SRC President Roberto Martinez has scheduled a Board meeting to following the regular September 28 dinner meeting at Quigley’s. Details and agenda will be sent to the Board members in advance.
Your SRC Board for the 2017-18 Rotary Year consists of Roberto, Jim Butterworth, Ron Annis, Ray Hannan, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Bill Dowd, Terry Brewer, Andy Leyhane, and Debbie Rodriguez.
SRC is in the midst of raising funds beyond our usual annual pledge for a special donation to ShelterBox to aid victims of domestic hurricane damage.
While we no doubt shortly will be called upon to help Floridians and Caribbean dwellers once we see what damage Hurricane Irma causes when it hits the mainland this weekend, right now we’re working to support ShelterBox’s “Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund.”
That special initiative will funnel 100% of special donations directly to the areas of Texas and Louisiana that remain inundated and just beginning then years-long process of rebuilding. SRC members already have donated $3,600, and we’ll be asking for additional individual pledges of $10, $20, $50, $100, $500 — or whatever you can afford — by next Thursday’s dinner meeting. Bill Dowd, our club’s ShelterBox liaison officer, is coordinating that push, so please see him if you have questions about how to make out your checks.
Meanwhile, SRC member Phil Kellerman has offered to use his ebay business to help raise funds for emergency aid to ShelterBox. Here he explains that effort:
“For over 10 years, I have been a serious seller of mostly political and historical memorabilia on ebay. As a result , I have raised funds for charities including the Oley Foundation at Albany Med via proceeds from the sales of donated material.
“I would like do the same for the Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund our club is working to support.
“What am I looking for? Almost anything that sells on ebay but in particular, historical and political memorabilia, antiques, rarer dolls, comics, jewelry, watches, unique records, older toys, movie posters, sports cards.
“For more information please contact me at philkellerman77@gmail.com or call 352-262-5421.”
Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
September 7, 2017
Members Attending (18): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, Debbie Rodriguez, Jim Butterworth, Bill Dowd, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, April Dowd, Melissa Bill, Dick Drumm, Charlie Foote, Maggie Forth, Phil Kellerman, Mike Bennett, Kevin Leyhane, Becky Raymond.
Guests (1): Jeremy Forth.
Business & Announcements
THANK YOUS — New President Roberto Martinez welcomed members and guests to the first of our weekly dinner meetings of the 2017-18 Rotary Year. He thanked Debbie Rodriguez for her work as president last year; those who hosted dinners during the “Summer Casual” period in July and August; Bill Dowd for his continuing work on the club website, and Andy Leyhane for coordinating donations to the summer’s Rensselaer school supplies drive for Circles of Mercy.
HEALTH UPDATES — Members Phil Nasca and Burke Adams are experiencing health problems. April Dowd, our “sunshine person,” will send cards to them on behalf of the club.
CO-OP PUBLIC SERVICE — Becky Raymond reported on the joint Rotary and Peace Corps meeting she recently attended in Denver as a representative of our club and the local returned Peace Corps volunteers. (Click here for a posting on that event.) She explained the 2015 “memorandum of understanding” between the two organizations and how their public service efforts often overlap around the world. There are Rotary District-Peace Corps Alliance Committees in some districts. Becky is checking to see if one exists in 7190 and, if not, hopes to start one.
RYLA — Club member Mike Bennett, principal at Maple Hill High School, reported that packets were distributed to members of the junior class for this year’s Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) program and that his school has several candidates for the training. Roberto said John Sawchuk had mentioned a possible candidate from Columbia High School as well. The club usually pays the tuition for about five students, at $375 each.
YOUNG PLAYWRIGHT — Debbie Brown reported on Capital Repertory Theatre’s young playwrights program that selects one-act plays by students. One of our scholarship winners, Josh Kenna of Rensselaer High School, submitted a play on autism that was selected for production. A Times Union story about his experience is available by clicking here.
ANCHOR AID — Debbie Brown is collecting donations of toilet paper for The Anchor food pantry in Castleton, a facility we support with food donations on a regular basis. Its client list has grown markedly in recent months, while funding has slipped, and the pantry is limited by rules on how much can be spent on non-food items. Members are asked to donate toilet paper or money by next week’s meeting to help meet the current need. Several members already have done so.
