_og.png)
Want to see the latest from our Rotary Club in real-time? Follow us on social media to stay updated on our service projects, upcoming events, and community impact.
Facebook: facebook.com/RCOPSunrise
Instagram: instagram.com/rotaryorangeparksunrise
YouTube: youtube.com/@RotaryOPSunrise
X (formerly Twitter): x.com/RotaryOPSunrise
We’d love to connect with you! Join the conversation, share our mission, and help spread the spirit of Service Above Self.
We are thrilled to share that the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise has been honored with the Platinum Level EPIC Award for the 2024-2025 Rotary year! This recognition from Zones 33/34 is a celebration of our club’s collective creativity, commitment, and dedication to living out the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.
The EPIC Award—standing for Engage, Promote, Inspire, and Connect—recognizes clubs that go above and beyond in enhancing Rotary’s public image. For us, public image isn’t just about social media posts or event flyers. It’s about telling the powerful story of Rotary. It’s about showing our community who we are, what we do, and why it matters. When people see the impact of Rotary, they are more likely to engage, partner, and join our mission.
We’re also proud to stand alongside several other clubs in District 6970 who have earned this recognition.
This award is a meaningful reminder that our efforts—both big and small—are making a difference. It also challenges us to keep pushing forward, to keep telling Rotary’s story with authenticity, energy, and heart.
We can’t wait to see what the new Rotary year brings. Let’s keep up the momentum and continue to show the world the beautiful work of Rotary.
THE GAVEL HAS BEEN PASSED!
We are proud to welcome Steve Underwood as our new Club President for 2025–2026!
At our annual induction ceremony, more than 70 members, guests, and district officers gathered in celebration as Mr. Underwood took the oath of office.
The evening also honored outstanding individuals who exemplify the spirit of service and dedication:
Club Rotarian of the Quarter: Goran Fredrikson
Club Rotarian of the Year: Guy Lynch
Service Above Self Awards: Jenielle Holderfield & Randy Bowman
Special recognition was given to:
Dale Moe – District 6970 DG
Theresa Shuster – District 6970 Assistant to the DG
Kim Richardson – Club Treasurer
Gordon Reynolds – Club Goals
Susan Hill – Club Administrative Assistant
Steve Underwood – Incoming Club President
Lynn Underwood & Sherry Mallicoat
Congratulations to everyone, and here’s to a year of impactful leadership and continued service above self!
Our very own Glenn Warren was recognized as a new Major Donor Level 1 at the District 6970 Conference held June 6–7. Congratulations, Glenn—our club is incredibly proud of you!
In Rotary, a Major Donor Level 1 is an individual or couple who has cumulatively contributed between $10,000 and $24,999 to The Rotary Foundation. This recognition is based on personal contributions, not recognition points. Major Donors at this level may receive a crystal recognition piece and a commemorative pin.
Rotary would not be able to make a global impact or respond to the needs of vulnerable communities without the generosity of donors like Glenn. Thank you for putting "Service Above Self" into action.
The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise is proud to recognize Albert Hon, a longtime and deeply committed member who currently serves as Club Director. As he celebrates 25 years of perfect attendance this month at our Installation Banquet, we reflect on his remarkable journey and the legacy of service he continues to build.
Albert joined the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise in the summer of 2000. Not long after his induction, he was asked to chair the club’s program speakers for the upcoming year. That early invitation to serve made a lasting impact. “I believe I remain a Rotarian 25 years later because I was put to work shortly after my induction,” Albert shared. “Since then, I’ve felt like part of the Rotary team.”
His involvement quickly expanded. Over the years, Albert has held numerous leadership roles within the club, working his way from Sergeant at Arms to Treasurer, Secretary, President-Elect, and eventually President during the 2013–2014 Rotary year. His consistent leadership and support of club initiatives have made him a trusted and valued voice on the Board of Directors, where he has served for the past ten years under ten different club presidents.
Albert’s steadfast commitment reflects his personal mission: to serve others, especially those less fortunate. “Service has always been a part of my life, and Rotary has opened that path,” he says.
Please join us in celebrating Albert Hon—not only for 25 years of perfect attendance, but for 25 years of making a difference through Rotary.
Rotary is the world’s largest, most financially sound, and most powerful service and networking organization—active in more countries than any other organization in the world.
But what does that really mean?
