MEMBERS ATTENDING (14): Dick Drumm, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Andy Leyhane, Murray Forth, Debbie Rodriguez, Pat Bailey, Charlie Foote, Ray Hannan and Phil Kellerman. By Zoom: Terry Brewer.

GUESTS (2): Denise DiNoto, District Governor and Marissa Multari, Assistant District Governor.

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally.” 

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

MEETING NOTES

Website updates: We are still updating club information on MYRotary (International), ClubRunner (District), SRCRotary.org.  Rotary International is concerned about using copyrighted images. Please be on the lookout for any incorrect information. 

Albany Water Project Video Presentation: The video has been updated to a post and is currently saved as a draft.

Exchange Program: No updates

Gift of Life: The District Rotary is once again offering the barrow of booze raffle. See Jim Leyhane for tickets. Tickets are $20 for one and two for $30. The drawing will be held live on Facebook on May 26th. Proceeds will go to the Gift of Life.

Gift Of Life 25th Annual Golf Tournament: Will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023.  The brochure and link to register can be found on a post on our website.

Student Scholarship Update:  Per Terry Brewer, Columbia High School has selected a student. Maple Hill and Rensselaer will send in their nominations. The student recipients, one parent and a school administrator are invited to attend the Club meeting on June 8th.

Summer Nights in the park:  The Schodack Town Board was meeting tonight and will let us know about participation. If approved, we will have to discuss what we would like to do verses what we can staff. Music in the Park is on Tuesdays in May, June and August. There are four Movie in the Park scheduled to be held on Fridays.

Dues: A reminder from our Treasurer, Murray Forth, that our yearly membership dues of $175 should be paid by June 1st or you can opt to make two payments of $87.50 each.

Summer Program: Schedule will be posted and updated to calendar on our website.

New Member: Top Form is now a corporate member.

Presidential Changeover: Will be held on July 6, 2023 at Peter and Debbie Browns house.

Next Meeting: Thursday, May 4th, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Mike Bennett will speak about A Guide to Recovery to a School Shooting.

Entree choices will be Chicken Rustica Salid, Chicken Marsala and Manicotti.

Denise DiNoto is the current District 7190 Governor. She is a member of the Colonie Guilderland Rotary Club. She spoke about why she was inspired to become a Rotarian.

Denise grew up in a Rotarian family. Her father was a Rotarian. She was a member of Interact and exchange students stayed with her family. During high school, Denise had accelerated her courses and was eligible to graduate at the end of her junior year. However, she had an accident that caused a concussion. The local vet visited her and suggested she do an exchange study during her senior year instead. She applied, was interviewed and accepted into the Binghampton 7170 exchange program. Her family wanted her to go to an English-speaking country so that her health requirements could be addressed. Seventy students were sent overseas that year. Denise went to Tasmania. Before she left, she was given some very good advice. She was told that she would receive many invitations and opportunities to do things and she should just say yes to all of them.

Denise had four host families in Tasmania. She also toured Tasmania for two weeks with 22 other students. She met many people from around the world. Being oversees allowed her a different perspective on world events. She almost was not able to tour mainland Australia due to concerns over her disability. The other exchange students refused to tour without her and came up with a plan for addressing the concerns. Denise inspired inclusion. She even slept in a pole tent during the tour. She went to Melbourne and toured the zoo. She went by ship to Victoria. Denise also sent a postcard every day to the person who had not wanted her to participate in the tour showing her ability to participate. She said that Rotary believed in her and she began to believe in herself. Imagine Rotary is this year’s theme. What does that inspire you to do? Ask questions, get involved. Denise will be going back to Australia to attend the International Rotary Convention. She will be staying with one of her exchange host families. While at the Convention, Denise will speak at a breakout session about accessibility and inclusion.

Marissa Multari, Assistant District Governor, provided updates.

On May 17th, there will be a youth recognition at the Joseph Zaloga Post on Everett Road.

On May 25th, there will be a training session on how to navigate and use Club Runner and My Rotary from 6:30 pm until 8:30 pm.

June 9th, the Colonie Guilderland Rotary will hold a golf outing at the Mill Road Golf

September 14, the Gift of Life’s 25th Annual Golf Tournament has been moved to The Fairways of Halfmoon.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (14): Becky Raymond, Ron Annis, Dick Drumm, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Andy Leyhane, Murray Forth, Debbie Rodriguez, Pat Bailey, Terry Brewer and Phil Kellerman.

GUESTS (2): Cathleen Peter and Charles Peter, Schodack Town Supervisor.

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally.” 

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

MEETING NOTES

Rotary Bowling Event:  On April 18th, Phil Kellerman, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez and Ray Hannan attended the student assembly at Mapil Hill Junior/Senior High School. Phil Kellerman presented a check for $544 to the students of Maple Hill Junior/Senior High School for the Iron Giraffe, Water for South Sudan Project. The funds were raised at the recent Rotary bowling event. Jim promoted the Student Exchange Program. Phil said that the student response was enthusiastic.

Website: We are still updating club information on MYRotary (International), ClubRunner (District), SRCRotary.org.  Our information is posted in numerous places. Kevin Leyhane is also updating information on our social media.

Scholarships: Terry Brewer sent out the letters to the Maple Hill, East Greenbush and Rensselaer School Districts for their nomination for scholarships. Both Maple Hill and East Greenbush have responded and will send in their nominations. Terry will follow up with the Rensselaer School District. Nominations are due by May 31st. The student recipients are invited to attend the Club meeting on June 8th to receive their scholarships.

Albany Water Project Video Presentation: Per Kevin Leyhane, the presentation video was transferred to Len Tantillo. It may be posted on the Slater website. Kevin will also post the video on the SRC Rotary website.

Student Exchange Program: Peter Brown and Jim Leyhane sent a letter to Jeff Simon, Superintendent of the East Greenbush Central School District. They have not yet received a response. A student from Maple Hill is still interested in a summer exchange in Australia.

