The Gloucester Rotary Club

"Service Above Self"

May 8th Benefactor Meeting @ PEMS

Some of Gloucester Rotary's 2024-2025 benefactors joined us for our May 8th meeting to share updates on their projects and connect with fellow organizers. Last year, the Club participated in over 50 projects and gave over $30,000 back to the community, including seven $1000 scholarships to Gloucester High School students. We are proud to support the work of our county’s change makers and look forward to continuing project and funding initiatives!

Pictured front row from left to right: Pastor Chuck Winter, Tracey Reed, Wendy Roundy, Michelle Wells, Katrina Brown, and Joyce Emerson; Back row: Buddy Rilee, Sally Hartley. Arlene Armentor, Emily Mathews, Laura Brewer, Catherine Hale-Elliott, and Jackie Coffey.

March 29th Rise Against Hunger Event

On Saturday, March 29th, Bethlehem United Methodist Church hosted a Rise Against Hunger meal-packing event. Community members from across the county came together to raise $4,100 and package 10,000 meals. Thank you to the Gloucester Rotary members who donated to or volunteered for this initiative, and special thank you to Bethlehem UMC for leading this project.

(Photo from the Rise Against Hunger website)

Learn About Rise Against Hunger

March 28th — Clean Community Day

On March 28th, Gloucester Rotary members participated in the county's bi-annual Clean Community Day, cleaning up trash and debris along Warehouse Road. We are proud to continue this bi-annual volunteer tradition and appreciate everyone who does their part to keep Gloucester clean and beautiful!

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March 27th Meeting @ Sanders — Guest Speaker District Governor Amelia J. Stansell

On March 27th, District Governor Amelia J. Stansell presented at our bi-monthly meeting. Amelia has served as President of both the Gainesville-Haymarket Rotary Club (2011-12) and the Warrenton Club (2022-23) and as an Assistant Governor for Area 5 and District Major Service Project Support Committee Chair.

Amelia is especially passionate about ending human trafficking and modern slavery and is the co-chair of the Fauquier Anti Sex Trafficking Alliance, the Virginia State Coordinator of Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS), and co-chair of the Zone 33/34 Human Trafficking Prevention Taskforce. Amelia has represented her club and District at speaking events held in the Netherlands, Nigeria, Melbourne, and the USA, where she’s presented on how local clubs can address human trafficking in their own communities through building partnerships.

Amelia is President of Unstoppable Futures, where she is a consultant and strategic planner for businesses, agencies, municipalities, and NGOs. Outside of work and Rotary, Amelia is active in her community and loves to travel. She and her husband, Troy, juggle a full and rewarding life in Warrenton with their daughters Amelia Grace and Bitsy.

March 13th Meeting @ PEMS — Guest

Speaker Julia Ainsley

Julia Ainsley is NBC News’ Homeland Security Correspondent. She covers a range of topics falling under the purview of the Department of Homeland Security, regularly breaking exclusive stories across multiple NBC News platforms. Her recent coverage has focused on changes in U.S. immigration and asylum policies and Western migration trends.

Ainsley is a graduate of Davidson College and Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism, and before moving to NBC News in 2017, Ainsley covered the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice with Reuters. Born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina, Ainsley now lives in Washington, D.C. with her husband Newman and their two young children.

March 5th — Volunteering at Bread for Life

Every first Wednesday of the month, the Gloucester Rotary packages and distributes food at the Bread for Life Food Pantry. The Pantry, located at 7840 John Clayton Memorial Highway, is open Mondays from 11 AM to 2 PM and Wednesdays from 1 PM to 4 PM and has supported local residents since 2009. Roughly 300 community members are served by the Pantry each week, and there are no income level requirements.

We'd love to have you join us for this monthly volunteer opportunity!
To learn more/sign-up please email gloucester.va.rotaryclub@gmail.com

Learn More About Bread for Life

Feb. 27th Meeting @ Sanders — Guest

Speaker Pete Liljeberg

Pete Liljeberg from Jubilee Churches presented at our bi-monthly meeting on February 27th. Jubilee Churches of Gloucester is a growing coalition of 14+ local congregations working together to serve community members in need. The goal is to coordinate efforts to avoid duplication of services and combine resources to meet needs beyond the ability of any congregation to supply.

Learn About Jubilee Churches

Antler Trail Building at Machicomoco State Park

On February 1st, eight members of the Gloucester Rotary helped build the Antler Trail at Machicomoco State Park. We are thankful for the beautiful weather and grateful to Steve Wood, Brian Kirschbaum, Steve Humphrey, Jon Lucy, Josh Mazzantutta, Craig Monsen, Henry Moncure, and Lester Sterling for the work they accomplished!

