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At Rotary, we have no tolerance for racism. Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.

We have more work to do to create more just, open, and welcoming communities for all people.

We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us. Rotary’s strength has long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together. We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice.

Rotary will do our part to listen, learn, and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.

Share the Warmth 2020

The 28th annual Share the Warmth campaign has kicked off, with more than 20 collection sites throughout Tompkins County.

The clothing drive is running three weeks earlier than usual due to COVID-19 and to growing food insecurity at this time. Donations of clean new or gently used winter clothing will be collected, sorted, and distributed across the area by volunteers from several partner organizations: the Ithaca and Trumansburg Rotary Clubs; Cornell University; Finger Lakes ReUse; and Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga.

Annual Susan Blumenthal Pride of Ownership Launches Twenty-Third Year
Nominations Due Monday, November 2

Nominations must be received at the City Clerk’s Office, 108 East Green Street, no later than 4:30 pm on Monday, November 2. Click here for a nomination form.

Ithaca’s Twenty-Third Annual Susan Blumenthal Pride of Ownership Awards program, recognizing owners of properties within the city of Ithaca who have developed projects or taken care of their properties in ways that enhance the physical appearance of city neighborhoods and commercial areas, is seeking nominations for this year’s awards. The program is a joint project of the Ithaca Rotary Club and the City of Ithaca.

Founded by former Common Council member Susan Blumenthal, who felt that developers and property owners should receive recognition for work that went above and beyond the requirements of the project, the awards are focused on projects that are thoughtful, unexpected, and lift the aesthetic experience of their setting and surroundings.

Do you own property in the city? Have you made improvements lately? Nominate yourself, a neighbor, or be nominated by others. Projects may range from major structural work to small but significant improvements. Commercial projects, owner-occupied housing, rental housing, and institutional facilities (education, religious, government) are eligible. Awards focus on how properties appear from the street and public right-of-way, improve their local surroundings, and thereby improve quality of life for the city as a whole.

Nominations must be received at the City Clerk’s Office, 108 East Green Street, no later than 4:30 pm on Monday, November 2. For more information or an application, contact a member of the 2017 Committee:

John Barradas at 277-2755 or jb@barradasandpartners.com; Frost Travis at 273-1654 or ftravis@travishyde.com; Margaret Hobbie, 220-5334 or mhobbie@verizon.net; Brett Bossard 351-1554 or brett@cinemapolis.org or Scott Whitham, 379-9175 or whitham@whithamdesign.com.

Taste of Gorges Supper Club

Inspired by similar initiatives around the country to support restaurant owners and their staffs, the Rotary Club of Ithaca has launched its own version of a “Socially Connected – Safely Distanced” Supper Club.

On Friday evening, Rotarians placed orders to go from Coltivare, a farm-to-table bistro that – like most other restaurants – has been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. Prior to mid-March, it also hosted the service club’s weekly luncheon meetings and has played a key role in some of Rotary’s largest fundraisers, including the Dozen Dinner Draw (DDD) to benefit hurricane relief efforts and international safe water projects.

Jason Sidle, Ithaca Rotarian and general manager of Coltivare, said he was ‘over the top’ in his appreciation for the club’s willingness to put “Tastes of Gorges” together to support local restaurants in need.

Dozens of restaurants have supported Rotary’s Dozen Dinner Draw fundraiser since 2018. A full list can be found at www.Rotarydozendinnerdraw.org.

Recent Supper Club Restaurants:

• South Hill Cider • Aug 1 •
• Boat Yard Grill • Aug 7 •
• Mahogany Grill • Aug 14 •
• Maxies Supper Club • Aug 21 •
• New Delhi Diamonds Restaurant • Aug 28 •