Rotary Club of Newport
2026-27 Meeting Archive
October 8, 2026
At our October 8 meeting, Tosh McIntosh from the Newport Food Pantry shared how the pantry supports individuals and families in our community. We also celebrated Brian Gardner as our October Rotarian of the Month, selected by September’s honoree, Tonya Saxton. Congratulations, Brian, and thank you to Tosh for sharing the pantry’s important work!
This Week's Program
Today's Invocation
Tosh McIntosh from the Newport Food Pantry
October Rotarian of the Month
Brian Gardner
Tonya Saxton, Aimee Thompson, Brian Gardner
October 1, 2026
The Rotary Club of Newport held its October 1 meeting at the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building on the Hatfield Marine Science Center campus. Our guest speaker was Lisa Ballance, Director of Oregon State University’s Marine Mammal Institute, who shared the fascinating story behind the new blue whale exhibit at Hatfield. The whale washed ashore in Southern Oregon in 2015, providing a rare opportunity to give it a second life as an educational exhibit. Working with Dinosaur Valley Studios, the Marine Mammal Institute transformed the whale’s remains into an extraordinary display that returned to Oregon in May 2026 and is now on exhibit at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Thank you to Lisa for sharing the story behind this remarkable addition to our community!
The Blue Whale Skeleton Exhibit at Oregon State University's Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport
Today's Invocation
September 24, 2026
The Newport Rotary Club held its regular meeting on September 24, 2026, with a program honoring Newport High School’s September Students of the Month. Club members welcomed Avery Chandler and Alexandra Curtis and congratulated them on receiving this well-deserved honor. Both students gave speeches about their current activities and experiences at Newport High School, as well as their plans for life after graduation.
Aimee Thompson with September Students of the Month Avery Chandler and Alexandra Curtis
Today's Invocation
September 17, 2026
The Rotary Club of Newport held its regular meeting on September 17, 2026, with an informative program presented by Wayne Couto, who shared insights about tourism in Newport and its importance to our community. Members enjoyed learning more about the role tourism plays in our local area and economy. A special thank you goes to Marcia Buckley for stepping in for Aimee Thompson and doing a great job leading today’s meeting. We appreciate everyone who joined us for another enjoyable and informative Rotary gathering!
Wayne Couto
September 3, 2026
The Rotary Club of Newport welcomed Lincoln County Commissioner Walter Chuck as the featured speaker at its September 3, 2026, regular meeting. Commissioner Chuck provided an informative update on current issues, projects, and activities taking place throughout Lincoln County, giving members a valuable look at what is happening in our local community. Also during the meeting, Newport Rotarian Tanya Saxton was named the September Rotarian of the Month by August Rotarian of the Month Noelle Cavanagh. Congratulations to Tanya on this well-deserved recognition!
Lincoln County Commissioner Walter Chuck
Noelle Cavanaugh, Tonya Saxton & Aimee Thompson
Today's Invocation
August 27, 2026
The Rotary Club of Newport’s August 27, 2026 meeting featured an informative update on the City of Newport’s 2026 bond. Newport Mayor Jan Kaplan and City Manager Nina Vetter provided an excellent presentation, sharing important information and updates with club members. The meeting also included a special Rotary recognition as Newport Rotarian Noelle Cavanaugh received her first Paul Harris Fellow recognition. Congratulations, Noelle!
Nina Vetter and Jan Kaplan
Today's Invocation
Aimee Thompson and Noelle Cavanaugh
August 20, 2026
The August 20th meeting of the Rotary Club of Newport featured a fascinating program from Chanel Hason of the Elakha Alliance, who shared the organization’s efforts to bring sea otters back to the Oregon coast. Chanel explained the important role sea otters once played in Oregon’s coastal ecosystem and the work being done to explore their potential reintroduction. It was an informative, engaging, and very well-done presentation that gave Rotarians a great opportunity to learn more about what the return of sea otters could mean for Oregon’s coast.
August 20, 2026 Program: Chanel Hason- Elakha Alliance
Today's Invocation
August 13, 2026
The August 13th meeting of the Rotary Club of Newport featured an excellent program from staff members of the Children’s Advocacy Center of Lincoln County, who shared the important services they provide to support and protect youth throughout Lincoln County. The club also celebrated two special recognitions: Guy Faust received an award honoring his dedicated work to eliminate microplastics from Oregon beaches, and Rotarian Tanya Saxton was recognized for receiving her third Paul Harris Fellow award. Congratulations to Guy and Tanya, and thank you to the Children’s Advocacy Center for a very informative and meaningful program!
