The Santa Maria Rotary Club noontime added two rose bushes to the peace garden at Rotary Centennial Park Saturday, bringing the total to five.
Pastor Jeff Nellermoe, of Bethel Lutheran Church, blessed the two new rose bushes, and peace committee members Virginia Souza, Laura Mohajer, Mayor Alice Patino and member John Henning spoke about the significance of the roses, named for Pope John Paul II, the importance of peace in Ukraine, and the Rotary mission to promote peace throughout the world.
“Rotary’s goal is to create environments where peace can be built and maintained through sustainable and measurable activities in communities worldwide. Peacebuilding remains a cornerstone of our mission as a humanitarian service organization,” Patino said.
In September 2024, in celebration of International Day of Peace, the club’s Peace Committee planted the first three rose bushes in the garden.
The act honored the three Santa Maria Rotary clubs and symbolized their collective commitment to peace.
The garden’s Peace Pole and plaque, donated by member Fred Donati, were placed in 2022 to commemorate the club’s centennial year.
“International Day of Peace reminds us that promoting peace is a daily endeavor. We were proud to recognize that effort Saturday,” said President Marga Cooley.
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