InAttendance (14): P. Kellerman; P. Brown; D. Brown; C. Foote; D. Drum; P. Bailey; C. Heaney; L. Pferr; Dean Calamaras; Dorris Calamaras; M. Forth; M. A. Caldes; Debbie Rodriguez and L. Leyhane.
Via Zoom (2): R. Martinez and J. Leyhane
Guest: None
Meeting Notes:
Global Grant: Per Peter, they spoke with Jennifer and received a message from Edith. Per Edith, the school wanted to delay the meeting to after the 8th. Peter drafted a letter about more productive efforts to achieve the project goals. He is waiting on comments from Jennifer. There is no contract yet to fill the dry hole.
Gift of Life: Dean reported that the Gift of Life raised $17,400 from the golf tournament held in September. A child from Mongolia will be going to Albany Medical Center for surgery.
District Grant: Carol submitted the application for a matching grant up to $300 for publicity. She has not heard back yet.
Football Fundraiser: Per Kevin, the fundraiser is going well.
Adopt-a-Family: Kevin will be posing the list on the Calander page. It will be color coded so you can tell what has been purchased. Let Kevin know when you make a purchase so he can update the list. You can bring in wrapped gifts to the nest meeting. Laurie mentioned that the Rensselaer County Office of the Aging is collecting for seniors. The list is on their website.
Backpack Project: Laurie, Roberto, Jim and Peter met with the district. The district would like Rotary to speak to the East Greenbush Education Foundation.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, December 4th 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. A speaker will talk about the Nassau Food Pantry.
Members in Attendance (14): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Laurie Pferr, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Carol Heaney, Charlie Foote, Dick Drumm, Murray Forth and Andy Leyhane.
By Zoom(2) Tom Romero (Guest Speaker) and Dean Calamaras Guests (0):
President Phil Kellerman called the meeting to order. Theme for the year: Unite for Good
Meeting Notes:
Miscellaneous: Pat is selling pies for the Nassau Library fundraiser. Order deadline is November 1st and pickup is Saturday, November 8th from 9 am until 3 pm.
World Polio Day is tomorrow.
Global Grant: Per Peter Brown, they met with Jennifer and Felix. They are trying to put together an agreement with the school to collect the water and discussed sealing the well. The next meeting with Kenya is in two weeks.
Star of Hope: Per Phil, an anonymous donation was made to move the Star of Hope.
Circles of Mercy: Phil reported that the Club will be doing Adopt-A-Family and Richard is retiring at the end of the year. They are looking for an interim director. Tom Romero spoke about bitcoin and cryptocurrency.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, November 6th 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. Dr. Kotes, EGCSD Superintendent with speak.
Members in Attendance (15): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Laurie Pferr, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Carol Heaney, Charlie Foote, Dick Drumm, Murray Forth, Andy Leyhane and Kevin Leyhane.
By Zoom(0):Guests (1): Mike Carpenello
President Phil Kellerman called the meeting to order. Theme for the year: Unite for Good
Meeting Notes:
Global Grant: Per Peter Brown, the next call with Kenya is Monday at 9 am. They will discuss the needs assessment, estimated cost and plan for water collection and to fill the dry hole with concrete. The school would like to direct any leftover funds to providing toilets.
Food Pantry: Concerns-U needs volunteer drivers to pick up donations. On October 18th, Maple Hill will hold the Stuff the Bus food drive from 9 am until 12 pm. On October 25 and 26, Hoffmans will provide free car washes with donations of food.
Star of Hope: Per Phil, Terry Brewer is working on moving the Star of Hope.
Miscellaneous: Pat is selling pies for the Nassau Library fundraiser. Order deadline is November 1st and pickup is Saturday, November 8th from 9 am until 3 pm.
Per Roberto Martinez, World Polio Day is October 24th and CNY Rotary is holding environmental workshops every Monday and a peace seminar on October 15th.
Per Phil, Enjoyous is doing a benefit concert tomorrow from 7 pm until 9 pm to benefit St. Paul’s Center.
Also, Carol is holding a 8 week grief workshop starting November 1st. She is partnering with W.J. Lyons Funeral Home.
Budget: There was a discussion on priorities, projects and fundraising. Per Phil, be prepared to discuss your three priorities at the next meeting.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, October 23rd 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. Tom Romero will speak about crypto currency.
