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Bailey Wins District Four-Way Test Competition

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 15:02:00 -0700

Tulsa Central High School Senior, BerThaddeus Bailey, won top honors during the Four-Way Test Speech Contest Finals conducted April 28 during the District 6110 Assembly in Springdale, AR.

Pictured from l to r: President-Elect Tom Klenda, BerThaddeus Bailey, speech instructor Anita Hardy, Immediate Past President Bob McKenzie and Executive Director Donna Mercier.

Bailey won the Tulsa club's competition held January 18 under the leadership of the 2011-12 Youth Activities Committee, chaired by Adam Strange. Up against contestants from clubs throughout the district, Assitant District Governor Herb Orr put Bailey forward for consideration at the semi-finalist level. Other finalists included: Janna Allen sponsored by the Rotary Club of Fayetteville; Alex Walker, by the Rotary Club of Broken Arrow; Claire Harness, by Rotary Club of Harrison; and Michelle Forbes, Rotary Club of Neosho.

Posted April 30, 2012

Rotary Dedicates $1 Million Gift to the People of Tulsa

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 08:18:00 -0700

Seven years after first discussing a "significant and long-lasting" centennial gift to the people of Tulsa, the Rotary Club of Tulsa dedicated its $1 million Rotary Plaza on Williams Center Green.

Immediate past president of Rotary International Ray Klinginsmith traveled to Tulsa to first keynote the April 25 dedication on the Green and then the celebration luncheon, which drew close to 400 in a Hyatt Regency ballroom. Others participating in the day's activities included Mayor Dewey Bartlett - an honorary member of our club - along with Rotarian GT Bynum, who serves as city council chair, and Club President Phil Lakin, Jr., who is also a Tulsa city councilor. Barbara Hess, chair of the Tulsa Parking Authority, which owns the Green, also thanked Rotary for the gift of a "significant enhancement to the downtown park." Past-presidents Bob Lengacher and Tim Colwell, who co-chaired the Centennial Project Committee, presented framed picture-plaques to Dewey, GT and Barbara.

Following the outdoor dedication, the celebration continued inside the hotel. Three special videos were shown, including a time-lapse view of the project, edited by Rotarian Erik Ortega; an aerial view of the plaza created by Rotarian Tina Miller and her husband Alan; and a video view of the plaza at night showing the dramatic nighttime lighting installed by Phos Electric & Lighting. That video is featured on the lighting contractor's website, http://www.phoselectric.com/media.html

Bob Lenagcher shared how the project was launched with an idea by then-club President Linda Bradshaw. He credited Linda's vision and thanked the many others who contributed funds and volunteer time throughout the five years of planning and fund-raising. Bob recognized Rotarian Norm Asbjornson for his financial commitment that launched the capital campaign and sustained it with continuing support.

Tim Colwell recognized Jay O'Meilia and David Nunneley, the artists who created the five bronze sculptures; landscape architects Dan Alaback and Jason Dickinson of Alaback Design Associates: and general contractor Brett Biery of Hunter Construction Management.

The project co-chair also saluted the various volunteers who contributed their time and resources to the completion and success of the project, including the 21-member Centennial Project Committee and the event planning committee, as well as the various project contractors, sub contractors and Rotary staff.

The largest contributors to the project stood and were thanked, followed by every person in the room who pledged and contributed.

Individual volunteers recognized include John Stava, who served as the project's construction chair; Ron Butler, who provided extensive graphic design services, including design of the club centennial logo; and Tina Miller, whose photography was included in the event program and in other promotional materials. Jerry Cornelius also provided photography.

Tim also personally thanked Bob Lengacher for his dedication and tenacity and "for his deep friendship and mentoring" during the five-year project. This drew a long and sustained standing ovation to recognize Bob's leadership not only for this project, but for his 49 years of service to the club and the Tulsa community.

In his keynote address, Past President Ray said while many service clubs are dwindling in numbers, it's obvious that Rotary in Tulsa is strong and that is reflected in Tulsa's spirit of volunteerism and charitable giving. He said that Tulsa is recognized as "America's Most Generous City" - which drew strong applause - and it's worth celebrating any organization that celebrates 100 years in a community.

Distinguished guests attending included 14 past district governors and visiting Rotarians from Masaya, Nicaragua; Greeley, Colorado; and Huntsville, Alabama - all who have supported the club's Nicaragua humanitarian water well drilling project. Four broadcast news stations covered the event and the Tulsa World ran a morning editorial saluting the club for its generous gift to the people of Tulsa.

Past-President Del Dreyer headed the dedication planning committee. Serving with him were Trish Kerkstra, Erik Ortega, Donna Mercier, Tim Colwell, Steve Turnbo, John Rains.

For more information about Rotary Plaza and the individual bronze sculptures, please visit the club's website under Projects, or click here.

