on Friday, October 4 with an officer installation at the campus. The club had been inactive for some years, but is now being restored under the direction of Andrew Deibert, Brookhaven’s Service Learning and Civic Engagement Coordinator. Deibert led the campus’ Serve club last year, a student organization dedicated to community service, but welcomed the opportunity to engage students in service while associating with an international organization such as Rotary.

 

The ceremony included installation of this year’s officers by CFB Rotary Club President Sid Fuller, an inaugural speech by Rotaract President Chukwuka “John” Umeojiako, a pinning of the new members by the newly installed officers, and closing remarks by Youth Services Co-Chair Pete Cross. Other installed officers include Vice President Endy Lira, Secretary Raisha Ferguson, Treasurer Genesis Lopez, and Director of Public Information Ifeanyi Okoro. Family and friends of the new members, as well as several board members from the CFB Rotary, also attended the cake-and-punch reception to celebrate the honorees.

Revival of Brookhaven College Rotaract Club a Success Victoria Mendoza 2013-10-04 00:00:00Z 0

Installation of Interact Officers Takes Place at Babe's of Carrollton

Posted by Victoria Mendoza on Oct 02, 2013

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Club President Sid Fuller swears in the 2013-2014 Newman Smith High Scool Interact Club at the October 3rd lunch meeting.  Pictured left to right are Fuller, Treasurer Hasnain Mithani, Vice President Blaire McClure, President Paulina Herran and Secretary Karen Pedraza.

The officers of the 2013-2014 Newman Smith High School Interact Club were sworn in by Club President Sid Fuller at the October 3rd lunch meeting.  The meeting was held off-site at Babe's Chicken Dinner House in Downtown Carrollton.  Afterward, Vicki Rowe (of the Rotary Club of Waxahachie) presented the Rotary Club members in attendance with a pop quiz on Rotaract, Interact, RYLA and more.  The meeting was a great learning experience for everybody involved, and doubled as an excellent opportunity for Club members to meet some of their Interact counterparts.

Interact is a club for youth ages 12-18 who want to connect with others in their community or school.  Interact club members have fun while carrying out service projects and learning about the world.  Interact clubs organize at least two service projects a year: one that benefits their community and one that encourages international understanding.  While Interact clubs receive guidance from individual Rotary clubs, they govern and support themselves.  Leadership is an essential aspect of Rotary, and through Interact, participants strengthen their leadership skills, serve their communities, increase their world understanding, build friendships, and more.

 

Installation of Interact Officers Takes Place at Babe's of Carrollton Victoria Mendoza 2013-10-03 00:00:00Z 0

Proceeds from Autographed Book Auction Donated to Disabled Childrens' Homes

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Sep 27, 2013

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Three checks amounting to $540.00 were presented at last Tuesday's Montego Bay Rotary Club meeting to Club President Emmanuel.  The checks were presented to Emmanuel in the presence of District Governor Jeremy Hurst, who was on an official visit to the Club.  The $540.00 was raised by the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club through an auction of autographed presidential memoirs.  The auction was generously organized by Matt Wenthold, Treasurer of the CFB Rotary Club.  The proceeds will be donated by the Montego Bay Rotary Club to the disabled childrens' homes we help support -- West Haven and Blessed Assurance.

Proceeds from Autographed Book Auction Donated to Disabled Childrens' Homes Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-09-28 00:00:00Z 0

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive a Success

Posted by David Hale on Sep 13, 2013

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Volunteers pose outside of the Carter BloodCare bus, where on the weekend of September 13th the lives of an estimated 69 patients were saved through blood donations.

CARTER BLOODCARE - Deepest appreciation from all of us at Carter BloodCare  for having us, for recruiting donors, and for donating!  Every donation counts to save the lives of friends, family and neighbors in our community.  The time and energy put into your blood drives means someone gets a second chance at life.  We saw 28 donors, drew 23 whole blood units and 1 double red unit.  You have been instrumental in saving the lives of 69 patients.  A special thanks goes out to David Hale for organizing the blood drives.  And now for the final tally...

Police with 18 votes

Firefighters with 7 votes

THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WON FOR 2013 AND REMAINS UNDEFEATED

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive a Success David Hale 2013-09-14 00:00:00Z 0
Montego Bay Rotary Club Sends Its Appreciation Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-09-04 00:00:00Z 0

Annual Catfish Montgomery High School Football Update

Posted by Philip Orwig on Aug 21, 2013

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Pictured left to right: R.L. Turner's Michael Ramirez, Creekview's Jay Cline, Ranchview's Terry Smith, Newman Smith's Paul Ressa and CFB Rotary Club 2013-2014 President Sid Fuller.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's beloved tradition of hosting the CFB-ISD head football coaches for their annual update took place at the August 22nd lunch meeting. CFB Superintendent Dr. Bobby C. Burns began the event by recognizing former Club member Catfish Montgomery, whom the annual event is held in honor of.  Dr. Burns then introduced Athletic Director Renee Putter, who in turn introduced the head coaches.  Each gave the members in attendance an update of their respective squads.

As the freshly-minted skipper of the R.L. Tunrer Lions, head coach Michael Ramirez took the first turn at the microphone, communicating his team's vision for a successful championship program through the development of character in the student athletes.  Ramirez has encouraged his student athletes to have a competitive nature in everything that they do.  Admittedly, the Lions have a challenging year ahead, but Ramirez and his squad have happily accepted this -- through hard work, committment and performance on Friday nights, Ramirez believes his team will taste success not only on the gridiron, but in life in general.

Ranchview's Terry Smith spoke next, and expressed how blessed he feels to be at the helm of the Ranchview Wolves' program and to be associated with such great people.  The opportunity to speak today gave Smith the chance to take a step back and reflect on the team's progress over the last year, and take note of areas that still need improving.  Smith emphasizes with his student athletes that they truly need to be 100% "all-in" in order to be successful -- not just in football, but in anything they do.  Through hard work and dedication - and their "machine-like mentality" - the Ranchview Wolves know they've done something they can be really proud of.

To continue reading, please click 'More' below.

Annual Catfish Montgomery High School Football Update Philip Orwig 2013-08-22 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Assist Metrocrest Social Services With School Supply Shopping-Spree

Posted by David Hale on Aug 14, 2013

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Rotarians Hale & Bexley load-up a van full of school supplies on August 15 at Wal-Mart in Farmers Branch.

Seven members of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club descended on Wal-Mart in Farmers Branch on Thursday evening, August 15th,  in a school supply buying frenzy!  Rotarians had the unique opportunity to volunteer their time to assist Nicole Newkham with Metrocrest Social Services to shop for much-needed school supplies.  The original plan for the Rotary Volunteer Day with Metrocest Social Services was to assist with sorting and packing school supplies into backpacks at their headquarters in Farmers Branch.  It was a fun surprise to find out that the volunteer time would be spent shopping for additional school supplies, utilizing donated funds that had been received by Metrocrest Social Services from the community.  This shopping adventure was like no other.  The shopping list included trying to track down 2,500 single subject spiral notebooks, 500 pairs of blunt-end scissors, reams of construction paper, and what seemed like a mountain of binders and other school supplies that will given out to many children in our communities so they are prepared and ready to learn on their first day of school.

Pictured above are Rotarians Bill Bexley and David Hale loading the Metrocrest Social Services van with one of the many basket-loads of spiral notebooks that were purchased.  Rotarians Sid Fuller, Crystal Sheppard, Jeanelll Spearman, Regina Edwards and her two boys, along with Pete and Ardy Cross rounded out the team of shoppers and loaders that volunteered their time.  The van was stuffed full of supplies by the end of the shopping adventure and everyone had a great time helping out with such a wonderful cause.

Rotarians Assist Metrocrest Social Services With School Supply Shopping-Spree David Hale 2013-08-15 00:00:00Z 0

Holocaust Survivor Jack Repp Shares Story

Posted by Richard A. Calvert on Aug 14, 2013

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Joined by his wife, Holocaust survivor Jack Repp shared his story with the Club at the August 15th lunch meeting.

A day before his 90th birthday, Holocaust survivor Jack Repp paid a visit to the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club to share his story.  Mr. Repp's tale, which he told at the August 15th luncheon, was a sad, yet inspiring, story of the atrocities committed against over 6 million Jews during World War II, and the fight for the human spirit to overcome.  Repp, who was sure to keep his sense of humor during such a heavy topic, had each Rotarian hanging on his every word, and commanded the attention of the entire room.

Mr. Repp is from Poland, where he was part of the resistance, stealing from a munitions factory. He was in various ghettos and concentration camps including Kielce, Auschwitz, and Dachau, as well as a death march. He was liberated by American soldiers and came to the US in 1949.

Holocaust Survivor Jack Repp Shares Story Richard A. Calvert 2013-08-15 00:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Club & Target Team Up for Fourth-Straight Year to Donate School Supplies

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Aug 11, 2013

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Target employees Caitlin & Jacob, who graciously helped with the school supplies.  A special thanks also goes out to Denise Warnock who coordinates this donation for us each year.

The Target in Carrollton, located at Josey Lane & President George Bush Tollway, donated a $75 gift card toward our Club's purchase of $200 in school supplies for our large and much-cherished Mentoring Program.  Supplies donated included 100 spiral notebooks, 25 ring-binders, 50 packs of colored pencils, 200 folders, and 60 large glue sticks.  The Club also donated 10 backpacks, as well as 34 packs of washable markers and 21 pencil pouches to help the kids start off the new school year right.  All of the members of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club appreciate the ongoing partnership with Target in Carrollton, and its annual donation to the CFB-ISD children.

CFB Rotary Club & Target Team Up for Fourth-Straight Year to Donate School Supplies Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-08-12 00:00:00Z 0

Annual RYLA Luncheon Showcases Campers, Scholarship Recipients

Posted by Philip Orwig on Aug 07, 2013

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Pictured left to right: Amanda Messer, New Generations Co-Director Victoria Mendoza, Devon Spencer (Newman Smith), Michelle Dalton (R.L. Turner), Karina Zuniga (R.L. Turner), Jim Duffy, Jeffrey Hung (Newman Smith), Jamie Kim (Catfish Montgomery Scholarship recipient), Brett Proctor (Bill Innis Scholarship recipient), and New Generations Co-Director Pete Cross.  Not pictured: Will Scherer

The annual RYLA luncheon on August 8th gave CFB Rotary members a chance to meet the students they sent to the much-revered camp this summer.  Each camper had their own experiences and each took something different away from the leadership retreat, but there was one common theme heard over and over again:  RYLA is a life-changing experience.  New Generations Co-Director Victoria Mendoza introduced each camper to the Club, where they took turns telling Club members about their week. 

Will Scherer, of Prince of Peace High School, said that while he took home with him many important life lessons from RYLA, the one that stands out the most is that in order to be an effective leader, you must first learn to be an effective follower.  Jeffrey Hung, of Newman Smith High School, elicited a few laughs from the Club as he described his newfound appreciation for early morning calisthenics and the virtues of keeping a clean cabin.  However, learning through teamwork how to be a better leader is what Hung appreciated most of all.

Michelle Dalton, of R.L. Turner High School, described her week at camp as the most amazing experience of her life.  In her first 12 hours at the camp, Dalton found herself in uncharted territory, having never been put into a mix of complete strangers.  However, she was able to open up to her fellow campers and they all ended up becoming close friends.  Dalton's goal of the week was to learn to become a more confident person, and she achieved that goal by learning to step outside of her comfort zone.

To continue reading about the RYLA Luncheon, please click 'More' below.

Annual RYLA Luncheon Showcases Campers, Scholarship Recipients Philip Orwig 2013-08-08 00:00:00Z 0

Special Project Committee Tours Hope Park in Frisco, Texas

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jul 25, 2013

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As we continue to gather information on building a children’s park in our community, the Special Project Committee toured the 6 month old Hope Park in Frisco, Texas after our regular meeting on July 25, 2013.  This park was built by volunteers in partnership with the City of Frisco as an all encompassing park for both special needs children and children of all ages.

The purpose of the tour was to gather information on how the park was conceived, how money was raised, and how the partnership worked with community volunteers and the city staff.  This project involved many different groups in the community, including churches, schools, businesses, and individual contributors, city staff, contractors, and many community volunteers. The design of the park was completed, bids were solicited for costing, and numerous fundraisers were completed along with corporate donations, and city financial support to bring the park to reality. 

The committee will continue to gather information but will also begin to develop the scope of a project that our club can undertake.  Can we get the community and business donations to expand the scope of the project?  Can we size the project into phases that can be added to over the next several years?

These are just a few of the questions we are working to answer.  We know we have the cooperation of our cities and the park staff.  We are still working on determining a good location.

We continue to look for input from our members and other community leaders. The committee is made up of Dick Calvert and Bill Bexley as Co-Chairman, Scott Smith, David Hale, Sid Fuller, Ben Cunningham, and Regina Edwards.  Feel free to email Dick or Bill if you have questions or you know individuals or companies that might donate time and dollars to help us provide an all encompassing park in the Carrollton and Farmers Branch community.