Gift of Life: The District Rotary is once again offering the barrow of booze raffle. See Jim Leyhane for tickets. Tickets are $20 for one and two for $30. The drawing will be held live on Facebook on May 26th. Proceeds will go to the Gift of Life.

Dues: A reminder from our Treasurer, Murray Forth, that our yearly membership dues of $175 should be paid by June 1st or you can opt to make two payments of $87.50 each. Members will not receive a bill.

Summer Programs: The change over meeting will be held on July 6th at Peter and Debbie Brown’s house.

New Member: Burke Adams was voted in as a new member.

Rotary Sign: The Rotary sign that used to be at Quigleys cannot be located.

Fundraising: Beth Kissinger and Jimmy Thomas from the Glenville Rotary club are hosting an IN PERSON meeting to discuss fundraising ideas after a very successful start to a club project titled the Doggie Paddle over the last six months (or so.) The goal is to share ideas, suggestions and mentorship.  Everyone is welcome to attend and bring a friend. 

Rotarians, community members, service groups and interested parties are invited for a group discussion on topics such as:

• How to institute a new project
• Identifying fundraising ideas that are new and innovative
• Obtaining community involvement for project help
• Attracting media attention for projects/good works
• Attracting helpers and volunteers
• Identification of opportunities for collaboration
• Managing expectations
• Identifying mentors/helpers/supporters

Next Meeting: Thursday, April 27, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Denise DiNoto, District Govenor will be our speaker.

Entree choices will be Chicken Caesar Salid, Chicken Florentine and Portobello Ravioli.

Charles Peter, Schodack Town Supervisor grew up in Schodack. The family farm was established in 1912. He has also served as a member of the County Legislature and the local school board.

Schodack has approximately 13,000 residents and encompasses 63 square miles. The Town has a Highway and Police Department and contracts for Ambulance services. There are numerous infrastructure projects currently underway in the Town that will ultimately assist in future development. Sewer and water lines will be extended from the Amazon warehouse down Route 9 to the county line. Sewer services will be extended along Maple Hill Road to the Castleton sewer facility. The Town is also working with East Greenbush to fix bottlenecks in the sewer systems.

The Town has also become a place for family events. The annual Easter Egg Hunt had several hundres participants this year. The Town also hosts Music in the Part which had expanded from four to seven nights. New this year is Movies in the Park.

The Town is also developing recreational access in the park. Mr. Peter visited the Town of Wilton. He would like to install a splash pad in the park. He also looked in the National Fitness Campaign which had some grant funding for installing fitness equipment. However, the Viking Gym proposal from Rotary, Top Form and the Kiwanis Club is more cost effective. Space has been set aside in the park for the gym. The Town is ready to move ahead with the project and purchase equipment. There is also land behind the Town Hall that was donated to the Town of Schodack by Dick Drumm. Future development there may include a dog park and splash pad. The Moordener Kill has two waterfalls and can be developed into a nature preserve and park with hiking trails. The majority of the miles of the Albany-Hudson Electric Trail are located in Schodack. The Rensselaer County Land Trust operates the part of the trail that runs through Schodack. The Town Park Supervisor position has been expanded from a part-time to a full-time position.

There is a General Environmental Impact Study (GEIS) being done for business along Route 9. The Amazon Warehouse has had a positive impact on local business such as restaurants and stores. There has been an increase in emergency services calls, but Amazon has paid for those services. The building development on Route 150 and Route 9 currently lists Amazon as the future tenant. The DMV satellite office had moved out of the Town Hall freeing up space in the basement and second floor. Rotary members suggested that the space be used for a food panty or a youth center.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (14): Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Dick Drumm, Ray Hannan, Debbie Rodriguez, Charlie Foote, John Justino, Terry Brewer and Phil Kellerman. Via Zoom: Carol Orvis.

GUESTS (1): Marissa Multari, Assistant District Governor.

Vice-President Peter Brown called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally.” 

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

MEETING NOTES

Donation: Jimmy Thomas, the speaker from last week, for Doggie Paddle for Veterans’ Service Dogs gave Roberto Martinez $200 for the Club to go toward attracting new members.

Grant Vote on the 4/6/23: Per Roberto Martinez, the meeting notes from last week should have noted that we approved the submission of the Scholarship Grant application for 23-24 Rotary Calendar year. Again, we will offer three $1000 scholarships. It is anticipated that 50% of the funding will come from the grant and the other 50% was raised through the Cafe Capriccio raffle. The Grant paperwork from last year’s grant is due in August.

Scholarships: Terry Brewer will send out the letters to the Maple Hill, East Greenbush and Rensselaer School Districts for their nomination for scholarships. He will arrange a date in early June for the scholarship recipients to attend a Club meeting to receive their scholarships.

Rotary Bowling Event:  Phil Kellerman spoke to Christine Fowler from Maple Hill. Phil will present a check for $544 to the School on Tuesday, April 18 at 9:50 am. The presentation will air over the school’s TV. The check will go to the Water for South Sudan Project, organized by 7th grade students from the Maple Hill junior/Senior School.  Roberto Martinez and Debbie Brown will also attend. Phil Kellerman dropped off the donated food along with a check for $544 to the Anchor Food Pantry last week.

Website:  Per Jim Leyhane and Roberto Martinez, we are in the process of updating club information on MYRotary (International), ClubRunner (District), and SRCRotary.org.  While using the websites, please make a note of old contact or other information that is not up to date.  Our information is posted in numerous spots, and we want to check for accuracy. Marissa Multari, the Assistant District Governor, offered to help the Club navigate through the issues experienced while trying to update the Rotary District and Interational websites. We have not been able to correct the incorrect information on the websites for our new member Tom King. Marissa also discussed the possibility of having more local training on the websites.