Members in Attendance (13): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Laurie Pferr, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Carol Heaney, Charlie Foote, Dick Drumm, Mary Alice Calden and Terry Brewer.
By Zoom(0):Guests (0):
President Phil Kellerman called the meeting to order. Theme for the year: Unite for Good
Meeting Notes:
Community Project: Per Peter, members of SCR Rotary met with the East Greenbush and discussed the backpack project. They identified materials they want to purchase using the distract grant.
Food Pantry: Concerns-U needs volunteer drivers to pick up donations. On October 18th, Maple Hill will hold the Stuff the Bus food drive from 9 am until 12 pm. On October 25 and 26, Hoffmans will provide free car washes with donations of food.
Global Grant: Per Peter Brown, the participants in Kenya would like to redirect funding to a project to harvest water from the school’s metal roof. They have to produce a needs assessment, plan and estimate of cost. They will be meeting again in a few weeks. The Rotary Foundation would like to keep the focus on potable water.
Star of Hope: Terry Brewer gave an update on the project. He met with Dr. Kotes, Superintendent of the East Greenbush School District. He is still interested in moving the memorial to Columbia High School. Rotary needs to remove the existing stones.
Miscellaneous: Per Roberto Martinez: the Hatie Eye Clinic now has its tax-exempt status and is accepting donations. World Polio Day is October 24th.
Budget: Thank you to Carole and Terry for helping with this year’s budget. There was a discussion on projects and fundraising. Per Phil, be prepared to discuss your three priorities at the next meeting.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, October 9th 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.
Members in Attendance (14): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Laurie Pferr, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Carol Heaney, Charlie Foote, Dick Drumm, Andy Leyhane and Kevin Leyhane.
By Zoom(0):Guests (0):
President Phil Kellerman called the meeting to order.
Theme for the year: Unite for Good
Meeting Notes:
Rotary Areas of Focus: Carole Heaney spoke about our Club projects and where they fit into the areas of focus and about engaging the community.
Global Grant: Per Peter Brown, there were two meetings with the people from Kenya these past weeks. A school has been identified for the water capture project which will cost less than available funds. They have asked for toilets funded by the remaining funds. They need an assessment for the project, an agreement with the school and proof the dry hole was plugged.
St. Pauls Women and Children’s Center: the band is playing a benefit Ocr. 10th and Phil needs to speak to Lori.
Community Project: The next meeting for the backpack project will be on 9/22 at 1 pm.
District Grant: Per Roberto Martinez, the district grant for 2026 was approved.
CNY: Peter Brown will speak at the Ballston Spa/Burnt Hills Rotary about social capital.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, September 25th 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.
The meeting covered various topics, including the recognition of Rotary High School Scholarship recipients, discussions about mentoring programs, and updates on community service projects. Members also addressed organizational matters such as upcoming events, membership dues, and leadership changes within the club as we end the Rotary calendar year. Additionally, the group reviewed ongoing initiatives and future plans, including global grant projects, fundraising efforts, and potential student exchange programs.
A moment of silence was offered for the recent passing of long-time member, and past District Governor, Denise DiNoto. Services are scheduled for June 20th and listed on the CNY Rotary website.
This is the last meeting at Moscatiellos until we return after summer programs.
Minutes
Members attending 13: Pat Bailey, Carole Heaney, Dick Drumm, Peter and Debbie Brown, Andy Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Murray Forth, Charlie Foote, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth
Guests 9: Joe Kardash, Olivia Hanks (student), Stacy Hover, Rob Santarcangelo, Jen McIntosh, Leah McIntosh (student), Patricia Farnan, Donna LaPietra, Giovanni LaPietra (student)
Rotary Club Scholarship Recipients Introductions
Three Rotary Scholarship Recipients from Columbia High School, Maple Hill, and Rensselaer High schools along with their families and representatives from their schools were present. Phil Kellerman presented Award Certificates and a check for $1000 to the winners. The awardees were selected by their schools. All students exhibited Rotary characteristics or giving back to the community, leadership and doing good in the world. All were appreciative of their mentors and Rotary for assisting with the scholarship awards.