Posted: 4/27/12

Visit to Oklahoma City Club

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 14:35:00 -0700

Twenty Rotary Club of Tulsa Rotarians enjoyed a respite from the March storms by heading west to Oklahoma City for the biennial exchange visit. After an "insider's" tour of the Oklahoma History Center led by Dr. Bob Blackburn, the group attended the weekly meeting of the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City in the Petroleum Club. Introduced by Chair of the Day, Mary Melon, City of Tulsa Mayor Dewey Bartlett was the featured speaker, bringing all in attendance up-to-date on the new and exciting developments taking place in Tulsa. David Peterson had the honor of receiving a $5,000 donation from OKC Club President Chuck Wiggins and Steve Kime, partnering with us on our Water Well Drilling project in Nicaragua. After posing for a group photo, everyone boarded the bus for the ride back up the turnpike to Tulsa, having learned more not only about Oklahoma City but also Tulsa!

March 20, 2012 Tulsa Rotarians visit Oklahoma City Club; Mayor Dewey Bartlet featured speaker

Rotary, Flintco Help Bring New Flagpole to Celia Clinton

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:27:00 -0700

With the help of a Flintco crane and operator and the Rotary Club of Tulsa, Celia Clinton Elementary School now has a working flagpole outside of their front doors. The flagpole was installed Thursday afternoon, followed by a flag raising ceremony and The Pledge of Allegiance, led by students and faculty of the school.

Celia Clinton Principal said that the school has not had a consistently working flagpole since recent renovations moved the school's main entrance to the other side of the building.

"The chain was rusted and would work one day, and then not work the next. Plus, we feel the flag should be outside of our front doors. That way, it is the first thing our students, faculty and visitors see when arriving at Celia Clinton," said Principal Tanya Davis.

"We have tried to make patriotism a major theme among our students, yet not having the American flag flying on a daily basis has thwarted those efforts," said Davis. "This donation of resources and labor has helped create a wonderful addition to our school's campus and patriotic spirit," Davis continued.

It all started when Katie Johnson, Chairman of Rotary Club of Tulsa's Partners in Education, noticed that their partnering school had no functioning flagpole. Johnson brought this to the attention of Rotarian Paula Wood, Special Assistant for School and Community Relations for Tulsa Public Schools, and from there, they took it upon themselves to see that The Stars and Stripes could fly outside of the school. Soon after, community support began coming in from all directions.

The flagpole was donated by Tulsa Public Schools and was previously stationed at Addams Elementary, which closed in 2011 as a result of Project School House. However, when the pole was initially donated, Celia did not have the means of installing the flagpole nor did they have an American flag that would properly fit the new flagpole.

A new American flag came by way of a donation from Modern Woodmen of America, a fraternal insurance company that partners with Celia Clinton. "A member of the Modern Woodmen of America, who happens to be a vetren, saw that our current flag was aged and tattered. He felt it was his responsibility to help bring a new flag and teach the children about the respect it deserves," said Davis.

Likewise, when Flintco Vice-President of Business Development, Dana Birkes, also a member of the Tulsa Rotary Club, caught wind of the circumstance, she was eager to see how Flintco could assist in the efforts. Flintco donated the workers, equipment, and time to move the flagpole from its former location and install the flagpole at its new home at Celia Clinton Elementary.

"Flintco superintendent, Al Apitz enthusiastically led the charge to get the new flagpole transported and installed at Celia Clinton. Fortunately, we were able to help bring what should be a staple at every schoolhouse in America, a flying American flag," said Birkes.

Posted March 4, 2012

Centerpiece Globe Arrives, Installed on Rotary Plaza

Sun, 04 Dec 2011 22:20:00 -0700

A milestone was reached December 4 when a 12-foot, 3,000-pound bronze globe arrived in downtown Tulsa and was installed on the Rotary Club of Tulsa's Centennial Plaza.

The globe, which represents Rotary's presence in 220 countries around the world, will be the centerpiece of Rotary's $1 million gift to the people of Tulsa. Other bronze sculptures by artists Jay O'Meilia and David Nunneley will also be installed on the Williams Center Green location.

"This is a great day for Rotary and a milestone in a five-year journey to create a public plaza for Tulsans to enjoy for generations," said Bob Lengacher, co-chair of the club's centennial project. "We are excited that the first installation was a success, and we now look forward to the installation of granite hardscaping, along with the other bronze figures."

Four additional bronzes that represent the good works of Tulsa volunteers - and Rotarians specifically - will circle the globe. They include Serving Tulsans, Freedom from Polio, Better Understanding through Youth Exchange, and Drinkable Water Worldwide.

Completion of the plaza is expected by January in time for the Rotary USA Large Club Conference, which is being hosted by the Rotary Club of Tulsa. Presidents-Elect and Executive Directors of the 75 largest clubs in the country will assemble at the Hyatt Regency Tulsa - next door to Rotary Plaza - for the group's annual conference. Official dedication of the plaza will occur in the spring, with the current and two former Rotary International Presidents expected to attend.

The $1 million project was entirely funded by the "downtown" Rotary Club and its members. The club will officially celebrate its first 100 years in 2015.