Viking Gym: Debbie Rodriguez emailed Ron Annis regarding any update on the Viking Gym and what the Schodack Town Supervisor will speak about next week.

Student Exchange Program: Peter Brown and Jim Leyhane sent a letter to Jeff Simon, Superintendent of the East Greenbush Central School District.

Dues: A reminder from our Treasurer, Murray Forth, that our yearly membership dues of $175 should be paid by June 1st or you can opt to make two payments. Members will not receive a bill.

New Member: Burke Adams submitted his application for membership.

World Malaria Day: John Justino reported that the UAlbany Center for Global Health is presenting a World Malaria Day Briefing on Friday, April 28^th at 12pm (ET) in-person in Classroom 4 on the Health Sciences Campus and via Zoom. They are excited to be hosting guest speakers from the CDC/President’s Malaria Initiative (PMI) and an SPH alumna from Jhpiego. Those wishing to attend, need to use this link to register in advance at https://forms.office.com/r/kB1pgy5jqq.

Rotaract: John Justino provided an update. Members of Rotaract participated in our bowling event. They have a core group of 5 people. They are planning on participating in Healthy Kids Day with the YMCA. They are trying to organize a presentation by Cathy Stone about her therapy dogs. Since Covid, it has been difficult to organize events. Faculty can work remotely five out of ten days.

Thinking Ahead: Jim Leyhane reminded members that now is the time to start planning for the summer. The Club voted to continue hosting at various homes instead of at Moscatiellos. We need volunteers to coordinate or host a summer event. The Valley Cats baseball game is July 27. Some other ideas mentioned included Mac Hayden, S & S Brewery and the Slater. Pat Bailey and Debbie Rodriguez are looking at participating in the Town of Schonack’s Summer in the Park. Phil Kellerman offered to help with that. Jim reminded us that the Circles of Mercy Backpack Project takes place in August.

Pets Training: Jim Leyhane reported on the PETS training that he and Roberto Martinez attended. Things changed this year. Hors d”oeuvers and an open bar replaced dinner. Experts rotated around the tables every 20 minutes. The Little Falls Rotary Club spoke to them about hybrid meetings, and they learned that Little Falls major fundraiser is selling football squares every week during the football season. Per Jim, there are lots of ideas and we need to listen to them. Jim suggested that everyone should have an elevator speech ready when asked “what is Rotary?” He suggested “who else in the world can take on Polio and win?” Did you know that 450 billion dollars are raised each year for charity and Rotary raises over 300 billion of those dollars? Roberto added that becoming a Rotary Club president gives one a tremendous opportunity to do good in the world. The were 165 people in attendance.

Marissa Multari asked why are you a part of Rotary? Rotary has a large impact. Over 3,600 Rotarians got together to fly a student exchange family to the States and hosted a remembrance service for his father. The family had not wanted to interrupt his exchange experience. That is an example of the impact of Rotary. She suggested hosting a membership mixer. The Club also discussed a satellite club for student exchange to include both the Maple Hill and East Greenbush Districts. Whitney will attend one of our meetings and speak about CNY.

District Training Assembly: Debbie Rodriguez reported that the Rotary theme for 23-24 is “Creating Hope in the World.” The were three breakout sessions in the morning with three topic choices each. The topics for the first breakout session included Club Culture Evolution, Rotary 101 and CNY the Latest and Greatest. The second breakout session included Grow Rotary & Innovative Clubs, Service Projects & Fundraising and My Rotary/Rotary Brand Center/Learning Center. The third session topics include the Rotary Foundation, Rotary Skills in Real Life and Public Image. Since Debbie attended via Zoom, she was limited to Rotary 101 which reviewed the history of Rotary; Service Projects and Fundraising which featured Jimmy Thomas who spoke about the Doggie Paddle for Veterans’ Service Dogs and an overview of the history and function of the Rotary Foundation. In the last session, DGE Whitney Pangburn presented the District Rotary Budget. You can learn a lot at District Training. Debbie, Peter Brown, Roberto Martinez and Jim Leyhane attended the Grants Management Seminar in the afternoon.

District Updates: Marissa Multari, Assistant District Governor, she needed a speaker for Gift of Life. Jim Leyhane volunteered to speaker and to sell tickets. She is also looking for Clubs to donate spirits for this years Barrell of Booze. They raised $5,000 last year. Tickets will be one for $20 or two for $30.

• Multi-District Conference – Thousand Islands, NY 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel May 05, 2023 – May 07, 2023.
• On April 26th, the Free Food Fridge of Albany will be talking at the Albany Rotary Club Mixer at Swifties on Everett Road at 5:30.
• On June 28th, The Albany Rotary Club will be hosting a Blood Drive at the Zologa Post on Everett Road. She would like other Clubs to co-host.

Next Meeting: Thursday, April 20, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Charles Peter, Schodack Town Supervisor, will be our speaker.

Entree choices will be Antipasto Salid, Cheese Ravioli with Marinara Sauce and Spaghetti with Meatballs or Marinara Sauce.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (13): Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Dick Drumm, Andy Leyhane, Ray Hannan, Debbie Rodriguez and Phil Kellerman, Via Zoom: Charlie Foote and Carol Orvis.

GUESTS (2): Jimmy Thomas and Ruth Samuels.

Vice-President Peter Brown called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally.” 

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

MEETING NOTES

Circles of Mercy Easter Basket Program:  Partnering with Shannon Romanowski of the East Greenbush YMCA, over 30 Easter Baskets were assembled and delivered to Circles of Mercy in Rensselaer.  Thank you to everyone who donated and delivered donations to the YMCA.

Rotary Bowling Event:  The event was a huge success.  The Club raised $1088. Phil Kellerman drooped off the donated food along with a check for $544 to the Anchor Food Pantry. The remainder of the money will go to the Water for South Sudan Project, organized by 7th grade students from the Maple Hill junior/Senior School. Phil will check with Christine Fowler regarding the possibility of presenting the check to the students at school or at an upcoming meeting. Thank you to Phil for organizing the event, and everyone who donated time and money especially Pat Bailey, Debbie Brown and Peter Brown for manning the tables and to Murray Forth for making the signs. We are planning to make this an annual event.

