News and Stories
For the December 2 club meeting we met in person and club members enjoyed a socially distanced, safe 
lunch at the Fredericksburg Expo Center before touring the brand new stadium for the Fredericksburg Nationals! During lunch we inducted Eva Scott to the club. Welcome Eva! Before our tour at the stadium we dropped off over 30 stockings for local children in need. Thanks to Jack Poland for organizing and for everyone’s support!
President Linda Knecht and Leigh Ann Poland delivered the club’s 16 frozen turkeys to S.E.R.V.E. (Stafford
Emergency Relief through Volunteer Efforts) . Check out the S.E.R.V.E Face Book page for the shopping list, load up your trunk then drive to 15 Upton Lane, Stafford. Volunteers will unload your donation from your trunk…..contactless ! #PeopleOfAction
The Rotary Club of Stafford presented SCPS Associate Superintendent Dr. Stanley Jones, Supervisor of Elective Programs Dr. Karen Duffy, and Stafford Education Foundation
Board Member Nicole Paradiso with a $5,500 donation to support both the SCPS SORA Virtual Library and Operation Warm. Thank you for supporting SCPS families!
A Statement from The Rotary Club of Stafford
June 10, 2020
The Rotary Club of Stafford is deeply concerned by the ongoing tensions dividing our
fellow citizens. There is no place for racism or intolerance in this world, country and
community.
Rotary prides itself on service above self, a core tenant of our mission throughout our
service. Our club is a diverse group of community leaders built on the foundations of
respect, trust and friendship. Any event that conflicts with these morals is of deep
concern.
Each time we gather, we pledge allegiance to fairness to all concerned and to build
goodwill and better friendships. We think, say, and do actions of which we are proud.
To overcome inequality, we pledge our influence in the local community for good. We
will strive to educate our communities to be the positivity we want to see in the world
and know there is an equal future for everyone.
An international organization, we know diversity is what brings us together. Different
ideas and experiences shape the world daily and make us who we are.
We condemn racism, brutality and violence. We support understanding, tolerance and
responsibility.
Be the change you want to see in the world. Be the role model for our children’s
children. Be a citizen who puts others above yourself. Be a mentor for those seeking to
understand. Be a person who exemplifies the ideals of Rotary.
The Stafford Rotary Club would like to recognize two outstanding Rotarians for the 2019-2020 year. While both are relatively new Rotarians, they have regularly and enthusiastically participated in club meetings, fundraisers and projects throughout the year. They both have sought to promote Stafford Rotary and Rotary International values in our community and within the circles of their vocations.
On June 24th, Tom Friedel was recognized with the Service Above Self award for his laser focus on every community project that the club took on. He has prepared and delivered dictionaries to Stafford County 3rd graders, packaged and delivered Thank You bags of classroom essentials to Stafford County Middle School teachers, and brought multiple Scout troops to our Meals of Hope local food-packing event. Tom offered fundraising ideas, promoted events by posting flyers all around the area, introduced the club to ScoutReach (which brings Scouting to underserved youth) and always brought the laughs and humor. Tom is the Senior Area Executive for the Aquia District of Boy Scouts of America, where he promotes citizenship and character development in the next generation.
Bob Sorkhe was recognized as the club’s Rotarian of the Year, for his dedication to service and his promotion of Rotary in our community. Bob was involved at every turn in our club projects, both large and small – hosting the Sounds of Summer events at the Fredericksburg Area Museum, preparing and delivering dictionaries, purchasing gifts for our Stafford County Middle School teachers and including employees in our Meals of Hope event. He generously dove in with his time and talents to ensure projects met the outlined goals of community impact. Bob promotes Stafford Rotary and Rotary International through his business dealings, shares the values of Rotary with his clients and keeps his Rotarian magazines front and center for customers to review. He is a Paul Harris Society member providing annual financial support to the Rotary International Foundation, helping to ensure the positive impacts of future community and international projects.
Bob is the owner and CEO of International Auto Specialists in Fredericksburg. While he is a modest gentleman, he is committed to community service, personal and professional standards of excellence and the growth of others in these same characteristics.
It is an honor to serve with these gentlemen !!
Tom Friedel and Bob Sorkhe
Stafford Rotary recognizes Lt. Jonathon Hensen, Stafford County Fire & Rescue Department, with a Rotary Foundation Paul Harris Fellow special recognition for his “Service Above Self” Vocational and Community Service. The monetary donation will be used by Fire & Rescue for special needs. Lt. Hensen joined the Department in 2009 and received his promotion to the rank of fire lieutenant in 2018. He has obtained various levels of training certifications such as paramedic, technical rescue and swift water rescue. He was instrumental in instituting a critical river marking system so that those in destress on the river can determine their location which will aid in rescue and he educates the public about river safety. Lt. Hensen also trains new firefighters, a critical time in a new firefighter’s career. Currently he is assigned as Station Officer at the Berea Fire Station which houses engine, truck, medic and the swift water rescue team. Thank you Lt. Hensen for your outstanding service to the People of Stafford County and our region.
Stafford Rotary Welcomes its newest member Jonathan Cole.
Jonathan is the General Manager of Rio Car Wash located at
70 Sebring Drive, Fredericksburg, VA. March 13, 2019
Stafford Rotary welcomes Stafford County Public School Superintendent, Dr. Scott Kizner who joined the Stafford School System in the fall of 2018. Dr. Kizner presented an overview and current status of the system he now directs and outlined a few of his goals. He also shared highlights of his 19 years as a school superintendent in many places. Stafford Rotary works closely with the school system having several collaborative projects including two Rotary Interact Clubs.
Stafford Rotarian & Youth Services Committee Chair John Lafley presents New Rotarian Danielle O’Toole with her Stafford Rotary Club New Member Certificate. Danielle is the Mountain View High School faculty sponsor to the Interact Club. Others in the photo are members of the Mountain View Interact Club. Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Interact clubs encourage young people to take action while helping them build international understanding and make new friends around the world.
Stafford Rotary receives special recognition from the Stafford County Public School System along with approximately 65 volunteers who recently provided over 600 backpacks stuffed with school supplies for SCPS students in need. Volunteers included SCPS staff along with business and community partners who helped make this event a success.