Besides Bob Lengacher, others serving on the Centennial Committee include co-chair Tim Colwell, Club President Phil Lakin, Keith Bailey, Bob Saied, Bob McKenzie, Chuck Wilson, Del Dreyer, George Shahadi, John O'Connor, Karen Keith, Linda Bradshaw, Steve Clark, Tom Klenda, Scott Petty, Rod Sands, and John Stava, who also serves as construction chair.

Alaback Design Associates designed the plaza, and Hunter Construction Management is the general contractor.

Posted Decmeber 5, 2011

Rotarians Host Business Visitation Day

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 10:10:00 -0700

FIRST MATE FINANCIAL ADVISORS: Jeri Barrientos, standing third from left, hosted her Rotarian colleagues during the Rotary Visitation Day luncheon Oct. 12. Sitting at left is Rotarian Linda Adlof. Standing are presenters Amanda Gallaway; Floyd Hudson, an Advanced Planning Specialist; Barrientos, a Financial Advisor/Succession Planner; and Leanne Barlow, an Estate Planning Attorney. Sitting on the right are Rotarians Brad Anthamatten and Trey Walling.

JP MORGAN: Steve August, standing, of the Rotary Club of Tulsa hosted a group of his fellow Rotarians during the club's Business Visitation Day Oct. 12 in downtown Tulsa. JP Morgan is a leading financial services firm with global scale and reach. Twenty-one businesses participated in the event. With over 450 members, the Rotary Club of Tulsa is the seventh largest Rotary Club in the world.

Posted November 30, 2011

Club Breaks Ground for Rotary Plaza

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 10:30:00 -0700

$1 Million project on Williams Center Green will salute “the volunteer spirit of Tulsa” with five bronze sculptures on a landscaped plaza.

After three years of site negotiations and fundraising, the Rotary Club of Tulsa has broken ground on a $1 million gift to the people of Tulsa.

Ground was broken August 17 for the Rotary Plaza on Williams Center Green. The plaza – 90 feet in circumference – will be a landscaped “front door” to the green, utilizing granite and recycled brick from the existing location.

The sculptures – by noted Tulsa artists Jay O’Meilia and David Nunneley – will be the centerpiece of the plaza. The bronzes recognize the role of volunteerism, specifically the role Rotary has played in Tulsa and around the world over the past 100 years. A granite column will tell visitors about Tulsa’s history and emergence as “America’s Most Generous City®.”

“This is a milestone event in the 98-year history of our club,” said President Phil Lakin. “We are pleased to start construction and look forward to the dedication this fall.”

Rotary Plaza will be located on the southwest corner of the Williams Center Green, along Third Street, midway between Main and Boston.

“We certainly could not be breaking ground today without the generosity of the Rotarians in our club,” said Bob Lengacher, Centennial Committee co-chair. Bob explained that when final construction figures came in, “we were about $170,000 short.” That amount was raised in four days.

The landscape plan calls for trees, an irrigation system and dramatic nighttime lighting. The large bronze globe will be positioned in the center of the plaza, with the individual bronze sculptures on granite bases surrounding it. Benches will provide resting places for visitors to the plaza.

Approvals for this gift of public art to the City of Tulsa were given by the Tulsa Arts Commission as well as the Tulsa Parking Authority, which is the owner of the Williams Center Green and the parking garage located underneath.

“By early fall, this project will be completed and Tulsa will have an instant downtown landmark,” said Tim Colwell, Centennial Committee co-chair. “We are expecting leading RI dignitaries to attend, along with many community leaders and Rotarians from throughout the region.”

Tim saluted the club’s Centennial Committee for continuous counsel, reviews and fundraising. Those members include Phil Lakin, Tom Klenda, Keith Bailey, Linda Bradshaw, George Shahadi, Del Dreyer, Bob McKenzie, John Stava, Steve Clark, Cory Nickerson, John O’Connor, Bob Vassar, Allan Edwards, Scott Petty, Chuck Wilson, Rod Sands, Karen Keith and Bob Saied.

Alaback Design Associates is the plaza designer. Phos Lighting & Electrical provided the lighting design and Hunter Construction Management, Inc. is providing construction management services.

THE SCULPTURES

Accompanying descriptions will be etched in granite.

Centerpiece Globe – A 12-foot bronze globe, symbolizes Rotary’s worldwide presence with 33,000 clubs in more than 220 countries.

Serving Tulsans – A bronze figure of a Rotarian mentoring an elementary student. This sculpture salutes Tulsa volunteers who serve the community.

Freedom from Polio – A bronze figure of a running girl, tossing her crutches aside. This sculpture reflects Rotary’s quest to eliminate polio from the earth.

Drinkable Water for All – A bronze figure of a Nicaraguan woman carrying water from a well drilled by the Rotary Club of Tulsa. This continuing international project supports Rotary International’s goal of providing drinkable water to all in impoverished nations.

International Understanding through Fellowship and Exchange - A bronze figure of a high school student, carrying a book and wearing a backpack. This sculpture reflects the various international scholarship programs of Rotary and the hundreds of Rotary Youth Exchange students who traveled to and from Tulsa.

