Club News

Every hero has an origin story. “I was 10 years old when the entire journey started,” explains Binish Desai. It began with a cartoon called Captain Planet, an animated TV series from the 1990s about an environmentalist with superpowers. Desai can still recite the show’s refrain: Captain Planet, he’s our hero / Gonna take pollution down to zero! “That tagline stuck in my mind,” he says. “I wanted to do something to help Captain Planet.”

An estimated 500 million people worldwide became infected. Many cities closed theaters and cinemas, and placed restrictions on public gatherings. Rotary clubs adjusted their activities while also helping the sick.

This is how Rotary responded to the influenza pandemic that began in 1918 and came in three waves, lasting more than a year.

The Rotary Club of Berkeley, California, USA, meets in John Hinkel Park during the 1918 flu pandemic.

Photo by Edwin J. McCullagh, 1931-32 club president. Courtesy of the Rotary Club of Berkeley.

Rotary and the United Nations have a shared history of working toward peace and addressing humanitarian issues around the world.

During World War II, Rotary informed and educated members about the formation of the United Nations and the importance of planning for peace. Materials such as the booklet “From Here On!” and articles in The Rotarian helped members understand the UN before it was formally established and follow its work after its charter. 

Many countries were fighting the war when the term “United Nations” was first used officially in the 1942 “Declaration by United Nations.” The 26 nations that signed it pledged to uphold the ideals expressed by the United States and the United Kingdom the previous year of the common principles “on which they based their hopes for a better future for the world.” 

 

Welcome to the Rotary Club of Penn Yan

 
Are you an established professional who wants to make positive changes in your community and the world? Our club members are dedicated people who share a passion for community service and friendship. Becoming a Rotarian connects you with a diverse group who share your drive to give back.

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Change your community with us by volunteering on a local project.

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We work with groups and organizations of all sizes to accomplish even more.

DISCOVER NEW CULTURES


Discover and celebrate diverse perspectives with a global organization.
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Welcome to our Club!
We meet In Person
Tuesdays at 12:00 PM
Lakeside Country Club
145 Rt 54 E Lake Rd
Penn Yan, NY 14527
United States of America
We have an alternating meeting schedule. 1st Tues at 8am at Wagner Restaurant (124 E Elm). 2nd & 3rd Tuesdays at noon at Lakeside Country Club (145 Rt 54 E Lake Rd).

July 2025

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Rotary initiative supports midwives in remote communities

To address a maternal health crisis, Rotary members help midwives build leadership skills and professional networks

A chat with 2025-26 Rotary International President Francesco Arezzo

RI's new president talks about his top Rotary moments, his goals as president, and his love of olive oil and opera

Lesson plan given a global reach

Rotary clubs in Ontario’s District 7070 ensure Durham College’s virtual classroom has a global reach

For the love of nature

Camp Kawartha in Ontario is turning out a new generation of environmental stewards

Calgary finale addresses peacebuilding, literacy, and human trafficking

Final day of 2025 Rotary International Convention highlighted current and future Rotary leaders

Club Executives & Directors
President
President Elect
Secretary
Treasuer
Chair - Rotary Foundation Committee
Chair - Media & Communication Committee
Camp Onsenyawa
Past President