Birdville Rotary: A New Club Already Making Its Mark

It's been a busy summer for the Birdville Rotary Club, and for a club still finding its footing, the pace of impact has been anything but small.

On July 30, members gathered at My Stomping Grounds in Haltom City to celebrate the club's official Charter Party. Fittingly, the evening included the presentation of the club's very first community support grant, awarded to the Community Enrichment Center. It was a symbolic first step for a club that has committed to serving Haltom City, North Richland Hills, Richland Hills, Watauga, and the broader Birdville community, and a sign of the kind of hands-on giving members can expect going forward. 

Members have also rolled up their sleeves alongside the CEC to support the Refresh Project, an effort benefiting Birdville ISD students, an early example of the kind of hands-on, education focused service the club hopes to keep building on. 

That momentum carried into August. During the week of August 22, the club made a donation to The LV Project, supporting fellow Rotarian Dana Gage's work, funded entirely through the club's weekly "Happy Bucket" collection, proof that small, consistent giving adds up. The same week, members also heard from Debbie Sharpe of Don't Forget to Feed Me Pet Food Bank, learning about their mission to help local families keep their pets fed during hard times. 

Membership is growing right alongside the service projects. Birdville Rotary is already being recognized as one of the fastest-growing Rotary clubs in the country, as new members join looking for meaningful ways to connect and give back.

The club now meets regularly at My Stomping Grounds in Haltom City, home base for a group that, just weeks into its charter, is already living up to Rotary's motto: Service Above Self.

9/11 Remembered, 25 Years Later

Chad Page, American Legion Department of Texas

Twenty-five years ago, September 11, 2001, began as an ordinary Tuesday morning. Americans were getting ready for work and school, pouring coffee, opening businesses, and thinking about the routines of daily life. Then, in a matter of minutes, everything changed. 

At 8:46 a.m., American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. A second aircraft struck the South Tower at 9:03. American Airlines Flight 77 struck the Pentagon at 9:37, and United Airlines Flight 93 crashed near Shanksville, Pennsylvania, at 10:03 after its passengers and crew fought back. 

By the end of that morning, nearly 3,000 people were gone. The loss, however, did not end that day. More than 4,000 first responders and survivors are estimated to have died from illnesses related to the rescue and recovery efforts, while thousands more continue to suffer. 

Twenty-five years later, an entire generation of adults has no personal memory of September 11. Young military members serving today were born after the attacks, and teachers now explain 9/11 as history. That gives those who remember a responsibility to tell the story—not only of September 11, but also of September 12.

The day after the attacks, Americans came together across political, racial, religious, and ideological lines. People donated blood, fed first responders, opened churches, held vigils, displayed flags, checked on their neighbors, and asked one simple question: “What can I do to help?” 

That spirit also inspired a generation of Americans to serve in the military. Others served in their communities by supporting families, comforting strangers, volunteering, and simply showing up when someone needed them. It was a powerful demonstration that service does not require a uniform. 

Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” may be one of the best descriptions of America on September 12, 2001. Strong communities are built by people who recognize that their responsibility extends beyond their own front door. 

As we observe the 25th anniversary, we should remember the victims, first responders, passengers and crew of Flight 93, military members who answered the call, and families who continue to carry the burden 

But remembrance must also inspire action. We should never need another September 11 to rediscover the unity of September 12. 

Remember September 11. Live like September 12. 

Neighbors helping neighbors. Americans helping Americans. Still serving, still helping, and still showing up.

Thank you to our September Greeters: Tracy Archer, Darrell Griffin, Sean McGaughey, and Jack Webb!

Our greeters help set the tone for a welcoming and organized Rotary meeting! Greeters should arrive 30 minutes early to help set up, welcome members and guests, provide directions to our meeting area, and make sure all guests are signed in. 

One greeter will open the meeting with the prayer and pledge, while another will welcome and introduce our guests. After the meeting, all greeters are asked to stay a few extra minutes to help with cleanup.

Thanks for helping make everyone who walks through the door feel welcome and part of Rotary!