The Red Hook Rotary Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation that was established by Red Hook Rotarians to provide financial support of programs and projects in and around the Red Hook community. The primary focus of the Foundation has been education and youth. We award scholarships to high school seniors, and support both the Interact Club at Red Hook High School and Rotary’s Youth Exchange Program. We have also contributed to community programs and projects including the Red Hook and Tivoli Libraries, local food banks and support networks. We also act internationally with donations Shelter Box and Aquabox.
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Our guest speaker this week, at our first meeting back at Cancun’s, was Larry Cox, former Deputy Secretary General and former Executive Director of Amnesty International. He spoke about the quest for human rights, the Universal Declaration of Huma Rights, and the import work of Eleanor Roosevelt in achieving this important goal. Speaker host Susan Ezrati presents Larry with his club mug.
(photos by Jonah Triebwasser)
This weekend on RadioRotary:
Helping for the Holidays
Tune in to the award-winning RadioRotary on Sunday, December 4th at 6:30 a.m. (on WBPM 92.9FM and 96.5 FM, 1260AM and 1420AM or http:// www.wbpmfm.com/) and at 7:00 a.m. (on WGHQ 920AM and Magic 92.5FM, or www.wghq.fm) when co-hosts Sarah O'Connell-Claitor and Jonah Triebwasser will be talking with Rotarians Kathy and Dave Kruger about Pleasant Valley Rotary's holiday coat and food drive.
Listen to Radio Rotary on WBPM 92.9 FM Sundays at 6:30 a.m. or http://www.wbpmfm.com/ or ask Alexa to "Play WBPM." And on Magic 92 WGHQ-AM 920 AM and 92.5FM Sundays at 7:00 a.m. or www.wghq.fm or ask Alexa to "Play "WGHQ."
Anytime at www.RadioRotary.org
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The award-winning RadioRotary can be heard on Sundays at 6:30 a.m. on WBPM 92.9 FM and 96.5 FM Sundays or http://www.wbpmfm.com/ or ask Alexa to "Play WBPM" or http://www.wbpmfm.com/and on Magis 92.5 WGHQ-AM 920 AM and 92.5FM Sundays at 7:00 a.m. or https://www.wghq.fm/ or ask Alexa to "Play "WGHQ."
Listen to all RadioRotary previous programs at www.radiorotary.org or on your MP3 player on any of these new podcast platforms:
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The Red Hook Rotary club and our high school Interact club were at the United Methodist Church on Church Street in Red Hook distributing coats to the needy. Shown, left to right, are: Interact student Laura, Rotary President Jenifer Van Voorhis, Interact student Sarah, Rotary Secretary Judge Jonah Triebwasser, Christine Chale and Becca Kent.
Our guest speakers this week were Laurie Husted (Chief Sustainability Officer, Bard College) and Sara Ugolini (Director, RH Community Center) task force members: Red Hook Sustainable Community Certification Program. They reminded us to "Flip the Ballot" and vote on the Bond Act. This is a once in a generation opportunity to fund clean air, clean water and infrastructure for New York. The federal climate legislation known as the Inflation Reduction Act, which was signed into law in August, will provide billions of dollars for climate mitigation and resiliency efforts. Shown, left to right, are: speaker host Linda Greenblatt, Laurie Husted, Sara Ugolini, President Jennifer Van Voorhis and President Elect Ariadne Montare. (photo: Jonah Triebwasser)
This week we also welcomed visiting Rotarian the Honorable Janice Ellis, a Washington State Judge and a member of the Everett Rotary Club. Judge Ellis is shown with President Jennifer Van Voorhis and Treasurer Susan Ezrati. (photo: Jonah Triebwasser)
In Memoriam - The Reverend Fred Cartier
(1940 - 2022)
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It is with deep and genuine regret and sorrow that we note the passing of our senior member and past-president, The Reverend Fred Cartier.Fred was a 45 year Rotarian and deeply dedicated to the Rotary principle of Service Above Self. Active until the end, he made the Red Hook community a better place through his service.
Fred was the architect of our highly successful youth wrestling program, served as one of our chaplains and broadcast many Rotary events on PANDA public access television as one of their cameramen. He was honored as one of our Citizens of the Year, and he was our griller extraordinaire at our annual Baxter's Bash picnic (see photo, above.)
We extend our sincere condolences to Rosalie and the entire family.
There will be a Memorial service at Christ Church, 7423 S. Broadway, Red Hook on Saturday November 5 at 2:00pm that is open to all. Following the service, approximately 3:30pm, there will be a reception at the Red Hook Fire House that is also open to all to celebrate Fr. Fred’s life.
Internment in the Christ Church Memorial Garden will be private.
Members of the Red Hook Rotary club and past recipients of the Citizen of the Year recognition, congratulate this year's Citizen of the Year, Amy Smith of the Red Hook Public Library.
Our guest speaker was Michael Rhodes, artistic director of Tangent Arts of Tivoli. The Tangent Theatre Company presents character-driven plays that explore the complexities of relationships and behavior. Tangent produces revivals and new works that are personal and heartfelt to the company and speak to the group’s core philosophy: truth is the motive.
At this week’s meeting, RadioRotary recorded a show about our Citizen of the Year dinner and other programs of our club and foundation. Left to right are Chris Chale, who spoke about youth exchange, Carl Dowden who spoke about the Citizen of the Year dinner, President Jen Van Voorhis who spoke about Klink! and the backpack program, Radio Rotary producer Kathy Kruger, Citizen of the Year Amy Smith of the Red Hook Public Library, and RadioRotary co-hosts Jonah Triebwasser and Sarah O’Connell- Claitor.
Our guest speaker was Willo Hausman, Director of the Tivoli Players and Gryphon Productions. She spoke to us about her life in theater and motion pictures as well as her new production of Alice in Wonderland (see flier elsewhere in this newsletter.) Shown in the photo are: speaker host Susan Simon, Willo Hausman and club president Jennifer Van Voorhis (photo by Jonah Triebwasser.)
In Memoriam - Bud Weaver (1942 - 2022)
It is with deep and genuine regret and sorrow that we note the passing of our senior member, Bernard "Bud" Weaver, Jr.Bud was a 50 year Rotarian and deeply dedicated to the Rotary principle of Service Above Self. Active until the end, he made the Red Hook community a better place through his service.
Bud is shown here with club president Jenifer Van Voorhis and Past Distrct Governor Tony Marmo on his being recognized for 50 years of perfect attendance.
Funeral arrangements are pending.
Our Youth Exchange student, Selma from Denmark, and her home sister Louisa, visited the New York State Museum to learn about the entire state's history and geography.Backpack Distribution a Great Success!
By Linda Greenblatt
Shown in photos in action at the Backpack distribution are Christine Chale, Agatha Bacelar Ariadne Montare, and Interact students Laura and Sarah.
