Altoona Sunrise Rotary

Altoona Sunrise Rotary conducted its annual meeting. A prestigious Paul Harris Fellow pin was presented to Susanna Tomlinson. Melanie Shildt was honored as the Rotarian of the year. Helen Schmitt was installed as President by outgoing President Melanie Shildt, and a board of directors was installed including: Dave Elliot, Marcus Edwards, Melanie Shildt- Immediate Past President, Frank Wiley - Assistant Treasurer, Shelley Clinich -President Elect, Phil Freeman-Secretary, Helen Schmitt - President, Doug Hershey - 2nd Vice President, Laura Greene - Treasurer, and Susanna Tomlinson.

We are looking forward to another year of serving the needs in Blair County! If you know of an organization in need, please contact Altoona Sunrise Rotary.

John Taylor, the International Service Chair of Rotary International, spoke of the good work being done in indigent countries, especially in Central America. RI is making a difference in resources, including water projects, educational, and cultural development, with support from local Rotaries, including Altoona Sunrise Rotary. Next is El Salvador in 2025. To participate email [email protected]

Mike Holzer from the Allegheny Ukulele Kollective shared how much the group is doing to support music in our schools and libraries by donating ukulele's. The group works to promote uke enjoyment throughout our community and performs at various venues. Check out this cool group at: http://alleghenyukes.com/

A sharp eyed 'EAGLE', or maybe it was a 'BIRDIE', spotted the announcement of the 29th Annual Becky Sheetz Memorial Golf Tournament hosted by Altoona Sunrise Rotary. This is no 'BOGEY' baloney! Thursday, August 1, is the date to mark on your calendar for this classic tournament. Two shot-gun start times available. Food, prizes, networking - what more could one want? Benefits The Arc of Blair County and Special Olympics. See brochure or click this link: https://birdease.com/28265/sponsorships

Altoona Sunrise Rotary is thrilled to present several agencies with grants. Featured in photo is Matt Fox, representing ABCD Corporation/Blair County Chamber of Commerce for the Youth Leadership Blair County program, along with Doug Hershey, Service Project Grant Coordinator.

Welcome Imani Vaughn! We are thrilled to have you in the Altoona Sunrise Rotary! Rene Paul Forier was Imani's sponsor and featured in the photo is Bud Fulton, membership chair.

One of the best things Rotary does across the globe is offer Shelter Boxes during natural disasters or a crisis. Tents, rope, supplies and other necessities are packed in a box and taken to areas that have been devastated by the loss of a home. Kelly Wike, Altoona Sunrise Rotary Shelter Box Representative, gave an update on some of the new technology the boxes are using.

It was a 'joyful' morning at Altoona Sunrise Rotary as Dave Despot from 'Joy Drummers" explained the history, rhythms, calls and different drums to the group. What a positive way to start the morning and not miss a 'beat'.

A few rain drops will not stop the Altoona Sunrise Rotary from working hard to make the Robert E. Law Veterans Memorial in downtown Altoona ready for the Memorial Day Parade. We salute all service people who enlisted and allowed our freedom.

it is refreshing when someone sees a need in the community and takes it upon herself to do something about it. Jessica DiGennaro spoke about "Because We Care Foundation" and the efforts to match the community to first responders. Discover more at www.becausewecarefoundation.com.

Altoona Sunrise Rotary celebrated 35 years of working together, networking together, and supporting Blair County together. What a fun night at our 80's theme (club formed in 1989). Many of the band mates back together for 1 night! Thank you Fiore family for loaning us your beautiful farmhouse!

It is so great when a group comes together with such synergy. Altoona Sunrise Rotary members are at our best when working on a project together. Cars are forming before the event even kicks off! All are welcome to the pasta dinner, 431 Jackson Ave, Altoona, benefiting the Mountain Lion Back Pack and Project Winter Warmth programs. Open for business until 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024.

The fun has begun! Bring on the food! Busy Bee's are getting everything prepped for Altoona Sunrise Rotary's Annual Pasta Dinner. Everyone is welcome to the dinner, benefiting the Back Pack program and Project Winter Warmth. Drive-up from 4 pm to 7 pm tomorrow. Large portions. Only $8 includes pasta, roll, salad and dessert. The location for the fundraiser is The Arc of Blair County, 431 Jackson Ave, Altoona (behind Hoss's).

Sunrise Rotary volunteering at the Hollidaysburg Women's Club Food Drive. We looovvee supporting our community and volunteering wherever help is needed!

