Amid the vibrant colors of spring at Watters Garden Center, the Prescott-Frontier Rotary Club gathered for a memorable afternoon blending fellowship, flavor, and learning. Surrounded by blooming flowers and fresh mountain air, members enjoyed a special preview of what’s to come at our upcoming Grapes 4 Good 20th Anniversary celebration.
We sampled beautifully crafted charcuterie from Catering by Liz, paired with thoughtfully selected wines that will be featured at the event on September 20th. The setting couldn’t have been more perfect—nature in full color, laughter among friends, and a shared sense of purpose.
Adding to the experience, Ken Lain delivered an engaging and informative talk on fire-wise plants, helping us better understand how to create safer, more resilient landscapes. He also shared practical watering tips for plants, shrubs, and trees—knowledge we can all take home and put into practice.
This wonderful afternoon offered just a taste of what’s ahead. Grapes 4 Good is one of our community’s most anticipated and well-attended events, bringing together great food, exceptional wine, and a shared commitment to making a difference. We invite you to join us on September 20th—whether as a guest or a valued sponsor—to be part of this prestigious celebration and help us continue supporting impactful projects throughout our community.
Those of us in Rotary are often asked, “What is Rotary?” or “What do you do?” It’s a simple question—but the answer is anything but small.
We are a global network of leaders. Across the world, more than 1.4 million neighbors, professionals, and problem-solvers come together through Rotary clubs to create meaningful change. Rotary is not just an organization—it’s a leadership journey. Over the past two months, we’ve seen this firsthand as 650 Rotarians gathered in the Los Angeles area for the President-Elect Leadership Academy, and then in our district’s Club Leadership Academy in Phoenix. These experiences remind us that Rotary develops leaders not only within our clubs, but in every aspect of life. We learn, we connect, and we leave inspired.
At the heart of everything we do is our guiding principle: Service Above Self. Rotary calls us to uphold high ethical standards and use our professions and talents to serve others. Recently, Joe and I had the opportunity to visit two clubs and participate in their service projects. In those moments, you see Rotary at its best—hands-on, compassionate, and deeply connected to the needs of others.
We are people of action, committed to creating lasting change. Whether it’s through local service projects or global initiatives, Rotary addresses real challenges—clean water, education, health, and peacebuilding. Just a few days ago, our local paper featured not one, but two of our members. Their stories highlighted something we all know: Rotarians don’t just show up-they step up. They are active not only in Rotary but are influencers throughout our community.
Rotary is both local and global. Each club is uniquely rooted in its community, responding to local needs with care and creativity. At the same time, we are connected to something much larger - a worldwide network working toward shared goals of service and understanding. Together, we advance international goodwill and peace through a fellowship united in service.
And perhaps most importantly, membership in Rotary is about engagement. It’s not just about meetings - it’s about relationships, service, leadership, and impact. We engage with one another at meetings, through service projects, and at social events. Our St. Patrick's celebration was a perfect example—a night filled with laughter, connection, and fellowship that strengthens the bonds that make our club so special.
Rotary is who we are, and it’s what we do—together.
If you’re looking for a way to use your skills to make a difference locally and globally—Rotary may be for you. Want to learn more? On our website, click the Interested in Membership button: https://prescottfrontierrotary.com
– Linda Sweeney, President, Rotary Club of Prescott-Frontier
It’s always exciting to see Rotary members making an impact—and even more so when that impact gets recognized in the community. Recently, several Rotarians from our club were featured in local media, shining a light on the incredible work happening right here in Prescott and beyond.
Wendi Lancy was highlighted in The Daily Courier for her involvement with Gardeners of Destiny, a hands-on gardening education program that teaches people how to grow their own food and live healthier lives. Their passion for community education and sustainability is a great example of Rotary values in action.
Through this program, participants—many of them students—learn practical skills such as planting, harvesting, and caring for a garden, all while gaining a deeper appreciation of where their food comes from. It’s not just about gardening; it’s about empowerment, health, and building a stronger, more connected community.
