Celebrating a Year of Impact, Connection and Inspiration in 2024-25
As we close the chapter on another remarkable Rotary year, we reflect with pride on the milestones we’ve achieved and the meaningful moments that brought us closer together. From global service to local camaraderie, 2024–2025 was a year of purpose, passion, and people.
Club Achievements
- Rotary Citation Award We are proud recipients of the prestigious Rotary Citation for 2024–2025, recognizing our club’s commitment to Rotary’s goals and values. This honor reflects the collective effort and dedication of every member.
- Global Impact through KIVA Since spring 2023, we’ve made 84 Kiva loans, empowering underserved communities around the world. Our dedicated Kiva subcommittee, now six members strong, met regularly and funded 41 projects across 21 countries, lending a total of $1,125 this Rotary year. As Lois shared, “Our work to change lives globally has been a highlight for me.”
- Environmental Stewardship Several members took on the Big Clean challenge, making a tangible difference in our environment and setting an example of Rotary’s commitment to sustainability.
- Leadership Recognition We celebrated a major leadership milestone as our very own club president, Ariel, was appointed Assistant Governor for the Northern Region. Her “boundless energy and enthusiasm,” as Bob Shimek noted, continues to inspire us all.
Member Reflections
Our members shared what made this year meaningful to them—moments of connection, service, and inspiration:
- Bob S reflected on “the profound sense of loss following Sharon’s feat” and the deep reflections it sparked about the meaning of being a Rotarian.
- Yalonda found inspiration in guest speakers and global missions: “Learning about important missions and world causes was exciting… The most fun I had was presenting the leadership ice breaker game during Club Assembly. It’s been a pleasure expanding my knowledge and opportunities with what I believe is a more honorable way of leading, supporting, and serving.”
- Floyd appreciated the joy of in-person connection: “It was great to meet folks I had only seen on Zoom, to make old friends, and to meet new ones.”
- Cathy M shared a powerful service moment in Tuxtla, Mexico: “242 children and teens received their first wheelchairs… Another moment when Rotary amazes me with their energy and enthusiasm.”
- Gayle cherished the warmth of real-life connection: “An actual in-person eClub meeting, hugs, conversation, and coffee in Anchorage… a real joy!”
- Stefan echoed that sentiment: “It is great fun and inspiring to meet other members in person. I hope we can repeat this sometime soon.”
- Jim was moved by Zara Rutherford’s story: “Her flight around the world was so inspirational… I bought copies of her book for my grandchildren.”
- Scott summed it up simply: “It’s great hanging out with you people!”
- John C celebrated the diversity and depth of our club: “I believe in a ‘Growth Mindset’… I look forward to developing new friendships and expanding horizons. On belay!”
- Geri found joy at the district conference: “I really enjoyed interacting with the exchange students.”
- Julie embraced the flexibility of our eClub: “This past year alone, I’ve joined meetings from a truck stop, a coffee shop, a campsite, and occasionally, even my own home.”
- Nancy appreciated both virtual and in-person moments: “It was absolutely wonderful to see people I only get together with on an annual basis.”
- Ambika made a transformative impact in Skagway: “We went from paper charts to fully digital… The town had been without dental care for over 5 years.”
- Kells shared a joyful Rotary moment: “A real-life pub crawl with otherwise virtual Zoom meeting E-Club Members and new Rotary Friends!”
- Jason W valued the sense of community: “It is wonderful to be part of a community of people that care for people.”
- Brian highlighted two special moments: “Meeting club members at the Juneau conference and playing Secret Santa while sharing my Paul Harris points.”
- Catherine brought international flair: “My favorite memory this past year is attending a Rotary meeting in Amsterdam at this artist’s pub.”
Looking Ahead
As we look to the future, we carry forward the spirit of service, fellowship, and innovation that defines our club. Whether online or in person, across borders or in our own backyards, we remain united by a shared mission: to serve, to connect, and to lead with heart.
Here’s to another year of making a difference—together.