‘Project Legos’ completes its 2nd round

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The second shipment of what we are calling “Project Legos” has arrived in the home of Debbie and Chuck Rodriguez’s grandchildren in Connecticut. Was the package welcome? These photos say it all. (Go here for a look at the first round.)

The catalyst for the project, conceived by Jim Leyhane, was their grandson Xavier’s diagnosis of leukemia and the need for ongoing treatment. Jim thought it would be a smart move to have something fun and constructive for him to do, along with his brother. Several other members agreed, and have been helping finance the ongoing effort. If you’d like to pitch in as well, just get in touch with Jim for details.

And, from President Debbie, a heart-felt thank you to all in the club who have been so supportive of her family.

Update on ‘Adopt-a-Family’ project

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adopt-a-family-logoUPDATE (11/18/16): From April Dowd: I have just learned that the family we will be helping through Circles of Mercy this holiday season has received some devastating news. Darlene, the 70-year-old household head who is caring for her three great-grandchildren, has been diagnosed with cancer. Given that she will be faced with unexpected medical-related bills, we are expanding the needs/wish list for the family.

In addition to the list circulated this week to all members, I would like to emphasize the need for gift cards — preferably for WalMart, where Darlene can shop for food and everyday needs, and for gasoline to help her get to her medical appointments and all the driving needed for the kids. And, obviously, we will be donating more clothes for the kids than were on the original list.

Please, those of you who have not yet replied to my original message, let me know what you would like to contribute. Thank you.

(Originally posted 11/16/16)

Once again, we are working with the local family services agency Circles of Mercy to make the holidays brighter for a family in need.

Richard Zazycki, Circles’ executive director, has just sent us the “need/wish list” of items for this year’s “Adopt-a-Family” project. Our assigned family is a bit different this year. The head of it is a 70-year-old great-grandmother who has custody of, and cares for, three children — two girls and one boy, ages 4 to 6.

To avoid duplication or omission, project coordinator April Dowd says she would appreciate it if anyone wishing to help would send me a note in advance of shopping, specifying what item they wish to purchase. She then will coordinate your responses and get back to everyone on what they can contribute. Obviously, overall we can contribute more than one of each item, so more of our members can be involved.

As in the past, you will need to wrap all gifts and label each with the appropriate name. The deadline for delivering gifts to Circles of Mercy is Friday, December 16. To accomplishRead More »

The real story of the day that preempts us next week

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Since we won’t be meeting for Thursday evening Rotary dinner again until next month, it may be interesting to take a fresh look at what will preempt us next week. It’s the 153rd annual Thanksgiving Day.

Yes, 153rd. Not the 396th as some people think. True, the Pilgrims and the indigenous Wampanoags did share an autumn harvest feast that is acknowledged as the first such fete in the New World although there is no record extant that they ever gave it a title. And, they held a similar three-day party the following year, but it kind of dissipated as time went on.

And, yes, some sorts of harvest-period celebration have been commonplace in most parts of then world from time immemorial, so it is not surprising that the practice endured in one form or another. In the early years of our nation, presidents George Washington and John Adams issued proclamations about national days of thanks, but they were not necessarily regarded as national holidays and the practice fizzled. In 1817, New York State became the first of several U.S. states to officially adopt an annual Thanksgiving holiday, although each celebrated it on a different day.Read More »

Who has Circles of Mercy been helping?

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screen-shot-2016-11-18-at-2-23-24-pmThe Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club has had an ongoing  partnership for a number of years with Circles of Mercy, the Rensselaer-based non-governmental family services agency that brings a variety of services to families and individuals in need.

For our newer members who may not be familiar with Circles, which is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community, our club and its members as individuals donate money, children’s and adults’ clothing, household goods, school supplies, Easter and Christmas-time holiday gifts and other items to Circles, thus playing a substantial role in its success. We currently are working on our annual Adopt-a-Family effort there.

Circles of Mercy is in the midst of its annual year-end fund drive. You can get details about it and how to contribute to the tax-exempt organization on its website. Here is the annual report from executive director Richard S. Zazycki on what the organization has provided to the local community in the past 12 months.

Dear Friends of Circles:

Thank you for all the ways that you have supported our continuing efforts … as we celebrate 19 years of providing hope, hospitality and empowerment to the needy who come through our doors. Through the generous support of our donors, we have had a strong year. A total  of 87 cents of every dollar went directly towards our programs.

Here are a few examples of how your contributions have helped us serve hundreds of people the past year:Read More »

Foundation Dinner a success for all

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The SRC contigent (from left): A.J. Amato, Ella Cancio, Murray Forth, Mary Drumm, Dick Drumm, Roberto Martinez, Carole Spencer, Jim Leyhane.

