The Rotary Club of Goochland will be celebrating their 30th Anniversary in 2025!
The Club has two events set up for the celebration! January 30th in the evening at the Richmond Country Club and then the following Thursday February 6th.
Want to join in the celebration? Contact John Aaron
On December 6th, James City County Rotary Club welcomed Ryan Miedema as a new member of the club
Submitted by Paul Miyamasu
Mary and Paul Miyamasu shared their 65th wedding anniversary celebration with their Rotary Family at the James City County Rotary Club Holiday Party.
Such a milestone is truly remarkable and a joyous occasion for everyone involved.
Congratulations to Mary and Paul on their 65 years of love and companionship!
Submitted by Neva Lynde
On Dec 6 James City County Rotary Club Foundation Chair Jerry Fields presented a pin and certificate to Rotarian Dr. Liz Weaver and named a Paul Harris Fellow. The certificate is in appreciation of her tangible and significant assistance she has given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world She has continued to contribute to the Rotary International Foundation efforts to combat the world-wide polio threat
South Hill Rotary Club recognized its Paul Harris Fellows at a recent meeting Paul Harris Fellows make a financial donation to the foundation to receive a pin, certificate and medallion for the recognition Paul Harris Fellows pictured are Mickey Moore, Steven Stanley, Sandi Libhart, Tom Watters, Frank Nanney, Lisa Clary, Charles Wright, Duane Harper, Paula Wood, Jimmie Keith Crowder, Gary Raney, Ray Thomas, John Evans, Randy Cash.
"Rang the Bell" for the Salvation Army on Saturday, December 14th at the Walmart Store 6920 Forest Avenue Richmond. Working in shifts we raised, according to Major Samuel with the Salvation Army, $495 72 and spread a lot of love and good will in the process
The Ashland VA Rotary Club sent some of our hardiest members out to stand in the cold, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army last Saturday Mary Kay Hacker and Scott Philips, Jennifer and Tommy Schloss and more Rotarians dressed up warm and greeted shoppers to raise funds that will be used where it is most needed in our community
The Rotary Club of Hampton Roads hosted the Kempsville High School Chorus and their New Director Karen Nemeth at our December 6th meeting Their 30minute International themed Holiday presentation was outstanding and included the the "traditional" Rotary 4-Way Test coral rendition
Prior to the singing of this song, long -time Active Rotarian and current Honorary Rotarian, Channing "Chan" Zucker, provided a brief history of how this song came to the KHS music program and became a tradition at the RCHR Christmas Program
Rotary Club of Farmville Past club President Shaunna Hunter presents community grant check to media coordinator Martha Word with FreshGirlz Club, a local organization offering leadership skills training for young women
Members of the South Hill Rotary Club collected Toys for Tots, food for The Bread Box along with a financial donation, and teddy bears for Gleaning for the World during the last month. They are all long-time projects of the club
Member Le’Tina Giles, Jenny Stanley and Martha Word
Submitted by Lisa Clary
The Huguenot Trail Rotary Club’s Golf Committee Chairman, Nick Fessick and Randy Hall, President presented James Howard with Veterans & Athletes United a donation of $8,500 raised from the Club’s 2nd annual golf tournament this past October.
AND the Club donated $2,500 to the Mercy House of Richmond
Submitted by Steve Anderson
Always of Service to Others
Ashland Rotary Club Rotarians, Charlie Clemens and Mark Baird weathered the freezing cold to sell a bunch of Peanuts and other side items to raise funds for our children's charities Rotarian Rachel Swinford was there (behind the camera) bundled up but not enough to stay warm It was worth it to do good in the community
b of Richmond One of our longstanding charities, Project Warm, has kicked into high gear delivering wood to families that need this important resource as their only source of heat in the winter We meet at the woodlot every Saturday morning to split wood and deliver to over 15 families each week. All are welcome to assist in wood splitting or deliveries, especially if you have a truck. We meet at 9am evey Saturday, rain or shine
The address that will get you to the parking lot outside the woodlot is 633 Forest Lawn Dr, Richmond, VA 23227
Students from Longwood University and Hampden-Sydney College come out in large numbers on Saturdays to volunteer at FACES Food Pantry in Farmville The Rotary Club of Farmville often bumps up volunteer member turnout at FACES while college students are away on break. From left are: Julies Flores, Andrew Payne, Joy Stump and Bill Anderson
The 12 Days of Rotary - A look back at 2024 in Smithfield
Rotary Club of Richmond has partnered with ReWork Richmond to support work retraining to help some of our less advantaged community members to learn skills to improve their jobs, resume and interview skills as well as household budget training Several of our members assisted in the Christmas Party at Rework to celebrate the holidays with some of the families. Even Santa came!
