Fishkill Rotary and Fishkill Earlyact Club have sponsored a Peace Pole on the grounds of Brinckerhoff Elementary School. The EarlyAct Club members are gathered in front of the pole, which represents the efforts of the club in promoting peace, understanding and goodwill among all people. Pictured at the right is Vicki Kessler, Fishkill Rotarian. Also present were Fishkill Rotary President, Mindy Potter, and peace pole coordinator, Doug Sturomski. 

Fishkill Rotary applied for and received a District Grant through the Rotary Foundation. Fishkill Rotarians then purchased a variety of health goods, sanitary items and snacks to put in  blessing bags that will be distributed to each homeless person who attends the Hope on a Mission free meals program on a Saturday evening in the Spring in the City of Poughkeepsie (Date TBD). The pictures in the slideshow below show Fishkill Rotarians packing the drawstring backpacks with water, peanut butter crackers, nail clippers, soap, toothpaste and toothbrushes, sanitary wipes and a number of other easily transported hygiene/snack items. The bags are in addition to the hot meals that are are provide through Hope on a Mission each Saturday evening through out the year.   

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 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.   

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