 

 

Special Project Committee Tours Hope Park in Frisco, Texas Bill Bexley 2013-07-26 00:00:00Z 0

Youth Exchange Participants Visit July 18th Luncheon

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Jul 17, 2013

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Pictured left to right: Regina Edwards, Grace McGee, Margherita Zagato, Mary Horn, Corinna Venkes, Michelle Sanchez and Pete Cross.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club welcomed participants of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program to the July 18th luncheon at Brookhaven Country Club.  Club members were pleased to meet Grace McGee and Mary Horn, exchange students who will be heading to Italy, as well as McGee's Italian counterpart Margherita Zagato, who is a short-term exhange student in the program.  Also visiting were Michelle Sanchez, a short-term exchange student from our Club who recently traveled to Germany, and her German counterpart Corinna Venkes.  McGee is being sponsored by the Richardson Central Rotary Club, and Horn by the Carollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.  Each of the Youth Exchange participants had the opportunity to speak to the Club about their experiences with the program.  Additionaly, Ms. Venkes presented our Club with a flag from the Rotary Club in Germany that sponsored her.

For over 75 years, students and host families have broadened their horizons through Rotary Youth Exchange. More than 80 countries and over 8,000 students each year participate in the program, which is administered at the regional level by Rotary districts and at the local level by Rotary clubs.

Youth Exchange Participants Visit July 18th Luncheon Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-07-18 00:00:00Z 0

Changing of the Guard: Cunningham Reflects on a Productive Term

Posted by Philip Orwig on Jun 26, 2013

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'13-'14 President Sid Fuller presents Past-President Ben Cunningham with a plaque commemorating his Service Above Self as the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club President for the 2012-2013 year.

At the June 27th Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club meeting, Past-President Ben Cunningham bid the Club farewell as President, recounting for all in attendance his busy year at the helm. 

After recognizing each of the members of his Board, Cunningham celebrated the 2013 Fund Drive, which raised a grand total of $15,170.  The result of the Club's fundraising efforts yields an additional $10,000 for our future Park Project, and $5,000 to distribute in grants to local nonprofit agencies. 

Club social events were also a big part of the past Rotary year, with the implementation of Club Happy Hours complementing the Fall Fiesta at the Villafranca's and the Christmas Party at the Lonquist's.  The Club raised $2,725 for the Rotary Foundation, and Regina Edwards once again worked with the Montego Bay Rotary Club in Jamaica to benefit the Cornwall Regional Hospital, and Blessed Assurance and West Haven Children's Homes. 

Our Club was once again home to the Four-Way Test Speech Contest Champion, Kevin Kehl, and was featured in Forbes Magazine for our efforts in Jamaica, as well as here at home with the Mentoring Program.  Five of our Club members were nominated for District Awards, and Doug Rudman conducted a New Member Orientation at Newman Smith High School.  We honored our nation's Veterans for the 9th consecutive year at the Veteran's Day luncheon, and sposored a Hebron High School sophomore to travel to Germany as part of the Rotary Youth Exchange.

All in all, is was a very productive year, and our Club made leaps and bounds in becoming more relevant, which was Cunningham's vision at the start of his term.

 

Changing of the Guard: Cunningham Reflects on a Productive Term Philip Orwig 2013-06-27 00:00:00Z 0

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Supports Valuable Community Organizations

Posted by Carol Dingman on Jun 19, 2013

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Pictured left to right:  2012-2013 Club President Ben Cunningham, Crystal Sheppard, Debra Mitchell-Ibe of The Family Place, Bernadine Carter-Herron of Senior Adult Services, Kelly Burns of the Carrollton Library, Bel Salazar of Bee's Kids, and Sarah Grace Roemer & Denise Wallace of the Farmers Branch Manske Library.

On June 20th, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club recognized and presented contributions to serveral valuable community organizations.  The annual event showcases the fruit of our Club's fundraising labor for the past year.  This year the beneficiaries of the annual donations included The Family Place, Senior Adult Services, Bee's Kids, the Carrollton & Farmers Branch Manske libraries, and Metrocrest Social Services.  Fundraising Director Carol Dingman emceed the event, and made the presentations to the organizations chosen by the Club for the 2012/2013 Rotary year.

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Supports Valuable Community Organizations Carol Dingman 2013-06-20 00:00:00Z 0
Thank You Letter From Cornwall Regional Hospital Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-06-18 00:00:00Z 0

ROC 'n Rotary Wheelchair Distribution

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Jun 17, 2013

Please enjoy this very moving video from the Montego Bay Rotary Club about the wheelchair fittings/distributions at Cornwall Regional Hospital's Physio Therapy Department, and West Haven Children's Home.

 

ROC 'n Rotary Wheelchair Distribution Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-06-18 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary Partners with Baylor Health Care System and Southwest Airlines - Part II Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-06-17 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Partners with Baylor Health Care System and Southwest Airlines - Part I

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Jun 16, 2013

In April 2013, the Rotary Clubs of Carrollton-Farmers Branch and Montego Bay, Jamaica completed their seventh joint International Service Project together.  The following is a photo blog of the experience...

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In late March, Rotarians Pete Cross and Regina Edwards, and Baylor Health Care System's Faith in Action Initiatives Director Donald Sewell packed 5 1/2 boxes (weighing 154 lbs.) of medical supplies generously donated by Baylor Health Care System.  Thank you, Baylor!!!

A detailed manifest was prepared and sent to the Montego Bay Rotary Club so Past-President Bhagwan Chuganey could coordinate with the Ministry of Health in Kingston, Jamaica, allowing these items to enter the country duty-free.

To continue enjoying the photo blog, please click on 'More' below.

Rotary Partners with Baylor Health Care System and Southwest Airlines - Part I Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-06-17 00:00:00Z 0

CFB, Montego Bay Rotary Clubs & ROC Wheels Assist West Haven Children's Home

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on May 26, 2013

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A grateful woman and her son, Shemario Penny Cooke (age 11), who, until this day, had never had a wheelchair.  It took the ROC Wheels team four hours to fit this chair.

The Montego Bay Rotary Club and ROC Wheels, a non-profit based in Bozeman, MT that works to provide wheelchairs to children in need in developing countries, teamed up to custom-fit 32 specialized wheelchairs to some very-deserving children at West Haven Children's home.  The fittings, which began on Memorial Day, continued throughout the week as the ROC team worked tirelessly on this wonderful Joint International Project.  At Cornwall Regional Hospital - the hospital that our Club partners with - a total of 47 wheelchairs will be delivered and fitted, and still others will be sent to other locations.  Our Club donated the $1,500 raised in 2012 and the $900 in 2013 from the Valentine's Day fundraisers to aid in shipping the wheelchairs to Jamaica.

Please click here to view the thank you letter received by the President of the Montego Bay Rotary Club, Bhagwan Chuganey, from West Haven Children's Home.

CFB, Montego Bay Rotary Clubs & ROC Wheels Assist West Haven Children's Home Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-05-27 00:00:00Z 0

Equest Program Counselor Jeff Hensley Presents "Hooves for Heroes"

Posted by Barry E. Jordan on May 07, 2013

 

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Pictured left to right: Equest Program Counselor Jeff Hensley, Korean War Veteran Dick Lethe, and Barry Jordan.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club welcomed Jeff Hensley of Equest to speak at the May 8th luncheon.  Mr. Hensley, who spent 21 years as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Navy, completed two combat deployments in Iraq before deciding to pursue his Master's Degree in Mental Health Counseling from the University of North Texas.  A newly-minted graduate in December, Mr. Hensley now works as the Program Counselor for Equest Therapeutic Horsemanship in Wylie.  It is there that Hensley provides equine-assisted therapy for veterans through the "Hooves for Heroes" program. 

"The goal of our program," said Hensley, "is to improve the overall wellness of our returning warriors through equine-assisted activities and the camaraderie of other veterans.  We are proud to offer the program to active duty, Guard or Reserve members, and, of course, honorably-discharged veterans of any era.  There is no charge to our veterans to participate in this program -- we believe these men and women have already paid through their service to our country."

Equest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that relies on individual and corporate donations to fulfill its mission: to enrich, empower, and educate through horses.

Equest Program Counselor Jeff Hensley Presents "Hooves for Heroes" Barry E. Jordan 2013-05-08 00:00:00Z 0

Congratulations CFB Rotary Club District Award Nominees!

Posted by Ben Cunningham on May 04, 2013

We would like to formally recognize the following members of our Club who were nominated for a District Award.  Each of these members is deserving of their nomination, and for that we feel honored.

Ethics Award ~ Dr. Bobby Burns

Service to New Generations ~ William Messer

Service Above Self Award ~ Doug Rudman

Outstanding New Rotarian ~ Victoria Mendoza

Rotarian of the Year Award ~ Jerry Bates

Spirit of Cooperation Award ~ Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club

Congratulations CFB Rotary Club District Award Nominees! Ben Cunningham 2013-05-05 00:00:00Z 0

Forbes Magazine Lauds Achievements of Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club

Posted by Ben Cunningham on Apr 29, 2013

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On April 25th, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club received international acclaim when Forbes Magazine contributor Devin Thorpe published a piece to the magazine's website entitled What is Rotary International?  Your Local Rotary Club is Doing More Than You Think.  The article highlighted Thorpe's own experiences with his Club in Salt Lake City before going on to feature other Clubs around the world, and what they've been doing to place Service Above Self.  At the top of the list?  The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.

The article underscored two of the more dear projects to our Club members' collective hearts -- the International Service Project spearheaded by Regina Edwards of providing medical equipment to homes for disabled children in Jamaica, and the long-cherished mentoring program for students of Farmers Branch Elementary and Vivian Field Middle School started by Pete Cross 13 years ago.

"Service Above Self, a simple Rotary motto to aspire to, and even more fun and rewarding when you put it into practice," Edwards commented in the feature, referring to the $300,000 of medical equipment our Club has provided to the Cornwall Regional Hospital and Blessed Assurance and West Haven homes for disabled children.

With regard to the mentoring program, Cross, ever-enthusiastic about helping the oftentimes struggling students, added that "the greatest impact of the effort is the number of kids who graduate from high school and go on to college."

While the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club is honored to have been featured in a magazine as recognized as Forbes, the true honor for all of its members is being able to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Forbes Magazine Lauds Achievements of Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Ben Cunningham 2013-04-30 00:00:00Z 0

Carrollton Director of Economic Development: Business is Booming

Posted by Philip Orwig on Apr 10, 2013

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Brad Mink, City of Carrollton Director of Economic Development, spoke to the Club at the April 11th lunch meeting.

The third and final off-site lunch meeting for this Rotary year took place on April 11th, as CFB Rotary Club members converged on the hallowed Babe's Chicken Dinner House in downtown Carrollton.  The guest speaker for the meeting was Mr. Brad Mink, Director of Economic Development for the City of Carrollton.  As members enjoyed delicious fried chicken, catfish and chicken-fried steak, Mink spoke a bit about the favorable business climate in Carrollton.

When Mink began his career with the city, some two hundred businesses called Carrollton home.  That number has since ballooned to over five thousand, ranking Carrollton among the top cities in the region in creating the highest number of new jobs and total new-development square footage.  The number of businesses moving to Carrollton, including the expansion of current businesses, has grown exponentially over the years, and as Mr. Mink is quick to point out, the City has given out very few tax-incentives to accomplish this.  In fact, this momentum in commercial/industrial development continues, and the economic cornerstone is, indeed, the well-balanced residential and business tax base.  Mr. Mink also credited the growing ethnic influence in the area -- primarily Asian -- with a substantial influx of money to the government's coffers.  The city currently has both the largest Korean spa and grocery store in the United States.

A Q&A session followed Mink's prepared remarks, covering topics from working with neighboring municipalities and infrastructure to the perceived excess of empty retail space in the area.

Carrollton Director of Economic Development: Business is Booming Philip Orwig 2013-04-11 00:00:00Z 0

2013 CFB Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest a Success

Posted by Hans Mecker on Apr 03, 2013

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Pictured left to right:  Kevin Kehl of Creekview, Merryn McNeil of R.L. Turner, Sarah Grace Withers of Newman Smith, and Sean Kelly of Ranchview.

The 2013 Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Four-Way Speech Contest was a resounding success once again, with the four particpating students "wowing" Rotarians, educators, friends and family.  The annual program -- cherished by Club members and always a highlight of the year -- featured Kevin Kehl from Creekview High School, Merryn McNeil from R.L. Turner High School, Sarah Grace Withers from Newman Smith High School, and Sean Kelly from Ranchview High School.

The winning contestant, Kevin Kehl, applied the Rotary Four-Way Test to the double standards that too often pervade our society.  His lively and animated, yet introspective, speech had the crowd laughing at certain points, and deep in thought during others.  Ms. McNeil, who participated in last year's contest, returned to the Garden Terrace at Brookhaven to talk about her personal struggle with muscular dystrophy.  Ms. Withers implored our national leaders to apply the Four-Way Test to the ballooning national debt crisis, and to get our fiscal house in order.  Finally, Mr. Kelly weighed the virtues of AP & IB classes in high school, and ruminated about the value of such courses to the students enrolled in them.

