Stories

Rotary East Fork Flag Program

We are pleased to offer this 2025 American Flag subscription program to Wylie businesses and residents.

The flags look beautiful lining neighborhood streets on 6 flag holidays throughout the year. All work is performed by community service organizations and 100% of proceeds go to support community projects and local student scholarships.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The Wylie Rotary Club, assisted by our local FFA organization, will place a 3’x 5’ flag on a 10’ pole in front of your home or business on six holidays per year. Residential subscriptions are $60 per year ($100 for two flags). Your commercial site can enjoy unlimited number of flags for $60 per flag - a terrific way to show your support.

Both commercial and residential flag subscriptions include installation of a flag sleeve in front of your home or business, flag delivery prior to the flag holidays listed below, and pick up/storage of the flag following the holiday.

Flag Holidays are:

President’s Day
Memorial Day
Flag Day
Independence Day
Patriots Day (9/11)
Veterans Day

Welcome New Rotarian!

	Rotary District 5810 - North Texas and the Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork are proud to introduce NEW ROTARIAN Robin Normand. WELCOME Robin!! #District5810Proud #membership #ProudRotarian

Why I Joined Rotary

Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork proudly sponsored the Wylie Chamber of Commerce luncheon this week. The theme was Why Leaders Matter. Our esteemed president, Ofilia Barrera, spoke about why she joined Rotary, and invited the attendees to our weekly meetings.

Hello, everyone. I am Ofilia Barrera, the President of Rotary Club Wylie East Fork this year. You may also know me as your friendly, local librarian, as I am also the Director of the Smith Public Library. Today, I thought I’d talk about leadership and why I joined Rotary.

You may all be familiar with Rotary and its international goals, such as eradicating polio or providing clean water to populations worldwide. Those are certainly important and worthy causes that we support at a local level, but that’s not why I joined Rotary. I joined Rotary to make a difference in our local community.

Our small Rotary Club, made up of 24 active members, provides and installs American flags for City Hall, downtown Wylie, and some local neighborhoods for the five major patriotic holidays. We also fundraise for scholarships for Wylie students to go to college. Every year, we send six students, all expenses paid, to RYLA, a youth leadership camp, where these kids learn lessons that they can use throughout their lifetime. I recently met several camp counselors who attended the camp as kids and kept volunteering there because it changed their lives so profoundly.

This past year, we partnered with other local service organizations to build Little Free Libraries for our community. I know what you’re thinking. I’m using my position as President to push libraries on everyone, but that one wasn’t even my idea! I swear! I wholeheartedly supported it, but I did not bring that one to the table.

In my opinion, our biggest accomplishment over the past year is the grant we were awarded to help Hartman Elementary build its Dream Space. This sensory-inclusive room now gives overstimulated students a place to calm down. It can also double as an additional classroom space whenever needed.

How do these things get done? Where does the money come from? Who organizes the projects, oversees them, and makes sure they are completed? We do. Rotary is all about leadership. You don’t have to be a CEO or manager to be a leader. You can be a leader wherever you are when you decide to make a difference by joining a local service organization and finding a project that excites you. Leaders find a way to help others, improve their community, and make things better for everyone no matter what their station in life is. To me, leadership is connection plus action.

At our weekly meetings, Thursdays at noon at Landon Winery - consider this your formal invitation - we often have speakers who inspire us with their stories about what they do to make the world a better place. This year's theme for all Rotary Clubs is: Create Hope in the World. Everyone has different ideas on what makes a great leader. Rotary has taught me that creating hope is possibly the most powerful skill in a leader's arsenal. If you can create hope, make those connections, and work towards a common goal - you become unstoppable.

And that’s why I joined Rotary.

Wylie Rotary Club East Fork Collaborates on Little Free Library

In a heartwarming display of community collaboration, the Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and Wylie Evening Lions Club, joined forces to inaugurate a brand new Little Free Library in the serene ambiance of the Library Garden. The initiative, aimed at promoting literacy and fostering a love for reading among community members, culminated in a joyous ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by esteemed guests and enthusiastic supporters.