Recipients:
Maple Hill High School: Lea McIntosh
Lea is interested in teaching and looks forward to major in world history and becoming a high school teacher. She will be going to SUNY Gennesio, where her mom also went. She’s dedicated to helping others and enjoying indoor and outdoor athletics, along with academics and student leadership.
Columbia High School: Giovanni LaPietra
Giovanni is a cross-country runner and it a mentor to soccer students. Academically he’s interested in Chemical Engineering and will be attending college in New Jersey.
Rensselaer High School: Olivia Hanks
Olivia is interested in always saying yes and being a part of something bigger than she is. Likes to be doing good in the community and being a mentor. She going to SUNY Oneonta and looks forward to being an elementary teacher.
Presidential Changeover Event
The upcoming presidential turnover event at the Browns, where Roberto will be transitioning his position as President to Phil Kellerman for the new calendar year. The event will include garden tours, the induction of three new members, and a summer casual fundraiser with a $30 per person charge and $40 per family. Roberto emphasized the importance of headcount for planning purposes and mentioned that Peter and Debbie need to be informed of attendees.
Kenya Project Update and Applications
Peter Brown reported on a global grant project in Kenya where a planned well drilling was unsuccessful, but the team is now considering two sites for rainwater collection systems. He mentioned receiving a thank you note from Edith regarding assistance provided to her brother’s funeral expenses.
District Grants: Roberto noted that the District Grant application 2025-26 has been submitted and he will work with Jim to prepare a final report for District Grant 24-25 which will be due by end of July.
Club Updates and Shelter Initiatives
The meeting covered several updates and action items.
Membership Dues: Roberto discussed the need to collect membership dues by end of July, and mentioned that some members have already paid. Murray stated ACH payments for membership dues are now available.
New Member Inductions: The club will be conducting inductions during the presidential changeover.
St Paul’s: Chris Fowler is coordinating donations to a homeless shelter, with plans for a potential music benefit in late August or early September. Carole mentioned she would provide more details about a “Kids Nook” project at the St. Pauls senior shelter after she speaks with their representative. The group reviewed upcoming events, including a tour of the shelter on July 10th. They also discussed a food drive and the need to collect items for the shelter.
Roberto reminded everyone about joining the Facebook page.
Belgian Exchange Program Postponed
The meeting discussed the potential hosting of a Belgian exchange student, but due to a lack of established host families, the opportunity was postponed. The District is still hoping someone can step forward in the District to make it work. Roberto emphasized the importance of continuing to engage with the student exchange program and suggested including it in a strategic plan.
The group also discussed upcoming events, including the Rotary International Convention, where Carole and Tom Reamon will be involved.
Finally, they mentioned the resignation of Rotary International President-elect Mario de Camargo due to family issues, and the need to find a replacement.
Attendees: Pat, Mary Alice, Ray, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Carole Heaney, Roberto, Jim, Chris Bystroff, Charlie Foot, Murray, Laurie
Guests: Tom Heaney
AI Content Review
Carole discussed the process of sending AI-generated minutes to Phil for review and corrections, aiming to free up club members for other tasks. Process needs continued tweaking.
Global Grant Update
Peter shared that Jennifer in Kenya has organized a meeting for next Wednesday with interested parties for the global grant project, and Peter offered to share the meeting details with anyone interested.
District Grant Updates:
District Grant 2024/25: Three Scholarships will be issued from this grant on June 12th. In Terry’s absence Phil will be presenting the awards. That to everyone involved in making the event possible, especially Terry who reached out to the school systems. The meeting will not have a Zoom in order make the event more personal, and we will have different seating. Action item: updated guest list.
District Grant 2025/26 for EG School was received by the District but not yet reviewed or approved. Thanks to Carole, Laurie, Peter, and Chris for their efforts in preparing the application.
Project Updates:
Star of Hope: Roberto mentioned that Terry had moved the Star to Hope transition to September and he is the point of contact with Jeff for planning. Currently the Club would be responsible for moving stones and gardening at the new location. As more information is available, Terry will let us know.
St. Paul’s Book Nook: Consider book donations of paperbacks and hard-cover books in good order. Action: Phil to finalize with Chris Fowler for delivery
Event Planning
The group decided to proceed with the Club Induction to be at the June 19th Presidential Turnover event at the Browns.
The Pool Party at Jim’s and sponsored by Jim/Roberto will be July 24th. Action: Jim to finalize.
