Hello Rotarians!
Jason Kazarian led the Prayer and Pledge. We sang God Bless America!
We heard the following announcements:
• Remember to sign in for attendance and log your volunteer hours.
- Randy Hendricks announced that we always need people to sign up for prayer and pledge.
- LeeAnne Chenoweth Lawson thanked the Rotarians who attended Timeless Concerts’ February Fundraiser concert for their generosity, and also announced that with the funds raised, we can hire the musicians. Timeless Concerts donated $600 to three AISD school orchestras: Lamar High School, Shackelford Jr. High, and Foster Elementary. Please help LeeAnne contact a music teacher at Webb Elementary.
- Dan Blumberg announced his family returned to the USA from Israel.
- Jason Kazarian announced that he would like to find some willing Rotarians to assist him with photography, subbing when he is unable to attend meetings. He would also like an assistant with editing the Hubcap.
- Liz Bates announced the need for silent auction items for Dancing with the Arlington Stars.
Membership Director Tommy Thompson and Sponsor Andy Bowne presented Bryndan Wright with his Blue Badge.
Birthdays this month: Tanis Garrett, March 11; Tim Maloney, March 12; Kurt Bartley, March 16.
Anniversaries: Janie Jonson, 2 years.
Donna Mack led us in singing the 1972 hit, “Lean On Me,” by Bill Withers.
Sally Hopper presented a Paul Harris Fellow award given today to Joe Way!
Stacy Bridger and Deb Coppola introduced Our three Four Way Test Competition speakers. This contest is open to all highs school students, 9th grade through 12th, whether in public or private school, or home schooled. The three speakers were junior Aydan Santamaria, senior Adam Scott, and sophomore Bailey Ortegon. Stacy and Deb also introduced Steve Stigler, the Arlington High School debate teacher. All three students had memorized their speeches and presented them well.
Aydan Santamaria focused on how we do not always find truth in today’s world. He said society often does not value truth, and that few news and social media sites post truth. We must be more educated. Some speak of “inner truth,” but it is not always fair to all concerned, as people only tell one side of the story of their “inner” truth. Aydan believes that being in debate has helped him build friendships, and helps with life skills that are a benefit for all. Debate also enables us to express all views.
Adam Scott discussed how debate offers ability to speak truth. He also presented views about how parents can cause damage to their children by saying things like “because I said so” when a kid wants to know more about their reasoning. Parents give a great gift to their kids, especially teens, when they respectfully speak to them, have conversations, and explain situations. He also feels that parents should feel like a respected friend, yet give teens the feeling that discussion is always open. Parental relationships are important, as abusive ones drive people to crime. The four-way test rules apply to adults bringing up children as well as to all adults throughout life.
Bailey Ortega spoke about social media’s affect with respect to the four-way test. She elaborated how phones made this generation lonely and that truth in social media barely exists. She made this observation: A cute photo of a fun vacation posted on social media does not show the argument that the people in the photo just had earlier. She suggested that in social media, judgement is instant.
Bailey went on to say that people are more complex than their photo. 70% of news on social media is false, but posted as truth. 500 friends online will see your posts but not ask “how are you?” Social media does not always promote goodwill and friendship. Checking in on neighbors and being in a service club really builds friendships. Teens spend 7 -9 hours per day on social media for entertainment. This is not beneficial: Teens need to put their phones down!
All three speakers were excellent, and this is how they ranked by our judges: Third, Bailey Ortega; second, Adam Scott; and third, Aydan Santamaria.
We donated a book to the Webb Elementary School Library. Steve Stigler, debate teacher at Arlington High School, signed the book.
Upcoming program: Leslie Garvis will speak about Rosie and the Riveters; how they changed America in WWII.
Jim and Sheri Quick gave us a report on a Rotary peace trip discussing global grants for vocational training, peace initiatives, and so on. On Feb. 23, the couple visited the Rotary Club of St. Thomas at the University off the Virgin Islands. They heard a presentation about gun violence prevention. On February 24, they met with the Rotary club of Tortula at Elmore Stoutt High School. The focus was, “Engage, educate, empower.”
Quote of the day: “Truth comes before victory,” Professor Arthur Charles Brooks.
Randy led us in the four-way test and dismissed us.
