Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
November 30, 2017

Members Attending (16): Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Terry Brewer, Bill Dowd, Jim Leyhane, April Dowd, Dick Drumm, Ray Hannan, Debbie Rodrighuez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Adam Roberts, Charlie Forth, Jennifer Felts, A.J. Amato.

Guests (1): Kasie Burello.

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Announcements & Business

MEMBERSHIP — Adam Roberts, a financial planner and our newest member, was in attendance. We welcome Adam to Rotary.

ROTARACT FORMATION — Debbie Rodriguez reported that the application to create a Rotaract club at the UAlbany School of Public Health is nearly completed. She and Becky Raymond will be our club’s liaisons and prospective SRC member John Justino will be the faculty adviser.

ADOPT-A-FAMILY — Event coordinator April Dowd said the effort is going well, but that we are working on a short turnaround time. She has to deliver the gifts to Circles of Mercy no later than Monday, December 18, so we have only our next two meetings at which to bring our donated items. She also reminded everyone that each item must be gift-wrapped and given a tag with the recipient’s name so all gifts go to the right kids. The shopping list for the family of eight children we have “adopted” is on our website and is updated regularly. Terry Brewer said he would contact members who usually attend only the monthly breakfast meetings that their participation would be welcomed.

FOOD DRIVES — An estimated $1,500 worth of non-perishable food items was collected for The Anchor food pantry in Castleton during a drive spearheaded by Columbia High School in conjunction with SRC member/school principal John Sawchuk. Our club supports that particular pantry on a regular basis. And, as part of a Thanksgiving push, a large amount of food was collected for a community gift basket drive by partnering with the Greenbush YMCA through executive director/club member Shannon Romanowski.

FOUNDATION DINNER — The annual fundraiser for the Rotary Foundation, this year themed “People of Action,” was attended by 10 SRC members and one guest at the 90 State Street event space in downtown Albany. The gift basket SRC donated for a silent auction sold for $40.

COMMUNITY RECOGNITION DINNER — Our second such event will be held at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 5, at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant in North Greenbush. Among the estimated 40 community members in various fields who will be honored will be our own A.J. Amato for his work with the Rotary Youth Exchange program. Terry Brewer, one of the event organizers, said we can expect to clear up to $5,000 on the event to support our various scholarships.

CALENDAR EXPANSION — The SRC website’s Club Calendar page has been expanded, and contains numerous live links to details of some of the listings.

IN MEMORIAM — Dr. Rahma Mustapha passed away on November 19. She was a founding member of the Kinderhook Rotary Club. Her obituary has been posted on our website.

HOLIDAY PARTY — Murray Forth said he will circulate a signup list next week for our December 21 party and silent auction of themed baskets. He and Maggie are hosting, and club member Jim Mendrysa’s Talk of the Town catering service will provide the dinner. Murray  also noted that suggestions for basket themes are available on the club website. Proceeds from the basket auction go directly to our club treasury, so members’ participation is strongly urged.

NEXT MEETING — 6:15 p.m. Thursday, December 7, at Quigley’s. Mike Harkin, who this week succeeded John Sawchuk as principal of Columbia High School, will be our special guest.

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PROGRAM: Changes Inside Our Club (continued)

President Roberto Martinez presented the last in a series of working sessions meant to outline SRC’s scope of initiatives, fundraising, re-categorizing of our areas of interest, and formalization of projects.

Among several items on his agenda, Roberto unveiled a template for cataloging initiatives, one he has revised several times after it was first discussed at a recent club Board of Directors working retreat.

Once finalized, the template will be available for download from the website. Persons who will be the leaders of the initiatives will fill out the forms and submit then to Matt Smith who, in turn, will make such information part of a database he will create and maintain. Then, Bill Dowd will build a new page on the website that will allow all SRC members to view the initiatives to see if they are interested in participating in any of them, to track progress of the efforts, make suggestions, etc.

The template will include such things as names of participants, goals of the effort, cost-benefit information, status, etc.

In addition, two other members have been assigned to look into other items that came out of the Board Retreat — Shannon Romanowski for e-voting and Jim Butterworth for e-meetings. They will report their progress at future meetings.

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Breakfast Meeting
Greenbush YMCA
20 Community Way
East Greenbush, NY
November 16,2017

Members Attending (12): Roberto Martinez, Jim Butterworth, Shannon Romanowski, Matt Smith, Marko Koshykar, Terry Brewer, Geoff Brewer, Murray Forth, Andy Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Jeff Simons, Adam Roberts.

Guests (1): Wes Slyke.

Program — The ongoing series of discussions of club workings centered on funding for the many community service efforts the club regularly undertakes. (See minutes of November 2 and 9 dinner meetings for details.)

Followup Items

• Rotaract Club — Two guests, Ashley Beaulieu and Kaitlin Driesse, attended the November 9 dinner meeting. They are graduate students at the UAlbany School of Public Health and are forming a Rotaract Club there. (Rotaract is for young adults ages 18 to 30.) SRC is the sponsoring club for the new entity, and Debbie Rodriguez and Becky Raymond will be our liaisons with Rotaract.

