Events

Rhonda Nielsen is the Rotarian of the week!!

About the speaker:

James Mertink, Consultant, Commercial Nuclear Power

James Mertink has over 40 years of experience in commercial nuclear power. Most recently, he served as the manager responsible for developing a culture and process of continuous improvement at the South Texas Project Nuclear Operating Company. In this position, he facilitated the station to develop a culture of continuous improvement with specific focus on understanding current levels of performance and mapping plans to improve in areas that did not reflect industry excellence. Currently, he serves as a consultant to the nuclear industry.

He has held positions from engineer and licensed senior reactor operator to senior leadership positions in key organizations including Operations, Maintenance, Training, Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement.

His experience includes a multi-year assignment at the Institute of Nuclear Power Operations (INPO) where he supported the plant evaluation process and assisted in implementation of the continuous monitoring process. He was a member of evaluation teams and continuous improvement assistance teams that visited and assisted ten domestic nuclear power plants. This diverse experience has included support of the international nuclear power industry through World Association of Nuclear Operators (WANO) Peer Review at the Hungary Paks station and the International Atomic Enenergy Association (IAEA) working group concerning Nuclear Knowledge Management. And recently James consulted with numerous Japanese utilities in the areas of performance monitoring and nuclear safety culture.

Rotary Business meetings are essential for planning, organizing, and coordinating the activities of a Rotary Club. To keep these meetings engaging and productive, we are considering incorporating the following ideas:

1. Rotary program Updates: 

• Provide updates on ongoing Rotary Programs and projects. 
• Share success stories and testimonies from beneficieries.

2. Interactive Workshops:

• Conduct workshops on leadership, team building, or personal developement
• Rotate members as facilitators to share their experince. 

3. Rotary Fellowship Time:

• Set aside time for members to socialize and build connections. 
• Plan fellowship activities, such as networking events or themed gatherings. 

4. Goal seeting sessions:

• Establish short term and long term goasl for the club. 
• Break down goals into actionable steps and assign responsibilities. 

5. Rotary community needs assessment:

• Conduct a needs assessment in the local community. 
• Discuss potential projects or initiatives to address identified needs. 

Anne Marie Odefey is the Rotarian of the week!!

About the Speker:

Leather McCall - Principal, Calhoun High School

Leather McCall currently serves as the Principal of Calhoun High School, bringing 16 years of experience in public education to the role. Her career began with teaching Reading at Palacios Junior High, followed by five years teaching English at Calhoun High School. In 2015, she transitioned into a counseling role at HJM Elementary, where she served students and families for seven years.

Her leadership journey continued as she stepped into administrative roles, serving as Assistant Principal at both HJM Elementary and JR Elementary. In 2025, she was honored as the Region 3 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Texas Elementary Principals and Supervisors Association.

Mrs. McCall is passionate about student success and community impact. She is committed to fostering a positive, supportive environment for both students and staff at Calhoun High School.

She shares, "My goal has always been to serve our students and community in a role where I can make the most meaningful impact. I'm truly grateful for the opportunity and look forward to supporting the CHS staff and students in every way possible."

Tad Puckett is the Rotarian of the week!!

Jan Regan is the Rotarian of the week!!

About the speaker: 

Dr. Jim Nelson is the Associate Vice Chancellor of Academic Affairs for the Texas A&M University System. Since late April, he has served as the TAMUS liaison for the transition of UHV into the A&M System traveling to Victoria for 2-3 days weekly to get to know the campus and community. He is spearheading efforts to bring agriculture and engineering programs to Texas A&M University-Victoria over the coming years.

Dr. Nelson joined the faculty of the University of Texas at Tyler in 2005, becoming the founding chairman of the Department of Civil Engineering and Dean of Engineering. Prior to that, Dr. Nelson worked in industry and had a varied academic experience, including stints at Texas A&M University at Galveston and Texas A&M University.

He received a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Dayton and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Houston.

Dr. Nelson is married and has a daughter, a graduate of the University of Texas at Tyler.

Mike Rivet is the Rotarian of the week!!

Sara Rodriguez is the Rotarian of the week!!

Rotary Business meetings are essential for planning, organizing, and coordinating the activities of a Rotary Club. To keep these meetings engaging and productive, we are considering incorporating the following ideas:

1. Rotary program Updates: 

• Provide updates on ongoing Rotary Programs and projects. 
• Share success stories and testimonies from beneficiaries.