Meanwhile, Rotarian Amoré Cianciola was recently featured on the popular Arizona PBS show Check, Please! Arizona, highlighting the vibrant local dining scene. Her appearance showcased not only great food but also the enthusiasm and community pride that Rotarians bring to everything they do.
Seeing our fellow Rotarians recognized in the news and on screen is a great reminder that Rotary's impact reaches far beyond our meetings. Whether through education, community engagement, or the celebration of local culture, Rotarians continue to make a meaningful difference every day.
Congratulations to Wendi and Amoré for representing Rotary so well—and for continuing to put our community in the spotlight.
Articles courtesy of The DailyCourier, your trusted source for local news and information in the vibrant community of Prescott, Arizona: https://www.dcourier.com
Prescott Frontier Rotary is proud to announce the return of our signature fundraising event, Grapes 4 Good, on September 20, 2026, from 5:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. at Watters Garden Center. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as we mark 20 years of Grapes 4 Good and two decades of making a lasting impact in our community and beyond.
Grapes 4 Good brings together friends, neighbors, and supporters for an evening of fine wine, great company, and a shared commitment to service. What started as a small fundraiser has grown into one of our most anticipated annual events, helping fund projects that support education, wellness, food security, youth programs, and international humanitarian efforts.
For 20 years, this event has reflected Rotary's core value: Service Above Self. Through the generosity of our sponsors, donors, and attendees, Grapes 4 Good has changed lives locally and globally, reaching those who need it most.
The Arizona Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program is a one-of-a-kind leadership experience that empowers high school students in grades 9–12 to discover their potential and grow as leaders. Set among the beautiful pines of Prescott at Camp Pinerock, RYLA combines challenge, inspiration, and fun in an unforgettable setting.
Recently, 130+ students gathered for a high-energy, fun-filled weekend made possible by the dedicated Rotarians of Rotary District 5495. Students are carefully selected to attend RYLA based on their leadership qualities, initiative, and desire to grow.
Throughout the event, participants engaged in hands-on team-building exercises, outdoor activities, and interactive leadership sessions designed to build confidence and foster collaboration. Through these shared experiences, students learned how to communicate more effectively, work as a team, and lead with integrity.
Left to right: Wendi Lancy-Service Projects Club of Prescott-Frontier, Michelle Holcolm-Past District Governor of District 5495, and Christy Manning-Co-President, Rotary Club of Prescott-Sunup.
Each student leaves RYLA with stronger leadership skills, increased self-confidence, and lasting friendships, along with a renewed sense of purpose and teamwork.
To learn more about RYLA—or to recommend a young person who would benefit from this incredible experience—visit www.ryla5495pinerock.org
RYLA: Growing Tomorrow's Leaders in the Pines of Prescott
In 2025, Rotary Club of Prescott-Frontier came together in a powerful way to make a real difference in our community:
31 projects completed
458 volunteers
4,372 service hours
866 items donated valued at $13,825
$56,986 cash raised
These numbers represent more than statistics—they represent compassion, teamwork, and a deep commitment to Service Above Self. None of this would be possible without our amazing Rotarians, volunteers, sponsors, and community partners who continually step up to serve.
This is what can happen when people come together with a shared heart for service. If you want to join our incredible team, provide your details using the Interested in Membership button on our website, and we will get back to you.
Here’s to continuing the impact in 2026 and beyond!
The crisp December air in Prescott carried something warmer than usual this year—the sound of children's laughter and the spirit of community coming together. The PUSD Winter Wellness Fair transformed an ordinary day into something magical for 167 children/teens and their families, many of whom are experiencing homelessness.
For families navigating the uncertainty of unstable housing, programs like Winter Wellness offer more than just a festive gathering. They provide a lifeline of dignity, connection, and hope during what can be the most isolating time of year. The Prescott Unified School District Winter Wellness Fair is a gathering that has quickly become a lifeline for some of our city’s most vulnerable teens. The event, designed to support students experiencing homelessness or living at or below the poverty line, transforms what can be a difficult season into one filled with hope, dignity, and joy.
