As a branch of an international organization, the Rotary Club is also dedicated to international efforts, including water filtration and the worldwide eradication of polio. Tad Smith, a retired biologist and a Rotary Club member, supports this cause with his research and knowledge. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - The Rotary Club of Dixon, established in Dixon in 1930, is one of the larger nonprofit organizations in Dixon, boasting 50 members.

The organization hosts regular meetings at noon Wednesdays and now, to engage more Dixonites, the club is introducing additional bi-monthly 5:30 p.m. meetings, beginning on Aug. 20.

According to Rotary Club President Ben Voight, the initiative aims to offer working professionals and those unavailable during the day the opportunity to attend meetings and get involved.

“We're trying to have a night meeting, called mixers, once every two months or six a year,” Voight said. “We’re thinking it’s a better opportunity for day workers.”

The shift is part of a broader effort to expand membership and enhance the club’s longstanding commitment to supporting local and international causes.

Community events remain a major focus for the organization. Upcoming activities include a storage unit clean-out from 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 6, a rummage sale at the Chamber of Commerce parking lot from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20 and Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Members participate in a wide range of activities, according to Past Rotary President Marlene Vega, from mentorship at local schools to fundraising events that benefit scholarships, veterans and community programs.

“Yes, we are an international group but we're here for Dixon,” Vega said. “We help cook food for you, we give donations, we give out grants. We're here for everyone.”

The Rotary Club of Dixon provides $15,000 annually for school scholarships, according to Vega. Additionally, the club contributes 15 individual scholarships worth $2,000 to $500. The club, as a branch of an international organization, supports international efforts, including polio eradication and water filtration projects through University of California, Davis.

“We fill in holes where they're needed. For schools, we've given backpacks, we've given shoes and we've given money for field trips,” Voight said. “At Maine Prairie, we do mentorship; at DHS (Dixon High School), we do workshops; we help with veterans. We try to help with shortcomings and potholes in the community. Get in where you fit in.”

The club is working this month to introduce new members “to do more good in the community,” according to Rotary Club of Dixon Treasurer Janice Beaman.

“We're starting evening meetings to support new membership,” Beaman said. “We are also looking for younger members and Dixonites who work out of town. Join us for maybe a short meeting, come see what we're about and get involved. We're just hoping to reach out to younger people and lunch is just a tough time to schedule for a working community.”

The Rotary Club of Dixon hosts regular meetings at noon on Wednesdays at the Venue, 160 W. A St. According to Club President Ben Voight, the organization will host night mixers, beginning Aug. 20, to give working Dixonites the opportunity to attend meetings and get involved. Photo by Nicolas Brown

According to Voight, the Aug. 20 mixer is not a required meeting for members but an addition. The regular meeting is at noon Aug. 20 at The Venue, 160 W. A St.

Community events remain a major focus. Upcoming activities include a storage unit clean-out from 8 to 10 a.m. Sept. 6, a rummage sale at the Chamber of Commerce parking lot from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 20, and Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 6.

Annual events also include the Crab Feed, Pumpkin Patch and May Fair Pancake Breakfast.

Dues are $175 per year, and while weekly meetings are held on Wednesdays, the new night schedule is intended to be a flexible alternative.

“It’s a fun group with great camaraderie,” Beaman said. “Almost all of our money goes right back into Dixon. It’s your town. Get involved.”

For more information, visit dixonrotary.org or call 916-240-0147.