• Membership Training — Terry Brewer and Ray Hannan represented SRC at the second District Membership Training Workshop, held on November 8. Terry, who is the Membership Training Committee lead, said the District is developing a cadre of eight instructors who will visit individual clubs to help them improve membership recruitment and retention. The goal for 2017-18 is a 10% increase in net membership.

• Community Celebration Night — Work is progressing on the December 5 fundraiser being coordinated by John Sawchuk with the support of Murray Forth and Terry Brewer. The event, the second such this calendar year to honor students, first responders, educators, Scouts and others in the commuinity, will be held at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant in North Greenbush. We still are seeking individual, family, or business sponsors at $100 each. See Murray if interested.

• Calendar Items — “Drop the Puck On Polio,” a professional hockey Rotary night in Glens Falls, has been scheduled for December 9. Click here for details. … Donations of non-perishable food items for The Anchor Food pantry should be dropped off at Columbia High School no later than Monday, November 20. … Our latest Eagle Scout, Leonardo Gonzales, will be invested at a 2 p.m. Sunday, December 10, Court of Honor at the Rensselaer Elks Lodge on Columbia Turnpike. All are invited to attend. … No SRC meetings next week due to Thanksgiving. The next dinner meeting will be at 6:15 p.m. Thursday, November 30. The next breakfast meeting will be at 7 a.m. Thursday, December 21, the same day our annual Holiday Party & Gift Basket Silent Auction will be held at the Forth residence. (Need ideas for gift baskets? Click here to begin.)

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Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
November 9, 2017

Members Attending (15): Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Bill Dowd, Dick Drumm, Dean Calamaras, Terry Brewer, Kevin Leyhane, Debbie Rodriguez, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Becky Raymond, Phil Nasca, Charlie Foote.

Guests (3): Bill Nathan, Kaitlin Driesse, Ashley Beaulieu.

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Announcements/Business

ROTARACT PROGRESS — Creation of a Rotaract Club (young Rotarians ages 18-30) is moving forward at the UAlbany School of Public Health. SRC is the sponsoring club, John Justino — who, incidentally, is submitting an individual membership application — will be faculty advisor, Phil and Bonnie Nasca sponsors, and Debbie Rodriguez and Becky Raymond SRC’s liaisons with the new entity. Kaitlin Driesse and Ashley Beaulieu, graduate students at the school who are the catalysts behind the new Rotaract, were in attendance tonight.

MEMBERSHIP TRAINING — Terry Brewer reported on the latest District 7190 Membership Training Workshop. Terry, who is the District lead for membership efforts, and Ray Hannan represented SRC at the Wednesday event. The District is developing a cadre of eight instructors who will visit individual clubs to help them improve membership recruitment and retention. The goal for 2017-18 is a 10% increase in net membership.

COMMUNITY CELEBRATION DINNER — Our second such event this year will honor about 40 first responders, students, alumni, military, and others from the community at a 5:30 p.m. buffet on Tuesday, December 5, at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant in North Greenbush. SRC is supporting the event, which is chaired by John Sawchuk. Reservations are $35, and sponsorships are $100. Anyone interested in a business, family, or individual sponsorship is asked to contact Murray Forth ASAP. This is a fundraiser for SRC, and we project several thousand dollars to be realized to support our club’s community service efforts. Because of the size of the venue and the number of honorees and their guests, we do not need a large contingent from the club to attend. We already have eight (8) signed up, which seems to be sufficient: Terry Brewer, Murray Forth, Roberto Martinez, Bill Dowd, Debbie Rodriguez, Jim Leyhane, Kevin Leyhane, and Dick Drumm.

WEBSITE NOTIFICATIONS & CHANGES — Webmaster Bill Dowd reported that 37 members have signed up to receive automatic email notifications any time new material is posted on the club website. He said he expects to reach 90% or  more registration within the next 10 days. He said he thinks one glitch in the signup process is that if a corporate email does not recognize the required WordPress-generated invitation it throws such emails into a spam filter. … Bill also reminded attendees that he has reconfigured the website display to provide links to inside pages at the top of the screen to take into account the fact that more and more people are accessing the site on smartphone screens that do not allow for the wider display available via tablets or PC/Mac screens.

ADOPT-A-FAMILY (OR 2) — A report from April Dowd says she has been in contact with Circles of Mercy, and Terry Brewer has been in contact with Doors of Hope, to ascertain the needs and composition of families our club will be adopting for the holidays. Details will be shared with club members as received.

CALENDAR REMINDERS — This Friday (November 10) is the deadline for dropping off contributions to the “Community Basket Brigade” at the Greenbush YMCA as part of a Thanksgiving gift drive for needy families in the area. …We have 11 people registered to attend the District’s annual Foundation Dinner next Thursday, November 26, at the 90 State Street event space in downtown Albany. … Visiting Rotarian Bill Nathan of the Albany Club informed us that his group will hold its annual Holiday Auction from noon to 2 p.m. Wednesday,  December 6, at the American Legion Post on Everett Road, just off I-90 Exit 4. Admission is $25, which covers a luncheon buffet. … The deadlines for dropping off contributions of non-perishable food items for The Anchor food pantry drive is 7 a.m. Thursday, November 16, at the SRC breakfast meeting at the Greenbush YMCA, and/or Tuesday, November 21, at Columbia High School. … Members are invited to attend the Eagle Honor Court ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 19, for Leonardo Gonzales, the latest Eagle co-sponsored by SRC and the Rensselaer Elks Lodge at the latter’s venue. … Our annual Holiday Party & Themed Basket Silent Auction will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 21, at Murray and Maggie Forth’s residence. Ideas for baskets have been posted on the website.

