Samaritan's Purse is a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.  The group is actively working in the Houston area to give needed help in the Hurricane Harvey recovery efforts.  The group has teams in the area that have gutted 197 homes to date since the storm.  Helping in Jesus' name their volunteers provide compassionate relief to the chaotic recovery process. 

David Moore, the Executive Director of the Women's Center of Brazoria County, Inc., delivered an enlightening message to the club on the ills of Domestic Violence. 

 

Domestic Violence is an oppressive form of Power and Control exerted physically, mentally and sexually over another person. The FBI estimates that one in every two women will be physically abused at some point in their lives by men with whom they live.  Brazoria County Law enforcement agencies receive one domestic violence call for every 100 persons in the county's population each year.  In fact, Brazoria County is tied for fifth in the number of homicides related to domestic violence. 

 

The Women's Center of Brazoria County is a non-profit, United Way agency established to meet the needs of victims of domestic violence.  The Women's Center serves people of all ages, regardless of socioeconomic level, race, gender, religion, handicap, sexual orientation or national origin.  They provide shelter, rape crisis, parenting classes and many other support services for victims and their children. 

 

Their 24-Hour Hotline number is 979-549-5166 or 800-243-5788.

 

Consider supporting the Women's Center at their 2017 Roast and Toast on Thursday, October 5th at the Lake Jackson Civic Center.  The Guest of Honor will be County Judge L.M. "Matt" Sebesta, Jr. and tickets are $100 each.  The MC of the event will be Texas State Rep. Dennis Bonnen and The Night Roasters will consist of County Commissioner Dude Payne, County Commissioner Stacy Adams, Joe Ripple, Esq. and Judge Patrick Sebesta.  For more information or tickets go to wcbcroast.eventbrite.com.

 

Did you know that Rotary has one of the most extensive, world-wide, self-interest networking opportunities on the planet!  It is called Rotary Fellowships (www.ROTARY.ORG/FELLOWSHIPS). 

 

Rotary Fellowships are groups of Rotarians, Rotarians' family members, Rotaractors, alumni and program participants.  Members of these groups share an interest, wish to further their vocational development, or want to make new friends, explore opportunities for service, and enhance their experience in Rotary.  Fellowships, which must have active members in at least three countries, provide a chance to make lasting friendships with people outside of your club. 

 

Several examples of Rotary Fellowships are Antique Automobiles (www.achafr.eu), Motorcycling (www.ifmr.org), Genealogy (www.facebook.com/RIfellowship), Wine (www.whiskeydram.org), Doll Lovers (www.rotarydlf.org), Beer (www.rotarybrew.org), Police and Law Enforcement (www.polepfr.org) and Marathon Running (www.rotarianrun.org).  Their are more than 70 active Rotary Fellowships to join!!!! 

 

To join a fellowship, visit the group's website or if you would like to start a fellowship, write to rotaryfellowships@rotary.org. 

 

 

District 29 Representative Ed Thompson was our keynote speaker for the Pearland Rotary Club on September 1^st at Golfcrest Country Club beginning at 12:00 Noon.  Representative Thompson’s topic was “A Legislative Update.”  Representative Ed Thompson serves the 29th District in the Texas House of Representatives. District 29 encompasses the northern portion of Brazoria County including Alvin, Brookside Village, Hillcrest, Iowa Colony, Liverpool, Rosharon, Manvel, and Pearland. Representative Thompson ran unopposed in the 2014 election and was re-elected to his seat for the 84th Texas Legislature.

At 62, Joe Haralson is the longest serving active duty Texas Ranger and his presentation on June 30th was inspiring.  Ranger Haralson gave a brief history of the Texas Rangers, described current operations and shared many interesting facts not only about arrests and incidents that the Rangers were involved with but also ones he participated in.  Our meeting room was packed and some guests drove many miles to hear Ranger Haralson speak.

 

 

 

Texas Secretary of State Carlos Cascos presentation on "The Texas Economy" on June 2nd was a tremendous success.  The Ball Room at Golfcrest Country Club was full.  Plus, we received applications for two new members.