Events

Why drink alone when you can sip, snack, and socialize with the best people in town? Join us for an evening of laughter, friendship, and the kind of conversation you can only get with Rotarians. Bring your spouse, your neighbor, or that friend who swore they were “too busy for Rotary” — we’ll prove them wrong (in the nicest way possible). Good drinks, great company, and better stories are guaranteed — all we’re missing is you!

John Huffman is a lifelong Texan, attorney, and small business owner with deep roots in North Texas. After earning his bachelor’s degree in history and political science from Baylor University and his law degree from Southern Methodist University, he built a career in business and real estate, founding a successful firm focused on commercial development and property management. John has also devoted more than a decade to public service in Southlake, where he served on the city council before being elected mayor. His tenure included navigating the community through challenges such as Winter Storm Uri, where his steady leadership and hands-on relief efforts earned wide respect. Together with his wife Elizabeth, John has homeschooled their three children, reflecting a family-centered commitment to faith, education, and service.

Leigh Wambsganss is the Chief Communications Officer at Patriot Mobile. She
focuses on internal and external strategic corporate communications, public relations,
corporate messaging, and media presence at Patriot Mobile. She is currently a
candidate for State Senate District 9 in November’s Special Election, early voting just
started yesterday.

Leigh has been featured on Fox and Friends, The Shannon Bream Show, Steve
Bannon’s War Room, OAN’s Tipping Point, John Solomons "Just the News" talk radio,
The Charlie Kirk Show, in the National Review, the Daily Caller and a speaker at
Turning Point USA, the NRA, Gun Owners of America, Texas Values, and the Center for
National Policy and quoted in multiple news media stories.

Prior to joining Patriot Mobile, Leigh has held multiple leadership positions,
including being small business owner for 20-years, as the founder & CEO of Southlake
Realty and has served on the board of multiple nonprofits, including the Cindy Ramsey
Center or CRC, which is what she’s going to talk about with us today.
Leigh started her professional career as a television news anchor, reporter, and
producer and served as congressional campaign and district office staff during the early
90's Republican Revolution.

She holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Central Oklahoma
and a Master’s Degree in Organizational Management from Dallas Baptist University.

Check back for more information soon. 

This week, we’ll hear from sisters Andrea Thomas and her sister Francie Mansfield, who began their beekeeping journey together in 2024. Both live on rural property and decided to explore beekeeping as part of applying for an agricultural exemption—a choice that quickly blossomed into a shared passion.

Active members of beekeeping clubs in both Fort Worth and Glen Rose, Andrea and Francie have found a warm and knowledgeable community of fellow apiarists. They credit much of their learning to their mentor, Tish Morton of Cresson, a longtime beekeeper who once managed 49 hives and now shares her expertise through a monthly educational newsletter.

Professionally, Andrea founded National Service Research in 1989, a full-service market research firm whose clients have included DFW Airport and the cities of Fort Worth, Dallas, Southlake, and Colleyville. Francie, who moved to Texas in 2020 to live next door to Andrea, has three grown children spread across the country and now enjoys both family and beekeeping life in the Lone Star State.

Join us for a lively and informative program as these sisters share what they’ve learned about bees, community, and the surprising joys of life in the hive!

Jeff Holmes of Fort Worth is a proud Texas A&M alumnus with a solid foundation in computer science and software engineering—he earned his bachelor’s from A&M and followed up with a master’s in software engineering from TCU. He is also a Professional Engineer and has spent over 30 years in the construction industry, currently serving as Engineer and Specifications Coordinator at HolmesCo Inc., his family-run firm that specializes in coating solutions for architectural projects. In addition to his coatings expertise, Jeff brings technical initiative and innovation through his software development ventures. Community-minded and faith-driven, he serves as a church elder and has a leading role with the Dad’s on Duty program at Academy 4—providing mentorship and positive male role models to students. Jeff combines engineering precision, servant leadership, and true Aggie passion in all he does.

Ms Cruz will review her process for the selection of a recipient for AZ's Memorial Scholarship.

