In this edition of the Hubcap: Randy's Roundup, It Happened Last Meeting, Club Announcements and News
Our Speaker For Thursday, September 18:
Pete Geren, Former House Member
9/11/2001 Pentagon Attack
Randy's Roundup
Kindness is Part of Being a Rotarian
When I think about what it means to be a Rotarian, kindness is always at the center. Rotary is not just about projects, fundraising, or service hours—it’s about the heart we bring to those efforts. For me, kindness is the bridge between our motto, Service Above Self, and the impact we have in people’s lives.
I’ve found that kindness shows up in many forms. Sometimes it’s in the way we greet a new member and make them feel welcome. Other times it’s in the compassion we show when serving meals, mentoring a student, or comforting a family during a difficult time. These moments remind me that while our global projects are important, the small gestures of kindness often leave the most lasting impression.
The Four-Way Test also guides me to approach service with kindness. Asking myself whether my words are fair or whether my actions build goodwill challenges me to go beyond simply “helping” and to act with genuine care and respect. That’s when service becomes more than a duty — It becomes a joy.
Being a Rotarian has taught me that kindness multiplies. When one of us extends kindness, it encourages others to do the same. That ripple effect strengthens our club, our community, and even reaches across borders.
At the end of the day, kindness isn’t just part of being a Rotarian — It is who we are. It’s the quiet force that gives our service meaning and reminds us why we chose this path of fellowship and service in the first place. Kindness starts with each one of us!
Rotary Club of Arlington’s Vision Statement:
“To inspire and unite individuals who passionate about making a lasting impact locally and globally through service, connection and leadership.”
President Randy Hendrickson rang the bell and called our meeting to order. There were fewer in attendance than usual.
Prayer and pledge: Led by Jim Quick. He also led us in singing, "God Bless America."
Announcements:
Randy reminded us to log our volunteer hours, and to sign up to lead the pledge and prayer. He also asked us to promote Rotary and our activities on social media!
Clete McAlister reminded us about the fundraiser for Veterans Park on Sept 11, but of course it has passed by the time this is published.
Suzie McAlister announced Family Night Funday fundraiser for Advocates for Special People Inc. Sept. 25, 5-9pm, at Alley Cats , 2008 W. Pleasant Ridge Road in Arlington. $35 advanced sales online, $45 at door.
LeeAnne Chenoweth knows Rotarians like a good happy hour! Although she is elated that the River Legacy Timeless Concerts date sold out, she hopes to fill the front row tables with Rotarians on Rotary night atTimeless Concerts, Sat. Sept. 20, 8 -9 pm concert in Ft Worth (music theme is Music of the Spanish Language…great works for piano and strings by tango composers, classic songs of Mexico and Spain and more) followed by a party. Info/tickets at www.timelessconcerts.com [Or click on the event announcement below! — JPK]. Timeless is one hour like a happy hour (: as there is complimentary wine served! Then, stay for the extra hour (or longer) of fellowship with more wine, double happy hour! Casual dress is just fine.
New member! Bryndan Wright got his red badge today! His mentor was Andy Bowne and his sponsor was Jerry McCullough.
We were led in song by Donna Mack, singing the Star-Spangled Banner.
Birthdays: Rachel Slosson Sept. 8, Tom Ware Sept. 9, Stu Reichert Sept. 10
Anniversaries: Sally Hopper and Keshia Washington (two years).
Stacey Bridger introduced our guest speaker, Ken Capps. He was VP of Public Affairs, DFW International Airport from Sept. 11, 2001-Oct. 2009. Yes, he began on the day of the 9/11 attack on America! Prior to this position, he was in public relations at Netigy-Cisco and VP of Cunningham Communications.
Highlights of Ken's DFW position:
Began DFW Public Affairs post on September 11, 2001. In days following 9/11, major media recognize DFW as "best communicating airport in America."
Opening $2.5B International Terminal D, Skylink People Mover and Grand Hyatt Hotel with more than 40,000 guests and multi-million-dollar global media coverage.
Mr. Capps spoke passionately about his memories of 9/11, and how DFW handled the public, not wanting to cause panic. The TVs were turned off in the terminals so people couldn’t see the news until plans were made about how to handle things. DFW is the only airport with its own SWAT team, and they were taking bomb sniffing dogs around the airport as a precaution. The decision was made on the national level to ground all airplanes. There were 400 jets on the ground at DFW that day! About 175,000 people were stranded. Some private citizens, including airport staff, took in some of those stranded. I found an interview posted online, mostly about the 9/11 events, by PRNEWS from 2002.
Our club donated a book to Webb Elementary Library in honor of Mr. Capps.
Speaker next week: Our Sept. 18 speaker will be Pete Geren, a former US Representative from Texas’ 12th district.
The last laugh was given by Tom Ware.
Thought for the day: “We have entered the third millennium through a gate of fire.” Kori Annan, 2001 Nobel Peace Prize Speech
President Randy led us in the 4-way test, and we were dismissed.
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Susie McAlister, Terry Bridger, Stacy Bridger
Guest Jeremy Ward, Jock Bethune
Barry Bondurant, Greeter Paul Sturaile, Joe Way, Tom Ware
Steven Kleiber, Joy Bates, Shirley Cox
President Randy Opens Our Meeting
Jim C Quick, Prayer & Pledge
Paul Sturaile, Greeter
President Randy Presents Visiting Rotarian Dorothy Woodard, Statesville, NC, With A Club Flag
Now Member Cecilio Bustamante, Guest of Richard Urso
Clete McAlister Plugs American Solder For The Last Time!
Susie McAlister, Advocates For Special People Fundraiser: See The Events Section
Membership Chair Tommy Thompson, President Randy Hendricks, New Member J. Bryndan Wright, Sponsor Jerry McCullough, Mentor Andy Bowne
Donna Mack, Star Spangled Banner
Happy Birthday Tom Ware, Rachel Slosson, Stu Reichert!
Stacy Bridger Introduces Our Speaker
Ken Capps, DFW VP Publicity on 9-11, Remembrances
Passengers Learn The News After Landing
Passengers Stranded At DFW After Airport Closed
New DFW Fire Station Dedicated to 9-11 First Responders, 2002
Webb Elementary Library Book Presentation
Tom Ware, Last Laugh
Four-Way Test
Upcoming Events (Click Image For Details)
"You cannot win the war on terror by military force. It is first and foremost a battle of ideas."