The annual Foundation Dinner, held at the Saratoga National Golf Club on Thursday night, was a well-attended affair.

The Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club had a contingent of eight in attendance, including our Youth Exchange student Ella Cancio who got an up-close look at one of District 7190’s most important fundraising efforts as well as an opportunity to socialize with Rotarians and guests from all around the region.

Here are a few more scenes from the evening, courtesy of Roberto Martinez:

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Murray, Ella and A.J.
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The silent auction basket of Rensselaer County-made products assembled by Debbie Rodriguez, April Dowd, Pat Bailey and Debbie Brown for the occasion.
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Dick and Mary Drumm.
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Carole and Jim.

Breakfast meeting of 11/17/16: ‘Chamber of Commerce’

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SRC Breakfast Logo

Third Thursday Breakfast Meeting
Greenbush Area YMCA
1 Community Way
East Greenbush, NY

Members Attending (15): Shannon Romanowski, Ron Annis, Pat Bailey, Melissa Bill, Terry Brewer, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Murray Forth, Marko Koshykar, Andy Leyhane, Jim Leyhane, Becky Raymond, Debbie Rodriguez, John Sawchuk, Matt Smith.

Guests (2): Maureen McGuiness, Matt Wiseman.

PROGRAM: Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce

screen-shot-2016-11-28-at-12-22-23-amRensselaer County Chamber of Commerce executive Maureen McGuiness was our guest speaker. She shared information on Chamber activities with not-for profit organizations and community organizations.

She also discussed the not-for-profit showcase held annually, the Chamber’s Award Leadership Program, building connections and networking with more than 900 businesses and 40 professional development programs.

Maureen said a club such as Rotary can join the Chamber for approximately
$500 per year.

Announcements/Business

OPENING: The meeting began with the Pledge of Allegiance and the invocation by Jim Leyhane.

BOWLING FOR VETS: Treasurer Murray Forth  reported that the second annual event raised  more than $3,600, of which $3,000 will be donated to the Blue Star Mothers and other veteran groups, with the remainder going to the club treasury.

HOLIDAY PARTY: The annual Holiday Party and Theme Basket Silent Auction will be held at the Forth residence on Thursday, December 22. More information will be provided at a later date.

BASKET BONANZA: Terry Brewer reported that 10 Thanksgiving baskets were provided to the Community Cares group for distribution, with Shannon Romanowski coordinating the activity. The value of the baskets was $500.

ADOPT A FAMILY — April Dowd  is coordinating with the Circles of Mercy organization our annual holiday effort. She has sent information via email to all members. … Terry is coordinating for a family with Doors of Hope in Averill Park. He will share information at the December 1 dinner meeting.

Screen Shot 2016-11-28 at 12.39.58 AM.pngRECYCLING DAY — A Recycling Day fundraiser will be held on Saturday, January 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for paper and small electronic items. The location is Wainman Construction on Third Ave. Ext., Rensselaer. Details will be shared at the December 1 dinner meeting.

NEXT 3RD THURSDAY MEETING: 7 a.m. Thursday, December 15, at the Greenbush Area YMCA. Club member Andy Leyhane will provide the program.

Breakfast only this week

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SRC Breakfast LogoOur monthly Third Thursday breakfast will have the meeting stage to itself this week.

While our usual dinner session will take a week off, the breakfast meeting will be held from 7 to 8 a.m. at the Greenbush Area YMCA. The speaker will be Maureen McGuinness, membership manager for the Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce. She will be discussing the Chamber’s work with businesses and community organizations in the county.

The cost of the continental breakfast is $5, with all proceeds going toward YMCA camp scholarships.

Please let Terry Brewer or Shannon Romanowski know no later than Wednesday noon if you plan to attend.

Rotary.org getting a new year makeover

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Rotary’s official public website hasn’t had a facelift in a long time, and it looks it. But, that will be remedied when a redesign now getting the finishing touches is unveiled in January. Above is an example of just one new-look page you’ll be seeing.

And, once that rollout is accomplished, the web designers will be creating a new version of the My Rotary site available to members only.

 

UN Day exciting from start to finish

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District 7190 Governor John Mucha and wife Nina (standing) at the UN.

The District 7190 contingent that attended Rotary Day at the United Nations Screen shot 2016-08-31 at 4.29.52 PMon Saturday ran into news main events at both ends of the trip.

Here’s what District Governor John Mucha had to say about it:

“We had around 50 youth (Exchange students and siblings, RYLA students, Interact students) and chaperones, and about 20 Rotary adults and guests attend.

“The students saw our democracy in action with political demonstrations blocking several streets. [And] We all were affected by the lockdown at Crossgates Mall, where we left our cars at 5 a.m. and had to have a police escort to return there at 11 p.m. Quite a day!”