Spring Blood Drive - April 6

 
Save The Date
 
The Blairstown Rotary Spring Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, April 6 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Lions Den, 505 Route 94, Columbia
 
Click Here To Schedule Your Appointment:  REGISTER
 
Appointments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome.  It takes about 30 minutes and you can save a life.
 
Wearing masks is optional for both donors and our staff.
 
Our blood drive is run by The New York Blood Center. 
 
 
 
Spring Blood Drive - April 6 2024-04-06 04:00:00Z 0

NWRHS Scholarship Program 2024

Application Forms for the 2024 Blairstown Rotary Scholarship Program are now available for NWRHS graduating seniors.
 
The Rotary Club of Blairstown will provide the following scholarship awards to NWRHS graduating seniors who exemplify the Rotary motto of “Service above Self” through their volunteer activities and actions. Examples include, but are not limited to, participation in a service club like Interact or Key Club, participating in organized mission trips, volunteering to help others, volunteering through community organizations like the YMCA, food bank, scouting, church group, peer mentor programs or tutoring.
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown Jack Sweet Memorial Scholarship – One award of $3,000
In honor of Jack Sweet, a Rotarian, teacher, coach and principal at Blairstown High School and NWRHS, this scholarship is awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self through their activities and actions.
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown William Caldwell Memorial Scholarship – One award of $3,000
In honor of William Caldwell, a Rotarian and former superintendent of NWRHS, this scholarship seeks to honor his legacy by supporting a deserving student who shares his dedication to character, scholarship, and selfless service and is awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self.
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown Interact Service Scholarship – Three awards of $1,000 each
Awarded to a senior member of the NWR Interact Club with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self.
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown James Gilmore Memorial Scholarship – One award of $1,000
Awarded to senior members of the NWRHS Interact Club with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self through their volunteer activities and actions.
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown Service Above Self Scholarship – One award of $1,000
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self.
 

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Graduating seniors attending North Warren Regional High School are eligible to apply.  Financial need is not a consideration.
 
Scholarships are available to students attending a 4‑year college, any accredited community college, or an accredited vocational, technical or trade school.  
 

How to Apply?

Students apply by completing the 2024 NWRHS Scholarship Application:  Download Here
 
Applicants should be as thorough and complete as possible, describing their volunteer activities and the impact it created.
  • Only one application is required.  Applying students will be considered for all awards.
  • Applications must be typed.  The electronic form supports electronic entry.  You may use additional pages and/or add attachments as required.
  • Provide a resume documenting your school, extracurricular and work activities while attending NWRHS.
  • Include a copy of your NWRHS transcript and NWRHS Scholarship Application.
  • Mail your package to
Rotary Club of Blairstown
Scholarship Committee
PO Box 747
Blairstown NJ 07825
  • The required receipt deadline date will be provided by the NWRHS Guidance Department.

Interviews:

Applicants selected for consideration will require an individual interview via Zoom with members of the Rotary Club of Blairstown Scholarship Selection Committee.  Successful applicants will be notified by the NWRHS Guidance Department.
 
 
NWRHS Scholarship Program 2024 2024-01-12 05:00:00Z 0

50/50 Raffle 2024

Have Some Fun, Maybe Get Lucky and, most importantly, YOU HELP THE COMMUNITY!
 
 
Tickets are now available for our annual 50/50 Raffle.  It's YOUR chance to help support our North Warren scholarship program and other community services, including our Community Center project that is getting close to finished.
 
The drawing and dinner event will be Friday April 26 @ 6 PM - Blairstown Hose Company firehouse on Stillwater Road.  Don't wait to get your ticket!  Last year we sold out weeks before the drawing.
 
1st Prize is $10,000.  A maximum of 600 tickets will be sold and there are 60 chances for you to win on each ticket.
 
The ticket price remains $100, which includes entry for one person to the drawing event and dinner.  If you want to bring a guest to the dinner, you can purchase a $20 2nd Dinner Ticket with your raffle ticket.
 
Tickets are available from any Rotarian.  You can also download a mail-order form.  If you want to pay by credit card, you can click the link below for secure online payment through our partner bank.  You will receive your ticket by mail directly from us.
 
