Recent News
Wreaths Across America
Wreaths Across America

Rotarians Honor Veterans During Wreaths Across America Ceremony

On a snowy, wintery day, Batavia Rotarians came together in the true spirit of service to participate in Wreaths Across America at the Western New York National Cemetery, honoring both loved ones and those who bravely served our nation. Despite the cold temperatures and falling snow, the atmosphere was filled with warmth, gratitude, and a shared sense of purpose.
 
Volunteers gathered to lay wreaths at gravesites, pausing to reflect on the sacrifices made by veterans and the families who carry their legacy forward. Many Rotarians took special care to place wreaths at the resting places of loved ones, while also honoring countless service members whose dedication and courage helped preserve our freedoms.
 
Though winter weather blanketed the cemetery in snow, it did little to dampen spirits. Smiles, quiet conversations, and moments of reflection underscored the meaning of the day. The sight of evergreen wreaths resting against white headstones served as a powerful reminder that remembrance endures in every season.
 
Participation in Wreaths Across America reflects Rotary’s commitment to Service Above Self, reminding us that honoring those who served is a responsibility shared by all. The dedication shown by Rotarians on this cold winter day ensured that the memories of our veterans remain evergreen—now and always.
Batavia Rotary Welcomes Byron Brown
Batavia Rotary Welcomes Byron Brown

Weekly Program: Byron Brown, CEO of WROTB

Batavia Rotary welcomed Byron Brown, former Mayor of Buffalo and current President and CEO of the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (WROTB), as this week’s program speaker. Brown began his remarks by thanking Batavia Rotary for the many ways our club supports the local community.
 
Brown shared his long-standing connection to Rotary, noting that he participated in Rotary’s Young Professionals Study Exchange in Central America in 1990. He added with a smile that he would gladly volunteer for an “Old Professionals” exchange if the opportunity ever arises.
 
WROTB is a public benefit corporation jointly owned by 17 municipalities across Western New York. Since joining the organization about a year ago, Brown said 2025 has been a year of exceptional growth, reform, and strong revenues. He noted that approximately $10 million is expected to be distributed to member municipalities by year’s end, with Genesee County already receiving $173,000.
 
Brown also highlighted increased patronage from both Genesee County and Erie County, WROTB’s contributions to education, and the many local organizations supported throughout the region. With 440 employees, WROTB is the fifth-largest employer in Genesee County.
 
Looking ahead to 2026, Brown shared WROTB’s continued focus on growing returns for its member municipalities, with the top priority being expansion, including plans to build a state-of-the-art conference and event center.
 
Read more about Byron Brown’s visit  The Batavian News Article and The Daily News Article
 
Annual Polio Auction
Annual Polio Auction

Batavia Rotary Polio Plus Auction Success!

Our Batavia Rotary Polio Plus Auction November 11th was an outstanding success — together, we raised $7,650 in support of Rotary’s fight to end polio worldwide!
 
A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who participated and contributed so generously. At the recent District Conference, we were reminded that each polio vaccination costs $1 for the vaccine plus $2 for research, transportation, and delivery to reach unvaccinated children. With the Gates Foundation’s 2-to-1 match, our club’s efforts last week will help vaccinate an incredible 7,650 children against polio.
 
Our yearly Polio Plus Auction is always a highlight of the Rotary calendar — and much of that is thanks to Todd Jantzi of Bontrager Auction Group. Todd has been running our auction for years, bringing his trademark energy, humor, and heart, making the event truly unforgettable. We are deeply grateful for his continued partnership in this meaningful mission.
 
Thank you, Batavia Rotarians, for your dedication and impact in helping eradicate polio.
Batavia Rotary Composting Program
Batavia Rotary Composting Program

Eli Fish Launches Composting Program with Batavia Rotary

The Rotary Club of Batavia and Eli Fish Brewing Company are joining forces to make a greener impact on the community through a new food composting initiative launching October 27. The program is designed to reduce waste, protect the environment, and inspire other local businesses to adopt sustainable practices.
 
Under the new partnership, EcoVerde Organics LLC of Akron will collect food scraps from Eli Fish Brewing Company. Instead of heading to a landfill, these materials will be transformed into nutrient-rich compost used to enrich local soil and promote sustainable agriculture. To ensure the program’s success, Eli Fish staff will receive training on proper composting procedures—learning what materials can be composted and how to separate them effectively.
 
