Celebrating After Successful Breakfast with the Bunny Event

Burgerfest Car Show

Farm to Family Founder is Awarded Empire Award

Scott Bieler Presents Keys to New Farm to Family Truck

Club Hosts Artificial Intelligence and Cyber Safety Dinner and Discussion

The Rotary Club of Hamburg invites the community to an informative and engaging evening designed to make today’s rapidly changing digital world a little easier to understand—and safer to navigate.

On Monday, October 5, 2026, from 6:00–8:00 p.m., the Rotary Club of Hamburg will present “Dinner & Discussion: Exploring Artificial Intelligence & Cyber Safety” at the Hamburg Moose Lodge, 45 Church Street, Hamburg, NY.

Artificial intelligence is quickly becoming part of everyday life. At the same time, scammers are using increasingly sophisticated technology to create convincing emails, text messages, phone calls, images, and even fake voices. Knowing what to look for—and what to do when something doesn’t seem right—has never been more important.

This approachable program is intended for anyone who would like to better understand AI and learn practical ways to protect themselves and their families online. No technical experience is necessary.

What Will We Discuss?

During the evening, participants will learn about:

Common cyber threats affecting individuals and families
What artificial intelligence is and how it works
How to recognize deepfakes, scams, and misinformation
Ways to protect personal and financial information
How AI is being used in schools, healthcare, and business
Safer online shopping, banking, and social media practices
How scammers use AI to impersonate family members and businesses
Warning signs to watch for and ways to verify suspicious communications
Simple steps everyone can take to improve digital security

The goal is to provide useful information that participants can begin putting into practice immediately.

Dinner Is Included

The evening will also feature a taco bar dinner with seasoned meat, fresh toppings, tortillas, and a variety of accompaniments. Complimentary water and coffee will be provided. Additional soft drinks and alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase separately.

Event Details

Date: Monday, October 5, 2026
Time: 6:00–8:00 p.m.
Location: Hamburg Moose Lodge, 45 Church St., Hamburg, NY 14075
Cost: $20 per person
Reservation Deadline: September 30, 2026

Paid reservations are required by September 30th.

Whether you are already using AI, have questions about it, or simply want to feel more confident protecting yourself online, we hope you’ll join us for an evening of good food, useful information, and conversation.

To register Click here or go to the DONATE button on the top of the webpage.

Jill Prezyna, CISA, SSCP, CIPP/US Presents Dinner & Discussion - AI and Cyber Safety

Jill is an IT Security Professional with 15 years of experience helping organizations strengthen their cybersecurity, privacy, and risk management programs. Her expertise includes Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity awareness, fraud prevention, data privacy, and regulatory compliance across the healthcare, financial services, and technology sectors. She has worked extensively with leading security frameworks including NIST, SOC 2, HITRUST, NY DFS, FFIEC, GLBA, SOX, and SSAE 18, helping organizations identify risks, protect sensitive information, and prepare for today's evolving cyber threats.

Jill has received an Associate’s degree in criminal justice and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Security and Information Assurance, Summa Cum Laude, from Hilbert College. Prior to opening her own governance, risk, and compliance consulting practice this year, Jill was the Director of GRC and Advisory Services at Avalon Cyber for five years and a Principal in the Information Risk Management division at The Bonadio Group for 10 years.

Jill currently holds the following certifications:

Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)

Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP)

Certified Information Privacy Professional/United States (CIPP/US)

Jill has authored industry content for several sources, including Leading Age New York, and regularly presents on industry topics. Past events and conferences at which she has presented include the New York State Association of School Business Officials (NYSASBO) Education Summit & Expo and the Niagara County Technology and Cybersecurity Forum.

Jeff Molby from ChemoRiders.org speaks at Rotary Meeting

Jeff Molby is from Caro, Michigan and is riding his bike across the US to bring attention to the incredibly large number of people who miss chemotherapy appointments because they do not have transportation. Missing chemo appointments or check-ups can have staggering, compounding effects and can reduce the chances of a positive treatment outcome. He is urging everyone to volunteer their time to help people get life-saving treatments by driving someone to and/or from an appointment. Jeff explained to members, volunteering is based on your schedule and you can volunteer as often or as little as you like. To read more about Jeff’s incredible journey, visit ChemoRiders.org.

Volunteering is easy through Jeff’s organization or through the Cancer Society’s Road to Recovery program. Jeff will have pedaled over 22,000 miles to get his message out!

West Herr and the Scott Beiler Foundation Donates Truck to Farm to Family Program

What an incredible moment for the Rotary Club of Hamburg!

Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of West Herr and the Scott Bieler Family Foundation, our Farm to Family program now has a brand new Ford truck to help us deliver even more fresh produce to families across WNY.

Last year, the Rotary Club of Hamburg volunteers distributed more than 190,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to 31 food pantries. With this new truck, we are setting our sights even higher with a goal of 200,000 pounds in 2026!

The announcement came during a presentation honoring Earl Knauss, whose passion and dedication have helped make this program what it is today. His book, “The Ugly Vegetables,” continues to help support this mission and can be purchased on Amazon. (with proceeds going to Farm to Family).

If you would like to help us continue feeding families throughout Western New York, please consider making a donation at:

HamburgRotaryClub.org Every donation helps put healthy food on tables throughout our community.

Thank you again to West Herr, the Scott Bieler Family Foundation, our Rotary volunteers, local farmers, and everyone who supports Farm to Family. Together, we are making a real difference.

#RotaryClubOfHamburg #FarmToFamily #WestHerr #ScottBielerFamilyFoundation #Rotary #ServiceAboveSelf

2026 Hamburg Rotary Scholars

The Rotary Club of Hamburg awarded scholarships to graduating seniors from Frontier and Hamburg High Schools this month. Award recipient Brooke Heeter is a student at Frontier High School and is shown with Rotary Scholarship Chair Maria Guizzottti and Rotary President John Nowak. Brooke will attend Western Carolina University for Internal Relations and Pre Law with an ultimate goal to serve as a Judge Advocate General or go into international law. Hamburg High School senior Willian Shine is an Eagle Scout and will attend the University at Buffalo in the Bio Chemistry, pre med track. His goal is to become a neurologist.

Hamburg Rotarian Earns Worldwide Honors as Founder of Rotary Farm to Family Program

Hamburg Rotarian Earl Knauss was surrounded by a crowd of about 100 friends, family and fellow Rotarians who gathered at the Wanakah Country Club in Hamburg April 15 to celebrate the culmination of his many decades of service to the greater Western New York community through Rotary and beyond. The 51-year member of the Rotary Club of Hamburg was honored on a global level with an homage to his exemplary service in founding the Farm to Family Program that provides fresh produce to distribution centers throughout Western New York.

Knauss earned Rotary International’s highest honor, the distinguished Service Above Self Award which was presented to him by a slate of District 7090 officials, including Past District Gov. Scott Marcin, who nominated him for the award. Marcin, a Hamburg resident who is a member of the Amherst Rotary Club, had experienced Farm to Family first-hand as a volunteer working alongside Knauss and was impressed by the scope of the program. Assisting in the presentation were District Governor Aaron Carlson and District Governor Elect Joanne Serkeyn. The international prize is limited to 150 recipients annually and “celebrates people of action who are committed to service.” Rotary District 7090 consists of Western New York and Southern Ontario, Canada.

Village of Hamburg pays tribute to Rotarian Earl Knauss

Village of Hamburg Mayor Thomas Tallman presented a plaque to Hamburg Rotarian Earl Knauss recognizing his longstanding efforts to benefit the community through his 51 year-membership of the Rotary Club of Hamburg. The award was in the form of a proclamation congratulating Knauss on his recent selection by Rotary International as one of 150 Rotarians worldwide to receive the Service Above Self Award for establishing the Rotary Club’s Farm to Family Program. The production provided 197,000 pounds of fresh produce last year to economically challenged families through the support of five Eden farms. Farm to Family volunteers, under the direction of Knauss, deliver the produce six days a week during the growing season to food distribution centers and pantries throughout Western New York, including the Southtowns. Knauss founded the program in 2007 after receiving a farmer’s donation of vegetables that were deemed to be too ugly to be marketable, and he began sharing them with food pantries. The distribution continued to grow and became a Rotary project under Knauss’ direction in 2018. Pictured are Knauss and Tallman at the May 5 Rotary meeting at Uncle Joe’s Diner where Tallman was the featured speaker. Rotary meets at Uncle Joe’s on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m.

Hamburg Rotary Shredding Success

It was all hands-on deck when the Rotary Club of Hamburg held its annual secure shredding event on May 2 with Lincoln Archives at Northwest Bank, 5751 South Park Ave., Hamburg. The Rotary fundraiser was located in the parking lot at the corner of Maelou Drive, making it convenient for patrons to drive through after Rotarians removed the bankers boxes or bags of papers to be destroyed. Rotary funds support college scholarships for rising seniors graduating from Hamburg, Frontier and St. Francis High Schools. In the top photo, Rotarians (from left) Colleen Gibbons, Tim Straube and Jeff Kusche, along with Lincoln Archives representatives help empty cars. In the bottom photo, Rotarians from left, Diana Straube, Michele Hanley, Pat Castiglia and Tim Hoelscher collected the charges of $10 per box or bag fees and directed drivers to the shredding line.

