Thousands raised for Ukraine by Rotary Interact

HAWLEY, PA — Almost 200 people packed the Wallenpaupack Brewing Company recently, helping to raise $12,000 for Ukrainian refugees.
The event, organized by Honesdale High School’s Interact Club, was billed as a karaoke contest with all proceeds going to the Rotary International Disaster Response Fund for Ukraine.
“I can’t say enough about the response; it was just overwhelmingly positive,” said Brian Fulp, an adviser to the Interact club and a co-organizer. “Everyone really wants to help the Ukraine people in some way, in any way they can. This evening was one way—and it was fun!”
Fulp noted that the Skier family matched a generous amount of the funds raised.
For $10 per person, attendees got a seat, snacks and a chance to belt out favorite songs for an audience. Among those who sang was a young Ukrainian woman, who received more than one round of applause for her rousing Ukrainian tune.
More than 10 million Ukrainians have been driven from their homes. Six million have been displaced within the country and four million have fled Ukraine for neighboring Poland, Romania, Hungary, Moldova and Slovakia.
The Rotary Fund has received more than $7.3 million in contributions and distributed more than $1 million in grants to help those displaced by the war. To donate or find out how the money is being distributed, visit rotary.org.

EPIC work honored

MONTICELLO, NY — Jane Sorensen was honored for her work in the EPIC program at a recent Monticello school board meeting.
She is the program manager for Every Person Influences Children (EPIC) in the Monticello school district.

Sorensen received a Board Award from the school board as well as the Eugene T. Reville Award from the EPIC program.

The Reville Award honors a person who engages families in the education of their children. Monticello Board Awards recognize individuals and groups who have demonstrated a significant commitment to the district.

Sorensen has been with the district for 18 years and is involved in school programs like Ready Set Read, Parent University, Tiny Town, Cooking Through COVID and more. She is also involved in community organizations.
“Jane Sorensen is epic,” school board president Lori Orestano-James said. “From her raffles to her cooking demonstrations, her ability to collaborate and say ‘What do our parents need, and what can I do to meet those needs?’ is extraordinary.”

Free car safety checks in Pike

MILFORD, PA — The Pike County Sheriff’s Office is now offering free car seat safety checks.
National Child Passenger Safety-certified technicians will inspect your current car seat to ensure a proper installation and that your child is fitted safely.
Call 570/296-6459 or email sheriff@pikepa.org to schedule an appointment.

Sunshine Hall library expands services

ELDRED, NY — Sunshine Hall Free Library has added a community resource display for information about business, civic, cultural, educational, commercial and recreational activities and locations of likely interest to the community.
This is a joint project with the Greater Barryville Chamber of Commerce, which donated the brochure rack.
Brochures must be presented to the library director and meet library guidelines.
For a list of the guidelines and more information, call 845/557-6258 or email eld@rcls.org.