Graduation season brings a sense of excitement and new beginnings. The Liberty Rotary Club is proud to award over $11,000 in scholarships and honorariums to a remarkable group of graduating students. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all recipients and wish them continued success as they embark on their next chapter.
Thank you to our scholarship committee for their judicious decision making. A special thank you to our generous sponsors. Your support makes these opportunities possible.
2024-2025 | 2025-2026 | |
President | Bill Silver | Alyssa Thalmann |
President | Gary Silverman | - |
Executive Secretary | Gary Siegel | Gary Siegel |
Treasurer | Matthew Sush | TBD |
Secretary | Bethany Foxworth | Bethany Foxworth |
Seargent at Arms | Barbi Neumann-Marty | Barbi Neumann-Marty |
Director | Gary Silver | Elsie Kopcha |
Director | Rebecca Skoda | Megan Gavin |
Director | Jack Strassman | Rebecca Skoda |
Director | Megan Gavin | - |
President Elect | Alyssa Thalmann | Mr. Terry Grafmuller |
Immediate Past President | - | Bill Silver |
Immediate Past President | - | Gary Silverman |
The Liberty Rotary Club hosted a heartwarming and festive St. Pawtrick's Day Party to benefit Catskill Animal Rescue(CARe), drawing an enthusiastic crowd of animal lovers and supporters. The event was extremely well attended, with guests embracing the lively atmosphere filled with camaraderie, good cheer, and a shared passion for helping animals in need. The true stars of the day were our four-legged guests, who charmed attendees with their adorable and endearing qualities.
This year’s event proved to be an overwhelming success, raising significantly more funds than the previous year to support CARe’s mission. Our generous sponsors and attendees gave from the heart and we sincerely thank you all. The Liberty Rotary Club is proud to have sponsored this event to support CARe, as they continue to provide a clean, safe and healthy atmosphere for pets looking for their forever homes.
Thank you to all the volunteers who made this event possible and to Bridge and Tunnel Brewery for providing the venue for such an important event.
The Liberty NY Rotary Club has launched a fundraising campaign to support victims of the devastating wildfires currently ravaging Los Angeles, California. In collaboration with local Rotary Clubs in the affected areas, our Club is working to assess the urgent needs of those impacted by this disaster and provide immediate relief.
Disaster relief has been a cornerstone of the Liberty NY Rotary Club's mission for many years. From New York to Texas, North Carolina, Puerto Rico, Belize, and Haiti, our Club has mobilized resources, partnered with other Rotary Clubs, and worked alongside community organizations, businesses, and individuals to support those in crisis. Through these efforts, we have built a strong network of response teams with organizations such as VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters), FEMA, Operation Endeavor, and the PC-12 Tango Whiskey Squadron.
From January 26th to February 1st, 2025, the Liberty NY Rotary Club (LNYRC) Disaster Preparedness and Relief Team made a significant impact on disaster readiness in Puerto Rico, a region that has historically faced devastating hurricanes and earthquakes. The team, consisting of Irving Kaplan, Dan Parkhurst, Gary Siegel, and Gary Silver, traveled to the island with the mission to enhance resilience and preparedness in the face of future natural disasters.
The team’s efforts included participation in the three-day Puerto Rico VOAD (Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster) Conference, where they connected with key organizations such as FEMA and VOAD. These vital meetings focused on fostering collaboration, cooperation, coordination, and communication, which are essential for improving disaster preparedness across Puerto Rico.
“Puerto Rico's challenges are immense, particularly with a fragile power grid that often leaves communities vulnerable during and after disasters. Our team is committed to making sure the island’s Rotary clubs and communities are better equipped to respond and recover when the next disaster strikes,” said Irving Kaplan, Member of the LNYRC Disaster Preparedness Team.
In collaboration with Rotary District 7000 leadership, the Liberty Rotary team developed a comprehensive Disaster Preparedness Plan, which lays the groundwork for strengthening local disaster response efforts. The team identified and met with six pilot Rotary clubs across Puerto Rico, located in San Juan, Mayagüez, Yauco, Manatí, Guayama, and Quebradillas. These clubs were selected as the first to implement disaster preparedness strategies, with a goal to spark broader engagement from their members and local stakeholders.
“The response from the pilot clubs was incredibly positive. Some clubs were already in the process of forming their disaster preparedness committees, while others have made tremendous strides by reaching out to community stakeholders to establish priorities and goals for the next six months,” said Dan Parkhurst, a member of the team. “Our goal is to ensure that Rotary clubs across the island are ready—not if, but when—disaster strikes.”