Collaboration between Red Hook Rotary, the Hudson Valley Foundation for Youth Health (HVFYH), the Red Hook Methodist Church, and the Dutchess County Alpha Zeta Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma (DGK) (an International Society for Key Women Educators) in 2021 began with a $750 donation from the HVFYH, Clynk monies from Red Hook Rotary and DKG, plus private donations of school supplies from DKG members. It resulted in the distribution of approximately seventy backpacks for students in grades Pre-K to 12. Distribution was through various food pantries in the Red Hook Central School District. Red Hook Rotary and the Red Hook Rotary Foundation also generously donates $3,000 to Red Hook Harvest annually to alleviate food insecurity for families with children attending the Linden Avenue Middle School and Red Hook High School. Many of the same families express a need for school supplies for their children.
In 2022 with a $1,000 donation from Red Hook Rotary, a $1,500 grant from HVFYH, a donation from Deep Roots Construction (Casey Van Voorhis), and Clynk monies from Red Hook Rotary and DKG, Alpha Zeta, over 120 backpacks will be filled to the brim with school supplies (plus a box of tissues, a large tube of toothpaste, and a bamboo recyclable toothbrush!) needed by students to start the 2022-23 academic year. Additionally, Red Hook Rotary has reached out privately to several special needs classroom teachers where there is a need for supplemental school supplies in several local school districts. It should be noted that a donated book has also been placed in each backpack Pre-K-5.
Our thanks to the following generous donors who made the backpack program possible:
dkg.org
hvfyh.org
Casey Van Voorhis, 845-240-0448
Red Hook Rotary (RedHookRotary.org )provided over 120 backpacks full of school supplies with the help of- Hudson Valley Foundation for Youth Health (hvfyh.org)
- Delta Kappa Gamma ( dkg.org )
- Deep Roots Construction (Casey Van Voorhis)
- RH United Methodist Church Food Pantry (redhook.umcchurches.org)
These school supplies were given to local students and schools.
#RedHookRotary #7210 #ServiceAboveSelf #hvfyh #dkg #DeepRootsConstruction #RHUMC #2022schoolsupplies
A great time was had by all at our fifth Tuesday social and fellowship event at the Lasting Joy Brewery in Tivoli.District Governor Larry Palant was there for his official visit along with Assistant District Governor David Ping. Governor Larry shared plans for various district events in the coming year and then presented this year’s theme banner (Imagine Rotary) to our president Jen Van Voohis who present him with our club pennant. (photos by Jonah Triebwasser)
Our new exchange student from Denmark, Selma, was introduced to everyone. She presented Jen with her home club banner and Jen gave her a Red Hook banner. Shown, left to right are Youth Exchange Chair Christine Chale, host mom Emily Houpt, Selma, and President Jen Van Voorhis.
For more photos of a fun evening click here: https://redhookrotaryclub.org/photoalbums/2022-district-governor-visit/
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Club Secretary Judge Jonah Triebwasser welcomes guest speaker Dr. Sarah Litvin, Executive Director of the Reher Center for Immigrant Culture and History, a new museum and cultural center in an historic bakery in Kingston, New York. Dr. Litvin spoke about the history of the center and bakery and gave a preview of the current exhibit on the needle trades in Kingston and about future exhibits. (photo by Carl Dowden)
Red Hook Rotary is proud to name our President, Jennifer Van Voohis, as our 2022 Rotarian of the Year. Jen is now in her third year as our dynamic president and has led us in many outstanding service projects and through the difficult years of Covid. Congratulations Jen!Red Hook Rotary Vice President David Wright presents Jen with a clock from the club.
(photo by Jonah Triebwasser)
Our guest speakers this week were participants in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program. They shared with us the life-changing experience of learning to go beyond their comfort zones. Shown left to right are: RYLA Counsellor Michelle Salas, speaker host Linda Greenblatt, RLYA participants Brandon Juran, Sarah Holtman and Laura Holtman and club president Jen Van Voorhis.
(photo by Jonah Triebwasser)
Our Interact Club has been very busy fundraising including their recent Walk for Water. Interact Advisor Tim Lynch is shown here presenting a check to Richmond Arce of the Astor home from our Interact Club.
The celebration continues for Bud Weaver’s 50 years of perfect attendance! Past District Governor Tony Marmo presented an award to Bud from Rotary District 7210, while club president Jennifer Van Voorhis presented Bud with a special jacket.
Save these dates for future RI Conventions!
May 27 to 31, 2023 Melbourne, Australia
2024 Singapore (Dates to be determined)
JUNE 21-25, 2025 Calgary, Canada
June 5 to 9, 2027 - Honolulu, Hawaii
Honoka and Azita, Teen Queens of the Hawaiian ukuleles!
What a treat it was to see our 2014 - 2015 Red Hook Rotary club youth exchange student Nuttacha Chayangkanont (Garn) on her visit back from Thailand. Garn is not only an international super model, but is now also a major television star back home.Shown from left to right are: Rotarians Dave Wright and Jonah Triebwasser, host dad Jim Lowney, Garn, host sister Liz Lowney, host mom Michelle Lowney, and Rotarians Dave Greewood, Nan Greenwood and Christine Chale.
Thanks to the Lowney family for hosting this reunion and for being a host family for our youth exchange students.
Installation of Officers for 2022 - 2023: Judge Jonah Triebwasser administered the oaths of office to President Jen Van Voorhis, President-elect Ariadne Montare and Treasurer Susan Ezrati. Judge Jonah will be our secretary. (photo by Agatha Bacelar)
At this week's meeting. District Governor Mike Polasek honored Bud Weaver for his 50 years of perfect attendance and told everyone of Bud's influence on him as a young Rotarian. Bud convinced Mike to visit other clubs in his travels and Mike told us how he has enjoyed those visits thanks to Bud.
Club President Jen Van Voohis presented Bud with a photo album of the recent picnic held in his honor.
Speaker host Ariadne Montare welcomed guest speaker Mat Zucker, host of the bi-weekly podcast "Citidots" which is all about the experiences of a recent transplant to Red Hook from metropolitan New York.Congratulations to Bud Weaver on 50 years of perfect attendance and outstanding service to the Red Hook Rotary Club. Thank you Red Hook Village Mayor Karen Smythe and State Senator Sue Serino for the proclamations honoring Bud's contributions to the community.
Click here for more photos: https://redhookrotaryclub.org/PhotoAlbums/bud-weaver-50-years-perfect-attendance
This week's guest speaker was Tivoli Mayor Joel Griffith who discussed Tivoli's Sesquicentennial Celebration – the 150th anniversary of Tivoli incorporating as a Village.The celebration’s multitude of events starts on June 17th at 3pm, continues on June 18th from 9 am to 9pm and June 19th from 7:30am ending with fireworks at dark.
Visit the website https://tivoliny.org/calendar/ for the events taking place during this 3 day celebration
Shown left to right are speaker host Christine Chale, Tivoli Trustee and Rotary Club Treasurer Susan Ezrati, Mayor Joel Griffith and Club President Jennifer Van Voorhis. (photos by Jonah Triebwasser)
Rotarian Linda Greenblatt presents Lisa Hoffman Murry with the club's donation to support the Red Hook High School Post-Prom Party. The party, now in its 32d year, offers post prom activities to local teens to assure that they have a safe and fun evening. (photo by Jay Greenblatt)
Linda Greenblatt introduced this week's guest speakers: Maria Scibelli and Lisa Hoffman Murray, Post Prom Party Co-Chairpersons. Lisa has been actively participating with the Post Prom Party for 31 years and Maria for 25 years -the main goal of the event is for the kids to come to this safe party held at Bard’s Stevenson gym – there is a DJ, a photobooth, a bounce house, “the balloon drop” plus everyone gets auction prizes and...seniors go home with a $100 bill – there are about 150 attendees each year (seniors don’t have to go to the prom to attend) – the party ends at 4pm when everyone is invited to the Red Hook Historic Diner for breakfast.
