Home Page | Rotary Club of Hamburg

Sears has been in the news for the past several months and is facing possible liquidation. However, I would like to share a different side of the Sears story…

For 12 years, Rotary Club of Hamburg has sponsored and coordinated Warm the Children, a program designed to provide children in need, who reside in the Southtowns, new, warm winter clothing. Since 2016, we have partnered with Sears in the McKinley Mall, which, as most know by now, is the only remaining Sears store left in our area.

Under McKinley store manager, Debra Mahaney, our participating families and volunteer shoppers have consistently experienced the kind of service customers long for: helpfulness, kindness, patience, and a willingness to find the lowest prices possible for clothing being sought by families in need. All this is being done while Sears employees, those truly on the “front lines,” read and hear daily about the demise of their employer.

If you haven’t been to Sears lately, I’d encourage you to stop by Sears McKinley- you’ll find very nice merchandise in an extremely clean, well-organized environment, staffed by very pleasant staff, who are doing the best they can under extremely tough circumstances!

Sincerely,

Liz Angelbeck

Coordinator, Warm the Children

Rotary Club of Hamburg

Ken Biehl Gives Presentation on Buffalo/Niagara Honor Flight

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Dec 04, 2018

Ken and his family are involved with the Honor Flight Program and he gave a very compelling presentation to the club on this program. His father is a WWII Veteran who had the privilege to participate in the program. Ken explained how moving it was for his father and all his family who were able to witness their loved one be honored in such a way. Ken's whole purpose for presenting to the club was to offer this same great opportunity to other veterans. Priority is given to WWII Veteran’s followed by Korean War and veterans from other wars with a catastrophic illness. The goal is to take all veterans on future flights. There is no cost to the veteran to participate. Anyone who may know someone who qualifies can reach out to Buffalo Niagara Honor Flight at www.buffaloniagarahonorflight.org.

Local Children Enjoy Winter Weather Thanks to Warm the Children Porgram

“For the first snow of the season Daleyssa and Juleissa Perez are warm and pretty in pink thanks to Warm the Children program. The girls and their mom shopped with Blasdell Elementary teacher and volunteer shopper Carrie Anderson earlier this month, just in time for the cold weather”.

Currently, 346 youngsters from 136 families in the southtowns have been provided new, warm winter clothing as a result of generous contributions to Warm the Children.

Special thanks are extended to the following organizations and businesses for making a major gift to Warm the Children: Baille Lumber, Louise K. Mokadam Family Trust, Hamburg Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Tournament, Hamburg Women’s Golf Tournament, Zonta Club of Hamburg and Orchard Park, Hamburg Music Festival, Hamburg Retirees, Ferrous Manufacturing and Evenhouse Printing.

From a grateful Blasdell parent after shopping with her two young daughters: “ Thank you so very much. I can never repay such a beautiful gesture. God bless you and thanks for being so patient with us.”

From a dedicated volunteer Warm the Children shopper: “I’m happy to relay that the family I shopped with was very appreciative, especially one grandmother who is raising her grandchildren after the sudden death of her daughter, whose youngest child was only 5 months old at the time.”

While contributions in any amount are gratefully accepted, Rotary hopes individuals, businesses and organizations will consider sponsoring a child by donating $75, $125 or $150, which buys clothing for children ages birth to four, five to 14 and 15-18, respectively. Checks payable to Warm the Children Fund may be dropped off or mailed to Evans Bank, 5999 S. Park Ave., Hamburg, NY 14075. Or donate online: www.hamburgrotaryclub.org/SitePage/warm-the-children.

Members Make Blankets for ECMC's Palliative Care Unit

The Rotary Club of Hamburg purchased No-Sew Fleece Blanket Kits and got to work with several ECMC employees making blankets for the Palliative Care Unit. These blankets are given to patients as they are admitted to the Unit and are provided to the family in memory of their loved one.

Members Assist Salvation Army with their Mobile Food Service

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Nov 12, 2018

Monday, November 12th club members assisted the Salvation Army with their Mobile Food Service. They distributed hot food and drinks under the viaduct at the Downtown Buffalo and Erie County Library where the Salvation Army distributes meals weekly. Another great service project to benefit our community! Thank you Salvation Army for the great work you do!

