Dinner Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
December 15, 2016

Members  Attending (11): Debbie Rodriguez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Terry Brewer, Dick Drumm, Dean Calamaras, Phil Kellerman, Carol Orvis, Stewart Wagner, Ray Hannan.

Guests: None

BUSINESS

Because we did not have the minimum number (12) of members in attendance to constitute a quorum, the scheduled vote on a set of proposed changes to the Club Bylaws could not be held, and no other official business could be transacted. President Debbie Rodriguez said she will reschedule the vote for sometime in January.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

• HOLIDAY PARTY — A reminder that Murray and Maggie Forth are hosting the annual Holiday Party & Basket Silent Auction at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 22. If they have not yet done so, anyone wishing to attend must contact Murray at mmforth51@gmail.com no later then Monday, December 19, to let him know how many will be coming. Persons whose surnames begin with  A through K are asked to bring a dessert serving six, and those with names beginning with  L-Z an appetizer serving six. And, of course, a themed gift basket for the silent auction.

• HOLIDAY GIFTS — Donations of gifts for Christmas have been very generous again this year, with adopted families provided through Circles of Mercy (headed up by April Dowd) and Doors of Hope (headed up by Terry Brewer) as recipients. … In addition, staff and students from Columbia High School led by John Sawchuk are adopting seven families. … Dean Calamaras reported that donated gloves and hats he and Doris collected have been delivered to needy persons.

• RESOLVED TO RECYCLE — Our New Year’s paper and electronics recycling day will be held on Saturday, January 14, at Wainschaf Associates Construction, located behind Target on 3rd Avenue Extension in Rensselaer. Details are on a flyer that has been sent to all members and placed on our website and Facebook page. Members are asked to help distribute flyers as widely as possible.

•  SHARING THE WORD — Debbie and Becky Raymond attended a meeting in Colonie of the Capital District Rotary Club to talk about our work supporting the Freedom From Fistula Foundation. That club is a two-year-old group of mostly young adults who meet in-person monthly but online in between sessions and for project work.

• MILITARY AID — Grants supported by our recent “Bowling for Vets” event will be given at our January 5 meeting to representatives of the Blue Star Mothers military family support group and the Capital District Nordic Alliance for its adaptive sports programs for vets. … Phil Kellerman is continuing to sell specialty coffees with proceeds to be divided between those two groups.

• SIMULATOR GOLF — Two dates have been confirmed for Saturday indoor simulator golf tournaments at Burden Lake Country Club — January 21 and March 11. A flyer for the first event will be distributed to all members and posted on our website and Facebook page in the next week or so.

• ROTARY HOME COOKING — Dean and Doris Calamaras will host the first event in this annual winter series of small, member-hosted dinners. The date for their event is Friday, January 27. They can accommodate six to eight guests, with reservations taken as always on a first-come, first-served basis.

Breakfast Meeting
Greenbush Area YMCA
East Greenbush, NY
December 15, 2016

Members Attending (9): Shannon Romanowski, Terry Brewer, Andy Leyhane, Jim Butterworth, Becky Raymond, Matt Smith, Jim Leyhane, Mike Dewey, Murray Forth.

Club member Andy Leyhane spoke about his work as a biochemist at AMRI (formerly known as Albany Molecular Research Institute).

Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
December 8, 2016

Members Attending (15): Debbie Rodriguez, Murray Forth, Roberto Martinez, Bill Dowd, Jim Leyhane, John Sawchuk, Terry Brewer, Stewart Wagner, Dick Drumm, Dean Calamaras, Ray Hannan, Becky Raymond, April Dowd, Melissa Bill, Charlie Foote.

Guests (1): Assistant District Governor Jack Faddegon.

PROGRAM: “TODAY’S BANKING AND YOU”

Club member Melissa Bill, the West Sand Lake branch manager for Key Bank, described her background of 12 years in the industry during which she worked her way up from part-time clerk to management. In that period, she has worked for five different banking companies.

Melissa explained that beyond basic banking services, many modern companies deal with customers’ “financial wellness,” something she said fits within her personal philosophy of banking. What that means, she said, is “paying attention to what people really want and need from their bank.”

She also noted that younger customers tend never to go into a bank, preferring to handle all their transactions electronically. In answer to a question about how to get young adults to be more bank savvy and proactive in  their financial dealings, Melissa advised that they should get to know their bank branch managers and make an appointment for an annual  review of their finances. “Think about it the same way you do for a checkup from your doctor,” she said.