Hundreds of guests attended Prescott Frontier Rotary Club's 🍇Grapes 4 Good🍇fundraiser on Sunday, September 28, 2025. The 19th annual special event was held at Watters Garden Center in Prescott. It featured tastings of a dozen different wines, catering by El Gato Azul and Torme restaurants, music by Mood Swing, live and silent auctions, and a raffle drawing. Many arrived with generous hearts and gave to the club's fund. The participants raised thousands of dollars, and all proceeds will benefit numerous charitable programs and service projects that support people in Prescott, surrounding communities, and worldwide. Thanks to all who attended and gave generously!
Prescott Frontier Rotary Club members exemplify service by supporting the World’s Oldest Rodeo through volunteering—upholding a cherished annual tradition while standing up for the local community. Their dedication reflects Rotary’s values and Prescott’s enduring Western spirit.
Prescott Frontier Rotary Club members exemplify service by supporting the World’s Oldest Rodeo through volunteering—upholding a cherished annual tradition while standing up for the local community. Their dedication reflects Rotary’s values and Prescott’s enduring Western spirit.
Held annually since 1888 at the Prescott Rodeo Grounds, this iconic rodeo attracts more than 35,000 spectators with thrilling events including bull riding, barrel racing, bronc riding, and mutton bustin’, all under a unifying Western spirit.
The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 Rotary Year. The new board is committed to upholding the club's core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership while continuing its mission of "Making a Difference for Prescott's Kids and Beyond."
The 2025-2026 Prescott Frontier Rotary Club Board of Directors includes:
The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club is thrilled to announce the resounding success of its 18th Annual Grapes 4 Good wine tasting fundraiser, held on Sunday, September 29, 2024, at the picturesque Watters Garden Center. This year’s event raised over $55,000, which will directly support vital local programs and organizations, including the Prescott Unified School District Summer School Program, Imagination Library, and the Boys and Girls Club.
More than 12 exquisite wines were featured during the evening, complemented by delectable appetizers prepared by the talented chefs at El Gato Azul and Torme. Guests enjoyed the vibrant ambiance, with live music provided by the beloved local band, Mood Swing.
The evening’s lively auction, led by the dynamic Greg Mengarelli, offered attendees the chance to bid on unforgettable vacations to Italy, Mexico, and Palm Springs. Thanks to the generosity of the bidders, these experiences helped make this year's fundraiser a great success.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to the success of this event—from our sponsors and donors to our dedicated volunteers and attendees,” said Wendi Lancy, Grapes 4 Good Chairperson. “This incredible community effort allows us to make a meaningful impact in Prescott and beyond.”
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors and Volunteers
The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club extends heartfelt thanks to its generous sponsors, including Dignity Health/YRMC, Lamb Chevrolet, El Gato Azul/Torme, The Perry and Sandy Massie Foundation, Talking Glass Media, Olsen’s for Healthy Animals, and the Estates of Lois and Richard Deis, along with many other local businesses.
A special acknowledgment goes to the hardworking volunteers from the Bradshaw Mountain High School Interact Club and the Prescott High School Band Boosters, whose efforts ensured the event's seamless setup, execution, and cleanup.
Save the Date for 2025!
Mark your calendars! The 19th Annual Grapes 4 Good wine tasting fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, September 28, 2025. We invite everyone to join us again for another unforgettable evening supporting meaningful causes in our community.
Outstanding Success at 18th Annual Grapes 4 Good Fundraiser
For three consecutive years, Prescott Frontier Rotary Club has recognized Gold Star Mothers Day. Beautiful floral bouquets donated by Allan’s Florals were delivered by Frontier Rotarians to the Gold Star Mothers’ homes and the Prescott Valley VFW Post 10277 during their luncheon on Saturday, September 29th. Fifteen Gold Star Mothers were recognized for their loss of sons & daughters. We will always remember & honor our fallen heroes.
