InAttendance (14): P. Kellerman; P. Brown; D. Brown; C. Foote; D. Drum; P. Bailey; C. Heaney; L. Pferr; Dean Calamaras; Dorris Calamaras; M. Forth; M. A. Caldes; Debbie Rodriguez and L. Leyhane.
Via Zoom (2): R. Martinez and J. Leyhane
Guest: None
Meeting Notes:
Global Grant: Per Peter, they spoke with Jennifer and received a message from Edith. Per Edith, the school wanted to delay the meeting to after the 8th. Peter drafted a letter about more productive efforts to achieve the project goals. He is waiting on comments from Jennifer. There is no contract yet to fill the dry hole.
Gift of Life: Dean reported that the Gift of Life raised $17,400 from the golf tournament held in September. A child from Mongolia will be going to Albany Medical Center for surgery.
District Grant: Carol submitted the application for a matching grant up to $300 for publicity. She has not heard back yet.
Football Fundraiser: Per Kevin, the fundraiser is going well.
Adopt-a-Family: Kevin will be posing the list on the Calander page. It will be color coded so you can tell what has been purchased. Let Kevin know when you make a purchase so he can update the list. You can bring in wrapped gifts to the nest meeting. Laurie mentioned that the Rensselaer County Office of the Aging is collecting for seniors. The list is on their website.
Backpack Project: Laurie, Roberto, Jim and Peter met with the district. The district would like Rotary to speak to the East Greenbush Education Foundation.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, December 4th 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. A speaker will talk about the Nassau Food Pantry.
This Thursday, November 20th, at 6:00 at Moscatiello’s our own Dean Calamaras will be presenting “Exploring the Dead Sea” describing his visit to the Dead Sea, including its origin, events associated with it, and its significance today. If you are unable to attend in person, you may join us remotely using the Zoom link on the Calendar page.
Thank you Dean.
The Mohawk-Hudson Humane Society is in need of cat and dog food donations. If you bring any to the meeting, I will bring donations to the center. Don’t forget to continue to check out the CNY web-site for Rotary information and other activities.
Our Adopt a Family from circles of Mercy is about begin, the wish list will be posted on the website this Thursday.
Pat Bailey and Mary Alice selling pies for the Nassau Library
This Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 6:00pm the SRC will be holding a brief Zoom meeting to discuss our upcoming Thanksgiving Fundraiser. The purpose of the meeting is to give a brief overview of the project, and to answer any questions. The meeting should run only 15-30 minutes in length.
The club will be returning to Moscatiello’s next Thursday at 6:00 pm and Dean Calamaras will be presenting on “The Dead Sea Scrolls”
Attendance: P. Kellerman; R. Martinez; J. Leyhane; P. Brown; D. Brown; C. Foote; Ray; D. Drum; P. Bailey; C. Heaney; L. Pferr; T. Brewer, D. Calamaras, M. Forth and C. Heaney.
Guest: Dr. Kotes, Superintendent, EG School District
Dr. Kotes’ Presentation Notes (Condensed)
Professional Journey
Native of Rensselaer County; background in education leadership.
Career path: classroom teacher → administrator → superintendent.
Experience in several districts (Arlington, Cornwall, others).
Values strong leadership, family support, and lifelong learning.
Graduation Reform in New York State
Focus on revising graduation requirements.
Exploring alternatives to Regents exams (e.g., internships, applied learning).
Goal: prepare students for multiple post–high school paths—college, trades, or workforce.
Growing acknowledgment of the need for flexible graduation measures.
Challenges in Educational Leadership
Preparing students for life and work in a changing economy.
Advocates early conversations about career goals and financial literacy.
Concerned about high cost of living in NY and its impact on school communities.
Education Policy and Systemic Issues
Complex relationship between State Ed Department and Jewish schools; political challenges.
Risks of private entities managing public school functions—resource diversion.
Emphasis on financial literacy, vocational exposure, and career readiness.
Noted ongoing challenges in ESL staffing and changing student demographics.
