Rotary is the BEST service organization in the world because we have members just like you!  We have different backgrounds and professions that come together to use our skills and knowledge to make a difference in the lives of others. 

Some Dream.  Some Do.  Kingwood Rotarians ARE The DOERS!
We've Completed 20+ Service Projects & Events Between July & December 31, 2025
 
Our Rotary Year is July 1st thru June 30th and HOW DID WE SPEND THOSE 6-MONTHS? 
We've accomplished over 20 community service projects! 
Thank you to everyone that served with us at our community service projects - we're ready for the next 6-months!
Contact Club President Charlie Buscemi if you would like to volunteer at our upcoming projects - Click Here to send him an email
 
CLICK THE BUTTON BELOW FOR LIST OF OUR 2025 WINNERS OF THE KINGWOOD HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST!
WINNERS OF OUR 2025 KINGWOOD HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST!
Type header hereHelping In Jamaica - Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief
We now turn to supporting Jamaica and all those affected by Hurricane Melissa. Many of you have asked how we can support. We are asking that individuals to consider supporting the relief efforts through DisasterAidUSA.org (DAUSA) 
 
DISASTER AID USA
DAUSA, a 501(c)3 non-profit  DAUSA was started by U.S. Rotarians. Their board and advisors are made up of Rotarians. In the disaster area, DAUSA works with the local Rotarians along in addition to several fellow NGO ‘s in the disaster space. DAUSA is set up to receive donations (select "Hurricane Melissa Disaster Relief" button) as well as volunteer applications, with teams already on the ground in Jamaica!
 
HOW DISASTER AID WILL HELP
Disaster Aid USA Co-Founder and Executive Director Rotarian Larry Agee leaves Wednesday for Jamaica.  Houston area Rotarian Wayne Beaumier will follow 10-12 days later. Disaster Aid USA will be working with the local Rotarians along with several fellow NGO ‘s in the disaster space.
 
Disaster Aid USA will be able to provide a Starlink communications system, support local resource utilization to strengthen community resilience, activate logistics partners to ship vital supplies (clean water systems, shelter kits, power support) and organize volunteer coordination.
Please donate directly to Disaster Aid USA so they can keep their teams leads in the field. 
Sincerely,
Charlie Buscemi
President, Kingwood Rotary Club
Click To Learn More About Disaster Aid USA
Texas Flooding Disaster in Rotary District 5840 (South Central Texas)
Immediate Support - Long Term Support - Volunteerism

Calling on People of Action!  Let's Help Our Central Texas Neighbors!

We are all aware of the catastrophic flooding and devastating loss of life in South Central Texas communities.  These communities as well as San Antonio, Kerrville, and San Angelo, and more are part of Rotary District 5840, led by District Governor Craig Hardy.
 
Dr. Tom Kelchner, our Houston-area District 5890 and District Governor Craig and started discussions on Friday and are proud to say that they have engaged in strategic planning discussions over the weekend.  Together with other Rotary districts in Texas, they have developed the most efficient plan for providing immediate and long-term support to our fellow Texans in the affected areas.   They have also met with all of the District Governors from Rotary Region 36 (Zones 25B & 29).  
 
"Our support needs to be strategic in providing for immediate needs during this rescue and recovery phase, but also to provide long-term support for rebuilding and replenishing in the aftermath of the catastrophe." 
 
Friends and fellow Rotarians, please consider, as clubs and/or individuals:
  1. IMMEDIATE FINANCIAL SUPPORT for supplies to Disaster Aid USA at https://disasteraidusa.networkforgood.com/projects/249980-texas-flooding.  Disaster Aid USA will use these specifically earmarked funds for purchasing and immediately distributing supplies such as water, diapers, etc., to the affected areas in D5840.  The focus will then shift to chainsaw work, debris removal, muck and gut of homes, and single-story roof tarping; and/or,
  2. LONG TERM FINANCIAL SUPPORT through our Rotary District 5890 Charities.   Donations to our 501c3 will be specifically earmarked for long-term support of those affected.  There will be a need for rebuilding, resupplying, and rejuvenating that area. You may send a check made payable to Rotary District 5890 Charities, Attn: PDG Bob Gebhard, 1204 N. Riviera Circle, Pearland, Texas 77581 or donate via credit card at https://rotaryd5890.org/donate/rotary-district-5840-disaster-donations/
  3. VOLUNTEERISM for those of us who wish to physically contribute to the restoration effort, please access https://www.stability.org/join/DisasterAidUSA to indicate your interest.
Thank you for the great outpouring of support and many inquiries as to how we can best assist our fellow Texans in District 5840.  
 
For Kingwood Rotary Club, this is our perfect moment in time to Unite for Good and truly exemplify Compassion in Action!
 
I thank you in advance if you can contribute to help our fellow Texans!
 
Sincerely,
Charlie Buscemi
President, Kingwood Rotary Club
KINGWOOD ROTARY AWARDED THE 2025 DISTRICT 5890 "SMALL ROTARY CLUB OF THE YEAR"
  
There are 54 Rotary clubs here in the greater Houston-area which includes Harris & the seven surrounding counties. At the recent District 5890 Conference at the Texas A&M Hotel and Conference Center, our President Charlie Buscemi accepted the award from District Governor Nancy Anderson for the prestigious award, "Small Rotary Club of the Year!"  This was the 4th time we have received this award in our club's 20-year history.
 
We might be a small Rotary club, but we're mighty!  Our remarkable Kingwood Rotarians have made a huge committed to serve our community.  We tackle projects of every scale and inspire fellow Rotarians, friends, neighbors, and partners to share our vision, exchange ideas for lasting solutions, and take action to bring those project ideas to life.  Come join us!
 
