Stories
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Rotarian David Rhynes helped deliver finalized school supply kits to campuses across the Ada area as part of the final stage of this year’s Back to School Basics effort.
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Rotary Supports Over 100 Dog Vaccinations at Splashtastic 2025Ada Sunrise Rotary partnered with Ada Vet Clinic at this year’s Splashtastic Community Event, helping provide free pet wellness services to over 100 local dogs, including life-saving vaccines and flea/tick prevention. It was a joyful day of service, community connection, and back-to-school support.
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Join us July 26 at Glenwood Park for Splashtastic!Join us July 26 at Glenwood Park for Splashtastic, a community-wide event hosted by Ada Regional United Way! Ada Sunrise Rotary will provide free dog vaccinations, flea/tick treatments, vaccine booster outreach, and refreshments in partnership with Ada Veterinary Clinic.
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Rotarians Assemble 1,000+ Kits for Back to School BasicsAda Sunrise Rotary members rolled up their sleeves to help pack over 1,000 school supply kits for local students, supporting the annual Back to School Basics program led by Leah Dudley.
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Ada Sunrise Rotary Rolls into Summer!Wednesday nights have never been more exciting thanks to our three amazing teams representing Ada Sunrise Rotary in the Ada Summer 9 Pin 2025 League at Lazer Zone Family Fun Center in Ada. Each week at 6:30 PM, our Rotarians lace up their shoes and hit the lanes for a night of laughs, strikes, spares, and service-minded fellowship. |
Ada Sunrise Rotary Joins First-Ever Ada Farmers FestOn July 12, 2025, Ada Sunrise Rotary participated in the inaugural Ada Farmers Fest, partnering with ECU Glass Recycling and The Oka' Institute at the corner of 12th & Townsend. The event brought together local organizations, music, food, and environmental action, and Rotary was proud to be part of the fun and service.
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Join us at Ada Farmer's Fest 2025!Join us at the first-ever Farmers Fest on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the Ada Farmers Market! Ada Sunrise Rotary is partnering with ECU Glass Recycling, Ada Main Street, and The Oka’ Institute for a fun and eco-friendly morning featuring live music, food trucks, kids’ inflatables, and glass recycling. Volunteers are welcome!
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Reflecting on a Year of Rotary in ActionWe’re wrapping up the 2024-2025 Rotary year with full hearts and big smiles. From bowling nights to tornado relief, service projects to fellowship, we've done it all together. |
Fireball Classic 2025: Record Turnout, Big ImpactThe 2025 Fireball Classic Memorial Race drew 584 participants, our largest turnout ever! Together we raised over $22,000 for local youth programs. See the top finishers, photos, and what’s next for Rotary!
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Caring for a Symbol of PeaceMembers of Ada Sunrise Rotary recently cleaned the Peace Pole located outside the Pontotoc County Courthouse, renewing a local symbol of peace and honoring our club’s longstanding commitment to peacebuilding and cultural respect.
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Ada Sunrise Rotary raises over $3,000 this year for the End Polio Now campaign!Ada Sunrise Rotary raises over $3,000 this year for the End Polio Now campaign—enough to vaccinate more than 3,000 children worldwide against polio.
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Supporting Sanitation in NepalAda Sunrise Rotary is proud to support a sanitation project in Nepal with a minimum contribution of $500! |
Rotarians Deliver Paper to Local SchoolsAs the school year winds down, teachers and staff often face a shortage of basic supplies like paper. This May, Ada Sunrise Rotarians rolled up their sleeves to help!
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Rotarians Support Ada Homeless Services’ Crawfish BoilAda Sunrise Rotary is proud to support the important work of Ada Homeless Services as they prepare for their Annual Crawfish Boil—a community-centered fundraiser that helps uplift those experiencing homelessness or housing instability in our area.
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New Member OrientationNew Member Orientation was held April 29, 2025, supporting our 6 new recruits. Welcome Rotarians!!! We look forward to learning more about each of you and supporting your need to make your community and the world a better place through Service-Above-Self.
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Rotarians Help Clean Up Glass After Tornado |
Norman Rotary Supports Ada Tornado Relief |
Morning at PAWSDogs and cats at Pontotoc Area Animal Welfare Society got a visit on July 27 from 11 Rotarians and family. We socialized the animals so they will be better suited for adoption. The excellent and helpful staff at PAWS made our visit a great success. If you ever want to volunteer by playing with dogs and cats, cleaning, or more specialized work they would love to have you!
