This year’s District 7190 “Day of Service” will offer Rotarians the opportunity to choose from among three different projects on Saturday, May 18.

• In Glenville, at the Animal Protective Foundation break room, we can paint and install new kitchen cabinets. The room is small, so we only need about three volunteers on this project.

• In Scotia, the Route 50 railroad bridge needs painting or applying graffiti-proof decals, depending on progress of the project. Volunteers will be working on a 15-foot-high platform lift, so be ready for that. We need about six to eight volunteers.

• In Saratoga Springs, the facilities that support the Back Stretch Community need our service. They provide housing for and support to Saratoga Race Course workers and their families during the racing season. We will provide a yard cleanup requiring 30 or more volunteers, plus painting projects on various buildings inside and outside for five to volunteers. There also is chainsaw work if you have your own chainsaw, plus demo work and wall re-construction for about six to 10 volunteers.

As always, you can come when you can and leave when you must, but the work programs start at 9 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. A simple lunch will be served at all locations.

Click here to respond to event chair Bruce McConnelee and let him know which project you’d like to aid.

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We are hoping to have three or four SRC members attend the upcoming “District Training Assembly, Grants Management Seminar, and New Member Orientation,” the activity with perhaps the longest title in Rotary, scheduled for Saturday, April 6, in Schenectady.

The lengthy title comes about  because rather than having one or maybe two components to the event as in the past, it has been expanded this year. As a result, it now is open to all Rotarians.

The curriculum will include leadership development training, the various Rotary websites, use of Facebook, District Youth Programs, Rotary grants management, and new member orientation. Plus, critical training for both treasurers and secretaries, pertinent because of the many changes going on within Rotary. So, please contact Terry Brewer if you are interested in participating.

First of all, we need a minimum of two members to take the grants management program to be eligible to apply for a grant the following year. More than two would be ideal.

As to new member orientation, this is perfect for new or returning Rotarians because Rotary sometimes can be a rather dense subject to delve into. It will help newcomers engage with the club and its activities more comfortably and quickly.

A few other things to remember:

• There is no charge to attend.

• You get fed for free.

• You may attend any of the modules. It is possible to attend up to five if you’re curious enough.

• Some of the modules require only a 90-minute commitment.

• The whole shebang wraps up by 3 p.m., so you have the rest of your Saturday free.

For more details, just click here.

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By JOHN CRAWFORD
District 7190 Area 1
Assistant District Governor

Registration is open for the next Rotary District 7190 Membership Summit — this one titled “Back to Basics — Boot Your Membership.”

The event is scheduled for Thursday, March 7, at the Glenville Senior Center, 32 Worden Road, Glenville. Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m., and the program at 6 p.m. While there is no charge to attend, reservations are requested to assure sufficient food and seating.

There are many clubs that already have or possibly could have membership issues in the future.  As a result, club meetings and activities are changing with the goal in mind of how to attract members of the younger age groups and retain members of all ages.

Clubs need members who are active and who volunteer for projects and help guide the club forward.  It is amazing how many members have held the office of president and other offices again and again.

It is so easy to just say every member has the responsibility of bringing in new members.  Well, if it is so easy why are we not overwhelmed?  I guess it isn’t that easy.  I have asked members how they would approach someone and what they would say. Suddenly there is silence, and shuddering trying to find the right words.  Most don’t have a proper script in mind just how to invite someone.

Also, younger prospective members are part of a changing environment. They may not want to attend a meeting every week, or if they miss too many meetings they get a comment or letter in the mail, or sometimes nothing.

Clubs are changing. Many are trying different approaches or changing meeting times and activities. But, what is or is not working is in constant change.  It is hard to develop a single answer for what will work in your club. Rather than use a trial-and-error approach, attend the “Rotary Membership Summit” and learn what other clubs are doing — what is working, what is not.

Please take advantage of this opportunity. Once you network, you also will have names you can call for an update or to discuss ideas.

To get the most out of the summit, have two or more of your club members attend so you get more sets of eyes, ears, and thoughts to share with your club.  There will be a lot of discussions at the event. There are no answers that fit all clubs. If you have a membership chair who can’t make it, have someone fill in.

Please sign up online on the District 7190 website.

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Anyone who has not yet visited the eclectic and fascinating art museum known as the Hyde Collection may want to consider attending Rotary International’s 114th birthday festivities planned for the Glens Falls institution.

Admission to the event, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Glens Falls, is limited to the first 60 registrants for the 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, February 21, event. Reservations are just $30, and cover hot and cold appetizers; wine, soft drinks, and water, and desserts, as well as access to the museum’s extensive art collection and displays.

The Hyde Collection is located at 161 Warren Street. It is a non-profit trust that hosts community events year round. Details about it are available online, or by calling 518-792-1761. Check the District website to see when registration opens.

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