Submitted by Michela Worthington
The South Hill Rotary Club made a donation to the Cops for Kids Program this year and Rotarian Lisa Clary made the presentation to David Pendergrass with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 51 In South Hill
Just before Christmas, Santa paid a special visit to Brandermill Rotary Club where he reminded club members of the importance of donating to the Rotary Foundation Fund Santa (also known as Bob Coriello, a member and Club Foundation Chairman), hands a pledge card to Campbell Pendleton, former president and current member of Brandermill, for the New Year.
Submitted by Nancy
Beasley
D I S T R I C T H A P P E N I N G S
Henrico Christmas Mother Support
Western Henrico Rotary was proud to support the Henrico Christmas Mother gift and food distribution efforts Thursday, December 12 at the Henrico Central Distribution warehouse in Eastern Henrico. Members assembled and assisted with the loading of non-perishable food items, family gifts and other Christmas treats for those local and needy families participating in this year’s program
Pictured are Rotary members Bob Johnson, Al Dorin, Cam Murray, 2024 Henrico Christmas Mother Linda Melton, Brad Reynolds, Kenneth Blankenship, Michael Binns, Bob Glasser and Jim Heck
This year’s program served over 4700 individuals in Henrico county, an increase of 400 from 2023 Well done Western Henrico Rotary team.
“This hurts me at my core In 2023 there were only 12 cases of Wild Polio in the world For 2024, there could be more than 100 by the time the data is tallied The area of Pakistan and Afghanistan that still has these issues is about the size of the I-64 corridor between Williamsburg and Richmond Accessibility, nomadic lifestyle, fear of the West, political unrest, distrust of vaccines is dooming these children to paralysis, shunning by the community and possible death Their families are also tragically impacted Rotary International and its partners at PolioEradication org will continue the fight ” David Rosenthal
Make a Resolution: Rotary's Call to Service in 2025
John Padgett
"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others," a sentiment echoed by Rotary leaders throughout the years, reminds us of the profound impact we can make when we put service above self. As the new year begins, this is a chance for Rotarians to reflect, refresh, and resolve to make a difference In 2025, let’s turn our resolutions into tangible acts of generosity that transform lives and communities worldwide by supporting the Rotary Foundation
Every contribution to the Rotary Foundation is an expression of Rotary’s mission: service above self By donating, you are not just funding projects you are fueling hope, peace, and progress in areas that need it most Whether it’s providing clean water to remote villages, funding scholarships for future peacebuilders, or eradicating polio, your gift directly impacts Rotary’s seven areas of focus. In 2025, resolve to be part of this collective force for good by making the Foundation a priority in your giving
The power of Every Rotarian Every Year (EREY) cannot be overstated. As former Rotary International President Kalyan Banerjee once said, “If we all act with consistency and commitment, the world will change for the better.” When each Rotarian contributes—even a modest amount—the cumulative impact is extraordinary EREY participation is not just about meeting a financial goal; it’s about demonstrating a shared commitment to Rotary’s vision. By achieving 100% participation in your club, you amplify Rotary’s ability to secure matching funds and expand the reach of global grants Imagine the possibilities when every Rotarian makes the resolution to give
In 2025, Rotary International is focusing on innovative initiatives like expanding peace fellowships, enhancing disaster response programs, and accelerating environmental sustainability efforts. Clubs can support these goals by setting fundraising targets, hosting creative Foundation events, and leveraging Rotary’s extensive network to share the message. Practical steps include reviewing your club’s giving history, establishing individual contribution plans, and using tools like Rotary Direct to set up recurring donations Even small, consistent contributions can lead to monumental change
As you consider your resolutions for 2025, remember the words of Arch Klumph, the founder of the Rotary Foundation: “We should not live for ourselves alone, but for the joy in doing good for others.” Let’s start the year with purpose, embracing the challenge to serve others Together, we can make 2025 a year of transformative impact through our shared commitment to the Rotary Foundation
Happy 2025! As we welcome a new year, we hope you will join us in our upcoming Girl Empowerment focused activities we have planned for our district. Please join us as a club or as individual Rotarians and learn how you can make a difference for girls in our community and around the world.
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, an issue that impacts girls at alarming rates Register to attend our virtual symposium on January 21st at 4:30pm to learn more about this issue, how it impacts girls right here in our district, and how Rotarians can spot and help stop this horrific activity. Come learn from 7610 District Governor Amelia Stansell and representatives from the Virginia State Police Register here: Human Trafficking Virtual Symposium
February is the month of love, and the month that Girl Scout cookies arrive in 7600! Come help thousands of young female entrepreneurs launch the largest Girl Led business in the country Join us on February 22 at one of three locations in Hampton Roads at the Girl Scout Cookie Count N Go! Details below Register by emailing JanelleC@gsccc org Be sure to list what shift and site you prefer and mention your Rotary Club!
