Stories

Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon Visits Chittenango Rotary

Chittenango Rotary recently welcomed Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon to our weekly meeting.

In addition to fielding questions from club members and guests, County Executive McMahon spoke about the I-81 project in Syracuse as well as the impact of Micron Technology’s planned microchip fabrication plant on Madison County and the entire central New York region.

Special thanks to County Executive McMahon’s office and CrossRoads Community Church for hosting this highly informative event.

Chittenango Provides $3,200 to Earthquake Victims in Turkey and Syria

In February, a series of earthquakes caused widespread devastation in southern Turkey and northern Syria, killing more than 50,000 people and damaging 66,000 buildings.

With countless homes destroyed or damaged by the earthquake, affected families were forced to sleep in the open in freezing temperatures, jeopardizing the lives of millions who had already been displaced by war in northern Syria.

In response, Chittenango Rotary teamed up with the international relief charity, Shelterbox, to provide assistance to quake victims. Club members raised $3,200 for the effort, which Shelterbox used to provide temporary shelters and cooking materials to families in the region.

To learn more about Shelterbox and their work in helping families around the world, visit their website at www.shelterboxusa.org.

Celebrating the Season

Rotary club holiday lunch with Chittenango High School Select Choir

The Chittenango Rotary celebrated the season with our annual Christmas lunch, featuring a concert by the Chittenango High School Select Choir.

Members and guests of the Rotary club enjoyed festive music and holiday cheer as the choir performed a variety of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs.

In addition to the concert, the club presented the choir with a $200 donation to support their program. Many thanks to the Select Choir and everyone who helped make the day a success — and Merry Christmas to all of our club’s supporters in the local community!

Win Season Passes to 2022-2023 SU Men's Basketball

Chittenango Rotary is again offering an opportunity to win two season passes to the 2022-23 SU Men's Basketball.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from any Rotarian. Only 500 tickets will be sold and proceeds will benefit local Chittenango Rotary projects.

The drawing will be held on Saturday, Oct 15 at 3 pm at the Chittenango Fall Festival.

Chittenango Rotary Welcomes New Club President

Chittenango Rotary recently held our annual “Changing of the Guard” ceremony at the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum.

Following a successful tenure as club president, our outgoing president, Karen Fauls-Traynor, passed the gavel to incoming president, Russ Wehner. Assistant District Governor Jim Eklund was also on hand to present Paul Harris awards to Dave Miner and Dale Thomas for their many contributions to Rotary and the Chittenango community.

Congratulations to Russ, Karen, Dave, Dale and all of the club members who played a role in our club’s success over the past year.

Supporting Families Dealing With Domestic Violence

Domestic violence continues to impact countless families in central NY and around the nation. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), more than 10 million adults experience some form of domestic violence each year — in fact, more than 20 people are abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. every minute.

To help combat domestic violence in our community, Chittenango Rotary recently donated $500 to Vera House through our "Broadway in Syracuse: Cats" fundraiser.

Vera House's mission is committed to preventing, responding to and partnering to end domestic and sexual violence and other forms of abuse in our area. As the number of people requiring assistance continues to grow, Vera House is facing its first budget deficit in its 44-year history due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to financial support, our club also donated five boxes of personal care items to Vera House.

To get involved, please consider supporting this important work by donating to Vera House.

Pictured: Sara (Vera House), Sherry Menninger and Robin McCombie.

Local Community Members Recognized for Service to Others

The Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” reminds Rotarians of the importance of serving others in our local community and around the world. Last month, District Governor Dana Jerrard and Assistant/Area Governor Jim Eklund were on hand as Chittenango Rotary recognized two individuals who exemplify our motto through their actions and commitment to others.

Jim Anklin received a Paul Harris Award for his service and dedication to Rotary and the Chittenango community. In addition to serving as our club’s sergeant at arms for longer than anyone can remember, Jim’s past accomplishments include past president of Chittenango Rotary and head of the Chuckwagon for more than 10 years. This is Jim’s second Paul Harris award.

Peg McCarthy received Rotary's Service Above Self Award for her commitment to ensuring that Bob Williams is able to attend weekly meetings and remain a part of the club to which he has belonged since 1953. Although Peg is not an official member of Rotary, she takes part in and supports all of the club's activities along with Bob. Her service and commitment have made her part of the Rotary family.

Jim Eklund also presented our current club president, Karen Fauls-Traynor, with a challenge coin. The coin marks the midway point of Karen’s tenure and recognizes her important contributions to the vitality and success of our club.

Congratulations Jim, Peg and Karen!

Rotary Welcomes New Members Pamela Vittorio + Jason Dean

For more than a century, people from diverse backgrounds have joined Rotary to serve their local communities, exchange ideas and form lifelong friendships.

