Members in Attendance (12):  Dick Drumm, Charlie Foote, Phil Kellerman, Ruth Samuels, Jim Leyhane, Andy Leyhane, Pat Bailey, John Justino, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Ray Hannan, and Roberto Martinez.

By Zoom (0): None.

Guests (4):  Jason Chevier, Superintendant Schodack Central; John Eberle, President & CEO Capital District Community Foundation; Marisa Multari, Asst. District Governor and Speaker Dr. Robert Martiniano Professor School of Public Health

President Peter Brown called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Building Community.”

MEETING NOTES

Discussion of agenda items was limited because of the robust presentation and following discussion on the topic of Social Capital and its effect on the stability of a community.

Membership: New member, Ruth Samuels was voted in by the club, and was sponsored by Deb Rodriguez.  Congratulations!

SRC Board: Phil Kellerman and Andy Leyhane will be serving as At Large Board members.  Becky Raymond has resigned her position with the Board.  Many thanks to Becky for all her contributions as a past Board member.

Viking Gym: Ron Annis continues to push for some activity in the fall of this year.  He may need a team to help assemble some of the equipment which has already arrived.  There were some comments about people not knowing what the “Viking Gym” and this feedback is will go back to Ron.  It was also suggested that school groups and the National Honor Society may be tapped for support.

Polio: Phil Kellerman provided an update on friend with polio needing leg brace.  She received a pro bono medical consult and so far, Phil has coordinated raising $900.  He would like to see if our club would consider a donation once he has more information.

Gift Of Life 25th Annual Golf Tournament: Marisa Multari commented that the Gift of Life Tournament was very successful and that Dean and Doris Calamaras were there as volunteers.

Speakers: We continue to look for speakers for the upcoming months.  Roberto has produced a list of potential speakers and Marisa Multari provided the club with some additional ones.  Roberto will compile the lists and bring to next week’s meeting.  On both lists are the exchange program, mental health, Gift of Life and Shelter Box.

Rotaract: John Justino gave an update on the Rotaract Club.  This included involvement with World Polio Day which is October 24^th.  He gave an update on their fund-raising event at the Beer Garden which was also attended by SRC Club members.

District News: Marisa Multari gave some save the dates for the upcoming Toronto Zone meeting, the annual Foundation Dinner, and the year from now CNY transition in Bennington, NY.  She commented that the District will also be doing something for Polio Day.

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 28th, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Kevin Leyhane will provide a “Technology Review.” He will do a hands-on presentation about using our website.  Please feel free to bring your cell phone or laptop if you would like to follow along.

Entree choices will be Chicken Ceasar Salid, Cheese Ravioli with Marinara or Meat Sauce or Lasagna.

Robert gave a very thought-provoking presentation on Social Capital. He was introduced by Peter Brown who had a discussion with him years ago.  Peter’s concern is the degradation of Social Capital and its impact on society.  Social Capital is the product of interactions among individuals rather than the individuals themselves. Social Capitalism involves an exchange of ideas and involves social and cultural relationships.   It builds shared trust and civic engagement. This trust seems to have declined in recent years.  It is important because it creates linkage for exchange of ideas and knowledge and communications. These social networks can contribute to community wellness and projects which give back to society. Some networks have restrictions like age or income, or professions but in general having these linkages promotes a healthier society and outcomes.  Formal networks would include Rotary, the Elks the PTA, bowling leages, fire companies and many other voluntary associations and groups.  Informal networks would be weekly gatherings, play groups etc.  The critical result is creation of a sense of belonging and bi-directional flow of information. Promoting Social Capital involves community organizations. Suggestions to build Social Capital are to build professional and personal relationships and become a resource to others.   The presentation was followed by a very robust dialogue and discussion.  The group thanked Robert for his presentation.

Members in Attendance (8): Dick Drumm, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Debbie Rodriguez and Andy Leyhane.

By Zoom (0): 

Guests (0):

President-Elect Roberto Martinez called the meeting to order.

Theme for the Year: “Building Community.”

MEETING NOTES

Gift Of Life 25th Annual Golf Tournament: Was held today. There were over 70 golfers. The Club was well represented.

World Polio Day: Will be held on October 24th. The Danes Rotaract Club is working on a program. More to follow.

