WELCOME TO LAKE PLACID NY AND THE BEAUTIFUL ADIRONDACK PARK
SERVICE ABOVE SELF
 
Whether you're just visiting or you live in Lake Placid and would like to visit with us as a guest, please email rotarylakeplacid@gmail.com and we'll contact you.  Our meetings are held weekly at the Hampton Inn and Suites, 801 Mirror Lake Drive, Lake Placid NY.  Meetings are each Thursday at 7:20am unless a special event or meeting is planned.
Email us http://rotarylakeplacid@gmail.com         Visit our website:  https://portal.clubrunner.ca/1980
Hampton Inn and Suites
FOCUS ON OUR FOOD DRIVE - THE NEED IS THERE AND URGENT
 
Restoration of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits doesn't make the need for nutritional support in our area go away.   Please click "food drive" on the menu ribbon above and jump to the list of suggested items to drop off at the Thrive & Thrift parking lot during drop-off hours and watch for notice of our next food drive.
 
According to 2023 data from the Essex County Department of Health and NY State Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance, 13% of individuals in the county are below the Federal poverty level.  This is higher than the US rate of 11.1%  The county data breaks down like this:  Adults (age 19 - 60) 1,295 people.  Older adults (over age 60) 874 people.  Children under age 18, over 817.  In our county, roughly 1 in 11 people (approx. 8.8% of recipients as a percentage of population) receive benefits based on estimates.
 
Dropping off food in bags and/or boxes would be appreciated.  Cash or checks are also accepted so our food banks can utilize wholesale purchasing power from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY.  Please make checks payable to Lake Placid Thrive and Thrift.
 
Lake Placid Thrive and Thrift is located at 21 Cummings Road in Lake Placid.
 
Please be generous.  Thank you. 
 
For more information, please email rotarylakeplacid@gmail.com
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Home Page Stories
Insights from the Lake Placid Public Library
Insights from the Lake Placid Public Library
In a world increasingly filled with "information slop" and AI-generated noise, where do you turn for truth? At today's meeting, Baz Perry, Director of the LP Public Library, shared her vision for the modern library as a sanctuary for intellectual freedom.  While the library houses a robust collection of 27,000 columns, its true value lies in being a "trained guide" for the community. Baz, who brings a background from Cornell and Harvard Divinity School, emphasizes that librarianship is a cognitive science—helping neighbors transform basic needs into specific, answerable questions.  Today, libraries matter more than ever for several reasons: 1) Navigating the "slop": With the rise of misinformation, the library remains a trusted, neutral space for verified data. 2) Bridging the digital divide: Whether you need help installing an app or accessing the New York Times for free, the library offers one-on-one digital literacy support. 3) Lifelong learning via CPR and baby sitting certifications to stargazing events  with the Adirondack Sky Center, the library is a core engine for local education. and 4) Global access through Libby (http://libbyapp.com) plan an extensive inter-library loan system, Lake Placid residents have the world's information at their fingertips. From showcasing student art in the "Ghoulish Gallery" to tracking the ice melt on Mirror Lake via webcam, the library is deeply woven into the fabric of Lake Placid. It stands as a reminder that democracy requires an educated, empowered community.  Baz provided a handout titled "The Fight for Intellectual Freedom & How Libraries help us win.  Access it here: https://bit.ly/4cbO3mw
Shared Journey: Navigating Alzheimer’s and Dementia Together
 
