Stories
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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. |
2026 Corvette Raffle2026 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:
📲 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 5KBatavia 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, CanadaLocal Rotarians Represent Our Community at Rotary International Convention in CalgaryWe 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:
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 CleanupRotarians Come Together for Rotary Park CleanupOn 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 Paul Harris Award WinnersPaul Harris Fellows HonoredAt our Annual Club Dinner, we proudly celebrated the remarkable dedication and generosity of our fellow Rotarians with the presentation of the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Awards. Past President Paul Saskowski shared the legacy behind the Paul Harris Award, named in honor of Rotary’s founder. There are two pathways to this recognition: through annual giving to Rotary International or through exceptional service to the club and community. We are thrilled to congratulate the following recipients of PHF awards for annual giving: Gregg McAllister, Donna Saskowski, Chris White, Paul Battaglia, and Paul Saskowski. Past President Donna Saskowski also highlighted impressive milestones in perfect attendance and years of service. Together, the members in attendance represented a staggering 833 years of combined service—a true testament to the commitment and knowledge within our club! The following members were honored with PHF awards for outstanding service: Lisa Ormsbee, Julia Rogers, Mark Snyder, Fran Marchese, Ed Leising, and Mike Hodgins. Finally, a Special Recognition Award was presented to community member Todd Sloat for his exceptional contributions beyond the club. Congratulations to all our honorees! Your passion for service and dedication to Rotary values continue to inspire us all. |
2025 Father's Day Fly-In BreakfastThank You for Making the Rotary Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast a SuccessThe 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
🛒 Community Sponsors
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. |
2025 Rotary Scholarship & Grant WinnersCongratulations to Our 2025 Batavia Rotary Scholarship & Grant Winners!The Batavia Rotary Club is proud to recognize and celebrate this year’s outstanding Scholarship and Grant recipients: Jireth Anas Diaz, Anna Panepento, Ava Wierda, and Ben Pritchett These exceptional students have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to service—qualities that reflect the very spirit of Rotary. We are honored to support their educational journeys and look forward to the bright futures they will undoubtedly create. 👏 Congratulations, Jireth, Anna, Ava, and Ben! Your hard work and dedication have truly set you apart. |
Flags and Flower Sale 2025![]() |
2025 Rotary Meat Raffle![]() |
Last Years Rotary Corvette Raffle Winner![]() Taking it to the bank … Former Batavian Ned Chatt receives a check for $50,000 as the grand prize winner of the Batavia Rotary Club’s major fundraiser. Pictured are, from left, Club President Susie Ott, Mr. Chatt, Event Co-Chair Laurie Mastin, and Ed Leising from the Club’s Foundation Board. |
Rotary's Newest Member is Fourth Generation in Batavia Club
![]() Photo caption: Gretchen Hawley is flanked by her father, Ted Hawley, left, and Rotary Club president John McGowan. Gretchen is the fourth generation in the Hawley family to belong to Batavia Rotary Club. |
Rotary Pancake Breakfast 2022 |
Bob Knipe TributeBob Knipe tribute video from our Meeting April 13, 2021. Click Here to View
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Thank You Jay |
Congratulations Dr. David Swartz!Congratulations Dr. David Swartz! Celebrating 50 Years in Batavia Rotary.
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100 Year Centennial Gala |
Congratulations Paul Harris Recipients!Congratulations Dr. Michael and Sharon Kubiniec and Jim McMullen who received Paul Harris Awards!
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Rotary Exchange StudentsBatavia Rotary Club sponsors two exchange students who are spending a year as students at Batavia High School.
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Flags & FlowersCome support the Rotary Club of Batavia!
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Annual Father's Day Fly-In Breakfast at the AirportJoin us for our annual spectacular event featuring all you can eat pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, eggs made to order (including omelets), juice, milk, tea and coffee on Fathers' Day, June 19, 2016, serving from 7:00 am to Noon.
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Batavia Rotary Fly In Breakfast Video |
Group Study Exchange
Batavia Rotary Club members meet Group Study Exchange members from Belize.
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Ambassadorial Scholar Jeff Decker talks to the Club |
Batavia Rotary Club learns from SLAPSHOP participants |
Oktober Brew Fest & Corvette RaffleSeptember 27th, 2014 6:30 pm-9:30 pm at Batavia Downs Gaming Tickets available at Dr. Michael Kubienic's office 180 Washington Ave Batavia, N.Y. or from any Batavia Rotarian |
93rd Annual Rotary Christmas Party at the Genesee County Nursing Home
Batavia Rotary converged Sunday, 12/29/13 at the Genesee County Nursing Home for their 93rd Annual Nursing Home Christmas Party. This is the longest running service project headed up by three generations of Mulcahy's. Music was a hit in the common area and gifts for all residents were bestowed.
