Members in Attendance (10):  Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Dick Drumm, Murray Forth, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Carole Heaney and Debbie Rodriguez.

By Zoom (1): Charlie Foote

Guests (0): 

President Peter Brown called the meeting to order.

Theme for the year: “Building Community”

Meeting Notes:

Water for Kenya Global Grant: Peter Brown reported that the District number was fixed. He was just informed that the the Rotary Club of Enkare Naroch needed 25 members for a Global Grant. The Club did not meet this criteria so they joined with another Club to continue the Grant. The new Club will have to set up the bank account to pay the contractors. Both Clubs are working on a different project to provide water tanks to schools. Peter received the contact information from the new Club but neither of the contacts were listed as Club members. Peter is in the process of clarifying the information.

Per Roberto Martinez, the final written report for last year’s grant is due at the end of July. The grant for 24-25 was submitted to the new District and is dependent on the tax status.

501C4 Status: No update.

Dues: Murray Forth reminded members that Club dues of $175 are due by July 1st.

Viking Gym: The Viking Gym is open. Carol Heaney drove by and observed people using it. Per Murray Forth, the mock-up of the sign is done, was submitted to the Town of Schodack and Mr. Peters, the Town Supervisor, approved it. Debbie Rodriguez will contact Kevin Konig to clarify who is providing the peace pole and Ron Annis about a hard opening.

Fund Raisers: Some suggestions are hosting a pickle ball tournament, Cafe Capriccio, summer outings, plant swap, game night and a talent show. Murray Forth will talk to someone in Latham about structuring a pickleball tournament. Debbie Brown will contact Capital Rep about attending on August 1st.

Changeover: Will be held June 27th at 6 pm at Peter and Debbie Brown’s home. Please bring a salad or an appetizer.

District Meetings: The District 7190 Celebration will be held on June 19 at 5 pm at Wolf Hollow Brewing in Schenectady. Carol Heaney is willing to drive. Please contact her if you are interested in attending.

Speakers: We will need speakers for the fall.

Summer Schedule: Check the calendar for the latest updates.

Next Meeting: Thursday, June 20th at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. The will be a Club Assembly and a brief presentation on arts participation with Emma Leyhane.

Entry Choices will be Antipasta Salad, Spaghetti with Meatballs and Eggplant Parm.

Tracy Pitcher is the Executive Director of St. Paul’s Center. She has a master’s degree in social work and building bridges to a brighter future is her goal. She has been at St. Paul’s for fourteen years. Her dedicated staff has been there almost as long.

St. Paul’s Center was opened in October of 2006 as an emergency shelter. It is the only shelter in Rensselaer County dedicated to mothers and children. Over the years, it has helped over 1,373 families facing homelessness. Poverty leads to a culture of poverty resulting in generational poverty and homelessness. 64% of the mothers experienced homelessness as children and 40% did not finish high school.

St. Paul’s Center also provides support, guidance and advocacy. They offer workshops on skills building, finance, nutrition, cooking, parenting and other topics. Community partners offer workshops on various health issues, childcare contraception and empowerment. Childcare and tutoring are available. The Bridge Program, established in 2017, offers case management for six to twelve months after the families leave the shelter. Of the families served, 97% have not returned to homelessness.

Their new program is a 16 one bed unit for homeless seniors on Wolf Road. It is near Colonie Senior Services and the Center for Wellness. There are employment opportunities in the area and shopping and pharmacies are nearby. Their headquarters will move there, freeing up room to house more families in Rensselaer. For more information go to https://stpaulscenter.com/.