Website Updates:  We are in the process of updating club information on our websites, currently there are three of them: MYRotary (International), ClubRunner (District), and SRCRotary.org.  As you use these websites, please check please check the information for accuracy, especially your contact information.

Exchange Program: Peter Brown and Jim Leyhane met with students and parents (approximately 20 people) at an evening event at Maple Hill. The School’s International Club will be making a couple of trips on their own, one to Montreal. There is an exchange request for next summer for a student to visit Australia.

Next Meeting: Thursday, April 13, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. This will be a Club Assembly.

Entree choices will be Chicken Rustica Salid, Lasagna and Penne Ala Vodka.

Jimmy Thomas is a member of the Glenville Rotary Club. He is also an Army Veteran who recently lost his service dog Boots. Service dogs are trained to assist individuals with physical and/or emotional problems, for example, providing help to someone experiencing seizures, calming someone with PTSD and helping those with visual or hearing disabilities navigate. Having Boots changed Jimmy’s life. Jimmy will be getting another service dog in the future who he will name Duke.

Many veterans suffer from traumatic brain injury, PTSD or amputations. They have a 50% higher risk of suicide. More than 114,000 veterans have died by suicide since 2001. Veterans are in need of service dogs. The military does not provide nor does insurance cover the cost for service dogs. Trained service dogs can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $75,000. Jimmy and the Glenville Rotary Club established Doggie Paddle in order to help veterans obtain a service dog.

Jimmy travelled 2,000 miles by kayak from Albany, New York to Key West Florida and he biked 1,945 miles from Key West to Albany “to raise money and awareness for those veterans in need of a service dog.” Along the way, he attended many Rotary meetings and was hosted by a number of Rotarians. Some of his experience included being forced out of the Hudson River because of six-foot waves produced by a hurricane. He reentered the water in New Jersey. A ferry boat hit him in the Delaware Bay. He met two Rotarians who loaded his kayak on top of their car and drove him across the Bay. Kayaks are only 8 inches out of the water which was very scary during a bad storm in Titusville. At one point, sharks swam around the kayak. Jimmy thought that was because the local fishermen used chum and the sharks were then drawn to the kayak looking for food. He was also rammed by a 12-foot alligator. One of the manatees he encountered lifted the kayak up out of the water. Dolphins swam back and forth under his kayak. While biking back, he was hit by a car twice and, at one point, his eyes froze shut. His determination kept him going to prove to those who thought that he could not do this that he could.

Jimmy Thomas has raised a quarter of a million dollars so far for Doggie Paddle. For more information, visit the website at http://www.doggiepaddle.org. You can also attend the Glenville Rotary Foundation Dinner on April 8th.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (16): Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Dick Drumm, Kevin Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Ray Hannan, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Charlie Foote, Ron Annis, Terry Brewer and Ray Hannan.

GUESTS (4): Emery and Joan Maddocks, Monika Annis and Betty Brewer.

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally.” 

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

MEETING NOTES

Circles of Mercy Easter Basket Program: Once again, SRC Rotary and the East Greenbush YMCA partnered to support Circles of Mercy and their annual Easter Basket Program. Items needed include coloring books, crayons, color pencils, facial tissues, toothpaste and toothbrushes, dental floss, hair combs and brushes, age appropriate (1 to 12 years old) small stuffed animals, toys, small games, or reading books, and of course various different types of traditional wrapped candy. Tomorrow is the last day to drop off items at the YMCA. Per Shannon Romanowski, the YMCA will assemble the baskets and drop them off at Circles of Mercy. Thank you to all for your donations.

Rotary Bowling Event: The event will be held this Sunday, April 2nd, from 2 pm until 4 pm. The cost is $16 per individual bowler or $50 for a family or student group of 4 with shoes included. Proceeds from the event will be used to support the Anchor Food Pantry of Castleton-on-Hudson and the Water for South Sudan Project, organized by 7th grade students from the Maple Hill junior/Senior School.

There will be raffles for gift certificates. Those who bring food donate to the Anchor Food Pantry will receive a free raffle ticket. Requested food items include cereal, toiletries, instant mashed potato boxes, peanut butter, jelly, snack packages of crackers, and canned chicken.

Per Phil Kellerman, there are 22 sponsors, Murray Forth made the signs and Phil expects 40 to 50 bowlers.

Student Exchange Program: Peter Brown and Jim Leyhane will meet at Maple Hill next with regarding interest in the student exchange program.

District Training Assembly and Grants Managment Seminar: The Assembly and Grants Training will be held on Saturday, April 1st. Roberto Martinez and Jim Leyhane will attend the training in Schenectady. Debbie Rodriguez and Peter Brown have signed up to attend the training via Zoom.

Albany Water Project Video Presentation: Kevin Leyhane is working on posting the video to the website.

YMCA Donation: The Club approved a $200 donation to the YMCA general fund.

East Greenbush Global Education Committee:  The entire East Greenbush School District is reading the book “The Elephant in the Room” by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Velda, a large stuffed elephant, will be making an appearance at the SRC Rotary event this Sunday. We have six of the books which were loaned out to Rotary members this evening. Once done reading, please pass the book on to another member.

Tri-City Valley Cats: The game the Club was to attend last year was canceled due to weather. The new date tentatively is July 27th. If you had not signed up last year and are interested in attending a baseball game and picnic this year, please contact Debbie Rodriguez. Further information will be forthcoming.

New Members Update: Roberto Martinez suggested that new membership should be discussed at every meeting. Rotary is member driven and the biggest service organization in the world.

Name Tags: Contact Pat Baily if you need a new name tag.

