Rotary Club of Newton-Conover

06/04/2026

Gerry Knox who serves on our District Rotary Membership Committee, presented the program for Newton Conover Rotary Club this week.

The program focused on the history, legacy, and community impact of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover, using the club’s 77-year story as a foundation for conversation about the future of Rotary. The presentation explored how honoring legacy, strengthening engagement, and telling the Rotary story more intentionally helps sustain and grow clubs for the next generation of members.

Thank you Dianna Cloninger for scheduling the program.

06/03/2026

Check in with our newest Paul Harris Fellow! Congratulations Vidal Sipe! Thank you Tommy Cross for this wonderful recognition of service to community and thank you Adrienne Opdyke for pinning Vidal!

06/02/2026

Three NEW members were pinned with the Rotary emblem today! We also thank Gerry Knox for being with us to represent District Membership. (L-R) Gerry Knox, new members: Brent Fidler, Emily Shaw, Andrea Beatty, and Rex Thompson, Club President. Welcome!!

05/31/2026

The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover proudly awarded the 2026 Patricia F. Gibson Education Scholarship to graduating senior Imagine Harmony Dyer in recognition of her academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to serving others.

Photo Caption: Imagine Harmony Dyer receives the Patricia F. Gibson Education Scholarship from member of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover.

Established by the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover, the Patricia F. Gibson Education Scholarship honors the life and legacy of Patricia “Pat” Gibson — a lifelong educator, mentor, community supporter, and dedicated Rotarian. Gibson was a trailblazer in both education and Rotary, becoming the first female member of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover and, by all records available, the first female Rotarian in Catawba County.

Throughout her life, Gibson exemplified Rotary International’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self” through her dedication to students, families, and the community. With her passing earlier this year, the scholarship carries special significance as the Rotary Club continues to celebrate her lasting impact on the Newton-Conover community and support future generations of student leaders.

This year’s recipient, Imagine Harmony Dyer, plans to attend East Carolina University and pursue a career in Occupational Therapy. Inspired by personal experiences caring for family members, Dyer hopes to use her education to improve the lives of others through compassionate healthcare and support services.

Dyer distinguished herself academically while completing rigorous coursework and graduating ranked seventh in her class. In addition to her academic accomplishments, she contributed more than 275 volunteer hours through organizations and service projects including Terra Bella Nursing Home, The Corner Table Soup Kitchen, and Girl Scouts.

The scholarship recognizes students who demonstrate the potential for academic success, commitment to educational goals, and active service to their communities. Dyer’s leadership, compassion, and dedication to helping others made her an outstanding choice for this honor.

“Imagine embodies the values that Pat Gibson represented throughout her life,” said representatives of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover. “Her commitment to service, education, and community reflects the true spirit of Rotary and the purpose of this scholarship.”

The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover congratulates Imagine Harmony Dyer and looks forward to seeing the positive impact she will continue to make in the future.

05/30/2026

The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover proudly awarded the 2026 Dr. John F. Sinnett Scholarship to graduating senior Stacy Hernandez-Martinez in recognition of her academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to serving others.

Photo Caption: Stacy Hernandez-Martinez receives the Dr. John F. Sinnett Scholarship from members of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover.

Established in 1999, the Dr. John F. Sinnett Scholarship honors the memory and legacy of Dr. John F. Sinnett for his extraordinary contributions to Rotary International and the Newton-Conover Rotary Club. Dr. Sinnett served the club in numerous leadership roles and also served as District 7670 Governor. Known for his deep knowledge of Rotary principles and procedures, he exemplified Rotary International’s motto of “Service Above Self” through his dedication to leadership, ethics, education, and community service.

The scholarship was created to encourage students to develop their leadership potential through service and community involvement, particularly those pursuing careers in health and human services fields.

This year’s recipient, Stacy Hernandez-Martinez, plans to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and ultimately become a Nurse Practitioner. As a first-generation college student, Hernandez-Martinez has demonstrated exceptional determination, academic excellence, and a strong commitment to helping others.

Hernandez-Martinez distinguished herself academically by graduating ranked third in her class while maintaining a weighted GPA above 4.6 and completing a rigorous course load. In addition to her academic success, she has actively served her community through volunteer work with the Conover Branch Library, summer reading programs, and local community clean-up efforts.

The scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate leadership potential, strong character, and a commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Stacy Hernandez-Martinez stood out not only for her academic achievement, but also for her determination, humility, and clear sense of purpose in pursuing a career in healthcare. Through her volunteer service and dedication to helping her community, she has already begun living out the principles Dr. Sinnett valued so deeply.

