Stories

Celebrating Earth Day in Ellington

Posted on Apr 22, 2024

Despite the chilly weather, our "Queen Bees" Susanne Beason and Sharon Redfern enjoyed celebrating Earth Day and greeting visitors to our Rotary Booth. To educate visitors on the importance of pollinators to our world, Rockville Rotarians distributed honey sticks and provided links to other educational resources.

In 2020, Rotary International added "Protecting the Environment" as an official area of focus. Allocating resources to environment-related projects will empower Rotary members with additional avenues to drive positive global change and enhance our impact.” 🌍🌱

Want to learn more? Click here to read about Rotary's "Operation Pollination" initiative, including the simple things you can do to help restore pollinator habitat.

Introducing Robin Kohler, our 2024-25 President Elect!

The Rotary Club of Rockville is pleased to announce Robin Kohler as our President-Elect for the 2024-25 Rotary year!

Robin brings over 35 years of community service to her upcoming role as Club President. As Site Director at KIDSAFE CT, an affiliate of The Village for Families & Children, she oversees the day-to-day operations of the building, and manages the Supervised Visitation and PEP Programs. She also plays a key role in fundraising events and is an active member of the Staff Engagement and Health & Safety Committees.

In addition to KIDSAFE, CT, Robin contributes her talents to other area organizations including Vernon Community Network, the Vernon ROCKS Coalition, and the Exchange Club of Rockville. Robin earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Hofstra University.

As Club President, Robin will work with current members as well as our broader community to raise funds, inspire new members, and develop service projects which help those in need.

Please join us in congratulating Robin as she leads our club during the upcoming year!

Serving up the Holiday Spirit

Posted on Dec 09, 2023

Another special evening at Cornerstone - an organization that demonstrates the Holiday spirit all year-round!

Supporting our Partners

During today's weekly meeting, the Rockville Rotary presented $500 donations to three organizations which positively impact the lives of so many within our Ellington, Tolland and Vernon communities.

Justin Hicks (Left), President, Rotary Club of Rockville CT, delivers a $500 contribution to Sharon Redfern (Right), Executive Director, Cornerstone Foundation.

The Cornerstone Foundation strives to keep all people safe, fed, housed and clothed. They provide the community with a soup kitchen, two shelters, a food pantry, clothing bank, youth/outreach center, and many other vital annual programs.

Justin Hicks presents a $500 donation to Patricia Valle (The Village) and Robin Kohler (KIDSAFE, CT). Pictured from Left to Right: Patricia Valle (Senior Program Director, Child and Family Welfare, The Village for Families and Children), Robin Kohler (Director, KIDSAFE, CT) and Justin Hicks (President, Rotary Club of Rockville CT).

As an affiliate of The Village for Families and Children, KIDSAFE, CT provides support services for children and their families - including behavioral health, early childhood and youth development, substance use treatment, and other programs.

Justin Hicks (Left), seen here in his role as Senior Program Director of the Indian Valley Family YMCA, receives a $500 contribution from Rockville Rotary Membership Chair, Susanne Beason (Right).

The Indian Valley YMCA provides a wide range of programs and services to help individuals develop their fullest potential. Their services include youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility programs.

For more information regarding the organizations and causes supported by our club, please click here.

Recognizing Susanne Beason, an Extraordinary Volunteer

During this month of Thanksgiving, the Rotary Club of Rockville presented a Paul Harris award to Susanne Beason in recognition of her tireless efforts to ensure the success of our 2023 Fall Family Fest.

Susanne worked alongside other volunteers to recruit sponsors, post signs, negotiate with vendors and organize decorations. Susanne also added a bit of German authenticity by contributing her family recipes and patiently coaching her fellow Rotarians and Maple Grove volunteers on the proper preparation of (very yummy) Bavarian pretzels, sauerkraut and vegan soup.

Thanks in large part to Susanne's efforts, our combined organizations raised almost $10,000 which will be directed towards worthy causes within our Rockville and Global communities.

Thank you, Susanne! Wir sind dir dankbar!

Photos (clockwise from top): Receiving her Paul Harris award from Past President, Randi Saboski; Demonstrating the proper technique for rolling pretzels; Preparing sauerkraut with apples; Displaying pretzels- Bavarian style; Stirring her famous vegan soup.

A Rotary Welcome!

Posted on Nov 06, 2023

Today we welcomed Jennifer Johnston-Marius to our Rockville Rotary family. Prior to moving to Connecticut, Jennifer served as a Rotarian in Pennsylvania. Now Director of the Rockville Public Library, Jennifer supports the library's mission to "enrich, enlighten and inform our diverse population". Jennifer's experience will certainly complement a core cause of Rotary - that of supporting basic education and literacy.

