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 

SRC Notes 2/26/26

Meeting called to order by Phil Kellerman, Club President

Present: Murray Forth, Jim Leyhane, Kevin Leyhane, Pat Bailey, Laurie Pferr, Carole Heaney, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Phil Kellerman  and Roberto Martinez.  By Zoom Andy Leyhane and Charlie Foote

Fundraiser: Fund Raiser for the Club and Joan Prince Home for the terminally ill. It will be at Nine Pin  Cider Works  at929 Broadway in Albany from noon to 3pm. The Band Enjoyous will be playing and fund raising will include raffles and a 50/50. Over 30 items have been selected for the raffles. Hope to see everyone there. Thanks Phil!

DAF: Back in 2021, SRC established a Donor Advised Fund which allowed for a tax-deductible donation process for individuals and organizations. The question presented to the group by Phil, was when, how much, and to whom would our group like the monies to be used. It was pointed out that there are specific rules for the DAF and it was suggested that the DAF Committee (Phil, Andy, Murray) meet with the intent of clarifying the rules with the Foundation and coming up with some recommendations on the spend. The initial idea was to let the fund grow and not to spend down the principal. After more discussion, there another group suggested having ‘criteria’ for giving out funds and that different organizations could use to apply. The idea is to fund projects meeting the goals of Rotary International and our local Club. We would plan to maximize the effect of those needing support and be open to new ideas.

Nassau Free Library: February 21. Pat and the library were able to raise dose to $500 on the breakfast held at the local Elks Club.  Our club was well represented with the Browns, Phil, Laurie, Mary Alice and Carole attending.  Congrats everyone,

IRS: Still awaiting updates from our representative

Global Grant: Peter announced that ground has been broken. The idea is to complete the Global Grant and additional well-wishers are working to support raising additional funds for the girls’ latrines and changing rooms. The letter from Phil to the group helped align everyone’s vision on moving the projects forward.  The next meeting is in the next few weeks.

DLI and RLI: There is a day of learning and a Rotary Leadership Institute on Saturday May 7 in Johnson City for those who are interested.  More information can be found at CNYRotary.org under events.

MD PELS: The President elect training will be in Syracuse, March 14-15^th.  Both Jim Leyhane and Roberto plan on attending. More information can be found at CNYRotary.org under events.

District Conference: The District Conference will be in Syracuse, April 10-11.  It was in Albany last year and many of us attended.  It would be nice to have folks attend this year as well.  More information can be found at CNYRotary.org under events.

Exchange Student: Roberto received a letter asking if our club would be sponsoring a student currently living in Poestenkill.  Although we currently don’t have plans, the club is collecting information to pass on which may help the student identify a club. Roberto will then pass that information to the interested parties.

District Grant 25-26:  The Committee has submitted the interim letter and is looking to complete the grant. Because of fundraising by the Club we have enough to cover our costs.  Thanks everyone, especially Kevin.

District Grant 26-27: The first training for this year’s grant was on 2/25/26 and attended by Carole Heaney, Laurie Pferr, James Leyhane and Roberto. There will be 2 more Zoom sessions, and it would be nice for those looking at doing the grant to also attend the sessions. We had considered a larger Regional Grant for the Backpack Program which would pay $2 on the $1. The timeline is short, so the committee needs to come together with a plan that aligns with the needs of the schools.  More information can be found at CNYRotary.org.

Website: Carole Heaney suggested that the Club invest in an evaluation of our website to include protections and make it more current.  It is one on the initiatives that they Club had at the beginning of this year. She has done some work on it already and hopes she may be able to use some public image funds to start the process. She will involve other Club members as this moves along. The Club was very supportive.  Thanks Carol.

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SRC Notes: 2/12/26

Meeting called to order by Phil Kellerman, Club President

Present: Phil, Jim Leyhane, Charlie Foote, Murray Forth, Dick Drumm, Carole Heaney, Pat Bailey, Mary Alice, Ruth Samuels, Andy Leyhane, Kevin Leyhane, Laurie Pferr, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Roberto

Guest: Steve Tim, invited by Ruth Samuels

Board Meeting Summary: Phil presented a quick summary and one of the issues was on spend.  He is suggesting a Club Assembly for the next meeting.

District Grant 25-26: Thanks to those participating in the fund raising. Looks like we are in a position to complete the grant which focuses on the backpack program.  Thanks to those on the committee. Still waiting for input from the schools.

Global Grant: Per Peter the process continues and hope to break ground soon. Phil’s letter the group was well received and added clarity.