Speakers and Schedules: Please check the Calendar page on the Rotary website for the speaker schedule. There still are dates available. If you have a speaker, please contact Becky Raymond, Peter Brown or Kevin Leyhane.

SUNY School of Public Health Lecture: Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha, winner of Axelrod Prize in Public Health, will be speaking at the George Education Center on the University of Albany’s Health Sciences Campus on Monday April 3rd at 4:00 pm about the Flint Water Crisis.

Boy Scouts: Per Jim Leyhane, the Scouts are asking for $475 for camper scholarships for this summer. The Club approved funding for the request.

Schodack Town Park: Peter Brown suggested that if the Club wants to participate in the “Summer in the Park” this year, we need to start planning. We will need more membership participation and possibly plan to sell something as a fundraiser.

Next Meeting: Thursday, April 6, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Our speaker will be Jimmy Thomas from the Glenville Rotary Club.

Entree choices will be Chicken Florentine, Chicken Caeser Salid and Manicotti.

There were two theories about the cause of Alzheimer’s. In the beta amyloid theory, amyloid plaques collect in the brain when the beta amyloid protein wears out and enzymes cut the protein into fragments. The fragments stick together to form plaques. In the tau theory, abnormal forms of the tau protein accumulate and form tangles.

Early on, Pfizer and Eli Lily produced antibody drugs that focused preventing the enzymes from cutting the beta amyloid protein into fragments. Cognitive function did not improve with use of the drugs when compared to the control group. The trials were ended.

Subsequently, addition research suggested that amyloid formation is linked to misfolding of the tau protein leading to tangles.

Recent developments in new imaging agents allowed for better images of the brain, plaques and tangles. However, the half-life of F-18 (radiolabeled fluorinated compound) is 109 minutes necessitating manufacturing of materials in-hospital or facilities geographically located near hospitals.

There are two new treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease. Both involve monoclonal antibodies which bind to the beta amyloid protein and trigger removal of the amyloid plaques. The first treatment from Biogen and Eastside was approved in June of 2021. However, there are concerns regarding efficacy, adverse effects and the high cost of $56,000 per year. The second treatment from Biogen and Eastside was approved in January 2023. This antibody produced significant reduction of plaques and beneficial effects on the tau protein. A third treatment from Eli Lilly is expected to be approved at the end of this year or early next year.

These treatments slow down the progression of the disease. They are not cures.

Ron was asked by the Town of Schodack to present information on the Viking Gym project to the Town Board last Thursday. This project is a multiorganizational effort that started in 2017 and is based on a Viking playground design created in Sweden. It was developed in conjunction with our sister Rotary Club in Gefle, Sweden, the hometown of Ron‘s wife Monika. The original gym was built as an Eagle Scout project helped in part by a grant from the Southern Rensselaer Rotary Club with contributions and guidance from Top Form and the Town of Schodack. The original equipment consisted of wood logs which deteriorated over time and were removed.

The current plan is to add eight new pieces of equipment to the current Viking gym site at the Schodack Town Park. The equipment identified is not made from wood and is guaranteed to last for 20 years. The cost for all eight pieces is $24,000. Contributions from the SRC Rotary and the Kiwanis Club will help offset part of the cost with the remainder hopefully coming from some grant money available to the Town of Schodack. Let’s make an investment in prevention!

MEMBERS ATTENDING (14): Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Dick Drumm, Kevin Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Ray Hannan, Debbie Rodriguez and Phil Kellerman. Via Zoom: Charlie Foote and Carol Orvis.

GUESTS (3): Joe Corr, Cherie Corr and Kevin Drumm.

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally.” 

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

MEETING NOTES

Circles of Mercy Easter Basket Program: Once again, SRC Rotary and the East Greenbush YMCA are partnering to support Circles of Mercy and their annual Easter Basket Program. We would like to provide for 25 baskets this year. We have enough baskets and cellophane wrap. Items needed include coloring books, crayons, color pencils, facial tissues, toothpaste and toothbrushes, dental floss, hair combs and brushes, age appropriate (1 to 12 years old) small stuffed animals, toys, small games, or reading books, and of course various different types of traditional wrapped candy.

Items may be dropped off at the YMCA or collected at each Club meeting. The last collection day for our Club will be the regular Club meeting on Thursday March 30, 2023. Circles of Mercy will also take monetary donations for this project.

Rotary Bowling Event:  Per Phil Kellerman, the event will be held on April 2nd (Sunday) from 2 pm until 4 pm. The cost is $16 per individual bowler or $50 for a family or student group of 4 with shoes included. Proceeds from the event will be used to support the Anchor Food Pantry of Castleton-on-Hudson and the Water for South Sudan Project, organized by 7th grade students from the Maple Hill junior/Senior School.

There will be raffles for gift certificates. Those who bring food donate to the Anchor Food Pantry will receive a free raffle ticket. Requested food items include cereal, toiletries, instant mashed potato boxes, peanut butter, jelly, snack packages of crackers, and canned chicken.

If you have not already done so, please let Phil know you will be attending. Sponsors who have not yet submitted their check, please do so at the next meeting.

District Training Assembly and Grants Managment Seminar: The Assembly and Grants Training will be held on April 1st. You can register for the Training Assembly, the Grants Management Seminar or both.  There is no cost for attendance at these events. Roberto Martinez and Jim Leyhane will attend the training in Schenectady. Debbie Rodriguez has signed up to attend the training via Zoom.

Viking Gym: Ron Anis is presenting the project at the Schodack Town Board meeting tonight.

Tri-City Valley Cats: The game the Club was to attend last year was canceled due to weather. The new date tentatively is July 27th. If you had not signed up last year and are interested in attending a baseball game and picnic this year, please contact Debbie Rodriguez. Further information will be forthcoming.

Next Meeting: Thursday, March 30, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Our speaker will be Andy Leyhane on the Frontiers of Science.

