Minutes 

May 14, 2026

Members: Laurie, Peter, Kevin, James, Robert, Murray, Dick

Zoom: none

Guests: Michael Ashbury and Ellen Santasiero of Braver Angels speakers

Peter Sawyer Rotarian, Professor Hudson Valley

John Eberle, President and CEO of Community Foundation

Karen DeBonis, Volunteer for Braver Angels

Meeting called to order by Murray Forth

Phil was on the road today and when he returns, he will give an update on our Board Meeting.

Dues: Murray will be sending out notices for our new calendar year. The dues are $175 for members and $350 for corporate members. Wee would like to have these by June 1.

Dean’s EGB presentation: Dean gave a presentation at the EGB Library on the Greek Immigrant Journey on April 28^th. It was well received and had an hour discussion afterwards.

District Grant 25-26: Almost complete and waiting to send check to the EGB Foundation so we can submit the final report.

District Grant 26-27: The Committee is writing the grant proposal. We will be working with the Flutter Express to deliver supplies for transportation to and from the medical appointments.  We will be committing $2500 of which 50% should be reimbursed by the District. There is also a matching donor who will bring the total of the project to $5,000. Thanks to all involved in the process. We would like to complete the grant application by the end of this month.

Global Grant: The Global grant in Kenya in progressing and will hopefully be completed by the end of June.  The extra funds of $1005 have been committed and will be sent. The project will include securing the bore hole, a water collection system, training and some toilets. Thanks again to everyone who has been involved, especially Peter and Debbie Brown.

Epic Day of Service: 5/16/26. Clubs are encouraged to focus on food insecurity which we have been doing!

Inauguration Event in Utica 6/20 12-4p, register by 6/6 $30. This is a family event to celebrate the past year and the year to come. More information on CNYRotary.org

Bowlathon Summary: $850 plus to Anchor Food Bank along with donations. Thanks to Phil for organizing.

Year End Picnic: Debbie and Peter Brown will be hosting once again on June 25^th at their house.

Summer events: Options for the summer events and field trips. S&S Brewery, Pool fundraiser at Jim Leyhanes, Murray to do cookout, trip to Grant Cottage outside Saratoga. Other ideas welcome.

Speakers: The next speaker is Helen Buono, MSW from Community Caregivers and invited by Carole Heaney. 

Presentation: Michael Ashbury and Ellen Santasiero of Braver Angels speakers

​

Braver Angels — Depolarizing the United States

• Braver Angels is a nonpartisan organization founded in 2016 that brings red and blue Americans together through structured workshops, aiming to reduce affective polarization — not by changing people’s policy views, but by improving how they understand and relate to one another. Equal representation from both sides. The idea is that we share more in common than we differ. 

• Brings Americans together to bridge the partisan divide. Like Rotary, people unite and take action to create lasting change. Building a house united.

• Their programming demonstrably works: 70–80% of participants report better understanding and more positive attitudes toward the other side, with outcomes focused on collaborative problem-solving rather than ideological conversion.

• The organization is scaling rapidly — from its first Red-Blue Workshop in 2016 through explosive growth in 2020–2022 — expanding into legislative engagement (“Braver Politics”), special-interest groups (Angels of Color, Working People’s Project), and a national convention. Local groups exist as well an on line communications.

Dear Members,

At this Thursday’s dinner meeting, Michael Asbury and Ellen Santasiero of Braver Angels will be presenting.

Unfortunately, I will be out of town but Murray Forth has agreed to lead the meeting.

A board meeting was held on May 7 at Dean’s house.  I will provide a brief report at our meeting on the 28th

I have spoken to the manager of the Forrest Pointe apartment complex where I reside about having a garage sale on a Saturday in July.  The board discussed raising funds via the sale as part of a district grant to support the Flutter Express.

Sincerely,

Phil Kellerman 

On Sunday April 26 our club held its annual bowl-a-thon at the East Greenbush Bowling Lanes. More than $900 was raised for the Anchor Food Bank along with donations of food. Thanks club!

Sincerely,

Phil Kellerman, President

SRC Rotary

Minutes 

April 23, 2026

Members: Laurie, Ray, Peter, Debbie Brown, Phil, James, Robert, Murray, Dick, Pat, Charlie, Andy, Kevin, Mary Alice

Zoom: none

Guest: Francesca LoPorto-Brandow, speaker

Emory and Joan Maddix

Meeting called to order by President Phil Kellerman

NEXT MEETING IS MAY 14^TH (NOT MAY 7^TH ) BECAUSE OF OUR 2^ND AND 4^TH THURSDAY SCHEDULE. ANDY WILL BE RUNNING THE MEETING.

