MEMBERS ATTENDING (16): Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Dick Drumm, Andy Leyhane, Pat Bailey, Phil Kellerman, Terry Brewer, Debbie Rodriguez and Ray Hannan. By Zoom: Kevin Leyhane, Charlie Foote, Dean Calamaras, Doris Calamaras, and Murray Forth.

GUESTS: None.

President-Elect Peter Brown called the meeting to order.

MEETING NOTES:

Theme for the Year – “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally”. Service projects and guest speakers should relate to this theme. 

Hybrid Meeting – Tonight is our first hybrid meeting.  Thank you to all involved for making this possible especially Jim Leyhane and Roberto Martinez.  We ask for patience as we work through the technology challenges. Roberto Martinez reported that he called Denise DeNoto (District President) to inquire about other Clubs using the hybrid meeting model. Ms. DeNoto will check to see if there are any District funds available to help offset the cost of a hybrid meeting startup.

Proxy Votes – Reminder, if unable to attend at meeting, proxy votes can be submitted to President Kevin Leyhane. We will look at amending the by-laws to expand the number of members who can accept a proxy vote.

Remind App – Per Kevin Leyhane, nine members have joined the group. The Remind App allows group texting for quicker sharing of information in the case of rescheduling, proxy voting, and may serve as a quick reminder for events. To join the group:

                                    Send a text to the number:  81010

                                    Text this message:  @srcrot

Scheduling of Speakers – We can begin to start scheduling speakers for the upcoming year.  We are looking for speakers that relate back to our theme for the year.  If you have an idea for a speaker, contact Peter Brown or Kevin Leyhane. Ray Hannan will contact Judge Young to check availability for speaking in late November or December. Roberto Martinez noted that we are looking into getting a Club Zoom subscription.

ShelterBox Update – Please continue to contribute using Clynk donations.

Gift of Life Update – The update from the Golf Tournament and the Raffle it not yet available.  Kevin Leyhane reported that he was contacted by a real estate agent about removing the clothing donation box located in the Schodack Plaza. Jim Leyhane provided a contact for removing the box.

NYS Approved Rotary International License Plates – From Bill Dowd, the Rotary license plates are now available. Kevin Leyhane will post information and how to order a plate on the website this weekend.

NYCR Danes Rotaract – Reminder, Rotaract is planning a seminar to be held on World Polio Day (October 24, 2022) on Campus at 1 pm.

Exchange Student Program – Peter Brown reported that he, Jim Leyhane and Suzanna Bernd (Rotary District Exchange Program representative) met with Jeff Simon (Superintendent of the East Greenbush Central School District) and Michael Harkin (Principal of Columbia High School) about re-establishing the exchange program. Both Mr. Simon and Mr. Harkin were receptive. Ms. Bernd will put together information on the program to share with Columbia High School and Maple Hill High School. Next steps will include meeting with school clubs that might have interested students. It was noted that four host families are required per student. Each family will host the student for three months.

Currently there are seven international exchange students in our District. There are thirty-seven countries in which exchange is available. Along with the yearlong exchange program, there is a shorter one-month summer program. The U.S. State Department added requirements for host families and students. Rotary has partnered with Essex (Eastern State Student Exchange). Essex does the work to make sure that Rotary is in compliance with the Federal requirements.

Boy Scouts – Jim Leyhane reported that Alex Manning is the first Eagle Scout since Covid started. He will order the Eagle Plaque. The Eagle Scout ceremony will be held at Schodack Town Park on October 10th at 5:30 pm. Jim will also sign the Scout Charter on behalf of SRC Rotary to sponsor the Scouts next year.

Richard Drumm DAF – Phil Keller will call a meeting and report back on the status of the endowment.

Next Meeting – Thursday, October 6, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Please note: all meetings will now be at 6 pm unless otherwise notified.