SRC Rotary Meeting Notes: May 15, 2025

Speaker Recap for May 15, 2025

This evening’s speaker, Charlee Stead, from St. Paul’s Center engaged the membership in conversations about new Senior Housing for the unhoused. The talk covered updates on various community initiatives, including a shelter and supportive housing facilities. Discussions focused on challenges faced by homeless individuals, particularly seniors and families, as well as strategies to support them through housing assistance and community partnerships. Charlee extended an invitation to the membership to visit Unity House or St. Paul’s Senior Center for a tour.

Member, Chris Fowler, expressed interest in supporting St. Paul’s with a library at Senior Housing.

Agenda Items:

Community Service:

Backpack Program Support and Fundraising

Carole and Peter updated the membership on the outcome of today’s meeting with EG District meeting on supporting the backpack program that addresses food insecurity for students and families across seven schools. The group came to consensus for Rotary to help support funding for freezers and shelving at Columbia High School, which coordinates the program.

A budget will be submitted to Principal Simon by Columbia High School representative Lois, by May 22nd. A follow-up meeting of the group will be held on May 29th.

The group also aligned on holding a fundraising “Fun Run” in early October to help support the program’s $25,000 annual costs, with Kevin Leyhane leading efforts to secure sponsorships. Schools maintain their own fundraising initiatives as well. Date to be determined on May 29th.

Action: Peter, Carole, Chris, and Laurie will continue working on the District Grant Application for the EG Backpack Food Program. Carole will coordinate a zoom meeting for the grant group.

Action: Roberto, Peter, Phil, Kevin, Laurie, and Chris to attend May 29th meeting at school. Peter to report results back to membership on May 29th.

Club Updates

Carole reported she is testing automated meeting minutes templates. Action: Expect a recommendation to the board by July 1 by Carole Heaney.

The club agreed to sponsor some of the expenses associated with the upcoming defensive driving course. Pat Bailey made a motion to donate $100, which was seconded by Murrary and approved by the group. Action: Pat to obtain check for Nassau Library.

Phil also encouraged members to increase their Facebook followers to reach a goal of 100 to 200.

Mock-up of a sandwich board has been sent to Board by Carole. Action: Decision needed by Board.

Rotary Meeting Updates and Plans

The meeting covered several updates and announcements, including a reminder about submitting agenda items for an upcoming board meeting to Roberto.

• Phil Kellerman will follow up on tour dates, and possible dates for Boathouse Grill
• Debbie R. discussed the relocation of Star of Hope and a meeting at the school complex on May 21st at 1 PM with Terry and Roberto.
• A change in the schedule for scholarship recipients, moving their presentation to June 12th instead of June 19th due to the original date not working.
• Club assembly planned on June 19th.
• A presentation on cryptocurrency by Tom Romero on June 5th.
• Check the rotary.org website for upcoming event information.
• No meeting on July 3rd.

Member Responses Needed re: Social Events this summer:

• Debbie Brown will follow up with MacHaydn theater for the August 18th performance times. Let her know if you are interested.
• Debbie Rodriguez has tickets for Valley Cats Game on August 7th. Let her know if you want tickets.
• Pat Bailey is taking enrollments ASAP for the AAA Defensive Driving Course on Saturday, May 17th.
• Donation Jar funds will need a beneficiary. Send suggestions to Roberto Martinez.

FYI: Upcoming Food drives:

• Hoffman’s Car Wash May 17-18: Free car wash with food donations
• Stuff the Bus: June 7th, 9a-12n at Maple Hill High School-No perishable items.

Attendance: C. Foote, D. Drumm, P. Bailey, C. Heaney, P. Brown, D. Brown, R. Hannan, M. Forth, C. Bystroff, P. Kellerman, L. Pferr, D. Rodriguez, C. Fowler, A. Leyhane. Guest: C. Stead

Submitted,

Carole Heaney/Deb Rodriguez