Newark Rotary Club – A Year in Review
As I write my final monthly newsletter and reflect on the past Rotary year, one word comes to mind: Generosity.
It has been an honor and privilege to serve as President of the Newark Rotary Club this year. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and thankful for the support, friendship, and encouragement so many of you have provided along the way.
Throughout the year, Newark Rotarians generously gave their time, talents, and resources to improve lives in our community and around the world. Together, we demonstrated what it means to live Rotary's motto, Service Above Self.
Serving Our Community
Our members completed numerous service projects that directly benefited local families and organizations. We supported the Newark Food Pantry through a month-long food collection, provided essential supplies to St. Mark's Baby Closet, collected winter coats for Newark families, filled grocery bags for those in need during the holiday season, supported Laurel House through our annual donation drive, participated in the Jack Blodgett Memorial Blood Drive, and continued our tradition of Salvation Army Bell Ringing.
We also continued our support of Camp ONSEYAWA, helping provide life-changing summer experiences for children with disabilities while volunteering at the annual camp carnival and supporting the camp's mission through our Foundation contributions.
The impact of these efforts was felt throughout our community and reflected the caring spirit of Newark Rotary.
Supporting Youth and Literacy
Children remained a major focus of our work this year.
Through a Rotary District Grant, Newark Rotary brought award-winning children's author Liz Garton Scanlon to Newark schools, inspiring students through literacy workshops and providing books that encouraged a love of reading. The program introduced students to the power of storytelling, creativity, and literacy while creating memorable learning experiences throughout the district.
These projects demonstrated our commitment to investing in the next generation and helping young people discover opportunities for growth and success.
Fundraising for Good
Fundraising remains essential to our ability to serve others, and our members once again rose to the challenge.
Family Fest was another tremendous success, bringing together community members for a day of food, entertainment, vendors, games, music, and fellowship. Our annual raffle, silent auction, sponsorship efforts, and Pancake Breakfast generated critical funding that allows our club to support local programs, scholarships, community organizations, youth initiatives, and international projects throughout the year.
The success of these events would not have been possible without the countless volunteer hours contributed by our members and community supporters.
International Service
Newark Rotary continued its long tradition of international service through projects supporting families and communities beyond our borders. Members learned about Global Grants, supported ongoing initiatives in Mexico through Planta Hidekel and Tabi projects, explored opportunities to expand Rotary's impact worldwide, and remained committed to helping communities facing challenges beyond their control.
These efforts remind us that Rotary's reach extends far beyond our own community.
Fellowship and Friendship
Rotary is more than service—it is friendship.
Throughout the year, members gathered for Red Wings and Newark Pilots baseball games, Family Fest, the Kreuser Social, Camp ONSEYAWA events, our Christmas Party, Service Above Self Dinner, and many other opportunities to enjoy fellowship together.
These moments strengthen the relationships that make our club special and remind us that serving together is also about building lasting friendships.
Celebrating Service
One of the highlights of the year was our Service Above Self Dinner, where we honored Jan Hence and Mary Jo Fenyn for their outstanding dedication to Rotary and our community.
Their commitment reflects the values that define Newark Rotary and inspire all of us to serve.
A Year of Accomplishment and Recognition
This year was filled with accomplishments that will have a lasting impact on our club and community.
Among the most significant was the successful creation and development of the FLX Rotary Satellite Club. What began as a new initiative became a group of dedicated Rotarians who embraced service, fellowship, and leadership.
The dedication of our members was also recognized at the District Conference, where Newark Rotary received:
- First Place Community Service Award
- First Place Club Service Award for establishing the FLX Rotary Satellite Club
- First Place Vocational Service Award
- First Place Best Club Website
- District Literacy Award
These honors belong to every member who volunteered, donated, attended meetings, served on committees, sold raffle tickets, and supported our mission throughout the year.
Looking Forward
This year proved once again that when Rotarians come together, remarkable things happen.
Whether serving local families, supporting children, strengthening our community, promoting literacy, building friendships, creating a new Rotary club, or extending a helping hand across the globe, Newark Rotary continues to make a meaningful difference.
Thank you to every member who contributed to our success. Because of your generosity, compassion, and commitment, our club remains a force for good in Newark and beyond.
Together, we truly lived our motto:
Service Above Self.