Entree choices will be Antipasto Salid, Chicken Limone and Portobello Ravioli.

Joe Corr recently retired as the Superintendent of the North Colonie Central School District. He served as the Superintendent for 12 years and as a teacher and administrator for 41 years. He was the 5th Superintendent of the School District in 73 years. For him, education is a family business. His wife Cherie Corr is a teacher. Both his mother and his father were teachers as well as his sister. Early on, he worked in food services, custodial services, building and grounds and transportation. He worked at St. Gregory’s School from 1973 to 1978 teaching grades three through eight. He then worked at Brittonkill Central School District from 1978 to 1981 teaching grades nine through twelve. He started in the North Colonie Central School District in 1981 and taught grades seven through twelve.

The North Colonie Central School District consists of six elementary schools, Shaker Middle School and Shaker High School. As of 2023, there were 6,090 students in kindergarten through 12th grade. They recently enrolled 52 new students and half of them were not English-speaking learners. 25% of the students are on free or reduced lunch. 6% have limited proficiency in English. Demographically the District students are 62% White, 20% Asian/Native Hawaiian, 6% Spanish/Latino and 6% Multiracial.

The North Colonie School District’s culture is reflected in their two-part Mission Statement. First, to establish an environment to develop each student’s potential and, second, establish collaboration between teachers and administrators to build the capacity to provide the environment for education. They strived to create a culture of dignity where inclusion, acceptance, recognition, safety (both physical and psychological) and accountability are important. Inclusion is achieved through participation in athletics, music, robotics and other interests. The district’s public declaration of their values is exhibited in their budgetary resource allocation for staffing, professional development and capital investment. Success is reflected in the recognition and awards the district has received.

“Education is the most powerful weapon we can use to change the world.” Nelson Mandella.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (11): Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Dick Drumm, Kevin Leyhane, Debbie Rodriguez and Phil Kellerman. Via Zoom: Charlie Foote.

GUESTS (1) MC Moran.

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally.” 

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

MEETING NOTES

Circles of Mercy Easter Basket Program: They are asking for cellophane wrapped Easter baskets include the following items: coloring books, crayons, color pencils, facial tissues, toothpaste and tooth brushes, dental floss, hair combs and brushes, age appropriate (1 to 12 years old) small stuffed animals, toys, small games, or reading books, and of course various different types of traditional candy. Circles of Mercy would like delivery by March 31. The last collection day will be on Thursday March 30, 2023. Circles of Mercy will also take monetary donations which they will use towards this project. Roberto Martinez will check with Shannon Romanowski to determine if the YMCA is interested in participating in this project.

Rotary Bowling Event:  Per Phil Kellerman, the event will be held on April 2nd (Sunday) from 2 pm until 4 pm. The cost is $16 per individual bowler or $50 for a family or student group of 4 with shoes included. Proceeds from the event will be used to support the Anchor Food Pantry of Castleton-on-Hudson and the Water for South Sudan Project, organized by 7th grade students from the Maple Hill junior/Senior School.

There will be a raffle for a $50 gift certificate. Those who bring food donate to the Anchor Food Pantry will get a free raffle ticket. Requested food items include cereal, toiletries, instant mashed potato boxes, peanut butter, jelly, snack packages of crackers, and canned chicken.

To date, Phil has commitments for 15 sponsorships at $50 a lane. He asks that all sponsors bring in their checks to next week’s meeting. Murray Forth will make the sponsorship signs. Pat Bailey and Ray Hannan are helping Phil plan this event. Information about the event has also been posted on the website.  Ads have been published in “Our Town” and “The Advertiser” newspapers.

New Member: Tom King was voted in as a new member of SRC Rotary. Welcome Tom!

East Greenbush Global Education Committee:  The entire East Greenbush School District is continuing to read the book “The Elephant in the Room” by Holly Goldberg Sloan. Velda, a large stuffed elephant, is making appearances at several local businesses.  Rumor has it that Velda will be present during the Rotary Bowling event on April 2nd. Linda Wegner, Director of Business and Finance for the East Greenbush School District, sent a thank you letter for the donation the Club made. The donation was accepted at the Board of Education meeting on March 8th.

PETS Training: Roberto Martinez and Jim Lehayne will attend this year. PETS training will be held in Syracuse on March 17th through March 19th.

District Training Assembly and Grants Managment Seminar: The Assembly and Grants Training will be held on April 1st. You can register for the Training Assembly, the Grants Management Seminar or both. You can attend in person in Schenectady or participate via Zoom. The District Training Assembly will start at 8:30 am and conclude at 12:30 pm. The Grants Management Seminar will start at 1:00 pm and conclude at 3:15 pm. Debbie Rodriguez has signed up for the Assembly and Grants Management. The Club needs at least one other member to attend the Grants Management Seminar.

Drop the Puck for Polio: The District event has been rescheduled. It will be held in the Insuring Arena in Glen Falls on Fridy, April 7 at 7 pm. The Adirondack Thunder will take on the Mariners. Tickets are $21 per person. You can contact Doug Ford, District Polio Chairperson, at 518-365-4958.

Viking Gym: Debbie Rodriguez will check with Ron Anis about providing an update on the project at one of the upcoming meetings.

Tri-City Valley Cats: The game the Club was to attend last year was canceled due to weather. The new date tentatively is July 27th. If you had not signed up last year and are interested in attending a baseball game and picnic this year, please contact Debbie Rodriguez. Further information will be forthcoming.

Next Meeting: Thursday, March 23, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Our speaker will be Joe Carr, retired Superintendent.

Entree choices will be Rustics Salad, Chicken Marsella and Baked Ziti.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (16): Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Dick Drumm, Jeff Simon, Kevin Leyhane, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Charlie Foote, Becky Raymond, and John Justino.

GUESTS (29)

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

Meeting Notes: Due to the length of the presentation, Club business was tabled until next week.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be Thursday, March 16, at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Our speaker will be Julie Ritchie of Bees Knees Bakery.