While all of the speeches were outstanding, there could only be one winner.  Mr. Kehl took top honors, while McNeil came in second, Withers placed third, and Kelly rounded out the fourth spot.  This was not an easy decision for our judges by any stretch of the imagination.

To view photos from the Four-Way Speech Contest, please click here.

2013 CFB Rotary Four-Way Speech Contest a Success Hans Mecker 2013-04-04 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Visit Farmers Branch Fire Station #1

Posted by Jeanell Spearman on Mar 20, 2013

 

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Fire Station #1, located at 13601 Webb Chapel Road, is the crown jewel of the Farmers Branch Fire Department.

"Caring Service... Proud Tradition."  These words could most certainly be used to describe our very own Club, but in fact, they're the motto of the Farmers Branch Fire Department.  The CFB Rotary Club had the distinct honor of visiting Farmers Branch Fire Station #1 for the March 21st luncheon. 

At the second off-site meeting scheduled for the year, Rotarians enjoyed a catered Dickey's BBQ lunch, complete with all the trimmings, and afterward listened to Fire Chief Steve Parker talk a bit about the Department, and the new fire house located just south of the Manske Library on Webb Chapel Road.  After taking Q&A from several Club members, the Chief allowed those in attendance to take a full tour of the state-of-the-art fire house, which is decked-out with a full gym, individual dormitory-style bedrooms, a cutting edge media room, and a restaurant-quality kitchen.

The 12,000-square-foot facility, on which construction was completed in February 2012, sits strategically in the middle of the Farmers Branch residential community.  To view photos of the luncheon, please click here.

Rotarians Visit Farmers Branch Fire Station #1 Jeanell Spearman 2013-03-21 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary International: Humanity in Motion

Posted by Ben Cunningham on Mar 13, 2013

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Yes, Rotary International and its 1.22 million members have helped to nearly wipe polio off the face of the Earth.  But we have done so much in addition to that...  Rotarian volunteer efforts include many sustainable service projects including peace and conflict prevention/resolution, disease prevention and treatment, water and sanitation, maternal and child health, basic education and literacy, and economic and community development. 

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club makes direct contributions through capital expenditures, and -- more importantly -- boots-on-the-ground, sweat-equity efforts, to each of Rotary International's aforementioned areas of focus.  Whether it's our Zambian water-well project, which helps provide clean and safe drinking water to countless people in need, or our efforts in Jamaica, where we've partnered with the Rotary Club of Montego Bay to help provide medical devices to disabled children, or our mentoring and teaching children right here in our own community, our Club's efforts have reached a wide swath of people across the globe.

To learn more about what Rotary is, what Rotarians do and how you can get involved, please click on 'More' below. 

Rotary International: Humanity in Motion Ben Cunningham 2013-03-14 00:00:00Z 0

$900 Contribution Presented to Rotary Club of Montego Bay

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Mar 03, 2013

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A $900 check is presented to Rotary Club of Montego Bay President Roxanne Thamani from Director of International Service Bhagwan Chuganey.

The Club completed its 3rd Annual Valentine's Day Fundraiser last month, netting $900 for the two disabled children's homes that we support outside Montego Bay, Jamiaca:  West Haven and Blessed Assurance.  These residential facilities support over 100 children with a broad range of disabilities from cerebral palsy, Downs Syndrome, mental retardation and more profound handicaps.

Once again, orchids, candies and balloons were sold to Club members, with all profits going straight to our friends in the Montego Bay Rotary Club who will distribute the funds as needed to the homes.  Right now they are trying to raise money to help cover the costs of shipping another container of specialty wheelchairs from the United States to these children.  Because the children suffer from different ailments and are growing in size (as kids often do), there is an ongoing need for wheelchairs designed to fit each child to increase their comfort and decrease their risk of bed sores and other complications.  They are hoping for an April 2013 delivery date.  This was the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch's seventh joint project with the Montego Bay Rotary Club since 2003.

Thank you so much for your support of this International Service Project

~ Steven Patrick & Regina Edwards

Please click 'More' below to view a few more photos.

$900 Contribution Presented to Rotary Club of Montego Bay Regina Atwell Edwards 2013-03-04 00:00:00Z 0
Happy 108th Birthday, Rotary! Douglas Rudman 2013-02-23 00:00:00Z 0

Newman Smith Vocal Ensemble Performs

Posted by Philip Orwig on Feb 06, 2013

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The NSHS Vocal Ensemble treated the Club to a string of classic melodies at the February 7th meeting.

The Newman Smith High School Vocal Ensemble, made up of 11 very bright young men and women, treated the Club to some of the favorites in their vast repertoire.  The performance, which took place at the February 7th meeting at Brookhaven, featured classics such as Billie Holliday's Moonglow, as well as Always Look On the Bright Side of Life from the 1979 film Monty Python's Life of Brian.  The routine not only showcased the Ensemble's singing range, but their dance steps, as well, as group members were often hand-in-hand, arm-in-arm -- and in one another's lap.  In the middle of the performance, each of the members got a chance to introduce themselves to the Club, and give a brief accounting of their studies and extra-curricular activities at Newman Smith.  In order to become a member of the Vocal Ensemble, the members have to go through a rigorous audition process, proving their singing and dancing abilities.  The students were led on the piano by Newman Smith High School Choral Department Co-Director Robin Brockway-Nichols.

Newman Smith Vocal Ensemble Performs Philip Orwig 2013-02-07 00:00:00Z 0

Rotarians Enjoy Finer Fare at Cafe Smith

Posted by Philip Orwig on Jan 16, 2013

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    Rotarians arrived to find Apple, Pecan & Blue Cheese Salads waiting for them.

The CFB Rotary Club met at an off-site location for the January 17th meeting to enjoy a nice lunch at the hottest restaurant in town -- Cafe Smith, at Newman Smith High School.  The cafe is a non-profit student-run restaurant that serves weekly lunches for school and district staff throughout the school year.  Rotarians were treated to delicious Apple, Pecan & Blue Cheese Salads, followed by mouth-watering Steak & Vegetable Kabobs, Garlic Mashed Potatoes, and Buttered Yeast Rolls.  French Silk Chocolate Pie was the icing on the cake, so to speak.  The Director of Cafe Smith, Evelyn Dodson, took questions about the program, and Rotarians were treated to a tour of the kitchen after the meeting adjourned.

The restaurant, which opened its doors during the 2006-07 school year, allows students who wish to pursue a career in the hospitality industry to get ahead of the game with valuable experience ranging from the dishwasher, sous chef, and server positions to learning the financials and budgeting decisions that go into a real, live fully-functioning restaurant.  All students enrolled in the culinary program at NSHS have the option of participating in an externship during their junior or senior year in the form of cooperative education at local restaurants.

All lunches at Cafe Smith are served on Wednesdays.  Reservations are due by 3 pm the Monday prior.  The cost is $7.00 per meal.  Lunch times are 11:18 am, 11:47 am and 12:16 pm.  For more information, please contact Evelyn Dodson at dodsone@cfbisd.edu or 972.968.5200.  To view a listing of upcoming dates when lunches will be served, please click 'More' below.

Rotarians Enjoy Finer Fare at Cafe Smith Philip Orwig 2013-01-17 00:00:00Z 0

LBJ Express Spokesman Gives 411 on 635

Posted by Philip Orwig on Jan 09, 2013

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LBJ Express mouthpiece Andy Rittler was the much-anticipated guest speaker at today's lunch meeting.  Mr. Rittler, whose company was awarded the $2.7 billion contract to overhaul the notoriously congested 13-mile stretch from I-35E to I-635 to US-75, presented an animated rendering of the finished product, and also fielded a barrage of questions about the Project.  The massive untertaking, which Mr. Rittler noted is currently 40% finished and slightly ahead of schedule, is slated for completion in December 2015.

Club members in attendance had a myriad of questions related to the seemingly never-ending construction zone, ranging from completion timetables, speed limits and enforcement -- even the decision to use asphalt as the final surface for the super-highway.  However, most of the questions were - not surprisingly - on the new managed toll lanes, the price of which will adjust upward if the average speed of traffic falls below 50 mph.  The idea is to deter those drivers unwilling to pay the higher toll rates, thus reducing the amount of traffic on those lanes.

Mr. Rittler acknowledged that the Project has plans to roll-out an educational campaign soon on how all of this will work, though he did not specify exactly when.  While, still, many questions today probably went unanswered, Members now have a clearer understanding of the breadth of the Project, and when they can expect some sign of normalcy again on the dreaded I-635.

To view an animated flyover rendering of the LBJ Express Project, please click 'More' below.

LBJ Express Spokesman Gives 411 on 635 Philip Orwig 2013-01-10 00:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Club Celebrates Life, Legacy of Milburn Gravley

Posted by Philip Orwig on Jan 02, 2013

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The Club enjoyed cake honoring Milburn, while listening to remembrances of the esteemed former Mayor

Today, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club honored Mayor Milburn Gravley, a longtime member of the Club, who passed away last year on October 13th.  The Club paid tribute to a man who devoted much of his life to public service, and to leaving his longtime home of Carrollton, Texas better than he first found it.  Members of the Club, including Dick Calvert, John Dodd, Clayton Hutchins, Pat Canutsen, Harold Elias-Perciful, Bill Bexley, Shawn Bhagat and Doug Rudman personally gave remembrances of Milburn, and how he touched their lives.

Milburn's wife, Sylvia, and daughter Linda paid a special visit to the meeting, which fell on what would have been his 82nd birthday. 

To view the video tribute to Mayor Gravley's life, composed by Rotarian Bill Bexley, please click 'More' below.

 

CFB Rotary Club Celebrates Life, Legacy of Milburn Gravley Philip Orwig 2013-01-03 00:00:00Z 0

Our Mentoring Program Christmas Party -- A Time For Recognition & Cheer

Posted by Peter Cross on Dec 19, 2012

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Santa presents Travis, a mentee at Vivian Field Middle School, with some Christmas goodies

The annual Mentoring Program Christmas Party took place at the December 20th lunch meeting, and as usual, it served to recognize all whose efforts make the Mentoring Program so successful.  New Generations Co-Director Pete Cross, who has been involved with the Program since its inception fourteen years ago, kicked off the event with some statistics that would make any club proud -- in particular, the 300-plus children that have benefitted from the time, attention and positive influences our Club members have provided over the years.  CFB Rotary members have given over 3,500 hours of their time to the Mentoring Program, leaving a mark on many, many lives. 

The Christmas Party introduced the mentees, themselves, to the Club members.  New Generations Co-Director Victoria Mendoza introduced each mentor/mentee combo, who then took turns introducing each other to the room, and telling a bit about their time together.  Afterward, the children were led to the Christmas tree, where Santa was waiting with gifts for them.

To view photos from the Mentoring Program Christmas Party, please click here.

Our Mentoring Program Christmas Party -- A Time For Recognition & Cheer Peter Cross 2012-12-20 00:00:00Z 0

CFB Rotary Club Welcomes New Rotarian Truett Calvert

Posted by Philip Orwig on Dec 19, 2012

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Rotarian Dick Calvert introduces the newest member of our Club, Truett Calvert

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club welcomed the newest member into its family at the December 20th lunch meeting.  New Rotarian Truett Calvert was sponsored and introduced to the Club by Dick Calvert, who is not related to Truett.  New Rotarian Calvert is a funeral director at Rhoton Funeral Home in Carrollton, where he has been employed for the last two years.  Mr. Calvert has been in the industry for the last five years.  Given a chance to speak at the podium, Truett told a little bit about himself, and expressed an eagerness to give back to the community through the outlet of Rotary.  Truett, who first learned of our Club through this very website, is a welcome addition to the Club. 

CFB Rotary Club Welcomes New Rotarian Truett Calvert Philip Orwig 2012-12-20 00:00:00Z 0

Newman Smith Symphonic Orchestra Spreads Holiday Cheer

Posted by Philip Orwig on Dec 12, 2012

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Conductor Lamar Smith lead the NSHS Symphonic Orchestra in a medley of Holiday classics

At the December 13th lunch meeting, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club was treated to some sounds of the season, compliments of the Newman Smith High School Symphonic Orchestra.  CFB-ISD Superintendent Dr. Bobby Burns, and Newman Smith High School Principal Joe Pouncy, introduced the students, who were led by conductor Lamar Smith.  The Club enjoyed an ensemble of assorted Christmas classics, with renditions of Burl Ives' Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas! and Vince Guaraldi's Christmastime Is Here, from A Charlie Brown Christmas.

To view a photo album of the musical performance, please click here.

To view a video on one of the songs they played, click on 'more' immediately below.

Newman Smith Symphonic Orchestra Spreads Holiday Cheer Philip Orwig 2012-12-13 00:00:00Z 0

Vets Honored at 9th Annual Veterans Day Celebration

Posted by Barry E. Jordan on Nov 07, 2012

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A table of Navy recruiters bonds over lunch, and enjoys the celebration.

