At 12:05 on this beautiful sunshine day, President John pick up his mighty gavel and struck the Rotary Bell that brought all of us to our feet. This was a very nice day for all of us in North Central Texas to enjoy.
David Hartman made his way to the podium for our invocation. Thank you, David, for your wonderful words and thoughtful prayer today. While we were still standing Arnold Oliver came to the front and lead us with the Pledge of Allegiances and singing several verses of “I’m Looking Over a Four-Leaf Clover”. I guess the first time we sang was practice, because we sang the song 2 times. I am not sure we sound any better – maybe.
Visitors and guests were next to be introduced today. I introduced Lt. Col. Ron van Steijn. Ron is the Senior National Representative (SNR) from the Netherlands. He has server with the Dutch Air Force for many years. He was first stationed here as a student where he learned to fly the T37 and the T38. He later returned as an Instructor Pilot where he instructed students from 13 countries, teaching them how to fly these aircraft. He has recently returned to assume command of the Dutch Detachment at the 80 FTW. Ron is very interest in becoming a Rotarian and was ready with his application this afternoon. Ron we look forward to having you as a Rotarian soon. Alan Donaldson brought two guests today, Jeremy Davis and Michael Caballos.
Monica Horton told us about the upcoming RYLA meeting and conference scheduled for June 18 – 21. This conference is mainly for high school Junior/Seniors. It will be held in Denton, TX. at Texas Women’s University. Monica has been involved for many years with this program that introduces young students of high school age to what Rotary is about. Good job Monica.
Stacie Cook circulated the “Brag Bucket”. Several Rotarians stepped forward with their money to brag about many things in their lives.
Larry Tegtmeyer presented Jon Dearolf with his Rotary Blue badge this afternoon. Way to go Jon in getting everything done that is required for changing your red badge to the blue badge. It is nice to have you as a member of our Rotary Club.
Josh Phillips had the privilege of introducing our program for today. Mr. Tommy Standefer is a lifelong resident of Axle, TX and a well-informed member of Texas Archeological Society. Tommy and Cyndi, his wife, purchased property in 2016 in Jack Co. They are both involved and know a lot of information about the native Wichita Indians, dating back to the mid-1850’s. His information about the Battle of Stone House in 1837 was very informative and interesting. There is a historical marker located on TX Hwy 16 that tells the story of this battle. Mr. Standefer also told us about the Butterfield Stagecoach line that ran through the area where his property is located in Jack Co. This stagecoach line carried both passengers and mail going both west and east. The stagecoach could cover about 100 miles a day. Sure glad we do not travel by stagecoaches these days. This was a very interesting program and thank you for this information.
President John came back to the podium told our speaker that a donation would be made to a nonprofit organization. We Rotarians then rose to our feet and repeated the Rotary Four Way Test. We were dismissed a few minutes before 1:00 pm.