As we all know, the norm is anything but normal in this era of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is adversely affecting Rotary fundraising efforts that usually entail in-person interaction.

Thus, we have ascertained, by a recent consensus of your SRC Board of Directors and a followup discussion among other club members, that we will continue to underwrite at least three (3) areas of our usual financial largesse — Circle of Mercy family and school projects, our youth educational scholarships, and assistance to local food pantries.

While we also may consider resuming financial support of other endeavors as the 2020-21 Rotary Year progresses, that will depend on the creation and undertaking of fundraising efforts that conform with projects that adhere to COVID-19 pandemic restrictions — social distancing, masking, sanitation methods, etc. — as well as Rotary’s Avenues of Service.

To accomplish this, rather than ask for member support on a month-by-month, project-by-project basis as we habitually have done, we are asking for a one-time, or by installment, financial donation to support the important work of the club to underwrite local and international humanitarian projects.

The level will depend on your personal financial status and your interest in supporting SRC and allied Rotary projects. The timeline: “contributions ASAP” so we can firm up our budget as quickly as we can.

In judging that level of support, you may wish to bear in mind that we usually have 38 dinner meetings a year, and that would mean a projected saving of $18 every week, or $684 if we do not hold any dinner meetings in 2020-21. In addition, we are not asking for the usual weekly contributions to our “Spare Change” jug; the usual “Summer Casual” events (Mac-Haydn Theatre, ValleyCats pavilion picnic and baseball game, various field trips, etc.) were not held this summer, so no member money was spent; no sponsorships were solicited for various efforts such as the annual SRC Bowl-a-Thon, etc. Thus, members have not been asked to be forthcoming with donations and fees this year, so much money has been saved.

Here is how the new financing system will work:

• We are asking one-time or periodic donations. To create your level of support, we acknowledge that different members are financially able or financially willing to donate at different levels. Several members already have submitted their checks. The amount(s) is strictly up to you.

• We are providing suggested ways to donate per a spreadsheet, created by Roberto Martinez, that has been emailed to all members as a guideline.

• You may designate which local, regional, or international efforts you wish your donations to support: i.e., when you submit your checks you may attach a note indicating how the money is to be divided. If you do not, we will assume you wish your entire contribution to go to the club’s general treasury.

• The level of donations will be confidential. This is not a competition. The only person who will be aware of the individual donations will, by necessity, be Murray Forth, our club treasurer. He will direct funds to the various efforts in conjunction with your specific instructions and will report to the membership only aggregate, rather than individual, amounts.

A huge caveat: If you wish to donate to non-local or non-club efforts and make your donations tax deductible, you need to take certain steps to qualify. Please submit checks designated for SRC club activities separately from checks meant to support other efforts. (If you need guidance, please contact Bill Dowd.)

For example, to assure tax deductibility:

• Donations to ShelterBox: Checks must be made payable to “ShelterBox,” with “SRC Rotary” entered in the memo line. Please submit all such checks to Bill Dowd, our club’s ShelterBox liaison officer who regularly collects donations and delivers them to District coordinators so our club and the individual receive credit for donations.

• Donations to Gift of Life: Checks must be made payable to “District 7190 Gift of Life,” with “SRC Rotary “entered in the memo line. Please submit all such checks to Dean or Doris Calamaras, our club’s GOL liaisons who will deliver them to District coordinators so our club and the individual receive credit for total donations.

We hope this methodology will alleviate the periodic stress on members of helping pay for our community service efforts until we achieve some form of normalcy as the pandemic dissipates.

Thank you, as always, for your compassionate efforts. While no one can do everything, everyone can do something. We ask only that each SRC member does that something in a timely manner.

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Mailing Addresses for check submissions:

• SRC Rotary, Box 71, East Greenbush, NY 12061

• Bill Dowd, 7 Hyland Circle, Troy, NY 12182

• Dean & Doris Calamaras, 106 Birchwood Drive, Castleton, NY 12033

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Let us remember the camaraderie and fellowship that bound us together after the 9/11 attacks. Let us work to regain that spirit.

Held via Zoom video conference

Members Attending (13+): Dick Drumm, Bill Dowd, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Ray Hannan, Dean Calamaras, Doris Calamaras, Debbie Rodriguez, John Justino, Phil Kellerman, Pat Bailey, plus 6 via proxy — Murray Forth, Maggie Forth, Charlie Foote, Andy Leyhane, Kevin Leyhane, Terry Brewer.

Guests (1): District Governor Rich Griesche.

