Van Buren Rotary Club

WELCOME TO THE VAN BUREN ROTARY CLUB WEBSITE

2011-03-09T16:22:00.000-06:00

While the club looks for a younger volunteer to replace the former (and older) webmaster, we converted this web page to a more static site. In the interim, the events calendar and club information will be updated as new information and time permits.

The events below and in the archives are still a representative examples of the types of programs and activities sponsored Van Buren Rotary Club. What's harder to depict on any website is the fellowship and sense of pride felt by Rotarians working together to build a stronger community. That you have to experience for yourself at a Rotary activity or meeting. If you are interested in learning more about Rotary or the Van Buren Rotary Club in particular, click on any of the Officer Contact links to send an email or explore any of the Rotary Links listed in the sidebar to the right of the page. Thanks for visiting and hope to see you at a Rotary Club event!

The Boys & Girls Club kicks off 2010 "It Just Takes One" campaign

2010-09-28T22:15:00.000-05:00

Clarke Moore, the speaker at the September 23, 2010 meeting conducted at the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren, knew a great deal about the topic. You see, Clarke joined the Van Buren Boys Club in 1989. Now he's one of the directors and former club members leading the "2010 It Just Takes One" fund raising campaign for the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren.

The campaign officially kicked off with a tailgate party at Pointer Stadium on September 24th and an awards presentation at half-time. Mayor Bob Freeman read a proclamation honoring the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren and presentations of awards honoring Earl Robinson and one of the first members in 1956, Gary Ocker.

A recent Harris Survey indicates the Boys & Girls Club programs work:

90% of Boys & Girls Club alumni graduate from high school
57% of alumni said the Boys & Girls Club experience saved their lives.
92% of alumni said their Club experience taught them that helping others is a priority
67% of alumni say the Club is where they learned how to say "no" to drugs and alcohol
63% said that the Club staff contributed to their success in high school

The economics boil down to local clubs trying to keep the dues low - $15 per year - so that all children can afford to attend. On average, it costs about $245 per year to provide the full program to a child for one year. The difference is made up by the generous support of companies, foundations and individuals in the community. The Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren provides a safe environment where young people in our community can be themselves, channeling their youthful energy into constructive programs while supervised by trained adults and young adults who care and who respect and listen to them.

Every contributor and every gift is important. Will you help make a difference in the lives of our own children? For more information visit www.bgcofvb.org or call 479-474-9401.

Photo: Members of the Van Buren Boys & Girls Club staff and Clarke Moore, President-Elect of the Van Buren Rotary Club: (from left) Cindy Faldon, Brigette Cereceres, Moore, Michelle Holman and Dawn Winford. The group is standing in front of a small portion of the gym wall dedicated to the many community sponsors of the Boys & Girls Club of Van Buren.

Highway Commissioner Trammel points out the importance of good roads to Arkansas

2010-09-20T23:02:00.000-05:00

Dick Trammel, one of the five members of the Arkansas State Highway Commission, was the guest speaker at the Thursday, Sept. 16, 2010, meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club. His purpose on Thursday was to talk about Arkansas Highways. However, several of the Rotarians in the audience warmly remembered Dick Trammel as the District Governor of Dist. 6110 in 1985-86, and Dick spoke with the authority and enthusiasm of someone who as a Rotarian for 50 years has spent most of his adult life involved in public service in one form or another and at the same time, built a very successful business career along the way.

According to Commissioner Trammel, Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department is the 5th largest state agency with 3,618 employees who are responsible for Arkansas' 16,438 miles of roads and highways. Last year, the Commission received $267 million to maintain all those roads. The 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act was projected to provide an additional $351,544,468 for highways and bridges, of which $28 million was set aside for transit capital grants and $10 million for local city and county projects. So far, Arkansas has used the balance to complete 121 major projects covering 273 miles and only six project are not finished at this point. To put some of those costs into perspective, the latest 2009 revision shows the following Estimated Costs per Mile for highway construction:
4 Lane Freeway - urban area w/ no bridges - $10,350,000/mile
4 Lane Freeway - rural mtns w/ no bridges - $12,250.000/ mile
Add new interchange to existing Freeway - $11,130,000

Currently, fifty-two percent of the money to maintain Arkansas roads comes from the Federal Government. Congress has added an additional $36 million toward additional highway repairs over the last three years. But overall, the current system, which dates from when gasoline was only a dollar a gallon, is outdated and doesn't match the current need to maintain highways and bridges all over the nation.

Arkansas' Blue Ribbon Committee, seeking to find acceptable ways to increase the funding for highway construction and maintenance, also faces the reality that highway construction costs have tripled over the past six years while a fixed $0.21/gal. gas tax for Arkansas highways generates less money as people are motivated to drive more economically and travel less. Even without an estimated $8.7 billion necessary to meet anticipated construction needs, close examination also shows a need for an additional $200 million per year just for maintenance to keep our roads at their current level.

Commissioner Trammel also introduced Joe Shipman, the District 4 Engineer based in Fort Smith, who reviewed the current highway projects in the Van Buren area. The district expects to spend about $13 million on local highway projects this year, and has already spent $72 million in the Van Buren area over the last 10 years. Hwy 71 improvements and I-49 construction projects are expected to cost $424 million.

Commissioner Trammel added with his characteristic smile, "I won't see I-49 in my lifetime, but I'll start it! Someone else can finish it."

Growing a part of history at Fort Smith National Historic Site

2010-09-12T17:46:00.000-05:00

At the Thursday, September 9, 2010 Van Buren Rotary Club meeting, Ranger Keri Powers, First Bloom Coordinator at Fort Smith National Historical Site, provided some of the background behind the new garden that has been growing over the past two years near the former officers' quarters at the historic site. The family-style garden features the vegetables, herbs and flowers that would have been found at the historic site in 1860. The soil is tilled with hand tools typical of the same period and the gardeners use no herbicides or insecticides that were not available for the inhabitants of Fort Smith in the 1860's.

What makes the garden so special are the gardeners. Girls Incorporated partnered with the national historic site and the young girls from the Fort Smith area wear period dresses, aprons and bonnets while working in the garden. The girls have already won an award for their efforts, with a trip to the White House and meeting with members of the Arkansas congressional delegation. First Bloom projects around the country also compete for the top prize - a $15,000 trip to a national park such as Yellowstone or Mount Rushmore to plant a First Bloom garden.

The Fort Smith First Bloom project is the only one of its kind in Arkansas or Oklahoma. Starting with a 4' x 40' raised bed two years ago, 30 young volunteers have worked every Wednesday after school and during the summer to expand the plot to its present 44' x 40' size. The garden's produce is either cooked and sampled or shared among the participants in the project. Besides learning about gardening, the girls also learn about their heritage and the unique history that made Fort Smith one of the gateways to the Southwest.

Expressing her pride in the effort made by the local group, Ranger Powers explained. "The kids really got involved." She also mentioned that the project is also looking for additional partners to help make the Fort Smith project even better. Interested parties may contact Ranger Powers at 479-783-3961.

Ranger Powers also invited the Van Buren Rotarians and members of the community to visit the Fort Smith National Historic Site and see how the First Bloom garden has grown. For more information about the FSNHS First Bloom project:
http://www.nps.gov/fosm/parknews/first_bloom_contest.htm
FSNHS First Bloom Project slideshow:
http://www.nps.gov/mwr/_cs_apps/fls_photoGallery/customcf/display-slideshow.cfm?gID=236733
For more information about the many activities at the Fort Smith National Historic Site, visit: http://www.nps.gov/mwr/fosm/

Everyone benefits by thinking regionally

2010-09-06T22:13:00.000-05:00

Lea Taylor, Regional Executive Director of the Fort Smith Regional Alliance, explained the goals and purpose of the new economic development organization at the Thursday noon meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club on Sept. 2nd. Economic development issues and benefits don't follow arbitrary boundaries or even state lines. "There are no boundaries," Taylor said. "We're all in this together."

Ms. Taylor cited several examples where economic development projects initiated in one county have spilled over into one or more neighboring communities to everyone's benefit. The alliance was formed in early May of this year and includes 14 cities and chambers in LeFlore and Sequoyah counties in Oklahoma and Crawford, Franklin, Logan and Sebastian counties in Arkansas.

Battle of the Bone will fill the stands on Sept. 3rd

2010-08-31T12:51:00.006-05:00

The Alma Airedales will host the Van Buren Pointers in Alma on Friday night, Sept. 3, 2010 at 7:30 P.M. Thanks to the Airedales' head coach, Todd Dilbeck, the Van Buren Rotary Club members got a preview of this classic annual clash of two rival football teams from the Alma perspective. Coach Dilbeck visited the Van Buren Rotary Club on August 19th.

In a talk that was part inspiration and part perspiration, Coach Dilbeck spoke highly of his players. For example, Issac McCoy, an Alma senior, has attracted the interest of several Division I colleges interested in McCoy's football and basketball skills. But Coach Dilbeck has six returnees on defense who with their teammates are also expected to stop opposing teams in their tracks. He also added that Alma has a good kicking game.

Coach Dilbeck also noted how concerned all Arkansas coaches have been regarding the high temperatures during the past several weeks.

The inspirational part of the Coach's message involved his teaching role. Coach Dilbeck teaches Community Involvement and Leadership to Alma seniors. Lessons about leadership and teamwork taught on the playing fields also transfer to decisions students make in school and later as adults. "People watch the decisions you make when things are good and when things are bad," he added.

Col. Warren Blaylock, noted that hearing from both Van Buren and Alma coaches in the weeks leading up to the Battle of the Bone, used to be a tradition in the Van Buren Rotary Club, and several members hoped the tradition would be reestablished on the schedule every year. Thanks to Clarke Moore for bringing two outstanding coaches to the club and providing new insights into this Friday night's "Battle."

National Guard chaplains helping soldiers and families

2010-08-16T21:38:00.035-05:00

Rev. Wes Hilliard wears two hats - one as pastor of Van Buren's Heritage United Methodist Church and a second as a Lieutenant Colonel and highest ranking chaplain in the Arkansas National Guard. On Thursday, August 12th, LTC Hilliard shared how the National Guard was working to help its soldiers readjust to everyday life after multiple deployments. Many returning veterans have been exposed to IEDs and other traumatic events during their tours.

The most startling statistic disclosed was the fact that 20 per cent of the suicides among returning National Guard veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan are from Arkansas. Experience has shown that for every month spent in combat areas, returning soldiers need about two months to readjust. As a practical matter, soldiers may take two years or more to again reintegrate into civilian life. National Guard chaplains are working within the guard's organizational structure and with other government agencies to provide help to soldiers and their families. Indicators of problems may include:

Failure of relationships
Feelings of alienation or isolation from friend and buddies
High-risk behavior
Difficulty in reintegration back into a civilian environment

LTC Hilliard also pointed out that National Guard chaplains serve all faiths helping soldiers directly or putting the soldier in contact with other chaplains or religious leaders of the soldier's faith. After the meeting, a number of Rotarians, including a number of combat veterans within the local club, shared an appreciation for the work done by dedicated chaplains of all faiths in active duty units and our own National Guard.

Van Buren High School Pointers ready for 2010 season

2010-07-31T20:50:00.032-05:00

"I have never been more proud to represent our football program than I am today," Coach Mike Lee said with a certain intensity that conveyed that football was a serious topic. At the Van Buren Rotary Club on July 29th, Coach Lee opened his review of the 2010 Van Buren High School football season talking about how proud he was of his players and "the tremendous commitment by these young men, particularly at the level football is played in Arkansas."

Football starts in the spring with players on the practice field by 5:30 A.M. and in the weight room at 7:20 A.M. Coach Lee explained that each player works hard to earn his pads at Van Buren. Coach Lee added that his 68 players this year are in excellent condition and the all the coaches and players are looking forward to the 2010 season.

Van Buren Pointers will conduct a preseason scrimmage on August 23 at Greenwood with the JV starting at 6:00 P.M. and the varsity at 7:30. The Pointers' officially open their 11 game schedule against the Alma Airedales in Alma on September 3rd at 7:30 P.M. Click on the blue link for the complete 2010 Van Buren Pointer schedule.

Van Buren School District Fine Arts Center 2010-2011 schedule opens with Three Dog Night!

2010-07-26T20:42:00.021-05:00

Van Buren Fine Arts Center - Saturday, Sept. 18, at 8:00 P.M.