Earl Knauss Awarded SERVICE ABOVE SELF Award

Some stories deserve more than a spotlight… they deserve a standing ovation. On April 16th, our Rotary family had the honor of celebrating one of our own, Earl Knauss, for receiving Rotary International’s highest distinction: the Service Above Self Award—an honor given to just 150 individuals worldwide each year. More than 50 years of service led to this moment, but Earl will be the first to tell you—it’s never been about recognition. It’s about impact. Through his Farm to Family program, what began with one man and one truck has grown into a lifeline for our community. Today, “ugly vegetables” from four local farms are rescued and delivered to more than 30 food pantries across Western New York. During peak season, this effort runs six days a week—powered by heart, hustle, and an incredible network of volunteers.

Club Hosts NAMI Speaker

The Rotary Club of Hamburg hosted a guest speaker at its March 4 meeting from the National Alliance on Mental Illness, NAMI. Ashley Franz, community relations and outreach manager for NAMI of Buffalo and Western New York presented information on the organization and answered questions. NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization providing advocacy, education, support and public awareness to assist individuals and families affected by mental illness. The agency offers family support groups, advocacy and training in Erie, Niagara, Orleans, Wyoming, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua counties. The Buffalo and WNY branch is located at 217 E. Delavan Ave., Buffalo. Pictured are Hamburg Rotary President John Nowak and Ms. Franz. The Rotary of Hamburg meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month at 6 p.m. at Uncle Joe’s Diner, Hamburg.

Rotary Member Earl Knauss Publishes The Ugly Vegetables

Read the inspiring story of how one man's vision to feed families in need started with 3 bushels of "ugly" red peppers. These "ugly" peppers could not be sold by the farmers but were perfectly good otherwise. This made him consider all the other vegetables the local farmers could not sell. This vision resulted in a volunteer-based program called Farm to Family which operates 6 days a week during the growing season. Read about how this 18-year program started with these three bushels of ugly red peppers but grew and grew! This year Farm to Family delivered nearly 200,000 pounds of vegetables. These vegetables feed 3000-4000 families weekly. Order your book at Amazon or consider a donation to this worthy project. All donations and proceeds from the book go to The Rotary Club of Hamburg to help support this project.

Community Helping to Keep Children Warm This Winter

Although Western New York enjoyed beautiful, autumn weather, cold temperatures, snow and ice are now in the forecast. This fall, more than 500 youngsters are prepared for the cold weather.

As temperatures dip, youngsters participating in this year’s Warm the Children program have winter jackets, warm hats, gloves and cuddly pajamas, courtesy of caring individuals, organizations and local foundations, which have made generous contributions to this year’s Warm the Children program. “For a single dad dealing with cancer, he is relieved that his two children have the warm clothes they need for winter,” notes Elizabeth Angelbeck, who coordinates the program for Rotary each fall. For many children, selecting new clothing helps them feel that they fit in, adds Angelbeck.

Over 85 community volunteer shoppers, who accompany families to Walmart, share stories of gratefulness on the part of parents, grandparents and even great grandparents, after they’ve shopped for their children. “I am so blessed to be a part of this wonderful program,” expressed a Hamburg grandmother, who is helping raise her grandchildren.

Warm the Children is the grateful beneficiary of donations from East Hill Foundation, Hamburg & Frontier Central Retirees Associations; Alice L. Say Foundation, West Herr Auto Group, along with other community organizations and caring individuals. Warm the Children truly kicks off the season of giving!

Tax deductible donations are still being accepted. Giving levels include: Joyful Benefactor ($500 or higher); Caring Supporter ($200-$499); Special Friend ($100-$199). However, donations in ANY amount are greatly appreciated! Those wishing to contribute may do so by making checks payable to Warm the Children Fund, and either mailing or bringing donations to EBT Bank, 5999 S. Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075. Or, contributions may be made online at www.hamburgrotaryclub.org/SitePage/warm-the-children.

