Hot Springs National Park Rotary

10/23/2026

We can hardly wait o see everyone's Halloween outfit!

10/22/2026

Hot Springs National Park Rotary member Tibitha Freeman hosted Gavin Ventress during his student guest weeks at Rotary. Gavin is a senior at Mountain Pine School District, where he is a year-round athlete participating in all sports. Gavin is a member of the National Honor Society, and attended the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program last year. He was thankful for the opportunity to attend Camp RYLA because it forced him out of his comfort zone and gave him the confidence to speak in front of others. It was an experience that created personal growth. Gavin shared that being at Rotary over the past few weeks made him realize there are many opportunities to change Hot Springs for the better. After graduation, Gavin would like to become a registered nurse and plans on attending National Park College. We wish him great success in all his endeavors.

10/22/2026

Don't miss out! Register NOW for Rotary District Foundation Recognition and Appreciation Luncheon.

The registration deadline is October 29th. The cost is only $30.00.

We are looking forward to celebrating District 6170's generous Rotarians.

Register via dacDB, Ignite App or use link in comments.

10/22/2026

Just a friendly reminder that we will be planting flowers at Hollywood Park on Friday morning. We may need dynamite to be able to get a hole big enough to plant anything. I can not recall the last time we got any significant rain.

Calling all Rotarians! Join Hot Springs National Park Rotary as our Community Enhancement Committee does our fall planting of flowers at Hollywood Park on 10/23 and at the Whittington Fountain on 10/31. We will begin at 8:30am and would love for you to join us as we demonstrate Service Above Self in action. All Rotarians are encouraged to participate regardless of whether you are an official member of this committee. James Frierson is the committee chairperson and would love to see you there. If you have Rotary or Rotarian At Work gear please wear it.

10/20/2026

Here is your friendly reminder to bring your Polio Plus money to Rotary this week. Did you know that thanks to the Bill Gates Foundation you can turn $25 into $75? Who will be the one to put a pie in the face of our president?

10/19/2026

Calling all Rotarians! Join Hot Springs National Park Rotary as our Community Enhancement Committee does our fall planting of flowers at Hollywood Park on 10/23 and at the Whittington Fountain on 10/31. We will begin at 8:30am and would love for you to join us as we demonstrate Service Above Self in action. All Rotarians are encouraged to participate regardless of whether you are an official member of this committee. James Frierson is the committee chairperson and would love to see you there. If you have Rotary or Rotarian At Work gear please wear it.

10/16/2026

Shawnee Cooper was our speaker at our most recent meeting, Shawnee is serving as District Governor for Rotary District 6170 for the 2026-27 Rotary year. District Governor Cooper shared an inspiring message centered on Rotary's impact and opportunities for growth.

Building on 2026–2027 Rotary International President Olayinka Babalola's challenge to "Do Better Than Your Best," Shawnee introduced her own BEST message: Believe in your vision, Encourage those around you, Serve with heart and passion, and Transform belief into action.

She highlighted Rotary's continued fight to eradicate polio, with just 39 cases remaining in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and emphasized three district priorities: Growing Rotary, with a goal of 1,300 members and encouraging each club to grow by 10%; Increasing Our Impact, including recognizing Foundation supporters at the luncheon on November 7; and Developing Our Leaders through the Rotary Leadership Institute.

Shawnee reminded us that through service, fellowship and leadership, we can continue to Create Lasting Impact in our communities and beyond!

Pictured is District Governor Shawnee Cooper, Hot Springs National Park Rotary President Justin Nicklas and Assistant District Governor Ernestine Ross.

10/15/2026

Our most recent student guest speaker was Lukas Blomkvist, senior at Fountain Lake School District. After graduating he plans to attend College of the Ozarks. Our fellow Rotarian Joyce Whitfield was his host.

10/12/2026

Our District Governor Shawnee Cooper will be visiting us this Wednesday 10/14 and we would love to have a great turnout to support her. Current Board members, please remember we will meet with her at 11am.

Shawnee Cooper began her Rotary journey with the Rotary Club of Magnolia in 2015. This provided her not only with a wonderful opportunity to serve but to establish significant Rotary relationships. In addition to the Magnolia club, Shawnee served as a member of the Rotary Club of North Garland County Scenic #7 and helped charter with husband Dennis the Rotary Club of Saline County After-Hours in December 2021. As an active leader in Rotary, Shawnee has held numerous positions including Club President, District Conference Chair, District Grants Chair, District Trainer and Assistant Governor. One of Shawnee’s most passionate roles is as an Ambassador for the Arkansas Rotary Action Group Against Slavery (RAGAS). Awarded Rotarian of the Year 2022-2023 for her tireless work on combatting human trafficking, she travels frequently presenting programs and training in combatting this serious issue. Dennis and Shawnee are Major Donors, Bequest Society Members and Paul Harris Society Members.

Shawnee comes to Rotary from a long and successful career as a Human Resources Director. She and Dennis are grandparents to 11 precious children which undoubtedly adds even more passion to her adamant quest to bring awareness and enlist others to prevent the horrific act of trafficking humans. When not volunteering her time to Rotary, Shawnee enjoys the outdoors, traveling and spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Cooper is honored to be serving as District Governor 2026-2027.