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.

JOIN A PROJECT


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

PARTNER WITH US


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
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 during the summer season and at Outlet 111 during the winter season.
Speakers
Student of the Month
Oct 13, 2026 12:00 PM
Jill Bird
Oct 20, 2026 12:00 PM
Yates Community Center

October 2026

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RSS
 Beguiled in Barcelona
Beguiled in Barcelona
To discover the 2027 Rotary International Convention host city of Barcelona, start by getting lost.
Pennsylvania club's tourney is the reel deal
Pennsylvania club's tourney is the reel deal
The Oil Creek Classic, a fly-fishing tournament held each May, has been sponsored by the Rotary Club of Titusville, Pennsylvania, since 2014 to raise money for youth programs and scholarships.
Volunteers root out an invasive plant with a fiery nature
Volunteers root out an invasive plant with a fiery nature
In California, volunteers root out an invasive plant with a fiery nature
From the soul: Otis Redding's legacy
From the soul: Otis Redding's legacy
Otis Redding’s family is fulfilling the singer’s legacy by lifting up today’s young musicians
Indian Rotarian Bharat Pandya confirmed to lead Rotary in 2028-29
Rotary International has confirmed Dr. Bharat Pandya of the Rotary Club of Borivali, Mumbai, as its president-nominee for 2028-29.
Club Executives & Directors
President
Immediate Past President
Secretary
Co-Treasurer
Co-Treasurer
Chair - Scholarship & Awards Committee
Social Director
Sunshine Report
Co Chair YE Committee
RYLA Chair
Advisor
Student of the Month
Student of the Month
Club newsletter
Facebook Monitor
Club Photographer
Chair - Rotary Foundation Committee
International Grants
Chair - Environmental Service Committee
Camp Onsenyawa