In that spirit, Chittenango Rotary recently welcomed two members to our club.

Pamela Vittorio divides her time between Chittenango and NYC, where she is an associate professor of English at Parsons School of Design at the New School. She is also a professional genealogist and a historian with a passion for canals.

Jason Dean is a legacy Rotarian. His father, Ron Dean, was a long-time member and past president of Chittenango Rotary. Jason is active in the local community and is the founder and CEO at Eget-Liber, Inc., a company that designs and develops environmentally conscious products to help meet the demand for eco-friendly solutions.

Our club accepts new members by invitation. Check out our Membership page to learn more about how community members can make a difference through Rotary.

Rotary Presents Check to Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum

Chittenango Rotary recently presented the Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum with a check for $1,200.

The funds represented CCLBM’s share of the proceeds from October’s Eerie Canal Run — an event that was organized by Rotary, CCLBM and the Chittenango Lion’s Club.

Pictured (from left to right) are Pamela Vittorio and Sarah Dickes from CCLBM, and Dan Kingsley from Chittenango Rotary.

Many thanks to the runners, volunteers and local businesses that help make this year's event a success.

Helping New Americans Begin Their Lives in Central NY

Chittenango Rotary members recently packed Welcome Kits for refugees from Afghanistan. The kits were donated to and distributed by InterFaith Works in Syracuse.

Launched in fall 2021, the Welcome Kit project is part of Interfaith Works' Community Sponsorship program. Welcome Kits are plastic tubs with lids (e.g., Rubbermaid containers) filled with household items for new Americans. Kits are organized into categories (bedroom, bathroom, winter, etc.) to ensure that refugees have all they need to start their lives in Syracuse.

All items in the kits were donated by club members and extra items were donated to the Town of Sullivan Food Cupboard.

Chittenango Rotary Honors Our Friend, Past President and Longtime Member, Ron Dean

Chittenango Rotary Club suffered a great loss this week with the passing of our friend Ronald Dean Sr.

Ron was a longtime member of the club, a past-president, member of the board of directors and a Paul Harris fellow. He was a driving force in many of the club's service projects, including the acquisition of our new Chuckwagon, the woodshop at Clear Path for Veterans, renovations at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum and so much more. Ron was the chair of the Annual Lobsterfest for multiple years.

If there was a project, Ron was sure to be found in the middle of it. We will greatly miss his expertise, his commitment to the club and community, his smile, his sense of humor and his storytelling.

The family has asked for donations in his name to be directed to Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum and Chittenango Rotary Club. Checks for Rotary can be sent to: Chittenango Rotary, PO Box 335, Chittenango, NY 13037.

And the Winner of the SU Basketball Raffle Is …

The winner of the Chittenango Rotary’s 2021 SU Basketball raffle is Brian Dwyer.

Brian recently attended the season opener with his daughter, Brooklyn, and was nice enough to share a photo of the event.

Many thanks to Brian and everyone who participated in this year’s raffle.

Rotary Welcomes District Governor Dana Jerrard and New Member Ken Boyce

On October 14, the Chittenango Rotary was honored to welcome our district governor, Dana Jerrard, to our weekly club meeting.

As governor of District 7150, Dana offered unique perspectives about the many service projects that have occurred across the district over the past 18 months. He shared that despite the challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, Rotary clubs throughout our region have stepped up to the plate and exemplified Rotary International President Shekhar Mehta’s 2021-2022 theme, Serve to Change Lives.

Dana also had the privilege of inducting our new member, Ken Boyce, into the Chittenango Rotary. Ken and his wife, Debbie, are long-time Chittenango residents and active members of our community. Welcome aboard, Ken!

2021 Eerie Canal Run Scheduled for Oct. 30th

The Chittenango Rotary is teaming up with other local organizations to sponsor the 2021 Eerie Canal Run on October 30^th from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM.

Featuring both 15 mile and 5K race options, this year’s event starts at Town of Sullivan Parks and Rec located at 707 Legion Drive in Chittenango. As in previous years, race proceeds will benefits projects and nonprofits in the local community.

For more information or to register, visit www.ErieCanalRun.com.

Chittenango Rotary Provides Shelter for Earthquake Victims in Haiti

On August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the small country of Haiti, which was still struggling from a major earthquake in 2010. Over 800,000 homes were damaged or destroyed and water systems damaged, leaving a shortage of safe drinking water.

As we did in 2010, Chittenango Rotary Club stepped up by partnering with Shelterbox, a global, nonprofit, non-governmental organization that works to provide shelter in areas devastated by natural disasters or conflict.

