Members Attending (18): Debbie Rodriguez, Kevin Leyhane, Pat Bailey, Bill Dowd, Terry Brewer, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Tony Morris, Becky Raymond, Dick Drumm, Murray Forth (remote), Carol Orvis (proxy), Dean Calamaras (proxy), Doris Calamaras (proxy), Charlie Foote (proxy), Ray Hannan (proxy).

Guests (1): Debbie Morris.

President Debbie Rodriguez presided, at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, and noted the presence of a quorum.

Meeting Notes:

• Members were reminded that the Greenbush YMCA’s annual “Community Basket Brigade” for Thanksgiving is under way. (Details here.) The deadline for making donations of money and/or basket items is Monday, November 15. (Update: At the Board meeting following the regular meeting, it was decided to make a $250 club contribution to the drive in addition to anything the individual members may contribute.

• President Debbie reminded attendees that proceeds from the annual “Pocket Change Jar,” the recipient of which traditionally has been designated by the club president since April Dowd created it in 2013, this year will be given to Unity House of Troy Inc., the only licensed domestic violence shelter in Rensselaer County. Since we currently meet in-person only biweekly, it was suggested that members may want to double their donations at dinner meetings to make up for the off-week.

• We had five proxies submitted for this week’s meeting. Debbie asked that anyone who wishes to submit a proxy in lieu of attending a meeting email her no later than each Wednesday so they are not overlooked because of a last-minute email. Several members have emailed her their “enduring proxies,” which means she can count them any time they are not in attendance without having a proxy submitted each time.

• Members were informed that former member Julius Frankel and wife Effie have relocated to assisted living in the Boston area. We will try to get their new address for any members who wish to send them cards or anything else. (Update: The Frankels’ new address is Evans Park at Newton Corner, Apt. 208, 430 Centre Street, Watertown MA 02548.)

• Treasurer Murray reported that the Donor Advised Fund (DAF) — our new financial unit, officially designated The Dr. Richard Drumm Fund (details here) — now stands at $22,600+. That money has been invested via the Rotary Foundation. However, it was noted that our Foundation Advisory Committee (Murray, Phil Kellerman, A.J. Amato, Andy Leyhane) has not yet met. Debbie asked that the committee do so, and report back to the club about our investment status and any other questions that have been raised.

• We have plenty of open dates to schedule speakers or present our own members’ programs. Anyone looking for an available date can simply check the spreadsheet that is part of our website calendar page, then submit their program details to program coordinators Kevin Leyhane and/or Becky Raymond. They will share them with Bill Dowd who will publicize the programs on all social media.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (19): Debbie Rodriguez, Bill Dowd, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Charlie Foote, Pat Bailey, Dick Drumm, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Kevin Leyhane, Tony Morris, Murray Forth, Andy Leyhane, Becky Raymond, Carol Orvis (by proxy), Dean Calamaras (by proxy), Doris Calamaras (by proxy), Roberto Martinez (by proxy), Jim Leyhane (by proxy).

GUESTS (1): Lois Hannan.

President Debbie Brown presided (from Connecticut) at the Zoom meeting.

MEETING NOTES:

• Guest Lois Hannan spoke on her experiences as a volunteer at Kate’s Closet, the used clothing shop at Circles of Mercy in Rensselaer. She noted that both she and husband Ray are Associates of the Sisters of Mercy, the religious order that operates the family services organization. She explained the process for allowing people in need to shop there, purchasing items from 50 cents to $5 each. She said children’s items are particularly needed now. (Note: Richard Zazycki, Circles executive director, will be our dinner speaker on December 2.)

• The club’s Zoom account has been upgraded to eliminate the time limit. Thanks to those members who donated money to pay for the first year’s subscription at $14.99 per month.

• The deadline for payment of half-year dues is December 1. Anyone paying by this process is asked to mail their check, made payable to SRC Rotary, to the club at P.O. Box 71, East Greenbush NY 12061.

• Each year, the presiding president designates the organization that will receive funds donated to the “Pocket Change Jar.” President Debbie announced tonight that this year’s recipient will be Unity House of Troy.