As a Rockville Rotarian, Jennifer looks forward to broadening her involvement in our community through public service.

Pictured above, Rockville Rotary President, Justin Hicks, presents Jennifer Johnston-Marius with her Rockville Rotary nametag.

Rotary in Motion - 2023

Join the Manchester, East Hartford and Rockville Rotary clubs for this all abilities community outing! The event includes bikes, walkers, horses, adaptive bikes, rickshaw, food, and music. Participation is free. Registration begins at 9:30 AM.

Please see below flyers or visit https://www.manchesterctrotary.org/ for more information.

2023 Scholarship Awards

Posted on Aug 07, 2023

This year, we are honored to present college scholarships to the below high school seniors:

From Rockville High School:

Abdullah Chaudhry will attend Bentley University as a business major. His impressive resume includes extensive community service.
Nicolas Angeli will study accounting and sports management at Fairview University.
Anna Moore is also interested in a career in accounting. As a high school student, she played in school sports, volunteered with local charities, and worked as a summer camp counselor for her church.

From Ellington High School, Nicholas Elsass was selected as this year’s recipient. He will attend Sacred Heart University this fall.

Above: Rockville High School graduate, Abdullah Chaudhry, receives his scholarship check from Rockville Rotary Club Treasurer, Angela Atwater.

Awards are based upon each applicant's scholastic achievement, financial need, and participation in extracurricular activities, including community service. Funding comes from annual our Rose Sale, which is held each year in June. For more information regarding Rockville Rotary's scholarship program, please click here.

We wish all the best to our Rockville-area class of 2023, as they further their education and pursue their dreams!

July in the Sky - 2023

Posted on Jul 11, 2023

Supporting children's education through the gift of reading!

Congratulations, Justin!

Posted on Jun 11, 2023

On Sunday, we celebrated our new district leaders at the beautiful Log Cabin Restaurant in Holyoke. We installed our new Club President, Justin Hicks, and honored our former Club President and Assistant Area Governor, Randi Saboski.

We look forward to working with Justin, Randi and all our new Rotary leaders to Create Hope in the World!

Welcome New Members!

Posted on Jun 09, 2023

We are so excited to welcome two new members to our club - Rebecca Vicente and Hanna Marcus!

Rebecca Vicente (pictured left receiving her Rotary nametag from club Treasurer, Angela Atwater) is an attorney and resident of Tolland. Like others in Rockville Rotary, Rebecca joined to reconnect with volunteer opportunities in the Rockville area and, in her words, "be part of an organization that seeks to truly help others rather than simply 'network'."

Hanna Marcus (pictured right with Membership Chair, Susanne Beason) is a clinical and administrative social worker and award-winning author who has focused her entire career on helping others. Per Hanna "Joining the Rotary Club allows me to continue giving back to my local and broader community, making the world a better place, and meeting other like-minded people."

A big ROCKVILLE ROTARY WELCOME to Rebecca and Hanna! We look forward to working with both of you to improve the lives of others!

Welcome to Our New Members

2023 Rose Sale - Gratitude by the Dozens!

Posted on Jun 02, 2023

Rockville Rotarians braved the weather, including scorching heat and pending rain, to sell OVER 600 DOZEN ROSES to our supporters!

Thanks again for all your generosity!

As always, proceeds from our sale will go directly towards our scholarship fund which helps local high school seniors further their education.

To view more pictures from our 2023 Rose Sale, click here.

To learn more about Rotary Club of Rockville scholarship opportunities, click here.

Day of Service - 2023

Posted on May 20, 2023

So happy to support this wonderful organization and their clients.

"Bee" the Change you Want to See!

Posted on Apr 22, 2023

We had so much fun celebrating Earth Day this year on the Ellington Town Green. To raise awareness of the importance of pollinators to our world, Rockville Rotarians buzzed about distributing honey-sticks and other educational materials to visitors.

Want to learn more? Click here to read about Rotary's "Operation Pollination" initiative, including the simple things you can do to help restore pollinator habitat.

Pictured Below:

Rotarians Susanne Beason (left) and Risa Filkoff (right) welcome visitors to the Rotary booth.

Future Rotarian Blake Hicks (left), along with parents Justin and Jen (right), takes the Pollinator Pledge.

An Earth Day highlight - visiting the puppies of PawSafe Animal Rescue!