Nestled amidst the verdant greenery of the Library Garden, the Little Free Library stands as a testament to the power of collective action and shared vision. Its vibrant colors and inviting bench beckon passersby to explore its contents and embark on literary adventures. Stocked with an array of books spanning various genres and age groups, the library promises to cater to the diverse tastes and interests of readers young and old.

The collaboration between the Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork, Delta Kappa Gamma Society, and Wylie Evening Lions Club exemplifies the spirit of cooperation and goodwill that defines our community. Through their combined efforts, they have not only enriched the cultural landscape of the neighborhood but also provided a valuable resource for lifelong learning and enrichment.

The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held amidst applause and jubilation, symbolized the official commencement of this inspiring initiative. Distinguished members of both clubs, along with local dignitaries and representatives from the Library Garden committee, gathered to celebrate this milestone moment. With a collective sense of pride and anticipation, they eagerly awaited the opportunity to unlock the doors of the Little Free Library and embark on a literary journey together.

In her address to the attendees, Lori Villareal, a shining member of both the Rotary Club and Delta Kappa Gamma Society, expressed her gratitude to all those involved in making the project a reality. "Today marks a significant milestone in our efforts to promote literacy and community engagement," she remarked. "Through the power of partnership and shared purpose, we have created a space where knowledge knows no boundaries and imagination knows no limits."

As the ribbon was ceremoniously cut, cheers erupted from the crowd, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in the story of the Library Garden. Visitors eagerly queued up to explore the treasures housed within the Little Free Library, each book representing a gateway to discovery and enlightenment.

As the sun rose on the horizon, casting a golden glow over the tranquil surroundings, it served as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of community and the boundless possibilities that await within the pages of a book. In the heart of the Library Garden, a beacon of literacy now stands as a testament to the collective efforts of those who believe in the transformative power of education and the timeless joy of reading.

Welcome New Member

Stocking Hartman's School Supply Stockings

Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork enjoyed a visit from District Governor John Curtis, his lovely wife Janie, and District Governor Elect Mary Bedosky at our weekly luncheon in December. Everyone had fun with our group's silly antics during "fine" time, and commented what a relaxed, friendly, and close group we have. It just so happened to be the DG's birthday and we were lucky to celebrate the day with him. After lunch, we organized a service project for the Hartman Elementary teachers by fulfilling a list of necessary school supplies they tend to run short of at the end of the first term. We packed up pens, pencils, post-its, tissue, crayons, glue, and every school supply you can imagine! John and Janie helped build the "School Supply Cake" seen in the photos. We love helping our adopted school and hopefully brightened the beginning of the Hartman Cool Cats year!

Rotarians Enjoy Boxing Day

Rotarians of Wylie East Fork spent their regular weekly lunch in October filling shoeboxes with toys, school supplies, and personal care items for children in need around the world. We call it "Boxing Day!" These special boxes are joyfully received by boys and girls from 2-14 years old, often as their first gift ever! Whether sending or receiving, those touched by Operation Christmas Child testify to the power of a gift-filled shoebox. We love signing up to bring soccer balls, colorful string, decks of cards, toothbrushes, pens & pencils, notebooks, and other fun gifts for these children each year

Wylie Rotarians Set Up for Hope Under the Stars

Wylie East Fork Rotarians enjoyed a beautiful Saturday morning volunteering to set up for Hope's Gate's Hope Under the Stars event in Wylie's Olde City Park. We unpacked and set up tables and chairs, added tablecloths and table decor, put out way finding signs, and unboxed several hundred plates and bowls. We love working with Kendra on anything, but wow, did she do a great job on this event!

Hope’s Gate was born with a mission to bring hope to orphans, victims of human trafficking, and the world’s most vulnerable. Each person working in their project receives a fair wage for the items they make. The products are then sold in the USA and the profits are given back to the shelters, safe houses, and toward the education of their artisans. In 2018, seventeen students were sent to college with full scholarships.

