|
Hello, A Team!!!!,
Greetings, Fellow Rotarians
We were met with a very cold and snowy February, but we kicked off with a huge 30th Anniversary Breakfast celebration. Over 130 people were in attendance at Salem Baptist Church (thanks, Arlen). 15 of our community partners and fellow Rotarians had a great breakfast prepared by my son, Chef Nick! Frittatas, bacon, homemade biscuits! We had a great morning thanking all our charity partners with plaques and Rotary coins. Thanks to Wayne D. and Tom W. and the whole committee for making this a very special occasion. Special thanks also to the clean-up crew and the wait staff for making the whole process run smoothly.
Another great month for woodchucking as Joe, Knight, and Jesse lead us in getting wood to those in need and adding monies to the foundation. We are now over 130 free loads and will finish up $13,000 in the fundraising portion. Thanks to all who have been putting forth great effort week in and week out.
Our first speaker of the month was Andrea Ahonen. CEO of our great community partner, Goochland Cares. She did an excellent job updating us on the state of the union and the many opportunities we will continue to have partnering with them in 2025. Sally told me she has no worries, handing over the reins of GC to Andrea. Thanks Andrea.
Next up was Meaghan Randolph from Virginia Relay! Great charity that brings help to the deaf and those with speech impediments. The help comes in the form of telephones that transform speech into written text so individuals can read what is being said. They are helping over 3000 families across Virginia. Thanks, Meaghan, and keep up the great work!
Our third speaker was our very own Sheriff Creasey. I am always amazed at the amount of work he and is deputies do to keep us safe. We are very lucky to have him leading our law enforcement, so thank you, Steven, and keep up the fantastic work!
Lastly, but certainly not least, our Foundation Chair, Paul Costello, delivered a great explanation for moving forward with an endowment fund. This will allow us to have funds in our foundation in perpetuity. The idea is certainly a new concept for us, but we can take our time and decide if it is the best process for us. I want to take this opportunity to thank Paul and his Foundation Committee for all their work in pushing a new and sustainable course for our great Rotary Club.
We also sent 6 students from GHS, Benedictine and St Gertrude to participate in RYLA on February 14th and 15th at the 4H club in Waverly, Va. Thanks again to Vern for dropping them off and picking them up. All had a great time and will be in our meeting soon to share their experience.
Wow, what a great month again. As always, thanks for all you do, and don’t forget these events in March! Rotary Reads March 7th, GEF Essay Contest March 7th weekend, GEF Gala March 14th, and Fireside Chat TBD.
Yours in Rotary Service,
John Aaron
President, 2024-2025
| |
|
February 7, 2025
Today, Andrea Ahonen, CEO of Goochland Cares, was our speaker. She spoke about the programs Goochland Cares is currently running. We also heard about how Goochland Cares is honoring Sally Graham’s service with the Sally Graham fund, which has raised 1.1 million for Goochland Cares.
| |
|
February 14, 2025
Today, our speaker was Meaghen Randolph, Outreach Coordinator, Virginia Relay.
| |
Pictured: Meaghen Randolph | |
|
February 21, 2025
Today, Steven Creasey - Goochland Sheriff Office Update
Sheriff Steven Creasey talked to us about the state of the Goochland County Sheriff's Office. He spoke about the amount of staff in the Goochland Sheriff’s office and open positions. He also spoke about the calls the Sheriff’s office has been on. Goochland has a lot of traffic accidents. The accidents are caused by speed, reckless driving, and deer. There were 8 fatalities last year and none of those people were at fault. Sheriff Creasy asks that everyone slow down and pay attention while driving to decrease that number.
The Sheriff’s office got its 7th re-accreditation in 2024 with zero errors.
| Pictured: Sheriff Steven Creasy | |
|
February 28, 2025
Today is Club Assembly!
At today’s meeting we heard from Paul Costello about the Rotary Club of Goochland Foundation. The foundation is how we give money out to the community. Paul pitched to the Rotary club members the development of a 5 year strategic plan and the formation of an endowment that could provide more money to the club every year to be able to give more money to the community and to scholarships. This would be a long term goal for the club.
| |
- Wednesday, March 5th, 9 am, CATCH meeting at Sheriff's office
-
Friday, March 7th, 7:30 am, Goochland Rotary membership meeting at RCC
-
Friday, March 14th, 10 am, Impact Meeting Online
- Friday, March 7th, is the GEF Essay Contest deadline for entries. Need judges! Get with Cyndy.