New President Urges Rotarians To Step Out Of The Room

Wed, 13 Jul 2011 08:14:00 -0700

An unoccupied table in the middle of the otherwise noisy lunchroom this year will symbolize Rotarians who are out in the community serving charitable organizations at that very moment, says the new president of the Rotary Club of Tulsa.

"Instead of coming to the noon meeting, 10 Rotarians will be serving a local charity," says Phil Lakin, whose presidency runs from July 1 of this year through June 30, 2012. "This year, I want us to set a goal to get out of this room. To get through those doors and influence our city, this world, even this club."

Citing the many projects members of Rotary Club of Tulsa support, including Celia Clinton, Shop with a Cop, Water Wells in Nicaragua and the international fight against polio, Lakin says Rotarians are doing great work. But the need in Tulsa continues to grow. As CEO of the Tulsa Community Foundation, Lakin says he is exposed on a daily basis to the needs in Tulsa, needs he wasn't aware of previously.

He shared the following local statistics to make his point during his inaugural speech on July 6.

In 1970, 82 percent of Tulsa-area kids lived in married households. Today, that number is 65 percent.
In 1970, 11 percent of Tulsa-area families were headed by single females. Now that number is 21 percent.
In 1990, Oklahoma ranked 21 out of 50 states in children living in poverty. Now it is 42^nd.
Today, 82 percent of Tulsa Public Schools' kids qualify for a free or reduced-fee lunch. Many don't eat on the weekends.
38 percent of babies born in Tulsa are born to unmarried mothers.
24 percent of babies born in Tulsa are born to mothers with less than a 12^th grade education.
Oklahoma is the only state where people are living fewer, rather than longer, years.
Life expectancy in north Tulsa is 14 years less than for those who live in south Tulsa.
Oklahoma incarcerates more women than any other state in the U.S. - at twice the national average.

"How can we help improve life for people so that these statistics are what they should be, not what they are?" Lakin asked the crowd.

Take a quick look at Lakin's background and it's easy to see why he cares about Tulsa so much. He moved to Tulsa in 5^th grade, graduated from Jenks, married his wife and is helping to raise their three sons. He leads the largest community foundation in the United States, right here in Tulsa. Under his leadership, TCF has grown from $117,000 in assets to approximately $4 billion today.

Lakin is as comfortable in a business suit as he is in hiking gear. In fact, he is a seasoned mountain climber, having reached the summit of all of Colorado's 53 ranked 14,000 foot peaks.

He has been a Rotarian since March 2000. He is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Club Foundation Fellow. On July 6, he assumed the role as the 98^th president of Rotary Club of Tulsa.

In addition to serving locally, Lakin laid out two other initiatives he wants to accomplish during his presidency at Rotary Club of Tulsa. They are to provide more services abroad and to serve the internal needs within the club, including improving the retention rate of members. This is a problem for Rotary clubs across the nation, with 42 percent of new members leaving within the first three years.

"If we focus on our motto we will become more active, we will become more relevant, we will become more involved," he said. "Let this be our year. Let this be a year that changes how and why we Rotarians serve above self."

Iba Awards Features Legends Knight, Lilly and Taylor

Wed, 01 Jun 2011 07:52:00 -0700

Just a few weeks to go and tickets are selling out quickly for this year's Iba Awards, which will feature Coach Bob Knight as the keynote speaker. Knight, who was the head coach of the 1984 gold medal olympic basketball team, named Henry Iba honorary coach of the team. Knight had great respect and admiration for Iba. Jason Taylor, with the Miami Dolphins for 12 years and most recently the New York Jets, and a favorite on Dancing with the Stars is the male recipient. Female recipient is soccer legend Kristine Lilly, one of the most decorated female athletes in U.S. history.

A Chairman's Award will be presented to Stephen Wampler, the first person with cerebral palsy to climb the 3,000-foot rock formation, El Capitan, in California's Yosemite National Park. It took him six days and more than 20,000 four to six-inch pull-ups to reach the top.

Area sports celebrities, coaches, former athletes and athletic directors will be attending including Bill Blankenship, TU football coach; Joe Castiglione, OU athletic director; Bubba Cunningham, TU athletic director; Sunny Golloway, OU baseball coach; Pat Jones, former OSU football coach; Eddie Sutton, formerOSU basketball coach and Iba Awards advisory board chairman; and Tulsa's own Grady Nichols will provide musical entertainment.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Rotary Club of Tulsa Foundation, which provides financial assistance to worthy organizations and projects in Tulsa and surrounding communities as well as internationally.

The event will be held at the Renaissance Tulsa Hotel and Convention Center on Monday, June 6 with a black tie celebrity reception starting at 5:30 p.m. followed by the awards banquet at 7 p.m.

Reservations are required and are still being accepted. Tickets are $175 per person, table sponsorships are available. For information, contact the Rotary Club of Tulsa at 918-584-7642 or online at www.iabawards.com.

