Work has begun on the Viking Gym project at Schodack Town Park. These images show the groundbreaking for the setting of logs which will stabilize/make the gym.
Pictured are: Leonardo Gonzales, the Eagle Scout project leader from Troop 41; helpers/friends Matthew Kelly and Billy Lindemann, and Ron Annis of the Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club who is the project coordinator.
The gym will be an outdoor training and exercise station, with this phase laying the groundwork, with other Scouts expanding the resource year-to-year, eventually covering an approximately 100 square foot area. The project is based on a Viking playground design created in Sweden. It is being developed in conjunction with the our sister Rotary Club in Gefle, Sweden, the hometown of Ron ‘s wife Monika.
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary’s second electronics recycling and paper shredding effort of the year, held Saturday at Wainschaf Associates Construction in Rensselaer, was another successful effort: six large packing boxes of electronic devices and three vans crammed full of old television sets — including a vintage floor model, laptop computers, computer monitors, etc. — as well as untold pounds of paper documents recycled.
We had a large contingent of SRC members, family and friends on hand to make the day go smoothly. They included Debbie Rodriguez, Terry Brewer, Murray Forth, Debbie Brown, Josh Wainman, Andy Leyhane, Peter Brown, Matt Smith and Guilana Gianfarani, A.J. Amato plus wife Ann and A.J.’s office staff, Mike Dewey, Charlie Foote, Pat Bailey, Becky Raymond, Jim Leyhane, Julius Frankel and Roberto Martinez.
Dinner Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant 593 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush, NY
April 27, 2017
Members Attending (16): Debbie Rodriguez, Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Ron Annis, Terry Brewer, Dick Drumm, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Charlie Foote, A.J. Amato, Carole Spencer, Julius Frankel.
Guests (1): Ella Câncio.
Speaker: Rafaella (Ella) Câncio
Ella Câncio speaking about her year in the Capital Region.
Ella Câncio, who had visited us several months ago, paid a return visit as her Rotary Youth Exchange year nears its end.
She showed us a map of her home area in Brazil, including her hometown of Ubá, a city of about 100,000 residents in the state of Minas Gerais about 75 miles north of Rio de Janiero. And, she shared photos such as one with her parents, her brother, and her sister, and one of her house.
Ella explained the differences between her home area and Schodack, where she has been attending Maple Hill High School. She said she has enjoyed the get-togethers with other exchange students who are studying in this region, and showed photos of some of those events. Ella also had photos from her school in Schodack and the three who went to All County Chorus. She said she has participated in softball and track, both of which she liked.
This was her first Halloween and she showed us photos of her in costume and also her seeing her first snowfall, a special experience since she never had seen snow before.
Ella said she began English classes outside of school at the age of 11, which is why her English is very good. She said she will have a year to a year and a half more high school when she returns home, then probably will attend university which is free.
She said her favorite food is tacos, and she has been making desserts for her host family. She also said might teach her family and friends how to play softball when she returns to Brazil.
Announcements/Business
POLIO VIDEO — Roberto Martinez reported that the project is nearly finished. A 10-minute excerpt will be shown at the District Conference next Saturday, May 6, in Lake George.
RONALD McDONALD HOUSE MEAL — Terry Brewer reported on the breakfast effort at Ronald McDonald House last Saturday. Eight club members and friends made up the volunteer kitchen crew.
RECYCLING DAY — Murray Forth reported on the event scheduled for this Saturday, April 29, at the Wainschaf Associates warehouse. Several members are signed up to help staff the event, but anyone else who wishes to volunteer is welcome. Both the ad and the news article from The Advertiser for the event were circulated.
SHAKER HERITAGE PROJECT — The Area 8 interclub cleanup event at the Shaker Heritage Site in Colonie is scheduled for Saturday, May 20, and volunteers from SRC are needed. A signup sheet be circulated at next Thursday’s dinner meeting.
VALLEYCATS ROTARY NIGHT — Terry Brewer is handling tickets for our annual picnic-and-ballgame event at Bruno Stadium on Thursday, July 27. The price of tickets has gone up by $1. Terry will get tickets and start a signup sheet soon.
OFFICER NEEDED — We are in need of someone to step up to become President-elect for 2018-19. John Sawchuk had been in that position, but will be moving out of the area before then. Anyone interested should contact Debbie Rodriguez or any other member of the SRC Board.
NEXT MEETING — 6:15 p.m. Thursday, May 4, at Quigley’s. We will be inducting new members and giving out awards.
A group of SRC members and friends whipped up breakfast on Saturday morning for the guests at Ronald McDonald House in Albany. Terry Brewer coordinated the event again this year.
