Each March, Rotary International invites us to focus on something we often take for granted: Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH). For me, this month is a powerful reminder that some of the most basic needs in life are still out of reach for far too many people around the world.
When I think about clean water, I think beyond just turning on a faucet. I think about the health of a child, the dignity of a family, and the strength of a community. Without safe water and proper sanitation, preventable diseases spread, education is disrupted, and opportunity is limited. It’s a cycle that can feel overwhelming. Yet it’s also one we Rotarians, are uniquely positioned to help break.
I’m proud that Rotary continues to invest in sustainable solutions, such as drilling wells, improving sanitation systems, and teaching essential hygiene practices like handwashing. These aren’t short-term fixes; they are long-term commitments that empower communities to thrive.
This month challenges me to reflect on how I can be part of that impact. Whether it’s supporting a global grant, raising awareness, or participating in a local project, every effort matters. Clean water doesn’t just change lives—it transforms futures.
As we recognize WASH Month, I’m reminded that service doesn’t always have to be complicated. Sometimes, it starts with something as simple—and as powerful—as water. Come and hear our program this week about a water project in Africa.
Club Vision Statement “To inspire and unite individuals who are passionate about making a lasting impact, both locally and globally, through service, connection and leadership.”
It Happened Last Meeting
by Carey F. Walker
The weekly meeting was called to order at 12:05 pm by President Randy Hendricks. Stacy Bridger led with prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance. Everyone sang a beautiful rendition of “God Bless America”. Visiting guests and visiting Rotarians were introduced by Barbara and Leonard Oldums.
Randy reminded us to report volunteer hours and to sign up to lead the prayer and pledge and to be greeters. Additionally, Randy encouraged us to utilize social media to report on our club’s activities and the meeting next week be at J. Gilligan's instead of our usual location.
The following announcements were made:
A Rotary New Member reception will be held on 3-31-26 from 5-7p.m. at Zach’s Bistro. Zachs is located at 900 East Copeland Road in Arlington. For more information contact Jock Bethune or Karina Cassell.
Dancing with the Arlington Stars! (DWAS) is scheduled for Monday, April 20, 2026, beginning at 5:30 p.m. This year’s stars are Bane Perez, Brittney Garcia-Dumas, Cameron Haddad, Holly Potter-Harvey, Kristy Kundysek, Larry Mike and Sarah McMurrough, Lauren Kerschen, Moody Alexander, Paige Payne Neal and Raul Gonzalez. For more information, please visit www.arlingtondwts.com or contact Kyle Lawson or Chad Bates. DWAS is seeking sponsors and items to be included in the silent auction.
Rotary District 5790 will be conducting a Training Assembly on 4-18-26 at FUMC-Arlington. For more information, please contact Susie McAlister.
Shakespeare Live is seeking volunteers to help with the productions coming soon to the Levitt Pavilion. For more information, please contact Mike O’Donnell.
Tommy Thompson introduced our newest member, Regina Partida. Kyle Lawson is Regina’s sponsor. Please welcome Regina to Rotary.
Mac Martin led us in singing “Don’t Sit Under the Apple Tree”. Lew Brown and Charles Tobias wrote this song in 1937. It was made famous by Glenn Miller and The Andrew Sisters.
Sally Hopper announced birthdays and anniversaries. Celebrating anniversaries are Pat Conner, Benjamin Harris and Janie Johnson. Celebrating birthdays are Kurt Bartley, Chad Bates, Joyce Stanton, Clyde Godfrey and Bonnie Harris.
Stacy Bridger announced the program, “Rosie the Riveter.” The program was led by our own Leslie Garvis. Leslie is the Government Relations and Public Affairs Manager for Total Energies E&P Barnett. In addition to her work advancing strong community and stakeholder partnerships, Leslie proudly serves as Founder and President of the Fort Worth Chapter of the American the Riveter Association. In honor of Women’s History Month, she is here to share the inspiring story of the Rosie the Riveters of North Texas and the lasting legacy of the women who helped power America’s home-front efforts during World War II.
The American Rosie the Riveter Association was founded on December 7, 1998, to honor the working women of World War II. Dr. Frances Carter of Birmingham, Alabama, is the founder. Dr. Carter said that the term “Rosie the Riveter” has come to be a generic term for all working women of WWII.
During WWII there were six million working “Rosies” and ten million “Rosie” volunteers. They built airplanes, tanks, warships, bombs and ammunition. They manufactured forty-four billion rounds of ammunition and constructed 18,000 aircraft. The “Rosies” worked at Air Force Plant Four in Fort Worth and were instrumental in building over 3,000 B-24 Liberators. The plant was run by Consolidated Vultee Aircraft Factory (Convair) in the 1940’s. The plant is now run by Lockheed and is building the F-35 JSF.
Leslie provided many names of these “Rosies”. Leona Box, Dorothy Sorenson, Mattie Pirtle, Helen Eskins, Hughlene Stokes, Parle DeShazer, Birdie Cox, Mildred Cathcart, Ruth Baggett and Wilda Stephens of Haltom City. Wilda worked at Convair and lived to be 101.
The Vintage Flying Museum in Fort Worth hosts a dedicated Rosie the Riveter exhibit, honoring WWII home front workers. Located at 505 N.W. 38th Street, Hangar 33 South, it features a Rosie Memorial Rose Garden, exhibits, murals, and sculptures highlighting our local women who built the B-24 bombers at the nearby Convair factory.
