Notes from August 7, 2025– By Glenn Tole
After the board of directors adjourned a meeting with the District Governor, president Cara rang the meeting to order at 12:05. She followed that with an opening prayer and the pledge and song. After gently rowing our boat down the stream we greeted one and another. There were no birthdays celebrated this week and no sweet rolls up for auction.
We did have a couple of guests which we hope make it back to break bread with us again. Andy gave us a report that his grand baby is now home and doing well, and thanked the group for their prayers. Noros made quite a haul for the brag bucket; as there were some anniversaries to celebrate, as well as president Cara’s two kids started high school today. It should be noted that you need to be careful who you might join for a round of golf, as Tommy Richardson announced that Richard Boyd shot another round below his age. AND that he also shot below his age, and he beat Richard to take a few dollars from him. Although, he did admit that he was the one keeping score.
It was announced that you can now pay your dues using Venmo. You can also pay any other Rotary related charges such as brag bucket or auctions. Cara offered to help anyone wanting to try out the Venmo, you can see her after any meeting to learn. The Family of Rotary cards were handed out for handy reference of current officers. The Rotary exchange student Paulina arrives on the 10th. Paul Harris medallions were presented to Cameron Turnquist and to “Spin”. That was followed by the membership committee showing off their new shirts with various Rotary themes printed on them. Additionally “Spin” Ron Steijn turned in his red badge for a blue badge. Congrats for both achievements. Also noted that it was not to late to sign up for a Rotary leadership get together in Weatherford.
Cara then introduced DG assistant Clint Wood and our program was presented by District Governor Jon Bullock who hails from the Colleyville Club. He is making the rounds to all 63 clubs in our district which runs from Burk out past Abilene to Stephenville back to the metroplex. As a Rotarians he has made various trips to other countries including delivering wheel chairs to Mexico and water projects elsewhere. Rather than delivering a talk he responded to various questions put to him. This was after he sang and played his guitar a song about Rotary with a country western beat to it.
I believe it was an original. He was in the band at Texas A&M. After graduation he spent time in the Air Force before goiter work for Arthur Andersen. Later he was involved in two start up companies before retiring in 2021. He is now retired with 5 kids and 5 grandkids, and he is pretty much a “full time” Rotarian. He started his journey as this year’s DG nearly 2 years ago, and didn’t realize how much time it would take. But as soon as he became the new District Governor, he was immediately flooded with emails and phone calls. So much for being retired! He said initially that he planned to visit other service club when deciding which civic club he wanted to join, before joining the Rotary, but he never made it to any other clubs because he was so impressed with all that Rotary does locally and internationally. He said there were all kinds of help available for local clubs to use. His biggest goal is to focus on increasing membership , as it ahs fallen in North America and has risen in places like India and Asia. Everyone is in sales, as he put it, and must sell Rotary Club membership. And finally, Rotary is made up of people of action and I believe the best hope for world peace.
President Cara ended our meeting by leading us in the 4-Way Test.