- Saturday, April 12th, 9 am to 2 pm, District Training at Virginia Wesleyan University in Norfolk, Virginia.
- Wednesday, April 16th, 5:30 - 7 pm, 2025 Annual Community Recognition Dinner at Cub Scout Lodge
- Thursday, May 1st, 5 pm, Night at the Diamond, End Polio Now Game
- Saturday, May 3rd, 11 am - 3 pm, CATCH Event at Pin Oak Farm (Phil Gaeser's Farm)
-
November 6-9, District Conference at the Delta Hotel in Va. Beach.
| |
The Rotary Club of Goochland gave money to the Sheriff’s department from last month’s happy dollars. | |
Pictured: Sheriff Creasy and John Aaron | |
A donation to Goochland Public Schools for the books that are being bought to give to every fourth grader in Goochland Co. | |
Pictured: John Aaron, Robin Hillman | |
If interested in volunteering at the wood yard, purchasing wood, or becoming a sponsor of Goochland Rotary Woodchuckers, please contact us through our Fundraising Chair. | |
|
Woodchucking Sponsorship Levels:
Gold Level $500 (14" x 14" magnet)
Silver Level $250 (10" x 10" magnet)
Bronze Level $100 (8" x 8" magnet)
| |
|
Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities | |
Please visit our website to purchase Happy Dollars or participate in the 50/50 Raffle. February Happy Dollars Supports: Goochland Education Foundation We look forward to seeing you at our meeting! | |
|
Friday, March 7th
Be our guest at the Rotary Club of Goochland to hear from Emily Hines, Population Health Planner, Virginia Department of Health—Goochland County Community Health Survey. The meeting starts at 7:30 am and is held at the Richmond Country Club.
| |
|
Monday, March 10th
Board Meeting from 6 pm – 7 pm at St. Francis Episcopal Church, 1484 Hockett Rd, Manakin-Sabot, VA 23103.
| |
|
Friday, March 14th
Be our guest at the Rotary Club of Goochland to hear from Eddie Ferguson, Goochland Fire and Rescue. The meeting starts at 7:30 am and is held at the Richmond Country Club.
Our Impact Club will be meeting at 12:30 pm virtually (see below for link)
| |
|
Friday, March 21st
Be our guest at the Rotary Club of Goochland to hear from Patty Kruszewski, The Accidental Journalist, and Lanie's Story. The meeting starts at 7:30 am and is held at the Richmond Country Club.
| |
|
Friday, March 28th
Be our guest at the Rotary Club of Goochland to hear from Zann Nelson, a historical investigator, writer, and advocate for historical accuracy. The meeting starts at 7:30 am and is held at the Richmond Country Club.
Our Impact Club will be meeting at 12:30 pm virtually (see below for link)
| |
Appreciation from Goochland Day Foundation Sponsor Chair, Sandra Bolling, previous Secretary Karyl Cook and President, Carey Stagg all of whom attended the Rotary's 30th Anniversary Community Celebration. Check out the video: https://youtu.be/ulNfIKVzaR0?si=FoZRacFpImfwe4nn | |
|
GOOCHLAND COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
RESOLUTION OF RECOGNITION
WHEREAS, it is the desire of the Goochland County Board of Supervisors to give well deserved acknowledgement and recognition to the Rotary Club of Goochland on the celebration of its 30th anniversary; and
WHEREAS, the Rotary Club of Goochland received its charter from Rotary International in October, 1995; and
WHEREAS, for the past 30 years the members of the Rotary Club of Goochland have supported and participated in significant humanitarian efforts on a local and international level under the motto of “Service Above Self”; and
WHEREAS, the Goochland Rotary’s “signature” service projects are known as the “Woodchuckers” program which provides free wood to families in Goochland who use firewood as their primary source of winter heating, “CATCH” (Citizens and the Community Heroes) event to show love and appreciation to our First Responder Community, Rotary Holiday Meals for which club members deliver Thanksgiving and Christmas meals to needy families, and “Community Partners Awards Banquet” which provides a substantial monetary award to county employees who have demonstrated 'Service Above Self' outside of their daily work; and
WHEREAS, Goochland Rotary grants and service projects range from roadside cleanup, Meals on Wheels, Goochland Cares, Goochland Habitat for Humanity, Goochland Education Foundation, Goochland CASA, Goochland Pet Lovers, the Goochland Historical Society, Goochland YMCA, Boy Scouts of America Troop 710, Liberation Veterans Services, Goochland Day Foundation and the Goochland Christmas Mother; and