Rotarians Serve Nicaraguans With Water Wells

Mon, 09 May 2011 07:12:00 -0700

Six members of the Rotary Club of Tulsa, plus a son, a spouse and two church friends, 10 in all, departed Tulsa International Airport on February 23 for the Rotary Club of Tulsa's annual visit to Nicaragua to view the club's International Water Well Project.

The trip was originally scheduled earlier this year but was delayed due to the winter snowstorms. With airline tickets changed and hotel reservations confirmed, the small delegation departed, loaded down with many items, including parts for the drilling rig, donated shoes, school supplies and international friendship candy.

The mission was to check, investigate, view, evaluate, affirm Rotary International partnerships and confirm the progress of the investments of the Rotary Club of Tulsa. The group was optimistic to be on site as the drilling rig was operating. They hoped to witness the precious gift of water brought into remote barrio areas.

Upon arriving late at the Managua airport after the three-plus hour flight from Houston, the group immediately checked into the Best Western Hotel across the street from the airport. Early the next morning, the delegation boarded a small air-conditioned transportation bus, secured luggage on top, and departed for the first stop in Rivas, nearly four hours away.

Although it is in a geographical area heavy with lava, 12 successful wells have been drilled there, resulting in many friendships. Monsignor Alfonso Alvarado Luco, Popoyuapa community leader and acting intermediary for the potable water project, took the group into communities to view schools, churches and visit with the small barrio community leaders where the Rotary wells have changed lives. Surprised, the group was told by welcoming ladies that they were "useful servants." Requests for more wells, especially one for a school, were presented to Water Well Chairman David Peterson. This was just one of many requests to the group as it made its way to other small barrio communities.

Nicaragua's national newspaper, La Prenza, sent reporters and a photographer to cover the visit. The newspaper gave the visit impressive publicity.

The message from the Nicaragua friends would be the same everywhere the group went. A choreographed blessing would come at each well site:

"First we thank God"

and then

We thank God for you"

Moving along down the road, the delegation arrived at the community of Monte Oret for a ribbon cutting ceremony for a new well. Balloons were strung between trees and chairs were arranged for the guests as dogs roamed in an out and chickens became part of the landscape.

The ceremony began with songs, prayers and speeches. A tiny girl cut the ribbon with a small pair of scissors from a special basket. The water well was now "officially" dedicated. Grateful hearts were expressed for the "life" that water brings. The well will become a "hub" for hundreds of the group's Nicaragua friends.

Throughout Nicaragua, the second poorest country in Central America, the critical needs for potable water are evident everywhere. Visitations at Chacaraseca, Quesalguaque, San Lorenzo, La Estacion Communit and Telica show efforts of the Rotary partnerships. The benefits of "life" that water brings would ring true throughout each of the many stops along the way.

Over the course of six days the hearts of the group would be touched by the expressions of gratitude from the habitants of each barrio community.

In addition to the inspections at previously drilled sites, a presentation of medical supplies provided by Rotary District 6110 MSNI, was made at the hospital in Leon. The medical supply needs remain critical and the doctors, while appreciative of the donation, had additional requests for hospital tables for surgery.

The schools in the region need desks, paper and chalkboards; the requests seem to never end.

The highlight of the trip for everyone was the witnessing of the drilling rig in action. Waiting for hours in the hot Nicaraguan sun, watching the drillers under the supervision and training of Mickey Moore, members of the group would be rewarded with water shooting from the ground as it covered the dry, cracked parched ground.

The dedication of two of the wells was very emotional. One was in honor of Kenny Duncan, head chef at First United Methodist Church. The other was in honor of Beth Peterson, David Petersons' mother who passed away just as the delegation was preparing to leave. Her last request was that David make the trip...regardless.

Over 200 successful water wells have been drilled in Nicaragua since 2002. The work continues thanks to generous Rotarians throughout the District and seventy participating clubs. Special recognition goes to driller Mickey Moore for his valiant efforts as he continues to train the Nicaraguan crews.

For additional Information, see: www.tulsarotaryweb.com, www.OwnAWell.com

Photos by TINA MILLER

ROTARIANS AND FRIENDS: Members of the Water Well Delegation included Rotarians Linda Bradshaw, Tina Miller, Brenda Melancon, Jack McGlumphy, David Peterson and his wife Elaine Peterson, Rotarian Fred DiLibero and his son B. J. DiLibero, and friends of the group Jeff and Tyler Nevins. They are posing with friends from Nicaragua.

FEATURE PHOTO - COOL WATER: Nicaraguan villagers enjoy fresh water provided by a well drilled with the help of the Rotary Club of Tulsa.

Design of Rotary Plaza Unveiled

Wed, 06 Apr 2011 07:30:00 -0700

Design drawings of our club's centennial gift to the City of Tulsa -- a downtown Rotary Plaza -- were unveiled at a recent Rotary meeting. We hope to break ground on the Williams Center Green project after Mayfest, with completion expected in early fall.

Landscape architect and Southeast Rotarian Dan Alaback presented the design that not only recognizes 100 years of Rotary in Tulsa, but the celebration of Rotary's accomplishments internationally. In addition, Tulsa's standing as "America's Most Generous City" for volunteerism and charitable contributions will be highlighted in the plaza. Dan's firm, Alaback Design Associates, was contracted to do the hardscape and landscape design.

