One of the things I appreciate most about Rotary is that there truly is something for everyone. No matter what your age, profession, interests, or background, Rotary offers opportunities to serve, learn, lead, and build lasting friendships.
Some members are passionate about community service and enjoy rolling up their sleeves to work on local projects. Others are drawn to Rotary’s global impact, helping provide clean water, promote education, support peace initiatives, and improve health around the world through organizations such as Rotary International and the Rotary Foundation.
For those who enjoy networking and professional development, Rotary provides a welcoming environment where business and community leaders can exchange ideas and learn from one another. Members looking to develop leadership skills can serve on committees, lead projects, or take on club and district leadership roles.
Rotary also offers opportunities for fellowship. Whether it’s sharing a meal at a club meeting, volunteering at a service project, or attending a district event, meaningful relationships are formed through a common commitment to service above self.
What makes Rotary special is its flexibility. Members can participate in ways that match their interests, talents, and schedules. Some are hands-on volunteers, some are organizers, some are mentors, and others support projects through fundraising and advocacy. Every contribution matters.
As a Rotarian, I have learned that Rotary is not a one-size-fits-all organization. It is a place where each person can find a unique way to make a difference. Regardless of where your passions lie, Rotary provides a path to serve others, grow personally, and connect with people who share a desire to improve our communities and our world.
That is why I believe there is truly something for everyone in Rotary. Through service, fellowship, leadership, and learning, Rotary offers each of us an opportunity to belong, contribute, and create lasting positive change.
Club Vision Statement: “To inspire and unite individuals who are passionate about making a lasting impact, both locally and globally, through service, connection and leadership.”
It Happened Last Meeting
by LeeAnne Chenoweth Lawson
Randy Hendricks called our meeting to order. Man, that bell is loud! HA! After Tom Myers led us in the Prayer & Pledge, we sang God Bless America!
Announcements:
Randy Hendricks reminded us to log our volunteer hours. Plus, remember to go to the alternate location for our meetings starting June 11, for 5 consecutive dates, due to Fifa. That location is Cornerstone Church, 5415 Matlock, south of I20.
Susie McAlister announced that we need to try to bring gifts for Arlington Life Shelter for the next couple of meetings. Look for an email that will give the wish list, but items will include toiletries to kitchen items, etc. www.arlingtonlifeshelter.org.
Jock Bethune, Karina Cassell and Judith Scott danced up a storm to inspire us to get our tickets for the Installation Dinner at the White Room on Park Row, June 29! $40 per person, 5:30 happy hour, 6:30 dinner and program. See our website to buy online. You may RSVP to karina.cassell@txinvestment.com. Please make checks payable to Rotary Club of Arlington.
Blue badge: Gloria Pena received her blue badge, presented by Tommy Thompson. Walter Verdin was her sponsor.
Birthdays this month: David Sargent, June 4
Anniversaries: Barry Bondurant, 35 years; Jim Quick, 39 years; Shannon Porter, 3 years; Brett Hall, 32 years; Clyde Godrey, 61 years; Donna Mack, 7 years; Liz Bates, 2 years
Donna Mack led us in singing the song “Don’t Stop Believing!”
Our speakers today were our treasurer, Rick Jenkins, and Col. Jim Quick, (US Air Force Reserve (retired). Thanks to Jim Quick, the Veterans Park Foundation is now under our club’s umbrella: He worked to form a new board for the foundation composed of club members. Jim gave the foundation annual report. Rick spoke about our 2025-26 finances. Sally Hopper has official numbers.
Although we support many things besides Webb Elementary, it was amazing to me to see that we have funded Webb Scholarships by $105,250 from July 2025-May 2026! Rick provided these facts: We have provided 101 scholarships to college students, provided 72 medals to Webb attendees at 5 Arlington High Schools, and presented 80 medals to Webb school 6th graders. We also support Webb by providing school uniforms, send the initial seed money for Nehemiah Builds, fund Meals of Hope ($8,000), E books for Webb, food for Webb teachers during teacher appreciation week, and funded solar lights in Honduras.
Our Rotary club, through the Veterans Park Memorial Foundation, funds Veterans Park upkeep and events, with additional help from the Tomorrow Fund and smaller donors. Events in 2025 included September 11 American Soldier concert at the Levitt and the November 11 18th Veterans Day ceremony, honoring the Tuskegee Airmen and 250th Anniversary of the USA Marine Corps. Unfortunately, this year’s Memorial Day event was canceled due to rain.
This June 30, funds from a separate non-profit will be transferred to the Texas Veterans Day Parade in Arlington, which now has its own 501(c)(3) certification. Looking ahead, Clete McAlister is working with the City of Arlington Parks and Recreation department, specifically with Gary Packan, Director, and Michael Debrecht, Assistant Director, as new Veterans memorials, including the well-deserved Clete McAlister Trail in Veterans Park, are underway. The 2026 September 11 concert at the Levitt and the 2026 Veterans Day ceremony are in the planning stages. Rotarians do much for the community!
Randy presented a book for the Webb Elementary Library. in honor of and signed by our speakers, Jim Quick and Rick Jenkins.
Quote of the day: “The best philanthropy is anonymous charity.” By Gene Simmons, singer and songwriter, 2016.
Dan Blumberg gave us the last laugh.
Our speaker on June 11 is Brian Glenn, presenting Rotary’s Shelter Box Project.
Randy led us in the four-way test and we were dismissed.
REMEMBER: next week is the last meeting at the church for the duration of FIFA. We’ll be at Cornerstone starting on the June 18.
Randy's Roundup