She supplied a list of questions her bank asks during client interviews, and suggested we all use it as a self-assessment.

BUSINESS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

ASSISTANT DG VISITS — Jack Faddegon, ADG of District 7190’s Area 8 (SRC, Cohoes, Lansingburgh, Colonie-Guilderland), was our special guest. He said DG John Mucha has asked each ADG in the District to come up with a cooperative project involving their Areas’ clubs. Among suggesti0ns already up for consideration are a work project at a local historic site, conducting a public “What Is Rotary?” informational event, undertaking a membership improvement effort for clubs having difficulty, or any other item we can think of. He said he will coordinate among the clubs, and hopes to decide on an effort shortly after the upcoming holidays.

Jack also switched to his role as District coordinator (along with wife Nancy) for ShelterBox to express thanks for SRC’s continuing support at a high financial level for the international disaster agency, and to Bill Dowd for serving as the club’s ShelterBox Liaison Officer. SRC Treasurer Murray Forth then surprised Jack with our latest check for ShelterBox — this one for $2,600, funded by five SRC members’ special contributions.

NEW MEMBERS — President Debbie Rodriguez announced the acceptance of new members Phil and Mary Bonnie Nasca. Phil is dean of the UAlbany School of Public Health, Read More »

Meeting at the Schodack Diner
1842 Columbia Turnpike
Schodack, NY
December 1, 2016

Members Attending (20): Debbie Rodriguez, Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Carole Spencer, Terry Brewer, Peter Brown, Jim Butterworth, Dick Drumm, Debbie Brown, Bill Dowd, April Dowd, Dean Calamaras, Julius Frankel, A.J. Amato, Charlie Foote, Stewart Wagner, Phil Kellerman.

Guests (1): Dawn Vavala.

Business/Announcements

WELCOME — President Debbie Rodriguez welcomed the members and guest Rotarian Dawn Vavala who delivered the special Rotary shirts the club had ordered from her marketing company in support of the Rotary Foundation. Debbie also thanked members for attending despite the short notice of a change of venue. Quigley’s owner John Walsh recently underwent  cardiac procedure and could not accommodate us at our usual meeting place. She will keep everyone posted about that situation as we go forward, but at the moment we are planning to return to Quigley’s next week.

FOUNDATION DINNER — Roberto Martinez reported that SRC had a group of eight (six members, a spouse, and our Youth Exchange student) in attendance at the recent dinner at Saratoga National Golf Course. Our silent auction basket of items made in Rensselaer County was purchased for $80 — by our own Carole Spencer!

SPECIAL T-SHIRTS — Jim Leyhane said the special T-shirts purchased by three club Read More »

Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
November 10, 2016

Members Attending (13): Debbie Rodriguez, Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Bill Dowd, Jim Leyhane, Terry Brewer, Mike Dewey, April Dowd, Dean Calamaras, Ray Hannan, David Taylor, Julius Frankel.

Guests: None.

PROGRAM: “Retirement Planning”

Club member Mike Dewey, a certified financial consultant, presented a talk on retirement planning.

He stressed throughout that the keys to successful planning include starting as early as possible — which he conceded sometimes is difficult to get young adults to do; having a mix of deferred taxation and non-taxable savings; and, being sure to consult with someone certified in the field who is able to provide solid comparisons of various investment options rather than simply selling insurance.

Mike gave a version of the same presentation at the club’s Third Thursday breakfast meeting in June. The slides are available on the club website’s “Program Presentation Archive.”

Announcements/Business

OPENING — President Debbie Rodriguez, presiding, welcomed all members, and Jim Leyhane offered the benediction.

BOWLING FOR VETS — Treasurer Murray Forth reported that we cleared about $3,600 from Sunday’s fundraising event at the East Greenbush Bowling Center, most of it coming from the sale of lane sponsorships. He suggested 20% go to the club treasury for support of our community programs, and the remainder be divided among veterans-related organizations as decided by the Board at its scheduled December 1 meeting. He also reported $102 was realized from a raffle at the event that will go to Ronald McDonald House.

DOORS OF HOPE — Dean and Doris Calamaras are collecting new and gently used winterRead More »

Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
November 3, 2016

Members Attending (17): Debbie Rodriguez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Terry Brewer, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Ron Annis, Dick Drum, David Taylor, Roberto Martinez, Julius Frankel, Stewart Wagner, Dean Calamaras, Doris Calamaras.

Guests: None.