MEETING NOTES: President Dick Drumm welcomed our members and our one guest. The other scheduled guest, Charles Frink, Assistant District Governor for Area 8, sent his regrets because he was traveling out of state. … Dick reiterated that the club’s board-approved areas of financial support for 2020-21, impacted by the pandemic, are threefold via a consensus of the Board of Directors: youth education scholarships, Circles of Mercy projects, and food pantries. Others may be reinstated or added as we ascertain fundraising possibilities. …

DG Rich Griesche shared a 4-minute, 24-second slideshow displaying images of District Rotarians involved in work project and social settings, set to the song “A Million Dreams,” from the 2017 movie musical “The Greatest Showman.” … He also reported that Terry Phillips of the Scotia club has created a fundraiser selling sets-of-four stackable beverage cups bearing the Rotary logo. His price is $20 a set, with $15 of each sale going to Polio Plus. Rich provided contact information for Terry in case the club wishes to discuss details of the project with him for consideration as an SRC fundraiser in support of the polio program. … He also reported that details of the “Event Groove” virtual fundraising project being created for the District that he detailed at the September 3 meeting would be sent to all club presidents in the District this week. …

Roberto Martinez reported on behalf of Terry Brewer that SRC’s participation in the RYLA program this year was reported to RYLA as “on hold” because local schools have not been able to contact students in time to enroll. Bill Dowd noted that although the SRC Board of Directors decided at its recent meeting to not underwrite a student contingent, that could be revisited since the latest RYLA schedule calls for a December 12 start to the six-session program — which will be via ZOOM this year instead of in-person — rather than the usual September program start. That gives schools more time to contact students. However, no specific fundraising component in support of the program has been undertaken or scheduled. … On another topic, Roberto said he received word today from Sue Austin, District Rotary Foundation chair, that SRC’s application for a $1,500 grant to help fund our annual scholarship awards for 2020-21 has been approved. The club now needs to raise a matching amount to receive the full grant, but has a year to do so. …

John Justino reported that the UAlbany School of Public Health has resumed classes and the Great Danes Rotaract, headquartered there and sponsored by SRC, has scheduled a Monday virtual meeting to discuss resuming activities. Debbie Rodriguez and Becky Raymond continue to be SRC’s liaison with Rotaract, while John continues as its faculty advisor. … A vote on Bylaws modification passed by an 19-0 vote (including six proxies) — after broad discussion on potential procedures to publicize the change — to alter deadlines for dues payments on an annual or biannual basis. Deadlines now are June 1 for full-year payments or June 1 and December 1 for half-year payments. Details, and logic behind the change, have been posted on the website.

FUTURE-MEETING UPDATES — Our member medical doctors, Jim Leyhane and Roberto Martinez, will check out the recently-refurbished 1,500-square-foot basement space at Drumm Veterinary Hospital at the behest of President Dick to ascertain its viability as a potential meeting room. In the interim, we will continue to meet virtually. Dick made an executive decision to change the start-time for ZOOM meetings to 7 p.m. each Thursday in hopes of increasing attendance. Procedurally, Peter Brown will continue scheduling the virtual meetings and informing members via email of the contact links. Bill Dowd will follow up with meeting-day reminder notes on the club website and via email. Members also are encouraged to check the website for club and District information, especially the calendar page.

We will be hosting a double-leadership team at this Thursday’s ZOOM meeting.  (The originally planned outdoor social at the Browns’ residence has been changed to this virtual get-together.)

District Governor Rich Griesche will pay us a return visit to share a brief video he created to begin his year at the helm of 7190. He also will introduce us to Charles Frink, the Assistant District Governor for Area 8 which includes the SRC, Albany, Colonie-Guilderland, and Delmar clubs.

And, we will be voting on a proposed change to our Bylaws, the wording of which has been shared several times with all members. 

We’ll begin at 6 p.m. You can join us by clicking on this link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81138267166?pwd=WUQyTS9ZaHNDTUNVZVpMVk81azNIUT09

Debbie and Peter Brown will host SRC’s next in-person meeting, but at an earlier-than-usual time — 5 p.m. Thursday, September 10. It will be outdoors, thus the earlier time as the days grow shorter, and socially distanced with masks and some covid courtesies. Please plan to bring a lawn chair.

The Browns need an RSVP no later than Tuesday, to 518-732-7178 or mdbrown@nycap.rr.com.

On the meeting agenda for that evening is a vote on a Bylaws modification (details here). If you will not be attending but wish to cast a “yea” or “nay” vote by proxy, please indicate your preference by email to SRCrotary@gmail.com no later than this Wednesday.

Held via Zoom video conference

Members Attending (14): Dick Drumm, Bill Dowd, Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Debbie Brown, Peter Brown, Ray Hannan, Dean Calamaras, Doris Calamaras, Charlie Foote, Terry Brewer, Murray Forth, Phil Kellerman, Pat Bailey.