NEXT MEETING — 7 a.m. Thursday, November 16, Greenbush YMCA. No dinner meetings on November 16 or 23.

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Program: “Developing and Supporting SRC Programs & Activities”

Board member Terry Brewer continued our series of working dinner sessions by providing a look at the types of initiatives the club undertakes and how they are funded. An outline of his talk:

A. Build Capacity for Projects & Activities:
1. Assess the interests of members; is it meaningful to commit?
2. Develop programs to maximize engagements & participation.
3. Recognize that projects need funding.
4. Recognize the capacity of members to participate; their time, funds, etc.

B. That’s a Great Idea –- What’s the Plan?
1. What is the idea; does it meet the club plan?
2. What is the club plan of action and who is leading or chairing?
3. What is the date and what is the cost?
4. How is it funded and what is the club capacity?

Terry displayed an inverted triangle showing national, District and club involvement and how the levels are interdependent. He spoke about our ongoing obligations such as polio immunization, scholarships, Gift of life and others, and also how the numbers work for dues and fees to Rotary International and the District. He distributed copies of our budget.

C. Types for Funding: Where it comes from and where it goes
1. Fundraisers
2. Member donations
3. Program sponsors

D. Revenues
Terry displayed a list of our activities and finances. For example, $40,000 is needed to cover Rotary Foundation, PolioPlus, Dues, and dinners.

E. Expenses
1. District and RI dues, Foundation and PolioPlus, PETS (Presidents-elect Training Sessions).
2. Programs & Services: youth, community, and scholarships

F. Funding Sources
Grants, members’ monetary donations, sponsorships — 45%, 45%, and 10%, respectively.

He asked rhetorically what is our capacity to support activities in time, dollars, and goods and services? He counseled us to “Do the good, but recognize how it’s done.”

During a brief Q&A period, Bill Dowd commented that over and above the revenue streams Terry mentioned were the unquantifiable support by members’ in-kind services, volunteer time, individual member underwriting of certain project expenses, and the like.

And, President Roberto noted at the end of the presentation that he will be distributing a form he briefly showed us last week to be used for all club undertakings. It will take into  account projected expenses, projected revenue, what category it would fall into, and other pertinent project-planning questions.

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Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
November 2, 2017

 

Members Attending (21): Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Debbie Rodriguez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Bill Dowd, April Dowd, Dick Drum, Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Becky Raymond, Phil Nasca, Bonnie Nasca, Terry Brewer, Ray Hannan, Carole Spencer, Ron Annis, Monika Annis, Phil Kellerman, Dean Calamaras.

Guests: None.

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Announcements/Business

GOL MISSION — Jim Leyhane displayed a photo showing the District 7190 Gift of Life contingent currently in Bucharest, Romania. He explained their mission, which is part of an ongoing series of visits in which they provide training in pediatric cardiac surgical procedures to local medical staff as well as perform lifesaving work.

ROTARACT — Tentative plans for creation of a Rotaract Club (ages 18 to 30) at the UAlbany School of Public Health were updated. Debbie Rodriguez and Becky Raymond will act as liaisons with a club we would sponsor if it comes to fruition.

2 FOOD DRIVES — The dropoff deadline is November 10 at the Greenbush YMCA for contributions to the Thanksgiving “Community Basket Brigade,” being coordinated by Shannon Romanowski. Details on what is needed are available by clicking here. … A delivery date of November 21 has been established for nonperishable food items to The Anchor food pantry in Castleton under an initiative by Columbia High School. You can drop off donations at the school.

COFFEE SALES — Phil Kellerman will be selling specialty coffees again this year as a fundraiser for the Capital Region Nordic Alliance, which offers adaptive sports programs for disabled veterans. Price: $13 per package, or 2 for $25, with $5 from each package sold going to CRNA. Please see Phil if interested,

WEBSITE NOTIFICATIONS — As of tonight, 34 SRC members have signed up to automatically receive email notifications any time something is posted to the website. Our goal is to get as close to 100% participation as possible to improve intra-club communication.

HOLIDAY PARTY — The club’s annual Holiday Party will be hosted by Murray and Maggie Forth at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 21, at their East Greenbush residence. A major part of each year’s event is the Gift Basket Silent Auction, which raises funds for our general treasury. Webmaster Bill Dowd said he has posted suggestions and images on the website on various baskets that can be created. Click here to see them. Images also are available on the club’s Facebook page.

FOUNDATION DINNER — The reservation deadline for District 7190’s annual Rotary Foundation Dinner — this year themed “People of Action” — has been extended to Monday, November 6. Click here to register online for the Thursday, November 16, dinner that will be held in the 90 State Street event space in downtown Albany (valet parking available). As of tonight, eight SRC members have made reservations. Our club will be contributing a gift basket to the silent auction.