Prescott Frontier Rotary Club joined Prescott Sunup Rotary Club and Rotaractors from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in the Veteran's Day Parade honoring local veterans. We handed out flags; red, white, and blue bead necklaces; and shook hands with Veterans thanking them for their service.
Frontier Rotary Charitable Fund gave $2,000 to the Prescott High School Band Boosters toward their "New Uniforms" fundraising goal. They need to raise $40,000-$50,000 to replace their 20 year old Uniforms.
Your support of Frontier Rotary's fundraising events allows us to help great local programs like this.
If you would also like to help the band get new uniforms, contact Jennifer Lacey, President of the Band Boosters Club.
The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club is pleased to announce its Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year. The new board is committed to upholding the club's core values of service, fellowship, diversity, integrity, and leadership while continuing its mission of "Making a Difference for Prescott's Kids and Beyond."
The 2024-2025 Prescott Frontier Rotary Club Board of Directors includes:
· President: Katheryn Tuberty
· President-Elect: Linda Sweeney
· Past President: Earl Moss
· Secretary: Mike Hannan
· Treasurer: Natasha Prescott
· Club Admin: Duane Robinson
· Foundation: Steve Sischka
· Membership: Diane Meek
· Public Relations: Ken Lain
· Service Projects: Wendi Lancy
· Youth Services: Carl Marsh
"We are excited to welcome this talented and dedicated group of individuals to our Board of Directors," said Earl Moss, Past President of the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club. "Their passion for service and commitment to our community will be invaluable as we continue to positively impact the lives of children and families in Prescott and beyond."
The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club is a vibrant and active organization that brings together community leaders and volunteers who share a passion for service. The club's diverse membership reflects the rich tapestry of the Prescott community, and its members are committed to making a difference through a wide range of service projects and initiatives.
"Our club is built on a foundation of service, fellowship, and community engagement," said Katheryn Tuberty, President of the Prescott Frontier Rotary Club. "We are proud of the work we have done to support our community, and we are excited to continue our mission of making a difference in the lives of those we serve."
Prescott Frontier Rotary meets every Tuesday at noon at Mi Tierra Restaurant at 1317 E Gurley St, Prescott, AZ. It provides community leaders with an opportunity to serve and benefit the entire community. Rotarians promote high ethical standards, fellowship, and goodwill globally.
The club's signature event, Grapes-4-Good, is September 29 at Watters Garden Center. Last year, the club raised $95,000 to support education, strong business ethics, better communities, ending polio, and improved high school and college leadership skills. We enjoy the garden fun while supporting children in our community.
About Prescott Frontier Rotary Club
The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club is a local chapter of Rotary International, a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who see a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change – across the globe in our communities and ourselves. The Prescott Frontier Rotary Club is dedicated to serving the Prescott community through various service projects and initiatives, focusing on supporting the needs of children and families.
New Board of Directors for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year
Rotarians continue to work with Yavapai Food Neighbors to sort donated food for the Community Cupboard Food Pantry. The Community Cupboard frequently experiences record-breaking need for donated food. Every other month, the Prescott Frontier Club gathers on Saturdays at Prescott High School to collect non-perishable food donations from the local community's neighborhood Green Bag Program.
2022 Grapes for Good broke attendance records with 420 in attendance at the Sept. 25 event at Watters Garden Center. Final numbers are pending, but the successful event raised over $100,000 gross with a whopping $70,000 net to support our community.
Since its inception in 1974, Prescott Frontier Rotary has focused on the children of our community and those in the international community. Beginning in the mid-80’s, we helped fund the PUSD summer school program for elementary students, which is now called the Frontier Rotary Summer School Program. We have also contributed to the middle school summer school program.
Several years ago, we began funding the Prescott High School Path to Graduation program, which provides online classes to help students graduate on time.
Two years ago, we became involved with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library program. This program provides a FREE book to a child ages 0-5 every month!
