october is "economic & community development" Month!
Governor's Corner
Dear District 5890 Rotarians:
It’s hard to believe October is already here! Hopefully, cooler weather is on the way. We are now one-quarter of the way through this Rotary year.
Thank you to everyone who participated in our multi-club events. We have completed all of our club visits and had a wonderful time connecting with each club. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the months ahead!
October is World Polio Month, a time for Rotarians around the world to come together to raise awareness and support the fight to End Polio Now. District 5890 is proud to support this effort with two exciting fundraisers this month!
Ride to End Polio — October 10, 2026
Start your engines and join us for our Ride to End Polio! Whether you ride or simply support the cause, your participation helps us move one step closer to a polio-free world.
Million Dollar Zone Polio Walk — October 24, 2026
Lace up your walking shoes and join fellow Rotarians and friends for our Million Dollar Zone Polio Walk. Every step and every dollar brings us closer to our goal of eradicating polio. Don't forget we have a points match for donations between $100-$500!
Together, District 5890 can make a difference. Let’s make October a month to raise awareness, raise funds, and raise our commitment to End Polio Now!
Attention to all Motorcyclists! This year's Polio Plus Motorcycle Ride is set for Saturday, October 10th, 2026, at 9:30am. We meet at Buc-ee's in Baytown at 9:30am. Kick stands up at 10:00am. We will ride the back roads to Mama Jack's cafe in Kountze for lunch and friendship. Then, return via the same back road route. Riders can separate and take their own route home as they see fit.
Riders should donate to Polio Plus and/or seek sponsors to donate to support them. For more information, please see the link below to visit the calendar event on the District website or contact PDG Bill Palko at bpalko55@yahoo.com.
Join us on Saturday, October 24, World Polio Day,to walk for those who can't! It's a one mile walk and a big step toward a polio-free world. Join fellow Rotarians, invite family, and friends and wear your Rotary attire to help raise awareness!
From October 1 - 31, when you give $100 (the registration fee) to $500 to The Rotary Foundation "Polio Plus" fund, not only do you become a Polio Plus Society Member, District 5890 will credit you with an equal number of Paul Harris recognition points, moving you that much closer to your next Paul Harris recognition!
Meet at 9:30am CT at Dillard's Galleria, 4925 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77056.
Since the start of the new Rotary year on July 1, 19 amazing individuals have joined Rotary District 5890, and we couldn’t be more excited to welcome YOU!
You joined Rotary to make a difference—but you’re about to discover there’s so much more! Friendships. Inspiration. Laughter. Service. Connections. And FUN!
Ready to jump in with both feet? Join us at District Conference in Waco, April 8–11, 2027, where Rotarians from across District 5890 gather to celebrate our impact, share incredible stories, hear inspiring speakers, and enjoy the fellowship that makes Rotary so special.
Here’s a special welcome just for YOU! NEW Rotarians SAVE $200 on registration!
Simply use Promo Code NEW when registering.
Come experience the SPICE of District 5890—Service, Peace, Impact, Community & Empowerment—and discover just how BIG your Rotary world can become.
global grant scholars - applications opening soon!
We are pleased to announce that District 5890 will sponsor $30,000 Global Grant Scholars for the 2027-2028 Rotary year. Global Grant Scholarships support graduate-level study for career-minded professionals and are required to qualify under one of the seven Areas of Focus established by The Rotary Foundation. The 2027-2028 Global Grant Scholar Application and Information Package will be coming out soon. For more information, contact the District 5890 Global Grants Scholarships Committee Chair, Scott Dyson.
Rotary Friendship Exchange Connects Texas and Lithuania
The Rotary Friendship Exchange between Lithuania District 1462 and Texas Districts 5890 and 5910 brought Rotarians and families together through fellowship, culture, and service.
After hosting 14 Lithuanian Rotarians in Texas in March, a 12-member Texas delegation traveled to Lithuania in September, visiting Rotary clubs and projects in Vilnius, Palanga, and Kupiškis. A highlight was participating in Lithuania’s 25th annual Rotariada Summer Games, which brought together more than 2,000 Rotarians, families, and friends while raising funds for the Lithuanian Paralympic Committee.