After a two year hiatus caused by the pandemic, Apple Blossom Day was back! Among the Rotarians on hand were Chair Dave Wright, Club President Jen VanVoorhis, Ariadne Montare, Rebecca Kent and honorary Rotarian, K-9 division, Freyja.
Christine Chale was there too. Uncharacteristically camera shy was Judge Jonah Triebwasser, who arrived at Apple Blossom Day a little the worse for wear after a Red Eye flight from Reno, Nevada, where he was working on a traffic safety course for the National Judicial College. Also at Apple Blossom Day were Susan Ezrati and Gwen McCann.Attendees enjoyed the musical acts and Susan Simon and Ariadne Montare danced to the music!
(photos by Jennifer Van Voorhis)
Our guests this week on Zoom were Janet Warden, Red Hook's Superintendent of Schools, Bruce Martin, Assistant Superintendent for Business, and Dawn Jardine, Director of the Red Hook Public Library. We discussed the upcoming vote on the school and library budgets.
Our guest speaker was Courtney Skeen (daughter of our club secretary Susan Simon), founder of Canvas and instructor for paint parties, paint event fundraisers, art classes and art camps. Courtney spoke about the importance of art for children & adults as well as understanding and appreciating the creative process. To emphasize this, she then led the Red Hook Rotarians in creating a mountain sunrise painting. (photos by Jonah Triebwasser)
A great time was had by all at our social evening at Cancun's Mexican Restaurant.
Rotary International President-elect Jennifer Jones has chosen the theme for the Rotary year of 2022 - 2023. Here is her introduction of the theme:
"Imagine a world that deserves our best, where we get up each day knowing that we can make a difference. You don’t imagine yesterday. You imagine tomorrow. Imagine a world without polio. Imagine a world with clean water for everyone. Imagine a world free of disease. A world where every child learns to read. Imagine kindness and hope and love and peace. And that, my dear friends, is why our theme is Imagine Rotary."
Our guest speaker this week was Carmela Gersbeck, from the Bard Lifetime Learning Institute. Carmela gave us an overview of this great community asset. There are currently 347 (can be up to 350) members of the LLI, which is an all volunteer organization – Carmela currently serves on several LLI committees, including the newsletter committee (the newsletter is published on the 7th of every month, here’s the link: https://lli.bard.edu/2022-newsletters/ She gave us a tour of the Bard LLI website & previewed the upcoming Spring ’22 Semester which will be via Zoom on Thursdays and on campus on Fridays. The tuition is $175 annually for 6-7 weeks of classes in the spring and fall and 4 weeks in the summer and 4 weeks in the winter – well worth it! Applications to the Bard LLI are available in June and can be completed on the website – should applications exceed the open seats, there is a lottery system. Carmela also let us know, if there is a skill that you can share, come on down!! Volunteers welcome… https://lli.bard.edu/
Red Hook Rotarians and our High School Interact club lent a helping hand at the recent food pantry at the Red Hook United Methodist Church. Present were Red Hook Rotary club President Jennifer Van Voorhis, Bud Weaver, Christine Chale, Esq., Judge Jonah Triebwasser and Linda Greenblatt. Shown with Mrs. Greenblatt are Interact members Laura and Sarah. (photo by Jonah Triebwasser)
Our guest speakers today were Mayor Karen Smythe and Deputy Mayor Brent Kolvalchik who spoke to us about the village's new sewer system.Congratulations to Dan Budd and Chris Donohue for their recognition as Red Hook Rotary's Citizens of the Year for 2021! The recognition was a hybrid ceremony at Red Hook Village Hall and online via Zoom.
Photos can be seen here:
Our guest this week was Frank Pepe, Town of Stanford Councilman. Frank retired as Superintendent of Schools of the Arlington School District in 2010. Frank gave us an update on the Stanford Community Day which took place on September 18th, showing the great tee shirt (Stanford, A Caring Community) created for their inclusive initiative. Frank is the Stanford liaison for the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission and spoke about their goals and achievements, enhancing the quality of life in our collective “neighborhood.” He could hear in our Four-Way Test the similarities between what Rotary and the Dutchess County Human Rights Commission stand for. (In photo is speaker host Rev. Michael Shafer and Frank Pepe. Photo by Rev. Fred Cartier.)
Red Hook Rotary members enjoyed meeting and greeting the public at Hardscrabble Day. We shared with our visitors information about the service projects of our club, including Shelterbox, Aquabox, Youth Exchange and the weekly RadioRotary program.Shown left to right are: Linda Greenblatt, Tim Lynch, Becca Kent and Jonah Triebwasser.
Here's another photo of today's event. Left to right are Rotarians David Wright, Susan Simon, Susan Ezrati, Club President Jennifer Van Voorhis and Jonah Triebwasser.Joining us at other times of the day were Rotarians Fred Cartier and Christine Chale.
Our guest speaker this week was Emily Sachar, Publisher and Editor of “The Red Hook Daily Catch.” She first informed us that her Grandfather was a Rotarian! Emily spoke of her background prior to establishing the Red Hook Daily Catch and the goal for her publication – to be a legitimate and high quality newspaper. She is striving to get at least one “Fresh Story” published daily in the newsletter format. When The Red Hook Daily Catch first started there were a little more than 100 readers – as of 9/21 there are over 1,380 subscribers. Red Hook is no longer a “news desert.” We then had a discussion about how the paper has developed and what we would like to see developed in the future. The Red Hook Daily Catch will always be a non-partisan newspaper and Emily is actively training her staff (including two young journalists in training) how to edit the words or handle details that can be interpreted as partisan.
Here’s the e-address for The Red Hook Daily Catch: https://www.thedailycatch.org/ Check it out!
Backpacks Packed!!
Red Hook Rotary and other local organizations are providing school supplies to students in the Red Hook Community so that they can start their school year with the necessary tools for success. Generous organizations donating time and money are: Red Hook Rotary Club, Hudson Valley Foundation for Youth Health, Delta Kappa Gamma Alpha Zeta (Dutchess County Chapter) and Red Hook United Methodist Church Food Pantry. #ServiceAboveSelf #District7210 #SchoolSupplies #RotaryinAction Shown packing the backpacks are (seated) Rotarians Rev Fred Cartier, Club President Jennifer Van Voorhis, Linda Greenblatt, Susan Simon, (standing) Susan Ezrati, Tim Lynch and Jonah Triebwasser.
