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President
President Elect
Immediate Past President
Secretary
Treasurer
Membership
Public Relations
Sergeant-at-Arms
Director
Director
Director
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Welcome to our Club!
Service Above Self
We meet Wednesdays at 6:30 PM
Yiasou Cafe'
Yiasou Cafe'
1980 State Route 52
Liberty, NY 12754
United States of America
Liberty, NY 12754
United States of America
District Site
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Venue Map
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Operation Feed Phase II is committed to providing healthy, quality meals to those in need of nutrition. This mission is a joint effort by the Liberty NY Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Monticello NY, Fallsburg NY Lions Club and A Single Bite to provide dinners to up to 90 families with children in the Liberty, Monticello and Fallsburg areas who cannot provide for themselves.Below are a few photos of some of today's(5/29) volunteers.
Thanks to all the generous donors that have supported this program. To make a contribution, go to
OPERATION FEED PHASE II is a joint effort by the Liberty NY Rotary Club, Rotary Club of Monticello NY, Fallsburg NY Lions Club and A Single Bite to provide dinners to up to 90 families with children in the Liberty, Monticello and Fallsburg areas who cannot provide for themselves. Many of these families were already food insecure, and the COVID 19 pandemic and its devastating effect on society and our economy have magnified these problems. The first delivery of food is scheduled for Friday, May 22, 2020 and, thereafter, we intend to deliver meals 2-3 times per week. Each delivery will provide enough food for 2 days, with the Friday delivery providing enough food to last a family for the weekend.
Phase I of Operation Feed provided meals to hundreds of healthcare and other essential workers at various institutions and businesses throughout Sullivan County, to say “thank you” for their heroic service to all of us. And while doing this, we purchased meals from 28 local restaurants, thereby supporting our local economy. It was enormously successful because of the incredible generosity and support from the public. Phase II of Operation Feed – feeding families in need in conjunction with A Single Bite (which purchases its food in Sullivan County) – is the next logical step. We ask for your support in feeding our friends and neighbors who cannot feed themselves.
To donate by credit or debit card, Click on the Operation Feed graphic below.
To donate by check or money order make payable to:
CFOS Liberty, New York, Rotary Club Foundation Fund
CFOS Liberty, New York, Rotary Club Foundation Fund
Send checks to:
CFOS Liberty, New York, Rotary Club Foundation Fund
Please write “OPERATION FEED” in the memo
30 Scotts Corners Drive, Suite 203
Montgomery, NY 12549
Please write “OPERATION FEED” in the memo
30 Scotts Corners Drive, Suite 203
Montgomery, NY 12549
For more information contact:
The Liberty, New York, Rotary Club Foundation Fund is dedicated to providing assistance to those areas affected by catastrophic natural disasters. Often times partnering with other civil service organizations, the members of this Rotary Club put service above self and lend a helping hand to those in need.
If you would like to make a donation to help support this effort, please do so at the link below:
Numerous Rotarians worked at our latest food drive at ShopRite in Liberty. Because we live in an incredibly generous community, our club was able to collect two carloads of food and almost $300 in cash to support our local food pantry. Thanks to ShopRite for letting us collect in the front of their store. Additional thanks to all those Rotarians that gave their time and endured the chill to help those in need of nutrition.
On January 7 there was an earthquake, magnitude 6.4 followed by another 6.0 tremor, which impacted the southwest coast of Puerto Rico. As a result, a number of houses collapsed and buildings and other structures have been structurally compromised. Many people are afraid to sleep inside out of fear of another quake or aftershock. After Hurricane Maria, the Liberty, NY Rotary Club developed a network of Rotarians from Puerto Rico, Massachusetts and New York to provide assistance to the Moca, Puerto Rico, area which was devastated by the hurricane, and together we are working with the leaders of Rotary Clubs in Puerto Rico’s district 7000 to respond to this latest crisis
We received this message from Puerto Rico’s Rotary District Governor;
“…a number of houses collapsed, buildings and other structures have been structurally compromised, etc. The extent of the damage is to be determined. Some people have died, mostly from heart attacks. As residents of the affected area we can attest to the deep sense of fear and desperation when experiencing such catastrophic events. Sleeping at night is a challenge.
