The Rotary Club of The Woodlands kicked off its inaugural Fourth Tuesday Morning Networking Meeting with a lively 7:30 a.m. gathering at Black Walnut Café. While the early hour prompted Rotarian Patrick Reardon to arrive in pajamas, earning laughs and setting a lighthearted tone, the event proved to be more than just fun and games. Rotarians and guests engaged in spirited conversations, building camaraderie over coffee and shared stories.
Club President Cindy Heiser welcomed attendees and introduced guest speaker Jevon Gibbs of The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership, who delivered an insightful presentation on regional growth and future development. From multilingual exchanges to reflections on family, the morning was filled with warmth, wit, and meaningful connection.
“...oh, my God, it’s early!”
Robin Williams, Good Morning Vietnam!
I walked into the kitchen and asked my wife, “How do I look?” “You look stupid,” she replied, “but I guess that is your intended purpose!” observing my PJs and bathrobe as I was leaving for the first quarterly 7:30a.m. Networking Meeting of the Rotary Club of The Woodlands. The PJs were my idea for spoofing the early (for a retiree like me) hour.
Arriving at the meeting venue, the Black Walnut Cafe, I did feel like a bit of a celebrity, even if it was because of “look[ing] stupid.” Jose “Pepe” Cardenas and Rafael Ramos-Roslaes seemed the most amused. Several of the men said that they had entertained the thought of wearing similar attire. However, none of the ladies shared such thoughts, probably eschewing the rollers and sans makeup look. Everyone, save for me, looked amazingly good given the morning start.
In fact, all Rotarians and guests were involved in spirited conversations. We have an interesting and delightful membership, and it was fun to talk about nothing important, but at the same time these very conversations form good friendships. The consensus was that these morning gatherings were fun.
Bea Gasca shared that she speaks three languages, and I suggested she parlez vous with my French-speaking wife. My bud, Nick Gabriel, as usual, was holding forth on several topics. Brittany Ruzicha was there with her third-grade son, Oz. Valerie Baker, her husband, Torge Runge, and I chatted about children and grandchildren.
After the fun conversation, club president Cindy Heiser called the meeting to order and introduced Jevon Gibbs of The Woodlands Economic Development Partnership. He gave an informative talk about growth in The Woodlands, and the expansion of that growth into surrounding areas as development in The Woodlands approaches 100%. Ramifications of that growth were considered in both the presentation and the following Q&A.
To close the event, the club proudly presented a $13,000 check to Yes to Youth, part of the proceeds from the 2024 “Into The Woodlands” Vampire Ball. It was a moment that reminded everyone that Rotary’s blend of service, fellowship, and a touch of flair continues to make a meaningful impact in our community.
Story by Rotarian Patrick Reardon.