Below are some of the awards our club has received from the leadership of Rotary District 5890:
- 2025 District 5890 "Small Rotary Club of the Year" Award
- Recipient of the 2024-2025 Rotary "Club Excellence Award" from the President of Rotary International, Stephanie Urchick
- 2023 #1 District 5890 Club in Per Capita Giving to The Rotary Foundation
- 2022 District 5890 “Rotary Club President of the Year – Small Club" 
- 2019 District 5890 “Shooting Star” Award
- #1 District 5890 Club in Per Capita Giving to The Rotary Foundation – 2 Years in a Row!
- 2016-2017 The Rotary Foundation’s “District Service Award” 
- 2017 Rotary District 5890 "Small Rotary Club of the Year" Award
- 2017 Rotary District 5890 "#1 Club in Membership Percentage Growth" Award
- 2017 Rotary District 5890 "4th Ranking in Overall Membership Growth" Award
- 2016 Rotary District 5890 "Rotary Club President of the Year-Small Club" Award
- 2015 Rotary District 5890 "Rotarian of the Year" Award
- 2014 Rotary District 5890 "EarlyAct FirstKnight Small Rotary Club Sponsor of the Year"
- 2013 Rotary District 5890 "Small Rotary Club of the Year" Award
- 2013 Rotary District 5890 “Club Secretary of the Year” & “100% Attendance Award"
- 2012 District 5890 Governor’s Service Citation Award
- 2011 "District 5890 Rotary Couple of the Year" Award
- 2010 Rotary District 5890 "Small Rotary Club of the Year" Award
- 2010 District 5890 "Rotarian of the Year" Award
- 2010 Interact District 5890 "Rotary Sponsor of the Year" Award
- 2009 "District 5890 "Rotary Gift of Life" Award
- 2008 District 5890 "Rotary Club President of the Year-Small Club" Award
- 2007 District Governor’s Service Citation Award
- 2006 Interact Club "Sponsor of the Year" Award
- Recipient of the "Presidential Citation" from the Presidents of Rotary International for the last 20 consecutive years
Do Something Amazing!
Kingwood Rotary Achieves Rotary International's Most Prestigious Award A Rotary Club Can Receive in 2024-2025 
For the 20th consecutive year, our Kingwood Rotary Club has received the most prestigious award that a Rotary club can receive from Rotary International which is the "Rotary Club Excellence Award."  
 
Our club was one of only seventeen of the 55 Rotary District 5890 clubs to receive this 2024-2025 award from Stephanie Urchick, the 2024-2025 President of Rotary International.
 
Congratulation to ALL of our Kingwood Rotarians for tackling projects of every scale and inspiring fellow Rotarians, friends, neighbors, and partners to share their vision, exchanging ideas for lasting solutions, and taking action to bring those ideas to life.  We're People of Action!
 
As stated by President Urchick in his letter to our club president, Charlie Buscemi, "for helping Rotary create hope in the world, your club demonstrated a commitment to achieve their goals, which ultimately helps strengthen Rotary and shape our future."

WHAT DO KINGWOOD ROTARIANS DO?

Through regular club programs, hands-on service projects, social events, and neighborhood activities, our members learn about the issues that face our communities and then we exchange ideas about how we can take action to help. 

We invite you to watch the video below see some of our projects throughout the year.

At Our 2026 Kingwood 4th of July Parade, We're Celebrating America's 250th Birthday!  
Click photo below to watch a video learn more about our 2026 July 4th Parade
 
 
We're Part of a Global Network of People Of Action which includes
1.4 million men and women from all continents, cultures, professions, and experiences who connect through our local clubs.
 
      
 
 
WHAT'S ROTARY?  DISCOVER ROTARY BY WATCHING THIS ROTARY INTERNATIONAL VIDEO WHICH INCLUDES KINGWOOD ROTARIANS!
Kingwood Rotary News & Stories
A MESSAGE FROM CHARLIE BUSCEMI, 2024-2025 PRESIDENT OF KINGWOOD ROTARY CLUB
A MESSAGE FROM CHARLIE BUSCEMI, 2024-2025 PRESIDENT OF KINGWOOD ROTARY CLUB
                                
Welcome, Friends & Neighbors!
 
 
 
I've been asked why I'm a Rotarian.  Well, I joined Rotary to make difference in the world...and I've stayed because I AM!  Joining Rotary has changed my life!
 
Kingwood Rotarians are PEOPLE OF ACTION, and I'm so proud to be member!  I thank you for taking the time to visit our website to learn more about our club, and Rotary International!  Each day, our members pour their passion, integrity, and intelligence into completing projects that have a lasting impact.  We persevere until we delivery real, lasting solutions.  
 
We meet each Monday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at The Union Kitchen at 23918 US-59 North which (located just behind Texas Road House, IHOP, and Los Cucos Mexican Cafe) at the North Park Drive exit on US Hwy 59.  Visitors are always welcome, and we'll pay for your first meal when you visit us - just let us know you're attending by call or text me at 713-598-7129 or email at CJS@SuddenLink.net
 
All of us are committed to seeing all of our Rotary friends, and hear about how they're are helping their communities. 
COME MEET US! OUR WEEKLY CLUB DINNERS ARE AT THE UNION KITCHEN-KINGWOOD ARE EACH MONDAY FROM 5:30 PM TO 6:30 PM
COME MEET US!   OUR WEEKLY CLUB DINNERS ARE AT THE UNION KITCHEN-KINGWOOD ARE EACH MONDAY FROM 5:30 PM TO 6:30 PM
 
We now have our weekly dinners & drinks each MONDAY from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM...which is during Happy Hour!
 
