Gateway Chamber of Commerce Takes Top Prize in Rotary Chili Cook-off
The Hudson Valley Gateway Chamber of Commerce took top prize last month in the Peekskill Rotary Club’s Chili Cookoff, held for the first time at Rotary’s annual Fall Festival at Riverfront Park.
The victorious team was led by Chamber Executive Director Carole Voisey and Past Chair Marianne Oros. They credit a New York Times chili recipe for their success.
Competitors ranged from community groups and restaurants to individuals. Festivalgoers were invited to sample, taste, and vote. As testament to the maiden event’s popularity, the chili was gobbled up one hour sooner than anticipated.
_____________________________________________________
Rotary Cues Up Recording Studio for High School
One of the largest grants in Peekskill Rotary Club’s 105-year history will underwrite the $14,538 cost of a fully-equipped recording studio at Peekskill High School.
“It would give students who may not be super athletes, or high academic achievers, but creative types, a reason to keep looking forward to coming to school every day,” says Rotary Past President Richard Swann, who led the effort. He said that this is a no-cost way for students to build skills, showcase their talents, and maybe “become a producer.”
Working with Peekskill High School and Peekskill Rotarian Adrienne LaValley, who is a voiceover artist, Swann identified the chorus room as an ideal spot for the 10-foot x 10-foot studio.
The grant includes funding for an audio interface, microphones, a drum microphone kit, headphones, studio monitors, MIDI controller, digital audio workstation, computers and other instruments and tools, hard drive for storage, sound board, sound dampening boards, accessories, cables and more.
_____________________________________________________
To Up the Ante on Fundraising, Rotary Plays Dress-Up
Every year, Rotarians around the world are asked to contribute to the Rotary Foundation (a 501(c)(3) non-profit) in a program called “Every Rotarian Every Year” or EREY. The Foundation’s goal is to receive $100 per Rotarian. If every member voluntarily donates $100 or more, it sustains Rotary International’s ability to match grants throughout the world.
When Deb Milone was President of Rotary Club of Peekskill, she threw down a fun dare to incentivize members to meet the donation challenge: Milone suggested if the Club reached 100% participation before the annual Fall Festival (held each year in early October), the current Club President would wear a costume of Milone’s choosing to the next four weekly Club meetings until Halloween. Her idea has succeeded in its mission every year since.
Past years have seen a diehard Mets fan wear a Yankees uniform; a Marine veteran wear a Navy outfit; and there have even been Peekskill Rotary Presidents dress up as Barbie and SpongeBob.
