The Bainbridge Fire Department (BFD) has received a grant from the Rotary Club of Bainbridge. Volunteer firefighter Tom Akshar accepted the $2,830 donation on behalf of the department. The grant funded the purchase of new, high-quality structural firefighter gloves for the department, made possible by a matching grant from the Central New York Rotary Foundation.
The Glens Falls Rotary Club is proud to introduce the Harrison Freer Rotary Community 5K Run/Walk, a brand-new event dedicated to supporting local charities and promoting wellness.
Franklin Rotary invites community members to join us for a special presentation by Tyson Robb, Coordinator of the Delaware County Department of Public Works' Solid Waste Management Center (SWMC) on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, 6:30pm at the Open Doors United Methodist Church, corner of Main and Water Streets, Franklin, NY.
The Fifth Annual Rubber Duck Race, sponsored by Trumansburg Rotary, will once again take place in downtown Tburg - this year on Saturday, May 10 - at which time 1,500 numbered duckies will enter Frontenac Creek near the Farmer’s Market at 1p.m. and swim a quarter mile to the finish line at the Route 96 bridge (near Gimme Coffee).
The Nimmonsburg-Hillcrest Rotary Club is marking 75 years of unwavering service, celebrating decades of impact in Chenango, Dickinson, and beyond. Since its founding, the club has championed education, health, and community outreach—mentoring students, supporting local businesses, and funding scholarships.
Rotary promotes peace in the world through our areas of focus. Peace poles can be a catalyst to bring communities together for this project.
With pens at the ready and hearts filled with good will, Oneonta Rotarians gathered at the February 6 weekly meeting to carry out the 5th Annual Valentine Card Outreach Project.
The VVS Community Rotary Club will celebrate its 70th Anniversary with a buffet dinner and dessert at Lakeside Landing on Thursday March 20 at 6 p.m.
The Rotary Rocket got a makeover for this year’s Krazy Downhill Derby.
Rotary International has partnered with the Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) to promote the concept of Positive Peace. This partnership, established in 2017, seeks to build resilient societies through a structured and holistic approach. We are excited to share that the CNY region has taken a significant step by establishing a dedicated Peace subcommittee. As part of this initiative, we are proud to introduce the Rotary Positive Peace Academy.
Rotarians have long been at the forefront of service, leadership, and community engagement.
Rotary clubs across the district are joining forces to bring life-saving heart surgeries to children in need. The initiative, known as the Gift of Life program, is a rallying cry for compassion and action—a call that resonated with every club when they received an email at the end of December 2024.
It’s that time of year to start thinking about pulling those clubs out of the basement and getting into shape again to start a new year of golf. What better way to stretch all of those muscles and get into shape for your first round at your favorite golf course than to join your friends for a round of virtual golf at The New Hartford Rotary 3rd Annual Golf Tournament on April 9, 2025 at The Bunker at The Orchard, 8653 Clinton St., New Hartford, NY.
As we celebrate Black History Month it seems appropriate, especially in Rotary, to talk about the often-unacknowledged black volunteers that have made significant contributions throughout history in various fields and movements.
The Rotary Club of Ithaca made a special award presentation at its February 5 lunch meeting. Rotary President Angela Sullivan and Stacy Hall honored Rotarian Michael F. Brown with the prestigious Cliff Dochterman Award. The award recognizes Rotarians who have made distinguished and dedicated contributions to scouting through leadership, service, or mentorship.
The Rotary International Peace Fellowship is a unique and impactful program aimed at fostering global peace. Rotary’s unwavering commitment to peace, combined with the generosity of its members worldwide, makes the Rotary Peace Centers program both distinctive and successful. Through this initiative, individuals gain academic training, hands-on practice, and invaluable global networking opportunities, all designed to develop peace and development professionals who can become effective catalysts for peace.
Rotary leaders from across our district are invited to the Empire Multi-District President Elect Learning Seminar (MD PELS), set to take place on March 15-16, 2025, at the DoubleTree by Hilton, Carrier Circle, Syracuse. This event provides President Elects with a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, enhance their leadership skills, and connect with other Rotary leaders in preparation for their upcoming terms.
Long time DeWitt Rotarian Joseph "Joe" McCarthy passed away on Monday January 6, 2025, at home.
