Downtown Suffolk Rotary Club

Join us tomorrow to recognize the winners of our 2026 Community Service scholarships! The recipients will be sharing details about their community service and the benefits of the scholarship.

Nominations are being accepted online for Suffolk First Citizen. Nominate a worthy individual today! www.suffolkfirstcitizen.com

Thank you to Lindsay Richardson and the team at the Suffolk News Herald for the continuing publicity for the event!

Tickets will be available starting June 1. Keep an eye out for our early-bird pricing!

As always, please direct any cares and concerns to Lydia at [email protected].

Nominations will be open soon!

The Suffolk First Citizen Award is the city’s most prestigious civic honor, presented annually to an individual whose leadership, service, and commitment to community have made a lasting impact on the lives of others. Since its founding in 1956, the award has recognized residents who exemplify the highest ideals of citizenship and who work to make Suffolk a stronger, more compassionate place to live.

The Suffolk First Citizen Award not only celebrates individual achievement but also serves as a reminder of the power of service, the importance of community leadership, and the enduring legacy of those who give generously of their time and talents. The annual Suffolk First Citizen ceremony brings together residents, leaders, and supporters to honor the recipient and to inspire others to lead with purpose and serve with heart.

Read more about the 2025 nominee here:
https://www.suffolkfirstcitizen.com/joyce-trump

Join us this Thursday at 1 PM as we welcome Melissa, Founder and Executive Director of Firm Foundation.

Melissa is dedicated to rebuilding the lives of homeless mothers and their children, inspired by nearly 30 years of service to families in need. Through her work, she recognized the critical need for transitional housing, which led her to create Firm Foundation.

We look forward to an inspiring program.

We’re looking forward to a special presentation at this week’s meeting, “A Brief History of Birdsong Peanuts and Peanuts 101,” presented by our very own Everett Birdsong.

Everett’s connection to Birdsong Peanuts spans nearly 42 years. Fresh out of college, he began his career with the company and now serves as Vice President of MIS, as well as an Officer and Director. Beyond Birdsong, Everett gives generously of his time to our community, serving as Treasurer of Main Street United Methodist Church, on the Corporate Board of the YMCA, and on the Board of Trustees at Randolph-Macon College. He is also a Past President of the Suffolk Rotary Club (2008–2009).

With both excitement and a bit of trepidation, Everett has announced that he will be retiring on June 30, 2026, and beginning a new chapter. We are honored to hear his story and celebrate his legacy.

Reminder: Please help support our February Panty Raid by donating new undergarments and socks, which will be donated to the City’s new shelter. Monetary donations are also welcome. A sign-up sheet will be available at Thursday’s meeting.

This week’s prayer will be led by Ken DeLoach, with Susan Draper as backup.

As always, please send any cares or concerns to Lydia at
📧 [email protected]

Please join us this Thursday at 1 PM for the Downtown Suffolk Rotary Club meeting as we welcome Linda Dyer, Director of Engagement for The Muse Writers Center, presenting on “Creating a Culture of Philanthropy.”

A Norfolk native, Linda is a longtime arts educator, professional musician, and accomplished nonprofit development leader. Over her career, she has helped raise more than $19 million for organizations including The Hurrah Players, The Governor’s School for the Arts, the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, and the American Cancer Society. She also serves on several nonprofit boards throughout the region.

This week’s prayer will be led by Beth Cross, with Harry Cross as backup.