"The beginning is always today." – Mary Wollstonecraft

Weekly Bulletin

       

PRESIDENT’S NOTE

CLUB UPDATES & ANNOUNCEMENTS

January Pop-Up Service Project – Food Drive

Our January Pop-Up Service Project is officially underway! Throughout the month of January, we will be collecting food donations to support local families in need. All items collected will be donated in February to St. John’s Food Pantry and the CDC Sharing Shelf. Thank you in advance for helping make this simple but impactful project a success — every contribution truly makes a difference.

Thank You – Rotary Tree Team

A big thank you to Deb and Linda for taking care of the Rotary Tree at the Barrow. Your time and attention helped represent Franklin Rotary beautifully during the holiday season, and we truly appreciate your dedication and Rotary spirit.

 

COMING UP THIS WEEK

Elevated at Dawndi’s – Dog Park Fundraiser Night

Don’t forget to make your reservations for Thursday, January 15, 2026, for our Elevated Evening at Dawndi’s, benefiting the Franklin Community Dog Park. A portion of the day’s proceeds will support this exciting project, and the evening will also serve as our club’s winter gathering.

Plan to meet in the bar area after your dinner for a casual Rotary fellowship gathering to celebrate the winter season. There is no set time, no speeches, and no program — just a relaxed get-together with fellow Rotarians, friends, and family. Come when you’re finished with dinner and enjoy the evening!

                        

Dog Park Project – How You Can Help

As we look ahead to the 2025–2026 Rotary year, the Community Dog Park remains a key focus for our club. We are beginning conversations around hosting a larger fundraising event and are seeking ideas, support, and volunteers to help push the project into its next stage of planning and progress.

If you have ideas, connections, or would like to help — whether through planning, sponsorships, logistics, or fundraising — please reach out to a member of the Dog Park Committee or someone in club leadership. Your energy and creativity are essential to making this project a reality.

LOOKING AHEAD

Planning for the Future of Franklin Rotary

The Board has continued conversations around succession planning to ensure the long-term strength and leadership of our club. Franklin Rotary thrives when members step up, share ideas, and support one another.

We encourage members to consider taking on a leadership role, specifically Vice President and Secretary. If you are interested in serving as President and are not currently on the Board, please contact Wendy Richardson to discuss a plan of action. More information and opportunities to engage will be shared as these conversations continue.

With gratitude,

   Jessica                       
 
                             
 
 
 
JESSICA ZACHERL, CLUB PRESIDENT 2025-2026
 
Links
*988 Suicide Hotline
*988 Suicide Hotline
Rotary Direct
Rotary Direct
UPCOMING SPEAKERS
Jan 13, 2026 12:00 PM
Jail Ministry
Jan 20, 2026 12:00 PM
Jan 27, 2026 12:15 PM
KEYSTONE FAMILY ALLIANCE
View entire list
UPCOMING DATES & EVENTS
Speaker Sign Ups
Aug 04, 2025 – Jul 01, 2026
 
January Pop Up Project - Food Drive
Jan 01, 2026 – Jan 31, 2026
 
An Elevate Evening for the Dog Park @ Dawndi's
Elevated @ Dawndi's Restaurant
Jan 15, 2026
12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
 
Franklin Rotary Winter / Holiday Celebration
Elevated @ Dawndi's Restaurant
Jan 15, 2026
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM
 
March Board Meeting
FICDA Conference Room
Mar 13, 2026 12:00 PM
 
View entire list
BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
Member Birthdays
Kyle Peasley
January 1
 
Ryan Rudegeair
January 5
 
Debra Wiegel
January 19
 
Chris Baxter
February 4
 
Michelle Reck
February 14
 
Laura Ordaz
February 18
 
Spouse Birthdays
Justin Zacherl
January 9
 
Join Date
Beth Mays
January 1, 1996
30 years
 
Chris Baxter
January 3, 1998
28 years
 
Dennis Hoover
January 4, 1977
49 years
 
Edward St. Clair
January 4, 2000
26 years
 
Dan Paulo
January 6, 1990
36 years
 
Diane McCall
January 6, 1991
35 years
 
David Gardner
January 12, 1989
37 years
 
Mark Gammello
January 12, 1991
35 years
 
Cinda Anderson-Richards
February 1, 2019
7 years
 
Don Owen
February 8, 1983
43 years
 
Wendy Richardson
February 9, 2024
2 years
 
Becky Witherup
February 10, 2023
3 years