Tom Watkins, Director of the Van Buren School District's Fine Arts Center, distributed brochures with the center's 2010-2011 schedule and ticket order form on July 22nd at the Rotary Club luncheon. Talking about the productions on the schedule, Watson said that in previous years, "the quality of programs has exceeded expectations." With the mix of professional artists and entertainers with local school groups scheduled for the current season, the center seems assured of extending that record.

The season starts on September 18th with Three Dog Night, one of the most popular rock bands of the early 1970's, and continues into October 2nd with Mark Nizer's 3D Comedy and Juggling, and the classic tale of Cinderella, "Happily Ever After" for the entire family on October 23rd. Bring your own special person to the Valentines' Day performance with Robin Spielberg's "Moonlight and Lovesongs". March hosts a variety triple-header: The Hunt Family on March 11 with mix of Celtic, bluegrass, and inspirational music and dancing; then on March 13, the Gilbert and Sullivan Players full-length production of "The Pirates of Penzance" and on March 31, "The Tartan Terrors" with a program of traditional Scottish music and dancing, "...and a wee bit of rock and roll." The season ends with the Spectrum Brass Gershwin Review on April 8, with popular instrumental and vocal selections from Broadway productions. On December 17th, a special program performed by former soldiers, "4 Troops" has also been added to the list of professional events.

The VBHS Theater will present the family musical, "Peter Pan" scheduled for November 12-14, and "Radium Girls" on March 4-5. A smiling Watkins assured the Rotarians that the local school actors would earn their wings and actually fly using special effects during the production - a first for the Fine Arts Center. The production of "Radium Girls" tells the tragic story of young women employed to paint the glow-in-the-dark numbers on watch dials used by the military in 1917.

Mixed in between productions and in conjunction with several of the programs, the Fine Arts Center also offers special free performances for groups of elementary school students to experience dramatic arts and music.

The full season schedule with dates, times and ticket prices is available online at: http://www.vbsd.us/fac/season.aspx Season tickets are available and a special "family pack" increases the savings. Tickets may be ordered online or by calling the box office at 479-471-4017.

Van Buren High School Band hosts the "Battle on the Border" July 20th

2010-07-16T22:04:00.007-05:00

Van Buren High School's Assistant Band Director, Justin Chambers, updated the Van Buren Rotarians on the band's Fall music and marching program on Thursday, July 15th. Noting the band's "significant progress on overall performances", Mr. Chambers also explained that band members are now doing more detailed work with individual and sectional rehearsals.

Mr. Chambers also provided a preview of the July 20th "Battle on the Border VII" which will be held at Van Buren's Blakemore Field at 7:30 P.M. Tickets range from $17 to $25 depending on location with a $3 surcharge if purchased the day of the performance. For advanced tickets, community members were urged to call 479-459-1268 or 317-275-1212. Tickets can also be purchased at the stadium on the day of the show.

Drum Corps International's World and Open Class units that will perform on Tuesday night include:
The Cadets - Allentown, PA
Santa Clara Vanguard - Santa Clara, CA
Colts - Dubuque, IA
Crossmen - San Antonio, TX
Teal Sound - Jacksonville, FL
Music City - Nashville, TN
Forte - Grand Prairie, TX

For more information, visit the "Battle of the Border VII" website.

Dr. Frank Addo seeks help for the Women's Clinic in Prampram, Ghana

2010-07-10T21:03:00.015-05:00

Dr. Frank M. Addo, Founder and Medical Director of the Modern Women's Clinic and Clinical Research Center in Prampram, Ghana, addresses the Van Buren Rotary Club on July 8, 2010. Dr. Addo is in the United States seeking assistance in the form of medical equipment and supplies needed to complete the free medical center in a remote coastal fishing village in Ghana. In addition to obstetrics and gynecology, the center also hopes to help this rural population with the treatment and prevention of malaria, TB, and HIV/AIDS.

For more information about efforts to help the Modern Women's Clinic in Ghana and similar missions to support the Haitian people after the recent earthquake, readers are encouraged to visit: http://www.wherethestarsstillshine.org/

Van Buren Rotary installs new officers and recognizes award winners

2010-07-05T21:10:00.006-05:00

On Thursday, July 1st, the Van Buren Rotary Club installed its new officers for 2010-11 and recognized its members for exceptional service to their club and community. A. C. Moncrief, Past District 6110 Governor and Past President of the Van Buren Rotary Club served as the Master of Ceremonies. The combined Installation and Awards Dinner was held at Big Jake's in Van Buren.

A. C. first recognized Shirley Williams, outgoing President noting that Shirley and the Van Buren Rotary Club had been awarded the Rotary International Presidential Citation for service to their community in 2009-10. The club was also recognized by Rotary International for sponsoring and helping establish at Van Buren High School during the 09-10 school year, the largest Interact Club ever chartered in District 6110 . With an active Interact program, the club also doubled the high school's participation in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program, sending four high school juniors to the district's leadership training camp this year.

Tom Watson, Director of the Van Buren School District's Fine Arts Center, was installed as the club's new President. Clarke Moore will serve as President-Elect and Pam Tahan was installed as board member and President nominee to serve as Club President for 2012-13. Clayton McGill will serve as the club's new Secretary and Michelle Smith will serve as the club's new Treasurer for 2010-11. Col. Warren Blaylock, will remain as the club's Sergeant at Arms. Other members of the 2010-11 Board of Directors include Kevin Bell, Nancy Smith and Denise Hill.

Stan Vlademar, President of the Van Buren Rotary Club in 1989-90, received the club's "Service Above Self" Award for outstanding service to his club and community over the years. Bob England, the club's President in 1996-97, received the Eck Rowland Award in recognition of his continued willingness to volunteer and help organize the annual golf tournament and so many other club projects. Michelle Smith, the club's new Treasurer, was also recognized for her service as a new member with the "Rookie of the Year" Award.

Don't Forget!... Meeting Change!!

2010-06-30T16:15:00.002-05:00

Members, please don't forget that regular Thursday, July 1st, noon meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club has been rescheduled as our annual installation dinner and moved to Big Jake's at 7:00 P.M.

The new club officers are shown in the sidebar to the right. If everything works correctly, you should be able to click on the officer's name (blue link) and your browser should open a blank email so that you can just add your message. Please let me know if it doesn't work that way.

District 6110's website has a new web address <http://rotarydistrict6110.org/> and a new look for 2010-11. Please update your browser's bookmarks or favorites. The district's website is also one of the Rotary Links always found in the sidebar to the right.

See you at Big Jake's Thursday evening!

Club Officers for 2010-2011 will be installed July 1st

2010-06-21T23:20:00.004-05:00

Instead of having its regular noon meeting, the Van Buren Rotary Club, its members, spouses and guests will gather upstairs at Big Jake's at 7:00 P.M. on Thursday evening, July 1 to officially install the club's new officers for the 2010-11 Rotary year. The officers and board members being installed include:

    President: Tom Watkins
    Pres. Elect: Clarke Moore
    Secretary: Clayton McGill
    Treasurer: Michelle Smith
    Club Director: Kevin Bell
    Club Director: Nancy Smith
    Club Director: Denise Hill
    Pres. Nominee: Pam Tahan
    Web Site: B.R. Black
    Sergeant at Arms: Warren Blaylock
Past President: Shirley Williams

Cost for the banquet is $15.00 per person. Reservations may be made through June 28th by email to Tom Watkins.

Lake Fort Smith State Park still growing

2010-06-21T21:28:00.009-05:00

At the June 17th meeting, Lake Fort Smith State Park's Assistant Superintendent, Brad Hyman, updated the Van Buren Rotary Club on the latest improvements at one of Crawford County's special places. With its wooded lakeside setting about half way up the western side of Lake Fort Smith, the park has become a favorite site for meetings, weddings, family reunions and other similar events. Brad also provided the special park tour that helped Dist. 6110's visiting Rotary exchange group from Chile understand the importance of our state park system to the preservation of both Arkansas' history and maintaining unique recreational areas for Arkansas' own residents and tourists.

As a beginning, the park contains 30 well-spaced campsites for family camping. While there's no swimming or water skiing in the lake, the state park has a well equipped swimming pool for campers and daily visitors. The pavilion and picnic sites below the overlook, provide plenty of room for families and larger gatherings. The marina and boat ramp provide access and boat, canoe and kayak rentals and a tour boat can be scheduled that includes the history of Lake Fort Smith, and wildlife in adjacent areas, as well as an occasional visit from local eagles and other birds in season. The state park is the western terminus of the Ozark Highlands Trail, long considered one of the most scenic trails in the U.S.

The second group lodge and dining hall is nearing completion. When finished the new lodge adds individual rooms for up to 30 more campers to the existing berths for 32 group campers and a dining hall that can host up to 144 at catered events.

Park Asst. Supt. Brad Hyman and members of the Rotary Group Study Exchange group from Chile in October, 2009

Brad also added that the park is by no means finished and the plans include additional facilities for the area's growing population as funding permits. For more detailed information, photo tour, and activity schedules visit:
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/lakefortsmith/
Download a park brochure and map (PDF format):
http://www.arkansasstateparks.com/images/pdfs/L-FTSMITH_08.pdf

Alma's Rotary Club makes progress on community center

2010-06-16T20:57:00.000-05:00

The City Wire has an update on the progress the Alma Rotary Club and the City of Alma are making to build a new community center. Slowed by economic conditions, the joint project has seen renewed interest. Read the details at: http://www.thecitywire.com/index.php?q=node/10398

Mayor Freeman reviews city progress over the past year

2010-06-11T14:51:00.000-05:00

At the June 10th meeting, Mayor Bob Freeman provided local Rotarians with an update on the list of current issues and initiatives that are being addressed by city government in Van Buren. A few of the major highlights included:

The recertification of the levee system that protects Van Buren and adjacent areas of Crawford County along the Arkansas River has been completed. (A tip of my Rotary baseball cap to both Mayor Freeman and Judge John Hall for getting that important task done on time! That's a big win for everyone.)
After delays from a fire during construction, the loss of the prime contractor and dealing with two insurance companies, the completion of the new city library is back on track and nearing completion. NOTE: The City Wire has the details at: http://www.thecitywire.com/index.php?q=node/10312
Code enforcement procedures have been refined and a code enforcement specialist hired to improve compliance, particularly by absentee landlords.
The Van Buren Police Department has instituted a new 12 hour shift system that has allowed a better balance of experienced officers working with younger officers. The safe return of VBPD officers from reserve units called to active duty has also allowed a full compliment of school resource officers to be again deployed in Van Buren schools. The department continues its successful series of Citizens Police Academy programs this year.
Van Buren has hired three new fire fighters and the department will offer its first Citizens Fire Academy this year.
The nature of the current economic conditions has influenced building permits and housing starts have not yet recovered. Overall, city tax revenue is down 12.7 percent.

Mayor Freeman also noted that Van Buren recently designated "Volunteer Community of the Year."

The conclusion reached from the discussions was that citizens, businesses, community groups, city officials and employees are all working hard to balance priorities and maintain the programs and services that mean so much the the quality of life that makes Van Buren a place where people want to live and businesses want to locate.

Van Buren Rotary Scholarships announced

2010-06-03T21:15:00.092-05:00

Warren Blaylock, who chairs the club's scholarship committee, reported that six $1,000 scholarships have been awarded to graduating seniors at the June 3rd Van Buren Rotary Club meeting. The scholarships are normally announced at graduation ceremonies and are intended to help deserving Crawford County students attend colleges or universities of their choice. The 2010 scholarship recipients included:

Van Buren High School
Britani Burgess, UA Fort Smith
Irving Orellana, TBA
Alma High School
Courtney White, UA Fort Smith
Mulberry High School
Kendra McClurkin, UA Fort Smith
Cedarville High School
James Adair, UCA
Mountainburg High School
Lauren Fryar, UA Fort Smith

The members of the Van Buren Rotary Club congratulate the six Rotary Club scholarship recipients and all the 2010 Crawford County high school graduates who finished the first step of a life-long learning process. We also need to add a special thanks to all the Rotary event sponsors and contributors who make these scholarships possible.

May has been a busy month... for everyone!

2010-05-31T21:32:00.033-05:00

School teachers, students and parents all know how busy that the last month of school can be. The same thing can happen to Rotary Clubs from time to time, when several projects planned during the year seem to come to fruition during the same month. May was a full month for the Van Buren Rotary Club and many of its members.

