The meeting held on Wednesday, August 16 at I-84 Diner proved to be a very busy and worthwhile one. As the slideshow below illustrates, Fishkill Rotary was joined by two of the John Jay High School students who attended RYLA earlier in the summer. First, the two sophomores picked the winning raffle ticket for the Billy Joel concert on August 29, 2023. The lucky winner will receive two tickets to the show and limo service both to and from MSG. Following the drawing, Hiroyuki and Shayleen spoke to the club about their experiences at RYLA. They both shared their favorite activities and expressed thanks to the club for giving them the opportunity to participate in the leadership conference.

The next speaker, also pictured below, was Pedro Almondo, General Manager of Sam's Club in Fishkill. Pedro expressed his willingness to work with Fishkill Rotary on projects to benefit the community. Sam's Club works with a variety of communities on beneficial projects throughout the country. Members also heard from Branca and Amanda (not shown) from Grace Smith House, an organization dedicated to supporting and safeguarding, families in crisis. Overall, a very informative and interesting meeting!! 

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