West Seneca held our successful Chicken Barbe que, chaired by Brian Cosgrove, on June 5th.On Saturday June 14th, we picked up trash on Union Rd from Southgate Plaza north or French Road. This was led by Nelson Cosgrove and John Miskovski.
Later in June, our speaker was one of our own – Zach Armstrong – a new Rotarian.
We also installed 3 new board members and said goodbye to a board member.
(See more photos and list of June Speakers in "read more...")
PHOTO 1: Karen Sawicz, Mary Sherman, Gene Hess, Gary Gossell, Nelson Cosgrove, Patti Stephens, Lisa Breidenstein, assisted by Hoy Funeral Home.
PHOTO 2 (L to R): Gary Gossel, Wally Ochterski, Jim Liegl, Bob Breidenstein, Brian Cosgrove, Gene Hess
Michael Forster was installed on June 25th. West Seneca has now installed 11 new members since July 1, 2024.
PHOTO 1: Frank Calieri, new member Mike Forester, Jim Liegl
We installed 3 board members and sergeant at arms also.
PHOTO 2: Kate Newton presented a bouquet of flowers to Lisa Breidenstein who has served as President of the West Seneca rotary Club for 2 ½ years, as well as serving on the board for more years than that. We thank you Lisa. You are what Rotary means - Service Above Self.
PHOTO 3: Brian Cosgrove-board member; Frank Calieri-sergeant-at-arms; Kate Newton – board member; Jean Nihill – Treasurer; Missing was Gary Gossel – board member.
Speakers for the month of June – we had the Stephanie Lawson, executive director from Grace House come and speak to us- June 11th. Grace House is located in South Buffalo on Seneca Street. Grace House was founded by Cynthia Battista (Cindy), a lifelong resident of Western New York. In October 2013, Cindy’s colleague, Mike Celej, shared that his son had suffered traumatic injuries from a motorcycle crash in North Carolina. His family traveled from Western New York to Asheville, NC, where they were welcomed at a local healthcare hospitality house. Staying there brought peace and relief during a terrible time.
Meanwhile, for many years Cindy had felt inspired to answer a calling—to help people in her community with lodging. A ministry focused on hospitality. But she was looking for just the right project.
When Mike returned to work, he was animated as he described his experience at the guest house. After a long day at the hospital, his family could return to a clean and comfortable place to rest and share a meal. They would feel restored for whatever the next day might hold. Cindy immediately knew Mike’s story provided clarity on her calling and purpose, and she was called to action.
The very same night after hearing Mike’s story, Cindy started working to create a small healthcare hospitality house in her neighborhood for Mercy Hospital of Buffalo. On February 12, 2014, Grace Guest House was formed. “The name I chose was based upon the Grace of God, because I knew from the start that it was only through Him that this could happen.” With the support of family, friends, and the community, she was able to turn her vision into reality. In November 2017, Grace House opened its doors and welcomed its first families, and Grace House now serves 5+ regional hospitals.
Isn’t it amazing how the simple act of sharing a personal story can profoundly impact others? Check out our Stories page to hear about our guests’ experiences.