Stories

12th Annual Vegas Night

Join Northside Rotary on January 29th for our 12th Annual Vegas Night!

Casino Games: Blackjack, Craps, Roulette and Texas Hold'em Poker

Meal, Music and Prizes!

Event and Table Sponsors are Available.

Northside Rotary proudly supports local programs, such as Early Act/First Knight, Scholarships for local students and various other local and international causes.

EAFK Knighting Ceremonies

Bloomington Elementary 4th & 5th Grade award recipients during 10/7/19 Knighting Ceremony for the virtue of Respect.

Also, pictured is their new Principal Carl Frisch who is a strong supporter of EAFK & our program. This is Bloomington's 2nd year in EAFK along with their sister school (Kindergarten & 1st grade) in Placedo.

It is great to hear the wonderful stories of the students accomplishments as they strive to be positive examples to others.--Hank Sheeran - Northside Rotary Club

What is EAFK?

Unprecedented in the field of character education, EAFK teaches high ethical standards, service and Rotary International lessons to the entire student body everyday, right along side core academic subjects like math, science and social studies. Unlike a traditional "InterAct" Club, EAFK is a mandatory course of study for every child with uniquely integrated components including classroom curriculum, Rotarian-led service opportunities, award assemblies, elaborate live-action premium options, and parent education. In EAFK schools, the Four Way Test is recited daily from memory; students start learning about Paul Harris in 3rd grade; and just about any 5th grader on campus can tell you the latest news about Polio Plus.

The word, "knight" means "servant", and EAFK brings the values of noble character and service alive for children through the spectacular theme of gallant knights and chivalry. Students in EAFK schools walk campus hallways decked out like castles; learn wisdom from "The Code" curriculum; win awards for noble service; earn rankings toward knighthood in regular school-wide ceremonies; benefit from on-site Rotarian mentorship and work together on local and global service projects. Schools using EAFK premium options even get visits from real armored knights and live warhorses on campus! There is nothing like EAFK anywhere in the world, and the program is available exclusively for Rotary Clubs to use in their communities

Rex Horst - A Friend, A Rotarian

Our Rotary meeting on Thursday, August 22 was profoundly sad and a difficult one to get through. Rex Horst… our friend, colleague, mentor and this year’s President, passed away earlier that week. All of us still in shock and a state of disbelief, we gathered together to be close to each other and share our grief. We hugged each other. We told each other “you matter to me”. We shared stories about Rex. “Rex saved my life bringing me into his Church.” “Good times on Harley road trips.” “Rex introduced me to Rotary.” “Rex built my home.” “What struck me most was his devotion to his family and his church.” Many members had been given a book he liked to share “Muscle and a Shovel”. So instead of our usual business meeting, we put aside an agenda, we didn’t have a guest speaker. We took time to honor Rex and strengthen the bonds of friendship we have with each other. Rex, we miss you. We thank you for your years of service in Rotary, rarely missing a meeting or event. We’ll miss your smile, your laugh, your devotionals, your encouraging words, the way you would kick us in the pants when we needed it. Rest in peace dear friend.

By: Roslyn Faust

Rex Allen Horst of Victoria, Texas -- Rex Allen Horst, 66, passed away Tuesday, August 20th, 2019. Rex was born October 17, 1952 to the late Elmer Kenneth Horst and Erna Dell Horst. He was a member of the Crossroads Builder's Association for over 25 years and recently served as President. He was an active member of the Victoria Northside Rotary and was a past President currently serving as President. He enjoyed working with Adoption Awareness and Early Acts First Knight--both Rotary projects in the community. He was an active member of Midtown Church of Christ and helped support and organize youth functions over the years. As owner of Designer Homes by Rex Horst, he was privileged to build the dream homes of many of the residents of the Victoria and surrounding areas. He was a friend and mentor to many and will be sorely missed by all who knew him. He enjoyed golf, football and travel but most of all family, especially spending time with his 4 grandkids. Rex was preceded in death by his parents, Elmer and Erna Horst; and his sisters, Delta Dolly Slomba and Erna Horst. Rex is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Marilyn Huber Horst; his daughters, Karen Wilkinson and husband, Carlton of Victoria and Melissa Crooks and husband, Garrett of Ft. Collins, CO; his brothers, Pete Horst and wife, Judy of Baltimore, MD and Randy Horst and wife, Gladys of Crockett, TX; and his grandchildren, Emma Wilkinson, Jackson Wilkinson, Jordan Crooks and Liam Crooks. Those wishing to make memorial donations in Rex's memory are requested to do so to the Rotary Foundation or Midtown Church of Christ. Thoughts and memories may be shared online at www.gracefuneralhome.net.

Be The Inspiration

Rotary Theme 2018-2019

2018-19 RI President Barry Rassin announces his presidential theme, Be the Inspiration, at Rotary's International Assembly.