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Candidate Forum June 4Candidate Forum Set for June 4 Candidates for Oklahoma House and Oklahoma Senate will speak on June 4 at 6:30 p.m. at a candidate forum at East Central University. The event will be in the Estep Room of the Bill S. Cole University Center. |
Fireball Classic QR CodeLooking for a way to register for the 2024 Fireball Classic? You can scan this QR code!
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District TrainingMany of our members attended District Conference in Durant, Oklahoma. The conference was held at the Choctaw Resort in Durant, April 26-28, 2024. It was an eventful 3 days and we were proud to represent Ada Sunrise Rotary. We also were recognized as a club that contributed to Polio Plus during the 2022-2023 year and we presented a certificate for that recognition.
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Rummage SaleSunrise Rotary held a rummage sale on May 4, 2024 at St. Luke's. We raised over $800 to donate to the Rotary Foundation. Thank you to all who donated, volunteered their time, or helped clean us up after.
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1st Annual Fishing DerbyAda Sunrise Rotary Club kicked off the spring with our 1st Annual Fishing Derby. Shirley Mixon took home the prize for the most fish by catching 15. Thank you to the Halls for hosting!![]() |
Ada Sunrise Rotary Club Supports Scissortail Passport Rotary ClubBob Greenstreet presented Scissortail Passport Rotary Club with their club bell. President Elect Grant Eidmann accepted the bell on behalf of the club at the 5770 District Conference in Norman, Oklahoma. ![]() |
Fireball Classic - July 4, 2023Planning is Underway for the 2023 Fireball Classic on July 4! Contact Christine Pappas at cpappas25@gmail.com for more information! ![]() |
Missed the Meeting |
Field Trip to Cedar Valley NurseriesThe mission to plant a tree for each member came within our grasp today thanks to Mark and Tabitha West at Cedar Valley Nurseries at Ada, OK. They gave us a tour of the properties and gave us all a tree to plant. There were door prizes with some beautiful flowers.
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Fireball Classic Memorial 201851th Annual Fireball Classic Memorial Thanks to all of our sponsors and runners. Race Maps for 2018 including Half Marathon We want to congratulate the following time records set at this years race: 10K time 36:46 Ashley Carreon 1/2 Marathon Male time 1:20:22 Chase McMichael 1/2 Marathon Female time 1:38:38 Susan Cope |
Rotary District 5770 GrantThe Ada Sunrise Rotary Club received a $2,400 grant from the District and kicked in $600 to provide science equipment to Washington Elementary at Ada, Oklahoma. Below pictures of Shirley Mixon and Christine Pappas reading to the students.
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Meeting at the Peace PoleAfter our meeting this morning Christine Pappas spoke to the group about our mission with the Peace Pole. "If not me, who? and If not now, when? was the message.
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Humanity in Motion "This Close"
After more than 20 years, Rotary and its partners are "this close" to ending polio. Learn more at http://www.rotary.org/endpolio |
Giving Oklahoma Women a Chance |
Rotary Membership Challenge Begins...Cathy Battles, Membership Chair Kicks-Off 'Bring a Friend day"Cathy Battles, board member and membership chair, welcomes members to 'Bring-a-Friend' to the Friday, August 20th meeting. Members of the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club will kick-off our annual membership drive with a bang this year! Members earn points by * thinking of a prospective member to invite to Rotary * by talking to non-members about Rotary * by inviting non-members to Rotary * points are also earned when invitees attend a Rotary meeeting and finally *members receive points when prospective members are inducted as members. Bob Greenstreet and Michael Graham, Ada Sunrise Rotarians, have set the example of how to recruit and propose prospective members. Bob ushers in new member, Dr. Christine Pappas as well as assisting with the re-instatement of former member, Dr. Shirley Mixon. Outstanding, Bob!!! Michael, also joins Bob in kicking off the Bring-a-Friend Day by serving as sponsor to what will be the club's newest member, Tara Priest. Way to go Michael! Go team Rotary! New Member Tara Priest and her Rotary sponsor Michael Graham! |
Jennifer Snell Classification
Jennifer is a middle school teacher that is molding lives and motivating young people to be the best possible person they can be.
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East Central University
Dr. James Hargrave, and Dr. CJ Vires present the program April 30, 2010. Dr. Hargrave shared pending projects as well as recent updates at East Central University.
