Stories

Sponsor - An Intl Affair


An International Affair is the NYC-based, husband-and-wife duo of two award-winning musicians, Taiwanese pianist/composer Sherry Shieh and Russian-American cellist Adrian Daurov. The duo performs original music along with all the greatest hits ranging from Bach to Billie Eilish.
Reborn	Continuo
Dedicated to all whose lives have been affected by the pandemic. This music was originally inspired by a spiritual poem REBORN and premiered in 2016 during a peace concert with 2000 audiences. The journey of REBORN starts with a recurring melody (duetted by piano and cello) that transcends into a surprising higher but distant key at the end, symbolizing the rebirth of music and life. The music is now dedicated to all in COVID-19: Be strong. Be reborn.	Inspired by the first of J.S. Bach's unaccompanied six cello suites, CONTINUO is an imaginative take to de-construct Bach and give it a modern "face-lift". CONTINUO transforms Bach’s harmony into an electrifying song which with every repetition takes the music into a higher level and eventually climaxes with a cello cadenza at the end (improvised by cellist Adrian Daurov). Its steadfast driving force gives the impetus to keep the crescendo of our lives going, never stopping or pausing, even in dire circumstances. The high-spirited brio of the coda reinstates the powerful strive for life with almost frenetic vigor.
Come visit us on our homepage to discover more about us - to connect - to chat and to - have a grand time. www.aninternationalaffair.com

RCNY & FSCLI at Elmhurst
AM New York featured RC New York and Foundation for Sustainable Community Development Initiative Inc. in a recent story about our mutual support of Elmhurst Elmhurst hospital regarded as one of the most adversely impacted in the fight against COVID-19.

story inside.

APPRECIATION: FSCDI and RCNY

Appreciation for Essential Health Workers
United by our common mission of building a better community and humanity, Foundation for Sustainable Community Development Initiative Inc. and the Rotary Club of New York joined hands on May 15th for a "Thank You" to front-line staff at Elmhurst hospital regarded as one of the most adversely impacted in the fight against COVID-19 pandemic.

full story inside.

REPORT: May 14th - Zoom Meeting

Parasitology vs COVID-19
Featured at this meeting was Dr. Andrea Crisanti, professor of molecular parasitology at Imperial College London who shared insights from his work and fields of interest.

report inside.

REPORT: May 7th Zoom Meeting

Posted by Andreas Runggatscher

Outlook Ahead
RCNY's May 7 virtual luncheon included Dr. Marya Ghazipura and Dr. Tanzib Hossain, currently both members of New York City’s COVID-19 Scientific Advisory Council to advise Mayor DeBlasio.

full report inside.

REPORT: April 30th Zoom Meeting

Posted by Andreas Runggatscher

COVID-19 and Isolation
The fifth virtual luncheon of the RCNYin 2020 took place on April 30. Our guest speakers were Fredlee Ann Kaplan and Marcela A. Bonafina, Ph.D.

read about our discusssion inside.

SUCCESS: The Day Has Arrived!

Farms to Food Banks
RCNY shares in the joy shared by one of it’s partner charities, Farms to Food Banks. We’ve received a message from FFB’s John Botti: “Yesterday was the day we've been waiting for! Our first truckload of food has arrived and we can begin distributing to Bronx communiies A.S.A.P."

more info & photos inside.

HIGHLIGHT: Member Bolor Tumurchudur..

Honoring A Member
RCNY honors member Bolor Tumurchudur, formerly VP of Rotary Club of Ulaanbaatar , and participant and strong supporter of #InMyScrubs.

bio inside.

HIGHLIGHT: Member Bolor Tumurchudur

Honoring A Member
RCNY honors member Bolor Tumurchudur, formerly VP of Rotary Club of Ulaanbaatar , and participant and strong supporter of #InMyScrubs.

bio inside.

SPEECH: Helen Reisler in Texas

Serving in the Face of Crisis
On Friday April 17th, RCNY's own Helen Reisler, accompanied by Andreas Runggatscher, addressed the Central Texas Rotary District 5870 Zoom Series - Serving in the Face of Crisis. Her speech has been recorded and is available on YouTube.

links are inside.

REPORT: April 23 - Zoom Meeting

Posted by Andreas Runggatscher

Coronavirus and the Food Supply
This week’s virtual luncheon of the RCNY in 2020 took place on Zoom on April 23. Our guest speakers were Daniel Diaz and John Botti of East Side House Settlement and Sean Thomas of #InMyScrubs.

report inside.

HIGHLIGHT: Dr. George Onourah

An Honored Member
We're offering a short highlight here of our respected member Dr. George Onourah who is quite active in support of Elmhurst Hospital Queens during the current crisis among other good works. We asked him to provide a bit about himself.

story inside.