Van Buren Athletic Boosters Concert raises funds for student athletes

The main speaker at the May 27th Van Buren Rotary Club luncheon was Todd Hightower, member of the Van Buren Athletic Boosters Club. He noted that 143 players reported for spring football and that the coaches continue to work with all the community feeder programs. Van Buren added a training and conditioning coach to their coaching staff and the school is "growing competitive athletes" to man the defense this year.

One of the purposes of the booster organization is to raise funds to supplement the school's athletic endeavors by adding funds for training camps, clinics, and special equipment. The Van Buren boosters raise about $20,000 each year to support the program. As one of the fund raisers, the boosters recently sponsored a Friday night booster club concert with a number of local bands volunteering their time to entertain and to do their part to support the communities local athletes.

Shay Mooney, one of the talented musicians on the concert's playbill, entertained the Rotarians with a several musical selections as a sample of what would be enjoyed by all who would attend the concert.

RYLA participants report on April leadership program

On May 20th, four Van Buren High School students, Devin Weisenfels, Lauren Shackelford, Ashley Everetts, and Maria Lopez-Solis, were recognized by the club and talked about their experiences at the 2010 RYLA weekend. The students represented their school and Interact Club while participating in the annual District 6110 leadership development program for high school students.

Pictured: Maria Lopez-Solis and Ashley Everetts pick up their name badges during registration at the RYLA camp in April.

Cathy Gifford put community service into action with Leadership Crawford County

At the May 13th meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club, Cathy Gifford was still recruiting potential participants and nominations for the Leadership Crawford County program. Cathy also announced to those who didn't already know, that she would be turning the reins of Leadership Crawford County over to Chamber of Commerce although she will still participate on LCC's Advisory Committee and selected activities with LCC alumni. The May 15th edition of Van Buren's Press Argus-Courier finished the week with a front page article about Cathy and continued with nine pictures and additional supporting articles on three more pages.

Leadership Crawford County is an educational leadership development program that starts with a two-day retreat and continues with monthly day-long follow-up sessions for participants to learn about Crawford County's government, law enforcement, economic development, health and human services, state government and education. Each session is conducted by leaders in the topic being discussed. Limited to 20 participants, Leadership Crawford County encourages applicants from all types of businesses and professions who have expressed an interest in community service and have demonstrated their leadership ability at work or within the community.

Over the past 11 years, Leadership Crawford County alumni have spread out into all Crawford County communities where they have used their knowledge and skills in many different organizations and agencies.

Cathy was honored at the May 1st Chamber of Commerce banquet. She puts the Rotary motto, "Service Above Self" into action every day and Rotarians in both Crawford County clubs are justifiably proud of Cathy Gifford's example of leadership and public service.

Third-graders get dictionaries for the sixth consecutive year.

Dictionary Project Chair Brett Peters announced at the May 13th Van Buren Rotary Club meeting that all the 3rd grade students in Crawford County had received their dictionaries this year. The Van Buren Rotary Club partnered with the Alma Rotary Club and Citizens Bank & Trust Company in a county-wide project to help promote reading in Crawford County schools. This is the 6th year that Rotarians distributed over 4,000 student dictionaries. The books have the student's name inside the cover and students get to keep the dictionaries to use at school and at home as they advance through elementary school and beyond.

Thanks to Citizens Bank and both Crawford County Rotary Clubs for helping fund the project, all the schools and 3rd grade teachers who participated in the project and the Rotarians who helped distribute the dictionaries to the 3rd graders. It really is a team effort.

16th Annual Van Buren Rotary Golf Tournament raises money for Crawford County scholarships

Thanks to all the sponsors, tournament players, Rotary Tournament Committee and volunteers and the host course, Eagle Crest, the Van Buren Rotary Club raised over $5,000 for scholarships for Crawford County seniors on May 7, 2010 at the annual Van Buren Rotary Golf Tournament. While the weather was a little gray at the start of play, blue sky broke through the clouds later in the afternoon and everyone seemed to have a good time.

Bob England and Bernie Manard have chaired the tournament committee for several years but Nathan Hurst, Brett Peters, Nancy Smith and many more Rotarians also play active roles in recruiting players and hole sponsors, setting up the course and registration area, running the refreshment carts and all the other details that go into having a successful tournament. All who help are appreciated. The slide show below may give you an idea of how much enjoyment can be packed into an afternoon of golf.

[Hint: Click anywhere in the black frame and then click the play button in the center of bottom margin for the slide show or the left or right arrows on either side to move one slide at a time. The large white triangle in middle of the last picture will take you to the Picasa album where you can download your own copy of the individual pictures.]

The list of 2010 student scholarship award winners will be posted in June after graduation.

The 2010 Paul Harris Luncheon -- "Go Razorbacks!"

On May 6, 2010, the Van Buren Rotary Club held its annual Paul Harris Luncheon, which honors Paul Harris, the founder of Rotary International and raises funds each year for the Rotary Foundation. The special Rotary luncheon usually features a headliner as speaker and this year was no exception. Next year's President-Elect, Clarke Moore introduced Assistant Coach Bobby Allen, who has been with the University of Arkansas since 1997. The larger than normal crowd of area Rotarians, their guests, and members of the public expected to hear about the Razorback football program prospects for next season. The audience not only got the current football forecast, they also learned through examples and anecdotes, of the dedication of the Razorback coaches and players who continue adding to the University of Arkansas' proud football traditions.

A.C. Moncrief, Dist. 6110 Governor and the President-Elect of the new Altus Area Sunset Rotary Club, Leslee Milam Post, were also introduced at the luncheon. The Altus Area Sunset Club will conduct its Charter Banquet and Installation on June 4th at St. Mary's Lawrence Hall in Altus at 6:30 P.M. All the details and a complete list of optional pre-banquet winery tours and a tour of the historic St. Mary's Church are listed on the District 6110 website.

Finally, our thanks to Coach Allen and Clarke Moore for the exceptional program and fund-raiser. And a special appreciation to the cooking team for this edition of the Paul Harris Luncheon spearheaded by the Community Bank and several Rotary Club volunteers. All together, they set a high standard for next year's event.

Learn more about the "Life and times of Paul Harris"

Learn more about the history of the Rotary Foundation from Easter Seals to the current attempt to eradicate Polio.

The 2010 Council approves a new, fifth Avenue of Service for Rotary Clubs

2010-05-02T13:58:00.003-05:00

Rotary's 2010 Council on Legislation has approved a new Avenue of Service for Rotary Clubs. According to Rotary International's newsletter:

"New Generations joins Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service, and International Service as the foundation of club activity. Before starting a project, Rotarians are asked to think broadly about how their club and its members could contribute within each avenue."

Rotarians have always recognized that our youth are the key to the future. Van Buren Rotary has supported a program of scholarships at the high school level for many years. More recently, the club has supported dictionaries for 3rd graders and reading programs at elementary schools. The new Van Buren High School Interact Club and RYLA are further examples of a strong commitment to future generations of leaders. For more information about the new legislation, see: "Council approves fifth Avenue of Service."

Arkansas Scholarship Lottery considered a huge success

2010-04-29T18:01:00.003-05:00

Julie Baldridge, Director of Public Affairs for the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, explained that the lottery has so far set aside over $100 million in scholarships for Arkansas students this year. Baldridge was the guest speaker at the April 29th meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club meeting. The fund provides $5,000 scholarships for students attending four-year colleges and universities and $2,500 for students in a two-year program.

According to the lottery's research, 99 percent of the lottery dollars now stay in Arkansas. In previous years, an estimated $100 million left the state as Arkansas residents played lottery games in surrounding states.

Rotarians have a busy week ahead...

This Saturday, May 1, will be a busy day for Rotarians. Rotary District 6110 has their annual District Assembly for officers, committee members and interested Rotarians in Bentonville on Saturday morning and the local Rotary Club members are staffing a table at the Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Business Fair and Banquet on Saturday evening. Then the Van Buren Rotary Club has two more special events on Thursday and Friday of next week! It looks like good days and busy days come in bunches!

Thursday, May 6th, the regular club meeting will be held in conjunction with the 12th Annual Paul Harris Luncheon at the Butterfield Assembly of God Church. Clarke Moore announced that Razorback Assistant Coach Bobby Allen will be the featured speaker. Coach Allen, who works with the tackles on the defensive line is expected to have the latest football news and stories for all the Razorback fans in the Van Buren/Fort Smith area. All the proceeds from the event are used by the Rotary Foundation in the U.S. and overseas. Rotary's long fight to completely eliminate polio around the world is just one beneficiary of the Rotary Foundation. Tickets are $10.00 and available from any Rotarian or at the door. The serving line will open at 11:45.

The 16th Annual Van Buren Rotary Club Golf Tournament will get underway at 12:00 on Friday with lunch at the Eagle Crest Golf Club. The actual tournament starts at 1:00 P.M. Funds from the event are used to provide scholarships for Crawford County high school seniors to advance their education. If you have any questions or would like to register your team, contact Bob England at 479-414-0804 or bengland58@aol.com.

AccuWeather's long range forecast is for sunny weather with highs in the lower 70's for both Thursday and Friday.

Thanks to all the event sponsors, donors, hole sponsors, volunteers and Rotarians who will work at both local events next week and especially the cooks that make both luncheons such a treat for all the participants.

Van Buren High School Interact Club well represented at 2010 RYLA Camp

2010-04-24T21:18:00.001-05:00

Four members of the Van Buren High School Interact joined high school students from four states attending the 2010 Rotary Youth Leadership Awards training program this weekend, April 22nd through April 25th. Front Row (L-R): Devin Weisenfels, Lauren Shackelford, Ashley Everetts, Maria Lopez-Solis Steve Lovick, Asst. Gov. for the Fort Smith Area and A.C. Moncrief, Governor of District 6110 and Past President of the Van Buren Rotary Club were also present as RYLA campers registered Thursday at noon.

The RYLA training experience in District 6110 provides an opportunity for young people to discuss and practice leadership skills and problem solving. Another goal of the program is to encourage young people who are rendering service to their schools and communities. Thousands of students around the world will participate in Rotary sponsored RYLA camps this year.

For more information: "About Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA)"

2010 RYLA Camp Snapshots

Thursday P.M. and Friday A.M.

Friday P.M. and Saturday A.M.

Saturday P.M. and Sunday A.M.

Thanks and a tip of our Rotary baseball cap to Dist. 6110 Webmaster, Steve Reid, for taking and posting the photos from RYLA camp.

Western Arkansas Vet Center offers readjustment counseling for returning vets and their families

2010-04-24T17:07:00.003-05:00

Captain Vaughn DeCoster, Ph.D., was a tenured professor at the University of Arkansas and member of the U.S. Army Reserve. For Capt. DeCoster, just returning home from a recent overseas combat area was not enough. He felt a need to also use his experience and academic training to help returning veterans like himself. As Capt. DeCoster explained to his fellow Rotarians at the April 15th meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club, he presently works as Team Leader and clinical social worker at the Fayetteville Veterans Center.

Any member of the armed services, who for months has lived in a combat environment, may need a little time to readjust after returning home. In fact, it may take as much time to readjust to home and family as the months the returning veteran spent overseas. Some veterans feel a need to go back "down range" by returning to combat, others may occasionally feel guilty for having survived the loss of close friends. While the reasons may be varied, the readjustments required for returning veterans are sometimes difficult for relationships among family members and friends.

The brochure that Capt. DeCoster distributed at the meeting indicates 271 Vet Center locations now exist in the United States and its territories because of the significant number of Viet Nam veterans who experienced similar readjustment problems for years after coming home. The purpose of the Vet Centers is to help veterans, their families and even community agencies with the readjustment process. All information is held in strictest confidence. Readjustment counseling services are available for veterans and family members of those who served in hostilities from World War II through the current Global War on Terrorism, family members of armed forces personnel, reserve and national guard personnel who died while on active duty, and veterans of any era who experienced sexual trauma or harassment while on active duty.

