MEMBERS ATTENDING (22): Dick Drumm, Bill Dowd, Debbie Rodriguez, Terry Brewer, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Kevin Leyhane, Dean Calamaras, Doris Calamaras, Murray Forth, Charlie Foote, Pat Bailey, Phil Kellerman, Andy Leyhyane, and by proxy Becky Raymond, Ron Annis, Tony Morris, Jennifer Felts, Burke Adams.

GUESTS: None.

MEETING NOTES:

• President Dick welcomed members, and surveyed the attendees to see how many had received at least one COVID vaccination. He said that as vaccination efforts continue, we may be able to discuss the possibility of having some sort of in-person event during this Rotary Year.

• Bill Dowd, speaking for the Nominating Committee (he, Dick, Roberto Martinez), reported that he had received 11 “yes” proxies in response to the email announcement of a slate of candidates for 2021-22 that were emailed to all SRC members over the weekend. He noted that six of those 11 people were in attendance, leaving a bank of five “yes” votes. He then read the slate and, per our Bylaws, asked for nominations from the floor. Murray Forth moved acceptance of the slate as presented. A voice vote was 17-0 in favor which, with the proxy votes, resulted in a 22-0 vote in favor of the following, who will take office on July 1:

President: Debbie Rodriguez
President-elect: Kevin Leyhane
Vice President: Terry Brewer
Immediate Past President: Dick Drumm
Treasurer: Murray Forth
Secretary: Pat Bailey
At-Large Directors: Bill Dowd, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Dean Calamaras, Becky Raymond

• Terry Brewer, speaking for the Foundation Subcommittee (he, Phil, Dick, Murray, Jim, Roberto, Bill), updated members on research and meetings conducted with an eye toward creating some form of club foundation that would allow members and the public to make tax-deductible contributions through legacy giving, individual donations, and fundraising activities. There are various criteria for creating such an entity, and several different types of foundations. The subcommittee is recommending participating in a Donor Advised Fund (DAF), which is affiliated with the Rotary Foundation. It would require, among other things, a $10,000 base, a 2- to 4-person advisory board, and a draft mission statement. Any grants made by our foundation would be required to be made only to 501(c)3 organizations. There are more than 1,400 such groups in Rensselaer County including most schools, churches, community service agencies, and food pantries. We also would be able to have a separate non-foundation account from which we could dispense financial awards to non-501(c)3 groups or individuals as desired. The next step is for the SRC Board to make a go/no-go decision.

• Debbie Rodriguez reported that the Danes Rotaract club is planning a virtual trivia event for Wednesday, March 10. Our club is underwriting the cost of hats and T-shirts as prizes. Debbie and Murray are meeting at Quigley’s to see if we still have some mugs and other “swag” stored there that also can be used for prizes. Also, Phil Kellerman offered to provide several packs of specialty coffees to be used as prizes. (As an aside, Murray said owner John John is close to concluding negotiations for the sale of Quigley’s. It is not yet known if it will reopen as a restaurant or will be used for other purposes.)

• Murray and Terry, who have been co-chairing our recycling-and-shredding fundraising events, recommended waiting until September before holding the next such event. The consensus of the group was that waiting will allow more time for COVID vaccinations and, thus, increase public comfort with such an event.

• Next Week’s Program: Debbie Brown will share a presentation of famous gardens at our 7 p.m. ZOOM meeting.