Speakers from UB Heals are Presented with Socks and Toothbrush Donations

The Rotary Club of Hamburg hosted speakers from UB Heals at its Oct.21 meeting and supported the initiative with a donation of four large bags of heavy winter socks and one bag packed with toothbrushes to aid the vulnerable population of unhoused Western New Yorkers the organization serves. Maya Zalewski, program manager and David Cazares, assistant program manager provided information about UB Heals, a street medicine outreach initiative of the Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences of the University at Buffalo. Zalewski and Cazares are medical students who also actively participate with other members of the team in weekly rounds at shelters and outdoors locations to provide medical attention to men, women and children. They also distribute clothing and hygiene supplies while treating patients. The organization accepts donations from the public such as T-shirts, socks, sweatshirts, jeans, underwear, hats, gloves and seasonal jackets. To learn more about UB Heals, visit https://www.ubheals.org. Zalewski and Cazares are pictured above at Uncle Joe’s Diner in Hamburg where the Rotary Club meets on the first and third Tuesdays of the month.

Rotary Club of Hamburg Kicks Off 2025 Warm the Children Program

EVERY DOLLAR DONATED BUYS WARM CLOTHES FOR CHILDREN IN NEED.

Each fall, Rotary Club of Hamburg is proud to sponsor Warm the Children, a program which assists families in need throughout the Southtowns, before the cold winter sets in.

“Most of us know how to handle brutal WNY winter weather,” says Elizabeth Angelbeck, coordinator of Warm the Children for Rotary Club of Hamburg. “For many families, soaring heating costs, as well as the high cost of groceries and rent prevent them from being able to purchase new, warm winter clothing for their youngsters.” Last year, Warm the Children provided a record 563 children with new, winter clothes.

100% of all contributions go toward the purchase of new clothing for children in need and is fully tax deductible. All administrative costs are absorbed by Rotary, while Club members are responsible for program coordination, with assistance from NBT Bank and community volunteers, who meet families at Walmart in Hamburg to select their clothing.

Last month, Rotary Club of Hamburg was honored to accept the program’s original logo artwork, created by famed presidential portrait artist, Herbert Abrams, whose paintings of George and Barbara Bush and Jimmy Carter hang in the White House. The artwork was donated to Hamburg Rotary by Warm the Children founder, Mack Stewart, just prior to his death last February. “The framed artwork, along with a dedication plaque and Warm the Children poster now hang in the Hamburg Town Library’s children’s section as a reminder of what a community like Hamburg can do to help its children,” says Angelbeck.

Early, generous support from West Herr Automotive Group, Frontier Central Retired Employees Association and Orchard Park Presbyterian Church is greatly appreciated. “We want to encourage those who wish to contribute to Warm the Children to do so as early as possible, so we may send as many families to Walmart as we can, before the snow begins to fall,” explains Angelbeck.

Those wishing to contribute may do so by making checks payable to Warm the Children Fund, and either mailing or bringing donations to NBT Bank, 5999 S. Park Avenue, Hamburg, NY 14075. Or, contributions may be made online at www.hamburgrotaryclub.org/SitePage/warm-the-children.

Club Makes Blankets For ECMC

The Rotary Club of Hamburg once again made "no sew" blankets for the Erie County Medical Center Palliative Care Program. The cozy, warm blankets are bound in two layers of beautiful, soft designs that are tied together by fringes all around. Pictured (TOP) at the hospital presentation are Hamburg Rotarians Barbara Stanley and Dale Stanley, with Hannah Hasfurter, RN, left, and Tara Gregiore, Nurse Manager, right. The club has provided blankets regularly as one of its projects. The Rotary Club of Hamburg was assisted in assembling blankets for Palliative Care patients by volunteers from the community and from the Town of Hamburg Youth Engaged in Service (YES) Program led by Corrie Hall. Thanks to the Hamburg Moose Lodge 992 for the use of their hall which makes the job much easier!

Club Provides Meals at Ronald McDonald House

The Rotary Club of Hamburg once again provided meals for the Buffalo Ronald McDonald House on April 25. The club supported the endeavor by purchasing the groceries and ingredients for the meals prepared at the Ronald McDonald House at 780 West Ferry St., Buffalo by Rotarian Colleen Gibbons, guest Hamburg Chef Jeff Giovino, along with Chef Krista Van Wagner. Rounding out the team was Global Concepts Charter School Culinary student Selena Peña, who assisted in preparing the meal for the families of hospitalized children. Van Wagner is a former restaurant owner and heads the Culinary Department at Global Concepts. The meal prepared by the Rotarian group had a Mexican flavor under the leadership of Giovino, owner of Hamburg’s Coyote Café. The menu featured chicken enchiladas, rice and beans and Mexican bread pudding. The Ronald McDonald House provides the comforts of home for the families of young patients undergoing treatment at Oishei Children's Hospital of Buffalo. The Ronald McDonald House recently marked its 40th anniversary and is staffed with full-time and part-time employees. Pictured from left are Jeff Giovino, Krista Van Wagner, Colleen Gibbons and Selena Peña.