In addition, the Vet Center can help veterans with employment counseling, assist veterans and families obtain benefits and referrals, substance abuse information and referrals, and liaison with community and educational agencies. While veterans are welcome to "walk on in," in Northwest Arkansas, day and evening appointments are also available in Fayetteville, Fort Smith, Harrison and Mountain Home. In most cases, help is a phone call or an email away. The Vet Center can be contacted in Fayetteville at: 479-582-7152, toll-free at: 866-644-5371 or via email at: fayettevillevetcenter@gmail.com

For more information, you can also visit the VA's Vet Center homepage at: http://www.vetcenter.va.gov/index.asp

Capt. DeCoster grew up in Lavaca, and is a member of the downtown Fayetteville Rotary Club.

"Steel Magnolias" this Friday and Saturday at the Van Buren Fine Arts Center

2010-04-14T22:07:00.001-05:00

Picture: Morgan Stewart (left), playing the role of Annelle Dupuy Desoto, and Abby Lindsey, in the role of Ouiser Boudreaux, joined by the other cast members, reprise a portion of a scene from "Steel Magnolias" at the April 7th Van Buren Rotary Club meeting.

"Steel Magnolias," the 1987 off-Broadway play written by Robert Harling, is a perennial favorite throughout the United States. The Van Buren High School Theater will give performances this Friday and Saturday night, April 16th and 17th, at 7:00 P.M. at the Van Buren Fine Arts Center. Tickets are $6.00.

One of the funniest plays that will still bring a tear or two to your eyes, many of the characters' best lines are still often quoted today. The play's director, Ms. Jessica Fisher, indicated the students have done all the work to get ready for the production: forming the cast, building sets and arranging the lighting.

16th Annual Rotary Club Golf Tournament at Eagle Crest on May 7th

2010-04-11T22:53:00.003-05:00

The Van Buren Rotary Club has scheduled their 16th Annual Golf Tournament at Eagle Crest Golf Course on March 7, 2010. The participants will be treated to lunch at noon followed by the tournament's official start at 1:00 P.M. Prize money will be awarded to the 1st and 2nd place teams in each flight, and of course, a hole-in-one on the designated hole wins a 2010 Chevy truck from Rhodes Chevrolet.

Entry fees are $75 per golfer or $300 per four-man team. The entry fee includes two carts for each four man team as well as greens fees, lunch and prizes. All the proceeds benefit the Van Buren Rotary Club's Crawford County Seniors Scholarship Program.

If you have any questions or would like to register your team, contact Bob England at 479-414-0804 or bengland58@aol.com.

Crawford County Adult Education Center offers education for a lifetime

2010-04-08T09:02:00.001-05:00

Crawford County is indeed fortunate to have access to the variety of courses offered by the Crawford County Adult Education Center. The center director, Debbie Faubus-Kendrick, and Darla Melton, the center's Chief Examiner, briefed the Van Buren Rotary Club on the variety of education opportunities that are available at the center. Funded by various state and federal programs, the courses are offered free of charge and the courses are taught by certified instructors. The only entrance requirement is that you enter the building wanting to learn.

"It's a different world," according to Ms. Faubus-Kendrick. "The center staff endeavors to keep things positive for both teachers and students."

Picture: Retired Judge Floyd Rogers and Debbie Faubus-Kendrick, Director of the Crawford County Adult Education Center after the March 31 Van Buren Rotary Club meeting. Judge Rogers completed the Introduction to Computers course offered at the center.

Some of the courses offered at the center include:

GED with individualized one-on-one instruction
TABE: Employment Testing
Computer Classes: Introduction to Computers and Microsoft Word & Excel
ESL: English as a Second Language
Individual and Personal Basic Skills Improvement
Career Readiness Certificate Program
WAGE Program: Workforce Training

Programs are offered in Van Buren, Cedarville, Mountainburg and Mulberry, other courses are offered through distance learning using computers. Of particular interest is the Workforce Alliance for Growth in the Economy (WAGE) conducted by the Arkansas Department of Workforce Education. WAGE offers a job readiness training in partnership with several state agencies, state education providers and local employers.

The Crawford County Adult Education Center is located at 605 Alma Blvd Circle (behind the Western Sizzlin), in Van Buren. The center operates from 8:00 A.M. until 8:00 P.M. Monday through Thursday and from 8:00 A.M. until 3:00 P.M. on Friday. For more information, you are invited to visit the center or phone: 479-471-0019. You may also learn more online at: http://www.vbsd.us/adulted.aspx

Dist. Gov. A.C. Moncrief recalls recent adventures in India

2010-03-21T14:00:00.003-05:00

Van Buren Rotary Club's District Governor, A.C. Moncrief, returned to visit his home club and related some of the wonderful Rotary experiences he and his wife, Doris, experienced while on a visit to India in January of this year. A.C. had the opportunity to attend a Rotary District Conference and a number of individual Rotary Clubs in India. A.C. and Doris also experienced first hand the efforts of local Rotarians working with Rotary International to eradicate polio.

A.C. explained that India is a land with priceless treasures and extreme poverty - often existing side by side. Many Indian workers "get by" on wages of only $1.00 to $1.50 per day. The district governor of the district A.C. visited in India had started and continues to support a college. Scholarships of $260 to $400 per year can pay for a student's entire tuition.

Picture: A.C. Moncrief (R) being welcomed to a local Rotary Club in India. A.C. noted that the red dot, sometimes of sandalwood paste or red lead powder, on a person's forehead may have many meanings. The mark is called a "Kumkum" when worn by monks or "Bindi", a mark of respect and sacrifice when worn by women. A more vertical mark or "Tilak," when worn by men, is often used used as a sign of welcome, respect and good fortune at a festive occasion.

A reminder about posting comments

2010-03-21T11:37:00.000-05:00

As most of you know by now, comments on this blog are welcomed, even encouraged, but moderated: first, to make sure that if anyone has a comment, question or suggestion that is relevant to the post, someone will see that comment and respond accordingly; second, to make sure a legitimate question can get an email answer if an email address is included with the comment. As a rule, we filter anonymous comments that do not specifically pertain to the blog entry and unsolicited commercial advertisements, etc. As to the anonymous compliments, they are read and appreciated - whether deserved or not...\B)

King Elementary PTA hosts 5th Annual 5K "Run with the Knights"

2010-03-19T23:37:00.001-05:00

For the last five years, the King Elementary School PTA has sponsored a 5K Run as a fund-raiser for the 4th Grade Camp program. This year, the run is scheduled for April 10th and starts at 8:30 A.M. in front of the school. On site registration will be available from 6:30 to 7:30 A.M. A brochure with all the relevant details and application form is available online.

Once again, Rotarians have been asked to help provide crossing guards at critical intersections along the route. Rotarians may volunteer to help by email to info@vbsd.us/king or phone 479-474-2661.

Sylvester Smith asks who pays for change?

2010-03-15T17:53:00.000-05:00

Like so many Rotarians, Sylvester Smith has watched the 2008-10 election cycle with a lot of interest, and he shared several of his observations with the Van Buren Rotary Club on Thursday, March 11th. He has enjoyed several unique vantage points from which to make those observations, first as a policy advisor to Gov. Mike Huckabee and serving both Gov. Huckabee and our current Gov. Mike Beebe as Director of Small and Minority Business Development at the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. From his vantage point of working to promote small and minority businesses and the impacts of major changes in health care and efforts to limit excessive carbon emissions, Mr. Smith's common concern throughout the discussion was, "Who pays?"

Mr. Smith received his MBA from Harding University and has been named one of the "40 under 40" business leaders by Arkansas Business and one of the 20 most influential African Americans by Powerplay Magazine. He currently is President of Change Agents, a lobbying and public relations firm whose client list includes the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB).

Rotarian of the Day, Stan Vlademar introduced Mr. Smith, whom he met while both men were participating in the Leadership Arkansas training program several years ago.

VBHS Interact Club raises money to eliminate polio

2010-03-08T21:19:00.000-06:00

The new Van Buren High School Interact Club's first Purple Pinkie Project raised over $300 by the end of lunch time today, March 8, 2010, with several hours remaining in the one-day special event. When children have polio immunizations overseas, one of their little fingers is dipped in purple ink to make sure they don't accidentally take a second dose of the vaccine before the permanent ink wears off. The high school students and adults donating a dollar today had their little finger painted to show they too were also fighting polio. The funds raised by the students will protect children in countries were polio is still a real threat today and help wipe out polio in their lifetime.

According to Shirley Williams, President of the Van Buren Rotary Club, the students did almost all of the planning, finding support materials and ideas on the Rotary International website, and quickly preparing a PowerPoint presentation to explain the plan to club members. Shirley added, "I was overwhelmed with their obvious enthusiasm for their newly formed club."

One of the Interact Club sponsors, Missy Hefner had a personal reason to join the fight against polio. Her father had polio as a child. Click on the purple underlined link to jump to Channel 5's news reporter, Jared Broyles, special video report on the Purple Pinkie Project and hear Missy's story in her own words.

Ten Rotarians volunteered to help during various parts of the day, but the Rotarians met the students and mostly observed as the Interact students and sponsors had things well organized and running smoothly. The VBHS Interact students are an impressive group of young people and look to be off to a grand start.

UAFS Dept of Music programs and upcoming concerts

2010-03-07T22:40:00.001-06:00

Dr. Edward White, representing the Department of Music, discussed the wide range of courses and programs leading to a Bachelor of Music Education and Bachelor of Arts in Music offered at the University of Arkansas, Fort Smith. During his March 4th presentation, Dr. White was joined by his wife, Dr. Katherine White, who also teaches voice at UAFS, singing several duets accompanied by Kristin Ditlow on the piano.

Dr. White also invited the Van Buren Rotarians, guests and members of the community to several featured performances scheduled for April:
April 5      Musical Theater Showcase (Free)
                  Reynolds Rm. UAFS Campus Ctr., 7:30 p.m.
April 8      Jazz Concert
                  FS Convention Center, 7:30 p.m.
April 13    Chorale Concert
                  FS Convention Center, 7:30 p.m.
April 16   Chad Burrow, Clarinet
                  Breedlove Auditorium, 7:30 p.m.
April 22   Symphonic Band Concert,
                  FS Convention Center, 7:30 p.m.

Noting that a number of scholarships are available to high school graduates, Dr. White added that scholarship auditions are conducted three times each year. More information about the UAFS music programs and scholarships is available at: http://www.uafortsmith.edu/music.

GSE Team and Earthquake Update

2010-03-01T17:19:00.012-06:00

TO: ROTARY DISTRICT 6110 ROTARIANS
FROM:   A. C. MONCRIEF
RE:   CHILE

At this time we have been told all of our Vision Team members are safe and continuing with their planned project. All of the visiting GSE team members are safe, but one member, Teresa Araya and her family have lost everything, their home, all possessions.

If you like to make a contribution on behalf of Teresa, or even a general contribution, which can be assigned as we receive more information,please make your check payable to:

MEDICAL SUPPLIES NETWORK
ATTN:   LARRY BIRON, DIRECTOR
1123 SOUTH ERIE
TULSA, OK 74112-5307

On the subject line write FBO Teresa Araya
Or Rotary 6110 Chile Relief

As more news develops and for detailed reports on how the funds paid to MSNI 501-c-3 on behalf of Teresa and Chile please go to our ri6110.org. website.

Thank you,

A.C.Moncrief
DG 6110 09-10

UPDATED: 3/1/08 - 5:50 P.M. - Email messages from Caroline Aedo and Teresa Araya were appended to The City Wire news story earlier today at: http://www.thecitywire.com/index.php?q=node/8545.

UPDATED: 3/5/10 - The Rotary International Weekly Update newsletter reports on RI's efforts in Chile. See: http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/100302_news_chile.aspx

News from Chilean Group Study Exchange Member

2010-02-28T19:44:00.022-06:00

The City Wire in Fort Smith has posted a report received on Saturday, Feb. 27th, from Robinson Esparza who was a member of last year's Rotary Group Study Exchange from Chile. Robinson reports he and his family are shaken but OK. Click on the blue link to read the full report: "Chilean Rotary member reports on earthquake." Please let us know if any of you Van Buren members receive any news from the other team members. They are all in our prayers.

UPDATED 3/1/10 - Last night after I completed the above note that at least Robinson Esparza and his family were OK, I received the following in an email from Club President Shirley with a few more details:

I thought you might want to hear about an article Rotarian Michael Tilley posted on The City Wire today regarding the devastating earthquake in Chile. As you recall, a Group Study Exchange team from Chile visited our club and the district last fall. Cathy Gifford was able to get in touch with Robinson Esparza, who lives in Santiago and reports that he and his family are OK. I then forwarded her correspondence to Michael who did the story. Please go to this link to read the entire article. http://www.thecitywire.com/?q=node/8545

Thank you Michael and Cathy.

