Rotary Club of Kerrville, Texas                  Chartered February 26, 1926                               District 5840

Club Information
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Kerrville!
Kerrville

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Wednesdays at 12:00 PM
The Kerrville Ray & Joan Kroc Corps Community Center
201 Holdsworth Drive
Kerrville, TX 78028
United States of America
Satellite Club Meeting
Satellite Club Meeting--Second Thursday of every month
5:15 p. m. Meet and Greet, 5:30 p. m. Meeting
Security State Bank & Trust Community Room
1130 Junction Highway, Kerrville
 
Stories
Charlie Chipman provided the program last Wednesday on Commercial Vehicle accident investigations. He is a Tivy graduate and now lives back here in Kerrville.
 
 
Charlie was formerly a police officer in the Austin Police Department, including time as a motorcycle patrolman. He has been investigating commercial vehicle collisions for many years, and has his own consulting firm. Current semi trucks have much more electronics, power equipment and safety controls that trucks used to have, but accidents still happen.
 
Several examples were presented to show how eye witness accounts of a crash are often not accurate at portraying the whole scenario of an accident. Witnesses may see only a portion of the incident, or their line of sight may be blocked by vehicles, so Charlie's job is to decipher all the clues at the scene and recreate what happened.
 
Many vehicles have a Crash Data Recorder that provides a record of a vehicle's speed and maneuvering during the crash. Police officers body cams can also be helpful in providing video of the scene immediately after the collision.
 
George Eychner led us in singing a rainy version of Deep in the Heart of Texas.
 
Roy Boudreaux provided the prayer and pledge to start the meeting.
 
Area of Focus: Basic Education and Literacy. Rotary supports activities and training to improve education for all children, and literacy for children and adults. For example, clubs working together could provide programs that strengthen a community’s ability to provide basic education and literacy to all.
Jimmy Hutto is home and recovering from his heart surgery. Keep Jimmy and Bekki in your prayers for a speedy recovery.
 
Rick Cunningham is moving to Sugarland but hopes to be back occasionally to visit our club.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tara Bushnoe                                        Rick Cunningham 
                                                                 Rick is moving to Sugarland  
 
Jeff Stone provided the program on the upcoming Solar Eclipses. Jeff formerly worked for NASA and helped train crews on the shuttle flights. He has seen a number of eclipses, and the first one was in Mexico in 1991. As he explains, it was a phenomenal event that hooked him for life. He has even built his own telescopes for night sky viewing.
 
Jeff tells us that the best place to observe an eclipse is on top of a hill, where you can see the shadow coming on the horizon. During the  four and one half minutes of the total eclipse, you will be able to see the sun's corona while the moon blocks the actual outline of the sun. It is always there but not visible to us because of the brightness of the sun.
 
There are some interesting things to notice leading up to and during the total eclipse. Planets and stars will become more visible shortly before totality. The approaching shadow is a surreal experience as it leads up to darkness. You may notice a perceptible drop in temperature, and the wind may pick up, die down or change. Shadows will become much sharper, and the color of the sky will change. Wildlife and birds may act differently, thinking night is approaching. 
 
 
The annular eclipse will be on October 14, 2023 and the total eclipse will be April 8, 2024. Kerrville is fortunate in that we will be right at the epicenter for both events. You don't want to miss this because the next one in the U.S. isn't until 2044.
 
 
 
Jeff also spoke about the importance of keeping the night sky as dark as possible. Plants, birds and wildlife have adjusted to the daily cycle of day and night, and excessive lighting disrupts their life-sustaining behaviors such as reproduction, nourishment, sleep and protection from predators.   Kerrville has recently passed a dark sky ordinance, so when installing new light fixtures or when  replacing existing ones, be sure to buy dark sky friendly fixtures. They are no more expensive than regular lights, and will help keep our skies as dark as possible. In general, avoid upward directed light, and use warmer temperature lighting (3,000 degrees K or less).
 
 
George Eychner led us in singing "You are my Sunshine" in honor of our program about the eclipse.
 
 Tivy Interact Club leaders Cadence, Trevor and Tillman joined our meeting and gave a report of their activities over the past few months.  Covid put a damper on their club for the previous two years, but they are now very active in the community, and members have volunteered for a number of projects including the Rotary Walk-a-Fun, Rise Against Hunger,  the Homecoming Parade, packaging  meals for the Dietert Center, the Starkey Sausage Supper, the Kerrville Triathlon, Adopt a Highway, Bell ringing for the Salvation Army, The Croc Harvest Festival and the Lions Camp.
 