This effort is made possible through financial support from the Rotary Club of Batavia and Rotary District 7090. Each year, Batavia Rotary funds a community service project selected by the club president. For 2025, President Lynn VanDerBeck chose to focus on an environmental initiative that promotes sustainability and community education.
 
The Batavia Rotary is thrilled to partner with Eli Fish owner Matty Gray and his team to take meaningful action for our planet right here in Batavia.   This project not only keeps organic waste out of landfills but also demonstrates how small changes in business practices can make a big environmental difference.
 
Through this collaboration, the Rotary Club of Batavia continues its mission of “Service Above Self,” combining community spirit, environmental responsibility, and local partnership to create a cleaner, more sustainable future for Genesee County and beyond.
Celebrating Fellow Rotarian
Celebrating Fellow Rotarian

Celebrating Fellow Rotarian Dan Fischer

The Batavia Rotary Club is proud to celebrate our fellow Rotarian, Dan Fischer, on his induction into the Buffalo Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame. Dan is the very first honoree in the newly created Western New York Broadcaster category, a recognition of his outstanding career and lifelong dedication to community-centered journalism.
From his early days as a radio journalist to his decades of leadership at WBTA in Batavia, Dan has exemplified the values of integrity, service, and commitment to community. Alongside his wife, Debbie, Dan has supported countless local initiatives and embodied Rotary’s motto of Service Above Self.
 
Please join us in congratulating Dan on this well-deserved honor and celebrating his lasting impact on both broadcasting and our community.
 
2026 Corvette Raffle
2026 Corvette Raffle
2026 Corvette Raffle – Rotary Club of Batavia, NY
 
Enter for your chance to win a 2026 Corvette or $60,000 cash in the Rotary Club of Batavia’s annual raffle!
 
Tickets are $50 each, 3 for $125, or 4 for $150. Only 4,500 tickets will be sold.
 
The grand prize drawing will be held January 16, 2026, live on Facebook. In addition to the grand prize, 10 prizes of $500 will also be awarded.
🎉 Don’t forget our Early Bird Drawings for $500 each:
  • October 21, 2025 (tickets purchased by Sept 30)
  • November 18, 2025 (tickets purchased by Oct 31)
  • December 16, 2025 (tickets purchased by Nov 30)
📲 Purchase your tickets now at BataviaRotaryRaffle.com
 
Proceeds benefit the Batavia Rotary Memorial Fund, helping us support vital community projects.
7th Annual Trick or Trot 5K
7th Annual Trick or Trot 5K

Batavia Rotary Club Announces 7th Annual Trick or Trot 5K – Now USATF Certified!

The Rotary Club of Batavia is thrilled to announce the return of one of the community’s favorite fall traditions – the 7th Annual Trick or Trot 5K! Mark your calendars for Saturday, October 25th, and get ready for a day of spooky fun, fitness, and community spirit.
 
About the Event
 
This family-friendly Halloween-themed 5K run/walk takes participants through a scenic course filled with festive fun, costumes, and even a few friendly scares along the way. And there’s more good news: all proceeds from the event benefit Rotary’s community programs, including youth sports, local scholarships, and other vital initiatives that support our neighbors.
 
What’s New in 2025?
We’ve been hard at work to make this year’s Trick or Trot the best yet! Here’s what’s new:
 
✅ USATF Certified Course – The course certification process is complete, making this year’s race official for competitive runners.
✅ Age-Bracket Awards – Introducing new age-group categories for fairer competition, plus overall awards for the top male and female finishers.
✅ Electronic Timing – For the first time ever, participants will enjoy precise, chip-based timing.
✅ 12 & Under Fun Run – A special run for the youngest ghouls and goblins.
 
With haunted highlights, festive costumes, and unique challenges, the Trick or Trot remains the most thrilling 5K in the county!
Calling All Sponsors – Join the Fun!
Our sponsors make this incredible event possible year after year. With your support, we can continue to strengthen our community and provide opportunities for local youth. Every sponsor receives recognition on our Trick or Trot Facebook page and in the official event grab bag brochure. Plus, sponsors are welcome to contribute swag items for participants’ race bags!
 