The Liberty NY Rotary team’s visit was met with overwhelming gratitude, and the work of the team was formally recognized. During their trip, each of the LNYRC team members were presented with a Certificate of Appreciation by Rotary District 7000 Governor, Marco Bilen-Thillet, in acknowledgment of their invaluable service and collaboration with local Rotary clubs in Puerto Rico.
“The efforts of the Liberty Rotary team have not only helped prepare Puerto Rico for future challenges but also provided a spark of hope and urgency for ongoing community involvement in disaster preparedness,” said D7000 Governor Belen-Thillet. “This partnership will go a long way in ensuring the island's resilience for years to come.”
As the Liberty NY Rotary Club Disaster Preparedness and Relief Team continues to work alongside Puerto Rico’s Rotary District 7000, the lasting impact of their mission will strengthen the island’s ability to survive, recover, and rebuild after disasters.
The Liberty Rotary Club held our 55th Annual Spaghetti Supper on October 29th at the Liberty High School Cafeteria. Our team worked seamlessly to ensure our many guests enjoyed a delicious meal in a warm and welcoming setting.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us to share a meal and support this cherished tradition. Particular appreciation goes to the food services staff at Liberty High School who prepared a delicious meal and allowed us to assist in serving our guests. A special thank you to the Liberty High School Interact Club for their invaluable assistance during the event, and to the cast of this year’s musical, Cinderella, who brought a delightful touch of royalty and fun to the evening.
Proceeds from the supper will be evenly shared between Liberty High School Interact and Liberty Rotary Club, helping to fund a variety of programs and initiatives that serve our community.
The Thalmann family hosted a fantastic event on Sunday, 10/14, with "Stepping Easy with Ellen," a lively line dancing party benefiting The Daniel Thalmann Scholarship Fund. It was a joyful day filled with fun for everyone who attended this event held at Bridge and Tunnel Brewery. The food was plentiful and delicious, the craft beers were a hit, and the atmosphere was full of celebration. It was heartwarming to see so many gather in honor of Danny Thalmann’s legacy of service. His daughters, family, and friends did an outstanding job organizing the experience dedicated to ensuring educational opportunities for young people.
The Liberty Rotary Club was honored to be one of the sponsors of the event and contribute some of the food. Many of our members attended to show their support for this meaningful cause.
Liberty Rotary Club gave from the heart and partnered with other Sullivan County Rotary Clubs to gather pints for our August 3rd blood drive. A special promotion gave a certificate to all donors for a free pint of beer at Resorts World Catskills. Saving lives and free beer, it doesn't get much better than that. Thanks to everyone that came out to donate. Special thanks to Resorts World Catskills for allowing us to hold the event on their property and for sponsoring the "Pint for a Pint" promotion.
Liberty and Monticello Rotary Clubs enjoyed a fabulous night out at the Forestburgh Playhouse Tavern, featuring the incomparable talents of Somerville! The food was excellent, the company outstanding and the music was sizzling hot. Thanks to the generosity of Forestburgh Playhouse, a portion of the proceeds was shared with each of the two participating clubs. As a result, not only did we have a fantastic evening, but each club took home a check for $500. Thank you to our hosts The Forestburgh Playhouse and the band Somerville for giving us such a memorable evening.
Liberty Rotary Club could not be prouder of our member, Barbi Neumann-Marty, who this week received the SYDA Foundation Community Service Award 2023.
Barbi is a long term member of our club and involved in a great many committees and initiatives. She has also served as a member of the club board for many years. She has dedicated her life to giving all she can to improve the circumstances of others. Barbi is a great person and a great Rotarian.
She is the senior unit director of the Town of Wallkill Boys and Girls Club, which serves North Orange and Sullivan counties. She is also a community-based provider for the Children’s Home and a member of the board of CARE.
Barbi was honored at a ceremony held at the Sullivan County Government Center on November 15. She gave a heartwarming speech about family, community and the power of putting "service above self".
Barbi Neumann-Marty is exceptionally worthy of this recognition. Her dedication to the community and her endless contribution of time to help so many is incredible.
Congratulations to Barbi for this honor, of which you are so deserving.
Shown below are the Rotarians there were able to be present for Barbi's Award Ceremony.
Service Above Self/WGSD!
Liberty, NY 12754
United States of America