Guests (1): Rich Griesche.

MEETING NOTES:

• President Dick Drumm presided, and welcomed special guest Richard Griesche, the new District 7190 Governor for 2020-21 and a member of the Twin Bridges Rotary Club.

• Debbie and Peter Brown will host our next in-person meeting, but at an earlier-than-usual time — 5 p.m. Thursday, September 10. It will be outdoors, thus the earlier time as the days grow shorter, and socially distanced. Details to come, but please plan to bring a lawn chair. The Browns need an RSVP no later than Tuesday, to mdbrown@nycap.rr.com or 518-732-7178.

• A Bylaws change will be up for a vote at the Browns’ meeting. If you cannot attend but would like to vote, please send your proxy “yea” or “nay” to SRCrotary@gmail.com no later than Wednesday. Earlier this week, everyone was sent the wording of the proposed change and the reason for it. In case you want to review it, click here.

• Terry Brewer explained that at Monday’s Board of Directors meeting it was decided that, in lieu of some fundraising efforts because of restrictions during the pandemic, all members are asked to make a lump-sum donation to help fund the club’s community service or international efforts. Members are asked to donate at a level comfortable to them. Checks, made payable to SRC Rotary Club, should be sent to the club mail address: Box 71, East Greenbush, NY 12061. Members have the option of directing which efforts they wish to fund (scholarships, ShelterBox, Polio Plus, Gift of Life, etc.), or they can direct the donation to the general treasury. It was noted that factors that may be taken into account when donating are that less money was spent during the summer because of the lack of events, and at least $18 is being saved each time we otherwise would have held a dinner meeting. (We usually have 38 dinner meetings, which means $684 in meal fees, as an example.)

• DG Rich reported on a variety of regional and international efforts. Among them:

(1.) Africa has been declared officially free from wild polio, leaving Afghanistan and Pakistan as the only countries on the globe still home to endemic polio. Rotary’s polio immunization programs continue in those countries despite the COVID-19 pandemic;

(2.) All Districts in New York State have joined to create a working group called New York Rotary Strong to work together and share ideas during the pandemic;

(3.) An emphasis on environment-based projects has been added to the Rotary Global Grants program for next year;

(4.) Rich, Past DG Melissa Ward, and DG Nominee Denise DiNoto are working with an RI public relations specialist from Connecticut on “Event Groove,” a virtual fundraising program exclusively utilizing social media. Our District will be only the second to try it, and he expects to be able to share details with all clubs by September 15;

(5.) The Rotary Youth Exchange program for incoming and outgoing students, which was curtailed this year, has been approved for a September 2021 restart.

In response to a question about our Assistant District Governor for the year, Rich said the number of areas and their makeup was reshuffled again this year. SRC now is in Area 8, which consists of the SRC, Albany, Colonie-Guilderland, and Delmar clubs. Our ADG is Charles Frink of the Albany club.

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District 7190 Governor Richard Griecshe will join us as our special guest at 6 p.m. this Thursday via the ZOOM teleconferencing app.

So, what does he think about our COVID-19 pandemic world? Here’s his latest essay online:

“This may not seem like a time for great optimism, but it must be. Every great challenge is an opportunity for renewal and growth. The COVID-19 crisis has forced all of us to adapt.

“Rotary clubs are adapting to the current situation and overcoming the obstacles that once appeared to be in the way. August is ‘Membership and New Club Month’ on our Rotary calendar, and brings great opportunity.

“Membership is an opportunity. Retention is an opportunity. Service and Fellowship are opportunities –- all to grow Rotary and support its core values. Ask current members, community leaders, extended family, and business associates to find prospective members.

“Our current members are passionate about the work we are doing. What are your dreams for your community? It may be the right time for a club’s virtual meeting rather than in-person. You won’t know unless you ask. 

“Our clubs have been challenged to grow in new directions. Are you ready to help a club grow for the future? New resources on satellite clubs, passport clubs, and corporate membership can help you create an experience that works for every member (Learn more at Rotary.org/Flexibility). 

“As a final note this month, I would like to share the following statement from Rotary International to help promote peace and justice worldwide, something all Rotarians strive for: 

“At Rotary, we have no tolerance for racism.  Promoting respect, celebrating diversity, demanding ethical leadership, and working tirelessly to advance peace are central tenets of our work.We have more work to do to create more just, open and welcoming communities for all people.We know there are no easy fixes and that challenging conversations and work lie before all of us.  Rotary’s strength has long been our ability and commitment to bringing people together.  We will tap into that strength now as we stand with those who are working for peace and justice.Rotary will do our part to listen, learn and take action to ensure that we continue to contribute to making positive change.” 

