May 28, 2026, SRC Rotary Minutes

Attendance: P. Kellerman; R. Martinez; J. Leyhane; M. Forth; P. Bailey; L. Pferr; P. Brown; D. Brown; C. Heaney; A. Leyhane; K. Leyhane; R Hannan; 

Guests: Denise Figueroa, Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley; Jessie Pferr

Presentation:  Thanks to Laurie Pferr for arranging.

Our guest, Denise Figueroa, from Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley discussed her agency, which eliminates barriers and inspires opportunities for people with disabilities. They envision a world in which people with disabilities enjoy the same right for self-determination, economic freedom and full and equal participation in community life as their non-disabled peers.  

Services include advocacy, peer counselling, benefits advisements, living skills, employment support.

ILCHV services people of all ages with all disabilities including those affecting mobility, hearing, vision, mental health, self-expression and learning. 

ILCHV has bee operating since 1987. They are a non-residential consumer-controlled community-based organization. Over one half of their board of directors and most of the staff are persons with disabilities. 

To learn more about ILCHV visit online at www.ilchv.org or on Facebook.

Business: 

Happy Dollars: 

• Jim completed the Scouts safety protocols to continue as the Club Liasson.

• Happy Dollars are currently going to Circles of Mercy and will switch to Flutter Express in the Fall

• Phil’s soccer player friend Delphine has been granted an ok to seek work in the USA and will begin applying in July

Membership Dues and Membership: 

• Murray has sent out invoices to current club members. We need to know within the week who will be renewing or not. Thanks to Murray and all involved for monitoring this process.

• We have two possible new members from Top Form and continue to pursue Phil’s old boss.

Time Sensitive: All invoices have been sent out. Dues need to be submitted or committed by next week to Murray Forth. Make necessary adjustments to membership for Rotary International and CNY Rotary. 

IRS update:  Our filing was incorrectly changed to calendar from fiscal year. Nothing to do on our part as adjustments have been made by the IRS. 

Website Update: Carol continues to work on this project and hopes to have the site by fall. Thanks to all involved. 

Global Grant Update:

• Kenya WASH Project: P. Brown provided an update and photos. Completion is expected by the end of June. Some contingency funds will be satisfied by Jennifer Grimm, District Grants Subcommittee Chair, through an arrangement with a Rotary organization in India. The project completion does include sealing the well. The Club acknowledged Peter’s persistence in bringing the project to a close despite the many construction challenges. Jennifer will continue to oversee the grant after the project’s completion. 

District Grant Updates: 

Flutter Club District Grant 2026/27: $2500

Carole Heaney submitted the District Grant to the Flutter Club to support safe and comfortable transportation for individuals living with life-threatening illnesses to health centers in Boston and New York City. The club’s $1,250.00 fundraising contribution will be raised through a tag sale in late June or July, planned by Phil. Carole will host a Fall fundraising dinner. There is a possible $2500 match from an anonymous donor. Thanks to the Committee’s support in getting the grant timely submitted.

Action: Await approval.

East Greenbush Backpack Program District Grant for food storage Facilities and Equipment 2025/26 $2500

Laurie Pferr reported that she has the receipts for the school’s grant-related purchases and is prepared to finalize the grant report for submission. The Club has till the end of July. She has some question which need clarification. Laurie wants to include a posting in Our Towne for publicity. 

Action: Our Towne article and completing of the final report.  Laurie will send the report to Phil K. before submission. Await our reimbursement.

Meeting Schedule:

• Next meeting is on June 25^th at the Brown’s home. This is the last meeting for the calendar year and recognizes Phil and the Clubs accomplishments for the Rotary Year. Please plan on attending.  RSVP’s to the Browns. It is requested to bring an appetizer or salad to the event. Cost per person is $30or $40 for the family. Friends and family invited. Signup sheets were going around at the meeting. Thanks to the Browns for hosting. 

• Plans for summer activities currently include:

o Cookoff at Jim Leyhanes hosted by Jim / Roberto  6pm July 9^th

o S&S Brewery hosted by Phil and Pat 6pm Friday July 17^th

o Grant’s College hosted by Phil 1pm July 23^rd

o MacHayden Newsie’s hosted by Kevin 2pm Jul 30^th

o Cookout at Murray and Maggie’s 6pm August 27th

Action: Fill in remaining dates for the summer

Dear Members:

This Thursday June 11th, our guest speaker will be Denise Figueroa, Executive Director of the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley.

If you have not done so please give your membership dues to Murray Forth.

At our meeting on Thursday I will be handing out a schedule of summer activities to review.

