PARKVILLE ROTARY CLUB
Weekly Newsletter
July 7, 2026  
 
This Week's Program: Friday, July 10th 

Location: 
Parkville Presbyterian Church - Living Center (lower level)
819 Main Street, Suite 304b, Parkville, MO 64152
 
When:
12:00 PM
 
 
Topic: Update on Washington Chapel
 
 
Join us Friday to hear about the renovation work at Washington Chapel. The chapel has been undergoing a major facelift and is now available for public events.
 
Here is some information on the chapel:
Click Here
 
 
 
 

A New Rotary Year Began July 1st! 

Our new Rotary year began July 1st.  The Rotary International President for the 2026-2027 term is Olayinka Hakeem Babalola (often called Yinka). He is a member of the Rotary Club of Trans Amadi in Rivers State, Nigeria.
 
Babalola took office on July 1, 2026. He was selected by the Board of Directors. Babalola made history as the second Rotary International president from Africa. He is also the first Rotary president to have previously been a Rotaractor, having started his journey in 1984. 
 
Rotary International Selects Olayinka Hakeem Babalola as RI ...
 
 
This year's Rotary theme is: Rotary's 2026-27 theme is “Create Lasting Impact,” encouraging members to build on their connections from the previous year to foster sustainable, meaningful change locally and globally, moving from simple “change” to enduring “
The theme was introduced by RI President Olayinka H. Babalola, this directive challenges members to shift from short-term activities to sustainable, long-term legacies while fostering welcoming environments within their local clubs.
 
We welcome Steve Bleish as our new Parkville Rotary President. 
 
Steve with his wife, Edie, also a Parkville Rotarian.
Below are the dates for Parkville Rotary Board meetings. These meetings will be held in the Rotary Library in the Parkville Underground at 6pm.
 
August 5
September 23
November 4
December 2
January 6
February 3
March 3
April 7
May 5
June 2
 
If you are interested in getting more involved with Rotary please reach out to Steve at a meeting or by email: drsvbleish@aol.com.
 
 
 
 
 
Fourth of July Parade Update
by Bob Stone
 
We had good participation by our members. It was a rainy parade but there was a good crowd. Our entry included about 15 historical cars and a few current vehicles. 
 
ROTARY PARADE CARS
Bleish Car: Steve 1965 restored Mustang hardtop
Stone car: Bob & Cherry 1985 Chevrolet Cavalier Convertible
Stone Car  Sandi Schmude , 1994 Subaru SVX
Knoernschild John Deere Tractor: Bruce, 1937 John Deere open style model “B”
Hopper Car:  Nelson & Kathie, 2006 BMW Z4
DeMint Pickup: Todd  2026 Cadillac Escalade
DeMint: Funeral Hearse, horse drawn
Cory car:  Don & Wilma.  2022 Black Corvette
Leibrand, Larry: 2009 Red Chevy Silverado pickup
Ahlers, Allan:  2018 Porsche 911 convertible (cabriolet in French)
 
 
 
 

Rotary Districts 6040 & 5710 Shine a Light on Human Trafficking Awareness

What an incredible evening of service, collaboration, and hope.

On Sunday evening, Rotary Districts 6040 and 5710 joined community leaders, advocates, survivors, and residents at Loose Park for a powerful Candlelight Vigil honoring survivors and victims of human trafficking while raising awareness as Kansas City welcomes visitors from around the world for the FIFA World Cup.

The event was featured by both KCTV5 and KMBC9, highlighting Rotary's leadership in bringing together organizations, elected officials, law enforcement, advocates, and the community to shine a light on this critical issue.

A special thank you goes to Jodi, Usha, and the entire Anti-Human Trafficking Committee for their vision, leadership, and countless hours of planning. Their dedication made this event a tremendous success. We also extend our sincere appreciation to every committee member, volunteer, speaker, and partner who helped make the evening so meaningful.

The program included remarks from Rotary leaders, elected officials, survivor Victoria Pierce, and concluded with a moving candlelight tribute honoring survivors and victims while reminding attendees that awareness, education, and collaboration are among our greatest tools in the fight against human trafficking.

Last night's vigil was a powerful reminder of Rotary in action. We couldn't be more proud of the impact our members continue to make throughout our communities.

Please take a moment to watch and share the news coverage:

• KCTV5: Rotary vigil honors trafficking survivors amid World Cup preparations
https://www.kctv5.com/2026/07/06/rotary-vigil-kansas-city-honors-trafficking-survivors-amid-world-cup/

• KMBC: Candlelight vigil raises awareness of human trafficking during World Cup
https://www.kmbc.com/article/candlelight-vigil-in-kansas-city-raises-awareness-of-human-trafficking-during-world-cup/71828687

Thank you to everyone who attended and supported this important initiative. Together, we are creating awareness, inspiring action, and demonstrating Rotary's commitment to protecting the most vulnerable.

image

Photo Credit: Valerie Anderson


In the Spirit of Rotary,
Kandi Kos
District Administrator
rotary6040office@gmail.com
816-359-0964
 
 
 
 
Member News!

Have news you want to share with Parkville Rotary members? Email Dalyn at dnovak@wskfarch.com to have your news added to this section of the newsletter.
 
 
 
Upcoming Programs
Jul 10, 2026
Washington Chapel
Update on refurbished building
Jul 16, 2026 5:30 PM
Johnny's Tavern Third Thursday social
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Kent Mayfield
July 3
 
Sandy Knoernschild
July 8
 
Dianna Collins
July 10
 
Jason Henke
July 16
 
Join Date
Lee McLain
July 8, 2016
10 years
 
Dean Katerndahl
July 11, 2022
4 years
 
Greg Prymak
July 18, 2005
21 years
 
 
 
 
Sign Up to Receive Our Weekly Newsletters!
 
Want to receive our weekly newsletter? Click on the link below for the sign up page! 
Sign Up Here!
 
 
 
 
 
Parkville Rotary Membership Forms

The Membership Committee has been hard at work looking for great new members. All members and prospective members can access the new member forms by clicking on the blue box below. This link will take you directly to the membership forms.  
 
Parkville Rotary has the following membership types:  
  • Standard Rotarian Membership 
  • Corporate Membership 
  • Spouse Membership 
Please submit the forms filled out to Sandy Knoernschild, SandyKnoe@outlook.com, so the new member information can be reviewed by the board for approval! We are always looking for new members to join our growing club! 
Click Here for Forms
 
 
 
 
 
Programs Reminder!! 

When you have a speaker scheduled please make sure to provide the following information to Michelle Sparks at michellesparkshomes@gmail.com, who is managing our events calendar.
  • Speaker Name
  • Speaker Bio
  • Speaker Topic
  • Any other information you think members would like to know about your speaker, photos are welcomed too!
This information is included in this weekly newsletter and can really get people excited to come listen to our weekly speakers!

Thank you for your help! 
 
Dalyn Novak
Executive Secretary (and newsletter creator!)
 
 
 
 
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