SRC Santa stops early this year at Circles of Mercy

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One view of the Subaru “sleigh” full of presents.

This year’s special delivery of SRC donations for the Adopt-a-Family program was made Friday to Circles of Mercy in Rensselaer.

Coordinators Bill and April Dowd packed up a Subaru sleigh full — and we do mean full — of the individual presents for the Seymour family and the dozens of personal hygiene kits various members created at the request of Circles for distribution during the holiday period.

Bill noted that even though only about a third of our membership participated in the drive to make Christmas better for those less fortunate, their generosity and that of several non-Rotarians helped us exceed both the family’s wish list and the hygiene kit total pledged to Circles of Mercy.

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Meeting Clipboard: 12/13/18

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SRC ClipboardHeld at Quigley’s Restaurant
573 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY 12061

Members Attending (18): Andy Leyhane, Murray Forth, Phil Kellerman, Pat Bailey, Ron Annis, Terry Brewer, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Bill Dowd, Dick Drumm, Ray Hannan, Jim Leyhane, Kevin Leyhane, Debbie Rodriguez, Carol Orvis, Becky Raymond, Roberto Martinez, Jeff Simons.

Guests (2): Brad DiPietro, NYS Mentoring Program; Amy Lent.

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Double entree choices for Holiday Party!

We’re near the time for our latest social event — the annual Holiday Party & Themed Gift Basket Silent Auction, set for 6 p.m. next Thursday at Quigley’s. Event coordinator Debbie Brown is accepting reservations until Monday evening via email to mdbrown@nycap.rr.com. Please note, that is a day earlier than usual. The price is just $25 each for a loaded buffet — roast beef and eggplant parm entrees, chef’s choice of side dishes, mashed potatoes, antipasto salad, bread, an assortment of desserts, and a surprise appetizer — PLUS a self-serve bar with wine, beer, and soft drinks. Guests are welcome as always, but an RSVP is necessary. … Phil Kellerman continues to sell three different kinds of specialty coffees for the holidays as a fundraiser for the Capital Region Nordic Alliance which offers adaptive sports for disabled vets and others. …

… Bill Dowd thanked all who contributed to our annual Adopt-a-Family project in conjunction with Circles of Mercy. He reported that even though only about a third of SRC members got involved, with the assistance of some non-members we managhed to exceed  both the family’s wish list and our target number of 50 personal hygiene kits for Circles of Mercy to distribute during the holiday period. … President Andy Leyhane said we are considering holding another raffle for a private wine dinner for 10 at Cafe Capriccio in Albany in the winter. The initial raffle this fall grossed more than $4,000 in sales, with a net to the club of about $2,700. The consensus of those present was that it would be good to proceed, and Andy said we would do so, with Pat Bailey and Debbie Brown working on obtaining items for additional drawing prizes. …

… Calendar: Because of the busy holiday period, this was our final regular meeting of 2018. We will, of course, have our holiday dinner event, but there will be no December breakfast meeting, and no dinner meetings during the Christmas and New Year’s weeks.

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Speaker Brad DiPietro shares anecdotes about the Mentoring Program.

Screen Shot 2018-12-11 at 11.30.18 AMBrad DiPietro, eastern director of the New York State Mentoring Program, was our guest speaker. He described the program and his efforts to recruit and retain more adult mentors for the East Greenbush Central School District.

As the Mentoring Program explains it, children who succeed despite overwhelming personal, economic and social obstacles often do so because of a caring adult in their lives. Mentoring outcomes include greater participation in school, improved attendance, higher graduation and college admission rates, and better overall performance.

The program creates supportive mentor relationships for students at risk of dropping out of school or having difficulty succeeding. This unique program takes place in a school-based setting, one-to-one between the mentor and mentee with a school coordinator present who is selected by the principal. The current aim is to find mentors for Bell Top Elementary.

The program provides background checks and training for volunteer mentors and mentees. Brad said once past the training period, mentors contribute about 45 minutes to an hour once a week from October through May at the school. The program also supports the mentors with activity ideas and materials to help generate relationships with the children.

Anyone interested in being a mentor can begin the process by filling out an online application or calling 844-337-6304.

 

Monday RSVP deadline for our Holiday Party

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SRC Holiday Party’s double-entree buffet attractions.

Our umpteenth annual “Holiday Party & Themed Basket Silent Auction” is nearly upon us, set for this coming Thursday, December 20, at Quigley’s.

While the organizers are putting the final touches on the gala, all you have to do is be sure you have RSVP’d to Debbie Brown (mdbrown@nycap.rr.com) no later than this coming Monday, December 17.

As always, guests are welcome. As always, however, we need to have an accurate headcount by the deadline, so please … !

The price is just $25 per person, which covers a holiday spread of two entrees — roast beef and/or eggplant Parmesan — and chef’s choice of veggie side dishes, mashed potatoes, breads, salad, a dessert selection, and a surprise appetizer. PLUS, a self-serve bar will be stocked with wine, beer, and sodas. (Mixed drinks will be available at the main cash bar.)