ADOPT-A-FAMILY … OR TWO — April Dowd reported that the club once again will participate in the “Adopt-a-Family for Christmas” program through Circles of Mercy, and that details of the family’s makeup and its needs are expected shortly. Terry Brewer will be checking with Doors of Hope on whether it will have a family to adopt as we did last year.

FELLOWSHIP DINNER — Mark Daniel Maloney, who will be president of Rotary International for the 2019-20 Rotary Year, will be the keynote speaker at the 92nd annual Eastern Cities Fellowship Dinner to be held in Rochester on Wednesday, December 6. Earlybird tickets are available at a $5 discount. Full registration information is available by clicking here.

CALENDAR REMINDERS — A Court of Honor ceremony to install Lorenzo Gonzalez of our Scout troop 41 as an Eagle rank is set for 2 p.m. Friday, December 10, at the Elks Lodge. Several SRC members will attend. … A District Membership Training session is scheduled for next Wednesday, November 8. Terry Brewer and Ray Hannan will attend; anyone else who wishes to participate should contact Terry ASAP…. No dinner meeting on November 16 because of  conflict with the Foundation Dinner.  However, we will have a 7 a.m. breakfast meeting that day at the Greenbush YMCA.

NEXT MEETING — 6:15 p.m. Thursday, November 9, at Quigley’s. Terry Brewer will provide an overview titled “Developing and Supporting SRC Rotary Programs and Activities.” This should be of high interest to members seeking insights into our service efforts, how they are funded, and where we are heading.

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Program: An Overview of the Board Retreat

President Roberto Martinez thanked members for the strong turnout to hear his review of the recent SRC Board retreat that examo9ned numerous facets of the club.

The entire 11-person Board plus three other members of the club at large participated in redefining the club’s efforts and goals; reviewing the current budget as to thoroughness and effective allotment of funds; evaluating club activities and whether we can successfully sustain the many initiatives we can undertake, and other topics.

Among the outcomes:

• Hold more working sessions — i.e., Club Assemblies — and schedule fewer guest speakers as a way of getting more members actively involved in planning and execution of projects.

• Evaluation of activities as to funding (via donations, fundraising, grants, etc.).

• Cluster efforts into four categories — Youth Involvement, Community Involvement, International & Foundations, and Club Sustenance — and have the budget and the activities calendar reflect that.

• Realign standing committees to be in step with club goals, and be sure all members are included and actively involved.

Both the November 16 breakfast meeting and the November 30 dinner meeting will be used to continue and refine this discussion. And, next week Terry Brewer will speak about the club’s capacity to maintain and fund its current heavy schedule of activities.

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Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
October 26, 2017

Members Attending (19): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Ray Hannan, Jim Leyhane, Bill Dowd, Terry Brewer, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Becky Raymond, Phil Nasca, Bonnie Nasca, Julius Frankel, Kevin Leyhane, Carol Orvis, Dean Calamaras, Charlie Foote, Dick Drumm.

Guests: None.

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Business/Announcements

HURRICANE RELIEF — A report was received from John Sawchuk that about $1,800 was raised for the Save the Children Hurricane Relief Fund via food sales at last Friday’s Questar Regional Professional Learning Day hosted by Columbia High School. SRC was a community sponsor of the event, along with Price Chopper and the East Greenbush Police Department.

ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE — SRC’s eight-person contingent was the largest of any club participating in the RLI workshop training sessions held last Saturday. Overall, participation was strong, in part because tuition was cut by 50% thanks to CASDA making venue arrangements that moved the session from its longtime spot at Siena College to the UAlbany School of Public Health.

CRNA LUNCHEON — Peter and Debbie Brown, Debbie Rodriguez, and Pat Bailey represented the club at a fundraising luncheon for the Capital Region Nordic Alliance. SRC is a financial supporter of CRNA which provides sports programs for disabled vets and others.

THANKSGIVING BASKET — A reminder that Shannon Romanowski is coordinating collection of donations to create Thanksgiving gift baskets for the Caring Community Basket Brigade drive. Details on what is needed are available by clicking here.

WORLD POLIO DAY / ROTARACT — President Roberto reported that nearly 60 people attended the 5th annual World Polio Day event at the UAlbany Health Sciences Campus on Tuesday. Twenty-one people received flu immunizations offered there. SRC provided refreshments for attendees. … Three School of Public Health graduate students inquired at the event about creating a chapter of Rotaract (a Rotary program for people ages 18 to 30). They will need a faculty advisor as well as a sponsoring club and liaison. Phil Nasca volunteered to work with John Justino at the school, and Debbie Rodriguez and Becky Raymond volunteered to be liaisons for SRC, which has offered to be a Rotaract sponsoring club. Details of Rotaract are available online by clicking here.

WEBSITE NOTIFICATIONS — Webmaster Bill Dowd reported that, acting on a decision made by the Board,  he sent notifications to all members that they would automatically be notified any time anything is posted on the website, but that they had to respond to the invitation to activate it. He said only about nine people of the 30+ he wrote to responded. Roberto asked Bill to see if he could resend the invitations.

EAGLE SCOUT — Troop 41’s Leonardo Gonzales will be receiving his Eagle rank at a Court of Honor Ceremony on Sunday, December 10, at the East Greenbush Elks Lodge. His Eagle project was the Viking playground built under Ron Annis’s supervision at the Schodack Town Park, with financial support from SRC.

