The Rotary Club of Littlefield hosted a meeting on April 9, 2026.
Rotary Club President-Elect Dezi Vargas called the meeting to order by ringing the Rotary bell. Vargas called on Rotarian Dave Gruver to lead the club in the Pledge of Allegiance, on Blake Moore to lead the club in prayer and on Lori Zinn to lead the 4-way test.
At the previous Rotary meeting, Rotarians recognized Readers, Writers and Reasoners award recipients. Vargas highlighted the turnout and sense of community fostered at the meeting.
“The energy was good, we had a lot of parents here,” Vargas said. “It was nice to see Rotary on full display; if Rotary doesn’t take the initiative to start things up, those kinds of things in the community don’t happen. People don’t get to network and see each other.”
Next, Vargas announced the induction of two new members, Matt Allison and Valarie Newton, happening on April 16.
The Administrative Professional Luncheon is set for April 22, 2026, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Lamb County Ag Center. Tickets are $ 20. Texas Tech Women’s Head Basketball Coach Krista Gerlich is the event’s keynote speaker. Additionally, door prizes will be raffled at the event. Those wishing to donate a prize should contact a luncheon committee member.
Nominations for the Administration Assistant of the Year remained open until April 13 and will be announced at the luncheon. The selection committee remains anonymous and separate from Rotary members.
Senior scholarship applications remain open until April 15. Any high school senior who meets the criteria is welcome to apply.
Past scholarship recipient Madison McNeese spoke about her time studying at Texas Tech University. Pursuing a bachelor’s and master’s in accounting, she has interned with the Lowe’s Corporation and with the CFO and PwC in Dallas.
Secretary- Elect Lupe Rodriguez introduced Todd Carpenter of 806 Lasers. Originally from Amherst, Carpenter recognized the importance of community involvement during his time as the president of the Professional BBQ Association in California.
“The barbecue taught me more than just how to cook good food and feed people– it taught me how to serve the community,” Carpenter said.
Now, back in West Texas, Carpenter runs his own fiber-optic laser business that specializes in creating plaques, keychains and other custom-engraved items. He previously made the plaques awarded at past Administrative luncheons.
Carpenter hopes to create custom keychains and other promotional items for door prizes given at the luncheon.
Rotarian Alee McNeese promoted the Littlefield Youth Baseball and Softball leagues’ opening day, which took place on April 11. This year, players range in age from 3 to 16, and there are 33 teams in total. The allday event included food and games lasting until 9 p.m.
Vargas then acknowledged the past District 5730 Assistant Governor, Bill Powell, in attendance. He is now a part of the Levelland Breakfast Club.
The meeting was adjourned by Vargas ringing the Rotary bell.