This Thursday, October 17, 2024, the Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club will be hosting its weekly meeting at Moscatiello’s at 6:00 pm. Joining us will be SRC’s very own Dean Calamaras. Dean will be speaking about the novel “The Baron of Second Avenue”, a book that he wrote the forward for. As usual if you are unable to join us in person you may do so remotely using the link located on our calendar page.
Menu choices for the evening include: Antipasto Salad, Chicken Lemon, or Portabella Mushroom Ravioli. Looking forward to seeing everyone this Thursday.
On Thursday, October 10, 2024 the Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club will be meeting a Moscatiello’s at 6:00pm for our weekly meeting. Joining us this week will be Dr. Jonathan Newell, a professor at RPI. Dr. Newell will be speaking on the topic of “Imaging the Body’s Interior with Electricity”. Due a number of conflicts we are unsure if we will be able to make this presentation hybrid so please try to attend in person if you are able. You may still try to join us remotely but we can’t guarantee that the link will be up and running at this time. Looking forward to seeing everyone this Thursday.
Attended by: Roberto Martinez, Phil Kellerman, Carole Heaney, Jim Leyhane, Terry Brewer, Kevin Leyhane, Dick Drumm, Pat Bailey, Peter Brown, Deb Brown, Ray Hannan, Charlie Foote, and Andy Leyhane.
Roberto welcomed everyone. The pledge was conducted and Roberto noted that there were no guests.
Next week’s speaker will be Jonathan Newell speaking on “Imaging the Body’s Interior with Electricity.” It will be hosted by Deborah Rodriguez.
Terry spoke about the untimely death of John Sawchuck. Cards can be sent to: Cathi Sawchuck, PO Box 729, Myrtle Beach, South Carolina 29597. Some on the zoom call said they were going to the calling hours and funeral in our area. Terry added that the club might want to plant a tree in his memory or do some other type of charitable activity in his honor.
Concerning the Global Grant for the water project in Kenya, Peter said that we were waiting for the bank account to be set up.
Terry then followed up with a tax status update. He said he had been working on the paperwork to be submitted to the IRS for reinstatement of our 510c4 status. Terry said that he would meet with Phil soon to finalize the paperwork.
Phil provided an update on a benefit concert. He said that a local music group he has been working with is in the process of producing a full length CD. Along with a music group from Florida, both bands wish to play in our area as a benefit for charity. Thanks to Roberto, a connection has been made with the East Greenbush Methodist Church that might be willing to host the concert in the spring of next year.
Phil said that we are still in need of speakers. Roberto mentioned that John Justino would be unavailable for a talk on World Polio Day on October 24th. The group discussed options such as viewing videos about polio which could include a video by Martha Letow which was viewed by the group several years ago. Carole said that she is working to set up a talk by Joan Nicole from the Community House for the Aging. She also suggested that we might want to schedule a Zoom call with representatives from the newly formed Central New York Rotary District to learn more about the changes.
Roberto mentioned that he tuned into a RLI/NEA Seminar and their efforts to get folks to bequeath money to Rotary Foundation. The goal is to raise one million dollars to continue to fund district and global grants.
This week’s in person meeting at Moscatiello’s has been canceled due to a combination of illness and conflicts that will affect attendance. We will be having the weekly business meeting on ZOOM instead. The meeting will begin at 6:00pm and the Zoom link is located on the top of our calendar page on the website.
We apologize for any inconveniences this causes, and we plan to meet in person again next week. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Zoom this Thursday.
The Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club will be holding its weekly meeting this Thursday, September 26, 2024 at 6:00pm at Moscatiello’s located on Route 4 in North Greenbush. Joining us will by RPI Professor Dr. Chris Bystroff, and his presentation will be on the topic of voting machines. As usual if you are unable to join us in person you may still join us remotely using the link on the calendar page of our website.
Menu for the evening include a choice of Rustica Salad, Eggplant Parmesan, or Spaghetti and Meatballs. Looking forward to seeing everyone this Thursday.
The Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club will be meeting this Thursday September 19, 2024 at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s located on Route 4 in Troy. Joining us will be Richard Zazycki, Executive Director of Circles of Mercy. For several years now, SRC Rotary has partnered with Circles of Mercy in annual projects such as their holiday adopt-a-family and their back to school backpack program. Richard will be presenting on the current status of Circles of Mercy and the various community support programs they offer.