We were delighted to welcome Village of Red Hook Mayor Karen Smythe as our guest speaker this week, who gave us a detailed update on what has been accomplished during the first 4 months of her term as mayor, including:Sewer project contracts signed, waiting for official approval letter to begin construction in the village business district
Zoning review, renaming the Highway Business District to the “Gateway District”
Municipal water system: Phase 1 & 2 completed, mapping out plan for north side of 199
Hardscrabble Day review, changes to promote social distancing, four local bands in the evening
Starting October 4th, there will be a monthly Village newsletter
We also welcomed a new member, attorney Ariadne Montare, who was sponsored by President Jen Van Voorhis and inducted by Judge Jonah Triebwasser. Congratulations Ariadne!(Photos by Rev. Fred Cartier)
Red Hook Rotarians had a delightful time at our annual picnic tonight at the Red Hook Rec Park. Grill masters Rev. Fred Cartier and Rob Latimer kept everyone fed. We welcomed our 2007 - 2008 exchange student from Germany, Lena Marie and her husband Lars. We also congratulated Rob Latimer on his senior athletics award. More details with each individual photo.
Grill masters Rev. Fred Cartier and Rob Latimer hard at work.
Carl Dowden and Bud Weaver enjoying the dinner.
Joanna and Rev. Mike Shafer with Susan Ezrati and Jay Greenblatt.
Beverly Van Voorhis, Lars Mescheder, Lena Marie, and Ellen Triebwasser.
Dave Wright and Tim Lynch.
We were trippily blessed to have Rev. Fred Cartier, Rabbi Ellen Triebwasser and Rev. Michael Shafter present to assure beautiful weather!
Club President Jen Van Voorhis and her mom, Beverly.
Lars Mescheder, Lena Marie, Jonah and Ellen Triebwasser
Becca Kent, Chris Chale and Susan Simon.
Rob and his athletic award.
Red Hook Rotary shared the Rotary Dutchess County Fair booth Sunday with the RadioRotary team. Shown are Red Hook Rotary President Jennifer Van Voorhis, RadioRotary co-host and Red Hook Rotarian Jonah Triebwasser, Red Hook Rotriran Tim Lynch and RadioRotary Producer Kathy Kruger.
We had a lovely time at our in-person Rotary meeting this morning at Taste Budd's! (photo by Rev. Fred Cartier)
The Red Hook Rotary club started our Clink!/bottle return project at the beginning of 2019 and have been able to help our local food pantries and their clients ever since.To date we have collected over $3,200 in nickel deposits from containers being recycled through Clynk at Hannaford.
Red Hook Rotary club held its first in-person meeting in over a year at a picnic held at the Elmendorph. Our new officers were installed by the Hon. Jonah Triebwasser, Red Hook Town and Village Justice. Show left to right are: Vice-President Rob Latimer, Secretary Susan Simon, President Jen Van Voorhis and Treasurer Susan Ezrati.
Red Hook Rotary club is pleased to announce that Carl Dowden has been named our Rotarian of the Year. Carl was honored for his more than three decades of service to Rotary, especially as one of the advisors of Red Hook High School's Interact Club, the Rotary youth service organization. Congratulations Carl!
Red Hook Rotary Club is pleased to announce that Rotarian Tim Lynch is our newest Paul Harris Fellow. Named for the founder of Rotary, the Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. Shown in the photo are Foundation Chair Bud Weaver and Tim Lynch. (Photos by Rev. Fred Cartier)
Red Hook Rotary's own Jonah Triebwasser finished Rotary International's Virtual 5K walk to end polio. He beat his age in minutes which is always his goal!
Red Hook Rotary continues to distribute masks as part of Rotary's Million Mask Challenge. Here Rotarian Linda Greenblatt donates masks to the Red Hook Central Schools. The masks were accepted, with thanks, by School Superintendent Janet Warden.
Our guests this week were candidates for the Red Hood CSD Board of Education and included: Jackie Berry, Kate Kortbus, Jennifer Mañón, Ariadne Montare and Laura Y. Roberts.All candidates had been invited to attend. Each candidate spoke for 15 minutes and then asked for questions from the Rotarians. All candidates have children in the Red Hook schools, two work in the schools as teachers or coaches, all are active in the community. Common themes among the candidates included, learning from the challenges presented by the remote learning required by the pandemic, the challenges and benefits of a diverse student body, the equity imperative, the unique opportunity/challenge of federal non-recurring funding, and the need to improve digital equity. Everyone be sure to vote on May 18, 2021.
Red Hook Rotary continued distribution of face masks as part of Rotary's Million Mask Challenge. Show here is Rotarian Linda Greenblatt Veteran Robert Rubin. This donation of masks for veterans was facilitated through the Private Herman Siegel Post 625, Poughkeepsie, Jewish War Veterans of the United States. It is the only JWV post between NYC and Albany. These masks went to Castle Point and Montrose Veteran Food Pantries.
Red Hook Rotary participated in clean up day this past weekend. Lots of trash was removed from the roads thanks to eager volunteers. Here we see club President Jennifer Van Voorhis and club Secretary Susan Simon discussing who picked up the most.
Red Hook Rotary again lent a hand to the United Methodist Church's food pantry. Shown here are (left to right): Harry and Janice Williams, Phyllis Thomas and Red Hook Rotary President Jen Van Voorhis.
Red Hook Rotary supplied surgical masks to the Milan Fire Department. Rotary President Jen Van Voorhis presents the masks to Al Sardaro Rescue Squad Captain.
Red Hook Rotary was again delighted to donate much needed surgical masks to the Red Hook Fire Department. Shown above is Chief Steven Fell accepting the masks.
Our guest this week was Red Hook resident and Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.
Marc focused his remarks on the 14-months that Dutchess County has led the local effort against the coronavirus. He noted that across the nation, counties have responsibility for the logistical support for public health initiatives and that they carry the financial support for these efforts. Dutchess County entered the crisis in a strong fiscal position, but they anticipated $32,000 loss of revenues due to lower employment, including furloughed workers. In actuality, the county recovered earlier and stronger than anticipated because the local economy bounced back in the fourth quarter of 2020 as home improvement business generated sales tax growth. In addition, the stay-at-home phenomenon resulted in a shift in consumer spending to the county. And a high level of real estate transactions raised mortgage tax revenues for towns and municipalities in the county. As a result of these developments, the county is stronger fiscally than anticipated and is strategically refilling some county jobs. Federal support is needed, that support comes from FEMA. It is anticipated that Dutchess County will receive substantial Federal support over the next two years to cover revenue loss and COVID related spending. During the discussion following Marc’s remarks, the County Executive noted that individual municipalities can reject marijuana sales. That decision, however, has sales tax implications that they should consider. We thanked Marc for updating us on the county and for joining us for the meeting.
Our guest speaker this week was Marc Hildebrand, Tivoli’s Fire Chief. Marc reported that Tivoli’s Fire Department now boasts 50 active members and 20 interior fighters, making it the largest department in the northeast region of Dutchess County. He noted that part of the spur to the growth was a fire that took place at Tivoli’s Firehouse over two years ago. That fire nearly destroyed the existing structure, required a temporary structure be placed in the municipal lot, and took a year and a half to repair. It also increased interest in the Fire Company, elicited new volunteers (doubled the size of the company), spurred the Village and the Fire Company to develop a design for a new, improved and expanded firehouse and built enthusiasm for the company. The proposed new structure nearly doubles the size of the building, provides essential improvements, including showers, emergency shelter, community space and needed bay expansion to house some historic fire equipment that is currently stored elsewhere and some new equipment that will enhance the company’s capacity transport firefighters and effectively meet emergencies. The design was developed for the fire company and the Village by Peter Sweeney, a local architect. It not only meets the company’s needs, but also is designed to fit appropriately into the Village’s historic overlay district and within the Historic Landmark District within which the Village is located.