Project Reports:
Kenya Water Project
P. Brown reported on the meeting with the Kenya Partners. They are waiting for a solution to the girls’ bathroom facilities, and Jennifer from CNY agreed to contact a Rotary Club in Middletown, Connecticut, to help fund them. A plan is still needed to plug a dry borehole, which will cost approximately $700, and a discussion of the structural requirements for the water collection system is required. A follow-up virtual meeting for the Kenya Water Project was scheduled for Monday at 9 AM.
Action: P. Brown invited anyone interested to join the meeting on Nov.10th to contact him for the Zoom link.
Monument Relocation Plans
T. Brewer reported the plan continues to evolve and is slated for completion in April, 2026. Some funding has been procured, but additional funds will be required. Dr. Kotes mentioned that the project involves working with contractors and local graduates to minimize costs and preserve as much of the existing monument as possible.
Action: T. Brewer to report back to the board on needed funds for completion.
District Grant/Backpack Program Update
P. Brown explained that a meeting about the backpack program had to be postponed due to a tragedy at the school, and will now take place on Nov. 17th, 11:30 am. Roberto clarified the various parts of the backpack program, including that the district grant is for storage and shelving, not backpacks.
Board Meeting Update
Phil reported that the board meeting of Oct. 28th, revealed the club is currently taking in less than it plans to distribute, with approximately $15,000 in its checking account and obligations due in January to Rotary International and the CNY District. Board members discussed fundraising efforts in detail. Three concrete ideas were agreed to pursue.
Football Pool
Talent Show
Tag or Garage Sale
Kevin Leyhane suggested using a football pool as an effective fundraiser. He can organize one for the Thanksgiving games. Members discussed the pros and cons of the legal concerns related to pools.
Action: It was agreed that a trial pool would be held at Thanksgiving, followed by an assessment with K. Leyhane.
T. Brewer suggested a dinner/dance event featuring local school music performances.
Action: None Decided
C. Heaney and P. Kellerman are exploring the possibility of hosting a community talent show in April 2026. Members were requested to inquire with family and friends with experience in theater, music, sound, lighting, etc., to advise our team for the event.
Action: C. Heaney will create and distribute a blurb to members to share. Anyone interested in supporting the effort, contact Phil or Carole.
T. Brewer discussed the Café Capriccio fundraiser. Tickets would need to be sold by members. This could raise upwards of $4,000 for student scholarships and other initiatives.
Action: No further decision or discussion reached.
Phil announced the opportunity to participate in Circles of Mercy’s Adopt-a-Family program, which will support a family of six with children ages 1 month to 7 years for Christmas. Phil will send an email to all regarding the types of contributions requested.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, November 20th 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.
The next meeting is Thursday, November 6th 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 website’s calendar page. Dr. Kotes, EGCSD Superintendent will speak.
The East Greenbush Backpack Program meeting has been rescheduled for Monday, November 17 at 11:30 am in the Administration Center board room.
Our club Board meeting was held on October 28 at the home of Carole Heaney. It was a good meeting and fund-raising events were discussed. Thanks to Carole for hosting the meeting.
We are still looking for a speaker for our meeting on November 20th. Please let me know if you have someone in mind.
Don’t forget to continue to view the CNY web-site for information and activities.
Members in Attendance (14): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Laurie Pferr, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Carol Heaney, Charlie Foote, Dick Drumm, Murray Forth and Andy Leyhane.
By Zoom(2) Tom Romero (Guest Speaker) and Dean Calamaras Guests (0):
President Phil Kellerman called the meeting to order. Theme for the year: Unite for Good
Meeting Notes:
Miscellaneous: Pat is selling pies for the Nassau Library fundraiser. Order deadline is November 1st and pickup is Saturday, November 8th from 9 am until 3 pm.
World Polio Day is tomorrow.
Global Grant: Per Peter Brown, they met with Jennifer and Felix. They are trying to put together an agreement with the school to collect the water and discussed sealing the well. The next meeting with Kenya is in two weeks.
