Held at Quigley’s Restaurant
573 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY 12061

Members Attending (12): Phil Kellerman, Murray Forth, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Debbie Rodriguez, Pat Bailey, Dean Calamaras, Dick Drumm, Charlie Foote, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Wells Packard.

Guests (4): Tony and Debbie Morris (potential members), Dennis Cicchino and Jeff Morris (Boy Scout Troop 41).

MEETING NOTES — President Phil Kellerman presided, welcoming members and four guests, including potential members Tony and Debbie Morris. … The main topic of discussion was about our future dinner meetings in light of concern over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In an email poll of Board members, several recommended suspension of meetings, others were in favor of continuing. After discussion at the meeting, it was decided to (a) continue meeting pending any further health-related concerns, (b) Phil will talk with Quigley’s owner John Walsh about us ordering off the menu if fewer than 12 people attend, and (c) speakers would be invited and given the opportunity to decline if numbers are small. …

Murray Forth reported that sales of raffle tickets for the March 28 wine dinner at Cafe Capriccio are slow, but we have raised enough to at least cover the cost of the event. The drawing is scheduled for next Thursday’s meeting. … Dean Calamaras reported that the district’s Gift of Life child underwent successful cardiac surgery at Albany Medical Center on March 11. …

Until further notice, members are asked to hold off on bringing Easter basket items to the meetings until we clarify the status of the project with Circles of Mercy. We will contact Circles of Mercy to ask about its needs instead and suggest that food items or money towards necessities might be more useful, especially since schools could be closed because of the coronavirus problem and lunch programs curtailed. On another topic, Circles of Mercy will hold a “Walk for Mercy” on Saturday, April 4, and is looking for sponsors. Contact Ray Hannan for more information. …

Phil has spoken to the IRS about our tax exempt status (one hour on the phone). It appears we will need to file missing annual reports. He, Murray, and Terry will work together to complete the required documents and file them. … Our SRC Recycling & Shredding Day remains scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Wainschaf Associates in Rensselaer. Details are on the event flyer that has been distributed to all members several times. …

Peter Brown reported that the Capital Region Nordic Alliance (CRNA), the adaptive sports program for disabled vets, is seeking a sponsor for a CRNA athlete to participate in the European Trail Orienteering Championships 2020 being held in Finland. About $500 is needed, and we already have raised $380 through the weekly money jug contributions. … We need at least two members to attend the April 4 District Training Assembly / Grants Management Seminar to be able to file for grants. … President-elect Dick Drumm said he would be unable to attend this week’s Empire Multi-District PETS training in Syracuse. …

Roberto Martinez reported that Julius Frankel is out of hospital rehab and is doing well at home. … Roberto also gave a short talk about the “new” flu and its symptoms, etc. … Wells Packard reported that the Rotary Youth Exchange still is on, and students will be traveling as expected in the late summer and fall. … Next meeting: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Quigley’s. The scheduled program will be musical trivia with Andy Leyhane. Members are reminded to check the website calendar page for program assignment dates/speakers/topics and to contact webmaster Bill Dowd as soon as they have a program lined up so he can publicize it.

Dennis Cicchino (right) and Jeff Morris of Boy Scout Troop 41 visited to make their annual report on Scouting activities and their appeal for continued SRC funding.

The cost of summer camp has gone up again, and for this summer will be $545. Murray moved, Roberto seconded, and attendees approved without dissent a club grant of $545 to the troop for that purpose.