Program
Shellie Russell, Alexis Hiner and Jill Wagner from the Children's Advocacy Center of Lincoln County
Guy Faust Receives Microplastic Award
Rick Day and Guy Faust
Tonya Saxton Receives a Paul Harris
Aimee Thompson and Tonya Saxton
Today's Invocation
August 6, 2026
At the August 6 meeting of the Rotary Club of Newport, members welcomed Lincoln County School District Superintendent Majalise Tolan and Director of Secondary Education Aaron Belloni for an informative update on the district's bond projects and Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs. They shared exciting progress on school improvements and highlighted how CTE opportunities are preparing students for success in college and the workforce. The club also celebrated two special recognitions: Noelle Cavanaugh was honored as Rotarian of the Month for August for her outstanding service, and Julia Dobies received a Paul Harris Fellow recognition in appreciation of her generous financial support. Congratulations to both for their dedication and commitment to Rotary's mission.
Program
Majalise Tolan & Aaron Belloni- LCSD
August Rotarian of the Month- Noelle Cavanaugh
Julia Dobies, Noelle Cavanaugh, Aimee Thompson
Julia Dobies Receives a Paul Harris
Julia Dobies & Aimee Thompson
July 30, 2026
At our July 30, 2026 Rotary Club of Newport meeting, President Aimee Thompson introduced members to the many online resources available through Rotary. She highlighted the wealth of information found on Rotary's websites, including tools to help members learn more about Rotary's mission, explore service opportunities, develop leadership skills, and stay connected with Rotary projects around the world. Aimee encouraged everyone to take advantage of these valuable resources to deepen their knowledge of Rotary and become even more engaged in the work of our club and the larger Rotary community.
Newport Rotary President Aimee Thompson
July 23, 2026
The Rotary Club of Newport enjoyed an inspiring meeting on July 23, 2026 as fellow Rotarian Kathy Heater shared highlights from her dental mission trip to Jamaica with the Thousand Smiles Foundation. Her presentation showcased the life-changing work of volunteer dental professionals who restore smiles and improve the quality of life for people with severe dental needs. It was an eye-opening program, and members were proud to support this important humanitarian effort. The club donated $2,000 for much needed supplies. We also enjoyed a special visit from two of our former Rotary Youth Exchange students, Alessandro Vinco (Italy) and Sofia Bravo Poblete (Chile) from the 2023–24 school year. It was wonderful to welcome them back and hear about their continued journeys.
Kathy Heater and Aimee Thompson
Changing lives in Jamaica!!
Alessandro Vinco from Italy
Sofia Poblete fro Chile
July 16, 2026
The Newport Rotary Club meeting on July 16 was led by incoming President Julia Dobies—thank you, Julia, for stepping in and guiding the meeting. Rather than a traditional program, members participated in a meaningful service project by writing greeting cards to local veterans, new mothers, and students who received Newport Rotary scholarships as they prepare to begin their college journeys. These simple but heartfelt messages remind each recipient that our Rotary family is thinking of them, appreciates the sacrifices of our veterans, and celebrates the accomplishments of our scholarship recipients. We also had the pleasure of welcoming short-term Youth Exchange student Giulia Zago from Trieste, Italy. Welcome to Newport, Giulia—we're excited to have you with us!
Service Project- Members create greeting cards!!
Giulia Zago and Julia Dobies
July 9, 2026
At this week’s meeting, we welcomed Aimee Thompson as she began her presidency of the Newport Rotary Club and celebrated the one-year anniversary of our move to the Pacific Maritime Heritage Center. Our featured speaker was Dan Howard, Executive Director of the Newport Symphony Orchestra. Aimee recognized Julia Dobies as Rotarian of the Month, and we officially welcomed Jim King as a member of the club. We also said a heartfelt farewell to our Rotary Youth Exchange student, Maureen Meert of Belgium, as she attended her final meeting before returning home. Maureen has been a wonderful part of our Rotary family, and she will be greatly missed!
Dan Howard and Aimee Thompson
New Member- Jim King!!
July Rotarian of the Month Julia Dobies
