Welcome to the Rotary Club of Kingston!

Service Above Self

We meet In Person

Wednesdays at 6:00 PM

94 North Front Street
Kingston, NY 12401
United States of America

Phone:

(845) 430-1394

Fax:

(866) 593-4074

Email:

kingstonrotaryny@gmail.com

1st WED.- Hoffman House 94 N. Front St. Kingston NY 2nd WED.- Diesings Restaurant 111 N. Front St. Kingston NY 3rd WED. - Sky View Restaurant 237 Forest Hill Dr. Kingston, NY 4th WED- Service Project - Place TBA

District Site

Venue Map

New Members

Welcoming New Members to the Rotary Club of Kingston!

We extend a heartfelt welcome to the Rotary Club of Kingston's newest members. These dedicated individuals have recently been inducted into our club, and we're excited to introduce them to our community. The induction ceremony was conducted by our esteemed Assistant District Governor, Maria Rice.

Our new members bring a wealth of experience and a strong commitment to making Kingston a better place. They either work in Kingston or have chosen to call it their home, transferring their membership to our club. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to:

Anthony Marmo
Lisa Berger
Sharon Murray-Cohen
Mary Mills
Ralph Mills

We eagerly anticipate the valuable contributions and positive impact they will bring to our club. As they embark on this journey with us, we hope their time here will be filled with joy, laughter, and the creation of wonderful memories.

Together, let us continue to make a meaningful difference in Kingston and the world!

🌐 Sources

Rotary Club of Kingston

Roaring 1820s Multimedia Presentation

Guest Speaker Kevin O'Connor

Our guest speaker next Wednesday at the Hoffman House at 6pm will be Kevin O’Connor, CEO of RUPCO in Kingston.

Kevin has served as RUPCO’s Chief Executive Officer since 2002. With 32 years of experience in the housing sector, Mr. O’Connor has transformed communities in the Hudson Valley through the development of supportive and affordable housing that includes multigenerational, artist and homeless housing, homeownership, and commercial units. Mr. O’Connor serves on the board of directors of Pattern for Progress and the National NeighborWorks Association.

Prior to joining RUPCO, Mr. O’Connor served as the Associate Executive Director at Hudson River Housing in Poughkeepsie, New York. Mr. O’Connor holds a B.A. in Communications from Marist College and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School’s Achieving Excellence in Community Development progra

Barbara Cohen Honored by SUNY Ulster Foundation

Our very own Barbara Cohen was honored last night at the SUNY Ulster Foundation GALA dinner held at Diamond Mills in Saugerties.

In her acceptance video, Barbara cited Rotary's 4 Way Test as her guiding light in helping and serving the community for so many years with her husband Dr. Joe Cohen.

We are all so proud of her efforts to help those who need assistance and proud that she is a member of the Kingston Rotary Club!

Thanks Babs for your never ending efforts to make Ulster County a better place to live, work and play!

The #BeLikeAnita Award recognizes members of the community who work tirelessly on behalf of others, lead by example, dedicate personal time to make the world a better place, and live in a manner worthy of notice. This year’s recipient is: Barbara Cohen

Guest Speaker, Raleigh Green

We are thrilled to share some exciting news for our upcoming meeting at Hoffman House this Wednesday, September 6, at 6 pm. We have the privilege of hosting our dear friend RALEIGH GREEN as our guest speaker. Raleigh will be sharing insights about the upcoming BURNING OF KINGSTON event, scheduled for October 13, 14, and 15. Raleigh is leading the charge on publicity for this fantastic Kingston event, and we couldn't be more thrilled to have him join us!

Raleigh is renowned for his captivating speaking style and is an honorary member of the Kingston Rotary Club. This promises to be an engaging and informative evening that you won't want to miss.

We're looking forward to seeing all of you there and sharing in this enriching experience together. Let's show our support for Raleigh and the BURNING OF KINGSTON upcoming event!