Five bronze sculptures are the centerpiece of the plaza, which will be located along Third Street, on the southwest corner of the green. At the center, a 12-foot bronze globe will be symbolic of the international scope of Rotary. Other sculptures will reflect the humanitarian role of Rotary in Tulsa and around the world.

They include:

• Freedom from Polio ... a sculpture in bronze of a girl casting aside her crutches
• Drinkable Water for All ... a Nicaraguan woman carrying fresh water from a well
• World Peace Through Understanding ... a student carrying a backpack and books. This represents Rotary's International Youth Exchange and Ambassadorial Scholar programs
• Mentoring Youth ... A Rotarian mentoring an elementary school student, which is symbolic of Tulsa Rotary's highly successful Celia Clinton partner-school relationship and youth mentoring by Rotarians around the world

Accompanying inscribed tablets will explain the significance of each bronze sculpture and how Rotary is making a difference here and internationally. Nationally recognized sculptors Jay O'Meilia and David Nunneley were commissioned to create the bronzes.

The 80-foot circumference plaza will feature a variety of hardscape materials. Pavers with sandblasted letters will be placed in a circular pattern around the project. The combined pavers will read: ROTARY CENTENNIAL PLAZA ... SERVICE ABOVE SELF ... CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF THE ROTARY CLUB OF TULSA. Additionally, the plaza will include benches, dramatic lighting and large diameter trees.

Incoming Rotary President Kalyan Banerjee of India has been invited to help dedicate the completed project. In his invitation, President Bob McKenzie explained the significance of the $800,000 gift to Tulsa: "This setting - and the magnitude of the project - will create an instant local landmark. But importantly, the celebration of our great organization through public art will make Tulsa's Rotary Plaza a Rotary International landmark, a destination for traveling Rotarians who will feel pride when experiencing this recognition of the world's largest service organization."

The next steps are the City of Tulsa's approval of the design, creation of final design drawings, and then the groundbreaking, the construction and finally, the installation of the sculptures.

Posted: April 6, 2011

Tulsa hosts OKC visitors

Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 -0700

For their Visitation Day to Tulsa, Oklahoma City Rotary Club members were greeted by some of our Club's members at the Mayo Hotel and were treated to a complete tour of the facility on Wednesday, March 23, 2011.

Posted March 23, 2011

Volunteer Mentors Needed to Support Veterans with Disabilities Entrepreneurship Program

Tue, 08 Feb 2011 12:37:00 -0700

Service Above Self. As Rotarians, it is our motto. It is our goal. It is the ideal. We have pins, cards, and posters to remind us. We are justifiably proud of the service we can provide to our Club and local and international communities. There are others, however, who also epitomize the creed. Think, if you will, of American Veterans. Although not their motto per se, they have in fact lived the motto. And, for many who became disabled while in service to our Country, they do not need external reminders. They carry their reminders as part of their very being every day.

On January 6, 2010, Steve Wood announced that the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of Tulsa approved the Oklahoma State University's Veterans with Disabilities Entrepreneurship Program as a Club Project. This program is specifically for American Veterans with a service connected disability resulting from participation in Operation Iraqi Freedom and/or Operation Enduring Freedom. Applicants were required to demonstrate a strong interest in entrepreneurship and the desire and commitment to start a business. The application process was open to Veterans across the country and dozens of applications were received. Thirty-six deserving Veterans have been selected to participate in the eight-day residency in Stillwater, Oklahoma from January 30-February 6, 2010. During this time, the Veterans will receive intense training in the "nuts and bolts" of business ownership through workshops and lessons. In addition, before coming to Stillwater, the Participants will undergo approximately seven weeks of self-study facilitated by online discussion. After they leave Stillwater, they will participate in a twelve month ongoing mentorship from O.S.U. entrepreneurship experts.

Rotary Club of Tulsa seeks additional Volunteer Mentors to associate with these Veterans. The Rotary Mentors will personally meet the Veterans during their residency period and provide ten months of ongoing mentorship through convenient methods such as e-mail and telephone communications. The Rotary Mentors will provide advice and guidance from their own experiences, but will also provide the Veterans with access and connection to other individuals within Rotary with specialized experiences. In addition, the Rotary Mentors will assist the Veterans in making a connection with a home club Rotary Mentor. This outreach effort provides our Club with an opportunity to support and connect with Veterans from all branches of the service. In addition, we will be able to assist O.S.U.'s efforts to take this program to other universities and Rotary Clubs around the country and serve as a national catalyst for leading edge American Veterans programs.

A "kick-off" meeting will be held on Monday, January 25, 2010, at 5:30 p.m., at the O.S.U. Tulsa Campus, North Classroom Building #227, to introduce the Veterans Entrepreneurship Program team from O.S.U., discuss the Mentor's role, and answer questions from those interested in serving as Mentors. If you or someone you know might be interested in serving as a Mentor, please attend this meeting or visit www.entrepreneurship.okstate.edu/vep for more information. For questions, contact Steve Wood at steve.wood@okstate.edu, 688-6176; Eric Culver at culaw@hotmail.com, 625-2832; or John Stava at john@stava.com, 260-7221.