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Charlie Gibson wins 3rd Place for 4-Way Test Speech |
ShelterBoxes for Haiti
Our club, ECU Rotaract, and McLish elementary students help raise money to purchase ShelterBoxes for earthquake shaken Haiti.
http://www.shelterbox.org/
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Tyler Thompson, Wells Fargo Mortage Officer, to speak on Friday, October 22, 2010Photograph features Tyler and his twin sisters. Tyler is a native of Pontotoc County. As a graduate of East Central University's School of Business, Tyler is equipped and ready to serve the community as a leading officer. Tyler will share what's new in the market of lending and how you can benefit from upcoming deregulation issues.
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Four New Rotarians Inducted Friday, October 15, 2010Randal Pogue, Captain Kevin Rolan, David Rhynes and Debbie Stoll were inducted on Friday, October 15, 2010. Welcome! |
Ada Sunrise Rotary Club - Literacy Project 2010
Rotarians: Jennifer Greenstreet, Guy Milner, Sue Milner, Cathy Battles, Michael Graham, Jack Green, Siham Ramadan, Elaine Rhynes gathered under the direction of LIteracy Committee Chair, Mary Pfeffer at Washington Grade Center in Ada to distribute dictionaries to the school's third grade population. The students and faculty were excited to receive the dictionaries and the Rotarians were thrilled to be partnered with them in a way that will promote educational research and enhancement.
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Ada City Councilman Dick Scalf to speak on water related issues in Ada and Pontotoc County
Join us on Friday, October 8 to hear Dick Scalf share the latest in water related issues for Ada and Pontotoc County.
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Guy and Sue Milner are slated to host the October Happy Hour - October 8 @ 6 pmBring your spouse or significant other along to this fun filled event. Happy Hour is a great time to get to know the members you sit with each week but don' have an opportunity to visit with and share.
More details about the event will be announced during our Friday, October 1 meeting. |
Dr. John C. Siegle discusses health and wellnessDr. Siegle will share his new avenue of his Women's Health practice with the club on Friday, October 1 at 6:45 am. Come hear how you can become the health individual you desire to be at this time in your life. Read the article published in the Ada Evening News, August 31, 2010: AdaEveningNews.com - Ada, OklahomaAugust 31, 2010Doctor to start new health and wellness programJustin Lofton Staff Writer Ada — After practicing obstetrics, gynecology and delivering babies for more than 20 years, Dr. John Siegle of Ada’s Women’s Health Center said he is now seeing both male and female patients for health and wellness. |
Susie Overturf presents her classification speech!Susie Overturf shared her life, educational and vocational experiences with the Club on Friday, September 24, 2010. Among highlights Susie shared stories of her childhood from McCloud, Oklahoma. Susie, a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a degree in Accounting as well as a Technology Education Degree from East Central University has spent the majority of her vocational career as an Oklahoma teacher. Susie presently serves as the Information Technology Director at Pontotoc Technology Center in Ada.
Susie married her college sweetheart, Gene Overturf during her early years at Oklahoma State University. Susie and Gene have spent the majority of their marriage in Pontotoc County. They are the parents of two children; Amy and Mandy. Amy and her husband are the proud parents of the Overturf's two grandchildren: Payton and Garrett. Mandy lives in Norman and also works for the technology system in Oklahoma.
Gene and Susie share a love of farming and have committed their family time to working and playing together on their local farm. Pecans and cattle are the commodity of choice for the Overturfs. Susie also assist in heading up the Club's pecan fundraiser each fall.
Susie is a long-time member of the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club having served in many director/committee assignments. Susie has also served as the President of the Club and was honored with Rotary of the Year as well.
We are pleased that Susie has selected the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club for our community and civic connection. |
Dr. Jack Green joins Ada Sunrise Rotary Club - September 10, 2010Welcome Dr. Green...learn more about why Dr. Green chose Rotary as his civic club connection...
Dr. Jack Green, assistant professor of education at East Central University, is the son of Ms. Teresa Green and the late Worth Green, Jr. He is married to his high-school sweet-heart, the former Meredith Lee, and they have one daughter, Morgan Grace. He previously served as assessment coordinator for teacher education at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin, Missouri. During his tenure at Southern, Jack served as part of a teaching and leadership team that successfully completed their state and national accreditation visit.