You've got to be in it to win it! Help support Albany Rotary by participating in their annual Super Bowl Squares fundraiser. See details below!
Five years ago, our district's Global Grants Committee embarked on its first opioid awareness global grant and, in search of an international partner, reached out to over 100 Rotary clubs.
Vestal Rotary's St. Patrick's Day Raffle Fundraiser, an exciting event taking place on March 15 from 6-8 p.m., supports many of the club's vital community programs. For just $125, you not only get a ticket to an unforgettable evening, but also two guests to bring along for the fun.
Oneonta Rotary’s Third Annual Wine Tasting Fundraiser will be held on February 15th, at 6 pm at Social Eats Café—Project 607, 546 Main St., Oneonta.
The CNY Rotary Global Grants Committee voted recently to support the Breath to Life project in Alanya, Antalya province, Turkey. Grant funds will be used to purchase three neonatal ventilators for use at Alanya State Hospital’s Level 3 neonatal intensive care unit, serving infants who cannot provide adequate oxygenation on their own or who have multiple organ failure and are at high risk of mortality, requiring respiratory support.
In response to the devastating wildfires near Los Angeles, Rotary and our partners are mobilizing to provide critical support to those affected. The fires have caused immense destruction, displacing tens of thousands of residents and leaving many in urgent need of assistance. The crisis is still ongoing. Here are two Rotary-connected pathways to support those in need, as well as some helpful advice in choosing where to donate and avoiding scams.
Fulton Sunrise Rotarians Mary Farfaglia and Ellen Pierce shared the knowledge they’ve gained as registered nurses (RNs) to help their fellow Rotarians learn more about the safety of and protection given by vaccines.
At a recent meeting of CNY Rotary’s Global Grant Committee, it was agreed that they would join The Rotary Club of Thavaravadi and the Innovation Hong Kong club in purchasing medical equipment for Orthopedic Surgery for the hospital in Kumpanangsaen, Nakhonpathom, Thailand.
The Hamilton Rotary Club has been a driving force in enhancing both local and global communities. Two recent initiatives, the Night of Lights and the End Polio Now campaign, highlight the club’s dedication to service.
Getting more media attention can help your club grow and raise awareness. With many media outlets lacking the resources to cover as much ground as they had in the past, it’s more important than ever to take a proactive approach. Here are five easy tips to boost your club’s visibility:
As we begin 2025, we begin with hope and passion for a polio free world. While 2024 may have seemed a set-back ending with 92 cases and a number of vaccine delivery challenges, it served as a great reminder that we must be aggressive in our eradication efforts.
It was a packed house at the Rotary Club of Utica’s “Not So Silent Night” Gift Auction, held last month at the Fort Schuyler Club. In true Rotary fashion, the holiday spirit was anything but silent – not to mention the Rotarians sporting themed-holiday sweaters that were almost as loud as the auctioneers.
On December 20, the Cortland Breakfast Rotary helped Loaves and Fishes with their Holiday Food Baskets. Participating were Mark Roberts, Conrad Janke, Kathie O’Mara, Zack Zimmerman, Mike May, Tammy Zimmerman, Nicole VanDee, Emma Dermott, and Dianne Higgins.
Rotary International (RI) has simplified the goal-setting process in Rotary Club Central and we need club leaders to get their goals in. We're half way through the Rotary year, but it's never too late to set your sights on growth, innovation and giving! Learn about the new, more focused-goals process and how to get your club up to speed.
CNY Rotarians were involved in two efforts, one in India and the other in Kenya. Below you'll find reports summarizing these phenomenal efforts!
The CNY Rotary Learning Committee is excited to share the following opportunities to help Rotarians enhance their leadership skills and prepare for future roles.
It is with deep sorrow that Albany Rotary shares the news of the passing of PDG Bill Nathan.
The Book Club enters its second full year of literary explorations with a variety of books, two of which have Central New York connections.
Fulton Sunrise Rotarians recently put colorful decorations on bags that they then filled with food. Those bags, called Blizzard Bags, will be distributed by Oswego County Opportunities staff to homebound seniors in its home-delivered food program.