On November 8th, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club rolled out the red carpet for the ninth year in a row for local Veterans.  Veterans in attendance had served in every major conflict overseas from World War II, Korea and Vietnam to Operations Desert Storm and Enduring Freedom.  Veterans of each major branch of our country's great military were present, as well as members of the Carrollton and Farmers Branch Fire and Police Departments who also served overseas.  Each Veteran in attendance was introduced to the audience, along with a brief bio of their service to our country.

The keynote speaker at this year's event was Mr. Clint Bruce, an ex-Navy SEAL who now runs Trident Response Group, a privately-held global intelligence and advisory firm located in Dallas.  Mr. Bruce spoke passionately about those that had served before him, and the inspiration he drew from them.  Bruce highlighted the importance of the sacrifices those before him had made, and what this day truly symbolizes for him, and for our nation.  Bruce's powerful, yet impassioned, words seemingly struck a chord with everybody in the room.

After Mr. Bruce's time at the podium, the luncheon was wrapped-up by Club member Scott Smith, who led the room in the singing of America, The Beautiful.  To view some photos of the event, please click here.  A video of Mr. Bruce's keynote address will be posted to this website shortly. 

The event was, once again, organized and emcee'd by Club member Barry Jordan.

Vets Honored at 9th Annual Veterans Day Celebration Barry E. Jordan 2012-11-08 00:00:00Z 0

Roland Dickey Serves Up Laughs, History of Family BBQ Dynasty

Posted by Becky Miller on Oct 17, 2012

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Pictured left to right: Rotarian Becky Miller, Roland Dickey of Dickey's BBQ, and Chris Davis of the Dallas County Commissioners Court

"No great barbecue was ever achieved without enthusiasm" ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

It was a mouth-watering meeting this week, as the Club welcomed current Dickey's BBQ patriarch Roland Dickey as the guest speaker.  His enthusiasm has, indeed, helped him to take the reins from his father, Dickey's BBQ founder Travis Dickey, and grow the company into the largest barbecue chain restaurant in the United States, operating in 30 states at 300 different locations.  Dickey, who now heads up the company's public relations department, told the Club how after his father's passing he took over the original Dickey's BBQ stand at US-75 & Henderson Ave. in Dallas.

Originally, the Dickey family owned and operated 13 company stores, but they had bigger dreams of expanding outside of Dallas.  They finally began franchising 18 years ago, when one loyal customer badgered Roland Dickey relentlessly, finally landing a purchase of the first Dickey's franchise -- all the way in Mesquite, Texas.  The company continued to expand, opening it's first out-of-state franchise in Hattiesburg, Mississippi a short time later.  Today, there are Dickey's BBQ stores literally from coast to coast, with the bulk of them being located in the south and southeast United States. 

Mr. Dickey kindly treated each of the Club members in attendance to a free copy of his family's cookbook, "Mr. Dickey's Barbecue Cookbook".  In it you'll find recipes for all the staples you're used to enjoying at Dickey's BBQ, but the true gems are the recipes for the off-the-menu Dickey family-favorites.  Many of the Club members stuck around after the meeting to meet Mr. Dickey personally, and have him sign their copies of his cookbook.

 

Roland Dickey Serves Up Laughs, History of Family BBQ Dynasty Becky Miller 2012-10-18 00:00:00Z 0

In Memoriam: Milburn R. Gravley, 1931-2012

Posted by Philip Orwig on Oct 17, 2012

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Milburn Ray Gravley was active in Carrollton civic affairs for more than half a century, with service that included 12 years as mayor.  Mr. Gravley, 81, died Saturday of complications of cancer at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Plano.  Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church of Carrollton, where services will be at 1 p.m. Friday. He will be buried with Masonic rites in the Perry Cemetery in Carrollton.

“His main focus was the community — always,” said his wife, Sylvia Gravley of Carrollton. “He just believed in serving his community. He just simply loved the life he lived; he said that many times,” she said. “He always thought that life was a gift — so do good and cherish every moment.”

Born in Carrollton, Mr. Gravley grew up on the family farm. He was the great-grandson of Alexander Wilson Perry, a Carrollton pioneer. Mr. Gravley graduated from Carrollton High School and attended Southern Methodist University. He owned and operated Gravley Hardware Co. in Carrollton’s historic district for many years until he retired in 1981. He was deeply involved with Carrollton for years but did not run for public office until 1982. His non-elected service included being acting city secretary in 1957 and a member of a panel that reviewed the city charter in 1968.

“I always thought that politics and owning a business didn’t mix,” he recalled in 1996. “Lots of people encouraged me to run for office, but I wouldn’t do it. After I retired, several people asked me, ‘What’s your excuse now?’ I didn’t have one, so I ran for the council.”

In 1982, Mr. Gravley was elected to the City Council, where he served and was elected mayor in 1986. He left office in 1994 but felt the call to run for mayor again in 1996. He was drawn back to politics by business owners’ concerns about plans to revitalize Carrollton’s Interstate 35E corridor. He received more than 70 percent of the vote for mayor in the May 1996 election. He served two terms as mayor before retiring from elected office a second time. Mr. Gravley served on dozens of civic boards and committees, including the Dallas County School Board, the Carrollton Planning and Zoning Board and the American Red Cross.

At the time of his death, he was chairman of the Trinity River Authority Advisory Board, a member of Valwood Improvement board, the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce and the Old Downtown Carrollton Association board.

Story Credit:  Dallas Morning News, October 16, 2012

In Memoriam: Milburn R. Gravley, 1931-2012 Philip Orwig 2012-10-18 00:00:00Z 0

Club Meets at Sam Pack's Automotive Museum for Weekly Meeting

Posted by Philip Orwig on Oct 10, 2012

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Pictured left to right:  Regina Atwell-Edwards, Jeanell Spearman, Carol Dingman, Fred Ferguson and Dick Calvert

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club took a field trip to the Sam Pack Automotive Museum for its weekly meeting on October 11th.  Members in attendance were treated to a VIP all-access tour of the museum, which is normally closed to the public.  Members also noshed on mouth-watering fajitas and enchiladas from Club member Elizabeth Villafranca's restaurant Cuquita's.

Once inside the musuem, members feasted their eyes on countless classics from yesteryear, including Cadillacs, Fords, Lincolns and Packards, as well as some vehicles known for their speed, such as the Shelby Cobra and Jaguar.  All of the vehicles on-site, of which there were about 100, were beautifully restored and in perfect working condition.  Many of the autos on display that day came with rich histories and stories behind them -- some were used competitively in racing, others in feature films, such as JFK.  There was even a 40th Anniversary Shelby Cobra that was polished to a high, chrome-like finish by inmates of the Nevada penal system to help offset the cost of their incarceration.  This vehicle, valued at a cool $5 million, was a favorite of many Club members.

To view a photo album of the meeting at the museum, please click here.

Club Meets at Sam Pack's Automotive Museum for Weekly Meeting Philip Orwig 2012-10-11 00:00:00Z 0

Building for the Future 2012–13 CFB Rotary Club Fundraiser

Posted by Carol Dingman on Oct 01, 2012
When it comes to charitable giving, what’s your passion?

That’s the question facing our Club this year as we start to re-invent ourselves and become relevant to our community. President Raul started us on this journey last year by giving us a task. He said, “All our hearts and hands will work together to write the history of our Club’s next 50 years.” To start us on our way, we worked together to raise over $18,000 from you, our members, to provide resources for that journey.

This year under President Ben’s direction of “relevance” we will find our destination and continue to Build Resources for the Future. At the last meeting, the Board decided that our club should have 2 main service projects – a sweat equity project where we give mainly our time and talents and a capital project where we give mainly money. The scope of these projects, which will be decided by all of us, will make us relevant to the community.

As the first step in this process, the Board wants to know “When it comes to charitable giving, what’s your passion?” Is it kids, seniors, conservation, veterans, puppies? The Board will use your answers to guide us in choosing what type of projects our club should look at. With your ideas and some conversation with key people in the community we will come up with some projects to present for your approval in the next few months.

Building for the Future 2012–13 CFB Rotary Club Fundraiser Carol Dingman 2012-10-02 00:00:00Z 0

Clint Bruce To Headline Annual Veterans Celebration

Posted by Philip Orwig on Sep 30, 2012
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's Annual Veterans Celebration will feature Clint Bruce as this year's distinguished guest and speaker.  Mr. Bruce, the founder and president of Trident Response Group, will help the Club honor multiple generations of veterans at the November 8th luncheon.  Trident Response Group is a privately-held global intelligence and advisory firm headquartered in Dallas, Texas.  Mr. Bruce is a sought-after speaker on topics ranging from leadership, motivation, counter-terrorism, private sector intelligence, defense technologies & development, and vulnerabilities of companies during the Global War on Terror.  This will be a luncheon you won't want to miss!

To learn more about Mr. Bruce, please click here.
Clint Bruce To Headline Annual Veterans Celebration Philip Orwig 2012-10-01 00:00:00Z 0

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive a Success

Posted by Sid Fuller on Sep 17, 2012
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Amy Fuller, wife of Rotarian and Farmers Branch Chief of Police Sid Fuller, donated blood

In the annual Battle of the Badges Blood Drive held September 14th & 15th at the Farmers Branch Health and Wellness Expo, the Farmers Branch Police Department kept its winning streak alive, defeating the Fire Department by a respectable margin of 34 units to 26 units of blood.  The Police Department will have the privilege once again of hoisting the traveling trophy awarded to the agency with the most donations made on its behalf.

Carter Blood Care was on-hand, taking the donations from the volunteers, many of whom were members of our Rotary Club.

"The numbers were great," said Chief of Police Sid Fuller.  "We had a total of 65 people sign-in for the two days, and a total 60 units of blood collected."

Chief Fuller was appreciative and humbled by the support of the volunteers. 

"Thanks go out to the Rotarians who donated their time and blood, and thank you to everyone that worked at recruiting and escorting all the donors.  It really makes a difference when someone is there to ask face-to-face to come out and save a life."

To see more photos from the event, click "more" below, or visit the Club Facebook page.
Battle of the Badges Blood Drive a Success Sid Fuller 2012-09-18 00:00:00Z 0

U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña Pays Special Visit to CFB Rotary Club

Posted by Philip Orwig on Sep 12, 2012
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Pictured left to right:  Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert, Ben Cunningham, U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña, Dallas District Attorney Craig Watkins, and Regina Atwell Edwards

It was a standing-room-only crowd as United States Attorney for the Northern District Sarah Saldaña spoke at the September 13th meeting of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.  Saldaña, who gave the keynote, was joined by her state-level counterpart, Dallas D.A. Craig Watkins, as well as Assistant U.S. Attorney Rick Calvert, son of Dick and Sandy Calvert.   Saldaña's visit headlined a special program honoring those in law enforcement.

Saldaña talked about how proud she is of the U.S. Attorney's office and its mission.  The Northern District of Texas, which is her jurisdiction, is the second-largest in the state.  It is in this wide swath of land - 97,000 square miles, to be exact - that her office enforces the federal law.  Saldaña regaled the Club with some of the more notorious cases she has worked, including those in violent crimes, major crimes, organized crime, economic crimes and special prosecutions, such as terrorism. 

Saldaña explained how her office operates within the U.S. Department of Justice, and prioritizes national security, violent crime, financial fraud and protection of the most vulnerable, such as children, seniors and civil rights.  However, the main focus of the Northern District has proven to be violent crimes and immigration.

It was quite an honor having U.S. Attorney Saldaña visit the Club and speak, and all members in attendance will agree that it was an interesting and informative luncheon.  The Club would like to thank Dick and Sandy Calvert, as well as their son Rick, and Regina Atwell Edwards for making this special program possible.

U.S. Attorney Sarah Saldaña Pays Special Visit to CFB Rotary Club Philip Orwig 2012-09-13 00:00:00Z 0

CFB-ISD Coaches Speak of Leadership, Overcoming Adversity

Posted by Philip Orwig on Sep 05, 2012

 

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Pictured left to right: CFB-ISD Athletic Director Renee Putter with head coaches Tyrone Larkins of RL Turner, Jay Cline of Creekview, Paul Ressa of Newman Smith, and Terry Smith of Ranchview

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club's time-honored tradition of hosting the CFB-ISD head football coaches for their annual update took place at the September 6th lunch meeting.  CFB Superintendent Dr. Bobby C. Burns kicked off the presentation by recognizing former Club member Catfish Montgomery, whom the annual event is held in honor of.  Athletic Director Renee Putter introduced the head coaches, who each gave the members in attendance an update of their respective teams.

Coach Terry Smith, head coach of the Ranchview Wolves, discussed how his goal at the onset of summer camp was to help his student athletes become better men, and to learn how to overcome adversity.  He spoke of a set of covenants that each player on the team agreed to, including conducting themselves with integrity, being accountable for their actions, and exhibiting leadership both on and off the field.  Coach Smith related how he and his staff are much more than football coaches.  In particular, they are the "molders and makers" of young men.

