Hide Top-Bottom CSS
asdf
ROTARY DISTRICT 5890 COVID-19 SITE PAGE
CLICK HERE to read updates about ways Rotary clubs, and Rotary International are helping with the COVID-19 Pandemic
JOIN LEADERS - EXCHANGE IDEAS - TAKE ACTION!  ROTARIANS & ROTARACTORS ARE "PEOPLE OF ACTION"!

I'M INTERESTED...HOW DO I JOIN ROTARY?

CLICK HERE

FIND MY LOCAL ROTARY CLUB

CLICK HERE

TELL ME MORE ABOUT ROTARY'S CAUSES

CLICK HERE

THE HISTORY OF ROTARY:  THEN, AND NOW

CLICK HERE

HOW ROTARY IMPACTS COMMUNITIES

CLICK HERE

MAKE A DONATION TO HELP ROTARY'S CAUSES

CLICK HERE

2021 DISTRICT CONFERENCE - APRIL 15-18, 2021 - HORSESHOE BAY RESORT
GREAT DISTRICT 5890 EVENTS TO ATTEND
Feb. 20, 2026 Feb. 22, 2026
Apr. 30, 2026 1:00 p.m. May 03, 2026 8:00 a.m.
Stories About Our Projects & Events
Above:  District Governor Tom Kelchner at his Installation Gala
                                                                               
From his grandfather to charismatic President John F. Kennedy, Tom Kelchner takes inspiration from personal and global leaders. The common denominators among his heroes were their altruistic and modestly humble approach to the world. Actions speak louder than words. He has shown his belief in big action with big rewards throughout his career.
 
Tom is a proud member of the Rotary Club of Baytown where he served as club president and multiple leadership roles. 
He is a 33-year veteran of public education with the bulk of that served in Dallas Independent School District. He has worked in nearly every level of education, from a teacher to assistant principal, dean of instruction, principal, and director positions.  He has served students at all levels, including elementary, middle, high school, and special education. The heartbeat of his pursuits has always been scholarship and learning.
 
Tom and has served on numerous school, district, and community committees working with students, parents, board trustees, superintendents, executive-level management, and community leaders from all walks of life. 
 

Let's Unite for Good and truly exemplify Compassion in Action!

We are all aware of the catastrophic flooding and devastating loss of life in Kerrville and surrounding areas.  These communities as well as San Antonio and San Angelo, are part of our Rotary District 5840, led by District Governor Craig Hardy.
 
DG Craig and I started discussions on Friday.  I am proud to say that we have engaged in strategic planning discussions over the weekend to determine the most efficient plan for providing immediate and long-term support to our fellow Texans in the affected areas.   We have met with all of the District Governors from Rotary Region 36 (Zones 25B & 29).  
 
I am very thankful to DGE Camille Hamilton, DGN Dona Burke, PDG Bob Gebhard, District 5890 Disaster Aid USA Coordinators Patrick Lesley, Mark McVey and Wayne Beaumier as well as Disaster Aid USA Executive Director Larry Agee for joining us in (often short notice) meetings with DG Craig Hardy to discuss how we can implement a coordinated effort to best support in this tragedy.
 
Our support needs to be strategic in providing for immediate needs during this rescue and recovery phase, but also to provide long-term support for rebuilding and replenishing in the aftermath of the catastrophe. 
 