• Treasurer Murray reported receipt of a thank-you note from the crew of the USS Slater floating maritime museum for our $150 donation in memory of former member Bill Wyld.

• Next week’s dinner meeting at Moscatiello’s will begin slightly earlier than usual — at 6 p.m. — and end by 7 p.m. to allow for a Board meeting immediately afterward.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (17): Debbie Rodriguez, Pat Bailey, Terry Brewer, Bill Dowd, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Phil Kellerman, Andy Leyhane, Murray Forth (remote), Maggie Forth (remote), Dean Calamaras (by proxy), Doris Calamaras (by proxy), Carol Orvis (by proxy), Dick Drumm (by proxy), Ray Hannan (by proxy).

GUESTS: None.

President Debbie Rodriguez presided at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant. This was our first meeting with members attending via Zoom, and we also had five attending and voting by proxy.

MEETING NOTES:

• A check for $150 has been sent to the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center in memory of Dr. Martha Lepow, as authorized at the October 21 meeting.

• Attendees voted to authorize supporting two families for the annual Circles of Mercy “Adopt-a-Family” holiday effort. Bill Dowd volunteered to again coordinate the club’s effort. All gifts, actual and monetary, must be delivered to Circles no later than December 15. Bill will contact Circles to assign the families to us, and will provide a shopping list, donation drop-off dates, and other details.

• Potential fundraisers were discussed, and approved by consensus: Hoffman Car Wash ticket sales; holiday gift basket raffle at the December 16 holiday party at Moscatiello’s; the ongoing Clynk container recycling effort in support of ShelterBox; member designated donations. We have a draft letter on the latter effort that is being vetted by Debbie R. before distribution to members.

• The club Zoom account had been upgraded to do away with the time and participant limits. Several members contributed $25 each to pay for the first year’s fee.

• Debbie R. reported that a hygiene kit assembling session by the NYSCR Danes Rotaract that we sponsor and the Graduate Student Organization at UAlbany drew a sizeable crowd of students from across the spectrum at the school, with Debbie and Becky Raymond representing SRC. The event was designed as a service event and a Rotaract recruiting effort.

Scharlette Wilkins represented Unity House of Troy at the session held to support Unity House’s domestic violence service program. The hygiene kits were needed for domestic violence survivors staying at the Sojourner Place operated by Unity House, the only licensed domestic violence shelter in Rensselaer County.

Some photos from the session:

NEXT MEETING: 7 p.m. Thursday, November 4, via Zoom.

Guests: None.

President Debbie Rodriguez presided, noting the presence of a quorum via Zoom with no proxies filed.

• Health update: Murray Forth is home and recuperating from knee surgery, but will not be physically active in the club for a month or two. … Doris Calamaras remains hospitalized, and a card has been sent to her on behalf of the club.

• Donations: Checks have been mailed to the USS Slater floating museum in Albany in memory of Bill Wyld ($150) and to the District in lieu of a gift basket for the upcoming Foundation Dinner ($100). The club agreed to send a $150 check to the Children’s Hospital at Albany Medical Center in memory of Dr. Martha Lepow (see story here).

• Shirt Orders: An order has been submitted to the District in support of a Foundation fundraising effort. The order form and details still can be found on our website for anyone else who wishes to give orders via Debbie Rodriguez.

• Financial Activities: Phil Kellerman reported that the Internal Revenue Service Form 990 report card has been submitted on behalf of the club. He will contact the District to be sure any other required information has been submitted. … Our Foundation Advisory Committee (Murray Forth, Phil Kellerman, A.J. Amato, Andy Leyhane) will begin regularly meeting to discuss relative matters.

• Holiday Party: The consensus of those in attendance was to hold our annual Holiday Party & Gift Basket Raffle on Thursday, December 16, at Moscatiello’s. Details to come.

• Zoom Account: Bill Dowd will upgrade our club’s Zoom account from the limited-time free version to the Pro Level, using a discount offer. A number of members pledged $25 each to cover the first year’s upgrade which will eliminate the 40-minute limit on individual meetings.

