Stories

 Conni Eckstein                                   

We start our 21st year embracing the theme Rotary: Making a Difference. Cross Timbers has provided many local services to non-profits in the Cleveland County area in the past and we remain committed to making a difference in the future. We are excited to partner with a couple of international projects this year. Along with fellowship, service and our programs, we invite you to join us and make a difference in your life as well. 

The Rotary Club of Norman Cross Timbers was chartered on June 30, 1997

Immediate past RI President Ron Burton presented a banner to the Cross Timbers Rotary Club in recognition of his Rotarian wife Jetta as his Rotarian spouse.  Ron said this type banner is a first for RI and he hopes future RI presidents will honor their Rotarian spouses with a banner presented to the Rotary club of the spouse.

Cross Timbers Le Tour de Vin chairmen Joe Gill and John Rosser presented a check to club president Rob Norman for its share of the 12th annual multi-club wine tasting event that was started by the Cross Timbers Rotary Club.  Le Tour de Vin is a celebration of wine, food, and generosity by Norman's Rotary clubs that benefits local organizations.  This year's primary recipient is the Norman Center for Children and Families, Inc.  Individual club proceeds are used to benefit other charitable organizations.

Tonight, we met at the Norman Optimist Club. We had some pizza,, and then did a little low maintenance cleaning of some youth helmets and shoulder pads.  No expertise required!

What? Happy New Year? Yes, it's a happy new ROTARY year. We started off the year with a great meeting. 

Sadly saying bye to Hanks as he's leaving for home on Saturday.

Then, Zena happily collected happy dollars.

And then, Rob got down to business. He's leading the club to accomplish great things this year!

President Sara recognized Russ Davoren with a Paul Harris Fellow + 7 pin  at the June 12th regular club meeting.  Congratulations to Russ,  you have set such a great example for all the rotarians.

Cross Timbers RC sponsored Amber Clour as a member of the District 5770 Group Study Exchange (GSE) Team.   The team of five visited Rotary District 9700 in New South Wales, Australia throughout March and returned to Oklahoma on April 1st.  

Amber is an artist and the Executive Director of Dreamer Concepts in Norman.  Dreamer Concepts, an Art Space for Emerging Artists, opened December 1, 2006.  The mission is to encourage, promote, and provide opportunities for growth for new artists in our community.  She recently took a position as the Interim Director of Development for the City Arts Center in Oklahoma City.  Visit Dreamer Concepts at http://www.dreamerconcepts.org/

The GSE team will report on their trip at the District Conference in Weatherford, Oklahoma, April 13-14, 2012.  Group Study Exchange is one of many programs that is funded out of donations to The Rotary Foundation.

Click here to follow the team's Australian journey or follow them on Twitter - @OKGSE2012

Cross Timbers own Rotarian Zena Amer was the program speaker at the regular weekly meeting held on November 15th.  She reported on her experiences in Columbia in cooperation with the "Seed Programs International" organization.

Cross Timbers Rotary Club initiated its seeds program by shipment of vegetable seeds to Guatamala through the Peace Corps. Since that time, Zena recently completed her second ambassadorial trip, lasting a month, to Columbia to distribute packets of vegetable seeds and provided training material to school children, orphans, families and community groups enabling them to grow vegetable gardens. The vegetables produced are a rich source of important vitamins and minerals often missing in the diets of the poor. It is both self-help and cost effective as people receiving seed do all the work. The program enhances people’s self-esteem while boosting their teamwork skills. She is also working with various Rotary clubs in that area of Columbia.

Rotary involvement with the "Seed Programs International" can be found by clicking on the following address:

http://www.seedprograms.org/programs/rotaryclubs.htm

Club President Sara inducted and welcomed Keith Giles as a member of the Norman Cross Timbers Rotary Club at the regular weekly meeting on November 8th.  His wife Jeanne Giles (pictured right) is his sponsor.  There are now four Cross Timbers Rotarians whose spouses are also Rotarians.  

