James Brown of United Way is service club’s leader thru July 2013

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The Rotary Club of Ithaca is pleased to welcome its new president for the 2012-2013 year. James Brown, president and CEO of the United Way of Tompkins County, stepped into the leadership role on July 1. Affectionately known as “JB,” he has been a Rotary member since 1998.

“My participation in Rotary has provided me with opportunities to be a part of work that is beyond my normal circle of activity,” said Brown. “The Ithaca Rotary Club, along with all the Rotary Clubs in the area, makes real and often unseen contributions to life in Tompkins County. I am grateful and happy to have this chance to help keep the wheels turning and Rotary moving forward.
James looks forward to guiding the club in all of its service activities this year. Immediately on the horizon are several large events coming up this fall – Share The Warmth, Little Apple Fall Follies, Rotary Harvest, and Pancake Day – to name a few.

“Share The Warmth really captures the essence of all Rotary does in our community,” said James. “Rotary has the ability to identify a real need in Ithaca and take action that will make a difference.” Ithaca Rotary collects donations of gently used winter clothing, sorts it, and distributes it throughout Tompkins County where need is greatest. Last year, Rotary issued more than 4,500 items to 1,655 individuals.

Little Apple Fall Follies (LAFF) is scheduled for Friday, September 28 at the State Theatre; it is a delightful multi-act stage production designed to raise money for the Rotary community grants program. Rotary Harvest provides fresh food and produce donated by vendors at the Ithaca Farmers Market to families in need. Pancake Day is an annual election day meal intended to bring people together around food to generate fellowship and understanding.

The Rotary Club of Ithaca gathers every Wednesday for luncheon meetings held at the downtown Holiday Inn at noon. The public is welcome to attend to learn more about Rotary; cost is $12. Ithaca Rotary’s motto is “Service Above Self.” Membership is open to all community members who share in this belief; new members are accepted year-round.