3-WAYS TO MAKE AN IMPACT:  IMMEDIATE SUPPORT - LONG TERM SUPPORT - VOLUNTEERISM

Fellow Rotarians, please consider, as clubs and/or individuals:
  1. Immediate Financial Support for supplies to DisasterAidUSA at https://disasteraidusa.networkforgood.com/projects/249980-texas-flooding.  Disaster Aid USA will use these specifically earmarked funds for purchasing and immediately distributing supplies such as water, diapers, etc., to the affected areas in D5840.  The focus will then shift to chainsaw work, debris removal, muck and gut of homes, and single-story roof tarping; and/or,
  2. Long Term Financial Support through our Rotary District 5890 Charities.   Donations to our 501c3 will be specifically earmarked for long-term support of those affected.  There will be a need for rebuilding, resupplying, and rejuvenating that area. You may send a check made payable to Rotary District 5890 Charities, Attn: PDG Bob Gebhard, 1204 N. Riviera Circle, Pearland, Texas 77581 or donate via credit card at https://rotaryd5890.org/donate/rotary-district-5840-disaster-donations/
  3. Volunteerism. For those of us who wish to physically contribute to the restoration effort, please access https://www.stability.org/join/DisasterAidUSA to indicate your interest.
Thank you for the great outpouring of support and many inquiries as to how we can best assist our fellow Texans in District 5840.   I am meeting on Monday evening and Thursday morning with our Presidents and Assistant Governors for our regular July meetings.  During those meetings, I will make a formal request for each club to consider a contribution.  I say to each of you, our over 2,100 members of D5890, that this is our perfect moment in time to Unite for Good and truly exemplify Compassion in Action!
 
On behalf of Rotary 5840 District Governor Craig Hardy and myself,  Thank You!
 
Tom
 
Dr. Tom Kelchner
Rotary District 5890 
District Governor 2025 - 2026
Rotary Club of Baytown, Texas
214-532-4478 
 

Ever wonder why 1 July is the beginning of the Rotary year? Initially, our conventions played a key role in determining the start date of our fiscal and administrative year.

Rotary’s first fiscal year began the day after the first convention ended, on 18 August 1910. The 1911-12 fiscal year also related to the convention, beginning with the first day of the 1911 convention on 21 August.

 
Installation of our 2025-2026 District Leaders
On June 14th, over 350 District 5890 members, friends and family enjoyed an evening that celebrated the beginning of a new Rotary year at the Hyatt Regency - Baytown/Houston!  Our 2025-2026 District Governor Tom Kelchner and our District Leaders were officially installed for their leadership year!
 
Special thanks to Maria Cortez-Ochoa, our Rotary District 5890 Photographer, for capturing the fun and excitement of the evening.
DG Nancy thanks everyone for attending our 2025 Rotary Night At The Astros!
Click image below to watch a short video! 
 
   
 
Batter Up!  Everyone enjoyed watching our Houston Astros play the Detroit Tigers.  It was fun, food and fellowship while we cheered for our Astros with excitement, and style. 
 
We watched the game from our own Field Level Suite (gotta love it!).  Prior to the game, we were able to go onto the field and see the players, plus get autographs.
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rotary District 5890 was honored to have Past District Governor Michelle Bohreer elected to represent us at the recent Rotary International Council on Legislation (COL) in Chicago.  She spent four days as our representative. 
 
Most believe that the decision impacting Rotary or guiding Rotary’s future are pronouncement’s from Rotary headquarters. Really, the vast majority of the decisions of Rotary require the COL’s action.
 
Michelle, plus representations from Rotary districts around the globe, debated 89 proposed enactments. Some passed; some failed.   
 
"I loved the entire process and would be honored to return." said PDG Michelle about this experience.
 
The Council on Legislation is Rotary International's governing body that meets every three years to consider and vote on proposed changes to Rotary's constitutional documents. These documents include the Constitution of Rotary International, the Bylaws of Rotary International, and the Standard Rotary Club Constitution. The Council is comprised of representatives from Rotary's districts worldwide.
 
Each Rotary district worldwide sends one representative to the Council to represent all the Rotarians in their district.  The Council On Legislation give us a voice in how our organization is governed. 
 
 
 
 
Members of Rotary District 5890 congratulate our very own District 5890 Governor, Nancy Anderson, for been named as one of "Houston’s 50 Most Influential Women of 2024" by Houston Woman Magazine!
 
All of us know that going above and beyond is exactly what DG Nancy has always does, so we are all very excited that she received this very special honor.  Congratulations to Nancy's family since they are always there to support her.
 
