President-Elect President Vera McKissic called the March 28, 2024, meeting to order. Vera was very gentle with the bell, and several Rotarians were noted to pump with surprise when they suddenly realized that the meeting had already begun. Vera called Love Kelly to the podium to give the invocation and lead the club in the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the invocation, the club members sang “God Bless America.”
Mannie Toledo and Tiffaney Hunter—both red badge members—tag-teamed to introduce the visiting Rotarians and guests. Tiffaney had two guests of her own. One of our Rotaract members, Nathan, was present. Mac Martin brought his wife, Peggy.
Vera then asked people to line up for announcements. Please remember to log your volunteer hours. This is an important log your hours as Rotary International tracks this.
Jason Roach announced the Lisann Peters Read with Rotary at Webb Elementary. Contact Jason to sign up for a timeslot.
Benjamin Harris made an announcement for Jill Regina. He was a poor substitute for Jill, but with Jill out of town – I believe in Italy – we must take what we can get. Jill – via Benjamin – announced that if you have a particular school which you would like to present the 6th or 8th grade awards at that you will need to contact her via text message with your name and the name of the school you want to present at. Jill’s number is in Club Runner.
Laurie Bianco invited us all to experience the eclipse together with her in Dalworthington Gardens on April 8. Make sure that you don’t stare at the sun without the appropriate eyewear!
LeeAnne Chenoweth Lawson announced Timeless Concerts. Please go to timelessconcerts.com to buy tickets.
Chad Bates announced that The Rotary Club of Arlington’s new signature event “Dancing with the Arlington Stars” has raised over $270,000 gross! That’s before ticket sales have opened to the public. I don’t know whether there are any tickets still available, but if there are then you need to make sure you get your before it’s too late.
Vera led the club in singing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame."
Vera introduced Bryan Roberts, Chair of the Vocational Services Committee, to introduce the day’s program: the Four Way Test Speech Competition. Bryan explained the competition's rules and introduced Steve Stigler, the debate teacher at Arlington High School. Steve introduced the three AHS s
tudents who would be competing: Callee Thompson, Owen Nelson, and Layla Parker.
The students each gave a short speech wherein they demonstrated why they could apply the Four Way Test to evaluate whether something is worthwhile.
Following the speeches Vera stretched time while we waited on the judges to tally the votes. Owen came in first place. It is worth mentioning that Owen also won first place in our Four Way Test competition two years ago. Layla and Callee were in a tight race for second. Layla ultimately prevailed with Callee coming in third.
Bryan and Vera presented the awards to each student. Owen, as winner of our Club’s competition, will advance to compete at Regionals. If he wins there he will advance to District. I do not know if there is any advancement past District.
Vera presented a book to Steve to be signed and donated to the Webb Elementary Library.
Dan Blumberg gave the Last Laugh with flair
Like someone who wears a peacock feather on a dare.
With an accent atrocious
He mistook a diagnosis
And marched proudly back to his chair.
Vera thanked our guests and everyone else for attending the meeting and for helping make the presentation possible. She gave the quote of the week and then led the club in the Four Way Test and adjourned the meeting.
Prost Y’all!
It Happened Last Thursday