Coach Jay Cline, skipper of the Creekview Mustangs, also has a set of covenants with his student athletes.  Coach Cline gave each of his players goals to strive for:  to be unselfish, to be tough, and to show determination at every level and in everything they do in life. 
CFB-ISD Coaches Speak of Leadership, Overcoming Adversity Philip Orwig 2012-09-06 00:00:00Z 0

District Governor Forster Challenges Club Members

Posted by Philip Orwig on Aug 29, 2012

 

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Pictured left to right:  District Governor Sandy Forster, Club President Ben Cunningham, and Asst. District Governor Sandra Moudy

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club had the distinct honor of welcoming District 5810 Governor Sandra "Sandy" Forster to the weekly lunch meeting on August 30th as the guest speaker.  Forster has been visiting each of the Clubs in the District, challenging them to reinvent themselves.  Forster recognized our club's highly-esteemed mentoring program at Farmers Branch Elementary and Vivian Field Middle Schools, as well as our annual donation of backpacks and school supplies.  However, she asked each of the club members in attendance to dig deep, and try and remember why they joined Rotary in the first place.  The unorthodox luncheon had each table break into brainstorming sessions to discuss why we are Rotarians, the light in which we currently view our Club, and the future of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.

Forster told of her own beginnings in Rotary International, realizing that she wanted to give back to her community, lift up the lives of those less fortunate than her, and make a change in any small way that she could.  In fact, it was her father who ultimately helped her decide that Rotary was the best outlet for her to channel her energies.  Since joining the Garland Rotary Club in 1992, Forster has served as the Club's first female President, and has helped facilitate and participate in Matching Grants, Group Study Exchange, Youth Exchange, and the RI Teacher Exchange Program.  District Governor Forster has come to realize that Rotary has given her more than she will ever be able to give back.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club has made a $250.00 donation in District Governor Forster's honor to the Achievement Center of Texas.
District Governor Forster Challenges Club Members Philip Orwig 2012-08-30 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club Assists Metrocrest Social Services in Distribution of School Supplies

Posted by Bill Bexley on Aug 21, 2012
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Matt Wenthold (left) and Pete Cross helped Metrocrest Social Services pack school supplies

Members of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club assisted Metrocrest Social Services on Wednesday, August 22nd in packing school supplies and distributing them to local students.  Joan Bexley and Becky Miller greeted the parents and incoming students, while Bill Bexley, Todd Martin and Steve Patrick escorted the students to pick their uniforms, select a backpack, and receive the appropriate school supplies.  Matt Wenthold, Dave Hale, and Pete Cross, along with David Smith and his wife filled and distributed the sacks of school supplies.
Rotary Club Assists Metrocrest Social Services in Distribution of School Supplies Bill Bexley 2012-08-22 00:00:00Z 0

Rotary Club & Target Team Up for Third Consecutive Year to Donate School Supplies

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Aug 09, 2012
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Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club and the Target store located at President George Bush Tollway and Josey Lane have joined forces for a third consecutive year to donate school supplies to the Mentoring Program at Farmers Branch Elementary School.  The total value of donations for the 2012-2013 school year reached $300, due in large part to the generosity of Target.  Great back-to-school sales, as well as wholesale shopping for the backpacks and a $25 gift card donated by Target, allowed the Club to provide so much for so little money.  Each year, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club donates the school supplies to help the valuable Mentoring Program kick off the year prepared and ready to go.  The following donations were made this year:
  • 10 backpacks
  • 28 pais of scissors
  • 10 boxes of pencils
  • 20 plastic pencil boxes
  • 20 pencil pouches
  • 20 pink erasers
  • 100 glue sticks
  • 50 boxes of Crayola crayons
  • 20 boxes of Crayola markers
  • 20 boxes of Crayola colored pencils
  • 50 100-sheet composition books
  • 200 spiral notebooks
  • 200 folders with prongs
Rotary Club & Target Team Up for Third Consecutive Year to Donate School Supplies Regina Atwell Edwards 2012-08-10 00:00:00Z 0

RYLA Spotlight: Scholarship Recipients Highlighted

Posted by Philip Orwig on Aug 01, 2012

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Pictured left to right:  Asst. Counselor Kristen Helmberger, District 5810 RYLA-New Generations Director Jim Duffy and Asst. Counselor Hena Fariq

At the August 2nd meeting, Jim Duffy spoke to the Club about the 22nd Annual Camp RYLA held in June, its 160 campers, and the enormous ripple-effect this program is having on the campers' lives.  Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) was created by Rotary International to encourage strong leadership in youth. Young people chosen for their leadership skills attend an all-expenses-paid camp to develop and enhance leadership skills through activities conducted in an atmosphere of trust and respect. 

The goal of RYLA is to select potential campers based on an already-proven history of leadership.  The campers typically are juniors in high school, with the idea being that they will build upon their existing leadership foundation, and later, apply it when they are seniors and have a more significant role at school.  Not only does the indoor/outdoor camp enhance leadership capabilty, it also introduces Rotary International to campers at an early age, fostering the spirit of Service Above Self.

In addition to presenting the annual RYLA video, today's meeting highlighted the recipients of the Bill Innes and Catfish Montgomery Scholarships -- Hena Fariq, who will be attending SMU this Fall as a Political Science major, and Kristen Helmberger, who looks forward to beginning her freshman year at Collin College as a Creative Writing and Business double-major.  Each spoke of the huge impact RYLA has had on their lives.

RYLA Spotlight: Scholarship Recipients Highlighted Philip Orwig 2012-08-02 00:00:00Z 0

RYLA Campers Speak About Their Experiences

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jun 14, 2012
ImagePictured left to right:  Amanda Messer, Blake Gorman, Monika Shah, Celeste Bucchan, Simina Grecu, McKenzie Wilson, Mary Horn, Ryan Mehl and Past District Governor Mark Healy. 

Our 2012 Carrollton-Farmers Branch RYLA Campers spoke about their camp experiences at our June 14th meeting.  Amanda Messer coordinated the program, and all but one of the campers were able to attend, along with a returning camper, Celeste Bucchan,  from Creekview.  As  you might expect, each of the students had a little different take on their experiences, but all agreed that it was a "life changing" experience and opportunity.

These students were selected because they already exhibited leadership skills.  However, RYLA taught them how to use their skills more effectively.  They learned that it is OK to be a follower and still influence the results.  They learned that leadership by example builds team spirit, better solutions to problems, and more satisfaction with the results. They learned a lot about themselves and how to be better leaders.

Speaking at the meeting were Blake Gormon from Newman Smith, Mary Horn from Naaman Forest (Garland ISD), McKenzie Wilson from Creekview, Simina Grecu from RL Turner, Ryan Mehl from Jesuit, Monica Shah from RL Turner, and Celeste Bucchan from Creekview..

Click on "more" below to learn more about some of the student's experiences and to view a video of RYLA Camp 2012
RYLA Campers Speak About Their Experiences Bill Bexley 2012-06-15 00:00:00Z 0

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Year End Report

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jun 11, 2012
We are coming to the end of the 2011/2012 Rotary year.  Under the leadership of Raul Paredes, our club has grown in many ways. Raul was nominated and received the Outstanding President District 5810 Award.  (Read more about Raul's award in the article titled President Raul Paredes Wins District Award). 

We have grown in membership. Under the leadership of Pete Cross, our mentoring of elementary and middle school boys and girls has dramatically increased.  Our contributions to the Rotary Foundation have gone up and under the leadership of Carol Dingman, we raised money that allowed our club to continue providing financial support to community organizations. 

These are just a few of the accomplishments for the year 2011 / 2012. To learn more about this year's accomplishments, click on the link below.

Year End 2011/2012 Report
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Year End Report Bill Bexley 2012-06-12 00:00:00Z 0

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Supports Community Organizations

Posted by Carol Dingman on Jun 06, 2012
ImagePictured left to right:  Herb Weidinger, Sgt Major Hayward Bellah, Raul Paredes, Carol Dingman, Cia Bond, Bunnie Summerlein, Bea Salazar,  Cathy Foxworth, Debra Mitchell-Ibe, Crystal Shepard.  Not pictured:  Kelly Burns, Leann Underwood.

The mission of Rotary International is to provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders.  Service Above Self is Rotary’s principal motto,which means that every Rotarian is responsible for finding ways to improve the quality of life in his or her community and in those around the world through service.

The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch was founded over 50 years ago. A Rotary Club’s Community Service covers the projects and activities it undertakes to improve life in its community.  The role of Club service projects is to help develop and implement educational, humanitarian, and vocational service projects that help our community.  One way our Club does this is by giving grants to local agencies that address community needs.  This year, money for these grants was raised through the personal contributions of Club members.  The Grant Selection Committee, headed by Acting Community Service Director Carol Dingman, included Ben Cunningham, Sid Fuller,Craig Greenway and Bill Bexley.

This year we were pleased to award 8 grants.  Each organization receiving a grant sent a representative to to tell us a little about their mission and how our donation will be used.  Grants were given to The Family Place to support its Metrocrest Center, Bea’s Kids for support of its Carrollton and Farmers Branch Tutoring Centers, Metrocrest Social Service for general program support, Senior Adult Services for general program support, Flags for Fallen Vets to place flags on graves at DFW Nat’l Cemetery for Memorial Day, Carrollton Library for the summer reading program, Farmers Branch Library for the summer reading program, and Metrocrest Medical Foundation for screening mammograms.
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Supports Community Organizations Carol Dingman 2012-06-07 00:00:00Z 0

President Raul Paredes Wins District Award

Posted by Carol Dingman on May 24, 2012

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Club President Raul Paredes with wife Aurora

Raul Paredes won Rotary District 5810’s 2012 award for Outstanding Club President of the Year at the District Conference.   

The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch nominated Raul Paredes for Outstanding Club President of the Year for the exceptional job he has done serving as Club President.  Raul has demonstrated exemplary leadership that has inspired his fellow Club members to take action to further Rotary’s mission and to raise awareness of Rotary as our community’s premier service organization.  He has led us all to be better Rotarians by his example of living according to the Four Way Test. 

The Club unanimously supported Raul’s nomination.  Several Club members wrote short testimonials to Raul’s effectiveness which contributed to winning the award.  The nomination was based on the Goals Raul and the Board adopted for this year and the results the Club achieved in reaching them.  Carol Dingman wrote the nomination.

President Raul Paredes Wins District Award Carol Dingman 2012-05-25 00:00:00Z 0

Celebrating 25 Years of Women in Rotary

Posted by Carol Dingman on May 23, 2012
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Pictured left to right: Shelia Maher, Crystal Shepherd, Jeanell Spearman, Teddy Barker, Carol Dingman, Jessica Smith, Regina Atwell Edwards and Becky Miller

Today, our Club has 61 members, 14 of whom are women.  This is an all-time high for female membership in our club.  For 25 years, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club was for men only.  On May 4, 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Rotary clubs may not exclude women from membership on the basis of gender.  Patsy Fulton, then-President of Brookhaven Community College, was our Club’s first female member.

On May 3, 2012, we marked this important anniversary by highlighting our female members.  Jessica Smith, a new member, recounted the history leading up to the Supreme Court’s decision, and told us what Rotary membership means to her as a young professional.  In 1998, our club elected its first female President, Teddy Barker.  Teddy returned for a visit and told of her Rotary experience.  Regina Edwards represented the other 3 female Presidents our Club has had -- Jeannie Hooker in 2002, Regina in 2005 and Allison Fanin in 2010.  Last but not least, Dick Calvert, who was there when it happened, gave us a behind the scenes look at how women got into our Club.

Carol Dingman organized and moderated the program. As the second woman to join - on August 1, 1988 - she told of her introduction to Rotary through who else, but Catfish Montgomery.  The program closed with a pledge by the women to work for our Club as “Equal Partners” with the men
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Celebrating 25 Years of Women in Rotary Carol Dingman 2012-05-24 00:00:00Z 0

Welcome to the Carrollton-Farmers Branch New Website

Posted by Bill Bexley on May 23, 2012

 

 The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club is pleased to welcome our members and guests to our website.  You will find information about upcoming meetings and events along with community stories of interest.

The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club is all about serving our community.  We encourage all of our members to provide information that highlights the most urgent needs of our community and the many success stories that meet those needs.

Our hope is that this website will prove to be an effective conduit to our members and the many community organizations we support.

 

Welcome to the Carrollton-Farmers Branch New Website Bill Bexley 2012-05-24 00:00:00Z 0

District 5810 4-Way Speech Competition

Posted by Hans Mecker on Apr 27, 2012

ImageThe District 5810 Level 4-way speech contest was held April 28 at South Grand Prairie HS.  A total of 26 students were entered and among them our Club competition winner Kevin King.  A nice surprise was, that our Club runner up Marynn McNeil did compete again at the Farmers Branch Club and as the winner, she also participated at the District level. After a briefing by Dr. Susan Gainer, the competition was hard “fought” by all students. Those attending were gland they did not have to sit in the judges chairs.  All students were extremely capable and all speeches would deserve to be published.  Our Governor made an appearance and was available for a few photo opportunities.

But in the end, it was Kevin King, our Club Winner who took First Place, a nice scholarship check, and a Rotary plaque. Congratulations to Kevin and all participants from the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club.  We are extremely proud of you.