Affected people in towns near to the earthquake’s epicenters.... (click to READ MORE)
Amanda Langseder, Director of Community Health, Greater Hudson Valley Health System came to speak to us of the many challenges that Sullivan County is facing in elevating its health statistics. She explained a number of the metrics that currently cause our area to be the second most unhealthy in the state. She then offered great hope by informing the club of all the initiatives being taken to improve our standing, and make our neighbors more fit. We thank Amanda for her interesting and eye opening presentation.
Annual Liberty Rotary Club Winter Raffle
1ST PRIZE - $1000.00
2ND PRIZE - $250.00
3RD PRIZE - $100.00
DONATION $50.00/TICKET
DRAWING WILL BE ON FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 21ST, 2020
AT THE 42nd ANNUAL 98.3 WSUL HEARTATHON
(All payments must be received by Thursday, February 20th, 2020)
PROCEEDS BENEFIT:
LIBERTY ROTARY PROJECTS/LIBERTY ROTARY CLUB
Tickets are on sale from any Liberty Rotary Club Member or
reserve your ticket by emailing
Gary Siegel at cdtripsLLC@gmail.com
with the number of tickets you would like to reserve.
and then send your donation of $50/ticket to:
Liberty Rotary Club
C/O Gary Siegel – Raffle Co-Chairperson
PO Box 493
Liberty, NY 12754
845 798-2188
When donation is received a raffle ticket stub will be sent back to you so please include your return address.
PLEASE SHARE!
THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
Liberty Rotary Club was pleased to welcome Shea-Leigh and her family to speak about their "Santa Paws" program that is seeking assistance for local animal shelters, including C.A.R.E. Shea-Leigh is only 9 years old, but spoke eloquently about her dream to let all animals live happy lives. They will collect blankets, pillows, towels, pet shampoo, flea and tick spray, pet food, pet toys, pet treats, litter boxes, litter or puppy pads until the 20th at numerous drop off points. The drop off points include Roscoe and Liberty Diner, Ponchos, Steak Out, Dutch's, Liberty Dunkin Donuts, BOCES, Liberty Elementary School and Peck's in Livingston Manor. It is a beautiful thing to see a person as young as Shea-Leigh doing work for her community. She is an impressive young lady.
Liberty Rotary Club held its Thanksgiving Food Drive on Saturday, 11/23, and the community was tremendously supportive. ShopRite customers generously purchased extra items and made cash donations to help stock the local food pantry. The results of our efforts yielded two carloads of food and nearly $350 in donated funds for future food purchases. Thanks so much to our host ShopRite of Liberty, all the Rotarians and their loved ones that braved the chilly air to collect the food and money, and to all the community members that gave so much to assure our neighbors will have food.
Below are a few pictures from the collection.
Liberty Rotary Club was fortunate to host an Open World delegation from Belarus. The Belarusians stayed with Rotary club members and experienced many of the wonderful things our area offers. Their stay lasted from November 1st through the 9th. Shown below is a photo of the delegates with Congressman Antonio Delgado. Below that, an assortment of photos from various destinations.
Liberty Rotary Club hosted its annual "Spaghetti and Meatball Supper this evening. Liberty Rotarians and Interact Club members pitched in to make this great community event a success. We were fortunate to have the company of a number of Liberty School Organizations, including a visit from the cast of the forthcoming Liberty musical "The Little Mermaid". Thanks to all that worked at the supper, which served over 260 guests.
This week's meeting(10/23)featured a guest that was a bit different than our usual informational presenters. Liberty Rotary was treated to a "chair yoga" class. Yoga master Justine Sutherland created a serene environment in which we got to stretch and exercise. Her instruction was a great opportunity for the mind, spirit and body. Thanks so much to Justine for taking the time to work with our club and expose everyone to this exceptional form of exercise.
Thanks to the efforts of Barbara Hackett Blakey and Sullivan 180, Liberty Rotary Club was able to host a Community Health Fair at Liberty Elementary School on October 19th. The day featured representatives from numerous "healthy living" organizations throughout our region as well as an exercise program, live dance performance, games, healthy snacks and much more. Thanks to all the groups that supported this event and all those that attended. Most of all, thank you to Barbara who did a great job creating this wonderful day.