Jack Faddegon: Moment of silence for Jack Faddegon who passed away March 10^th at age 79.  He was a leader in the Shelter Box initiative and also helped out club with the Star of Hope Renovation.

Bowlathon, Phil: April 26th from noon-2pm for our annual bowl-a-thon at the East Greenbush Bowling Lanes to support the Anchor Food Bank.  We currently have 16 sponsors and hope to get over 20.  We are in need of bowlers. Will be doing a 50/50 at the event. See everyone Sunday! Remember to bring food for donations.

Nassau Food Panty, Pat: They are looking for cereal, spaghetti sauce and Jelly. Contact Pat for more information.

Hoffman’s, April 11-12^th, Phil: Per members this was a success! Hoffman’s thank you with a FREE Ultimate Car Wash with donations going to the local food banks. 

GOL: Mongolian 3 year old who was treated at Albany Med was flying home today. Thanks to Dean and Doris for being on the board.

Global Grant, Peter: Despite a small setback, the project should be completed mid May. The group is still looking for the final amount to send to Africa That number should be available at the end of next week. Peter and Debbie and an anonymous donor are trying to close the gap.  Anyone else interested please contact Peter to donate. The number is currently $1500.

District Grant 25-26, Laurie: Deliveries scheduled for next week and we can begin to complete the final report which will need some signatures before sending in.  Thanks everyone and especially Laurie.

Regional Grant 26-27, Laurie, Peter: Looks like time restraints will not allow for a regional grant this year. EGB SD is not needing funds for now. The committee is looking for which other organizations may fit into a larger District Grant. They are looking for additional committee members and will be meeting over the next few weeks. If a District Grant can’t be defined, we may go back to Scholarships.  The group is still interested in scholarships even if other fundraising is needed. 

Let’s Eat, Troy, Peter: Peter gave an update on the Food Security Initiative put together by Peter Sawyer (spoke to us a few weeks ago).  It is a multiyear plan that may allow our club some opportunities to work with the community. 

New Member, Phil: Phil has been approached by Joan Bishop and will get her a membership application.  Good going Phil.

Speakers: The next speaker is Mike Ashbury of Braver Angels, invited by Peter Brown. Guest may include John Eberle and Peter Sawyer. This year has filled up. Thanks everyone for the great programs. See Calendar for the dates.

Year End Picnic: Debbie and Peter Brown will be hosting once again on June 25^th.

Summer event: options for the summer events and field trips. S&S Brewery, Pool fundraiser at Jim Leyhanes, Murray to do cookout, trip to Grant Cottage outside Saratoga. 

Presentation: by Francesca LoPorto-Brandow, Founder The Flutter Express

families.

The Flutter Express Service

• What it is — A 56-passenger motor coach bus(with onboard lavatory) providing round-trip service from Albany/Rensselaer, NY to New York City and Boston, running Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

• NYC route — Departs Rensselaer at 6:00 a.m., with stops in Albany (6:30 a.m.) and Catskill (7:15 a.m.), arriving at Manhattan’s Upper East Side along York Avenue — directly serving NewYork-Presbyterian Weill Cornell, Hospital for Special Surgery, and Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Shuttle service extends to additional MSK locations and the American Cancer Society Hope Lodge.

• Boston route — Departs Albany at 6:30 a.m., stopping at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston Children’s Hospital, Joslin Diabetes Center, and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in the Longwood Medical Area.

• Pricing — Healthcare Seeker tickets at a flat $79, Companion tickets at $85, and standard community tickets at $39 — saving $37–$67compared to driving or taking the train.

Onboard Experience & Amenities

• Complimentary Flutter Kits — Adult kits include hand sanitizer, ginger-lemon chews, hydration packets, earplugs, eye mask, face mask, and tissues. Kids’ kits (14 and under) feature an E&D Best Stuffies “Flutter Buddy,” coloring book, organic lollipops, gummies, and more.

• Refreshments & entertainment — One 16oz bottled water each way, a snack service in the morning and afternoon, and a movie or game on the ride home (passengers vote via PollEv).

• Flutter Express Host onboard every trip for support and assistance.

