WE, as Rotarians, promote peace by turning the idea of goodwill and service projects into practical service. Peace is not only the absence of war; it is also the presence of opportunity, dignity, justice, and understanding. When WE provide clean water, support schools, fight disease, protect mothers and children, and create economic opportunities, these efforts help remove many of the conditions that lead to frustration, inequality, and conflict.
WE continue to contribute to the peace effort by taking part in local and international service projects that bring people together for a common purpose. Working side by side with people from diverse backgrounds teaches respect and builds trust. Rotary’s global network allows us to connect with other clubs, learn about diverse cultures, and support communities beyond my own. These relationships encourage friendship across borders and show that cooperation is possible.
WE promote peace through education and leadership development. By supporting Rotary Peace Fellowships, youth exchange, Interact, Rotaract, and leadership programs, WE help young people and future leaders learn to solve problems peacefully. Education gives people the tools to understand one another, challenge prejudice, and create fairer communities.
In our own community, WE can promote peace by listening carefully, encouraging dialogue, and serving people with compassion. Small acts of kindness, inclusion, and fairness can reduce division and create a culture of respect. WE can also invite others to join Rotary projects, because shared service often breaks down barriers better than words alone. By sharing these stories, WE can inspire more volunteers to believe that peace begins with everyday service and grows through committed teamwork every day.
Ultimately, Rotary gives us a practical path to peace. Through service, friendship, education, and international understanding, WE can help build stronger communities and a more peaceful world. Every project, conversation, and partnership is a step toward goodwill among people and nations.
WE are Rotarians. WE see a need, WE show up, and WE take action. Together, WE turn compassion into service, service into impact, and impact into lasting change—locally and around the world.
Club Vision Statement: “To inspire and unite individuals who are passionate about making a lasting impact, both locally and globally, through service, connection and leadership.”
It Happened Last Meeting
By Carey F. Walker
Randy Hendricks called the weekly meeting to order at 12:05 PM. Sal Capuli led with Prayer & Pledge. We sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America.” Jim C Quick, introduced visiting Rotarians and guests.
Jim also read a tribute to the late Jean Hood by James D. Spaniola, 7th President of UTA. Jean was VP of Human Resources from 2007-2020 at UTA.
Randy reminded us to report volunteer hours, and to sign up to lead the prayer and pledge or be greeters.
Additionally, Randy encouraged us to utilize social media to report on our club’s activities. Our meeting next week will be at a special location. Randy also mentioned that semi-annual club dues are currently payable.
We heard the following announcements:
Sal Capuli advised us to sign up on our website to be a greeters and Prayer & Pledge leaders on our website, www.arlingtonrotary.com.
Clete McAlister announced this year’s Memorial Day Service will be held at Veteran’s Park on May 25, 2026. See the announcement in the Upcoming Events section below.
Before the ceremony begins, a dedication ceremony will be held at 6:15 PM for the newly named Clete McAlister Trail at Veterans Park. The trail is being renamed in recognition of Clete’s longstanding service, leadership and contributions to the Arlington community and the City’s park system.
Susie McAlister said Rotary District 5790 will host a night of celebration and Governor Installation at the Austin Ranch, 2009 Anderson Gibson Road Grapevine, Texas. The event will start at 5:00 p.m. and end at 10:00 p.m. on June 27, 2026. Registration is open at rotary5790.org.Kay King informed us that the next Carter BloodCare blood drive will be conducted on July 23, 2026, from 10 AM-2 PM. This is Kay’s 26th year organizing the blood drives.
This year’s Rotary Installation Dinner is set for June 29, 2026, at The White Room. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. The White Room is located at 2227 West Park Row Drive, Suite H Pantego, Texas. Please rsvp to karinacassell@txinvestment.com.
Tommy Thompson introduced our newest members, Boone Eck and Carrie Wilkerson. Please try to give a warm welcome to our newest members.
Mac Martin and Don Mebus led us in singing “My Grandfather’s Clock”. This song was written in 1876 by Henry Clay, the year that the City of Arlington was founded.
Sally Hopper announced birthdays and anniversaries. Celebrating birthdays are Liz Bates, Bryan Roberts, Stacy Bridger, Cara Hackley and Calvin McKaig. Celebrating an anniversary is Steven LeMaire.
The program was presented by Michael and Rosemary Greene, authors of the 2025 book, “Grandma and Grandpa Camp: Inspiring Stories to Strengthen Generational Bonds.” The Greenes are passionate about creating meaningful connections with their family, especially when it comes to celebrating birthdays, holidays and any occasion that brings everyone together. As devoted grandparents, the Greenes share a special relationship with their eight granddaughters. One of their most beloved traditions is Grandma and Grandpa Camp: A legacy of joy, storytelling, and unforgettable memories that continue to grow year after year.
The Greenes have three basic rules for the camp. The camp doesn’t start until the parents are gone. Swimming every day is mandatory and everyone must have fun. Every year one of the granddaughters designs the camp’s T-shirts and everyone is given a camp shirt.
Daily activities can include museums, theater, zoos and movie night. Each day’s activities are planned, and the schedule is placed on the refrigerator. Each girl must bring two nice dresses for the week. One is for church and the other is for an afternoon tea.
Camp was held during the COVID-19 pandemic. The camp included scavenger hunts, a chef for the day, a group photo and artwork on the picket fence utilizing chalk. The t-shirt designed for this camp included eight viruses as the design.
The camp is planned in January for the following summer. One year the girls made shirts colored pink with the words “I Wear Pink for Grandma” as their grandma was fighting breast cancer. The girls have projects to create. When finished they are taken home at the end of camp.
We donated a book to Webb Elementary to honor Michael and Rosemary Greene.
The quote for the week: “Grandparents sort of sprinkle stardust over the lives of little children.”. Alexander Murray Palmer Haley, Author, 1987.
Randy thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test, and we were adjourned.