2. Interactive Workshops:

• Conduct workshops on leadership, team building, or personal development
• Rotate members as facilitators to share their experience. 

3. Rotary Fellowship Time:

• Set aside time for members to socialize and build connections. 
• Plan fellowship activities, such as networking events or themed gatherings. 

4. Goal setting sessions:

• Establish short term and long term goals for the club. 
• Break down goals into actionable steps and assign responsibilities. 

5. Rotary community needs assessment:

• Conduct a needs assessment in the local community. 
• Discuss potential projects or initiatives to address identified needs. 

Jessie Rodriguez is the Rotarian of the week. 

About the speaker:

Heather Beard, LPC

Executive Director

Pregnancy Help Center of the Crossroads Area

Heather Beard is the Executive Director of the Pregnancy Help Center of the Crossroads Area, a position she has faithfully held for the past eight years. With a heart for serving families and a deep commitment to life-affirming care, Heather brings more than two decades of professional experience in counseling and community support to her leadership.

She holds a Master’s degree in Family Psychology from Hardin-Simmons University and is a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her background includes serving as a drug and alcohol rehabilitation counselor, an early childhood intervention specialist, and a counselor for children and teens with severe behavioral challenges. Her diverse professional background has shaped her compassionate, client-centered approach to serving the community.

Heather has been married to her husband, Simon, for two years, and together they are raising three children, ages 16, 15, and 10. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling and cheering on her kids as they compete in a variety of athletic and musical events.Heather’s experience equips her to lead with empathy, wisdom, and a deep understanding of the complex needs facing women, children, and families. Under her direction, the Pregnancy Help Center continues to grow its impact across the Crossroads Area, providing medical, educational, emotional, and spiritual support to those facing unplanned pregnancies.

Chad Dowell is the Rotarian of the week!!

Buck Moore Bio: 

Buck Moore was born and raised in Mustang, a small town in Oklahoma, where he first developed his passion for music. He went on to graduate from Oklahoma Baptist University with a degree in Church Music, focusing on vocal performance. Over the next 25 years, Buck dedicated himself to ministry, serving as a music minister in various churches across Oklahoma and Texas. In these roles, he not only led congregations in worship but also mentored choirs and individuals, fostering a deep appreciation for sacred music within the communities he served.
After a fulfilling career in ministry, Buck transitioned into the hospitality industry. He initially worked for a hotel management company, where he gained valuable experience overseeing operations and delivering excellent guest experiences. His love for building community and creating memorable experiences led him to a position at a local resort, where he worked on-site to enhance guest services and operations.
In January 2022, Buck embraced a new chapter by moving to Victoria, Texas, to become the Executive Director of the Victoria Bach Festival. His passion for music, combined with his leadership experience, has made him a perfect fit for the role, where he works to bring high-quality orchestral, choral, and chamber music performances to the region. Under his guidance, the festival continues to grow, inspiring both musicians and audiences of all ages.

Skip Sockell is the Rotarian of the week!!

Melissa Sterling is the Rotarian of the week!!

John Warren is the Rotarian of the week!!

Jody Weaver is the Rotarian of the week!!

September students will be Avery Pena and Mason Rodriguez. They will represent NHS.

October students will be Trinity Rubio and Logyn Middaugh. They represent Business Management.

Rotary Business meetings are essential for planning, organizing, and coordinating the activities of a Rotary Club. To keep these meetings engaging and productive, we are considering incorporating the following ideas:

1. Rotary program Updates: 

• Provide updates on ongoing Rotary Programs and projects. 
• Share success stories and testimonies from beneficiaries.

2. Interactive Workshops:

• Conduct workshops on leadership, team building, or personal development
• Rotate members as facilitators to share their experience. 

3. Rotary Fellowship Time:

• Set aside time for members to socialize and build connections. 
• Plan fellowship activities, such as networking events or themed gatherings. 

4. Goal setting sessions:

• Establish short term and long term goals for the club. 
• Break down goals into actionable steps and assign responsibilities. 

5. Rotary community needs assessment:

• Conduct a needs assessment in the local community. 
• Discuss potential projects or initiatives to address identified needs.

Students for November

Students for December

Pam Lambden is the Rotarian of the week!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026 :)