Final 2018 Knighting Shedule

Join Northside Rotary for the Final Knighting for 2018 at the following times and schools:

Rotarians donate money for UHV International Festival

Bret Baldwin, left, president of the Victoria Northside Rotary Club, presents a $2,500 check Feb. 9 to the University of Houston-Victoria International Programs Office. The money will help fund the second annual UHV International Festival on April 19. The free event is open to the community and will showcase the culture and food of the countries where UHV international students come from. Pictured, from left, are Baldwin; UHV students Loveth Ohenhen and Muhammad Bilal; Jesse Pisors, UHV vice president for advancement and external relations; student Sandhya Kona; Ludmi Herath, UHV director of international programs; and students Salman Abdul Muqtada; Mohammed Abdul Jawad Mallik and Abdul Moeed Syed.

Northside Rotary Club in the News

2016 Adoption Awareness

2016 Adoption Awareness at the Texas Zoo.

VISD Superintendent discusses EAFK

From The Victoria Advocate:

VISD Superintendent discusses EAFK

Today, we would like to acknowledge Victoria Rotary, Northside Rotary and the Downtown Rotary clubs for their dedication and devotion in supporting our Early Act First Knight (EAFK) program in 14 of our elementary schools - Aloe, Chandler, Crain, DeLeon, Dudley, F.W. Gross, Hopkins, O'Connor, Rowland, Schorlemmer, Shields, Smith, Torres and Vickers.

Early Act First Knight is a national schoolwide service club for kindergarten through fifth-grade students and is sponsored by the local Rotary clubs. We are extremely appreciative to all three of Victoria's Rotary clubs for their support of VISD and their continued service as a "Champion for our Children."

The mission of EAFK is to create an understanding of peace through the active participation of its students, so the students may then in turn provide goodwill and service throughout our community and across the globe.

Students are taught to recognize the dignity and worth of each individual, which then builds respect for others. Each student learns the virtues of caring, respect, empathy, responsibility, tolerance, citizenship, compassion, friendship and leadership while in the EAFK program. The students also learn the Rotarian Four-Way Test, which states: "Of the things we think, say or do - Is it the truth?; Is it fair to all concerned?; Will it build goodwill and better friendships?; and, Will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

These virtues and the four-way test are incorporated as a part of the curriculum and discussed daily with our students. It is clearly evident through our recognition ceremonies that the EAFK program provides a positive impact on student success, and we are looking forward to expanding this program throughout the rest of our elementary schools in the near future.

Did you know we had an App?

Stay in the know with District 5930 App!

You can download it from the Apple Store or Google Play.

Search for Rotary District 5930

2016-2017 Board Of Director's

Officer's and Director's

President: Bret Baldwin
President Elect: Jim Stokes
Vice President: Donald Jirkovsky

Treasurer: Hugh Hanes

Secretary: David Penry

Past President: Caren Adamson

Sgt-at-Arms: Ray Gonzalez

Directors:

1-Year:

Casey Housworth

Gail Hoad

Roslyn Faust (Satellite Club)

2-Year:

Skip Kaup

Clay Kolle

Club Officer's Recognition

Club Officer's

2015-2016 Board of Director's

Rex Horst, Jim Stokes, Bob Bill, Caren Adamson, Lori Zamora, Casey Housworth, Hugh Hanes, Ray Gonzalez, David Penry

Not Pictured: Gail Hoad, Brett Baldwin

Paul Harris Fellow Recognition

The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of US$1,000 to The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.

It was established in 1957 to show appreciation for and encourage substantial contributions to what was then the Foundation’s only program, Rotary Foundation Fellowships for Advanced Study, the precursor to Ambassadorial Scholarships.

Northside Rotary Paul Harris Recipients

Club Member Recipients: Elton Calhoun, Marvin Franz, Kent Miller, David Penry, Kent Grier

Special Recipients: Cass Garcia (Sir Cass), Presenter: Kent Grier, Jennifer Preyss

Non-members: Mary Ann Sawyers, Nancy Penry, Mary Kocian, Larry Kocian

Rotarians of the Year

Northside Rotary Club of Victoria's President Caren Adamson Named Casey Housworth and Hugh Hanes as her Rotarians of the Year.

Casey is on the Board of Director's and helps with the website, including setting up the Member Directory. He also actively participants in club events.

Hugh is also on the Board of Director's and serves as the Club's Treasurer. He is the club's Early Act First Knight director and also actively participants in all club events.

2016 Vegas Night

Northside Rotary Honors Area Nurses

At Northside Rotary's Nurse Appreciation Day on Oct. 29, the club recognized the outstanding registered nurse and vocational nurse of the year. From left, are Sammie Drehr, chief nursing officer, DeTar; Vicki Wilson, Vocational Nurse of the Year, DeTar; Linda Hobbs, Registered Nurse of the Year, Citizens; and Jane Cook, chief nursing officer, Citizens.

Northside Rotary Honors It's Veterans.

