The Rotary Club of Amarillo History - 1999 to 2004

To say the Shrimp & Catfish roundup during the 1999-2000 year was successful would be an understatement.Through the efforts of many, the club was able to raise in excess of $50,000.100% of the proceeds were distributed to four charitable entities whose efforts focused on the young people of our community. 

The Board of Directors cleared the way for a long-term project by means of a unanimous vote.A task force led by Taylor was put together to search the community for a project in which Rotary could “toot its horn”. 

Festivity was at the heart of Taylor’s administration. Again through the help of many Rotarians, a “Rotary Family Festival” was held at Westminster Presbyterian Church.This casual, family picnic affair had such activities as singing, Rotary Bingo, watermelon eating contest, watermelon seed spitting contest, pie and ice cream making contests and much more.
One of Taylor’s most cherished accomplishments was the administering of a Rotary Honorary Membership, which was bestowed to PDG Judge Charles Reynolds.Mr. Reynolds, who months later succumbed to the battle with his cancer, was elated to receive the club’s gesture.Through the convincing words of Mr. Reynold’s colleagues, the club made known to Judge Reynolds how much it appreciated his years of service.
Another highlight of the year was the “coming of the Russians”.Through a grant provided by the United States Library of Congress, seven businessmen from Russia visited the Rotary Club of Amarillo and met with numerous club members.The mission of the Russians was to gather information on various operational protocols of American businesses.
In summary, 1999-2000 was a year of great-renewed enthusiasm…for fellowship and for service to others.

Cliff Bickerstaff served as our 84th club President for the Rotary year 2000 -2001, and continued the tradition of leadership provided by our previous presidents. Prior to assuming office, Cliff participated in all of the intense training programs designed to prepare club presidents for their task, including the Presidents-Elect Training Seminar ("P.E.T.S."), District 5730 Convention, District Assembly, and the Rotary International Convention in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
The theme for 2000-2001 was "Create Awareness, Take Action". Although our club has always been one to "take action" by supporting many charitable causes, locally and throughout the Rotary world, we had been less successful in creating broad, public awareness for Rotary until this year. Thanks largely to the efforts of Past President Taylor Fyfe, we embarked upon a venture that provides Rotary in Amarillo permanent name recognition, while helping the YMCA provide additional services to an under-served area of Amarillo.

"Rotary Park at the Y" became a reality, as we agreed to be the initial contributor of approx. $250,000 (payable over ten years) to purchase land for the new YMCA facility in south Amarillo. In return, the YMCA will affix our name to the park (baseball fields and recreational facility) thereby creating awareness of Rotary and the youth programs supported by the YMCA. This was arguably the largest and most visible project ever undertaken by Rotary in Amarillo. Good job Taylor!

Additional kudos to PDG Paige Carruth and PDG Doyle Moore. Paige and Doyle are the foundations of our club, from which we gain infinite knowledge of Rotary and promote our service throughout the Rotary world. Both have received more awards than can be listed here and remained two of the most active ambassadors of Rotary in the world. Doyle is an invaluable asset to Rotary, especially in Texas as he again served as coordinator for the statewide P.E.T.S. program, which educates and trains all incoming club Presidents in Texas each year. Paige was designated as our "permanent" Secretary of the Board based on his knowledge and insight. Both Doyle and Paige are among our most active members locally, within the district, and internationally. Of course, many others represented us well and made us proud—Allen Early, Walter Johnson ("Mr. RYLA"), and ADG Paul Borchardt, all great ambassadors for Rotary, with Paul carrying on our tradition of having active representation in the district.

Unfortunately, we also lost some long-time, wonderful members of our club. Most notable among our losses was PDG ("Judge") Charles Reynolds, who provided countless hours of service to Rotary. He was also a great mentor to many current Rotarians. In addition, PDG Wayne Sturdivant was compelled to stay home due to health reasons. The Board gladly changed Wayne’s classification from Senior Active to Honorary Member. Age and health also slowed several other long-time Rotarians who were sorely missed.
Back to more positive news, we had an excellent group of committee chairs, many of whom served for the first time. All committees were very active and incoming President Alan Rhodes assembled another fine team ready to step into their shoes for his term. Speaking of Alan Rhodes, he did an excellent job as Club Service Chair and "President in Training". Although membership remained flat last year and attendance remained below expectations, we discussed the making of a video to depict our activities and accomplishments. Also, our club remained in excellent financial condition, sufficient to send eight couples to the RI Convention in San Antonio. Another success story was our Four Avenues of Service Award received by PDG Paige Carruth.