The buffet choices will be Chicken Ceasar Salad, Spaghetti with Meatballs and Cheese Ravioli.

A Canal in Albany

An Albany Riverway Project

Len Tantillo and B.J. Costello

B.J. Costello is in Government Relations and the Education Department of Hinman and Straub, Attorneys at Law. He is also Chair of the Albany Waterways, Inc. He was founder of the Pine Hills Neighborhood Association in 1971 and the Council of Albany Neighborhood Association (CANA) a few years later. He is also Chair of the USS Slater which draws 20,000 visitors per year to Albany.

Len Tantillo is a noted historical artist. He makes his paintings of Albany based on old maps. While doing so, he noticed the maps all had an arc shoreline for the Hudson River in Albany. The shape of the shoreline was altered in the 1950s when the City of Albany began filling in the River. The highway was built limiting access to the waterfront. Projects were proposed over the ensuing years to improve Albany and access to the Hudson River. However, if implemented many of these projects deteriorated over time.

Mr. Tantillo conceptualized the Albany Waterway Project in 1995.  “Instead of bringing the city to the water” he envisioned “bringing the water to the city.” The Times Union promoted the idea in 1996 resulting in $15,000 from Mayor Jennings to develop a concept brochure. He worked with his friends Pat Mahony, a city engineer, Bruce Hiser, a landscape architect and Tiogg Thyagarajam, a city planner. They had two objectives. They did not want to interfere with the highway, and they did not want to tear down any buildings. They came up with the plan to bring the water in through the existing underpass to the South, then up Broadway with a marina in front of SUNY Central and back to the Hudson River near the Central Warehouse to the North.

Nothing was done over the last 25 years. However, now is the time to revisit the project. A canal was built in Providence, Rhode Island. San Antonio developed it’s River Walk. The City of Buffalo developed their waterfront, and the Bricktown Canal was developed in Oklahoma City. All of these projects have helped revitalize these cities. A canal in Albany can create jobs, drive economic development, provide flood remediation and make Albany a destination city.

There are four proposed options. The first is the original proposal. The second is to bring the river in on just the North end by the Central Warehouse and build a marina in the central basin. The area can support commercial structures and pavilions and can host farmers markets and craft fairs. The third is to focus on the area around SUNY Central with a marina and the fourth is to excavate and restore Lock 1 of the Erie Canal. The 2nd, 3rd and 4th options allow for the project to be done in phases.

Pat Fahey, NY State Assembly, had provided funding for an Engineering Feasibility Study. The study should start shortly. Hopefully, Albany Waterways will be included in the process. They need support from City, State and Federal Governments. To find out more and to support Albany Waterways by friending them please go to www.albanywaterway.org. Special thanks to Stewert Wagner and Peter Brown for their efforts in making this presentation possible.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (10): Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Kevin Leyhane, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Dick Drumm, Ray Hannan, Becky Raymond. Via Zoom: Charlie Foote.

GUESTS (0)

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally.” 

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

MEETING NOTES

Our Club:  Thursday marks the 63rd Birthday of the Southern Rensselaer Rotary Club. Kudos to Dick Drumm, a charter member.

Rotary Bowling Event:  Per Phil Kellerman, the event will be held on April 2nd (Sunday) from 2 pm until 4 pm. The cost is $16 per individual bowler or $50 for a family or student group of 4 with shoes included. Proceeds from the event will be used to support the Anchor Food Pantry of Castleton-on-Hudson and the Water for South Sudan Project, organized by 7th grade students from the Maple Hill junior/Senior School.

There will be a raffle for a $50 gift certificate. Those who bring food donate to the Anchor Food Pantry will get a free raffle ticket. Requested food items include cereal, toiletries, instant mashed potato boxes, peanut butter, jelly, snack packages of crackers, and canned chicken.

To date, Phil has commitments for 16 sponsorships at $50 a lane. He asks that all sponsors bring in their checks to next week’s meeting. Murray Forth will make the sponsorship signs. Pat Bailey and Ray Hannan are helping Phil plan this event. Information about the event has also been posted on the website.  Ads have been published in “Our Town” and “The Advertiser” newspapers.

East Greenbush Global Education Committee:  The entire East Greenbush School District is reading the book “The Elephant in the Room” by Holly Goldberg Sloan. The project kicked off on yesterday.  Can you name the three species of elephants? Velda, a large stuffed elephant, will be making an appearance at several businesses. The District invites community involvement. Further information can be found at https://egcsd.org/onebook/. If you are interested in participating and/or signing up as a guest reader, please fill out the Interest Form found on the website.

Circles of Mercy: Thank you cards were received from the Richard and the families that the SRC Rotary adopted for the holidays.

Gift of Life Donation Boxes:  Kevin Leyhane spoke with Tom Burdick about the box in Schodack Plaza. Mr. Burdick spoke with the Schodack Plaza management. The donation box will remain in Schodack Plaza. Items dumped at the site will be cleaned up. Signs will be posted and camaras will be installed to monitor the site to ensure that it is used for donations.

Albany Water Project Presentation: Len Tantillo, noted historical artist, and B.J. Costello will speak on March 9th about the proposed waterway in downtown Albany. Attendance is limited and capacity has been met. Anyone else interested in the presentation is invited to join via Zoom. The Zoom link is available on the Calendar page of our website. Those with reservations, please arrive at 5:45 pm. A buffet will be served. The cost is $25 per person. The buffet choices will be Penne with Marinera Sauce, Chicken Lemone and Sausage and Meatball with Cannoli for dessert and coffee.

PETS Training: PETS training will be held in Syracuse on March 17th through March 19th. Information is available on the District website. The last day to sign up is this Friday. Roberto Martinez and Jim Lehayne will attend this year.