Membership: Ruth Samuels has submitted an application for membership. Other potential nominees for membership were discussed.

Technology Training: Kevin Leyhane will provide training on September 28th on the website postings, zoom set-up, etc. He will also look at the price to upgrade WordPress so that the website posts are automatically pushed out to Facebook.

Viking Gym: Roberto Martinez will provide an update on the project next week.

Speakers: We are still looking for speakers. Please let Kevin Leyhane or Peter Brown know if you have a guest speaker.

Next Meeting: Thursday, September 21st, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Dr. Robert Martiniano will speak about “Social Capital.”

Entree choices will be Antipasto Salid, Chicken Florentine or Baked Ziti.

Members in Attendance (9): Dick Drumm, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Phil Kellerman, Debbie Rodriguez, Charlie Foote, Peter Brown and Debbie Brown.

By Zoom (0): 

Guests (1): Dr. Jim Morley.

President-Elect Peter Brown called the meeting to order.

MEETING NOTES

Gift Of Life 25th Annual Golf Tournament: Thursday September 14, 2023.  The brochure and the link to register is on the website.

Movies in the park:  There are still volunteer spaces available for The Rise of Boots: The Last Wish. There can be more than two people per event for any of the other movies. Please contact Pat Bailey if you are able to participate.

Membership: Last week’s speaker expressed an interest. Phil Kellerman will follow-up with her.

Board Meeting: The next Board meeting will be held on July 5th at 6:30 pm at Peter Brown’s home.

Presidential Changeover: Will be held on July 6th at Peter and Debbie Brown’s home. The pool is open! If you have not already done so, please let Peter or Debbie know that you will attend. If you are attending, please bring an appetizer.

Summer Events: If you have not already done so, please call or e-mail the hosts listed on the calander page of the website and let them know that you will be attending their event. Jim and Roberto are asking for $20 for one person or $25 for two or more people for the pool party at Jim Leyhane’s home on July 20th and please bring an appetizer. Please let Phil Kellerman know if you will be attending the S&S Brewery event on Friday, July 14 at 6pm. Also, wish Phil a happy birthday on July 7th.

Roberto Martinez introduced Dr. John Morley who he had met while working at the NYS Department of Health. Dr. Morley then worked at several hospitals in New York City before he became Chief Medical Director for the Department of Corrections. He has now come back to the Department of Health. He is an anesthesiologist and has worked in intensive care units.

Per Dr. Morley, “things are always changing” and that applies to health care. One hundred years ago, 90% of physicians had no college education and most babies were born at home. Today, US expenditures on health care are two and a half times the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developemnt’s average. More than $10,000 is spent per person per year, far exceeding the costs of other countries such as Norway and Switzerland. In addition to public funding, the US spends a large amount of private funds on health care.

Dr. Morley is not so sure that capitalism works in the health care system. People make choices for their health care, but many times someone else pays for some or all of it. The younger generation with health care is paying for much of the older generation’s health care costs. New technology costs more. For example, the machine for cancer treatments using proton beam radiation therapy using electrons costs between two and five million dollars, whereas the new technology using protons costs 125 to 150 million dollars. This requires investors to purchase the machine. These investors are looking for profits thus driving the usage of the new technology which had not been proven to be better than the existing technology.

One third of the cost of medical care goes to treatments that do not add any value for the patient. For example, per Medicaid data, stents for hearts are over utilized. Stents are needed during a heart attack or to reduce the need for medication. They do not prevent heart attacks. Much pre-op testing is not needed. To find out what you can do about unnecessary medical services, go to http://www.choosingwisely.org and then have a conversation with your medical provider.

Members in Attendance (12): Dick Drumm, Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Becky Raymond, Debbie Rodriguez, Doris Calamaras and Dean Calamaras.

By Zoom (1):  Charlie Foote.

Guests (1): Carole Heaney.

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

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

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

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

MEETING NOTES

Gift Of Life 25th Annual Golf Tournament: Thursday September 14, 2023.  The brochure and the link to register is on the website.

Summer Nights in the park:  The Club will focus on Movies in the Park on Friday nights. There are still volunteer spaces available. There can be more than two people per event. Please contact Pat Bailey if you are able to participate.

