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.

Madison Rotary has inducted six new members since the start of the Rotary year on July 1st.  These new members along with 90 other members volunteer to make Madison a great community.  The mission of Madison Rotary is to eliminate food insecurity, empower youth, and partner with other organizations to achieve our mission.

Top: Daphane Hanrahan, Bill Kennard, Denis Philipps, 

Bottom: Margaret Schlessinger, Chip Woodbury, Sarah Wynn.  

Madison Rotary is open to all people and backgrounds.  If you want to make a differnce go to www.madisonrotarynj.org

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)

For the 16th consecutive year, The Rotary Foundation has received the highest rating — four stars — from Charity Navigator, an independent evaluator of charities in the U.S.  The Foundation earned the recognition for adhering to sector best practices and executing its mission in a financially efficient way, demonstrating both strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency. 

Rotary begins at the local level — through hands-on service projects, community partnerships, and club camaraderie. But to truly understand the power and scope of Rotary, every member should experience it on a global stage.  That stage is the Rotary International Convention, and in 2026, it’s taking place in the vibrant city of Taipei, Taiwan — June 13–17.  

🔗 Global Connection

The convention brings together tens of thousands of Rotarians from over 100 countries. It’s a rare and energizing opportunity to connect with people who share your values and vision — and who are tackling big challenges in creative ways. Conversations that start in Taipei often spark international service projects, global friendships, and lifelong partnerships.

💡 Fresh Ideas and Insights

Breakout sessions, keynote speakers, and networking events are designed to inspire and empower. You’ll leave with new tools to strengthen your club, elevate your leadership, and expand the impact of your service. Whether you're a new member or a club president, there’s something for everyone.

Click Read More for additional information.