And there are many others: Hungry Kids, Books to the Rescue, Caborca Children’s Hospital, Rotary Youth Leadership Awards, Polio Plus, Shelter Box, to name but a few.
The residents of Mountain View Manor need a little cheer, and Prescott Frontier Rotary is adopting each. Many residents need state aid and receive little to no spending money. Sadly, many have no families. "Our hope is to brighten each person's holiday with a Christmas gift personally wrapped by a local Rotarian," says Mike Payson, club service coordinator. They need community help.
Rotary International is the only organization whose core mission is 'World Peace.' Rotary is a weekly gathering of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, business leaders, and community problem-solvers that unite people. Making a lasting change across the globe, our country, and right here in Prescott, Arizona.
In Prescott, this began in the 1980s, with the creation of the Prescott Frontier Rotary Summer Math and Reading Clinic to support struggling schoolchildren and partner with PUSD schools. Thousands of kids have gone through the program that lifts their skills before school each Fall.
Dolly Parton's Imagination Library extends Rotary's work in Prescott. "We have funded 500 newborns with monthly books until age six. These are physical books that increase literacy before these kids ever enter a schoolhouse," says Mary Fusinski, a local realtor and club president.
Food by the thousands was collected earlier this year when the Navajo Nation was hit so hard by COVID. Rotarians personally drove the food caravan to Window Rock and a grateful nation.
Globally, an end to polio is our next quest, with clean drinking water for everyone on the planet. These are ambitious goals, but it all starts locally when Prescott Frontier Rotary meets for lunch to hear local needs.
Ken Lain, Watters Garden Center and past president, "We welcome community members into the club. You just need a heart for your community, our nation, and the globe, plus a liking to hang out weekly with fascinating community leaders." We meet Tuesdays from 12-1:30 pm at the Prescott Resort and Conference Center.
A caravan of 10 Rotarians from Prescott traveled the 7-hour journey to Window Rock to personally deliver 38,000 pounds of food and cleaning supplies. Jonothan Nez, Navajo Nation President, personally received the supplies from a grateful people.
Prescott Frontier Rotary saw a need and went into action collected food and cleaning supplies. With just 3% of the state’s population, the Navajo people represent 25% of the Novel Coronavirus cases, and the death toll is rising. The problem is compounded by the remoteness, with 15,000 homes without electricity, 30% have no running water, all without access to a 9-1-1 safety system.
It started on Friday as the word spread. Prescott U-Haul gave them their largest truck, and on the first day, it was apparent that a second truck was needed to handle all the cleaning supplies and food being dropped off. “It was so emotional witnessing the generosity,” said Mike Payson, head of Rotary service projects. “I heard so often people didn’t need their government stimulus money, so they donated it to the cause. We collected over $11,000 in checks above the food last weekend.”
Over 47 Rotarians worked to gather donations collected at Watters Garden Center. “We couldn’t have done this without Watters,” says Mary Fusinski, 2020 club president. “Ken Lain and his team put us right in front of the store; you couldn’t miss the food drive. They donated their time, lots of shelving, and racks to store all that food, thank you, Watters.”
Ten Rotarians, six tanks of gas, two blown tires, and seven hours of coffee later, the delivery team was delighted. “We arrived in Windowrock to find over 50 National Guard members ready to receive donations. What took us 3 days to load, took soldiers 3 hours to unload, WOW!” said Bob Joslyn, driver, and Rotarian. “We left Prescott at 8 am and didn’t get back until after midnight, but it was so worth the trip.”
Prescott Frontier Rotary rallies around a monthly service project culminating in a signature school fundraiser, ‘Grapes 4 Grapes’.Because of this month’s service project, the Navajo people are safer. Pinterest Board of the Navajo Food Drive.
Globally, Rotary’s goal is to stamp out Polio and provide clean drinking water to every person on the planet. It’s the only organization whose mission statement includes ‘World Peace’ through its international student exchange programs. Brandon Montoya, past president, says, “We welcome community members into the club. You just need a heart for your community, our nation, and the globe, plus a liking to hang out weekly with fascinating people.”
