125 Denison Parkway E
Corning, NY 14830 United States of America
We meet the first and third Thursdays of the month at the Corning Radisson/soon to be DoubleTree. More information below. Meetings are hybrid; a zoom link is available.
🌸 Sakura Celebration at the Rotary Cherry Blossom Trail – April 24
At noon on April 24, members of the community gathered at Denison Park to celebrate the Sakura — the blooming of cherry trees along the Rotary Cherry Blossom Trail. In full blossom, the trees offered a quiet moment of beauty and reflection, honoring a cherished tradition observed each spring in Japan.
Mayor Bill Boland warmly welcomed guests, inviting everyone to enjoy the simplicity of the occasion: a gentle walk, the scent of spring, and a celebration of renewal. The gathering was informal and open to all — a shared moment of appreciation and connection.
Attendees strolled the trail beneath the blossoms, eventually arriving at the Kakegawa Grove, dedicated in 2023 to commemorate Corning’s sister city relationship with Kakegawa, Japan. Since 1989, that friendship has flourished through cultural, student, and adult exchanges.
Originally planted in 2021 to mark Corning Rotary’s 100th anniversary, the cherry trees now serve as a living legacy — a reminder of Rotary’s commitment to community, beauty, and connection across cultures.
As one visitor shared, “We hope this spring brings you the spirit of renewal.”
On April 23, Corning Rotarians gathered for an early evening social at Academy Place, hosted by Mayor Bill and Sue Boland — both generous Rotarians who graciously opened their beautiful space to the club.
The vibe was relaxed and friendly, with members catching up, sharing stories, and enjoying a spread of warm and cold hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and plenty of good cheer. We had an iPad info display and rack cards available so guests could learn more about Rotary — but mostly, the evening was about connection.
A highlight of the night was seeing several new faces — friends, prospective members, and folks just curious about what we do. Mani unofficially “won” for bringing the most guests (though there was no actual prize, just smiles and applause 😄).
Big thanks to everyone who came, brought a guest, or contributed to the generous support for Club Service. It was a lovely reminder of what makes our club strong: friendship, service, and a shared sense of purpose.