The winners were: First Place - Kevin King; Second Place - Zach Stone; Third Place - Vincent Lee; Fourth Place - Marynn McNeil; Fith Place - Paul Russel; Sixth Place - Luke Calvert

District 5810 4-Way Speech Competition Hans Mecker 2012-04-28 00:00:00Z 0

Mentoring Program Update

Posted by Peter Cross on Apr 17, 2012
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As many of you know for twelve years, members of our club, have been working with several elementary and middle schools to assist educators with youth who need support from adults.  This is usually in the form of contact, reading, specific subject assists as well as behavioral help as specified and requested by teachers at their schools.  The satisfaction gained by involved Rotarians far outweighs the time expended.  Many of the students have made significant strides in overcoming problems and have gone on to be quite successful in High School and College.  Others have found that just having someone to talk to, feeling they are being supported and cared for is enough to get them through another hectic day.  All are not success stories, but enough are to warrant doing it year after year and feeling one has truly given "Service above self".

Our club presently has approximately twenty members or family members actively involved. Out of that last six new members, three are mentoring, one is administering the program for CFBISD and one is a Principal at one of the schools served.  Our so called "New Generations" are definitely the future of our country and the effort is indeed well placed within the Rotary Club of Carrollton/Farmers branch. 

Pictured above are the kids that are part of the mentoring program along with our club member that give their time and talents in this labor of love. You can see by the smiles on their faces that they enjoy coming to our club each year.

Please show your appreciation to all of these volunteers and especially to Victoria Mendoza and Pete Cross for coordinating this very important service opportunity.

Mentoring Program Update Peter Cross 2012-04-18 00:00:00Z 0

Valentine’s Day 2012 Fundraiser Update

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Feb 22, 2012
ImageFor 4 weeks in January and February the Carrollton-Farmers Branch club members had a chance to purchase Valentine’s Day goodies to support the 2 disabled children’s homes near Montego Bay that our club has been supporting since 2010.

Valentine gift choices this year included large stuffed dogs with an adoption certificate and various gift baskets for ladies, girls and boys.  A basket for monetary donations was also available for those preferrinb that option.

While our 2012 goal was set at $600, a total of $1,000 after expenses was raised which was matched by Rotarian Gary Embrey for a total of $2,000!   Adding this to the $400 from the 2011 Valentine’s fundraiser we now have a total of $2,400.00.  We believe $1,200 for each home will have positive impacts on their budgets this year in providing necessary supplies for these precious children.

We also decided it would be fun to deliver some extras so we have began a campaign to collect crayons, markers, pens, pencils, coloring books and DVDs for the 2 homes. To learn more about the 2 homes, click on "More" below.

Regina Edwards and her family will travel this spring to deliver a check to the Montego Bay Rotary Club and to visit the 2 homes.  (Watch for pictures to be posted on this website after they return.) Past President Bhagwan Chuganey and our long-time Rotary friends in the Montego Bay Club will deposit the proceeds in an account that can be used by the 2 homes as needs arise. They will let us know how the funds are used.

Thank you so much for your support of this International Service Project. We shattered our goal and are so proud to be able to reach out to these 2 deserving homes and share our love and support this year.

Past President Regina Edwards and International Service Director Steven Patrick

Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch

Valentine’s Day 2012 Fundraiser Update Regina Atwell Edwards 2012-02-23 00:00:00Z 0

2012 Carrollton-Farmers Branch Four Way Test Speeches

Posted by Bill Bexley on Feb 16, 2012

ImageFront Row: Marlee Vadergrift, Merryn McNeil, Michael Schrag, Kevin King       
Back Row:  Dr. Bobby Burns and Hans Mecker

 Students from all four high schools competed in the Four Way Test Speech Competition at our regular meeting on February 16th. This is one of our favorite meetings every year. The students this year were Kevin King from Creekview High School, Marlee Vandergrift from Ranchview High School, Michael Schrag from Newman Smith, and Merryn McNeil from Turner High School.

Marlee talked about Reality Television and how so much of what we are seeing on TV does not come close to measuring up to the four way test. Kevin talked about how our four fathers built this country focusing on "We" and not "Me". If more people would focus on the four way test, our country would begin to gravitate back to what has made this country what it is today. Michael, talked about the negative 2012 campaigning and how it does not even come close to measuring up to the four way test. Finally, Merryn talked about how our Virtual World is impacting our Real World. Twitter is taking the place of fact-to-face conversation and reducing the personal interaction, especially among young people.

All of these speeches were outstanding making the judge’s decision very difficult. Marlee was our 4th place winner with Michael claiming 3rd place. Merryn came in 2nd place. Our 1st place winner was Kevin King from Creekview High School.

It is refreshing to know that young people like Marlee, Michael, Merryn, and Kevin will be our future leaders and the Four Way Test will be part of their decision making as they pursue their respective careers.

2012 Carrollton-Farmers Branch Four Way Test Speeches Bill Bexley 2012-02-17 00:00:00Z 0

Meet the Troops at DFW for the Last Time as they come home for R & R

Posted by Barry E. Jordan on Feb 15, 2012
On Saturday, March 3 rd, the USO-DFW is hosting a large number of people visiting the DFW Airport to greet our troops. The arriving flight that day will be one of the last flights coming to DFW with our troops bound for R & R as this USO operation is being phased out on March 14th. To go and support our Veterans, everyone should call 972/574 0392 Friday night and, for sure on Saturday morning to confirm flight time and gate arrival. Expectations are that an afternoon arrival is possible, but, calling 972/5740392 is imperative. Before you leave the terminal, please be sure to get a free parking pass from a USO volunteer.

Meet the Troops at DFW for the Last Time as they come home for R & R Barry E. Jordan 2012-02-16 00:00:00Z 0

We Send Our Condolences at the Passing of Richard McCrary

Posted by Bill Bexley on Dec 18, 2011
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As many of you know, Richard McCrary passed away Saturday evening after battling cancer for many months.  As one of our faithful Rotarians he will certainly be missed. The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club extends our condolences to Richard's family and his many friends at Brookhaven Community College.

There is a website set that was set up for Richard many months ago.  Now there is an opportunity to extend your personal condolences to Richard's family by clicking on Richard McCrary Website.
 
Information on the services for Richard are pending at this time.  As soon as we hear, we will pass on the information.

 

 

 

We Send Our Condolences at the Passing of Richard McCrary Bill Bexley 2011-12-19 00:00:00Z 0

The Mentoring Program Featured in the Dallas Morning News

Posted by Bill Bexley on Dec 12, 2011

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Pete Cross, New Generations Director, along with Jacob Guerrero, a student at Vivian Field is featured in the Dallas Morning News. The featured article raises the awareness and value of our club's mentoring program. Pete has champion this program for many years working with Victoria Mendoza. He not only mentors many students himself, but organizes other members to mentor CFBISD students.

Pete Cross, Graig Greenway, and Sugie Maxfield begin the program in 1999. As many as 28 of our members were involved in the program in 2008. Over the years, our members have mentored close to 300 students at the elementary and middle schools of CFBISD. Currently 15 members along with spouses are mentoring students.

Pete is the first to tell you that the person that holds the program together is Victoria Mendoza. Her drive and knowledge of both the kids along with the limitations of the program makes it successful.

To read the article in the Dallas Morning News click on the link DMNs Article.

Click on More to learn how you might get involved in this great Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club program.
The Mentoring Program Featured in the Dallas Morning News Bill Bexley 2011-12-13 00:00:00Z 0

Fundraising Campaign Update

Posted by Carol Dingman on Nov 08, 2011
2011-12 Community Campaign for Hearts, Hands and Hard Cash A Success!
 
Nov. 9, 2011
 
Our Club’s 2011-12 Community Campaign for Hearts, Hands and Hard Cash has reached its goal of $15,000 to support area non-profits through financial contributions so no one in our community is left behind.
 
In fact, we have surpassed it!  Members made pledges to the Drive totaling $17,265.   Sales of donated items collected an additional $1,335 for a GRAND TOTAL of $18,600!  Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of you who contributed to the Drive. 
 
Our secondary goal of 100% member participation has not yet been met.  Member participation at this point is 87.3%.  For those of you who have not made a pledge, but still want to do so, it is not too late.  Just think how great it would be to reach $20,000!  As President Raul said at his inauguration, “All our hearts and hands will work together to write the history of our Club’s next 50 years.” 
 
 
 
Fundraising Campaign Update Carol Dingman 2011-11-09 00:00:00Z 0

George Crawford Honored during the Veterans Celebration with the Paul Haris Fellow.

Posted by Bill Bexley on Nov 03, 2011

Our own Rotarian George Crawford, a veteran of World War II, was honored during our Veterans Celebration when he received the highest Rotary recognition, the Paul Harris Fellow. The presentation was made by Mark Sutherland, Foundation Chair and George was escorted by Pete Cross.

George served in the U.S Army Air Corps, now the U.S Air Force as a Flight Engineer and Gunner on a B24 Liberator Bomber.  He flew missions over Germany when the ratio of returning aircraft was very low and the success of the German fighters was high. 

 George has been an active member of The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club for many years. Over the years the so named "Geezer Table" of our Rotary Club has been graced by the presence of our oldest and only surviving World War II veteran.  The club has been regaled by his fantastic tales, such as going through customs with a monkey up his pants leg.

We congratulate George as the most recent recipient of the Paul Harris Fellow 

Click on "more" below for pictures.

George Crawford Honored during the Veterans Celebration with the Paul Haris Fellow. Bill Bexley 2011-11-04 00:00:00Z 0

For the 2nd Year Target Teams Up with Our Club and Rotaract Delivering School Supplies to CFBISD Schools

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Sep 25, 2011
ImageFor the second year in a row, the Target Store in Carrollton at Josey Lane and George Bush Tollway has donated approximately $1,200 in school supplies to CFB-ISD.  The store’s Asset Protection Executive Team Leader Scott Keen is a former police officer who works with the Carrollton Police Department to sponsor some of its events and he loves kid-related charities. He coordinated the donation from Target and worked with Regina Edwards, Past President of the Rotary Club and Archie Nettles, former Rotaract member at Brookhaven College to deliver the supplies to CFB-ISD.  The supplies will be distributed to various schools as Superintendent Dr. Bobby Burns and his staff see fit. These 1254 packages of filler paper and 353 notebooks will help a lot of kids complete their school assignments and homework.
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For the 2nd Year Target Teams Up with Our Club and Rotaract Delivering School Supplies to CFBISD Schools Regina Atwell Edwards 2011-09-26 00:00:00Z 0

Loading School Supplies - Metrocrest Social Services

Posted by Bill Bexley on Aug 11, 2011
Over a dozen members including their families worked at Metrocrest Social Sevices to help load school supplies into backpacks and bags.  This is an annual activity for our club.  Metrocrest Social Services will distribute several hundred backpacks to elementary, middle school and high school students prior to starting school.  Our club members divided into groups not only packing backpacks, but assembling supplies and taking inventory of additional needs.  Pete Cross organized the activity with Nicole Newkham, Director of Volunteers and Food Programs.
 To view a video and pictures of our volunteers, click on the links below:
Loading School Supplies - Metrocrest Social Services Bill Bexley 2011-08-12 00:00:00Z 0

Update on Richard McCrary

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jul 12, 2011

Richard D. McCraryAs many of you know, Richard McCrary has been diagnosed with cancer.  He traveled to MD Anderson to get a better diagnosis and returned home to begin radiation treatment at Baylor. The latest news from Marilyn Kolesar-Lynch is that he is improving, having finished his treatment.  He is resting at home.  We ask that everyone keep Richard in your prayers.

Richard has set up a website where we will be able to communicate and keep up with his progress.  You can get to the site by clicking on
Richard McCrary Website. Make your way to this website for the latest news and be sure to add your good wishes to the Guestbook.

Again we appreciate Marilyn Kolesar-Lynch who is serving as the Interim President of Brookhaven Community College for giving us this information. She is also attending our meetings each week.  If you want to send a card to Richard, we have his home address available. 

Update on Richard McCrary Bill Bexley 2011-07-13 00:00:00Z 0

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Starts the next 50 Years

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jul 07, 2011
Raul Presents Plaque to AllisonOn July 7th, District 5810 Governor Charles “Bud” McBrayer installed the new 2011/2012 officers and Raul Paredes became the 51st President of our club.    Raul presented the coveted Outgoing President's Pin to Allison Fannin along with a plaque recognizing her for an outstanding year as our President.
 
Also Raul outlined some very aggressive goals for our club during the coming year.  The overall goal is to open the door for new and fresh ideas as our club continues to provide service to our community. Transparency will be the prevailing environment as we strive to keep all of our members informed of our club's activities.
 
Below is a brief summary of these goals: (To view Raul's entire presentation click on this link)

·         Communication - Enhance dialogue with club members via Club Assemblies and the effective use of Club Runner.  Also use the Club Runner website to publicize club activities to the community as a means to attract new members. 
 
·         Membership - Increase membership by a net number of 10.  Focus on young professionals, men and women, with Business Classifications that remain unfilled in the club roster.

