[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6155]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          IN HONOR OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN BRADY

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 1, 2015

  Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the 40th 
anniversary of The Rotary Club of The Woodlands, Texas. Across our 
nation and world, service organizations make communities stronger 
through educational, vocational and community health programs. Since 
its formation, the leaders and members of this Rotary Club, of which 
I'm a proud member, has achieved all that--and more.
  As the Vietnam war was ending, 20 local business leaders stepped 
forward to find solutions and make a positive difference in a new 
master planned community known as The Woodlands, Texas. Within two 
months of their first meeting, Rotary International approved their 
charter on May 9, 1975.
  Over the last four decades, much has changed both within our Rotary 
and world, but the Rotary Club of the Woodlands continues to grow and 
serve. Today 174 business and community leaders keep the Club moving 
forward by putting servant leadership first. The number of service 
projects and programs has increased, while educational scholarships for 
local students remain at the heart of it all.
  Before this new century the Club's Scholarship fund reached $250,000, 
necessitating the creation of a foundation. Over $1.3 million has been 
raised for deserving students--and many new community leaders credit 
their Rotary scholarships for making their education dreams a reality.
  Our Rotary Club sponsors five Interact clubs at local high schools 
where future Rotarians and community leaders connect with mentors, 
develop leadership skills and make connections through service projects 
and club meetings.
  Our club works with Interfaith of the The Woodlands on a program 
called ``Serving Our Seniors.'' Twice annually, Rotarians, Interact 
students, Interfaith staff and volunteers come together to help seniors 
with a variety of home repair, improvement and landscaping chores.
  Our Club annually supports an international exchange student who 
attends high school in the community. This cultural and educational 
exchange benefits the hosted student, their home country and local 
students who get to know more about other cultures.
  The Club also provides layettes for the care of newborns in a South 
American medical clinic near the areas known for the Children of the 
Dump. This project ensures many lives begin in a sanitary environment 
and involves out local Interact Clubs who put together the layettes 
from supplies purchased by the Club with matching funds from Rotary 
International.
  Our club also holds mock interview sessions with local community 
college students. The ``Show Me the Money'' project pairs up Rotarians 
with students in a positive, affirming environment. Our sessions 
include making the right first impression and financial literacy.
  There are truly too many service projects this Club has completed 
over the past forty years to share them all, but a conservative 
estimate is that Rotarians from The Woodlands Club have put in tens of 
thousands of service hours.
  So, to my fellow Rotarians I thank you for 40 years of living the 
Rotary motto of ``Service before Self'' in thought, word, and most 
importantly, in deeds. May your exemplary servant leadership continue 
to bless our community.
  I know my Rotarian pride shines through when I share what my home 
Rotary club does for our community. Today I want all of America to join 
with us in celebrating 40 great years. I can't wait to see what the 
future holds for The Rotary Club of The Woodlands.

                          ____________________