The exchange also sparked new service partnerships, including contributions toward a Rotary trail bench and a special-needs children’s hospital, along with plans for a potential $35,000–$45,000 Global Grant for rehabilitation equipment.
The exchange is also laying the groundwork for an ICC partnership between Lithuania and Texas districts.
More than a cultural exchange, this experience created lasting friendships and new opportunities for Rotary collaboration across borders.
2027 ROTARY INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION
Get ready — because the 2027 Rotary International Convention in Barcelona (June 26–30, 2027) is shaping up to be one of the most exciting gatherings in Rotary history!
Picture it: thousands of Rotarians, world‑class speakers, groundbreaking ideas, global friendships, and a city bursting with color, creativity, and culture. Barcelona is the perfect place to recharge your Rotary spirit and bring home fresh inspiration for your club.
This is your call to action
This is your invitation to step into something bigger
This is your chance to be part of the global Rotary story
Let’s rally our district, pack our bags, and show up in full force. The world needs Rotary — and Rotary needs YOU in Barcelona.
Preliminary information is available at the link below. Registration will open in September 2026, but you are encouraged to get your name on the advance notification list to take advantage of the very best prices and accommodation choices!
Please Welcome these New Rotarians in District 5890!
Rotary Club of Brazos River, Olajuwon & Grace Akinbobola
Are you Our Next District Governor?
From October 27 through December 11, 2026, our District 5890 Governor Nominating Committee will accept applications for becoming District Governor for the 2029-2030 Rotary Year.
One of the most extremely rewarding and challenging positions in Rotary is that of being District Governor. But with a district with the finest clubs in all of Rotary and over 2,000 Rotarians that astound you year-in and year-out with their extraordinary accomplishments, it is also one of the most, if not the most, rewarding Rotary positions you will ever hold.
Join the Nominating Committee for a District Governor information session on Tuesday, October 27, at 6pm. Hear from past District Governors about the duties of the role, the application timeline, and qualifications for applying. Click here for more info on this rewarding opportunity! Hope to see you on October 27th!
2027 DISTRICT CONFERENCE - WACO, TX
Your 2027 District Conference Team is hard at work to ensure we all have fun celebrating our year of Spicing things up: Service ~ Peace ~ Impact ~Community ~ Empower.
Make your plans now to Join Us in Waco at the AC Hotel in downtown. Located across from the Magnolia Silos, just steps away from the Dr Pepper Museum, and within walking distance to a plethora of shops and dining venues. We're certain everyone will have a grand time!
Everyone loves saving so REGISTER NOW to take advantage of the low rate of only $299 ... remember to enter Promo Code "FALL" to receive your discount. This discount is valid until January 15, 2027, but why wait - REGISTER NOW to guarantee your spot!
You may also RESERVE YOUR ROOM at the hotel today before they're gone!
OPERATION TURKEY - nOV 25 - 26, 2026
Operation Turkey will be at four locations throughout the greater Houston area - Museum District, Southeast Houston, Northwest Houston, and Katy.
The Turkey Tailgate (November 25) – this day is a whole lot of fun. It is a time when volunteers come together, the day before our big day, in preparation for the event. Turkeys are cooked, side dishes are prepped and a lot of laughs and good times are shared.
On Thanksgiving Day, each location may run a little differently, but we all have one purpose – cook, prepare, and deliver meals to those who are less fortunate. The day is over by noon!
We have amazing Clubs with amazing Rotarians in District 5890 and we want to give a shout out to:
Rotary Club of Northshore, on being the recipient of the inaugural Jim and JoAnn Fonteno Legacy Award, presented by Harris County Precinct 2's Commissioner Adrian Garcia.
The Bellaire/ Southwest Houston Rotary Club honored member, Judy Harwell, with the presentation of the "Judy Harwell Scholarship" that will be awarded annually to a college bound high school senior pursuing a career path in education and who demonstrates a deep commitment to serving others.
Million Dollar Zone Polio Walk — October 24, 2026
Here’s a special welcome just for YOU! NEW Rotarians SAVE $200 on registration!