...and Shirley.

Scott Duke, writing for SiliconValley.com, explains how Twitter, Facebook and the Internet became hubs for information about family members and friends immediately after the earthquake. If you're interested in learning more, check out: "Digital connections - Bay Area to Chile - remain open and vital despite quake devastation." The article also includes a slide show with pictures of some of the destruction caused by the earthquake in Chile.

Interact Club Officers installed

2010-02-25T21:17:00.012-06:00

The Van Buren High School Interact Club officers - the first officers to serve the new club - were introduced and officially installed at the February 25th meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club by the Rotary District Governor, A. C. Moncrief, District Interact Chair, Steve Lovick and Club President, Shirley Williams. The following students will serve as Interact officers this year:
    Irving Orellana, President
    Andrew Russell, Vice President
    Donna Freeman, Secretary
    Alec Justice, Treasurer and Historian

Interact is Rotary International’s service club for young people ages 14 to 18. Interact, sponsoring Rotary Clubs and local schools work together to provide additional opportunities for students to meet and make new friends, improve their community, develop leadership skills and make a difference in the world. The Van Buren Interact Club is already working on a "Purple Pinkie Project" for March 8th to help raise funds to eliminate Polio around the world.

Rotary Clubs sponsor more than 10,700 Interact Clubs in 120 countries with 250,000 members worldwide.

Happy 105th Birthday Rotarians!

2010-02-23T17:09:00.004-06:00

The first Rotary Club was founded Feb. 23, 1905 in Chicago, Ill. Present were: Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Hiram Shorey, and Silvester Schiele. At present, Rotary International has over 1.2 million members in more than 33,000 local clubs in 200 countries.

Happy Birthday to all Rotarians around the world.

Learn more:
How other clubs are celebrating Rotary's 105th birthday
Historic Moments -- Rotary's 105th anniversary

Van Buren Rotarians welcome Coach Norm DeBriyn

2010-02-23T16:31:00.001-06:00

Introduced by Clarke Moore, a former University of Arkansas football player, many friends and baseball fans welcomed Coach Norm DeBriyn to the Feb. 10th meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club. "Coach D" helped shape the education and careers of hundreds of young men and won 1161 baseball games in his 33 years as head coach. While his teams were winning three conference championships, 15 appearances in the NCAA tournaments and four appearances in the College World Series, at least 30 of his players advanced to the major leagues.

Since retiring in 2002, Coach DeBriyn has been Vice President of the Razorback Foundation, Inc. in Fayetteville. The present Razorback Foundation developed from the original Razorback Scholarship Fund started in the 1970's and continues to provide a way for Razorback fans to "support the athletic endeavors of the University of Arkansas Razorbacks." The 11,000 members of the foundation currently provide college scholarships, competitive facilities and support programs for the university's student athletes.

Coach D expects the University of Arkansas to field a good team this year. He noted that all of the boxes at Baum Stadium were already sold out.

If you would like more information about how you can participate in the Razorback Foundation, visit their website at: http://www.razorbackfoundation.net/index.htm

RYLA makes learning life's lessons fun

2010-02-17T20:04:00.000-06:00

RYLA is an abbreviation for Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, but like many acronyms, it doesn't convey what the program is about or the impact that participation can have on developing leadership skills in high school students. Click on the picture or the blue link to see a recent Rotary online newsletter article and multimedia presentation about how RYLA influenced Taylor Mathis, a high school junior from Orland Park, Illinois.

To learn even more about Rotary International's RYLA program, visit:
Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) web page.

Nurse Practitioner Jeannie Findley and the importance of staying well

2010-02-15T15:38:00.000-06:00

Jeannie Findley (left), Family Medicine Specialist and Nurse Practitioner at Cornerstone Internal Medicine in Van Buren with the Rotarian of the Day, Paula Morton, at the 2/11/10 Rotary Meeting. During her after-lunch presentation, Findley discussed her role as a nurse practitioner and the importance of annual examinations and lab tests to establish "healthy" baselines from which any later changes due to an illness can be evaluated.

And now, her side of the story...

2010-02-06T22:49:00.000-06:00

Joyce Rapier, columnist for the Press Argus-Courier, who was the featured speaker at our January 21 meeting tells what it's like to be a first-time visitor and speaker at a Rotary meeting. Her column is not on the web yet, but be sure to check out page 4 of the Feb. 6th edition of the Press Argus (on the news stands today) and read about the "Four-way test." Joyce said she loved to write. We enjoyed reading her story and certainly hope all our speakers feel similarly welcomed.

The American Red Cross - More than just emergency services

2010-02-05T17:31:00.001-06:00

Whenever we hear of a national disaster many of us automatically think about the American Red Cross which is usually already working to provide emergency relief. At the February 4th Rotary Club meeting, Susan Krafft, Director of Communications and Fund Development for the Northwest Arkansas Chapter detailed many of the other services provided by the Red Cross. For example, one of the major efforts undertaken by Red Cross chapters is training people in specific skills such as CPR, first aid and other procedures needed to cope with emergencies. The Red Cross is still America's resource for swimming and lifeguard training. The Red Cross continues to be involved in providing support for families with servicemen overseas.

You can learn more about the many programs and services offered, or how to support all of these activities through volunteering and your donations at http://www.redcrossnwa.org/.

Van Buren High School builds an Interact Club

2010-02-01T13:22:00.001-06:00

Dear Rotarians,

I wanted the membership of the Van Buren Rotary Club to know the impact they have had on Van Buren High School. The organizational charter meeting of the Van Buren High School Interact Club was held on a snowy morning Friday January 29, 2010. The absentee level at the school was high so our numbers to charter the club could increase. I have pasted below the email that I received from one of our teacher sponsors immediately following our meeting. I have also attached two pictures with some of the students and of the banner and bell that our club purchased for the club.

Yours in Rotary Service,

Shirley H. Williams

Dear Van Buren Rotary Club,

While Missy Hefner and I counted 90 (give or take), we ended up with 80 signatures, so I suspect the 90 is pretty accurate. We are continuing to gather signatures from Honor Society members who were unable to attend our meeting but want to be a part of Interact. Those signatures are not among the 80.

Our janitor J.R. has provided a hook and our banner is now permanently hanging outside Missy’s room. It should be visible from the street at night when driving west on Pointer Trail. The bell and gavel are now prominently displayed in my classroom.

I have made copies of the roster and will bring you the original. Both Missy and I have copies and there will be an official “Interact Club” file with a copy.

Mrs. Guthrie is thrilled with our numbers and is pleased that we are providing an international club membership opportunity to our students free of charge.

I hope you were able to notice the faces of our members. We crossed all racial and cultural boundaries. This club is a positive addition to Van Buren High School.

Elizabeth J. Williams
Lead Teacher, English
Van Buren High School

I'm sure every Rotarian who reads these two notes today will stand a little taller and extend their assistance and best wishes to the new Van Buren Interact Club and its new members.

District 6110 Helping Haiti

2010-01-31T14:23:00.005-06:00

I'm not sure how many area Rotarians have subscribed to the various Rotary International and District 6110 newsletters, but area Rotarians have joined the many others who are actively helping Haitians or donating money to a variety of Haitian relief projects. The RI Weekly Update has featured several first-hand stories on the disaster in Haiti:
Rotarians witness chaos in Haiti
Rotarians focus on Haiti relief

In addition, District 6110 Rotarians have launched their own relief effort through the Medical Supply Network, Inc. (MSNI) program in Tulsa. Larry Biron, Director of MSNI reports that district Rotarians have now collected close to $70,000 district wide in support of the water box initiative for Haiti. In addition to the donations from Rotarians, many of the donations are from the general public.

Starting first with a request for 50 water boxes, the order was quickly expanded to 200 water boxes which have already been shipped. The water boxes cost $150 per box. These 200 water boxes will fill 1 million 16oz bottles of safe drinking water. MSNI is also exploring the purchase of 2 portable 40' x 40' clinics and seeking donations of medical supplies.

It is NOT TOO LATE to help. Checks made payable to "MSNI-Haiti Fund" can be mailed to Medical Supplies Network, Inc., 1123 South Erie, Tulsa, OK 74112. All donations collected will be combined as a district-wide effort. MSNI is a 501c3 and letters of contribution will be sent to all donors.

The Boy Scouts celebrate 100 years of service.

2010-01-30T10:44:00.000-06:00

This year marks the 100th anniversary of the Boy Scouts of America. Over 110 million young Americans have learned to "Be Prepared" during that century of service. Telling that story, Casey Norwood, Asst. Scout Executive for the Westark Area Council in Fort Smith, received a warm reception at the January 28th Rotary Club luncheon. Many of the Rotarians in the audience were Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts in their youth. The Westark Area Council supports scouting in 17 counties and operates 3 Boy Scout camps in its region.

"Scouting is looking forward to what it can do during the next 100 years," Norwood said. "America needs the values promoted by scouting more than ever."

In other news: Stan Vlademar reported that the Van Buren Rotarians and Van Buren High School Interact students who braved the cold on December 12, 2009, helped the Salvation Army raise $2,282.32 toward assisting those in need this past Christmas, an increase over last year. Stan thanked all the Rotarians and students who participated.

Two Van Buren history lessons

2010-01-29T10:11:00.004-06:00

Joyce Rapier, author, storyteller and columnist for the Press Argus-Courier, was the featured speaker at the January 21st Rotary Club meeting. Ever since the 2nd grade and her first exposure to the Weekly Reader, Mrs. Rapier said she wanted to be an author. One of the points Mrs. Rapier discussed was the value of looking at the past to learn more about the future, "If you don't write down what you did or who you talked to, then all those experiences could be lost forever. "Look for her column in the Saturday editions of the Press Argus-Courier.

The club also preserved a bit of its own history and recognized Fines Batchelor at the end of the program. Fines had presented the club with a picture of the Rotarians present at the golden anniversary of the Van Buren Rotary Club in March, 1955. President Shirley Williams had the picture matted and framed, and displayed the final product for all present to see. The framed picture will join other treasured items on display in the club's meeting room. Pictured: Fines Batchelor, Pres. Shirley Williams, Judge Pete Rogers and Warren Blaylock remember many of the Rotarians in the 1955 club portrait.

Club earns DG's compliments for accomplishments

2010-01-20T20:26:00.057-06:00

Last month, A.C. Moncrief, Dist. 6110 Governor made his "official visit" to the Van Buren Rotary Club. Dist. Gov. A.C. was accompanied by his wife, Doris, and Area Assistant Gov. Steve Lovick. During such visits, the Dist. Gov. usually sits down with the officers and board members of each local Rotary Club and reviews the club's accomplishments and plans for the future. Dist. Gov. A.C. complimented the officers and club members for the club's membership growth and its outstanding list of accomplishments during the first six months of this Rotary year:

Regional Installation Banquet
Van Buren Rotary Club Past President, A.C. Moncrief was installed as Governor of District 6110 in Altus. Rotarians traveled from all over the district to attend. Fines Batchelor, our clubs longest serving active member, took the opportunity to present Pres. Shirley Williams and the Van Buren Club with a framed photograph of VB Rotary Club members taken in 1955.

Signature Rotary Event Meetings
The Van Buren Rotary Club is working to develop a "Signature Rotary Event" that will not just help raise funds for Rotary projects in the local community but increase participation by community members in their own community. The committee has narrowed down event ideas to three.

Warren Blaylock WWII vet honored by Congressman John
Boozman
On August 7, 2009, Congressman John Boozman presented the Army medals and decorations earned by Warren Blaylock during World War II. Like many other servicemen returning from long tours overseas, Warren was honorably discharged and returned home before the paperwork awarding the medals could catch up with him. Among those medals was a Bronze Star, awarded only for valor or meritorious service. Warren's award included both elements as he volunteered to remain with a group of medics who stayed behind with soldiers too seriously wounded to be evacuated. The hospital staff and wounded soldiers who could be moved were evacuated to keep them out of the hands of advancing German troops.

The story had a happy ending. The next day reinforcements arrived in a last minute effort to move the wounded. Warren's volunteers and the wounded soldiers were all evacuated without the loss of a single soldier.