Rotary Leadership Institute March 7^th in Johnson City. Carole is planning on attending. More information can be found at CNYRotary.org under events.

MD PELS (President Elect Training) is March 14-15^th in Syracuse. Roberto and Jim and planning on attending if others don’t sign up. More information can be found at CNYRotary.org under events.

District Conference: The District Conference will be in Syracuse, April 10-11.  It was in Albany last year and many of us attended.  It would be nice to have folks attend this year as well.  More information can be found at CNYRotary.org under events.

Speaker: Steve Trimm who is a tour guide and program presenter at Grant Cottage State Historic Site. 

His talk was about the cottage an in particular about the last caretaker, an immigrant from Japan named Suye Narita.  The Cottage is 10 miles north of Saratoga and it’s the place where Civil War Hero and President Ulysses S Grant died in 1885. 

Suye Narita at age 6 migrated with her family from Japan. She developed TB at age 12 and was admitted to the TB Sanatorium next to the Cottage. She remained a patient there for 6 years. After discharge she continued as a volunteer at the sanatorium. She then became a caretaker of Grant Cottage.  

Suye applied for citizenship in the 1930’s but could not get a sponsor. During the war many immigrants were sent to campsbut Suye was able to stay at Grant Cottage, where she was under house arrest. She took on two nieces who came to the Cottage. She also had a nephew who was a war hero. 

Suye raised the American Flag every morning during WWII. After immigration rules were relaxed, Sue became the first Japanese national in NY State and became an American Citizen. She married Tony. 

Sue’s life bridged immigration, war, service and reconciliation, patriotism. Legacy to include courage, loyalty and humanity.

Thanks to Steve Timm.

The Club is planning a trip this summer to Grant Cottage.

Dear Members:

During this Thursday’s meeting, we will be having a club assembly to discuss if and how the club wants to disburse club funds to other 510c3s.

This Tuesday, Feb. 24 at the East Greenbush Library at 11 am, our own Dean Calamares will be presenting “Odyssey to New York: The Greek Immigrant Journey.”  Learn the story of how the Greek-American League was founded to help the waves of Greek immigrants arriving in NY in the early 1900s.

This Sunday March first a benefit will be held for our club and the Joan Prince Home for the terminally ill.  

Nine Pin Cider Works at 929 Broadway in Albany from noon-3 pm. No cover charge.

Enjoyous is a 5-piece band playing originals and some creative covers, spreading a positive message with a unique blend of Funk, Rock, and R&B www.enjoyous.net.. Opening for Enjoyous will be singer and guitarist Mario Sevayega. 

I am still looking for donated items to raffle to raise funds.

Sincerely,

Phil Kellerman, President 

Dear Members:

Hello again.  

This Thursday, February 12, 2026, at 6:00pm we are going to have a very unique and interesting talk by Steve Trimm.

Steve has been a tour guide and program presenter at Grant Cottage State Historic Site for 18 years. The Cottage is 10 miles north of Saratoga. It’s the place where Civil War hero and ex-President Ulysses S. Grant died in 1885. After his death, a series of live-in caretakers kept the Cottage open to the public for a century. His talk will be about the last caretaker, an immigrant from Japan named Suye Narita.

At our meeting on February 26 I want to hold a club assembly without a speaker.  At the recent board meeting, the board discussed the possibility of distributing small grant funds to other 501c3s.  Let’s discuss this.

A very special benefit will be held for us and the Joan Prince Home for end-of-life.

Sunday, March 1 at Nine Pin Cider Works at 929 Broadway in Albany from noon-3 pm. No cover charge. Raffle items and a silent auction will be held to raise funds.

On behalf of the benefit, I am seeking rattle and auctions times to raise funds. Gift baskets, crafts, quilts, wine bottles, gift cards, gift certificates, collectibles are such items. Financial donations are also appreciated.

Mark your calendar for April 26, Sunday, from noon to 2 pm for our annual bowl-a-thon to support the Anchor Food Bank.

All are invited to attend this year’s District Learning Assembly (DLA), Saturday, March 7th at Johnson City High School. This afternoon of learning follows a half-day Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) in the morning and each have their own separate registration  For more information go to cynrotary.org.

Let’s consider this again. CNY Rotary’s Public Image Committee is thrilled to announce that Public Image Grants are back—and now even better! Clubs can once again apply for matching grants (now up to $300) to support evergreen projects that boost Rotary’s visibility in their communities. These funds can help purchase materials and tools that promote your club for years to come.

