On Saturday June 8, we had an incredible experience with the West Genesee High School Tech Club, the Woodturners of CNY, and the Syracuse Chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace as we built 10 sets of bunk beds for children in the Syracuse area who do not have beds of their own. Your generous funding of the Rotary Club of Camillus Solvay Geddes will in turn provide all the mattresses, bedding, and pillows for these 20 new beds.
A Garden of Hope was just a dream at Hope for Bereaved’s board meetings 27 years ago—the dream became a reality thanks to Founder/leader Therese Schoeneck’s vision, Nursery/Landscaper Jim Sollecito, and my efforts at getting Onondaga County on board with the project (I was on Hope’s Board)
Today’s re-dedication, a Memorial Day noontime tradition, included Jim Sollecito’s update on the re-shaping and revitalization of garden plantings, as well as a new hydrangea garden dedicated in memory of his late daughter. I was recognized as one of the ‘founders’ and shared the story of the garden’s creation:
We liked the site along the Onondaga Lake Parkway, because a county master plan included building a bike bridge over the road at that point, to like the bicycle path from Northern Lights to a route that would eventually circle Onondaga Lake.
We created the original garden in the shape of a butterfly, expecting that it would be visible from the bridge, and would remind all of Hope for Bereaved’s symbol of hope.
As we know, the bridge was not, and probably will not be built. But, the garden is thriving, and growing, as a place for bereaved whose loved ones have passed away out of the area (the original purpose), and now as a place for reflection, and for many to come make lasting new memories: we continue to host weddings, prom picture taking and other occasions.
As Jim Sollecito says, it’s turned into a premier public garden in the Syracuse area.
Article by Laura Hand – CNY Central
We have a few service opportunities on the horizon and we need as much help as possible.
Please join us at the Erie Canal Park on May 30th to help our Camillus Middle School students clean the park! We will be there from 10:15 – 2:00pm. Bring gloves!
Next, we have a date for a joint service project with West Genesee students. Saturday, June 8th we are organizing a build for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. We will build up to 10 sets of bunk beds for children in CNY who don’t have a bed of their own. This will take place at West Genesee High School from 8:30am-12pm.
Also, save Tuesday, July 2nd for a trip to prepare and serve meals at the Samaritan Center. Details to follow.
Thank you!
President Brian Kesel
Veterans were able to stock up on free food and other items at the Syracuse Vet Center Thursday morning thanks to ‘Feed Our Vets’, a group dedicated to giving back to veterans.
The group provides free food to more than 25,000 veterans and their family members, adding up to more than 1 million pounds of food.
“We’re here to eliminate veteran hunger by one week every month. Free food every month is our way of saying thank you, you’re not forgotten,” Rich Synek, founder of Feed Our Vets, said.
The group was started in 2004, and now helps feed veterans in 39 states. Feed Our Vets comes to the Syracuse Vet Center once a month.
“This is very important. The vet center, it helps us out in multiple ways. Not even just the food – but being able to sit down and talk to somebody who has been through something,” said Edwin Wynn, a veteran.
In addition to hosting Feed Our Vets once a month, the Syracuse Vet Center also offers free counseling and legal services to veterans.
You can check out more info on Feed Our Vets here
The Earth Day Clean Up at the Costco in Township 5 for Saturday, April 27th from 10am-12pm has been cancelled due to bad weather.
Chief Winn and John Rohner
Our club recently heard a presentation from Bodie C. about childhood cancer and St. Baldrick’s Day. You can donate to the cause here: https://www.stbaldricks.org/participants/bodie
Bodie C. receives a check from the Camillus Solvay Geddes Rotary Club President Brian Kesel