Posted February 8, 2011

Rotary Club of Tulsa Presents Above and Beyond Awards

Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:27:00 -0700

At its fourth annual Above and Beyond Service Awards, the Rotary Club of Tulsa honored a firefighter who performed fast-acting heroism to rescue an elderly motorist swept under in a flood, and a Tulsa police child crisis detective who has performed "Service Above Self" for children at home and at work for many years.

Founded in 2008 by the Rotary Club of Tulsa, the Tulsa Firefighter and Police Officer of the Year honorees are nominated by their peers based on exceptional performance and community involvement.

Seconds after responding to a rescue call, Firefighter Jason Large dove under water to save a 62-year-old male who was trapped in a vehicle during a flash flood at 21st Street North and Mingo on Sept. 21, 2009. Standing with water up to his nose, Large thrust the man onto his shoulder and carried him to high ground and safety.

Detective Darren Carlock is a 25-year veteran of the Tulsa Police Department and the most experienced and senior investigator in the Department's Child Crisis Unit. During his ten-year tenure as a child crisis investigator, Carlock has successfully worked thousands of cases in which children were the victims. With a reputation for his tireless pursuit of the truth, he routinely goes above and beyond normal protocol to find justice for victims who are often too young to speak for themselves. He and his wife have also been foster parents for several years.

Tulsa Police Chief Chuck Jordan and Tulsa Fire Chief Allen LaCroix applauded both winners for their passion, humility and bravery. Honorees were recognized - along with past winners - at a Rotary Club of Tulsa luncheon.

Thanks to the generous support of event sponsors, $1,000 was donated in honor of each winner to the Tulsa Firefighters' and Tulsa Police Officers' memorial funds. Thank you to our presenting sponsor Tulsa Community Foundation. Thanks also to Drummond Law, PLLC, Jarvis Incorporated, MAC Systems, Pendergraph Fire & Security Systems, Stanley Security, Butler & Butler and KJRH2 News.

Each winner received a trophy and will be extended complimentary stays at the Doubletree Hotel-Downtown. Each winner's department shift will also be honored with catered dinners from the Rib Crib at 51st and Memorial.

The 2011 Above & Beyond Service Awards were made possible by Rotary Club of Tulsa's Above & Beyond committee: Tim Colwell, Mark Cortner, Tom Droege, Roger Dunham, Laura Elmore, Jerry Emmons, William Gaddis, George Hamilton, Elizabeth Hunt, Kacey King, Doug Padgett, Lori Roberts, Frank Sanders, Jalaa Stultz, Carl Vincent and Ron Walker.

Posted January 25, 2011

Shopping with a Cop Brings Smiles

Sat, 04 Dec 2010 16:56:00 -0700

Rotary's annual Shop with a Cop® event put smiles on more than 30 kids faces December 4. More than 50 Rotarians, police officers, explorer scouts and women from TU's athletic programs were on hand to make sure kids from Celia Clinton Elementary School could shop for their families for Christmas.

While the students and the officers were shopping for the family, Rotarians snuck away and secretly bought gifts for the kids. My student wanted a battery-operated car, and I was able to find the last, battery-operated police car in the store. Perfect for the day.

The kid's experiences with the police officers builds a great bond for future relationships, and by the end of the day, there were huge smiles on their originally tentative faces. Students from TU wrapped the gifts, and Wal-Mart provided lunch and cookies for the families.

Partners for this event chaired by Rotarian Jalaa Stultz included Tulsa's Fraternal Order of Police, Wal-Mart and the Rotary Club of Tulsa.

Posted December 6, 2010

Rotarians Raise Funds for Salvation Army

Fri, 03 Dec 2010 17:21:00 -0700

On a beautiful day in December, more than 140 Rotarians helped the Salvation Army collect donations by ringing bells at retail locations across the city of Tulsa. Committee chairman Lynn Martin reports that Rotarians worked in 11 locations from 11 am through 6 pm on Thursday, December 2. Soon, the Salvation Army will total the collections from the kettles and let us know in our regular meeting how much we raised. [During a wrap up event in January, we were presented with the traveling trophy for the most money raised, $4,100.53.]

This yearly activity is integral to the Salvation Army and also serves as a good time for Rotarians. Last year, Rotarians working the Bank of America location downtown raised the third highest amount of money raised in any one location in one day. For that, Rotary won a gift certificate from Wal-Mart which we donated back to the Salvation Army.

Posted December 3, 2010

Linda Adlof and Rotary exchange student Megane Metz ring the bell for the Salvation Army.

Rotarians John Stava and Tony Oliva working hard for the Salvation Army at Petty's in Utica Square.

Scott Rowe and Ed Monnet are two of 140+ Rotarians raising money for the Salvation Army in December.

