Reported by Bogdan Bikish
President Sara Pantin called the Rotary Club of Austin (RCA) meeting to order. Glenn West
led the pledges and Bogdan Bikish gave the invocation of the day. Haley Holcomb led us in saying The Four Way Test. Ken King served as greeter and Carl Noble introduced the guests and visitors.
Two members were recognized with Paul Harris Fellow Awards — Dr. Pat Beckham, PHF +2, and Jim
Boyce, PHF +8. Congratulations Pat and Jim!
Margaret Curtis gave an announcement reminding us about the Books for Me! volunteer opportunity at Pecan Springs Elementary the week of May 11-17th.
Karen Collins followed her with a reminder about the wine tasting hosted by Diane and Zach Ventresca on May 11th. Red, White or Bubbly—As Long as it’s From Texas is the theme. Please RSVP with Diane.
Dr. Michael Abelson gave today’s Membership Minute and asked us to complete a short survey about when and why we joined Rotary and why we stay with the Rotary Club of Austin.
President Sara made several announcements then we had Fellowship time!
Scott Rider introduced our speaker, Judge David Glickler, who presides over the Veterans Treatment Court in Hays County. The Judge’s presentation included:
- Spoke about how he realized that throughout his life he was surrounded by veterans and people who served in the military. He continued about how rewarding it is for him to be working with veterans.
- The Veterans Treatment Court (VTC) is a Special Court/Diversion Program aimed at reducing
recidivism and powered by government grants and community agencies. - Shared a story about how he once held court in a horse barn in San Marcos where the veterans
received free therapy with the horses. - Most of the VTC cases are related to veterans’ various addictions to alcohol or illegal drugs and PTSD.
- VTC provides an alternative avenue for treatment, including accountability and structure in the veterans’ lives through building communication and relationship bridges with peer vets and mentorship programs.
- VTC has a 98% success rate saving lives, families and futures – www.takepart.com/returntheservice
- VTC team is funded through grants – $100k Government grant and another $100k from the Texas
Veterans Community. - The mentorship program is called Veterans Who Stand for Veterans. Any veteran who served is
eligible, regardless of combat or non-combat service. - The program is 12-24 months long, composed of 3 phases and culminating with graduation.
Next week’s program is one highlighting our Club’s 105th Charter Anniversary, and on May 8th we’ll have our annual Scholarship Awards Program.
President Sara closed by highlighting advertisements from Corey Wilson (Kidd Roofing) and David Doran (Texas Systems Group). She then shared her Pearl of Wisdom and adjourned the meeting.