It would be great for you to come visit us because we'd love to get input from you about how we can work together to help our community with impactful service projects.
 
Our weekly dinner meetings are in the Boardroom in the back left corner of The Union Kitchen in Kingwood!  Click here to checkout their awesome menu!
 
In lieu of our regular weekly meeting the 4th week of the month, we get together for a social.  Recent socials include axe throwing, Kingwood Escape Room, "Steak Night" at the local VFW post, margaritas as Los Cucos Kingwood, and karaoke at a community tavern, and more!   
 
The address is 23918 US-59 North at the North Park Drive exit in Kingwood located in the same shopping center as the Texas Roadhouse, Los Cucos Mexican Cafe, and IHOP!
 
Our meetings are where we discuss upcoming service project ideas, share fellowship, and FUN so please accept our invitation to attend a meeting and get to know us!
WHO ARE OUR KINGWOOD ROTARIANS? 
WHO ARE OUR KINGWOOD ROTARIANS? 
While we have our weekly dinner meetings in Kingwood, we welcome members that live and work in ALL communities. 
If you are a young professional, business leader, or community leader, or retired and wanting to make a positive change in your community and around the world...Come Join Us!
OUR "WE LOVE TO SAVE LIVES" KINGWOOD COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
OUR "WE LOVE TO SAVE LIVES" KINGWOOD COMMUNITY BLOOD DRIVE
 
 
Sunday, October 26th
11 AM to 3 PM
Walgreens at 2240 Northpark Drive (at Woodland Hills Drive)
Look for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center's Mobile Blood Coach in the parking lot!
 
 
 
Each of our "superhero" blood donors will save 3 lives by donating blood at our "We Love To Save Lives" Community Blood Drive for the Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center!
 
We sponsor a blood drive several times each year which helps provide local hospitals with a much needed supply of blood for their patients.
 
If you are interested in learning more, please contact Kingwood Rotarians: 
 
 
Kingwood Rotary's 20+ Projects & Activities Between October & December 2024
Kingwood Rotary's 20+ Projects & Activities Between October & December 2024

An Invitation To "Come Serve With Us"

 
 
Kingwood Rotary has always done hand-on community service projects throughout the year in our community, and beyond.  Year after year, we're always busy doing about 20+ projects and activities and between October and December 31st.
 
We invite you to come serve with us! 
We invite you to watch the video below and if you see something that ignites your passion for helping others, send us an email or text President Charlie Buscemi about serving with us:  cjsb@suddenlink.net or text/call 713-598-7129. 
 
Each week during our weekly Kingwood Rotary's dinner meeting (we meet during Happy Hour from 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM) at The Union Kitchen, we have an open discussion for all our members to suggest idea, so come sit and chat with us about your ideas.
 
 
We're Donating Toys To Local Non-Profit, Kingwood Kindness
We're Donating Toys To Local Non-Profit, Kingwood Kindness
 
Helping other organizations that change the lives of others in our community is important to our Kingwood Rotarians.  Richard and Dawn Abrams started Kingwood Kindness, a self-funded 501(c)3 non-profit organization when Hurricane Harvey caused so much damage in 2017.
 
From that time on, they've never stopped making an impact in the lives of those that are too often forgotten.  They are "servant leaders" that have hearts as big as the needs they try to fill for those in need. 
 
They are devoted to helping children in need throughout the year, but believe that making sure children have gifts at Christmas is important. 
 
In 2024, Kingwood Rotary purchased and delivered $2,000 of toys to help Kingwood Kindness this holiday season....and we're doing it again for 2025!
 
If you have a desire to help others, visit the Kingwood Kindness website to learn more:  www.KingwoodKindness.org
 
Friday, December 12th Is The Kingwood Civic Club & Kingwood Rotary's "2025 Kingwood Holiday Decorating Contest"
Friday, December 12th Is The Kingwood Civic Club & Kingwood Rotary's "2025 Kingwood Holiday Decorating Contest"

AND THE 2025 KINGWOOD HOLIDAY CONTEST AWARD WINNERS ARE...CLICK HERE for all the winners in each Kingwood village that won awards!

 

Click Photo Below To Watch Video Below About Our 2025 Kingwood Holiday Decorating Contest
 
Kingwood has 33 villages covering over 14,000 acres...so this is a BIG contest with lots of homes beautifully decorated for the holidays! Make sure your all your decorations are completed and lights are on starting at sunset (Judging is 6 PM - 9 PM) on December 12th for Kingwood Civic Club & Kingwood Rotary Club's Annual Holiday Decorating Contest!
•     •     •     •     •
WANT TO BE A VOLUNTEER JUDGE? 
Click here to signup or see section below!
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This is a great Kingwood tradition that our residents eagerly look forward to each year.
Winners will receive bragging rights and a keepsake award sign in their yard!  
•     •     •     •     •
Date of Judging:  Friday, December 12th
Time:  Judging is 6 PM - 9 PM (so make sure your lights are on at sunset)
Rain or Shine AND lights must be on to be considered for an award.
Location:  Kingwood's 33 community villages covering 14,000 acres!
Award Presentation:  Judges will present the coveted "Best..." yard signs in all 33 villages in each of the five categories on the night of December 12th!
Public Announcement of Winners:  December 13th, winners will be announced on www.KingwoodCivicClub.org and here on our Kingwood Rotary website on Saturday, December 13th so you can tour the winners!
 
The categories that will be judged are:
• Best Traditional
• Best Religious
• Best Lights
• Santa's Favorite
• Best Doorway
•     •     •     •     •
Learn more at:  KingwoodCivicClub.org or KWRotary.org
 
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Volunteer Judges Needed! - Click to Signup!
 