President Cliff had to miss a few meetings this year and decided that not only the immediate Past President, but Presidents from many years past, should preside in his absence. That seemed to be well received and may have started a new tradition. Also, Allen Early was often allowed to tell one of his infamous jokes at the beginning of meetings.

In order to promote fellowship within our club, we again hosted an evening Christmas party and a Valentine’s party. A "family night" was also held in June at Wonderland Park. All events were well attended and seemed to accomplish our goal of promoting fellowship among members. Also, thanks to Steve Seabourn, Program Chair, our programs this past year were better than ever before.

Furthermore, John Huffaker, International Service Chair, did an excellent job promoting our foundation and international activities. One example was our allocation of $5,000 in matching funds to promote new Paul Harris Fellowships, after hosting our fifth annual Gourmet Dinner to honor existing Paul Harris Fellows. Consequently, we secured ----- new Paul Harris Fellows last year. In addition, our club was again one of the leaders in our district by contributing over $6,000 to the HungerPlus project. We also hosted a GSE team from Taiwan, thanks to several host couples and "management" of the team by Walter Johnson. Incidentally, John Huffaker was also elected President-Elect for 2002-2003 and will be a great successor to President Alan Rhodes.
Our Vocational Service Chair, Bart Boxwell, was an invaluable voice on our Board and continued our tradition of the essay contest for area high schools. Bart brought to us a refreshing, youthful perspective that enlightened us all.

The Community Service Chair, Madison Scott, was also a terrific leader and was responsible for our most successful fundraiser ever, as chair of our Shrimp and Catfish Roundup in 2000. Like Bart, he brought great ideas and a different perspective to those of us who have a little gray hair.

Speaking of Community Service, our annual "Roundup" fundraiser was held again in May, with Jim Wilhite and Gregg Bynum co-chairing in 2001. Their group did an excellent job and we were able to give $32,000 to local charities, as follows:
 

Rotary Park at the Y (YMCA) $20,000
Young Life 2,000
Life Challenge 5,000
Amarillo Opera 3,000
High Plains Food Bank 2,000

Other noteworthy events include our involvement with several other clubs in proposing legislative changes to RI that gives Districts the option of selecting Delegates to the Council on Legislation by either member nominations or a nominating committee. The proposal was adopted by the 2001 Council on Legislation at its meeting in Chicago, with an enactment date of July 1, 2001.

On a more personal note, President Cliff recalled many fond memories during his tenure. One was the day he was sitting between our Club song leader, Jess Ghormley, and member Mila Gibson for the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Every Rotarian should experience the incredible vocals delivered by those two. President Cliff also enjoyed his verbal sparring match with Leonard Nussbaum, who occasionally complained about the length of our meetings and the number of announcements each week. Several others (including Robert Forrester, PP Taylor Fyfe, PE Alan Rhodes) were targets of Cliff’s verbal jabs from time to time. It was particularly interesting when the Oklahoma University football team won the national championship in January. Our loyal OU fans--ADG Paul Borchardt, Larry Keaton, and Buddy Deford--made certain that we recognized their team’s achievement and proudly wore their red and white.

No recollection of club events would be complete without also recognizing the dedication and hard work of our office personnel, Gina Brown and Bettye Schmidt. These two ladies kept our club operating smoothly, and definitely made it a great year for President Cliff. May we always recognize their importance to our club!

Without intending to overlook the contributions of so many others, suffice it to say that our club remains a key provider of service to our area and the world. We are proud of our accomplishments and "Service Above Self".

Alan Rhodes served as President of The Rotary Club of Amarillo during the 2001-2002 Rotary Year and he grandly lived up to the traditions that were expected of him. In preparation for his year of leadership he attended the three-day training for club presidents at PETS, attended the International Convention in San Antonio, and participated in the District Institute. He applied the concepts of good management throughout the year and the club prospered as a result. 