Rotaract: Becky Raymond provided an update of Rotaract activities. Rotaract met last week with 6 members in attendance. Rotaract sponsored activities include having Cathy Stone and her Therapy dogs on Campus in early March. Ann Williams will speak to the students about the Peace Corps at the end of March.

Saratoga Springs Rotary Clubs Home Show: Becky Raymond will help staff the Shelter Box table at the Home Show on Saturday, March 3rd.

DAF Committee: Phil Kellerman will organize a meeting of the Committee. The Club will consider the future direction of DAF.

Next Meeting:  The next meeting will be Thursday, March 9, by reservation only, at 5:45 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page.

The buffet choices will be Penne with Marinera Sauce, Chicken Lemone and Sausage and Meatball.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (13): Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Kevin Leyhane, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Peter Brown, Dick Drumm, Ray Hannan, Terry Brewer and Pat Bailey. Via Zoom: Becky Raymond and Charlie Foote.

GUESTS (2): Maria Coady and Dina Sevayega.

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Growing Fellowship and Service Locally and Globally.” 

Hybrid Meeting:  Please let Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane or Roberto Martinez know if you plan to join the weekly meeting via Zoom.

Proxy Votes:  If unable to attend please submit your proxy votes to President Kevin Leyhane or any board member who will be attending the meeting. Proxy votes can also be submitted using the Remind App. Text to the number 81010.

MEETING NOTES

Club Email and Phone Number: The new Club email is SRCRotary1960@Gmail.com. The email and the Club’s phone number have been updated on website.  If you notice any information that needs to be updated on the Club’s website, please notify Kevin Leyhane. Roberto Martinez also suggested that the Club appoint Peter Brown as the Membership Chair so that he may make edits in My Rotary.

One District One Book: Jeff Simons, Superintendent of the East Greenbush Central School District, sent a letter on behalf of their Global Education Committee thanking the Club for our $1000 donation to purchase copies of the book “The Elephant in the Room.” The Committee is sponsoring a Project to have the entire District read the book by Holly Goldberg Sloan. The start date has not yet been determined because of delays in obtaining the books.

Iron Giraffe Project: Students from the Maple Hill International Club spoke last week about their fundraiser for Water for South Sudan.  The Club will donate fifty percent of the proceeds from the Rotary Bowling Event to the Maple Hill International Club for their fundraiser. In addition, the Club will also donate another $500 for the fundraiser.

Rotary Bowling Event:  Per Phil Kellerman, the event will be held on April 2nd (Sunday) from 2 pm until 4 pm. Phil will also check to see if the event can be held from 1 pm until 3 pm. To date, Phil has commitments for 12 sponsorships at $50 a lane. He would like 16. He proposed a raffle for a $50 gift certificate. It was suggested that participants who bought food to donate to the Anchor Food Pantry will get a free ticket. Phil contacted the Pantry. The Pantry suggested donations of peanut butter and jelly, toiletries, instant mashed potatoes and cereal. Please let Phil Kellerman know if you are planning to attend. Pat Bailey and Ray Hannan are helping Phil plan this event.

Rotary Plaque for Moscatiello’s: Moscatiello’s management approved the plaque and will place it by one of the doors.

Albany Water Project Presentation: Len Tantillo, noted historical artist, and B.J. Costello will speak on March 9th about the proposed waterway in downtown Albany. Attendance is limited to 50 people. A buffet will be served. The cost is $25 per person. The buffet choices will be Penne with Marinera Sauce, Chicken Lemone and Sausage and Meatball with Cannoli for dessert and coffee. Capacity has been met, anyone else interested in the presentation is invited to join via Zoom.

Pre-PETS Schedule: Roberto Martinez joined the February 15 meeting on Club Finances and Insurance. They discussed taxes, budgets and membership counts. The new District will consist of 100 Clubs with 3,000 members. PETS training will be held in Syracuse. Let Kevin Leyhane know if you are interested in attending.

Next Meeting: Note that there is no meeting next week. The next meeting will be Thursday, March 2, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page.

Entree choices for March 2 will be Penne Ala Vodka, Rustica Salid and Baked Sausage and Peppers.

Dr. Coady is Professor of Multilingual Education and is the Goodnight Distinguished Professor in Educational Equity at North Carolina State University. She holds a Ph.D. in Bilingual, Multicultural and Social Foundations of Education from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She has been a teacher, teacher-educator and advocate for English language learners in the US and abroad for over 30 years. She also provides educational professional development in the US, Ukraine, China and the United Arab Emirates. She was awarded the American Educational Research Association “Exemplary Contributions for Practice-Engaged Research” in 2020 for her work with rural, multilingual communities.

There are over 5 million multilingual learners (ML) students in grades K through 12 in the US who are learning English as an additional language. Seventy-five percent of these students are Spanish speaking. In North Carolina, 80 percent of the counties are rural and have population growths attributed to Spanish speaking families. North Carolina has 1.4 million students in grades K through 12. Of these, there are 270,000 students who speak a language other than Englis with Spanish is being the most widely used. The rural districts have found an increase in the number of students from Haiti. Only 50% of rural districts offer English as a second language (ESL) compared to city districts where 89% offer ESL Bilingual education is more effective than ESL.

Dr. Coady did a Talking Tour, speaking with ML educators about problems they have encountered. There are issues with teacher retention, teacher to student ratios that vary significantly, no access to bilingual social workers and psychologists, no native language assessment materials and ML family engagement.

The LEAD Foundation was incorporated in 2013. They provide scholarships for high achieving students whether they are documented or undocumented, migrant or ML. Students submit applications, their GPA and usually an essay about what they want to study. Their submissions are reviewed. The applicants are interviewed by Phil Kellerman regarding what obstacles and challenges they have overcome, their goals and plans as to how they will finance the remainder of their education after the $1000 per semester scholarship is awarded. These students contribute back to their communities. To learn more about LEAD, go to http://www.languageeducate.org.