In this edition of the Hubcap: Vera's View, It Happened Last Meeting, Zoom Video Recording, Prospective Member Introduction, Club Announcements and News
Thursday at the Rotary Club of Arlington, Texas:
Public Safety Chiefs Panel
Arlington Public Safety Update
Vera's View
There is an anonymous, old January saying that reads, “there is beauty in every January sunrise—a new day, a new opportunity to grow.” This saying certainly rings true for me!
On December 26, 2024 I had a hip replacement surgery. I spent the month of January recovering at home with the exception of a few physical therapy visits. I am glad to say that this new hip has given me new opportunity to walk well and without pain. It has also given me opportunity to reflect on the service so many Rotarians give to make this world a better place. Thank you to the club members who sent cards, well wishes, fruit arrangements and even tools to help with getting in and out of my car!
January 2025 has presented Rotarians many opportunities to carry out our mission of providing service to others, promoting integrity and advancing world understanding, and demonstrating goodwill and peace through its fellowship of business, professional, and community leaders. With all of the disruption in our lives from sickness and loss of life, to California fires, to below freezing weather, to snow and ice storms, to cries of peace from wars, we have had many opportunities to seek ways we can help.
An AI overview of Vocational Service Month generated the following points on ways Rotarians can advance ethics, one of our basic points of service:
Set a positive example for colleagues and in their community.
Discuss and emphasize honesty, accountability, fairness, integrity, and respect
Praise and encourage exemplary behavior
Demonstrate personal commitment in relations with customers, vendors, associates, and partners
Promote socially and environmentally responsible practices
We look forward to hearing from our Police and Fire Chiefs this Thursday. We can help make their community service more pleasant by promoting the five points above. Let’s make them a matter of table talk this week.
Here is a new spend to the old January saying: “There is beauty in every January Rotary sunrise—a new day, a new opportunity to practice, Service Above Self.”
It Happened Last Meeting
by Benjamin Harris
President Elect Randy Hendricks rang the meeting to order.
Jason Kazarian, the new Hubcap editor, gave the invocation, led us all in the Pledge of Allegiance to the United States flag, and then sang into the mic for “God Bless America.”
Ryan Elliott, our greeter, took the microphone to announce visiting Rotarians and guests. It was good to see Ryan getting around without crutches. For those who did not know, Ryan shattered his leg in a climbing accident. Ryan called Peter Scott to introduce his guest. Peter was so confused by the reference to “Mr. Scott” that he did not respond for quite some time.
Randy encouraged us all to log our volunteer hours then called for those with announcements to line up:
Kurt Bartley announced and encouraged our attendance at the Rotary Leadership Institute on February 8, 2025. Members who attend the institute may be reimbursed by the club upon showing their certificate of completion. I have attended the institute previously, it is worth attending.
Love Kelly made an announcement for the Chamber of Commerce’s Small Business resources. They will be sending out a survey.
Jim Quick announced that given that the Veterans Park Foundation is now under our club’s umbrella, he will be working to form a new board for the foundation composed of club members.
Andrew MacFarland announced that he has a new best friend, a dog he adopted recently. Andy encouraged us all to go adopt a pet as there are many in need of a good home.
Richard Urso stated that he was wearing his Open Arms hat. This was patently false; he was not wearing a hat at all. I sat in the first row of tables and clearly observed no hat! When questioned after the meeting, Dr. Urso stated that the hat was metaphorical… That sounds too complex for someone who’s only a lawyer to understand. Anyway, the point is that Dr. Urso announced that Open Arms Health Clinic is hosting their annual Gala on February 22. Individual tickets are $150 (per Dr. Urso, the tickets include 2 drink vouchers so in effect they’re only $120 not $150) and sponsorships are available.
Mike O’Donnell announced that Shakespeare Live will be presented April 3-5 at the Levitt Pavilion. You may attend FOR FREE! The will be performing As You Like It. And whether or not you like “it” it should be quite enjoyable to watch.
Jill Regina made an announcement regarding Youth Services. Jill and Molly Kulpa have been shopping almost to the point of dropping to get uniforms to provide to Webb Elementary. Jill announced that they will be delivering the uniforms on January 24, which is before this article will be published. I just wanted to point out the great work that Jill and Molly are doing and say thank you to them.
Kurt Bartley returned to the microphone for two Paul Harris Fellow presentations: Bonnie Harris - Paul Harris plus Eight and Jill Regina - Paul Harris plus Four. Unfortunately, Kurt left the pins at home so there was no actual presentation, just the recognition.
Sally Hopper took the podium to announce birthdays and anniversaries.
Our speaker, Steven Morris, was celebrating his birthday so we forced him to stand so we could sing and sang to him. Peter Scott introduced Steven, the director of Theatre Arlington. Steven is highly involved in the community. He is also a "Dancing With The Arlington Stars" dancers this year.
Steven started by noting as a former teacher, that he loves our Webb initiatives. He takes it to heart when he sees people working to improve public education.
Steven mentioned some statistics regarding Theatre Arlington. I was impressed that they performed for over 13,000 guests last year. They perform six large productions plus cabarets and other smaller shows.