Pictured are President Sara Hildenbrand, District Governor Mike Blevins, and Assistant District Governor Debbie Tims  

One of the duties of district governors is to make an official visit to all Rotary clubs in their district during their year in office.  Governor Mike Blevins visited the Norman Cross Timbers RC on October 4th.  Governor Mike  addressed the club as our program speaker.  After the regular meeting, he met with the current club officers, board of directors, and other interested members.  Discussion items included membership, current/recommended club service projects, and anticipated changes resulting from the Future Visions Plan of The Rotary Foundation. He also speculated on future district personnel needs to incorporate upcoming changes from Rotary International at the district and club levels.

 For an additional picture, click on the word MORE immediately below. 

Cross Timbers Rotary Club president Sara Hildenbrand is proud to make the following annoucement: 

"Today (August 8, 2011), is a special day in the life of Rotary and our Club.  I just received word that Ron Burton, Norman Rotary Club, has been selected by the Presidential Selection Committee to serve as Rotary Internationals President for 2013 - 2014!  Wow! What a wonderful announcement to get to make!  With Ron coming in as RI's President,  that means our club, Cross Timbers, is home to 2013-2014, RI's First Lady, Jetta Burton!  Ron and Jetta have given so much of their lives together in service to Rotary, and we simply could not be more proud of them or happy for them.  Please extend your congratulations to them, and we will begin plans for hosting a formal celebration on their behalf."

Norman Rotary clubs hosted this year's Rotary Youth Exchange Reunion Camp for 26 outbound students who studied abroad during the 2010-2011 high school year.  Reunion students attended from the South Central Rotary Youth Exchange (SCRYE) Program which consists of 15 states and 36 member Rotary districts in the south and central part of the country.  The reunion camp is designed to assist returning students adjust to being back home, share experiences, and allows returning students to enjoy fellowship with other students who attended a SCRYE outbound camp prior to starting their year abroad.  They were joined by five Youth Exchange (YE) alumni called ROTEX who meet for fellowship or to support YE programs through promotion and involvement in YE orientation.

Cross Timbers Rotarians Leah Irish (Cross Timbers Youth Exchange Officer) and Jeanne Giles helped provide lodging for three SCRYE adult leaders from other districts who participated in the camp during the weekend of August 5th in Norman.  Club members Leah Irish, Beverly DeWitt and Russ Davoren attended weekend sessions.  

Cross Timbers Rotarians performed a three hour service project at the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma in Oklahoma City on April 2nd.   They worked with other volunteers to form a team that bagged, weighed, and sealed frozen onions as part of food packages for distribution by the food bank.  The volunteer team processed 95 cases of onions totaling 3,610 pounds.  This equates to 2,777 equivelent meals.

 Thanks to all who participated. 

District 5770 is the home of Rotarians Ron and Jetta Burton

Ron was the 2013-2014 Rotary International President

Jetta is a member of the Cross Timbers Rotary Club

Ambassadorial Scholar Jomain McKenzie and Darrell Janaway exchange Rotary club banners

Jomain McKenzie was the program speaker at the September 2nd club meeting. He is originally from Jamaica and was an exchange student at East Central University (ECU) in Ada where he was a member and president of the ECU Rotaract Club. He was later selected to represent Rotary District 5770 as an Ambassadorial Scholar. He attended Bedfordshire University in the U.K. where he attained his Master of Science and Public Health degree. He currently serves as the Communications Focal Point for Developing Country NGO Delegation to The Global Fund Board which fights AIDS, TB, and Malaria.  The organization website address is www.developingngo.org

Erin Barnhart is the Mission Advancement Director for the Center for Children and Families, Inc. (CCFI).  She received a check on behalf of CCFI for $50,000 as a result of proceeds from the 12th annual Le Tour de Vin fundraiser.  This event is a powerful collaboration of the Cross Timbers, Sooner, and Norman Rotary clubs to raise money for various charities over the years.

This year’s funds will be used to renovate a children’s therapeutic area that also offers out-of-school enrichment programs, parenting classes, support groups, supervised visits, a kitchen, and a baby pantry.  A therapeutic playground, designed with input by Rotarians from the three clubs, is also on the drawing boards.