Prior to serving at Missouri Southern, Jack served as an assistant middle school principal for the Joplin Public Schools and for the Norman Public Schools. Prior to serving as an assistant principal, he served at Norman High School as site coordinator of athletics, site technology contact, chair of the business education department, and as a business/computer science teacher. Jack graduated from Joplin High School and then earned his Bachelor’s degree in business education from Missouri Southern State University, his Master’s degree in educational leadership from Southern Nazarene University, and his Doctor of Education degree from Saint Louis University.
Jack chose to become an educator in order to serve, to teach, and because of the profound impact many of his teachers, coaches, and principals had on his life. As a result, he aspires to serve as a positive influence in the lives of his family, students, and colleagues. |
District Governor Glenda Thomas will share her vision for the district with the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club - September 10, 2010A message from Governor Thomas - taken from the District 5770 webpage located at http://www.clubrunner.ca/portal/home.aspx?did=5770
Fellow Rotarians, "The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only one page" - -Augustine (354-430 A.D.) It is with great joy that I embark on this year-long adventure as District 5770 Governor. I am honored to serve during 2010-2011. As I have traveled across the state of Oklahoma, throughout the United States and to countries abroad, every Rotarian I meet shares a common commitment to the 4-Way Test. This is a set of ethics that binds us in our efforts to improve the lives of those we meet locally and those we serve around the world. Ray Klinginsmith, Rotary International President 2010-2011, has chosen the theme "Building Communities and Bridging Continents." For District 5770, I have added the words "Making Connections". I want to emphasize that the Rotarians we meet throughout our district allow us to make Connections that will aid us as we build our communities and bridge continents. An important part of accomplishing our goals is training. Opportunities for Rotarians in leadership abound through Lone Star PETS, District Leadership Training, District Assembly, Membership and Foundation Seminars. Club Officers are encouraged to take advantage of these opportunities to "connect" with leaders throughout the district and equip themselves for the position in which they have been chosen to serve. The fellowship among Rotarians in our district and beyond generates an energy that propels us to accomplish great things—such as the eradication of polio, clean water and decreased hunger. Across the continents, we increase world understanding of cultures through Peace Scholars, Group Study Exchange and Youth Exchange. I am anticipating great things during 2010-2011. Let's begin to "make connections" immediately as we move forward in "Building Communities - Bridging Continents."
Glenda Thomas
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Jarred Clark to be inducted Friday, September 10Meet Jarred Clark. Jarred will join the Rotary family on Friday, September 10, 2010.
Jarred is originally from Purcell,Oklahoma. He graduated from Lexington High School in the top ten percent of his class. Jarred attended East Central University for four years and earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in finance. Jarred started working at Vision Bank, as a teller, while attending the university. He is now a Consumer Loan Officer at Vision Bank. Jarred is currently attending East Central to achieve a masters degree in Sports Administration. When my banking days are over I hope to be an athletic director or some other form of administration in collegiate athletics.
Jarred and his beautiful wife, Jill Clark, ECU dance coach, are proud parents of a two year old son. |
Fire Training Academy located at the Pontotoc Technology Center in AdaMr. Benny Cope shared the development of a local Fire Training Academy located at the Pontotoc County Technology Center. Mr. Cope explained the process each candidate must complete in order to receive the training certification.
Mr. Cope indicated that candidates are accepted from a pool of individuals both from the private sector and from Oklahoma fire departments within the region. Individuals seeking placement in a fire safety and prevention vocation may apply individually to receive the training and expedite their process of job placement.
Additionally, Mr. Cope indicated that volunteer firemen are also trained at the site.
For more information regarding the Pontotoc Technology Center Fire Training Academy contact Mr. Benny Cope at 580.310.2276 or by e-mailing him at bcope@pontotoctech.edu.
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Gina Stowers, Ada Main Street Director to Share Vision of Ada Main Street Friday, August 27 @ 6:45 amJoin the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club in welcoming Ms. Gina Stower, Ada Main Street Director, as the featured presenter on Friday, August 27. Gina will share a small sampling of Ada Main Street's history as well as what we can expect in the near future. Come learn more about your community. Ada Main Street received its Main Street designation in 1987. The program is for the use and benefit of the citizens of Ada and the surrounding trade area. Its purpose is to promote economic growth and well-being of Ada, preserve and improve the historic value of its downtown, create a quality business environment for both the business and the consumer, and to be an ever expanding informational resource for the downtown area.