Why should YOU join this Rotary Club? A few of the reasons are: Friendship, Business Development, Personal Growth and Development, Leadership Development, Citizenship in the Community, Citizenship in the World, and FUN! Join us as a guest on any Tuesday of the month and if you like what you see, ask for a membership packet. You can also contact Membership Chair Linda Sweeney by clicking on the email link on this home page.
If you are just starting out in the local business world, or you are a seasoned veteran, you should be a Rotarian!
Over 160 delegates from District 5490 (Central and Northwestern Arizona) descended on Prescott, AZ and Camp Pinerock for the annual RYLA weekend, traditionally held over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend (1/17 to 1/19/2015).
High school students, primarily in their sophomore and junior years, are chosen for their leadership potential. Award winners, known as delegates, attend an all-expenses-paid camp to learn advanced leadership skills.
Our Assistant District Governor, Noel DeSousa, spearheaded this year's event, and recognized the following club members who were instrumental in RYLA's success: Lindsay Sherrard, Rex Townsend, and Ron Williams. Congratulations to all!
Be sure to receive the full effect of tax credits on your 2013 tax return ... but only if you act by December 31st!
You can make a generous donation to The Rotary Foundation, or better yet, go online to www.rotary.org/contribute and sign-up to make a recurring donation to the foundation through Rotary Direct.
Arizona residents obligated to pay income tax can make a donation to the Rotary Vocational Fund of Arizona (qualifies for the Arizona Working Poor Tax Credit) at www.trvfa.org.
Make a donation to your local public school (qualifies for the Arizona Education Tax credit), and tell them you want to designate your contribution to support Prescott Frontier Rotary Summer School. Print and fill out the form HERE. Be sure to send the form in with your check.
In both cases you could qualify for a dollar for dollar tax CREDIT on your state income tax of up to $400 for a married couple or $200 for an individual for BOTH the Vocational Fund and the Summer School.
The United Way Donation Center for the victims of the Yarnell Fire is located behind Big Lots on Gail Gardner Way in Prescott.
They are still going strong. Not only are they still satisfying the daily and immediate needs of the Yarnell residents, they are also focused on the long term needs of the residents, especially those that lost their homes.
Here is the current list of the donations they need;
Pop-up structures (like tents)
Canned chicken and tuna
Food (non perishable, not expired)
Cooking oils (oils, sprays, shortening)
Sugar fee and diabetic food
Cleaning supplies
Full sized hair conditioner
Fans (box and standing)
Tools
Large 40 gallon trash bags
Laundry detergent
Paper towels
Bath tissue
Insecticide
Money - all money donated at the center goes to help the Yarnell residents.
They also need, for longer terms needs (once people get their homes rebuilt)
Furniture
Washers and Dryers
Refrigerators
The donation center is open at 10am Tuesday through Saturday (closed Sunday and Monday).
They still need VOLUNTEERS - whatever time you can give. They said it really lifts the spirits of the Yarnell residents when they come in and see members of the community there volunteering to help them.
They also need help from people who have a truck. If you have one (and who doesn't?), and can help, drop by the center and leave your phone number. They can then call you when someone wants to donate something big, but they need someone to go pick it up.
Today, May 28, we have the pleasure of awarding $300 scholarships to 4 area high school students with an award we call, "Scholastic Athlete of the Year." These young people (1 male and 1 female from both Prescott High and Tri-City Prep) are chosen by their counselors for significant scholastic improvement in the current school year. We believe this achievement is as important as any honor won in the world of high school sports.
Let's help them and their families enjoy the fellowship of Rotary.
Lest we forget, this story in TIME Magazine (read it here) gives an excellent overview of why it is important to finish the job of stamping out polio world wide. The article was written on January 3 of this year and is succinct. It will take a couple of minutes to read, but will give you a reason for why we are pursuing polio to the bitter end; even in the face of the recent killings of polio workers in Pakistan, by the Taliban. Please contact me for any questions.
