• We missed several major fundraisers because of the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown (bowl-a-thon, recycling day, etc.). Thus, it is with pleasure we can report that Thursday’s Presidential Changeover dinner raised $680 for the club treasury. Many thanks to Dick, our incoming club president, and Mary Drumm for  not only hosting the outdoor event, but for underwriting the catering fee which allowed all monies from several dozen attendees to go directly to the club.

• We must soon submit our annual payment to Rotary International, which means we are counting on all membership dues to be paid promptly for the 2020-21 Rotary Year. The deadline is July 1, the start of the new fiscal year, as noted in an earlier announcement. Dues remain at just $175 per individual member or $350 for “Family” or “Corporate” group memberships covering an unlimited number of members.  If it is easier for you, dues may be paid in two equal installments, by June 30 and by December 31. The initial partial payment for individuals is only $87.50, or $175 for “Family” and “Corporate” groups. Please send checks, payable to “SRC Rotary Club,” to Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club, P.O. Box 71, East Greenbush, NY 12061.

• We’re still involved in the CLYNK returnable beverage container program. More bags and tags were distributed at the Presidential Changeover event, but if you’ve run out of the official green bags (the only ones that may be used), you can pick up a box for less than $2 at any Hannaford supermarket. If you need the bar code stickers that must be attached to them, just contact Bill Dowd (518-238-1950 or BillDowd4Troy@gmail.com) and he’ll mail you some. All proceeds from the deposit returns go to our club treasury. And, remember you do not have to rinse and sort the metal, plastic, or glass containers. Just stick them in the correct bag, slap on a sticker, and scan the bar code at any Hannaford drop-off window. A very easy fundraiser, so drink up!

• Because of ongoing social restrictions and uncertainties, to club events have been scheduled for July and August. That does not mean, however, that we’re giving up on the usual “Summer Casual” period. It’s not to late for some small bit of return to normalcy. If you have an idea about hosting or helping arrange an event — preferably one involving families and one we can use as a small fundraiser — please contact incoming President-elect Debbie Rodriguez (518-766-3451 or debannrod@yahoo.com) as soon as possible.

As one of his final presidential acts for 2019-20, Phil Kellerman announced that the packet of required documents has been sent to the Internal Revenue Service as part of an effort to regain tax-exempt status for the club. Although it may be a slow process, we’ll be sure to keep club members informed of any progress.