Download Mail Order Form: Click To Download
 
Securely Pay by Credit Card Online: Click To Pay
 
If you have any questions please email us at tickets@blairstownrotary.org
 
 
 
 
 
 
50/50 Raffle 2024 Bob Law 2024-01-09 05:00:00Z 0

2023 NWRHS Scholarship Winners

Congratulations to the recipients of our 2023 Rotary Club of Blairstown Scholarship Awards
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown Jack Sweet Memorial Scholarship – $3,000
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary ideal of Service above Self.
 
• Mikayla Serdinsy
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown William Caldwell Memorial Scholarship – $3,000
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary ideal of Service above Self.
 
• Katherine Gerkhardt
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown Interact Service Scholarship – Three awards of $1,000 each
Awarded to a senior member of the NWR Interact Club with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary ideal of Service above Self.
 
• Nicholas Licata
• Vivian Drescher
• Alaina Shramko
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown Service Above Self Scholarship – Two awards of $1,000 each
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary ideal of Service above Self.
 
• Madison Chervenak
• Devon Curreiri
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown James Gilmore Memorial Scholarship – $1,000
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary ideal of Service above Self.
 
• Ian Young
 
 
Best of luck to all recipients.  You make our community proud.
 
A special THANK YOU to all who support our annual 50/50 raffle.  YOU make these awards possible.
 
 
2023 NWRHS Scholarship Winners 2023-06-08 04:00:00Z 0

Fall Blood Drive - October 28

 
Sign Up Now To Donate
 
The Blairstown Rotary Spring Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, October 28 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Lions Den, 505 Route 94, Columbia
 
To sign up for an appointment, click HERE
 
Appointments are requested but walk-ins are welcome.
 
 
DONORS PRESENTING:
  • Must be 14 days symptom free if recovered from COVID-19.
  • May NOT donate if they have a positive diagnostic test or experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
  • May NOT donate if they are currently on self-quarantine restrictions.
  • Wearing masks is optional for both donors and staff.

For questions about eligibility to donate due to travel outside the U.S., medications or medical conditions call 800.688.0900.

We do not test for COVID-19. Please contact your health care provider if you wish to be tested.

 
Fall Blood Drive - October 28 2023-02-22 05:00:00Z 0

Spring Blood Drive - March 25

 
Sign Up Now To Donate
 
The Blairstown Rotary Spring Blood Drive will be held on Saturday, March 25 from 9 AM to 3 PM at the Lions Den, 505 Route 94, Columbia
 
To sign up for an appointment, click HERE
 
Appointments are requested but walk-ins are welcome.
 
Donors will receive a $5 Gift Card courtesy of Blairstown Ace Hardware.
 

DONORS PRESENTING:

  • Must be 14 days symptom free if recovered from COVID-19.
  • May NOT donate if they have a positive diagnostic test or experienced symptoms of COVID-19 in the last 14 days.
  • May NOT donate if they are currently on self-quarantine restrictions.
  • Wearing masks is optional for both donors and staff.

For questions about eligibility to donate due to travel outside the U.S., medications or medical conditions call 800.688.0900.

Did you receive the COVID-19 vaccine? You can still donate! To learn more, click here.

We do not test for COVID-19. Please contact your health care provider if you wish to be tested.

 
Spring Blood Drive - March 25 2023-02-22 05:00:00Z 0

NWRHS Scholarship Program 2023

Application Forms for the 2023 Blairstown Rotary Scholarship Program are now available for NWRHS graduating seniors.
 
The Rotary Club of Blairstown will provide the following scholarship awards to NWRHS graduating seniors who exemplify the Rotary motto of “Service above Self” through their volunteer activities and actions. Examples include, but are not limited to, participation in a service club like Interact or Key Club, participating in organized mission trips, volunteering to help others, volunteering through community organizations like the YMCA, food bank, scouting, church group, peer mentor programs or tutoring.
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown Jack Sweet Memorial Scholarship – One award of $3,000
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self.
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown William Caldwell Memorial Scholarship – One award of $3,000
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown Interact Service Scholarship – Three awards of $1,000 each
Awarded to a senior member of the NWR Interact Club with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self.
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown James Gilmore Memorial Scholarship – One award of $1,000
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self.
 
Rotary Club of Blairstown Service Above Self Scholarship – One award of $1,000
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary motto of Service above Self.
 