The three-building facility provides lodging and volunteer-created meals for families with youngsters undergoing treatment at the nearby Albany Medical Center. SRC will be cooking and serving dinner there on Wednesday, May 31.
Dinner Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant 593 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush, NY
April 20, 2017
Members Attending (14): Debbie Rodriguez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Dick Drumm, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Terry Brewer, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Dean Calamaras, Charlie Foote, Carole Spencer.
Guests (5): Edward L. Hannan, Mary Ann Hannan, Jack Faddegon, Maggie Forth, Jeremy Forth.
PROGRAM: Coronary Artery Disease and its Treatments
Dr. Edward L. Hannan
Carole Spencer introduced our speaker, Dr. Edward L. Hannan, professor emeritus at the University at Albany School of Public Health.
Ed described what constitutes coronary artery disease and what today’s treatments are. He shared background information on the state’s cardiac treatment and data collection efforts. When he spoke to the club in April 2014, he discussed choosing the right treatment, hospitals and doctors. Tonight, he updated attendees on the findings of comparing angioplasty vs. medicinal therapy for stable coronary artery disease (CAD) and the appropriateness of coronary revascularization for certain patients.
Ed explained that in complete revascularization all major vessels that are diseased have been successfully stented. However, there always is a difference when comparing the doctors and hospitals doing the procedures. Inappropriate stenting has decreased substantially, resulting in cost savings estimated at $40 million a year in New York. Also, shared decision-making has improved due to these studies being available to the public even though more are needed. The data comes from annual reports from hospitals, and these are available on line showing results from hospitals in New York.
The latest study looked at background, methods, and results and discovered there is not yet enough information to make determinations for everyone. Ed explained that about $50 million is spent annually on stents that may not be needed. The information gathered is fed back to hospitals, but stenting remains the best treatment for patients with evolving ST analysis. The rate of inappropriate stents has dropped from 18.3% in 2010 to 10.6% in 2014. Also, for Medicaid patients it dropped from 340 to 84 surgeries, a decrease of nearly 75%.
Ed said there now is a change in favor of bypass surgery (CABG), and that patients also had a lesser rate of repeat procedures. He spoke in much detail about two or three vessel diseases as opposed to lesser blockage.
He said that a newer study from the New England Journal of Medicine about the rate of plaque returning shows there is a second generation of stents now in use that have had slightly better results.
Business & Announcements
SHINING STAR OF HOPE — Terry Brewer spoke about this project (above), a $5,000 initiative started by the Interact Club at Columbia High School in 2001-02 when his daughter Hilary was club president. It recognizes students who died before their graduation. That particular club dissolved in 2008, and the memorial, which is on the grounds of the East Greenbush Public Library, is in need of some refurbishing. Terry said our club contributed $500 to the original memorial stone with other funding coming from other community groups, and his research also says per a 2001 agreement with the Library Board the club agreed to be the responsible party. At its meeting next Thursday, April 27, the SRC Board will discuss what sort of commitment the club might make to provide annual upkeep.
AREA 8 WORK DAY — Assistant District Governor Jack Faddegon joined us for dinner. He spoke about the Saturday, May 20, Area 8 — of which SRC is a member — joint project to improve the entry of the Shaker Heritage Site near the Albany International Airport. This may include new signage, plantings and decorative boulders at the entrance. In addition, the pasture behind it needs attention. Lots of hands will be needed beginning at 8:30 that morning, and a picnic will be held later in the barn. The day will include a number of activities, so all skills welcome.
RECYCLING & SHREDDING — A reminder that our second paper shredding and electronics recycling day will be held on Saturday, April 29, at the Wainschaf Associates Construction warehouse. Volunteers were asked for to staff the event. A flyer has been circulating for weeks on our club website and Facebook page for members to copy and share on social media.
ROTARY HOME COOKING — Murray and Maggie Forth are hosting a surf-and-turf dinner at their residence on Saturday, May 20. Anyone interested in attending should contact Murray ASAP. As always, reservations for this series are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.
NEXT DINNER MEETING — 6:15 p.m. Thursday, April 27, at Quigley’s. We will hear from Rafaella “Ella” Cancio Real, our Rotary Youth Exchange student from Brazil.
Breakfast Meeting at Greenbush YMCA 1 Community Way East Greenbush, NY
April 20, 2017
Members Attending (12): Ron Annis, Geoff Brewer, Terry Brewer, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Jim Butterworth, Murray Forth, Phil Kellerman, Andy Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Shannon Romanowski.
Guests: None.
Club member Phil Kellerman spoke on immigration issues, a talk similar to one he presented at a club dinner meeting last September. You can access details of his original talk byclicking here.