View the Houston Woman Magazine special "Houston's 50 Most Influential Women of 2024" edition: https://fliphtml5.com/lctmo/waly/Houston_Woman/8/
 
 
Do you know that the founder and creator of ClubRunner, Adel Asterbadi, was a Rotarian.  His daughters, Sarah and Halle Asterbadi, grew up in Rotary.  Sarah and Halle are co-founders of ClubRunner and they are taking their product an even higher level!
 
ClubRunner is in 77 countries...29 languages, and 65 currencies!
 
Watch Recordings of ClubRunner's 21-FREE "2025 Changeover Series" Webinars! - CLICK HERE
From May 20 - June 3, 2025, Rotarians in districts across the USA and 77 countries attended ClubRunner's FREE "2025 Changeover Series" webinars!  There were 21 webinars in total covering important topics to help your club during the 2024-2025 year.
 
There were 21 webinars covering important topics  help members learn more about creating a great website, increase their knowledge, plus learn great tips from their team of experts.   
 
 
 
Rotary Intercountry Committees are unique entities within Rotary International that connect Rotary clubs from different countries to promote peace and international understanding across borders to foster lasting connections between Rotarians around the world.
 
District 5890 Rotarian, Patrick Lesley, was elected tor the USA-Mexico ICC as the USA President representing all USA Rotary districts with Mexico.  We congratulate Patrick for this very prestigious role with the USA-Mexico ICC.
 
Below is from Salvador Rizzo, 2024-2026 Rotary International Director for Zones 25B & 29 0about his recent visit to Houston for the official charter signing ceremony for the new USA-Mexico Intercountry Committee hosted by Rotary District 5890:
 
On December 6th, a meeting was held in Houston, Texas, USA, to sign the Inter-Country Committee between the USA and Mexico to strengthen friendship and make global grants. Many thanks to the representatives of the USA Districts of Texas, California, Arizona, Nebraska, and Illinois, especially PDRI Suzi Howe and the Governors of the host district 5890 DG Nancy and DGE Tom.
 
I am very pleased that the 7 Mexican districts represented by DG Elibe, Claudia, Eloina, and Jean Manel, DGE Gabriel, Martín, Alma, and Gerardo, and DGN Marina, David, and Oscar were present. To the Inter Countries Committee, thank you for your advice, Nathalie and Dana.
 
Now, let me recall the beginning of this initiative. On August 2nd, I was invited to the RMDTI in Pflugerville (in Austin), and at night, at the Coleman house, my partner Esmeralda met Harish Krishnarao and introduced him to me, and in 20 minutes, we had already dreamed of this project, I never thought it would be so big.
 
For 4 months, we have been in communication, and on that path, I invited PDG Felipe Meza as President of ICC Mexico, and Harish invited my friend of many years, Patrick Lesley, to join as President of ICC USA.
 
Historically, the US border districts have been sponsors of many projects with the border districts of Mexico, and binational meetings are held with some districts in the interior of Mexico.
 
It was very nice to have a delegation of 20 Rotarians, who accompanied me to offer their friendship and commitment to making a better world.
 
I inform you that I will be committed to this initiative over the years so that Rotary in the USA and Mexico is stronger, based on friendship, and to do many humanitarian service projects that help our communities.
 
Thanks again to all the participants.
 
 
Rotary District 5890 Welcomes Dona Burke As Our 2027-2028 District Governor!
 
We are thrilled to announce that Dona Burke has been selected as Rotary District 5890’s next District Governor Nominee Designate and will serve as our 2027-2028 District Governor. 
 
With nearly two decades of Rotary service and over 30 years of leadership in the petrochemical industry, Dona brings a wealth of experience, passion, and vision to this role. Her journey is a shining example of how professional excellence and a commitment to "Service Above Self" can inspire meaningful change.
 