On Nov. 5, the Northside Rotary Club recognized its members who are military veterans. Honored at the event, from left, are Carl DuBose, Air Force; Henry Aoueille, Air Force; Carlton Wilkinson, Navy and Marines; Jim Stokes, Army; Dr. Ray Gonzalez, Army; Steve Allen, Coast Guard; John Hudson, Army; Bill McArdle, Air Force; George Totah, Navy; Skip Kaup, Army; and Hugh Hanes, Army.

Rotary program helps build character

Posted by Hugh Hanes on Jul 28, 2015

Hugh Hanes On Early Act First Knight

Northside Rotary Member, Hugh Hanes discusses the benefits of Early Act First Knight program in the July 10th edition of The Victoria Advocate.

Create A My Rotary Account

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Click above to create your My Rotary Account.

NORTHSIDE ROTARY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Northside Rotary of Victoria was proud to present three graduating seniors with Scholarships at our weekly meeting on June 4th, 2015.

Northside Rotarian of the Year

Posted on May 15, 2015

Northside Rotarian Of The Year

Rex Horst presenting the Rotarian of the Year to Jim Stokes

Off to write a book, film a documentary

Posted by Jennifer Preyss on May 07, 2015

Off to write a book, film a documentary

Northside Rotary is helping Jennifer Preyss travel the world and write her book: "Breaking Bread: One Table, Many Faiths".
Jennifer writes for the Victoria Advocate and click below for her story she wrote May 8,2015 before leaving for her once in a lifetime journey.

Rotary Group Study Exchange with Victoria resident

Posted by Victoria Advocate on Jan 16, 2013

From Dubai to Trivandrum

By jpreyss in The Land of the Gods
January 16, 2013

After 30 hours of continual traveling, we’ve made it to Trivandrum in Kerala.

It’s also Wednesday here since we’re 11.5 hours ahead of Texas time. I’m already overwhelmed and exhausted, as are the rest of the team members.

My ankles are swollen. And we haven’t slept in a long while. But the overwhelming feeling is a good one (As a side note, just as I said that, the electricity in my hotel room just went out. We’re told the water may also decide to go out mid-lather as well.)

For the past few months, I’ve been reading about India culture, watching popular, and not-so-popular Bollywood movies, but nothing could prepare me for the up-close look at India.

Indian men, as we were warned they would be, are fascinated by Western women. They stare at us as we’re walking, and it’s not always in a good way. It’s only after I smile, or greet them with a friendly hello, that they attempt to remove the wide-eyed gaze from their faces.

We learned early in our trip preparation that many Indian men have a perception of American women as sexually loose, immodest, obnoxious, loud and generally immoral because of the way they’re portrayed in the cinema. So, there’s now an extra burden of knowing that our group may be the only exposure some of our Kerala Rotarian group members will ever have of American women.

But I think there’s something amazing about that. I suppose if an Indian group ever visited my home and stayed for a month, they would be my standard of India and Indian culture. Also, India looks as you imagine it does when you exit the airport. There’s honking in all directions from the taxis and the famous Indian tuk tuks, or three-wheeled mini-taxis. They’re loading and unloading passengers as they zip by you, honking at the larger vehicles weaving in and out their lanes.

As we were exiting the airport in the van that will be transporting us throughout Kerala for the month, we saw two taxi drivers get out of their car and begin a heated verbal argument over something taxi-driving related. One of the guys punched another man through the window and the military-clad law enforcement officers were called to calm the situation.

But even as we’re staring around at the numerous honking vehicles, a small altercation, and this very unfamiliar landscape, I feel honored to be here.

My team members are incredibly thoughtful and interesting women, and we’re already cutting up like sisters. When we approached the hotel, at 5 a.m. Kerala time, our local Rotarians draped a traditional Indian garland of glittering sandle wood and strands of beads over our shoulders. We spent another 30 minutes going through the ceremony and taking photos, watching the hotel staff consistently answer questions with a traditional Indian head bobble (A polite way of not saying no, or being disagreeable when asked a question).

“It just means they heard you,” said team member Cely Smart, giggling. “It means nothing. It’s like a read receipt on an email.”

We each checked into our hotel rooms where we promptly realized a large bucket resting on the bathroom commode. This is to be filled up before we take a shower in case the water goes out and we need to wash the soap off our bodies.

There’s also loud birds crowing at dawn, which led team member Janine Campbell and I up to the roof terrace to investigate the bird songs. We watched the sunrise and stared into the distance. I looked at her as her eyes began to water and she responded, “It’s just such a gift from God to be here. I mean, where else could you see coconut trees growing in the middle of the road, and temples of every religion on every horizon?”

I’m so tired and I want to sleep, but we have a meeting to prepare for in a few hours and I have more work to do. I’m sure I’ll sleep soon ... Until tomorrow, Victoria.

Group Study Exchange in Victoria

Posted by Hugh Hanes