HURRICANE RELIEF EFFORTS — Bill Dowd, the club’s ShelterBox liaison officer, provided an explanation of Rotary-related disaster relief funds working to aid victims of Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Louisiana . He noted that there are literally hundreds of organizations large and small that are working to aid the victims, but urged attendees to consider Rotary-related resources first. He has created a new page on the club website called “Harvey Relief Agencies” that provides details and how-tos of ShelterBox and three other tax-deductible charities seeking donations. Bill also announced that he was heading up a push for a special contribution to ShelterBox’s designated Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund that is separate from the club’s annual contribution to that relief organization. As of the end of the meeting, he had received $3,600 from members. He has asked that members contribute any amount they can — $10, $20, $50, $100, $500, etc. — to this effort by next Thursday. ShelterBoxes cost $1,000 each. Checks should be made payable to “Shelter Box Hurricane Harvey Relief Fund,” with SRC Rotary in the memo line. Bill will deliver the funds to Jack and Nancy Faddegon, the District 7190 ShelterBox coordinators. April Dowd, who has been in contact with Rotarians in the Houston area, read a letter of thanks received from the Houston Rotary Club.
BREAKFAST MEETINGS — The next Third Thursday breakfast meeting is scheduled for September 21, 7 a.m. at the Greenbush YMCA. Jim Butterworth and Ron Annis, our new co-presidents-elect, and Shannon Romanowski have taken over running of those meetings from Terry Brewer. Terry, incidentally, will be the speaker at the meeting on the very timely topic of disaster preparedness.
GIFT OF LIFE — The latest child, this one from Mongolia, underwent cardiac surgery on Wednesday at Albany Medical Center and reportedly is doing very well. … The annual GOL Golf Tournament and Bocce Competition fundraiser has been moved from its longtime Amsterdam venue to the Pinehaven Country Club in Guilderland on September 18. SRC has two foursomes entered in the event.
PEACE SUMMIT FOR YOUTH — The district-wide event is scheduled for November 12 in Mechanicville. As we get more details as to registration, venue, etc., we will let the schools in our area know them. Meanwhile, click here for a posting explaining the event.
“POCKET CHANGE” RECIPIENT — Donations to our annual “Pocket Change for … ” jug will go for at least the first month to the Oley Foundation at Albany Medical Center. We had a program in June (available by clicking here) on the organization’s work. Club member Phil Kellerman works there, and has used his eBay business to help raise funds. (He also has offered to do the same in support of SRC’s hurricane relief efforts. Watch the website for a separate posting on that.)
RLI IS COMING — The annual Rotary Leadership Institute, which we encourage members to attend, has moved from Siena College to the Health Sciences Campus (formerly the UAlbany East Campus) in Rensselaer. The day-long event is scheduled for Saturday, October 21. The club pays the registration fee for any member who wishes to attend. Last year, Bill Dowd and Debbie Rodriguez graduated from RLI, meaning they had completed three years of workshops. Anyone can attend at Level 1 if they have never attended before, or at the succeeding levels if they have completed prerequisite workshops. Let Roberto know ASAP if you wish to participate.
ART PROJECT — Local artist Bob Bode, who has a series of portraits on display at the East Greenbush Town Hall of prominent community volunteers — including SRC’s Jim Leyhane and Burke Adams, is planning to create a similar series of paintings of local World War II veterans. Anyone who can suggest a candidate is asked to let Roberto know. (Click here for a posting showing the volunteers’ portraits.)
The Year Ahead
President Roberto outlined his goals for the new Rotary Year. Among them:
Membership: He said we are at the 50-member level with the applications of Kevin Leyhane and Adam Roberts. They will be counted in the full membership once they compete the membership process.
Involvement: He stressed the many avenues of public service “to do good in the world” that are available to SRC Rotarians. Specific activities and initiatives include, but are not limited to, World Polio Day, Shining Star of Hope, Eagle Scout Viking Gym Project, Gift of Life, RYLA, Circles of Mercy, food pantries and community charity activities, Ronald McDonald House, Rotary Home Cooking Series, recycling days, Bowling for Veterans, indoor golf tournaments, ShelterBox, Freedom From Fistula Foundation. Roberto said he would like to see newer members take projects and run with them.
Communication: He pointed out that we offer many ways to contribute to the community, and encouraged everyone to get involved in some effort. He also asked members to communicate their thoughts and concerns and pledged that he would respond to all calls and emails within 24 to 48 hours. “We are a volunteer organization and we can’t make anyone do something,” he said. “What is it you want the club to be or to do and let’s get it on the table. What’s your button that makes it click? What would make you want to come to Rotary more often?” If you have suggestions for improvement, he said, “Don’t stew about it. each out to me or another member.”
NEXT MEETING: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, September 14, at Quigley’s. Our special guest will be District Governor Fred Daniels making his first official visit and speaking on the topic of “People of Action.”
