History of the Rotary Club of the Tarrytowns
Representing Irvington, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown

The Rotary Club of the Tarrytowns was organized on November 9, 1921 and held its first meeting at the Tarrytown YMCA, with 17 Charter Members present.  Robert A. Patterson was the first President.  Luncheons, which cost 50 cents, were prepared by Annie Huff and the YMCA Auxiliary Members. Women were inducted as Rotarians in 1987.  Today, there are over 60 members.  The Club meets each Wednesday at 12:00 at the Westchester Marriott in Tarrytown. 

Rotary takes the position that only an interested member can be a productive member. Hence, every member is expected to support the Club's community service activities, including fund raising and volunteer service on projects designated by the Club.  The Club raises over $25,000 annually,  primarily through its annual Wine and Jazz Evening and the sale of holiday fruit.  The funds are distributed to over 30 not-for-profit organizations.
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Rotary Breitbarth Scholarship Fund

 The Rotary Club of the Tarrytowns established the Frederick Breitbarth Scholarship Fund to provide financial assistance to deserving students who plan to further their education and/or training upon completion of high school. 
 The fund was created to honor the memory of Dr. Frederick Breitbarth, a past president of the Rotary Club of the Tarrytowns and a leader in the community who lived the Rotary motto: Service Above Self. 
 Consistent with the motto, the primary criterion on which students are selected to receive an award is the student's service to the community.  The awards are open to all high school juniors who live or attend a public or private school in Irvington, Tarrytown or Sleepy Hollow. 

A Few of Our Projects

Community Bulletin Board  The Club sponsored and paid for the assembly of a Community Bulletin Board, which is located across from the Union State Bank on North Broadway.

Community Opportunity Center  Rotarians have contributed to the Buildings Fund and sponsor summer scholarships, the soup kitchen, and provide other support as needed.

Phelps Memorial Hospital Bus Stop  A bus stop was constructed in a joint effort with the Briarcliff Rotary Club.

The Salvation Army  The Club contributed to the Building Fund and continues to support camp scholarships, after school programs, holiday food baskets and helps with the Holiday Bell Ringing.

Family YMCA at Tarrytown  Established the Arthur Kennell Memorial Scholarship to support various projects at the YMCA, including summer camp scholarships.  .

Sportsmanship Award  Varsity athletic team leaders from Irvington, Sleepy Hollow and Hackley schools are awarded plaques for outstanding leadership and sportsmanship conduct. The winners are chosen by their peers.

Defibrillators  The Club raised public awareness for the need for defibrillators in our local police cars and assisted with fundraising for this project.

Hurricane Katrina Aid  The Club organized a fund raising campaign to purchase a pickup truck for the Salvation Army to use in New Orleans to assist victims.  The truck was driven to New Orleans filled with needed supplies

Rotary Club Council of Agencies

There are over 200 non-profits and local governmental agencies in Irvington, Sleepy Hollow and Tarrytown that are working to improve the quality of life in our community.  Too often, however, residents are not aware of the services offered and there is inadequate coordination among agencies.  There had been no single place information could be obtained or exchanged.  In response to this community need the Rotary Club created the Council of Agencies of Irvington, Tarrytown and Sleepy Hollow and the www.councilofagencies.org website.  All non-profits and local government agencies in the three villages are invited to join.  The Council encourages the formation of Community Collaboration Groups, which meet periodically to share ideas, identify community needs and propose solutions, and find areas for cooperation.  These groups include Child Care Agencies, Faith Based Organizations, Educational Institutions, Community Service Organizations, Community Recreation Facilities, Cultural Institutions, etc.
 Agencies are invited to post events, list volunteer and youth employment opportunities, discuss issues, and list needs for emergency assistance on www.councilofagencies.org.   To obtain access, contact info@councilofagencies.org.