Arlington Rotary

Last night the Arlington North Rotary Club had its annual change over dinner.  Jackie and I attended at Texas Land and Cattle and enjoyed the event tremendously.  Rotary is a club where you put community first and you pay a membership to serve that community.  Over the years it has been Rotary's mission to stamp out Polio in the world.  That's right, when you were a kid and you stood in line with your parents to get your sugar cube, the Rotary probably paid for that immunization. 

There are several chapters of Rotarians right here in Arlington.  The Downtown Club just celebrated their 90th year in existence last month.  Our little Northern Club hasn't been in existence that long but its makeup is one of impressive membership, and I am lucky to be a member.  We are supported not only by our dues, but also by flag subscriptions.  On every holiday we put out flags in front yards, and pick them up that evening for a subscription fee of $30 a year.  It is a great opportunity to show your patriotism on these days and it is taken care of by the Rotary.  These monies are used to perpetuate the eradication of Polio and also to help bring clean drinking water to the people of Honduras. 

A Rotarian award that is given out for distinction in service over each year is the Paul Harris Award.  It is given for a achievement of a certain level of participation and generosity.  I am proud to say that the Arlington North Club has achieved a level of 100% Paul Harris Fellowship participation.  We are the only club with that distinction.

Last night the changing of the gavel occurred with Stace Callaghan passing the hammer to the new President Craig Forester.  Also, the Rotarian of the Year Award was given to Joe Bruner, and deservedly so.  If you would like the opportunity to serve your community and don't know how to go about it, please consider the Arlington North Rotary.  We meet every Monday at 12:00 at Olenjack's Restaurant and our speakers are extremely interesting.  On July 22nd our speaker will be Dr. Vistasp Karbhari the new President of UTA, so come and visit.