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Posts tagged as “Highlands Rotary”

Rotary awards $32,000 in scholarships

May 23, 2019
Scholarship Recipients proudly pose after Monday night’s Scholarship Banquet. Also pictured is the keynote speaker, Justice of the Peace Lucia Bates. 17 of the18 recipients were present at the ceremonies at the San Jacinto Community Center, with the others either away at college, or receiving other awards the same night. The total amount of the scholarships awarded was $32,000. Students were from local high schools, with six already at college.

HIGHLANDS – Monday night was the Rotary Club Annual Scholarship Banquet, held at the San Jacinto Community Center.

Receiving scholarships were 18 students, who attended along with their families. The scholarships totaled $32,000 and these funds were a result of the Chili Feast held each February. Scholarships were in the amount of $1500 except for four special awards named for individuals as memorials. These were $2500 apiece.

The keynote speaker was Justice of the Peace Lucia Bates, of Precinct 3 in Baytown. Judge Bates spoke of her early life, having been born on the island of St. Lucia in the Caribbean (hence her name), and coming to this country at an early age.

Bates was educated at the University of Houston Clear Lake, and the University of Phoenix. Her major was communication and marketing, and she worked for GTE, several newspapers, and then her own marketing firm, LB Marketing Solutions.

She has a passion to give back to the community, which led her to seek a position as judge. She has held a number of public service positions, including Rotary director, chair of the North Channel Chamber, president of her HOA, and former board member of the YMCA, Pilot Club, Top Ladies of Distinction, and an advisory panel to LyondellEquistar. She said she is busy improving her court, making it a more people friendly, inviting atmosphere.

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ZXP is key industry in Highlands

March 28, 2019
JAMES TAYLOR, CEO ZXP

HIGHLANDS – One of the oldest and largest businesses in Highlands is operating under new ownership and management, according to James Taylor, the new CEO. The company is now known as ZXP Technologies, and has a history of over 80 years in Highlands, when it was originally a canning factory for figs and fruit.

Taylor spoke at a recent Rotary Club meeting, talking about the business success, and the work culture at the company.

Taylor said that since his group took ownership in February 2018, they have seen business revenues increase by 50%. One key to this is focusing on their best customers. At one time they had 290 customers, and now they concentrate on only the top 10.

Taylor spoke about the size of the business, which has 206 employees, and now has no “temporary” workers, a major change from previous policy. He said this has improved attitudes and work efficiency. The company also has instituted continuing education opportunities for all employees, and raised pay for everyone. Taylor has instilled the workers with a sense of responsibility for their work product.

The company’s products include lubricants, transmission fluids, and antifreeze. 60% of their products are exported in bulk, he noted.

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Rotary wins Terry Davis Award

February 28, 2019
Chamber president Jim Wadzinski presents the Terry Davis Award to the Highlands Rotary Club. Members present (L to R) President Denise Smith, Weston Cotten, Sheila McDonald, Betty Brewer, Rose Smith, Gilbert Hoffman, Patricia Scott, and Andy Scott. Third from right is Will Carter of Congressman Babin’s office.

HIGHLANDS – The Highlands-Lynchburg Chamber of Commerce held their Annual Installation and Community Awards Banquet last Thursday evening, at the Monument Inn. There were Community Awards given to six outstanding individuals and organizations that have contributed to the life of the community. The top award is the Terry Davis Award, and it was given to the Highlands Rotary Club for their work in the community. A special award was given to Betty Brewer for her 35 years of supporting the Chamber. Betty is also an active member of the Rotary Club.

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Frankie Brewer wins Rotary Chili Feast car

February 7, 2019
WINNER OF THE NEW CAR in the Highlands Rotary Club Chili Feast Raffle was Frankie Brewer, center, with Gene Lenamond. Pictured with the winners are some of the Rotarians that helped with the Chili Feast. L to R, Teresa Martin, Tricia Scott, Denise Smith, Andy Scott, Sheila McDonald, Delana Matthews, Irene Adcox, and Charlie Ward.

HIGHLANDS – Hundreds of enthusiastic local residents gathered last Saturday for the annual Rotary Club Chili Feast.

For the second year in a row, the winner of the new vehicle in the Chili Feast Raffle was a walk-in, buying their $100 ticket at the door. Actually, Frankie Brewer and Gene Lenamond bought five tickets, and one of them turned out to be the lucky one.

The Rotary Club’s 44th Annual Chili Feast was a great success, according to officials with the club. President-elect Sheila McDonald made a report to the club at their luncheon on Tuesday, reporting that the gross receipts for the event are in line with previous years, even though the attendance and ticket sales were down slightly.

The club grossed about $88,000, and netted about $54,000, according to treasurer Tricia Scott. This money will be used throughout the year for local community projects and support for organizations, scholarships, and international aid projects.

McDonald was the chairman of the Chili Feast, which is put on with the help of the scouts, local interact clubs, and wives of the Rotarians.

Top ticket sellers again this year were Betty Brewer, Weston Cotten, Jerry Fallin, and Patricia Scott.

Rick Loggins was the auctioneer for the Live Auction.

As the raffle drawing progressed, anticipation grew as to who would win the new vehicle, the top prize in the raffle. When the last number was drawn, the winner was Baytown resident Frankie Brewer, with Gene Lenamond.