Contact Information: Gina Stowers, Ada Main Street Director 114 S Rennie - Ada, OK 74820 (580) 436-1600 |
Valley View Regional Hospital's Mary Krause, Certified Public Accountant, Chief Financial OfficerAugust 6, 2010, Mary Krause presented an outstanding program focusing on Valley View Regional Hospitals progressive move into the future. Among the Valley View Regional Highlights, Mary shared the past, the present and the future of Valley View Regional Hospital:
PAST
PRESENT
FUTURE
Valley View Regional Hospital continues to employ qualifed, competent, staff with the skills needed to face the ever-changing, complex world of healthcare in rural America. Mary Krause, Certified Public Accountant, Chief Financial Officer, is among the highly qualifed staff of Valley View Regional Hospital. Mary (Gallup) Krause spent most of her growing up years in Stratford, Oklahoma. Mary graduated from Stratford High School and then moved to Nebraska to attend college and play basektball. However, Mary left Nebraska and returned to Ada to complete her higher education at East Central University, completing a bachelors degree in Accounting.Following graduation at East Central University,
Mary received her CPA certificate and began work as a staff accountant for Horne & Company. She later became the financial officer for Gallup Construction Company, Inc. In August last year, she moved into the healthcare industry as Chief Financial Officer of Valley View Regional Hospital. Mary speaks to many groups on a wide variety of small business and financial related topics. Mary has 3 girls, 2 whom graduated from the University of Oklahoma and the youngest is a sophomore at Byng. She currently serves as a board member of the Oklahoma Society of CPAs, Ada Jobs Foundation and the Ada Lion’s Club. Mary is very active as a youth leader of St. Joseph’s Church.
The Ada Sunrise Rotary is pleased to welcome Mary Krause at our August 6, 2010, program presenter.
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Mark Your Calendars!
Plan to attend the upcoming District 5770 Conference to be Friday, April 23 and Saturday, April 24
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Quote of the Week - Who Said It?
We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world.
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Thought for the Week - Who Said It?
An optimist is the human personification of spring.
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Follow the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club (ASRC) President on Twitter!To learn more about Ada Sunrise Rotary Club (ASRC) news, events, and view images of club activities please follow Jack Green, the 2013-2014 ASRC President, on Twitter. The link follows: |
Sunrise Matters Newsletter Available for DownloadThe first issue Sunrise Matters, the newsletter for the Ada Sunrise Rotary Club (ASRC), is now available for download and review. Special thanks to club members for their time and effort in providing images, content, and expertise in preparing the document. The file is titled "Sunrise Matters - 2012-13 Newsletter" can be accessed from the "Download" area located at the far right side of the web page. |
Back to School BasicsSeveral members have been busy dispersing over 1,000 backpacks and 75 shoe cards from Payless Shoes. All area schools received school supplies and backpacks for students that are in need. The funds were raised by the Fireball Classic Memorial and other sponsors |
RLYA Newsletter a New Generation Story
Every year, thousands of talented and dedicated young people, ages 12-30, have an incredible experience in a New Generations program.
http://www.rotary.org/en/studentsandyouth/youthprograms/Pages/ridefault.aspx is a link to the Rotary International Web Site. Locally we have Interact at Latta High School with sponsor Stacy Oakley and Rotaract at East Central University with Dr. Robert Greenstreet, sponsor. |
Ada Sunrise Rotary Club Weekly Program Calendar Now Available!Thanks to the work of club members, the weekly program calendar is now available for review online.
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Club Receives a District Simplified Grant Nancy Thomason, President, receives grant of $1,000 for books for East Central and the Dolly Parton Foundation.
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Fireball Memorial Classic 2013!Another one under our belts, here are some pictures and the results. We have 558 registered runners and walkers! Thank you to all the people working on teams and participating in some way with this race. It went well and the weather was wonderful. Profits go to our Back to School Basics to help area students. Pictures from 2013 Fireball Classic 2013 Fireball Memorial Classic July 4, Thursday, 7:00 am Wintersmith Lodge, 1701 Wintersmith Drive, Ada, OK Packet pickup and registration 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm July 3, Wednesday at Wintersmith Lodge!
Hotel Discount at LaQuinta use the code SPORT
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. Thank you for volunteering with this major endeavor and participating in the race.
Nancy Thomason, President, receives grant of $1,000 for books for East Central and the Dolly Parton Foundation.