The year began with new art for the Club’s weekly newsletter Rotary Wheels.The new three-color format included the lighthouse rock formation from Palo Duro Canyon. 

Basil Walker served as program chairman and focused the Club on “headliner” programs ranging from Susan Combs, Texas Commissioner of Agriculture, to George Clift, a key player in developing dairy industry in the Texas Panhandle.Additionally, the Club enjoyed performances from Lone Star Rising dancers, the Harrington String Quartet and the Boys Ranch Choir.Headliner programs also included a number of Rotarians such as Guyon Saunders, Sarah Fyfe, Vess Barnes III, and Renee Wilson.The Club particularly enjoyed the programs provided by Clay Sell and Tom Sell, the sons of club-member George Sell, and by Campbell Burgess, the son of club-member C.C. Burgess.

“Rotary After Hours” was hosted by President Rhodes and The Rotary Club in October 2001. Rotarians and their spouses enjoyed a relaxing evening and fellowship in the beautiful atmosphere of the Amarillo Club. 

Throughout the year President Rhodes highlighted the Y at Rotary Park by asking each speaker to autograph a baseball, to be used at Rotary Park.Most speakers admitted that this was the only time they’d autographed a baseball. 

Rotarians with significant accomplishments were also asked to autograph a baseball.John Boyce, Sr. autographed a baseball in celebration of his fifty years of perfect attendance, Bill Quackenbush autographed a baseball after serving as the production sponsor for Amarillo Opera’s production of Kismet, and Allen Early and Reneé Wilson autographed a baseball when they were crowned as Rotary’s sweethearts at the annual Rotary Valentine’s Day party. 

John Chandler Ford facilitated a successful Shrimp and Catfish Dinner by making available a special edition Thunderbird for the Club’s raffle.Gregg Bynum served as chairman of the Shrimp and Catfish Dinner.Gregg received key support from John Kanelis, Cres Gardner, Dale Roush, Taylor Fyfe, Mark Haworth, Reneé Wilson, Pam Elliott, President-Elect John Huffaker, and Madison Scott.Past President Cliff Bickerstaff and President Rhodes were leaders in selling the $50 meal/raffle tickets. Pam Elliott’s sponsor committee arranged $14,000 in sponsorships. 

The Rotary Club of Amarillo hosted its largest crowd at the Dinner held on May 4, 2002.  Approximately 2000 persons were successfully served and gross revenue exceeded $94,000; contributions to charities totaled $47,700.The charities benefiting from the dinner were: the Y at Rotary Park, Kids Incorporated, Golden Spread Council of the Boy Scouts of America, High Plains Food Bank, Maverick Club, Life Challenge, and Amarillo College Children’s Theatre Program. 

The Rotary Club of Amarillo also made additional impact in the community by contributing to the Boys Ranch Suit Fund, sponsoring children to attend Rotary’s Diabetic Camp, and the Rotary Youth Leaders Association Camp. John Early worked with Rotary’s mentoring efforts.

The Club was honored when two of its members, Mary Emeny and Guyon Saunders, were named Woman and Man of the Year by the Amarillo Globe News. Judge Mary Lou Robinson also received special recognition from the State Bar of Texas as its outstanding 50-year lawyer. 

President Rhodes called on a number of past presidents to preside at club meetings.In addition to immediate past president Cliff Bickerstaff, John Boyce, Sr., Eddie Melin, Allen Early and Doyle Moore showed their continuing abilities to preside at any Club function.
As the year drew to a close, the Club enjoyed the use of the new directory. A committee led by Mark Haworth made the new directory a possibility.

On Thursday, May 2, 2002, the Club highlighted the weekly Foundation drawing by agreeing that cards would be drawn until a winner selected the Ace of Spades.After unsuccessful selections by John Lemons, Vess Barnes, Gene Byrd, Mila Gibson, Kevin Kelley, Allan Adkins, and Basil Walker, Bill Foran selected the ace of spades and won $1,168.

President Rhodes introduced key themes through palindromes (2002, do geese see god?) and oxymorons (“living legend”, “pretty ugly”, “jumbo shrimp”), and anagrams. Students from Mimi Farley Elementary School sent numerous thank-you letters to the Club following the Club’s gift of a The Great Show and Tell Disaster, a book concerning anagrams.