It means that every minute of every day, Rotary is at work:
-
Feeding someone
-
Housing someone
-
Vaccinating someone
-
Performing surgery on someone
-
Comforting someone
-
Providing clean water to someone
Rotary isn’t just a club—it’s a movement. One that brings people of action together to tackle the world’s toughest challenges, both locally and globally. Whether you’re interested in youth mentorship, disaster relief, education, or clean water initiatives, Rotary gives you the platform, the people, and the purpose.
Perks of Membership:
-
Lifelong friendships and professional networking
-
Skill development in leadership, public speaking, and event planning
-
Opportunities to serve both at home and abroad
-
A chance to leave a legacy of positive change
This is Rotary. Are you ready to make a difference?
Email our Membership Chair, Guy Lynch, by clicking his photo on the left-hand side of this page.
We’re excited to share the news that Duane Mallicoat, current President of the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise, will step into a new leadership role as Area 3 Governor for Membership for District 6970 beginning July 1, 2025.
Duane has been a dedicated Rotarian for six years, bringing enthusiasm and consistent leadership to everything he takes on. As President of the Orange Park Sunrise Club (serving through June 30, 2025), he has helped strengthen the club’s outreach, service, and impact in the local community. His upcoming role as Area Governor will see him supporting and guiding the membership efforts of six clubs within Area 3:
-
E-Club of Northeast Florida
-
Rotary Club of Fleming Island
-
Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs
-
Rotary Club of Orange Park (Noon)
-
Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunset
-
Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise
Duane’s Rotary journey is marked by commitment and recognition. He has twice been named Sunrise Club Rotarian of the Year for the 2020–2021 and 2023–2024 Rotary years—an honor reflecting his dedication to service and club growth. He has also contributed as the Club Program Chair, coordinating engaging guest speakers, and as a valued member of the District Grant Committee, helping to ensure the successful implementation of impactful service projects.
Please join us in congratulating Duane on this well-deserved appointment. His leadership and passion for Rotary will continue to inspire others across Area 3 and beyond!
Join us as we commemorate the resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering spirit of those who have served—and continue to serve the community. This includes Service Members, First Responders, Health Care Workers, Pharmacy Staff, Grocery Store Employees, Teachers, Truck Drivers, and Delivery Personnel.
To learn more, please visit: https://oprotarysunrise.com/flags-for-heroes.php
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact our Public Image Chair, Jenielle, at [email protected].
The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise is proud to support the youth of Clay County by sponsoring two Interact Clubs—at Ridgeview High School and St. Johns Classical Academy. These clubs are part of Rotary International’s youth service program and serve as a platform for students ages 12 to 18 to explore leadership, community service, and global citizenship.
What is Interact?
An Interact Club is a youth-led service organization sponsored by local Rotary clubs. Through Interact, students gain valuable leadership experience, connect with like-minded peers, and take part in meaningful service initiatives that benefit their communities and beyond.
Although project themes vary by year, some examples of Interact service projects include:
-
Creating hygiene kits for domestic violence shelters
-
Collecting non-perishable food items for local food banks
-
Fundraising for Rotary’s global initiative, End Polio Now
These projects demonstrate how students are capable of making a real impact when given the tools and support to lead. Under the leadership of Paul Arnett Goodier, the club’s Youth Services Chair, the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise continues to mentor and guide Interact members as they discover the power of Service Above Self.
Through Interact, students learn that leadership starts with compassion—and that every act of service, big or small, can help build a better future.
Serving Up Hope: Tennis 4 Cancer Tournament a Smash Success!
Our Rotary Club is proud to celebrate another inspiring Tennis 4 Cancer Tournament—a weekend filled with sunshine, sportsmanship, and service. Thank you to the incredible volunteers, generous sponsors, enthusiastic participants, and all those who came out to support the cause. Your energy and commitment made this event a memorable one!
As longtime volunteer Connie Dale Wilson shared, “It’s as much fun to volunteer as it is to play. What a great group!” Her words perfectly capture the spirit of the tournament—where fun and philanthropy come together for a greater good.
All proceeds from the event benefit local charities supporting cancer patients and survivors. While the final numbers are still being tallied, one thing is certain: every serve, swing, and smile made a difference.
To learn more about the cause and the impact of Tennis 4 Cancer, visit tennis4cancer.org.
Stay tuned—we’ll be sharing total fundraising results soon!
The 2025 Rotary International Convention is fast approaching, taking place from June 21–25 in Calgary, Canada. This global gathering offers Rotarians numerous opportunities to connect, learn, and share experiences with fellow members who share similar interests.
