The start of a new year invites reflection on where we have been, what we have accomplished, and how we want to show up in the months ahead. For CNY Rotary, this moment is especially important. While our over 110-plus clubs are doing extraordinary work across the region, the impact of that work depends not only on service delivered, but on stories told.
Posted by Peace Subcommittee
Our District Peace Subcommittee (yes, it is part of the Foundation Committee) has partnered with Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI). MBBI started as an official service partner for Rotary International and brings technical field expertise to Rotary’s commitment to peace and conflict resolution. Rotary Peace Fellows are among those involved in this organization and it is another opportunity for local and international service from anywhere in the world.
As we reach the halfway point for the 2025-26 Rotary year, we want to check in on our progress with regards to membership growth and celebrate clubs that are growing so far.
Overall, we are +2% through November, which means we are up 43 new members.
At Gift of Life of Central New York, we believe donors deserve to see exactly how their generosity is used — and the lives it touches.
CNY Rotary is offering a limited-time incentive to help up to 10 Rotarians (who are not currently PHS members) join the Paul Harris Society (PHS), which recognizes those who give $1,000+ annually to The Rotary Foundation (TRF).
On a crisp Saturday night, warmth and friendship emanated from Common Roots Brewing Company's Albany Outpost as Rotarians current and future came together from across CNY to celebrate the formation of a unique companion club. The Albany Mosaic Club is the companion to a legacy club, Albany Rotary, designed to help Rotary grow and thrive in our state capital by creating a purposefully inclusive space to be filled with members who may not currently see Rotary as accessible or relevant to them. The club's name, Mosaic, eliciting the image of all the colors, shapes and textures of a tile mosaic coming together to create something beautiful.
CNY Rotary is thrilled to welcome new leadership to our Executive Committee. We introduce you to our 2028-29 CNY Rotary President Joe Dhara of DeWitt Rotary. Read on to learn more about Joe and wish him well as he sets out on this life-changing leadership journey.
Artificial Intelligence isn’t just for tech experts. It’s a powerful, time-saving tool that every Rotary club can use to strengthen communication, improve public image, and make service projects easier to plan and share. This article gives you a simple overview of how AI can support your club while inviting you to follow along with the attached slides and video link to the CNY Rotary Public Image Committee’s recent training for examples, visuals, and step-by-step demonstrations.
CNY Rotary’s Public Image Committee is thrilled to announce that Public Image Grants are back—and now even better! Clubs can once again apply for matching grants (now up to $300) to support evergreen projects that boost Rotary’s visibility in their communities. These funds can help purchase materials and tools that promote your club for years to come.
CNY Rotary (District 7180) has been recognized by The Rotary Foundation as one of only 66 districts worldwide to achieve at least 90% compliance in grant reporting for the 2024–25 Rotary year — representing just one in every eight districts globally.
Did you know there are Rotary podcasts? Talking Rotary in Zones 28 & 32 is hosted by Winnipeg Rotarian Peter Tonge and he recently interviewed our very own Past CNY Rotary President Lizzy Martin to hear more about our transition to becoming CNY.
CNY Rotary is pleased to announce that Donna Adams, a dedicated member of the Auburn Rotary Club, has taken on the role of Service Committee Chair.
It’s that time of year again: all clubs must file their annual return with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) by November 15. Whether your club is subordinate under Rotary International’s 501(c)(4) group exemption or independently tax-exempt, the filing requirement still applies.
We’re closer than ever to achieving a polio-free world — but the last mile is often the hardest, and most important. Rotary members and partners around the world continue to work tirelessly to ensure that every child is protected through vaccination, and that no community is left behind.
Saturday, November 15, 2025 • 12:00–3:00 p.m.
Brook’s House of Bar-B-Q, Oneonta, NY
As members, we know the impact of polio eradication, but most people, especially Americans, do not realize that eradication is still needed because it has been gone from our country for more than four decades. The outbreak in the US in 1952 was a very scary time for families who did not know how the disease spread, while thousands of children died and more than 20,000 were paralyzed. The launch of Salk's vaccine just a few years later brought relief and eased fears. Who better to tell this story than someone who survived it?