Members of the Red Hook Rotary Club assisted Red Hook Responds over the weekend with collecting food for local food pantries. Our team consisted of President Jen VanVoohis, Dave Wright, Chris Chale and Jonah Triebwasser.
66 years of Red Hook Rotary!
Marking the 49th week of “stay at home” meetings required by the coronavirus outbreak, Jennifer Van Voorhis called the Zoom meeting to order at 8 am Fourteen club members attended along with our District Governor Tony Marmo, our assistant district governor, Maureen Gates, our frequent guest/member, Gwen McCann, and the much esteemed, Dan Budd, founder of Red Hook Responds. The meeting marked the 66th anniversary of our club and featured a review of decades of club activities and initiatives. Jen led the meeting off with introductions of all our guests and with some unique versions of our ritual meeting openings. We spoke the pledge of allegiance, and then witnessed a beautiful video of a Tanzanian club’s sung version of the 4-way test. Rev. Michael Shafer offered a blessing to start the meeting.
Jen, then, orchestrated a series of member testimonials on activities that marked their experience with Rotary. Susan Simon led off with the story of her first experience of a Rotary district leadership meeting at which she was a disc jockey and dance teacher for a group swing dance. Jonah provided a photo retrospective of club activities since 1955 (which can be seen on our club website), including youth exchange students (Chris Chale) and interact club students (led by Carl Dowden and Linda Greenblatt), Rotary Youth Leadership Academy (founded by Bud Weaver’s dad when he was District Governor and financially supported by the club every year), Apple Blossom Day (organized annually by Dave Wright and Linda Greenblatt), Tree Planting and Aqua Box distributions (maintained by Tim Lynch), Clynk and Food Pantry support (initiated by Jen Van Voorhis) which has contributed $2500 worth of personal hygiene products distributed through the Community Center and food pantries of Red Hook, Radio Rotary which features service above self on local radio stations (Jonah Triebwasser), support of the Library literacy project through purchase of books, Baxter’s Bash, our annual picnic, Youth Wrestling and more.
Our district governor, Tony Marmo, provided the history of our club, detailing the many changes in our chartered name and number. He noted that we started in 1955, the 50th anniversary of the national and global organization, with 25 members including John Martin, one of the many Martin’s, still living in Red Hook. The club was started by Herbert J Taylor. He talked about the importance of community based activities in keeping club’s relevant and healthy. The Rotary International Convention will be virtual again this year as will the Highland Club’s Ribfest.
President-elect Shekhar Mehta encourages members to be changemakers and announces his theme for the 2021-2022 Rotary year, Serve to Change Lives. Learn more: http://on.rotary.org/3j6bVuc
Red Hook Rotary and Rotary District 7210 are participating in Rotary's Million Mask Challenge. This program, funded with the support of the Rossi Family Foundation, is providing approximately 2 million masks to communities throughout the US Northeast, including the over 175,000 masks that were delivered to the many Hudson Valley Rotary Clubs for their communities. #MillionMaskChallenge #RotaryPeopleofAction
Red Hook Rotary donated masks to the Red Hook Fire Department, Tivoli Fire Department, Red Hook Police Department and local food banks.
Shown here with members of the Tivoli Fire Department and Chief Marc Hidenbrand are Rotary President Jennifer Van Voorhis, Rotary Secretary Susan Ezrati and Tivoli Mayor Joel Griffin.
Red Hook Rotary and Rotary District 7210 are participating in Rotary's Million Mask Challenge. This program, funded with the support of the Rossi Family Foundation, is providing approximately two million masks to communities throughout the US Northeast, including the over 175,000 masks that were delivered to the many Hudson Valley Rotary Clubs for their communities. #MillionMaskChallenge #RotaryPeopleofActionRed Hook Rotary is donating masks to the Red Hook Fire Department, Tivoli Fire Department, Red Hook Police Department and local food banks.
Shown here at the Deacon's Pantry at St. John's Reformed Church in Upper Red Hook is Red Hook President Jennifer VanVoorhis with Marian Wood and Jane Bier.
Red Hook Rotary and Rotary District 7210 are participating in Rotary's Million Mask Challenge. This program, funded with the support of the Rossi Family Foundation, is providing approximately 2 million masks to communities throughout the US Northeast, including the over 175,000 masks that were delivered to the many Hudson Valley Rotary Clubs for their communities. #MillionMaskChallenge #RotaryPeopleofAction
Red Hook Rotary will be donating masks to the Red Hook Fire Department, Tivoli Fire Department, Red Hook Police Department and local food banks.
Shown here at local food pantries is Red Hook President Jennifer VanVoorhis with Sandy Sundheimer, Janice Williams and Phyllis Thomas-Moore at the Red Hook United Methodist Church and then with Lynn Jutton at St. Christopher's Church.
Red Hook Rotary and Rotary District 7210 are participating in Rotary's Million Mask Challenge. This program, funded with the support of the Rossi Family Foundation, is providing approximately 2 million masks to communities throughout the US Northeast, including the over 175,000 masks that were delivered to the many Hudson Valley Rotary Clubs for their communities. #MillionMaskChallenge #RotaryPeopleofActionRed Hook Rotary will be donating masks to the Red Hook Fire Department, Tivoli Fire Department, Red Hook Police Department and local food banks.
Shown here is Red Hook Rotarian Judge Jonah Triebwasser presenting a supply of masks to Sgt. Patrick Hildenbrand of the Red Hook Police Department.
Our guest speaker today was Janet Warden, the new Superintendent of the Red Hook Central Schools. Ms. Warden spoke about remote schooling in the time of pandemic.
Members of the Red Hook Rotary Club distributed bags of food, blankets and Christmas toys at the United Methodist Church on Church Street this past weekend to over 60 families in need. Thanks to Rotary club President Jen Van Voohis for organizing the team which included Chris Chale, Esq., Susan Ezrati, Linda Greenblatt, Tim and Nancy Lynch, Hon. Jonah Triebwasser and Dave Wright.
There is now free wifi at the Red Hook Rec Park, thanks to a joint venture among Red Hook Rotary, the Red Hook Library and the Town of Red Hook. Students who are learning remotely and who may not have internet at home will now be able to sign on at the park.
Celebrating the start of the new service are Red Hook Rotary President Jennifer VanVoohis, Librarian Amy Smith and Town Recreation Director John Kuhn.
Our guest speaker at this week's Zoom club meeting was Dan Budd of Taste Budd's. Dan spoke about the great work of Red Hook Responds to help our community during the time of pandemic. Dan also stressed the importance of supporting your local merchants.
Members of the Red Hook Rotary Club helped at the Red Hook United Methodist Church to pack bags of Thanksgiving food for those in need. Club President Jen Van Voorhis led the team consisting of Christine Chale, Becca Kent, Susan Simon, Jonah Triebwasser and Bud Weaver.