PROGRAM: ‘Uncle Shawn’s Hugs Blanket Project’

Attendees worked diligently on making no-sew blankets for the “Uncle Shawn’s Hugs” project created by the Blue Star Mothers military family support group.

This was the second year we have undertaken the work, and we completed about a dozen blankets. They will go on the Toys for Tots holiday train sponsored by the U.S. Marine Corps and distributed to children in need.

The “Uncle Shawn’s Hugs” initiative honors Sgt. Shawn Martin of Delmar, a Marine killed in Iraq.

Announcements/Business

WELCOME — President Debbie Rodriguez welcomed members. She then thanked the club for the Lego sets sent to her grandchildren, including Xavier who is undergoing treatment for leukemia. The first set was received in time for his birthday party on Saturday and Debbie said he was very excited. She also reported that he is doing well and the family will know in two weeks if he is in remission, and then next phase of treatment will begin. Jim Leyhane devised the ongoing Legos project. Anyone who wishes to assist can provide him with a onetime $60 cash payment.

NORDIC ALLIANCE — Phil Kellerman proposed a fundraiser for Capital Region Nordic Alliance (CRNA), the two-year-old nonprofit that creates and runs a variety of adaptive Read More »

Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
October 27, 2016

Members Attending (14): Debbie Rodriguez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Bill Dowd, Jim Leyhane, Dick Drumm, A.J. Amato, April Dowd, Ray Hannan, David Taylor, Doris Calamaras, Dean Calamaras, Becky Raymond, Julius Frankel.

Guests (2): Mike Stangl, Frank Von Rienen.

PROGRAM: “Alaska: The Final Frontier”

Club members Dean and Doris Calamaras took us on a photo tour of Alaska with a side trip to the bustling metropolis of Vancouver, British Columbia.

On their early summer trip, Dean and Doris flew into Anchorage, a very busy airport with jumbo jets from all around the world. In addition to seeing the activity of the state’s largest city, Dean pointed out Earthquake Park, an area that became a park in the aftermath of a major earthquake in the 1960s that caused an entire swath of homes and residents to be dumped into the sea.

Their trip, via Holland America, included travel on a cruise ship, a tour bus, etc. They chose this time of year because there still was snow on the mountains, which created contrasting colors that defined the terrain. They stayed in the lower half of the state, far from what then was called Mt. McKinley and now is called Dinali, the native name for the mountain. They also toured the Dinali State Park and were fortunate enough to spot many examples of the local wildlife — sheep, Soldatna bears, brown bears, moose, etc. Luckily, they avoided what Dean referred to as “the state bird” — mosquitoes.

Also on their tour was a closeup view of a glacier. As Dean noted, seeing glaciers in books and photos doesn’t provide the same insight as experiencing first-hand the intense dampness and cold.

They also visited Juneau, the state capital, and Ketchican, a busy seaport with its own drydock facilities, and in both places cruise ships abounded. Dean said that in some cases, such ships travel convoy style, particularly around islands and areas where there are watery dangers such as submerged rocks. As Dean explained:

“The individual ships could keep to any schedule they wanted if they traveled to the west, in the Pacific Ocean proper. By navigating through the islands, they shorten the trip and avoid the wave action one experiences on the open seas.

BUSINESS/ANNOUNCEMENTS

WELCOME — President Debbie Rodriguez welcomed members and guests Mike Stangl (member Becky Raymond’s husband) and Frank Von Rienen.

WORLD POLIO DAY — Debbie, Roberto Martinez and Jim Leyhane attended the “World Read More »

Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
October 20, 2016

Members Attending Dinner (21): Debbie Rodriguez, Roberto Martinez, Terry Brewer, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Bill Dowd, April Dowd, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Dick Drumm, Dean Calamaras, Ray Hannan, David Taylor, Julius Frankel, Carol Orvis, Ron Annis, Monika Annis, Becky Raymond, Phil Kellerman, Stewart Wagner.

Dinner Guests (2): Russ Myer, Becky Myer.

Members Attending Breakfast (12): Shannon Romanowski, Ron Annis, Melissa Bill, Terry Brewer, Jim Butterworth, Mike Dewey, Murray Forth, Andy Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, John Sawchuk, Matt Smith.

Breakfast Guests: Several Columbia High School students.

Program: “Adaptive Sports Year-round for All”

Peter Brown introduced Russ Myer, founder and director of the Capital Region Nordic Alliance (CRNA). The two-year-old nonprofit creates and runs a variety of sports programs for people with all sorts of physical and developmental needs.

