Community Causes

Library Gazebo Project: A priority for our club is promoting literacy and love of reading in our youth. To this end, club member Paul Phillips proposed approaching our local and well-loved public library with this idea: build a gazebo in the unused back lot of the building to function as an inviting outdoor space for the library's many youth programs. The library director was thrilled. One year later, equipped with able and willing club members and a district grant, the gazebo was completed!

 

Owego Rotary has always had a close relationship with Riverview Rehabilitation and Nursing, located in downtown Owego.  In addition to crafting cheerful cards and decorations throughout the year, we host a fun and delicious spring tea and a cool and refreshing summer ice cream social.   Our ongoing “Getting to Know You” project has been a rich and rewarding exchange for residents and club participants alike!

Through our local Care Committee, we have a program with several local food pantries to collect personal care products, diapers and other products that are not covered through governmental programs that are often not covered under regular governmental programming.

 

Throughout the year, we also contribute generously to other local food drives in the area.

 

District governor and Owego Rotary Club member Wendy Deis worked to create an informational pamphlet with a list of resources available to individuals in crisis, for those who seek to support them, and for health professionals.

Club members team up each year to walk and raise funds for the Walk to End Alzheimer's.   Held in Owego's beautiful Hickories Park, this is always a sobering but truly inspiring day.  Our team joins our local community teams and other Rotarian teams around the world in helping to raise awareness and funds to fight Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.  Our team walks to remember Rotarians, relatives, friends and neighbors who have been affected by this disease and to honor their caregivers and families.

 

Sundaes at the Farm is a free summer celebration of local agriculture .  Since its inception in 2007, it has brought visitors to a different dairy farm each year.   Family-friendly activities abound - milk Maggie the mechanical cow, sample milk, yogurt and cheese, browse the vendors’ market with various local foods and products for purchase.  Meet the farm family and learn about all aspects of local agriculture from county agencies, businesses, and members of the community.

No one forgets to top off their afternoon with a free ice cream sundae plus all the toppings!

Owego Rotary operates a  concession stand with family friendly prices, selling hot dogs and burgers, drinks and snacks. All proceeds go toward funding community causes.  We love serving at this event,  sharing the smiles, laughs and great vibes that the day brings!

 

 

 

 

What would a community be without fun events to bring citizens together to enjoy landscapes together?

 

Each year, Owego Rotary Club members donate their time, talents and energy to help make events like the Strawberry Festival, Halloween Fest, and Holiday Lights on the River the huge successes they are.