Warren’s family was in attendance to watch while the medals were pinned on Warren's jacket.

From Left: Donna Blaylock, Darrell Blaylock, Lucinda Blaylock, Heather Lewis w/ great grandson Logan, Warren Blaylock, Rep. John Boozman, Shirley Williams-VBRC Pres., LTC Steve Gray. Jerred Lewis, Warren's grandson was in Iraq.

You can read the whole story at:
http://www.kfsm.com/news/kfsm-news-veteran-receives-late-medals,0,922575.story

First Lady Ginger Beebe Visits VB Rotary Club
Ginger Beebe, wife of Gov. Beebe, visited the Van Buren Rotary Club on August 6, 2009 promoting her “Together We Read” statewide program. Nine Rotarians volunteered and participated by reading to VB second graders on Sept 11. Van Buren Rotary Club and the Alma Rotary Club also support the schools' reading program by purchasing a dictionary for every third-grader each year.

October Group Study Exchange Team Visit
Cathy Gifford coordinated the Group Study Exchange and the team from Chile claimed Van Buren their favorite place to visit. The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who have an opportunity to learn about the host country. The VB Rotary Club pulled together to provided an excellent experience for the team.

Members of the GSE Team visiting Lake Fort Smith State Park with Brad Hyman, Assistant Park Superintendent.

Regional Rotary Social Event
The Rotary Clubs in the Fort Smith area jointly sponsored an informal get-together to allow Rotarians to meet members of other clubs. Stan Vlademar coordinated the event and Kevin Bell led the cooks that provided the hamburgers and brats for the assembled members, wives and guests.

A. C. and Shirley noted that the coordination of the event would be rotated among the various clubs in the Fort Smith area. Great event and Ft. Smith Downtown club has agreed to coordinate for next year.

Annual Hog Auction
The Annual Hog Auction raised $2,400 for the Van Buren Rotary Scholarship Fund awarded to help deserving Crawford County seniors attend college each year. Best auction (and most funds raised at a single hog auction) in memory. Warren Blaylock once again volunteered - this time as auctioneer.

Van Buren High School Interact Club
The Van Buren Rotary Club Interact Committee held initial meetings with the Van Buren High School principal and teacher sponsors. The plans include officially chartering the local Interact Club before the end of the year.

Rotarians and potential Interact Members Ring Bells for Salvation Army
On December 12, 2009, Van Buren Rotarians and potential members of the Van Buren High School Interact Club joined together to ring the bells for the Salvation Army in the Van Buren area. Additional Rotarians manned the bright red fund raising kettles in Alma.

That's a substantial list of accomplishments for just the first half of the Rotary year from July through December. A.C. encouraged all the Rotarians to continue their support for the Paul Harris Foundation programs fighting to eliminate polio's debilitating effects all over the world.

Rotary still has more projects in the planning stage and will continue to seek more members to help make Van Buren a better and more prosperous community. At this rate, 2009-2010 will be another outstanding year. Like A.C. said, "Keep up the good works."

Group Study Exchange schedule announced

2009-09-28T11:15:00.005-05:00

Cathy Gifford, who has spearheaded the group of Van Buren Rotarians working to promote the Van Buren portion of the Group Study Exchange from Chile, announced the final schedule of events this morning, September 28th. Rotarians also received a copy of the schedule by email. Rotarians: be sure to contact Cathy at 459-3351 if you can help or attend one or more of the special events on the schedule.

The Group Study Exchange (GSE) program is a unique cultural and vocational exchange opportunity for businesspeople and professionals between the ages of 25 and 40 who are in the early stages of their careers. For four to six weeks, team members visit a number of host clubs and observe how their vocations are practiced abroad. Team members and Rotarians in the host clubs also develop personal and professional relationships, and experience the host country's culture and institutions.

The Van Buren Rotary Club also wants to extend a special thanks to all the host families and businesses who have sponsored visits to share information about their firms and professional practices, and all the Rotarians in the area who have volunteered to help with the event.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Tuesday 9/29 -
9:00 a.m. Pick-up guests at airport, transport to Holiday Inn Express for a day of rest; Rotarians Jim Spears and Cathy Gifford

Wednesday 9/30 -
10:00 a.m. Jim will pick-up GSE team take to make presentation to Downtown FS Rotary
1:00 p.m. Tour of Historical Sites in Fort Smith Thurman Ragar will assist Jim
5:00 p.m. Welcoming Reception for Guests, Host Families, Rotarians at Sisters Bistro

Thursday, 10/1 -
9:30 a.m. Tour Lake Fort Smith State Park Meet at VB Police Training Center For Host families and GSE Team
Noon: GSE team makes presentation to Van Buren Rotary Club
1:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Professional Visits
Ricardo visits with David Ford, Hubbs Animal Clinic
Carolina, visits WAGCC, Warren Blaylock
Robinson, visits with Kenneth Fry, Press Argus Courier, East Lab
Veronica , visits Rusty Myers and Staff, WAPDD
Teresa, Tom Watkins, VB School District, Fine Arts,

Friday, 10/2 -
9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Professional Visits
Ricardo, MarrLynn Trucking, County Extension Office
Carolina, Center for Arts and Education
Robinson, Michael Tilley, Williams/Crawford
Teresa, UAFS Takeo Suzuki
Veronica, Van Buren Chamber, County Judge Hall, Mayor Freeman
6:00 p.m. Tailgate party at Blakemore Field Attend Pointer football game

Saturday, 10/3 -
10:00 a.m. Visit Historical Van Buren Main Street
11:00 a.m. Train Ride to Winslow
2:00 p.m. Free Time
7:00 p.m. Toxic Audio, Acapella Singing Sensation,Van Buren Fine Arts Center

"Sensational entertainment... Something for everyone!"

2009-09-02T21:40:00.022-05:00

Tom Watkins, Director of the Van Buren School District's Fine Arts Center, provided a preview of the Fine Arts Center's 2009-2010 Entertainment Season at the August 27th meeting of the Van Buren Rotary Club. The schedule provides an outstanding set of professional events as well as three theater productions and four concerts showcasing the students of Van Buren High School. Watkins reminded those present that the programs not only promote cultural and entertainment opportunities for the community, the Fine Arts Center programs include components that promote arts education for Van Buren school students.

Season highlights include:

September 26, 2009 7:00 p.m. - Groovelily Concert Musical "Sleeping Beauty Wakes"
October 3, 2009 7:00 p.m. - Toxic Audio
November 14, 2009 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.- Bits N Pieces Puppet Theater "Alice in Wonderland"
November 19-22, 2009 VBHS Music and Theater Cole Porter's "Anything Goes"
November 19 7:00 p.m.
November 21 7:00 p.m.
November 22 2:00 p.m.
December 11-12 2009 7:00 p.m. - VBHS Choir Dinner Concert "Ye Olde Madrigal Feaste 2009," Tickets: $15.00
December 15, 2009 7:00 p.m. - VBHS Band Free Community Christmas Concert
February 27, 2010 7:00 p.m. - Larry Dalton in Concert
March 13, 2010 7:00 p.m. - The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra
March 19, 2010 7:00 p.m. - "Route 66" (new hit musical comedy review)
April 10, 2010 7:00 p.m. - The Harlem Gospel Choir

For more information about the schedule including artist's web pages and video previews visit: http://www.vbsd.us/fac/Showdetail.aspx

Both season tickets and tickets for individual shows are available online at:
https://secure.ticketsage.net/EventsPage.aspx

Season tickets may also be purchased by calling the box office at 479-471-4017.

Van Buren Rotary's newest Rotarian

2009-08-22T21:43:00.006-05:00

Photo: Shirley Williams pins a Rotary member badge on Kevin Holmes, the newest member of the Van Buren Rotary Club. Kevin is an attorney at the firm of Hopkins & Holmes.

Comprehensive Juvenile Services covers six Western Arkansas Counties

2009-08-22T20:48:00.012-05:00

Support services for troubled children as young as 10, teenagers and young adults and their families were the topic at the August 20th program at the Van Buren Rotary Club. John Furness, Director of Comprehensive Juvenile Services, Inc. and Janice Justice, the organization's Assistant Director, discussed the types of help available within the Western Arkansas area covered by CJS.

Established in 1976, over 10,000 children and families have received assistance for problems such as runaways, family difficulties, abuse, delinquency and truancy. CJS operates an emergency shelter, provides mental health services, parenting classes, and a variety of other state contracted services. CJS counties include: Crawford, Logan, Montgomery, Polk, Scott and Sebastian.

More information about the CJS program is available at: http://cjservices.org/content/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=104

Flashback - The District 6110 Installation Dinner in Altus - 6/30/09

2009-08-18T12:09:00.022-05:00

As you might expect with one of our own club Past Presidents, A.C. Moncrief, being installed as the new District Governor, Van Buren, Alma and Fort Smith were well represented at the District Installation Dinner on June 30, 2009 in Altus. Actually, Rotarians came from Missouri, Kansas and Oklahoma and all over the district. Thanks to all the folks in Altus and to the Ozark Rotary Club who hosted the event.Thanks also to the Alma Rotary Club who arranged for an air-conditioned bus and Rotarians from all three neighboring communities enjoyed the fun and fellowship on the ride to Altus and the return trip.

The first stop was the Post Familie Vineyards and Winery at the bottom of St. Mary's Mountain. Several guided tours of the winery were conducted and members and guests had the opportunity to taste and purchase the fine Arkansas wines available in the gift shop.

The Installation Dinner was held in Lawrence Hall located on the grounds of historic St. Mary's Catholic Church on the mountain above the winery. The dining area has large windows showing a panoramic view of the Arkansas river valley which is spectacular at sunset. 2008-09 Dist. Gov. Ron Petersen first installed A.C. as the new District Governor for 2009-10, and A.C. installed all the individual Club Presidents who were present. Among those installed were Shirley Williams, President of the Van Buren Rotary Club and James McGhee , President of the Alma Rotary Club.

Shirley also introduced three proposed Van Buren Rotarians who had attended the dinner: Tifanie Weeden, Denise Hill and Travis Hill. All three were inducted into the Van Buren Rotary Club on July 1st, 2009.

The slide show below will give you a brief "taste" of all the fun that everyone had at the Installation Dinner in Altus.

HINT: You can move your mouse over the slide show to access the controls. You can click on the pause button (between the two arrows) and then use the arrows to advance the slide show manually. You can also click on the Picasa icon in the lower right corner and follow the link to the actual Picasa Web Album where you can download or print individual pictures.

CASA helps Crawford County Children

2009-08-14T12:55:00.005-05:00

Debra Rieske, Program Director for the Court Appointed Special Advocates for Children (CASA) of Crawford County was the guest speaker at the August 13th Rotary Luncheon. CASA volunteers are trained to monitor the care of abused and neglected children in the custody of the state. In an underfunded and over-burdened child welfare system, CASA volunteers help make sure abused and neglected children have a voice in court. For more information about how you can volunteer or support the important work of CASA of Crawford County contact: Debra Rieske at 479-474-8502.

Catching up with June and July...

2009-08-10T22:31:00.010-05:00

It may take a while to catch up with all the changes and events that occurred in June and July. In June, the Van Buren Rotary Club Board of Directors took steps to convert our club's member records to the new district-wide data system. The district's goal was making record keeping much easier for clubs and improving communications with all our members. Part of the package includes a new "permanent" web page for the club that we'll be working on through the Fall. I'll be sure to have links from this web log or "blog" so that everyone can see what's happening within the club. You can already see the link to the District and Club data base (DaCdb - usually pronounced Dak-dee-bee).so that committee chairs and members can share information with their committees. Members can even use the new DaCdb system to update their own member information as it changes with a new phone number or email address.

In the meantime, I'll post pictures from the district installation banquet in Altus and several special programs that occurred while I was concentrating on the conversion process. While all of us are catching up, officers and committee chairs can still send me an email and we'll pass along the announcements and post committee meeting dates in the calendar section.

On a personal note, thanks for all the prayers and encouragement while I've been recovering from a few complications from what started off as minor surgery. I'm doing fine now and getting a little stronger with each day, but it feels even better to get back to work. See you at Rotary!