For more information: BURNING OF KINGSTON: https://www.burningofkingston.com/ Raleigh Green: https://www.raleighgreeninc.com/ #RotaryDistrict7210

Chicken BBQ & Brass Band

Rotary Chicken BBQ and Brass Band

On Sunday, September 24^th, the Rotary Club of Kingston is holding its annual Chicken BBQ from 12:30 to 3 PM at the Rotary Pavilion at Kingston Point. This year, the Old Capital Brass Band will play from 1 to 3 PM.

The menu includes: ½ BBQ grilled chicken, corn on the cob, salad, dessert and beverage. It is $20 a ticket.

Over the years, Kingston Point has morphed from its early days as an amusement park to a place of solitude and beauty. The Kingston Rotary Club led the way in the 1980s to restore this beautiful park in order to provide a new generation of visitors with an enjoyable visit.

Proceeds support the Community Services projects by Kingston Rotary, including Rotary Park Restoration!

Bowling Night Out

Our evening of bowling was an absolute blast, filled with laughter and camaraderie! Here's a recap of the memorable event and the prizes awarded:
1. Highest Combined Score - Wayne Graff: Wayne Graff had an incredible night, showcasing his bowling prowess by achieving the highest combined score. His skill on the lanes certainly paid off.
2. Most Gutter Balls - Mary Mills: Bowling wouldn't be complete without a few gutter balls, and it seems Mary Mills took the humorous route to victory by earning the title of "Most Gutter Balls." Sometimes, even those gutter balls can bring a lot of entertainment.
3. Highest Scoring Team - Wayne Graf, Barbara Graf, Briana Purdy, and Thomas Graf: This team was on fire! Wayne Graf, Barbara Graf, Briana Purdy, and Thomas Graf combined their skills to form the highest-scoring team of the evening. Teamwork clearly made the dream work.
4. Best Dressed Bowler - Leanne Marmo: Bowling isn't just about the game; it's also an opportunity to showcase your style. Leanne Marmo stood out as the "Best Dressed Bowler," adding a touch of fashion flair to the lanes.
Everyone had a fantastic time, whether they were knocking down pins with precision or having a good laugh over gutter balls. Bowling events like this are not just about the competition but also about building bonds, having fun, and creating lasting memories. Congratulations to all the winners, and here's to more evenings of fun, food, and fellowship on the bowling lanes!

Community Outreach Reher Center

Visiting the Reher Center is a unique opportunity to step back in time and immerse yourself in the rich history of the immigrant story, particularly within the context of Kingston's Rondout community. The center provides a captivating experience, allowing you to travel back to 1959 and explore an immigrant Jewish bakery that played a vital role in the local community.

A visit to the Reher Center is a journey through time and culture, offering a renewed perspective on the immigrant story and the integral role played by establishments like the immigrant Jewish bakery in the Rondout community of Kingston. It's an educational and enlightening experience for anyone interested in history, immigration, and cultural heritage.

The Reher Center doesn't just provide a passive experience; it actively engages visitors in the immigrant story. You can interact with knowledgeable guides who can share personal anecdotes, and historical insights, and answer your questions.

Beyond the bakery itself, the Reher Center also highlights the broader cultural heritage of the immigrant community. You might see artifacts, photographs, and documents that offer a glimpse into the lives and traditions of these immigrants. The center often hosts educational programs, events, and exhibitions related to immigrant history, Jewish culture, and local heritage. Currently, the exhibition, Taking Root is on display, which gives you an opportunity to listen to people who shared their stories as part of the Hudson Valley Immigrant Oral History Project.

Highlights From DG Peter Sullivan Visit

I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every person who graced our club meeting on August 16th to extend a warm welcome to DG Peter Sullivan and his wife Peggy. Your presence truly warmed our hearts and signifies the unity and commitment that defines our Rotary family. The effort and dedication you all demonstrated by being there did not go unnoticed, and I am truly thankful for your enthusiastic participation.

In addition, it was an absolute delight to be joined by AG Maria and past DG Louis, as well as the esteemed members of our Woodstock satellite club. Your support and camaraderie continue to enrich our Rotary experience, and we appreciate your ongoing involvement in our endeavors.

Club Meet August 16th

Please join us on August 16th at 6pm at the Skyview Restaurant, 237 Forest Hill Drive Kingston.