The sharing of fine foods, over 200 domestic and foreign wines, and a lifestyle auction, creates an exceptional event that raises money to do good in our community.  Since its inception, Le Tour De Vin has contributed over $650,000 to local nonprofit agencies and projects.

Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) campers and Interact members Ashley and Jesse from Norman High School visited the Cross Timbers club on August 19th.  They were guests of John Rosser.

Tonight, instead of a program, we packaged boxes for the troops. Blue Star Mothers of America brought the empty boxes and took away 30 boxes we packed.

One of Cross Timber's community service programs - packaging pet food to be delivered with Meals on Wheels. This gives the recipients food for their pets.

For our July 23rd program, Rhett Stover with Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City brought us an overview of the Affordable Care Act.

At the Cross Timbers July 2nd meeting, Outgoing Club President John Briscoe handed over the gavel to incoming Darrell Janaway.

The club presented John his own Gavel as a big THANK YOU for his dedication as club president for the past Rotary year.

Joe Gill added to that with a special Rotary pin.

Club President Darrell spoke about his passions for the club and what his goals for the club are for the upcoming year.

Ken Surrite brought us the program Water Is Life. He demonstrated some of the methods used to make a difference to living conditions through clean water.

For more information, you can go to www.waterislife.com

Our speaker for April 16th was Jessica with Full Circle in Norman. She was accompanied by the first ever Cross Timbers club president, Geri Krenek.

Jessica mentioned that Full Circle will an Open House on May 3rd and encouraged us all to attend and learn more about the organization and the important work they do for Norman.

During our club meeting on April 16, we welcomed into our club Vitaliy Tyan. Welcome Vitaliy!

Ron Burton announced his RI Presidential theme at the Rotary International Assembly in San Diego, California.

Ron and Jetta Burton

Norman and Norman Cross Timbers Rotary Clubs

ENGAGE ROTARY

CHANGE LIVES

Rotarian Archie Buendia and Cross Timbers RC President prepare for luncheon crowd to arrive at the Outback Luncheon on October 10th

The  Outback Restaurant has supported the annual Outback Luncheon for many years.   This two day activity furnishes funds for service projects provided by the Cross Timbers Rotary Club throughout the year.  A sampling of projects include an annual dictionary distribution to third graders in the Norman school district, Little Axe, Noble and private elementary schools.  The club presents an annual scholarship to a senior student in a secondary school, sponsors international youth exchange students, sponsors   

Thanks to all club members who sold tickets and worked at the luncheon to guarantee another very successful year.   

Some Rotary "Firsts"

. The first Rotary club meeting was in Chicago, Illinois, on 23 February 1905.

. The first regular luncheon meetings were in Oakland, California, chartered in 1909.

. The first Rotary convention was in Chicago in 1910.

. The first Rotary club outside of the United States was chartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, in 1910.

. The first Rotary club outside of North America was chartered in Dublin, Ireland, in 1911.

. The first Rotary club in a non-English-speaking country was in Havana, Cuba, in 1916.

. The first Rotary club in South America was chartered in Montevideo, Uruguay, in 1918.

. The first Rotary club in Asia was chartered in Manila, Philippines, in 1919.

. The first Rotary club in Africa was chartered in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 1921.

. The first Rotary club in Australia was chartered in Melbourne in 1921. (Original idea from "Scandal Sheet")

Taken from The ABCs of Rotary by Cliff Dochterman

ROTARY EMBLEM HISTORY

From Focus on Rotary Book

 Rotary’s early emblem was a simple wagon wheel (in motion with dust) representing “civilization and movement.” It was designed in 1905 by Montague M. Bear, member of the Chicago Club, who was an engraver, and most of the early clubs adopted the wheel in one form or another. Eventually, in 1922, authority was given to create and preserve an emblem for the exclusive use of all Rotarians.

Accordingly, in 1923, the present gear wheel with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted, and a keyway added to signify that the wheel was a “worker and not an idler.” An official description of the emblem was adopted at the 1929 convention in Dallas, Texas, U.S.A. Royal blue and gold were chosen as the official Rotary colors, and the flag of Rotary was designated as a white field with the Rotary wheel emblazoned on its center. The emblem, worn as a lapel button, now identifies Rotarians around the world.