The following report is from Gift of Life International CEO, Rob Raylman:
Our 11th training visit to La Paz, Bolivia was full of excitement and the culmination of monumental milestones, moving this program closer to sustainability and Legacy status. Six precious Bolivian children were operated at Hospital del Niño and 18 more children had their hearts healed through interventional catheterization procedures at Clinica Obrajes.
The CNY Rotary Nominating Committee have completed their important duties and the Executive Committee is pleased to announce the newest member of their team, Samantha Netzband.
The Rotary Global Grant Adopt a Fruit Tree/Tully Rotary Ecological Environmental Sustainability (TREES) project, led by the Rotary Club of Tully, is working to plant 8,257 avocado trees in Bungoma County, Kenya.
The Rotary Club of The Kuyahoora Valley recently purchased 96 dictionaries to distribute to the 3rd grade students in Poland Central School and West Canada Valley School.
During harvest season, people around the world give thanks for the bounty by bringing together friends and family. In line with the Rotary test of “Will it build goodwill and better friendships,” the holiday is giving thanks and is all about goodwill and friendship.
The holiday season has arrived, and there’s no better way to brighten up your home than with a beautiful, handcrafted wreath—just in time for festive gatherings! The Schenectady Rotary Club is thrilled to announce its Annual Wreath Sale, offering stunning wreaths made with care by the talented team at Liberty ARC Horticulture Center at Maple Ridge. These gorgeous creations are available for just $30, and your purchase will support some incredible causes.
It's a been a minute. Did you miss me? I've been so busy with awesome Area Visits, that I didn't have much time to write. But now we have something really important that I want you to know about for your club's social media presence. Read on Rotary friends!
At the Rotary Club of Cooperstown's November 19 meeting, a ceremonial check for $4,000 was presented to support a pioneering partnership between Bassett Healthcare Network’s Cancer Institute and the Cooperstown Food Pantry. This innovative collaboration provides free, nutritious food to cancer patients in need across the region, alleviating financial burdens during their treatment.
Need a Christmas Tree this holiday season? Ballston Spa Rotary currently have several for sale. Proceeds will support a number of the club's community initiatives. See the flyer below for more details!
The Cortland Breakfast Rotary presented a $3,000 check to Ty Marshall of the Center for the Arts and helped clean the exterior of the building in appreciation of the Center.
On Saturday, December 7 at 7:30 a.m., Moravia Rotary will host its 5th annual holiday fun run, kicking off in conjunction with the Moravia-Locke Chamber of Commerce’s 23rd annual Christmas in Moravia event.
The big guy in the red suit is coming back to town and bringing the Mrs. with him! The annual Twin Bridges Rotary “Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus” is set this year for 8:30-11 a.m., Saturday, December 7 at the Clifton Park Elks Club, 695 MacElroy Road.
More than 60 CNY Rotarians and friends of Rotary gathered at the DoubleTree Binghamton on November 17 to celebrate an achievement many thought not possible.
Alcohol has been used in celebrations for centuries, it is an ancestral beverage, and it has been both divinized and demonized. Some refer to it as a social lubricant as it allows people to let go of a little bit of their inhibitions and celebrate. It can make people feel more relaxed, lighten the mood and even make an anxious social situation more tolerable by the sense of feeling free from self-consciousness.
Election Day 2024 was the day for the 67th Rotary Club of Cooperstown’s Election Day Pancakes event.
The Camillus Solvay Geddes Rotary is deeply committed to addressing food scarcity in their local communities. For years, they have focused on bringing resources to those in need, whether through food drives, fundraisers, or community partnerships. Each year, their “Walk Against Hunger” event brings neighbors and friends together, not only to raise funds but to show support and solidarity with those facing food insecurity. Thanks to the generosity of the community, this year’s Walk Against Hunger in September was a success, with all proceeds going to organizations that make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
CNY Rotary’s Public Image Committee is excited to announce that they’re offering grants of up to $250 in matching funds for evergreen projects. These funds can help purchase materials and tools that promote your club’s visibility for years to come.
Twenty-nine volunteers broke up into groups to plant another 40 trees across the city on Saturday, as part of the Urban Tree Planting project, a cooperative program with The Unitarian Universalist Church, Rotary Club of Utica, and the City of Utica Parks Department.
For as long as anyone can remember, the Edmeston Rotary Club has held an annual Halloween party for our area children.