HAMBURG CHAMBER OF COMMERCE PRESENTS $1,500 CHECK FOR THE ANNUAL WARM THE CHILDREN PROGRAM

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Nov 05, 2018

Hamburg Chamber of Commerce presents a $1,500 check, a portion of the proceeds from the Chamber's Annual Golf Tournament in August 2018, for the Rotary Club of Hamburg's Warm the Children Program. From left to right are Deb Welch, Evans Bank; Brandi Reed, Rotary Club President; Jerry Bastedo, Rotary Club Past-President; Shawn Buffum, Chamber Chair; Cyndi Matla, Chamber Executive Director; Molly Georger, Chamber Board Member. In 2017, 524 children in 220 families received new coats and clothing as a result of the Rotary Club of Hamburg Warm the Children program. In 2018, it is anticipated over 500 children will be recipients of new clothing. Additional in information on Rotary's Warm the Children program may be found by visiting www.hamburgrotaryclub.org.

Zabrina Nedimeyer Inducted as Newest Member

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Oct 23, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg recently inducted Zabrina Nedimeyer into the esteemed service organization. Rotary President Brandi Reed and Tom Johnston, right, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Ms. Nedimeyer, who is employed as a special education teacher with Autism Services. At left is Rotarian Michele Hanley, who is also Zabrina’s mother and sponsor. Michele and Zabrina made history as the first mother-daughter team in the Rotary club that was founded 76 years ago. The club coordinates Warm the Children, which has just kicked off for the 2018 season, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that coordinates the Burger Fest each July. Author - Eileen Hotho

SALVATION ARMY MAJ. STEVEN LOPES IS ROTARY SPEAKER

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Oct 23, 2018

Maj. Steven Lopes of the Salvation Army’s Buffalo Branch addressed the Rotary Club of Hamburg on Oct. 23 with a presentation on his role as a leader of the national not-for-profit organization. He said he and his wife are both ordained ministers with the Salvation Army and have made it a lifelong career. Shown with Maj. Lopes is Rotary President Brandi Reed presenting him with a memento from the club. Author - Eileen Hotho

2nd Annual Meat Raffle is a Huge Success

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Oct 15, 2018

A special thank you to all the volunteers and patrons of the 2nd Annual Meat Raffle. More than 300 people attended and as can be seen by the photo, all had a lot of fun winning steaks, ribs, turkey or bacon to name a few! Proceeds are used to help fund our Warm the Children program and area high school scholarships. Hope to see you next year and Remember - MEAT, MEAT, MEAT, MEAT!

Straube joins Rotary Club of Hamburg

The Rotary Club of Hamburg inducted Diana Straube Sept. 4 into the service organization that is part of a worldwide body. Rotary President Brandi Reed, left, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Straube who is an attorney who led the Family Unit at Neighborhood Legal Services until her recent retirement. A former club member and past president, Straube was warmly welcomed back. Rotary supports projects on the local, national and international level. The Hamburg club was founded 76 years ago. The club coordinates Warm the Children, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that coordinates the Burger Fest each July. Upcoming fundraisers include Shredding Day Sept. 22 and the 2^nd Annual Meat Raffle Oct. 13. The Rotary Club of Hamburg meets Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. at JP Fitzgerald’s Restaurant in the Village of Hamburg. (Author - Eileen Hotho)

Rotary Club of Hamburg sets Shredding Day Fundraiser

Saturday, Sept. 22 Howard Hanna Parking lot

The Rotary Club of Hamburg will hold Shredding Day on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 9 a.m. to noon in the parking lot of Howard Hanna, 3674 Commerce Place (off Camp Road, Rte. 75) in Hamburg.

The public is invited to bring their sensitive documents for shredding in boxes or bags (10-inch by 12-inch by 15 inch or 24 inches) or 10-inch by 15-inch by 24 inches, or medium kitchen-size bags of papers).

Shredding will be completed on-site by Lincoln Archives, Inc. The cost is $10 per box or bag, with a maximum of five boxes. Proceeds will benefit the projects of the Rotary Club of Hamburg. The Hamburg club was founded 76 years ago and coordinates Warm the Children, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that coordinates the BurgerFest each July. (Author Eileen Hotho)

Fiorella joins Rotary Club of Hamburg

Posted on Aug 31, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg inducted Sarah Fiorella into the service organization that is part of a worldwide body. Rotary President Brandi Reed, left, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Fiorello who is a first grade teacher with the Eden School District. Rotary supports projects on the local, national and international level. The Hamburg club was founded 76 years ago. The club coordinates Warm the Children, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that coordinates the Burger Fest each July. Upcoming fundraisers include Shredding Day Sept. 22 and the 2^nd Annual Meat Raffle Oct. 13. The Rotary Club of Hamburg meets Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. at JP Fitzgerald’s Restaurant in the Village of Hamburg.

