Dear Rotary Family,

              As I sat in a Leadership class for Rotary this weekend, I looked around the room and saw future leaders of Rotary.   So that raises a question, is it the leaders that make Rotary or the membership? Of course, it’s the membership.  A club without membership is nothing but an empty room.  So, what is the need for Leaders? Is it so someone can get the recognition or take the blame? The leaders are the motivators, planners, and captains of the ship, so to speak.  He or she makes sure the club achieves the club goals. However, it’s the membership that achieves the goals, not the leaders.  As your Board enters a new Rotary year, your Board will have a Retreat to do just that, establish the goals and direction of this club for the 2023-2024 year.  So, what are the goals of the club?  That remains to be seen, but my vision is to continue the support of Webb School and the Polio Plus Campaign. One of the fundraisers is to have a ”Lets Kick Polio Axes” night to contribute to eradicating Polio.

 

              I’m excited about the addition of Chad to the Board and his fund-raising plans.  This cannot be accomplished without the entire club buying in.  If history serves right, that should not be an issue.  This club is steeped in the tradition of pitching in.  The accomplishments of Rotary are not by the leadership but by the membership. General George S. Patton said, “Never tell people how to do things.  Tell them what to do, and they will surprise you with ingenuity”.  Hold on to your hats. This is going to be a record year.   I’m extremely optimistic and look forward to the results.  May God Bless this club and its membership and may He bless the United States and Texas.  Be safe!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On July 6, 2023, President Barry Bondurant called his first meeting as the President of The Rotary Club of Arlington to order at 12:10 P.M. in First Methodist Church of Arlington Great Hall.  Jim Quick led us in the prayer and pledge and the singing of God Bless America, with Kathleen Smith on the piano.  Jim also introduced our guests Robert Blake and Theresa Crouch, who is in the approval process for becoming a new member, and Mike O’Donnell introduced his daughter to the group.

 

Announcements: Barry asked us to log our Volunteer Hours in via the website, please sign up for the prayer and pledge on the webpage, and sign up for greeter. Our next Board Retreat and Board Meeting will be on Tuesday, July 11, at noon at Joy and Chad Bates's office. Kay King announced the upcoming Blood Drive on August 10. The Blood Care team will be on site from 10:30 to 2:30. Grace Whetstone asked that we let anyone interested in playing baseball with Miracle League know about their Fall Season starting now. Jock Bethune invited members to attend the Arlington Senior Men’s Club when Bruce Maxwell will talk about Arlington’s sister city in Germany. Richard Urso announced that the Immunization Collaboration of Tarrant County needs volunteers for their event on July 31. There is no need to be a trained medical person. If you missed getting one of the Peace pins, please see Jim Quick to secure one. Also, please know the Hero’s Run will be on September 9 with Sherriff Bill Waybourn acting as MC.

 

Donna Mack led us in a fun rendition of Yankee Doodle Dandy. Sally Hopper announced Graham Schadt’s birthday on July 7, and Fred Buehrer and Peter Scott will celebrate birthdays on July 9. Dixon Holman will celebrate 5 years of service to Rotary on July 12.

John Doney of Symphony Arlington presented our program. John spent five years in the U. S. Army and served in numerous locations in the Middle East. He played in the U S Army band where he won an award for excellence. He now enjoys working with more than 100 highly trained and skilled musicians. One of the musicians, Brent Buemi, played clarinet for us. The symphony plays on Thursday evenings at Arlington Music Hall. They treated us to a game where a few bars of a song were played,  and we were to guess Jeopardy-style questions. Four vouchers for two symphony tickets each were won by Clete McAlister, Pat Conner, Richard Urso, and Dan Blumberg! Also, If you want a special Rotary Discount on tickets, call the Orchestra and ask for the Rotary Discount to receive special pricing. Check their website for more information.

 

Tom Ware presented The Last Laugh. Be sure to come next week to hear the Arlington Director of Conventions and Events, Keri Parker Berry. We recited the Four Way Test, and President Barry rang the bell to close another great Rotary meeting!