Sunrise Rotary Inducts Two New Members

Marco Island Rotary Club Sunrise inducted two new members at a recent breakfast meeting. Geoff Fahringer and Donald “DJ” Grandmaison became the newest members of the Club.

Fahringer is retired law enforcement who started his law enforcement career with the Syracuse, New York Police Department in 1973. He moved to Marco Island in 1984, began work with the Collier County Sheriff’s Office and made his final retirement in 2023.

Fahringer began Rotary involvement in the 1990s and is actually a past president of the Sunrise Club. He took some time off to pursue his career but decided to rejoin the Club at the urging of its members. Fahringer said he “views Rotary as a fantastic benefit to the community and the world in general.” In addition to his service with law enforcement and Rotary, Fahringer is Safety and Training Officer on the Bridge for the Marco Island Yacht Club and the Safety Officer for the Marco Island Sail and Power Squadron.

Grandmaison explained his reason for joining was his “passion about serving my community and building meaningful relationships.” Grandmaison spent most of his life in agriculture but since moving to Florida has become vice president of operations for Meals of Hope.

It was through his work with Meals of Hope that Grandmaison got to know the members of Sunrise Rotary as he helps put together their annual packaging event. Grandmaison was impressed with the Club’s commitment to community and feels it is a perfect parallel to his work with Meals of Hope.

The new members were presented with a ceremonial apron on which each is to get signatures of members, a membership package including the constitution and bylaws of the Club and a list of fast start tasks to help activate the new members.

President Evelyn Rosetti Ryan was especially excited. She said, “volunteerism is on the decline in our country, but not in our Club. Two new members at the same time is really exciting, especially when they bring so much ability and enthusiasm. Each new member expands our horizon for service.“

For more information about Sunrise Rotary and its activities, please visit the Rotary Club of Marco Island Sunrise website at www.marcosunriserotary.com or contact Membership Chair Bill Morris at wgm@wgmorrislaw.com.