We also need Kingwood residents to help us judge the contest on December 12th.
It's simple to do: 
1.  Click here for the volunteer sign-up link, select a village to judge.
2.  We'll send you an email with a map of the village you selected plus info including details about where you'll pick up the 5 "Best..." award yard signs (in Bear Branch Village in Kingwood) on Dec 12th. 
3.  On December 12th, you'll drive through the village, select the best decorations, and then get the honor of presenting the award yard signs on behalf of Kingwood Civic Club and Kingwood Rotary Club to the home on December 12th! 
If you would like to participate as a judge, click here to signup.
 
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A HUGE "THANK YOU" to Keller Willams Realty Northeast for once again sponsoring our Award Signs presented to each of the 5 award winners (see categories below) - that's a total of 165 awards - in 33 Kingwood Villages for having outstanding holiday decorations!
 
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Holiday Project - Donating 1,000 Pounds of Meat to FamilyTime's Battered Shelter Again in 2025
Holiday Project - Donating 1,000 Pounds of Meat to FamilyTime's Battered Shelter Again in 2025
 
It has become a tradition for Kingwood Rotary to purchase meat to help fill the freezers at FamilyTime's shelter for battered women and families, The Door...and we're doing it again this holiday season.
 
We ask them what type of meat they need, and then we start shopping to get the best deal.
 
This is one of our club's ongoing projects throughout the year helping FamilyTime. 
 
One small Rotary club can help make an impact by working together to help those in our community!
2025 Christmas Toy Project For Local Children
2025 Christmas Toy Project For Local Children
It's happening again in 2025!  Christmas is a special time of the year, but so many families need assistance when it comes to toys for their children.  Once again this year, Kingwood Rotary has already purchased toys which we will donate to two special groups.  From games, to skate boards, to dolls, and trucks, they will help add joy for children.  
 
This is a project we've done for several years and all of our members get involved because it is a project that gives us an opportunity to help local children.
 
Below are just a few of the toys we donated in December 2024!
 
2025 "Angel Tree Project" Gifts For Children in Need
2025 "Angel Tree Project" Gifts For Children in Need
In 2024 when Kingwood Rotarian Laura Valladares, a counselor at a local elementary school, told us about their school's "Angel Tree" our members jumped at the chance to get involved.
 
Our members are excited that we're doing this project again in 2025!
 
Several of us took the Angel Tree cards for each child, which included their age and size, we we purchased clothing, toys and candy for 28 children.  At one of our weekly meetings we sorted and packed the presents into gift bags for Laura to bring to school. Laura called and asked the moms to come to the school and she presented them with the gifts for their children on Christmas morning.  The moms were so surprised and excited that they would be able see their children's surprised faces on Christmas morning. 
 
This project was special to all of our members and we loved every minute of creating a surprise for the children. 
 
 
Kingwood Rotary Will Once Again Be A Sponsor to Help Feed 13,500 For The "2025 Operation Turkey-Houston"
Kingwood Rotary Will Once Again Be A Sponsor to Help Feed 13,500 For The "2025 Operation Turkey-Houston"
 
We're doing it again for Thanksgiving 2025!  Kingwood Rotary is once again partnering with Operation Turkey-Houston as a $2,000 sponsor to help provide 13,500+ Thanksgiving meals to individuals in need! 
 
WE'LL DELIVER 300 MEALS HERE IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITIES
Here in our local communities, we'll deliver 300 meals for veterans, senior citizens, local first responders, a local immigrant center for teenagers, the Homeless Camp in Porter/New Caney and those in need.
 
On Thanksgiving morning, our members started volunteering a 6 AM to pack thousands of meals.  Our members will deliver 300 meals here in our local community by lunch.
 
Special thanks to all our members for being involved with this annual service project.   
We're Donating School Supplies for Santa Fe Elementary School
We're Donating School Supplies for Santa Fe Elementary School
By the December, school supplies dwindle and they need to be replenished.  This December we'll once again donate much needed school supplies to Santa Fe Elementary, which is a Title 1 campus.  One of our members is a school counselor at the campus, so we were happy to help when she shared that students were in need of school supplies.
 
For Christmas this year, we will also provide gifts and toys to help the children have a great holiday.  
 
We might be a small Rotary club, but our hearts are huge and we love making a difference in our community!
 
  
 
Our November 2025 "Cards For Our Troops" Project To Thank Local Troops Serving in Harm's Way
Our November 2025 "Cards For Our Troops" Project To Thank Local Troops Serving in Harm's Way
 
 
This is a project we've done for many years, and our "Cards For Our Troops" project is one of our favorites since it gives us a chance to tell our local troops that are serving in harm's way that we love and support them!
 
For the 2025 holidays, our members will work together to write cards with a special "thank you" and holiday message to let our troops know we love and appreciate them!
 
We also had cards decorated by children expressing their thanks to our brave troops.
 
How will the cards get to the troops?  We'll once again partner with Blue Star Moms Houston to pack "Care Packages From Home" to fill boxes for our soldiers from the Kingwood/Houston area.  We'll collect all the cards and place one inside each of the 250+ boxes that were mailed overseas to our local troops serving in harm's way overseas.  These boxes will arrive just before the holidays.   It's a great way to support our troops!
2025 Project: Sharing Your Christmas With International "Seafarers Care Boxes" Project
2025 Project: Sharing Your Christmas With International "Seafarers Care Boxes"  Project
One of the 2025 "Seafarer Care Boxes"
 
 
For the sixth year, Kingwood Rotary is partnering with the First Presbyterian Church Kingwood thanks to Former Texas State Representative Joe Crabb and his awesome wife, Nancy.   Special thanks to Kingwood Rotarian Richard Briggs for suggesting this project to our club.
 