Sock It to Us!!

Posted on Feb 06, 2023

A big shout out to our friends at Bombas for donating 2,500 pairs of socks which will warm 5,000 Rockville-area feet this winter! So far, we have shared this gift with KIDSAFE CT and The Cornerstone Foundation, donating one thousand pairs of socks to each organization

THANK YOU to Bombas and to all of our donors for making a positive difference in the lives of others!

Pictured above: Robin Kohler juggles the two thousand socks donated to KIDSAFE CT.

Rockville Rotary is In the News!!

Posted on Dec 05, 2022

See the below link for more information regarding the great things we do to help the community.

A big THANK YOU to The Hartford Courant’s Steve Smith for the coverage!

https://www.courant.com/community/vernon/hc-rr-vernon-rockville-rotary-donations-1208-20221201-tbm5he4k2zfk3c3ukffcy3iaje-story.html

Just in Time for the Holidays

Posted on Nov 28, 2022

During the month of November, the Rotary Club of Rockville provided donations to four local non-profits which help people in need. Recipients included the Cornerstone Foundation, KIDSAFE CT, the Indian Valley Family YMCA and the Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCC).

Above, Rotary Club of Rockville co-presidents Randi Saboski and Risa Filkoff present a $500 check to Annie Walsh of HVCC. Pictured from left to right: Randi Saboski (Rockville Rotary), Annie Wash (HVCC) and Risa Filkoff (Rockville Rotary).

Pictured above, Rockville Rotary co-presidents Risa Filkoff and Risa Saboski deliver a $500 donation to Indian Valley Family YMCA’s Justin Hicks (Senior Program Director) and Dave Corricelli (Executive Director). From Left to Right: Risa Filkoff (Rockville Rotary), Randi Saboski (Rockville Rotary), Justin Hicks (YMCA) and Dave Corricelli (YMCA).

For more information regarding the organizations and causes supported by our club, please click here.

2022 Citation Award

Posted on Nov 08, 2022

Once again our club has been recognized by Rotary International for the great things we do to engage our members and benefit the community!

A Perfect Day to Celebrate Fall

Posted on Oct 14, 2022

Thanks to all the vendors, food trucks and patrons who contributed to the success of our 3rd Annual Fall Family Fest. What beautiful autumn day!!

A big call-out to our Gold Sponsors - including Wolff Financial Group, FM Industries, M&T Bank, and CNC Software LLC - for their continued generosity.

The funds raised from our Fall Family Fest will go towards local and international causes which help to improve the lives of those less fortunate and make our community and world a safer, more peaceful place.

Click here to view a complete list of sponsors and browse photos from our event.

2022 Scholarship Awards

Posted on Aug 15, 2022

Congratulations to our 2022 Rotary Club of Rockville Scholarship winners!!

Funded through our annual rose sale, our scholarship award recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence with a focus on community service.

In the top photo, Grace Kavanaugh of Tolland (accompanied by her proud father Paul) receives her scholarship check from Rotarian Susanne Beason.

In the next photo, from left to right, are Rockville High School grads Jayson Rhoades, Samantha Jonas, Christine Costin, and Abdul Chaudhry. All four were presented scholarship awards during our club meeting on August 8.

We wish our winners all the best as they continue their education and evolve as leaders in their communities. Come back to visit us any time!

For more information regarding the Rotary Club of Rockville scholarship program, please click here.

40th Annual Rose Sale is Underway!

Posted on May 21, 2022

Don’t miss this opportunity to say “Thank You”, “Congratulations” or “I Love You” to someone special!

As always, 100% of proceeds go towards our Scholarship Fund to help Vernon, Ellington and Tolland high school seniors further their education.

For more information, click here.

Rotary Joins Ellington to Celebrate Earth Day

Posted on Apr 18, 2022

Celebrate Earth Day this Saturday, April 23, on the Ellington Town Green! And while you’re there, visit Booth 39 to learn more about the Rotary Club of Rockville and the opportunities we offer to become involved in the community.

For more information regarding the Earth Day festivities, please visit the town website - https://www.ellington-ct.gov/things-to-do/earth-day.

Planting for the Future

Posted on Apr 09, 2022

On Saturday, April 9, The Rotary Club of Rockville came together with leaders in Ellington, Vernon and Tolland to plant trees in each of the three towns. The program was part of a multi-district Rotary “Day of Service”, during which over 3,000 Rotarians across Connecticut and Western Massachusetts volunteered their time to benefit the communities they serve.

