For the second year in a row, Bottle Hill Tavern and its owners demonstrated remarkable generosity by providing more than 100 free Thanksgiving dinners to individuals and families in Madison free of charge. The meals were served on Thanksgiving Day at the restaurant, creating a warm and welcoming space for those who might otherwise have spent the holiday alone.  Guests who dined expressed heartfelt gratitude for the opportunity to share a holiday meal in the company of others. For many, it offered comfort, connection, and a sense of belonging during a time that can be difficult for those without family nearby.  The initiative was once again made possible through the strong partnership between Bottle Hill Tavern and Madison Rotary. Together, they brought the community together in the true spirit of Thanksgiving.  Additionally we would like to thank the many volunteers, especially Madison High School Interact Club who volunteered to make this event a success.  Madison Rotary encourages residents to show their appreciation by supporting and patronizing Bottle Hill Tavern—an establishment that continues to step up, give back, and make a meaningful difference in the Madison community.

Pat Miller, a longtime member of The  Madison  Rotary Club’s saw the need to help teachers and students  respond in positive ways to the increased anxiety students were experiencing. Turning to a program that embraced SEL (social and emotional learning) SKILLS, a collaboration was formed between Madison Rotary and Madison school administrators.  Madison Public Schools Superintendent, Danielle Shanley and Director of Elementary Education, Christy O’Connor were eager to share how the Madison Public schools would incorporate this program across the school district.   They joined the Rotary club members at an evening meeting to present details of how this will be implemented in the schools, laying out the timeline, the initiatives and the resources.

CLICK HERE to access a recording of the meeting.  Thanks to Pat  Miller’s generosity, and Madison Rotary for committing to the program’s sustainability, this new initiative is a step in enabling students to manage life’s challenges and enjoy its endless possibilities. 

Madison Rotary is a dynamic group of 87 dedicated members who live or work in the Madison area, united by a shared commitment to making a positive impact both locally and globally. Our key initiatives focus on youth development, reducing food insecurity, and collaborating with community partners to address pressing needs.

On a cool autumn evening, the kitchen at Homeless Solutions was filled with the sounds of chopping vegetables, the sizzle of pans, and the warm laughter of volunteers. Madison Rotary members Steph Codey, Barbara Lucas-Chin, Curt Beaudouin and Doug Willis cooked and served dinner for residents, carrying forward their commitment to ending food insecurity in the community.

With sleeves rolled up and aprons on, Rotarians worked side by side preparing a hearty meal – meat balls, rice, broccoli topped off with vanilla or chocolate cake.  For many of the residents, this wasn’t just dinner; it was a reminder that their neighbors care.

“Food brings people together,” one Rotarian explained. “But for us, it’s more than cooking. It’s about offering dignity, kindness, and hope.”

The evening ended with shared smiles and full plates, but Madison Rotary’s mission continues well beyond the kitchen. Through service projects, fundraising, and partnerships with local organizations, the club is dedicated to reducing food insecurity and building a stronger, more compassionate community.

Rotarian John Hogan and Madison High School Interact Club member Alexandra Porio proudly presented a $2,400 check to Rotarian Avery Hart and Paul Mantell of the Maasai Girls Fund. This contribution will provide a full four-year high school education for a girl in a Maasai village in Kenya.  For the last four years, the Madison High School Interact Club has worked tirelessly to raise this amount annually, ensuring that young women in the Maasai community—who otherwise would not have access to secondary education—can pursue their studies, expand their opportunities, and transform their futures.

Education is often the key to breaking cycles of poverty and inequality. By investing in the education of these young women, Madison’s Interact students are living out the Rotary motto, “Service Above Self.” Their efforts demonstrate the power of young leaders to make a lasting global impact, connecting Madison, New Jersey to communities across the world.

The Madison Rotary and Madison High School Interact Club remain deeply committed to service both locally and internationally—addressing food insecurity in New Jersey while also supporting educational opportunities abroad.

(Photo, left to right: Paul Mantell, John Hogan, Alexandra Porio, and Avery Hart)