A highlight of the year’s-end was the participation of Texas Supreme Court Justice Wallace Jefferson in the swearing-in of 2002-2003 officers. Justice Jefferson’s description of his first argument to the United States Supreme Court prepared all Club members to “turn the hand-crank” for any future argument before the Court.

President Rhodes’ closing remarks to the Club focused on the array of reasons that Alan values The Rotary Club of Amarillo. Those values highlighted the contributions of many Club members.  Alan was embarrassed when the Club thanked him for his efforts with a standing ovation.

In the 2002-2003 Rotary year, Rotary International President, Bhichai Rattakul, of Thailand, challenged clubs to "Sow the Seeds of Love." In addition to the ongoing work of the Rotary Foundation, Rotary International set a goal to raise $80 Million for a final push in Rotary's "Polio Plus" program to eradicate polio worldwide. 

Under the leadership of President John Huffaker, and a strong Board Of Directors, including Paige Carruth, Guyon Saunders, Mark Haworth, Alan Rhodes, Barbara Miller, Mary Stephens, Mila Gibson, and Ed Fancher, the Rotary Club of Amarillo responded to the challenge.

The Rotary Club of Amarillo was the leader in bringing together all four Amarillo Rotary Clubs and the Canyon club in presenting a fundraiser for Polio Plus, "Rotary's Texas Casino Night."  With this event, led by director Mary Stephens, the Rotary Club of Amarillo and its partner clubs were able to contribute to the successful completion of Rotary International's goal. 

The club also was a leader in contributions to the Rotary Foundation's annual fund.  Again, this year, under the leadership of director, Barbara Miller, the club encouraged existing Paul Harris
Fellows to team up with new Paul Harris Fellows in order to raise additional funds for the Rotary Foundation.  With this initiative, and other contributions, the club added 24 Paul Harris Fellows and earned the distinction as the leading foundation contributor in District 5730. 

Named a "Blue Ribbon Club" as a part of District 5730, the Club continued to maintain a high profile at the district, zone and international level.  John Huffaker attended the international
convention in Barcelona, Spain, and club members, Paige Carruth and Doyle Moore, were actively involved in zone projects and were leaders at the annual president-elect training school (PETS).  The club continued its service to the local community raising substantial
funds for local youth projects through the annual "Shrimp and Catfish Roundup," this year led by member, John Kannelis. 

As a part of a literacy initiative, the club started it's own literacy project.  In lieu of speakers' gifts, the club initiated the practice of giving a book to needful Amarillo Independent School
District elementary schools in the name of persons who presented programs to the club. 

Throughout the year, President Huffaker took every opportunity to recognize contributions that club members were making in the community in addition to their Rotary service.  During the course of the year, many members received the "Atta-boy" or "You Go Girl" award for additional acts of community service.

Mark Haworth became the 87th president of The Rotary Club of Amarillo during the 2003-2004 year.  Prior to assuming office both Mark and his wife Nan attended the International convention in Brisbane, Australia.  Newly elected International President, Jonathan Majiyagbe started his year with the theme of Lend a Hand.  Highlights of the convention included the announcement of the Polio Plus goal being reached (over $80 million) and presenting the charter to the first Rotary Club in Kabul, Afghanistan. 

 President Mark’s board of directors functioned with distinction. The board It was composed of Gary Stevens, John Huffaker, Mila Gibson, Mary Stephens, Jeff Neely, Wes Knapp, Paige Carruth, and Guyon Saunders.

 Jeff Neely organized a family club meeting in September.  The club met in the evening at ACC for hamburgers, socializing, and introduction of family members.  Larry Offerdall presented the program and informed the club about the Amarillo Zoo and the new track to trail park.

Mila Gibson led a successful foundation drive in November.  Ten new Paul Harris Fellows were partnered with ten multiple Paul Harris Fellows, yielding a total of twenty Paul Harris Fellows during this year. President Mark was proud that the club awarded its 212th PHF during his year and was the leader in District 5730. 

Wes Knapp organized the annual Salvation Army bell ringers.  As in past years, we helped this charity with more than forty volunteers.  Wes, president-elect 2005-2006, did a superb job in many areas, including the organization of the kitchen at the Shrimp and Catfish club project. 

