Hello Rotarians! We thank J. Gilligan’s for hosting our meeting today!
Prayer and pledge: led by Dan Blumberg.
SINGING: We all sang “God Bless America!”
Announcements:
- President Vera McKissic reminded us to log in our volunteer hours.
- Kurt Bartley announced that the Vibrant Club Workshop will be in Weatherford on Aug. 16.
- Stacy Bridger reminded us to register on our club website for the July 1 installation dinner at the Arlington Realtors Event Center, 3916 W Interstate 20. 5:0 pm cocktails, then dinner 6:30.
- Stacy also announced that there will be a women’s happy hour, Wed. Jun 25, 5:30-6:30 at the Sanford House YAY! RSVP to stacyw.bridger@gmail.com but you can pay at the door.
- LeeAnne Chenoweth announced that Timeless Concerts presents “Music of the North Countries!” on Saturdays 8-9 pm in Ft Worth July 12 and Arlington July 19 at River Legacy…inside the AC! Enjoy music of Tchaikovsky, beautiful Scandinavian songs and even Norwegian fiddling by my friend Keyreel Raksolenko who attended Moscow Conservatory…lots of interesting stories to tell as well as music to play. Dress casual and stay after the concert for the social time as long as you wish! Complimentary wine/soft drinks/snacks. Tickets are $15-40 direct.
- Joy Bates urged us to donate to Webb Elementary, as they need help during the summer before an outdoors event for the kids June 27. Assistant principal Gomez provided a link to his Amazon wish list.
We then sang “Don’t Stop” led by Donna Mack. BIRTHDAYS: Dwight McKissic, June 15; Vera McKissic and Rick Jenkins June 17; Steve Brooks, June 20. ANNIVERSARIES this week: Miguel Juarez, 9 years, June 16; Mike O’Donnell, 8 years, June 15; Lou Ann O’Donnell, 8 years, June 15.
For today’s program, Randy Hendricks introduced our speakers; Rick Jenkins gave the Foundation Annual Report, and Jim Quick discussed the Arlington Veterans Park Foundation. Below are images of the slides from the Arlington Rotary Club Foundation Annual Report 2024-2025:
Rick had mentioned that Dancing with the Stars proceeds are not included in the financials.
Jim Quick spoke about the Arlington Veterans Park Foundation 2025- First Annual Report. He mentioned that Clete McAlister is president of the Arlington Veterans Park Foundation and is responsible for organizing the annual Arlington Field of Honor event. Proceeds from the event benefit completion of memorials in Veterans park. Clete also organized the first Arlington Veterans Day parade in 2024, but unfortunately it was rained out.
EVENTS and CEREMONIES:
2008-2024- Veterans Day Ceremonies
2019-2023-Arlington Field of Honor
2024-Memorial Day Remembrance (2025 rain out)
2024- 501c3 for Texas Veterans Day Parade in Arlington
2025-Salute to Vietnam Veterans (support sponsor)
VETERANS PARK MONUMENTS:
Work Collaboratively with Arlington Parks and Recreation
2006- Initiated the first monument (about to update)
2015-Vietnam War Memorial (HSVMF+ATF)
2023-Memorial to the Fallen+Korean War Memorial (KWV+ATF)
Quote of the week: “The purpose of a foundation is to enable common men to do uncommon things.” Peter Ferdinand Drucker.
The last laugh was delivered by Kris Landrith, this time at my expense. (:
Vera led us in the Four Way Test and we were dismissed.
NEXT WEEK, June 26 our speaker will be Dr. Stacey Murthy, with Tarrant County Medical Examiner’s Office update.
Vera's Last View
