Club News

Eighty-four players, a full list of sponsors, and $30,067 for the Robert N. Styres Scholarship. Here is how the 37th Golf Classic came together.

On October 13, beekeeper Phil Crump of Westover Apiaries brought a hive box, a frame of comb, and a jar of honey to our Tuesday breakfast.

Years ago, Bob Styres' son was asked near the Capitol, "Are you Stinky Styres' son?" He was. Here are the stories behind the name on our scholarship.

Less than a week before our Golf Classic, we talked about tennis with Lou Welch, Steve, and Carlson of the Abilities Tennis Association of NC.

No passports were necessary. Two of our own members took us to Japan and New York City, and they gave us one moment we will not forget.

Our first meeting after Labor Day brought a painter to breakfast: Bob Rankin, a Raleigh artist and teacher who has traveled to more than 40 countries.

Paul Watson, founder of Ten Fifteen Communications, joined our August 25 breakfast to talk about standing out, and staying human, when AI can write anything.

On 16th of June we welcomed a deeply meaningful presentation on the Grow With Sienna Giving Fund, founded by Dawn and Doug Berry in memory of their daughter, Sienna. Their story is one no family should ever have to tell, yet they have chosen to share it with courage, honesty, and love so that other families may find support sooner, speak more openly, and feel less alone. Their work reflects the heart of Rotary’s mission. Rotary is built on service, compassion, and the belief

Mary McCartan Konwinski, Valerie Bauerlein Jackson, and Rick Rountree We were honored to welcome Valerie Bauerlein Jackson, the author of "The Devil at His Elbow," and a National Reporter at The Wall Street Journal, for an engaging presentation on her journalism career and her extensive reporting on South Carolina’s legal and political dynasties. Valerie shared insights into the rise and fall of the Murdaugh dynasty, the power of long-standing influence, and the importance of

Michelle Drabek From volunteer to Executive Director On the morning of April 21, 2026, we had the privilege of hearing from Michelle Drabek, the Executive Director of Made 4 Me. Her journey is as meaningful as the work she now leads. Michelle began as a volunteer in 2018, back when the organization operated out of garages, and steadily grew into leadership through hands-on service, humility, and a deep commitment to others. Her path from stay-at-home mother to Executive Direc

Last Tuesday morning, our club member Jason Obermeier shared something far more meaningful than a presentation. Through his remarks about his daughter Clara, Jason invited our club into a deeply personal experience marked by love, uncertainty, resilience, and hope. It was the kind of story that does not ask for sympathy as much as it asks for presence. It asked us to listen, to care, and to remember that some of the most important things we offer one another are not grand ge

Women have long been a powerful force behind Rotary’s mission, helping lead, support, and grow programs that have changed communities around the world for generations.

On Tuesday, February 24, 2026, we had the honor of welcoming Lt. Colonel (Ret.) W. Larry Dandridge, Vietnam War veteran and author, who shared powerful frontline experiences and stories that stayed with all of us.

Ashley Burman A brave soul dedicated to polio eradication With a Master of Public Health from Tulane University, experience in public service, and roles with the World Health Organization focused on polio eradication, Ashley has spent her career on the front lines of prevention, preparedness, and community health. She’s also lived the work, serving internationally and learning firsthand how public health succeeds or fails based on trust, access, and local partnership. That pe

2025 CX-MAS Cyclocross Race at Dix Park On December 14, 2025, members of our Rotary Club of the Capital City showed up at Dorothea Dix Park in Raleigh for a day that was equal parts cold, muddy, and incredibly uplifting. The CX-MAS cyclocross race featured an adapted category that welcomed 13 adapted cyclists from North Carolina Adapted Sports and the Wounded Warrior Project (NC), tackling a 1.3-mile course in true winter conditions. North Carolina Adapted Sports (NCAS) exis

Patricia Burch When Patricia Burch stepped into the role of Chief Executive Officer at Habitat for Humanity of Wake County in October 2022, she didn’t arrive as a visitor to the affordable housing conversation; she arrived as someone who has spent years in the work, learning it from the inside out. After nearly 16 years with Habitat for Humanity of Greater Birmingham (including time as Executive Director), Patricia brought that hard-earned experience to Wake County at a momen

Halie Sue Clifton Meet Halie Sue Clifton Some people make a career out of moving fast. Halie Sue Clifton has made a career out of moving purposefully and that distinction matters. Halie serves as the Director of Special Gifts at Methodist Home for Children, and she’s been doing that work with steady joy for the past eight years. Before that, she sharpened her development experience with UNC–Chapel Hill and at Meredith College (her alma mater), learning how to connect mission-