Flutter Club, Inc. (Nonprofit Arm)

• Mission — A 501(c)(3), 100% volunteer-powered nonprofit that eliminates transportation barriers and eases financial burdens for people of all ages navigating critical illness, developmental disabilities, or fertility — plus their caregivers and families.

• Community model — For every 10 community riders on a round trip, Flutter Club donates one free ride for a healthcare traveler plus a companion. Partnerships with organizations like Wicklund Warriors cover rides for blood cancer patients.

• Sponsorship tiers — Range from “Friend of Flutter Club” up to Blue Morpho Diamond Sponsor, with options to sponsor in memory, in honor, or as a corporate partner.

Support & Engagement Opportunities

• Donations via the website (flutterclub.com), GoFundMe, PayPal Giving Fund, and Facebook

• Flutter Shop — Merchandise including ornaments, hats, mugs, apparel for all ages, with proceeds funding rides and care packages

• Amazon Wish List for care package items sent directly to recipients

• Volunteering — Care package crew, events crew, or volunteer companion roles

• Fundraising trips — Groups can plan a trip aboard The Flutter Express while raising funds for Flutter Club

Key Takeaways

• Born from lived experience — Francesca’s personal journey and her family’s extensive healthcare travel across multiple states directly inspired this service, giving it deep authenticity and mission alignment.

• Filling a real gap — The Flutter Express sits between expensive private transport and inconvenient public transit, offering an affordable, purpose-built healthcare travel option with significant cost savings.

• Community-powered sustainability — The model cleverly ties community ridership to free rides for patients, creating a self-reinforcing cycle of support rather than relying solely on donations.

• Comprehensive care beyond transport — Flutter Kits, onboard hosts, entertainment, and the nonprofit’s care packages show a holistic approach to the patient travel experience.

• Growing momentum — Featured in the Times Union (February 2025), with established partnerships, multiple sponsor tiers, and expanding routes to both NYC and Boston.

SRC Rotary

Minutes 

April 9, 2026

Members: Laurie, Carole, Ray, Peter, Debbie Brown, Phil, James, Robert, Murray, Dick Pat

Zoom: Andy

Guest: Rachael Kramer, invited by Chris Fowler

Meeting called to order by President Phil Kellerman

Bowlathon, Phil: April 26th from noon-2pm for our annual bowl-a-thon at the East Greenbush Bowling Lanes to support the Anchor Food Bank.  Sponsorships for the event are $50. Donated food will be brought to the Food Bank. We currently have 16 sponsors and hope to get over 20.  We are in need ofbowlers. Phil will be reaching out to Kevin to recruit studentsand to Maple Hill. Will be doing a 50/50 at the event. 

Hoffman’s, April 11-12^th, Phil: Bring a non-perishable food donation to any Exterior or Full-Service Hoffman Car Wash location, and we will thank you with a FREE Ultimate Car Wash with donations going to the local food banks. 

GOL: Surgery and pacemaker placement were performed at Albany Med. The patient is doing well and will hopefully be at the CNY District Conference. 

Global Grant, Peter: Progress continues to move slowly towards closure of the grant. Our club is still trying to fund an additional $1500. Peter and Debbie have some funding coming in and we are awaiting the final number. Looking to seal the well. Finishing the girls’ facilities will be a separate project.  Tax deductible funds can be sent to but need to designate funds go to Enaibelilbel Project.  For questions contact Peter:

Kilifi Kids

Marc Olsen

5440 Shiver St, Atlanta Ga 30342

marc.olsen@gmail.com

District Grant 25-26, Laurie: Getting close to finishing. Purchases in process and waiting for deliveries and receipts.  Thanks to all involved. 

Regional Grant 26-27, Laurie, Peter, Carole: Looks like time restraints will not allow for a regional grant this year. The committee is looking for additional members. Going back to a District Grant. The committee look to which organizations can be supported. 

DAF rules, Phil: Phil had sent the committee the information and will be presenting options at the next Board Meeting.

Speakers and year end picnic, Phil.  The speaker slots are filling. Phil is asking for a place to hold the year end picnic.

Summer events, Phil: looking for options for the summer events and field trips. Start thinking.

District Conference: This weekend in Syracuse.

Presentation: Rachael Kerner

Experiential Learning & Education

The presentation differentiates between experiential learning (an individual’s internal meaning‑making process) and experiential education (a structured framework that supports growth). 