Feb. 13th Meeting @ PEMS — Guest
Speaker Robert Pollard

At our February 13th meeting, David Toby, Board Member for the Virginia Saltwater Sportfishing Association, will be presenting on the Menhaden fish. We'll hear about the Menhaden's impact on local ecosystems and watch the 30-minute film "The Biggest Little Fish You Have Never Seen."

Jan. 9th Meeting @PEMS — Guest Speaker Chief Ranger Josh Mazzatenta

State Park Ranger Josh Mazzatenta presented at our January 9th meeting, where he shared about Machicomoco State Park updates and upcoming events. Before becoming the Chief Ranger at the park, Mazzatenta graduated from Christopher Newport University ('16). The Rotary has held a close relationship with Machicomoco since its opening in 2021 and is grateful to Ranger Mazzatenta for joining us!

Toys for Tots Project

Using funds donated by Gloucester Rotary members, Board Members Kristi Rowe and Sarah Burney purchased 50 toys for Toys for Tots! (Pictured here: Kristi Rowe.)

Thank you to all of the members that donated, and Happy Holidays from the Gloucester Rotary!

Bread for Life Collection

The Gloucester Rotary recently hosted its annual Christmas Party, where we collected 92 lbs. of food/non-food essentials and $300 for the Bread for Life Food Pantry. Thank you to all those who donated! (Pictured is Vice President Elect, Lester Sterling, dropping off our donations.)

2024 Flags for Heroes

Flags for Heroes is a celebration of the people who have shaped and inspired us. Throughout November, we display 50 sponsored flags to honor the women and men who have, by their dedication, become heroes in our lives. Thank you to all who showed their support and sponsored a flag this year, and a special thank you to our vetrans.

Nov. 14th Meeting @PEMS — Guest Speaker
Rev. Dr. Katrina W. Brown

Rev. Dr. Katrina W. Brown, joined us at our November 14th meeting to present on the ongoing work of the Salvation Army of the Virginia Peninsula and partnership opportunities for the upcoming Red Kettle Bell Ringing season. In addition to serving as the Chairperson of the Advisory Board of the Salvation Army of Gloucester/Mathews Service Center, Rev. Dr. Brown is the Associate Minister of Bethel Baptist Church, the Founder and President of Sisters in the Spirit Ministries, Inc., and a Park Ranger at Machicomoco State Park.

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Commemorating the Ellis Hall and Bob Marble Memorial Garden

On October 25th, community and Rotary members alike gathered in front of Edgehill Town Center on Main Street to commemorate the Ellis Hall and Bob Marble Memorial Garden. Ellis and Bob were founding members of Gloucester Rotary and remained in dedicated service to the club and the county until their passing. We are grateful for their work and are proud to memorialize them with this beautiful community space. We also extend our gratitude to Ike's Landscape and Pest Management for designing and upkeeping the garden.

Oct. 24th Meeting @Sanders — Guest Speaker Rachel Alwine

Archeologist Rachel Alwine, joined us on October 24th to discuss the work of the Fairfield Foundation and provide volunteer information/opportunities. Headquartered in Gloucester, the Foundation focuses on educating the public on archeology, historical preservation, and local history. We appreciate the work Rachel does and are grateful for her wonderful presentation!

ROCKIN' FOR LITERACY

Thank you to all who came out to the Rockin' for Literacy event held on October 13th at the Ware River Yacht Club! Together, we raised over $7,000, and all proceeds will go toward the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, which provides books to children in the community.

Oct. 10th Meeting @PEMS — GuestSpeaker Haley Hamilton

On October 10th, Haley Hamilton, Sales Director for Commonwealth Senior Living Gloucester House, presented on senior planning and resources. Commonwealth Senior Living provides assisted living, independent living, and memory care support throughout 32 facilities in six states. Thank you for joining us, Haley!

40th Annual Pig Roast

Our Annual Pig Roast Fundraiser (held on September 26th) was a HUGE success. Thank you to everyone that volunteered, attended, and sponsored. Your support enables us to continue offering local grants and student scholarships, and for that we are grateful!

We look forward to this gathering every year, and love connecting with the community over good food and company. We can't wait to do it all again next year!

Email gloucester.va.rotaryclub@gmail.com to learn more about this event.

Abingdon Community Day — June 15th

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On Saturday, June 15th, the Gloucester Rotary attended the first annual Abingdon Community Day, where we signed up children for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library. Nearly 400 people came out to enjoy good food, local artisans, and various games and activities. Thank you to Abingdon Episcopal Church for hosting this community-wide event!

