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.
The Dedication of the Viking Gym at the Town of Schodack Park was a success. There were approximately 25 people in attendance. The speakers focused on the fitness and friendship in the community. Credits were giving to Kiwanis, Top Form Rotary, and the Town Board for pulling the project together. Donations from Top Form, Kiwanis and SRC Rotary were presented to the Town of Schodack. Carol Heaney from Rotary described the Peace Pole and Ron Annis from Top Form demonstrated the equipment. Refreshments were served and welcomed along with camaraderie.
Members in Attendance (15): Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Dick Drumm, Murray Forth, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Andy Leyhane, Kevin Leyhane, Charlie Foote, Ron Annis, Phil Kellerman, Terry Brewer and Debbie Rodriguez.
By Zoom(1): Ruth Russell
Guests (3): Freek Lapré and Frank van Dillen, from the Netherlands and Dr. Michael Sabir, Speaker.
President Roberto Martinez called the meeting to order.
Theme for the year: Grow membership, do good in the world, leverage social capital, & have fun!
Meeting Notes:
Summer Outings and Fundraisers: Per Roberto Martinez, we raised over $1900. Thanks to everyone.
Website Updates: The website needs some updating. Kevin fixed the entry page.
Grant Update: The Global Grant was submitted on time under the previous district. Peter Brown received questions from Rotary International. The answers are to be provided by Jennifer Grymm of the Rotary Club in Kenya. He hopes to have the questions answered over the next two weeks and then receive final approval.
District Grants: Roberto Martinez reported that the 24-25 grant was approved for $1000.
East Greenbush and Social Capital: The Club is proposing a cornhole tournament to raise funds for a school project. Peter Brown reached out to Jeff Simon, Superintendent for the East Greenbush School District regarding some potential projects. Terry Brewer, Jim Leyhene, Roberto Martinez and Ron Annis will mee Monday, September 23rd to discuss the project.
Tax Status: Per Terry Brewer, he looked back at the Club’s financial status over the last five years. He will fill out the IRS Forms. An accountant will review prior to resubmitting to the IRS. There will be a $600 fee.
Member Dues: According to Murray Forth, there are 2 outstanding.
Viking Gym: The Grand Opening is Saturday 9/14/24 at 1 pm at the Schodack Town Park. Members will be providing hot dogs and beverages. Rotary will submit a check to the Town. Rotary, Kiwanis and Top Form will look a purchasing a piece of equipment next year.
Rotary Leadership Institute ( rlinea.org ): The next training is in Verona, NY. Per Roberto Martinez, the Club will pay the $75 fee for any member who wants to attend.
CNY Event: Took place this evening at Huck Finns. The Rotary Area 22 Event included Albany, Cohoes, Colonie-Guilderland, Southern Rensselaer and the Delmar Club.
Gift of Life Golf Tournament: The Club will follow-up with Dean and Doris Calamaras.
Membership: Membership is ongoing. The Club had a successful drive in April ending up with five new members. Terry Brewer suggesting thinking about other membership activities and holding them twice a year.
Speakers: Needed for this year.
World Polio Day: It is on October 24th. The Club will check with John Justino about doing something this year.
Benefit Concert: Phil Kellerman has a local and a band from Florida. He has contacted a venue for availability.
Cafe Capriccio: Andy Leyhane and Jim Leyhane are contacting the Cafe regarding a fundraiser.
Next Meeting: Thursday, September 19 at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. There will be a Club Assembly.
Entry Choices will be Antipasta Salad, Veal Parmigiana and Penne Alfredo.
Dr. Michael Sabir
“Escape from Pakistan”,
Dr. Michael Sabir is a teacher, human rights defender and social worker. He has a PhD in Sociology from Karatchi University in Pakistan and a master’s degree in social work. He was the first blind person to receive ah PhD in Pakistan. He also worked at the University and at the National Catholic Institute of Theology also located in Karatchi, Pakistan. Dr. Sabor was a lobbyist and advocate for the religious minority. He met both Pope John Paul and Pope Francis and has visited all seven continents as a lecturer.