SRC Rotary Notes

January 22, 2026

Members: Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Phil, Roberto, James, Kevin, Charlie, Laurie,

Pat, Dick and Carole

Guests: Theresa Mayhew, speaker on NYS Federation of Lake Associations

Mary Bobersky from Circles of Mercy

Business:

Meeting Schedule: The meeting schedule is the 2^nd and 4^th Thursday of the month so our next meeting will not be until Feb 12^th.  Please mark your calendars accordingly.

District Grant 25-26: Laurie gave an update of the recent meeting with East Greenbush. She has also prepared the interim report and got an ok to submit. Funding for the grant in going well.

Football Pool: Another pool is being put together for Super Bowl Sunday. Please contact Kevin if you are interested in participating. Tickets are $20 and proceeds will go the Club Activities and Backpack support.

Global Grant: Peter gave an update. There were questions on expanded Club responsibilities, and they will be discussed at the next Board meeting which will be set up. The Global grant continues to proceed and some of the documents including bids will be submitted.

Nassau Library: Pat announced a breakfast fundraiser at the Elks on Satiurday, Feb. 21.

Happy Dollars, Phil: The first half of the year the funds went to Anchor Food Pantry.  The second half of the year will see funds going to Circles of Mercy. Richard Zazycki had officially retired.

Sunday March first, Nine Pine Cider on Broadway in Albany is donating space for a music benefit from noon-3 pm to support our club and the Joan Prince Home. Guitarist Mario Sevayega and the band Enjoyous will perform. There will be no cover charge, but raffles and a silent auction will help to raise money.  If you have a raffle item or item to donate to the silent auction, please let Phil know.

East Greenbush Bowling Lanes and another annual bowl-a-thon to support the Anchor Food Bank. Phil is coordinating dates.  Will need sponsors and there was discussion on how wide an audience we try to recruit.

Speaker:

Theresa Mayhew, speaker on NYS Federation of Lake Associations spoke on the state and condition of lakes in New York. She is on the Board. They receive no government funding, so funds come from donations and dues. They do have some paid employees. It was funded in 1983 and is a non-for-profit coalition of lake associations, individuals, and corporate members dedicated to protecting and managing NY lakes.

Volunteers do the testing and the frequency is based on size of the lake.  They check for water temperature, clarity, nitrogen, pH for example. More than 500 volunteers collect the samples of more than 200 lakes across New York. This is their flagship program. They also promote scholarships promoting environmental studies.

Dear Members:

I hope you are all well after our huge snowstorm.

Our next Rotary meeting will be Thursday Feb. 12.  We still need a speaker.  

In the meantime, there have been lots of ongoing activities.

Peter has been communicating with our Kenya counterparts about the water project.  More information will be shared at our next meeting. Thank you Peter for all your hard work.

On Feb. 5 a board meeting will be held at Murray’s house at 6 pm.

Sunday Feb. 8 is the Super Bowl and Kevin will be selling fund raising squares for $20. If interested reach out to Kevin at (518)441-5620 (cell-text is fine)

On Feb. 21 a breakfast will held to support the Nassau Free Library.  Contact Pat for more information. Thank you Pat for your involvement with the library.

On Sunday March 1st at Nine Pine Cider Works at 929 Broadway in Albany, a benefit will be held to raise funds for our club and the Joan Prince Home.  From 12-3, the benefit will feature the band Enjoyous. Opening will be guitarist Mario Sevayega.  Raffles and a silent auction will be held.  Please consider donating items for raffles and/or the auction. Please contact me for more information.

Mark down Sunday April 26th from noon-2pm for our annual bowl-a-thon at the East Greenbush Bowling Lanes to support the Anchor Food.  Sponsorships for the event are $50. Donated food will be brought to the Food Bank.

Sincerely,

Phil Kellerman

Dear Members:

For our meeting on Thursday Jan 22, our guest speaker will be Theresa Mayhew, board member of the New York State Federation of Lakes Association. She will be speaking on the state (and condition) of lakes in New York.

I have communicated with the East Greenbush Bowling Lanes about having another annual bowl-a-thon to support the Anchor Food Bank.  At our meeting, we will discuss possible dates in April or May. 

Sunday March first, Nine Pine Cider on Broadway in Albany is donating space for a music benefit from noon-3 pm to support our club and the Joan Prince Home. Guitarist Mario Sevayega and the band Enjoyous will perform. There will be no cover charge but raffles and a silent auction will help to raise money.  If you have a raffle item or item to donate to the silent auction, please let me know.

Thank you.

Phil Kellerman, President