Building Courage, Confidence, and Character with Girl Scouts (Aired November 5th, 2023)

Radio Rotary recently featured a discussion with Jennifer Donahue and Rotarian Helen Ronsky about the contemporary focus of the Girl Scouts. The conversation highlighted the organization’s evolution, particularly in addressing mental health awareness and community service. In today’s digital and social media-driven world, the Girl Scouts play a crucial role in providing support, resources, and an empowering environment for young girls. The guests emphasized the organization’s commitment to developing leadership skills and fostering confidence in girls from a young age.

The Girl Scouts in the Hudson Valley region offer a diverse range of programs, including those in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and robotics. This variety caters to the different interests of girls and aims to equip them with skills applicable to various aspects of life. The programming is girl-led, allowing members to choose activities that resonate with their interests, a key factor in boosting their mental health and self-confidence.

Furthermore, the Girl Scouts are heavily focused on mental health, partnering with the National Alliance for Mental Health to introduce new patches around this theme. The goal is to teach resilience, and readiness, and give more strength to girls, considering the alarming statistics around mental health issues among young people.

The organization’s website, girlscoutshh.org, offers comprehensive information on the Girl Scouts in the Hudson Valley, including ways to get involved and learn more about their programs. This platform serves as a resource for those interested in contributing to or benefiting from the organization’s initiatives.

This episode of Radio Rotary not only highlighted the progressive activities of the Girl Scouts but also emphasized the importance of modern, holistic programming in nurturing and empowering young women. The Girl Scouts’ focus on mental health, leadership development, and STEM education positions them as a vital organization in today’s society, shaping future leaders and confident individuals.

 

Listen to the Podcast: https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/J6j6ezFv9Fb

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January 6, 2024 · Posted in Hudson Valley  

Nourishing Lives: The Impact of Dutchess Outreach (Aired October 29th, 2023)

In a recent episode of Radio Rotary, an inspiring showcase of community support and service, listeners were introduced to the remarkable work of Dutchess Outreach. This organization stands as a beacon of hope in Dutchess County, offering an array of essential services to those most in need. From providing hot meals and running a food pantry to organizing a significant coat drive, Duchess Outreach embodies the spirit of community assistance and compassion. We delved into the organization’s various programs and celebrated the dedicated individuals who have been at the forefront of these efforts.

A key feature of Dutchess Outreach’s work is the coat drive, which Mary Dines has successfully run for 20 years. The drive focuses on collecting new or gently used coats for those in need, a vital service during the colder months. With Dines retiring, Robin Tannenbaum is set to take over this critical program.

Dutchess Outreach, preparing to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, relies on a combination of federal grants, private grants, and donations to support its food and clothing programs. The organization also provides financial life planning and housing assistance, addressing broader needs within the community.

The organization’s website, dutchessoutreach.org, offers more information on their services and ways to get involved. They are located at 29 North Hamilton Street in Poughkeepsie. The coat drive, a significant part of their work, has been instrumental in receiving donated brand-new coats for distribution.

Dutchess Outreach serves as a powerful reminder of the impact that dedicated organizations and individuals can have on their communities. As Dutchess Outreach approaches its 50th anniversary, its commitment to providing essential services like nutritious food, clothing, and life-planning assistance continues to make a profound difference in the lives of many. The collaborative spirit showcased by the coat drive, supported by various community partners, underscores the strength and unity found in collective efforts. Radio Rotary, through such features, not only informs but also inspires its listeners to recognize and contribute to the invaluable work done by organizations like Dutchess Outreach in their own communities.

 

Listen to the podcast:  https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rDVoa8bu9Fb

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January 6, 2024 · Posted in Hudson Valley  

World Polio Day: Rotary’s Commitment to a Polio-Free World (Aired October 22nd 2023)

In a recent focus on World Polio Day, the dedicated efforts of Rotary International and its partners in the fight against polio were brought to light. Despite the remarkable progress made, polio continues to exist in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and sporadic cases are reported worldwide. Rotary’s commitment to eradicating polio dates back to 1979, with the launch of the Polio Plus program in 1985 and the Global Polio Eradication Initiative in 1988, in collaboration with organizations like the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and the CDC.

In the 1980s, the world witnessed a thousand new cases of polio each week. Now, thanks to concerted global efforts, there’s been a 99.9% reduction in polio cases. Polio, a highly infectious disease that primarily affects children under five, can cause crippling effects on the central nervous system. The importance of vaccination in preventing polio’s spread cannot be overstated, and it’s crucial for both adults and children.

World Polio Day serves as a reminder of the progress made and the actions still required to completely eradicate this disease. Rotarians play a significant role, not only through donations to the Polio Plus program but also by participating in national immunization days. These involve administering oral polio vaccines to children, an activity that requires no medical background as guidance is provided by healthcare workers.

Carol Choa, a Rotarian and a healthcare administration professional discussed Rotary’s endeavors to overcome resistance to immunizations and the necessity of continued support and donations. Notably, the Gates Foundation generously matches every dollar raised by Rotarians 2 to 1.

The Rotary Club of North Rockland, of which Carol is a member, actively participates in these efforts and hosts events like the World Polio Day event on October 24th. Being a Rotarian offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the global eradication of polio, promoting health, and disease prevention, and enhancing lives around the world.

Additionally, the Rotary Foundation’s commitment extends beyond polio eradication. They focus on surveillance programs and plan to continue their mission of promoting peace and fellowship through various programs even after polio is eradicated.

The involvement of organizations like the Rotary Club highlights the importance of community and global efforts in tackling major health issues. The eradication of polio stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collective action and perseverance. For more information or to join in these efforts, visiting the Rotary Club’s website is encouraged.

 

Links To Learn More

Rotary International

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December 20, 2023 · Posted in Hudson Valley  

Celebrating Community Service: Red Hook Rotary’s Citizen of the Year (Aired October 8th 2023)

 

The Red Hook Rotary Club, known for its active community engagement, is set to honor Brent Kowalczyk as its Citizen of the Year. For over two decades, the club has recognized individuals who have made significant contributions to the community. Kowalczyk, a former Deputy Mayor of the Village of Red Hook, has been instrumental in the installation of a central sewer system. This initiative is crucial for the village’s restaurants and ensures the safety of drinking water, marking a major improvement in the local infrastructure.

The celebration of this honor will take place at the Citizen of the Year dinner, scheduled for October 14th at the Red Hook Community Center. This event is one of many initiatives by the Red Hook Rotary Club and Red Hook Rotary Foundation, which also support scholarships, vocational scholarships, and various community projects. Rotary, as an international organization, extends its influence and power far beyond local communities, and those interested can learn more on the Red Hook Rotary site or rotary.org.

In addition to his work in local government, Kowalczyk is now engaging with other organizations, such as the local historical society, taking a more leisurely approach than in his previous roles.

Moreover, the community is informed about various organizations and events. Hudson River Housing, a nonprofit organization, assists with housing concerns. Mental Health America of Dutchess County focuses on providing support for mental health issues and reducing the associated stigma. The Red Hook Rotary Club is engaged in several service projects like a coat drive, participation in the Alzheimer’s walk, supporting food pantry programs, and fundraising for feminine hygiene products.

All these initiatives, including the upcoming Citizen of the Year dinner, underscore the Red Hook Rotary Club’s commitment to enhancing and supporting the local community. Those interested in attending the dinner or learning more about the club’s activities can look forward to a night of recognition and community spirit on October 14th.

 

Links to Learn More

Redhook Rotary Club

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December 20, 2023 · Posted in Hudson Valley  

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