NEXT BREAKFAST MEETING — 7 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at East Greenbush YMCA.
If you haven’t been keeping up to date on what’s going on, why not make a habit of going to our calendar listing on the SRC Facebook page? Just click hereto do so.
Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant 593 Columbia Turnpike East Greenbush, NY
April 13, 2017
Members Attending (18): Debbie Rodriguez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Roberto Martinez, Bill Dowd, Jim Leyhane, Terry Brewer, Geoff Brewer, Julius Frankel, Dick Drumm, Becky Raymond, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Phil Kellerman, Carol Orvis, Monika Annis, Ron Annis, Charlie Foote.
Guests (2): Bob Bode, Leonardo Gonzalez.
PROGRAM: “What’s the Buzz With Bees?”
Debbie Brown making her presentation on the world of bees.
Debbie Brown offered a presentation called “What’s the Buzz About Bees?” based on a program she created for the Fort Orange Garden Club.
Tracing the history of bees and their importance to the human race, she spoke about their pervasive in such areas as mythology (Melissa, the Bee Goddess, for example) and art, and the many uses of the honey they produce — in cooking, cosmetics, beverages, nutrition, medicine, plant pollination, etc. Among its other properties, Debbie said, honey keeps virtually forever. Containers of it have been found in ancient Egyptian tombs.
She explained the life cycles and duties to the swarm of the queen, the drones, and the workers. And, she addressed the widespread problem of Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD) which began being noticed around 2005-06, showing slides of the interior of both healthy and collapsed hives. Research has revealed that CCD is caused by one or more of a variety of factors, such as pesticides, mite infections, malnutrition, various pathogens, loss of habitat, and some beekeeping practices such as moving hives too often which puts great stress on the bees.
Debbie noted that it is possible to rent bees to pollinate orchards when the resident bees leave or die off. She cited as an example Indian Ladder Farms in Albany County where rented bees from a Schoharie County bee farm were used to handle the pollination needs of the large commercial orchard.
Debbie advocates creating a bee-friendly environment. Some things to consider are sun exposure, open spaces, multiple large clusters of flowers, having a variety of species and native varieties of plants, and avoiding GMO (genetically modified organism) products and pesticides.
She outlined the various research and legislative actions relating to CCD: the Protection From Pesticides Act in 2013; banning GMOs from wildlife refuge area in 2014; the Pollinator Protection Act in 2016.
Business & Announcements
WELCOME — President Debbie Rodriguez greeted attendees and welcomed Lorenzo Gonzalez, an Eagle Scout candidate from Troop 41, which our club supports.
ADG VISIT — Jack Faddegon, Assistant District Governor for our Area 8, will visit the club next Thursday to explain a multi-club work project he is creating for the Shaker Heritage Society site, a hands-on work day in May for which we will need volunteers from the club.
EASTER BASKET PROJECT — The final count on baskets for needy kids through the family assistance organization Circles of Mercy was overwhelming, literally. Details and photos are available on our website.
PROGRAM AD — The club will take a quarter-page ad in the program for next month’s District Conference in Lake George. Debbie R. said she has asked Bill Dowd to design the ad.
PLAYGROUND PROJECT — Guest Leonardo Gonzales described his Eagle Scout project, an outdoor training and exercise station in the Schodack Town Park. His effort will lay the groundwork for the effort, with other Scouts expanding the resource year-to-year, eventually covering an approximately 100 square foot area. The project is based on a Viking playground design created in Sweden. Club support was recognized by Ron Annis who made a light-hearted presentation (above) of a Viking sword to Leonardo, shield to Jim Leyhane, and princess crown to Monika Annis. The playground project is being developed in conjunction with the our sister Rotary Club in Gefle, Sweden, Monika’s hometown.
POLIO HISTORY VIDEO — The polio history video project, a joint effort by the club, CASDA, the UAlbany School of Public Health, and District 7190, is into the final editing stage. It will be shown at the District Conference at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday, May.
ROTARY HOME COOKING — Murray and Maggie Forth will host a surf-and-turf dinner at their home at 6 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Twelve guests can be accommodated, with reservations accepted on a first come-first served basis.
RECYCLING DAY — Our next electronic recycling/paper shredding day is scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 29. It is co-sponsored by club member A.J. Amato and the club itself. An event flyer can be copied from the club website or Facebook page. Next week, we will call for volunteers to staff the event.