Religious minorities are second class citizens in Pakistan. They hold menial jobs. No minority can hold a position in high offices. The Pakistani government nationalized all minority health and education institutions. Extremism is high in Pakistan. Dr. Sabir He resigned his position last month due to threats of mob lynching after attacks on himself and his family and has applied for political asylum. Per Dr. Sabir, the jihadis were recruited by the US to fight the Russians. They were given money and weapons. The jihadis persecuted Christians after 911 for their religious similarities to the US.
Dr. Sabir faces many challenges as a legal asylum seeker. There is no support for a legal asylum seeker until they get a social security number and a work permit, and their case is approved. There is a 150 day waiting period after applying. It takes years to get a green card. Illegal immigrants get all sorts of support.
Freek Lapré and Frank van Dillen, from the Netherlands, are partners at DVA Dementia Village Associates (https://www.dementiavillage.com/) and work on a consultancy assignment for Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center, ‘The Eddy’. They work on converting a classical nursing home into small households making up a village.
Mr. Lapré is a member of the Rotary Club Altena-NL (www.rotary.nl/altena). He is a nurse by training and has a Doctorate in Business Administration. He consults in the Netherlands and teaches in China. The Altena Rotary Club projects include a wishing tree in nursing homes where Rotary fulfills the wishes. They also provide scholarships for technical skills. The Club has 30 members, and he is the incoming president.
Mr. van Dillen is a member of the Rotary Club Hertogenbosch -NL (www.rotary.nl/shertogenbosch). Mr. van Dillen is an architect. His Club has 60 members. They have projects around ALS. Their swim against cancer project raised 35,000 euros.
They presented Roberto Martinez with their Rotary Club banners.
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.
Happy Labor Day Weekend. Have fun and enjoy time with family and friends.
August 29th, Peter and Debbie Brown hosted the last Summer Casual at their home. They served pulled pork and smoked turkey. It was fun evening with fellow Rotarians, families and friends. The weather participated and the pool was open! Thanks to Peter and Debbie for hosting and being such gracious hosts!
September 5th: There will be NO SRC meeting because of Labor Day week.
September 9th , Monday: 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. For questions: https://www.giftoflife7190.org/events/
On September 12th 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.
Sept 14th, Saturday: We are looking to have a special opening for the Viking Gym, Saturday, September 14th at the Schodack Town Park at 1pm. The event will be coordinated by Schodack Town Staff, Kiwanis Rotary and Topform. Within our Club feel free to reach out to Ron, Deb Rodriguez, Carole Heaney and Pat Bailey. Carole Heaney now has the Peace Pole. Planning on having the signage by the opening. 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. The revised calendar has been posted to our website.
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.
Thanks to Debbie Rodriguez for setting up this week’s Summer Casual: A Night at the Joe with the Valley Cats. Unfortunately, the event was cancelled at the last minute because of the weather. We will check on rescheduling the event for maybe the 22nd of August since that date is open.
On Thursday, August 15, Pat Bailey and Debbie Rodriguez are hosting a Pizza Party as a fundraiser at DEBBIE’s house. Start time will be 6pm. Family members are invited and the pool is open. If you plan on attending, please contact Debbie or Pat and let them know you will be coming.
For August 22, 2024, we are still seeking an event or host for a Summer Casual.
Other:
SRC Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday August 13th at 6pm at Roberto’s. Sandwiches will be served.
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. 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/
Last night the Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club held a summer casual event hosted by Debbie and Peter Brown at Capital Repertory Theater.
Thanks to Peter and Debbie Brown for setting up a Summer Casual at Capital Rep last evening. The performance was Beautiful by Carol King. The musical was wonderful with lots of energy.
Thank you again to Phil, Ray, and Lois for hosting last week.
Next week’s Summer Casual is A Night at the Joe with the Valley Cats. Tickets include a meal. Tickets should have been purchased and picked up from Debbie Rodriguez.
On Thursday, August 15, Pat Bailey and Debbie Rodriguez are hosting a Pizza Party as a fundraiser at DEBBIE’s house. Start time will be 6pm. Family are invited and the pool is open. If you plan on attending, please contact Debbie or Pat and let them know you will be coming.
For August 22, 2024, we are still seeking an event or host for aSummer Casual.
Other Business:
SRC Board Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday August 13th at 6pm at Roberto’s. Sandwiches will be served.
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. 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/
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 