Presidential Changeover Dinner
at Peter & Debbie Brown‘s residence
Castleton, NY
June 29, 2017
Members Attending (17): Debbie Rodriguez, Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Murray Forth, A.J. Amato, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Dick Drumm, Julius Frankel, Charlie Foote, Maggie Forth, Ray Hannan, Phil Kellerman, Jim Leyhane, Bonnie Nasca, Phil Nasca, Carole Spencer.
Guests (5): Ann Amato, Mary Drumm, Effie Frankel, Lois Hannan, Jeremy Forth.
NEW MEMBERS — Phil and Bonnie Nasca, who joined the club several months ago, were formally inducted as our last new members of the 2016-17 Rotary Year by inductor Jim Leyhane and President Debbie Rodriguez. Jim spoke to them about our club history, Rotary International, our efforts to eliminate polio, other club projects, meeting requirements and the Rotary 4-Way Test. Debbie provided Rotary pins and window decals to Bonnie and Phil.
SUMMATION — Outgoing President Debbie spoke about our past year and mentioned the many activities, fundraisers and speakers we welcomed. Our income was in excess of $14,000 and expenditures just over $13,000. … Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, and Terry Brewer were thanked for their part in creation of the polio history video, and each received or will receive an “Academy Award” certificate. Also, in honor of their achievement, the club is providing every member with an “End Polio Now” button and asked to spread the word, and buttons, to friends and family. … Debbie thanked the club for an excellent year. The club gave her a Rotary jacket as thanks for her work this past year. The gavel then was passed to Roberto for the 2017-18 Rotary Year.
MEETING/EVENT SCHEDULE UPDATE — The members present agreed to not hold a meeting on August 31, and to resume the weekly dinner meeting schedule on Thursday, September 7. A schedule will be provided to each member.
THE MENU — After appetizers, an excellent dinner of barbequed ribs and salmon, potato salad, cole slaw, and a green salad was followed by a large cake with the Rotary logo and “Thanks Debbie” and “Congratulations Roberto” written in frosting.
SUMMER CASUAL EVENTS — We will not meet during the July 4th week, but will assemble for a picnic at the Drumm residence on Thursday, July 13. Please be sure to let Dick or Mary know well in advance if you plan to attend. … Debbie Brown asked people to make reservations through her for the August 17 performance of “Monty Python’s Spamalot” at the Mac Haydn Theatre in Chatham. … And, Terry Brewer is handling tickets for the July 27 ValleyCats baseball game and pavilion picnic at Bruno Stadium (it’s “Rotary Night” again this hyear for all 7190 clubs). No unreserved tickets will be provided at the gate. See Terry ASAP if you have not yet reserved your tickets.
If you haven’t been keeping up to date on what’s going on, why not make a habit of going to our calendar listing on the SRC Facebook page? Just click here to do so.
Meeting at Quigley’s Restaurant
593 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY
March 23, 2017
Members Attending (15): Debbie Rodriguez, Roberto Martinez, Murray Forth, Pat Bailey, Terry Brewer, Bill Dowd, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Monika Annis, Ron Annis, Phil Nasca, Bonnie Nasca, Jim Leyhane, Julius Frankel, Dick Drumm.
Guests (1): Josephine Reeder.
PROGRAM: “YMCA Global Immersion Vietnam”
Josephine Reeder, Director of Health and Wellness at the Greenbush YMCA for three-plus years, spoke on her experience with the “YMCA Global Immersion” program during a work project in Vietnam.
She was among a group of Y staffers and volunteers from this area, Houston and Vietnam to help put the finishing touches — painting, sanding, caulking,etc. — on a new elementary school built by local contractors under Y grants. The existing school facilities had been insufficient to handle the number of children, and the community had fallen behind government regulations on how much schooling had to be supplied.
The group also helped students expand their English language skills, provided light sports equipment for the school, and distributed backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, crayons and other school supplies. Because few of the children have access to cameras or cellphones and seldom have many photos of themselves, the group took cellphone pictures of each child, made hard copies with portable printers they had brought along, then showed them how to create picture frames that contained items personal to them.
The Y group also did some sightseeing, and Josephine showed slides of local markets, as well as scenes in Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon) that contrasted modern life — such as a five-story Starbucks and modern vehicles — with old methods of transportation and commerce. She also showed slides illustrating architecture from the French colonial period, and tunnels used by Viet Cong forces during the war with the U.S., as well as examples of some of the intricate silk embroidery used in clothing and decorative arts.
Josephine said the next such trip planned by local volunteers is “YMCA Global Immersion Peru,” to be undertaken this summer.