BRANDING — Roberto announced that we are working on making branding of our club and its initiatives more consistent as to logos, colors, type fonts, etc. Members working on projects are asked to run any flyers, letters, etc., past Bill Dowd, who heads the Public Relations Committee, for editing in advance of distributing anything. We already have added the website address to the club’s official logo, and we are working on creating branded merchandise to use as ongoing fundraising.

BOWLING FOR VETS — The consensus at the meeting was that the annual event this year is too close to other events, such as the Community Recognition Dinner, and we would be seeking essential sponsorships from the same pool of local businesses and individuals too often in too short a window. It was decided not to hold the event until early in the new year when there is less competition. The topic will be on next week’s agenda for further discussion.

HOLIDAY PARTY — We are in need of someone to host the annual Holiday Party & Gift Basket Silent Auction, the latter an important fundraising effort for our general treasury and a major social event. The club calendar currently has reserved Thursday, December 21, for the party, but it can be held on any day a sponsor is available. Anyone interested is asked to contact Roberto ASAP.

FOUNDATION DINNER DEADLINE — Reservations for the November 16 Foundation Dinner, themed “Persons of Action,” must be made online by next Wednesday, November 1. So far, eight SRC members have made reservations and/or indicated interest in attending. We are hoping to have at least 10 so we can reserve a table.

CALENDAR ITEMS — Terry Brewer, a member of the district committee, and Ray Hannan will represent the club at the District Membership Training Meeting on Wednesday, November 8. Any other members who wish to attend should inform Terry. … The 2nd Community Recognition Dinner will be held on Tuesday, December 5, at Moscatiello’s Restaurant in North Greenbush. Save the date.

NEW MEMBER — Jeff Simon, superintendent of the East Greenbush Central School District, was approved as our newest Rotarian. He has met the minimum requirements of submitting an application, paying dues, and attending at least one dinner meeting and one breakfast meeting. We welcome Jeff to Rotary.

NEXT MEETING — We will hold a club working session based on items identified during the recent SRC Board retreat. The usual time of 6:15 p.m. Thursday, November 2, at Quigley’s.

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Program: “The Wonders of Iceland”

Club member Dean Calamaras presented a slide show on a multi-day visit he and Doris made to Iceland during a larger cruise that included Denmark, Norway, and Scotland.

He explained the geology of the island nation and its glaciers, volcanoes, shifting landscape and ever-present fog cause in part by the many geothermal inversions.

Dean showed images of fertile areas, bleak rocky swaths, and busy harbors that dot the island. He said the infrastructure of Iceland took a major leap forward during World War II when Americans and British, seeing the island’s strategic location, built highways and airports there.

Iceland has only about 335,000 residents, inhabiting an area of 40,000 square miles, making it Europe’s most sparsely populated country. Most of the population speaks English as well as Icelandic, and many work in technology as well as many in fishing and farming. Despite the climate, an extensive web of greenhouses and ready access to geothermal energy allows for a successful year-round agricultural industry. In addition, low energy costs made it possible to create the world’s largest aluminum manufacturing plant, which uses bauxite ore imported mainly from the Caribbean.

Dean also presented looks at local lore, such as trolls; sod-roofed houses; the modern capital of Reykjavík with its population of 123,000, about size of Hartford, CT; and scenes of various natural landmarks.

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Dinner Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
October 19, 2017

Members Attending (16): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, Debbie Rodriguez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Dick Drumm, Jim Leyhane, Charlie Foote, Terry Brewer, Julius Frankel, Ray Hannan, Kevin Leyhane, Carol Orvis, Phil Kellerman, Carole Spencer.

Guests: None

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Announcements/Business

BREAKFAST MEETING — This morning’s Third Thursday breakfast at the Greenbush YMCA was attended by 12 Rotarians and one guest. Peter Brown was the speaker, on violence in the schools. It was announced that the club will assist the “Caring Community Basket Brigade” effort to provide Thanksgiving food baskets to needy families. Click here for details.

FOUNDATION DINNER DEADLINE — District 7190 has set a November 1 deadline for submitting online reservations for the annual Foundation Dinner. The event is scheduled for Thursday, November 16, at the 90 State Street event facility (the address also is the name of the site) in downtown Albany. The dinner theme is “Persons of Action.” We are hoping enough SRC members will attend so we can have a table. Reservations are $100 per person, or $175 per couple. 90 State Street is run by Mazzone Hospitality (Angelo’s 677 Prime, Glen Sanders Mansion, Saratoga National, Tala Bistro, etc.). Click here to go to the District’s online reservation form.

RECYCLING DAY UPDATE — President Roberto showed slides of our third recycling/shredding day, held on Saturday, October 14. Treasurer Murray reported that we cleared about $1,800 for scholarships and the general treasury. Thanks to the many club  members who staffed the event, and a special thanks to Josh Wainman for once again making the Wainschaf Associates facility available to the club at no charge.

IN MEMORIAM — The club has made a $500 donation in memory of longtime Rotarian Russ Edberg to the Doors of Hope charity in West Sand Lake with which Russ and his late wife Dottie long were affiliated.