Sara Hildenbrand kicked off a special membership program on August 14th that promises to be a fun-filled activity.   Club members have been assigned to two competitive teams that will assist Cross Timbers to be a better premium club.  The competition will track each team's progress in membership recruitment, development, and retention using the Rotary International Ignite Program concepts.
    
Cross Timbers Rotarians join hands to show commitment to the club membership goals. 
  
                                                    

On the www.rotary.org homepage, click the Member Access button in the top right corner, then click Register Now to create an account with a valid e-mail address. You may be asked to provide additional information to help determine your relationship with Rotary and access your record. You will receive a verification e-mail with a hyperlink within 24 hours. You must click on the verification link to complete the registration process. If you do not see the e-mail in your Inbox, check your Spam/Bulk/Junk folder.

  

Cross Timbers Rotary Club was well represented at the district combined foundation and membership seminar.  There were two plenary sessions, separate foundation and membership breakouts, and each club did an exercise related to its goals in each area.  Each club shared their results with the whole group.  Beverly DeWitt reported for the Cross Timbers RC.

A special thanks is given to all who attended! 

The following is a copy of the seminar agenda.

RI president Elect Ron Burton (Norman RC) and his wife Jetta (Norman Cross Timbers RC) are already busy preparing for his 2013-2014 presidential year.

Ron and Jetta marched in the Evanston, Illinois July 4th parade with the Evanston Rotary Clubs. Jetta remarked " It was hot but still fun!" This is a really big event in Evanston with 111 parade entries.

Jeanne Giles showed a series of slides highlighting the club's activities and members since it was charted.  Marilyn Geiger read a history of the club which included community and international service projects since 1997. 

Sara Hildenbrand administers presidential oath of office to John Briscoe at the June 26th club meeting.  Other officers and new members to the board of directors were also installed.  

Incoming club president John Briscoe and Joe Gil presented a plaque to outgoing 2011-2012 club president Sara Hildenbrand for recognition of her service and leadership as president.

Norman High School graduate Ally Renfroe is the 2012 recipient of the Cross Timbers $1000.00 scholarship award.  High school activities included two years as the Rotary Interact Club secretary.  Ally will attend OU.

Club Scholarship Chair Jetta Burton presents Ally Renfroe with $1000,00 Scholarship Award

Proud parents Karen and Bruce Renfroe attended the meeting.

Robert Rennie (L) and Russ Davoren (R) are also scholarship committee Members.

President Sara welcomes Jim Williams as a new Rotarian of The Cross Timbers RC

Jim was also the program speaker at the May 15, 2012 meeting.  He explained the history of the Cleveland County Election Board, how it functions, and even brought a sample voting machine.

John Rosser exchanging banners with the President of the Lahaina Rotary Club, Maui Hawaii
Share your make-ups with the club!

Annually, 3.6 million cases of child abuse, neglect or abandonment are reported in America.

The primary purpose of Royal Family KIDS Camp is to give children a week of positive memories in a Christian environment.

In addition to receiving the attention and encouragement of an adult camp counselor and his/her "buddy camper," each camper is also exposed to a variety of fun activities, designed for their success and to build self esteem.

Activity centers, games, sports, hiking - sometimes even swimming, fishing and horse-back riding - are all part of the program...

Click here to view the Norman website.

Cross Timbers Rotarian Keith Giles recently attended the district conference in Weatherford.  Being a first time conference attendee, his name was drawn and he was made a Paul Harris Fellow.

Congratulations to Keith!

The topic for this year’s contest is "How can Rotarians 'reach within to embrace humanity' through the 4-Way Test?”

The OU Rotarct Club is practicing Service Above Self and is involved in many activities fostering Rotary mission and goals. They want to partner with the Norman Rotary Clubs in their effort. Cross Timbers Rotarians are invited and Rotaract meeting attendance will count as a make-up.  Meeting dates and times are listed on their website. 