REPORT: April 16 Zoom Meeting

Posted by Andreas Runggatscher

Addressing COVID-19
This week’s virtual luncheon of the Rotary Club of New York in 2020 took place on Zoom on April 16, 2020. The meeting served as a platform for different Rotary clubs around the world to discuss how they are addressing the COVID-19 crisis in their regions.

report inside.

REPORT: April 9 Zoom Meeting

COVID19 Pep
Thanks to all who participated in the April 9th Zoom meeting - our 4th. It was a great energy in our virtual room. Many thanks to Dr. Ruanne Barnabas and to Dr. Joseph Masci .

more info & links inside.

COLLABORATION: Two Hard Hit Clubs

Collaboration with Rotary Bergamo
On March 26th 2020 the first virtual Interclub was held between RCNY and the Rotary Club Bergamo Hospital 1 GXXIII. It was a spontaneously born collaboration due to the closeness of intent and feelings between the Clubs, as they are both serving in two of the cities most affected by COVID-19.

more info & links inside.

INSIGHT: Elmhurst Hospital Queens

Health Care Struggles
We've received valuable information from our respected member Dr. George Onourah regarding Elmhurst Hospital Queens. After suffering 13 COVID-19 deaths in a 24-hour span last week, Elmhurst Hospital has become the epicenter of the growing novel coronavirus outbreak in New York City. we may have them represented at our Zoom meeting on April 9th.

more info & photos inside.

ADDRESS: Helen Reisler Speaks

"Future We Want" Model UN Conference
Accepting an invitation from the Italian Diplomatic Academy, to speak to 1700 high school participants from 137 countries, on Feb 21,2020, during a "Future We Want" Model UN Conference, Helen's topic was "Women and Leadership."

more & a photo inside.

REPORT: Luncheon Meeting – Jan 23

First Luncheon of 2020
RCNY’s first luncheon meeting of 2020 took place on Thurs Jan 23rd at the Tudor City Steakhouse. Our guest speaker was Stephan D. Bognar, Executive Director of the New York Dermatological Group Foundation.

full report inside.

RECOGNITION: For Childhood Cancer Society

Our Efforts Receive Notice
Childhood Cancer Society, an RCNY supported charity, has received some superior recognition in the just-published online blog of Give Kids The World, Give Kids the World Village offers children with critical illnesses and their families weeklong, cost-free vacations in Central Florida.

more about Give Kids the World and links to the blog inside..

REPORT: International Breakfast – Jan 15

Monthly Breakfast Meeting - Jan 15
Our Jan 15 International Breakfast Meeting featured the Hon. Ambassador Robert L. Shafer, Deputy Permanent Observer of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the United Nations. Amb. Shafer was kind enough to speak in place of Amb. Beresford-Hill who became ill at the last minute.

Read a report and share pictures of the meeting inside.

REPORT: Joint Meeting - Jan 9

Rotary and Rotaract UN
RCNY and Rotaract UN held a joint meeting on Thurs Jan 9. The speaker was John A. Nanni, District 7630 PolioPlus Chair. Another highlight was when President Larry Cohen announced our Club's giving of $110,000 towards Polio Plus-Rotary International thanks to a Gates matching fund.

photos inside.

HEADLINES: Childhood Cancer

Disney Trip Draws Attention
One of RCNY Foundation's beneficiaries, Childhood Cancer Society, has made the News. Thomas Head's recent guided trip of 5 families to Disneyworld, will boost sales of his book, 'Adventure Ted: Night at the Enchanted Theme Park.' and enable more pediatric cancer sufferers to explore.

news story inside.

GIFTS: A Great Day

Santa Visits Fraternitê
Our legendary Rotary Club, in partnership with the other Manhattan Rotary clubs, made it possible for Santa to have his wonderful annual visit in East Harlem. Over 2,000 toys were handed out last Thursday at Fraterntiê Notre Dame's’ Mary House.

more about the day inside.

REPORT: International Breakfast – Dec 18

International Breakfast - Dec 18
RCNY's December 18th International Breakfast Meeting featured speaker Rose Sager, Trade Representative for the Kingdom of Bahrain. She spoke on the cultural history & current business climate of Bahrain.

Read a report and share pictures of the meeting inside.

REPORT: Luncheon Meeting – Dec 12

Weekly Meeting - Dec 12
The last luncheon of RCNY in 2019 took place at the Penn Club of NYC on Dec 12. Our guest speaker was Coren Allen who gave a very interesting presentation. We also inducted new members and presented a donation to Little Brothers - Friends of the Elderly.

more about the meeting & photos inside.