This email was received last night from the Goodyear White Tanks Rotary Club regarding the effects of the hurricane in NY and NJ. As usual, our Rotarians are on top of the situation and have provided an excellent assessment as to the needs in the Rotary districts affected:
"In general, most of the flood waters in the area have subsided, but about 50% of us still have no power and may not get it back before the end of the week. Mass transit is slowly returning to the area, and roads are being cleared. Unfortunately, the U.S. Weather Service is forecasting another severe storm fir Wednesday, which may eradicate any progress. But many people, including Rotarians, lost their homes and businesses, and some even lost their lives. With the power still out, there is still danger from overexposure to carbon monoxide fumes from generators and propane tanks, and from freezing without heat.
Many Rotary districts and clubs , as well as other organizations, are already on their way with donated supplies. At least four trucks are already on their way. Here are items needed NOW by people in shelters throughout the area:
Clothing
Underwear
Socks
Blankets
Cots
Pillows
Bedding
Towels
Bottled water
Cleaning supplies of all types - mops, brooms, pails, disinfectant, bleach, detergent
Batteries, especially D batteries
Disposable diapers for babies of all sizes
Depends for senior citizens
Non-perishable food items, especially Chunky soups, protein items like tuna fish or salmon, sardines, peanut butter, bread, jelly,beans, stews, canned ravioli, also juices
Baby food of all types
Non-electronic toys and games
Coats
Sweaters, sweatpants and sweatshirts
Paper plates and cups
By tomorrow, we will out on the website a warehouse where items may be delivered. We are putting together trucks and people to drive the supplies where they are needed throughout the six Districts. Non-food donations can be delivered to: 799 Route 17south in Paramus, just south of Linwood Avenue and the Capital One Bank. We will post more sites on the website.
Longer-term needs - Once people get out of shelters and resume their lives, they will need the following:
Furniture - chairs, tables, beds, desks
School supplies of all sorts
Linens and towels
Warm clothing
Kitchen utensils
Appliances
We are working in a multi- district grant to supply some of these.
Building needs - We will need help rebuilding many structures and will keep that updated on our website at www.nynjrotary.org.
Among the sites we will need help rebuilding are:
Schools ( plus all supplies and furniture)
Senior Centers
Libraries
Civic centers
We will need hands-on volunteers for these projects, as well as funds.
Here is a District by District (in numerical order) of what is happening in each District that was badly affected. I am also including the name and contact information for the District Governor in that area.
District 7230 (Manhattan, Bronx Staten Island and Westchester) Greg Arcaro, DG, garcaro@aol.com, (c) 914-589-2090
Hundreds of people are homeless on the southern side of Staten Island. The restaurant (owned by a Rotarian) where the South Staten Island Rotary met was washed out to sea. The ferry has just started running to Staten Island again, but many roads are impassable. Power has been restored to about 50% of the people there. Lower Manhattan's Battery Park was flooded, and tunnels serving the city, the Holland and Brooklyn Tunnels, were inundated. Power has been restored to much of Manhattan. Westchester and the Bronx did not get much damage other than falling trees and downed power lines. We have not heard from Bermuda, which is part of the District, and was also in Hurricane Sandy's path.
District 7250 (Queens, Brooklyn and Nassau Counties, NY), DG Mario Moran, mmn119@aol.com, (c) 516-729-8164
This area was badly damaged. Many are homeless in the Rockaways, Long Beach, Fire Island,the Rockaways in Queens, Coney Island and Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. In Breezy Point, a fire destroyed eighty homes. All of the areas in Nassau County south of Sunrise Highway were flooded. There is a shelter that has been set up in Freeport, NY. One of our Youth Exchange students from Brazil, who was staying in Long Beach' Long Island, lost the home where he is staying, although it looks like he will be adopted by District 7490. Trees are down throughout the area, but about 60% have had power restored at this point.