Shared Journey: Navigating Alzheimer’s and Dementia Together 
Dementia is more than just memory loss; it is an umbrella term for conditions that fundamentally change how we interact with the world. While Alzheimer’s is the most common form, others—like frontotemporal dementia—can unexpectedly shift a loved one’s personality or behavior.
Through her family's story, Margaret Zamoyta highlights that while age is a major risk factor, this journey is not a "normal" part of growing older. It disproportionately impacts women and minority communities, making awareness and early detection vital. Spotting signs early—like difficulty following conversations or misplacing items without being able to retrace steps—doesn't just provide answers; it opens doors to treatments that can slow the disease and allows families to plan with dignity.
The horizon is brightening. New treatments are now targeting the disease's actual progression rather than just managing symptoms. Beyond medicine, we have the power to protect our brain health today through physical activity, nutritious eating, and "challenging the mind" by learning new skills like pottery or an instrument.
Joined by Brooke Dubuque, questions focused on identifying local resources to help caregivers or just are someone looking for answers, The Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline (800-272-3900) and alz.org are some of the first places for guidance, understanding and action.
Read more...
Monument To A Miracle
Monument To A Miracle
Jeff Potter, chair of the Friends of the 1980 Miracle on Ice Team, presented a "passion project" to create a permanent monument honoring the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey team in Lake Placid. Partnering with USA Hockey’s Katie Million, the project has full endorsement of the original team The monument, sculpted by former Lake Placid resident Rob Eccleston, will feature 20 individual bronze figures standing on a replica of the 1980 pentagonal podium. A separate dedicated statue of speed skater Eric Heiden is also planned for the Olympic Oval. The monument will be the centerpiece of a new legacy park in front of the Olympic Center.  Targeted completion date is February 2030 for an unveiling on the 50th Anniversary of the Miracle.   Budget for the project is approximately $5.1 million, with $2.7 million required specifically for the statues.  As of now, 7 of the 20 figures are completed with fundraising ongoing to maintain the sculptor's momentum.  Jeff said the goal for 2026 is to raise $1 million. Donations are accepted at various levels down to grassroots gifts of $19.80.   Funds will also support long-term preservation and conservation.  For more information and a full description of the project, visit www.1980miraclemonument.org
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Meet Rotarian Erin DeSantis
As part of our New Member talk series, at this week's meeting we heard from one of our newer members, Erin DeSantis.  Erin’s talk centered on the importance of community, responsibility, and value-alignment. Raised in Latham, NY, by two teachers, she learned early that communities thrive only when individuals actively participate. This foundation led her to Hamilton College and various study-abroad programs that expanded her worldview. Her professional career began in New York State government, where she worked in the governor’s office during the 9/11 crisis—an experience that taught her the value of steady leadership and behind-the-scenes teamwork. She later transitioned into lobbying and trade association work, representing small businesses and navigating complex policies like the Affordable Care Act.
A significant turning point occurred while lobbying for the American Chemistry Council. Despite her professional success, the role’s heavy travel and subject matter conflicted with her personal values. Seeking a more intentional life for her family, Erin and her husband, Adam, relocated permanently to the Adirondacks in 2024. Currently on a career break, Erin is focusing on motherhood and local community service. She joined the Rotary Club to honor the civic-mindedness she admired in her youth. Moving forward, she intends to apply her background in communication to causes she deeply cares about, such as stewardship and education.  Erin, thanks for sharing with us the pictures and your personal story.
Support For Ukrainian Children
Dear Rotarians D 7040 

Approximately 19,500 Ukrainian children are still being held against their will outside Ukraine. Only about 1,800 children have been returned so far thanks to international partners. The influence of other governments remains the only real chance for the remaining children to come home.

I am a member of the Rotary Club of West Ottawa, and with the support of Rotarians across Canada, we have registered a petition in the Canadian House of Commons calling on the Government of Canada to:

  • increase international pressure on Russia;

  • actively support the return of illegally deported Ukrainian children.

Canadian signatures matter. They demonstrate public support and strengthen Canada’s voice and influence internationally.

The Rotary Ukraine–Canada Intercountry Committee provides ongoing support to returned children by:

  • visiting rehabilitation centers and organizing holiday and therapeutic activities for children;

  • providing winter clothing, footwear, toys, equipment, and battery packs for phones and lamps used during power outages.

📸 The attached photos were taken during Christmas events and visits to rehabilitation centers in Ukraine.

Any financial support from Rotary clubs would be deeply appreciated. We provide transparent reporting and photo documentation to show how resources directly improve children’s lives.
Every signature and every contribution represents another chance to bring a child home.