The Rotary Club of Utica recently celebrated the outstanding contributions of six exceptional individuals at their Pride of Workmanship Awards luncheon, held at the Five Points Public House and Events Center.
On Monday, December 2 at noon, DeWitt Rotary will be holding a luncheon at The Collegian Hotel, featuring Joe Nehme, Senior Manager External Affairs at Micron Technology, Inc., as guest speaker!
Concerned about the number of children in our area seen riding their bicycles without helmets recently, members of the Edmeston Rotary Club decided to take action to address the issue.
Sunday, November 17, 2024, CNY Rotary will hold our first ever Legacy Brunch. Our goal is to raise one million dollars for the Rotary Foundation’s Endowment Fund. Some of you might remember it as the Permanent Fund, if you have been in Rotary as long as I have. The CNY Foundation Committee needs to find 100 people who will pledge or bequest $10,000, meaning that you will leave that money to Rotary in your will or estate.
Whenever I have a challenge in my life, I try to lean into my DEI toolbox for the right tools to get me through.
Please accept our sympathies for the news of the passing of a Past District Governor who served the former District 7170, now CNY Rotary. Dick Church joined Rotary in 1980 in Hornell, later transferring to the Nimmonsburg-Hillcrest Rotary Club where he served our region as a District Governor in 1999-2000.
Owego Rotary Club members are hosting their annual holiday craft fair on Sunday, November 17, 2024, at Owego Elks Lodge, 223 Front St., Owego, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Niskayuna Rotary Club is excited to announce its latest fundraising initiative, the Gift Card Bonanza raffle, aimed at supporting educational programs for local students.
Come join Oneonta Rotary for their third Road Rally Scavenger Hunt! This is a great way to bring together your team of friends and family of all ages. Jump in the car, and let the merriment begin all while supporting local community organizations and the Oneonta Rotary Club!
On a beautiful fall morning three Rotarians, with two Youth Exchange student in tow, showed up at Morris Ave in Ithaca to spend the morning sanding, mudding, and priming sheetrock.
For the second straight year, Schenectady Rotary Club is seeking donations of gently used or newly purchased Halloween costumes to distribute to students at William C. Keane Elementary School and their family members. Donated costumes will be offered for FREE on a first-come, first-served basis at the Schenectady Rotary Club tent during Keane’s ‘Trunk or Treat’ event, taking place Saturday, October 26 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at 1252 Albany Street in Schenectady.
Join the Galway and Twin Bridges Rotary Clubs on November 7th for the second Annual collaboration tasting with Galway Rock Winery and High Peaks Distilling to benefit the Rotary.
Please join the Jewish people as we celebrate and honor the most Holy time of year for the Jewish Faith.
On Saturday, September 28, Jeremy Boylan, accompanied by son Christopher and daughter Kaitlyn, led the charge to clean the banks of the Tioughnioga River. Cortland Breakfast Club Rotarians who helped were: Glenn Reisweber, Matt Banazek, Pat and Jennifer Clune, Mike Shafer, Conrad Janke, Terry Cahill, Todd and Jenna Curtis, and Jackie Burke.
The Baldwinsville Rotary Club is excited to present our annual Pints for Polio fundraiser at WT Brews on October 22 from 5-9 p.m.
October 31st is a favorite time for my children when they were young because of the candy and costumes, but what does this interesting holiday mean?
We have received many members asking how we could help with aid for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.
Join the Auburn Rotary Club for a Chicken BBQ Dinner on Thursday, October 3 from 5-7 p.m. at the Sennett Fire Department (3526 Franklin Street Road, Auburn, NY).
The VVS Community Rotary Club is hosting the second annual Pins for Polio event on Saturday 10/5 from 12pm - 3pm at the Sherrill Community Activity Center (CAC).
The noontime Oswego Rotary Club is holding its annual winter garment collection through October. The garments are kept in Oswego at the Salvation Army Center for Worship and Service, 73 West Second Street, and given free of charge to people who go there in need of winter apparel.
The Rotary Club of Rome, NY is holding their annual BBQ fundraiser on October 13 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (or until sold out), with proceeds supporting RI's efforts to eradicate polio.
Not THAT president silly - OUR CNY Rotary President for 2027-28! Nominations are now open!
Read on for more details.
