The meeting covered various topics, including the recognition of  Rotary High School Scholarship recipients, discussions about mentoring programs, and updates on community service projects. Members also addressed organizational matters such as upcoming events, membership dues, and leadership changes within the club as we end the Rotary calendar year. Additionally, the group reviewed ongoing initiatives and future plans, including global grant projects, fundraising efforts, and potential student exchange programs.

A moment of silence was offered for the recent passing of long-time member, and past District Governor, Denise DiNoto. Services are scheduled for June 20^th and listed on the CNY Rotary website.

This is the last meeting at Moscatiellos until we return after summer programs.

Minutes

Members attending 13: Pat Bailey, Carole Heaney, Dick Drumm, Peter and Debbie Brown, Andy Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Murray Forth, Charlie Foote, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth

Guests 9: Joe Kardash, Olivia Hanks (student), Stacy Hover, Rob Santarcangelo, Jen McIntosh, Leah McIntosh (student), Patricia Farnan, Donna LaPietra, Giovanni LaPietra (student)

Rotary Club Scholarship Recipients Introductions

Three Rotary Scholarship Recipients from Columbia High School, Maple Hill, and Rensselaer High schools along with their families and representatives from their schools were present. Phil Kellerman presented Award Certificates and a check for $1000 to the winners. The awardees were selected by their schools. All students exhibited Rotary characteristics or giving back to the community, leadership and doing good in the world. All were appreciative of their mentors and Rotary for assisting with the scholarship awards. 

Recipients:

Maple Hill High School: Lea McIntosh

Lea is interested in teaching and looks forward to major in world history and becoming a high school teacher.  She will be going to SUNY Gennesio, where her mom also went. She’s dedicated to helping others and enjoying indoor and outdoor athletics, along with academics and student leadership.

Columbia High School: Giovanni LaPietra

Giovanni is a cross-country runner and it a mentor to soccer students.  Academically he’s interested in Chemical Engineering and will be attending college in New Jersey. 

Rensselaer High School: Olivia Hanks

Olivia is interested in always saying yes and being a part of something bigger than she is. Likes to be doing good in the community and being a mentor. She going to SUNY Oneonta and looks forward to being an elementary teacher.

Presidential Changeover Event

The upcoming presidential turnover event at the Browns, where Roberto will be transitioning his position as President to Phil Kellerman for the new calendar year. The event will include garden tours, the induction of three new members, and a summer casual fundraiser with a $30 per person charge and $40 per family. Roberto emphasized the importance of headcount for planning purposes and mentioned that Peter and Debbie need to be informed of attendees.

Kenya Project Update and Applications

Peter Brown reported on a global grant project in Kenya where a planned well drilling was unsuccessful, but the team is now considering two sites for rainwater collection systems. He mentioned receiving a thank you note from Edith regarding assistance provided to her brother’s funeral expenses.

District Grants: Roberto noted that the District Grant application 2025-26 has been submitted and he will work with Jim to prepare a final report for District Grant 24-25 which will be due by end of July.

Club Updates and Shelter Initiatives

The meeting covered several updates and action items.

Membership Dues: Roberto discussed the need to collect membership dues by end of July, and mentioned that some members have already paid. Murray stated ACH payments for membership dues are now available.

New Member Inductions: The club will be conducting inductions during the presidential changeover.

St Paul’s: Chris Fowler is coordinating donations to a homeless shelter, with plans for a potential music benefit in late August or early September. Carole mentioned she would provide more details about a “Kids Nook” project at the St. Pauls senior shelter after she speaks with their representative. The group reviewed upcoming events, including a tour of the shelter on July 10th. They also discussed a food drive and the need to collect items for the shelter.

Roberto reminded everyone about joining the Facebook page.

Belgian Exchange Program Postponed

The meeting discussed the potential hosting of a Belgian exchange student, but due to a lack of established host families, the opportunity was postponed. The District is still hoping someone can step forward in the District to make it work. Roberto emphasized the importance of continuing to engage with the student exchange program and suggested including it in a strategic plan.

The group also discussed upcoming events, including the Rotary International Convention, where Carole and Tom Reamon will be involved.

Finally, they mentioned the resignation of Rotary International President-elect Mario de Camargo due to family issues, and the need to find a replacement.