Click here for a link to the OU ROTARACT website

Leah has received a promotion and will be moving to the Fort Worth area soon where she will be looking for a Rotary club to join.  As a result, the vacancy of club Youth Exchange (YE) committee chair needs to be filled.  If you would like to work with the YE committee and interface with other Rotarians in or outside of the club, this is a position you may want to consider.

A club Youth Exchange chair plans, implements, and supports all activities involving sending and hosting long-term and short-term exchange students.  Training is available to anyone interested in working with YE in the club or district..

Contact president Sara to volunteer or discuss this position.

Sakuji Tanaka will be the 2012-2013 RI President and his presidential theme was announced at the RI Assembly.

PEACE THROUGH SERVICE 

Thanks to John Rosser for his willingness to serve as the club RYLA chair.  He has already attended a district committee meeting and is off to a good start.  John can use help and serving on the RYLA club committee may be a club service fit for you.     

Camp counselors are also needed to help staff the camp from June17-22, 2012. 

If you are looking to be more involved with Rotary, working with RYLA may be for you.  This is an opportunity to meet and work with other Rotarians outside of the club.  It is a rewarding experience for everyone who works with these future young leaders throughout our district.

Join the fun at the 2012 RYLA Camp - Click here to see the 2011 RYLA Camp video 

Contact President Sara or John if you would like to be a member of the committee or serve as a camp counselor. 

HELP US FIND QUALIFIED STUDENTS!

The Norman Cross Timbers Rotary Club will award a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating high school senior with a 2.5 or higher GPA and who will continue his/her academic education at an Oklahoma college, university, or technology center certification training during the 2012-2013 academic year.  The student must live in Cleveland County outside of Moore and attend either Norman High School, Norman North High School, Noble High School, Little Axe High School, Community Christian School, or be home schooled and live within the attendance  boundaries of one of these schools.  The application deadline is March 31, 2012.

Click on the HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM link on the left side of the club home page under Site Pages.

January 10th club meeting program speaker 

Paula Price, MPH, MS, RN is the Director of Health Promotion and Community with the Norman Regional Health System. She will share with us about her long term commitment toward leading Norman towards becoming a“Healthy Community.”

Paula’s passion has been improving the health and wellness of the broader community. She is a graduate of the University of the State of New York with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing, the University of Oklahoma with a Masters Degree in Public Health and Southern Nazarene University with a Masters in Nursing. Paula is also a graduate of the Oklahoma Public Health Institute and Leadership Norman.

During her career in nursing and community health, Paula has been recognized with the OCU Kramer School of Nursing Sliver Salute Award for Community Nursing, the Oklahoma Public Health Association Exceptional Merit Award for Public Health, the Junior League of Norman Woman of Honor for Community Service and the Athena Women’s Leadership Circle of Wisdom. She is the past Chair of the Oklahoma State Turning Point Council and a Past President of the Health for Friends Board of Directors. Paula has also served as an officer in the Sooner Rotary Club and is a long-time member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church.

David Postic is the president of the OU Rotaract Club.  He is a junior Management major at OU, and he hopes to attend law school and also earn an MBA. Outside of Rotaract, he works with the OU President's Leadership Class and the Campus Activities Council. On top of his school commitments, he enjoys volunteering, reading, and playing music.

The OU Rotaract Club has grown to over 50 members actively pursuing leadership and community service. Their goal is to advance Rotary at OU and change the way people there see the world.  Rotaract club members are anxious to expand their relationship with all of the Norman Rotary Clubs.

Cross Timbers RC rang the bell for Salvation Army at the Norman Sears store on December 10th. Pictured L-R are Christopher and Leah Irish along with Carol and John Briscoe.  Thanks to all club members, spouses and others who assisted in this annual service project. 

Joe Gil presented a check to Pam Sanford who is the Executive Director of Thunderbird Clubhouse on November 29th.  The clubhouse was in need of a commercial freezer for their kitchen and the Cross Timbers RC donated $5,000.00.

The Thunderbird Clubhouse was also a beneficiary of funds raised by all three Norman Rotary Clubs at the annual Le Tour de Vin wine tasting event. 