We are proud to work with Hope's Gate, and proud of the goodness our friend brings to the Wylie community. Go to https://donorbox.org/hope-s-gate if you would like to donate to Hope's Gate.

Cheerful Message to Hartman Teachers

On the list of items Principal Vanessa Hudgins from our adopted school Hartman Elementary was "Teacher Support." Our first supportive task was to raise the teachers' spirits as they entered into what they call "the doldrums of fall" when kids are just looking forward to fall break and Halloween. We spent an afternoon writing notes on spooky postcards with messages of encouragement and validation to 80 teachers for a job well done then packed fun items like silly post-its and candy into festive bags. Volunteers delivered the cheerful packages to Principal Hudgins and the Hartman teachers the week before fall break.

What a great way to spend an afternoon in fellowship!

We Love Hartman Elementary!

Wylie Rotary East Fork was so lucky to meet the new Principal of our adopted Wylie school Hartman Elementary. Vanessa Hudgins was appointed as the principal of Hartman Elementary at the beginning of the 2023 school year. Hudgins was formerly the principal of Groves Elementary, a position she has held since 2018. Before joining the Gators, Hudgins served as an assistant principal at Hartman. Ms. Hudgins had lunch with us before the school year began and spoke to us about how we will be able to help Hartman Elementary and its teachers this year. Hudgins listed their top needs as:

Teacher Support - Encouragement and validation for a job well done. The PTA usually provides necessities like snacks and water during events, but Rotary would be able to pick up the slack and help to fund special events for the teachers.

Building a Community for Students - Pride in campus begins with belonging. To create a sense of belonging, students need to feel pride when the campus is presented on social media or at community events. Rotary will help out with maintaining the garden, providing a community outreach day, and helping to build birdhouses to decorate the garden.

Create a Sensory Space - Hartman's biggest need right now is renovating a storage bookroom into a Sensory Space for students who need to reset and calm down in order to learn at the highest level of expectation. Rotary will provide soothing items such as rugs, a rocking chair, low lighting, calming textured materials, and a soothing sound machine. These sensory tools are critical for supporting the emotional needs of the students.

We look forward to working with Principal Hudgins and Hartman Elementary as they celebrate their 60th Year Anniversary! As the first school in Wylie, these "Cool Cats" aspire to maintain and further their legacy as the diamond of Wylie ISD.

Packing Books for Children in Mexico

Wylie Rotary volunteers held a "Packing Party” for District 5810 Book Brigade to help us recycle books and fight illiteracy both locally and internationally. The service project works in partnership with Carnival Cruise Lines to bring books to Merida, Mexico. Hosted by Wylie Rotary President (and Library Director!) Ofilia Barrera, several Rotarians spent a couple hours packing 12 boxes full of books to be sent to school children living in Mexico. The boxes were then weighed, labeled, and ready to be shipped to Mexico. The District goal was 25,000 books. Wylie East Fork has sent over 1,000 books!

Paul Harris Fellows

We were pleased to have President-Elect Cliff Moriarty present the Paul Harris Fellow Award to two deserving young ladies. Cliff's granddaughters, Kathleen Rose and Mary Louise Orth, both received the prestigious award "in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world." The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to Rotary International. Congratulations to these lovely girls!

Wylie Rotary New President Ofilia Barrera

In Rotary, July is a time of new beginnings. This is a time to reassess, to envision, and it is most importantly a time to set goals and to determine how we will serve our Communities, seizing opportunities for service. Our leaders at Rotary exemplify all of the qualities that make our members extraordinary: integrity, expertise, and a commitment to service. Ofilia Barrera, Wylie Rotary's President for 2023-2024, completes all these qualities and more. Ofilia's first order of business was a list of goals that represent the 2023-24 Rotary theme "Create Hope in the World". These include applying for grants to allow us to purchase dictionaries to benefit Wylie Elementary schools; re-establish an Interact Club at one of the Wylie High Schools; add at least two new annual fundraisers to our calendar; plan social meetings with neighboring Rotary Clubs; and increase opportunities to serve more frequently. Ofilia underlined these intentions by presenting everyone with an origami crane, representing the hope Ofilia wishes our Club will create in the next year.