Jimmy Hutto is having a heart procedure on March 20, so please keep him in your prayers.
Janelle Peralt reported that the Blood Drive was very successful, as 29 people donated blood last week. Thank you to all who volunteered.
 
Marta Diffen reported that our club and the local Interact Club participated in the District Days of Service by helping organize the Hill Country Crisis Council's storage room. They worked for four hours last Saturday and sorted, labeled and organized clothes to help this very worthwhile organization.
 
Marta also tested our Rotary knowledge by asking if anyone knew what a "Rotary Ann" was.  In the not so distant past, Rotary was a men's only club, and the wives of members were often known as Rotary Ann's. After a Supreme Court Decision in 1987, women were finally allowed into the club. Our own Betty Vernon was the third woman who joined our club in 1991, so we've come a long way.
 
The Josh the Otter program on Water Safety for Elementary age kids is gearing up and volunteers are needed to go to the local elementary schools to help out. COntact Dave Rittenhouse if you are able to volunteer. dorittenhouse@gmail.com 412-302-7301 Cell
 
Bob Schmerbeck was recognized as being a Rotary member for 55 years, and has perfect attendance. Congratulations, and thank you for 55 years of service!
 
 
 
 
 
 
When we contribute to The Rotary Foundation, we make it possible for Rotary to do more than promote literacy, alleviate poverty, and improve people’s health. We bridge continents and connect cultures. We empower individuals and communities with the skills and resources they need to tackle their most pressing issues – by providing training and education, improving access to clean water and sanitation, protecting the environment, or preventing and treating disease. Our gifts have significant life-changing power.
Kim Woods was wearing her Rotary pin when her name was called, and won a bottle of wine.
 
March is Water and Sanitation Month – Over 750 million people in the world lack access to safe water and more than 2.5 billion people lack access to adequate sanitation facilities.
 
 
Jeff introduces                                      Larry Leitha 
 
 
Larry when he was a pup introduces  Vincent T. Luciano 
 

Vincent T. Luciano II, Regional Director for Central Texas Region

As Regional Director of the Central Texas Region, Vincent T. Luciano II will be responsible for coordinating all DPS functions, including personnel, for the region. Luciano began his career with DPS in 1995 and most recently served as the major of the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) in North Texas Region. Luciano has more than 27 years of service with DPS. He served as a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper from 1996 to 1998, and a Criminal Law Enforcement Trooper from 1998 to 2000. Luciano then promoted to sergeant in DPS Narcotics in Lubbock before promoting to lieutenant in 2007 in Corpus Christi. He was promoted to CID lieutenant, then captain, and in 2018 promoted again to major. Prior to his career with DPS, Luciano served two years with the Nueces County Sheriff’s Office where his assignments included jailer and sergeant.  

Luciano holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Norwich University and a master’s degree from the University of Incarnate Word in applied administration with a focus in organizational development. Luciano is a graduate of the FBI National Academy Class 257 and Northwestern Staff and Command College. He has been twice awarded Director’s Citations from DPS as well as the FBI Director’s Award. Luciano served in the United States Marine Corps, Army National Guard and is an Infantry Combat Veteran of Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom 3.

The San Antonio Region is 44 counties and has 11,000 Employees.

History of DPS

In March 1927, the "License and Weight Division" was formed to address the escalating problems of increased traffic, and the continual damages caused by large trucks on the narrow state roads. These new inspector positions were staffed by State Police units equipped with motorcycles, and would enforce motor vehicle laws and regulations. Concurrently, the Texas Rangers would continue to conduct the State's law enforcement investigations.

In 1931, during the Great Depression, Texas and other states created a movement that sought to “reform the administrative machinery, and to reduce the high cost of state government.”[4] The Texas Legislature enrolled Griffenhagen and Associates, “specialists in public administration and finance who had worked on similar projects throughout the United States and Canada, to make a survey and act as consultants.”[4] The firm concluded that Texas’ exceptional geographic size caused the Rangers and the License and Weight Division to struggle in providing adequate enforcement across the entire state. The firm also noted the State Highway Patrol’s inability to enforce felony charges, which burdened the Rangers with excessive enforcement responsibilities, when they were already overworked. Additionally, the firm negatively reported on the state of Texas utilizing the National Guard for law enforcement along the border. Recommendations were made to accumulate the necessary finances to create a state law enforcement agency. Four bureaus—Administration, State Police, Rangers, and Fire Prevention—were suggested to be created with the implementation of the new force.