 The hat was passed at a club meeting in early December on behalf of Boy’s Ranch and a check for $685 was donated to that organization.  This continued a tradition of support that began in the late 1930’s. 

 Mary Stephens worked tirelessly for the second year on the Polio Plus Casino Night in March.  The five clubs of Amarillo and Canyon hosted an entertaining night of food, music, gambling and prizes.  Over $10,000 was raised for Polio Plus.

At the official visit of District Governor Howard Mercer the club had its usual outstanding turnout for their club assembly.  Over 25 members met to share their committee’s goals and accomplishments.  It was a memorable show of support for Governor Howard and a shot of excitement for the membership of TRCA.

 Fireside meetings were hosted in club member’s homes.  Betty Keith, Wes Knapp and Karen Hicks opened their homes for new member’s orientation.  The change of locations was a hit and each one was well attended by newly inducted members of the club and club officers. 

 The club parties were fabulous events during the 2003-2004 club year.  Betty Keith chaired both the Christmas and Valentine’s parties at the Amarillo Club.  Food, fun, and song were aplenty at both events.  Sam Lovelady emceed both events with wit and humor. Hearing Sam was worth the price of admission according to several club members. 

 Barry Oxley chaired the Shrimp and Catfish fundraiser, the major activity of the year.  He and his vice chair, Pam Rushing, worked tirelessly from September until the event in April.  Seventy-two members of the club were involved in the event because it was a huge production. The highlight of the evening was a drawing for a Ford Mustang or a Ford Pickup.  Club member Beaumont Boyce won the raffle and chose the Pickup. More than twelve hundred people attended the gala. Beneficiaries of the funds raised included the YMCA ($9,000), Boy Scout of America ($4,500) and Life Challenge ($4,500).

       David and Trinity Prescott deserved special mention.  They worked tirelessly for TRCA.  Their most exceptional work was building the TRCA website.  Much time and effort was invested and the club was most appreciative of all of their contributions. 

 A new twist was added when President Mark shared the ABC’s of Rotary during the weekly meetings.  This bit of Rotary Information was directed toward the education of the 25 new members concerning Rotary’s history, characteristics and personality.

          Past President John Huffaker did the groundwork necessary for the creation of The Rotary Club of Amarillo Foundation. The need for a foundation arose when club member John Early offered a sizeable donation to fund it. The goal of the foundation was to provide funding for projects that would enhance the quality of life in Amarillo. Although not yet completed, it was hoped that this foundation would be the start of a very important part of TRCA and the community it serves. 

88th President, Gary Stevens

History of The Rotary Club of Amarillo 2004-2005

Appeals Court Justice Don Reavis administered the oath of office to the incoming officers and directors on July 1, 2004. Taking the oath for the 2004-05 Rotary year included Gary O. Stevens – president; Wes Knapp - president-elect; Paige Carruth – secretary; Guyon Saunders – treasurer; and directors Renee Wilson, Mary Emeny, Jeff Neely III, and John Kanelis.

Gary Stevens was the club's 88th president. He joined Rotary in 1968 under the classification of Telephone Service and was a career employee of Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.   The theme for the Rotary Year was "Celebrate Rotary".  The theme was most appropriate because it was the 100th year of Rotary.
 
The focus for the year was to enjoy Rotary.  Every Rotarian that demonstrated his or her enjoyment of Rotary received a Centennial Rotary Prize (CRP).  The prize was a small telephone magnet that rang when the receiver was pushed. President Gary gave out over a hundred to the membership. This was not the only thing that made our club enjoyable during the year. Past Presidents of the club were selected to function as monthly program chairs and members were treated to a nice array of entertaining and informative programs. Fellowship continued to be one of the strengths of the club and President Gary occasionally injected some humor into the proceeding, like weekly. 

District Governor Charles Cotton (Greater Odessa) made his official visit to the club on August 5, 2004 was overjoyed to be met by a room full of committee chairs for his Club Assembly. Twenty-five club members gave reports of projects and activities planned for the year. 

Amarillo Rotary Clubs were hosts to thirteen Russians beginning October 14, 2004 who were related in various ways to the pharmaceutical industry in their hometowns. They centered their visit at the Texas Tech School of Pharmacy. Members of our club helped other clubs provided room and meals, transportation, and entertainment for the Russians during their three-week stay. 