The day began in Ellington, where the Rockville Club joined First Selectman, Lori Spielman to plant a Gingko tree. This beautiful, hearty tree will contribute to the planned beautification of the town’s Arbor Park.

In Vernon, Mayor Dan Champagne and Town Councilor Jim Tedman joined Rotarians for the dedication of an Eastern Red Bud tree at the Saxony Dog Park. The tree’s beautiful pink flowers will provide nectar for early-arriving pollinators, while the seed pods will benefit our local birds including cardinals and rose-breasted grosbeaks.

Rotary finished the day in Tolland, where members joined interim Town Manager Lisa Hancock and the Tolland Conservation Commission’s Jim Hutton to celebrate the addition of a Linden Tree (also known as a "Bee Tree") to the town's conservation area on Sage Meadow Drive.

To view more photos of the event, please click here.

April 9 - Rotary Day of Service

The Rotary Club of Rockville will be joining local officials to plant trees in each of the communities we serve. In addition to the beauty they bring to our towns, the trees will also provide habitat for local wildlife.

The dedication will be part of a record-breaking “Rotary Day of Service” during which over 4,000 Rotarians from Connecticut and Western Massachusetts will volunteer their time to give back to the communities they serve.

The Rotary Club of Rockville, CT will come together with leaders in Ellington, Vernon and Tolland to plant trees in each of the three towns. In addition to their aesthetic value, the trees will also provide nesting material and shelter for area wildlife. 

10:00 AM Ellington

Where: Arbor Park on Main Street 
First Selectman, Lori Spielman will join the Rotary Club of Rockville to celebrate the addition of a Gingko tree.

11:00 AM Vernon 

Where: Saxony Dog Park, located at the intersection of Regan & West Streets 
Mayor Dan Champagne, along with Club President Annie Walsh, will preside over the planting of a Red Bud tree.

1:00 PM Tolland 

Where: Tolland’s Conservation Property on Sage Meadow Drive 
Jim Hutton, Chair, Tolland Conservation Commission will join Rotarians for the dedication of a Linden tree.

For more information, please visit, http://www.rotarydayofservice.org.

2022 Foundation Gala

Posted on Feb 13, 2022

Join Rotary leaders in this 90-minute, fast-paced event which celebrates the work by every Rotarian in the 43 Districts of Zones 28 & 32. The virtual Gala will support and raise funds for The Rotary Foundation.

The program will feature some exciting entertainment, including the One Voice Children's Choir, BYU Vocal Point, and the internationally renowned Violinist, Francisco Fullana. We will have a return visit from Alex Lifeson of RUSH, with a featured video-performance and interview.

For more information, or to register, click here.

IRS - Get Ready For Filing Season Presentations February 8th, 18th and 24th

Do you know someone in need of help with tax preparation? The IRS cordially invites you and your clients to a Get Ready For Filing Season presentation on one of the following dates:

February 8, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Join the meeting
February 18, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Join the meeting
February 24, 2022 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. (in Spanish) Join the meeting

See below flyer for more information:

Rotary Partners with Cornerstone and Santa!

The Rotary Club of Rockville, CT was pleased to take part in The Cornerstone Foundation’s Breakfast with Santa event on December 11th. Rotarians helped prepare and distribute hot breakfasts to community.

We were honored to assist in Cornerstone's mission to provide these meals to all of those in the community struggling with food insecurity.

Click here to view photos from the event.

Funding the Feast

Posted on Nov 25, 2021

So grateful to our friends at Liberty Bank, who have a program which matches 25% of charitable donations to non-profits involved with food insecurity. With help from Liberty Bank’s Thanksgiving Drive, the Rotary Club of Rockville raised $125,000 which will help local organizations put food on the table for Thanksgiving and beyond.

Top: Rockville Rotary President Annie Walsh delivers a check to Rohan Long and David O’Rourke of HVCC in Vernon.

Bottom: Rockville Rotary President Annie Walsh from HVCC and Secretary Sharon Redfern from Cornerstone with checks their agencies received.

A Thanksgiving for Everyone

Posted on Nov 22, 2021

Today, we were happy to help our friends at HVCC distribute food to the community! HVCC works everyday to support those fighting food insecurity as well as anyone else struggling to meet basic needs. To learn more about HVCC holiday programs or to make a donation, visit https://www.hvcchelps.org/holiday

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Photo by Pro Church Media on Unsplash

A Bundle of Thanks!

Posted on Oct 14, 2021

Thank you to all the vendors, food trucks and patrons who came out and visited us this past weekend for our second annual Fall Family Fest!! Click here to view some fun photos from the event.

