Interested in assisting your community by working together with a group of men and women who are dedicated to service above self?

Putnam’s five Rotary clubs have issued a call for new membership—people willing to provide service to others while promoting integrity and advancing world understanding, goodwill and peace through fellowship of business, professional and community leaders.

Putnam’s Rotary clubs are found in Brewster, Carmel, Mahopac, Patterson and Putnam Valley. While each of the clubs has its own local and international projects, the clubs also work together as a team on joint programs.

Assistant District Governor Greg Amato of Mahopac and Assistant Governor Associates Penny Byron of Patterson and Sal Gambino and Ed Hengel, both of Carmel, head the county effort.

The Brewster Rotary led by President Chris Lee raises funds for charitable contributions through its wine tasting event, the Putnam Founders Day Halfmarathon and the club’s Taste of the World event when Rotarians partner with Green Chimneys.

Carmel’s Rotary led by President Connie Fagan is known for its traditional Chili Cook-off, basketball shoot out at Carmel High School and a Career Day program in the Carmel School District.

The Mahopac Rotary headed by President Wendy Erickson sponsors an annual Corvette raffle that raises thousands of dollars for local charities and scholarships for local high school students.

Patterson Rotary’s signature event each year is the Men who Cook fund raiser which club President Cathy Purdy said “men showcase their talents as chefs to raise money for local charities.”

Amato said in addition to local causes, each Rotary participates in international projects including a Shelter Box program that provides food and shelter, the Polio Plus program designed to eradicate polio and the Play Pump Program that allows residents of third world countries to use a merry-goround as a water pump instead of having individuals carry water by hand.

Amato encouraged residents to consider joining a Rotary Chapter: “Contact any member of Rotary for additional information. We wear our gearwheel emblem consisting of 24 cogs and six spokes—symbolizing the concept of working together to achieve our objectives.”

—Eric Gross