• Next meeting: Dinner meeting at Moscatiello’s, 6:15 p.m. Thursday, October 28, which will start at 6:15 p.m. after a social period. Dinner choices will be chicken Caesar salad, chicken Marsala, or baked ziti. No reservations are necessary, price is $25 (please bring exact amount). Note: Anyone who will not be attending the session is asked to email President Debbie a proxy that can be counted toward a quorum.

Members Attending (13): Debbie Rodriguez, Kevin Leyhane, Dick Drumm, Bill Dowd, Pat Bailey, Andy Leyhane, Charlie Foote, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Becky Raymond,Tony Morris, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown.

Guests (1): Debbie Morris.

President Debbie Rodriguez presided over the session, held at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant. She noted the presence of a quorum.

Meeting Notes:

• Two donations were re-proposed and approved, a carryover business item from last week when we did not have a quorum: $150 to the USS Slater, the destroyer escort floating museum docked in Albany, in memory of our late member Bill Wyld, who was a longtime member of the U.S. Navy and volunteer for veterans’ activities; $100 to the District in lieu of a gift basket for the upcoming Rotary Foundation Dinner.

• Debbie issued a reminder that Rotary shirts and sweatshirts are being sold as a Foundation fundraiser. Payment is not required until the items are delivered. Anyone wishing to order should contact her and use the order form that has been posted for some time on the club website.

• The matter of the size of a meeting quorum was discussed. Currently, 12 members are required to be present to achieve that status which is necessary to vote on any business coming before the club. With sporadic Zoom and in-person attendance in recent weeks, it has been suggested we consider lowering the number. Bill Dowd spoke against such a move, saying “I don’t want our club to be like the Postal Service which recently announced it is lowering its service standards so it could meet them. If we dropped to, say 9, as has been suggested, we might as well pack it in. I’d rather we made a stronger effort to improve attendance instead of tinkering with our Bylaws.” He pointed out that the Bylaws already allow members to be present by proxy, and proxies count toward a quorum. As he noted, any proxy must be specific that it is a “yea” or “nay” vote, and should be sent in advance to the President. In addition, Kevin Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, and Jim Leyhane are working on the details of streaming our in-person meetings via Zoom, which would give members a third way to attend and obviate any perceived necessity to lower our quorum. After more discussion, those present agreed by consensus with that stance.

• Bill and Debbie reminded members that our Clynk container recycling effort in support of ShelterBox continues. Bill asked anyone needing barcode stickers to affix to the collection bags contact him. The bags may be purchased at Hannaford supermarket customer service counters.

• Becky Raymond reported that she and Debbie R, have been involved in purchasing supplies for hygiene kits for a joint Rotaract/Graduate Student Organization project scheduled for October 28. Rotarians are invited to participate in assembling the kits in a session scheduled for 2 to 4 p.m. at the UAlbany School of Public Health in Rensselaer. … Becky and Debbie will attend a Rotaract board meeting on Friday.

• In lieu of a speaker, Peter and Debbie Brown shared anecdotes of their recent 13-day trip to France in which they traveled across the Brittany peninsula and visited Paris.

• NEXT MEETING: 7 p.m. Thursday, October 21, via Zoom. Check the club website calendar page for the access link.

Members Attending (12): Debbie Rodriguez, Kevin Leyhane, Terry Brewer, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Dick Drumm, Dean Calamaras, Roberto Martinez, Phil Kellerman, Charlie Foote, Becky Raymond.

Guests (4): District Governor Bruce McConnelee, District Governor-elect Denise DiNoto, Mary Drumm, Lorraine McConnelee.

• President Debbie Rodriguez presided. Jim Leyhane requested a moment of silence in remembrance of former member Bill Wyld (see obituary).