Who is Eligible to Apply?

Graduating seniors attending North Warren Regional High School are eligible to apply.  Financial need is not a consideration.
 
Scholarships are available to students attending a 4‑year college, any accredited community college, or an accredited vocational, technical or trade school.  
 

How to Apply?

Students apply by completing the 2023 NWRHS Scholarship Application:  Download Here
 
Applicants should be as thorough and complete as possible, describing their volunteer activities and the impact it created.
  • Applications must be typed.  The electronic form supports electronic entry.  You may use additional pages and/or add attachments as required.
  • Provide a resume documenting your school, extracurricular and work activities while attending NWRHS.
  • Include a copy of your NWRHS transcript and NWRHS Scholarship Application.
  • Mail your package to
Rotary Club of Blairstown
Scholarship Committee
PO Box 747
Blairstown NJ 07825
  • The required receipt deadline date will be provided by the NWRHS Guidance Department.
  • Only one application is required.  Applying students will be considered for all awards.

Interviews:

Applicants selected for consideration will require an individual interview via Zoom with members of the Rotary Club of Blairstown Scholarship Selection Committee.  Successful applicants will be notified by the NWRHS Guidance Department.
 
 
NWRHS Scholarship Program 2023 2023-01-13 05:00:00Z 0

50/50 Raffle 2023

Have Some Fun, Maybe Get Lucky and, most importantly, YOU HELP THE COMMUNITY!
 
Tickets are now available for our annual 50/50 Raffle.  It's YOUR chance to help support our NWRHS scholarship program and other community services, including our Community Center project that will be starting in early spring. 
 
The drawing and dinner event will be Friday April 28 at the Blairstown Hose Company firehouse on Stillwater Road.  Don't wait to get your ticket!  Last year we sold out weeks before the drawing.
 
1st Prize is $10,000.  A maximum of 600 tickets will be sold and there are 60 chances for you to win on each ticket.
 
We have kept our ticket price at $100, which includes entry for one person to the drawing event and dinner.  Due to raising costs, we have been forced to charge $20 if you bring a guest to the dinner.  You can purchase the $20 2nd Dinner Ticket when you buy your raffle ticket.
 
Tickets are available from any Rotarian.  You can also download a mail order form or securely order online at the links below.
 
Download Ticket Mail Order Form: Click Here
 
Securely Order Ticket Online: Click Here
 
If you have any questions please email us at tickets@blairstownrotary.org
 
 
 
 
 
 
50/50 Raffle 2023 2023-01-05 05:00:00Z 0

Halloween Parade 2023

 
The Blairstown Rotary Halloween Parade & Costume Contest is scheduled for Tuesday 10/31/23
 
All children and families in costume are welcome to participate in the Costume Contest.
 
Assembly for the parade and registration for the costume contest starts at 4:30 PM in front of the Post Office on Main Street.  Each participant in the Costume Contest will be assigned a number for judging.
 
The parade will start at 5:00 PM.  Parade route is Main Street to Bridge Street to Hope Road to Agway.
 
The contest will take place at the Agway following the parade.  Free cider and donuts will be available.
 
The contest is judged by the North Warren High School Interact Club, which is sponsored by Rotary.  Prizes will be awarded.
 
The Presbyterian Church Fellowship Hall will be open and staffed by volunteers from 4:00 PM until 8:30 PM as a Halloween comfort station for first aid, lost child, nursing, and diaper change services.  The station will be run by the North Warren Community Emergency Response Team, and is sponsored by the Blairstown Office of Emergency Management.
 
Thanks to the Blairstown Police, Hose Company, First Aid Squad, CERT and OEM for providing their services for the parade and Halloween festivities.  Let them know you appreciate their services.
 
There will be a Porta-John behind the firehouse.
 
Watch this page and our Facebook page for more information.
 
 
 
Halloween Parade 2023 2022-09-21 04:00:00Z 0

Fireworks 2023!

We hope you enjoyed the fireworks.
 