HURRICANE RELIEF EVENT — The club has contributed $300 toward purchase of food to be sold during a Questar III professional development workshop at Columbia High School this Friday. All proceeds from the sale will go to domestic hurricane relief efforts.

BOARD RETREAT — Roberto reported on the October 16 SRC Board retreat held at Community Care. All 11 Board members and three other club members attended the three-hour session. Among the topics discussed were e-attendance, e-voting, expansion of e-mail notifications to all members anytime the website is updated, activities aligned with projects and goals, and more. We will have club assemblies on November 2 and November 30 to allow other members to contribute ideas and further discuss the new concepts.

ON THE CALENDAR — “World Polio Day” will be marked at the UAlbany School of Public Health on the Heath Sciences Campus (formerly called the East Campus) in Rensselaer from 5 to 7 p.m. next Tuesday, October 24. All are welcome. The club is donating refreshments. … Members are asked to support the annual Rotary float project now under way for the New Year’s Day Rose Bowl Parade. (Click here for details on the project and how to support it.) … Eight club members are signed up for the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) training workshops on Saturday, October 21, at the Health Sciences Campus in Rensselaer. … The second Community Celebration Dinner is scheduled for Tuesday, December 5, at Moscatiello’s Restaurant in North Greenbush.

NEXT MEETING —  6:15 p.m. Thursday, October 26, at Quigley’s. Dean Calamaras will provide a presentation on “The Sights and Sounds of Iceland.”

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PROGRAM: “Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters In the End”

Peter Brown based his presentation on the book “Being Mortal” by Dr. Atul Gawande. Peter’s key points:

• This is a hard topic to discuss, but it affects us all.
• Medicine wants to cure illness and disability but it can’t prevent death.
• Aging is a natural part of life and we need to prepare for and address it.
• Change from independence to dependence is normal, but how we do it can be comfortable or uncomfortable depending on our choices.
• The health care system often doesn’t ask us the right questions as we approach the end of life.

Click here to access Peter’s entire presentation.

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Breakfast Meeting
Greenbush YMCA
20 Community Way
East Greenbush, NY
October 19,2017

Members Attending (12): Roberto Martinez, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Murray Forth, Terry Brewer, Geoff Brewer, Jim Butterworth, Shannon Romanowski, Matt Smith.

Guests (1): Wes Slyke.

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FOOD BASKETS –.Shannon Romanowski will spearhead the club’s efforts to assist the “Caring Community Basket Brigade” in providing Thanksgiving food baskets, for which money and/or supplies are needed. The deadline for contributing is November 10, with locations for donating supplies to be announced. (See above image for details.)

SPEAKER — Club member Peter Brown, making the first of his two presentations today (he also was scheduled to speak at the dinner meeting on a different topic), spoke on mental health, the culture in schools, and how to make necessary changes to reduce violence.

CALENDAR — The next breakfast meeting will be November 16, with no speaker. (The dinner meeting for that date has been cancelled because it conflicts with the District’s annual Foundation Dinner.)

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Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
October 12, 2017

Members Attending (15): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, Debbie Rodriguez, Dick Drumm, Dean Calamaras, Jim Leyhane, Bill Dowd, Terry Brewer, Julius Frankel, Jim Butterworth, Kevin Leyhane, Jennifer Felts, Carol Orvis, Stewart Wagner.

Guests (1): Deborah Ciprioni.

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PROGRAM: Physical Therapy & Essential Oils

Club member Jennifer Felts introduced Deborah Ciprioni, owner of Comprehensive Physical Therapy Solutions in Castleton.

Deborah, born and raised locally, has been a practicing physical therapist for more than  20 years and has been operating her own business for about five. Her staff includes two part-time therapists as well as her mother.

She said she wanted to get into business for herself to increase the amount of time she can spend with each client. She said she spends about a half-hour on average with each one she treats compared to 10-15 minutes while in group practice. She said this allows her to get to know her clients much better which, in turn, improves their treatment regimen.

Deborah said her clients range in age from 8 to 92, with needs ranging from accident and injury recuperation to post-stroke therapy. She also has worked with high school football and soccer teams on conducting balance assessments which help in improving training programs.

Deborah also is involved in therapy using essential oils: i.e., compounding natural distilled ingredients for use as topical and aromatherapy applications. She said there are literally hundreds of products available for a variety of concerns. She displayed a sample box and distributed samples. Deborah also holds educational workshops on roughly a monthly schedule for the public.

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Announcements/Business

ROTARY HUMANITY T-SHIRTS — President Roberto said a few shirts still are available to members at no charge.

RUSS EDBERG IN MEMORIAM — Longtime member Russ Edberg’s funeral on Wednesday was attended by a number of members, several of whom served as pallbearers. A post-burial gathering was held at the East Greenbush Fire Department where Russ was a longtime  member and officer. SRC will make a monetary donation in Russ’s memory to the Doors of Hope charitable organization Russ and his late wife Dottie worked with for many years.

WORLD POLIO DAY — SRC hopes to have a table at the event to introduce the public to Rotary on Tuesday, October 24, at the UAlbany Health Sciences Campus in Rensselaer. Roberto displayed a promotional brochure for the event. Click here to see it on the website.