Please help Hamburg Rotary find homes for exchange student

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Aug 02, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg at its July 31 meeting wished “bon voyage” to its outbound Rotary Exchange Student Shayna Fitzpatrick, who will leave in early August to spend a year in Argentina attending school and living with three different families over the course of her visit. A 2018 graduate of Hamburg High School, Shayna has some Spanish speaking skills and looks forward to learning more about her chosen country. She is the daughter of Becky Barnell and Steve Fitzpatrick. Soon after Shayna leaves Hamburg, Rotary’s inbound student, Max Kellenberger, 17, of the Czech Republic will arrive in Hamburg and will attend Hamburg High School as a senior this fall. The Hamburg Rotary Club is seeking local families who are interested in hosting Max for one of the 3 and ½ month periods during his stay, with the first rotation to end around Thanksgiving. Anyone who is interested in finding out about becoming a host family may contact Lisa Avery at lavery23@gmail.com. Pictured above are from left: Rotary Youth Chair Earl Knauss, Rotary Club President Brandi Reed, Shayna Fitzpatrick and Rotary Youth Chair Lisa Avery. Rotary strives to make the world a better place with many global initiatives, including the eradication of polio. The Hamburg club coordinates Warm the Children, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that coordinates the Burger Fest each July. Rotary meets Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at JP Fitzgerald’s Restaurant. (Author - Eileen Hotho)

Club Recognizes Fellow Member for Rotary Service

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Jul 11, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg on July 11 recognized member Patricia Castiglia for exemplary service, giving her a few special gifts from the club from the recent Rotary International Convention held in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. Hamburg Rotarians who attended the convention, Dale and Barbara Stanley, Lisa Avery and Eileen Hotho brought back a convention T-shirt, visor and travel tags for Castiglia who has served as president two times, serves on district committees and most recently, as secretary for two consecutive terms. Pat is shown modeling her new swag. The Hamburg club coordinates Warm the Children, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that coordinates the Burger Fest each July. Rotary meets Tuesdays at 6 p.m. at JP Fitzgerald’s Restaurant in the Village of Hamburg. (Author - Eileen Hotho)

Rotary Club of Hamburg awards college scholarships to high school students

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Jun 05, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg at its June 5 meeting awarded $1,000 college scholarships to local high school seniors. From left are Rotarian Earl Knauss, Hamburg High School student Aydon Stormer, Frontier High School Student Tom Notto, Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, St. Francis High School student Dante Guizzotti and Rotarian Patricia Castiglia. Rotary supports projects on the local, national and international level. The Hamburg club was founded in 1942 and since 2007, has coordinated Warm the Children, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that present the Burger Fest each July. (Author Eileen Hotho)

Rotary Club of Hamburg bestows Paul Harris AwardS

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Jun 12, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg at its June 12 annual spring picnic honored two of its own for earning the Paul Harris Award, a high honor named for Rotary’s founder. From left, are Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, Patricia Castiglia, placing the pin on the lapel of award winner Jim Loomis, Tom Johnston and honoree Tim Hoelscher. Both men have served the Rotary Club of Hamburg and the greater community as active members. Rotary supports projects on the local, national and international level. The Hamburg club was founded in 1942 and since 2007, has coordinated Warm the Children, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that present the BurgerFest each July.

The Rotary Club of Hamburg
Youth Exchange Program is
looking for Host Families for the
2018/2019 School Year

Posted by Lisa Avery on May 30, 2018

Once again the Rotary Club of Hamburg will be participating in a youth exchange program. Rotary International hosts and sends high school students on an educational exchange with countries around the world. Our Hamburg club is sponsoring an outbound student who will be going to Argentina. We are hosting a young man from the Czech Republic who will be attending Hamburg High School.

It is preference of Rotary that each of our students stay in three homes for about three and a half months each. We believe in that way students have a chance to experience more than one type of household and one type of family while they are here.

If you are interested in hosting a student this year, or learning more about the program, please email lavery23@gmail.com and we will get you more information. This program benefits the student as well as the Hamburg household who welcomes a guest. Truly a student may enter your home as a guest, but most leave as family. To do research on your own, simply go to www.rotaryye7090.org to learn more.

Members Learn About Hamburg's Hub and Spoke Fitness Trail

Posted by Barbara Stanley on May 15, 2018

Paul Becker and Karl Swarts gave a presentation to club members and guests on the Hub and Spoke Fitness Trail. Their presentation included the overall plan of integrating a multimodal trail throughout Hamburg.

