Americorps Vista
Quisqueya Witbek
| Speaker Recap | |
| Quisqueya explains that AmeriCorps VISTA volunteers typically serve full-time (40 hours per week) at service sites, focusing on indirect service and capacity building rather than direct tasks. The program aims to create sustainable systems that allow organizations to function without the VISTA after their service. Volunteers range in age from 18 and up, with no upper limit, and must be U.S. citizens, green card holders, or have work authorization. Quisqueya describes Siena College’s cohort model, which includes monthly gatherings for professional development and community building. She also discusses how partner organizations are selected and mentions several local nonprofits currently hosting VISTA volunteers. Quisqueya notes that VISTA volunteers can be recruited nationwide, with about 30% of volunteers traveling more than 50 miles to serve. Meeting Summary Membership: Carole presented the board with a draft of a sandwich board sign to use at events and to post by the door outside of Moscatiello’s on meeting nights. A request was made to do a mockup with the Rotary info and meeting times and contact information. Action: Carole H. will craft a mockup and send to Roberto. Roberto will then ask the restaurant if we can post outside. New Slate of Officers: A slate of officers was proposed and a vote from the membership approved. All in favor. No nays. President: Phil Kellerman for 2 years 2025/26 and 2026/27 President Elect: Andy Leyhane 2025/26 President Elect: Carole Heaney 2026/27 Vice President: Jim Leyhane Treasurer/Co-Treasurer: Murray Forth and Phil Kellerman Foundation: Jim Leyhane Club Budget: Phil Kellerman presented the Board with an update on the current financial health of the club. Phil informed the board that expenditures are outpacing income and discussed the need to identify strategies to increase funds, including major fundraisers to replenish the bank account, as upcoming expenses for scholarships will further decrease the balance. Strategies to Increase Membership: Follow up from the April 10th Rotary meeting presented by Carole and Terry on the Motivators and Barriers to Rotary Membership. The membership identified several flexibility options to consider to make Rotary an appealing choice for joining Rotary including: changing meeting frequency, increasing frequency of meeting via Zoom only, offer multiple types of membership, decrease costs associated with attendance, i.e. weekly dinner expenses Action: Carole H. will set up a small group collect ideas and bring to the membership for discussion in mid-June to decide any changes by July 1st. Kenya Project: Peter updated the group on the Kenya water project, explaining that despite initial promising results, the drilling attempt was unsuccessful. He proposes using the remaining funds for a water capture project in an area with steady rainfall, noting that they need to find a suitable location that will serve the population and allow for water collection and treatment. Peter informed the group about the unexpected death of Edith Kanana’s brother, chair of a Rotary Club project, and the initiative to raise funds to help pay for the release of her brother’s body. He suggested that interested members can donate through him. Rotary District Grant Application Requirements: The group discussed the requirements for the Rotary district grant application. They need to include the club’s goals for 2025-26, foundation goals, and a slate of officers, which should be available on Club Runner and CNY site. Phil, as the President-elect, needs to set the club goals. The foundation goals involve estimating how much club members will contribute to the Rotary Foundation in the coming year. The grant application also requires signatures from current and incoming officers. Action: Phil will complete goals for 2025/26 by May 27th as President Elect. Carole will include in District Grant application. Membership Dues: The club discussed membership dues. Murray will send out invoices for dues in the next two weeks, with payments due July 1st. The club is considering setting up an ACH payment system through KeyBank for a $10 monthly fee to facilitate electronic payments. Action: Murray will send out membership dues invoices within two weeks. An ACH payment option will be included with the communication. Star of Hope Project: Debbie R. reported the group has selected Option A for a site plan and is waiting on a budget to determine costs and potential volunteer work. Debbie will submit a budget for the Star of Hope Relocation Project when details become available. District Grant 2024/25: The District Grant opportunities for 2024-25 have been discussed, with scholarship awardees selected and presented on June 12th. Murray and Phil to confirm scholarship awardee names for the bank checks and submit to Roberto before the June 12th meeting. Rotary Convention: Roberto is to notify Rotary International that Carole Heaney will be the clubs delegate Convention prior to June 19th. Fundraising: Club members to consider hosting fundraiser gatherings over the summer and notify Roberto of dates. |
Attendance (16): Charlie Foote, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Murray Forth, Carole Heaney, Laurie Pferr, Becky Raymond, Pill Kellerman, Chris Bystroff, Keven Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Pat Bailey and Debbie Rodriguez.
Guests (2): Quisqueya Witbeck and Janet Witbeck.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, May 28 at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. This meeting is a Club Assembly.
Attendance (16): C. Foote, P. Bailey, C. Heaney, P. Brown, D. Brown, R. Hannan, M. Forth, C. Bystroff, P. Kellerman, L. Pferr, D. Rodriguez, R. Martinez, J. Leyhane, A. Leyhane, K. Leyhane and B. Raymond.
Guest (2): Quisqueya Witbek and Janet Witbek.
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 