New Convention Event, “Honors in Action Academy,” Open to All Members
To read more on this new program click the link below:
Regional Officers Training Manual
The Texas Region would like to thank Mr. Larry Polk, Chair of the Texas Regional Advisory Board for all of his hard work and dedication to the Texas Regional Officer’s. Attached is the new Texas Regional Officers Training Manual.
Regional Officers Training Manual
2009 Hallmark Cover Sheet’s
Here is the new 2009 Texas Hallmark Cover Sheet’s.
2009 Texas Hallmark Cover Sheets (word)
Hurricane Ike Recovery
Texas Region,
In the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ike, many of the evacuated coastal areas were closed and homeowners had no way of knowing what had happened to their property. One of the local television meteorologists in Houston flew over the coastal devastation in a helicopter while taking calls from homeowners trying to locate their property and assess damage. Many times there was absolutely nothing to see … their homes had been completely destroyed by Ike. I personally live a little over an hour from the coast, and while Hurricane Ike took its toll in my area, it was nothing like what we saw during Frank Billingsley’s aerial report. Two things struck me at the time … the devastation of course, but in addition, the service he was providing for concerned property owners. While he certainly was acting in his professional capacity, Frank Billingsley chose to lead from where he was in a time of need and identified something he could personally do to make a difference.
That is what we’ve seen over and over again … neighbors helping neighbors remove fallen trees, sharing generator power, opening their doors to help in any way they can. And you did the same, Texas! Thank you for your overwhelming response at the Texas Leadership Conference in Dallas when we passed the hat for those affected by Hurricane Ike. Because of your on-the-spot generosity, $1083.39 has been donated to the American Red Cross on behalf of the Texas Region.
Many of you have asked what else can be done. News coverage of the storm recovery has largely been preempted by politics and the economy, but the cleanup and rebuilding has just begun. Kaye Slay, your District IV Vice President, and I have gathered some information this week to hopefully make sure your efforts are effective. We’ll try to continue to identify opportunities, but wanted to get this information (at the bottom of this email) in your hands as soon as possible.
While never surprised, I am always amazed at the impact Phi Theta Kappa can have in situations like this! Thank you, Texas!
Debbie Esparza
District IV Coordinator, Texas Region
281.312.1569 (wk)
713.962.4392 (cell)
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief)
The UMCOR is organizing on-the-ground response teams
Clean Up Around the Bay
Because of the conditions caused by Hurricane Ike, Bike Around the Bay has been cancelled and is being replaced by “Clean Up Around the Bay” on October 18th and 19th.
Event Schedule:
Saturday, October 18th - 9:30am-3:00pm, Clean up at Galveston Island State Park (Galveston)
Sunday, October 19th - 9:30am-3:00pm, Clean up at Scenic Galveston (Virginia Point)
Interested volunteers should provide the following information to Vanessa Mintzer, vmintzer@galvbay.org or 281.332.3381, x 207:
1. Full Name
2. Number of volunteers in party
3. Number of minors in party (volunteers must be 10 yrs of age or older. Minors must be accompanied by and adult)
4. Cell phone number
5. Day you would like to participate (Saturday, Sunday or both) .
More information
Beach Boys Concert to Benefit United Way of Galveston
November 1st at the Moody Gardens Amphitheater:
Rosenberg Library
The Rosenberg Library in Galveston was founded in 1871 and is the oldest public library in Texas in continuous operations. The library suffered a great deal of damage from Hurricane Ike. The children’s section, in particular, was destroyed. The library initially suggested that donation of children’s books would be a good way to help, but they have no place to store them while restoring the library. Donations directed for this purpose may be a very good way to help. It looks like they are trying to add a PayPal component to their Web site: http://www.rosenberg-library.org//
Houston Food Bank
The Houston Food Bank has opportunities for volunteers as well as donors:
American Red Cross
As I mentioned, the Texas Region has donated $1083.39 Find other ways to help at:
Charity Navigator
Find out how the charity you choose spends your donation:
Texas Regional Handbook Draft Copy
Here is the finalized draft copy of the Texas Regional Handbook. Please take the time to look it over and if there are any questions please send them to Dr. Mary Hood.
Texas Regional Handbook Draft Copy