May 28, 2026, SRC Rotary Minutes
Attendance: P. Kellerman; R. Martinez; J. Leyhane; M. Forth; C. Foote; P. Bailey; Mary Alice; D. Drumm; L. Pferr; P. Brown; D. Brown; C.Heaney; A. Leyhane; K. Leyhane
Guest: Heidi Buono, Community Caregivers
Our guest, Heidi Buono, Social Worker for Community Caregivers, discussed her nonprofit agency, which provides assistance to residents in Albany and Rensselaer counties through volunteers, helping them stay in their homes and live independently with dignity. Volunteers are always in high demand. Various types of non-medical support provided by volunteers include grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, friendly visits, and more. Community Caregivers is funded entirely by grants and donations. If any members have suggestions for connecting Heidi with community resources to support their financial and resource goals, contact her at 518-456-2898 or by email at info@communitycaregivers.org. For more information, go to their website at www.communitycaregivers.org
Business:
Membership Dues:
Time Sensitive: All invoices have been sent out. Dues need to be submitted as soon as possible to Murray Forth.
Global Grant Update:
Kenya WASH Project: P. Brown provided an update and photos. Completion is expected by the end of May. Jennifer Grimm, District Grants Subcommittee Chair, Rotary Club of Kilifi, noted that a contingency amount must be held for a period but was not included in the overall project budget. Jennifer will satisfy the contingency through an arrangement with a Rotary organization in India. Roberto and Peter acknowledged the recent contributions from members that closed the previous shortfall in construction fees. Roberto also acknowledged Peter’s persistence in bringing the project to a close despite the many construction challenges. Jennifer will continue to oversee the grant after the project’s completion.
District Grant Updates:
Flutter Club 2026/27
Carole Heaney reported on the Board-approved submission of a $2,500.00 District Grant to the Flutter Club to support safe and comfortable transportation for individuals living with life-threatening illnesses to health centers in Boston and New York City. The grant team did an initial review and is ready to submit this weekend. The club’s $1,250.00 fundraising contribution will be raised through a tag sale in late June or July, planned by Phil. Carole will host a Fall fundraising dinner.
Action: Grant team to review the final copy of the grant and send comments to Carole by Friday, May 29th.
Phil to confirm the tag sale date and the support needed.
East Greenbush Backpack Program 2025/26
Laurie Pferr reported that she has the receipts for the school’s grant-related purchases and is prepared to finalize the grant report for submission by June 10th. The final piece of documentation is a copy of the check to the East Greenbush Foundation.
Action: Murray to send Laurie the copy asap.
Laurie will send the report to Phil K. before submission
Meeting Schedule:
Next meeting is June 11th. The end of the year meetinf is June 25th at the Brown’s home.
Plans for summer activities include a visit to Grant Cottage and McHaydenTheater. Fundraising dinners will be planned. Dates and hosts to be announced.
Action:
Kevin Leyhane to communicate the best date for the McHayden performance.
Deb and Peter Brown will provide communication for the end-of-year celebration.
Phil to get dates for Grant Cottage visit.
Jim and Roberto are to organize a summer steak dinner and confirm details.
Kevin to update the SRC calendar with events.
Murray will communicate the dates for hosting dinner.
Other Business:
*Important Update from Kevin: Some folks are receiving the weekly updates in their junk folders. If you don’t receive them, please check your junk folder.
We hope you noticed the new sandwich board sign outside Moscatiello’s. It was purchased through a Public Image Grant from CNY Rotary by Carole Heaney.
CNY Rotary District Updates:
CNY Rotary Inauguration, June 20th 12-6pm, Roselawn Banquet Facility, 446 Main St., New York Mills, NY
https://cnyrotary.org/events/cny-rotary-inaguration
Join CNY’s celebration of the leadership transition across all of CNY. We will thank outgoing CNY District President Bob Balk, welcome our 2026-27 CNY District President Pamela Baker Gratton, and honor all outgoing and incoming Club Presidents for their service.
For just $30 per person, enjoy an all-inclusive experience featuring:
• Three hours of all you can eat cookout fare, including steak sandwiches, hamburgers, hot dogs, hot sausage, baked beans, kielbasa with sauerkraut, salt potatoes, pasta salad, corn on the cob, and clam chowder
• Four hours of all you can drink beverages, including beer, soda & coffee
• Space to play lawn games and relax
• Kids 5 and under are free!
Watch for a more detailed program for the afternoon’s festivities!
Registration closes June 6th and no tickets will be sold at the door. Be sure to register today!
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 