The funds raised will go towards local and international causes which help to improve the lives of those less fortunate and make our community and world a safer, more peaceful place.

Helping our Community Stay Safe

Posted on Oct 06, 2021

Today, Rotarian Gary Ruchin dropped off 1,000 masks to Vernon Center Middle School. Said Laura Ryan, Secretary to Principal Mr. David Caruso, "Let me thank you first hand for the masks, as we receive many requests from students on a daily basis here in the main office. We are very grateful."

Since October 2020, the Rotary Club of Rockville has donated over 10,000 masks to organizations in need throughout the Vernon, Ellington and Tolland communities. We are glad to help keep Rockville-area students and families safe.

(Pictured above from left to right: Jeffrey Farrell, Athletic Director, Vernon Public Schools; David Caruso, Principal, Vernon Center Middle School; and Gary Ruchin, Rotary Club of Rockville CT)

IRS - Advance Child Tax Credit Payments

Posted on Sep 21, 2021

For families or organizations that want to learn more about Advance Child Tax Credit payments, the IRS will be holding a number of free information sessions in English and Spanish. All are welcome.

Click here to view the invitation in English.
Haga clic aquí para ver en español.

For more information about IRS Advance Child Tax Credit payments, please view IRS Publications 5534 and 5534sp. Feel free to use them in your newsletters, on your website or in your social media posts.

Thank you to our friends at the IRS and Hockanum Valley Community Council (HVCC) for sharing!

Save the Date - 2021 Fall Family Fest

Posted on Sep 03, 2021

JOIN US ON OCTOBER 9th, for an afternoon of food, crafters, music, games and classic cars!!!

Formerly known as the "Food Truck Festival", we have renamed this event to reflect the wide variety of activities featured.

If you are a food truck or local crafter who would like participate, or a business interested in sponsorship, please click here for more details.

2021 Scholarship Awards

Posted on Aug 02, 2021

This year, we were pleased to award college scholarships to four local high school seniors – including three from Vernon and one from Ellington.

Today we welcomed two of our winners, along with their parents. Both are Rockville High School grads.

This fall, Carley Simler (left) will head to Sacred Heart, where she plans to study Nursing. As a high school student, Carley actively contributed to the community through Rotary International’s Interact organization.

Also involved in many local activities, Madison Carangelo (right) aspires to become a doctor. Madison will study Health Sciences at the University of Hartford.

We wish all our scholarship recipients the best of luck as they further their education and pursue careers which will benefit the well-being of others!

2021 Rose Sale - It's a Wrap!

Posted on Jun 04, 2021

Big thanks to everyone who stopped by to purchase our beautiful red & multicolored roses. Despite the rainy weather, we SOLD OUT!!

Click here to view a photo album of the event.

Through your support, we netted over $3,000 towards our scholarship fund which helps local high school seniors further their education.

Stay tuned for an announcement regarding our 2021 scholarship recipients!

Supporting Vernon Schools

Posted on Jun 03, 2021

Today, longtime club member Gary Ruchin stopped by the Vernon Public Schools' Central Administration office to donate 1,000 masks. So happy we are able to help students and staff remain safe through the end of the term!

Pictured below (L to R): Dr. Joseph Macary, Superintendent of the Vernon School System; Rockville Rotary Club member Gary Ruchin; and Michelle Harlow.

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Posted on Mar 22, 2021

Thank you to today’s guest speaker, Joe McCarthy. As Stakeholder Liaison with the IRS, Joe provided useful and timely information regarding the 2021 filing process - including Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) which offers free tax help to qualified individuals.

We know that many in our community will find the below helpful.

Pancakes with Santa 2020

Posted on Dec 12, 2020

We had so much fun partnering with The Cornerstone Foundation and the Knights of Columbus for another successful Pancakes with Santa breakfast!

We served almost 100 families a hot breakfast and gave away winter coats – while Santa handed out toys to the kids!

Million Mask Challenge

Posted on Oct 05, 2020

Thanks to the generosity of Rotarian Ted Rossi and the Rossi Family Foundation, our Rotary district received approximately 150,000 masks.

Of these, our club received 10,000 which we are distributing throughout the Vernon/Rockville, Ellington and Tolland communities.

2020 Scholarship Awards

Posted on Aug 13, 2020

https://www.facebook.com/RotaryofRockvilleCT/posts/pfbid0269fz6RE28GceUKuZpDd12EHQrtyVtCX6DpvK4Jxki4m3GiLME7X1qijDz6SvkvWVl

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