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Chili Feast set for Feb. 2

January 24, 2019

These Lady Rotarians remind you to buy your ticket while there are still a few available, to the Rotary Chili Feast, scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 2 at the Catholic Church social hall. Pictured Denise Smith, Sheila McDonald, Betty Brewer, Rose Smith, and Patricia Scott. You can contact any of these ladies or other Rotarians and local businesses. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door on Saturday. First Prize in the raffle is a new car from Turner Chevrolet.

Rotary Club celebrates 70th anniversary

December 6, 2018
Judge Joe Stephens presents Rotary Club president Denise Smith with a proclamation congratulating the club on its 70th Anniversary.

The Highlands Rotary Club marked a milestone this year, by reaching its 70th anniversary of its founding.

The club held a combined Christmas party and 70th Anniversary celebration last Sunday, at the Monument Inn.

Almost a hundred past and present members and their families attended the gala event.

Led by club president Denise Smith, the program included an oral history of the club from its beginning, and vintage and recent photographs depicting the activities and history of the club and many of its members. The photos were presented by Gilbert Hoffman, who acknowledged that Alton Neatherlin, publisher of the Highlands Star and a past president of the club, had published most of the vintage photos in the newspaper.

Weston Cotten introduced guests, and acknowledged several clubs whose members were present, and a large number of past presidents of the Highlands club. There were also a number of District 5890 officers present.

A special award was presented by Johnny Gaeke to club member Chester Stasney, for his 51 years of membership, which included club president in 1972-73. Gaeke thanked Stasney for mentoring him when he joined the club.

The highest honor in Rotary is to become a Paul Harris Fellow, and Past District Governor Bill Palko presented this award to three members, Johnny Gaeke, Chuck Radney, and Carol Radney. In addition, past member and past president Richard Robinson presented his wife Pat with the same Paul Harris Award.

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Santa’s arrival in Highlands delights kids

December 6, 2018
The Pavilion in the Railroad Park on San Jacinto Street was the scene for Santa and the two Highlands queens to greet children, have a picture taken, and learn what is on their list.

HIGHLANDS – Santa arrived on a Fire Truck last Tuesday night, to mark the start of the Christmas season.

Hundreds of children and their parents lined up in the park, to get a chance to talk with Santa, and have their picture taken.

The Santa event is sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce, with the help of the Highlands Horizons, the Rotary Club, and many other volunteers.

Present with Santa were Miss Highlands, Kaitlyn Rolin, and Jr. Miss Highlands, Payton Radle.

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CHILI FEAST FEB. 2

November 29, 2018

Members of the Highlands Rotary Club display one of the raffle prizes in the 44th Annual Chili Feast, scheduled for next Feb. 2. Winner of the raffle has a choice of this car, a 2019 Camaro, or a 2019 Chevrolet Equinox. Cars are courtesy of Turner Chevrolet in Crosby. The first prize winner has a choice of color and model. There are 19 other prizes in the raffle. Highlanders look forward each year to a delicious bowl of Chester’s Chili, and a day of socializing with friends. Rotarians now have Chili Feast tickets available, at $100 each. See page 6 for more details.

Highlands Rotary receives District Award

October 25, 2018

District Governor Carmen Cuneo presents Highlands Rotary President Denise Smith with a Certificate recognizing the club for 100% participation in Rotary Foundation’s Giving for the End of Polio Now Fund. The club also presented a check for $300 toward the Rotary 2019 Conference for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

Constable Eagleton at Highlands Rotary

October 4, 2018
Constable Sherman Eagleton presents his command staff at the Highlands Rotary luncheon last week. Each deputy outlined his responsibilities for public safety and crime fighting in the Constable Pct. 3 area.

HIGHLANDS – Constable Eagleton met with the Highlands Rotary club, last week, to present information about his department and public safety concerns in the Highlands area.

Eagleton brought with him seven members of his command staff, to answer questions in their particular area. Included were chief deputy Kirk Bonsal, and Lt. Warden of the Environmental division.

Eagleton is enlarging his department’s capabilities, with federal funds secured after Hurricane Harvey in the amount of $3.5 million dollars. For high water rescues, he has added 10 Hummers, several boats, an airboat, and three deuce high water trucks. He said that during Harvey, his department made 5000 rescues.

He has also added quite a few deputies to his staff. When he took over in 2016, there were 122 officers and there are now 170.

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Washer Tournament scores big win

September 20, 2018
1ST PLACE TEAM was cleverly named 2017 CHAMPS, and they repeated this year. Above, Michael Harrell and Justin Graves.

HIGHLANDS – It seemed so easy, toss those four metal washers into those three little holes. But over 20 teams vied all afternoon last Saturday, to come out a winner in this 12th Annual Highlands Rotary Club Washer Tournament.

And it was easy for one team, named 2017 CHAMPS. Michael Harrell and Justin Graves led everyone in scoring. Second place was won by the LONE STAR team, consisting of Jeff Sparks and Willie Hutchison. Third place was captured by the BRONCOS, a father and son team of Robert Carter and Little Rob Carter.

Certificates and cash prizes were awarded to these champions.

Also competing were many Rotarians, and a special trophy is reserved for that team scoring the highest. This year is was won by team DOUBLE D, with David and Terri Denny.

The tournament is a fundraiser for Rotary International, that uses the money to fight polio, and returns a portion for community projects. Chair persons Patricia Scott and Denise Smith reported that about $8200 was raised for this charity.

There was also a raffle, a silent auction, and a live auction.

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