One notable event is the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) Breakfast, scheduled for the morning of Wednesday, June 25, 2025. This breakfast is open to all Rotarians, especially those who have participated in RLI programs. It's an excellent occasion to network with peers and discuss leadership development within Rotary.
RLI is a multi-district, grassroots leadership development program recommended by Rotary International. It aims to provide quality education in Rotary knowledge and leadership skills to Rotarians interested in enhancing their participation and to those identified by clubs as potential leaders. The skills acquired through RLI are beneficial both in Rotary service and personal endeavors.
The registration fee for the RLI Breakfast is $50. To register, please visit the Rotary Leadership Institute website at https://rotaryleadershipinstitute.org/. You will be redirected to sign in with your DACdb account to complete the registration process.
Savor a delicious breakfast while connecting with Rotarians from around the world!
Our President-Elect Steve Underwood and member Ann Tabor thoroughly enjoyed their weekend at the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI), hosted at Daytona State College’s Deland campus!
Both proudly graduated from the three-part series, completing Part 3, where they learned about Rotary history, leadership development, the importance of public image, and more. Steve is excited to lead our club into the future during his 2025–2026 presidency.
Congratulations to both of you on this accomplishment—our club is proud of you both!
It's that time again for the annual District 6970 Conference!
Dates: Friday and Saturday, June 6th and 7th
Location: Hilton Oceanfront Resort, Daytona Beach, FL
Kick off the weekend Friday evening with a delicious Low Country Boil patio while enjoying fellowship, fun, and family-friendly games with Rotarians from across the district!
Start Saturday off with an eye-opening breakfast, be inspired all day by motivational speakers and impactful presentations, and join Northeast Florida Rotarians for a power lunch and leadership insights that will energize your Rotary journey.
Then, cap it all off with our District Awards Dinner, and dance the night away with the big band music of Crescendo Amelia!
Weekend Highlights:
Friday Night Kickoff
• Enjoy a tasty Low Country Boil while networking with Rotary members across the district!
Saturday Sessions
• Get inspired by motivational speakers and discussions that energize your Rotary Journey.
• Awards Dinner & Celebration
• End the weekend with a night of recognition, live entertainment, and dancing!
• Join the Rotaract members in a beach cleanup
Register here: District Conference - Rotary International District 6970
_og.png)
Celebrating 25 Years of Service: Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise — People of Action
On May 2, 2000, the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise was officially chartered, proudly sponsored by the Rotary Club of Orange Park. This year, we celebrate 25 years of unwavering service, fellowship, and dedication to making our community and the world a better place.
For a quarter of a century, our club has been a shining example of what it means to be People of Action—a global movement within Rotary that reflects the very spirit that drives us forward. Through impactful service projects, strong community partnerships, and professional networking opportunities, we've remained steadfast in our mission to serve others above self.
While Rotary is a name many people recognize, not everyone understands the depth of our work or the heart behind it. That’s where the People of Action campaign comes in. It answers the essential question: "What is Rotary?"
Rotary is made up of committed volunteers—neighbors, friends, and leaders—who channel their skills and expertise into meaningful projects that solve real problems. From feeding the hungry and supporting education, to improving access to clean water and promoting peace, we don’t just talk about making a difference—we take action.
The Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise embodies this idea every day. Whether it's organizing local initiatives or supporting global efforts, our members consistently rise to the occasion. We come together not just to serve, but to inspire change, build relationships, and strengthen our communities.
As we reflect on 25 years of service, we look ahead with excitement and renewed commitment. We remain united by the same guiding principle that has always connected us: We are People of Action.
Want to see the impact firsthand? Check out our YouTube channel to hear directly from our members as they share why they joined Rotary and what it means to them. Their stories reflect the heart of Rotary — connection, service, and purpose.
Thank you to all our members, past and present, and to the greater Orange Park community for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 25 years of service, leadership, and impact.
“Spread The Word”
The Club Continental is now offering 25% off weddings and receptions (Friday, Saturdays & Sundays) for dates between January 2025 – Sept. 2025!!!
Hurry as dates are limited and on a first-come, first-served basis!
For those planning a more intimate affair, we also offer micro-weddings and elopement packages offered mid-week and booked within 4 months of the date!
Reservations are required and we will require credentials. You can reach the club at (904) 264-6070 to make reservations.
Come, be a part of our history!!!
Happy Easter from the Rotary Club of OP Sunrise!
This Easter, let’s celebrate the joy of giving, the beauty of community, and the hope of renewal. Together, we continue to make a difference in the world, one act of kindness at a time. Wishing you and your loved ones a wonderful holiday filled with love, laughter, and happiness!