HURRICANE RELIEF FUNDRAISER — SRC will make a financial contribution to the effort planned during the October 20 professional development day sponsored by Questar III at Columbia High School. Our money will be used to purchase lunch items, which will be sold to attendees to raise funds.

COMMUNITY APPRECIATION CELEBRATION DINNER — The followup to our February dinner that raised about $4,500 for the club treasury will be held on Tuesday, December 5, at Moscatiello’s Restaurant on Route 4 in North Greenbush. We will be honoring community leaders in emergency services, military, education, and other fields. Tickets will be $35 per person, and sponsorships will be available at $100.

FOUNDATION DINNER — Because the Thursday, November 16, District event will conflict with our weekly dinner we will not meet that evening. However, members are urged to attend the breakfast meeting scheduled for that day. Members are urged to enroll for the Foundation Dinner. Simply go to the club website to find a posting about the event and click on the link to the reservation form.

RECYCLING DAY — Murray Forth said more volunteers are needed to staff  Saturday’s recycling and shredding day at the Wainschaf Associates warehouse in Rensselaer.

BOARD RETREAT — The SRC Board of Directors will meet in  a working session from 6 to 9 p.m. Monday, October 16, at Schodack Internal Medicine. Roberto will send out an updated agenda.

ROTARY LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE — Registration for the Saturday, October 24, training session has closed. SRC has eight members signed up which, we are told, is the largest contingent from any club. They are Dean and Doris Calamaras (Level 3), Roberto (Level 2), and Jim Butterworth, Ray Hannan, and Jim, Andy, and Kevin Leyhane (Level 1).

DISTRICT MEMBERSHIP TRAINING — Terry Brewer, who is chair of the District Membership Training Committee, said the next training session will be held on November 8 or 9. Vice President Ray Hannan also will attend as the club’s representative. Anyone else who wishes to attend is asked to contact Terry.

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NEXT MEETINGS — Peter Brown will do double duty next Thursday, speaking at the 7 a.m. breakfast meeting at the Greenbush YMCA on the topic of “Reducing School Violence,” and at 6:15 p.m. at Quigley’s on the book “Being Immortal.”

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Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
October 5, 2017

Members Attending (14): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Dick Drumm, Dean Calamaras, Jim Leyhane, Ray Hannan, Terry Brewer, Phil Kellerman, Julius Frankel, Jim Butterworth, Becky Raymond.

Guests (4): Tovah Lisky, Gracin and Merrick Lisky, Vivian Behm.

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PROGRAM: “Junior Achievement”

Jim Butterworth introduced Tovah Linsky, senior district & development director of Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York.

She explained the mission of JA — which is to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy — and its local and worldwide reach. Junior Achievement is an organization with offices on every continent. It is governed by a board of directors, and operates in more than began 209,000 classrooms.

The program, which began in 1919, entered this area in 1953. Here, a staff of five serves 19,000 students in a 12-county area. Their focus is on youth development, economic development, and educational development.

Training varies depending upon the ages of the students:

• Tovah passed out “job” cards to show how JA helps second graders. The cards included travel service, tax service, help with a website, dental service, legal services, car repairs and banks. Students learned the progression of using their money.

• In middle schools, the program is called “Financial Park Virtual” and is used to teach life experiences from budgeting and grocery shopping to paying bills. Students begin with a salary and must spend it all, including saving and charity giving.

• At the high school level, it is called “JA Stock Market Challenge,” a high-tech event in which students buy and sell and compete to earn the most “money.”

She ended her presentation by showing a short video titled “JA: Be Entrepreneurial.” Her complete PowerPoint presentation is available on this website’s “Program Presentation Archive” page. (Click here to access it.)

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Announcements/Business

MEMBERSHIP — Kevin Leyhane was approved as a new member of Rotary at last week’s SRC Board of Directors meeting. He thus joins his brother Andy and their father Jim, both of whom are on the SRC Board, as SRC members.

FOOD DRIVE — John Sawchuk is planning a drive at Columbia High School this month for The Anchor food pantry in Castleton, with delivery of food tentatively scheduled for November 21. Debbie Brown will check with The Anchor about the efficacy of that date. The drive could be supplemented by food donations brought to Quigley’s by Rotarians.

T-SHIRTS — Several T-shirts with the “Humanity” motto remain. If you would like one, see Murray Forth.

WORLD POLIO DAY — Planning for the 5th annual event, scheduled for Tuesday, October 24, continues and the flyer is being circulated. (Click here to access it.) More than 50 people are expected to attend the event locally at the UAlbany School of Public Health on the Health Sciences Campus (formerly called the East Campus)  in Rensselaer from 5 to 7 p.m. We will have a Rotary table in the lobby, and the club will donate $250 toward purchase of refreshments.

IN MEMORIAM — Longtime member Russ Edberg recently passed away, and several members spoke about his contributions to Rotary and the community at large. Russ ran our club’s Rotary Exchange Student program for years, and he and his late wife Dottie were strong supporters of the club in numerous ways. He also was a font of information on many topics through his work with the state Department of Transportation and the East Greenbush Fire Department. (Click here for the story on Russ’s passing and a link to his obituary.)

PEACE SUMMIT FOR YOUTH — This District-led event for high school students from throughout the Greater Capital Region will be held on Sunday, November 12, in Mechanicville. The membership agreed to contribute $250. (Click here for details on the event.)