🔗 Petition link:https://www.ourcommons.ca/petitions/en/Petition/Details?Petition=e-6958

 

Background:
Ukrainian children were forcibly taken from families, hospitals, and schools during the occupation of cities. Some were separated from parents at checkpoints or removed under the pretext of “evacuation” or “vacation.” Others lost their parents due to the war but, instead of being returned to Ukraine or relatives, are held in Russia, where their documents are altered and they are placed in institutions or Russian families.

We would be very grateful if you could reply to this email or contact us for further information. We are open to phone consultations and happy to provide all necessary details regarding the petition and support programs for children.

Sincerely,
Peter Chabursky
Chair, Intercountry Committee
Rotary Ukraine–Canada

Read more...
Team USA Luge Is Ready To Win
Team USA Luge Is Ready To Win

At today's meeting Scott Riewald, CEO of USA Luge, outlined the organization's mission to achieve "sustained competitive excellence" through athlete recruitment and technical innovation. A former High Performance Director for the USOPC and performance coach for the Boston Red Sox (we won't hold that against him smiley), Riewald emphasized that luge is a high-stakes sport where athletes reach speeds of 90 mph and endure G-forces up to 6Gs.

Key initiatives include the "Traveling Roadshow," which uses wheeled sleds to recruit talent from non-winter regions, and a cutting-edge partnership with NASCAR to apply auto-racing aerodynamics to sled design. Riewald highlights the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, noting that USA Luge is in a strong position following an eight-medal haul at recent World Cup events. He contrasts the US program’s reliance on private donors and 300 members against Germany’s government-funded system of tens of thousands, framing Team USA as a lean, high-tech underdog.  The Winter Olympic games are almost ready to begin so be sure to cheer for USA Luge.

A Look At The NYS Board of Regents
A Look At The NYS Board of Regents
RCLP member Dr. Roger Catania (former Superintendent of the Lake Placid Central School District) discussed his unexpected journey to joining the board and provides an extensive overview of its functions. Roger explained that the Board of Regents is New York’s central policy-making body for education, overseeing not only K-12 and higher education but also the licensing and discipline for 56 professions and aspects of cultural education, including libraries and museums. He also highlights the Board of Regents' unique position as an independent agency, which often creates friction with the Governor's office, particularly around budget time. He touched upon the rich history of the board, noting famous past members like Alexander Hamilton and Kenneth Clark, concluding by addressing contemporary issues and the balancing act between public safety and streamlined licensing for professions like nursing.
 
 
Dam Duck Race Winners 2025
2025 Teddy Bear Picnic
August 2025 Social Event
Delektowanie się polską kolacją at the Redneck Bistro
OOH LA LA - A French Dinner
Our 2023 Holiday Party
Ways You Can Help Our Community
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Shelter Box
Emergencies don't take holidays
Floods, earthquakes, severe storms happen 24/7/365.  A gift to ShelterBox, a Rotary sponsored program. can provide several different types of urgently needed emergency equipment.    Just use the link on the left side of this page to download the ShelterBox gift form showing many ideas . Your one gift will bring much help and aid to those in need.  Learn about ShelterBox by visiting https://www.shelterbox.org 
 
 
 
A Statement from Rotary International
As a global network that strives to build a world where people unite and take action to create lasting change, Rotary values diversity and celebrates the contributions of people of all backgrounds, regardless of their age, ethnicity, race, color, abilities, religion, socioeconomic status.  https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/diversity-equity-and-inclusion
Officers /Click on a name to contact a Club Officer
President
Stephanie Pianka
Immediate Past President
Kathleen Thompson
Vice President
Chandler Ralph
Secretary
Kathleen Thompson
Treasurer
Heather Perkins
Director
May Chow
Director
William FLEDERBACH
Director
Linda Flederbach
Director
Harris Semegram
Director
Lee Slocum
Director
Gregory McNally
Director
Chandler Ralph
Membership
Gregory McNally
The Rotary Foundation
Peter Beatty
Sergeant-at-Arms
Roger Catania
Sergeant-At-Arms
Randy Quayle
Sergeant-At-Arms
Dr. Ernie Stretton
Community Service
Debbie Erenstone
Dam Duck Race Co-Chair
Lee Slocum
Trivia Night Co-Chair
Mary Liz Alexander
Trivia Night Co-Chair
Heather Perkins