Membership: New members emails have been added as website subscribers and should be receiving emails of the postings.

Technology Training: Kevin Leyhane is forming a technology committee to train everyone on the website postings, zoom set-up, etc. Training will take place in the fall. He will also look at the price to upgrade WordPress so that the website posts are automatically pushed out to Facebook.

Board Meeting: The next Board meeting will be held on July 5th at 6:30 pm at Peter Brown’s home.

Dues:  Per Murray Forth, two members have outstanding dues.

Rotaract: Rotary members are invited to join Rotaract members and students from UAlbany Center for Global Health for World Refugee Day at the Westhill Refugee Center at 104 Ontario Street, Albany for general community clean up on Saturday, July 24th, from 10 am until 1:30 pm.

Increase in Fraud: Murray Forth advised everyone to be careful when mailing checks to not-for-profit organizations. Thieves are intercepting the mail and washing the check they find to write over it with a new amount and recipient or they are reproducing the check to write checks off the original account.

Presidential Changeover: Will be held on July 6th at Peter and Debbie Brown’s home. The pool is open! If you have not already done so, please let Peter or Debbie know that you will attend.

Summer Events: If you have not done so, please let Debbie Rodriguez know if you want to attend the Valley Cats game on July 27th by Wednesday, June 28th. She will be picking up the tickets next Thursday. Also, please call or e-mail Roberto or Jim and let them know you will be attending the pool party at Jim Leyhane’s home on July 20th. The cost is $20 for the Rotarian. If bringing a guest or guests, the max is $25.

Next Meeting: Thursday, June 29th, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. This is our last meeting at Moscatellos until the fall. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Dr. John Morley will speak about the rising costs of health care.

Entree choices will be Antipasto Salid, Portobello Ravioli or Spaghetti with Meatballs or Sausage.

Dean Calamaras introduced Carole Heaney. She is a retired hospice nurse. Her focus now is on advocacy for death awareness. She is a death doula, grief companion and guide. Doulas and grief companions support and work alongside people. Her business is called In the Spirit of Healing. She also has written a children’s book The Cardinal’s Gift-A True Story of Finding Hope in Grief. The book helps to facilitate conversations with adults about what happens when someone dies.

According to Carole, before the 1890s, death and funerals took place in homes. People were familiar with the end of life. Things changed with the rise of public hospitals, new surgical procedures and drugs. The focus was on fixing people. Death was viewed as a failure. Now, 25% of individuals die at home. The remaining die in hospitals, nursing homes and institutions. We now treat death as an option. There is fear when talking about death.

In addition to having a living will (advanced directive), durable power of attorney and a health care proxy, Carole advises people to talk about what they want to happen at the end of their lives. Carole says, “if you talk about death, it will not kill you. People should map their wishes. These include physical, emotional, mental and spiritual wishes incorporating one’s religious practices and belief about life. Make a theme of your life story indicating how you would like to be remembered. Mend relationships and address regrets. This will allow your wishes to become real. “Fear becomes knowing and knowing changes how you live and die.”

Members in Attendance (12): Dick Drumm, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Charlie Foote and Andy Leyhane.

By Zoom (1):  Debbie Rodriguez.

Guests (1): Herb Klutz (guest speaker via Zoom).

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

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

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

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

MEETING NOTES

Gift Of Life 25th Annual Golf Tournament: Thursday September 14, 2023.  The brochure and the link to register is on the website.

Summer Nights in the park:  Pat Baily will let the Town know that the Club will focus on Movies in the Park on Friday nights.

Viking Gym:  The equipment has been ordered. The Town of Schodack anticipates an early July delivery. Town employees will install the equipment. There has been no mention regarding the pledges from Rotary and the Kiwanis Club.

Membership update: Kevin needs the email address for Dan Annis so he can be added to the posting list.

Scholarship Awards: The students were amazing. Thank you to Terry Brewer for all his hard work. Thank you also to Roberto Martinez and Jim Leyhane for completing and submitting the grant.

Technology: More members need to learn the technology we are using. Kevin Keyhane will look at the price to upgrade WordPress so that the website posts are automatically pushed out to Facebook.

Board Meeting: The next Board meeting will be held on July 5th at 6:30 pm at Peter Brown’s home.