The Blair County Rotary Club partnered with the GACTC for the annual Career Fair geared towards sophomore high school students across all Blair County Schools. Altoona Sunrise Steve Dalecki is the long time co-chair of this enormous event. District Governor Herb Smith graciously assisted directing students!

The Career Fair has over 70 local business leaders describing the 'real' job to students who are considering specific career paths.

Altoona Sunrise Rotary yet again honored for its hard work on Shelter Boxes. Creating a home and necessities in times of chaos and destruction.

Looking for fun? Want to connect with the community? Then you do not want to miss the Blair Creators Festival April 27 in downtown Altoona/Heritage Plaza. The Sheetz Fellows from Penn State Altoona are once again coordinating a great community festival for all ages. This is becoming a large scale 'event to be'. See the links for more details and business opportunities. Congrats to the students who run this better than most businesses could! Benefits ArtsAltoona, another great organization.
Website: https://blaircreatorsfest.wixsite.com/blair-creators-festi
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/starthereblaircounty?comment_id=Y29tbWVudDozNTgxODcyNTAzMDQxOTFfMzk2ODkxMjM2MTI1NjMz
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blaircreatorsfestival/

Phil Sukenik and Danielle Fitch gave a lively presentation on effective public speaking. The Allegheny Mountains Toastmasters meets twice per month during the evening and is opening the club to anyone who wishes to give a powerful presentation (including special occasions) and lead successful meetings. For more information visit https://1107196.toastmastersclubs.org/

Altoona Sunrise Rotary presented a donation to Josh Himmer from the James E Van Zandt Health and Wellness Room for much needed supplies for the center. Absent from the photo was Sunrise Rotary grant chairperson, Helen Schmidt. The check is made possible by the Sunrise members who fundraise on behalf of the foundation to support a local service provider in need.

If you are tired of Ham after the holiday, consider pasta! Altoona Sunrise Rotary's Annual Pasta Dinner is fast approaching. See either of the 2 agencies benefitting from the dinner or a Rotary member for tickets!

Our students of the month for March have shared interests never before expressed by the young students: Alyssa Franks from BG shared that she enjoys walks and Jackson Moore from Great Commission enjoys wood carving. Both are involved in numerous activities at school and plan to attend college. Congratulations to both!

Who is hungry? You do not want to miss Altoona Sunrise Rotary's Annual Pasta Dinner! Enough to have 2 meals out of one serving! Drive up on Saturday, April 27, or see flyer for other locations. Funds raised go right back into the community - this year we have 2 great organizations we are fundraising on behalf of.

Karen Struble Myers and Rick Kazmer from the United Way of the Southern Alleghenies spoke to Altoona Sunrise Rotary about the name change and merger of the Blair, Cambria and Somerset United Way organizations into a cohesive unit and expanding programming to help more than 78,000 people each year.

Holly Keller has begun a fabulous new organization that financially assists children to be able to participate in activities and interests. Check out Say Yes to Kids with the attached QR code.

Rotary's 4-way Speech Contest took place and it was a tough one for the judges! Pictured from Great Commission School is l to r: Lily Hildebrand, 2nd place; Wyatt Tanner, Jackson Moore, and Samara Wertz, 1st place. Samara now moves onto the regional competition as well as winning prize money from Sunrise Rotary.

Altoona Sunrise Rotary is honored to present funds each month to our 'Students of the Month' from Bishop Guilfoyle and Great Commission Schools. pictured are Lily Hildebrand (GC) - Quiz Bowl and Theater are only a couple of her activities - and Ava Taddei (BG) who aspires to become a meteorologist! Congratulations to both - keep applying yourself and your dreams will come true.

Altoona Sunrise Rotary was honored to pack Jared Boxes to donate to UPMC Altoona. We hope we made some children’s visit to the hospital just a little bit brighter!

Robert Orr, from Shoe Fly Stores, spoke of the family-owned and operated footwear company, started generations ago by 2 different families, now merged across Pennsylvania, New York and Virginia. The store employs certified pedorthists to assist with all orthotic solutions. Visit the website to discover more about custom fittings at https://shoeflystores.com/

Richie Servello from Family Services, Inc., shared the most recent data on the Children's Advocacy Center. The CAC serves as the Center for Child Justice where forensic medical evaluations and forensic interview, among other things, are conducted of child victims of abuse neglect or exploitation.

Congratulations to 2 Altoona Sunrise Rotary Members. Phil Freeman from Reliance Bank was named 100 of the best leaders by Central Pennsylvania Magazine and is so deserving of this recognition. Ben Miller was named as one of the directors at Young, Oakes, Brown & Company, P.C. Very proud of both you!