MEMBERS ATTENDING (14): Dick Drumm, Debbie Rodriguez, Murray Forth, Bill Dowd, Pat Bailey, Maggie Forth, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Kevin Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Charlie Foote, Ray Hannan.

GUESTS (Numerous): Mary Drumm, Stewart Wagner, Lois Hannan, Jeremy Forth, various Leyhanes and Drumms, etc.

The torch, figuratively, has been passed.

Charter member Dick Drumm closed out his presidential term by turning over the club reins to Debbie Rodriguez for her second go-round at the club presidency during the annual Presidential Changeover picnic at the Drumm residence Thursday evening.

Debbie officially takes office on July 1 for the 2021-22 Rotary Year. The remainder of the Board:

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

• ROTARIAN OF THE YEAR — During the business portion of the event, Dick provided a brief synopsis of his year, thanking everyone for their support during a particularly difficult period. He also cited Bill Dowd as the club’s “Rotarian of the Year,” selected for his ongoing work as the club’s webmaster and social media coordinator, his efforts to maintain club continuity through a program of Zoom sessions, acting as our ShelterBox coordinator and fundraiser, Adopt-a-Family coordinator, and various other support efforts.

• FINANCIAL UPDATE — Treasurer Murray reported that the club has, through both club and individual members’ donations, given more than $18,000 this year to various charities and organizations. He also reported that our new donor advised fund (DAV), formally called The Dr. Richard Drumm Fund, has a $22,000 principal and total worth of $22,463.

• MEETING VENUE RESEARCH — Murray said our former meeting venue, Quigley’s Food & Drink, is close to finalizing a sale, according to owner John Walsh who has retired from the restaurant business. … We still are looking into possibilities with the East Greenbush Fire Department and the Crisp Cannoli restaurant or will discuss possibilities with QUigley’s purchaser. We also are considering alternating in-person and Zoom meeting beginning in September.

• NEXT MEETING — We are off next week leading into the Fourth of July weekend. Our next get-together is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday, July 8, a picnic hosted by Debbie and Peter Brown that kicks off our “Summer Casual” schedule for July and August. Please be sure to contact them ASAP if you are fully vaccinated and plan to attend.

Scenes from a picnic:

Outgoing President Dick displays his plaque and Rotary fleece gifts