Rotarian Sam Lovelady was the perennial host for the club Christmas party held at the Amarillo Club on December 9, 2004 and Sam was in great form. Few were spared from his humor and wit. About 150 club members and guests enjoyed the well-planned event. 

Rotarian Tom Higley pulled a surprise presentation of a Paul Harris Fellow to his spouse Brenda at the club meeting on February 5th. She became the 212th Paul Harris Fellow awarded by our club. 

In lieu of the annual Valentine’s Party our club joined other Rotary clubs in the area to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Rotary by attending a gala event at the Amarillo Civic Center on February 23, 2005. Almost 500 Rotarians and their guests represented most of the clubs in the area around Amarillo. Tributes to the founders of Rotary, its accomplishments, and the successes of Rotary in our area were made. It was difficult to not to take pride in being a Rotarian when the evening ended. 

The year was not without its note of sadness. One of the patriarchs of our club, Dr. Allen Early, Jr’s funeral was held on April 13, 2005. Allen joined Rotary in 1949, maintained perfect attendance, and served the club as president in 1981-82. Other former club members who died during the year included Bill Zelsman and Vess B. Barnes. 

President Gary threw out the first pitch on Saturday April 9th when the Rotary Park at the YMCA’s baseball/sports complex was dedicated on Hillside. Several Rotarians were present to assist in the ceremony as well as sell tickets for the upcoming Shrimp and Catfish Roundup.  Proceeds from the S&CR go to help fund the construction of the project. Coverage of the event was on Amarillo TV stations at six and 10 Saturday night. President Gary’s pitch was true and perfect—straight to the catcher with out a bounce or bobble.  
 
The Rotary Club of Amarillo had made a commitment to the YMCA of Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars to be paid over a ten-year period.  To meet this commitment the club continued its annual funding raising project -The Shrimp and Catfish Roundup. It was held on April 30, 2005.  Pam Rushing was the Chairperson and was assisted by a multitude of club members in staging the event. Corporate sponsorships were sold and club members bought and sold tickets to the event to raised funds. More than 1200 meals were served during the evening. The club presented the "Y" a check for Twenty Five Thousand Dollars as a result of the project. 

Other successful projects included a one thousand dollar contribution to the Mentoring Program, fifty library books to AISD in lieu of speaker gifts, six hundred dollars to Boys Ranch, Rotarians worked the Salvation Army Kettle Drive at Christmas, scholarships for Boys and Girls RYLA Camp, the Diabetic Camp, and Walter Johnson headed up another successful Holdup Program. Two Fireside Meetings were held for the 21 new members inducted during the year. Twelve new Paul Harris Fellows were awarded, bringing our club total to 224.  
 
The club received several awards at the District Conference in Odessa that was held May 12-15, 2005. The Centennial Challenge Winner from our club was Pam Rushing. A Presidential Citation was awarded to Club President Gary Stevens. The RI Present Glenn Estes Commitment To Service Award was presented to Walter Johnson. The Amarillo Club was cited for its Public Relations efforts, and Pam Rushing won another award for Membership Recruitment, recruiting six new members.  The Rotary Club of Amarillo was recognized as a member of the exclusive Blue Chip Club category and the club’s Centennial Project with the YMCA was recognized. PDG Paige Carruth received the First District 5730 Distinguished Service Award. Tom and Pat Dawkins won the Cruise To Alaska Raffle drawing. 

The highlight of the Rotary International year occurred June 18-22, 2005 in Chicago when the 100th Centennial Rotary Intentional Convention was held. President-elect Wes Knapp and Toni, Past President John Huffaker and Charlotte, and PDG Paige Carruth and Norma were there for the celebration. 

PDG Doyle Moore completed a seven-year commitment of service to the Lone Star President-elect Seminar at the end of the Rotary year. Doyle lent his talents to PETS in many positions: Discussion Leader, Registrar, Operating Chairman, Treasurer, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees. 

With Jean watching, President Stevens ended his year on June 30, 2005 by summarizing the events mentioned above and received his Past President’s pin. Our club raffle drawing for the Ace of Spades was won by ________________________________  and he split the $4500 pot with The Rotary Foundation. Past President Stevens retired to Table A in the back of the room.