St. Paul’s Senior Center site visit will be held on July 10th. Action: Phil to finalize
Mohawk Humane Society tour will be on July 31st. Bring bagged dog food. Action: Phil to finalize
Club Runner Update
Roberto discussed ongoing issues with Club Runner and Rotary International synchronization, noting that the new officers for 25-26 are incorrect. The club is working to ensure all membership is properly recorded in the system before the new calendar year to avoid billing issues. Action Item: Pat will reach out to the district for help on this matter.
Haiti Fundraising Update
Phil also mentioned the completion of the Haiti High Clinic fundraising, which raised $300. Thanks everyone for the contributions. Mr. Foote suggested that any speakers visiting with the club be informed they can make a request for donations via an application process in the following budget year. The Club thought this was a reasonable suggestion by Charlie. Action Item: Forward to the Board.
Membership Dues:
Murray will send out membership notices over the weekend.
Action: Members to pay dues.
Upcoming Social Events
Baseball at the Joe- August 7th Ticket Allocation Review
Roberto reviewed ticket allocations from last year and discussed discrepancies in the numbers, particularly regarding Pat’s tickets which were reported as 3 versus 4.
Debbie R. has info about Carole’s two tickets from last year. Paid but not used due to power outage at the stadium and should have been added to the list.
Action: Pat B. will confirm her ticket available. Debbie R. will confirm Carole’s two tickets are on the list.
MacHayden “Annie” Performance: Aug. 14th matinee. Debbie B. reviewed sign up list and updated ticket count.
Action: Debbie B is collecting monies now and will take final ticket count on June 19th. Tickets are $45.
Speaker:
The group agreed to postpone tonight’s speaker until September due to ongoing technical difficulties with Zoom.
Members in Attendance (13): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Laurie Pferr, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Murray Forth, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Christine Fowler, Andy Leyhane and Kevin Leyhane.
By Zoom(0)
Guests (0):
President Roberto Martinez called the meeting to order.
Theme for the year: Grow membership, do good in the world, leverage social capital, & have fun!
Meeting Notes:
Membership: Roberto Martinez called Shannon Romanowski about a Corporate Membership for the YMCA. Jim Leyhane has a possible member who might attend next week. Carole Heaney, Pat Bailey, Laurie LPferr and Debbie Rodriguez met as a small group to discuss ideas to increase membership and to look at the Clubs structure for changes that could help attract new members.
Global Grant: Per Peter Brown, there has been no progress since last week. He gave a recap of the project. The next step is to look for a site for a water capture.
Star of Hope: Debbie Rodriguez will submit a budget for the Star of Hope Relocation Project when details become available. The boy scouts will help with moving the Star of Hope.
District Grant: Per Roberto Martinez, for the 24-25 Grant, three awardees were selected for the scholarships. The presentation of scholarships will be held on June 12th. Pat Bailey is working on entering the Clubs goals and officers into the District website. Laurie Pferr is heading up a small group to complete the 25-26 application.
Community Project: The next meeting for the backpack project will be held on August 21st.
Donation Jar: Members are asked to think about what non-for-profit organization should receive the proceeds of the passing of the jar next year.
Food Drive: Per Phil Kellerman, the Stuff the Bus event will be held on June 7th at Maple Hill to benefit the Anchor Food Pantry.
Change-Over Dinner and Induction of New Members: The change-over will be held on June 19th at Debbie and Peter Brown”s house at 6:00 pm. Laurie Pferr, Chris Fowler and Chris Bystroff will be inducted.
CNY News: Information on all of CNY events and more are posted to the website, cnyrotary.org.
RI Conventions: Calgary, June 21-25, 2025. Carole Heaney will be attending. The Club had voted that Carole would represent SCR Rotary as our Delegate to the Convention, however we subsequently found out that they do not appoint delegates any longer.
Summer Social Events: The events are posted on the Calendar page of the website.
For the St. Paul Center tour on July 10th, at 3:45, please bring donations of household items and books for adults 55 and older. Chris Fowler toured the facility and looked at the book nook. They could use some small tables, chairs, lamps and plants. Please, no clothes are needed. For t
For the Mohawk -Hudson Humane Society tour on July 31, please bring donations of pet food.
