Minutes: Rotary Meeting, Feb 6, 2025

Due to the weather, the Rotary meeting was held via Zoom. In attendance were Roberto Martinez, Phil Kellerman, Jim Leyhane, Peter Brown, Kevin Leyhane, Terry Brewer, Carole Heaney, Charlie Foote, Pat Bailey, and Murray Forth.

It was reported that Margaret Pearson from the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society would not be able to speak as originally scheduled. Pat said she would ask Margaret to speak at a later date in which she could appear in person.  

Pat also asked if there were any members who still needed to fill out forms indicating what storage items they had taken. Kevin and Phil indicated that they still needed to get her their forms.

Phil spoke about reconciling the club’s finances – expenditures and income – onto Quicken, and said that the process was moving along. He was still working with Murray to fill in some information. Murray said that Phil, as assistant treasurer, could sign now for checks on behalf of the club.

Murray reported that the club is still waiting on word from the IRS on our tax-exempt status.

Concerning the bowl-a-thon, Phil said that he had communicated with the Maple Hill school principal, Robert Santarcangelo. He responded by saying that he had forwarded our information about wanting to have a bowl-a-thon on Sunday April 6th to Mr. Marvinney, teacher of the Connections Course. Phil reported that he had not heard back and would follow up.

Phil reported that an application for a benefit concert by the band Enjoyous was submitted by him to the East Greenbush Methodist Church for late April or early May.

Carole complimented Phil for bringing donated supplies over the Joan Nicole Prince Home for the Terminally Ill. Phil said that Toni Warren, director, gave him and his friend a great tour of the facility.

Roberto reported that he thought it was time to bring back the donation jar to raise funds for charity. The group agreed to have donations go to the eye clinic in Haiti, overseen by Anshu Chandra, who spoke to the group about the clinic.

More good news about the Global grant. Peter reported that the balance of $50,000 was sent to Kenya, and he expected the water project to possibly be completed in six weeks. Peter said it would be great if photos of the project could be uploaded to CYN news web-site.

Concerning the Cornhole tournament, Kevin said another meeting will be held at the superintendent’s office on Thursday Feb. 13th at 1 pm to continue discussion about the tournament. Phil said he could attend in Roberto’s absence.

Kevin also said that he met with a school speech therapist about the need for school back packs. Kevin was curious if the club could donate some funds but also inquired what kind of fund-raisers we could do to raise money for the project.

Pat reported that a defensive driving course would be offered on May 17 at the ambulance facility in Nassau.

Roberto reported that Dean had been interviewed about his recent book and the interview was available on Youtube.

Roberto also noted that the Albany Waterway Project was to receive an $85,000 grant for an engineering feasibility study to excavate and repurpose Lock One of the Erie Canal.

A talk on Crypto currency is of interest to the club. Peter reported that he had not heard from his original speaker of interest. Phil said he would speak to his friend, Tom Romero, about speaking as he knows quite a bit about the subject.

Terry and Carole expressed interest in holding a membership drive dinner as was done last year. Terry said the club may want to not only invite new folks but reach out to former club members who have dropped out to see if they would want to rejoin.

Roberto thought that with all the activities going on currently that the club should wait on discussing a fund-raiser via Cafe Capriccio.

Roberto also encouraged the club to access the CYN web-site which he said was excellent and listed in-depth information and district activities.

Roberto wound up the meeting by going over upcoming Pre-PEL zoom trainings and PETS trainings. Phil and Carole reported that they would be attending the RLI training in Johnson City on March 1st.  Carole said she would be going to the International Rotary Conference in Calgary in June.