In this edition of the Hubcap: Meeting Tomorrow, Randy's Roundup, Club Announcements, and News
Thursday, January 15, 2026:
Tracy Keltner
Urban Country Potluck Sales
Preparing for Your Estate and Downsizing Era
Prayer & Pledge: Jeremy Warf
Greeter: Tom Myers
Can't Make The Meeting? Click here for Zoom and use pass code: Rotary1!
Randy's Roundup
Choosing the Higher Path
In a world that often moves too fast and listens too little, Rotary offers something rare—a moment to pause and ask, “Is this the right thing to do?” The Four-Way Test is not just a statement we recite; it is a compass that gently points us toward our best selves. The Four-Way Test is not a rule book meant to judge others: instead, it is a mirror meant to examine ourselves.
Do we follow it perfectly? No. But Rotary was never about perfection—it is about intention, reflection, and growth. Each of us comes to Rotary with different experiences, beliefs, and challenges, yet we unite with a shared commitment to truth, fairness, goodwill, and benefit to others.
The true power of the Four-Way Test is reveals itself in difficult moments—when doing the right thing requires courage, patience, or sacrifice. In those moments, choosing the higher path may not be easy, but it is always meaningful. Every time we pause to apply these four simple questions, we help restore trust, build understanding, and create hope.
Rotary reminds the world that ethics still matter, kindness still matters, and service still matters. Through our actions—large and small—we demonstrate that leadership begins with integrity and that lasting change begins within.
As Rotarians, we may not be perfect, but we are purposeful. And together, when we choose to live the Four-Way Test, we become a light—within our club, our community, and far beyond.
As we move into a new calendar year, let’s pause and think “Service Above Self”, Unite for Good” and use the “Four-Way Test” as our personal moral compass guiding our decisions while we execute our mission to serve our community and the greater world where we live. Remember Peace and lasting change begins within ourselves.
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 LeeAnne Chenoweth Lawson
Hello Rotarians and Happy New Year!
President Randy Hendrickson rang the bell and called our meeting to order. The Prayer & Pledge was led by Jim Quick. Our greeters were Tom Myers & Mike Talambas.
We heard the following announcements:
Kurt Bartley encouraged us to sign up for RLI, or Rotary Leadership Institute. Contact Kurt or see where to sign up on our Rotary website.
Rachel Slosson reminded us of the blood drive that will be at the church on February 19 from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM. Contact Kay King to sign up.
Andy McFarlane is excited about the FIFA World Cup so get those tickets!
Brian Anderson can be contacted about questions regarding your Rotary membership invoice/dues. If not on ACH, you may go to the membership area of our website to pay. The link in the invoice does not work.
Shirley Cox reminded us to sign in as our attendance count is important!
LeeAnne Chenoweth Lawson announced that tickets are selling for Timeless Concerts, the Valentines Special and Fundraiser on Saturday, February 14 at the Hickman Center in Fort Worth. There is still plenty of general seating, but only three tables for two remain. Info, videos and tickets: www.timelessconcerts.com, a 501(c)(3) organization.
Victoria Farrar Myers announced that the city of Arlington is needing volunteers to help count the homeless population. This is particularly important as the numbers affect the amount of grant dollars the city can receive to address solutions to homelessness. Contact Victoria to volunteer; she assured us that it is in no way unsafe. Date: Thursday, January 22 at 6:30 PM.
Richard Urso announced a special one weekend show (Jan. 9, 10 &11) at Theatre Arlington called “Amon.”. This play is about Amon Carter and his impact on our area. See https://theatrearlington.org.
Derek Kinney very enthusiastically announced that Meals of Hope will have a meal assembling event in need of volunteers, on Monday January 19, 10:00 AM to noon at Oakridge Academy. Also, Rotary will match donations made at www.mealsofhope.org.
Tommy Thompson presented Tom Myers with his blue badge.
We sang “Viva la Rotary” led by the excitable Don Mavis!
