EASTON, Md. — Tidewater Rotary Club officially launched the 2026–2027 Rotary year with Immediate Past President Steve Waltrich passing the ceremonial gavel to incoming President Rick Hughes, who will lead the club through another year of community service and fellowship.

Tidewater Rotary is part of Rotary International, a global network of more than 46,000 clubs in over 200 countries and geographic regions, representing approximately 1.4 million members united by the motto, “Service Above Self.”

Locally, Tidewater Rotary meets every Thursday from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Brookletts Place in Easton, where members enjoy breakfast, fellowship, and presentations from business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and community advocates from across Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

During the past Rotary year, the club launched its signature FOLKS (Feeding Our Local Kids & Seniors) initiative to help combat hunger throughout Talbot County. The effort raised more than $13,000, providing brand-new crock pots to selected families at all five Talbot County elementary schools. Club members and community volunteers also packed more than 2,200 meal packets, which were distributed through local food pantries, Meals on Wheels, and neighborhood blessing boxes.

The FOLKS initiative will continue this year with another Community Food Packing Day planned for October, along with additional service projects designed to address food insecurity in the community.

Hughes, a Rotarian for more than 30 years, said he hopes to build upon the club’s momentum while inviting more residents to discover the value of Rotary.

“Being a Rotarian is much more than attending a weekly meeting,” Hughes said. “Our members come from all walks of life and represent a wide variety of professions. Through networking, fellowship, and fun, we work together to improve the lives of our neighbors, strengthen Talbot County, and make a positive impact around the world.”

Chartered in 2011, Tidewater Rotary has grown into one of the region’s most active service organizations. In addition to its community service projects, the club maintains a full calendar of volunteer opportunities and will once again host its popular Bowling Night and Trivia Night fundraisers to support existing programs and launch new initiatives throughout the coming year.

Membership is open to individuals of all backgrounds who share a desire to give back to their community through service, leadership, and fellowship.

For more information about Tidewater Rotary Club, meeting schedules, or membership opportunities, visit www.TidewaterRotary.org.