Rotary Hosts Gubernatorial Candidates

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 -0700

It has been a long-time Rotary Club of Tulsa tradition to host a debate among candidates for major statewide office. In a recent pre-election Wednesday meeting, a packed house welcomed gubernatorial candidates Mary Fallin and Jari Askins.

The debate, which was moderated by Past-President John O’Connor, included the candidates sharing how they plan to vote on the 11 state questions that will appear on the Nov. 2 ballot. Republican Fallin and Democrat Askins answered mostly the same, with the exception of voters required to present photo IDs at the polls – Fallin is in favor, Askins is not. Fallin was also undecided on two questions Askins opposed.

After answering the state questions, the candidates were asked for their views on illegal immigration, education reform and other issues. Observers noted the lack of rancor between the two, in fact it appeared that the two genuinely enjoy each other’s friendship.

Extra tables were set-up to accommodate the 330 in attendance. Honorary Rotarian Mayor Dewey Bartlett was there, as were various other local and state elected officials. The debate – only the second for the candidates – was covered by all Tulsa media. For Tulsa World’s front page coverage, click here.

The upcoming election is significant in that for the first time, Oklahoma voters will elect a woman governor.

Posted October 25, 2010

Business Visitation Day 2010 Vocational Awareness

Fri, 15 Oct 2010 15:37:00 -0700

On Wednesday, October 13, instead of their regular weekly meeting, club members split into 18 small groups to visit fellow Rotarians' places of business. Coordinated by Vocations Committee Chair George Basore, over 200 members participated in this annual opportunity to learn more about their host's vocation and operations. Shown here is Rotarian Matt Davis testing a new car at Jackie Cooper Imports during the Rotary Club of Tulsa's annual Business Visitation Day. Rotarian Greg Kach hosted this BVD session at Jackie Cooper, providing lunch and a tour of the facilities.

Posted October 15, 2010

Social Committee Offers Fun Events

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

In a club of approximately 500 members, getting to know everyone can sometimes be a challenge, even for those who have perfect attendance! An opportunity for Rotarians to get to know each other and have a fun time is through the activities planned by the Social Committee, chaired by Claudette Rogers.

This committee’s charge is to build fellowship among members by coordinating social and sporting events. The Social Committee also coordinates reciprocal meetings between the Rotary Club of Tulsa and the Rotary Club of Oklahoma City.

This August over 100 Rotarians and their guests attended a private showing of the Philbrook Museum of Art’s exhibit, “To Live Forever: Egyptian Treasures.” Rogers says, “Attendees enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails and heard from Philbrook Executive Director Randall Suffolk. Twelve Rotarians took advantage of membership specials offered that night to invest in new memberships or renew previous ones.

It was a wonderful evening and the staff at Philbrook did everything possible to make it special.”

Rogers adds that in the next two months the Social Committee has two events planned. She says, “The first event will be a tour of the Marshall Brewing Company on Tuesday, Oct. 26. The after-work event will include a tour and tasting. Rotarians heard from its founder, Eric Marshall, in August. Watch for table flyers and meeting announcements for more information!”

Rogers says, “In November, Rotarians will help the TU Hurricane celebrate the UTEP game with a tailgate party! Set for Saturday, Nov. 20, Rotarians will have the opportunity to purchase game and food tickets for a great day of football! Again, watch for table flyers and meeting announcements for more information!”

Posted September 28, 2010

Rotarians Visit Fire Houses and Police Stations in Search of the Best

Tue, 28 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Rotarians in early September fanned out across Tulsa in search of police officers and firefighters who have exhibited passion, humility and bravery.

The outreach effort kicks off the selection process for the Rotary Club of Tulsa’s Above and Beyond Service Awards. The program, now its fourth year, recognizes individuals who have demonstrated outstanding acts of character, commitment and compassion to both profession and community.

The honorees are nominated by their peers based on exceptional performance and community involvement. With the deadline to nominate candidates approaching, Rotarians Jerry Emmons, Jalaa Stultz, George Hamilton, Bill Gaddis, Roger Dunham and Kacey King have been visiting fire houses and police squad meetings around Tulsa to share information about the awards program and to encourage nominations.

“The men and women of Tulsa’s fire and police departments put themselves in harm’s way each day they go to work – all so we can live in a safe community,” said Carl Vincent, chair of the Above and Beyond Awards committee. “In addition to their everyday service, we know there are extraordinary stories of heroism and sacrifice that warrant special attention and recognition.”

Last year, the Rotary Club of Tulsa honored a firefighter who led rescue efforts when a 19-year old man disappeared underwater after a diving accident in Skiatook Lake. A police officer was honored for exhibiting a career of “service above self” day in and day out, as well as serving as a role model for youth.

Nominations are due Oct. 8, 2010. Winners will be notified the week of Nov. 17 with a ceremony scheduled for Jan. 19, 2011. The Award Winner's shift will receive a catered Rib Crib Dinner and a stay at the Downtown Doubletree as part of the Award.

Click here for more information about the Above and Beyond Service Awards.

Posted September 28, 2010