What's Happening at Passport One:

A message from

President Michele Spilman

 

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend celebrating 250 years of America!
 

Last month, we celebrated all that President Leroy Ellinghouse helped our club to accomplish in 2025-2026. Leroy, you and your board did a wonderful job and should be proud. You made sure there were great speakers, fun & fundraising, and laughter all year long.   
 

I am honored to continue the legacy of previous presidents as I start this new Rotary year. The 2026-27 Rotary International President Olayinka H. Babalola revealed this year’s presidential message: "Create Lasting Impact". Our club may be small, but you can be sure we leave a large impact on each member, future generations, and helping wherever needed in the community.
 

I am looking forward to working with the board and all club members to bring more opportunities and fun. What makes Passport unique are our members. We have members that have been in Rotary for several years and brand new ones, too. We provide a way to have that instant community and connection when joining Rotary, while making sure we keep a balance with family and work time (with a little self-care time sprinkled in). Always on the search to learn about and help other clubs and non-profits with their events.  
 

As you are reading through my welcome packet, you are probably wondering what is with the pink and flamingos? I plan to bring a little extra whimsy this year. And what better way then with flamingos, plus some cute puns I can use.
 

Let’s have a Flamazing time together. Cheers!!

 

A message from

Past President Leroy Ellinghouse

As this Rotary year comes to a close, I have been reflecting on what an incredible journey it has been. It has been an honor to serve as your President and now to look back with immense gratitude for everything we accomplished together.
This past year, our club demonstrated what Rotary is all about. Through our service projects, we touched lives in our community and beyond. Through our fundraising efforts, we created opportunities to support meaningful programs that will continue to make a difference long after the events themselves are over. None of these successes happened because of one person—they happened because of a club filled with dedicated members who generously gave their time, talents, and hearts.

One of the unexpected gifts of this year was the opportunity to serve alongside my partner as District Governor. Traveling throughout the district and visiting clubs of every size and personality gave me a deeper appreciation for the incredible diversity within Rotary. Every club has its own traditions, strengths, and way of serving. Some focus on local community needs, others on international projects, youth programs, or fellowship. While each club is unique, I was inspired to see that they all share the same purpose: making the world a better place through service above self.

Those experiences reminded me that our club is part of something much larger. We are connected by a common commitment to kindness, compassion, and taking action where it matters most. Seeing that spirit alive throughout our district only strengthened my pride in being a Rotarian and in being a member of this remarkable club.

Serving as your President has been one of the greatest honors of my Rotary journey. It challenged me to grow as a leader, deepened friendships that I will always treasure, and gave me countless memories that I will carry with me for years to come. Thank you for your trust, your encouragement, and your unwavering commitment to our shared mission.
As we welcome new leadership, I know our club's future is bright. We have built momentum, strengthened our fellowship, and demonstrated what is possible when we work together. I look forward to continuing to serve alongside each of you as we embrace new opportunities to create hope, inspire change, and improve lives.

Thank you for an unforgettable year. I am proud of what we accomplished together, grateful for the friendships we share, and excited for all that lies ahead. Here's to another year of service, fellowship, and making a lasting difference.

YIR,
Leroy Ellinghouse, Past President
Rotary Passport One

Board Member Spotlight-Public Image Director 

Hello! My name is Deanna Fenner, and I am thrilled to have been elected as the Public Image Director for Rotary Passport One. My husband and I joined Rotary driven by our deep love for our community and a desire to make a difference, which sparked when we began participating in a monthly outreach for the unhoused. Recognizing our potential for greater impact, joining a Rotary club felt like the natural progression.

In my new role, I intend to harness my storytelling abilities to inspire our current members and attract potential new members to join us in our mission of “service above self.”

I firmly believe that each individual has a unique story that can motivate others to take action and create positive change. Through engaging narratives and captivating visuals, I plan to showcase the incredible efforts of our members and the significant difference their work makes in our community.

As Public Image Director, I also recognize the importance of fostering strong relationships with local media and leveraging digital platforms to reach a wider audience. By sharing the heartwarming stories of those we assist and highlighting the dedication of our volunteers, we can generate a ripple effect of compassion and generosity.

I am eager to collaborate with each of you, learn from your experiences, and share our mutual passion for service. Together, we can amplify our message and encourage more individuals to support our cause, bringing hope and assistance to those who need it most. Here’s to a year filled with growth, connection, and meaningful change!