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Paddlewheel for 03 January 2012Pledge and song were led by Michael Rivers, prayer by Ray Shirtz, followed by a 2-min. board huddle called by President Ro, followed by introduction of visiting Rotarians Martha Bailey and Randy Vink of LeRoy. The only January birthday celebrant present was Jim Smith – HB and $5 please! And a fine time was had by all. Gil Mulcahy happily donated $50 to celebrate his new granddaughter, Mary Grace Eve, born on Christmas Eve (get it?). Not to be outdone, Ted Hawley proudly announced is dad Stephen Hawley the Elder’s 90th (!?), recently celebrated in Arizona and today costing Ted $20. Happy Birthday Steve and keep up the good work! President Ro reminded us of upcoming Board elections, where we’ll be asked to vote for three among candidates Kim Isaac, Jim McMullen, Andy Rich, John Riter, Jane Scott and Lori Stupp. Just like Iowa, if you score 4th place or below, you’re outta there. And today we were happy to hear that our President-Elect-Elect for 2013-14, after Gregg McAllister, will be Hollis Upson. Congratulations / condolences to Hollis! Announcements: · Bowling for Crossroads House will take place Feb. 17, 6pm, says Joe Gerace. More info to come, but see Joe if you’re interested. · Speaking of TFBrown’s & Mancusos, the next Rotary Social will be Tuesday 1/29, says Suzie Boyce. · Rotary Park needs its holiday decorations taken down until next year. 10:30 this Saturday 1/7, says Paul Saskowski, counts as a makeup. Last week Ro fined every Rotarian five bucks if they didn’t help with any of the club’s three December events, but neglected (gasp!) those who helped decorate the park (and presumably paid), who are therefore entitled to a refund. Weren’t here last week AND didn’t help w. any of the four events? Pay your $5 and vow to do better next year. · The Rotary Girls’ Basketball tourney is this week at GCC, and Tim Call, Ray Shirtz et all need help. And thanks for that, since by the time you read this is over it’ll have been a great success. Thanks also to the dozen Rotarians who stayed after the meeting to collate/stable programs. · Bob Knipe needs photos of recent Rotary events / meetings / debacles / whatever, for a “what we did last year” slideshow. Please send ‘em to Bob however you can: rgknipe@genesee.edu. Apparently a LeRoy Rotary poster was left in the limo after the Terry Hills expedition / dinner. Randy Vink spared no time or vocabulary ransoming it for a candy vase, allegedly belonging to our club. Somewhere in this tirade was a president’s nametag left on a chair at Terry Hills, so… stay tuned. Don Iwanicki, mumbling something about virgins, paid the fine for Randy’s loquacity. Ro introduced a new fining wheel, presumably agonized over during the holidays. Paul Saskowski was the first beneficiary, his $3 fine being paid by M. Rivers. Tim Call wasn’t so lucky, paying $10 for his daughter’s picture in the Daily. Ray S. implicated Mike Hodgins, Ted Hawley, Steve Carr, Ed Leising while gifting Ro with a mounted and framed Rotary Calendar from that notoriously successful 200_ fundraising project. Yes, she blushed. Larene Hoelcle happy forfeited $20 for this her last week of employment at GCC, and reviewed some enviable retirement plans. Happy retirement Larene! Coombie Zambito mildly boasted he was still able to “do the turtle” (hard to visualize, whatever it is) which cost him $3 and a spin, which somehow meant paid by Bill Fritts. Not to be outbragged, Don Iwanicki showed off his fine $8 sports jacket, bought off “a dead guy in Arizona.” Jim Smith offered to sell him more. Travelers also settled up today for their peregrinations: Lalit Jain $15 for a trip to India; Barb Pierce $5 for Philly & DC; Mike Hodgins $4 for Arizona and Ted Hawley no fine for the same. Go figger. Barb Hale thanked the club for the privilege of hosting Rotary Ann, who got a makeover, some jewelry, the grandkids loved her, but apparently poor Ann was “stood up” for her New Years Eve date. And we were reminded today that President Rosalie’s term is now half over. She smiled - just before announcing that that our program today was a no-show. Mike Kubinec took home $10 from a $193 raffle pot, and we all went back to work. Or home. |
New Year's Message From Rotary AnnOh, hellllooooooooooo! I am full of the holiday spirit ..especially the Grey Goose. That was fun. I think I got a bit tipsy at one point. Now I am learning about something called champagne. I planning on trying it on New Years Eve. I had the special treat of meeting Santa Claus and his reindeers. He is such a jolly fellow. I was especially thrilled to meet Rudolph. His nose certainly is bright! We had a great conversation about reindeers that can fly and cows that can jump over the moon. We just dont get enough publicity on our skills. The grandchildren of my farmer brought out cookies and milk for Santa and carrots for the reindeer on Christmas Eve. I was proud to know my family produced the milk. However, Santa was growing a bit weary of the milk and cookies by the time he reached 23 Prospect Ave. So, he stayed long enough for us to order pizza and wings. He said it was just what he needed to finish his route. I want to wish all of the wonderful farmers (Rotarians) who have made me welcome at their homes this past year a very healthy and happy year in 2012.
Rotary Ann
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Rotary Show November 3-6thTo Purchase Tickets Online Click Here Show Dates: November 3 - 5th - 7:30 November 6th - 2:00 PM Batavia High School
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Rotarians hard at work!
Thanks Ray, Andy, John, and Steve for your help in moving show costumes to Batavia Players.
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People Realizing Potential Campaign
Genesee ARC recognizes the Rotary Club of Batavia along with the B.Thomas Golisano Foundation for their major gifts that helped renovate the Culinary Arts kitchen at the Community Center.
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The Genesee ARC and Batavia Rotary Connection |
Batavia Rotarians Decorating Rotary Park |
Christmas in Rotary Park |
REMEMBER WILMA
Our longtime Rotary waitress is 97 and is mostly confined to her home. She was awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship several years ago and is remembered fondly by our Club for the wonderful service she gave us. Please think of her from time to time, and send an occasional "thinking of you" card to her.
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2010 Rotary President's Scholarship Application |
Rotary Day at Y Camp
To view more photos of the "Y Camp Experience" click "photos" on the menu to the left
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2009 Rotary President's ScholarshipRecipients of the 2009 Rotary President's Scholarship are Adam Martinelli from Byron-Bergen High School, Taylor Chmielowicz from Batavia High School, and Gregory Barr from Notre Dame High School.
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Food server gets Rotary award! |
Don't forget the eBulletin! |