Valley Cats: The game was rained out last year. The Club tickets rolled over to this year. We will attend the game on August 7th. If you did not sign up last year but wish to go this year, let Debbie Rodriguez know. She will be picking up the tickets next month. Debbie will bring the list of attendees for this year’s game and will accept payments for those who had not signed up last year at the next meeting.
Tickets are $46 if we have 12 or more people attending or $50 if less than 12 attendees for the Mac-Hayden Theater production of Annie. Let Debbie Brown know if you are attending.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, June 5th at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Tom Romero will talk about crypto currency.
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.
This evening’s speaker, Charlee Stead, from St. Paul’s Center engaged the membership in conversations about new Senior Housing for the unhoused. The talk covered updates on various community initiatives, including a shelter and supportive housing facilities. Discussions focused on challenges faced by homeless individuals, particularly seniors and families, as well as strategies to support them through housing assistance and community partnerships. Charlee extended an invitation to the membership to visit Unity House or St. Paul’s Senior Center for a tour.
Member, Chris Fowler, expressed interest in supporting St. Paul’s with a library at Senior Housing.
Agenda Items:
Community Service:
Backpack Program Support and Fundraising
Carole and Peter updated the membership on the outcome of today’s meeting with EG District meeting on supporting the backpack program that addresses food insecurity for students and families across seven schools. The group came to consensus for Rotary to help support funding for freezers and shelving at Columbia High School, which coordinates the program.
A budget will be submitted to Principal Simon by Columbia High School representative Lois, by May 22nd. A follow-up meeting of the group will be held on May 29th.
The group also aligned on holding a fundraising “Fun Run” in early October to help support the program’s $25,000 annual costs, with Kevin Leyhane leading efforts to secure sponsorships. Schools maintain their own fundraising initiatives as well. Date to be determined on May 29th.
Action: Peter, Carole, Chris, and Laurie will continue working on the District Grant Application for the EG Backpack Food Program. Carole will coordinate a zoom meeting for the grant group.
Action: Roberto, Peter, Phil, Kevin, Laurie, and Chris to attend May 29th meeting at school. Peter to report results back to membership on May 29th.
Club Updates
Carole reported she is testing automated meeting minutes templates. Action: Expect a recommendation to the board by July 1 by Carole Heaney.
The club agreed to sponsor some of the expenses associated with the upcoming defensive driving course. Pat Bailey made a motion to donate $100, which was seconded by Murrary and approved by the group. Action: Pat to obtain check for Nassau Library.
Phil also encouraged members to increase their Facebook followers to reach a goal of 100 to 200.
Mock-up of a sandwich board has been sent to Board by Carole. Action: Decision needed by Board.
Rotary Meeting Updates and Plans
The meeting covered several updates and announcements, including a reminder about submitting agenda items for an upcoming board meeting to Roberto.
Phil Kellerman will follow up on tour dates, and possible dates for Boathouse Grill
Debbie R. discussed the relocation of Star of Hope and a meeting at the school complex on May 21st at 1 PM with Terry and Roberto.
A change in the schedule for scholarship recipients, moving their presentation to June 12th instead of June 19th due to the original date not working.
Club assembly planned on June 19th.
A presentation on cryptocurrency by Tom Romero on June 5th.
Check the rotary.org website for upcoming event information.
No meeting on July 3rd.
Member Responses Needed re: Social Events this summer:
Debbie Brown will follow up with MacHaydn theater for the August 18th performance times. Let her know if you are interested.
Debbie Rodriguez has tickets for Valley Cats Game on August 7th. Let her know if you want tickets.
Pat Bailey is taking enrollments ASAP for the AAA Defensive Driving Course on Saturday, May 17th.
Donation Jar funds will need a beneficiary. Send suggestions to Roberto Martinez.
FYI: Upcoming Food drives:
Hoffman’s Car Wash May 17-18: Free car wash with food donations
Stuff the Bus: June 7th, 9a-12n at Maple Hill High School-No perishable items.
Attendance: C. Foote, D. Drumm, P. Bailey, C. Heaney, P. Brown, D. Brown, R. Hannan, M. Forth, C. Bystroff, P. Kellerman, L. Pferr, D. Rodriguez, C. Fowler, A. Leyhane. Guest: C. Stead
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 