Rotary is filled with a diverse group of people from every background but with one goal. Whether developing Rotary policy, providing financial support, or advancing Rotary’s strategic plan, each member is dedicated to helping other members connect and take action to create sustainable change. Please join us at lunch on Thursdays at noon at Landon Winery in Wylie.

Wylie Rotarians Fuel Racers

Wylie Rotarians fueled hot-rodders with free hot dogs as nearly 300 2-5-year olds prepared to race in the 19th Annual Wylie 500 Pedal Car Race. Families enjoyed the spring afternoon as the kids race 500 inches through Wylie's historic downtown in pedal cars supplied by Wylie merchants. Rotarians raised an extra $300 in "tips" to add to the City's donation to the local Special Olympics.

Rotary Ethics Award Presentation

Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork President Lynn Fagerstrom was pleased to present its Ethics Award to Wylie ISD Board President Stacie Smith at the Wylie Chamber of Commerce Community Awards Banquet.

Stacie Smith knows that education is about more than just classroom learning. It’s about being present, providing constant encouragement, connecting with the community, insisting on a strong curriculum, and so much more. Stacie can be seen at nearly every community event, seizing every opportunity to advocate for our students. Her tireless efforts do not go unnoticed by parents and students alike. She is always willing to listen and accept feedback in her quest for educational excellence and measures every decision against what is the BEST decision. She embodies the essence of community ethics. Our school district and students are reaping the benefits of her constant focus on making Wylie ISD an excellent school district that can become even better, ensuring all students have opportunities to create successful futures.

Congratulations Stacie!

Club Social with Royse City Rotary Club

Vintage Base Ball Visits Wylie

A big thank you to "Doc" Lawson from the Ohio Village Muffins Vintage Base Ball league for entertaining us and teaching us about Vintage Base Ball! A lot has changed since the 1800s!

If you missed the presentation or are interested in hearing more about Vintage Base Ball, you can catch the presentation at The Welcome Center at Brown House in downtown Wylie on Saturday, March 11. Wylie resident and base ball historian Robert "Doc" Lawson, describes the evolution of the game from town ball and rounders to early base ball, which rose to popularity during the Civil War. Learn about the changing rules, uniforms, and equipment, as well as the national association of teams that play ball the old-fashioned way. The vintage base ball exhibit will be on display through March - conveniently timed for the opening pitches of the 2023 season. Play Ball!

RCWEF Goes to P.E.T.S.

Presidents-Elect Ofilia Barrera and Cliff Moriarty are shown here attending President Elect Training Seminar (P.E.T.S.) in preparation for the new Rotary year which begins July 1, 2023. Lone Star P.E.T.S. is the combined efforts of ten Rotary International Districts. They all converge on the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the DFW International Airport to jointly provide the best possible training for future Presidents of Rotary clubs. The theme for the new Rotary year will be Create Hope in the World.

Lunch with Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter

If you weren't aware, Matthew Porter - Mayor of Wylie had a busy morning before he met us for lunch yesterday! Can you find him amongst all the 2nd graders? Kids, parents and teachers toured the Wylie Municipal Complex on Thursday, beginning with an introduction to the City Council Chambers. The Mayor fielded questions and explained the difference between the President and a Mayor, why he wanted to be a Mayor, and who decides what businesses are built.

Next, he presented his bi-weekly Facebook Live with an update on the City Council agenda. Then he met us for lunch and filled us in on all the multiple upcoming road constructions. We're happy he could squeeze us into his busy schedule and are always glad when he joins us with other city staff.

