September proved to be a very busy month for Newark Rotarians as we all gathered together to organize our thoughts and reflect on how to improve our many summer fundraisers. Those being our Rotary Family Fest, the Rotary Raffle the Silent Auction and of course our FLX Satellite Club’s entrance into the world of fund raising. It was no wonder we all needed time to relax, as Labor Day Weekend came just in time, followed by Marc and Holly’s fabulous end of summer picnic. A good time had by all……..well maybe not by all. Marc and Holly were the perfect hosts and we all know how much work that can be. So from all of us, a big thank you to the Kreusers for the perfect close-out to a perfect summer.
Watching summer slip into fall always is a delight to be had. However, it can also signal the beginning of our Rotary training cycle, and so it did. On September 12th, District 7120 under the leadership of District Governor Lisa Norwood hosted “One Rotary Summit Day” at the Harris Beach Murtha building in Pittsford. It was a terrific venue that brought together Rotarians from across the District to share ideas on such topics as recruiting younger members, fundraising ideas and more. It was a day of making new friends and learning about our neighboring clubs. A perfect time.
While Newark Rotarians were all home decorating with fall décor, Linda Werts, Russ Harris and Steve Taylor were on the road to New Jersey where they attended the World “Clean Water U” training at Camp Johnsonburg. Newark Rotary has been committed to bringing clean water to rural Mexican Communities since 2011 and with a newly trained team of volunteers we’re hoping to continue this important work well into the future.
However, training did not stop here at home. On September 23, District Governor Lisa Norwood and Pal-Mac Rotary President Kim Clements hosted an area wide meeting of all area 10 clubs to meet and share stories of how members were recruited into Rotary. The purpose was to promote ideas and build fellowship. Additionally, those attending were given a goal of formulating ideas on how clubs could work together on projects that maybe were too big for small clubs but by combining memberships no project would be out of reach. Great idea and fun too.
Looking forward into October means helping young moms with the very difficult expense of providing newborns and toddlers with formula, diapers, baby care items and children’s clothing. Something Newark Rotarians do through St. Mark’s Baby Closet. On September 22nd a $900 Club Foundation Grant was presented to Baby Closet Organizer Sue Kupriks that will be used to restock their shelves. In addition, Newark Rotarians are encouraged to bring targeted items to the club each Thursday in October for distribution at the Baby Closet. It’s a wonderful thing to help so many.
Thank you Rotarians for all do and may you all be healthy and safe.
Respectfully,
David Christler
Newark Rotary President
In September, Rotarians Russ Harris, Steve Taylor, and Linda Werts attended the Living Waters for the World "Clean Water U" training at Camp Johnsonburg in New Jersey. Newark Rotary has been committed to bringing clean water to rural Mexican communities since 2011. With a newly trained team of volunteers we're hoping to continue this important work into the future.
Recently, the Newark Rotary Club presented St. Mark's Baby Closet in the amount of $900. The Rotary Club, 100 years old this year, has been very generous in the community in many ways. In the photo: Rotarian Michele McManus, Rotary President David Christler, Susan Kupriks, Baby Closet organizer and Mary Ann DeVey, Baby closet volunteer.
Another season has ended and the Newark Rotary Community Garden has served the Newark area, providing garden space for those who live in apartments or just want to join the garden group to learn more about growing vegetables.
Harmon Raney, who heads up the garden project indicated that 9 of the 14 available plots were planted by community members, with the remaining 5 plots producing 27 lbs. of summer squash, 31 lbs. of Swiss Chard, 17 lbs. of onions, and 150 lbs. of green beans, which were distributed to the Food Pantry, FLACRA housing, and various households throughout the community.
Raney added that the garden will be completely tilled at the season's end and planted in Austrian peas as a cover crop for the winter.
The Newark Rotary Community Garden was established in 2011, thanks to a Rotary Global Grant initiated by the Rotary president, Frank All. Participants in the establishment of the garden, located adjacent to Perkins Elementary School and Perkins Park, were the Newark Rotary Club, Catholic Charities, and the Newark School District.
We meet at the Newark American Legion. We also make our meetings available via Zoom. If you are not a club member and wish to watch us on Zoom, please email us for the link. All are welcome to attend our in-person meetings.