Numerous Rotarians visited our local food bank and thrift store to distribute information about our new public bus routes and "Access to Care". Under the leadership of Barbara Blakey, we distributed bus schedules in English and Spanish so that those without transportation would have better access to assistance programs, shopping and government offices. "Access to Care" provides a pathway for those in crisis, so that they can get the assistance needed.
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Liberty Rotary Club was pleased to host this year's Region 5 Summer Meeting / Barbecue. It is always wonderful to get together with other clubs to find out all the great things local Rotarians are doing. Thanks to all who came to share in fellowship at the Rotary Pavilion at our beautiful lake setting.
You can register or donate at the link below:
Andrew Oni is a community health specialist, focusing on mental health, and is implementing a program called Mental Health First Aid. He works with Amanda Langseder, Director of Community Health at Catskill Regional Health Center.
Andrew explained the importance of removing the stigma often associated with mental health issues and speaking openly about the importance of good mental health and hygiene. Through the Mental Health First Aid program, those that serve our community will be able to identify the signs of those in need of mental health assistance and help them get the services needed. As he pointed out, when we suffer a physical ailment, we seek medical attention immediately. The same should be true for mental health ailments.
We thank Andrew for his informative and thought provoking words. It is a great thing that Catskill Regional Medical Center is providing support for the Mental Health First Aid program.
Debra McGuiness is the new CEO of New Hope. For over forty years, New Hope Community has been enhancing the lives of those with intellectual and developmental disabilities.Through teaching, coaching, encouragement and role modeling, New Hope Community advocates for people to integrate and participate in the wider community.
Debra updated us on all the great things New Hope Community is doing for its clients and the county. New Hope employs over 650 county residents and has numerous programs that impact our area. Debra focused on the fact that community involvement has improved greatly over the years and is going well, but further believes that those with disabilities can become even more integrated into our local culture.
We thank Debra for her interesting and inspiring words!
Liberty Rotary Club was proud to once again march in Liberty's Independence Day Parade.
Liberty Rotary Club wishes the best for both incoming President Dr. William Silver and outgoing President Jack Strassman.
We wish Bill a very successful year. He has shown great skills in management, uniting our club and getting the job done. We are confident he will put these skills to work to make it a great Rotary year.
Jack Strassman provided great leadership the past year and has led our club to many great accomplishments. We thank him for his tremendous contribution of leadership, organization and encouragement.
Our newest group of Rotary officers for the 2019-2020 Rotary year. Our club has chosen excellent leaders!
Liberty Rotary Club members were part of the latest mission to Moca, Puerto Rico to deliver bed sets, stoves, refrigerators, and dressers to families still struggling with the aftermath of Hurricane Maria.
Don't miss your chance to own this beautiful painted window inspired by the "Hummingbird Story" that has been associated with Liberty Rotary's work in Haiti. This artwork was created by Erin Lipsky, and is truly exceptional. See any Liberty Rotarian to purchase tickets for $5 each or 3 for $10.
Liberty Rotary Club sponsored an Arbor Day Celebration at Liberty Central Schools on 4/26/19. 5th Graders and ESL students of Liberty Central School District attended an assembly and all attendees received saplings that they could take home and plant.
Thank you to all that attended this year's Liberty Rotary Club Hummingbird Award and Paul Harris Recognition Brunch. Congratulations to all those that were honored at this event. Special thanks to all that made donations to support the Haiti Water Program. It is through your generosity that Liberty Rotary Club can sustain its program in Cap Haitian to provide clean water to 1,000 families. Below are some photos from the event.
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Cat Wilson was our guest speaker on Wednesday, 3/20. She told us about the Catskills Food Hub, located here in Liberty, New York. The food hub is an aggregation and distribution center for local and regional products including fresh produce, packaged meat and dairy products, and shelf-stable pantry items. The Food Hub is a non-profit with a mission of education and working with local farmers and producers to acquire the knowledge and safety standards necessary to expand their retail and wholesale markets, thus growing the agriculture economy in the region. Working with community partners, they are committed to improving the viability of local agriculture, access to fresh food, and the health outcomes for Sullivan county and the region.