March is Women’s History Month Check out our tips on how your club can acknowledge and celebrate with our tips below! Be sure to post on the district’s social media pages and share how your club celebrated!
Finally, please join us in support of the proposed Rotary Action Group for Girl Empowerment (RAGGE). We are dedicated to continuing and enhancing the amazing work of Girls’ Empowerment around the world. RAGGE Confirmation of Interest
Rotarians needed to support the Empowering Girls service project on February 22nd!
Rotarians needed for the 2025 Girl Scout Cookie Count n’ Go!
Over 50 volunteers are needed at each site to help distribute approximately to 780,000 boxes of cookies to more than 350 troops
Join us at one of three delivery locations, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, or Hampton!
You will be thanked with a box of Girl Scout Cookies! Join us as a club or as individual Rotarians. Details below on how to sign up!
The start of a new year is an opportunity for reflection, renewal, and growth For young people, it’s also a chance to reset and build the skills they need to face life’s inevitable challenges with greater confidence and resilience.
Mental health continues to be a pressing issue among youth, with stress, anxiety, and depression affecting a growing number of students nationwide Research consistently shows that building resilience the ability to recover and thrive after adversity—is one of the most effective ways to combat these challenges.
Rotary District 7600’s Mental Health Task Force is proud to lead the way in fostering youth resilience through our skill-building and peer facilitation program By empowering young people with tools for emotional regulation, healthy communication, and peer support, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in our schools and communities.
We are actively seeking 16 high school students and 16 adult volunteers to join this transformative initiative. Whether you’re a student passionate about resilience, a teacher, a parent, or a community member, your involvement can make a real difference. Together, we can help the next generation bounce back stronger and thrive in the face of life’s challenges
For more information or to get involved, contact Chair Sanna Calvert at Susanna@HealingEdu.org. Let’s make 2025 a year of hope and healing for our youth!
Announcement:
The Rotary Foundation is accepting Rotary Peace Fellowship applications online beginning February 1st through May 15 for the 2026 class
Promoting peace is a cornerstone of Rotary’s mission By carrying out service projects, supporting peace fellowships and scholarships, and partnering with others, Rotary members take action to address the underlying causes of conflict - including poverty, ethnic tension, and lack of access to education. One of the most effective ways we build peace is with our Rotary Peace Fellowships that train peace and development professionals to become effective catalysts for peace.
Rotary District 7600 sponsors a current scholar - Tibeb Abate - who is studying for her two-year Master’s Degree program in Peace Studies at the Duke University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Rotary Peace Center Tibeb was initially endorsed by the Rotary Club of Richmond She recently left her humanitarian country director position with the USAID office in Ethiopia this past summer
Rotary Peace Centers such as Duke/UNC Chapel Hill are supported and funded by Rotarians, Rotary Districts, individuals and foundations worldwide. To refer a candidate, see https://rotary.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cP8EInvsT3toZOB and also send to Mike Little, District 7600 Foundation Peace Fellow Chair at mwlittle@vcu edu
For more information about the application and selection process for Rotary Peace Fellows see: https://my rotary org/en/peace-fellowship-application
as seen on the socials
The 2025 Grants Management Seminars will be offered via Zoom on Saturday, February 15 at 9 a m & Monday, March 24 at 6 p m
Participation in one of these Grants Management Seminars is required for a Rotary and Rotaract Club to be eligible for a District Grant for the 2025-2026 Rotary Year.
Who should participate, you ask?
TWO members per club must participate:
1) the club’s President-Elect
2) another member who will be active in the application and implementation of the proposed grant
This change in the District Grant Policy will go into effect this upcoming grant cycle.
Be sure to attend the GMS to learn more about the District Grant process!
Tothatend,Rotary,andyourDistrictMembershipCommittee,withthehelpofourZoneandRotary peoplehavedevelopedanewwayforenteringpotentialmembersthroughyourmobileIgniteapp Every visitorandspeakershouldbeaddedtoyourclub’spotentialmemberlisttobeincludedinfutureeventsand meetings,aswelltobefollowedupontopursuemembership.
AswemonitortheDistrict’sprogress,wenotethatlessthanhalfofour66clubshaveattendedtheMAP webinarsthisyear.TheClubsthathavehadthelargestsuccessarealsotheClubsthathaveregularly attendedthewebinars.Additionally,wenotethatmorethanhalfofClubshavenotidentifiedanypotential membersorrecruitedany.Thistimeofyear,isperfecttocommittore-focusingeffortstorecruitadditional members
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