Although Suicide Prevention Awareness Month ended in September, the need to care for our mental and emotional well-being continues year-round. Organizations like the World Health Organization and the National Alliance on Mental Illness remind us that awareness should not be confined to a single month—it’s an ongoing commitment to compassion, education, and support. With health care coverage shrinking and free resources harder to find, caring for our minds, bodies, and spirits is more vital than ever.
From the Nominating Committee...
It’s that exciting time of the year again—CNY Rotary is now seeking suggestions for the 2028–29 District President. Could you be the leader who will inspire, connect, and guide our vibrant region?CNY Rotarians, get ready for fellowship, fun, and local connections! A series of Area Visits have been scheduled across the district for this fall, offering a great way to meet our incoming CNY Rotary President, connect with nearby clubs, and enjoy meaningful gatherings. Members are invited to visit the CNY Area Visits page for full event details and online registration, and read on for some more about these annual functions.
CNY Rotary has a few different profiles on social media including:
We hope members are following or belong to all of them to keep up with all the club news, learning opportunities, CNY events, and more. Continue reading for the latest announcement about changes in posting policies for our Facebook group...
September marks Deaf Awareness Month, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions, culture, and language of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing community. It is also a reminder that true diversity means embracing all forms of human experience—including the richness of Deaf culture.
It is with sadness that our Rotary family announces the peaceful passing of Past District Governor Jim Spencer, a lifelong resident of Middleburgh, New York. He passed away on August 25, 2025 in Cobleskill at the age of 91. Read on for more about his life and details on his services.
If you’ve ever wondered what the Paul Harris Society is all about, here’s the scoop (and no, it doesn’t involve secret handshakes or decoder rings).
The Paul Harris Society, named after Rotary’s founder, recognizes those who commit to giving $1,000 or more each year (about $84 per month) to The Rotary Foundation. That’s right, these generous Rotarians keep the good work rolling, year after year and help us fund our District Grants among other things.
Members from across CNY gathered at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo on Saturday, August 16th to reflect on our accomplishments in our first year as this new region and celebrate the inauguration of new leaders for 2025-26. The event also honored retiring representatives and other outgoing leaders whose service helped shape and bring to life our new vision for Rotary in this part of the world. Read on for stats worth celebrating, milestones reached, and leaders to know!
The Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) is back in CNY for the 2025-26 year, with two sessions planned to help Rotarians strengthen their leadership skills and deepen their Rotary knowledge.
CNY Rotarians have a wonderful opportunity to deepen their commitment to Rotary’s signature cause—eradicating polio—by attending our friends in District 7120's Foundation Brunch on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at Noon. The event will be held at Ravenwood Golf Club in Victor, NY and costs $40 per person.
CNY Rotary is proud to announce that Linda Iannone has been appointed as the new Chair of the District’s Events Committee. With more than 30 years of Rotary service and a wealth of professional and community leadership experience, Linda brings both passion and expertise to this important role. Read to get to know her and see how you can join her team.
CNY Rotary is excited to welcome Bob Balk as the incoming District President. Bob is a leader whose passion for service has deep roots both locally and globally.
The start of a new Rotary years bring changes in leadership at all levels of Rotary and new opportunities for every member to get involved. Let's review who is part of our leadership team, see where we could use some more volunteers, and make a plan to register to attend CNY Rotary Inauguration to celebrate all of our leaders!
As we begin a new Rotary year, it’s the perfect time for clubs to take a fresh look at how they are seen by the community. Public image doesn’t have to mean high-tech campaigns or professional videos. It’s really about showing who you are, what your club does, and how others can get involved. Even small steps can go a long way. Here are a few easy ways to refresh your club’s image this year—no fancy tools or technical skills required.