Their project partners include Cornell Cooperative Extension of Sullivan County, the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency, Hudson Valley Agribusiness Development Corporation, Sullivan Renaissance, producers, and small business owners.
They look for demand within a 50 mile radius. Essentially they connect growers with local businesses that have a need for fresh farm goods. It is a win-win situation for both the seller and the grower. The grower may have a small amount of product to sell, but through the aggregated system, they gain access to viable markets. Delivery of these products is done through their standard route, and those outside of that route can pick up. Farmers get educated about washing, packing, shipping and pricing their goods so that they are more likely to be successful. The restaurants and businesses gain access to quality local products at reasonable prices.
We thank Cat for joining us at Liberty Rotary and explaining this important organization that is helping the local farmer and local food purveyors connect to find greater success.
If the measure of a man’s greatness is the legacy that he leaves behind, then there are few greater than David F. Thomson. Dave’s dedication to improving the lives of others was truly inspirational. He was a man of kindness, a man of strong moral fiber, and a man who gave of himself for the betterment of all those around him.
As a Rotarian, Dave was the guy you went to when a job needed to be done. He participated in a plethora of service events throughout the year. While doing so, he was always there to offer his wisdom, his never-ending enthusiasm and his endless kindness. Some of the Rotary projects for which Dave was an integral part were polio eradication efforts, The Community Dinners at the Interfaith Food Pantry, food collections for the needy, The Heart-A-Thon, the annual spaghetti dinner, raffle sales to support Rotary projects, scholarship recipient selections, coin drops and pretty much every other initiative Liberty Rotary Club undertook. It will be very difficult to find people to do all the work that Dave did for our club and community.
Dave was the kind of friend that every friend would want to have. He exuded warmth and compassion and often had meaningful words of wisdom to make difficult and complicated tasks much easier to tackle. For a big guy, he expressed a gentle, teddy bear like gentleness and kindness. His great sense of humor merged with his strong sense of purpose made him the guy you wanted at your meeting, your event or your party. He had a great and boisterous laugh that filled the room with joy. He was a lover of fine food and drink, great books and a patron of the arts. Dave was a master at the art of conversation and it was always a pleasure to speak with him about the news of the day, his most recent great read or his inside information about the latest happenings around town.
It is hard to imagine our club or a world without Dave Thomson. He was a good friend and loved by so many. Although we feel tremendous sorrow at this time of his passing, we can also focus on the joy we obtained from having him in our lives. If there was ever a man who exemplified “service above self”, it was David F. Thomson. Our lives and our club will never be the same without him.
Place an ad in our Keepsake Journal and on our Placemats at each setting. Advertise your business and support a great cause! All proceeds benefit our Haiti Clean Water Program Sustainability Fund. CLICK HERE for Sponsor Form.
Don't miss your chance to win this beautifully painted, stained glass style, window created by the incredibly talented Erin Lipsky.Tickets are $5 each or 3 for $10. All proceeds support the Liberty Rotary Club Haiti Clean Water Program Sustainability Fund. Contact any Liberty Rotarian to get your chance to be in it to win it! Drawing to be held June 19th, 2019
We are thrilled to welcome our two newest Liberty Rotarians: Jorge Delgado (sponsored by Gary Siegel and Theresa Panny) and Sean Zigmund (sponsored by Jack Strassman) We look forward to working with you to make the world a better place!
Did you know that 1 in 7 US adults cannot read?!?!
32 million US adults lack basic prose literacy skills – that means they can’t read a newspaper or instructions on a pill bottle!
Please help the INTERACT CLUB of Liberty High School bring awareness to literacy in the US and encourage our youth to READ, READ, READ by bringing in new or gently used books during the month of March!
There will be drop off boxes in the office of each school building!
We will be donating the books to the Literacy Volunteers in Monticello AND to their new building in Bethel (they are seeking specifically children’s books!).
Thanks for all your support!
The 41st Annual 98.3 WSUL Heartathon took place on Friday, February 22nd and once again our club was a powerful force in helping to raise funds for the annual event. Over $120,000 was raised by the event.