In 2017, a group of community advocates gathered to discuss the state of West Fort Worth, specifically, the Las Vegas Trail community. Paige Charbonnet was a part of the original group who identified the opportunity to transform the community. Shortly after those conversations, the LVTRise 501c3 was formed. In the years since, Ms. Charbonnet has served at almost every level in the organization as a tireless advocate and organizer. Prepared to begin her term as Board Chair in 2023, an opportunity arose to formalize her role at the organization in the Spring of 2022. In June 2022, the LVTRise Board proudly announced that Ms. Charbonnet would be serving as its new Executive Director. “I have been committed to this community since the beginning. We’ve made incredible progress and I’ll continue to look at new and different partners and opportunities to expand the service options in this community. The years ahead will be productive, and we will continue to make a difference for those who call LVT home,” said Paige. Ms. Charbonnet is a graduate of Baylor University with a degree in Psychology. She lives in Fort Worth with her husband Jason and their two children.

Instead of our Tuesday luncheon, we are meeting for a social gathering at 

The Old Texas Brewing Company
6333 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, TX 76116

Start time: 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

I look forward to connecting with many of you in this casual setting!! 

Meeting cancelled sue to inclement weather.

Speaker: Dr. Craig Verwers, DVM

Join us for a special presentation by renowned local veterinarian Dr. Craig Verwers. Dr. Verwers will tackle the critical link between weight management and longevity in dogs.

He will share practical advice on how maintaining a healthy weight can add active years to your pet's life. This won't be just a lecture—Dr. Verwers is bringing live demonstration dogs to help illustrate his points. It is a perfect opportunity to learn how to keep your best friend healthy for the long haul.

Speaker Biography

Dr. Craig Verwers [pronounced Vur-wurs] is a highly respected Fort Worth veterinarian and the former owner of Ridglea West Animal Hospital. His passion for veterinary medicine began right here in Fort Worth during his freshman year at Western Hills High School, leading him to his first job as a kennel assistant at age 14.

A graduate of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Verwers has spent his career dedicated to partnering with pet owners to give their animals the longest, healthiest lives possible.

Dr. Verwers is deeply involved in our local community. He volunteers with the Optimist Club, serves breakfast at Beautiful Feet ministry, and is a dedicated member of our own club, currently serving as Sergeant-at-Arms.

When he isn't volunteering, Dr. Verwers is often found on the golf course or his farm in Aledo. He and his wife, Debbie, share their homestead with sheep, chickens, a barn cat, and a security team of dogs: Ronnie (an Anatolian Shepherd), Lucy (a Great Pyrenees), and Susie Q (a six-pound dog who believes she runs the place). He is also the proud grandfather of nine grandchildren.

Join us for a special presentation by renowned local veterinarian Dr. Craig Verwers. Dr. Verwers will tackle the critical link between weight management and longevity in dogs.

He will share practical advice on how maintaining a healthy weight can add active years to your pet's life. This won't be just a lecture—Dr. Verwers is bringing live demonstration dogs to help illustrate his points. It is a perfect opportunity to learn how to keep your best friend healthy for the long haul.

Dr. Craig Verwers [pronounced Vur-wurs] is a highly respected Fort Worth veterinarian and the former owner of Ridglea West Animal Hospital. His passion for veterinary medicine began right here in Fort Worth during his freshman year at Western Hills High School, leading him to his first job as a kennel assistant at age 14.

A graduate of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Verwers has spent his career dedicated to partnering with pet owners to give their animals the longest, healthiest lives possible. Dr. Verwers is deeply involved in our local community. He volunteers with the Optimist Club, serves breakfast at Beautiful Feet ministry, and is a dedicated member of our own club, currently serving as Sergeant-at-Arms.

Join us for a Rotary Club social at Old Texas Brewing Co in Fort Worth, TX!
Come relax and connect with fellow Rotarians in a casual, fun atmosphere over great craft beer, refreshing drinks, and tasty food. It’s the perfect chance to unwind, chat, and build fellowship outside of our usual meetings. Whether you’re craving a cold brew, a signature cocktail, or one of their delicious menu options, this social is all about good company and good times. 

Discover the power of ethical leadership and public speaking through the Rotary Four-Way Test Speech Contest! Open to high school students, this inspiring competition challenges participants to explore real-world issues using Rotary’s Four-Way Test—four simple yet profound questions that promote truth, fairness, goodwill, and mutual benefit. Students gain valuable experience in critical thinking, persuasive communication, and ethical reflection, all while competing for recognition and prizes. It's more than a contest—it's a platform for the next generation of leaders to make their voices heard. Join us and see how Rotary helps shape tomorrow’s changemakers today!