Screen Shot 2018-12-14 at 12.53.18 PMIn addition  to socializing, dining, and fun, you can do some Christmas shopping throughout the evening from an assortment of themed gift baskets SRC members will be bringing for the silent auction. All proceeds will go to the club treasury to help support our may public service projects.

So, please don’t forget to create and bring your themed baskets, and establish a minimum starter bid to get things rolling. If you’re stumped as to possible themes, just click  here for suggestions. (Two of them appear here.)

P.S. If you haven’t attended a dinner meeting lately, this is an opportunity to see the ongoing renovation project Murray Forth has been spearheading for our meeting room at Quigley’s.

Don’t forget to RSVP by Monday, and we’ll see you at 6 p.m. Thursday at Quigley’s!

 

 

Student mentoring on Thursday’s agenda

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Screen Shot 2018-12-11 at 11.30.18 AMThe New York State Mentoring Program is aimed at making a difference in the lives of many of our school-age children.

According to its founders, “the comprehensive program matches students with adult mentors who have been screened and trained for the task. They guide the students in developing self-esteem and healthy lifestyles, appreciating diversity, increasing financial literacy, and making positive life choices.”

Brad DiPietro, director of the program for eastern New York, will provide us with a deeper look at its our guest speaker at Thursday’s 6:15 p.m. dinner meeting at Quigley’s. Guests are welcome to attend, but please be sure you let dinner coordinator Debbie Brown (mdbrown@nycap.rr.com) know no later than Tuesday if you are attending and if you are bringing a guest.

The following Rotarians and guests already have made their reservations:

1. Ron Annis
2. Pat Bailey
3. Pat’s guest
4. Terry Brewer
5. Debbie Brown
6. Peter Brown
7. Brad DiPietro, guest speaker
8. Bill Dowd
9. Murray Forth
10. Ray Hannan
11. Phil Kellerman
12. Andy Leyhane
13. Jim Leyhane
14. Kevin Leyhane
15. Roberto Martinez
16. Carol Orvis
17. Debbie Rodriguez

Thursday deadline for hygiene kit donations

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Screen Shot 2018-12-10 at 12.57.57 AMThe deadline is this Thursday to contribute “personal hygiene kits” to the annual Circle of Mercy family efforts we at the Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club augment in many ways.

It’s a simple matter to be involved in this one. All you have to do is shop for items on the list below that we’ve circulated to you numerous times, put them in one-gallon Ziploc plastic bags, and drop them off at this Thursday’s meeting or with another Rotarian you are positive will attend that meeting, the deadline for helping.

PERSONAL HYGIENE KIT / CIRCLES OF MERCY

Each kit should contain all the items below and be small enough to fit into a backpack pocket with ease. Odorless products are best due to allergies. Items to be placed in Glad-brand Zip Lock heavy duty bags (the one gallon size). All should be travel-sized containers:

shampoo
hair conditioner
toothpaste
dental floss
toothbrush
breath strips
mouthwash
small first-aid kit (i.e. assorted Band-Aids and antiseptic such as Neosporin)
very small travel-size sewing kit (minimum thread and needle)
deodorant
soap or body wash
hand sanitizer
lotion
lip balm (such as Chapstick)
combs, brushes and hair bands

Thanks so much for your participation. You’ll see this is an especially easy way for those of you who seldom attend dinner meetings or participate in service projects to get involved at minimum cost and effort.

Thanks to all you do.

Bill Dowd
Project Coordinator

Meeting Clipboard: 12/6/18

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SRC ClipboardHeld at Quigley’s Restaurant
573 Columbia Turnpike
East Greenbush, NY 12061

Members Attending (17): Andy Leyhane, Murray Forth, Ron Annis, Pat Bailey, Terry Brewer, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Bill Dowd, Dick Drumm, Charlie Foote, Ray Hannan, Phil Kellerman, Jim Leyhane, Kevin Leyhane, Debbie Rodriguez, Carol Orvis, Jennifer Felts.

Guests (1): Tom King, NYS Pistol & Rifle Association/NRA.

Adopt-a-Family logoNOTES: Bill Dowd reported that the needs of the 2-person family in this year’s Adopt-a-Family effort with  Circles of Mercy have been met. However, we’re barely at the halfway point of the creation of 50 personal hygiene kits, and responses from the membership at large have been lacking despite several requests for donations and pledges. The deadline for giving them to Bill is next Thursday’s (December 13) dinner meeting. Still not sure of the details on creating kits? Simply click here. (We also have been assured by SRC member/school principal Mike Harkin that Columbia High School is on track to adopt a family of five as part of the effort as requested.) …

… Phil Kellerman continues to sell specialty coffees for the holidays, with a portion of sales going to the Capital Region Nordic Alliance adaptive sports organization our club regularly assists. … Debbie Brown said plans are advancing for the annual Holiday Party & Gift Basket Silent Auction, to be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 20, at Quigley’s. She and Terry Brewer are working with Quigley’s for an upgraded menu for the event. A self-serve wine/beer/soda mini-bar will be available in the meeting room, with cocktails available as always at the main cash bar. Debbie needs registrations ASAP (via email to mdbrown@nycap.rr.com) from all who hope to attend, and asks that anyone bringing guests be sure to notify her of that as well. Proceeds from the basket auction will go to the club treasury to support our many community activities. …

… Next week’s program will be presented by Brad DiPietro, speaking on the New York State Mentoring Program, how it works in the schools, and how individuals can get involved. As always, please RSVP no later than next Tuesday evening to Debbie Brown if you pan to attend.  And, click here for an advance look at the program.