Please thank and support all those who helped make the event possible.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Fireworks 2023! 2022-06-07 04:00:00Z 0

Duck Race 2023

 
Join us for the Blairstown Rotary Duck Race on Tuesday July 4 at Footbridge Park
 
 
The 2023 Duck Race will be held on Tuesday July 4 at the Blairstown Fourth Event at Footbridge Park.  It's a fun day for the family.  The race will be held around 4:00 PM.  Watch this page and our Facebook Page for more information.
 
The Duck Race benefits the Blairstown Hose Company and our many community projects.  Tickets are $5 each and are available from Hose Company members and Rotarians.  
 
Tickets are available every Saturday at the Blairstown Farmer's Market in the Hose Company parking lot on Stillwater Road.  Tickets will also be available at the Rotary Booth at the Blairstown Fourth event prior to the race.  You can also send a request to tickets@blairstownrotary.org.
 
Thank you for supporting Rotary and the Hose Company!
 
Duck Race 2023 2022-06-07 04:00:00Z 0

Golf Outing 2023

 
September 21, 2023
Glen Brook Golf Club
 
 
Join us for our 2023 Golf Outing at Glen Brook Golf Club in Stroudsburg on Thursday September 21 at 8 AM.  It will be a fun day on the course and you will be helping to support our Community Center update and other local projects and donation.
 
Green Fees, breakfast, lunch & prizes are $125 per golfer.  
 
Promote your business and support a great cause with a Tee Sign. Tee signs are $100.
 
You can sign up securely online using a credit card or through any Blairstown Rotarian.  You can register single or multiple golfers and purchase Tee Signs online or via mail.
 
To register online using credit card, click here: Secure Online Registration 
 
Registration is limited to 80 golfers.  Register early to reserve your space.  If you have any questions, email us at info@blairstownrotary.org
 
We look forward to seeing you on September 21.
 
 
Golf Outing 2023 2022-05-23 04:00:00Z 0

Fall Blood Drive 2022 Thank You

 
Thanks to all who contributed at our fall blood drive.
 
On Saturday October 8 we collected 48 units of blood from donors across our community!  
 
Thank you to all who donated during this critical period when our blood
supplies are in jeopardy and patients' treatments are at risk.
 
We would also like to thank the Knowlton's Lions Club for providing the Lion's Den for this important
community event and Ace Hardware for providing gift cards for all donors.
 
Our next blood drive will be early April 2023.  Watch this page and our Facebook page for details.
 
Fall Blood Drive 2022 Thank You 2021-10-12 04:00:00Z 0

2020 NWRHS Rotary Scholarship Award Winners

We are pleased to announce the winners of our 2020 North Warren Regional High School scholarship awards.  The primary consideration for Rotary scholarships is service to others, demonstrating the Rotary ideal of Service above Self.  All applicants have been involved in community service throughout their high school careers, and expect to continue that service after graduation.  Their parents, teachers, and the community should be proud of these students and their accomplishments.  
 
Blairstown Rotary Jack Sweet Memorial Scholarship - $3,000 each
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary ideal of Service above Self.
 
Honorata Lubecka
Mary Reduzzi
 
Blairstown Rotary Interact Service Scholarship - $1,000 each
Awarded to a senior member of the NWR Interact Club with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary ideal of Service above Self.
 
Caitlin Dooley
Jacob Riley
Paige Smdira
 
Blairstown Rotary James Gilmore Memorial Scholarship - $1,000 each
Awarded to a senior with excellence in character and scholarship who demonstrates the Rotary ideal of Service above Self.
 
Kelly Nelson
John Swistak
 
Congratulations to all applicants and recipients.
2020 NWRHS Rotary Scholarship Award Winners 2020-06-08 04:00:00Z 0

NWRHS Scholarship Program 2020

Application forms for the 2020 Rotary Scholarship Program
are now available for NWRHS graduating Seniors.
 
This year we have expanded our scholarship program to include students attending a 4‑year college, Warren County Community College, Sussex County Community College, or an accredited vocational, technical or trade school.
 
Rotary's motto is "Service above Self"
 
The Blairstown Rotary Club will provide two $3,000 and two $1,500 scholarship awards to NWRHS graduating seniors who exemplify “Service above Self” through their volunteer activities and actions.
 
Examples include, but are not limited to, participation in a service club like Interact or Key Club, participating in organized mission trips, volunteering to help others, volunteering through community organizations like the YMCA, food bank, scouting, church group, peer mentor programs or tutoring.
 
