District Celebration 2025-26 Recap

Rotarians from across District 5330 gathered today for an afternoon of celebration, recognition, reflection, and fellowship as members came together to honor the achievements of the 2025-26 Rotary year.

The District Celebration showcased the very best of Rotary — recognizing exceptional individuals, celebrating club accomplishments, remembering cherished members who have passed, and marking the transition to a new year of service and leadership.

District Governor Nyron’s theme, “The Power of Rotary: Unleash the Power of You,” served as the foundation for the event, highlighting the impact that individual Rotarians can have when they bring their talents, passion, and commitment to service.

Recognizing Outstanding Service

Several of the district’s highest honors were presented during the celebration.

The Award of Recognition was presented to Judy Zulfiqar and Helene Kalfuss for their dedication and contributions to Rotary.

Dan Goodrich received the prestigious Citation of Meritorious Service from the Trustees of The Rotary Foundation, recognizing his commitment to advancing Rotary’s humanitarian mission and supporting the work of The Rotary Foundation.

One of the afternoon’s most significant honors, the Rotary International Service Above Self Award, was presented to Cal Boothby. This award, Rotary’s highest recognition for individual Rotarians, celebrates exemplary humanitarian service and a commitment to putting the needs of others before oneself.

Governor Nyron also recognized a special group of Rotarians with the Power of Rotary Recognition, honoring those who exemplified the spirit of this year’s theme through their leadership, service, and dedication to District 5330. Recipients included Chad Farran, Christopher Webber, Linda White, Jackie Chatman, Chuck Weisbart, Mary Scott, Rob Haskins, Marilyn Sanderson, Bill Chase, Carol Pipitone, Al Rubio, Dan Cortese, Kevin Willis, and Allyson Transom.

Celebrating Club Excellence

The celebration also recognized clubs whose collective efforts have strengthened Rotary throughout the district.

These awards recognize clubs that have demonstrated exceptional commitment to membership growth, service projects, Foundation support, youth programs, and community impact throughout the year.

A Time of Reflection

One of the most meaningful moments of the day was the annual Celebration of Life Service, where members paused to remember and honor fellow Rotarians who passed away during the 2025-26 Rotary year. The ceremony provided an opportunity for reflection, gratitude, and remembrance as attendees celebrated the lives and legacies of those whose service and friendship helped shape District 5330.

As photographs and names were shared, members reflected on the countless ways these Rotarians contributed to their clubs, communities, and the Rotary family. Though they are no longer with us, their spirit of service continues through the lives they touched and the work they inspired.

Passing the Banner

The event concluded with a symbolic and meaningful tradition — the passing of the district banner.

District Governor Nyron formally passed leadership to District Governor-Elect Richard Lemire, marking the transition between Rotary years and celebrating the accomplishments of the past year while looking forward to the future.

As Governor Nyron reflected on a year centered around “The Power of Rotary: Unleash the Power of You,” members also received a preview of the coming year under Richard Lemire’s theme, “Celebrating Service and Friendship Since 1970.”

The theme honors District 5330’s rich history while recognizing the two elements that have defined Rotary for generations: meaningful service and lasting friendships. It serves as a reminder that while projects improve communities, it is the relationships formed through service that create the foundation of Rotary’s enduring impact.

Looking Ahead

The District 5330 Celebration was a powerful reminder that Rotary is more than meetings, projects, or awards. It is a community of people dedicated to making a difference while building friendships that last a lifetime.

As one Rotary year comes to a close and another begins, District 5330 moves forward with gratitude for the accomplishments of the past year, appreciation for those who have served, and excitement for the opportunities ahead.

Together, Rotarians throughout District 5330 continue to prove that when service and friendship come together, extraordinary things happen.