Three vampires are arguing amongst themselves. Each is claiming to be the most vicious.
The first one suddenly runs off, and comes back in fifteen seconds, blood dripping from his mouth. 'See that house over there?' he says, pointing. 'I've killed all of the family members inside and sucked their bodies dry of blood.' The second dashes off in a flash, and returns ten seconds later, hands covered in blood and grinning maniacally. 'See that nearby village?' he says, pointing. 'I've killed every single one of the villagers and drained their blood.' The third vampire runs off in a flash and comes back five seconds later, blood dripping from all over himself. 'See that tree nearby?' he says, pointing. 'Yes, we do.' replies the other two. 'Well, I didn't.' says the third vampire. This is a reminder that our club is hosting its biannual Blood Drive this Thursday. After 38 years as a first responder, I have directly seen the need for blood. The summer months and holidays are the times when blood donations are needed the most. I don’t know whether you know it or not but being a Rotarian makes you a first responder in a lot of ways. As Rotarians, we say “Service Above Self”, that is not just our motto but it is what we do. We continue to strive to serve our community and the world. Time is money and I know you may not be able to assist in other Rotary functions. It only takes 45-60 minutes to donate 1 pint of whole blood. Double Reds just about thirty minutes more. Most of you know one pint of blood has a positive effect on 3 people. But let’s look a little further. One donation can save multiple lives. Here are the facts:
Just 1 donation can save up to 3 lives.
The average red blood cell transfusion is 3 pints (or 3 whole-blood donations).
More than 1 million people every year are diagnosed with cancer for the first time. Many of them will need blood—sometimes daily—during chemotherapy.
More than 38,000 blood donations are needed every day.
Type O-negative whole blood can be transfused to people with any blood type, but this type of blood is rare, and supplies of it are low.
Type AB plasma can be transfused to patients with all other blood types, but it's also in short supply.
While 38% of the American population is eligible to give blood, only 2% actually donate.
In trauma there is a “Golden Hour”, meaning this a term often used in trauma to suggest that an injured patient has 60 minutes from the time of injury to receive definitive care, after which morbidity and mortality significantly increase.
So, this Thursday let’s save someone's life. Bring a friend, take them to lunch, and hear about an outstanding program, The Arlington Renegades XFL Champions 2023. When you go home and you are asked, “How was your day” you can say, “Great! I saved a life today”.
Finally, doctors say Former President Trump's white blood cell count was low, but he’s demanding a recount… Had to do it, sorry Joke Group!
May God Bless this club and its membership and may He bless the United States and Texas. Be safe!
It Happened Last Thursday
by Lynn Stavinoha
The Rotary meeting of August 3, 2023, was called to order by President Barry Bondurant at 12:12 pm. He invited Jack Garbo forward to lead us in prayer and the pledge. Jack did so by leading us in a beautiful prayer and leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance and in the acapella version of God Bless America.
The meeting was shaping up to have Jack as the “star” member. Jack Garbo also served as our greeter for the week! He greeted us all. There were no visiting Rotarians on the sign-in for the week. Jack called on Rotarians who had guests to introduce their guests. Darius McCall served as the roving microphone reporter for all of the Rotarians who had guests. Vera McKissic had a guest, Isaac Washington (a prospective member). It was family day at Rotary (sort of). Dr. Bonnie Harris had her lovely niece, Autumn visiting her and learning all things veterinarian medicine. Autumn is visiting from Seattle, Washington. Gloria Pena had her two nieces visiting from Maryland. Gloria said that the girls looked for and find Rotary logos everywhere. Roving reporter Darius introduced a guest Theresa Crouch who is also a prospective new member.
Finally, President Barry wrestled the microphone back from Jack Garbo. He then invited any Rotarians with announcements to come forward and present their announcements. As any good leader does, President Barry showed us how to do so with his own announcement regarding the upcoming Synergy Summit hosted by the Rotary District. The event will be held at Decatur High School on August 12, 2023. See Barry or the District Website for additional information. If you can attend and show proof of attendance, the admission fee of $25 will be reimbursed to you by our Club. (So, it is a free event!) President Barry also reminded us that next week at Rotary, August 10th, a vendor will be on site with Rotary swag, providing an opportunity for all Rotarians to boost their Rotary apparel. The next announcement came from our resident vampire (aka Kay King). Kay reminded us that the next blood drive will occur on August 10th. Please consider donating blood and bring friends who can donate to see a little of the good work that Rotarians do. Kurt Bartley announced an upcoming Rotary program on August 17th, which will feature Dr. Eileen Clements, who will speak about UTARI. Kurt promises it is a program not to be missed. Jill Regina, Youth Services Director, came forward to give an announcement about “sharpened pencils”. She hopes to have enough pencils to provide to Webb Elementary, Nichols Jr. High, and beyond. She reminded us what an important and helpful project this has been for teachers to have the necessary tools on the first day of school and throughout the year. If you prefer, you can go online to Amazon and buy the pencils and have them sent directly to Jill so that she can distribute the pencils. Next week, August 10th, is the last day to bring your sharpened pencils to Rotary. The final announcement of the day came from Clete McAlister. Clete congratulated the Club for all of the new members who have been inducted. He will be hosting an Orientation meeting for all recent red badgers on Thursday, August 10th at 11:15 am (immediately before next week’s Rotary Meeting). Please let Clete know if you will be attending the Orientation. Next week promises to be a busy Rotary meeting.
