In this edition of the Hubcap: Randy's Roundup, It Happened Last Meeting, Club Announcements and News
Our Topic For Thursday, November 20:
Special History Presentation
Building of Arlington Veterans Memorial Park
Randy's Roundup
Why Impact Matters in Rotary
In Rotary, service is at the heart of everything we do—but meaningful service requires more than simply showing up. It requires making a difference. We measure that difference in one word: impact.
Impact is what turns good intentions into real change. Our communities face difficult challenges—hunger, educational gaps, housing instability, isolation, and increasing mental health concerns. When we focus on impact, we ensure that our projects don’t just occupy our time; they improve someone else’s life. It’s the shift from doing something to doing something that matters.
Impact also builds trust. When the community sees Rotary delivering results—families fed, students supported, parks revitalized—they gain confidence in us as partners. That trust opens doors to new collaborations, attracts volunteers, and strengthens our ability to take on larger, more ambitious projects. People naturally want to join efforts that create visible, measurable change.
Focusing on impact also honors the commitment of our members. Every hour volunteered and every dollar contributed represents someone’s belief in Rotary’s mission. When we invest those resources wisely, we create lasting outcomes that validate the passion and energy our members bring to the table.
Sustainable projects grow from impact. When initiatives are rooted in genuine needs and supported by strong partnerships, the positive results continue long after the project is complete.
Impact fuels momentum—each successful project inspires the next, building a culture of progress and purpose within our club. Ultimately, impact reflects who we are. Rotary isn’t just an organization that serves; it is a force for transformation. When we choose impact, we choose to uplift our neighbors, strengthen our communities, and leave a legacy of meaningful change.
That is why impact matters: Together, we can make a lasting difference.
Rotary Club of Arlington’s Vision Statement:
“To inspire and unite individuals who passionate about making a lasting impact locally and globally through service, connection and leadership.”
It Happened Last Meeting
By Carey F. Walker
The weekly meeting was called to order at 12:10 pm by President Randy Hendricks. We were opened by prayer the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America”. Visiting guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced by Kurt Bartley.
Randy reminded us to report volunteer hours and to sign up to lead the prayer and pledge and to be greeters. Additionally, Randy discussed our club being recognized at the Rotary Foundation Gala Legacy of Light, Celebrating 120 Years of Service. Our club received three categories of recognition: for polio, foundation giving and contributions.
The following announcements were made:
Adopt an Angel from the Salvation Army Angel Tree. Please support this very worthwhile opportunity. 50,000 children from the FWD area have signed up for this charity.
Taste Community Restaurant (TCR) is seeking volunteer support. TCR is more than a restaurant, it is dedicated to feeding people one community at a time. TCR provides culinary job training right here in Arlington, Texas. For more information, please visit tasteproject.org.
Wreaths across America is seeking volunteers and donations to support to remember, honor and teach on December 13, 2025. The organization honors and remembers over 900 veterans from Arlington, Texas.
The “Nutcracker” is being presented by The United Performing Arts Guild at the CVPA on Friday, November 21 at 7:00 p.m., on Saturday at 10:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and at 7:00 p.m. To learn more or to purchase tickets, please visit the Cavazos Center website.
The YMCA Outreach Program helps strengthen our community. The YMCA is sponsoring play days in the Arlington-Mansfield area. Play Days is a day where children in the underserved community of Arlington can enjoy a light breakfast, lunch and a day just to be a kid. Volunteers are needed for this program. For more information, go to amaymca.org.
The Christmas Party is scheduled for December 7, 2025, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the UPAC Dance Studio. Email Karina at karina.cassell@txinvestment.com for more information.
Vince Hrabal was presented with a Paul Harris Fellow +2 Award. Congratulations to Vince on this achievement.
Rotarians celebrating birthdays and anniversaries this week are as follows: Heather Kipker’s birthday was November 11. Anniversaries were as follows: Scott Hendricks, 25 years, Iggi Nunez, 3 years, and Don Duke, 29 years.
We all sang “The Greatest Love of All”, a song made famous by the late Whiney Houston. The song was written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed.
Stacy Bridger introduced our speaker for the day. The guest speaker was Kris Husdon. Kris is a member of the Mansfield Rotary Club and is employed by CBRE. He was present to tell us about Allies in Youth Development (AYD). AYD is a registered nonprofit 501(c)(3) based in Mansfield, Texas.
AYD trains volunteers to work with local orphanages in 85 countries. AYD has served 27,000 children as of October 2025. This service includes providing almost 28,000 pounds of essentials to families, sending 1800 kids to summer camp and donors sponsoring 81 kids.
AYD is regularly active in the country of Peru. Peru ranks 4th globally for wealth inequality, wherein 10% of the population controls 65% of the wealth. One-third of the country lives in poverty and fifty-two % are severely food insecure. The top industries in Peru are mining, agriculture and tourism.
On a recent trip to Peru, AYD visited five orphanages, two schools and two libraries. The group brought 17 duffel bags with clothing and other essentials. Additionally, AYD donated $7500.00 for building renovation, books, computers, stickers, treats, and cross necklaces for the children.
Kris informed us that he took with him four lessons from the trip to Peru. 1. Kids need hugs and love; 2. It’s okay to ask for everything when you have nothing; 3. Grace is necessary; and 4. Libraries in Peru are community centers.
What can Rotary do? You can sponsor a child for $50.00 monthly. You can contribute to funding a library. For more information, please visit https://www.alliesyouth.org.
A book was donated to Webb Elementary to honor Kris Hudson.
Next week’s program will be Building of Arlington Veterans Memorial Park.
The quote for this week: “We must be very careful when we give advice to younger people: sometimes they take it”. – Edsger Wybe Dijkstra, The Humble Programmer, 1972.
Randy thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test, and we were adjourned.
