November 18, 2009

Rabbi Barry H. D. Block

Senior Rabbi

Temple Beth-El

“Can We Give Thanks?”

Chair of the Day: Gordon Dunkley

Rabbi Barry H. D. Block has served Temple Beth-El in San Antonio since 1992, and became the congregation's Senior Rabbi in 2002. A Houston native, Rabbi Block received his undergraduate education at Amherst College in Massachusetts, where he graduated magna cum laude and was tapped to phi beta kappa. He was ordained in 1991 at the New York Campus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, after having been awarded the degree, Master of Arts in Hebrew Letters, at the Los Angeles Campus in 1988. 

Rabbi Block serves Reform Judaism nationally and regionally as a member of the Board of the Central Conference of American Rabbis and Chair of its Resolutions Committee, and as President of the Southwest Association of Reform Rabbis. He represents his colleagues throughout Texas and Oklahoma as Rabbinic Advisor of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations Greene Family Camp for Living Judaism in Bruceville, Texas.

Rabbi Block is a Director of Methodist Healthcare Ministries and serves on the Community Board of the Methodist Healthcare System and on the Medical Executive Committee of Metropolitan Methodist Hospital. He is a Past Board Chair of Planned Parenthood of San Antonio and South Central Texas.

Rabbi Block is married to Toni Dollinger Block, M.D., a psychiatrist in private practice. They are the parents of two sons, Robert and Daniel.

Rotary Social

Join us for the next Rotary social on Thursday, Nov 19 at the Plaza Club. Free appetizers and one free drink will be provided by the Plaza Club.  Come enjoy the spectacular view and spend time with fellow Rotarians and friends.

Thursday, Nov 19

5:30 - 7:30

Plaza Club—boardroom

21st floor, Frost Bank

100 W Houston

Free parking after 5:00

Family of Rotary

Congratulations to U40 member Mark Larson.  Mark has been named Trinity University’s 2009 Outstanding Young Alumnus.  Mark is founder and director of the KIPP Aspire Academy.

Our condolences to Bill Brewer on the death of his mother Marian Brewer.

Rotary Golf Outing

The next Rotary golf outing is Thursday, November 19 at the South Course at Sonterra.  The fee is only $45 and includes the round, cart, range balls and tax.

If you’re interested in playing, contact Tom Vaello at 225-0858 or via email at tom@rightimages. com

In Memoriam

	Richard Arneson Nov 7,1926 -  Nov 2, 2009

 

Past President Richard Arneson passed away on Nov 2.  Richard was a very respected and active member of the club and the community.

During his term as Rotary president in 1979-80, he launched a project with the San Antonio Zoo to create the Children’s Zoo.

Our condolences to his wife Canda and the rest of his extended family.

	Don Strange

We’re saddened to announce the death of a good friend to Rotary, caterer Don Strange.

Don and his family have been major supporters of Diploma Plus by hosting the annual Don Strange Ranch Party.  The Strange family donates the ranch and all food and beverages.  His generosity  enabled the club to put the proceeds of the event directly into the program.

Our deepest condolences to Brian and his family.

The following was taken from the Express-News online:

“Trailblazing caterer Don Strange, 69,of Don Strange of Texas, Inc., has died of a heart attack.

Strange is nationally known for his catering company, his Don Strange Ranch northwest of Boerne,and his legendary attention to detail. Strange took over the catering business started by his parents Joe and Edith Strange and ran it from his Bandera Road headquarters.

Strange was a 1959 graduate of Jefferson High School and learned catering on the job. Among his catering innovations was the development of the food station concept in which dishes are prepared in front of party guests rather than in a kitchen.

Strange has three sons, Brian, Matt and Jason, who work with him. His wife Frances works with him in his Marketplace mail-order food business.”

 Special Invitation to Rotarians and their Families

The Army has extended a very special invitation to all Rotarians, their families and friends.  On Thursday, January 7, 2010, the Army Strong Zone at Sunset Station will be open at 6:00 PM for a special viewing for our club and guests.  At 7:00 PM there will be a concert featuring country star Darryl Worley.  Come visit the Army Strong Zone and stay for the concert!

This special preview is the night before our annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl Awards Dinner.  Even if you can’t attend the dinner, bring the family and check out the latest Army technology. 

The Army Strong Zone is a 129,000 square foot interactive display area featuring some of the Army’s elite technology and assets. Army Soldiers are also on-site to provide Americans with a glimpse into Army life and the many options and opportunities available.

This year, the Army Strong Zone will feature assets and technology from Fort Bliss (Texas), Fort Bragg (N.C.), Fort Campbell (Tenn.), and Fort Sam Houston (Texas).

Interactive displays of some of the most elite technologies will have Strong Zone visitors experiencing what it’s like to be an Army Strong Soldier.

Army technology on display will include the following technologies, in addition to many others: Sense Through Wall Rader Imager, night vision technology, robotics and aviation.  There will also be NASCAR and NHRA show cars; and a Kid Zone.  Read more at  Army Strong Zone

 Be Part of the U.S. Army All-American Bowl Awards Dinner

Sponsorships and tickets are now available for the annual U.S. Army All-American Bowl Awards Dinner. The Club hosts a dinner honoring nearly 90 of the nation’s top high school student athletes.  Many of these past All-Americans are now today’s college and NFL stars - Tim Tebow, Adrian Peterson, Ted Ginn, Reggie Bush and Chris Leak. 

The dinner honors these players for their work on and off the field.  We will also honor our heroes from Iraq and Afghanistan.  The U.S. Army will provide entertainment and guest speakers for the evening.  Our keynote speaker is Heisman Trophy winner, Rhodes Scholar, and Brigadier General (Retired) Pete Dawkins.

New this year! Rotary Club of San Antonio members who act before December 2^nd receive a 15% discount over your competitors who are not members.  Reserve your spot today. 

Sponsorship Opportunities.  For more details, contact the Rotary office or the visit our website at www.rotarysa.org