The Ithaca Rotary Club is pleased to announce its 2024 Community Grants awardees. Twenty-four applications were received, and nine grant proposals were funded in full for a total of $11,724.
To honor and thank veterans, soldiers, police, firefighters, first responders, people who volunteer, family, and friends, Onondaga North Rotary Club members organize and erect a field of over 800 flags.
In honor of the International Day of Peace, get involved in our peace efforts locally.
In 2023, Words Into Deeds received a $5,000 Rotary District 7170 grant providing the Abukloi Secondary School in Rumbek, South Sudan with sewing machines.
With matching funds from WID and Abukloi Foundation donors, both boys and girls trained in the tailoring of reusable feminine hygiene kits.
Within our District, a small village, Middleburgh, located on the fringe of the northern Catskills in Schoharie County has established an outdoor, year-round art park.
The Greater Utica Sunrise Rotary Club is having a Pancake Breakfast to benefit their Food Insecurity Program on Sunday October 13th from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Grace Church.
Norwich Rotarians sold breakfast to patrons of the 31st Annual Preferred Mutual Chenango Blues Festival held on August 16-17 at the fairgrounds in Norwich.
Welcome back Blazing Trails readers! 🐎🧡 I am excited to announce a resource for our newest members of CNY that our Learning Chair Deb put together with the team at the Rotary International Learning Center just for us. I love anything that feels VIP, and this is definitely a VIP learning opportunity!
Franklin Rotary invites community members near and far to join us on September 18, 2024, at 6:45 pm, at Franklin Central School, 26 Institute Street, for an overview presentation of the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (CLCPA). Two local experts will present an update of the CLCPA including its current status and future potential which are critically important.
With Pride Month in the rearview mirror now, though not that far in the distance, a newspaper article and a museum’s special event made me think deeper about Pride Month, and its meanings and impact. I should probably say that I am a 65-year-old, straight, white guy. I think a lot about inclusion and being open minded. I try and ‘walk the walk,’ but like many others I probably fall short at times.
Rotary Club of Ithaca member Gertrude Noden brings over two decades as classroom teacher and outreach program developer, wherein she nurtures primarily through college level students and educators to become world citizens through her innovative Human Rights Curriculum.
The first installation of President Lizzy's blog documenting her travels and experiences in CNY Rotary's first year.
Let’s be honest, when it comes to Rotary Foundation giving, very few of us select The Endowment Fund.
The Rotary Club of Ithaca invites applications from Tompkins County area organizations and Rotary Clubs in CNY District 7180 for peacebuilding projects outside the United States that make a small but amazing difference to create and sustain peaceful societies.
Fellow Rotarians, my name is Sam Netzband and I am your District Conference Chair. I am reaching out to you via the news network with an ask for your assistance with securing sponsors for our 2025 Conference which is happening April 4 – 6 at the Hilton Downtown Albany.
As many Rotarians know, District Grants and Global Grants are funded through a process known as District Designated Funds (DDF). This funding comes from the contributions to the Annual Fund that our members made three years ago, when we were Districts 7150, 7170 and 7190.
In a world filled with countless organizations and causes, it can be challenging for Rotary clubs to distinguish themselves and make a lasting impact. However, with a strategic approach and a commitment to innovation, Rotary clubs can elevate their presence and amplify their influence.
Soon after teacher and long time soccer coach at Trumansburg Central School District (TCSD), Chris Bond died in 2007, Trumansburg Rotary funded and organized a community effort to construct shelters on the soccer playing field to honor the man.
ShelterBox USA is a Rotary program that provides disaster relief shelters and supplies all around the world.
The Burnt Hills Ballston Lake (BHBL) Rotary Club in partnership with the Kusinta Lusaka Rotary, Zambia, recently completed a Global Grant in a southern province of Zambia aimed at saving the lives of mothers and children. Additionally, through grant funds, the clubs were able to restore and enhance a medical center’s water supply and provide fencing around the facility.
Aunt Mary’s House and Norwich Rotary Club are pleased to announce the successful completion of a project to help equip Aunt Mary’s House in preparation for its opening later this year. The project was financed by a Rotary Community grant for almost $2,200 plus contributions of $250 each from New York State Women’s Inc and Norwich Rotary Club.
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