On Saturday, September 21st, the Rotary Club of Harlem and Active Plus came together for an unforgettable 10th Annual Community Service BBQ at River Bank State Park, Field 8. It was a day filled with excitement, camaraderie, and a whole lot of heart!
The event kicked off with an invigorating community bike ride led by Active Plus, where participants cruised from Washington Heights to the park, soaking in the sights before arriving just in time for the BBQ festivities. After an hour-long ride, they were greeted by the mouthwatering smells of Chef Popi’s grill – burgers, hotdogs, veggie options, and a delicious assortment of potluck dishes prepared by Rotary and Active Plus members. The Mac and Cheese and chicken were clear crowd favorites, and we’re hoping the Gumbo makes its comeback next year!
With over 30 attendees, we kept the energy high with gifts and raffle prizes. But the true highlight of the day was celebrating the incredible Larry Cohen. Larry received service awards from both the Rotary Club of Harlem and Active Plus, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the community. The surprises didn’t stop there – Wendy Olivo, Chief of Staff for Assemblyman Al Taylor, presented Larry with a City Citation for his exceptional dedication to Harlem.
Emotions ran high as Rotary and Active Plus members shared heartfelt stories about Larry’s impact on their lives and the community. The applause was deafening, and Larry was visibly moved by the outpouring of gratitude.
Let’s keep the momentum going! Join us in honoring Larry’s commitment by participating in our upcoming “Food for the Souls” event, where we’ll be packaging meals for local pantries. Mark your calendar for November 16th, 10 AM to 2 PM, at The Salvation Army Temple Corps, 540 Lenox Ave. We hope to see you there!