Recent Installations at Machicomoco State Park

This spring, the Gloucester Rotary provided and installed shade sails and 2 picnic tables for an outdoor classroom at Machicomoco
State Park. The space will be used to educate visitors on the Indigenous Peoples of the area.

Our members also constructed and installed 14 benches along the park's trails.

We are proud to improve the park experience and encourage all to enjoy this wonderful local resource!

Gloucester County Rabies Clinic — May 18

The Gloucester Rotary co-hosted the Rabies Clinic on May 18th, continuing its longstanding support of the pups of Gloucester! During the Clinic we helped get 99 dogs vaccinated and raised just over $1000, which will go toward the Friends of Animal Control.

The Rabies Clinic is offered semi-annually and costs $10 per pet, so keep an eye out for future events. In the meantime, thank you for helping us keep Gloucester and its pets safe!

Daffodil Festival — April 6 & 7

The Rotary was pleased to attended the annual Daffodil Festival on April 6 and 7. Where we teamed up with the Care Clinic to promote Rotary and sign up children for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library.

Gloucester Rotary Club Social — March 7

On March 7, we held a Rotary Social to get to know community members interested in the Rotary and share a bit about what it means to be a Rotarian. If you missed the event but would like to learn more about the Club, please email gloucester.va.rotaryclub@gmail.com

29th Annual Golf Tournament — May 17

Thank you to all who came out to the Gloucester Rotary's annual Golf Tournament at Golden Eagle Golf Club on May 17th! We raised over $13,000,
and all funds will support Rotary scholarships and grant-making.

Delivering Toiletry Kits

At the Chesapeake Presidents Elect Training Seminar (CPETS), held from February 29 to March 2, Rotarians from across the region packaged 2000 toiletry kits to distribute to those in need. Gloucester Rotary provided 13 kits each to the Gloucester High School Care Closet and the Homeless Bus.

Pictured in the first photo from left to right: Robbie Klaus, Taylor Rodgers, Nancy Dykeman, Steve Humphrey, Henry Moncure, and Parker Goldstein.

Pictured in the second photo from left to right: Henry Moncure, Nancy Dykeman, Steve Humphrey, and Wendy Roundy.

Clean Gloucester Day! — October 13-14th

The Gloucester Rotary once again participated in biannual, county-wide Clean Gloucester Day! Rotary members collected five bags of trash along Warehouse Road on Friday, October 13. Thank you to all who help keep our county clean!

(Pictured: Kristi Rowe, Lester Sterling, Nancy Dykeman, Craig Monsen, and Henry Moncure)

Walk to End Alzheimer's
Fundraiser and Walk

Thanks to the efforts of our members and especially our Community Service Chair, Nathan Hansen, the Gloucester Rotary raised over $1000 for the Middle Peninsula Walk to End Alzheimer's. The Walk was held on Saturday, October 7th, and several of our Rotary members participated to raise awareness and support the community!

The Gloucester Farmer's Market — Sept. 9

On September 9, the Gloucester Rotary attended the final Gloucester Farmer's Market of the season. We enjoyed local vendors, food trucks, and entertainment as we wrapped up summer in style. The Rotary is grateful to Ware Church for coordinating this monthly Farmer's Market and for bringing the community together in new and exciting ways!

District 7610 Membership Summit — Sept. 8-9

Rotarians from across District 7610 will gathered together on September 8-9, in Fredericksburg, VA for a Membership Summit. The Summit provided opportunities for community building and networking, and scheduled events included touring the historical Fredericksburg area and hearing about the work of fellow Virginia Rotarians. We appreciate the Rappahannock Fredericksburg Rotary Club for hosting!

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library

The Gloucester Rotary volunteered at the Gloucester Library on August 5th, to sign-up children under 5 for Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. Participants receive a free book each month, and the Rotary was proud to sign-up 30 kids for the program.

Rotary Funds Three AEDs for Local Parks

The Gloucester and Mathews Rotary Clubs recently partnered together to fund three AED placements. One went to the Law Enforcement Truck at Machicomoco State Park, and the two others were placed in Gloucester County Parks. The Automated External Defibrillators are portable and aid those experiencing a cardiac arrest.

(Pictured: Gloucester President –Elect/Treasurer Nancy Dykeman, Chief Ranger Josh Mazzatenta, Mathews President-Elect Bill Sterns, and coordinator, Gloucester Club member Steve Humphrey presenting an AED for Machicomoco State Park.)

(Picutred: Katey Legg, Parks and Recreation, Director; Nancy Dykeman, President-Elect/Treasurer; Steve Humphrey, Club member;
Henry Moncure, President; Gregg Tonge, Parks and Rec. Facilitator of Maintenance of the county parks.