Imagine being a international seafarer on a ocean vessel that arrives at the Port of Houston during Christmas.  You're far from home in a country where you don't know anyone and maybe you can't disembark from the vessel. 
 
To help them, the First Presbyterian Church members purchase and collect personal care items and create 400 care packages for these seafarers and then deliver them to the Houston International Seafarers' Center which then delivers these care packages when the vessels arrive here and Houston for distribution to the crew.
2024 Photo above shows Former Texas State Representative Joe Crabb and his remarkable wife, Nancy, with Kingwood Rotarian Rhonda Whitesell. One person or one little Rotary club can make the world a better place to live.
Kingwood Rotarians "Ringing the Bell" for The Salvation Army on December 13th
Kingwood Rotarians "Ringing the Bell" for The Salvation Army on December 13th
 
 
For the 22nd year, Kingwood Rotarians will be honored again to help The Salvation Army by taking a shift to "Ring the Bell" to raise funds to help families in northeast Houston.
 
Since 2004, we've raised over $33,455 plus we've donated toys for The Salvation Army's Angel Tree for children at Christmas.
 
The Salvation Army Corps Community Center on Aldine Westfield Road helps families in northeast Houston throughout the year and are funded from donations.  If you're interested in helping, please click here.
 
Want to impact the lives of families in northeast Houston?  Drop your check in our bucket payable to "The Salvation Army" and add "Aldine-Westfield" on the memo line and your funds will be used to help local families in need in our area.
Sunday, Dec 7th: We're Volunteering At ABBY Foundation's December 2025 Pet Vaccination Event!
Sunday, Dec 7th:  We're Volunteering At ABBY Foundation's December 2025 Pet Vaccination Event!
 

(Above:  Photos of the 2024 Pet Vaccination Day"

On Sunday, December 7th, our members will be volunteering at the ABBY Foundation's Pet Vaccination at A.V. "Bull" Salas Park from 10 AM to 4 PM at 21675-B McClesky Road, New Caney 77351

The AABY Foundation invites pet owners to its next Pet Vaccination Clinic where they will be offering dog and cat vaccinations for $8 per shot from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Microchips are available for $15. 

Senior citizens love their pets, but many can't afford to vaccinate them.  This event provides very low cost (or free) vaccinations for the pets of senior citizens.  A local veterinarian and their vet technicians will give the vaccines to the pets, and Kingwood Rotarians will volunteer to lend a helping hand at the event.

If you would like to volunteer, please contact Kingwood Rotarian Juanita Zavala via text to 281-731-1620.

Kingwood Rotary Remembers Kingwood Fallen Hero, Marine Luke Yepsen Each December 14th
Kingwood Rotary Remembers Kingwood Fallen Hero, Marine Luke Yepsen Each December 14th
 
19-years ago on December 14, 2006, Kingwood High School graduate, Lance Corporal Luke C. Yepsen was killed by enemy action in Al Anbar Province in Iraq.
 
The week of December 14, 2025, Kingwood Rotarians will once again place American flags in the Yepsen's yard to honor Luke. 
 
Luke was a proud Marine, and each year near the anniversary of his tragic death, his fellow Marines come to Kingwood to visit with his mom and dad, Sheila and Gary Yepsen. It's a time to remember this brave American, and for his fellow Marines to share their stories and help heal the hearts of those that love Luke.
 
The Yepsen family said Luke had a "strong desire to serve the country. He wanted to fight for the things we hold dear and since he was strong and capable, and armed with his faith in God, he felt the need to protect us. That he lost his life so young at the age of 20 and so soon after being stationed in Iraq makes it all the more tragic."
 
Kingwood Rotarians will never forget this young hero, and to honor Luke, his family, his friends and those that served heroically alongside him, Kingwood Rotarians proudly place American flags in the Yepson's yard on all patriotic holidays, and the week of December 14th.  This is our way to let the Yepsen family know that we honor the sacrifice their son made for us, and our great country.
KINGWOOD ROTARY DONATED NON-PERISHABLES FOR BLUE STAR MOMS "CARE PACKAGES FROM HOME" PROJECT
KINGWOOD ROTARY DONATED NON-PERISHABLES FOR BLUE STAR MOMS "CARE PACKAGES FROM HOME" PROJECT
 
We're very proud to be helping the Blue Star Moms of Houston (which is based in the Humble/Kingwood area) by purchasing non-perishable to fill boxes of "Care Packages From Home" for our local military service members in combat zones in harm's way. 
 
We're proudly helping again just like we did at their last packing event. The 250 boxes were packed....and shipped immediately overseas to arrive by Christmas.
 
Our club purchased $1,000 of items to help fill the boxes and we also volunteered to pack the boxes.
  • Individual serving pop-top cans of:  fruit, soup, chili, etc
  • Individual packages of oatmeal
  • Granola bars
  • Hard candy (nothing that melts)
  • Chewing gum
  • Pop-top cans or pouches of tuna
  • Hard candies (peppermint, etc.)
  • Pop-top cans of Bean Dip (They are from Texas!)
We'll also pack 100+ boxes of personal care items (male & female):  
  • Non-aerosol shaving cream
  • Disposable razors
  • Chapstick / lip balm
  • Socks
  • Foot powder
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Deodorant (non-aerosol)
  • Body lotion
  • Tampons and sanitary pads
 
We Donated 500+ New School Uniforms To Rotary Project At School In Matamoros
We Donated 500+ New School Uniforms To Rotary Project At School In Matamoros
In October, we received 400+ additional donated school uniforms for students at a Rotary project in Matamoros, Mexico!
 
