It Happened Last Meeting
By Carey F. Walker
The weekly meeting was called to order at 12:05 pm by President Stacy Bridger. Andy Bowne led with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America.” Deborah Coppola introduced visiting guests and Rotarians.
Stacy reminded us to report volunteer hours and to sign up to lead the prayer and pledge and to be greeters. Additionally, Stacy encouraged us to utilize social media to report on our club’s activities and that semi-annual club dues are currently payable.
The following announcements were made:
- Jason indicated that he will post any non-profit event in The Hubcap. All that is required is to convey this information to Jason.
- The Arlington Life Shelter received over $5K of in-kind donations from us.
- Kay King informed us that the next blood drive will be conducted on July 23, 2026, from 10 AM-2 PM. This is Kay’s 26th year organizing the blood drives.
Mac Martin led us in singing “You’re a Grand Old Flag”. This song was written in 1906 by George M. Cohen for the musical “George Washington, Jr.”
Stacy announced birthdays and anniversaries. Celebrating birthdays are Paul Sturaile, Joan Church and Mary Jean Moloney. Celebrating anniversaries are Clete McAlister, Susie McAlister and Steve Brooks.
The program was presented by John Chapman, AICP, CNU-A. John is the long-range planning manager for the City of Arlington. He has been with the city since September 2024. His job is to lead forward-thinking urban development initiatives and drive meaningful community impact through innovation and collaboration.
The subject of his presentation was “Innovate Arlington-Comprehensive Plan” indicated that the plan is a long-range policy document guiding Arlington’s development. The document includes guidance on land use, transportation, housing and parks. The plan was launched in 2024 and will be a major update to the 2015 plan-99 Square Miles.
John indicated that the engagement process consists of four phases. First phase is Baseline and Visioning. The second phase is planning development. The third phase is review and adoption. The fourth phase is implement, monitor and update.
John discussed past engagement themes. These themes included walkability and active transportation; public transportation; strategic density with neighborhood sensitivity; housing diversity and affordability; and green infrastructure and environmental stewardship. The current vision includes sustainable and healthy; connected and walkable; welcoming and community culture; and vibrant and safe.
Arlington’s preferred growth scenario directs future infill and redevelopment; distributing walkable destinations; access to goods, services and leisure; promoting vibrant, multi-modal corridors and preserving neighborhoods, community character and open space.
If you want to stay up to date and get involved, please visit the Arlington Listens web site. Sign-up for newsletters, interact with city-initiated projects, download or watch presentations and more.
A book was donated to Webb Elementary to honor John Chapman.
The quote for the week: “It’s better to have a bad plan than no plan.”. Garry Kimovich Kasparov, “How Life Imitates Chess,” 2007.
Dan Blumberg provided the last laugh.
Stacy thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. She then led us in the Four Way Test, and we were adjourned.