Who is Eligible to Apply?
 
Graduating seniors attending North Warren Regional High School are eligible to apply.  Financial need is not a consideration.
 
How to Apply?
 
Students apply by downloading and completing the application below.
 
Deadline for submission is Monday, March 9, 2020.
 
Applications are to be returned to the NWRHS Guidance Department.
 
Download your application form and instructions here or with the Quick Links Scholarship icon.
 
NWRHS Scholarship Program 2020 2020-02-26 05:00:00Z 0

Fall Blood Drive a Success

Donate Blood - People can't live without it!
 
Our 2019 Fall Community Blood Drive was a success.  More than 50 of our friends and neighbors showed up to donate blood and help patients in need.
 
Thanks to all who donated, and to the Blairstown Ambulance Squad for allowing us to use their facility as the collection point.
 
Watch for our spring drive, which will take place in April 2020.
 
 
 
 
 
Fall Blood Drive a Success Bob Law 2019-10-09 04:00:00Z 0

FIREWORKS! - JULY 5

The 2019 Blairstown Rotary Fireworks will be held on Friday, July 5 at North Warren Regional High School.  The fireworks start around 9:15 PM.  This is a free event for the community.  Get there early!
 
Parking is available at various locations near the school.  Parking near the school entrance is available at the library on Lambert Road.  A $5 donation to help offset the cost of the event is requested at this location.
 
The rain date is Saturday, July 6.  Hopefully, the rain will stop by then!  Watch this site and local social media for updates if the weather is questionable.
 
Please thank our sponsors and supporting communities.  Their support helps make this event possible.
     
 
 
 
   
 
Blairstown, Hardwick, Hope, Frelinghuysen & Knowlton Townships
 
 
FIREWORKS! - JULY 5 2019-06-19 04:00:00Z 0

EarlyAct Little Free Library Project

The EarlyAct Club at Knowlton Township Elementary School recently teamed up with the non-profit organization "Little Free Library" to bring free books to community members of all ages in Knowlton.
 
EarlyAct is a school-wide service club for elementary students from ages 5 to 13. Knowlton EarlyAct is sponsored by Blairstown Rotary.  The club advisor is Jenna Maxman, daughter of long-time Rotarian John Maxman.  EarlyAct engages students in character-building activities and prepares them for leadership roles to identify and carry out projects which benefit their school, local and global communities.
 
The EarlyAct students raised over $1,400 and installed three Little Free Libraries around the community.  Each will be chock full of books, ready to keep students, as well as anyone else that happens to pass through the town, satisfied with a daily dose of literature.
 
Congratulations to Jenna and the EarlyAct students.  It's a great project for the students, who are Rotarians in training!
 
If you want to learn more about EarlyAct or Little Free Library, check out the following links:
 
 
EarlyAct Little Free Library Project 2019-05-29 04:00:00Z 0

Emergency Booms Presented to Hose Company

On Saturday, May 25, Blairstown Rotary presented the Blairstown Hose Company with 200’ of floating containment booms for controlling chemical spills in our local waterways.  The booms are used to reduce the spread of polluting materials and to help make clean-up easier.
 
The booms will also be used for a more fun purpose – controlling the floating ducks in the Paulinskill during the annual July 4 Rotary Duck Race!
 
Let’s hope that’s the only reason the Hose Company ever needs to use the booms.   
Emergency Booms Presented to Hose Company 2019-05-29 04:00:00Z 0

Duck Race Results

Thanks to your support, we sold out of Duck Race tickets and had a successful race at Footbridge Park on July 4 at the Blairstown Fourth event.
 
The winning numbers are:
 
1st Prize $3,000: # 0942
2nd Prize $1,500: # 0784
3rd Prize $750: # 0365
4th Prize $ 250: # 0119
 
Congratulations to the lucky winners.  We will notify you and send your prize.
 
If you have any questions, email tickets@blairstownrotary.org
 
2,000 ducks were released into the Paulinskill at 3:30 PM on July 4 by members of Blairstown Rotary and the Blairstown Hose Company.  About 10 minutes later, the winners made their way through the finish line.  We are happy to report that all ducks survived and only one escaped.  
 
