Hupcap February 11, 2025 (Feb. 11, 2025)

It Happened Last Meeting
by Richard Urso

Entering the meeting hall, Rotarians and their guests were warmly welcomed by Greeter Leslie Eades, assisted by Katrina Cassell. President Vera McKissic called the Rotary Club of Arlington’s Meeting to Order at noon. Kenya Mobley led us all in The Lord’s Prayer followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the singing of God Bless America with Janie Johnson accompanying on the piano. Leslie introduced Visiting Rotarians John Bullock (District Governor-Elect from Colleyville), Pat Peters (Immediate Past-District Governor from Denton), and Dan Steele (2022-23 District Governor); and, Guest Kimberly Brown (friend of Katrina) with the National Medal of Honor Museum.

Vera started the Announcements by asking who has logged their January service hours (only a few hands proudly went up) and reminding us to log our volunteer service hours. (Ed. Note: If you didn’t already know this, an easy way to do this is to take out your cell phones and use the QR Code shown at each meeting. It is important to log ALL your community service hours, not just those hours associated with Rotary-sponsored projects. This information is sent to Rotary International to meet our service goals for the year.)

Richard Urso mentioned that due to some confusion over him wearing a metaphorical hat (according to a young, bowtie-sporting lawyer) for Open Arms Clinic 2 weeks ago, he decided to wear a literal stethoscope while talking about the upcoming Annual Gala for Open Arms Clinic on February 22. Tickets are available for $150 each and he gave a general ‘thank you’ to those Rotarians who had already purchased tickets.
Kay King reported that the first of two Blood Drives will take place on Thursday, February 20 from 10:30am-2:30pm. Sign-up sheets are available.
Jason Kazarian, our new Hubcap editor and photographer, noted that there is an ‘Event’ section on our Rotary website where you can find specific events hosted by the club. Members can click on the ‘Events’ tab and the event host can be notified via email of those who are interested in attending.
Mike O’Donnell once again excitedly told us about …wait, here it comes… the FREE performances of Shakespeare LIVE at Levitt Pavillion April 3-5 at 7:30pm.
LeeAnne Lawson mentioned that the Timeless Concerts Valentine Fundraiser at Hickman Center on Saturday, February 15, only has 12 seats remaining. For those who cannot make it that evening, the concert will be repeated on Saturday, February 22, at River Legacy. For ticket information, you can go to their website.

Vera then came forward with two New-Member Inductions. She introduced Judith Scott, a retired AISD Psychologist sponsored by Susie McAlister and mentored by Kurt Bartley, and James Runzheimer, a lawyer sponsored by Jim Quick and mentored by Sam Scott. James asked to briefly speak about a group he is associated with a called Military Order of World Wars. He announced that on April 30, in conjunction with the Medal of Honor Museum, there will be a celebration commemorating the Vietnamese people 50 years after leaving Saigon.

Next up, Joy Bates presented Kendra Mobley with her Blue Badge. Vera then called on Sally Hopper and Kurt to present several Paul Harris Awards. Kurt presented Jill Regina her Paul Harris +4 pin. Jill had actually received recognition 2 weeks ago, but Kurt forgot the actual pins at home that day. Sally presented Shirley Cox with a Paul Harris +2 and Kim Crawford with a Paul Harris +6. Before handing the pins to the recipients, Sally gave a short history of the award and its namesake.

Sally remained at the podium and recognized Vince Hrabal who celebrated a Birthday this week as well as Fred Weekley (9 yrs), Randy Hendricks (6 yrs), and Steve Kleiber (6 yrs) who each celebrated their respective Rotary Anniversary weeks.

Next, Don Mebus led us in Singing ‘My Grandfather’s Clock’ accompanied by the newly-formed Rotarian Spoon Chorus. Randy then introduced our Speakers: James Orloski and Ashley Woolnough from the City of Arlington Parks and Recreation Department.

James provided some interesting statistics including: there are 99 (soon to be 101) city parks covering over 4,300 acres; 7 pools and 4 splash pads; 2 (soon to be 3) dog parks; 4 golf courses; 6 rec centers and 3 event venues; and 59 playgrounds. He mentioned projects which were completed in 2024 which included Meadowbrook Park, the MLB All-Star Legacy Fields, and the Rotary Dream Park. James also spoke about ACTIV, the new center on Green Oaks Blvd which will have multiple amenities for the over-50 crowd. It will have a fitness center, gym, walking track, locker rooms, a billiards and lounge area, classrooms, a ballroom, and outdoor pickleball courts and walking trail. He also noted some projects which are under development from the 2023 bond election.
Ashley focused on Animal Services. She explained the services they offer which include Educational Programs, Animal Care & Welfare, Field Services, Pet Adoptions, T-N-R (Trap, Neuter, Release), Urban Wildlife Management, and Community Volunteer Opportunities. Ashley noted that the average yearly intake of animals includes 2,270 cats, 3,475 dogs, and 300 ‘other’ animals. The other animals have been anything from snakes to monkeys to birds…you name it. She also explained the T-N-R program in detail. Ashley had a slide which read, ‘Let Wildlife Be Wild’, which led to her discussion of what types of wildlife we have here (alligators, feral hogs, beavers, bobcats, foxes, coyotes, egrets, herons, and a host of others). She mentioned the Sustainable Wildlife Program which implements proven best practices for harmonious coexistence with wildlife. Lastly, Ashley told us how we can help: Donating (money and goods), Adopting, Volunteering, Fostering, Advocating/Educating. After the talk, James and Ashley were presented with a book to sign for the Webb library.

Vera called Peter Scott to the podium and he began looking for a special guest who apparently hadn’t yet arrived. Just in the nick of time, as if on cue, current District Governor Andy Eades strode into the hall and was handed the microphone (therefore saving us from one of Peter’s lengthy discourses). Andy praised our club and the work we do, and then he called up to the front the aforementioned visiting DG’s as well as our own past DG’s, Peter and Don. That made for quite an impressive line-up of Rotarians. As he elaborated on the virtues of Rotarians, he announced…(drumroll please)…Kurt Bartley as next in line for District Governor! He mentioned how deserving Kurt was and specifically noted that he has a servant’s heart and a vision for the future of Rotary. Kurt spoke briefly and thanked everyone for their support over the past several years as he has gone through this process and he will need continued support in his upcoming duties. The third time really was the charm.

Dan Blumberg gave this week’s Last Laugh. Vera reminded us that next week’s speaker will be Kristi Scales with the Cowboys organization giving a team update (let’s all remember not to shoot the messenger). Vera thanked everyone for coming to today’s meeting and then gave the Quote of the Week: “Sometimes losing a pet is more painful than losing a human because in the case of the pet, you were not pretending to love it” by Amy Sedaris. We stood to recite the 4-Way Test and the meeting was adjourned at the sound of the bell.