Artist Bob Bode
LOCAL HEROES PORTRAITS — Roberto Martinez introduced Bob Bode, a local artist whose work can be seen on display in the East Greenbush Town Hall and elsewhere. Bob is creating a series of paintings of local volunteers to be displayed at the East Greenbush Public Library. He works from photos taken of the subjects. Jim Leyhane last week was chosen as the Rotarian to be included in the project.
COOKING @ RONALD McDONALD HOUSE — The volunteer ranks have been filled for two club cooking efforts at the Ronald McDonald House complex in Albany. Terry Brewer is coordinating a breakfast service for Saturday, April 22, and Bill Dowd is coordinating a dinner service for Wednesday, May 31.
BALLPARK PICNIC DATE — Terry Brewer said he has reserved 45 tickets for our annual outing at the Bruno Stadium picnic pavilion and ValleyCats baseball game. The date is Thursday, July 27. He also said he is working to get Rotarians from other clubs to attend, as was the case last summer.
GIFT OF LIFE — Jim Leyhane announced that a child from Bolivia will be admitted this month to Albany Medical Center for lifesaving pediatric cardiac surgery supported by the District 7190 Gift of Life organization.
NEXT MEETINGS — We have two meetings scheduled for next Thursday, April 20. At the 6:15 p.m. dinner meeting, Dr. Edward Hannan, Distinguished Professor Emeritus, UAlbany School of Public Health, will speak on cardiology outcomes. At the 7 a.m. breakfast meeting at the Greenbush YMCA, Phil Kellerman will speak on immigration.
Executive Director Richard Zazycki of Circles of Mercy surveys some of the treasure trove.
The annual “Easter Baskets for Cate’s Kids” in which the SRC Club is a major player this year outdid all prior efforts.
With the combined efforts of SRC members, Columbia High School students and staff, and Len Leonidas’s Tiger Scouts, plus a few other local groups conducting their own efforts, hundreds of Easter baskets for needy children in the community were created and delivered to the family services organization Circles of Mercy.
According to Richard Zazycki, Circles’ executive director, the outpouring far exceeded his organization’s needs, so the overflow was shared with the Rensselaer Boys & Girls Club and Rensselaer Head Start.
Bill Dowd, SRC’s coordinator of the project, expressed gratitude for the club’s effort.
“The unending generosity of our club members, plus the volunteer work of students and Scouts engaged in a kids-helping-kids effort, have made the basket initiative a huge success again this year.”
A Circles of Mercy volunteer sorts through the many contributions.And, yet more donated baskets.
It’s Spring, finally! And, to mark the occasion, our own Debbie Brown will present an after-dinner talk adapted from a program she helped develop and present to the Fort Orange Garden Club: “What’s the Buzz About Bees?”
It will provide a bit of history, a bit about their life cycle, some environmental ramifications, and some suggestions about supporting these important pollinators in our gardens.
The dinner menu is roast pork, chef’s selection of sides, salad, bread, dessert and beverages.
As always, Tuesday is the deadline for sending your RSVPs to Debbie at mdbrown@nycap.rr.com and please remember to let her know if you plan to bring a guest.
The following members have submitted reservations:
Monika Annis
Ron Annis
Pat Bailey
Terry Brewer
Debbie Brown
Peter Brown
April Dowd
Bill Dowd
Dick Drumm
Murray Forth
Ray Hannan
Phil Kellerman
Jim Leyhane
Roberto Martinez
Carol Orvis
Becky Raymond
Debbie Rodriguez
Work has begun on the Viking Gym project at Schodack Town Park. These images show the groundbreaking for the setting of logs which will stabilize/make the gym.
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary’s second electronics recycling and paper shredding effort of the year, held Saturday at Wainschaf Associates Construction in Rensselaer, was another successful effort: six large packing boxes of electronic devices and three vans crammed full of old television sets — including a vintage floor model, laptop computers, computer monitors, etc. — as well as untold pounds of paper documents recycled.
Dinner Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
She showed us a map of her home area in Brazil, including her hometown of Ubá, a city of about 100,000 residents in the state of Minas Gerais about 75 miles north of Rio de Janiero. And, she shared photos such as one with her parents, her brother, and her sister, and one of her house.
RECYCLING DAY — Murray Forth reported on the event scheduled for this Saturday, April 29, at the Wainschaf Associates warehouse. Several members are signed up to help staff the event, but anyone else who wishes to volunteer is welcome. Both the ad and the news article from The Advertiser for the event were circulated.
OFFICER NEEDED — We are in need of someone to step up to become President-elect for 2018-19. John Sawchuk had been in that position, but will be moving out of the area before then. Anyone interested should contact Debbie Rodriguez or any other member of the SRC Board.
The dinner menu is roast pork, chef’s selection of sides, salad, bread, dessert and beverages.
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 