We will have DG Peter Sullivan as our special guest. Please come out to witness the induction of our newest member, Dr. Nicole McDonald

DG Peter Sullivan Visit

Peter Sullivan is a member of the Walden Rotary club in District 7210, which he joined in 2009. He served as President of his club in 2016-17, and has held many other positions there: Community Service chair, Club Secretary and Club Treasurer. He has also played important roles in the club's District Grants, support for the Vassar Haiti Project, and re-starting the club's in-bound Youth Exchange program. Peter also led several members of his club to establish a Satellite Club in Ellenville, NY in June, 2022. He was Assistant District Governor from 2018-19 to 2020-21, serving 6 clubs in central and eastern Orange County, NY.

Peter moved to Walden 14 years ago with his wife Peggy when she became the Priest-in-Charge of St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Walden; and he was later employed as Treasurer of the Village of Walden for five years. Peter is currently retired having served 26 years in state and local government positions, and several years in management consulting and contract project management. Peggy and Peter have two grown sons living in Simsbury, CT and Brooklyn, NY, and two teenage grandchildren. Peter and Peggy now reside in Accord, NY.

Dinner Meeting @ Hoffman House

Guest Speaker August 2nd

Special Guest Speaker Lisa Berger, August 2nd, 2023

Lisa Berger, Director of Ulster County Tourism & Office for Film has worked for the county government for nearly twenty years. Over her tenure, she has led the Office of Employment & Training, the Ulster County Workforce Development Board, and the Office of Economic Development. As the Director of Tourism, Lisa oversees and directs all aspects of the county’s tourism promotion including marketing, public relations, partnerships, educational training opportunities, and international and cooperative programs. Since rejoining the tourism department in 2021, tourism spending has grown by 126%. Her efforts have been recognized with two statewide Tourism Marketing Awards in 2022: Best Overall Marketing Campaign and Best Use of Digital Information In a Marketing Campaign. Lisa is passionate about working on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and is a co-founder of Ulster County’s Annual Black Business Awards. She is committed to developing a skilled and plentiful talent pipeline for the Hudson Valley and Catskill regions' hospitality industry and is dedicated to her two grandchildren, Luke and Mia.

Celebrating Scholarship Recipients

The Rotary Club of Kingston wishes to congratulate and highlight two of the many scholarship recipients for the Rotary Year ending June 30th.

Scholarship Recipients
	It was a proud day for Magdalena Cruz, her family, and RCOK as she received the Darlene L. Pfeiffer Medallion of Excellence Award, being RCOK's President's Challenge recipient. The ceremony was attended by various individuals, including Lorraine Salmon, the Executive Director of Ulster Community College Foundation, Paul DeLisio, partner of the late Darlene Pfeiffer, Magdalena Cruz's grandfather and parents, Barbara Cohen, an RCOK member and UCC Foundation board member, Chris Mikesh, Esq., the Secretary of UCC Foundation board, and Dale Robbins, a UCCC Foundation board member.
	Ashley McQuilhan, a student in the Nursing Program at SUNY Ulster, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship by the Rotary Club of Kingston. This scholarship is specifically designated for veterans or spouses of returning veterans. Ashley, who resides in Napanoch with her husband, a Marine, and their four children, is a deserving recipient of this scholarship. The Rotary Club of Kingston recognizes her dedication and commitment to her education and career in nursing. This scholarship will provide financial support and help Ashley pursue her academic goals at SUNY Ulster. Her determination and perseverance make her an inspiration to others in the community.

Rotary Day of Service - Blood Drive

Join us Saturday, May 20th 2023 as we celebrate the Rotary Day of Service.

The Kingston Rotary will be hosting a Blood Drive located at

Ulster Savings Bank on Schwenk Drive in Kingston.