Theatre Arlington has multiple programs with AISD. One of their programs involves them going into 10 Title 1 schools and teaching classes. They are looking to add two more schools in March. Further, they have a high school program where they have workshops and students get to see 5 shows. Additionally, they have an AISD wide high school musical. In all, Theatre Arlington is highly involved with the community. Randy presented Steven with a book to sign which will be given in his honor to Webb Elementary.
Mac came to the front to lead our song, joking this was finally his chance to audition for Theatre Arlington. The club sang “Sing, Sing a Song,” a signature song from Sesame Street. We really got into the song, waving hands in the air as we sang.
Our presentation next week will be the Chiefs. How exciting! I wonder if Taylor Swift will be here too? How do they have time with a Superb Owl coming up? Wait…I’m told it’s the City of Arlington public safety chiefs! Will we sing the “Safety Dance” for our song? Show up on the 28th at noon to find out!
Kris “Last Laugh” Landrith
Approached with a smirk.
From controversy
He never does shirk!
With a grin wide,
Sending a verbal broadside,
He launched a joke off like fireworks!
Randy thanked our guests and everyone else for attending the meeting and for helping make the presentation possible. He gave the quote of the week, led the club in the Four-Way Test, and adjourned the meeting. Prost, Y'all!
Prospective Member Introduction
James D. Runzheimer
Jim has been practicing law in Fort Worth and Arlington since 1980. From 1977 through 1979, he was employed in the Boston office of Coopers & Lybrand, CPA's, as a supervising tax specialist. His current practice includes business transactions and litigation representing individuals and small businesses, probate and estate planning, intellectual property, and taxation. He practices in state and federal courts and before many federal, state, and local government agencies.
Runzheimer served in the United States Army from 1967 until his honorable discharge with the rank of captain in 1971. He graduated from the Infantry Officer Candidate and Airborne Schools, Special Forces Unconventional Warfare School, Defense Language Institute (Turkish), and U.S. Army School Europe (Atomic Demolition Munitions). He received the National Defense Service Medal, U.S. Army Parachute Badge, and Royal Greek Raiding Forces Parachute Badge. His overseas service included 14 months in Germany with Special Forces Detachment - Europe, including three training missions to Greece training the Royal Hellenic Raiding Forces. Jim commanded a Special Forces A-team, specializing in application of small nuclear weapons to guerrilla and unconventional warfare.
Runzheimer's community activities include membership, 1994 through the present, Board of Directors, and Treasurer, 2002 through present, of North Central Texas Interlink. Interlink is a regional nonprofit alliance of businesses, scores of school districts, colleges, and trade organizations dedicated to preparing students for the workplaces of the future. He served as the Executive Chairperson - Elect, Steering Committee, North Central Texas Tech Prep Consortium, 1992-1993, and Executive Chairperson, 1993-1995. He was president of Great Southwest Rotary - Arlington from 2004 - 2005. He has been the coordinator of the annual Arlington Veterans Park Veterans Day commemoration ceremony beginning in 2009 through the present. He was the Co-Coordinator of the Heroes of South Vietnam War Memorial dedication ceremony on October 25, 2015, Arlington, Texas.
Runzheimer is junior vice commander of the Dallas Chapter of the Military Order of the World Wars. He served on the organizing committee for the inaugural Veterans Day parade in the Arlington entertainment district this past November.
Jim is active in his church and denomination. He is currently serving as lay director at large for the Texas District of the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, the governing body for over 400 congregations in Texas.Jim has been married to his wife Jan for 47 years. Jan is a retired advanced nurse practitioner-psychiatry. They are the parents of three adult children. Daniel is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and Marine Corps combat veteran. Daughter Sarah is an advanced nurse practitioner with Texas Health Resources. Daughter Kristin is a practicing occupational therapist. Jan and Jim have four granddaughters and one grandson.
Jim's hobby is physical fitness. He has completed two Marine Corps Marathons (Washington, D.C.) in 2010 and 2011, and the 2018 Bataan Death March Marathon at White Sands Proving Grounds, New Mexico. The City of Arlington Parks and Recreation Department named Jim the Texas Amateur Athletic Federation "2016 Male Athlete of the Year" as a player and the coach in the Sunday afternoon adult basketball league at Elzie Odom Recreation Center.
Sam Scott, Tommy Thompson buy Girl Scout cookies
Randy Hendricks opens the meeting
Ryan Elliot, Greeter
Larry Jordan, Guest Jill Jordon
Kurt Bartley, RLI
Love Kelly, Small Business Initiative
Jim Quick
Stacy Bridger
Andy Macfarlane
Richard Urso
Mike O'Donnell
Tim Moloney
Barry Bondurant
Jill Regina
Paul Harris Fellowship Recipients
Sally Hopper, Anniversaries and Birthdays
Peter Scott, Speaker Introduction
Steven Morris, Speaker, Theatre Arlington
Pat Conner, Q&A
Library Book Presentation
Mac Martin, Song
Kris Landrith, Last Laugh
Four Way Test
Miss last week's meeting? Click HERE and use this passcode: !6Gg2f^T