Hardest -hit areas are in Islip and in Huntington on the North Shore. Trees are down, but much power has been restored.The town of Lindenhurst had 100 homes lost to the Ocean. A large area of
homes were flooded. They are in desperate need of cleaning supplies and
physical help. They do not need any more clothing donations, but bedding
would be useful.
We still have many without power and heat because of downed lines and it may
be some time before they receive it.
There are also other Oceanside towns that I have not been able to get lists
of needs from.
District 7490 ( Bergen, Passaic and Hudson Counties, NJ). Bonnie Sirower, DG, botzie@aol.com, (c) 201-446-1814
The towns if Moonachie and Little Ferry were washed away when a levee broke. Most buildings and homes were destroyed, although floodwaters have receded. No power restored yet. Hoboken was 90% underwater. Jersey City and Secaucus were somewhat flooded, too. There is a shelter run by the Elks in Hoboken and at Woodridge High School near Moonachie. Power is about 50% restored to the area (not here yet).
This area was VERY badly damaged. In Sea Bright, there is still no access to the town. Many residents in Belmar were evacuated and are now in shelters. Seaside Heights was devastated and its amusement area and boardwalk were washed out to sea. The National Guard is patrolling the area of Point Pleasant where people have been evacuated. Mantolokin is still considered unsafe. There is very little electricity throughout the area. The DGE's home is uninhabitable. The town Union Beach had over 200 homes washed away and between 15 and 30 residents are unaccounted for at this point in time. Long Beach Island was devastated with about 4-5 feet of beach sand on the main road through the island."
District 7640 (Atlantic, Cape May, Camden and Gloucester Counties, NJ) John Andrews, DG , ja2inoc@verizon.net, (c) 609-576-8353
Atlantic City and Brigantine were the hardest hit. They are still in a state of emergency Much of those cities were inundated. Also hard-hit were Beach Haven,Ventnor, Margate and Longport. There are shelters set up in these areas.
In the other districts in our immediate region, District 7470 (Essex, Sussex, Morris and Somerset Counties) had some flooding in Newark, plus downed trees. District 7510 (Union, Middlesex, Princeton) had some flooding and downed trees and no power. 7210 (Rockland, Orange, Duchess) had some flooding in Piermont and Nyack, plus downed trees and no power in many areas, but the damage is not as drastic as in the other areas. I have not included Connecticut in this survey.
You can call any of the DG's for more information; Bonnie Sirower at Botzie@aol.com, 201-446-1814 is sending this e-mail. We appreciate your help!"
Thanks to months of planning and lots of last-minute details, our annual Wine-tasting and Auction was a resounding success! It was truly an honor to have our District Governor, Craig Wilson, and his wife, Mary, at our event, and they stayed for a long time before heading back to the valley.
Everyone pitched in, with many Rotarians helping to set up in the early afternoon and staying well after the event to clean up. We may not have an exact revenue total to give you at our meeting on Tuesday, but we should be able to share some preliminary results.
I can't possibly start naming people to thank, because I'll surely miss someone, but to those of you who gave 110% on Sunday, THANK YOU!
Here is a picture of President Ron Finken distributing the proceeds to Kris Foster, administrator of the Rotary Summer Reading and Math Program.
31 projects completed
458 volunteers
4,372 service hours
866 items donated valued at $13,825
$56,986 cash raised
The crisp December air in Prescott carried something warmer than usual this year—the sound of children's laughter and the spirit of community coming together. The PUSD Winter Wellness Fair transformed an ordinary day into something magical for 167 children/teens and their families, many of whom are experiencing homelessness.
The residents of Mountain View Manor need a little cheer, and Prescott Frontier Rotary is adopting each. Many residents need state aid and receive little to no spending money. Sadly, many have no families. "Our hope is to brighten each person's holiday with a Christmas gift personally wrapped by a local Rotarian," says Mike Payson, club service coordinator. They need community help.
A caravan of 10 Rotarians from Prescott traveled the 7-hour journey to Window Rock to personally deliver 38,000 pounds of food and cleaning supplies. .png)