Donors can make an appointment:

on the Red Cross website: RedCrossBlood.org use Sponsor Code: UlsterSavings

OR call 1-800-RED CROSS
OR contact Fran Garofalo, frances12498@gmail.com, cell 845-901-2508

Speaker - Su Marcy, President/CEO, United Way of Ulster County

April 19, 2023 @ 5:30-7:30pm - Christina's Restaurant, 812 Ulster Avenue, Kingston NY, 12401

Su Marcy

Since joining United Way of Ulster County in 2004, Su Marcy has been involved in every aspect of this important organization’s mission: To help ensure resources are available to meet the needs of both individuals and organizations in Ulster County. Prior to her appointment as President and CEO in June 2022, Su had served as United Way of Ulster County’s Vice President for 18 years.

An accomplished non-profit administrator with extensive fundraising, event planning, budget management, financial reporting, networking, and stewardship experience, Ms. Marcy understands that working with volunteers is an integral part of United Ways success.

Su is a life-long resident of the Hudson Valley. Some of her earliest memories of Ulster County come from tagging along with her dad, Jim Studley, a former soccer coach at Kingston City Schools and SUNY Ulster.

A graduate of Marist College, Summa Cum Laude, Su is passionate about helping people, giving back, and making her corner of the world a better place to be. She was a Big Sister in the local Big Brothers Big Sisters program for 8 years. She has served on the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce Board, and the Ulster Chamber Foundation Board. Su is a proud member of the Leadership Ulster Hall of Fame, and is a 2018 YWCA Tribute to Women Honoree.

ANGELINA BRANDT

March 15th at Christina's 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

ANGELINA BRANDT

Director of Sustainability Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency

After the industrial revolution made a consumer society possible, garbage was considered a resource for a class of people who made their living sorting through open dumps, scavenging for usable items, and recovering valuable scrap metals. Think of the ash heap people in Charles Dickens or Alfred Dolittle in Pygmalion.

We have come a long way since then. For over 30 years, The Agency’s mission is dedicated to protect public health and the environment based on the 4R principle: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Recover. These processes ensure nature continues to be sustainable and life on earth continues to thrive.

The Agency’s services not only simply manage waste, but provide essential community engagement and education to reduce, reuse, and rethink waste.

I hope to see you Wednesday the 15th; bring a friend.

Mayor Steve Noble

Breakfast 8 March Deisings 7:30-8:30 AM

Mayor Steve Noble was born and raised in the City of Kingston. Graduating with a degree in Environmental Science, (SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry) Mayor Noble also earned his Master’s in Public Administration from Marist College.

He began his career at the City of Kingston’s Parks and Recreation Department, serving as an Environmental Educator and then as an Environmental Operations Specialist. Steve was elected Mayor of Kingston and began his first term on January 1, 2016, with the commitment of building an open and accessible form of government, one that is based on the principles of professionalism, respect, and inclusiveness.

Mayor Noble was elected to a second term on January 1, 2020. His tenure has brought significant improvements to the City, including the launch of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the addition of several new City trails and parks, and the implementation of many new sustainability measures- all while not raising taxes. Steve’s commitment to public service extends beyond his career with the City of Kingston; he has held leadership positions with the Ulster County Resource Recovery Agency, Environmental Management Council, and the Hudson River Estuary Management Committee, and is the co-founder of the Kingston Land Trust

Kingston Rotary Club is sponsoring their Annual Valentine Fundraiser.

Brian, John, Bill, Jim, Phil, Darlene, Nuise and other Rotarians are selling ½ lb. boxes of delicious assorted chocolates (no nuts) for $10 per box. For your convenience candy is also available at Kingston locations Ulster Savings 180 Schwenk Drive & 280 Wall Street; Ulster Federal Credit Union 127 Schwenk Drive; Dr. Joe Cohen, 70 N. Front Street; City Clerk’s office 420 Broadway; Rondout Savings Bank 300 Broadway; The UPS Store 260 Kings Mall.

Proceeds support the clubs local & international projects. Contact Rotarian Barbara Cohen baccohen@gmail.com 845-389-3332 for additional candy.

The New Year offers New Opportunities. Imagine.

We were awarded $76, 300 USD for funding to provide 25 fiberglass pump fishing boats and equipment to the Del Carmen Mangroves Bayanihan Association in the Philippines! Congratulations to the committees in both Manila and Kingston