Mayor Presents Proclamation to Rotary Club of Wylie

At Tuesday's City Council meeting, Wylie Mayor Matthew Porter, on behalf of the Wylie City Council and Citizens of Wylie, presented a proclamation honoring World Rotary Day on February 23, which celebrates 118 years of Rotary International.

He encouraged all citizens to support and recognize the Rotary Club of Wylie, East Fork, founded on March 31, 1989 and thanked them for supporting local Veteran’s causes, schools and students, and improving the human condition in local communities and around the world.

Several members of the Wylie Rotary Club were present to receive the proclamation and declare what they love best about being a Rotarian in Wylie, including stocking Little Free Libraries, planting flags around the city on American holidays, and supporting the eradication of Polio.

Amarok Society Visit

We thoroughly enjoyed Gem Munro's effective presentation at lunch on Thursday, 19 January. Several Rotarians stated that his presentation was the best and more informative they had seen in a long time. We learned a great deal and truly respect everything Gem and the Amarok Society are doing by teaching mothers who in turn, teach their children in Bangladesh, Pakistan, and the poorest places. Thank you for visiting our small town and enlightening us, Gem. You're welcome back anytime! If you would like to help or learn more, please visit Amarok Society.

Charlie Waller's Ride for Rotary

Our friend Charlie Waller is having an incredible adventure with Ride for Rotary in India! Rotary Mysore 3181 organized an International Motorcycle Ride / Drive event that began on January 13. The aim of the event is to promote International fellowship and the exchange of Rotary views. More than 100 participants from 15 different countries joined Charlie on this trip and will have wonderful experiences to take back home. The funds raised through this event go to The Rotary Foundation, which has contributed close to $100,000 to TRF from the last 6 editions. The ride will cover multiple Rotary Districts and many Rotary Clubs through Mahabalipuram - Pondicherry - Thanjavur - Madurai - Coimbatore - Ooty - Mysore - Madikeri - Mangalore. Charlie is in Coimbatore for the next couple of days. We can't wait to hear about the whole trip when he returns!

Rotary Club of Wylie Donates to 2023 Girls and Boys State of Texas

We are proud to provide funding again to sponsor the American Legion Texas Boys State and American Legion Auxiliary Texas Bluebonnet Girls State. These organizations send high school students to programs in Texas where they learn about the privileges of American citizenship and how state governments are organized and run by their citizens. Stateswomen and men will spend time at the Texas State Capitol, seeing both the rich history and beautiful facilities of our government. Learning leadership by participating in the political process supplements what students learn in the classroom. This is a practical opportunity for these young women and men to learn leadership skills through role play and civic exercises. The leadership skills they learn here before heading to college will last a lifetime.

Thank you for providing these "Learn by Doing" leadership opportunities to these young Texans.

For more information or to sponsor, visit girls-state.org and texasboysstate.com

Flag Program Gift Package

This holiday season, give the gift that keeps giving all year long with a Patriotic Gift Package. Proceeds from the sales of the Gift Package support Wylie Police Department Youth Programs in our Community and Schools.

The $60 package contains a 2023 American Glory Calendar and a Certificate for installation of an American Flag at your home. The Wylie Rotary Club will install a flag sleeve in front of your home and deliver a 36” x 60” American Flag on a 12’ ft aluminum pole before Presidents Day on February 20, 2023.

To purchase this package, please fill out the form and return it to: Angelwygant@aol.com. We'll reach out to you to get your boxed gift package ready for wrapping.

Foreign Exchange Student @ Reunion Tower!

Posted by Vicki McKinney on Apr 08, 2015

Highlights & Pictures Rotary Youth Exchange 09/12/2013

Posted by Vicki J. McKinney on Sep 18, 2013

Allison Murray Rotary Youth Exchange Belgium program 09/12/2013

Posted by Vicki J. McKinney on Sep 12, 2013

Today was a Red Letter Day at Rotary Club of Wylie East Fork! Allison Murray presented her 2012-2013 as a Rotary Foreign Exchange Student! Allison showed a fantastic slide show, enlightened us on facts about Belgium & Europe, and outlined her various travels to the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, Spain, and more!