Chittenango Rotary's board of directors agreed to match member donations. Together, we raised over $1200, enough to purchase a complete Shelterbox, which provides a family with a tent or materials to repair a home plus cooking materials and other items needed to survive.

For more information or to make a donation to Shelterbox, visit: www.shelterboxusa.org

Win Season Passes to 2023-24 SU Men's Basketball

Chittenango Rotary is once again offering an opportunity to win two season passes to the 2023-24 SU Men's Basketball games.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased from any Rotarian. Only 400 tickets will be sold and proceeds will benefit local Chittenango Rotary projects. The drawing will be held at the Chittenango Fall Festival in October.

2021 Changing of the Guard at Chittenango Rotary

The Chittenango Rotary Club celebrated our annual “Changing of the Guard” on July 8 at the Chittenango Landing Canal Museum. This event occurs at the end of every Rotary year (the Rotary year runs from July 1 to June 30), and marks the annual transition of club leadership.

At this year’s Changing of the Guard ceremony, outgoing president, Jim Ecklund, passed the gavel to our incoming president, Karen Fauls-Traynor. We also celebrated the club’s accomplishments over the past year and recognized club members who served on the board for the previous 12 months.

Thanks for your service, Jim — and welcome aboard, Karen!

Chittenango Rotary Awards Scholarships to Four CHHS Seniors

As part of our club’s commitment to the local community, Chittenango Rotary awarded scholarships to several CHHS graduating seniors in June. Although 2020 was a difficult year for fundraising due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the annual scholarship program is just one of the ways our club exemplifies Rotary’s motto of “service above self.”

Giving Back to the Chittenango Community Through the Rotary Chuckwagon

The Chittenango Rotary Club is proud to once again support “Tuesdays in the Park” as a sponsor and by hosting the Rotary Chuckwagon. You’ve probably seen the Chuckwagon at other community events. But have you ever wondered where the proceeds from the sale of food at the Chuckwagon go?

Chittenango Rotary Awards Scholarships to Four CHHS Seniors

As part of our club’s commitment to the local community, Chittenango Rotary awarded scholarships to several CHHS graduating seniors in June.

Chittenango Rotary Lends a Hand for 2021 Community Betterment Day

On Saturday, April 24th, Chittenango Rotarians joined other members of our town to participate in Community Betterment Day 2021 — an effort to clean up our local roadways and public areas.

Support Chittenango Teachers by Participating in the “Schools to Shops” Project

In a year of unprecedented challenges for both educators and local small businesses, the Chittenango Central School’s Parent Teacher Associations and the Greater Sullivan Area Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to make life a little bit better for them.

Rotarian Spotlight: Sherry Menninger

Sherry Menninger has been involved with Rotary for more than three decades. She’s played an active role in the district as well as the Chittenango Rotary. She recently shared her thoughts about Rotary and some of the highlights of her Rotary experience.

Chittenango Rotary Partners With “Bear Care” to Support Families in Our Local Community

In April 2020, Superintendent Mike Eiffe and the Chittenango Central School District started a program called “Bear Care.” With an initial $10K grant from a Character Education partner, Wisdom Thinkers and the Fetzer Foundation, this program has expanded significantly thanks to the generosity of school employees, residents, and the Rotary Club of Chittenango Foundation.

Rotarian Spotlight: Ray Mann

Ray Mann has been a Rotarian for more than 50 years. As a past president of the Chittenango Rotary, Ray has played an important part in the life of our club for many decades and he shares his thoughts about Rotary’s impact in his life and the Chittenango community.

Chittenango Rotary assists Rise Above Poverty Syracuse

In September, Chittenango

Rotary club members helped kick off the Community Campaign for Love with the donation of personal care items for teens in need. The items were donated to Rise Above Poverty Syracuse, an organization that works to alleviate homelessness and poverty in the Syracuse City School District. A year-long initiative of Interfaith Works, the Community Campaign for Love aims to build understanding, compassion and unity in our regional community.

Changing of the Guard at Chittenango Rotary

The Chittenango Rotary Club celebrated its annual "Changing of the Guard" ceremony on Thursday, June 25 at Rotary Park. An annual event that occurs at the end of the Rotary year (which runs from July 1 to June 30), the Changing of the Guard ceremony features the swearing in of the club's next president, and celebrates the accomplishment of the outgoing president and the club over the past year. At this year's ceremony, our outgoing president, Barb Devendorf, handed over the gavel to our incoming president, Jim Eklund. Congratulations, Jim and Barb!

Finding Safe Haven

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.

After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.

India celebrates three years without polio

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."

The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.

Saving lives in Ghana

What is it like taking a large team to Africa? It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.

Helping people with disabilities make their own music

Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.

After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.