• District Governor Bruce McConnelee presented the club with a 2021-22 Rotary pennant. He said this year’s motto is “Serve To Change Lives.” He also touched on a variety of topics such as the upcoming Foundation Dinner and its “Roaring Twenties” theme; Ballston Spa club is selling shirts as a Foundation fundraiser at prices ranging from $25-40 depending on style (see order form here); new clubs within Rotary include a Veterans Club in Glenville focused on military veterans and an international, online Heartbeat Club; the annual RI convention, scheduled for Houston in 2022 after two years of virtual events due to the pandemic; a Membership Diversity Team, headed by Ken Baxter, now has 10 members.

• Bruce distributed new Rotary pins to those in attendance. Anyone still in need of one can pick one up at the October 14 meeting.

• Club treasurer Murray Forth is hospitalized after having a knee replacement removed. He will undergo rehab and extended treatments.

• Dean Calamaras reported that 120 people participated in the Gift of Life Golf Tournament at Pine Haven Country Club in Guilderland. SRC had three foursomes. Final financial report is pending.

• Jim Leyhane revived discussion that we began in 2019 (see report here) on a potential school bus camera program. The aim is to help enforce the state prohibition on passing a stopped school bus, which problem that seems to be on the rise in recent years. The cost is about $1,000 per camera. Jim said he knows of two school districts that would be interested and said this could be a self-sustaining initiative if properly drawn up and implemented. The matter will be brought up for additional discussion.

• Next Meetings: We will meet virtually at 7 p.m. next Thursday, October 7, via Zoom. As always, members can access the meeting via the club website calendar page. The following Thursday, October 14, we will return to Moscatiello’s (5:30 social time, 6:15 dinner meeting).

MEMBERS ATTENDING (8, no quorum): Kevin Leyhane, Bill Dowd, Ray Hannan, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Charlie Foote, Phil Kellerman, Dick Drumm.

GUESTS: None.

President-elect Kevin Leyhane presided in the absence of President Debbie Rodriguez.

Most of the Zoom session was devoted to sharing of members’ impressions of the initial dinner meeting at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant in North Greenbush. While largely positive, several members noted that the $25 per person charge was high, considering the menu prices for the two entrees available was much lower than that. Conversely, it was noted that Moscatiello’s was not charging an extra fee for the private room, and overall food prices have risen sharply in recent months as inflation continues to hit more parts of the economy.

For the foreseeable future, we will alternate in-person meetings at Moscatiello’s with virtual meetings via Zoom. As always, the schedule and access links will be available on the club website calendar page.

Next Thursday, September 30, we will be hosting District Governor Bruce McConnelee and District Governor-elect Denise DiNoto. The club is encouraging members to bring their spouses or significant others to the dinner to insure a strong turnout.

The menu entree choices: Chicken Limone (chicken breast sauteéd in white wine with garlic, lemon, capers, olives, mushrooms, served over spinach); spaghetti and meatballs, and penne a la vodka. No need for RSVPs, just tell our waitperson when you arrive which of the three entrees you prefer. A cash bar also is available.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (9): Debbie Rodriguez, Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Becky Raymond, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Charlie Foote, Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey.

Guests: None.

President Debbie Rodriguez called the virtual meeting to order via Zoom. We did not have a quorum, so no official business could be conducted. However, a number of informational and scheduling topics were addressed, and Debbie thanked the various members who filled in for her during her absence to attend to a family emergency:

• SCHOLARSHIPS — Roberto reported that District 7190 has informed the club it approved a grant of $1,000 toward our annual scholarship awards for graduating seniors at Columbia, Maple Hill, and Rensselaer high schools next June.

• MEETING ARRANGEMENTS — A club committee scouted out potential in-person dinner meeting sites and decided to try Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant on a trial basis. We will meet there on September 16 and 30 (5:30 p.m. social period, 6:15 dinner and meeting). In between, we will meet via Zoom at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 23. The club needs to formalize the sort of schedule we will follow through the fall (all in-person, all-virtual, alternating the two). Details of the Moscatiello’s meetings (times, cost, etc.) will be emailed to all members and posted on the website as usual. Likewise, the link to access the Zoom meeting on September 23 will be on the website calendar page as always.

