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Oakdale Sunrise Rotarians Honored For Contributions
Sunrise rotary
Retired Oakdale Police Chief Lester Jenkins is shown at a recent Sunrise Rotary meeting being pinned by Rotary District Governor Judy Lovett. Jenkins was honored with the “Peace” award, created by Lovett whose goal is to focus on peace. Photo Contributed

Oakdale Sunrise Rotary members Bob Cairns and Lester Jenkins were recently honored at a weekly meeting, by visiting District Governor Judy Lovett.

Cairns was awarded with the “Quiet Rotarian” award, an award given to Rotarians who quietly (usually behind the scenes) put in significant work. Cairns, who has been with the club for several years, has helped out with many events, including the recent Lobsterfest that was held on Aug. 25 at the Gene Bianchi Community Center, coordinating the Silent Auction Table and helping with the set-up and break-down of the event. Former Chief of Police Lester Jenkins was the perfect fit for the “Peace” Award. This award is given to a Rotary member who always remains in a state of peace, while still getting the job done. Jenkins was the overall coordinator of the Lobsterfest for the second straight year, and remained calm throughout the process. His calm, cool and humble demeanor made him a great fit for this award. The “Peace” award is a new award created by Governor Lovett, whose goal is to focus more on peace.

“What’s really cool about these two awards is that they are peer nominated,” said Sunrise Rotary Treasurer Patrick Mondragon. “The board gets together and recommends the person who they feel best embodies these traits and then pass this information on to the District Governor.”

“We are extremely proud of Bob and Lester,” added Sunrise Rotary President Bill Morris. “We celebrate with them and thank all of our Rotarians who continue to do great things.”

District Governor Lovett, who took office in July of this year, said that one of her biggest goals is to recognize Rotarians throughout the District, which encompasses 53 different service clubs. This year’s Rotary International theme is “Be the Inspiration.” Rotarians like Cairns and Jenkins continue to inspire through their actions.