In addition our winter raffle drawing took place at the event with SC Democrat Publisher and CEO Fred Stabbert (ticket #34) taking the $1000 first prize, LM Rotarian Diane Babich (ticket #84) won the second prize of $250 and Daniel Belgard (ticket #83 purchased by his Mom and Liberty Rotarian Donna Belgard) won the $100 third prize. This was a true club effort as 18 members sold tickets and all 100 tickets were sold out 2 1/2 weeks before yesterday's drawing. The raffle cleared a profit of $3650 which the board of directors has designated the proceeds to go to the WSUL Heartathon, Boys and Girls Club, Literacy Volunteers and the 2019 Arbor Day Programs.
Our club has a number of "hummingbirds" that do their part when it comes to both the Heartathon and the Annual Winter Raffle. Our heartfelt thanks (pun intended) goes to Dave Thomson who has been an active member of the Heartathon Committee for many and years and was responsible for scheduling local organizations and VIPs to man the phones and appear on the air during designated times at the event. Thanks to Fay Cerullo who was a "main artery" to "The Heart Man" Al Frangipane as she organized the distribution of hearts by 11 of our club members to 36 local businesses bringing in $4726 for the event. Thanks to Sue Kraycer, Barbi Neumann Marty, Theresa Panny, Judy Siegel, Bill Silver, Gary Silver, Gary Silverman, Anna Milucky (Jeff Bank), Jack Strassman, Dave Thomson and yours truly (CD) for taking the time and effort.
We had a great turnout of members who came to the event during the Rotary "Power Hour" joined by our brothers and sisters of the Monticello Rotary Club. Participants included President Jack Strassman, Immediate Past President Judy Siegel, Past President Gary Silver, Barbi Neumann Marty, Charlie Mangini, Anna Milucky (Jeff Bank), Jonathan Schiller, Lori Orestano James, Les Kristt and Orshii Boldis. In addition there were a number of our members who not only gathered pledges but also reached deep into their pockets to make donations to Heartathon.
There is only one way to express how much the Liberty NY Rotary Club accomplishes locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. That would be
WGSD!!!!
On February 13th, Robert Dufour - Sullivan County BOCES Superintendent gave an update about the myriad of programs and services offered. Sullivan County BOCES serves 8 component districts and adjusts its programs to meet the constantly changing needs of those school systems. They provide specialized education services for students with disabilities, particularly because individual districts may not be able to offer such services on their own campuses. They also offer career and technical education, which may include: auto shop, auto body, animal science, broadcasting/music production, construction, innovative design, culinary arts, early childhood education, health occupations and many more. Some of their newer endeavors involve partnerships with Catskill Regional Medical Center and Sullivan County Community College. Additionally, they offer high school equivalency programs and ESL education.
Beyond programming, BOCES also acts a central business office for most of the county's school districts in the capacity of accounts payable, accounts receivable, paying services, payroll and more. They also provide professional development for the teaching and administrative staff of our county schools.
It was impressive to hear of the wide range of programs and assistance that Sullivan County BOCES provides to our area and our local schools. We thank Mr. Dufour for providing us with a lively and informative synopsis of all the good S.C. BOCES is doing in our region.
Robert Dufour, BOCES District Superintendent
Mary Williams – Development Director of the Boys and Girls Club of Orange and Sullivan County updated our club about the exciting changes happening with their annual Sullivan County fundraiser. This year’s event will be a brunch held on April 28th from 11-3 at the Sullivan in Rock Hill. The theme will be centered around the Woodstock Festival, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The event will be honoring Jerry Skoda, who donates large quantities of vegetables from his gardens to provide nutritious food for the club members. Entertainment will be provided by “Murder Mystery Manhattan” which will be writing a Woodstock themed murder mystery for the event.
The cost is $125 per person or $1,000 for a table of ten. Attendees will be asked to help sponsor children to attend summer camp. Also, assorted baskets and other items will be offered at a silent auction.
We thank Mary for joining us at our January 31st meeting, at which her enthusiasm about the event was contagious. Liberty Rotary looks forward to supporting the Boys and Girls Club and wishes them great success with their brunch.
Liberty Rotary Club is pleased to welcome our newest Rotarian, Jonathan Schiller! Jonathan was inducted by Gary Silver and officially pinned by his sponsor, Judy Siegel. We look forward to working on many projects with Jonathan and we are confidant that he will be a tremendous asset to our club's efforts to improve the world.
