Elias Cantu is our Rotarian of the Day tomorrow. His guest will be Brandi Ward with a program on the Horizon Domes at Quartz Mountain.
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
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!
Thank you to everyone who participated in last weeks 50/50 drawing. Steve Cesar was our winner and he donated his portion back. We raised $175 and I will use that to offset my cost for our Easter Bag items.
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
Rachel Beckner 2 year
5/2
Brent Howard 13 years
5/8
Last Week's Meeting
Since September 2024, Altus Fire & EMS has been fortunate to have EMS Chief Ray Jennings, a public safety veteran with over 35 years of experience. Chief Jennings recently provided an update on the department, highlighting the recent merger of Jackson County EMS and the Altus Fire Department.
The Chief shared that the Altus Fire Department's history dates back to October 6, 1904, and today it operates as a comprehensive service encompassing emergency medical services, fire prevention, and firefighting. All firefighters will be trained as Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs), bolstering the department's medical capabilities.
Altus Fire & EMS is supported through a variety of funding sources, including tax revenue, 522 district service fees, grants, and city support. Notably, the department has secured a two-year, $400,000 federal grant to develop a substance abuse program at Hopeful Grounds, aimed at combating fentanyl use and strengthening EMS systems. The department also employs a fire marshal and maintains specialized equipment, including a rescue trailer for operations at Quartz Mountain and a rescue boat. Chief Jennings emphasized collaborative efforts with other city departments, resulting in the formation of a Task Force to effectively respond to wildfires.
Looking to the future, Altus Fire & EMS plans to construct a new fire station west of Broadway, strategically positioned to enhance service on the west side of town. Chief Jennings estimates that this new station will decrease response times by an impressive 30-40%. The facility will be conveniently located near City Hall, just off Main Street, further solidifying the department's commitment to serving the community.
This past week Jan Neufeld was our Rotarian of the Day. Let's shine a light on Jan!
Jan Neufeld is a cornerstone of the Altus community, serving as the Chief Financial Officer for the city for over a decade. Beyond her professional role, where she expertly manages the city's finances, Jan is a devoted family woman, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her sixth grandchild in July. Her commitment to Altus extends far beyond her office, as she's a familiar face at community events, always there to lend her support.
Jan's passion for service shines brightly through her active involvement in her church, where she leads a singles group, and her 15-year dedication to Rotary. A pioneer in the PolioPlus Program, she was recently honored for her generous contribution. Despite her soft-spoken nature, Jan's presence at Rotary is significant, consistently seeking opportunities to contribute and actively participate in the club's initiatives.
What truly distinguishes Jan is her unwavering dedication to living by the Rotary's Four-Way Test: Is it the TRUTH? Is it FAIR to all concerned? Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS? Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? Jan embodies these principles in her daily life, making her not only an exceptional Rotarian but a truly admirable individual. Thank you, Jan, for your unwavering commitment and dedication!
Altus Rotary Club Newsletter
.png)
