PALESTINE —
Palestine’s Brenda Walker has assumed the volunteer post of Rotary International district governor for 2012-2013.
As governor, Walker will assist 41 clubs in District 5910 which includes the area south to Galveston, west to Bryan/College Station, east to Center and north to Palestine.
“It is an honor and privilege to serve as an officer of Rotary International for District 5910. Leading such a vibrant organization of service minded people will provide a sense of fulfillment, and I look forward to working with our members to meet the needs of their respective communities,” Walker said Friday.
She will assume office July 1 and will serve through June 30, 2013.
Walker is one of 533 Rotarians worldwide serving as a district governor this year and has been a member of the Rotary Cub of Palestine, Texas for 10 years. Palestine has produced three other District Governors — K.A. Anderson, Robert L. “Jick” Kenderdine and A. Hugh Summers.
Walker is an Area Manager for Oncor Electric Delivery and has been involved with a number of community service organizations over her 29-year career.
“Oncor has been extremely supportive of my community involvement and I am very appreciative,” Walker said.
During an installation ceremony at Bella Sera Ranch in Palestine, Walker said her main goals for the coming year are aligned with those of RI President-elect Sakuji Tanaka which include: support and strengthen the clubs, focus and increase humanitarian service and enhance public image and awareness. Rotary International Vice-President Noel Bajat of Carencro, La. served as installing officer and presented the 2012-2013 Rotary International Theme “Peace Through Service”.
“As local leaders and volunteers, Rotarians can help find community solutions to local needs,” Walker said.
The use of technology such as online meetings and social media also will be utilized to increase efficiency and disseminate information.
The number one goal for all Rotarians is to eradicate polio which is still endemic in Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. India was declared polio free this year.
“Rotarians will never give up on this important initiative until we see a polio-free world,” Walker said.
Area Rotary clubs are involved in many local and international service activities. The Rotary Club of Palestine, for example, has been actively supporting the community for almost 100 years and will celebrate its centennial in June of 2013 along with Beaumont and Galveston. The Palestine club presents scholarships each year and has been actively involved in hosting youth exchange students, RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards), service projects such as providing dictionaries for grade school children, Safety Town (bike and traffic education), providing safety seats for infants and providing benches for downtown. On an international level, the club has purchased wheelchairs and provided monetary support to build water wells in Nicaragua.
A special tribute was made in honor of Past District Governor Houston White of the Rusk Rotary Club.
“Houston is still an active member at 99 and may well be the oldest active member in the world,” Walker said.
The main objective of Rotary International is service, in the community and throughout the world. With more than 1.2 million members in 34,000 clubs worldwide, Rotary Club members are volunteers who work locally, regionally, and internationally to combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace, and eradicate polio under the motto Service Above Self.
Local News
Related Photos
-
Palestine’s Brenda Walker has assumed the volunteer post of Rotary International district governor for 2012-2013.
Discussion
Brenda Walker to serve as Rotary district governor
- Local News
-
-
Texas Area Fund Foundation kicks off new program
The Texas Area Fund Foundation kicked off its newest program — The Action Fund — Thursday evening at an event hosted in the home of Francis and Cad Williams.
-
Police department seeking input from citizens on text alert program
The Palestine Police Department is asking for input from citizens regarding the feasibility of introducing a new communication program call Citizen Observer Tip411, an e-mail and text alert system that would allow for outgoing alerts and information to citizens.
-
Palestine Police participating in national 'Click It or Ticket' campaign
The Palestine Police Department and City Marshal’s Office has announced their participation in the 2013 national Click It or Ticket seat belt enforcement mobilization to help save lives by cracking down on those who don’t buckle up.
-
Anderson County Commissioners OK grant application for sheriff's office
During a special meeting Friday, Anderson County commissioners gave the go-ahead to Sheriff Greg Taylor to apply for a grant that would help fund salaries for two additional drug unit investigators for the department.
-
Triplett concedes in mayor's race
Local businessman Timothy Triplett conceded the election to Palestine mayoral candidate Therrell Thomas Thursday, after asking for a recount following the May 11 election.
-
Salute to the Armed Forces set for May 25
The Texas State Railroad will host its 15th annual Salute to the Armed Forces event at the Palestine Depot on Saturday, May 25. The Memorial Day weekend event has been reinvented this year to return it to its original focus of paying tribute to all branches and all eras of U.S. military service.
-
PWFAA’s annual talent showcase to honor late theater owner
The Piney Woods Fine Arts Association will present the annual Houston County Youth Talent Showcase at 7:30 p.m. Saturday at the Crockett Civic Center.
-
Fund established for West relief effort
Following a successful garage sale fund-raiser earlier this month to raise money for the community of West, struck by tragedy after a fertilizer plant explosion in April, organizers have set up a bank account fund to raise more money for the effort.
-
County, cities receive May sales tax allocations
Texas Comptroller Susan Combs recently reported that state sales tax revenue in April was $2.15 billion, up 3.9 percent compared to April 2012.
-
HWY 19 band to perform Thursday
The Anderson County Arts Council will continue its series of special events this month with concerts to promote the arts featuring the HWY 19 Band.
- More Local News Headlines
-
Probe Begins After Conn. Commuter Trains Crash
NTSB Begins Investigation Into Conn. Train Crash
Lotto Fever Sweeps the Country
Conn. Commuter Trains Collide; 60 Go to Hospital
Coffee Run Leads to Hatchet Hitchhiker Arrest
Fmr. IRS Head Insists No Politics in Targeting
CDC: Fecal Bacteria Common in Swimming Pools
$1 Million in Jewels Stolen at Cannes Film Fest
NM Mom Chases Down Child Abductor
Raw: Crash Sends Car Into Fla. Pool
Raw: Obama Sits Down With Elementary Kids
Raw: Bear Falls From Tampa Tree
Ousted IRS Chief: Errors Not Caused by Politics
Terror Suspect Due in Court in Idaho Friday
Raw: Driver Ejected From Truck, Over Bridge
Could Tobacco Be the Next Biofuel?
Wash. State Releases Draft Rules for Legal Pot
Dying Man's Blinks Lead to Murder Conviction
Officials: Texas Tornado Likely Had 200 Mph Wind
Brothers Arrested in NOLA Parade Shooting