We were pleased to have Jessica Toscano of Sullivan 180 speak to our club on Wednesday, December 5th. Ms. Toscano was promoting an initiative known as Sullivan Club 180. This is a countywide campaign to support groups, clubs, and organizations in an effort to improve their health through activities that promote healthier living. As a club that operates in a county that is ranked 61 of 62 in New York for health outcomes, this resonated substantially with the group. Below, a picture of Jessica Toscano with club member Pat Abbott. Below that, the Sullivan 180 Vision.
For the past several years, Sullivan County has been ranked 61 out of 62 counties in the state of New York by the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation County Health Rankings. While the County has scored poorly on these indicators in the past, Sullivan County residents are eager to start turning this ranking around. SULLIVAN 180 is a vehicle to foster and support community efforts to improve the health of all residents. Our goal is to turn this ranking around by 180 degrees. With the understanding that this is a long term effort, SULLIVAN 180 is committed to change by degrees, the kind of slow, steady and enduring transformation that is thoughtfully conceived and implemented.
There is a clear need to offer our residents opportunities for improving their health and prosperity. This encompasses not only physical but also mental, spiritual and environmental wellness. A sense of purpose; connection to family and community; access to fresh food; and an active lifestyle are all essential for a thriving Sullivan County. SULLIVAN 180 works in all these areas offering an inclusive approach that unites the entire community— businesses, organizations and individuals in healthcare, education, agriculture, government, the arts and faith-based institutions. Together, with our community partners, we address immediate health concerns and promote innovative ways for all of our residents to live a healthier lifestyle.
Thanks to all that assisted in making this year's Spaghetti Supper a great community event. We served about 225 meals and once again proved that Liberty Rotary Club has fun while doing good. W.G.S.D.
HURRICANE RELIEF COLLECTION DRIVE UPDATE
OCTOBER 7, 2018
OCTOBER 7, 2018
ROTARY/OPERATION ENDEAVOR MISSION 30 TEAM
DELIVER SUPPLIES TO NORTH CAROLINA
Mission accomplished! Two 26' box trucks filled with supplies collected in Sullivan and Orange County were delivered to Clinton, Ivanhoe, and Wallace, North Carolina. Those participating on the Mission Team included Charles "Chuck" Atwell (OE CEO) Shannon Barry (OE Secretary), Gary Silver (OE VP Legal & Government Affairs and Past President of Liberty Rotary Club), and VP of Public 
Information, and Gary Siegel (OE VP of Public Information and Treasurer of Liberty Rotary Club) with Charles Lee Miller (OE COO and Liberty Rotary Club Member), Stuart Hirsch (OE Founder and current board member) and Al Shamah (OE VP of Tactical Paramedicine and Law Enforcement) at Mission Control. The drivers of the supply trucks were donated by Rolling V Bus Corp (Billy McArthur, George Lewis, Tom Danies) and arrived at the hurricane relief staging site/distribution center in Clinton, North Carolina on Friday morning (10/5) where they were greeted by the mission team along with volunteers from the Clinton, Sampson Clinton, and Wallace Rotary Clubs and the United Way of Sampson County. 
"Much appreciation and gratitude for Liberty NY Rotary club. Your enthusiasm and passion for helping others is contagious," says District 7730 Governor April Clark, "One of the best parts (of Rotary) is getting to know the people and now we have friends in Liberty New York. Because y’all are fun we had fun!" 
DG April, along with Nancy Carr, Region 7 ADG and Executive Director of the United Way of Sampson County, were the mission team's Carolina contacts with 'boots on the ground' and were instrumental in arranging the distribution of the supplies collected in Sullivan and Orange Counties. Sue Diamond talked about "How to leverage charitable giving" which focused on how to build capacity for engaged philanthropy through understanding the different vehicles that work for charitable giving – so that we can achieve our philanthropic ambitions for ourselves, our families and our communities.
