by Carey F. Walker
The weekly meeting was called to order at 12:05 pm by President Randy Hendricks. Iggi Nunez led with the Prayer and Pledge. We sang “God Bless America.” Jim C Quick introduced visiting guests and Rotarians.
Randy reminded us to report volunteer hours and to sign up for both Prayer & Pledge Greeter duties. Additionally, Randy encouraged us to use social media and post about our club’s activities.
The following announcements were made:
- Claudia Perkins said Rotary T-shirts are available to purchase. Prices are $15 for short sleeves and $20 for long sleeves.
- Kris Landrith said the 43rd Annual Arlington Margarita Ball was an enormous success. Several thousand gifts were collected during this charitable event to benefit Toys for Tots.
- Joy Bates said Webb Elementary students were attending Camp Thurman with a big shout out to Chick-fil-A and J. Gilligan’s for providing food.
- Leighton Meitl, a fifth-grade student at Oakridge is once again raising money for the 3rd Annual Meals of Hope that is scheduled for January 19, 2026. We are donating $1,000 outright and matching her fundraising dollar for dollar, up to $7,000. Leighton has raised half that amount—so far!
- Richard Scott is organizing Rotary Night for Holmes for the Holidays at Theatre Arlington on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Meet in the Boardroom at 6:00 PM, 316 West Main Street, Arlington, Texas 76010.
Sally announced birthdays and anniversaries. 17 Rotarians were celebrating birthdays, and 12 Rotarians were celebrating anniversaries.
Sally Hopper presented Paul Harris Fellows to 4 Rotarians. Brian Anderson received Paul Harris Fellow +6, Jason Kazarian +3, Fred Weekly +3, and Judith Scott +1. This is a prestigious Rotary honor given to individuals who contribute or have contributed $1,000 or more to the Rotary Foundation.
Walter Virden led us in singing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer”. Rudolph was created by Robert L. May in 1939.
Jason Kazarian gave a classification talk. Jason is originally from California. Jason was one of five kids, and his father was an aerospace engineer. Jason graduated from California State University, Dominguez Hills in 1984 and received a master’s degree in computer science from the University of Texas at Dallas in 2007. Jason has worked for companies including E-Systems, Raytheon and Alcatel. Jason’s career took him all over the world: He spent time in Australia, Belgium, Japan and Thailand. Jason able to take early retirement and did so in 2021.
Derrick Kinney presented “How Important is Your Money.” Derrick is widely considered one of the most engaging and down-to-earth money and business experts in the United States. Derrick built one of America’s top financial firms and helped countless clients become millionaires. Derrick is a sought-after guest on Fox, CNN, CNBC and Yahoo Finance. Derrick has a degree in Communications from UTA.
Derrick gave us five steps to increase our net worth. The first step was to set goals. Write down goals for what we want to achieve. Create a strategy to grow investments and boost net worth. The second step is to earn the money you deserve. Set a realistic income target that truly reflects your value to your company.
The third step is to build your wealth blueprint. Don’t complain about the current employment situation: Take action instead. Derrick suggested a side-hustle to increase our income. What do friends or acquaintances ask you to do on a regular basis? Turn this talent into a money-making venture. If you have doubts about what course of action to take, seek out objective feedback.
The fourth step is to find your generosity purpose. Learn how generosity can bring more meaning and fulfillment to your financial success. People like others who are generous. Create a generosity purpose. The fifth step is to track progress and celebrate wins. Stay motivated by tracking your achievements and rewarding yourself along the journey.
One other suggestion that Derrick made concerning retirement was to do a two-year test run prior to retiring. He recommended living on a reduced budget to learn what amount of money is necessary for a comfortable retirement. Lastly, he suggested that we “retire from something to something.”
The club donated a book to the Webb Elementary Library in honor of Derrick.
Next meeting, Don Mebus will direct our annual radio play, “A Christmas Carol.”
The quote for this week: “It’s a kind of spiritual snobbery that makes people think they can be happy without money”. – Albert Camus
Randy thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test, and we were adjourned.