(Update! We distributed 65 sets of dinner fixing assuring a happier Thanksgiving for 65 families! Thank you Tim Lynch and Jay Greenblatt for joining the crew!)
Red Hook Rotary Coat Drive an Outstanding Success!
We collected 120 gently used coats!! We gave away half of the coats today at the United Methodist Church Food Pantry. We then proceeded to roughly divide the remainder in three groups: warm/wool jackets to Cara Mia/Hope on a Mission and the homeless in Poughkeepsie; Community Action in Red Hook which distributes throughout Dutchess County to those in need; and the remaining coats/hangers to the Red Hook Community Center which has a free closet for those in need.
Another example of how our members exemplify “Service Above Self!”
Our guest speaker this week was Amelia LeGare, from The O=ZONE on Pitcher Lane across from the Greig Farm. Amelia opened O-ZONE on March 1, 2020. She told us that the dual themes of recycling and sustainability inspired her to open the center, which is located just east of Grandiflora on Pitcher Lane. The center includes a zero-waste sustainability center, bulk refill stations (which promote a reduction in packaging by asking customers to bring in their own containers and buy grains, flour and other items from bulk containers) locally produced soap and shampoo bars and other products. They promote composting, sponsor a learning center and have a number of upcoming events at any time and offer c-Pap machine parts replacements. Their hours are Wednesday to Friday 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p/m., and Sunday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (photos by Rev. Fred Cartier)
Photo screen shot taken by photographer and Rotarian, Rev. Fred Cartier. Attendees by row from top left to bottom right are: Jennifer Van Voorhis, Rev. Fred Cartier, Hon. Jonah Triebwasser, Susan Ezrati, Tim Lynch, P.E. Dennis (our new representative from TrustCo Bank), Linda Greenblatt, Dave Wright, our guest speaker, Scott Oatkin with the Borgen Project, Rev. Michael Shafer, Carl Dowden, Chris Chale, Esq., Susan Simon, Rebecca Kent and Rob Latimer
Jonah introduced Scott Oatkin of the Borgen project, and Scott related that he has known about Rotary since his Interact experience in Rhinebeck as a high school student. That club sent the Interact club on a mission to Nicaragua that captured his imagination and set the direction for his life. He told us that the Borgen Project, recently featured on Radio Rotary, is focused on global poverty. It was started by Cliff Borgen in 2003. It now has 3000 members, each reaches out to alleviate poverty in the world. Scott told us that there are 730 million people in extreme poverty and over 800 million additional people experiencing food insecurity. The project uses community education to find ways to alleviate these tragedies. He urged us to go to the website: www. BorgenProject to learn about what they are doing. Jen thanked Scott for his work and told him about the efforts that are being undertaken in Red Hook to feed 200 families weekly.
Click Click here to view our new PowerPoint:
Our Red Hook Business Directory is now available to pick up at all local banks, the Red Hook Information booth next to Golden Wok, all diner sponsors, Town and Village Halls, Red Hook and Tivoli Library, or online:
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Photo screen shot taken by photographer and Rotarian, Rev. Fred Cartier. Attendees by row from top left to bottom right are: Jennifer Van Voorhis, Rev. Fred Cartier, Bud Weaver, Susan Ezrati, Rob Latimer, DG Tony Marmo, ADG Maureen Gates, Michael Shafer, Hon. Jonah Triebwasser, Michael Shafer, Linda Greenblatt, Greg Bolner, Tim Lynch, P.E., Carl Dowden, Rebecca Kent and Susan Simon. Chris Chale, Esq., was missed in the photo but also attended the meeting.
Our guest speaker was District Governor Tony Marmo. Tony thanked the Red Hook club for our good work. He noted that we are a high functioning club – with an active Facebook page, a webpage and regularly posted newsletter of our club meetings. He asked each member to participate in recruitment of new members. He noted that recruitment is failing with most clubs. The average age range in clubs has increased while membership numbers have declined by 20%. Recruitment tends to draw people in through service to others and club projects. There are many club models – breakfast clubs, lunch clubs, happy hour clubs, once-a-month clubs, even passport clubs—which draw members in for specific projects. Tony noted that it is important to bring in younger members in order to promote club longevity. Clubs need gender balance as well. He urged us to use Rotary’s positive public image and our fundraising activities to bring in new members.
Marking the 22nd week of “stay at home” meetings required by the coronavirus outbreak, Jen Van Voorhis opened the “zoom” meeting at 8am. Thirteen Rotarians and three guests from the Red Hook Library – Amy Smith. Dawn Jardine and Maryelise Blundell attended the meeting. Jen Van Voorhis presided, leading off the meeting with the pledge and the Rotary 4-way test.
Photo screen shot taken by photographer and Rotarian, Fred Cartier. Attendees by row from top left to bottom right are: Bud Weaver, Fred Cartier, Amy Smith (speaker), Tim Lynch, Dawn Jardine (RH Library), Susan Simon, Dave Wright, Carl Dowden, Jen Van Voorhis, Rob Latimer, Maryelisa Blundell (RH Library), Jonah Triebwasser, Rebecca Kent, Chris Chale, and Linda Greenblatt. Susan Ezrati missed the photo, but was there.
Our speaker was Amy Smith who outlined the Library’s effort to create public internet access at the Red Hook Rec Park. In summary, she told us that the Library has negotiated a project to build the hardware and connections for broadband access to the internet at the Rec Park.
Marking the 12th week of “stay at home” meetings required by the coronavirus outbreak, Jen Van Voorhis opened the “zoom” meeting at 8am. Eleven members and three guests were present. Our guests were Tony Marno, District Governor, Duda Sarapiao, our 2019- 20, our youth exchange student from Brazil, and Elisabeth Harmor our guest speaker. Duda celebrates her 17th birthday today and we gave her a rousing round of “Happy Birthday.”Our District Governor shared how the district is managing in these unusual circumstances. Tony congratulated us on completing our grant application – to support the backpack program and other elements of food security in our community. He said now is a crucial time to support the Rotary International Foundation, which supports the district grants. The district’s focus this year is to grow Rotary’s membership. Tony’s hope is to draw in more younger people. He also spoke about the Highland Club’s annual ribfest. We will hear more as the idea develops, but the Highland Club will be supporting restaurants by selling gift certificates to restaurants as the area begins to open for business post-pandemic. And, Jonah reminded us that we can all participate in this year’s Rotary International convention free via a link that he has provided. Susan Simon introduced our guest speaker, Elisabeth Harmor. Elizabeth has been working with Historic Red Hook, the Red Hook Community Center and the Red Hook Public Library to develop a “virtual” festival in Red Hook this fall. Her powerpoint presentation about this Festival is attached and does a great job of explaining the plans that already are being developed. The club will be identifying ways to participate over the next few weeks. Jonah will interview Elisabeth for Radio Rotary soon.
Fred Cartier, photographer, provided the complete group in a single screen shot of the meeting. We are, from top left to bottom right: Jen Van Voorhis, Fred, Tony Marno, Susan Ezrati, Jonah Triebwasser, Tim Lynch, Susan Simon, Elisabeth Harmor, Duda Serapiao, Rob Latimer, Michael Shafer, Chris Chale, Bud Weaver and Rebecca Kent.
