Congratulations to Lew Ann and Alan Giles, recipients of the 2024 Stork Award! A luncheon was held August 13 at Keuka College honoring these Rotarians' commitment to community service. Read more

 

Our Rotary exchange student, Eli, has arrived in Switzerland!

 

Stateside, Meredyth McMichael will be welcoming our Belgian exchange student, Coline Pellizzer, on August 17. Coline will be staying in Penn Yan until early July of next year. We are still in need of host families for winter and spring of 2025 for her. Please spread the word and have prospects contact Stacy Wyant, our Youth Exchange Officer or Linda Haley, our Youth Exchange Counselor.

 

Thank you to Ray Spencer and Meredyth McMichael, who represented Rotary earlier this week handing out school supplies at Milly's Pantry backpack school supply distribution. 

 

Please consider providing and upcoming meal for the Living Well. Support is needed on October 14.

 

Bonnie Brewer, Executive Director, and Dr. Janelle Davidson, DVM, told us about updates at the YCHS. Over the last five years, they've completed a 4000 sq. ft. expansion. They helped 358 animals (dogs and cats) in the past year find homes. The "Shelter of Hope" offers a low cost spay and neuter program. Working with 10 other shelters in the greater Finger Lakes area, they've completed 1043 surgeries. They are not state or county funded, and rely solely on donations and funds from events such as their July 27 car show, August cornhole tournament, and the September event at Climbing Bines. You do not need to be a Yates County resident to adopt a pet or use the spay and neuter program. Please check their website for the society's wishlist.

 

 

 

Dr. Liz Lambert, Interim Vice President for Student Development, told us more about student life at Keuka College.

 

 

 

 

The Hope Walk is an opportunity for Yates County community members passionate about cancer support services to come together to raise money and awareness for people in our community. The walk is August 24, from 4 to 9:30 pm at the Fireman's Field. You can support the walk by donating or walking. Purchase a luminary for five dollars in honor of or memory of a loved one to light the walk's path. Chris Wyant has sign up sheets. Please also donate by August 22nd. You can send the donation to PY Rotary, P.O. Box 512. Sue Andersen will be leading a Rotary walking team. You can join for the entire walk or any portion of it. Please check the website for full information.

 

 

Beth Clark, Executive Director, gave us an update. The YCCC is in the midst of a capital campaign for a proposed 35,000 sq. ft. new facility  Their goal is to break ground in the Spring of 2025. Beth testified to what the expanded facility will provide more of in addition to year-round community programming and events-- job creation, economic development, expanded recreation programs, and a community hub. In her experience, giving kids access to a facility like this "makes a world of difference having that small stepping stone in life." Trail walks along with educational, fitness and nutrition events are all coming up on the YCCH schedule. Learn more about upcoming events, becoming a member, and how to contribute to this community resource. 

 

Nanette Friedman and Dundee Rotarian Lauren Snyder presented engaging information about the local Rochester Finger Lakes Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. The Walk to End Alzheimer's will take place September and October in Watkins Glen, Canandaigua, and Rochester. They have a 24-hour helpline (800-272-3900) for caregivers providing referrals and education, including social activities for caregivers. There are support groups in each county. The Empower caregiver support group meets at the Penn Yan Public Library on the fourth Monday of the month from 4 to 5 pm, and the fourth Tuesday of the month from 4 to 5 pm at the Dundee Library. Lifespan is another support organization for caregivers to those with dementia and memory care and provides Memory Cafe.  Coffee and conversation is available once a month at Oak Leaf Cafe for early stage dementia caregivers and loved ones. Please register in advance. Nanette (585.358.4943)

 

Dusty Baker of PYTCO

 

District Governor Dave DeMers will be attending this meeting. Please consider attending to meet him.