October always tends to be a quiet month, with the trees slowly giving up their leaves and the daily temperatures dipping in the night to produce what some might call “perfect” weather. This year was no exception, except for one event that gave Rotarians a chance to celebrate and reflect the past. It was on October 28, 1926 that the Rotary Club of Rochester, NY sponsored twenty three (23) businessmen from the Village of Newark, giving birth and a charter to the Rotary Club of Newark, NY.
Frank Warren was picked as the first president of the fledgling club and would be responsible for establishing the Newark School Band in 1927. Each Rotarian signed a promissory note pledging $15 each to supply and fit the band. That one project would soon grow to over twenty eight (28) in the year 2026. Al Winfrey, Rotarian, who some may recall as the person responsible for designing and building the Sarah Coventry Complex, once remarked that “there has rarely been a community project in the past 50 years that has not either been created, sponsored, supported or helped to completion by members of the Newark Rotary Club”. That was a quote from 1976 and yet it still applies in 2026. Today, Newark Rotarians number nearly 100 and continue to support our community through the hard work of its Members and the generosity of both its Members and Community Sponsors.
This all began in 1926, so in October of 2026, Newark Rotarians set out to celebrate the 100th Year Anniversary of the Rotary Club of Newark NY. The chosen venue would be the Club at Clifton, better known as the Clifton Springs Country Club. Invitations went out throughout District 7120 as well as former members living in area States. The Dining Hall was transformed into a gala attraction glittered with Gold and Blue. The tables were covered in white table cloths, blue and gold cloth napkins and adorned with flowers. Over the podium hung a banner 2’ X 10’ proudly announcing “Rotary Club of Newark, NY – Celebrating 100 Years of Service – 1926 – 2026”.
In the adjoining room and bordering the dance floor and DJ was a wall beautifully displaying the history of the Newark Rotary Club, its Members, fundraising events and projects all laid out for those to view.
The night began with a one hour social to allow for old and new friends to mingle. With many coming from far away it was exciting to see old friends and to catch up on their lives. The program kicked off with Dave Hannan as the Master of Ceremony, a choice deserving of a 100 Year Celebration. Seneca County Deputy Sheriff Grace Lipker led the guests in a beautiful rendition of the Nation Anthem followed by Josh McCrossen doing the invocatioin.
Dinner was then served to include roast pork, chicken parmesan and all the sides. The meal was delicious and the restaurant staff went out of their way to do a spectacular job with the service and delivery.
Lisa Norwood, District Governor for 7120 was the keynote speaker and for those who haven’t heard Lisa speak, she is terrific. She is energized, informative and 1000% Rotarian. No one nods off when Lisa Norwood is at the helm. She is just a great speaker.
Following DG Norwood were the presentations. First the Proclamation from the NY Assembly presented by NYS Assemblyman Brian Manktelow, followed by the NYS Senate Proclamation provided by NYS Senator Pamela Helming. Additionally, District Governor Nominee Richard de Asis presented a framed certificate from Rotary International recognizing the Rotary Club of Newark, NY’s 100th Anniversary.
Assemblyman Manktelow then offered the closing remarks as he is ending his term in office this December. Assemblyman Manktelow will be sorely missed as our representative in Albany but will continue to be with us as a Member of the Rotary Club of Newark, NY.
It was now time to end, with Patricia Albrecht leading the dinner party in a closing Benediction and blessing to keep us safe and prosperous.
However, the party was not over as many couples then went to the dance floor and listened to music provided by Doze Boys while others stayed for a drink and continued to socialize.
Yes, it was an October to remember. Perfect weather, sunshine and fellowship. We can’t ask for anything more.
I wish you all happiness and good health.
Respectfully Yours,
David Christler
Rotary Club President
In September, Rotarians Russ Harris, Steve Taylor, and Linda Werts attended the Living Waters for the World "Clean Water U" training at Camp Johnsonburg in New Jersey. Newark Rotary has been committed to bringing clean water to rural Mexican communities since 2011. With a newly trained team of volunteers we're hoping to continue this important work into the future.
Recently, the Newark Rotary Club presented St. Mark's Baby Closet in the amount of $900. The Rotary Club, 100 years old this year, has been very generous in the community in many ways. In the photo: Rotarian Michele McManus, Rotary President David Christler, Susan Kupriks, Baby Closet organizer and Mary Ann DeVey, Baby closet volunteer.
Another season has ended and the Newark Rotary Community Garden has served the Newark area, providing garden space for those who live in apartments or just want to join the garden group to learn more about growing vegetables.
Harmon Raney, who heads up the garden project indicated that 9 of the 14 available plots were planted by community members, with the remaining 5 plots producing 27 lbs. of summer squash, 31 lbs. of Swiss Chard, 17 lbs. of onions, and 150 lbs. of green beans, which were distributed to the Food Pantry, FLACRA housing, and various households throughout the community.
Raney added that the garden will be completely tilled at the season's end and planted in Austrian peas as a cover crop for the winter.
The Newark Rotary Community Garden was established in 2011, thanks to a Rotary Global Grant initiated by the Rotary president, Frank All. Participants in the establishment of the garden, located adjacent to Perkins Elementary School and Perkins Park, were the Newark Rotary Club, Catholic Charities, and the Newark School District.
On Wednesday night, members of the Wayne County Rotary Clubs gathered together to meet with this year's District 7120 Rotary Governor Lisa Norwood of the Rochester South West Rotary Club. Assistant Governor Susan Salvaggio of the Red Creek Club coordinated the event. Pictured are this year's Rotary Presidents from Wayne County Clubs: Dave Christler (Newark Rotary Club), Governor Lisa Norwood, Kim Clement (Palmyra- Macedon Rotary Club), Wanda Arnold (Gananda Rotary Club), Christine LoDestro from Ontario-Walworth Rotary Club, Bob Norris (Wolcott Rotary Club) and Charlie Itzin (Red Creek Rotary Club). The Governor's message this year is collaboration and cooperation between clubs, and to make a 'Lasting Impact' locally and around the world.
We meet at the Newark American Legion. We also make our meetings available via Zoom. If you are not a club member and wish to watch us on Zoom, please email us for the link. All are welcome to attend our in-person meetings.