Dues:  Per Murray, four members have outstanding dues.

Presidential Changeover: Will be held on July 6th at Peter and Debbie Brown’s home. The pool is open! A sign-up sheet will be circulated.

Next Meeting: Thursday, June 22nd, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Carole Heaney will speak about Tackling the Taboo: Let’s Talk About Death.

Entree choices will be Chicken Caeser Salid, Chicken Florentine and Cheese Ravioli.

Intentional Leadership for Growth

How Rotary Leaders Ensure Their Clubs Thrive

Herb Klutz

Herb Klutz is the Zone 32 Membership Coordinator. Zone 32 encompasses the Northeast United States from Pennsylvania to Maine. He works with twenty-two Rotary Districts. He joined via Zoom to speak about the characteristics and attributes of Rotary Clubs that are growing. “Rotary is a membership organization and its product is service.” Membership should be a Club’s top priority. Increased membership results in more ideas and resources. In order to achieve growth, a Club must create a culture of consistent moderate growth.

The analytics for SRC Rotary show an attrition rate of 12.9%. an attraction rate of 2.0% and an annual net growth of around 10.9 % for the last five years. Our biggest opportunity is to attract new members.

In 2022 a survey was conducted in the US and Canada that identified five attributes of established Clubs with consistent growth from 2017 through 2022. They found that club size did not matter. The first attribute these clubs had in common was effective growth that involved a planning process for growth with identifiable goals that were updated twice a year. Secondly, they had active intentional engagement of new members with consistent and flexible meetings. Third, they had dynamic meaningful service with signature projects and fundraisers which included community participation. Fourth, they had a strong public image involving active use of media (websites, Facebook, Instagram and local print outlets) that helped with membership attraction. Fifth, these Clubs also focused on diversity, equity and inclusion where the Clubs were a reflection of the community.

Members in Attendance (14): Dick Drumm, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Debbie Rodriguez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan and Andy Leyhane.

By Zoom:  Charlie Foote, and Becky Raymond.

Guests (13): Tenley Soroko, Christine Soroko, Peter Soroko and Kelley Sheraw (scholarship recipient from Columbia High School and guests). Luke Hoffman, Jackie Hoffman, Jenna Hoffman, Mark Hoffman, Alyssa Savatino and Mark Savatino (scholarship recipient form Maple Hill High School and guests). Eh Doh Moo, Tway Kay and Chris Labattaglia (scholarship recipient from Rensselaer High School and guests).

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

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

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

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

MEETING NOTES

Gift Of Life 25th Annual Golf Tournament: Thursday September 14, 2023.  The brochure and the link to register is on the website.

Summer Nights in the park:  The town board is downsizing the number of tables for the month of June. We will continue with the Movie Night in the Park on Fridays and return for the Music in the Park on Tuesdays in the month of August. 

Viking Gym:  The equipment has been ordered.

Membership update: Kevin needs the email addresses for Danny and Burke so they can be added to the posting list.

Dues:  Per Murray, commitments have been received from all members.

Presidential Changeover: Will be held on July 6, 2023 at Peter and Debbie Brown’s house

Next Meeting: Thursday, June 15th, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Raymond Anthony, District Membership Chair and Herb Klotz will speak about membership.

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

Kelly Sheraw, Teacher from Columbia High School, introduced Tenley Soroko. As a freshman, Tenley became involved with the Student Council. She had volunteered for several years in a preschool classroom for the deaf and the hard of hearing. She has worked as a teachers’ assistant. Tenley has volunteered at the St. Vincent’s Food Pantry and for three years at the Night to Shine Prom for individuals with disabilities. Tenley had maintained a scholar status while volunteering and working at Target. Tenley says that she likes volunteering and meeting new people. Her mother is her role model (and dad helped). Tenley wants to become a teacher and will be studying at SUNY Oneonta in the fall, majoring in Early Education. She would like to work with Kindergarteners. The children are so creative. Tenley says she will keep volunteering.