BR549 - Chief Blogger

Thanks to Everyone who helped with the Rotary Golf Tournament

2009-05-13T13:49:00.046-05:00

Drew Deffenbaugh, the Van Buren Rotary Club President is on the record, “The Rotary Club would like to extend its deepest appreciation to all who were involved in the 2009 Golf Tournament at Eagle Crest Country Club. The money we raised will go towards awarding scholarships to local students and it would not have been possible without your involvement. Thanks again and we look forward to the next one.”

"We all had a good time. it was another successful event. The rain held off. I was to thank Brent Peters, Nathan Hurst, Shirley Williams, Bernie Manard, Nancy Smith, I sure there's more, but these people went above and beyond." added Bob England, who with Bernie Manard and other Rotarians, has led led the golf tournament project for several years.

Drew and Bob are both right. All of our contributing sponsors, individual and corporate hole sponsors, Eagle Crest, the host club, every Rotarian and every community member who made a phone call or recruited a team or wrote a check for the event will have helped the Van Buren Rotary toward its community service goals.

You'll notice the sponsor signs were wearing clear plastic "raincoats" and located near the clubhouse to protect them in the event of a heavy rain. You can click on any of the pictures for larger images. Check out the list of sponsors and contributors below. If you get a chance, be sure to thank them in person for their helping us make Van Buren and Crawford County a very special place to work and live.

And what was the final tally for the event? Checks are still arriving in the mail and expenses are being paid. We'll do an update later when we have the final tally. Suffice it to say, it's more money than we had when we started planning this year's event. Thanks to all who helped.

09 Van Buren Rotary Club Golf Tournament Sponsors and Contributors:

Arkansas Oklahoma Gas Corp.
Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative
Arvest Bank
Back in Action Chiropractic
BancorpSouth
Bank of the Ozarks
Belle Point Beverages Inc
Best Western
Big Jakes
Bob Miller Insurance
Chuck Fawcett Realty
Citizens Bank & Trust
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Fort Smith
Cornerstone Medical, Internal Medicine - Dr. Henry Edwards
Crawford Health Care and Rehabilitation Center
Eagle Crest
Farm Bureau - Cathy Gifford & Justin Lovett
First Community Bank of Crawford County
Hawkins-Weir Engineers

Hubbs Animal Clinic
Hubbs Lyon and Co
Jim Wynn
Liberty Bank
Lumber One
Pete Rogers
Rhodes Chrevrolet
Richard & Earlene Boone
Rick Franzmeier, D.D.S.
Shaw Dawgz Discount Golf
Simmons First National Bank
SPMI
Steve Hoz
Summit Medical Center
Tate's Flowers and Gift Shop
Tri Hill Pest Control
Warren Blaylock
William C. LaRue-CPA
Williams/Crawford & Associates

Airport Security in Arkansas: Staying Safe

2009-05-13T11:57:00.014-05:00

Larry Lundeen and Bill Smiley who work with the Transportation Security Administration, briefed the Van Buren Rotary Club on the current status of airport security on May 7th. Larry explained that the TSA's role covers all modes of transportation: air, ground and sea, however their security role has evolved as threats have evolved. He also noted that there are 20 layers of security that must be cleared before a passenger gets on a plane.

Bill Smiley (pictured) brought a display of prohibited items that are not allowed through security inspections and distributed guidelines that can help passengers get through the security check point at airports faster.

For helpful information on how to pack and help you speed your way through airport security see:
Getting through the line faster: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/screening_experience.shtm
Prohibited items: http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm

Stan Vlademar introduced the program as Rotarian of the Day.

District Assembly sets participation records and honors local Rotarians

2009-05-12T19:38:00.011-05:00

The 2009 District 6110 Assembly in Rogers set a new record with over 300 members registered for the May 2, 2009 training sessions in Rogers. The annual district assembly provides training for incoming club officers and committee chairs. The goal is to explain new programs and update club officials on any changes in existing procedures.

This year District 6110 introduced an online member-oriented application intended to increase communications and improve services for individual club members. When fully implemented, upwardly mobile Rotarians can easily update their own contact information, check the club's calendar, and even register for special conferences and events with a few clicks of their computer. Working committees and their committee chairs can quickly share information about community service projects. Communications between clubs, districts and Rotary International are likewise enhanced.

Two Van Buren Rotarians were recognized at the event. Fines Bachelor, was honored as a 50-year member of Rotary. Fines joined the Van Buren Rotary Club in 1952. Eck Rowland was also recognized during the luncheon introductions, as an outstanding Rotarian (and former Arkansas Razorback football veteran) who serves as a role model for his friendliness and willing service.

Also attending the District Assembly training were Shirley Williams, President-Elect; Clarke Moore, President-Elect nominee; Harry Tommy, incoming Secretary, and B. R. Black, outgoing secretary.

Relay for LIfe on June 12th

2009-05-12T19:07:00.007-05:00

Kayci Haberer, Community Representative for the American Cancer Society, spoke to the Van Buren Rotary Club on April 30th. Kayci provided an overview of local services and noted that the American Cancer Society's local Relay for Life was scheduled for the Van Buren High School Track on June 12, 2009. The relay provides an opportunity for everyone in the community to participate in the fight against cancer. You can learn more about the event, sign up, donate, or volunteer at: http://www.relayforlife.org/crawford
Rotarian Dennis Motes arranged for the program as Rotarian of the Day.

Rotary Invitational at Eagle Crest on May 8th

2009-04-28T19:49:00.017-05:00

The 15th Annual Van Buren Rotary Invitational Golf Tournament has been scheduled for May 8, 2009 at the beautiful Eagle Crest course east of Alma. Cash prizes include $600.00 for 1st place and $400.00 for 2nd place. Once again, the Hole-In-One Grand Prize is a 2009 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. Other hole-in-one prizes on selected par 3 holes. The event begins with lunch starting at 11:45 A.M. and tee time is at 1:00 P.M. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Van Buren Rotary scholarships as well as local community projects.

Click on this blue link to download a PDF copy of the 2009 golf tournament flyer and entry form.

While the editor was away...

2009-04-28T14:32:00.009-05:00

While the "web-editor" was out of town, the Van Buren Rotary Club continued with excellent programs. On April 2, 2009, Cindy Long and Jennifer Goodson presented a program on the Fort Smith Library. On April 9th, the club learned about the Group Study Exchange Program and that District 6110 will be hosting a group from Chile this year. Cathy Gifford and Shirley Williams will serve as local team members for the exchange program. Then Tom Watkins, Director of the Van Buren Fine Arts Center, brought his bagpipes to the Rotary meeting on April 16th. Tom discussed the colorful history and traditions that eventually led to their use in the Highlands regiments formed by the British Empire.

Thanks to the speakers and the Rotarians who arranged for the interesting programs.

Pictures from RYLA

2009-03-31T08:44:00.005-05:00

Steve Reid has posted several pictures from the 2009 RYLA Session, March 26-39. The Rotary Youth Leadership Award program in District 6110 provides intensive leadership training for 11th grade students at the Salvation Army’s “Heart O’ the Hills” facility located outside Tahlequah, Oklahoma.

In addition to leadership classes and making new friends with outstanding students from other high schools in the area, RYLA uses a ropes course to build self-confidence and reinforce the leadership skills and teamwork covered in the classroom.

Ross Hellilker, who participated in the RYLA camp this year, will be the club's special guest at the May 21st meeting.

To check out the pictures and learn more about RYLA -
RYLA Pictures: http://www.ri6110.org/news/09/03/26/RYLA_Fri2009/index.html
RI RYLA Brochure (PDF): http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/636en.pdf

Photo: Steve Reid, District 6110

Univ. of Arkansas Fort Smith showcases the arts and local talent

2009-03-26T22:45:00.007-05:00

The Van Buren Rotary Club had two special guests at the March 26th meeting. First, Stacey Jones, Vice Chancellor for Campus and Community Events at the University of Arkansas Fort Smith reminded all present of the special presentation of the Birdhouse Factory at the Fort Smith Performing Arts Center on the Fort Smith Campus on April 1, 2009. Imagine bringing together an international cast of actors, acrobats, machines and laughter in the tradition of Rube Goldberg and Charlie Chaplin's Modern Times and then putting it all on the stage. For more information about the show (and a quick preview) visit: http://www.birdhousefactoryshow.com/ and then call 479-788-7300 for tickets.

Jones then introduced the new Miss University of Arkansas Fort Smith, Lindsey Lochmiller. Lindsey will be competing for the Miss Arkansas title and hopes to represent the State of Arkansas in the next Miss America contest. Lindsey ended her portion of the program singing two selections from her repertoire which includes both contemporary music and opera. By the end of her performance, all the Rotarians present were impressed by Lindsey's musical accomplishments and that Fort Smith and Arkansas would certainly be well represented in the state and national competitions.

Snapshots from MAPETS - 2009

2009-03-21T19:45:00.009-05:00

It's always more fun if you're there, but the comments around the coffee urn or at the banquet were that this was the best PETS the participants had seen yet.

The luncheon speaker was a special guest, John Kenny, Rotary International President for 2009-10 who will be installed this summer in Birmingham, England at the Rotary International Convention. Kenny's theme for the next year is "The Future of Rotary Is in Your Hands." He admonished every Rotarian that we all are responsible to see Rotary's Polio project through until the end - when new infections of Polio are completely eliminated. Close is not good enough! Our reputation is on the line.

Larger versions of the images may be downloaded from: http://picasaweb.google.com/brt.black/MAPETSFortSmith?feat=directlink

Van Buren Housing Authority promotes gardening with "Dig-N-It"

2009-03-19T16:05:00.007-05:00

This summer the Van Buren Housing Authority plans to continue its gardening program for children. Since Dig-N-It was started in 1999, over 480 have enjoyed being outdoors and participating in the learning activities the program provides. Those children who participate in Dig-N-It all get to divide up their weekly harvests to take home and share with their family. This year, the children decided that they want to plant an extra garden plot that will be dedicated for the housing authority's food pantry.

During the March 19th meeting, Shirley Williams, the Van Buren Rotary Club's President-Elect, explained how Dig-N-It worked and could help build a life-long interest in gardening. She also pointed out several ways that Rotarians could help.

The housing authority is looking for donations of plants (tomatoes, cucumber, pepper, etc.) children sized gardening tools and gardening gloves. Tax-deductible monetary donations from community members and organizations would also help fill in the gaps and purchase other needed supplies to help the children get the gardens started. Community members with gardening experience are also welcomed to share their knowledge and experience. If you can help, call Tammie Locklear, Garden Coordinator at 479-471-0438.

For more information visit: http://www.vbha.org/DigNit.asp
Photo: Van Buren Housing Authority

Alzheimer's Disease: help available in Western Arkansas

2009-03-18T22:01:00.012-05:00

Beth Deramus, representing the Alzheimer's Association's Western Arkansas Regional Center, updated the Van Buren Rotary Club on the current trends in Alzheimer's research, treatment and support for family members and care givers at the March 12th luncheon. Alzheimer's disease symptoms vary widely but the disease can cause problems with memory, thinking and behavior that are not a normal part of aging. Crawford County residents are fortunate to have a regional center located in Fort Smith where information and support groups are available.

Beth emphasized that a 24-hour help line is available at 1-800-272-3900 where trained staff members can help with information, decision-making support and crisis assistance. Confidential referrals to local community programs and services are also available.

Additional information is available on the web:
National Alzheimer's Association website: http://www.alz.org/index.asp
Alzheimer's Assoc. Oklahoma and Arkansas Chapter: http://www.alz.org/alzokar/index.asp

Rotarians helping with King School 5K Run

2009-03-18T21:29:00.012-05:00

Kelly Turner from the King School PTA greeted Van Buren Rotarians at the March 12th meeting with a course map and an community service opportunity to work as road crossing guards for King School's 4th Annual 5K Run on Saturday, April 4, 2009. If you've ever worked as a 5K run crossing guard with Eck Rowland and his Razorback noise maker, you know this can be a fun way to help your community. If you're available April 4th, and missed your chance to volunteer, send an email to Kelly at: kellyturner@cox.net to get on the list and then find your cow bell or whistle to urge all the runners and walkers who participate in the event.

If you're a runner, jogger or walker, on-site registration begins at 6:30 A.M. on the day of the event. Race begins at 8:30. The first 300 entrants will receive a 5K run T-shirt. Entry fees: Adults-$15 if pre-registered by March 30th, $20 after and day of the race, $10 for students 18 and under, and students 8 and younger run for fun. For more information, call 479-806-7440 or 479-883-2949.

