Jan Neufeld will be our Rotarian of the Day and her guest is Ray Jennings with Jackson County EMS.
50/50 Drawing
If you would like to participate in the 50/50 drawing this Tuesday, remember to bring your $5. All proceeds from the drawing will go to off set the cost of the items we used to fill our Easter bags last week.
5/15 Club Service Project
On Thursday, May 15th, we will have a community clean-up evening. Please plan to meet at the reservoir in the beach parking lot at 6:30 PM. We will spend one hour picking up trash. All necessary equipment will be provided including cold water. Wind and heat will not deter us from making our community a little cleaner.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
May 3-4 District Conference
Thursday, 5/15 - Community Clean-up
Monday, 5/8 - Presenting Jr Rotarian Scholarships at Navajo HS, 10:30am
Monday, 5/19 - Presenting Jr Rotarian Scholarships at AHS, 9am
District Conference is May 3-4 Please register if you have not already done so!
We will be presenting the Jr Rotarian Scholarships at Navajo HS and Altus HS in May. Days and times are listed above. If you would like to come and support the winning students, let Nikki, Chad Lee, or Debbie know.
Jan Neufeld has joined the PolioPlus program. This is a District program and participants commit to paying $100 a year in support of the eradication of Polio. Thank you Jan for your dedication to not only our community but our world!
Preston Gunkel has resigned from Rotary. Preston is very involved in our community and does not like to do anything half-way. Due to his demanding schedule, Preston felt it was best to step back. We appreciate all he has done while in our club and welcome him back when he feels the time is right.
Please consider bringing a friend to Rotary. We are looking for folks who fit our "Service Above Self" model. If you know someone who you feel would be a good addition to the group, please ask them to come to a meeting and see if they are a future Rotarian.
Time To CelebrateBirthdays andRotary Anniversaries
Elias Cantu 1 year
4/25
Last Week's Meeting
This past week, our Rotary Club truly embodied the spirit of “Service Above Self” through meaningful projects that brought joy and support to our community. From filling Easter bags for local residents to cleaning up a neglected field, our members demonstrated their commitment to making a positive difference.
During our lunch meeting on Tuesday, club members came together for a heartwarming project that aimed to uplift the spirits of residents at English Manor, a local nursing home. With a sense of camaraderie and purpose, we filled 90 Easter bags with a variety of thoughtful items, including colorful Easter eggs, soothing lotion, fragrant soap, chapstick, tissue packs, first aid kits, and delicious sugar-free chocolate.
These bags were carefully prepared to ensure that each resident would receive a special surprise on Easter Sunday, reminding them that they are cherished members of our community. The smiles and gratitude from the residents will undoubtedly make this effort worthwhile, reinforcing the importance of connection and care, especially during festive times.
On Thursday evening, a dedicated group of Rotarians took to the outdoors, braving the wind, heat, and overgrown weeds to tackle a pressing environmental issue. We focused our efforts on an empty field located off Broadway and Veteran’s Drive, directly behind the Billingsley Ford service center. This area had become a “catch all” for debris, collecting trash blown in by Oklahoma’s notorious winds.
In just over an hour, our team transformed the landscape, removing litter and restoring the field to a cleaner, more inviting state. The difference was remarkable, showcasing the impact that a small group of committed individuals can have on their surroundings.
This cleanup effort follows our previous month’s initiative, where we removed trash from the lake shore at the Altus Reservoir. We are excited to announce that we will return to the reservoir on Thursday, May 15th, for our monthly service project, continuing our commitment to environmental stewardship and community beautification.
Together, we are making a tangible difference, one project at a time, and we look forward to continuing our efforts in the weeks to come.
Rotarians giving of their time to fill Easter Bags
Our assembly line
Delivering bags to English Manor
Spotlight on Our Rotarians
Hannah Henry-Keck was our Rotarian of the day on April 15th. Hannah's bio was not saved in the bulletin last week so it is being included this week!
Hannah Henry-Keck is, very recently, married to Clayton Keck. Hannah, a proud native of Altus, Oklahoma, has dedicated her life to serving her community through her profession and volunteer efforts. A graduate of Altus High School, Hannah pursued her passion for dentistry at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. After earning her degree, she returned to her hometown to join Val Verde Family Dental, her family’s practice, where she continues to make a positive impact on the oral health of her community.
Hannah’s commitment to service extends far beyond her role as a dentist. She has been actively involved in numerous initiatives aimed at promoting better oral health throughout southwest Oklahoma. One of her notable advocacy efforts includes campaigning for the addition of fluoride to the city’s water supply, a crucial step in enhancing the dental health of residents.
Hannah's dedication to service is further exemplified by her commitment to Altus Air Force Base, serving as an Honorary Commander for the 97th Operational Medical Readiness Squadron. She also has had a long-standing involvement with First Methodist Church. Since her youth, Hannah has volunteered in various capacities, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to helping others and fostering a sense of community.
In addition to her work in dentistry and church service, Hannah has made significant contributions to the Altus Rotary Club, where she has been a member for three years. Her enthusiasm and dedication to the club are evident in her willingness to take on leadership roles. Notably, she has organized and executed Santa Connection, the club’s primary fundraiser for the Jr. Rotarian scholarships.
Hannah’s innovative approach has streamlined the Santa Connection program, transitioning from traditional paper sign-ups to a more efficient online system. This change not only simplifies the process for participants but also enhances the overall experience, allowing the club to focus on its mission of supporting local youth through scholarships.
Hannah brings a joyful spirit and warm smile to all she does. Her unwavering dedication to our community and club not only fosters a positive atmosphere but also inspires those around her to contribute and engage more actively. We are truly grateful for her presence and commitment.
This past week, our Rotarian of the Day was Emily Smith. Hailing from a cattle ranch in Nebraska, Emily is a dual citizen of Canada and the United States. Alongside her husband, Guy, she has raised three wonderful children: Braden, Taylor, and Tilden.
When the Smith family made the decision to move to Altus, Emily never anticipated that this would become their permanent home. However, 17 years later, she has fully embraced the community that welcomed her with open arms. Emily’s journey in Altus has been marked by a diverse array of experiences, from teaching math at Western Oklahoma State College to raising and selling rodeo horses, and spending time as a homemaker. She has now established herself as a successful financial advisor with Edward Jones.
Emily’s dedication to serving Altus is evident in her numerous contributions to the community. She actively participates on various boards and committees, including the Shortgrass Arts and Humanities Council and the Military Affairs Committee. Additionally, Emily serves as one of the 97th Air Mobility Wing Honorary Commanders, showcasing her commitment to supporting local military families. Her volunteer work extends to her church, where she teaches a weekly Bible class, further demonstrating her passion for community engagement.
As a Rotarian for the past seven years, Emily has made significant contributions to our club. During her tenure as club president, she successfully secured a District Grant to upgrade the kitchen at the Jackson County Expo Center, enhancing the facilities for community events. Furthermore, she orchestrated the inaugural Altus Affair, a fundraiser that proved to be a tremendous success. The funds raised from this event were instrumental in installing the large “ALTUS” letters that now greet visitors entering the city from the north.
Emily Smith embodies the spirit of service and positivity. Her grateful heart and unwavering commitment to her community have made a lasting impact on those around her. We are fortunate to have her as a member of our Rotary Club and as a vital part of the Altus community.
Altus Rotary Club Newsletter
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