Warm the Children Program Kicks Off with Generous Donation

The Rotary Club of Hamburg kicked off its 2024 Warm the Children Program with a volunteer appreciation breakfast on Sept. 21 at Michael’s Banquet Facility, but more than food was on the menu. Along with the presentation of a $10,000 check from West Herr Automotive Group and honoring the 75-plus volunteer shoppers, Warm the Children Coordinator Liz Angelbeck also acknowledged two former editors of The Sun who were instrumental in the initiation and continuation of the program in Hamburg.

Vice President of Fixed Operations Jay Galligan presented the check to Warm the Children Coordinator and Rotarian, Liz Angelbeck who thanked him along with Rhonda Frederick, Director of Giving & Community Support, both of West Herr Automotive Group for the company’s dedicated support of the Rotary Club of Hamburg and its programs.

(By Eileen Hotho) On hand for the gift transfer of a new Farm to Family pickup truck courtesy of West Herr Cares in partnership with the Scott Bieler Family Foundation to the Rotary Club of Hamburg Foundation were from left: Rotarian Tom Johnston, Scott Bieler, President and CEO of West Herr Automotive Group, Rotarian Eileen Hotho, Brad Hafner, Chairman of West Herr Automotive Group and Rotarians John Nowak and Earl Knauss.

West Herr Cares, in partnership with the Scott Bieler Family Foundation turned over the keys to a 2023 white Chevrolet Silverado pickup work truck to the Rotary Club of Hamburg Foundation Friday, July 5 at West Herr Ford, 5025 Camp Road in Hamburg. The donation was made to the Rotary Club in support of its Farm to Family vegetable distribution program which serves thousands of Western New York residents challenged by food insecurity throughout the growing season.

The Rotary Club of Hamburg Farm to Family Program currently distributes fresh produce to about 25 nonprofit food pantries, distribution centers and shelters from May through December, giving away 125,500 pounds of free vegetables in 2023. Bieler heard of the program and was intrigued and felt compelled to assist the Rotary Club and local farmers in bringing the fresh produce to those in need

“We are thrilled to support the Rotary Club of Hamburg Foundation’s vital Farm to Family Food donation program,” said Scott Bieler, president and CEO of West Herr Automotive Group. “By providing this vehicle, we hope to enhance their ability to transport and distribute fresh food to those who need it most in our local community, ensuring that no family goes hungry.” The donated vehicle, a former rental with a mileage of 9,000 was a welcome gift to the Farm to Family Program which requires a dependable vehicle six days a week to drive the produce to far flung locations.

Rotary Club of Hamburg Honors President, Paul Harris Award Recipients

The Rotary Club of Hamburg honored its president and three Rotarians in ceremonies in a year-end event at the Taylor Road Cabin on June 11 that typically includes the induction of a new president but did not this year. President Tim Straube was presented a Rotary Gavel plaque and diamond presidential pin in appreciation of his year of service that would normally end June 30 with the Rotary calendar, but Straube has agreed to remain as president for an additional year. Three Rotarians were honored as Paul Harris Fellows, signifying outstanding support to Rotary, a global organization founded in Chicago in 1905. The Rotary Club of Hamburg was founded in 1942 and is one of the 95 clubs within District 7090 that encompasses Western New York and Southern Ontario, Canada. Photo 1 – Rotarian Tom Johnston presents President Tim with his awards. Photo 2 – President Tim is shown with Paul Harris Award recipients from left: Liz Angelbeck, Jeff Kusche and Jim Loomis.

Farm to Family Addresses Food Insecurity

by Eileen A. Hotho When most people think about retirement, they imagine a life of travel and leisure pursuits, but not Earl Knauss. At age 92, he leads the dynamic Rotary Club of Hamburg Farm to Family Program that from May to November 2023 provided 125,550 pounds of fresh vegetables (surpassing its 2022 total of 102,000 pounds) to thousands of individuals challenged by food insecurity in Western New York.

The operation distributes locally grown vegetables from three Eden, NY farms throughout the growing season to food pantries at non-profit organizations, churches and shelters in Hamburg, Buffalo and beyond. (See our condensed story published in the December issue of Rotary Magazine).

It all began with some funny-looking red peppers in 2007. Knauss was given three bushels of misshapen vegetables by a neighbor who had gotten five bushels from a farmer for free because they couldn’t sell them. “These peppers were perfect except for their shape,” Knauss recalls with a shake of his head. “They could not be sold to the supermarkets, and I discovered that odd shaped, blemished and imperfect vegetables were dumped or destroyed.” He asked Bill Zittel of Amos Zittel & Sons Farms for permission

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‘One simple word’

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