CELEBRATIONS: Ronald Mc Donald & Fraternitê

RCNY Gives
On Dec 4 RCNY, represented by President Larry Cohen was proud to present a check from our New York Rotary Foundation at the Ronald McDonald House’s 40th anniversary Holiday Open House Celebration. A second part of the evening brought President Larry and Andreas to the Toy Drive Event for Fraternitê Notre Dame's Toy Giving in Spanish Harlem.

more about the events & photos inside.

FRATERNITE: Thanksgiving Dinner for Vets

Posted by Thomas McConnon

Thanks to Our Deserving Vets
NYRC helped out on last Monday evening, Nov 25, with the Fraternite Notre Dame Annual Veterans Thanksgiving Dinner held at the Veteran's Home on East 119th St. managed by Volunteers of America.

more about the dinner & photos inside.

REPORT: International Breakfast – Nov 20

International Breakfast - Nov 20
RCNY's Nov. 20th International Breakfast featured speaker Juerg Lauber, Ambassador & Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the UN. A self-professed "UN Romantic," Ambassador Lauber spoke on the perceived crisis against multilateralism globally and his optimism towards the values that are held in the charter of the UN.

Read a report and share pictures of the meeting inside.

REPORT: November 14th Meeting

Gift of Life Presentation
At our Nov 14 luncheon meeting, Fredlee Kaplan, VP of Gift of Life, gave a fabulous presentation on her recent mission to Kosovo. other highlights were Tommy Head's receiving a grant check from our Foundation for his great work with his Childhood Cancer Society and the exchange of banners with a guest from RC Agbara, Nigeria.

photos inside.

REPORT: UN Rotaract Fundraiser - Nov 9th

A Successful Event
This fundraiser, benefiting Refugee Relief in NYC, took place on Nov 9th following Rotary Day at the UN and was well attended by Rotaractors, NY Rotarians, Rotary International President Mark Maloney and other ranking RI members.

photos inside.

PHOTO: 7230 District Conference

District Recognition of RCNY
At Oct 26th's District Conference, RCNY was given recognition for our outstanding Polio Plus contributions. Here in the photo are President Larry accepting the recognition from District Gov. Mahbub Ahmad along with PDG Helen Reisler watching.

click the thumbnail to view a much larger version

BENEFIT: Sock it to Poverty a Success!

Benefitting the Poor
The Rotary Club of NY and partnering club members from both Rotary and Rotaract in our district make an impact on "Sock it to Poverty" at the Ronald McDonald House. This project is directly benefiting the Homeless of NYC and the distribution of the items collected and bagged took place on Monday, October 28. A big thank you to all volunteers!

photos inside.

REPORT: Luncheon Meeting - Oct 10

Weekly Meeting - Oct 10
Our Oct 10 meeting featured speaker Ferry Zandvliet, survivor of a massive terrorist attack in Paris. We were also honored by the presence of NYPD Commissioner James M. O’Neill and we inducted new member Ayana Muir

Full report, photos, & Ferry's story inside.

LETTER: Thomas McConnon Visits Detroit

Fraternite Notre Dame Establishes a New Location
Tom McConnon was invited to attend opening ceremonies on Oct 5 of Fraternite Notre Dame's newly retrieved church in Detroit by Bishop Jean Marie Kozik, founder of Fraternitie Notre Dame. Fraternite, in addition to opening the church also opened a new food pantry

Tom's Letter & photos inside.

REPORT: Int'l Breakfast - Sep 9

Insights on UN Blue Helmets Peacekeepers
On Sep 18 we held our first UN International Breakfast following our summer breaks. Featured was Nedialko Kostov, Special Asst. in the Dept. of Peacekeeping Operations at the UN Secretariat, who gave us insights on the Blue Helmets, a UN peacekeeping group.

Read a report and share pictures of the meeting inside.

REPORT: Rotaract UN - Sep 12

An Enlightening Meeting
Rotaract UN's Sep 12 Meeting featured RCNY's P.P. and Trustee, Helen Reisler, who was a well-received guest speaker. Also present were President Larry Cohen and Rotaract District Rep. Almas Jahnbaz.

For a full version of the photo, CLICK HERE.

REPORT: Luncheon Meeting - Sep 12

Weekly Meeting - Sep 12
Our Sep 12 meeting was the first meeting back after our fall breaks. It featured talks by 7230 DG Mahbub Ahmad, Fredlee Kaplan Vice President Gift of Lifte International and Grace Agwaru of Ambassador for Gift of Life International. Four new members were inducted.

Pictures of the meeting inside.

HISTORY: Boy Scout Summer Camp

Special Reminder
RCNY has a rich history of collaboration with the Boy Scouts. While visiting our Boy Scout summer camp recently, RCNY member Joe Schiltz, Director of Field Service - Boy Scouts of America - Greater New York Councils found this New York Rotary plaque from 1958 by the Nature Lodge in Camp Kewoa which at the time was called Camp Manhattan.

full-size photo inside.