Club Members Clean Up Camp Road

Posted by Barbara Stanley on May 08, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg has adopted a section of Camp Road in Hamburg and each spring Jim Loomis rounds up members to ensure that section of the road is debris free. This year 15 members attended the clean-up which was followed by dinner at Major Tom's.

Kurzberg inducted into Rotary Club of Hamburg

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Apr 17, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg inducted Mark Kurzberg April 17 into the service organization that is part of a worldwide body. Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, right, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Kurzberg who relocated from his native Massachusetts recently to join KeyBank. Rotary supports projects on the local, national and international level. The Hamburg club was founded 76 years ago. (Author Eileen Hotho)

New Rotarian Welcomed

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Apr 03, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg recently inducted Jill Martucci into the esteemed service organization. Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, right, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Ms. Martucci who is employed in the Enterprise Risk Management Division of the Bonadio Group. At left is Rotarian Tyler Shaw who sponsored her. (Author Eileen Hotho)

Dr. Richard Hughes Welcomed to Hamburg Rotary

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Feb 13, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg has welcomed into its ranks Dr. Richard Hughes, who transferred his membership from the Mohawk Valley Rotary Club to Hamburg. Dr. Hughes joined the local club after becoming superintendent of the Frontier Central School District and relocating from the Adirondacks area of New York State. Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, right, is shown with Dr. Hughes. (Author - Eileen Hotho)

NEW ROTARIANS WELCOMED

Posted by Barbara Stanley on Jan 23, 2018

The Rotary Club of Hamburg recently inducted two new members into its ranks. Rotary President Jerry Bastedo, middle, conducted the ceremonies welcoming Ryan Brunner, left, of the Baillie Lumber Company, and Tyler Shaw, of GCW Capital into the 76-year-old Hamburg service organization. Rotary supports projects on the local, national and international level. Locally, it coordinates Warm the Children, provides college scholarships to Hamburg and Frontier high school students and is one of the four service organizations that coordinates the Burger Fest each July. Rotary meets at 6 p.m. Tuesdays at JP Fitzgerald’s Restaurant.

Breakfast with the Bunny 2018

Posted by Barbara Stanley

For the 15th year, the Rotary Club of Hamburg is hosting a Breakfast with the Bunny for children, parents, grandparents, and anyone interested in an Easter holiday event. The breakfast will be held Saturday March 24th, 2018 at Oakwood Manor, 2985 Lakeview Rd. (across from the Hamburg Ice Arena). A pancake and sausage breakfast with other “breakfast goodies” will be served.

Face painting will be provided free of charge by the Hamburg YES students and a theme basket auction will be available with outstanding baskets. Our own Easter Bunny will be present to delight the children. Photos with the Bunny can be taken using your own camera at no charge.

Two seating times are available: 9:00 am to 10:30 am and 10:45 am to 12:10 p.m. Presale tickets are recommended due to limited seating and may be obtained by calling 867-8388 or by email at BreakfastWithTheBunny@gmail.com. Walk-ins will be accommodated on a space available basis. Tickets cost $5.00 for children 2-10 years old and $9.00 for ages 11 and up. Advance sale tickets will be available for pick- up at Brierwood Wine and Spirit Shoppe, 5452 Southwestern Blvd., at the corner of Southwestern Blvd. (Rte 20) and Rogers Rd.

All proceeds, as usual, go to local Hamburg area charities and your support is greatly appreciated. For a copy of the 2018 Breakfast with the Bunny Flyer please click here. https://clubrunner.blob.core.windows.net/00000000329/en-ca/files/sitepage/breakfast-with-the-bunny/breakfast-with-the-bunny-2018-flyer/BWTB-2018-Flier.pdf

Interested in membership?

The four Avenues of Service are Rotary's philosophical cornerstones and the foundation on which club activities are based:

Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the club's effective functioning.
Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community
International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary's humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world understanding and peace
Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.

Interested in hearing more about our club? Please contact Kent Hilton, Membership Chair at khilton@sigmarep.com.

Learn more at My Rotary: https://www.rotary.org/myrotary/en

We appreciate your interest in service.

Rotary's Six Areas of Focus

Rotary is focused on the following six areas:
1. Peace and conflict prevention/resolution
2. Disease prevention and treatment
3. Water and sanitation
4. Maternal and child health
5. Basic education and literacy

6. Economic and community development