Key ideas include:

Learning is most effective when it is self‑initiated, personally meaningful, and reflected upon. Kolb’s learning cycle emphasizes experience, reflection, conceptualization, and experimentation as a continuous process. 

Why Horses?

Horses enhance learning because:

They communicate through body language, energy, and movement.

They respond honestly to human intention and emotional states.

They help participants confront vulnerability, fear, trust, and personal boundaries in real time. This creates accelerated insight and opportunities for meaningful change, which participants can transfer into everyday life. 

Equine Expressive Arts

The presentation extends EAL into Equine Expressive Arts, combining horse interaction with creative disciplines such as art, movement, music, writing, and drama. This integrated approach, reduces stress and anxiety, improves mood, focus, and emotional expression and supports individuals who struggle with traditional talk‑based therapies or interpersonal connection. 

Program Structure & Facilitation

Key elements of EAL programming include, intentional participant selection based on student, teacher, parent, or counselor input, Goal‑focused sessions that emphasize confidence, leadership, boundaries, and resilience, and a facilitation model (COASTR): check‑in, activity, observation, adjustment, and reflection. Awareness of participant learning zones (comfort, stretch, panic, dead) to ensure safety and growth. 

Horse Awareness & Safety: Understanding the horse’s sensory world—vision, hearing, touch, smell, and body language—is emphasized as essential for both human safety and horse well‑being during EAL sessions.

Gift of Life Update

The Rotary Gift of Life program provides life-saving heart surgeries for children of developing countries where such care is not available. To date, over 50,000 children have received such treatment. 

 Bayarchimeg, a 3-year-old girl from Mongolia is the latest to be served by GOL of Central New York. Arriving in Albany in early March, she had an atrial septal defect repaired, and later was provided a donated pacemaker. She is expected to return home mid-April. 

 In recent years, Rotary has been able to send medical teams to Bolivia, Rumania, the Philippines, and other nations to train medical personnel in these procedures, making the program more productive and sustainable. 

 SRC board members of GOL, Dean and Doris Calamaras, thank Rotarians for their generosity to this effort. They also note that the board can always use new members.

Hello Members!

Happy Spring!

On April 9th at our dinner meeting Rachael Kerner will speak on Equine Arts Therapy.

On Saturday April 11 and Sunday April 12 at Hoffman’s Car Wash in East Greenbush, donated food will be collected for the Anchor Food Bank.  With donations, get a free wash!

Our annual Bowl-a-thon to support the food bank is Sunday April 26 from noon-2 pm at the East Greenbush Bowling Lanes.  We currently have 12 sponsorships at $50 each but we could use more.  We need bowlers too!  

Sincerely,

Phil Kellerman, President

SRC Notes 03/26/26

Members present: Dick, Pat, Mary Alice, Laurie, Charlie, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown,

Phil, James, Roberto, Murray, Ray Hannan

Members via Zoom: Carole Heaney, Dean

Guests: Peter Sawyer, Rotarian

Annual SRC Bowlathon Sunday April 26^th noon to 2pm with proceeds to Anchor Food Bank. East Greenbush Bowling Center. Looking for Sponsorship support at $50.  Club has collected 10 sponsors so far. Cost to bowl for 2 hours is $20 with shoes. Action: recruit bowlers and sponsors.

Freezer donation: Phil is donating a freezer and currently asks are going to the East Greenbush Schools and others in need.

Gift of Life: Dean gave an update.  The infant had surgery March 19^th and has taken a walk down the hall! May be attending the District Conference. Thanks to Dean and Doris for being on the Board.

IRS: filing for the Clubs 501c4 status has been completed.

Speakers: These have been arranged for the next month.  Thanks everyone.

District Grant Committee 25-26: Laurie gave an update on the EGB Back pack program.  Still waiting on some pricing for a refrigerator/ freezer. Should be able to complete the grant very soon. 

Regional Grant Committee: The next Grant Management Training is set for March 30^th at 7p via Zoom.  Preregistration is required and can be done on the CNY website. So far, we have 4 people who have taken the course. Action: The group will be meeting to see if we can still pursue a Regional Grant or need to do another district grant.

Global Grant: Peter: Great news is the tanks are collecting water.  May need some funds for lining the latrines. Still working on getting funds for the girls’ facilities. Looking to check on liabilities if the well isn’t plugged. Good work everyone. 