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Speaker Tom King interacts with the audience.

Screen Shot 2018-12-07 at 12.27.01 PMTom King, president of the New York State Pistol & Rifle Association (NYSPRA), spoke about the numerous activities undertaken by his organization across the state in the areas of gun safety, gun avoidance for children, legislation, women’s self defense and gun training, shooting competitions, Second Amendment issues, and other items.

He also answered questions from the audience, and responded to comments from some,  on the activities of not only the state organization but the National Rifle Association (NRA) of which he is a board member.

Tom, a resident of East Greenbush, noted that the NYSPRA — founded in 1871 — has recently moved into new headquarters on Columbia Turnpike, where it has been renovating a long-vacant building.

 

We’re desperate: Are you helping for Christmas?

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Adopt-a-Family logoWe’re close to the end of our annual “Adopt-a-Family or the Holidays” drive, but we haven’t heard from many of you about your plans. We need everyone who can to participate, and we are approaching crisis time to fulfill our commitment.

While Columbia High School is partnering with us to adopt a five-member family for the Circles of Mercy project, our club has accepted just two needs: (1.) A two-person family (mother and child) to care for. (2.) And, putting together 50-100 personal hygiene kits that Circles distributes each holiday season. But,  we need to know how many each member will create and we still are in the dark about that because of the unexpected lack of responses from many of you.

We have only the next two SRC dinner meetings left (December 6 and 13) to donate the gifts, which Bill and April Dowd are collecting to deliver to Circles of Mercy by that family support organization’s deadline.

Here’s what you need to know to help:

PERSONAL HYGIENE KIT / CIRCLES OF MERCY

Each kit should contain all the items below and be small enough to fit into a backpack pocket with ease. Odorless products are best due to allergies. Items to be placed in Glad-brand zip-lock heavy duty bags (one gallon size). All need to be travel-sized containers of:

  • shampoo
  • hair conditioner
  • toothpaste
  • dental floss
  • toothbrush
  • breath strips
  • mouthwash
  • small first-aid kit (i.e. assorted Band-Aids and antiseptic such as Neosporin)
  • very small travel-size sewing kit (minimum thread and needle)
  • deodorant
  • soap or body wash
  • hand sanitizer
  • lotion
  • lip balm (such as Chapstick)
  • combs, brushes and hair bands

Please put together your kits and bring them to this week’s meeting or next week’s. After that, it’s too late.

As to the family of two, several members have pledged several items from the “needs” and “nice to have” wish list, but we need a few more. Here is the original shopping list we sent you several times:

 
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All we have so far are the gift cards, a hoody, and some socks and gloves for mom, and the “Magic the Gathering” cards for the child. Obviously that is not enough to create a happy holiday for these people who are far less fortunate than we.

Please respond to this email ASAP to let us know (a) if you will help at all, and (b) what you plan to bring to one of  the next two SRC dinner meetings.

We need your help in the true spirit of Rotary. This is an excellent opportunity for SRC members who are less involved than the core of members who do the bulk of the heavy lifting to keep us viable as a community service organization.

Thank you for all you do. Every bit helps your fellow human beings.

2nd Amendment advocate Thursday’s speaker

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Tom King

That’s the topic for this Thursday’s 6 p.m. dinner meeting program at Quigley’s. The speaker will be Tom King, president of the New York State Rifle & Pistol Association and a board member of the National Rifle Association (NRA).

Given the ongoing debate over guns, gun rights, gun legislation, etc., this promises to be a lively and informative session. However, we need to know how many people plan to attend so we have sufficient food and seating. If you haven’t signed up, please do so by emailing dinner coordinator Debbie Brown at mdbrown@nycap.rr.com no later than Tuesday, and as always feel free to invite a guest. Just let her know.

The menu will feature Quigley’s popular lasagna, antipasto salad, chef’s selection of sides, Italian bread, dessert, and beverages. Plus, the cash bar is available as always. Members already signed up:

1. Ron Annis
2. Pat Bailey
3. Terry Brewer
4. Debbie Brown
5. Peter Brown
6. Bill Dowd
7. Dick Drumm
8. Charlie Foote
9. Murray Forth
10. Ray Hannan
11. Phil Kellerman
12. Tom King (guest)
13. Andy Leyhane
14. Jim Leyhane
15. Kevin Leyhane
16. Debbie Rodriguez