Sincerely,

Phil Kellerman 

May 28, 2026, SRC Rotary Minutes

Attendance: P. Kellerman; R. Martinez; J. Leyhane; M. Forth; C. Foote; P. Bailey; Mary Alice; D. Drumm; L. Pferr; P. Brown; D. Brown; C.Heaney; A. Leyhane; K. Leyhane

Guest: Heidi Buono, Community Caregivers 

Our guest, Heidi Buono, Social Worker for Community Caregivers, discussed her nonprofit agency, which provides assistance to residents in Albany and Rensselaer counties through volunteers, helping them stay in their homes and live independently with dignity. Volunteers are always in high demand. Various types of non-medical support provided by volunteers include grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, friendly visits, and more. Community Caregivers is funded entirely by grants and donations. If any members have suggestions for connecting Heidi with community resources to support their financial and resource goals, contact her at 518-456-2898 or by email at info@communitycaregivers.org. For more information, go to their website at www.communitycaregivers.org

Business: 

Membership Dues: 

Time Sensitive: All invoices have been sent out. Dues need to be submitted as soon as possible to Murray Forth.

Global Grant Update:

Kenya WASH Project: P. Brown provided an update and photos. Completion is expected by the end of May. Jennifer Grimm, District Grants Subcommittee Chair, Rotary Club of Kilifi, noted that a contingency amount must be held for a period but was not included in the overall project budget. Jennifer will satisfy the contingency through an arrangement with a Rotary organization in India. Roberto and Peter acknowledged the recent contributions from members that closed the previous shortfall in construction fees. Roberto also acknowledged Peter’s persistence in bringing the project to a close despite the many construction challenges. Jennifer will continue to oversee the grant after the project’s completion. 

District Grant Updates: 

Flutter Club 2026/27

Carole Heaney reported on the Board-approved submission of a $2,500.00 District Grant to the Flutter Club to support safe and comfortable transportation for individuals living with life-threatening illnesses to health centers in Boston and New York City. The grant team did an initial review and is ready to submit this weekend. The club’s $1,250.00 fundraising contribution will be raised through a tag sale in late June or July, planned by Phil. Carole will host a Fall fundraising dinner.

Action: Grant team to review the final copy of the grant and send comments to Carole by Friday, May 29^th. 

Phil to confirm the tag sale date and the support needed. 

East Greenbush Backpack Program 2025/26

Laurie Pferr reported that she has the receipts for the school’s grant-related purchases and is prepared to finalize the grant report for submission by June 10^th. The final piece of documentation is a copy of the check to the East Greenbush Foundation. 

Action: Murray to send Laurie the copy asap. 

Laurie will send the report to Phil K. before submission

Meeting Schedule:

Next meeting is June 11th. The end of the year meetinf is June 25th at the Brown’s home.

Plans for summer activities include a visit to Grant Cottage and McHaydenTheater. Fundraising dinners will be planned. Dates and hosts to be announced. 

Action:

Kevin Leyhane to communicate the best date for the McHayden performance. 

Deb and Peter Brown will provide communication for the end-of-year celebration. 

Phil to get dates for Grant Cottage visit.

Jim and Roberto are to organize a summer steak dinner and confirm details. 

Kevin to update the SRC calendar with events. 

Murray will communicate the dates for hosting dinner.

Other Business:

*Important Update from Kevin: Some folks are receiving the weekly updates in their junk folders. If you don’t receive them, please check your junk folder.

We hope you noticed the new sandwich board sign outside Moscatiello’s. It was purchased through a Public Image Grant from CNY Rotary by Carole Heaney.

CNY Rotary District Updates:

CNY Rotary Inauguration, June 20^th 12-6pm, Roselawn Banquet Facility, 446 Main St., New York Mills, NY

https://cnyrotary.org/events/cny-rotary-inaguration

Join CNY’s celebration of the leadership transition across all of CNY. We will thank outgoing CNY District President Bob Balk, welcome our 2026-27 CNY District President Pamela Baker Gratton, and honor all outgoing and incoming Club Presidents for their service. 

For just $30 per person, enjoy an all-inclusive experience featuring:

• Three hours of all you can eat cookout fare, including steak sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot sausage, baked beans, kielbasa with sauerkraut, salt potatoes, pasta salad, corn on the cob, and clam chowder

• Four hours of all you can drink beverages, including beer, soda & coffee

• Space to play lawn games and relax

• Kids 5 and under are free! 

Watch for a more detailed program for the afternoon’s festivities!

Registration closes June 6th and no tickets will be sold at the door.  Be sure to register today!

Dear Members:

Our speaker for our meeting on Thursday May 28 will be Helen Buono, MSW and she will speak on “Community Caregivers.”

If you have not done so, please remember to renew your membership.
Our year is coming to a close so please think about summer activities.

Sincerely,
Phil Kellerman, President

Minutes 

May 14, 2026

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

Zoom: none

Guests: Michael Asbury 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 Asbury 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