Staff Reports
Columbus Sunrise Rotary members gathered on July 9 at the Loft, in person for the first time in 16 months, to welcome and celebrate a new Rotary year and induct incoming officers.
During the meeting, outgoing Rotary President Ginger McClellan passed the gavel to Todd Boilanger. Other officers inducted included Jeff Karr as incoming president, Lacretia Ulery as treasurer, McClellan as secretary and Priscilla Scalf as acting vice president.
McClellan recounted many of the club’s successful initiatives and activities despite a very challenging 2020-21 that necessitated the club meet virtually via Zoom.
Some of the activities included hosting programs with speakers from around the world, volunteering at the Love Chapel Food Pantry once a month, participation in the annual CANstruction community event for local food pantries, volunteering and sponsoring the Bartholomew County Backpack Distribution Program, Salvation Army’s Christmas Bell Ringing, supporting programming for local foster families and children, welcoming new members, exceeding fundraising goals for the Rotary Foundation’s annual fund and Rotary’s Polio Plus initiative.
Boilanger presented a schedule for the coming year that included growing club membership, active participation in Rotary District leadership programming and trainings and grant opportunities for local community programs, engaging local students from grade school through college in Rotary programming initiatives, active participation in community activities that support individuals, children and families in need, among others.
Since its official inception in 2000, the Columbus Sunrise Rotary Club has touched the lives of many people, both locally and internationally.
The club enjoys fellowship and being actively involved in projects and activities that benefit Bartholomew County and individuals who are less fortunate.
Members are active or retired professionals who enjoy making a difference in the community and in the world. This club continuously ranks in the top five within the district of 36 clubs.
Guest speakers from around the world keep club members current with community events, initiatives and issues. Leadership skills, expertise, and diverse perspectives are utilized to develop service projects that help make Columbus a great place to live.
For more info on the club and the latest news, visit the club’s website at www.columbussunriserotary.org or Facebook page.
Columbus Sunrise Rotary meets every Friday 7 a.m. at the Loft, 1235 Jackson Street. You can also join via ZOOM teleconferencing at https://us04web.zoom.us/j/76294010827 (Meeting ID: 762 9401 0827; Dial-in: +1 312 626 6799).
