As Halloween approaches, I thought I would share some more tidbits.
Black and Orange - The traditional Halloween colors of black and orange also trace back to the Celtic festival of Samhain. For the Celts, black represented the “death” of summer while the orange symbolized the autumn harvest season.
Bobbing for Apples - The game of bobbing for apples has been a staple at Halloween parties for many years, but its origins are more rooted in love and romance. The game traces back to a courting ritual that was part of a Roman festival honoring Pomona, the goddess of agriculture and abundance. While multiple versions existed, the gist was that young men and women would be able to predict their future relationships based on the game. When the Romans conquered the British Isles in 43 AD, the Pomona festival blended with the similarly timed Samhain, a precursor to Halloween.
Black Cats - The idea of being spooked by black cats dates back to the Middle Ages, when these dark felines were considered a symbol of the Devil. It didn’t help that centuries later, accused witches were often found to have cats, particularly black ones. People began to believe that the cats were a witch’s “familiar”–supernatural entities that would assist in their practice of dark magic–and black cats and spookiness have been linked ever since.
Devouring Candy - The act of going door-to-door for handouts has long been a part of Halloween revelries. But until the mid-20th century, the “treats” children received were not necessarily candy. Things like fruit, nuts, coins, and toys were just as likely to be given out. Trick-or-treating rose in popularity in the 1950s and it inspired candy companies to market small, individually wrapped candies. People began to favor the confections out of convenience, but candy did not dominate at the exclusion of all other treats until the 1970s when parents started fearing anything unwrapped.
Rotary Theme for October is Economic and Community Development Cont. Rotary supports investments in people to create measurable and enduring economic improvement in their lives and communities.
The Rotary Foundation enables Rotarians to invest in people by creating sustainable, measurable and long-term economic improvements in their communities and livelihoods by:
Building the capacity of entrepreneurs, community leaders, local organizations, and community networks to support economic development in impoverished communities;
Developing opportunities for productive work;
Reducing poverty in under-served communities; and
Supporting studies for career-minded professionals related to economic and community development.
May God Bless this club and its membership and may He bless the United States and Texas. Be safe!
It Happened Last Thursday
by Carey F. Walker
The weekly meeting was called to order at 12:00 pm by President Barry Bondurant. LeeAnn Chenoweth Lawson offered the invocation and led the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America”. Jean Hood, the greeter, introduced visiting guests and visiting Rotarians. Visitors were Jeremiah Jimenez, Kyle Lawson, Molly Kulpa, Will Sherman, Charletra Sharp and Patsy Cole. Our speaker, Dr. Stephie Althouse was our visiting Rotarian.
Announcements: Barry reminded us to report our volunteer hours, to sign up to do the prayer and pledge, and to be a greeter. Chad Bates informed the club that Arlington Polio is having a fundraiser on 10-26-23 at the Sanford House. The event starts at 6:00 p.m. Chad informed us that Rotary has been working for thirty-five years in order to eradicate polio worldwide. Rotary has raised over two billion dollars with an additional ten billion dollars from local governments in this fight. Three billion children in 122 countries have been vaccinated against this disease. An anonymous donor has agreed to donate up to $1,000.00 in matching funds for this fundraiser. Joy Bates thanked the club for donating candy and money for Webb Elementary and gave a special shout-out to our President and his wife, and Laurie Bianco. Open Arms Health Clinic is hosting a casino night on November 12, 2023, from 6-9 p.m. at the Hearsay Restaurant in Arlington. Grace Whetstone, Executive Director of The Miracle League DFW, is seeking volunteers to help with the baseball games. The Miracle League DFW is part of a nationwide organization that believes every child deserves a chance to play baseball. Derrick Kinney provided two opportunities for community service. On 10-28-23, you can volunteer to serve The Miracle League and additional places to volunteer are with Mission Arlington, and the Salvation Army, Ring the Bell. Timeless Concerts has two upcoming concerts with a European Vacation theme. The first is on 11-04-23 in Fort Worth at the Holt Hickman Center, 3712 Wichita Street, Fort Worth 76119. The second concert is on 11-11-23 at New World Methodist Church, 2201 North Davis Drive, Arlington 76012. For more information, please visit timelessconcerts.com. Clete advised that there will be an unveiling of two memorials on Veterans’ Day, 11-11-23, at Arlington’s Veteran Park. Please make plans to attend this historic event.
Walter Virden and Kathleen Smith led us in singing “Texas Our Texas”.
Sally Hopper announced Rotarians with anniversaries and birthdays. Celebrating birthdays were Paul Fulks and James McCroskey. Rotarians with anniversaries are Richard Green and Tom Cravens.