Russ provided several foldout displays showing images of athletes overcoming physical problems to be involved in adaptive versions of skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, soccer-on-snow, orienteering, and so on. In addition, he showed a variety of devices for off-season training.

He explained that he travels internationally as a member of the International Para-Olympics Committee, as well as working with the CRNA. He shared anecdotes about various athletes and events, and said his organization works with a range of schools and health care organizations to present half-day and day-long events for people with developmental problems in addition to those with missing limbs, paralysis, blindness, hearing deficits and the like.

Russ said CRNA is funded by organizational and individual contributions, as well as a Go Fund Me account. The 501 (c) 3 organization is looking for board members and advisors.

Announcements/Business

WELCOME — President Debbie Rodriguez presided, and thanked Roberto Martinez for presiding in her absence during the past two weeks. She said her grandson, Xavier, was doing well with his chemotherapy for leukemia, and thanked all for their expressions of support.

HOLIDAY PARTY — It was decided that the originally-proposed December 22 date for our annual Holiday Party & Theme Basket Silent Auction will be accepted. Murray and Maggie Forth will host the event, and members were asked to begin working on their baskets,  a strong fundraising device to support our public service programs.

BREAKFAST MEETING — Terry Brewer reported that this morning’s monthly breakfast meeting at the Greenbush Area YMCA drew 14 people. Several Columbia High School students visited to share information on their community service projects. And, further

discussions were held concerning the club’s paper and electronics recycling efforts. There will be an advance list of items acceptable and not acceptable for the electronics recycling. In addition, the morning group is working to support the Caring Community Basket Brigade with 10 baskets of food. A signup list specifying items to be donated was circulated to the evening attendees.

FOUNDATION SUPPORT — Roberto noted that four club members are underwriting the purchase of 45 special T-shirts being sold at $20 each by the District as a Rotary Foundation fundraiser. That means that $900 will go directly to the Foundation from that effort. However, if individual members wish to help defray that cost, they can donate to the club treasury and that money will stay with us. … The District has requested that each club provide a themed gift basket to be used in a silent auction at the Foundation Dinner next month. Debbie Rodriguez, Pat Bailey and Debbie Brown will be handling the chore this year.

BOWLING FOR VETS — We are seeking lane sponsors as well as participants for the annual event, scheduled for Sunday, November 6, at the East Greenbush Bowling Center. Event details and sponsorship information are on the club website.

FISTULA PROJECT — Becky Raymond reported that the Freedom From Fistula Foundation has suggested we direct any contributions received as part of our club’s effort to aid the organization to programs in Afghanistan or Africa. Bill Dowd explained that funds may be available through a Rotary grant, which would be a good way to expand a contribution rather than simply passing along whatever we collect on our own.  He noted that to receive a grant we would need a co-sponsoring club from the area being targeted, and the effort would have to be a sustainable one since grants are not given for one-shot initiatives. Becky said she will look into more details.

REMINDERS — A dedication of a new flagpole and American flag will take place at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 2, at Eastwyck Village where several of our members reside. Those wishing to attend need to contact Ray Hannan in advance. … A “World Polio Day” live-streaming event will take place at 5:30 p.m. Monday at the School of Public Health in Rensselaer. Details and a video are on the website. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to email Debbie Rodriguez ASAP. … A District 7190 Membership/Public Relations Summit will be held at the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Public Library on Saturday, October 29. All clubs are asked to send representatives. Bill Dowd will be one of the speakers.

NEXT MEETING:

6:15 p.m. Thursday, October 27, at Quigley’s Restaurant. Dean Calamaras will present an Alaskan travelogue. Please be sure to RSVP no later than Tuesday to dinner coordinator Debbie Brown at mdbrown@nycap.rr.com.

Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
October 13, 2016

Members Attending (15): Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Terry Brewer, Bill Dowd, Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Dick Drumm, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Julius Frankel, Jim Butterworth, Charlie Foote, A.J. Amato, Stewart Wagner.

Guests (4): John Mucha, Nina Mucha, Rafaella (Ella) Real Cancio, Ann Amato.

PROGRAM: The District Governor’s Visit

District Governor John Mucha paid his first official visit of the 2016-17 Rotary Year, accompanied by wife Nina. He noted that they had visited us several months ago and participated in our blanket-making workshop for Blue Star Mothers.

