On April 14th, author and life coach Keryl Oliver spoke at the Goshen Rotary Club breakfast, sharing how she moved from personal hardship to empowerment. While awaiting the birth of her first grandchild, Keryl wrote Oh, How You Sparkle! A Love Story for Every Child, inspiring her to support others facing transformative life changes. Keryl is currently working on a program, Life Still Ahead, to help people Connect-Explore-Create the next chapter of their lives. (l to r) Paul MacLane, President, Keryl Oliver, Maria Dwyer, Membership Chair.
On April 9, 2026, The Goshen Rotary Club marked its 98th anniversary since joining Rotary International on April 4, 1928. Under the theme “Almost a Century of Service Above Self,” Neal Frishberg hosted the event at Limoncello at the Orange Inn. After a rousing rendition of “God Bless America” by Mark Gargiulo, Neal read from the historical narrative that longtime member Ken Obremski had compiled and written for the Charter’s 50th and 75th anniversaries. Members then shared fun stories from club history, including a music and dance number by Doris Obremski originally performed by her children in Goshenanigans. Special guest, Jonathan Wallace, descendant of Augustus “Gus” Wallace—the Charter's first President—shared his family's longstanding dedication to the country, their involvement in Goshen, and work with Rotary Clubs locally and internationally.
As we are preparing for our Centennial Celebration, we would like to invite you to join us! The Rotary Club is open to anyone who has a heart for Service Above Self. Our fundraisers benefit organizations and individuals in the Goshen community and beyond. We have service days at the Regional Food Bank, Braeside Camp and more. You can see our organization at Community events like the Taste of Goshen, Flags for Heroes, and the Great American Weekend 5K/10K Goshen Rotary Run. We hold weekly breakfast meetings at the Goshen Public Library in the Pomares Community Room at 7:30AM. Our email contact is goshenrotary1928@gmail.com
Jonathan Wallace and Ken Obremski
Maci Marszewski, an eighth-grade student at Goshen Middle School, received a $1,000 grant from the National Junior Honor Society. She is using this grant to create an event in partnership with the Hudson Valley SPCA, scheduled for April 25th at Goshen High School. Maci recently spoke to our Rotary Club, and she truly impressed us. Please join us to support Maci and her cause!! (l to r) Doris Obremski, PR, Maci's Dad, Joe Marszewki, Paul MacLane, President, Maci and her Mom, Erin.
On Tuesday, March 24th , the Goshen Rotary Club inducted its newest member, Joshua Thurston. Josh is the son of Paul MacLane, President. He was an Aircraft Mechanic in the Air Force and is now seeking to advance his education. He has a heart for volunteerism, and we are happy to welcome him to assist with Public Relations and Communications. (Paul pins Josh as a new member.)
Meeting Notes 3/17/26
Maureen Jagos, Director of the Braeside Camp visited with us this morning. She gave us an update on the upgrades that were being done on the cabins for the children. Ron Klieverik, (Pres-Elect) presented Maureen with an check for $3815. This was from the District matching grant program. That was in addition to the $7000 we donated already.
St. Patrick's Day Parade 2026
HOST FAMILIES ARE NEEDED!!
The Rotary Youth Exchange program is an amazing opportunity for a young person to learn a new language, experience a new culture and grow to truly become global citizens. Many Goshen Rotarians have either hosted an international student and/or sent their high schooler to another country with this program and have many wonderful things to share with families who may be interested in hosting a student from another country. Your commitment to hosting need not be the entire school year! For details, please contact the Rotary at goshenrotary1928@gmail.com. Learn more about Rotary International and the Rotary Youth Exchange at www.rotary.org/en/our-programs/youth-exchanges.
EMS Visit
Did you know that Emergency 911 calls are up 13% in the county? And calls have been going up steadily over the past few years. On February 17th we welcomed Kristen Eagleston, Chief of Operations, Ernest Stonick, President and members of the Goshen EMS to our morning meeting. Kristen explained that part of the reason for this increase has been the four very busy local nursing homes, thousands of visitors to Legoland and workers at the new warehouses that have opened in our area. Goshen EMS is primarily staffed by EMTs and support personnel, who can handle many of the calls that come in, but the need is great for Paramedics who can provide next level Advanced Life Support care……. A program is being developed in conjunction with SUNY Orange to meet the over 1000 clinical and classwork hours required to prepare for ALS certification. The expectation is with the new program, our reliance on outside of area response teams will be less. Goshen EMS depends on donations and grants for their many operating costs which include paid staff, materials, vehicle maintenance and building repairs The Rotary donates to Goshen EMS yearly, if you can, consider a personal donation to this important community resource.
Volunteer Day at Regional Food Bank Hudson Valley.
"The Regional Food Bank is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization that collects donated food from the food industry and distributes it to nearly 900 charitable agencies feeding our neighbors in need throughout 23 counties of northeastern New York. The food provided by the Regional Food Bank helps to feed over 350,000 people each month. In 2024, the Food Bank distributed more than 53 million pounds of food (enough for 45 million meals) to our neighbors in need. The Regional Food Bank is a member of Feeding America, the national network of food banks."
(l to r) Doris Obremski, Veronica Weiss, Rolly Peacock, Paul MacLane and Mark Gargiulo.
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Interact Connections
On January 27th, Paul MacLane (Pres), Tom Grimaldi (Interact Laison) and Mark Gargiulo (VP), met with Interact Advisor Christina Maliwacki and an enthusiastic group of students to discuss the Rotary Youth Exchange program as a way to learn a new language, experience a new culture and grow to truly become global citizens. Many Rotarians have either hosted an international student and/or sent their highschooler to another country with this program and have many wonderful things to share. Host families are needed!
On the local front, opportunities for Interact to join us at the Regional Food Bank in Montgomery were discussed, as well as marching in the St Patrick’s Day parade. Mark suggested getting a banner for the students to carry, which is a great idea to promote their club!
We look forward to a date soon when Christina and the Interact Club officers can come to our breakfast meeting at the library!
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Meeting Notes 1/27/26
Despite the frigid temps and mountains of snow we had to brave, a hardy group of devoted Rotarians were in attendance on January 27th and were warmed up with breakfast and a great meeting. Preliminary discussions were held regarding a project for our hundred-year anniversary, coming up in 2028, and we brainstormed ways we can get the word out about our club through social media. Upcoming social events include volunteering at the food bank in Montgomery, Super Bowl Party at the Chabad house, and marching in the St Patrick’s Day in March. Please contact a Rotarian for details!!
October 26 - Nov 14, 2025
The Flags are coming out again!
You can be a part of our community’s tribute to the heroes in our lives – past and present. This is your opportunity to honor your personal hero. It could be a member of the military, police, fire, or other first responders who put their lives on the line for us every day. It could be a teacher, coach, mentor, community leader, parent, child, or anyone who has been a hero in your life.
To Apply please click on this link to our event page: 2025 Flags for Heroes Event Page
OR to apply online use this QR code:
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