·         Program - Give value to the time that members dedicate for club meetings by providing attractive, interesting, educational programs.  Encourage members to communicate openly their program preferences.

·         New Generation - Focus on youth activities and the development of the future leaders of our communities and our Club.

·         Fund Raising - Make fund raising as simple and easy as possible for our members.

·         Community Service - Continue donations to various service organizations, scholarships to Brookhaven College, and our Blood Drive.  Sponsor a "One-Day Volunteers Fair" for our donee services organizations to encourage more volunteerism as well as to make our Club better know in the community.

·         International Service - Continue our medical supplies mission to Jamaica.

·         Club Service - Improve our attendance record; dialogue with members on the type of Fellowship activities they want during the year.

·         Vocational Service - Promote more "Vocation Talks" from our members as well as the a application of the Four-Way test in their various vocations.

·         Rotary Foundation - Achieve an average contribution of $105.00 per active member for the Annual Programs Fund. Commit at least $2,000.00 to Rotary's $200 Million Challenge Goal for Polio Eradication.  Nominate a candidate for the Ambassadorial Scholarship.
 

  

 
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Starts the next 50 Years Bill Bexley 2011-07-08 00:00:00Z 0

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Recognizes and Supports Community Organizations

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jun 30, 2011
Group PictureOn June 30th the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club recognized and made contributions to several community organizations.  This is a annual event culminating in the fundraising efforts of the Club for the past twelve months.
Sid Fuller, Director of Community Service for the past year made presentations and handed a check to representatives from each of the organizations chosen by the club as recipients for the 2010/2011 Rotary year.
 
The organizations chosen this past year were 
  •  Holy Angels
  • Summer Reading Program at the Farmers Branch Library and Carrollton Library
  • Community Partners Denton County
  • Essilor Vision Foundation
  • Carrollton Young Life
  • Senior Adult Services
  • American Fallen Soldiers
  • The Family Place, Bea’s Kids
  • Metrocrest Social Services
To learn more about these organizations click on “More” below:
Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Recognizes and Supports Community Organizations Bill Bexley 2011-07-01 00:00:00Z 0

2011 District 5810 RYLA Camp

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jun 14, 2011
Six students from Carrollton and Farmers Branch were sponsored by our club and attended this year's District 5810 RYLA Camp.  I learned from staff members that this camp was once again a huge success.  The six students attending camp were Sharee Bailey a Newman Smith student, Celeste Bucchan, a Creekview student, Sahil Handa and Amy Stone, R L Turner students, Ritthy Son and Nandita Singh, both Hebron High students.
One of the many high points, was when they Skype Caresse Bucchan to speak to the camp. She is the current Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship recipient working in New Zeeland, She is the sister of Celeste Bucchan.  Celeste was very surprised and had an opportunity to visit with her sister after she had greeted the entire camp.
We have already received a thank you from Ritthy Son via an email to Raul.  It reads as follows:
Mr. Paredes,
 
How are you doing sir?
My name is Ritthy Son, and I want to thank the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary for sponsoring me to Camp RYLA.  It was an opportunity of a lifetime: where I met passionate people who invested their most precious resource, time, with us.

I learned elements of leadership and personal development that I will apply to improve my school and the community. Camp RYLA has changed my perspective to pursue servant leadership while reaching for the future.

Camp RYLA didn’t make an impression on my life, it made an impact.

Sincerely,
Ritthy Son

We hope to have all of the students share their experiences durning one of our programs in the near future.  We extend our appreciation to Gary Embrey for his support of this year’s student. 

 

 

2011 District 5810 RYLA Camp Bill Bexley 2011-06-15 00:00:00Z 0

Update on George Crawford

Posted by Peter Cross on Jun 05, 2011

George Crawford We have been missing George Crawford these past few weeks.  Pete Cross was finally able to catch up with George.  He fell a few weeks back and was in the hospital for about a month.  He fell on his tailbone and could not walk.  He is at home now with help and is recovering.  He told Pete that he hoped to be at Rotary this coming Thursday.  Let's keep George in our prayers for a speedy recovery.

Update on George Crawford Peter Cross 2011-06-06 00:00:00Z 0

News from the Montego Bay Rotary Club

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on May 02, 2011

I wanted to provide a link to a District 7020 newsletter (please see pages 23-27) that contains the details and numerous photos from Cornwall Regional Hospital, Westhaven Children’s Home and Blessed Assurance Children’s Home. 

 

This wonderful wheelchair project was the effort of the Montego Bay club in Jamaica that we work with on our international service projects and the same recipients.

I thought you would enjoy the update from Jamaica.  Prayers of joy for this blessing of a 45 foot container of wheelchairs.

 

Regina Edwards

 

 Link to Newsletter 

News from the Montego Bay Rotary Club Regina Atwell Edwards 2011-05-03 00:00:00Z 0

Pam Smith honored with Paul Harris Fellowship

Posted by Bill Bexley on Apr 20, 2011




















Pam Smith, Landscape Manager for the City of Farmers Branch, was surprised and honored when she receive a Paul Harris Fellowship.  Pam has been with the City of Farmers Branch for over 12 years receiving numerous awards for her expertise in landscaping over 20 parks for the city.  Please help us congratulate Pam Smith as the most recent recipient of the  Paul Harris Fellowship.

Pictured with Pam from left to right is Milburn Gravley, who made the presentation on behalf of our club, along with Charles Cox, also member of our club and Finance Director for the City of Farmers Branch.
Pam Smith honored with Paul Harris Fellowship Bill Bexley 2011-04-21 00:00:00Z 0

John F Burke Nature Preserve Dedication

Posted by Bill Bexley on Apr 08, 2011

On Saturday, April 9th, community leaders and Boy Scouts from the North District gathered for the dedication of the John F. Burke Nature Preserve.  John, a long time volunteer of Boy Scouts and the North District, retired several year ago after spending over 25 years with the City of Farmers Branch.  He was the City Manager at retirement.  John and his wife moved to West Texas where they remain enjoying their grandchildren, new friends, and the outdoors.

The John F. Burke Nature Preserve was a vision of John during his tenure with the city.  A lot of hard work by the city and Boys Scouts of Troop 713 has made it possible to open this nature preserve.  There is a lot of work to be done and it will be the site of many future Eagle Projects.

Click on "more" to learn more about the nature preserve and see a video of the dedication and John's remarks

 

John F Burke Nature Preserve Dedication Bill Bexley 2011-04-09 00:00:00Z 0

C-FB has six national merit finalists

Posted by Bill Bexley on Apr 06, 2011

By James Roth, jroth@acnpapers.com

Published: Friday, March 4, 2011 11:04 AM CST
Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD recently announced the finalists in the national merit scholarship program with six students from the district being named.Students from Creekview, R.L. Turner and Newman Smith High School were named as finalists. Creekview had three finalists: Elizabeth Campbell, Alaura Sylvis and Adam Ergas. R.L. Turner had two finalists: Arafel Bruce and Ann Lee. Lastly Neman Smith had one finalist: Megan Kling.
Click on Carrollton Leader for the complete story.
C-FB has six national merit finalists Bill Bexley 2011-04-07 00:00:00Z 0

Vivian Field Middle School Turns 50 Years Old

Posted by Dan Ford on Mar 27, 2011
On Saturday, April 9th, Vivian Field Middle School will commemorate its 50th Anniversary with a celebration for the whole community.  The event will be held at Vivian Field Middle School and will include entertainment, activities, food and fun for the entire family.  The event will be from 10 AM to 3 PM and held at the Vivian Field Football field.  It will be moved to the gyms if we have inclement weather.  Click on this link for More Information
Vivian Field Middle School Turns 50 Years Old Dan Ford 2011-03-28 00:00:00Z 0

Major Changes Underway for LBJ (635E) Expressway.

Posted by Bill Bexley on Mar 17, 2011
 On March 17th Andy Rittler, Director of Corporate Affairs, with LBJ Express updated us on the 5 year construction project for LBJ Expressway.  This is $2.7 billion dollar projects began a couple of months ago with tree removal and residential fence removal.  The project when complete will increase the capacity of LBJ Expressway from 180,000 cars per day to 500,000 per day.  This will be accomplished with managed toll lanes with speeds of at least 50 mph.  While TxDot will maintain the ownership of the expressway, LBJ Express will operate and maintain the expressway for 52 years.
Major Changes Underway for LBJ (635E) Expressway. Bill Bexley 2011-03-18 00:00:00Z 0

Dr. Burns Talkes About the Pending Budget Crises for School Districts.

Posted by Bill Bexley on Feb 24, 2011
During a regular meeting of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club, when high school students competed in our club's 4-Way Speech contest, Dr. Bobby Burns, Superintendent of the Carrollton Farmers Branch ISD, talked about the need for all of us to contact our Texas Legislative Representatives to say that "Now is not the time to cut back on the investment of our young people". 

Take the time to listen to Dr. Burns' message by clicking on MORE below or this link, then call your representative.
Dr. Burns Talkes About the Pending Budget Crises for School Districts. Bill Bexley 2011-02-25 00:00:00Z 0

MOSAIC - A Life of Possibiliteis for People with Intellectual Disabilities

Posted by Bill Bexley on Feb 24, 2011

MOSAIC provides a life of possibilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. They help people define their own happiness, supporting them and empowering the pursuit of their goals. They celebrate their successes, even if that success is as simple as the pursuit itself.  As a guest speaker during one of our meetings, Beth Sabella talk about MOSAIC'S  three homes in Carrollton and Farmers Branch helping these challenged individuals live their life of possibilities. 

While MOSAIC depends on community support, they provide opportunity for these challenged individuals to work in a document destruction business owned and operated by MOSAIC.  The income received from companies and individuals needing these document destruction services helps fund the non-profit organization.

For more information on volunteering or utilizing the document destruction services, click on this link to their website 

 
Beth sharred Stephanie's storry with a video presentation. To view the vidoe, click on MORE below or this link.
 
 
MOSAIC - A Life of Possibiliteis for People with Intellectual Disabilities Bill Bexley 2011-02-25 00:00:00Z 0

The Annual 4-Way Speech Contest was a Big Success

Posted by Bill Bexley on Feb 23, 2011

Left to Right: Justice Chandler, Kathy Chan, Miguel Olguin, Mitchell Ferguson

Once every year, students from the 4 Carrollton Farmers Branch High Schools compete by giving a speech using the 4-Way test as their topic.  Their interoperation of the 4-Way Test is always different as they apply the four guiding principles to their own life experiences.  This year was no different.  Mitchell Ferguson from Creekview High School, Justice Chandler from Ranch View High School, Kathy Chan from Newman Smith High School, and Miguel Olguin from R.L. Turner High School remind us that the future of our community is bright.  All of their speeches were outstanding making the judging very difficult.
Thanks to Dick Calvert for is efforts in coordinating this year’s contest and thanks goes out to the Carrollton Farmers Branch School District staff that works with these students to help them be the best they can be.  
What a privilege to be part of the audience. 
 
Pictured from left to right is Justice Chandler, Kathy Chan, Miguel Olguin and Mitchell Ferguson.

Second place this year went to Kathy Chan from Newman Smith and first place went to Mitchell Ferguson from Creek View.  Dick Calvert handed out checks they may use for such things as  traveling expenses to competitions, visits to universities, or  however they wish.
The Annual 4-Way Speech Contest was a Big Success Bill Bexley 2011-02-24 00:00:00Z 0

Combining the Fun of Valentine's Day and Raising Money to Support Children Homes in Jamaica

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Feb 14, 2011
At the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club’s meeting on February 10, 2011, Valentine’s gift bags, mugs and “Love Bug” glasses complete with 160 handmade chocolate covered strawberries were distributed as a Thank you for all donors who made a contribution to the 2 children’s homes near Montego Bay that our club supports:
 
This fundraiser netted $425.00 which will be sent to our long-time Rotary friends in the Montego Bay Club to deposit in an account that can be used by the 2 homes as their needs arise.  This money will be added to other funds that our club continues to raise from occasional pie sales during regular meetings.
 
The two homes we support are Westhaven Children's Homes and Blessed Assurance.  For more information on both of these homes click on "more" below.  To view all of the pictures click on this link.
Combining the Fun of Valentine's Day and Raising Money to Support Children Homes in Jamaica Regina Atwell Edwards 2011-02-15 00:00:00Z 0

Better Vision for Carrollton Farmers Branch School Kids

Posted by Bill Bexley on Jan 06, 2011

Mr. Ed Fjorbak, President and CEO of The Essilor Vision Foundation, was our speaker and program on January 6th.   On January 1st. they report significant progress made toward its mission to help people achieve a better life through better sight. In 2010, the Foundation completed nearly 25,000 vision screenings and provided approximately 4,000 pairs of glasses to children who otherwise could not afford them. 

Since its launch in 2008, the Essilor Vision Foundation has concentrated its efforts on U.S. elementary school children. In 2010, the Foundation reached new heights with its Adopt-A-School and Kids Vision for Life programs, as well as its annual Essilor Vision Foundation Golf Classic tournament fundraiser. The tournament was so successful in raising funds to help children in New York City, area programs are slated for expansion in 2011. 

