Author: SRCrotary

A volunteer service club located in Rensselaer County, NY, that is part of Rotary International, the 1.23 million-member international organization of men and women serving their community and their world.

Time to shop for Easter basket items

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Screen Shot 2020-03-06 at 2.04.59 PMIt’s that time of year again, when SRC and others join with Circles of Mercy for its “Easter Baskets for Cate’s Kids” drive on behalf of needy children ages 1 to 12. Last year, SRC pledged 75 baskets but came up with 106!

Circles of Mercy is an outreach center for poor and low-income families which is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community. SRC has partnered with the organization for years on a number of effort, including holiday family “adoptions.”

“Last year, over 150 requests for Easter baskets was met, but given the current economic times, no doubt Circles of Mercy will have not only the same number of children, but possibly more,” says Circles’ director Richard Zazycki.

Easter this year will fall on Sunday, April 19, and we have agreed to meet an April 1 deadline by which to deliver gift baskets to Circles in time to get them distributed to the client families the week before the Easter holiday.

President Phil Kellerman will be contacting some of you about possibly coordinating the club’s portion of the effort and staying in contact with club member Shannon Romanowski at the Greenbush YMCA which is undertaking a companion effort.

Meanwhile, our practice has been to have the club purchase baskets, artificial grass, and transparent wrappings, and ask members to purchase items for the baskets from the shopping list below, getting them to our event coordinator as they are purchased.

Since we’re on a tight turnaround, you may want to begin shopping now. Here’s what is needed:

THE SHOPPING LIST

• coloring books
• crayons
• color pencils
• facial tissues
• toothpaste, tooth brushes, and dental floss
• combs and brushes
• small, age-appropriate (1 to 12) stuffed animals, toys, small games
• reading books
… and, of course, different types of traditional candy

 

And a good time was had by all

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60th logoSixty years officially in the books, thanks to an SRC gala dinner party Thursday night at the Comfort Inn.

In addition to a performance by magician Doug Eash — who performed some close-up sleight of hand magic for the kids in attendance before his main show — the crowd of SRC members, spouses, friends, and guests enjoyed a buffet dinner and awards presentations.

President Phil Kellerman presented awards to a number of SRC members for various activities. Those present to accept were Bill Dowd (also the event coordinator), Murray Forth, Andy Leyhane (two awards), Shannon Romanowski, Debbie Rodriguez, Jim Leyhane (two awards), and Kevin Leyhane. Not in attendance, but receiving awards, were “Rotarian of the Year” Pat Bailey, Becky Raymond, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Roberto Martinez, and Terry Brewer (two awards).

In addition, we heard remarks from two District Governors — our own 7190 DG Larry Jones, and visiting 7120 DG Dave Hannan from the Rochester area.

Here are some scenes from the evening:

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24 hours till 60th Anniversary Dinner

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60th logoThe food and drinks have been ordered, the entertainment acquired, and we’re all set to mark 60 years of community service.

From our club’s founding as the East Greenbush Rotary Club to its current expanded existence as the Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club, we have worked together to bring comfort, aid, and enlightenment to all ages through our support of education, health care, youth activities, family assistance, environmental preservation, and much, much more.

So, we’ll see all of you who have made reservations for the dinner, which will begin at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Comfort Inn & Suites, 99 Miller Road, just off I-90 Exit 10.

 

Foundation Bowl-a-Thon fun for all

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The Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club’s “Foundation Bowl-a-Thon” drew about 50 participants to the East Greenbush Bowling Center on Sunday.

The event was billed as a fundraiser for both the Oley Foundation and the Freedom From Fistula Foundation, organizations SRC helps support on an ongoing basis.

In addition to the bowlers, we had several event volunteers from the club and from the Danes Rotaract club we sponsor at the UAlbany School of Public Health. And, we had 24 lane sponsors at $100 each.

Here is a slideshow of some scenes from the day:

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Details outlined for District Conference in Albany

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Usually, SRC members have to make a bit of a drive to attend the annual District 7190 Conference. This year, things will be different.

The conference, scheduled for Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17, will be held at several venues in Albany, a quick trip for all of us, which should make attendance a breeze.

Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, MAY 15

• 1:30 to 4 p.m. — Day of Service Projects

Continuing an annual tradition, attendees can choose to volunteer at one of these three optional projects on Friday afternoon.  No cost to attend or participate, but we ask you to please sign up during registration so we can plan accordingly:
Option 1 — Northeast Regional Food Bank farm, Altamont:  Wear your work clothes for gardening and help the staff at the Northeast Regional Foodbank’s Farm in Altamont with some spring planting.   Farm supplies local foodbanks during the growing months. NERFB also will sell produce to support its Foodbank programs.
Option 2 — NERFB Warehouse, Latham: Join your fellow Rotarians for indoor volunteer work at the  warehouse near the Albany International Airport.  Help the staff by sorting donations and boxing for distribution to worthy groups and individuals.
Option 3 — Ronald McDonald House, Albany: Work together helping residents at the facility located near the Albany Medical Center.
• 5:30-7 p.m. — Re-Connecting Dinners
• Optional event –– Meet up with fellow Rotarians at various venues in the Albany area and “Re-Connect” with friends.  Venue selection and dinner cost is on your own. Some suggested locations and hosts are listed as options to consider during registration.   Please specify your preference during registration so appropriate space can be reserved.
• 7:30-9:30 p.m., International Taste Tour: 4 to 5 pubs in Albany’s North End
• Optional event — The North End , also known as the city’s Warehouse District, has a number of venues featuring various international themes — German, Irish, Asian, etc. This event ($20 per person) includes some light fare to go with cash bars at each of the venues.  Plan accordingly to use hotel shuttles or support local Uber/Lyft drivers for a fun and safe evening.
SATURDAY, MAY 16
  • 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle Street
    Business meeting and breakout sessions; showcase of club projects; lunch program; club awards
• The new Capital Center building near the Governor’s Mansion is our venue and host on Saturday for District Conference.   District Governor Larry Jones will officially call our conference to order, followed by role call of participating clubs. Meet our Rotary International President’s Representative,  Michael Angelo Caruso, attend our annual meeting/business sessions, and enjoy the lunch program featuring our keynote speaker. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals are included as part of the full conference registration, as is Sunday brunch.
1:30 to 4 p.m., Discover Albany
  • Options: Treasure Hunt of Albany sites, the New York State Museum, tour the historic Ten Broeck Mansion, and more
• Select from a number of options on Saturday afternoon to enjoy the Downtown Albany area.  Please specify your preference during conference registration so we can plan accordingly.  Tours are being arranged at some nearby historic sites, or choose to  join teams to participate in our treasure hunt in the neighborhood near the Albany Capital Center, the Empire State Plaza, and Renaissance Albany. This fun activity is a favorite with our Exchange students and Rotarians who join up with them.
  • 5:30 – 9:00 pm – International Street Fair: International drink tastings, Mazzone Hospitality’s international food stations, cultural activities, and entertainment. This program will feature tastings and activities from different countries as part of the full conference registration. Mix, mingle, and connect with Rotarians and friends.
SUNDAY, MAY 17 AT THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL
  • 9:30 Sunday Brunch: The “Remembering Rotarians” memorial service
Join us for a brunch at our official district conference hotel, which is included with the full conference registration. The program will include our annual tribute to “Rotarians called to Higher Service” during the past year. Governor Larry Jones will close the conference following the brunch and program.
Simply click here to go to the online registration page for the conference.

Gates Foundation renews Rotary polio pledge

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Screen Shot 2020-03-01 at 1.33.21 AMBy LARRY JONES
Governor, District 7190

Rotarians around the world are celebrating the announcement from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that it is renewing the partnership with Rotary International to continue the battle to eradicate polio.

This additional commitment of up to $450 million underscores the viability of the combined worldwide effort to eliminate this disease.  When polio was at its worst it was crippling 350,000 people, mostly children, each year.  Today, largely due to the coordinating efforts of Rotary in partnership with foundations like the Gates organization and governments worldwide, polio annually is crippling fewer than 50 people each year.  And soon, the number will be zero.

Similarly, Rotary partners with other organizations around the world in a wide variety of activities.  Dozens of Rotary-founded organizations connect Rotarians to wherever the need is greatest.  In communities around the world, local and international organizations partner with Rotary clubs to solve problems as only private partnerships can.

Rotarians in District 7190 contribute more than 44,000 volunteer hours each year, with an approximate in-kind value of $780,000, to polio eradication efforts that directly benefit our communities, and Rotary is attracting new members who are looking for a way to connect to service opportunities.

How about you? In addition to participating with the many ways local Rotary clubs are making a difference, you also will develop and establish a strong network of professionals who share business and community values similar to yours. Even more, you will have many opportunities and ways to participate in dynamic projects around the world together with 1.23 million Rotarians in more than 33,000 clubs worldwide.  Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or volunteering to better humankind, virtually anywhere there is a need you can find Rotary already working in that community.

You probably already give some service to the community. Otherwise, I doubt you’d still be reading this message. But, would you like to go deeper? Do you want to learn more? Just contact me, and I’ll make sure to connect you with Rotarians engaging the community where you live or where you work.

This year the international Rotary theme is “Rotary Connects The World.” But,  it’s not just a theme, it’s a way of shaping your efforts.  We are on the lookout for passionate people with a desire — indeed a need — to serve their community, globally and locally. It starts with you. Reach out to me or another local Rotarian today.  Then, let’s get busy!

 

Meeting Clipboard: 2/27/20

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SRC ClipboardHeld at Quigley’s Restaurant
573 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY 12061

Members Attending (16): Phil Kellerman, Murray Forth, Terry Brewer, Pat Bailey, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Dean Calamaras, Doris Clamaras, Dick Drumm, Charlie Foote, Ray Hannan, Andy Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Carol Orvis, Wells Packard, Debbie Rodriguez.