Professionally, Dona serves as Vice President, Supply Chain for TPC Group in Houston, overseeing procurement, logistics, planning, and optimization. Since joining TPC Group in 2010, she has transformed the planning organization into a trusted resource and transitioned to Vice President of Procurement in 2017, leading critical operations in indirect services and warehouse management. Dona’s career began at LyondellBasell, where she held leadership roles in engineering, operations, production planning, and environmental health and safety. A graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Chemical Engineering, Dona is also a member of the ISM Houston Executive Advisory Board. Her professional achievements mirror her dedication to excellence and collaboration.
 
Dona began her Rotary journey in 2004 with the Rotary Club of LaPorte, where she quickly became a standout member, serving as club secretary and earning the title of Rotarian of the Year twice. In 2008, she became a charter member of the Rotary Club of Houston Skyline, where she served as the club’s second president and, in recent years, as Club Foundation Trustee. She also made a significant impact during her tenure with the Rotary Club of Memorial-Spring Branch, where she served as club president and was named Rotarian of the Year for 2015-2016.
 
Dona has left her mark at the district level, serving in key roles such as Lieutenant Governor and District Grant Committees Chair. She co-developed and facilitated the District’s “Difficult Conversations” initiative, helping clubs navigate sensitive topics with grace and collaboration. Her leadership in training has been a cornerstone of District 5890, as she has shared her expertise on club leadership, fundraising, and strategic planning through Vibrant Club workshops and PETS, as well as at Zone and multi-district training events.
 
Rotary is a true family tradition for Dona. Her husband, Dorden, has been an active member of the Rotary Community Corps and has supported countless projects and events. Their children, Chris and Nicole, carried the Rotary torch through Rotaract and are both Paul Harris Fellows. Even the family’s beloved dogs, Persephone and Lady Sif, play their part in the fight against polio as honorary members of the “Kennel Klub” for PolioPlus.
 
Dona’s leadership, both in Rotary and her professional life, positions her perfectly to lead District 5890 into an exciting future. Her ability to inspire others, combined with her vast expertise, ensures that our district will continue to thrive and make a lasting impact.
 
Please join us in congratulating Dona Burke on this extraordinary honor and in welcoming her as our newest District Governor Nominee Designate!
 
Special thanks to Sandra Liu, Chair of the Governor Nomination Committee, and their time and dedication to select such an outstanding Rotarian to be our leader during 2027-2028.

The Rotary Youth Exchange program connects cultures, inspires service, and creates friendships that last a lifetime. 

It has been 50 years since Rotary Youth Exchange became an official program of Rotary International. This program connects cultures, inspires service, and creates friendships that last a lifetime. The video below shows what it’s like to participate in Rotary Youth Exchange — for the students and their families, host families, and friends.  Click here for a Rotary International article with a historical view of the program. 
 
Click here to visit our Houston-area Rotary Youth Exchange Committee's website to explore more about Rotary Youth Exchange!
 
 
 
 
 
2024-2025 District Governor Nancy Anderson and her District Conference Committee have been planning an exciting event to celebrate our year service to others. 
 
Join us on May 1-4, 2025 at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center which is located on the beautiful and historic Texas A&M campus in College Station, TX.   Housed in a striking glass tower across from Kyle Field (96-yards to be exact) and near the Memorial Student Center, the hotel and conference center provides stunning accommodations for our conference.
 
Please click here to visit our 2025 District Conference webpage for links.  Below is an event flyer with QR codes to register, and also about sponsorships.
 
Watch the video below to learn more so you can start preparing to aboard our District 5890 Express Train to our 2025 District Conference!
 
 
 
Please click here to visit our 2025 District Conference webpage for links.  Below is an event flyer with QR codes to register, and also about sponsorships.
 
 
"Bridges of Service" With "Compassion in Action"
You are invited to join us for a night of celebration and camaraderie as we welcome our 2025-2026 District 5890 Governor, Tom Kelchner, and install the District Leadership Team. Enjoy an evening that celebrates the beginning of a new Rotary year plus fellowship with Rotarians and guests from across the district!
 
Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025
Time:  6 PM to 10 PM
At:   Hyatt Regency - Baytown/Houston, 100 Convention Center Way, Baytown, TX 77520
See details below about Sponsorship opportunities!
Questions?  Contact Baytown Rotarian Paula Torres at RotaryBaytownTX@gmail.com
 
 
 

Where's our seats?  In our own Field Level Suite!

Tickets are $65/per person and includes all food & non-alcoholic drinks!  - Click for menu
Tickets are First Come, First Served!
 
 
Batter Up!  Join us on Monday, April 28th for an exciting 2025 "Rotary Night At The Astros" game!  Our Houston Astros will be playing the Detroit Tigers and we're looking forward to cheering our Astros to a win!
 
Grab your tickets for a great Rotary experience!  This is an amazing opportunity for the lucky 60 that purchase tickets (tickets are LIMITED) to gather together to enjoy fun, fellowship and supporting our home team with excitement, and style. 
 
Here's what is happening:
  • We'll be in our own Field Level Suite (love it!)
  • Click here to order your tickets.  (We only have 60 tickets...so order quickly)
  • Cost:  $65/per person and includes all food and non-alcoholic drinks.  Click here for the menu.
  • First Pitch is a 7:10 PM
  • From 6 PM - 6:30 PM we will have a 15-minute window where we are allowed on the field to take a group photo!
  • Also, we may have an "autograph" opportunity so bring a baseball and Sharpie just in case we are presented with this opportunity!
Another great opportunity will be a unique Silent Auction opportunity that provides a chance to hang with the players during Pre-Game batting practice.
 
I look forward to seeing you there to enjoy this great family experience with our Family of Rotary!
 
For the love of Rotary,
District Governor Nancy Anderson
 
 
 

When organizations and businesses partner with Rotary, our 1.4 million members amplify their impact, elevate our partner's brand, advance important causes, improve communities, and gain access to global connections.

ERADICATING POLIO:
For example, Rotary is a leading partner in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative. With help from our partners, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Health Organization, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, UNICEF, and Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, we’ve made the world 99.9 percent polio-free.
 
DISASTER RELIEF:
Rotary and ShelterBox collaborate to provide emergency shelter and vital supplies to stabilize, protect, and support communities affected by disasters and humanitarian crises. 
 
CLEAN WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE
Rotary partners with the U.S. Agency for International Development to assist countries in providing safely managed water, sanitation and hygiene services, while sustainably managing water resources.Rotary also works with UNICEF to provide technical guidance in the development and implementation of our WASH in Schools Target Challenge
 
Read more about our Partnerships (click here) and also our Collaborating Organizations (click here) and discover how .
 
 

Our District 5890 Empowering Girls & Women Peace Committee's special screening of Sound of Freedom (PG-13) was scheduled on the 2024 International Day of the Girl at the AMC Houston 8 located in downtown Houston.

We're proud to report that $10,845.59 was raised to support two local non-profits dedicated to stopping human trafficking (NTZ and UnBound)  and raising awareness.

After the movie was over, an "After Party" was held at MacGuffins Bar at the front of the theater. Attached is the PowerPoint we used with all our sponsors.

Special thanks to our sponsors and supporters that provide funding for this event.

Click here to view the PDF version of the PowerPoint Presentation for the event.

 

"Rotary Means Business Through Service" (RMBTS) was started as a multi-club effort to provide Rotarians the opportunity to network with one another, do business with each other, and is a fun environment to invite prospective members to Rotary!
 
All are welcome to join on the 2nd Monday of each month!
 