Here are the 2025 sponsorship levels:
 
🩸 Dracul’s Elite (Platinum) – $500
Includes 2 race spots, 2 event t-shirts, and prominent logo recognition on the event t-shirt.
🌕 Wolfman’s Pack (Gold) – $300
Includes logo recognition on the event t-shirt.
👻 Phantom Force (Silver) – $150
Includes name recognition on the event t-shirt.
🎃 Pumpkin Pledger (Bronze) – Any amount of support is appreciated!
 
Ready to become a sponsor?
Contact us at trickortrotbatavia@gmail.com
Register Now & Don Your Costume!
Don’t miss out on this spook-tacular 5K experience! Grab your running shoes, pick out your best costume, and join us for a day of family-friendly fun and fitness that supports a great cause.
📅 Date: Saturday, October 25
📍 Location: DeWitt Recreational Park
➡️ Register Here: https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Batavia/BataviaTrickorTrot5k
2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada
2025 Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada 

Local Rotarians Represent Our Community at Rotary International Convention in Calgary

We are proud to share that five of our local Rotary members recently attended the Rotary International Convention in Calgary, Canada, joining more than 16,000 Rotarians from around the world for an extraordinary week of learning, networking, and global fellowship.
 
The convention was a celebration of service and community spirit, featuring:
  • Cultural and Fellowship Events every evening, showcasing the diversity of Rotary’s global family.
  • A record-breaking moment as 6,500 Rotarians were “White Hatted” in a single event—the largest in the tradition’s history.
  • Host Hospitality Day, where over 2,200 members were welcomed into homes and community gatherings across Calgary.
  • The Pancakes for Polio Breakfast, which raised more than $25,000 to help eradicate polio worldwide.
Our local members returned inspired and energized, bringing home fresh ideas and renewed enthusiasm for service projects that will make a lasting impact in our community. They look forward to sharing their experiences and insights at upcoming club meetings—so stay tuned!
 
This convention is more than an event—it’s part of a legacy that strengthens Rotary worldwide while shining a spotlight on the power of community engagement and volunteerism.
 
Thank you to our five local representatives for carrying our community’s spirit to the international stage!
 
#RotaryInternational #CalgaryConvention #PeopleOfAction #ServiceAboveSelf
 
 
2025 Rotary Park Cleanup
2025 Rotary Park Cleanup

Rotarians Come Together for Rotary Park Cleanup

On July 12, 2025, members of the Rotary Club of Batavia rolled up their sleeves to give Rotary Park a fresh new look! This hands-on service project brought Rotarians together in true spirit of “Service Above Self,” as they cleaned, trimmed, and beautified the park for the entire community to enjoy.
 
The team focused on removing debris, sprucing up landscaping, and ensuring the park remains a welcoming space for families and visitors. These efforts not only enhance the appearance of the park but also demonstrate Rotary’s ongoing commitment to improving quality of life in Batavia.
 
Thank you to all the volunteers who donated their time and energy to this project!
Together, we’re making a difference—one park at a time.
2025 Father's Day Fly-In Breakfast
2025 Father's Day Fly-In Breakfast

Thank You for Making the Rotary Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast a Success

The Batavia Rotary Club extends heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made this year’s Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast a truly memorable event. Your participation, energy, and generosity created a fantastic day filled with community spirit, delicious food, and aviation excitement.
We especially want to thank our amazing sponsors and partners whose support made it all possible:
 
✈️ Event Partners
  • DJ Biggs Johnson – for the great vibes and lively entertainment
  • OnCore Aviation – for their ongoing support and dedication
  • The Whiskey 7 Crew – for bringing aviation history to life
  • Batavia Fire Department – for ensuring safety and community outreach
🛒 Community Sponsors
  • Reinhart Enterprises
  • Tops Friendly Market
  • Niagara Upstate Milk Corp
  • Mountain Maple
  • Wright Beverage Distributing
  • United Memorial Hospital
  • Kreher's Farm Fresh Eggs
  • Suburban Propane
  • Batavia Downs Gaming
  • Crickler Vending Company
  • Yancey's Fancy
  • Genesee Lumber
  • Zeliff Aviation
  • Empire Tractor
  • Nash Dsylva, BBG Group
  • Genesee County Airport
  • Boshart Enterprises
Your collective efforts helped us not only serve a fantastic breakfast but also raise funds that will directly benefit community programs and service projects throughout the year.
 
From all of us at the Rotary Club: thank you for your continued commitment to community, family, and service above self.
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