DIRECTORS RETREAT — There were a number of topics that needed further discussion after the recent Board of Directors meeting, so a “retreat” has been scheduled for October 16, 2017 at the Community Care office. Comments and concerns are welcome; contact Roberto.

COMMUNITY DINNER — A second Community Celebration and Recognition Dinner — the first was held in February —  has tentatively been scheduled for December 5, again at Moscatiello’s Restaurant in North Greenbush. John Sawchuk will coordinate with Murray Forth on plans. The initial dinner raised about $5,000 for the club.

ALSO ON THE CALENDAR — “Recycling & Shredding Day” Saturday, October 14, at the Wainschaf Associates warehouse in Rensselaer. … Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) at UAlbany’s Health Sciences Campus in Rensselaer on Saturday, October 21. We have six members signed up to attend so far. … The Capital Region Nordic Alliance (CRNA) luncheon gala fundraiser is set for 11 a.m. Sunday, October 22, at the Albany Country Club. (Phil Kellerman again will be selling coffee during the holidays as a fundraiser for CRNA.) … The District’s annual Foundation Dinner, with the theme “People of Action,” will be held on Sunday. November 19, at the 90 State Street event space in Albany.

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NEXT MEETING — 6:15 p.m. Thursday, October 12, at Quigley’s. The speaker will be Deborah Ciprioni of Comprehensive Physical Therapy Solutions.

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Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
September 28, 2017

Members Attending (19): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Dick Drumm, Dean Calamaras, Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Maggie Forth, Ray Hannan, Charlie Foote, Debbie Rodriguez, Terry Brewer, Phil Kellerman, Julius Frankel, Jim Butterworth, Ron Annis, Carole Spencer.

Guests (2): Jeff Simons, Jeremy Forth.

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PROGRAM: ‘Becoming a Lighthouse District’

Terry Brewer introduced Jeff Simons, who has been the superintendent of the East Greenbush School District for slightly over a year, and is a prospective Rotarian.

Jeff last addressed our club during the run-up to a vote on a capital budget for the district. It was passed by a wide margin, and the first phase will begin being implemented next summer.

Jeff covered the high academic achievements, excellence in classroom teaching, supportive safety nets, and positive parental and community support. He said there is a 92% graduation rate at Columbia High School, and the system overall is ranked sixth in the Capital Region. Student achievement has been above average (58% ELA), and the Regents Exams Mastery level is above 85%.

He also discussed “Where Are We Going?,” including; the curriculum, measuring success, 21st Century learning technologies, rigorous college-level AP, Arts, Humanities and CTE coursework and workplace learning and mentoring.

In addition, he discussed mentorships and community-based learning. Even with high levels of literacy, he noted, there remains a need for strategic partnerships and high levels of numeracy and technological skills.

He said employers need graduates with both “hard” and “soft” skills such as solving problems, verbal skills, the ability to plan and organize and prioritize, to obtain and process information, analyze data, and have a proficiency with computer software programs.

Jeff said we will get there by having strategic partnerships, collaborative planning and communication, prioritization of goals and objectives, cyclical reviews and a climate of trust.

His full presentation can be accessed on this website’s “Program Presentation Archive” page by clicking here.

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Announcements/Business

THANK YOUs — The club received a thank-you note from Phil Nasca for the floral arrangement sent to him. And, we received a note of thanks from The Anchor food pantry for our recent donations.

EXCHANGE STUDENT UPDATE — President Roberto informed the club that we will not have anyone participating in the Rotary Youth Exchange program this year.

EMERGENCY TRAINING — Dean Calamaras, who participated in Rensselaer County’s “Bystanders to Upstanders” training symposium, reported that 150 people participated in the training of volunteers who will first responders assist in cases of emergency.

SHELTERBOX — Bill Dowd delivered the club’s donation of $7,050 to local SB representative Jack Faddegon, who also is our Assistant District Governor. The donation was made in support of SB’s Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.

THE ANCHOR — Terry Brewer reported on Columbia High School students supporting The Anchor Food Pantry with food and other supplies. A definite date is needed for delivery of items collected.

T-SHIRTS — A few “Humanity” T-shirts are left. In two weeks, we will begin giving away the remainder.

RECOGNITION DINNER — Terry reported that planning for the 2nd annual Community Recognition Dinner has begun.

RECYCLING DAY — Murray Forth said all planning has been finalized fot our next “Recyling & Shredding Day,” set for Saturday, October 14, at the Wainschaf Associates warehouse in Rensselaer.

ALSO ON THE CALENDAR — A hurricane relief fundraiser is set for October 20 at Columbia High School. … The annual Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) workshop will be held on Saturday, October 21, at the UAlbany Health Sciences Campus in Rensselaer. Members are encouraged to sign up; the club will pay the fee. … The Capital Region Nordic Alliance fundraising luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, October 22, at the Albany Country Club. … The annual District 7190 Foundation Dinner, this year themed “People of Action,” will be held on Thursday, November 16, at the 90 State Street event space in Albany. Click here to find the form for reservations.

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NEXT MEETING — 6:15 p.m. Thursday, October 5, at Quigley’s. The speaker will be Tovah Lisky of Junior Achievement.

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