Rotary Club changes guard
That included passing the gavel from 1999-2000 Past President Jim O’Brien to now Past President Candace Viox then to new President Brian Walker.
“I’m very proud and excited to continue being a part of the club,” Viox said before recapping the activities, projects and lives impacted during the past year with Rotary’s slogan, “Unite for Good,” in mind.
Those projects included Mission of Hope and Compassion Ministries food pantries, Alzheimer’s Association, Salvation Army, Rotary Youth Exchange, Donate Life America and the CART Fund.
Additionally, the club was instrumental in raising funds benefitting Operation Hero’s Hill, which is building homes for veterans, and Sleep in Heavenly Peace, for which they not only raised money but also built beds for children who have no beds. This year’s build bed project was the largest ever, according to Viox.
Revisiting the past year, she praised her husband, Richard Rinehart, for his support, as well as others who were there to help.
Viox also announced two awards RCF received from District 6780 for its Rotary Foundation participation and the STAR Award.
In July 2025, she took the helm as the club’s president. Upon ending her term, Viox replied, “It has been an honor and tremendous blessing over the past 12 months.
“The relationships, outreach and support we have achieved in our community have been truly amazing,” she added. “The Rotary’s slogan was Unite for Good, and I took this charge to heart.”
“Our club is in a stronger position today thanks to the spirited leadership of Candace Viox,” Public Image chair Tom Woodbery stated in the club’s newsletter.
After incoming Assistant Gov. Ed Anderson swore in Walker and the rest of the club’s board members, Walker praised Viox, adding her success was because “she was very opinionated, very demanding, she makes quick decisions and she knows what she wants.”
When he started with Rotary in California in 2017, he was introduced to the “Three Pillars of Giving:” Time, talent and Treasure. As such, Walker challenged each of the members to invest in at least one, maybe two of the three pillars.
“However, he added, “I’ll never ask for three because they can lead to burnout and overload.”
Then Walker asked, “What are you willing to give to help this club move forward?”
In as separate interview, Walker said he is anxious to be president.
“It’s a lot of pressure because there are so many past presidents still participating in the club, and I have a lot to live up to,” he said. However, he added, “It’s a good thing and so many have offered to help in whatever form they can.”