Waiva Strain recognized for over 30 years of service

2009-03-11T22:12:00.007-05:00

Mrs. Waiva E. Strain, was recognized at the March 5, 2008 luncheon for having served as the Rotary Club's pianist for over 30 years and contributing to the fun and enjoyment shared at each meeting. In honor of the occasion, Drew Deffenbaugh presented Mrs. Strain with a new Rotary Club songbook to a rousing ovation of appreciation from the club members.

Denise Hill, of Hill Vision Center in Van Buren was the program speaker and discussed several of the health factors that can influence a person's vision. Hill recommends an annual eye exam to check for such conditions as glaucoma and cataracts.

UAMS Rockefeller Cancer Institute making progress against cancer.

2009-02-27T14:25:00.005-06:00

Gloria C. Redman, brought several pieces of "good news" regarding progress in cancer treatment to the Thursday, February 26 Rotary Club meeting. Redman, who is the Community Affairs Coordinator for the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute Foundation, noted that while breast cancer is the number one type of cancer in women, researchers at the Rockefeller Cancer Institute are testing a new vaccine intended to prevent the recurrence of breast cancer and are currently in the second stage of clinical trials. She added that over 20 counties in Arkansas lack the medical equipment necessary for local doctors to perform mammograms. The center purchased a mobile mammogram unit for use in remote rural communities to promote state efforts toward early detection and saving lives.

Prostate cancer is the second leading type of cancer in men. The Rockefeller Institute was the first of three cancer centers in Arkansas using robot technology to assist in the treatment of prostate cancer. The new robotic procedure is less invasive, offers faster recovery and with fewer complications than older types of prostate surgery. Redman added that while affiliated with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, the primary focus of the Rockefeller Cancer Institute is to take care of patients.

To learn more about UAMS visit: http://www.uams.edu/chancellor/about.asp

Rotarian of the Day, Justin Lovett, arranged for and introduced the program.

New Pavilion signs recognize earlier Van Buren Rotarians

2009-02-27T14:12:00.006-06:00

The Van Buren City Parks Department has completed a portion of the cleanup and repairs after storms damaged trees and facilities at the city park. Part of the cleanup and repairs included the Rotary Club pavilion along the lake. The picnic pavilion was constructed by Van Buren Rotarians in 1982 and the new metal signs replace the weathered wooden signs installed when the pavilion was dedicated 27 years ago. Our thanks to the Van Buren Parks Department for their hard work restoring the pavilion and nearby playground area for the community.

Rev. Wes Hilliard tells a chaplain's story of Iraq

2009-02-23T13:04:00.006-06:00

There are all sorts of heroes, especially in wartime. The Van Buren Rotary Club was honored on February 19th to have as its guest speaker, Chaplain Wes Hilliard, Lt. Colonel, Arkansas Army National Guard, who recently returned from his second tour of duty, this time in southern Iraq. Using pictures taken while overseas and a mixture of humor and straight-from-the-shoulder stories, Hilliard conveyed not only a few of his own experiences in Iraq, but the vitally important ministry carried on by all military chaplains at home and abroad. Hilliard also serves as the lead pastor at Heritage United Methodist Church in Van Buren. Welcome home.

Paula Morton Rotarian of the Day, arranged for the program and introduced Rev. Hilliard.

RI President-elect John Kenny's keynote at PETS only a month away

2009-02-20T14:53:00.012-06:00

Members have less than a month to purchase tickets for themselves and their guests to hear Rotary International President-elect, John Kenny, address the PETS Luncheon at the regional training session in Fort Smith. Kenny will become President of Rotary International at the International Convention in Birmingham, England in June. The Luncheon is scheduled for Saturday, March 21st at 12:00 noon in the Holiday Inn, City Center, Fort Smith. Tickets are available from most club secretaries for $20.00 per person.

For more information about President-elect Kenny see: http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/kenny_bio.pdf

Rotary Clubs distribute dictionaries to 3rd-graders

2009-02-18T10:18:00.008-06:00

By Brett Peters, Dictionary Project Chair

The Van Buren Rotary Club distributed dictionaries to 3rd grade students at Cedarville, Mountainburg, Mulberry, and Van Buren this year. The Alma Rotary Club partnered with us this year to distribute dictionaries in Alma. The county wide project costs approximately $1,800 per year, and half of the annual cost is donated by Citizens Bank & Trust Company. A donation from Clovis and Pat Satterfield to the Alma Rotary Club helped cover the cost of the dictionaries for the Alma 3rd-graders.

This is the fifth year for the project by the Van Buren Rotary Club, and since its beginning, our club have distributed approximately 4,000 dictionaries to Crawford County Schools. Thanks to all the schools and teachers who participated in the project and the Rotarians who helped distribute the dictionaries in all the 3rd grade classrooms.

Updated: For more information about the District 6110 Literacy Project see: http://www.rotaryliteracy.com/
Pictures of the Mountainburg Elementary dictionary distribution are on the Mountainburg Dragons web page: http://www.mountainburg.org/
Short Video from the dictionary distribution at Alma Elementary School: http://almarotary.blogspot.com/2008/12/dictionary-distribution_26.html

"Thoroughly Modern Millie" previews at Rotary to rave reviews!

2009-02-14T16:23:00.016-06:00

Millie Dillmount (Brittany Redding) and Miss Dorothy Brown (Deidre Fears) came into Feb 12th Rotary meeting like the roaring 20's, and in costume, to present a preview of "Thoroughly Modern Millie," a musical production by the Van Buren High School Theater and Music Departments. Introduced by Tom Watkins, Van Buren School District Fine Arts Center Director, Redding and Fears provided a spirited rendition of one of the many songs from the Broadway musical which was greeted with smiles and applause from the Rotary audience. Watkins added that the entire cast and crew have been working hard at rehearsals in anticipation of the February 27 opening.

"If the rest of the performance is as good as the sample, it will be a delightful evening," offered one Rotarian after the meeting.

Performances will be on February 27 and 28 at 7:00 P.M. and on March 1 at 2:00 P.M. Tickets are $6.00 and may be purchased online at www.centerforfinearts.org or by calling 471-4017 between 9:00 and 11:00 A.M. Tickets will also be available at the door.

Invitation to Beginner's Bonsai Class

2009-02-13T13:27:00.006-06:00

From: Sue Moore, Rotarian of the Day, Jan. 15, 2009

Received letter from the American Bonsai Nursery. "Thank you for inviting us to the Rotary Club" We certainly appreciate the Rotary members' attention during our presentation. We wish to invite everyone to visit with us at our nursery anytime, and even our beginner's class on February 21."

AC Moncrief won the "adoption" rights of a Barbados cherry bonsai. Several think he will need the beginner's class!

For more information on bonsai see: http://www.american-bonsai.com/

Alma Rotary Club investing in their community

2009-02-12T16:11:00.009-06:00

Congratulations to all the members of the Alma Rotary Club, who broke ground on January 14, 2009 on the Alma Rotary Community Center. The club is one of the newest clubs in District 6110 receiving their charter on June 30, 2008. Working in partnership with Alma's city government the Alma Rotarians hope to have completed the new facility during 2009.

Click on the picture for a larger view. You can see more pictures from the ground breaking ceremony at; http://www.almarotary.blogspot.com/

DG Ron Petersen announces release on matching foundation points!!!

2009-02-10T20:00:00.006-06:00

In District Governor Ron Petersen's November Blog, he called on all Rotarians in District 6110 to support the Rotary Foundation.

Consider giving just $25 a quarter over the course of every year through electronic funds transfer (EFT). Your giving will insure that future projects will not go undone. Thanks primarily to PDG Gerald Harp's continuing generosity, we still have matching Foundation credits available for Rotarians who sign up for EFT. Want more information? Go to www.ri6110.org where you can download the form to make your gift today, then lead the way as an example and be proud to stand up and challenge every member of your club to do the same.

A very generous PDG Gerald Harp provided $50,000.00 in matching foundation points for new EFT signups during the 2008-09 Rotary year. According to DG Petersen, "We find that we have a balance of nearly $31,000 in Gerald's foundation points remaining in the account, and Gerald has agreed to allow us to use these points to provide a match for Paul Harris Fellowships until the balance is used up within this Rotary year." [Emphasis added.]

The district will continue to match new EFT signups through the end of June until the balance is used up. This means that new EFT sign-ups received before June 30 will be matched. Your EFT donation program will remain in place until you notify RI that you no longer wish to participate.

The district has just four months to implement this program; so if you want to take advantage of Gerald's generous offer, please do not delay. This offer continues on a first come first serve basis until points are depleted.

The applications must be sent to Terri Pollmiller, Dist. 6110 Administrator, to qualify for the matching points. Contact your club secretary for assistance in obtaining the forms and making sure the paperwork is processed so that you get full Paul Harris Foundation and district credit for participation in the program.

UPDATE: 4/16/09 Club Presidents have been advised that matching points for this year's Rotary Foundation giving program have been depleted. Thanks to all who participated.

For more information see: Annual Program Funds (Every Rotarian Every Year)

Dennis Gilstrap provides Emergency Management Update

2009-02-07T14:26:00.011-06:00

Thanks to Dennis Gilstrap, for an update on the recent activities of the Crawford County Emergency Management Department at the February 5, 2009 meeting. All levels of federal, state and local disaster assistance have been active as many communities in NW Arkansas endured one of the worst ice storms in living memory. Dennis stressed the importance of each family having their own emergency plans and preparing a 3-day supply kit with basic necessities. Businesses also need to make emergency plans to "stay in business" following severe weather. If you missed the emergency preparedness web address Dennis mentioned, checklists and help with family and business emergency planning can be found at: www.ready.gov

Photo: Arkansas State Parks E-Newsletter Click on the blue link to view the newsletter and more info about Arkansas' State Parks.

Gates Foundation donates $255 million to help Rotary fight polio

2009-02-01T13:57:00.009-06:00

From Rotary International News, 29 January 2009
Rotary Photo/Monika Lozinska-Lee

Last week during the 2009 International Assembly, Bill Gates announced a new US$255 million challenge grant to Rotary in the global effort to eradicate polio. In response to the new grant, Rotary will raise $100 million in matching funds. In November 2007, RI received a $100 million Gates Foundation grant, which Rotary committed to match by raising $100 million.

"...Rotary International and other donors are doing a great job so far coming up with the extra resources that are needed (for polio eradication)," Gates states in the letter. "Just this month I went to a Rotary meeting and helped announce more than $600 million in new money from various sources that will go toward eradicating polio."

Update: View a short video of Bill Gates' remarks to the RI Assembly : http://www.6110times.org/news/09/02/03/gates/gatesvideo.html

For more information, see: http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/090129_news_gatesletter.aspx

Two Million Rotarians in Ten Years

2009-01-31T11:33:00.005-06:00

"Rotary International expects to have over two million members within 10 years," according to A.C. Moncrief, District 6110 Governor-Elect. reporting on the recent 2009 International Assembly in San Diego, CA. Moncrief, who was the President of the Van Buren Rotary Club in 1997-98, was the speaker at the club's January 29th noon meeting.

Sharing the enthusiasm for Rotary generated by bringing together next year's District Governors from around the world, A.C. recounted several examples of how Rotarians "are part of something special, working with friends and making new friends."

A.C. also announced the Rotary International theme for 2009-10, "The Future of Rotary is in Your Hands."

Hello Everyone

2009-01-30T12:19:00.008-06:00

Welcome to the Van Buren Rotary Club blog!

The primary goal of this blog is to share club announcements, reminders, news and even an occasional picture or video with club members and other Rotarians in the area, but if you are a casual visitor to our blog, feel free to explore some of the links to Rotary International and Rotary District 6110 websites and newsletters. Rotary International and its 1.2 million members are dedicated to continuing their record of service to their community and to the world. We welcome your interest and thank you for your support for our service projects. (Learn more about Rotary.)

Remember that a blog is an interactive website and designed to share information among its readers. That means you can leave a comment or ask a question about any of the individual blog posts. The comments are being "moderated" initially so that a member of the team of Van Buren Rotarians will be sure to see your post and respond to your comment or inquiry. Leave an email address if you want an individual email reply.

Rotarians believe that we can do more for our communities by working together than by working alone. We hope you'll come back and visit often.

Tis The Season

2008-12-10T17:17:00.000-06:00