The Essilor Vision Foundation was one of several community organizations the Carrollton-Farmers Branch supported in 2010.  Mr Fjordbak reported that during the current school year, 2752 children in CFB ISD were screened for vision problems, 339 that met the program’s income qualifications were examined by an optometrist, and 248 received glasses.   Another ten students were referred to ophthalmologists for more serious vision issues.

 
 
Better Vision for Carrollton Farmers Branch School Kids Bill Bexley 2011-01-07 00:00:00Z 0

Carroll-Farmers Branch delivered 582 Christmas Cards to the Dallas VA Midical Center

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Jan 05, 2011

 Just in time for Christmas, the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch delivered 582 cards to the Dallas VA Medical Center.  This hospital is a large 400 bed facility in Southeast Dallas.   In the past, club members have signed cards for wounded veterans, but this year we wanted to involve a whole new generation in this project.  As part of our club’s ongoing outreach to veterans, we purchased Christmas cards that were delivered in early December for multiple children in Carrollton to decorate for these patients. 250 cards were completed by the After-the Bell program at McCoy Elementary School in Carrollton (part of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD), 250 were completed by the After-the Bell program at Country Place Elementary School in Carrollton (part of Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD) and 81 cards were made during a Donuts with Santa party that was hosted by  the Country Place Mom’s Club (which is a neighborhood group in Carrollton). 

 
Carroll-Farmers Branch delivered 582 Christmas Cards to the Dallas VA Midical Center Regina Atwell Edwards 2011-01-06 00:00:00Z 0

WATER IS NOW FLOWING!

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Dec 12, 2010
The well we have helped sponsor with the Prestonwood Rotary Club at the school in Northern Zambia is now operational, just in time for the holidays.

They bored the hole a couple weeks ago, put the cement internal collar in, put a cap on it, and completed it with a state-of-the-art Mack II hand pump made in India.  The pump is  all self-contained (sealed so there is no way for weather to corrode it), you only have to prime it once for the lifetime of the pump, and is easy enough for a child to pump clean, safe water up from a depth of 75 meters.

What a blessing it is to share clean water with this village. These projects really do change a community.
WATER IS NOW FLOWING! Regina Atwell Edwards 2010-12-13 00:00:00Z 0

New Member Initiative

Posted by Raul H Paredes on Dec 05, 2010
Calling all Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Members to provide the name of at least one new member prospect by the end of May 2011.  

The New Member Committee, chaired by Incoming President Raul Paredes, ask each member to furnish the Name, Email Address, and Classification of at least one member prospect.  They will be added to our ClubRunner Friends List and receive the monthly newsletter.  Members will be encouraged to invite these prospects to meetings.

The committee is also working on a list of prospects that will be shared with members in upcoming meetings.  This list is comprised of businesses in the Carrollton, Farmers Branch, Addison, and Northwest Dallas communities. 

Please contact Raul Paredes or Bill Bexley with prospect information or if we need to provide a prospect with additional information about our club.

Don't hesitate to send these prospects our website address, www.cfbrotary5810.org

 

New Member Initiative Raul H Paredes 2010-12-06 00:00:00Z 0

Nominated Slate of Officers for 2011/2012

Posted by Bill Bexley on Dec 02, 2010

The election of offers was held on December 9th and the following slate was confirmed as the incoming officers effective July 1, 2011.

Raul Paredes - President
Ben Cunningham - President Elect
Sid Fuller - Secretary
Gary Embrey - Treasurer
David Hale - Sergeant-at-Arms (Appointed by Raul)
Shanna Sims Bradish - Club Services
William Messer - Vocational
Bob Phelps - Community Service
Steve Patrick - International
Bill Bexley - Communications
Rudy Gonzales - Fundraising
Pete Cross - New Generations

 

Nominated Slate of Officers for 2011/2012 Bill Bexley 2010-12-03 00:00:00Z 0
Nominated List of 2011/2012 Slate of Officers Joe Pouncy 2010-12-03 00:00:00Z 0

50 Years Ago Today

Posted by Bill Bexley on Nov 29, 2010

Today, November 30, 2010 the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club celebrates 50 years of Service Above Self.. 
The original club was chartered on Wednesday, November 30, 1960. Recommended by District Governor Calvin Clyde, Jr., and sponsored by the Rotary Club of Dallas, its chartered name was "The Rotary Club of Carrollton, Texas, U.S.A." Meetings were held weekly at noon, beginning the next day at the Tower Hotel Restau­rant, 10108 Harry Hines Boulevard, just north of the Harry Hines circle, in Dallas

To read more on the history of this great club click on this link

50 Years Ago Today Bill Bexley 2010-11-30 00:00:00Z 0

Dr. Charles Cole Recognized by Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club

Posted by Bill Bexley on Nov 10, 2010

Dr. Charles Cole, former Assistant Superintendent and now advisor to the Superintendent for School and Community Relations of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Independent School District, was honored at the November 11th Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club with a presentation of a Paul Harris Fellowship.  This is an annual presentation by the club to long time employees of the CFBISD who have given outstanding leadership and devotion to the education of the youth in our community.

A Dallas native with forty-two years of public school experience, Dr. Cole was a teacher and principal in Dallas ISD and a principal in Highland Park ISD before joining the Carrollton-Farmers Branch team.  In the Carrollton-Farmers Branch School District, he served as a principal and an assistant superintendent for twenty years.

Before becoming a public school educator, Dr. Cole served in the U. S. Army.  Dr. Cole is active in the community and is involved in the Farmers Branch and Metrocrest Chambers of Commerce. He is a member of the Farmers Branch Rotary Club and serves as the district liaison to the Carrollton-Farmers Branch PTA.

He and his wife Pat have five children and seven grandchildren.
Dr. Charles Cole Recognized by Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Bill Bexley 2010-11-11 00:00:00Z 0

Fred Ferguson - Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Citizen of the Year

Posted by Bill Bexley on Nov 10, 2010
On October 21st, the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club honored Fred Ferguson as its Citizen of the Year during a spectacular Black and White Gala.  It was an evening of celebration not only for Fred Ferguson, but also a celebration of 50 years of service for this Rotary Club.  The room was packed with Rotarians, friends and family of Fred, and many community leaders.  The Gala is an annual event which also serves as the club’s major fundraiser.  Over the years, this single event has raised thousands of dollars that go directly to support many community service organizations.  For more information, click on the “more” link below.
 
 
Fred Ferguson - Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Citizen of the Year Bill Bexley 2010-11-11 00:00:00Z 0

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Celebrated 50 Year Anniversary by planting 50 trees in a local park.

Posted by Bill Bexley on Nov 04, 2010
On November 5th members of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club, in partnership with the North Texas Super Bowl XLV Committee and the City of Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation Department, planted 50 trees in Farmers Branch Historical Park to celebrate our club's 50th anniversary.  We are celebrating 50 years of Service Above Self.  The planting of these trees will be a lasting gift to the City of Farmers Branch not to mention a wonderful addition to one of the Metroplex’s beautiful urban parks.
 

Pictured left is Rotary Member Shanna Sims-Bradish and Ross Pittman, Park Supervsor, putting the finishing touches on one of the 50 trees.

While it was a lot of hard work it was also a FUN activity for our members and those from the city that help.  Thank goodness the city dug the holes.  Planting the trees, however, was no easy task.  It took some strong backs to lift the trees in place and then backfill the dirt.

 

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Celebrated 50 Year Anniversary by planting 50 trees in a local park. Bill Bexley 2010-11-05 00:00:00Z 0

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary teams up with Baylor Hospitals, Carnival and Montego Bay Rotary Club for their 5th International Service Project in J

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Nov 03, 2010

For the past 7 years these two clubs have worked together to deliver $290,000 in medical supplies and equipment to Cornwall Regional Hospital, which is the charity hospital for the western third of the island.

 

If you ever visit this large hospital near downtown Montego Bay, you would immediately remember that Jamaica is an impoverished third world country that needs assistance. Yes, there are spectacular all-inclusive beach resorts a few miles away that cater to honeymooners and the world’s middle and upper class, but the real people of the island are those that struggle to pay their bills, feed their families and need quality, dependable health care. The Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch has purposely focused on this one hospital. Over the past 7 years, a strong friendship has developed between the hospital administration, the surgeons and staff, the local Rotary Club and, indirectly, with the residents of Jamaica. For a very small cost, C-FB Rotary has delivered some of America’s excess to them and, more importantly, has provided hope in the form of clean needles, sterile gloves, sophisticated surgical equipment, better cardiac care and many other supplies.

 

(L-R) Rotarian KamalChuganey (Rotary Club of Montego Bay), Marvin Barrantes (Hotel Director of the Carnival Conquest), President Elect Mexine (Rotary Club of Montego Bay), Ms. Amaris (Port Agent), Captain Francesco La Fauci of the Carnival Conquest, Jamaican Project Director and Past President Bhagwan Chuganey, Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Past President Regina Edwards with Husband Ken & 2 children (Carrollton, Texas), President Michelle (Rotary Club of Montego Bay), Ms. Kereisa Bell (Representative from the Cornwall Regional Hospital-recipient hospital in Jamaica), Mrs. Meverly Anderson (employee of the Ministry of Health, Kingston, Jamaica), and Caroline (Guest Services Manager, Carnival Conquest).

Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary teams up with Baylor Hospitals, Carnival and Montego Bay Rotary Club for their 5th International Service Project in J Regina Atwell Edwards 2010-11-04 00:00:00Z 0

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is a Huge Success

Posted by Sid Fuller on Sep 29, 2010

The Fourth Annual Carrollton/Farmers Branch Rotary Club Battle of the Badges Blood Drive was a huge success. Credit goes to the members of the C/FB Rotary Club for giving their time, energy and blood as well as to the members of the Farmers Branch Police and Fire Department for promoting the event and their blood donations. Also the employees of the City of Farmers Branch must be recognized for stepping up to the plate and donating blood as well as providing us a place to have the blood drive. Finally, credit has to be given to the residents of farmers Branch for their continued support of this blood drive.

Pictured is Allison Fannin along with Carter Blood Care Technician as she was donating blood.

Battle of the Badges Blood Drive is a Huge Success Sid Fuller 2010-09-30 00:00:00Z 0

Our Club Teams with Target Providing School Supplies to CFB-ISD Students

Posted by Regina Atwell Edwards on Sep 28, 2010
Never Fear! We never miss a good sale or an opportunity to serve our community
This week our club partnered with the Target Store in Carrollton at Josey Lane and George Bush Tollway to donate approximately $2,500 in school supplies to CFB-ISD.  It was just our luck that the store’s Asset Protection Executive Team Lead Scott Keen is a former police officer who works with the Carrollton Police Department to sponsor some of its events and he loves kid-related charities. He coordinated the donation from Target of $1,000 and allowed our club to purchase another $1,500 in supplies at 90% off. The supplies will be distributed to various schools as Dr. Burns and his staff see fit.
Our Club Teams with Target Providing School Supplies to CFB-ISD Students Regina Atwell Edwards 2010-09-29 00:00:00Z 0
How secure is all this data? Bill Bexley 2010-08-26 00:00:00Z 0

Jerry Smith Speaks on beating the impossible

Posted by Bill Bexley on Aug 18, 2010
Jerry Smith shared his incredible story of how he overcame an incurable disease, pulmonary fibrosis.  As our guest speaker, Jerry told his story of how he brought himself out of a lifetime of fighting the odds growing up and how that ultimately gave him the courage to investigate and find a cure to this disease.

To read more about his story, and the book he has written chronicling this journey, click on this link to read the
Neighbors Go article.
Jerry Smith Speaks on beating the impossible Bill Bexley 2010-08-19 00:00:00Z 0
Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch Honors Fred Ferguson as Citizen of the Year Rudy Gonzalez 2010-08-15 00:00:00Z 0

District Governor Bud McBrayer Official Visit to Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club

Posted by Bill Bexley
The Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club was please to welcome District Governor Bud McBrayer and his wife Peggy to our August 18th meeting.  During his year as District Governor, he makes one official visit to every club in district 5810. We were number 47 out of 69 clubs.  Bud talked about building a team of leaders not just with desire, but with the passion to focus on the goals for the year and creating the framework for completing those goals.
One of his goals this year will be to focus on the 5th Avenue of Service, New Generations.  As we know Pete Cross is our new Director for New Generations.  How do we get younger people involved in Rotary?  It is through RYLA, Interact, Roteract, and Student Exchange. 
Finding ways to improve our Public Relations is another way to get more people involved.  Rotary is the best kept secret in town.  District 5810 and 5790 teamed up for an evening at the Ballpark to bring awareness of Rotary in the DFW Metroplex.  Bud has challenged us to find unique ways to promote Rotary in our respective communities.  Following his challenge, we have created a Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Facebook page that is linked to our website.  We will be finding new ways to communicate events and opportunities.
To view a partial video of Bud’s visit to our club click on this link.  Partial Video
District Governor Bud McBrayer Official Visit to Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club Bill Bexley 0
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