More information about the clubhouse is found on their web site at http://www.thunderbirdclubhouse.org/welcome

L-R Tom Koszoru and Tom Rosser were formally inducted by President Sara into the Cross Timbers Rotary Club at the regular meeting on December 6th.  Tom Koszoru recently retired from the United States Postal Service (USPS) and wants to extend his service to others by joining Rotary.  Tom Rosser is a former member of the Woodward, Oklahoma Rotary Club and has joined Cross Timbers since his recent move to Norman. 

Wecome to the club!

Joe Gil and the Cross Timbers RC hosted two Army National Guard guests whose units received "Care" packages prepared by our Cross Timbers Rotary Club while they were deployed overseas. SSGT Sarah Scott served in Afghanistan and 1SGT Eric Wilson served in Iraq. Their program on December 20th reported on personal experiences while in their respective countries.

The club thanked them for an informative meeting and for their military service.

Our own club president Sara will be our December 6th program speaker.  She says we hear a lot of talk about dealing with "change". There are books, workshops and strategies for managing the changes that occur in our lives. The truth is, it's usually not the "change" that does us in, it's the transition process it triggers. 

Help is on the way! Understanding the transition process may not make it "go" faster, but it can certainly minimize stress and position you to move foward and through the change to a new beginning.  Come learn how to manage the transition process.

Thanks to Sara Kaplan for her leadership again this year in organizing the annual Dictionary Project.  Members are currently contacting grade schools and distributing books to third graders throughout Norman and surrounding areas.

There are still schools that need to be assigned to club Rotarians.  A list is available at club meetings for your review.  If you can help with this task, contact her at sara@nativerootsmarket.com or her cell 831-1711.

Please come out and join the holiday spirit by helping the Cross Timbers Rotary Club raise funds for the Norman Salvation Army Red Kettle Program!  

Volunteer an hour of your time to man the kettle on December 10th between 10:00 AM and 8:00 PM.  We will be at one of the outside entrances to Sears at Sooner Fashion Mall.  The kettle will be indoors and climate controlled for the volunteer.  Thanks to Justin Covey for organizing this activity.

Members who are not listed can still participate by contacting either volunteer 1 or 2  of a time slot and inform him/her that you wish to ring the bell with them during his/her time period.

Recently appointed Norman Police Chief Keith Humphrey points out parallels between the Norman Police values and mission statement and the Rotary Four Way Test during his presentation at the November 1st regular club meeting.

Chief Humphrey covered his law eneforcement background and policing philosophy of the Norman Police Department.  He emphasized community policing and noted the importance of partnering with residents and business rather than being a reactive police force.  

President  Sara recognized Beverly DeWitt with a Paul Harris Fellow +1 pin and Russ Davoren received a Paul Harris Fellow + 6 pin at the November 2nd regular club meeting.  

The mission of The Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. As we celebrate Rotary Foundation Month, we should all remember that The Rotary Foundation is our Foundation. It’s here for us and because of us; it allows us to do more, to be more, and to bring more hope to the world. The responsibility for keeping our Foundation strong lies with each of us.

It means so much to every one of the people touched by Foundation-supported programs every year – the children too poor to go to school, the families who have lost everything in a disaster, the communities that lack sanitation, clean water, and medical care.

It means so much to the two billion children now living lives free from polio. Because of the work that the Foundation has helped support, five million cases of paralysis and more than 250,000 deaths from polio have been prevented.

Why do we have a Foundation? We have a Foundation because our Foundation lifts Rotary up. It lets every club and every district do the most it possibly can. It allows every one of us to be part of all of Rotary’s work, and it brings that work to greater and greater heights.

 Click on the following address for more information about The Rotary Foundation:

http://www.rotary.org/EN/ABOUTUS/THEROTARYFOUNDATION/Pages/ridefault.aspx

     THE ORGANIZATION OF ROTARY

Rotary is essentially a grassroots organization, with most of its service efforts carried out at the club level.  The district and international structure is designed to support the clubs and help them provide more service in their communities and abroad.