BUSINESS & ANNOUNCEMENTS
CONVENTION DELEGATE VOTE — Each club is eligible to cast one vote from among its attendees on any business coming before the Rotary International Convention in Atlanta in June. Our club will be represented by Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez and Dick Drumm. Jim moved that Roberto be the voting delegate with Dick as the alternate. Murray Forth seconded the motion, and the club voted unanimously in favor.
EASTER BASKET DRIVE — Bill Dowd said donations for the annual Easter basket project for the Circles of Mercy family assistance organization are going strong. Columbia High Scbool has been supplied with about 30 baskets for its part of the drive, and we expect the club members’ donations to require 20 to 30 additional baskets that will be assembled by Len Leonidas’ Scouts. Next Thursday, March 30, is the donation deadline.
A ROTARY COCKTAIL PARTY — Terry Brewer reminded everyone that this Saturday’s social event he and Geoff are hosting at their residence will include cocktails and “high class hors d’oeuvres.” It will run from 4 to 7 p.m., and friends of Rotary are welcome. At some point in the evening, Matt Smith will emcee a trivia contest. Admission is $10 per person, which will go toward the club treasury. Dress is casual.
BOWLING SOCIAL — The District’s Next Gen Council is sponsoring another family-friendly mixer at the Lucky Strike Social Club at 11:30 a.m. this Saturday at Crossgates Mall. Admission is $15 for adults and $9 for kids 12 and under.$495.
COOKING FOR RONALD McDONALD — Volunteers are needed for two meals the club is scheduled to prepare at Ronald McDonald House in Albany. Please contact Terry Brewer if you can help with the breakfast on Saturday, April 22, or Bill Dowd if you can help with the dinner on Wednesday, May 31.
FOOD DRIVE — Bill Dowd reported that the Rotary Clubs of the Capital Region team was the No. 1 donor to the “CANstruction Hunger Hero” drive for Food Pantries of the Capital Region, collecting 2,434 cans of food and $495. Last year, Rotary was No. 2.
NEXT MEETING — 6:15 p.m. Thursday, March 30. Jeff Simons, superintendent of the East Greenbush Central School District, will speak on the upcoming capital budget referendum.
A reminder: If you plan to attend Thursday morning’s 7 a.m. breakfast meeting at the Greenbush YMCA and haven’t sent in your RSVP, be sure to email Terry Brewer or Shannon Romanowski by this evening.
We will be joined by Jeff Simons, the new superintendent of the East Greenbush Central School District. Jeff will be speaking about the upcoming referendum on a proposed district capital budget.
A reminder that the cost of the continental breakfast is just $5. All funds collected from such meetings go to providing scholarships for YMCA summer programs.
Thanks have been extended to all Rotarians and friends who contributed to the “CanStruction” drive of the Food Pantries for the Capital District organization to collect canned foods for its annual “Hunger Heroes Food Drive.”
Why? Because the Rotary effort by a number of clubs in District 7190 — including Southern Rensselaer County — resulted in achieving the No. 1 spot among contributors, compared to No. 2 last year, an effort that was recognized in a ceremony at the New York State Museum in Albany.
Last year the “CanStruction” event in the Albany area ranked third in the world, generating more than 104,000 pounds of food, and was surpassed only by events in Houston and Dallas. This year, 2,434 pounds of food and $495 were contributed to the local Food Pantries organization.
A kinetic sculpture of actual canned goods is on display at the New York State Museum from through Wednesday, March 22.
Among local pantries supported by the Food Pantries for the Capital District are two that regularly are supported by the SRC — the Anchor pantry and Open Do0ors.
While you’re gazing at all the snow, your mind may drift (pardon the pun) to thoughts of hearty food. Well, that’s what’s coming up from the Quigley’s kitchen for our dinner meeting this Thursday.
We’ll be having a traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner with all the fixin’s for that St. Patrick’s Eve get-together. We just need to be sure we set enough places for everyone. You can guarantee that by emailing Debbie Brown (mdbrown@nycap.rr.com) or Peter Brown (pbrown34@nycap.rr.com) no later than Tuesday evening if you haven’t already RSVP’d. As always, guests are very welcome, just let the Browns know they’ll be coming.
Our after-dinner speaker will be Sarah Stangl (Becky Raymond’s daughter) of the Dorcas International Institute of Rhode Island on “Refugee Resettlement In The U.S.”
The SRC Indoor Simulator Golf Tournament went off as planned on Saturday at the Burden Lake Country Club. Then event was a fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House and our club’s other community service projects and scholarships.
Murray Forth and Terry Brewer, as usual, organized the effort and were aided on event day by Ray Hannan, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Pat Bailey and others. Thanks to all.
Some other images from the day:
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 