Events

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.

Sara Wah, representing Health Science, and attending with her teacher Darcie Henke.

Jaiden Farrow representing Welding and attending with his teacher, Jason Hamelwright.

Pam Lambden is the Rotarian of the week!!

CHS Rotary students for the month of December will be McKinley Gossett and Layne Brown. They are representing our agriculture program and will attend with their teacher/sponsor, Krystal Stary, on December 11th.

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2026 :)

Sam Bell is the Rotarian of the week!!

Amy Blanchett is the Rotarian of the week!!

Joby Stortz is a Regional Account Manager with 10 years of experience at South Texas Blood and Tissue.

In his current role, he oversees the operations of all (STB&T) blood drives and fixed site locations south of San Antonio.  This includes new accounts, community engagement, event planning, and ensuring that scheduled events are well supported.

Raymond Butler is the Rotarian of the week!!

Students for January

Mike Elgin is the Rotarian of the Week!!

Evan Cardwell is the Rotarian of the Week!!

Felicia Harral is the Rotarian of the Week!!

About the Speaker: Executive Director at Victoria Regional Airport – Vinicio “Lenny” Llerena Mr. LLerena is the Executive Director of Victoria Regional Airport in Victoria, Texas, overseeing all airport operations on 1,700 acres of the former Foster Air Force Base. He manages business development, financial administration, staffing, facility maintenance, air service planning, and regulatory compliance.
A seasoned aviation professional, Mr. LLerena has held leadership roles at airports across Texas and the U.S., including Airport Director positions at New Braunfels National Airport and Orange County Airport, NY. He also worked as an Aviation Planner with The Louis Berger Group and served as Operations Supervisor at Birmingham Airport Authority. Earlier in his career, he was a Flight Instructor and Check Airman at Executive Flight Line and Wrightway Aviation.
He holds a Master of Science in Aeronautics with specializations in Aviation Safety, Management, and Operations, and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science with an Airline Pilot concentration, both from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
His affiliations include leadership roles with the American Association of Airport Executives, U.S. Contract Tower Association Policy Board, and the Texas Airport Council. He is a certified commercial pilot and flight instructor with multi-engine and instrument ratings. In 2012, he was named Texas General Aviation Airport Manager of the Year.

Students for February 

Erin Clevenger is the Rotarian of the Week!!

About the Speaker: 

Chris Kovarek is a Licensed Clinical Social Work Supervisor who currently serves as the director of Memorial Medical Center’s Outpatient Behavioral Health and Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab programs. Chris has over 30 years of experience in social services and behavioral health. She has a Master’s Degree in Social Work, as well has the following certifications:

Certified Activity Director – NCCAP (National Certification Council for Activity Professionals)

Primary Group Exercise Certification – AFAA (Athletics and Fitness Association of America)

Certified Nutrition Coach – NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine)

Certified Laughter Yoga Leader

Better Breather’s Club Facilitator

In addition to her work at Memorial Medical Center, Chris has been a fitness instructor at the Calhoun County YMCA for the past 18 years. Chris has spent her entire career helping others to improve their quality of life emotionally, physically, spiritually and socially and Calhoun County is so lucky to have her as a resource!

Nicole Contreras is the Rotarian of the Week!!

About the speaker:  

Jordan G. Fries grew up in Victoria, Texas, as the son of Dr. Gary and Susan Fries. After graduating from St. Joseph High School in 2009, Jordan attended the University of Iowa as a third-generation legacy student where he graduated with honors with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 2013.

Steve Marwitz is the Rotarian of the Week!!

This unique event offers birding enthusiasts the rare opportunity to explore a variety of exclusive locations that are typically off-limits to the public. The guided tours, expert-led workshops give a chance to witness the diverse avian species that make this region a birding paradise. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting out, this festival is your gateway to unforgettable birdwatching experiences along the Texas coast.