Fishkill Rotary Inducts Three New Members
On Wednesday, March 8 at their regularly scheduled Rotary meeting at I-84 Diner, Fishkill Rotary inducted three new members to the fold. Longtime community volunteer Eddie Colon, Town of Fishkill Board Member Carmine Istvan and the Wappingers Central School District (represented by Superintendent Dwight Bonk and Board President John Lumia) took the Rotary oath as recited by Fishkill Rotarian Roberta Theiss. The new members then received a Rotary pin from their respective sponsors. After each of the new members addressed those at the meeting, it became very clear that Fishkill Rotary had become, due to the various talents of the inductees, an even more energetic and enthusiastic organization committed to doing good in the greater community!
Fishkill Rotary Inducts New Member
Fishkill Rotary Club inducted Steve Soper (below right) to the Club at its weekly meeting on Wednesday, September 7. Steve brings a good deal of experience and energy to Rotary. Among other business ventures, he currently works with the Hudson Valley Renegades and can be seen at Dutchess Stadium during many Renegade home games. Steve has already shown a willingness to contribute ideas and become even more actively involved in the Fishkill community. Steve is shown in the picture below being welcomed by Club President, Mindy Potter.
Another Successful Season Providing Warm coats to Area Schoolchildren!!
Again this winter season, Fishkill Rotary Club has partnered with Operation Warm Coats to provide high-quality warm, winter coats to needy youngsters in the area. This year, Fishkill Rotary was able to order and distribute nearly 1,000 winter coats to students in the Wappingers Central School District, Beacon City School District, Catholic Charities and Astor Services for Children and Families. The impressive number of coats donated this year was due, in large part, to a Learn, Play, Create Grant from Dutchess County.The purpose of the grant is to support children in a variety of ways due to needs that have arisen from the impacts of COVID-19 in our area.
This year marks the twelfth consecutive year that Fishkill Rotary has provided warmth and support to elementary school-age children in an effort to enhance both student self-esteem and school attendance, especially during the coldest months. This project also addresses two of Rotary International's Areas of Focus: Saving Mothers and Children and Supporting Education.
AS YOU CAN SEE FOR YOURSELF FROM THE IMAGES BELOW, A PICTURE CAN INDEED SPEAK 1,000 WORDS
Fishkill Rotarians shown delivering warm coats for kids at Fishkill Elementary School on November 9. Dr. Andy McNally (2nd from left) accepted the coats on behalf of the student body of Fishkill Elementary School.
Flag Once Again Flies Over Sara Taylor Park in Fishkill
In early Spring 2020, the flagpole and flag at Sara Taylor Park in Fishkill were vandalized beyond repair. Fishkill Rotary worked with the Village of Fishkill through one of the Village Trustees, Nick Forlano, to purchase a new pole and flag. Nick, a Fishkill Rotarian himself, coordinated the installation of the flag during March 2021. Old Glory now waves again over the park due to the combined efforts of Fishkill Rotary and the Village of Fishkill.