I leave you with this thought: Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choices you make, make YOU. Choose wisely.”

We have scheduled a vote for our Thursday, September 10, ZOOM meeting, on a proposed modification of our Club Bylaws.

Specifically, the Board of Directors is unanimously endorsing a change to “Article 6: Fees & Dues.” 

The intent is to change the dues payment deadline from June 30 to June 1 and, for those who pay in two installments, from December 31 to December 1. Non-payment by the deadline(s) would result in being taken off the club rolls.

Here is the logic behind the proposed change. 

Rotary requires each Club to pay a fee for every member on the roster as of June 30 and December 31 no matter whether they have paid their local dues. We have been experiencing two situations that have unnecessarily cost our club money that should have gone toward supporting our community service projects: (1.) People who are seriously tardy in delaying payment, thus forcing the Club to put up money to cover their Rotary fee, and (2.) people who drop out but don’t bother informing us wind up wasting Club money without reimbursement. 

By changing the timing of payments, we will gain a firm handle on paid-up status and on precisely who remains part of the club roster.

The current Bylaws language reads:

Article 6: Fees and Dues

“Club annual dues will be based on dues levels set by Rotary International and District 7190 plus a Club membership fee of $20 above RI and District dues for first-year members and $30 above RI and District dues for all members after their first year. A $5 deduction from each member’s dues will become an annual contribution to the Rotary Foundation. All club fees are subject to modification by subsequent votes of the membership. Fees are payable annually no later than the last day of June, or semiannually no later than the last day of June and no later than the last day of December. Per Rotary International regulations, a portion of each payment shall be applied to each member’s subscription to the RI official magazine.“

The proposed new language that would be inserted in place of the current Sentence 4 reads:

“Fees are payable annually no later than the first day of June, or semiannually no later than the first day of June and no later than the first day of December. All members who have not paid 100% of their dues for the upcoming Rotary Year by June 1 of each year, or 50% installments by June 1 and December 1, will be deemed to have resigned from membership.”

Please mark your calendar for the September 10 vote and plan to participate in the vote, no doubt via ZOOM.

SRC’s next general meeting is set for 6 p.m. this Thursday (September 3) via the ZOOM virtual meeting app. We have a lot to discuss, and President Dick Drumm will keep everyone in the loop by providing a report on a variety of decisions made at this week’s Board meeting .

A connecting link will be sent to you in advance of the session, at which our special guest will be District 7190 Governor Richard Griesche. He will provide an update on what is going on throughout the District during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

At a meeting of the SRC Board of Directors this evening (Monday), it was decided that we will continue gathering via ZOOM for the forseeable future since it is impossible to hold in-person dinner meetings given the state restrictions on such gatherings, the closing and impending sale of Quigley’s where we have been meeting for a number of years, and the apprehension of many members about such gatherings, given the health concerns engendered by the pandemic.

While we have been experiencing strong attendance at our ZOOM meetings throughout the summer, we urge those of you who have not participated to re-involve yourselves in Rotary. Our community and international service will not end because of the pandemic. Rotary endures no matter what, as it has for more than 115 years.

The process of staying involved is simple. Just download the ZOOM app and you’ll be able to sign in. If you have any questions about the process or the etiquette of getting involved via the virtual process, Board member Roberto Martinez has volunteered to guide members through it. Contact him via email (rrmtz@aol.com) or by phone (518-396-7250) in advance of the Thursday session.

Stay well, stay hopeful, and stay involved.

The flareup of polio in parts of Africa where terrorists decided to kill volunteers providing vaccinations to stop the spread of the dread disease apparently has failed to end the Rotary-supported effort.

The region has officially again been certified free of the wild polio virus, leaving only Afghanistan and Pakistan as centers of polio which cripples and kills people of all ages, but particularly the young.

This week, the Africa Regional Certification Commission certified the World Health Organization’s 47-nation African Region as wild polio-free after four years without a case. With this historic milestone, five of the six WHO regions -– representing more than 90% of the world’s population -– now are free from the wild poliovirus, moving the world closer to achieving global polio eradication.

“During a challenging year for global health, the certification of the African Region as wild poliovirus-free is a sign of hope and progress that shows what can be accomplished through collaboration and perseverance,” said Rotary International President Holger Knaack. “Since 1996, when Nelson Mandela joined with Rotary, the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, and governments of the African region we’ve achieved something remarkable.

“Today’s milestone tells us that polio eradication is possible, as long as the world remains committed to finishing the job. Let us work together to harness our collective energies to overcome the remaining challenges and fulfill our promise of a polio-free world.”