Happy New Year, Everyone. Hope everyone had a good holiday break.
Welcome back to reality (for those of us who are still working).
Coming Up | Looking Ahead
Jan 8: Red Badge Bios - Nancy Connelly, Jenny Call
Our club continues to grow and that means we get to listen to the always interesting and heart warming bios of our newer members.
Jan 15: Global Grant Project/Monterey Bay NMS Exploration Center
We will have two speakers at this meeting.
First, Russ Hobbs from the downtown Rotary Club will briefly describe his Global Grant Project: “End Cervical Cancer Guatemala."
Then, Dan Haifley will discuss the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary Exploration Center. The Center offers interactive exhibits and programs about the local marine ecosystems, and information on how to protect this special underwater place by responsibly enjoying its unique habitats and wildlife.
Our Rotarian of the Month for January will be revealed at the meeting tomorrow. Who could it be? I'm guessing someone deserving but... ya never know!!!
Member Birthdays
Rod Caborn 1/4
Penni Bengtson 1/5
Sean Venables 1/11
Patrice Keet 1/12
Bill McDermott 1/13
Jim Felich 1/22
John Flaniken 1/22
Dave Mello 1/29
Cassidy Caborn 1/31
Christopher Smith 31 yrs
Dave Culver 27 yrs
Peter Truman 15 yrs
Patrick Rooney 13 yrs
Peggy Pollard 13 yrs
Camilla Boolootian 13 yrs
John Flaniken 13 yrs
Mark Boynton 4 yrs
Fernando Tapiz 3 yrs
Maureen Tapiz 3 yrs
Kara Capaldo 2 yrs
Club Happenings and Other News
Upcoming Socials & Other Dates
-- Deb Dutra & Sigfrid Garman --
The Social Committee’s next meeting will be Thursday, January 8 immediately following the club meeting. Anyone who is interested in joining the committee is welcome to attend.
In addition, reminder - Patrice and Jim are having their joint Birthday Party at the MOD (Santa Cruz Children's Museum of Discovery) on Saturday, Jan 10th, from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Click this link for details, directions, and to RSVP.
Community Service Update
-- Tiffany Wise-West --
Over 2025, club members participated in or volunteered at over a dozen community service events including: Special Olympics Polar Plunge, Groundswell Coastal Ecology West Cliff Restoration (x4), Second Harvest food packing, Shared Adventures Halloween Dance and Beach Day, Common Roots Farm workday, Children’s Museum Touch a Truck event, SC Mountain Trail Stewardship, Coastal Watershed Council San Lorenzo River Restoration, Adopt a Family and Salvation Army Bell Ringing. You Rock!
Since Tiffany will be transitioning to a new role as President in 2026, Lisa K will be stepping in to take over as the chair of the Community Service Committee! Thanks, Lisa! Lisa has been an active committee member, organizing many events of the year. However, she cannot make the current meeting time. So, we are going to find a new one that suits her schedule so that we have a smooth transition come June 2026!
Club Member Survey - Please fill it out!
-- Dave Price --
As we approach six-months into our current fiscal year, we thought it a good time to hear from you, our Club Members...what is going well, what can we do better, how is your Club experience, are you proud to tell your family, friends, colleagues and acquaintances about our Rotary Club? What else do you want us to know?
This survey is anonymous and we will discuss its results and our plan to address the same at an upcoming Thursday morning Club Assembly in the new year. We ask that you complete the survey as soon as you can, but no later than January 15, 2026.
Embark on an unforgettable journey with other Sunrise Rotarians to Guatemala, where service and adventure meet! This exciting trip combines hands-on humanitarian work with the beauty and culture of one of Central America's most vibrant countries. We can handle a total of 20 travelers with a max of 11 from our club. We already have 9 Sunrise members signed up. More info at this link.
Skiing / Snowboarding in March
-- Tom Hart --
The Largest Gathering of Sunrise Skiing/Snowboarding Rotarians will be Sunday March 1 to Wednesday March 4. Put it on your calendar and more info will be coming out. This annual snow event takes place at Northstar and we have two cabins (one courtesy of Deb Dutra) for convenient access to the slopes. If you are interested in learning more or reserving a spot, please contact Tom Hart - wchart16@gmail.com
Our Rotarian of the Month for January will be revealed at the meeting tomorrow. Who could it be? I'm guessing someone deserving but... ya never know!!!