The findings of Griffenhagen and Associates were ultimately unpopular across the state, and the Texas Senate created a committee to conduct its own survey of the State's law enforcement. As a result of the committee findings, on January 24, 1935, Senate Bill 146 was introduced. The bill created a "Department of Public Safety" that housed both the Rangers and the State Highway Patrol within one collective organization. The bill received final approval on February 18, 1935, and was sent to the House before finally reaching a joint committee for final revisions. On May 3, 1935, the final bill was voted on and passed, but without two-thirds approval.[5]

 Vincent talked about drugs and criminals coming across the Texas border. As long as there is money to be made this will not change, The cartels don't care about anything but making money. He then answered questions from the members.

 
City of Kerrville E.A. Hoppe provided the program last Wednesday, and updated us on current topics of interest. E.A.'s family has been in the Texas Hill Country for seven generations, so he feels right at home in Kerrville.
 
There are many challenges that our area faces, and managed growth is a topic that the city often discusses. The Kerrville 2050 Comprehensive Plan is a set of goals and vision to guide decision making over the next few decades. It was developed with input from a diverse group of citizens, and this plan is referred to constantly to shape the future development of Kerrville.
 
Texas is seeing significant growth, with about 230,000 people moving here every year. For reference, that's about the population of Lubbock added to the state each year.
 
Public Safety is a large part of the city's responsibility each year, with over 50% of  the city's budget allocated to police, fire and EMS workers, and similar departments.
 
Public Works is also important, keeping our roads and infrastructure safe and reliable for residents and visitors alike.   Kerrville is a regional hub for 9 counties, and our population swells to about 50,000 during the day. Maintaining an adequate water supply is critical, and strategic planning has been put Kerrville in a good position with the Water Reuse Facility and the Aquifer Storage and recovery systems.
 
The Parks and Recreation department stays busy managing and planning our resources for a good quality of life, and positive economic impact. Amenities include the Kerrville Sports Complex, Tennis Center, Kerrville Schreiner Golf course (which turned 100 years old recently), Community Festivals, the River Trail and Kerrville Schreiner Park.
 
Planning and Development is an ongoing process in the area. Challenges include providing housing for local workers, staff for businesses and day care for families. The city's codes are being reviewed and updated, and Kerrville's downtown area is becoming more vibrant, with new businesses moving into the city's core. 
 
 
 
 
The Josh the Otter water safety program for elementary age kids is gearing up for visits to area schools in May. If you would like to help, contact Dave Rittenhouse: dorittenhouse@gmail.com

The Veterans Breakfast will be held April 7.
 
The First Responders fundraiser Golf Tournament will be April 10th, and the luncheon honoring the First Responders will be the following Wednesday April 12th.
 
Highway Cleanup April 15th meet at Talley. Meet @ 7:00 then trash pickup from 7:30 - 9:00
 
District Raffle Tickets are available from Kristi Shepherd.
 
Guadalupe River Trash Clean up is scheduled for July 22.
 
 
Upcoming programs:
 
Carolyn Northcutt
Mar 29, 2023
Christian Women's Job Corp
Jane Ragsdale and Kristy
Apr 05, 2023
Guatamala Update
First Responders
Apr 12, 2023
Awards Luncheon
Marta Diffen
Apr 19, 2023
Club Update
Open
Apr 26, 2023
Rotary Club
May 03, 2023
Club Picnic
 
 
 
 
 
President Marta thanked the members Wynita Yancy, E A Hoppe, and Austin Dickson.
For working on strategies to strengthen our club's support of Rotary Foundation
Contact Us 

 

Mailing Address:

Rotary Club of Kerrville
P. O. Box 295335
Kerrville, TX 78029
kerrvillerotary@gmail.com

 

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Club Events
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President
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Service Projects
Membership
Youth Service
Public Image
Club Administration
The Rotary Foundation
Executive Secretary / Director
Photo Albums
 

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Speakers
Jane Ragsdale and Kristy
Apr 05, 2023
Guatamala Update
First Responders
Apr 12, 2023
Awards Luncheon
Marta Diffen
Apr 19, 2023
Club Update
Open
Apr 26, 2023
Rotary Club
May 03, 2023
Club Picnic
Open
May 10, 2023
Open
May 17, 2023
Open
May 24, 2023
Award Speakers
May 31, 2023
Citizenship Awards Program
Open
Jun 07, 2023
Open
Jun 14, 2023
Andrew Murr
Jun 21, 2023
Legislative Update
Open
Jun 28, 2023
Open
Jul 05, 2023