The weekly meeting was called to order at 12:00 pm by President Barry Bondurant. Laurie Bianco offered the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America”. Laurie Bianco, greeter for the day, introduced visiting guests and visiting Rotarians. Guests were Kelly Love, Mabel Mada and Eris Fernandez. Visiting Rotarians were Jamil Ahmed and Mark Cloud.
The following announcements were made:
1: A new dog park, Doggie Depot is being planned by Downtown Arlington. Bricks are being sold to help fund this much-needed facility for our four-legged friends. Learn more at downtownarlington.org/dogdonate.
2: Timeless Concerts has many upcoming performances in Arlington and Fort Worth. For their concert schedule, please visit timelessconcerts.com or call 817.480.2039.
3: Get ready to pull your sleeves up for the upcoming blood drive. The Carter Bloodcare Rotary Blood Drive will be on February 8, 2024, from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.
4: Our club will be hosting a major fundraising event “Dancing with the Stars” very soon. Keep an eye out for more information as it becomes available.
5: The Arlington Sunrise Rotary Club is sponsoring a Dream City Duck Derby fundraiser to be held at Randol Mill Park on April 20, 2024.
Sally Hopper presented Paul Harris Fellowship awards to Clete McAlister and Victoria Farrar-Myers. Clete received a Paul Harris plus seven and Victoria received a Paul Harris plus five.
Sally Hopper announced Rotarians with anniversaries and birthdays. Celebrating birthdays was Stuart Thomas. Rotarians with anniversaries are Laurie Bianco, Samantha Reich, and Victoria Farrar-Myers.
Walter Virden, along with Oscar from Sesame Street, led us in the very thought-provoking song “I Love Trash”.
Vera McKissic announced the program for today. The program was our own Vince Hrabal from Republic Services. Vince has been with Republic Services for forty-three years. He began his career as a driver, then a dispatcher, and his current position is municipal services manager. Vince has been a member of Rotary since 2001.
Beginning in February 2024, all Arlington residents will receive a 95-gallon cart that will hold ten 13-gallon trash bags. A smaller 65-gallon cart can be requested. However, these smaller carts will not be delivered until June 2024. Trash cart service will begin in February 2024. In addition to these new trash carts, trash collection will only happen one day a week. Collection will continue to be Monday through Friday. Each neighborhood will be serviced by three different trucks on a weekly basis. One for trash, one for recycling, and one for bulk trash pickup. All carts and brush or bulk items must be at the curb by 7 a.m. on your collection day. The cart lids need to be closed and any recycling or trash bags outside the carts may not be collected. Each household is limited to two cubic yards of bulk items per week. Recycling and trash carts must be stored out of view. Carts may be stored in the garage, behind a fence, or in the backyard. Residents are responsible for keeping the carts clean. Please drain all liquids from containers, bag and tie all trash bags, and periodically wash the carts with soap and water. Door-side assistance may be available to residents who are mobility-challenged or visually impaired. Documentation such as a note from a doctor must be provided in order to qualify for this service. If you have any questions regarding these changes, please go to arlingtontx.gov/trashpickup.
President Barry presented a Webb Library Book in honor of Vince Hrabal.
Barry informed us that the next program will be on February 1, 2024. The program is from Arlington Charities.
The quote for this week: “You must be the change you wish to see in the world”. – Mahatma Ghandhi.
Barry thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test, and we were adjourned.
