achieved outstanding results between January 1 – April 1:
$84,581.52 raised for the Annual Share Fund
$6,594.22 raised for PolioPlus
55 new members welcomed into our Rotary family
These numbers represent more than just dollars and growth—they reflect the real impact we are making in our communities and around the world.
Thank you for your creativity, commitment, and willingness to step up and make a difference. You’ve shown what’s possible when we come together with purpose—and a little friendly competition!
A special congratulations to our Showdown winners:
Rhinebeck Rotary
and our runner-up, East Fishkill Rotary
Both clubs not only brought in new members but also gave generously to our Foundation.
We are proud of everything you accomplished and excited to keep this momentum going as we continue to engage, grow, and serve together.
With gratitude,
Beau O'Loendorf
Rotary District 7210, DG
Thank you for your generosity!
Our Speakers:
This week, along with Jeff Scales, we welcome Jen Adams and Garrett Chisholm of Winnakee Land Trust to discuss
forest pests and their effects on our local ecosystems. They'll cover hemlock woolly adelgid, emerald ash borer, beach leaf disease/bark disease, and invasive plants. And will discuss what folks can do on their own properties to help their own forests survive these pests and be more resilient long-term.
Jen Adams is Senior Conservation Biologist & Director of Parks and Ecological Preserves.
Jen oversees all land management activities on Winnakee preserves. Her goal is to actively manage forests and wetlands in the Hudson Valley to protect and restore species’ habitat, forest resiliency, and mitigate harmful effects of climate change. In her role, Jen enjoys connecting the community to nature in their own backyard through volunteer opportunities and educational programs. She is an active member of the Saw Kill Watershed Community (SKWC) group and participates in the Lower Hudson Partnership for Regional Invasive Species Management (LHPRISM). Jen received a Bachelor of Science in Ecology and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Elon University and a Masters of Natural Resources from Oregon State University. She also holds a NYS Pesticide Applicator License and ISA Arborist Certification.
Garrett Chisholm is Land Program Manager for Winnakee.
Garrett joined Winnakee as the Land Programs Manager in 2025, where he supports and delivers core initiatives across the Land Conservation and Land Activation departments. His interests lie within the protection and promotion of natural areas so their ecosystem services may be sustained and enjoyed well into the future. He obtained his B.S in Environmental Studies with a focus in Conservation and Stewardship from the University of Vermont and his M.S. in Natural Resources Conservation with a focus in Forest Resource Management from Paul Smith’s College. Garrett previously held the position of Stewardship Coordinator at the Huyck Preserve for six years
REMINDER
Please purchase Spirit of Service tickets, consider sponsorships and contribute silent auction items. Everything you contribute assists us to help our community and beyond.
Our (NEW!) Venmo: @RotaryClubofRhinebeck
OUR PRIORITY FOR APRIL:
Spirit of Service
Awards
Our Largest Fundraiser
Honoring
LilaPague
& The Rhinebeck Farmers Market
For their outstanding service, leadership, and commitment to community, sustainability, and local stewardship.
Please Join Us
Enjoy an evening of beer, wine, and hors d’oeuvres as the Rhinebeck Rotary Club celebrates individuals and organizations whose dedication strengthens our community and supports a stronger and more connected community. The evening will feature live music by Austin Bonk and Friends, with dancing to follow.
Your participation helps support Rotary’s local and international environmental, educational, and humanitarian initiatives.
*All sponsorships will be prominently featured in our event slideshow, recognizing your generous support. The higher the sponsorship level, the greater your visibility—with larger slides showcasing our top sponsors. All sponsors will be prominently featured on Social Media and Online Forums. *
A sure sign of spring is having our Wellness Walks scheduled!
Thank you to Marybeth and the
Rbk Rotary Mental Health/Wellness Committee
Our 2026 "Wellness Wednesday Community Walks"
5pm every Wednesday from April 8 through September 30 at Thompson-Mazzarella Park / Frost Nature Trails in Rhinebeck. (park near the Town Pool / Rbk Community Garden and meet at Frost Nature Trails Kiosk).
We'll still have a lead from our group each week to "host" and bring a 5-10 minute meditation or mindfulness activity to the experience if possible.
Walks will start from the Frost Nature Trails kiosk (by Rhinebeck Town Pool / Thompson-Mazzarella Park), and shouldn't take more than 60-75 minutes each.
Walks are open to EVERYONE ages 18+, as well as LEASHED dogs.
In the event of inclement weather, just assume the walk is canceled. We will add that to our publicity materials as well so that everyone can use their best judgement!
Rotary will begin collecting bikes in clean, working condition.
Volunteers needed!
Fellow Rotarians' Happenings...
FROM RICHARD MARR:
FROM DIANA DEVLIN:
WHAT A FANTASTIC TRIP!
I am the Senior Development Manager at the Thomas Cole National Historic Site. Our Executive Director had a wonderful meeting your members and wanted to share a cultural opportunity that is coming up in May. The Site has organized an all-inclusive guided day trip to two world-class museums in Connecticut, the Hill-Stead Museum and The Wadsworth, with a catered lunch provided in the gardens of the Hill-Stead. See the attached flyer for additional details. This trip will take place on Saturday, May 9, with a 7:45am departure from the Thomas Cole National Historic Site in Catskill and an estimated return time of 6:30pm/7:00pm.
We hope so much that members of the Rhinebeck Rotary will join us for this delightful outing.
