Randy Stocker, member of The Rotary Club of Rochester, was recognized with a Paul Harris Fellow given by the club for his volunteerism within the community and Rotary. Not only is Randy an ambassador of Rotary but he is also the executive director of RochesterFest. Unbeknownst to Randy, the Paul Harris Fellow was presented to him at the July 23rd meeting by Past President Steve Sperling, President Frank Allen, and Past President Ashok Patel.
In July 2025, a group of six TRCR members took it upon themselves to refurbish three Rotary park benches at the Silver Lake Skate Park that had fallen into disrepair. Unfortunately, since then, the benches were vandalized with spray painted graffiti. The vandalism came to the attention of Past President Dave Moertel who purchased blue spray paint and once again repainted the Rotary park benches. Thank you, Dave, for taking it upon yourself to make the Rotary benches shine once again!
The Rotary Club of Rochester is sad to announce the passing of Loren Deling, beloved husband of our friend and member Marilyn Deling. Surrounded by family at home, Loren passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026. A celebration of life was held on July 28.
The White Oaks Park clean-up season is slowly winding down with the next summer clean-up scheduled for August 20 which is a Thursday. The date change is due to the City of Rochester's FORWARD concert scheduled for August 19 at the park.
Why do club members and family and friends of The Rotary Club of Rochester clean-up White Oaks Park every month? The answer is simple, the club adopted the park several years ago, and a group of dedicated volunteers have kept the clean-up tradition going.
Add Thursday, August 20th, to your calendar to volunteer for the next White Oaks Park clean-up. Meet at the park at 6:00 p.m. It takes about an hour to make sure the park is clean and safe for families to enjoy. Be sure to bring work gloves and plastic bags or a bucket for trash.
If you can't make it this month, mark your calendar for the last two clean-ups - September 16 (6:00 p.m.), and October 21 (5:00 p.m. start). White Oaks Park is located at 4597 55th St NW in Rochester.
Pictured is July's clean-up crew: John Woodruff, Frank Allen, Josef Chlachula, and Rick from the neighborhood.
Rochester Rotary Clubs are looking for one additional family to host incoming Rotary Youth Exchange student Clara who will arrive this month from France. Clara is 15 years old, plays basketball, enjoys drawing and playing chess, and loves the outdoors and animals. She is passionate about science and is interested in aerospace engineering. Rotary Exchange Students typically stay with their host family fro 3-6 months. Clara will be attending Mayo High School.
Rotary is more than a club, it's a community of people united by a shared desire to make a difference.
Each August, Rotary celebrates members who give their time, skills, and passion to strengthen their communities, while also encouraging others to discover what Rotary has to offer.
Membership isn't just about growing numbers; it's about bringing together people with diverse experiences, fresh ideas and a commitment to Service Above Self. As our communities evolve, so should Rotary. That means creating welcoming, flexible and inclusive clubs that meet the needs of today's volunteers, whether that's through traditional clubs, passport clubs, satellite clubs, or other innovative models.
Together, we can grow Rotary, develop new opportunities to serve, and ensure our organization continues to thrive for generations to come. Who could you invite to experience Rotary this month?
Capes & Cocktails is a local summer benefit for Can Do Canines featuring appetizers, a signature drink, and assistance dog demonstrations. The upcoming event is Wednesday, August 12, 2026, from 5:00–7:00 p.m. at the Mayowood Stone Barn in Rochester with tickets priced at $40 per person. Register if you plan to attend.
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Time: 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (Reception 5–6 PM, Program at 6:00 p.m.
Location: Mayowood Stone Barn, 3385 Mayowood Road SW
Cost: $40 per person (includes appetizers, signature cocktail, and program access)
Beneficiary: Can Do Canines, providing specially trained assistance dogs to people in need
Rochester Grants Committee Update: $3,000 of your dues are slated for grant activities ($9,000 total from all three Rochester Clubs). The Rochester Grants Committee meets monthly and has been busy ensuring your money is spent on projects that will help others. To date, The Rotary Club of Rochester has participated in the following grants:
$500 partnered with White Bear Lake Rotary on a Malaria Project in Sierra Leone
$750 partnered with Woodbury Rotary on a renovation of their Miracle Field
$250 partnered with Red Wing Rotary to help with an Early Childhood Learning Center in Sierra Leone
$250 partnered with Hudson Daybreak Rotary on a Cooking Stove effort in Guatemala
$250 partnered with Rice Lake Rotary with a Sleeping in Heavenly Peace project building and distributing beds to those in need in the area
The District 5960 Grants committee reviewed Global Grant Submissions on May 29 and District Grant Submissions will be reviewed on June 19. The remaining $1,000 from the TRCR grant budget will be spent to support one or more of the grants presented at these meetings. All Rotarians are welcome to attend the District meetings with registration information available on the District website. Club members are also welcome to attend the monthly Rochester Grants Committee meeting on the second Wednesday of each month at 7:00 a.m.
In recognition of The Rotary Club of Rochester's 100th anniversary, club members raised more than $10,000 to purchase four benches that now surround the new splash pad area at Silver Lake Park. A permanent plaque recognizing the gift from The Rotary Club of Rochester is located in front of each bench. Club members joined city leaders, city council members, community partners, donors, and other stakeholders to celebrate the important investment our community has made in Silver Lake Park. Mayor Kim Norton recognized our club and its members during a ceremony held at the new Silver Lake Pool on June 3. Take a moment to listen to her remarks and feel the pride that every Rotarian should feel as they serve their community in some capacity each day.
Thank you again to everyone who donated to make this gift to our community possible. And, special thanks to the donor who offered the Challenge Grant to boost the fundraising. This gift is a visible, long-term asset for our community.
Zoom
Rochester Grants Committee Update: $3,000 of your dues are slated for grant activities ($9,000 total from all three Rochester Clubs). The Rochester Grants Committee meets monthly and has been busy ensuring your money is spent on projects that will help others. To date, The Rotary Club of Rochester has participated in the following grants: 
