Rotary Club of Marlin: People of Action

Rotary's people of action are Marlin neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers gathered to share ideas and join leaders to take action on sustainable projects in our community. 

Rotary Club in Marlin is both part of a 110+ year-old international organization and a local community leader. Our causes are promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies.

While Rotary clubs are grounded in the same values, no two are the same, because each community has its own unique needs. At Rotary Club of Marlin club meetings, our members come together to strengthen their connections to friends and neighbors and their commitment to improving lives in Marlin. We share ideas, make plans, hear from the community, and catch up with friends during weekly club programs that fuel the impact we make. 

This past year (July 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020), Rotary Club of Marlin provided scholarships to four handicapped children to receive equine therapy for a week. Rotarians hosted a golf tournament, thereby adding scholarships for college or trade schools. It donated books to primary grade students. In its fight against hunger, members made the largest monetary donation by an organization to the 2019 Food for Families drive. It provided an effective volunteer force at the City Community Garden. Rotary Club of Marlin collected and continues to collect clothing, toys, bedding, and cookware for children and women in Child Protection Services. These and many more projects are planned for the coming year. Its first fundraiser will be a Raffle of bicycles. 

Rotary’s programs are developing the next generation of leaders to make the world a better place and making peace a priority. And our programs are not just for club members. This past year, a Marlin High School Junior attended Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (RYLA). RYLA is a leadership development program for young people who want to learn new skills, build their confidence, and have fun through presentations, activities, and workshops covering a variety of topics. Students have an opportunity to hone their leadership potential, develop creative problem-solving strategies, and learn ethical business practices.

The attack on humanity by the coronavirus is monumental. Fighting disease is one of Rotary’s main causes, so members already support efforts to promote proper hand washing techniques, teach people other ways to stay healthy, and supply training and vital medical equipment to health care providers. Now they’re helping health authorities communicate lifesaving information about COVID-19 and donating protective gear and other supplies to clinics and hospitals that are under strain because of the pandemic. The Rotary Foundation, Rotary’s charitable arm, has to-date awarded $20 million to support Rotary clubs worldwide in their immediate response to COVID-19 in their communities, and to long-term recovery efforts.

Rotary Club of Marlin held its initial meeting (adhering to social distancing and health requirements against the coronavirus pandemic) on July 1, 2020, presided by Dr. Marilyn Martin. Guest Speaker was Richard Schneider, Assistant District Governor. Mr. Schneider described the continued efforts of other clubs throughout the Rotary Texas Central Area District 5870 during the current pandemic. The use of Zoom training conferences or club meetings has been helpful. Yet, he stressed the importance of member-to-member communication, and to leadership, “Point is try to keep your members interested. Keep them in contact.” 

Officers for 2020-2021 are President Dr. Marilyn Martin; Secretary/Treasurer Leonard McGowan; Foundation Chair Roger Nutt.

Committee Chairs are Membership-Jimi Lynn; Scholarship/Education/RYLA-The Board; Service Projects-The Club; Public Relations-Letitia Estep.

Solving real problems takes real commitment and vision. We are pleased to announce new member to Rotary Club International, Tasia Rekieta (right), Manager of Falls County Farm Bureau in Marlin, with the Rotary motto: SERVICE ABOVE SELF. She stated, “(I) want to promote community involvement from myself and my business.” 

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community? There’s a project happening that needs you, and you can help change lives locally. The embodiment of Rotary clubs and their ultimate purpose is to embrace and support communities in need, thus the world needs Rotary more now than ever before.

Rotary Club of Marlin meets every Wednesday at 12:00 noon at The Chicken Place. Contact Letitia Estep at (903) 286-3671 for additional information.

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553