Star of Hope: Per Phil, an anonymous donation was made to move the Star of Hope.
Circles of Mercy: Phil reported that the Club will be doing Adopt-A-Family and Richard is retiring at the end of the year. They are looking for an interim director. Tom Romero spoke about bitcoin and cryptocurrency.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, November 6th 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. Dr. Kotes, EGCSD Superintendent with speak.
We are meeting this Thursday, the 23rd at 6 pm at Moscatiellos. Via zoom our presenter will be Tom Romero who will speak on crypto currency. Be prepared for a very interesting talk.
A board meeting will be held at 6pm Tuesday, October 28th at the home of Carole Heaney.
Concerning the Anchor Food Bank, donated food will be collected at Hoffman’s Car Wash in East Greenbush on Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26. In exchange, donors get a free car wash.
Pat Bailey is involved in raising funds for the Nassau Free Library via the sale of great pies. Please contact her for more information.
Richard Zazycki, Director of Circles of Mercy, is retiring at the end of the year. The agency is seeking a half-time interim executive director. If you are interested or know someone who is interested, please let me know for more information.
The benefit by the band Enjoyous for the St. Paul’s Center for the homeless on Friday, October 10 at the Hope Lutheran Church raised $2,800 for the Center.
Our next Rotary meeting will be at Mostaciellos beginning at 6 pm on Thursday October 23rd. Via Zoom, Tom Romero of Gainesville, Florida will be our guest speaker addressing crypto currency.
On Monday, October 13th, a zoom call was held with representatives of the Kenya Water Project, led by Peter Brown. The goal was to move the project forward concerning water collection and replacement of school toilets.
This Saturday,. October 18 at Maple Hill Junior/High School from 9-noon, a Stuff The Bus event will occur to collect donated food for the Anchor Food Bank.
Concerning the food bank, donated food will be collected at Hoffman’s Car Wash in East Greenbush on Saturday and Sunday, October 25-26. In exchange, donors get a free car wash.
Pat Bailey is involved in raising funds for the Nassau Free Library via the sale of great pies. Please contact her for more information.
Members in Attendance (15): Roberto Martinez, Pat Bailey, Jim Leyhane, Laurie Pferr, Debbie Rodriguez, Phil Kellerman, Ray Hannan, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Carol Heaney, Charlie Foote, Dick Drumm, Murray Forth, Andy Leyhane and Kevin Leyhane.
By Zoom(0):Guests (1): Mike Carpenello
President Phil Kellerman called the meeting to order. Theme for the year: Unite for Good
Meeting Notes:
Global Grant: Per Peter Brown, the next call with Kenya is Monday at 9 am. They will discuss the needs assessment, estimated cost and plan for water collection and to fill the dry hole with concrete. The school would like to direct any leftover funds to providing toilets.
Food Pantry: Concerns-U needs volunteer drivers to pick up donations. On October 18th, Maple Hill will hold the Stuff the Bus food drive from 9 am until 12 pm. On October 25 and 26, Hoffmans will provide free car washes with donations of food.
Star of Hope: Per Phil, Terry Brewer is working on moving the Star of Hope.
Miscellaneous: Pat is selling pies for the Nassau Library fundraiser. Order deadline is November 1st and pickup is Saturday, November 8th from 9 am until 3 pm.
Per Roberto Martinez, World Polio Day is October 24th and CNY Rotary is holding environmental workshops every Monday and a peace seminar on October 15th.
Per Phil, Enjoyous is doing a benefit concert tomorrow from 7 pm until 9 pm to benefit St. Paul’s Center.
Also, Carol is holding a 8 week grief workshop starting November 1st. She is partnering with W.J. Lyons Funeral Home.
Budget: There was a discussion on priorities, projects and fundraising. Per Phil, be prepared to discuss your three priorities at the next meeting.
Next Meeting: The next meeting is Thursday, October 23rd 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. Tom Romero will speak about crypto currency.
Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club 