These uniforms will help students be proud learners so they can become leaders in their community!
 
We arranged delivery to Art Bautista, with the Rotary Club of University Area Houston, and will be shipped to the Club Rotario Matamoros Profesional for donation to schools in need in Matamoros!
 
Partnerships are one of Rotary's greatest joys because when we work together to solve a problem, we make a positive impact in our world.
 
 
Kingwood Rotary Sponsored FamilyTime's "2025 Fall Festival Kid's Party"
Kingwood Rotary Sponsored FamilyTime's "2025 Fall Festival Kid's Party"
 
Keeping victims of abuse safe is vital, but how do children living in FamilyTime's Battered Family Shelter in Humble celebrate a holiday?  You bring the party celebration to them at the shelter!!!
 
This was Kingwood Rotary's 5th year to sponsor the Fall Fest Kid's Party" at FamilyTime Crisis and Counseling Center.  We've sponsored their Back to School Bash, last year's Fall Festival. 
 
The "Fall Festival" is an event for the children living at The Door which is FamilyTime's shelter for battered and abused families.  Special thanks to Kingwood Rotarian Brad Jude for serving as our Committee Chair for this community service project with FamilyTime.
 
Our club provided the food including sandwich trays, cookies, fruit, snacks, treats, and drinks including tea and lemonade and the serving supplies.
 
We'll also donated $300 of $10 gift cards we purchased from local fast food eateries and retail stores to serve as prizes for their "Gift Card Walk." This activity is similar to a traditional cake walk, with gift card prizes in place of cakes.
 
Once again, it was a wonderful opportunity to give the children a way of celebrating in a safe environment.
 
Visit https://familytimeccc.org/ for ways you can donate to help victims of abuse.
 
 
We Toured Our Club's $32,468 "Kids Area Project" At The Kingwood Branch Library
We Toured Our Club's $32,468 "Kids Area Project" At The Kingwood Branch Library
It was exciting for our Kingwood Rotarians to visit our $32.468 community service project at the Kingwood Branch Library.
 
When Hurricane Harvey hit the Kingwood Area, the Kingwood Branch Library was flooded by several feet of nasty, dangerous flood water, including the Children's Section of the library.  Since our members wanted to do a project that would help the entire community, we decided the library would be our community project.  We asked Ryan Fennell, Branch Manager, what was his "Wish List" was and he said the restoring the section for the children.  When he provided us the $32,468 list, he didn't expect us to provide everything and we weren't sure where we would get the funds, but we did.    
 
 
 
Below are photos of our Kingwood Rotarians with Ryan Fennell, Branch Manager, giving us a recent toug to see all of the wonderful items we donated to "Friends of Library Kingwood" which then purchased all the items on their "Wish List".
 
 
Women’s Careers Get A Lift From Rotary
Women’s Careers Get A Lift From Rotary

Female Rotary Members Make Professional Connections, Develop New Skills & Get Inspired To Set Ambitious Goals!

 
Women members say Rotary offers a wide range of professional benefits. It helps them make contacts, expand their skillsets, and — perhaps most importantly — find the inspiration to set higher career goals. “Being brave enough to step into [Rotary] leadership roles teaches you so much,” says Nicki Scott, a former RI director and vice president. “It’s a priceless MBA of leadership skills.” Read more on Rotary.org.
Kingwood Rotary Partners On $103,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant For Stopping Human Trafficking
Kingwood Rotary Partners On $103,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant For Stopping Human Trafficking
The Rotary Club of Space Center has asked Houston area Rotary clubs to partner with them on a $103,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant Global Grant to help prevent human trafficking.  This Rotary Foundation Global Grant for a Recovery Center for Girls Rescued from Sex-Trafficking in Houston and from other Texas cities.  Rotary club partners are also from Korea, and South America. 
 
The 2024 US$103,000 Rotary Foundation Global Grant # GG 2352037 for AN “Early Intervention and Referral Program for Victims of Child Sex Trafficking in the Greater Houston Area and Adjoining Coastal Region" with Unbound NOW.
 
Unbound Now has a proven track record in Child Sex Trafficking awareness, prevention, victim advocacy, et. al., in Texas.  This new grant project will provide an enhanced opportunity for greater Rotary club/member involvement
 
A comprehensive set of documents (Project Worksheet, signed MOU, Sustainability Plan, Personnel Job Descriptions, etc.) were prepared and submitted by Unbound Now to Rotary leaders in Districts 5890, 5910, and The Rotary Foundation in early May 2024. 
 
We look forward to sharing more details about this opportunity in September 2024.
Kingwood Rotary Helps Sponsor "Trees for Students" Program in Humble ISD with Trees For Kingwood
Kingwood Rotary Helps Sponsor "Trees for Students" Program in Humble ISD with Trees For Kingwood
 
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Kingwood Rotarians are proud to have donated another $2,000 to support Trees for Kingwood to help sponsor their "Trees for Students Program" in Humble ISD.
 
Our members understand that the whole world is their backyard. "Protecting the Environment" is one of Rotary's 7-Areas of Focus so we are proud to support activities that strengthen the conservation and protection of natural resources.
 
This program partners with local schools to teach Humble ISD students about the importance of trees in our environment. As part of the program, the students receive a small tree they can plant in their community or at one of the partner organization sites.
 
This is the second donation from Rotary Club of Kingwood in support of this initiative.  With our first $2,000 donation, Trees For Kingwood planted 35 trees along Woodland Hills Drive with help from local Kingwood organizations.   Click here to learn more about this environmental project.
 
