Olean- Over the past twelve months, the Olean Rotary Club has remained active in every season, as the Rotary year runs from July through June.The club has completed another year defined by hands-on service, successful fundraising, youth engagement, and a steady commitment to meeting local needs across Cattaraugus County.
The Rotary year began in July with Megan Moretz stepping into the role of President, leading the club independently for the first time.
Early in the month, members hosted a Disc Golf Tournament benefiting the Robert & Marjorie Schaumleffel Scholarship Fund, with support from the Twin Tiers Disc Golf Association.
The month also included a social gathering at a local ice cream shop in celebration of National Ice Cream Month, reflecting the club’s ongoing emphasis on fellowship alongside service.
In August, the annual Mum Sale was launched, featuring plants supplied by Pleasant Valley Nursery & Greenhouse and delivered in early September. The fundraiser once again provided essential support for year-round Rotary initiatives.
As fall arrived, members focused on hands-on community service. In October, the club partnered with the Olean Portville Lions Club and other local service organizations to create blankets for the Child Advocacy Center, offering comfort to children in crisis. In November, the club hosted its annual Veterans Recognition Dinner at the Allegany American Legion, an event supported by strong club participation and the Olean High School Interact Club.
During the winter, members responded to community need by helping raise awareness for a food drive during the SNAP shutdown. Past President and current Area Governor, Paula Bernstein assisted in delivering collected donations to local food pantries in coordination with Operation Warm Hearts and other community partners.
The new year brought seasonal adjustments to the club’s schedule, with members reconvening in January at Mickey’s Restaurant and moving to twice-monthly meetings due to winter travel and attendance changes. Programming continued with guest speakers, including representatives from Love in Action, a local organization focused on nonviolence.
In February, the club welcomed a representative from Healthy Families, highlighting their work supporting children and parents in the community. March featured a presentation on the Medicaid Waiver program by Angie Ritchie, Social Care Navigator for Cattaraugus County.
As spring approached, planning intensified for the annual Service Above Self Dinner, which honored three local organizations dedicated to addressing food insecurity: Harvest Field Ministries, the Olean Public Food Pantry, and The Warming House.
In April, the club joined the Ellicottville Rotary Club for a visit from District Governor Aaron Carlson. Shortly thereafter, members hosted the Service Above Self Dinner at Woodside Tavern on the Range, bringing together community leaders and honorees, including representatives from each organization and a representative from the office of Senator George Borello.
Youth engagement remained a highlight throughout the year. In May, Rotary members visited the Olean High School Interact Club, led by advisor Mary Filjones. Students shared highlights from a year of service projects, including environmental research, community volunteering, and a blanket project created for a fellow student undergoing cancer treatment, reflecting a strong spirit of leadership and compassion.
The Rotary year concluded with the official changeover dinner, closing out a year defined by service, adaptability, and a continued commitment to strengthening the local community.
The Rotary Club of Olean, established in 1928, has nearly a century-long history of Service Above Self, with contributions too numerous to mention. If making new business acquaintances and creating opportunities for service is of interest to you, and if serving others through your club, community, vocation, and even internationally is viewed as beneficial to Olean and the surrounding area, consider Rotary Club membership.
You will be helping others and, in return, will experience firsthand why service clubs are such a valuable asset to those who join them. If you’re interested in serving others, growing personally and professionally, and helping keep Olean strong, consider learning more about the Rotary Club of Olean on Facebook.