Members in Attendance (12):  Dick Drumm, Charlie Foote, Phil Kellerman, Ruth Samuels, Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Pat Bailey, John Justino, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Ray Hannan, and Roberto Martinez.

By Zoom (0): None.

Guests (4):  Jason Chevier, Superintendant Schodack Central; John Eberle, President & CEO Capital District Community Foundation; Marisa Multari, Asst. District Governor and Speaker Dr. Robert Martiniano Professor School of Public Health

President Peter Brown called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Building Community.”

MEETING NOTES

Discussion of agenda items was limited because of the robust presentation and following discussion on the topic of Social Capital and its effect on the stability of a community.

Membership: New member, Ruth Samuels was voted in by the club, and was sponsored by Deb Rodriguez.  Congratulations!

SRC Board: Phil Kellerman and Andy Leyhane will be serving as At Large Board members.  Becky Raymond has resigned her position with the Board.  Many thanks to Becky for all her contributions as a past Board member.

Viking Gym: Ron Annis continues to push for some activity in the fall of this year.  He may need a team to help assemble some of the equipment which has already arrived.  There were some comments about people not knowing what the “Viking Gym” and this feedback is will go back to Ron.  It was also suggested that school groups and the National Honor Society may be tapped for support.

Polio: Phil Kellerman provided an update on friend with polio needing leg brace.  She received a pro bono medical consult and so far, Phil has coordinated raising $900.  He would like to see if our club would consider a donation once he has more information.

Gift Of Life 25th Annual Golf Tournament: Marisa Multari commented that the Gift of Life Tournament was very successful and that Dean and Doris Calamaras were there as volunteers.

Speakers: We continue to look for speakers for the upcoming months.  Roberto has produced a list of potential speakers and Marisa Multari provided the club with some additional ones.  Roberto will compile the lists and bring to next week’s meeting.  On both lists are the exchange program, mental health, Gift of Life and Shelter Box.

Rotaract: John Justino gave an update on the Rotaract Club.  This included involvement with World Polio Day which is October 24^th.  He gave an update on their fund-raising event at the Beer Garden which was also attended by SRC Club members.

District News: Marisa Multari gave some save the dates for the upcoming Toronto Zone meeting, the annual Foundation Dinner, and the year from now CNY transition in Bennington, NY.  She commented that the District will also be doing something for Polio Day.

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 28th, 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. Kevin Leyhane will provide a “Technology Review.” He will do a hands-on presentation about using our website.  Please feel free to bring your cell phone or laptop if you would like to follow along.

Entree choices will be Chicken Ceasar Salid, Cheese Ravioli with Marinara or Meat Sauce or Lasagna.

Robert gave a very thought-provoking presentation on Social Capital. He was introduced by Peter Brown who had a discussion with him years ago.  Peter’s concern is the degradation of Social Capital and its impact on society.  Social Capital is the product of interactions among individuals rather than the individuals themselves. Social Capitalism involves an exchange of ideas and involves social and cultural relationships.   It builds shared trust and civic engagement. This trust seems to have declined in recent years.  It is important because it creates linkage for exchange of ideas and knowledge and communications. These social networks can contribute to community wellness and projects which give back to society. Some networks have restrictions like age or income, or professions but in general having these linkages promotes a healthier society and outcomes.  Formal networks would include Rotary, the Elks the PTA, bowling leages, fire companies and many other voluntary associations and groups.  Informal networks would be weekly gatherings, play groups etc.  The critical result is creation of a sense of belonging and bi-directional flow of information. Promoting Social Capital involves community organizations. Suggestions to build Social Capital are to build professional and personal relationships and become a resource to others.   The presentation was followed by a very robust dialogue and discussion.  The group thanked Robert for his presentation.