07/06/2026
Happy New (Rotary) Year!
July marks the official beginning of our new Rotary year, and I am thrilled to kick this off with all of you.
For those who weren't able to join us for our end-of-year dinner on Tuesday night, we missed you! It was an incredible evening of celebration, reflection, and fellowship. Below is a recap of the highlights, awards, and expressions of gratitude from a wonderful night.
Special Guest & Board Induction
We were honored to have our newly minted District Governor, Michelle Petrell, in attendance as our guest speaker. She gave an inspiring talk that got everyone energized for next year's District Conference, which will take place from June 11 to June 13, 2027. Best of all, it will be held just off Racetrack Road, making it nice, close, and convenient for all of us!
Michelle also helped induct our newest member, Ethan Dunsey, and our Board of Directors. It was incredibly special for me to receive my Presidentās pen from her. Michelle and I actually served as club presidents at the same time years ago, and I love how her enthusiasm and joy rub off on others.
Celebrating Our Members
We had the privilege of recognizing several outstanding individuals for their dedication and service to the club. Please join me in congratulating this year's well-deserved honorees:
*Paul Harris Fellow Recognitions: Congratulations to Seamus Rooney and Dawn Mortimer on receiving your very first Paul Harris Fellow recognitions! Congratulations to Christopher Cole and Justin Tiano on reaching your next level of Paul Harris. Thank you all for your extraordinary commitment and service to our club.
*Service Above Self Award Winners: Jim Mortimer and Christopher Cole
*Bill Gullborg Award: Marcy Herring Santel
*Rotarian of the Year:
Impact Club: Emily Garcia
McMurray Rotary Club: Kate Winter Cole
An evening like Tuesday doesn't happen without a lot of hard work behind the scenes. I want to share my gratitude to:
*Our Board of Directors, thank you for all of your guidance, hard work, and support over the last six months to get us to this point.
*Pamela Tiano, thank you for coordinating and setting up our space at Juniper. We received so many wonderful compliments about the evening!
*Daisy N' Joys, thank you for the incredible dessertsāthey went over incredibly well and were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. If you arenāt familiar, this is our server from Bubbaās, Chaney.
*Tony Zuloaga, thank you for your tireless efforts in organizing our awards every year. Your dedication keeps these traditions going!
Al DeLucia, thank you for stepping in to pass me the gavel. On a personal note, it meant the world to me. Al, you are not just the backbone of this club; you have become such a trusted source of guidance for me, and I am incredibly grateful. And Happy Belated Birthday :) Iām sorry we forgot to sing to you.
Our Vision for the New Year: Creating Lasting Impact
As I shared in my closing remarks, we are already a great club. We do not need to reinvent the wheel this year.
Instead, my goal is simple:
I want this club to be something you are deeply proud of.
I want this to be a place where you feel good walking through the door, or at least feel even better when you leave.
I want us to be a club that you are proud to be a member of and something you are genuinely excited to share with others.
The International Rotary theme, āCreate Lasting Impact,ā reminds us to focus on our long-term purpose. While it doesn't change our day-to-day actions as Rotarians, it helps us think deeply about what we do and its legacy. As the saying goes, real legacy is planting trees under whose shade you may never sit. That is what we are doing here, creating a lasting impact that outlives our immediate efforts.
I am excited for our Rotary year ahead, and Iām honored to continue to serve as your Club President.
Wishing you all a happy, relaxing, and safe 4th of July weekend!
Kate Cole
President | McMurray Rotary Club/McMurray Rotary Impact Club
*More Pics to Come!* Feel free to send me any you have!