The Rotary Youth Exchange Information Seminar is September 17th at the Richardson Civic Center. Vicki McKinney is verifying details her contact email is vmckinney@verizon.net.

BBQ Friday 09/06/2013 Honoring Constance Rougier Rotary Youth Foreign Exchange Student!

Posted by Vicki J. McKinney on Sep 05, 2013

Host Family Jeff, Staci, Allison, & Samantha Murray hosted Rotarians & their families at their home Friday night. The event welcomed & introduced Constance Rougier to Rotarians. VIP Constance will be in Texas about a year and study Junior level classes such as American History, English/Lit, Journalistic Photography, & Dance. Constance always has a smile on her face giving her a jumpstart on making friends, learning to speak Texlish, and experiencing our great United States!

Rotary News August 21-22, 2013

Posted by Vicki J. McKinney on Aug 22, 2013

Wednesday Rotarians Welcomed Constance Rougier to Texas! Constance is a Rotary Foreign Exchange Student from France. She will attend school, tour Texas, and improve her English while she is here. Constance came to the meeting on the 22nd with her host dad, Jeff Murray, and her host sister Allison. Allison is fluent in French. She returned in July from her Rotary Foreign exchange in Belgium.

Thursday's meeting included a presentation by Wylie Chief of Police John Duscio. Chief Duscio's mission to engage community churches and service organizations to aid those in need right here in Wylie inspired all of us. We are fortunate to have his leadership here in our community. In addition to the program we had Stephen Tykowski tell us about his fund raising efforts for Childrens Medical Center. Last year he raised over $800.00, and I hope our club will help him achieve that again this year!

2013 Camp RYLA

Posted by Vicki J. McKinney on May 05, 2013

This years CampRYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, RYLA-k is just around the corner! Our club would like to give a shout out to the club members for participating in fund raisers to send 4 Wylie students to camp this year. Thank you to the interview panel which included Sam Satterwhite, Charlie Waller, and Vicki McKinney. Additionally, a big shout out to the members who are driving the campers to and from camp: the driver's are Sam Satterwhite, Gerry Harris, Mary Ann Olson, and Jeannie Stone. Just remember this is huge commitment from our club as a whole to build leadership within the young adults of our community and the world. If you need more information about Camp RYLA just ask Vicki McKinney!

Program Bulletin 04/18/2013

Posted by Donald L. Light on Apr 24, 2013

Test run for publish club bulletin, feedback appreciated! Thank you, VicMcK

Support the Wylie East Interact Club at Whataburger April 29th!

Posted by Bryan Brokaw on Apr 22, 2013

Event Name:	Interact Spirit Night At "WHATABURGER"
Group:	Wylie East Interact Club
Event Date:	4/29/2013 MONDAY!!!!!!
Event Time:	5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Contact:	Dalila Bruner-Interact Sponsor
Description:	Come out and support our Interact club eat at Whataburger in Murphy off of 544 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. The club will receive 20% of ALL sales including drive thru during this event. :)

Wylie East Fork Rotary Awards Scholarship to Luana DaSilva

Posted by Vicki J. McKinney on Aug 29, 2012

Wylie East Fork Rotary Club pictured with Allison Murray our 2012-13 Sponsored Foreign Exchange Student

Posted by Vicki J. McKinney on Aug 08, 2012

Wylie Rotary is honored to sponsor Allison Murray in her journey for a year of study in Europe. Allison is a graduate of Wylie East High School, & she is a Rylarian. Allison was also active in Interact & FFA at WEHS!

Allison, we wish you the best for a safe & wonderful year abroad!

The 2009 Rotary Club of Wylie Scholarships were awarded on May 21st. Congratulations to Chelsea Griffin(left) and Koryanda Jones(right) on being selected to receive this honor. The scholarship recipients are pictured above with President-elect Greg Hillis and Schalarship Committee Chair Bill Lewis.