#RotaryInternational #HappyEaster #ServiceAboveSelf
Our Rotary Club is honored to have celebrated 25 years of service in Clay County, Florida, and beyond. The anniversary event was filled with delicious food, delightful cake, and, most importantly, the cherished company of fellow Rotarians and friends. It was a memorable evening that highlighted the impact we've made together over the past quarter-century.
Club member Trudie Mitchell shared her sentiments:
"What a nice celebration dinner last night. I’m proud to have been part of so many of the memories shared. You are special, and I’m blessed to call you my friends."
As we reflect on our journey, we're filled with gratitude for the dedication and camaraderie that define our club. Here's to the next 25 years of service, fellowship, and making a difference in our community and the world.
Congratulations to Guy Lynch, our dedicated Membership Chair, on being named the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise's "3rd Quarter Rotarian of the Quarter!"
Guy's exceptional contributions include:
-
Developing and completing our membership business cards
-
Producing engaging "Why Join Rotary" videos for our website
-
Implementing the club's new member mentoring program
His unwavering commitment and hard work have significantly enhanced our club's outreach and member engagement. Please join us in congratulating Guy on this well-deserved recognition!
Thank you to the team at Clay Today for publishing an article on the Rosani Lens Project and the collaborative efforts of Clay County's finest Rotary clubs: the Rotary Club of Fleming Island, Inc., the Rotary Club of Green Cove Springs, the Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise, and the Orange Park Rotary Club!
Our Club President Duane, and member Lee represented our Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise! Thank you both for your service.
We were able to provide the gift of sight to hundreds of Bahamians in such a short period of time. A special thank you to the Bahamian Rotary clubs involved as well.
If you are interested in donating reading eyeglasses, sunglasses, and/or a financial donation, please email Randy Robb: [email protected].
Our district's next Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is a great opportunity for all Rotarians to strengthen their clubs:
- Saturday, May 3
- 8 AM to 3 PM
- Daytona State College at Deland
- "Know what Rotary is."
- "Network and hear different ideas."
- "Learn that Rotary is way bigger than your club."
- "Self-confidence: I can now present good ideas to my club."
There are three ways for members to register:
- Use your phone to scan the QR code on the attached flyer.
- Use DACdb's calendar in the "district" tab.
- Use the link, below.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER
Embark on an exhilarating journey of connection and inspiration at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary! Engage in riveting discussions, learn from distinguished speakers, and explore enlightening breakout sessions against the backdrop of Calgary's picturesque beauty nestled amid the Canadian Rockies.
Fueled by friendship and a spirit of collaboration, exchange best practices, ignite innovative projects, and form lifelong connections with fellow changemakers from around the world.
Take part in this transformative, one-of-a-kind event and experience the Magic All Around at the 2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 21-25 June 2025.
Register here: https://convention.rotary.org/en-us
As we welcome 2025, we reflect on the incredible moments we've shared and the positive impact we've made together. Thank you for your unwavering support and dedication to our community. Here's to a year filled with new opportunities, growth, and continued service above self.
Wishing you and your loved ones a prosperous and joyful New Year!
On Sunday, December 21, our Rotary family gathered for a wonderful evening of holiday cheer at the home of Dave and Mona Gardella. It was a night filled with laughter, great food, and plenty of festive spirits!
From heartfelt conversations to raising a glass in celebration, the night was a perfect way to wrap up the year and reflect on all we’ve accomplished as a club. Thank you to everyone who joined us—we’re grateful for each and every one of you!
Here’s to another year of Service Above Self and making a difference in 2025!
#RotaryChristmasParty #Fellowship #ServiceAboveSelf #HolidayCelebration
_og.png)
Thank you to our Rotary Club of Orange Park Sunrise members for donating 250+ items to the SJCA Interact Club food drive at Saint Johns Classical Academy!
Your generosity helped us surpass last year’s donation total. A total of 2,444 items were collected this year to support Clay County families facing food insecurity. The donated items were delivered to Good Samaritan Anglican Church in Middleburg for their November food giveaway on Sunday, 11/23.
This month, over 144 Clay County families benefited from our donations. The church expressed deep gratitude for the incredible generosity of our club, as well as the SJCA students and staff.
Thank you for making a difference in our community!
#ServiceAboveSelf #RotaryCares #FightingHunger #CommunityImpact
We extend our warmest wishes as we celebrate the spirit of Thanksgiving, emphasizing the importance of community and service. Join us in spreading joy and gratitude this holiday season!