As usual, if you are unable to join us in person you may still do so remotely using the link located on out calendar page. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Thursday.
On September 12, 2024 the Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club will return to Moscatiello’s at 6:00pm for its weekly meeting. Joining us as our guest speaker will be Dr. Michael Sabir speaking on his journey entitled, “Escape from Pakistan.” Dr. Sabir was a sociology professor in Pakistan and ran a non-profit to empower minority Christian women and the disabled. He and his family were repeatedly attacked by islamic fundamentalists, leading to them fleeing Pakistan and moving to Albany to apply for political asylum. His story is informative as well as heart-breaking. Thank you to Phil Kellerman for arranging this speaker.
As usually we will try and hold the meeting in a hybrid format, and you may join using the Zoom link on the calendar page. Please be aware that the speaker has asked for a microphone, which may produce feedback for the Zoom connection. If this happens we may have to disconnect to Zoom.
August 21st: The First CNY Zoom Town Hall was August 21st and the focus was on our CNY Rotary News Network. The news feature will replace the monthly newsletters and can be viewed online.
August 22, some club members participated in a Preliminary Prep meeting for the opening of the Viking Gym on Saturday, Sept 14th at 1pm at the Schodack Town Park.
August 29th, Peter and Debbie Brown will be hosting a summer casual at their home. They will be having pulled pork and smoked turkey. If you plan on attending, please contact Peter and Debbie by Tuesday eveining. No need to bring an appetizer or desert. This will be the last fundraiser for the season. Thanks to Peter and Debbie for hosting!
There will be NO meeting on Labor Day week.
September 9th: The Gift of Life CNY Golf Tournament
We are thrilled to invite you to participate in our upcoming CNY Gift of Life Golf Tournament, taking place on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 at the picturesque Fairways of Halfmoon. This special event is more than just a day of golf—it’s an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children who need life-saving heart surgeries.
Gift of Life is dedicated to providing cardiac care to children in need, and your participation in this tournament will help us continue this vital mission. Every swing, putt, and cheer will contribute to saving a child’s life and giving them a healthier, brighter future. For questions: https://www.giftoflife7190.org/events/
On September 12th we return to Moscatiellos at 6pm. For our first official meeting on the 12th our guest speaker will be Dr. Michael Sabir. The title of his talk will be “Escape from Pakistan.” Michael was a sociology professor in Pakistan and ran a non-profit to empower minority Christian women and the disabled. He, his wife and three kids were repeatedly attacked by Islamic fundamentalists, and so they have moved to Albany to apply for political asylum which I think they will get. His story is heart-breaking but informative. Thanks to Phil for arranging.
Sept 14th: We are looking to have a special opening for the Viking Gym September 14th. The event will be coordinated by Schodack Town Super/staff, Kiwanis Rotary and Topform. Within our Club feel free to reach out to Ron, Deb Rodriguez, Carole Heaney and Pat Bailey. Ron led the discussion. We have approval from the town for the Peace Pole which was ordered by Carole Heaney. Also have approval for the signage. We should have the Peace Pole and signage by then The Club is coordinating a hotdog cookoff and expecting maybe up to 50 people. Club members and family and friends are encouraged to attend. Thanks to all involved.
On September 19th, Ruth Samuels has arranged for Steve Trimm to speak to our club. The title of his talk will be ” The Enemy Alien At Grant Cottage.”
Suye Nurita was born in Japan, emigrated to America and helped save Grant Cottage for future generations, during very difficult and trying times in our country.
It’s a fascinating story – both heartwarming and patriotic, to quote Steve!
We are looking for speakers for the remainder of the year.
Thanks to Carole Heaney and her husband for collecting and delivering the SRC Club donations to the Circles of Mercy for the Cate’s Kids Back to School Program 2024. We joined others in its collaboration with our friends and donors. The collection of school supplies benefits the students and families of the Rensselaer area, where 19.9% of the children live near or below the poverty level exceeding the New York State level of 13.9%.