Rotary Summer member: Roberto received an email from Gerald Calamari who’s from Averill Park but has joined a Rotary Group in St. Petersburg, FL.  He would like to participate in some of our Summer Rotary Projects.  Action: We will add his name to the list of contacts and welcome him to work with us.

MD PELS Followup: Jim and Roberto attended the meeting in Syracuse and it was very informative.  They would like to have some time to presents some of the learnings to our Club in the future. 

Exchange Student Followup: Roberto: Roberto was able to speak to some of the Exchange representatives at MD PELS conference.  It is too late to send anyone this year Because this is an outbound student, it may be easier to find a sponsor. This could be our club, and individual, or another club.  Options look promising. Action: Roberto will get back to the individual requesting information and let them know of the prospects.  

DAF Rules: Phil is convening the Committee to review rules and guidelines on withdrawing funds. This will also include speaking with the RI Foundation folks.

Website update: Carole: Carole is convening the group and looking at options and costs for revamping the website. Thanks to Carole and the group.

District Conference: April 11-12^th in Syracuse. It will be at the Syracuse Marriott Downtown. Details on CNYrotary.org. Phil was thinking of going.  Hopefully some our members can attend. 

Presentation:

Speaker, Dr. Sawyer, Professor of Sociology at Hudson Valley Community College. Also a member of the Burnt Hills/ Ballston Lake Rotary Club. 

Dr. Sawyer explains the importance of public deliberation in fostering civic capacity, community problem-solving, and collective action through informed, respectful discussion. ​

Public deliberation is a civic process where people thoughtfully discuss complex issues, consider diverse perspectives, and weigh trade-offs to make collective decisions. ​

Deliberation involves tackling difficult issues, especially those with disagreements. ​

Participants listen carefully, open-mindedly examine different viewpoints. ​

It emphasizes weighing benefits, trade-offs, and values.

Not debate, discussion, advocacy, or simple list-making; it requires wrestling with different approaches. Again, an open-minded approach.

Purpose of Holding Deliberative Events

Events are organized to build civic capacity, prepare citizens for responsible participation, and address complex local problems. Builds civic capacity and community engagement. ​Aims to solve significant, complex local issues. ​Promotes community problem-solving resurgence. Supports community members in working together for positive change. ​

Why Civic Deliberation Matters to Communities

Harnessing community connections through deliberation and service projects fosters sustainable, long-term positive impact. ​

Collective actions demonstrate how community efforts create meaningful change. ​

Rotary members exemplify how civic engagement benefits the world. ​

Emphasizes the importance of community-driven solutions for lasting impact. ​

He is holding an event in Troy on Wednesday April 8^th to focus on community involvement. 

Dear Members:

This Thursday’s speaker will be Dr. Sawyer, Professor of Sociology at Hudson Valley Community College.  The title of his talk is “How Should We Ensure that People Have the Food They Need.”

We need more sponsors  and bowlers for our annual Bowl-a-thon scheduled for Sunday, April 26 from noon to 2 pm at the East Greenbush Bowling Lanes.  Recommended sponsorships are $50,

I met yesterday with Paula Sancomb, director of the Anchor Food Bank that our Bowl-a-Thon supports.  Hoffman Car Wash will be accepting donations of food to the Anchor Food Bank on Saturday and Sunday April 11 and 12th.  Free car wash with your donation.

Sincerely,

Phil Kellerman, President

Recently the SRC Rotary Club partnered with the Joan Nicole Prince Home to host a fundraiser at the Nine Pin Brewery in Albany. The event raiser over $1000 split between the Joan Nicole Prince Home and the SRC Rotary Club.

Dear Members:

Thank you to all those who attended and/or helped out at the benefit at Nine Pin Cider on Sunday, March first.  The music was great and the benefit raised money for our club. Details will be provided at our next meeting on Thursday, March 12.  Chris Whittaker, attorney for Encon, will be our speaker.

The West Hills Albany Refugee Center is seeking donations of  soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, combs, brushes and feminine hygiene products.  If you have any to donate please bring them to our next meeting and I will get them to the center.

Please put on your calendar Sunday April 26th from noon to 2 pm at the East Greenbush Bowling Lanes will be our annual bowl-a-thon to raise funds and donate food for the Anchor Food Bank in Castleton.  $20 to bowl which includes shoes.  Individual sponsorships for the event are $50.  

Sincerely,

Phil Kellerman, President