Our guests this week were Paul Finch, Superintendent of Red Hook Central Schools and Bruce Martin, Chief Financial Officer.Paul Finch started by noting that in 2019, Dutchess County recognized the Red Hook Schools for the highest graduation rate (97%) in the county. He also noted that a new guidance counselor was added in the Elementary school program and a new smart device policy (designed to reduce cell phone use on campus) was initiated.
The budget for the coming year was developed from November to March (pre-pandemic) and anticipated a small increase in State Aid. It also anticipated two capital projects – a new roof and windows at Mill Rd school and new windows and vents at the high school. This was in addition to the building of the auditorium at the high school. The 2021 budget reflects a shift to limit costs using the April State Aid estimate. Paul and Bruce believe that cuts to that aid will come, Efforts are being undertaken to anticipate state aid cuts and a possible no vote on the budget. Staffing cuts are being considered – where opportunities present themselves, as low kindergarten enrollment may enable a cut of one class of first graders, and the retirement of one German teacher and fewer enrollees may enable a smaller German language section. As of May 15, the state has given no guidance about cuts in aid. The governor is waiting for a response from the Federal government. The proposed budget is 2.12% higher than the previous year; the tax levy is up 2.97%, and still tax cap compliant
The high school graduation ceremony will take place on June 30 at the Hyde Park drivein theater across from the FDR House and Library. There will be 160 graduates, but the theater only allows 200 cars. The cars will be decorated and horn honking will be encouraged.
Rev. Fred Cartier, photographer, provided the complete group in a single screen shot of the meeting. We are, from top left to bottom right: Jen Van Voorhis, Rev. Fred, Bud Weaver, Tim Lynch, Linda Greenblatt, Susan Simon, Bruce Martin, Susan Ezrati, Carl Dowden, Paul Finch, Hon. Jonah Triebwasser, Chris Chale, Rev. Michael Shafer. Rebecca Kent, and Rob Latimer
Our guest speaker this week was our exchange student from Brazil, Duda. She gave a wonderful presentation on her country including a regional survey of Brazil’s five major regions – the North Amazon basin (home of 20% of the world’s biodiversity), the North East, Central West (Brasilia), the Southeast (Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Graza) and the South (Iquazu Falls). Duda detailed her favorite Brazilian foods, including black beans, fried bread and churrasco (BBQ), as well as sharing her favorite sport (soccer) and her favorite festival, Carnival. Lots of questions followed.Photo taken by Rev. Fred Cartier at the Feb 25th meeting: Our Brazilian exchange student Duda smiles from the center of the photo and is flanked by Youth Exchange Officers David Wright and Christine Chale, Esq.
Rotary theme for 2020 - 2021 is "Rotary Opens Opportunities."
It is with deep and genuine regret that the Red Hook Rotary Club notes the passing of our past-president Niki Weaver. Niki was the epitome of service above self. She started our therapy dog program, was instrumental in reviving Apple Blossom Day and was a leading light in our club foundation.Nickelin Weaver, age 74, of Johnstown, passed away on Monday, February 10, 2020 at Ellis Hospital, Schenectady.
She was born on December 5, 1945 in Poughkeepsie, a daughter of the late Nicholas Saltis and Mary Jane Robertson Saltis.
Nickelin was a graduate of Rhinebeck Central High School and received two Bachelor’s Degrees. She worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Anderson School in Staatsburg and also at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck. She was of the Episcopalian faith, a member of the Christ Church in Red Hook and a member of the Eastern Star. Nickelin was also a long term member of the Red Hook Rotary Club.
She is survived by her husband over 54 years Terry H. Weaver; two sons Terry H. Weaver, II (Indigo) of Accord and Todd J. Weaver of Rhinebeck, one sister Sandra S. Lisa of Johnstown, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Nickelin was predeceased by one brother John Saltis.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the A.G. Cole Funeral Home, Inc., 215 E. Main Street, Johnstown with Father Fred Cartier officiating.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com
She was born on December 5, 1945 in Poughkeepsie, a daughter of the late Nicholas Saltis and Mary Jane Robertson Saltis.
Nickelin was a graduate of Rhinebeck Central High School and received two Bachelor’s Degrees. She worked as an Administrative Assistant at the Anderson School in Staatsburg and also at the Dutchess County Fairgrounds in Rhinebeck. She was of the Episcopalian faith, a member of the Christ Church in Red Hook and a member of the Eastern Star. Nickelin was also a long term member of the Red Hook Rotary Club.
She is survived by her husband over 54 years Terry H. Weaver; two sons Terry H. Weaver, II (Indigo) of Accord and Todd J. Weaver of Rhinebeck, one sister Sandra S. Lisa of Johnstown, several grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her parents, Nickelin was predeceased by one brother John Saltis.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 15, 2020 at the A.G. Cole Funeral Home, Inc., 215 E. Main Street, Johnstown with Father Fred Cartier officiating.
Condolences to the family may be made online by visiting our website at www.agcolefuneralhome.com
Speaker host, President-elect Jennifer Van Voorhis, welcomed Raymond Iaia, Esq., of McCabe and Colman. Raymond is a litigator for the firm, specializing is personal injury cases. He was a compelling speaker and led off his talk by telling us the details of the suit against McDonalds by a Canadian woman scalded by their coffee. The example illustrated that we often don’t know all of the details of high-profile cases. He was correct! Mr. Iaia is happy to be a Red Hook resident. His wife owns Half Moon books in Tivoli. (photo by Rev. Fred Cartier)
Our guests speaker was Rotarian Christina Boryk, president of the Poughkeepsie South Rotary club. She is the executive director of “Rebuilding Together,” which is part of a national network of over 130 affiliates who work to restore and revitalize homes and neighborhoods across the country. These organizations, supported by federal and local grants, community support dollars and donated volunteer labor and supplies, undertake large-scale and small repairs on houses in their communities.
Shown in the photograph are: Speaker host Judge Jonah Triebwasser, Christina Boryk and club president Rob Latimer.(photo by David Wright)
Clink! Recycling Report:
2019 was a HUGE success for our Clink recycling program because of our Red Hook community and their generosity along with Bard College, The Elmendorf, Red Hook Library, Red Hook Village Pizza, Classic Cleaners and Bottini employees. In 2019 Red Hook Rotary was able to give out $1505.00 worth of personal care hygiene products to our local food pantries.
100% of funds collected from returnable bottles (glass and plastic) and cans which are bagged in Hannaford Clynk Bags and tagged with a Red Hook Rotary Account Sticker are dropped in the Clynk drop off at Hannaford, is used to purchase Shampoo, Toothpaste, Soap etc.
We appreciate all you do to and have set the 2020 goals to $2,000.
Red Hook Rotarian Susan Simon has been recognized for her second Paul Harris Fellow contribution. The Paul Harris Fellow recognition acknowledges individuals who contribute, or who have contributions made in their name, of $1,000 to The Rotary Foundation. The Paul Harris Fellowship is named for the founder of Rotary. In 1896, Harris settled in Chicago and opened a law practice. Four years later, he met fellow attorney Bob Frank for dinner on Chicago’s North Side. They walked around the area, stopping at shops along the way. Harris was impressed that Frank was friendly with many of the shopkeepers. He had not seen this kind of camaraderie among businessmen since moving to Chicago and wondered if there was a way to channel it, because it reminded him of growing up in Wallingford.