Guests (1): Ali.

Bowling logoMEETING MINUTES: President Phil welcomed everyone and introduced his guest, Ali. … Terry Brewer reported that the Foundation Bowl-a-Thon scheduled for this Sunday at the East Greenbush Bowling Center now has 23 sponsors at $100 each, and 28 pre-registered bowlers. Volunteers are needed for the two shifts. We will have a 50/50 raffle as an additional fundraiser. The Danes Rotaract club, which is sending nine bowlers, also will hold a 50/50 raffle. …

Screen Shot 2020-03-01 at 12.43.59 AMPhil, Debbie Rodriguez, and . and Becky attended a recent Freedom From Fistula Foundation event, and reported that there will be a fundraiser from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 20, at the UAlbany School of Public Health to support Foundation-backed clinics in Africa. The event will include a silent auction. The club approved using the event as a substitute for our regularly scheduled dinner meeting of that week. Debbie Rodriguez requested that the club approve funds for silent auction items for the  event. Murray moved, Andy Leyhane seconded, and members approved without dissent a motion that $200 be used for that purpose. …

Screen Shot 2020-03-01 at 12.47.33 AMWells Packard reported that he has been certified as a Rotary Youth Exchange representative. Since it is not in our budget for this year and he wants to be sure we do everything correctly, Wells recommended we not host an exchange student until next year. Murray moved, Peter Brown seconded, and members approved without dissent a motion that Wells be officially designated our Club Exchange Officer. … Murray Forth reminded members that he still has Hoffman Car Wash tickets for sale. All proceeds go to the club treasury. …

60th logoBill Dowd reported via Murray that 45 members, guests, and children have made reservations to the Thursday, March 5, SRC 60th Anniversary Dinner at the Comfort Inn on Miller Road. The event will begin with a 6 p.m. meet-and-greet period. … Calendar reminders: There will be no dinner meeting on April 16 due to school vacations that week. … All members with March program assignment dates are asked to let Bill Dowd know details of their programs ASAP so they can be publicized.

Screen Shot 2020-02-24 at 1.24.14 PMPROGRAM:  “Journey to the Golan Heights”

Dean Calamaras presented an illustrated talk on his visit, with son Michael, to the beleagured area of the Middle East occupied  by Israel from Syria during the Six Day War in 1967.

His photos included a topographical map of the Golan area, the Nimrod ruins, and a Druze Village on the heights. He explained that resorts are being built in the area as it is a much higher elevation and, therefore, cooler than most parts of the hot, arid country.

Additional photos included those of the Golan Reservoir, a bunker on the heights, a collection of listening antennas, the view toward Syria and Lebanon, and a line of several tanks ready to defend Israel.

 

We’re taking a journey to the Golan Heights

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Screen Shot 2020-02-24 at 1.24.14 PM

The Golan Heights have been in the international spotlight for more than a half-century, ever since the Syrian area was occupied by Israel during the Six-Day War.

Dean Calamaras will present a PowerPoint program at our Thursday dinner meeting called “Journey To the Golan Heights,” retracing a visit he and son Michael paid to the region.

The dinner mean will feature chicken Parmesan plus an antipasto salad, chef’s choice of side dishes, bread, dessert, and beverages. And, as always, the cash bar is available.

If you plan to attend but have not yet informed dinner coordinator Debbie Rodriguez, please email her no later than Tuesday evening at debannrod@yahoo.com. Above all, be sure to let her know if you plan to bring one or more guests so we don’t have a last-second scramble for seating.

Those who currently have reserved:

Pat Bailey
Terry Brewer
Debbie Brown
Peter Brown
Dean Calamaras
Bill Dowd
Dick Drumm
Murray Forth
Ray Hannan
Phil Kellerman
Kevin Leyhane
Wells Packard
Becky Raymond
Debbie Rodriguez

Only 3 days left to RSVP for 60th celebration

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60th logoHere it is, February 17, and that means there are just three days remaining to email your RSVP for our “SRC 60th Anniversary Party.”

We have a nice crowd already lined up to attend, but we’d like it if you would join the festivities. Guests and kids are welcome, too. Reservations are just $50 per person, $15 for kids ages 12 and under. Just contact event coordinator Bill Dowd (BillDowd4Troy@gmail.com ) no later than Thursday so we can give our caterer a correct headcount.

WHAT: The 60th anniversary of the founding of our club.

WHEN: Thursday, March 5 — 6 p.m. cocktail hour (unlimited beer, wine and soda; cash bar), 7 p.m. buffet dinner followed by professional magician Doug Eash and his “It’s Magic!” show.

WHERE: Comfort Inn & Suites’ Berkshire Room, Miller Road, just off I-90 Exit 10.

Hope to see you there!