Birthdays this month:
Jan. 2, Iggi Nunez and Joe Way
Jan. 3, Steven LeMaire
Jan. 6, Derek Carter
Jan. 9, Kesha Washington
Jan. 11, Eric Hendricks
Jan. 22, Stuart Thomas
Jan. 31, Cindy Salter
Anniversaries this month:
Victoria Farrar-Myers, 11 years
Georgie Zang, 7 years
LeeAnne Chenoweth Lawson, 5 years
Diego Pena, 4 years
Laurie Bianco and Samantha Reich, 3 years
Tasha Reid, 2 years
Leslie Garvis, 1 year
Today’s program:
Our presenter today was Robert Carter Austin, music director and conductor of Symphony Arlington (I know from musician friends that some refer to him as RCA!). Being a professional violinist myself, this was of course an especially fun day for me! I was happily surprised to see my good friend violinist Marina Dichenko here to play a couple of solos as well as a duet with violist Nick Kohn. Marina and Nick played a beautiful duet by Mozart, then for fun, “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”, and Marina played the famous “Meditation from Thais,” by Massenet, showing her beautiful tone and vibrato.
As Robert pointed out, Marina and Nick are examples of the elevated levels of professional musicians that have been selected by audition process into this orchestra job. Twenty-five countries are represented by the musicians of Symphony Arlington. Mariana is from Ukraine. And yes, Symphony Arlington is a paid job, although part time: I am glad he pointed out that this orchestra has professional players and is not a volunteer community group (only Fort Worth and Dallas are full-time employment symphonies). So, go with grand expectations!
In the complex schedule of these full-time free-lance musicians, some piece together six or more professional orchestra jobs, as well as playing for dedicated events in different ensembles such as string quartets. For instance, Marina and I have carpooled to work at Waco Symphony together and have ended up in the same string quartet playing for weddings.
Robert made some good points about classical symphonic music in a colorful way. For instance, he pointed out that the first music that existed was for dancing. Also, music makes celebrations more meaningful and memorable, such as singing the song “Happy Birthday.” rather than just saying the words. I loved his remark about pop music: “Classical music is music that WAS POP music 200 years ago.” So true! It makes me feel old to think that pop music from my high school days is now considered “oldies” or classics!
Attending concerts is certainly good for the soul, and an other-worldly experience compared to listening to recorded music. Live music must have an audience and supporters to survive. If you want to keep live music going, do get tickets for live concerts like Symphony Arlington! The current season has five remaining concert dates, and these are always 7:30 PM on Thursday at the Arlington Music Hall here in downtown Arlington. What an easy drive for Arlingtonites!
This season’s theme is “Invitation to the Dance.” The January 15 concert features the Shostakovich Piano Concerto #2, and Leonard Bernstein’s Symphonic Dances from West Side Story. February 5 features “Valse Nobles” by Ravel, and works by Wagner, Debussy and Smetana. March 12 features Mozart’s Symphony 39, with works by Faure, Chopin and Mendelssohn. April 2 the program includes the fabulous Valse Scherzo by Tchaikovsky, plus works of Berlioz, and St. Saens. The final concert on May 7 will include the magnificent Beethoven piano concerto #3. Plus, Stravinsky’s “Rite of Spring,” such an exciting and controversial work for its time, the premiere caused a riot!
RCA always gives interesting mini lectures about the music and composers; you will be entertained always! Symphony Arlington is a 501(c)(3) org, so any donations are tax deductible, as are unused tickets if your schedule changes. Also, Symphony Arlington repeats the concerts in Irving and Garland on the following Friday and Saturday. Exchanges are allowed if you do have a conflict.
A book will be donated to Webb Elementary with Robert Carter Austin's signature.
Our January 15 speaker will be Tracy Keltner from Urban Country Potluck Sales on
Preparing for your Estate and Downsizing Era.
Quote of the day: “Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” -Victor Marie Hugo, William Shakespeare, 1864
Randy led us in the Four-Way Test and we were dismissed.
Vicki Martinez, Jock Bethune, Judith Scott, Randy Hendricks, Angie Meister, Claudia Perkins, Derrick Kinney, Club Service Recognition
Happy Birthday Lt. Col. Steve LeMaire & Joe Way
Maria Dichenko, Violin, and Steve Kohn, Viola, Play a Duet
Standing Ovation for "The Devil Went Down to Georgia"
"The most common [estate planning] mistake by almost everyone, not just women, is the lack of urgency and consistency in preparing for the eventualities of life."
