MEMBERS ATTENDING (18): Debbie Rodriguez, Roberto Martinez, Ron Annis, Phil Kellerman, Jim Leyhane, Dick Drumm, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Andy Leyhane, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Kevin Leyhane. By proxy — Bill Dowd, Carol Orvis, Dean Calamaras, Doris Calamaras, Charlie Foote, Ray Hannan.

GUESTS (2): Debbie Morris, Monika Annis.

President Debbie Rodriguez called the meeting to order at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, and noted the presence of a quorum.

MEETING NOTES:

• EASTER BASKET PROJECT — A coordinator is needed for our portion of the Circles of Mercy annual “Cate’s Kids Easter Basket Program.” Debbie Rodriguez will check with Executive Director Shannon Romanowski about partnering with the Greenbush YMCA again this year. Easter is on April 17 this year. Circles of Mercy would like all donations delivered to their offices by the week of April 4 to allow time to assign baskets and deliver them to families in time for the holiday. Anyone interested in coordinating SRC’s effort should contact Debbie ASAP.

^• DISTRICT CONFERENCE — Registration is now open for the event, scheduled for the weekend of April 29-May 1 at the Great Escape Lodge in Queensbury. There are several registration packages available and information has been posted on the website. All business will be conducted on Saturday but the District is encouraging everyone to come and enjoy the entire weekend of Rotary fellowship and fun.

• SHELTERBOX — The international Rotary-affiliated relief agency is helping refugees in Ukraine, as well as continuing to aid civil war refugees in Yemen and climate disaster victims in numerous spots around the globe. As noted at last week’s meeting, a former SRC member has donated $1,000 to the agency, and a number of smaller member donations have been made. Anyone wishing to help can get details on the club website.

• BOY SCOUTS — Jim Leyhane spoke about funding for the local troop we have been supporting for decades. Attendees approved providing up to $1,000 this year because one of the troop’s usual sponsors may not be available.

• ROTARACT UPDATE — The CRNY Danes Rotaract Club we sponsor at the UAlbany School of Public Health plans two events in April — a demonstration of ShelterBox and its components and services as recently presented at an SRC meeting, and activities marking Public Health Week.

• VIKING OUTDOOR GYM — Ron Annis provided an update about the renewal of the Viking Outdoor Gym we co-sponsored with his Top Form company and the Town of Schodack several years ago at the Town Park. Deterioration of the rugged materials over the years has resulted in the need for a complete overhaul.

Ron presented a proposal to the Town Board two weeks ago. He hopes to place three pieces of outdoor fitness equipment in the park this year and add equipment in subsequent years. Attendees approved a plan for the club to provide $500 a year for three years to help fund the project. The original installation was helped along by a Rotary Grant secured by SRC,

Ron proposed a sectioned area for the equipment and that the town would maintain the area after the installation. The proposal includes seeking joint sponsorship with the town, a Rotary Club in Sweden, SRC, and local Boy Scouts, Elks, and Kiwanis organizations. The hope is that SRC’s financial commitment would inspire the other partners to follow suit as more equipment is installed.

• NEXT MEETING — We will meet via Zoom at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 17.