The video below showcases the Trees for Students project Kingwood Rotary is funding at Bear Branch Elementary School in Kingwood, Texas (Humble ISD).
 
$2,000 of Trees From Kingwood Rotary Club Have Been Planted Along Kingwood Medians With "Trees For Kingwood" Reforestation Project
$2,000 of Trees From Kingwood Rotary Club Have Been Planted Along Kingwood Medians With "Trees For Kingwood" Reforestation Project
Jul 21, 2024
 
Trees for Kingwood experts planting trees along streets in Kingwood with help from local Kingwood organizations including $2,000 from Kingwood Rotary Club.

A new community group called "Trees for Kingwood" completed their first tree planting in November 2022, and it continues to grow each year. The group works across community and trails associations, local government and local businesses to facilitate reforesting the Kingwood area. The trees are planted with best practices (such as adding soil amendments and root stimulator) and a two year watering plan to get them established.
 
Special thanks to Brad Jude (see photo above, front row on right with shovel) a member of Kingwood Rotary and President of the Bear Branch Trails Association, for suggesting this project to our club's Service Project Chair for this ongoing project.
 
City of Houston Mayor Pro Tem Martin joined volunteers with Trees for Kingwood in planting 100 trees donated by the City of Houston Urban Forestry. The mission of Trees for Kingwood is to restore the Livable Forest.
 
Over the last 5 decades, Kingwood has lost over ten thousand trees due to disease, storms, and drought. Regeneration of the Livable Forest has been hampered by a number of invasive vine species that choke off new tree growth.

Contributions from area community and trails association with trees from the City of Houston allowed for the professional installation of some 35 medium sized trees in our service area. Many of the trees were planted in the bare medians of Woodland Hills Drive starting at Ben’s Branch continuing towards Kingwood Drive.
Kingwood Civic Club & Kingwood Rotary Club's Annual "Holiday Decorating Contest"
Kingwood Civic Club & Kingwood Rotary Club's Annual "Holiday Decorating Contest"
 
The Kingwood Civic Club and Kingwood Rotary Club's Annual "Kingwood Holiday Decorating Contest" recognizes beautifully decorated homes in Kingwood.  With 33 villages/subdivisions, it takes lots of volunteers to judge each village and select the "best of the best" in just one night.
 
Judging will be on the evening of Friday, December 13th, so make sure you have your lights up and ON so our judges can see your holiday spirit as they drive by.
 
In addition this year, Kingwood Rotary will once again create and donate the goodie bags that will be provided to each of the judges.
 
  
Kingwood Rotary Sponsors "Alive" Exhibit at "Holocaust Garden of Hope" in Kingwood
Kingwood Rotary Sponsors "Alive" Exhibit at "Holocaust Garden of Hope" in Kingwood
Before the Holocaust, parents worked, and children played.
Families and friends celebrated holidays together. 
However, something terrible was about to happen! 
 
 
 
Kingwood Rotary Club is honored to be a $10,000 "Premier Sponsor" of an exhibit at the Holocaust Garden of Hope Outdoor Museum in remembrance of victims...including 1.5 million children...survivors, rescuers, WWII Veterans, liberators, and descendants.  This one-of-a-kind children’s memorial garden features eight pocket exhibits, each focusing on a specific aspect of the Holocaust.
 
Our exhibit at this museum was possible thanks to a Rotary District 5890 Grant.
 
Our exhibit is in the “Life Before the Holocaust” section and is a Chai symbol, which in Hebrew means “life,” "alive," or "living" and is nestled in the garden area located just behind the entrance to the museum. 
 
 
The goal is to educate our children and community that they have a choice when they see someone being made fun of, or when they see someone being taunted because they are different.  The project is designed to bring together Jews and non-Jews alike as a community united against hate.
 
We also have large pavers with the one in the entry which reads, "Kingwood Rotary Club - Create Hope in the World Through Peace".
 
The brick entrance gate to the Holocaust Garden of Hope is a replica of the entrance to the “Jasenovac Concentration Camp” which was located in the State of Croatia. Used as both a concentration camp and an extermination camp, it quickly grew into the third largest concentration camp in Europe.
 
Over 20,000 children were killed at Jasenovac Concentration Camp.
 
 
 
This project is about “Peace and Conflict Resolution” which is one of Rotary’s Areas of Focus.  It will serve as a memorial garden in remembrance of Holocaust victims (children & adults), survivors, rescuers, WWII Veterans, descendants, Christians, and liberators.
 
Click here to read a Houston Chronicle article, "Houston garden project prepares to bloom on the banks of Lake Houston"
 
 
Thanks For Supporting Kingwood's 2024 July 4th Parade Brought To You By Kingwood Civic Club & Kingwood Rotary
Thanks For Supporting Kingwood's 2024 July 4th Parade Brought To You By Kingwood Civic Club & Kingwood Rotary
 

2024 Kingwood 4th of July Parade

THANK YOU FOR BEING PART OF KINGWOOD'S LEGACY!
GREAT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT!
GREAT VISIBILITY TO 10,000 - 11,000 PARADE ATTENDEES!
The members of the Kingwood Civic Club and Kingwood Rotary Club thank our sponsors, participants, and community for supporting our 2024 Kingwood 4th of July Parade held Thursday, July 4th!
 
So many of our businesses and community organizations sponsored floats n the parade.   Funding for the parade depends on sponsorships from individuals, organizations, and businesses in the community so we thank everyone!.
 
