At this week's meeting, President Tami Salisbury unveiled an inspiring roadmap for the 2026-2027 Rotary year, reminding us that while a Rotary presidency lasts only one year, the impact of our service can last a lifetime. Her theme, "Create Lasting Impact," challenges every member to think beyond individual projects and focus on building a legacy of service that will benefit the Rochester area and the world for years to come.

Understanding Rotary's Reach

Tami began by putting Rochester Rotary into the larger Rotary picture. She explained that Rotary is made up of three interconnected organizations:

• Our local club, where members build friendships and serve the Rochester community.
• Rotary International, connecting more than 46,000 clubs around the world.
• The Rotary Foundation, Rotary's global charitable arm, which supports humanitarian projects ranging from local grants to the worldwide effort to eradicate polio.

She also highlighted our place within District 6380 and Rotary's international network, reminding members that while our service begins locally, it connects us to a worldwide organization.

The Rochester Rotary Family

The club currently includes 75 active members and 10 honorary members, guided by a Board of Directors committed to keeping Rochester Rotary vibrant and growing. Tami emphasized that every committee, from Membership and Rotary Park to Youth Services, Rotary Foundation, Greeters, and our fundraising events, offers meaningful opportunities for members to become involved. There truly is a place for everyone to serve.

One Vision Built on Four Pillars

At the heart of the presentation was a simple but powerful vision:

One year. Impact that lasts.

To achieve that vision, Tami outlined four major priorities for the coming year.

Pillar One: Service Projects

Rotary's greatest strength has always been its willingness to roll up its sleeves and get to work.

This year, the Club plans to expand opportunities for members to serve through six or more hands-on projects. Several Tuesday meetings will become service projects instead of traditional speaker meetings, giving members the chance to work side-by-side while strengthening friendships.

Projects will include:

• Maintaining Rotary Gateway Park
• Supporting Neighborhood House
• Salvation Army Bell Ringing during Lagniappe
• Free Bikes for Kids
• Youth mentoring through Interact, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA), scholarships, and the Youth Exchange program

The goal is simple: more service, more participation, and more impact.

Pillar Two: Rochester Rotary Charities

Every grant Rochester Rotary awards begins with successful fundraising.

Tami reviewed the club's signature events that make this possible:

• Charities Golf Outing
• Poinsettia Sale
• Wine & Beer Tasting
• Happy Bucks

Together, these efforts have an ambitious goal of raising more than $75,000, with every dollar reinvested into scholarships and organizations serving our local community. Kyle Johnson will lead Rochester Rotary Charities during the coming year.

Pillar Three: Membership Growth

Strong clubs don't just recruit members—they engage them.

This year's membership goals include:

• Welcoming five new members
• Achieving 100% member retention
• Hosting engagement events centered around the Golf Outing and Wine & Beer Tasting
• Encouraging every member to invite prospective Rotarians to meetings

Tami reminded members that Rochester Rotary is looking for people with diverse talents, including marketing, public relations, bookkeeping, event planning, historical preservation, and, most importantly, people with a heart for service. With the club's 75th anniversary approaching in 2029, preserving our history will also become increasingly important.

Pillar Four: The Rotary Foundation

While Rochester Rotary changes lives locally, The Rotary Foundation expands that impact around the globe.

This year's Foundation priorities include:

• The Annual Fund
• Every Rotarian Every Year
• The Pig Roast fundraiser
• Continued support for PolioPlus
• Recognition through the Paul Harris Fellow program

As Tami noted, every contribution is multiplied through Rotary's worldwide network of service. Steve Oehler will chair Foundation efforts this year.

A Year Filled with Opportunities

The presentation also walked members through the Rotary calendar:

• Summer: Golf Outing, speakers, and service projects
• Fall: Rotary Park cleanup, Poinsettia Sales, and the Christmas Party
• Winter: Every Rotarian Every Year campaign and global grant support
• Spring: Rotary Park preparation, the Wine & Beer Tasting, and the Rotary Foundation Pig Roast

Everyone Has a Voice

Perhaps the most important message of the morning came at the end.

Tami encouraged every Rotarian to help shape the year by sharing ideas, volunteering to lead projects, and supporting one another. She challenged members to be constructive, assume good intentions, and remember that Rotary succeeds because members step forward—not because someone else does.

Ready...Set...Recruit!

To add a little fun to membership growth, Tami announced a year-long Membership Challenge.

Members will form recruiting teams, earn points for bringing guests to meetings, and score bonus points whenever a guest joins the club. The losing team? They'll be serving lunch to the winners at the end of the Rotary year!

As President Tami concluded, Rochester Rotary has accomplished remarkable things over the years—but the opportunities ahead are even greater. With service projects, fundraising, fellowship, and a commitment to growing our membership, the club is well positioned to continue creating lasting impact, one project, one member, and one act of service at a time.