Blog

Program:  Dr. Emily Darling of the University of Rochester Flaum Eye Institute was our speaker today. She presented information on what services they provide.

• There are six providers at the Geneva location.
• Routine Vision Care
• Urgent Care Services
• Medical and Surgical Specialty Services
• Contact Lenses and Glasses
• Second Opinions
• Physicians specialties include cataract care, glaucoma screening, macular degeneration screening and pediatric care.

Program:  Our Own Dave Cook gave an interesting presentation on his trip to Morocco.

Program:  Rob Sollenne is a board member of Geneva Community Projects and has been for 14 years. He spoke about many projects they are and have been involved in over the years.

• They raised $65,000 for the pressure treated playground by the lake which has been replaced by new more acceptable material. They partnered with HWS to build the new park.
• They also did the Seneca Lake Whale Watch which ended in 2007.
• Partnered with the City of Geneva to build the new gazebo by the lake. A launch party is planned for July 19^th, there will be big flower pots surrounding it.
• They put on the Rose Soiree at Pulteney Park and donated proceeds to many groups in Geneva.
•  Some of the other things they have worked on are FLX Excursion which is Riesling focused, chairs on the boardwalk, Geneva Music Festival, the mural on Castle St., the Butterfly Garden on Castle St. Pulteney Park fountain (They got it up and running again after it was not functioning).
• They want to keep improving the “pocket parks” throughout Geneva. (Washington St., Brook St., Gulvin, Richards) They will also be having “Meet your Parks” events where there will be free ice cream to encourage folks to visit the parks.
• Coordinated the Eclipse Run and have worked with Jake Longwell to establish a radio station (WGCC 104.1 FM) with the antenna at Seneca Lake Yacht Club that went live in April 2026.
• They are looking for local businesses to advertise for $100/month.

They will also be doing “Meet the Streets” where there will be pop-up music events. They will also be doing Geneva Sounds @ Cracker Factory. They are doing so many wonderful things for the residents of Geneva.

Ethan Fogg introduced Anne Bateman, Executive Officer of Lochland School, as
our presenter today. Highlights of her presentation include:

• Lochland’s Mission is to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual and
  developmental disabilities to celebrate independence and encourage success.
• Six state-certified and supervised individual Residential Alternatives and one
  supported living apartment (a new residence on Norwood Avenue will house
  younger adults)
• Community Habilitation Service focuses on pre-employment skills and
  community integration activities and support. This service is largely provided in
  community settings and through volunteer placements, supported in a ratio of
  one staff for every four participants.
• There are currently 24 residents; 33 day program participants and 70 staff
  members. The oldest resident is in their 70’s; youngest in their 20’s.
• Lochland was founded in 1933 as a private school under the auspices of Mrs.
  Florence Stewart. She served as Lochland’s Executive Director for over fifty
  years until her death in 1983.

Stewart House was built in the mid 1800’s and is also noted in the New York
State Register of Historic Places as a meeting place for the Geneva area’s
suffragettes and as a possible stopping point on the Underground Railroad.

PROGRAM

• Rotarian Ethan Fogg led a brainstorming discussion about what’s good and what needs improving both in terms of Geneva Rotary, and about regional and national programs.
• Came out of conversations at the Board level about how to make weekly meetings more appealing, make being a part of Rotary something that more people would want to do.
• What do we do well?  What can we do better?
• There were two-sided sheets at each table and members worked together to put down their thoughts to answer these questions.