“The thought persisted that I was experiencing only what had happened to hundreds, perhaps thousands, of others in the great city. ... I was sure that there must be many other young men who had come from farms and small villages to establish themselves in Chicago. ... Why not bring them together? If others were longing for fellowship as I was, something would come of it.”
Harris eventually persuaded several business associates to discuss the idea of forming an organization for local professionals. On 23 February 1905, Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Silvester Schiele, and Hiram Shorey gathered at Loehr’s office in downtown Chicago for what would become known as the first Rotary club meeting.
Shown in the photo are Rotary Foundation Chair Bud Weaver, Susan Simon and club president Rob Latimer (photo by Jonah Triebwasser.)
Our guests this week were New Paltz Rotarians Bob Rich and Pascal Guirma with their friend Jim Ullrich. They spoke about their special project in the village of Guirgho in Burkina Faso, Africa. Their group, Friends of Guirgho’s mission is to partner with rural schools in Burkina Faso, beginning with the village of Guirgho, to maximize the potential of every student by providing access to state-of-the-art educational tools and technology. Burkina Faso is a small country in western Africa with one of the lowest literacy rates in the world. It is also a place where people are warm and welcoming, where young people routinely greet their elders with gestures of respect, where Muslims and Christians and indigenous religious and ethnic groups live side-by-side and intermarry — a place teeming with life and possibility.
Guirgho is a rural village nestled in the center of Burkina Faso. In Guirgho, the challenge for teachers, as in many rural schools, is the lack of resources. Teachers often have to teach up to 80 children with diverse abilities in a single classroom. Text books, when available at all, are often outdated and insufficient in quantity for all students. The primary teaching tool remains the chalk board, on which teachers must write or draw entire lessons.
Currently, children in Guirgho attend kindergarten to 12th grade without ever seeing or touching a computer. The prospects for children without basic computer skills in today’s global economy are very limited. Friends of Guirgho believes that greater access to technology will result in a larger pool of potential innovators able to meet the challenges facing their families, their communities, their country, and the world.
The centerpiece of Friends of Guirgho’s vision is a computer center that will incorporate space for computer assisted instruction for teachers and students. During non-school hours, adult members of the village may also use the facility to advance their education. Our objective is to help enhance the existing curriculum and see where we can be of support to the teachers and students.
All of Friends of Guirgho’s efforts will result in a template that can be scaled, replicated, and implemented throughout the country and beyond. In addition to the computer center, the plan includes:
• Construction of a workshop, with tools and training, to enable students to learn how to repair desks and develop trade skills that can be used for other school and/or village-related projects with, perhaps, income potential;
• A school garden to help feed the students and grow additional produce that could bring in supplemental income for the school;
• Cotton spinning, which is a traditional but dying craft in the village. Friends of Guirgho can support its revival, thereby generating and stimulating a market for weaving;
• Establishing a preschool to provide young children with essential pre-literacy experiences.
In photo, left to right, are: Jim Ullrich, Speaker Host Christine Chale, New Paltz Rotarians Bob Rich and Pascal Guirma
(photo by Jonah Triebwasser)
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PDG Lou Turpin was our guest speaker this week. He spoke on the structure of Rotary above the club level. Lou is shown with club president Rob Latimer.
(Photos by Carl Dowden and Jonah Triebwasser)
Our Interact Club at Red Hook High School was hard at work Thanksgiving baking pies as a fundraiser for their Shelter Box project. They are on track to purchase their eighth Shelterbox!
(photos by Carl Dowden)
Deborah Barrow, of WAMC public radio was or guest speaker this week. Deborah has had a residence in Red Hook since 1983 and has been a fulltime resident since 2011, when she began fundraising for WAMC. She emphasized the increasing importance of radio, particularly public radio, in disseminating the news. Noting that 1800 newspapers have closed in recent years, she said that WAMC now covers a huge swatch of the area from Mount Kisco to Plattsburg and from Cooperstown to Mid-Massachusetts. Keeping up with new technologies, they also have developed live streams for computer access, podcasts of special interest and numerous other outlets.In the photo are speaker host Rev. Fred Cartier, Deborah Jones Barrow (WAMC), and Vice President Dave Wright.
(photo by Jonah Triebwasser)
Red Hook Rotary honors
Sam Lore as Citizen of the Year
The Red Hook Rotary Foundation along with the Rotary Club of Red Hook honored former Town Supervisor and long-time community volunteer Samuel F. Lore as Red Hook’s Citizen of the Year for 2019.
For photos of the gala event go to: https://redhookrotaryclub.org/PhotoAlbums/2019-citizen-of-the-year-sam-lore
Red Hook Rotary was out in force at the unveiling of a bust of Eleanor Roosevelt at the new pocket park on Woods Road in Tivoli near St. Paul's church. The event was part of a weekend celebration of Mrs. Roosevelt's 135th birthday and the 70th anniversary of the Declaration of Universal Human Rights that she was a major force behind.
Left to right are: Rev. Fred Cartier, Hon. Jonah Triebwasser, Susan Ezrati and Linda Greenblatt.
Snow cancellation policy - If the Red Hook Schools are closed, our meeting is canceled. If only delayed, then we will meet at 7:30 a.m. as usual. Call (845) 758- 2241 for school closing or delay information.
Our first guest this week, thanks to speaker host Susan Simon, was Doug Strawinski of Historic Red Hook who led off the meeting with a description of the wonderful changes that have taken place between the Elmendorf Inn and the “new” Cherry Street property. A shed to the CVS side of the property has been removed. Parking has been shifted to the east side of the property and a wonderful new green is installed to the east side of the Inn. Hardscrabble initiated the use of this green with apple bobbing, games and lots of apple pies. The board asked Doug to look into the purchase of small, portable stage that can be broken down and used inside and out for various activities. A suitable stage has been identified: composed of three 4’ by 8’ sections, it expands to 16 by 8 and is constructed of steel with a poly surface that can sustain getting wet. It clips together for stability and comes with a 10-year warranty. Historic Red Hook hopes that Rotary will consider funding a portion of the $1,866 cost as a gift to the community.
We then greeted our additional guests, Chris and Claudine Klose and Susan Goodman Goldstein and Manny Carel. Claudine spoke about how the new “green” at Elmendorf would be used and how the adjacent Cherry St property is being developed as a “story studio”. 120 fourth graders have been through it this fall and had their lunch on the green! Historic Red Hook’s neighbor, KZE is also excited about the new outdoor space. On a question from a Rotarian, Claudine updated us on the progress of the HRH capital campaign. In consequence of a generous offer from the prior owner of the Cherry Street property, HRH now owns the property and has a much reduced mortgage which they anticipate that the capital campaign will enable them to extinguish. So far in the three year capital campaign $100,000 of the needed $160,000 has been pledged.
Susan and Manny were visiting from California where Susan is a Rotarian. She was a member of our club for several years.
(photos by Rev. Fred Cartier)
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What is Rotary? "Service Above Self"
Red Hook, NY 12571
United States of America