The Dublin AM Rotary Club meeting focused on welcoming two new members, Jennifer and Joe, and discussing various club activities and initiatives. The club announced plans to participate in the St. Patrick's Day parade and shared updates on fundraising efforts, including a successful polar bear golf outing that raised $12,000. A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to an in-service project where members created cards for Nationwide Children's Hospital's heart patients, with detailed instructions provided by Lauren, a past president of the Women's Board. The meeting also included a presentation by Lauren about the hospital's history, facilities, and ongoing initiatives, highlighting its growth and impact on the community.

Children's Hospital Card Project

The meeting focused on an in-service project where members will create cards for Nationwide Children's Hospital to distribute to heart patients. Lauren, a past president of the Women's Board, explained the project details and hospital background. The group learned about the hospital's expansion plans, research initiatives, and community programs. Members were encouraged to participate in creating positive messages for the cards, with specific guidelines on content. The conversation ended with information about upcoming speakers and a quote from Paul Harris.

Club Updates and Small Business Insights

SANDRA KNOESEL, DISTRICT GOVERNOR 2025-26

Sandra Knoesel joined the Columbus Rotary Club in 1992 shortly after beginning her career at the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio as director of Communication Services. She was promoted to deputy executive director of Member Benefits in 1999 and retired from STRS Ohio after 25 years of service. Sandy also was a member of the Rotary Club of Newark.

Sandy first volunteered for District 6690 in 2016 when she was asked to be district grants chair. She enjoys collaborating with club grant coordinators and helping them with the grant process. From July 2017 – June 2020, Sandy served as assistant governor to the Clintonville, Granville, Newark-Heath and Zanesville Daybreak clubs. When the pandemic hit, she was asked to coordinate the district-wide fund-raising project to provide donations to three food banks in District 6690. Through the generosity of our members and clubs, Rotarians donated $100,000 to the food banks plus another $25,000 was contributed through a grant by the Rotary Foundation.

As co-chair of the first district Community Service Projects Committee, she helped organize the Sock-tober initiative. More than 10,670 pairs of socks were donated by 26 clubs to 20 different charities that helped unhoused people in need. Sandy also serves on the district’s Rotary Foundation and Multi-year Planning committees. In 2021, she coordinated the district’s annual Awards Celebration that recognized outstanding achievements by our clubs. She is a member of the District 6690 125 Club, the Polio Plus Society and the Paul Harris Society.

Sandy served as president of the Columbus Rotary Club in 2010-11. She also was chair of the Columbus Rotary Foundation twice, most recently in 2019-2020. She currently is co-chair of the Career Path Awards Committee that provides $2,500 awards to selected graduating seniors from Columbus City Schools who are pursuing a career in the technical trades or other careers that do not require a four-year college degree.

She earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Missouri and an MBA from Ohio University. Sandy lives in New Albany along with her husband, Dr. Bob Kamps, who is a retired physician. They have four grown children and three grandchildren.