May 28, 2026, SRC Rotary Minutes
Attendance: P. Kellerman; R. Martinez; J. Leyhane; M. Forth; P. Bailey; L. Pferr; P. Brown; D. Brown; C. Heaney; A. Leyhane; K. Leyhane; R Hannan;
Guests: Denise Figueroa, Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley; Jessie Pferr
Presentation: Thanks to Laurie Pferr for arranging.
Our guest, Denise Figueroa, from Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley discussed her agency, which eliminates barriers and inspires opportunities for people with disabilities. They envision a world in which people with disabilities enjoy the same right for self-determination, economic freedom and full and equal participation in community life as their non-disabled peers.
Services include advocacy, peer counselling, benefits advisements, living skills, employment support.
ILCHV services people of all ages with all disabilities including those affecting mobility, hearing, vision, mental health, self-expression and learning.
ILCHV has bee operating since 1987. They are a non-residential consumer-controlled community-based organization. Over one half of their board of directors and most of the staff are persons with disabilities.
To learn more about ILCHV visit online at www.ilchv.org or on Facebook.
Business:
Happy Dollars:
• Jim completed the Scouts safety protocols to continue as the Club Liasson.
• Happy Dollars are currently going to Circles of Mercy and will switch to Flutter Express in the Fall
• Phil’s soccer player friend Delphine has been granted an ok to seek work in the USA and will begin applying in July
Membership Dues and Membership:
• Murray has sent out invoices to current club members. We need to know within the week who will be renewing or not. Thanks to Murray and all involved for monitoring this process.
• We have two possible new members from Top Form and continue to pursue Phil’s old boss.
Time Sensitive: All invoices have been sent out. Dues need to be submitted or committed by next week to Murray Forth. Make necessary adjustments to membership for Rotary International and CNY Rotary.
IRS update: Our filing was incorrectly changed to calendar from fiscal year. Nothing to do on our part as adjustments have been made by the IRS.
Website Update: Carol continues to work on this project and hopes to have the site by fall. Thanks to all involved.
Global Grant Update:
• Kenya WASH Project: P. Brown provided an update and photos. Completion is expected by the end of June. Some contingency funds will be satisfied by Jennifer Grimm, District Grants Subcommittee Chair, through an arrangement with a Rotary organization in India. The project completion does include sealing the well. The Club 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 District Grant 2026/27: $2500
Carole Heaney submitted the 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 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. There is a possible $2500 match from an anonymous donor. Thanks to the Committee’s support in getting the grant timely submitted.
Action: Await approval.
East Greenbush Backpack Program District Grant for food storage Facilities and Equipment 2025/26 $2500
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. The Club has till the end of July. She has some question which need clarification. Laurie wants to include a posting in Our Towne for publicity.
Action: Our Towne article and completing of the final report. Laurie will send the report to Phil K. before submission. Await our reimbursement.
Meeting Schedule:
• Next meeting is on June 25th at the Brown’s home. This is the last meeting for the calendar year and recognizes Phil and the Clubs accomplishments for the Rotary Year. Please plan on attending. RSVP’s to the Browns. It is requested to bring an appetizer or salad to the event. Cost per person is $30or $40 for the family. Friends and family invited. Signup sheets were going around at the meeting. Thanks to the Browns for hosting.
• Plans for summer activities currently include:
o Cookoff at Jim Leyhanes hosted by Jim / Roberto 6pm July 9th
o S&S Brewery hosted by Phil and Pat 6pm Friday July 17th
o Grant’s College hosted by Phil 1pm July 23rd
o MacHayden Newsie’s hosted by Kevin 2pm Jul 30th
o Cookout at Murray and Maggie’s 6pm August 27th
Action: Fill in remaining dates for the summer
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 