Recipients will include High School Students in Grades 9-12 and Pre-School Students.
Summer and Future Schedules:
District: On Wednesday, August 21st at 7pm we will host our first official virtual Town Hall since becoming CNY Rotary. We welcome ALL to join! At the very least, every club should send someone to get the scoop.
This Town Hall will focus on our CNY Rotary News Network. This new feature replaces the monthly newsletters of the past and is open to all members, clubs and committees to use. Our editor Joe and Public Image Chair Melissa will be there to explain how to submit news, and how it all comes together on our website and social channels.
We will also hopefully have time to address any other questions you might have, in typical Town Hall style.
Please save this zoom info on your digital calendar and plan to join us. I look forward to seeing you there!
On August 29th, Peter and Debbie Brown will be hosting a summer casual at their home. If you plan on attending, please contact Peter and Debbie. This will be the last fundraiser for the season and thanks to Peter and Debbie for hosting.
There will be NO meeting on Labor Day week.
We return to Moscatiellos on September 12th at 6pm. For our first official meeting on the 12th our guest speaker will be Dr. Michael Sabir. The title of his talk will be “Escape from Pakistan.” Michael was a sociology professor in Pakistan and ran a non-profit to empower minority Christian women and the disabled. He, his wife and three kids were repeatedly attacked by Islamic fundamentalists, and so they have moved to Albany to apply for political asylum which I think they will get. His story is heart-breaking but informative. Thanks to Phil for arranging.
We are looking for speakers for the remainder of the year.
The Gift of Life CNY Golf Tournament is September 9th.
We are thrilled to invite you to participate in our upcoming CNY Gift of Life Golf Tournament, taking place on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 at the picturesque Fairways of Halfmoon. This special event is more than just a day of golf—it’s an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children who need life-saving heart surgeries.
Gift of Life is dedicated to providing cardiac care to children in need, and your participation in this tournament will help us continue this vital mission. Every swing, putt, and cheer will contribute to saving a child’s life and giving them a healthier, brighter future. For questions: https://www.giftoflife7190.org/events/
We are looking to have a special opening for the Viking Gym September 14th. The event will be coordinated by SchodackTown Super/staff, Kiwanis Rotary and Topform. Within our Club feel free to reach out to Ron, Deb Rodriguez, Carole Heaney and Pat Bailey. We should have the Peace Pole and signage by then. This is in the planning stage but do put it on your calendar. Time and specifics to follow.
Thanks to Debbie Rodriguez and Pat Baily for setting up this week’s Summer Casual of Pizza and Ice Cream at Debbie’s! The weather held out and it was a nice night to chat and catchup and relax with family and fellow Rotarians.
The tickets for the rained-out Valley Cats game from last week, will be rolled over till next year. Should you want to use them this year, please contact Debbie.
There will be an open date of August 22.
On August 29th, Peter and Debbie Brown will be hosting a summer casual at their home. If you plan to attend please contact Peter and Debbie.
There will be no meeting on Labor Day week.
We return to Moscatiellos on September 12th at 6pm.
We are looking for speakers beginning the week of September 12th.
Other:
Thanks to all who have submitted their annual dues! There are a few who have not, and we will be reaching out to them.
Please don’t forget the Circles of Mercy Back to School Program. This is an annual event and collections end on August 18th. Carole Heaney is collecting at our events so that you don’t need to deliver to Circles of Mercy in person. Roberto and Jim have also agreed on the collections. 48 backpacks have been secured so no need for more backpacks at this time. Thanks to everyone who had brought in the supplies. The list is below.
The Gift of Life CNY Golf Tournament is September 9th.
We are thrilled to invite you to participate in our upcoming CNY Gift of Life Golf Tournament, taking place on MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9, 2024 at the picturesque Fairways of Halfmoon. This special event is more than just a day of golf—it’s an opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children who need life-saving heart surgeries.
Gift of Life is dedicated to providing cardiac care to children in need, and your participation in this tournament will help us continue this vital mission. Every swing, putt, and cheer will contribute to saving a child’s life and giving them a healthier, brighter future. For questions: https://www.giftoflife7190.org/events/
We are looking to have a special opening for the Viking Gym September 14th. More information to come.
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 