See you next year!
Duck Race Results 2019-03-24 04:00:00Z 0

Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday

Meet the Easter Bunny!
 
DUE TO WEATHER, THE HUNT HAS MOVED INSIDE AT THE HIGH SCHOOL.  COME TO THE MAIN ENTRANCE.
 

The annual Community Easter Egg Hunt is today, Saturday, April 20 at North Warren Regional High School.  Assembly time is 10:45 AM near the school entrance.  The egg hunt will start promptly at 11 AM.
 
Bring your baskets and cameras!  
 
All participants must be accompanied by an adult. The Easter Bunny will make a guest appearance and prizes will be awarded for finding the eggs.
 
This is a free event sponsored by Blairstown Rotary and the event is run by students from the Rotary Interact Club at North Warren.
 
Easter Egg Hunt This Saturday 2019-03-24 04:00:00Z 0

Congratulations to the 2019 50/50 Raffle Winners

 
The drawing for our 2019 50/50 was Friday, April 12.
 
The winning numbers are as follows:
 
$10,000 Grand Prize: Ticket # 279
$5,000 2nd Prize: Ticket # 276
$2,500 3rd Prize: Ticket # 198
$2,000 4th Prize: Ticket # 193
$1,500 5th Prize: Ticket # 379
$750 6th Prize: Ticket # 118
$250 7th Prize: Ticket # 143
 
$100 8th Prize (30 Winners):
Ticket #'s: 013, 030, 037, 073, 093
102, 110, 131, 159, 176, 178
203, 230, 233, 237, 244, 274, 285, 293
301, 318, 371, 389
429, 437, 452, 454, 461, 468, 481
 
Thanks to everyone who purchased tickets in support of our High School Scholarship Program and other community services.  100% of net proceeds go back to our community.
 
We make every effort to contact all winners, but if your ticket stub is illegible or incomplete it may not be possible.  If your number is above and you have not been contacted, please send an email to tickets@blairstownrotary.net.
 

Here are some photos of Friday's drawing and dinner.  We hope those who attended had a great time.  We look forward to seeing you again next year.  Our 2020 50/50 tickets will go on sale in January.

 

 

 

Congratulations to the 2019 50/50 Raffle Winners 2019-03-23 04:00:00Z 0

End Hunger 3.6

On a recent Saturday morning, members of the Blairstown Rotary and the Rotary Interact Club at North Warren Regional traveled to Drew University to participate in the End Hunger 3.6 service project.  
 
The End Hunger 3.6 project is a community event in which Rotarians and other volunteers package and distribute nutritious, ready-to-cook meals to feed the hungry in our local communities.
 
Someone dies of malnutrition or starvation in the world every 3.6 seconds, hence the project name. The northern NJ Rotary district is committed to tackling this issue by fighting hunger locally since, in New Jersey alone one in five children is hungry and relies on food stamps for meals, and the number of people who go hungry and are in need of assistance in finding a meal in our area continues to rise.
 
The team from Blairstown helped package the 200,000 meals that were completed that Saturday.  Meal packages will be brought back to Blairstown and, working with Blairstown-based LocalShare, these will be distributed to our local food pantries.
End Hunger 3.6 2019-03-23 04:00:00Z 0

Helping people with disabilities make their own music

Music has been an important part of leading an ordinary life for students at the Music School for Children With Disabilities in Honor of Paul Harris in Lublin, Poland. Founded by Rotary members, the school serves 20 students with various disabilities, including Down syndrome, autism, and visual impairments. The Rotary Club of Lublin-Centrum-Maria Curie-Sklodowska has provided funding with help from Rotary Foundation Matching Grants and the Henryk Wieniawski Musical Society, which houses the school.
 
After their son Mateusz was born with underdeveloped eyes, Mariusz and Joanna Kania looked for ways to help him be active. When he showed an aptitude for music, they looked for a teacher and were thrilled to find the Paul Harris music school.
Helping people with disabilities make their own music 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

Finding Safe Haven

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.
 
After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.
Finding Safe Haven 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

Saving lives in Ghana

What is it like taking a large team to Africa?  It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.
Saving lives in Ghana 2015-05-01 00:00:00Z 0

India celebrates three years without polio

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."
 
The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.
 
India celebrates three years without polio 2014-02-26 00:00:00Z 0