• GOL FUNDRAISER — The club has put together three foursomes to participate in the annual 7190 Gift of Life Golf Tournament on September 20 at Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland.

• RLI SIGNUPS — Links to register for the virtual Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) sessions are available on the club website story on the topic. As always, the club will reimburse members for any registration fees incurred.

MEMBERS ATTENDING (14): Dick Drumm, Debbie Rodriguez, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Kevin Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Charlie Foote, Tony Morris, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Dean Calamaras, Doris Calamaras.

Guests (5): Hannah Grill, Meghan Bennett, Mike Bennett, Michael Harkin, Teresa Herbert.

Roberto welcomed and congratulated SRC Rotary Club Scholarship recipients and other guests.

Teresa Herbert of Maple Hill High School introduced graduating senior Meghan Bennett, who will be attending Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, to study communications. She said Meghan, a member of the National Honor Society, does not seek the spotlight for her efforts. She is and someone who wants to make a difference in the world. Meghan’s focus has been on reducing the stigma of mental illness and spreading awareness. Megan said she has made volunteering a mission.  She has worked with St. Jude since 2016 and raised money for its Children’s Hospital. 

Mike Harkin introduced Hanna Grill, a graduating senior at Columbia High School. She is Student Council president, and someone who always wants to give back to the community without expecting praise. Hanna said she likes to focus on academic achievement and helping the community. She has enjoyed working with pep rallies and cheerleading, spending time working with regional food banks and Equinox. She plans to continue volunteering while attending Marist College in Poughkeepsie. She has not yet declared her major.

Both students thanked Rotary for the $1,000 scholarships, and the group in turn congratulated the students. Roberto passed along scholarship coordinator Terry Brewer’s congratulations since he was unable to attend. Administrators Mike Harkin and Mike Bennett both thanked the SRC Rotary for continuing the scholarship program, and Mike Bennett also expressed appreciation to SRC for supporting students in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program his students attended.

• PRESIDENTIAL CHANGEOVER — Dick Drumm will pass the gavel to Debbie Rodriguez for the 2021-22 Rotary Year at a picnic he and Mary are hosting at 6 p.m. next Thursday at their farm, catered by O’Kenny’s Express of Valatie. Anyone who has not yet RSVP’d and would like to attend is asked to contact the Drumms by Saturday at the latest. Dick asked anyone who wishes to do so bring an appetizer or dessert. He is covering the cost of the caterer, but is asking attendees to donate what they would like, with all proceeds going to the club treasury. Suggested donation is $15 to $20 for adults, $5 for kids. All adult attendees should be fully vaccinated.

• SOLD-OUT “SUMMER CASUAL” EVENTS — Reservations have been closed for two “Summer Casual” field trips — August 5 to New Lebanon for dinner at Mario’s Restaurant and a performance at The Theater Barn; August 19 for a picnic and ValleyCats baseball game at Bruno Stadium. Bill Dowd has asked that those people for whom he has purchased theater tickets send him checks for $33 per ticket at their convenience. Debbie Rodriguez plans to collect $30 per person for the ValleyCats outing at the Presidential Changeover picnic next week.

• OTHER “SUMMER CASUAL” EVENTS — The first event of the summer season — and the first of the new Rotary Year — will be a picnic at the Browns’ residence on Thursday, July 8. Any fully vaccinated people who wishes to attend is asked to contact Debbie and/or Peter ASAP to help them with the planning. … We also have added an event to the calendar — Thursday, August 12, when Ray and Lois Hannan will host and pay for a dinner at the Schodack Diner, with all donations going to the club treasury. (See chart below for the full schedule; please note we have one open date that anyone who wishes can claim to host or arrange an event.)

• MEETING VENUE SEARCH — Dick, Jim, and Roberto had lunch at the Crisp Canoli and spoke with the owner about the possibility of holding our weekly dinner meetings there. They are awaiting a proposal. … Jim also has been in contact with the East Greenbush Fire Department about meeting at the Phillips Road firehouse, which would cost the club $50 per session. Phil Kellerman and Dean Calamaras will help him check out the facility next week.