CLUBS:  Rotarians are members of Rotary clubs, which belong to the global association Rotary International (RI).  Each Club elects its own officers and enjoys considerable autonomy within the framework of Rotary’s constitution and bylaws.

DISTRICTS:  Clubs are grouped into 534 RI districts, each led by a district governor, who is an officer of RI.  The district administration, including assistant governors and various committees, guides and supports the clubs.

RI BOARD:  The 19 member RI Board of Directors, which includes the RI president and president-elect, meets quarterly to establish policies.  Traditionally, the RI president, who is elected annually, develops a theme and emphasis for the year.

RI SECRETARIAT:  RI is headquartered in the Chicago suburb of Evanston, Illinois, with seven international offices in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, India, Japan, Korea, and Switzerland.  The RI in Great Britain and Ireland (RIBI) office, in England, serves clubs and districts in that region.  The Secretariat’s active managing officer is the RI general secretary, who heads a staff of about 600 people, working to serve Rotarians worldwide. 

 October was Vocational Service Month.

Click on the following address to learn more about vocational service and Rotary - 

 www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/voc_service_month_en.pdf 

The Rotary Fellowships program belongs to a parent entity known as Global Networking Groups. The entity includes groups of individual Rotarians organized to focus on shared topics of interest on an international basis. All existing and future fellowship groups with a service-oriented focus will be reclassified under a new category called Rotarian Action Groups, while existing and future fellowship groups focusing on fellowship of a recreational or vocational nature will remain under the designation of Rotary Fellowships.

Global Networking Groups currently comprise more than 90 independent Rotary Fellowships and Rotarian Action Groups. Join the growing number of Rotarians who are sharing their favorite activities and professional interests through organized recreational and vocational groups in Rotary Fellowships, or explore new opportunities for international partnership in service in Rotarian Action Groups. Whether you are interested in bird watching, motorcycling, volunteer dentistry, or the fight against AIDS, Rotary’s Global Networking Groups are fantastic resources for all Rotarians to develop new friendships and to advance opportunities for service.

To see if there is a networking group you may be interested in joining, click on the following address http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/gng_directory.pdf 

Congratulations to Dr. Buendia who recently received the Merli Fermo Service Award for 2011.  This annual award is given by the Philippine Medical Association of Oklahoma.  He received this award because of his involvement in humanitarian services such as charitable work, medicare service, and voluntary services.  The Cross Timbers Rotary Club is proud that Dr. Buendia excells in all of these catagories and that he is a charter member of the club.  He truly personifies the Rotary motto of Service Above Self.

 For a summary of many of his accomplishments, click on the word MORE immediately below. 

The Cross Timbers Rotary Club thanks Rotarians and non-Rotarians who supported the annual Ouback Luncheon.  

Over 400 meals were served during the two day period.  Cross Timbers Rotarians either bought or sold extra tickets which allowed many volunteer literacy tutors from the Pioneer Library System to attend as guests of the club.  

Proceeds are used to support the purchase of over 1,000 dictionaries for third grade students in and around the Norman area, a music program for Full Circle Day Care, scholarships for deserving students...the list goes on.

Club President Sara Hildenbrand and Joe Gil took tickets and assigned tables to patrons.

Gary Beadles was on the ready to receive dishes from members who bused tables.  

Cross Timbers Rotarians and their friends volunteered at the Oklahoma Regional Food Bank on September 10th.  They put together food packages for Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP).  Over 16,000 lbs of food was packaged, which is equivalent to 12,355 meals!  Thanks to Jenny for chairing this event and to Leah for pictures and bringing her non-Rotarian friends to help.

Click on MORE below for information about the CSFP. 

Club Scholarship Committee Chair Jetta Burton presented a scholarship check to student Becky at the August 30th weekly meeting.  Becky was one of three club scholarship recipients and was also an outbound Rotary Youth Exchange student to Switzerland during the 2010-2011 year.   