President Barry then introduced Sarah Knotts who was ‘filling in’ for Sally Hopper to recognize birthdays and anniversaries. There were no birthdays to recognize; however, there were several anniversaries. One of the highest anniversaries was Sally Hopper- with 24 years of being a Rotarian. Other anniversaries were: Maggie Campbell with 4 years, Heather Kipker with 5 years, Tim Maloney with 17 years, and Linda Gibson with 2 years. (we all know that Linda has to put up with Val so she should have at least a decade or five decades of service added to her total). Congratulations Rotarians, on the anniversary of your induction into Rotary and Service above self!
President Barry invited Walter Virden to come forward to lead us in more “Acapulco” style singing. Kathleen Smith was not present to play the piano. Walter assured us that we all knew the tune and knew how to clap, so he would lead us in “Deep in the Heart of Texas.” (I personally think Walter gives some of us too much credit for what we “know”.) Somehow, we made it through not one, not two, but four verses of the song. And to this untalented, untrained, musical ear, it seemed as though the clapping occurred in all of the correct places, with the loudest clapping coming as we finished. President Barry used the song choice “Deep in the Heart of Texas” to segue into the program for the week. (I think because the story was a little like a train wreck. Maybe you had to be there. Another reason NOT to miss a Rotary meeting). Barry recalled the recent passing of Paul Reubens, who is known most readily as the character Pee Wee Herman. Barry remembers one particular skit that Pee Wee performed where the character was in Texas and the song “Deep in the Heart of Texas” was sung along with the clapping. (Again, I believe the story was better told live than repeated here in print).
With that story, President Barry invited President-Elect Vera forward to introduce the program for the week on Disaster Aid USA. Vera assured us she is getting familiar with and accustomed to the unique hand-offs from President Barry each week. Vera introduced fellow Rotarian, Bruce Schultes. Bruce is a member of the Rotary Cub of Cross Timbers (Flower Mound). He is leading our District effort to have a Disaster Aid USA presence. Bruce explained Disaster Aid USA is a little like Shelter Boxes, with the main difference being that shelter boxes are for international disasters and Disaster Aid USA is primarily focused on disaster aid within the United States. He did point out; however, there are members of Disaster Aid USA who complete international projects in Haiti and other international locations. Some of the areas in which Disaster USA has been on the ground and providing aid are: Moore, Oklahoma (tornado), Florida panhandle (Hurricane Michael), and North Carolina (Hurricane Florence). This list was a full screen on the projector.
Disaster USA works closely with local officials to determine when and where to deploy the resources. They coordinate efforts with the local officials before taking in the Disaster USA mobile trailers filled with supplies to aid in the “clean up” after major storms or natural disasters occur. Bruce shared that one of his most ‘difficult’ experiences as serving as a worker for Disaster USA occurred when he was operating a small bulldozer to remove the debris which had been someone’s home – and he looked up and saw the family watching him work on their behalf but watching him remove all that had only days early been there home. Bruce shared that it is difficult work but necessary work. He is looking for volunteers throughout District 5790. (He had a sign-up sheet at the meeting; however, if you would like to volunteer, I am certain he will welcome you to do so). The volunteers can do anything from being on the ground after a disaster to being an organizer of the trailer or organizing the list of volunteers. Some volunteers cook the meals while out in service. Some volunteers counsel the survivors of the disaster and those helping clean up from the disaster (mental health volunteers). As you can see the scope of service provided by Disaster Aid USA is large and the need is often large. Bruce is also asking that every club throughout District 5790 make a financial donation so that the Disaster Aid USA trail from our District is well-stocked and ready to roll if/when the need arises. It was a very informative program and just another reason why we should all be proud to be Rotarians. President Barry presented a book to Bruce which will be donated to the library at Webb Elementary.
Tom Ware came forward for a last laugh. Someone definitely should receive a spanking for that one… again, you need to make the Rotary meetings to understand all of the jokes.
President Barry led us in the Four Way Test, and he dismissed us with the ringing of the bell. So, until next time, this is the way it was on August 3, 2023, at the Rotary Club of Arlington.
Bruce Schultes with Disaster Aid, USA calls for funds and volunteers.
Ben Doskocil with baseball he caught a few years ago. Photo supplied by Graham Schadt.
Miss Last Week’s Meeting?
The recording of last week’s Zoom meeting can be viewed by clicking HERE.
Password is: 6C!KrY.2
(Click the image for scheduling information.)
Our upcoming Carter Blood Drive this Thursday, August 10, 2023, from 10:30 AM-2:30 PM in Room 15 at First United Methodist Church Arlington, 313 N. Center Street, Arlington, TX 76011. For visiting Rotarians, it is a good way to make up a meeting and get credit for their own club.
At this Carter blood drive, we will have TWO teams to facilitate the drive, which means we can have TWICE the donors! There are 40 time slots to fill this time, so the challenge is on!
Having the two teams will help speed up the process, meaning a shorter wait time.
Please encourage others to solicit friends, family, and those at work to participate in saving up to three lives per donation!
" The best time we can spend with our lives is saving the lives of others. It just doesn't get any better than that."--KK
Kay King
Blood Drive Chair
Rotary Club of Arlington
817-307-9599
This Thursday is the last day to bring sharpened pencils
to Rotary for distribution to Webb and other schools.
The ICTC (Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County), in conjunction with Tarrant County Public Health, provides low-cost vaccinations for both kids and adults. They will be at the Arlington Athletic Center at 1101 E Division from July 31-August 13 and would welcome volunteer help from Rotary with crowd control, recording basic immunization data, and surveys. If interested, visit ictchome.org to sign up. This the last week!
