Members in Attendance (11):  Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Andy Leyhane, Phil Kellerman, Carol Heaney and Debbie Rodriguez.

By Zoom (0): Ruth Russell

Guests (1): Richard Zazycki

President Roberto Martinez called the meeting to order.

Theme for the year: Grow membership, do good in the world, leverage social capital, & have fun!

Meeting Notes:

Website Updates: The website needs some updating. Kevin is fixing the information.

Grant Update: The Global Grant was submitted on time under the previous district. Peter Brown received questions from Rotary International. The answers are to be provided by Jennifer Grymm of the Rotary Club in Kenya. He hopes to have the questions answered over the next two weeks and then receive final approval.

East Greenbush and Social Capital: The Club is proposing a cornhole tournament to raise funds for a school project. Peter Brown reached out to Jeff Simon, Superintendent for the East Greenbush School District regarding some potential projects. Terry Brewer, Jim Leyhene, Roberto Martinez and Ron Annis will meet on 9/25 to discuss the project.

Tax Status: No update this week.

Member Dues: According to Murray Forth, there are 2 outstanding.

Viking Gym: The Grand Opening was Saturday 9/14/24 at 1 pm at the Schodack Town Park. Kiwanis and Top Form, Rotary and Charles Peter, Schodack Town Supervisor, along with other Town employees were present. See the post on 9/14.

Rotary Leadership Institute ( rlinea.org ): The next training is in Verona, NY. Per Roberto Martinez, the Club will pay the $75 fee for any member who wants to attend.

CNY Event: Took place this evening at Huck Finns. The Rotary Area 22 Event included Albany, Cohoes, Colonie-Guilderland, Southern Rensselaer and the Delmar Club.

Gift of Life Golf Tournament: The Club will follow-up with Dean and Doris Calamaras.

Membership: Membership is ongoing.

Speakers: Needed for this year.

World Polio Day: It is on October 24th. Roberto Martinez will check with the School of Public Health.

Benefit Concert: Phil Kellerman has a local and a band from Florida. He is looking for a venue.

Cafe Capriccio: Andy Leyhane and Jim Leyhane are contacting the Cafe regarding a fundraiser.

Rotary Presidential Peace Conference: To be held February 20-22, 2025 at the Hilton Istanbul Bomonti Hotel and Conference Center in Istanbul, Turkey. Register at rotery.org/istanbul25.

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 26 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. RPI Professor Dr. Chris Bystroff will speak about voting machines.

Entry Choices will be Rustica Salid, Eggplant Pharm and Spaghetti and Meatballs

Richard Zazycki is President and CEO of Circles of Mercy, a not-for-profit located at 11 Washington Street in Rensselaer. Mr. Zazycki is the only full-time employee. There are approximately 75 to 100 volunteers. They have a budget of approximately $165,000 per year. The funding is raised through donations and fundraising activities. Established in 1997, September 24th will mark their 26th year of providing services and programs to the Rensselaer Community.

SRC Rotary participates annually in the Circle of Mercy’s three main outreach programs: back to school supplies, adopt-a-family, and Easter baskets. Over 165 students received new back packs and school supplies. Other programs include: Catherine’s Closet and VITA. Catherine’s Closet thrift store is open Monday through Friday from 10 am until 2 pm for shopping. Donations can be dropped off between 10:30. The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA). Program begins the last week in January. Last year, 38 volunteers donated 2,700 hours of service and saved clients over $299,000 in commercial prep fees.

Circle of Mercy’s three main fundraisers each year are the Irish Night in June, the Taste of Mercy gala in June and the Walk for Mercy with Maria College this month. To find out more about Circle of Mercy to go http://www.circlesofmercy.org.