Jean Hood and Eunice Currie presented the Minority Business Award to Charletra Sharp, owner of Cup O’ Vibes. (COV) Ms. Sharp announced that COV just celebrated its first anniversary on 11-19-23. COV is a “third place in the community”. COV serves coffee, tea, food and culture. COV is located at 800 East Sublett Road, Arlington, Texas 76018.
Vera McKissic announced the program for today. The program was The Brilliance Mine with Dr. Stephie Althouse. (Dr. Stephie) Dr. Stephie has a Ph.D. in chemistry and a strong analytical mind. Dr. Stephie was born in Germany and grew up there. She went to Philipps University in Marburg and began studying chemistry. At the age of 23, Dr. Stephie came to the United States and lived in Knoxville, Tennessee. This is where she earned her Ph.D. in chemistry.
Dr. Stephie’s talk was about unlocking the hidden goldmine in your mind. One of the questions posed by Dr. Stephie was “How can I teach my team what I know”? The goal is to teach without spoon-feeding your team to prevent starting over when someone leaves the organization. There are two problems with business owners. Much of what they know is trapped in the brain and they are not aware of how much they know.
Our brain begins at birth as an empty jar. As we grow and age, we continually gain more knowledge. This is called “Brilliance”. Our brain contains years of our unique experience and wisdom. These two characteristics are locked in our brain. We have learned what works and what doesn’t as a result of our experiences. Why does brilliance matter? It fuels the business or the nonprofit organization.
The next topic of discussion was the concept of “Unconscious Competence”. This is often buried in the brain, and we act without thinking. Brilliance Mining makes unconscious knowledge visible allowing it to be used by others. This provides for growth, process improvement, innovation, freedom and legacy.
Dr. Stephie indicated that we need to map our brilliance; extract our brilliance; and replicate our brilliance. She explained that losing the brilliance in your brain is like a double death. Do not take your expertise, your passions, what makes you tick to the grave. Share it now. For more information, please visit thebrilliancemine.com.
President Barry presented a Webb Library Book in honor of Dr. Stephie Althouse.
Barry informed us that next program will be on October 26, 2023. The program is After School Ministry with Issac Washington.
The quote for this week: “The purpose of human life is to serve, and to show compassion and the will to help others”. – Albert Schweitzer.
Barry thanked the special guests and everyone else for coming. He then led us in the Four Way Test, and we were adjourned.
Miss Last Week’s Meeting?
The recording of last week’s Zoom meeting can be viewed by
Chad Bates announces the upcoming Rotary Polio Awareness event October 26 at 6:00 at the Sanford House. Click Here for details and registration.
President Barry, Jean Hood, and Eunice Currie presented the Minority Business Award to Charletra Sharp, owner of Cup O’ Vibes.
Grace Whetstone provides a great opportunity to serve at the upcoming Miracle League baseball game.
Tommy Thompson announces the newest addition to the Curnutt family.
Jim and Sheri Quick attend the Arch Klumph Society ceremony given in their honor at Rotary Headquarters in Evanston, Illinois.
When should you wear a Kilt? Well, it's when the RI President, who is from Scotland, throws a party for you.
Upcoming Community
Service Opportunities
Miracle League: Saturday, October 28th at 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Mission Arlington: Saturday, November 11th at 9:00 am - 12:00 pm - Assemble Thanksgiving boxes
Arlington Life Shelter: Bring to Rotary meeting on Thursday, Nov 30 and Thursday, Dec. 7 - Collect supplies and deliver them to the shelter. Bottled water is always a big need. As are paper goods and cleaners, such as toilet paper, paper towels, disinfectant, etc.
Salvation Army: Friday, December 8th at 10:00 am - 7:00 pm CT - Bell-ringing in hour-shifts at Hobby Lobby
ROTARY FUN AHEAD!
October 26 - Pinot for Polio
Sanford House, 6:00pm - 8:00pm, $50 pp
Wine Tasting, Silent Auction, & Raffles
November 15 - Tipsy Oak Happy Hour
5:00pm - 7:00pm, Cash Bar
December 1 - Rotary Holiday Party
6:00pm -9:00 pm
"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted ".
Dr. Stephie’s talk was about unlocking the hidden goldmine in your mind. One of the questions posed by Dr. Stephie was “How can I teach my team what I know”? The goal is to teach without spoon-feeding your team to prevent starting over when someone leaves the organization. There are two problems with business owners. Much of what they know is trapped in the brain and they are not aware of how much they know.
