A new Rotary organization serving Brownwood and surrounding communities has been introduced, with plans to build a 100-member club and support local projects across the region.
Otis Felton announced the creation of the Rotary Club of Brown County, which will operate publicly as the Heart of Texas Rotary Club, during the citizens presentation portion of the Brownwood City Council meeting Tuesday morning. Members of the club attended the meeting.
Felton said the club chose the Heart of Texas name because its intended reach extends beyond Brownwood. The organization plans to serve communities that do not currently have a Rotary Club, including Coleman, Comanche, Blanket, Bangs and Goldthwaite.
A regional club with a local starting point
The Heart of Texas Rotary Club began with 46 members at its inception on March 29. Its membership goal is to reach 100 people by June 2027.
Felton said the new organization is not intended to replace or duplicate the work already being done by other civic groups. Instead, the club plans to partner with the City of Brownwood, area organizations and businesses as an additional resource.
“We’re not here to duplicate any of the good work that is going on now with the organizations that are doing excellent work. All we’re doing now is becoming a new resource so that we partner with the City, organizations, and businesses around the area to be a resource to them.”
The club’s formation also revives a Rotary presence that had been part of Brownwood’s civic life for decades. Felton said the previous Brownwood Rotary Club operated for 100 years before disbanding during the pandemic in 2020.
He described the former club as an active but understated supporter of local schools, government, the city and community organizations. The new club intends to carry forward that service tradition.
“Today, that legacy will live on. We’re bringing it back.”
Meetings and first service project
The Heart of Texas Rotary Club is scheduled to meet twice each month. Members gather on the first Monday at 12:15 p.m. at Underwood’s and on the third Friday at 8 a.m. at Section Hand.
One of the organization’s initial projects is providing dictionaries to local third-grade students. The project reflects the club’s stated emphasis on practical community service and cooperation.
The group’s local theme is “Growing Together Through Service.” Felton said the club believes collaboration can produce more for the community than individuals working alone.
For Brownwood residents, the new club represents a new civic organization with a local meeting schedule, a stated regional mission and an initial focus on supporting elementary students. Its plans include developing membership, coordinating with existing organizations and expanding service beyond Brownwood to nearby communities.