ROTARACT: Installation Celebration

A New Year Begins
On July 17 the Rotaract Club at the UN celebrated its past year, new President, and outgoing Officers as well as the Incoming team. Awards were presented and the Rotaractors were joined by a sizeable number of Rotarians.

more details & photos inside.

DONATION: Fraternities Notre Dame

Providers of Much-Needed Services
Our Foundation Chairman, Jim Thompson, on behalf of the members of the legendary Rotary Club of New York, presented a much-needed donation to the Sisters of Fraternities Notre Dame. These French Nuns nourish (physically, as well as spiritually) the hungry of our beloved city.

more about the Sisters inside.

ADVENTURES: Boy Scout Camp

A Heartfelt Thank You
Rotary put smiles on kids who attended this summer's Scout Camp. Joe Schiltz, Scout Executive and RCNY member brought us some thank you cards from kids who attended the RCNY sponsored Scout Camp. A grant from your New York Rotary Foundation put smiles and happiness in the lives of these kids.

photos of a few cards inside.

INSTALLATION: RCNY's 11th Decade

Welcome President Lawrence Cohen
RCNY began it's 110th year on Jul 11th with the Installation of President Lawrence Cohen, new Officers and Board. of Directors. Presentations were made by President 2018-19 Ted Perednia and RI Director Jeffry Cadorette among several others. Trustee and PP, PDG Helen Reisler gave an overview on our rich history. Recognition was a major theme for all.

Many more details inside reported by Andreas Runggatscher & photos from the event.

SUPPORT: Women's Needs

Posted by Anna Folz, Rotaract UN

Helping Homeless Women
Anna Folz, VP of the UN Rotaract Club, is asking for help with a city-wide donation project. Rotaract is asking all of the New York Rotary Clubs to pitch in and help this be a successful occasion. They are working in partnership with Coalition for the Homeless to raise funds to provide feminine hygiene products to as many homeless women as they can.

more info & donation connectons inside.

SUPPORT: Women in Need

Working Together
Based on a previous donation to Women in Need by the Rotaract Club at the UN, Trustees of the New York Rotary Foundation decided to fund this most valuable project as well. It's a good example of the collaboration we share and the sorts of giving we care about.

more about WIN inside.

TOUR: Immigration and Customs Enforcement

Posted by Elira Karija

Thankful Visitors
Just recently, several RCNY members were given a very priveleged tour of one of ICE's NY offices by ffriends from ICE who'd become familiar through their speaking engagement with us back in Mar 2019

more from Elira Karija inside.

CELEBRATION: Harlem Nights

Posted by Thomas McConnon

RC Harlem and History
Rotary Club of Harlem’s Charter Night was held on Fri May 10. The occasion celebrated the Club's history, development and contributions to us all. Several of RCNY's members attended and shared in the joy.

more about RC Harlem inside.

GOLI: Caring for Children

Posted by Laura Meijere Cristanelli

Healing Little Hearts
Gift of Life International is a Rotarian affiliated organization that has evolved into a global network of caring. Approximately 1.3 million children are born each year with congenital heart defects and as 93% of them do not have access to cardiac care, the goal of “Gift of Life International” is to provide life-saving cardiac treatment to children in developing countries

much more about GOLI, photos, & video links inside.

FULFILLMENT: Childhood Cancer Society

Posted by Laura Meijere Cristanelli

Dreams Can Come True
With grants received from the NY Rotary Foundation, The Childhood Cancer Society is able to support the dreams of children such as Angelina whose dream became true, when, after completing an aggressive round of radiation therapy, she was able to live the magic of the Universal Theme Park in Florida. RCNY’s Tommy Head is creator of the Society.

more about Tommy and the Society inside.

MEMORIES: Cyprus Club Charters - 2004 x

Posted by Andreas Runggatscher

Northern Cyprus Club Charters
One of the many wonderful memories of late NY Rotarian Barney Barnet comes from an event in which he was instrumental back in 2004. Two Rotary Clubs from the unrecognized Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus had been having Rotary meetings regularly without charters from Rotary International for the previous 25 years. Rotarians from Northern Cyprus came to RCNY and sought our help. We agreed to help establish the charters with one condition. Rotary Clubs from the Northern Turkish side would work with clubs from the Southern Greek side, regardless of political differences. They agreed and RCNY facilitated International Charters for the two Clubs on June 23, 2004 in just 3 weeks.

EREY: Now Donate Through Rotary Direct x

Posted by Andreas Runggatscher on Nov 02, 2014

Doing Good Just Got Easier
Rotary Direct saves time and lives with an efficient, convenient and secure way to make your EREY donations. Sign Up online at www.rotary.org/give or download a printable form by clicking here.

Details inside.