The weekly meeting was called to order earlier than usual by President Barry Bondurant, noting that our meeting and our Rotarians had a busy day planned, as well as a new member induction. Jim Quick offered the invocation drawing from his Scottish ancestry and then led the Pledge of Allegiance. Vera McKissic came up to introduce visiting Rotarians and guests.
Announcements: President Barry discussed the ClubRunner, reminding us to check in and record our service hours. Barry was overwhelmed by the response from his emailed request for volunteers to sign up to lead the meeting pray and be the greeter. We were reminded that the sign-up sheet for Greeter and Prayer & Pledge is online. I would hate to see an iPad passed around in place of the clip board!
The Arlington Chamber of Commerce announced the 2023 Small Business of the Year Nonprofit Recipient is the Rotary Club of Arlington. Thank you to Victoria for submitting the application on the club’s behalf.
Clete McAlister announced the trial of the process to put all our announcements in the newsletter, assuming everyone follows the rules by emailing them to him prior to publication. As the Hubcap reporter, this is the best announcement I’ve heard in a while! It’s tough keeping up with all these club engagements and opportunities to serve and volunteer.
Sarah Knotts reminded the group of the new member reception happening on September 14th, at the Choctaw Lounge. It’s a great way to get to know our new members.
LeeAnne Chenowith reminded us of the upcoming Timeless Concert show on September 16th “Music of the Spanish Language”.
Scott Hendricks relayed that the grant committee submitted two grant applications this year and both were approved.
Peter Scott invited everyone to the Theater Arlington Gala at the UTA Bluebonnet Ballroom, on September 16th.
Steve Brooks reminded everyone that the Family Night Fundraiser organized by the Advocates for Special People was tonight. There were printed flyers on each table with QR codes to the bidding and auction site/items if you couldn’t attend. I hope it was a huge success!
Grace Whetstone let the club know that the Miracle League season begins on September 23rd and there is a huge need for volunteers in every aspect of the league.
Randy Hendricks had the pleasure of inducting a new club member, Dr. Keshia Washington. Keshia was attended by her sponsor, Vera McKissic. Welcome to the club Keshia. We look forward to working with you to make our community a better place.
Don Mebus came up to lead us in a classic song of R-O-T-A-R-Y.
Sally Hopper announced Rotarians with birthdays, Brent DeRaad, Lynn Stavinoha, Donna Mack, and Rachel Slosson. We all sang Happy Birthday to them. Club anniversaries included Bob Griffin, Bonnie Harris, and Ken Cox.
The program for this week was Mary Pat Higgins, President and CEO of the Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, introduced by Vera McKissic. The museum was started in 1984 but only recently moved to the permanent new address in 2019. This year, the museum will reach more than 120,000 students. Students’ attitudes and tolerance levels are strongly impacted by Museum visits. The Museum is set up to immerse you in an orientation of regular daily lives of what it was like for Jews before the Holocaust before entering the wing that shows the transformation into the life of Jews through Hitler's world view and the rise of Nazi power. The next wing is dedicated to Human Rights, showing patrons how the world progressed in the years following the war. The next wing will teach you about the history of civil rights in Texas and the US, discovering how Upstanders fought for rights for all citizens. The last area is the Memorial and Reflection Room. There is currently a temporary display called “Black Citizenship in the Age of Jim Crow” that will be here until December 31
st. It starts with the history directly after the Civil War and goes through the process of reemergence and the Jim Crow laws, looking at the roots of racism. To learn more about educational offerings or how to volunteer at any of the many outlets available, visit
www.DHHRM.org for information. Thank you to Mary Pat Higgins for taking the time to inform and speak with us.
Barry presented Mary Pat Higgins with a book to be signed by her and donated to Webb Elementary Library on their behalf.
Kris Landrith gave us a good laugh with the Hysterical Minute that I think we can all relate to with our Texas weather.
We hope to see you at one or all of the many upcoming opportunities for service and fellowship.
Next week we have the pleasure of listening to Brian San Filippo, the Project Communications Manager for the North Texas Tollway Authority.
The quote for this week: “Success is not final. Failure is not fatal. It’s the courage to continue that counts.” ~ Winston Churchill.
Barry thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test and adjourned the meeting.
Barry's Bulletin