To start, the monthly meet-ups are a Happy Hour from 5 - 6:30pm at Adair Kitchen (5716 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77005).
Save These Dates To Your Calendar!
Rotary District 5890 invites all of our Rotaractors & Rotarians to join us at the following District 5890 Networking Events: 
2025 Dates:
July 14 - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
August 11 - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
September 8th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
October 13th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
November 10th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
December 8th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
2025 Dates:
January 12th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
February 9th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
March 9th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
April 13th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
May 11th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
June 8th - 5 PM to 6:30 PM - at at Adair Kitchen - Click for details
 
The agenda will be set & focused around personal/professional networking:
  • 5-5:20pm - Networking
  • 5:20-5:25pm - Welcome & Announcements 
  • 5:25-6:20pm - 45-60 Second Elevator Pitch (Name Top 3 Favorite Parts of Your Job/Profession?) / (one week may do a version of speed networking - get 5 minutes to talk with 9 different professionals, other creative ideas to mix it up)
  • 6:20-6:30pm - Joint Club SERVICE Collaboration & Adjourn
  • 6:30-Open Networking      
***Cash Bar-Buy your own drinks / Clubs covering cost of food/apps***
 
IMPORTANT: Rotarians are encouraged to invite a guest, whom you believe would greatly benefit from a powerful networking experience where they can connect with other SERVICE minded professionals who love Rotary.  Please consider who in your network exudes a high level of integrity, cares deeply about their community & would be an exemplary Rotarian - we are all committed to making them feel welcomed!  
 
Don't miss timely communications about “Rotary Means Business Through Service!” Join the WhatsApp group here: https://whatsapp.com/dl/ (open this link on a mobile device)
 
Contact: Sam Kelner, Bellaire/Southwest Houston Rotary Club President 2024 - 2025

As Rotarians and Rotaractors, we joined Rotary to make a difference and connect with others in your communities.

To help us achieve our personal and professional goals, Rotary International is working with Toastmasters International to provide opportunities to grow your networks, your leadership and communication skills, and your impact within the community. 

Rotary clubs are encouraged to contact their local Toastmasters club and visit a meeting, plus invite their members to visit your Rotary or Rotaract Club.  Click here to find your local Toastmasters club. 

Click here to read entire article on www.Rotary.org.

Our Rotary District 5890 is one of 400 Rotary districts in the world that has the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI).  We're a member of the Lone Star Division of the Rotary Leadership Institute International which includes districts throughout the State of Texas. 
 
Our District 5890 RLI Co-Chairs are PDG Gary Gillen and Chief of Staff of Assistant Governors Kathy Fenninger.  Under their leadership, they help our Rotarians and Rotaractors gain knowledge, develop leadership & professional skills, plus help members the "who, what, how, and why" about Rotary.
 
Please watch the video below to learn more about RLI and see which of our D5890 members have graduated from the courses, and have become Certified Trainers of RLI. 
 
Email Kathy Fenninger for more information - Click here
 
 
 
Special thanks to Walter Ulrich, CEO & President of Medical Bridges in Houston for his following message to Rotary District 5890:
 
To  our dear friends at Rotary… Medical Bridges treasures the relationship and friendship that we have with each of you and with Rotary. You have made a blessed difference for us in our biotech lab, in our rural Texas program, in response to international prices, and with your gifts for Ukraine.
 
Rotary District 5890 and local Rotary Clubs are an integral part of the rich flow of desperately needed medical items to Ukraine and that is gratefully appreciated. As a result, Rotary is part of this very special award given to Medical Bridges for its service providing medical supplies and equipment for the people of Ukraine. You provided funding and some volunteers, and Medical Bridges did what we do best. This would not have happened without the generous gifts from Rotary. This war is grinding on, and more help will continue to be needed.
 
This gracious and precious recognition by President Zelensky is special, but every day is special because with your long-standing support of Medical Bridges, you are improving health and saving lives in Ukraine and 104 countries whose needs are dire throughout the world… Walter.
"ROTARY HAS HEART" PROJECT:  THANKING NURSES/MEDICAL STAFF/CARE GIVERS

Click button below to learn more about this service project!