John reported that worldwide RI gained members in 2015-16 but the District lost some members despite the success of some clubs such as ours that had strong recruiting and retention results. He also reported excellent financial support, with the District exceeding $100,000 in Foundation donations.

He also spoke about major upcoming events — the District’s annual Foundation Dinner, and the annual District Conference, this year set for May 5-7 in Lake George.  And, he spoke about the annual RI Convention, scheduled for this summer in Atlanta. (Details on all events are on our club website.)

John outlined changes made by RI as far as membership qualifications, meeting frequency and so on, in an effort to broaden the membership globally. Clubs now have much more flexibility in how they structure these areas.

To support that initiative, he announced that as a result of the energetic participation of Rotarians, particularly younger ones, at last month’s “Next Gen Membership Conference” a permanent Membership Council has been formed. Its purpose is to maintain the momentum engendered by that workshop and to create a continuity of recruitment and retention efforts over the years.

He said Rotary has two areas of emphasis this year, external  (continuing the battle against polio) and internal (membership recruitment and retention.) In addition, he also has asked all Assistant District Governors — ours is Jack Faddegon — to work with their clubs to come up with a joint project.

Nina Mucha spoke about Rotary being part of their family for 30 years and about meeting Rotarians from around the world at conventions and other events. She also offered raffle tickets and specially-designed T-shirts ($20 each) for sale, with proceeds going to the Foundation. Our club immediately purchased 45 shirts, a $900 windfall for the Foundation, and several members purchased raffle tickets.

Business/Announcements

OPENING — President-elect Roberto Martinez presided in the absence of President Debbie Rodriguez. He welcomed the guests and A.J Amato, our Youth Exchange Officer, introduced Brazilian exchange student Ella Cancio.

REMINDERS — Next Saturday, October 22, will be the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI) at Siena College. Several club members are enrolled …  Bill Dowd will be one of the featured speakers at the District Public Relations Summit in Clifton Park on Saturday,  October 29. … The annual Rotary International Convention returns to the U.S. this summer when it will be held in Atlanta. Details and registration information are available online. … The District’s annual Foundation Dinner s now accepting reservations. The event will be held on November 17 at Saratoga National Golf Club. Tickets are available now at several price levels…. The organization Girls On the Run that our club has financially assisted will hold its annual 5K run on Saturday, November 12, at the Corning Preserve in Albany for kids and adults. Details and registration information are available online.

SHELTERBOX UPDATE — Bill Dowd, our ShelterBox Liaison, reported that ShelterBox teams were assisting hurricane victims in Haiti within 48 hours of the disaster. He also asked anyone who has not yet made a donation to ShelterBox this year to please consider doing so. Numerous disasters around the globe are putting a strain on ShelterBox’s resources.

RI PRESIDENT VISITING NYS — Rotary International President John Germ will be the keynote speaker at the 91st annual Eastern Cities Fellowship scheduled for Tuesday, December 6, in Rochester. Reservations may be made online.

BOWLING FOR VETS — The annual family- and community-oriented fundraiser is scheduled for Sunday, November 6, at the East Greenbush Bowling Center. Same offer as in prior years: $20 covers all-you-can-bowl during one of a pair of two-hour sessions. We again will be selling lane sponsorships to individuals, organizations and businesses. See Treasurer Murray Forth if you are interested in helping.

RECYCLING FUNDRAISER — Plans are being made for a Recycling Day to be held on Saturday, November 5, for both paper items and electronics. Site to be announced. Participants will be asked to pay according to the weight of the items they bring.

MISCELLANEOUS — Debbie Rodriguez may be away for several weeks while her grandson Xavier undergoes chemotherapy in Hartford, CT, to combat leukemia. Roberto will fill in for her. … Murray Forth read a letter of thanks from the Rensselaer City School District for our club’s very strong assistance once again in the annual School Supplies Drive. … Dick Drumm proudly announced the arrival of a new granddaughter. Mother and baby are doing well.

2 MEETINGS NEXT WEEK

• The monthly “Third Thursday” breakfast meeting will be held at 7 a.m. Thursday, October 20, at the Greenbush Area YMCA. Contact Terry Brewer or Shannon Romanowski by Wednesday if you plan to attend. Educators from Columbia High School will speak.

• Then, at 6:15 p.m. at Quigley’s Food & Drink, we’ll hold our weekly dinner meeting, with Chicken Marsala as the menu centerpiece.  Contact Debbie Brown by Tuesday if you plan to attend. The founder of the Capital Region Nordic Alliance that deals with adaptive sports for all will speak.

Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
October 6, 2016

Members Attending (13): Debbie Rodriguez, Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, John Sawchuk, Terry Brewer, Dick Drumm, Phil Kellerman, Julius Frankel, Carole Spencer, Becky Raymond, Charlie Foote.

Guests (8): Joan Maddocks, Laura Schweitzer, Taylor and Merissa from Columbia High School, Carol Whitaker, Phil and Bonnie Nasca,  John Justino.

PROGRAM: “Health Sciences Campus”

Roberto Martinez introduced Dr. Laura Schweitzer, Ph.D, vice president of Health Sciences Biomedical Initiatives. She also is president emeritus of Union Graduate College and has served at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Syracuse University, Bassett Healthcare and the University of Louisville.

Schweitzer explained that the UAlbany East Campus in Rensselaer, just off Columbia Turnpike, last month was renamed and now is the Health Sciences Campus (UAlbany), more representative of what it contains. The change is intended to solidify the intersection of academia, government and the private sector collaborating in mutually beneficial ways to further the understanding of health and disease.

Among the venues are 22 research centers and 75 research labs, with the largest concentration in individual health-science related programs. The campus is anchored by the university’s School of Public Health and Cancer Research Center with its Center for Functional Genomics. Other campus residents include organizations such as Regeneron, Albany Molecular Research (AMRI), Taconic, and select research divisions of Albany Medical College and Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, as well as a dozen other area start-up and biomedical organizations. It also is home to the collaborative, 30-year partnership between the School of Public Health and the State Department of Health.

She spoke about new companies moving in during the past year and how more are expected next year.

Dr. Phil Nasca was introduced to speak about a new School of Public Health and the changes since the 1980s and plans for future changes. He also explained the Council on Education for Public Health (CEPH), and the online training programs that have reached 151,000 people. He also explained that about the faculty and their qualifications. In addition, the School of Public Health’s Global Institute for Health and Human Rights is training students from Turkey, China, Kuwait, Sweden, the Netherlands and elsewhere.

ANNOUNCEMENTS/BUSINESS

OPENING — President Debbie Rodriguez welcomed all guests, including Phil and Bonnie Nasca who are planning to become Rotarians with our club.

STUDENT ACTIVITY — Club member John Sawchuk, principal at Columbia High School,  introduced two of his senior students, Taylor and Merissa (above), and spoke about the “book bag” project. The senior class members described student involvement with Ronald McDonald House. Students are collecting supplies for the Albany family facility. They will be asking for donations as an entrance fee for the Homecoming Dance, as well as at the dance itself, and at the end of the month for Halloween.

FUNDRAISERS — Terry Brewer reported on several projected efforts, including those to support scholarships and RYLA tuitions. A paper-shredding event will be among the efforts. Also, the annual “Bowling for Vets” day will be held on either the 6th or 13th of November in East Greenbush.

DISTRICT EVENT PARTICIPATION — Bill Dowd will be a presenter, speaking on public relations and the media, at the October 29 “Next Gen Summit” workshop being held by the District on Saturday, October 29, in Clifton Park in an effort to increase and retain members. … Five club members so far have registered for the Rotary Leadership Institute scheduled for Saturday, October 22, at Siena College. Registration still is open, and the club will reimburse the tuition fee.

HOLIDAY PROJECTS — Our annual holiday-period food pantry drives will be coming up soon. Members are asked to begin purchasing nonperishable items to contribute when a date is decided. … We also will again consider sponsoring several needy families for the December holidays through Circles of Mercy and other agencies.

SHELTERBOX — Disaster aid teams already have been dispatched to hurricane-ravaged Haiti. Bill Dowd, our ShelterBox Liaison Officer, asked via Debbie for members to consider making contributions to ShelterBox. Treasurer Murray Forth can explain the process for doing so.

GIFT OF LIFE — Jim Leyhane reported on the first team of doctors and nurses going to Romania on a medical mission. It will be one of several over the next several weeks. Also, GOL will be helping two children in Portland, ME, and two at Boston Children’s Hospital in the coming months.

HOSPITAL BROCHURE PROJECT — Roberto Martinez provided an update on participation in our Hospital Stay Brochure project. Two hospitals are expected to sign on as users of the guide.

NEXT MEETING: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, October 14, at Quigley’s. In addition to an official visit by District Governor John Mucha, our Rotary Youth Exchange student from Brazil will be joining us for dinner. We’re hoping for a strong turnout in honor of both of them.