One of the “Summer Casual” events SRC has enjoyed for quite some time is a picnic and Tri-City ValleyCats baseball game at Joseph L. Bruno Stadium in Troy.

As we already knew, such an event was in jeopardy because of event restrictions in the face of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Now comes word that the entire New York-Penn League minor league baseball season has been delayed, according to a Friday announcement by the league.

The ValleyCats had been scheduled to open their NYPL season in an away game at the Vermont Lake Monsters next Thursday. Their home opener was slated for June 24 against Williamsport at Bruno Stadium at Hudson Valley Community College. The league also canceled its all-star game, which was to be held August 18 in in Lowell, MA.

“The League and its clubs will continue to monitor the situation and work with our Major League Baseball affiliates, while following the recommendations of public health officials and adhering to local reopening guidelines,” read an NYPL statement. “As always, the health and safety of the New York-Penn League fans, players and staff members are our top priorities.”

Minor league baseball seems to be nearing outright cancellation for 2020. Baseball America reported Friday that Major League Baseball and its players’ union are instead discussing expanded rosters with taxi squads whenever the big-league season begins. Those squads would consist of 20 to 25 prospects in reserve who would stay in game shape by working out at facilities within 100 miles of the big-league club. They would not play full games, but rather simulated contests with no fans.

We are beginning to gradually emerge from event restrictions on group activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While we have been holding a variety of meetings and social events via Zoom video conferencing and have one more scheduled, as of July 1 we will enter our “Summer Casual Calendar” period that runs through July and August. But, before that, we’ll gather at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 25, for a Presidential Changeover picnic at the Drumm residence to close out 2019-20.

Any in-person activities in the “Summer Casual Calendar” period remain very tentative. We already know at least two of our traditional outings — to the Mac-Haydn Theatre in Chatham (summer season cancelled) and a Tri-City ValleyCats baseball game (the fate of the NY-Penn League’s season remains up in the air)  — have been scratched. So, feel free to use your imaginations and share any ideas you may have for safe activities we can enjoy as a group, families included.

Looking down the road, we hope Quigley’s will fully reopen for business by September so we can resume weekly dinner meetings, but we currently have no insight into whether it will reopen at all since a number of restaurants have been ruined by the pandemic restrictions and are permanently closed.

Meanwhile, click here to access the Calendar page for a few events on the abbreviated schedule.

Held at Quigley’s Restaurant
573 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY 12061 Virtually

Due to a variety of factors, including some communication problems in advance of the event, the scheduled Zoom meeting on Thursday did not draw enough members to constitute a quorum. Thus, no official actions were taken.

Those in attendance did discuss the possibility of an outdoor picnic to serve as the annual Presidential Changeover (details here), and a Thursday, June 18, Zoom meeting at which we hope to include the recipients of our scholarships for Rensselaer, Columbia, and Maple Hill high schools.

There will be no Zoom meeting next week, June 11.

During a recent virtual meeting, SRC members discussed renewing support for several local food banks. It was agreed to urge members to make financial donations, but some expressed a desire to donate non-perishable food items as well.

Well, Saturday will be a perfect time to make such product donations. That’s when Rensselaer County will hold a collection effort at Hudson Valley Community College. (If you plan to do so, why not wear your Rotary hats and/or shirts to make a solid, if brief, statement?)

Rensselaer County Executive Steve McLaughlin today announced the effort, explaining that all non-perishable food items and comfort and hygiene items donated will be distributed to food pantries throughout the county, thereby extending the reach of donors.

McLaughlin said county officials are concerned about impending shortages at community food banks and pantries that service the county.

“We are appealing to residents who want to help their neighbors get through what may be tough times ahead,” McLaughlin said. “Our community food pantries do a great job serving those in need, and these donations will help in that mission.”

People are invited to drop off items in the parking lot near the Joseph L. Bruno Stadium on the HVCC campus from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. The best route to the designated area is via the South Drive entrance off Vandenburgh Avenue (Route 4).