WHEREAS, the Goochland Rotary provides grants and support in the spirit of a public-private partnership with Goochland County - Goochland Fire Rescue, the Goochland Sheriff’s Office, Goochland Public Schools, and Goochland Recreation and Parks; and
WHEREAS, the Goochland Rotary also donates children’s books to local schools, sponsors a local 4th and 5th grade essay contest, provides mentors for students, sponsors of 2-6 high schoolers to Rotary Youth Leadership Academy and sponsors an annual $3,000 scholarship for a selected high school senior that resides in the county; and
WHEREAS, the Goochland Rotary continues to inspire, assist, and educate countless members and volunteers leaving a positive and lasting effect on their community and the surrounding region.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Goochland County Board of Supervisors hereby acknowledges, commends and recognizes the Rotary Club of Goochland on its 30th Anniversary and its extraordinary commitment to the county.
Tom Winfree, Chair
Goochland County Board of Supervisors
February 4, 2025
| |
30th Anniversary Celebration with Community Partners. | |
Enjoy some pictures from the January 30th event to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Goochland Rotary! | |
|
President – John Aaron
President Elect – Kevin Kelly
Secretary – Matthew Neels
Treasurer – Delbert Horn
Sergeant-at-Arms – Kaitlyn McClure
| |
You are invited to LIKE our Facebook page and visit our Instagram to view meeting information, guest speakers, pictures, event information, volunteer opportunities, and other related topics. Click any of the links below to check us out. | |
Goochland Rotary is a great way to get involved and give back to one of the best counties in Virginia. We support many of the local organizations that help keep Goochland moving forward, to include: GoochlandCares, Goochland County Public Schools, Goochland Sheriff Foundation, Goochland Fire-Rescue, Liberation Veteran Services, Goochland Christmas Mother, Habitat for Humanity, Goochland Family YMCA Bright Beginnings, Goochland CASA, etc. | |
|
Corporate Membership:
Two types of Corporate Memberships are available. A Primary Corporate Member is identical to an Active Member, with the exception that this individual can allow other approved, Secondary Corporate Members, to attend weekly club meetings in their place. A Secondary Corporate Member is employed within the same organization as their respective Primary Corporate Member, does not pay club dues, cannot be a Board member, and does not have a vote within club business. The Secondary Corporate Member can participate in committees and is required to attend a minimum of one meeting or club event quarterly. There is no maximum of Secondary Corporate Members per Primary Corporate Member. A Primary Corporate Member must maintain an Active membership to enable the Secondary members to continue their membership in the club.
Service Membership:
Service Members pay the same club dues as an Active club member. They are considered an Active member by Rotary International. Service members are required to attend a minimum of three meetings or club events per quarter. They will be required to complete a minimum of 20 hours of club service per year. Service Members cannot become a Board member, but they can participate in committees. They will not have voting rights within club business.
Family Membership:
A family member of an Active member is eligible to join the club in the Family Membership classification. The Family Member does not pay club dues and can attend a weekly meeting in the place of their Active family member. Family Members must attend at least one meeting or club event per quarter. Family Members cannot become a Board member, but they can participate in committees. They will not have voting rights within club business.
NEW Impact Club:
Meetings are scheduled bi-monthly at 12:30 PM on the 2nd and 4th Fridays via Zoom. All members and prospective members are invited to hear a review of upcoming Rotary service and fundraising events. Please feel free to bring your lunch and favorite beverage.
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85396542747?pwd=ov0mtMsaXFnn968WasbgR0X7ZasDHe.1
Meeting ID: 853 9654 2747
Passcode: 124380
Please reach out to Bruce Silverman, Membership Chair, for more information.
| |
Rotary Club of Goochland – www.goochlandrotary.com | | | | |