Hurricane Florence has devastated the Middle Atlantic States and many victims have been left homeless and suffered catastrophic losses as a result of the storm. As the rain moves out, flood waters crest and begin to recede, the Liberty NY Rotary Club is teaming up with the Brevard, NC Rotary Club, Operation Endeavor, and Wings of Michael to organize a hurricane relief drive that is based on the model that was utilized for Hurricane Harvey which targeted the Friendswood, Texas area. We are in touch with contacts in North and South Carolina working on identifying the community(ies) that we would like to target to provide relief for the hurricane victims.
Thanks to all that helped make the 2018 Spirit, Beer and Wine Tasting a great success. Our sponsors and guests gave generously to allow Liberty Rotary Club to offer numerous scholarships for Sullivan County students. It seemed a good time was had by all that attended.
This year's Spirit, Beer and Wine Tasting at the Downtown Barn was a great success. Much money was raised to help give scholarships to Sullivan County Students. Thank you to our wonderful sponsors who generously donated funds to help further the education of all our scholarship recipients.
James Goldfarb spoke to our group as a representative of The Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless on August 29th.
Sullivan County has the fourth highest child poverty rate in New York State, with the most recent census reporting 27.9% of children under the age of 18 in Sullivan County live in poverty. In spite of some improvements, our unemployment rate continues to be rather high for our region. Many young children and their families spend their days worrying where they will get their next meal.
The Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless addresses this concern. They operate the only soup kitchen in Sullivan County, providing breakfast and lunch five days a week to local residents. The number of people who need their help is substantial. They serve tens of thousands of meals through their soup kitchen’s breakfast and lunch program. They also operate a food pantry twice a month, where individuals receive canned food, cereal, juice, pasta and other staples.
The Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless addresses this concern. They operate the only soup kitchen in Sullivan County, providing breakfast and lunch five days a week to local residents. The number of people who need their help is substantial. They serve tens of thousands of meals through their soup kitchen’s breakfast and lunch program. They also operate a food pantry twice a month, where individuals receive canned food, cereal, juice, pasta and other staples.
We are thankful to James and all those working at the Federation for helping those in our community ,who otherwise would be left hungry.
On August 22nd, Liberty Rotary Club was delighted to host Joseph Abraham and Matt Shortall from the Sullivan County Democrat. As the world's media has changed, it was great to hear of the Democrat's commitment to our community. These two well spoken gentleman gave great insight to the mission of the Democrat and also offered insightful views of the media's place in our society today.
Region 5 Barbecue hosted by Liberty Rotary Club
Liberty Rotary Club was pleased to host the Rotary Region 5 meeting! Congratulations to all our clubs for doing so much good in our communities and around the world. Thank you to our keynote speaker Charles Lee Miller and Operation Endeavor for making lives better here in the US and abroad.
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Charles Lee Miller of Operation Endeavor.jpg)
Our beautiful setting at Hanofee Park in Liberty.
District 7210 Governor Christine Giangrasso came to speak at our weekly meeting on July 18th. Christine made it clear to all our members that the District is there to support all of the initiatives we have for doing good in our community and the world. Her mantra for the year is "We can do it", which is based upon the well known image of "Rosie the Riveter" that was established in the 1940s to promote the concept that with enough effort, particularly from women, anything can be accomplished. It was great meeting with Christine, who has much enthusiasm and a straight talk approach, that is both motivating and inspiring. There is no doubt, that this year, our leadership will be there so that we can get stuff done. W.G.S.D.
Congratulations and thank you to Jack Strassman, who was installed as Liberty Rotary Club's 2018-19 President. We have no doubt that Jack will do a great job of leading our club in many successful projects. Also installed for this Rotary year were William Silver - President Elect, Fay Cerullo - Secretary, Gary Siegel - Treasurer, Dan Berkowicz - Sergeant-at-Arms along with three additional board members: Gary Silver, Gary Silveman and David F. Thomson.
We want to offer our great appreciation for all the hard work Judy Siegel put in to being President for the 2017-18 Rotary Year. Her tireless efforts, strong vision and outstanding leadership helped our club do so much good in the past year.
Shown below, newly installed President Jack Strassman
Shown below, Assistant District Governor Susan Kraycer with Immediate Past President Judy Siegel
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Shown below Fay Cerullo, Susan Kraycer, Jack Strassman, Judy Siegel, Gary Siegel and Dr. William Silver