Alyssa Savatino, Principal of Maple Hill High School, introduced Luke Hoffman. Luke was a member of the hiring committee when she was selected to be Director of Teaching and Learning. He has been an important part of the school community serving as Class President, President of the Key Club and Captain of both the basketball and tennis teams. He is also a member of the soccer team, the Booster Club and the town’s ambulance squad. Also, Luke is a member of the School Board and advocated for students to learn cursive writing. For Senior prank day, he made breakfast for everyone in his class. He is patient, kind and humble. Luke says he likes the opportunity to meet new people and to focus on every student to help show their accomplishments in the classroom and field of play. He believes in treating others as you like to be treated. Luke’s role models are his parents, grandparents and especially his sister. He wants to be a teacher and focus on secondary education. He will be attending Syracuse University.

Chris Labattaglia, School Counselor at Rensselaer Junior Senior High School, introduced Eh Doh Moo. Eh Doh is always positive. She stopped by daily to say hello. She volunteered with the SAD Club, Key Club and the Student Council. She fundraised for the senior class. She always lends a hand. She was inducted into the National Honor Society and is a member of their Top 10. Eh Doh says that her role models are her parents and teachers. She would like to become a lawyer. She plans to attend the University of Maine. It is a small knit community. She will major in Political Science with a minor in Legal Studies. She would like to practice criminal or corporate law.

Congratulations to all scholarship recipients!

 

 

         

         

         

MEMBERS IN Attendance (9): Dick Drumm, Kevin Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Debbie Rodriguez, Pat Bailey, Charlie Foote, Ray Hannan and Becky Raymond.

GUESTS (1): Jim Bonesteel, Excecutive Director of the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

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

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

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

MEETING NOTES

Gift Of Life 25th Annual Golf Tournament: Thursday September 14, 2023.  The brochure and link to register is on the website.

Summer Nights in the Park:  The schedule for the summer events and the sign up for the summer nights it the park music and movie events are posted. Please sign up. There are a few slots open. Also, more than two people per event are welcome. Phil picked up popcorn for the events.

Scholarship Update:  We now have nominees from all 3 school districts and have invited them to next week’s meeting. Eh Do Moo is the nominee from Rensselaer Junior Senior High School. Tenley Soroko is the nominee from Columbia High School and Luke Hoffman is the nominee from Maple Hill High School. We are awaiting confirmation of attendance. Thanks to Terry Brewer for coordinating.  Murray will write the checks for the scholarship winners.

Viking Gym update:  The equipment has been ordered.

Membership update:  An application was submitted from Mary Alice Caldes.

Dues: Roberto and Jim contacted members by phone or email to remind them that dues are due June 1st.

Next Meeting: Thursday, June 8th, dinner at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. The scholarship nominees have been invited to speak about their community service. Debbie Rodriguez was asked to speak about her recent trip.

Entree choices will be Chicken Ceasar Salid, Baked Ziti or Spaghetti with Meatballs.

The Rensselaer Plateau Alliance works with community to preserve ecologically important areas of the Rensselaer Plateau. The Plateau is the 5th largest forest area in New York State. It is located in the eastern third of Rensselaer County. The Alliance focuses on land acquisition for conservation, preservation of wildlife habitats, maintaining clean water and promoting recreation. Land conservation preserves the integrity of the water shed. Forests filter and recharge aquifers and provide for flood mitigation by slowing down and retaining rainwater. Some of the properties have been sold to New York State for conservation. The Alliance’s Forests Forever Campaign recently raised over two million dollars for further acquisition of forest land on the Plateau and for long term land management. The Alliance and the Rensselaer Land Trust are discussing a merger.

There are miles of trails in the land conserved on the Plateau. The 436-acre Poestenkill Community Forest has an ADA access trail. The Grafton Forest includes 1,175 acres. These are just a few examples of the land available for hiking, cross-country skiing, bird watching, snowshoeing and horseback riding. Trails are open from dawn to dusk. For more information check out the Rensselaer Plateau Alliance at http://www.rensselaerplateau.org.

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

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

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

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

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

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

MEETING NOTES

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

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

Exchange Program: No updates

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Member: Top Form is now a corporate member.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Marissa Multari, Assistant District Governor, provided updates.

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

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

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

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

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

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

President Kevin Leyhane called the meeting to order.

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

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

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

MEETING NOTES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vice-President Peter Brown called the meeting to order.

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

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

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

MEETING NOTES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New Member: Burke Adams submitted his application for membership.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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