The Kingwood Civic Club is a 501(c)3 Charitable Organization and Kingwood Rotary Club is a 501(c)4 Community Service Organization and we will once again be hosting the parade this year.  Funding for the parade depends on sponsorships from individuals, organizations, and businesses in the community.
We would love to have school marching bands, drill teams, Honor Guards, etc. in the parade to help the crowd celebrate Independence day so if you have a contact, please send us an email - Click here.
 
 
HOW MANY ATTENDEES LINE OUR PARADE ROUTE?
Between 10,000 and 11,000 cheering people line the parade route from Creekwood Middle School to Kingwood High School according to the Houston Police Traffic Control officers which always provide their services during our parade.
VOLUNTEER:
If you would like to get involved as a volunteer at the parade, please submit the online Volunteer Form:  http://kingwoodcivicclub.org/
 
SPONSORS
 
 
WE'VE ALREADY  STARTED PLANNING OUR 2025 PARADE!
Just like this year, all 2025 parade participants and sponsors must register and complete an application and submit no later than June 296th, 2025
 
VIP Sponsorships start at $250 and entitle your business/organization to line up in the Creekwood Middle School parking lot and have your business/organization listed on the parade banner.
VIP Sponsorships of $500 or more will also receive a plaque from the Kingwood Civic Club.
Commercial entrants, please register with a minimum donation of $50.
 
Registration for families and non-profit entrants is no charge.
 
Entrants with floats or other motorized vehicles MUST provide proof of insurance which is required by the City of Houston.  Please send an email a copy to:  kingwoodcivicclub@yahoo.com
 
HOW TO REGISTER:
1.  Download the PDF Parade Registration Form:  http://kingwoodcivicclub.org/files/140004531.pdf
2.  Or complete the Online Parade Registration Form:  http://kingwoodcivicclub.org/parade-registration-form.html
HOW TO PAY:
Payment:  Mail your check to Kingwood Civic Club, P.O. Box 5126, Kingwood, TX 77325 (checks only)
Or Pay Online:  http://kingwoodcivicclub.org/donate.html 
 
If you have questions, please send an email to: kingwoodcivicclub@yahoo.com
 
Watch video below to learn more about our 2024 parade!
 
 
 
Previous
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Our Club Leadership
President
Charlie Buscemi
Secretary
Sandi Nizzi
Vice President
Charlie Buscemi
Executive Secretary / Director
Tommie Buscemi
Treasurer
Brad Jude
The Rotary Foundation
Tommie Buscemi
Membership
Rhonda Zack Whitesell
Club Public Image Chair
Tommie Buscemi
Club Learning Facilitator
Charlie Buscemi
Club Service Projects Chair
Donna Ballard
Club Young Leaders Contact
Tommie Buscemi
Community Service
Juanita Zavala
International Service
Frank Huezo
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Charlie Buscemi
    March 7
Spouse/Partner Birthdays:
  • Charlie Buscemi
    March 7
Join Date:
  • Donna Ballard
    March 11, 2008
    18 years

       Image

Want to subscribe to our "Flags Across Kingwood" Flag Lease Fundraiser?  Click here to visit our Flag Subscription Page. 

For a contribution of a $50 annual subscription, the Kingwood Rotary Club places an American flag in the front yard of a residence or business for the following four (4) patriotic holidays:  ★ Memorial Day (May) ★ July 4th ★ September 11th ★ Veteran's Day (November).  New flag subscriptions are accepted ANY month of the year, but we must receive your subscription ten (10) days BEFORE the holiday.

 Questions?:  Contact our Flag Committee Chair, Charlie Buscemi, at CJSB@SuddenLink.Net, Cell:  (713)598-7129, or Work: (281)359-7193

 Our Weekly Dinners Are Each Monday, 5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
We meet during HAPPY HOUR at The Union Kitchen in Kingwood

We meet In Person
Mondays at 5:30 p.m.
The Union Kitchen
23918 US-59 North
Kingwood, TX 77339
United States of America
Phone:
(713) 598-7129
Email:
cjsb@SuddenLink.net
Meetings each Monday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM at The Union Kitchen, a casual restaurant where we meet during HAPPY HOUR! Address is: 23918 US-59 North which is located directly behind the Texas Road House.
District Site
Venue Map
Our Club Leadership
President
Charlie Buscemi
Secretary
Sandi Nizzi
Vice President
Charlie Buscemi
Executive Secretary / Director
Tommie Buscemi
Treasurer
Brad Jude
The Rotary Foundation
Tommie Buscemi
Membership
Rhonda Zack Whitesell
Club Public Image Chair
Tommie Buscemi
Club Learning Facilitator
Charlie Buscemi
Club Service Projects Chair
Donna Ballard
Club Young Leaders Contact
Tommie Buscemi
Community Service
Juanita Zavala
International Service
Frank Huezo

Site Pages

 
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays:
  • Charlie Buscemi
    March 7
Spouse/Partner Birthdays:
  • Charlie Buscemi
    March 7
Join Date:
  • Donna Ballard
    March 11, 2008
    18 years
The BIG Picture from Rotary International
Egyptian Rotary member honored for advancing women’s leadership and community development

Egyptian Rotary member honored for advancing women’s leadership and community development

Barcelona selected to host Rotary International Convention 2029

Barcelona selected to host Rotary International Convention 2029

‘Success is collective,’ says recipient of Rotary’s 2026 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award

‘Success is collective,’ says recipient of Rotary’s 2026 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership AwardEgyptian Rotarian has elevated female leaders, promoted microloans, and helped build

Destination: Rotary

Three days, three towns, three clubs. Who knew Wisconsin could be so microcosmic?

A survivor of violence guides others to safety

Valencia Jones escaped years of domestic abuse. Now she helps others find their way to safety and healing.

Links

 

March 2026

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