“Stacy’s work ethic, compassion, and commitment to serving others make her an exceptional recipient of this scholarship,” said representatives of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover. “She represents the kind of future leader this scholarship was created to encourage and support.”

The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover congratulates Stacy Hernandez-Martinez and looks forward to seeing the positive impact she will make through her future career in healthcare and community service.

05/29/2026

The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover honored Siobhan Loendorf with the 2026 Dr. William T. MacLauchlin Award during the club’s annual Rotary Night celebration.

Established in 2006, the Dr. William T. MacLauchlin Award is presented annually to a Rotarian who exemplifies nobility of character and personal integrity through service to Rotary and the community. Dr. William T. “Dr. Mac” MacLauchlin, the award’s first recipient, was a charter member of the Newton-Conover Rotary Club and was widely respected for his lifelong commitment to “Service Above Self.”

Loendorf was recognized for her outstanding leadership within Rotary, her dedication to community service, and her continued efforts to strengthen opportunities for individuals and families throughout Catawba County.

A member of the Rotary Club since joining through the Satellite Club in 2017, Loendorf has served in numerous leadership roles, including Vice President, Membership Chair, President, Past President, and member of the Board of Directors. She currently serves as Fundraising Chair and has led several key initiatives, including RYLA leadership development efforts, District Allocation Funding, the Peace Poll Project, Rotary’s presence at Soldiers Reunion, and coordination of the club’s 75th Anniversary celebration. She also represented the club at the Rotary International Convention in Singapore.

Professionally, Loendorf serves as Director of the Catawba County Library System, where she has become known for innovative leadership, collaboration, and expanding access to resources and services across the community. Under her leadership, the library system has developed award-winning initiatives focused on literacy, technology access, lifelong learning, and inclusive community engagement.

Through grant writing and strategic partnerships, Loendorf has helped secure significant funding to support projects that benefit residents throughout the county. Her work has contributed to the transformation of library spaces and programs into welcoming community hubs designed to connect, explore, and grow.

In addition to her Rotary and professional service, Loendorf serves on the Board for the Catawba County Partnership for Children, advises the Catawba County Youth Council, and serves as Secretary for the North Carolina Public Library Directors Association.

Club leaders noted that Loendorf’s work ethic, humility, and commitment to others embody the values represented by the Dr. MacLauchlin Award.

05/28/2026

The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover recently honored Scott Millar with the club’s Vocational Service Award, recognizing his outstanding professional leadership, integrity, and commitment to serving the community through his work.

Millar serves as President of the Catawba County Economic Development Corporation and has spent nearly three decades helping shape the economic future of Catawba County. Since becoming president in 1997, he has played a key role in recruiting new industry, supporting local business expansion, and helping create thousands of jobs and billions of dollars in investment throughout the region.

The Rotary Club’s Vocational Service Award recognizes individuals who exemplify excellence and ethical leadership within their profession while using their work to improve the lives of others. Club members noted that Millar’s career reflects Rotary’s guiding principle of “Service Above Self” through his long-standing dedication to strengthening opportunities for families, businesses, and communities across Catawba County.

Under Millar’s leadership, Catawba County has experienced transformational economic growth, including the recruitment and expansion of major employers and the development of innovative business and technology initiatives that have positioned the region for long-term success. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to public-private partnerships have earned statewide recognition within the field of economic development.

“Scott’s work has had a lasting impact on our community,” said representatives of the Rotary Club of Newton-Conover. “He has consistently demonstrated integrity, vision, and a deep commitment to serving others through his profession. His leadership embodies the values Rotary seeks to recognize through this award.”

In addition to his local impact, Millar has been recognized across North Carolina for his contributions to economic development and community advancement. Throughout his career, he has remained focused on creating opportunities that improve quality of life for current and future generations.
​​​​​​​
The Rotary Club of Newton-Conover is proud to recognize Scott Millar for his exceptional professional service and enduring contributions to Catawba County and beyond.

05/26/2026

The Rotary Club of Newton Conover recently honored nine 2026 Paul Harris Fellows.

The Paul Harris Fellow Award is one of Rotary’s highest honors, named after its founder. This award recognizes an individual who embodies Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self.”

Congratulations to our newest Paul Harris Fellows!

The Rotary Club of Newton Conover began in 1949 and continues to meet the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Newton City Hall-Gantt Room. For additional information, contact Joy Cline, [email protected].

05/25/2026

05/21/2026