An unexpected crisis turns into a powerful display of community, resilience, and heart.
What was meant to be an elegant evening of recognition quickly became something far more meaningful.
On Friday April 17, with just 35 minutes until the Highland Rotary Club’s annual Service Above Self Awards Dinner was set to begin, an emergency unfolded at Casa Milanes, which was the event venue and, fittingly, one of the evening’s honorees. A fuel oil tank incident forced an immediate evacuation of the building just as guests were arriving and others were en route.
In a matter of moments, months of planning seemed at risk.
But what followed was a real-time demonstration of exactly what Rotary is all about.
Within 15 minutes, it became clear the event could not proceed as planned. Within 15 minutes more, the Rotarians who were already onsite mobilized with urgency and purpose. Centerpieces and programs were collected from the beautifully curated tables, sound systems quickly packed up, and plans reimagined in real time. A new location was secured: Bad Seed Cider, whose owners Albert Wilklow and Devin Britton stepped forward without hesitation, opening their doors on a moment’s notice. Calls and texts started flying: we were moving!
And then something remarkable happened. Almost all of the registered guests still came.
What could have unraveled instead transformed into an unforgettable evening defined not by perfection—but by people, perseverance, and heart, the very traits that make Highland Rotary Club what it is.
A Community That Refused to Let the Moment Slip Away
Sandro Milanese, despite being directly impacted by the emergency, embodied the very spirit for which Casa Milanese was being honored that very same evening. He and his team quickly pivoted, transporting a full dinner for more than 100 guests to the new venue.
Bad Seed Cider matched that commitment to community in kind, welcoming the group on a moment’s notice and transforming their space into a place of celebration.
Bad Seed Cider matched that commitment to community in kind, welcoming the group on a moment’s notice and transforming their space into a place of celebration.
Guests arrived not with frustration, but with grace. Conversations flowed, laughter returned, and a shared understanding settled in: this night was never really about the venue.
It was about community and about honoring service.
Honoring Those Who Live “Service Above Self”
At its core, the evening remained focused on celebrating three remarkable honorees whose everyday actions embody Rotary’s highest ideal.
Student honoree Taso Bakatsias represents the next generation of servant leadership—and a powerful example of what it means to give without expectation.
Nominated by Rotarian Pat Roza, Taso has demonstrated exceptional commitment to service throughout his time at Highland High School and across the broader community. A dedicated leader, he served as an officer in the Interact Club while consistently volunteering well beyond required service hours.
As a member of Troop 70 Boy Scouts, Taso contributed to numerous community clean-ups, mentored younger scouts, and completed his Eagle Scout project by building a kiosk at the Black Creek Canoe and Kayak launch—partnering with local organizations, including the Highland Rotary Club, to create a lasting community resource.
His service extends even further. Taso volunteers at Highland Elementary School, serves as an altar server, participates in the Greek Cultural Dance group, and is actively involved in school organizations and athletics.
Yet, those who know him best point to something even more meaningful: his humility.
“Taso reflects Rotary’s Service Above Self motto in everything he does,” said Roza. “He is known and admired for his kindness to everyone and his quiet, consistent care for his family, friends, and community.”
Brian Beck was recognized for his extraordinary commitment to mentoring and coaching youth throughout the Highland community. While he serves professionally as an elementary school educator in a neighboring district, his impact in Highland has been both deep and enduring.
For more than a decade, Brian has been a constant presence in youth football, lacrosse, basketball, and other programs—coaching, organizing, and mentoring young athletes season after season.
But it’s not just his presence that stands out—it’s how he leads.
Brian instills discipline, teamwork, accountability, and confidence, while ensuring that athletics remain inclusive, positive, and fun. His influence reaches far beyond the field, shaping character and resilience in the young people he serves.
“Brian Beck exemplifies the Rotary principle of Service Above Self,” said Rotarian Joe Kulaga, who nominated him. “His commitment to our youth is selfless, consistent, and deeply impactful, and our community is better because of it.”
Casa Milanese was honored for decades of unwavering commitment to community, hospitality, and service across Ulster and Dutchess Counties. Sandro and his proud father, Santino, accepted the award, with Sandro barely having time to remove his apron from preparing the evening's meal before taking the microphone.
Nominated by Rotarian Christine Giangrasso, the Milanese family’s story is one of perseverance, tradition, and heart, all on full display throughout the evening. After immigrating from Italy in the 1950s, Santino and his wife Rita opened their Poughkeepsie restaurant in 1971—building not just a successful business, but a place where community and connection thrive. The Highland location soon followed, becoming a longtime gathering place for Rotary and the broader community.
For more than five decades, Casa Milanese has supported local organizations, welcomed guests like family, and consistently given back.
And on this night—when circumstances could have halted everything—they did what they have always done: they showed up.
“The Milanese family’s love for the community is above and beyond,” Giangrasso shared. “Their hearts are in Rotary, and they truly reflect the spirit of Service Above Self.”
An Evening That Became the Message
No, it wasn’t the elegant, carefully orchestrated event that had been planned.
It was better.
It was a room filled with people who adapted, supported one another, and refused to let the moment slip away. It was businesses stepping up without hesitation, volunteers solving problems in real time, and a community choosing connection over inconvenience.
In the end, the night became more than a celebration of service. It became a living example of it.
Because Service Above Self isn’t just something you recognize on a stage.
It’s something you do, especially when it matters most.