Cliff McMurray is a freelance writer/copyeditor.  He was the meeting program on August 9th and believes many businesses and individuals do not realize the importance of professionalism in their written communications.  Good writing is every bit as much a part of your image as your grooming and clothing.  His presentation looked at the most common errors in business communications - errors that are made by college graduates every day - and ways to improve our image in writing.

Cliff is CEO at Antares Enterprises LLC.  It is an internet based direct marketing company devoted to information marketing, affiliate marketing, continuity programs, eBooks and online learning of all kinds.  He has publication credits with books, newspapers, websites, and nationally circulated magazines.

Pictured are Kay Ham who is a volunteer tutor and Jane Douglas who is the Literacy Program director at the Pioneer Library System (PLS).  They were the club meeting program on August 16th.  Jane explained the tutor program at the PLS and Kay talked about the various persons she has tutored since joining the program.  Currently, the Literacy Program at the PLS utilizes more than 80 tutors to help adults learn to read, write, and speak English.

To show appreciation, club members are encouraged to purchase an additional ticket so a volunteer tutor may attend the Outback Luncheon as a guest of the Cross Timbers Rotary Club.     

Non-Rotarians and Rotarians alike from the Norman area are invited to attend the Norman Cross Timbers Rotary Club Annual Outback Luncheon fundraiser on either September 7th (Wednesday) or 8th (Thursday).  It is held at the Norman Outback at 860 N. Interstate Drive.  The price is still $12.50 per ticket.  Select any one of two seatings each day at 11 AM and Noon.  Choose either prime or fowl as your main entree. 

Take someone special to lunch like staff/co-workers or even buy an extra ticket to sponsor a volunteer literacy tutor from the Pioneer Library System to attend as a guest.  Proceeds are used to support the purchase of over 1,000 dictionaries for third grade students in and around the Norman area, a music program for Full Circle Day Care, scholarships for deserving students...the list goes on.

Tickets are only sold before the event and cannot be purchased at the door.  Tickets may be purchased by contacting Russ Davoren at rdavo@cox.net or 405 329-8882.   

As of 9:50 PM on July 29th, the "Kaplunkles" have added a new addition to their family: Stella Kathryn, 7 lbs, 9 oz and 20.5 inches of perfection.

The July 19 club meeting featured Rotarians Bob and Ellen Usry who presented a program about the recent district RYLA camp.  Angela (pictured left) was a student camper and was sponsored by Cross Timbers RC. 

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A check for $45,000 was presented to the Thunderbird Clubhouse from the Le Tour de Vin fundraiser sponsored by all three Norman Rotary Clubs.  Pictured are Beverly deWitt, Cross Timbers RC; Pam Sanford, Clubhouse Executive Director; Steve Owens, Honorary Clubhouse Chairman, J.T. Johnson, Sooner RC; and Randy Woods, Norman RC. 

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Rotarian Nai Wu from the College Station Rotary Club (RC) visited Cross Timbers RC on July 5, 2011.  She was presented a certificate at the meeting from Rotarians Ron and Jetta Burton which named her as a benefactor of The Rotary Foundation.  The Burton's made her a benefactor for her work as a peace fellow and Rotarian.

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Immediate past club president Beverly DeWitt received a plaque recognizing her service during the 2010-2011 Rotary year.  The plaque was presented by Sara Hildenbrand the incoming 2011-2012 club president.  The June 28, 2011 club meeting also featured installation of the 2011-2012 club officers and board.

Congratulations to the new officers and board who are listed on the left column of the home page under DIRECTORS.   

 To view a picture of the installation click on "MORE" below.

The University of Oklahoma head women's basketball coach Sherri Coale is an honorary member of the Norman Cross Timbers Rotary Club.  She received her Honorary Member Certificate at the June 21, 2011 meeting.  The certificate was presented by Beverly DeWitt (left) who is the 2010-2011 club president.

Club Rotarians are reminded of Rotary International's attendance requirements.  Click on "More" for specific guidance.

Norman Cross Timbers Rotary Club

P.O. Box 5843

Norman OK 73070

In anticipation of The Rotary Foundation's 100-year anniversary in 2017, the Trustees have set out to develop a plan to move the Foundation toward its second century of service.