Meeting Clipboard: 3/12/20

March 13, 2020 SRCrotaryLeave a comment

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

Members Attending (12): Phil Kellerman, Murray Forth, Peter Brown, Debbie Brown, Debbie Rodriguez, Pat Bailey, Dean Calamaras, Dick Drumm, Charlie Foote, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Wells Packard.

Guests (4): Tony and Debbie Morris (potential members), Dennis Cicchino and Jeff Morris (Boy Scout Troop 41).

MEETING NOTES — President Phil Kellerman presided, welcoming members and four guests, including potential members Tony and Debbie Morris. … The main topic of discussion was about our future dinner meetings in light of concern over the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In an email poll of Board members, several recommended suspension of meetings, others were in favor of continuing. After discussion at the meeting, it was decided to (a) continue meeting pending any further health-related concerns, (b) Phil will talk with Quigley’s owner John Walsh about us ordering off the menu if fewer than 12 people attend, and (c) speakers would be invited and given the opportunity to decline if numbers are small. …

Murray Forth reported that sales of raffle tickets for the March 28 wine dinner at Cafe Capriccio are slow, but we have raised enough to at least cover the cost of the event. The drawing is scheduled for next Thursday’s meeting. … Dean Calamaras reported that the district’s Gift of Life child underwent successful cardiac surgery at Albany Medical Center on March 11. …

Until further notice, members are asked to hold off on bringing Easter basket items to the meetings until we clarify the status of the project with Circles of Mercy. We will contact Circles of Mercy to ask about its needs instead and suggest that food items or money towards necessities might be more useful, especially since schools could be closed because of the coronavirus problem and lunch programs curtailed. On another topic, Circles of Mercy will hold a “Walk for Mercy” on Saturday, April 4, and is looking for sponsors. Contact Ray Hannan for more information. …

Phil has spoken to the IRS about our tax exempt status (one hour on the phone). It appears we will need to file missing annual reports. He, Murray, and Terry will work together to complete the required documents and file them. … Our SRC Recycling & Shredding Day remains scheduled for 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, April 25, at Wainschaf Associates in Rensselaer. Details are on the event flyer that has been distributed to all members several times. …

Peter Brown reported that the Capital Region Nordic Alliance (CRNA), the adaptive sports program for disabled vets, is seeking a sponsor for a CRNA athlete to participate in the European Trail Orienteering Championships 2020 being held in Finland. About $500 is needed, and we already have raised $380 through the weekly money jug contributions. … We need at least two members to attend the April 4 District Training Assembly / Grants Management Seminar to be able to file for grants. … President-elect Dick Drumm said he would be unable to attend this week’s Empire Multi-District PETS training in Syracuse. …

Roberto Martinez reported that Julius Frankel is out of hospital rehab and is doing well at home. … Roberto also gave a short talk about the “new” flu and its symptoms, etc. … Wells Packard reported that the Rotary Youth Exchange still is on, and students will be traveling as expected in the late summer and fall. … Next meeting: 6:15 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at Quigley’s. The scheduled program will be musical trivia with Andy Leyhane. Members are reminded to check the website calendar page for program assignment dates/speakers/topics and to contact webmaster Bill Dowd as soon as they have a program lined up so he can publicize it.

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Dennis Cicchino (right) and Jeff Morris of Boy Scout Troop 41 visited to make their annual report on Scouting activities and their appeal for continued SRC funding.

The cost of summer camp has gone up again, and for this summer will be $545. Murray moved, Roberto seconded, and attendees approved without dissent a club grant of $545 to the troop for that purpose.

In honor of Phil Nasca

March 13, 2020 SRCrotaryLeave a comment

The note shown above was sent to SRC by former member Bonnie Nasca, whose husband Phil recently passed away.

The flyer shown below provides the details on an upcoming memorial event in Phil’s honor.

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Now hear this, Thursday speaker set

March 10, 2020March 10, 2020 SRCrotaryLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2020-03-10 at 9.05.14 PM You’ve probably seen the ads for Miracle Ear, but did you know it’s a hearing aid company based in Italy that consists of a network of franchised and corporately-owned retail outlets throughout the U.S. and elsewhere?

We were just informed a speaker for the company will make a presentation at this week’s 6:15 dinner meeting at Quigley’s about the latest auditory technology.

Dinner menu: The entrée is beef tips in gravy, with chef’s choice of side dishes, specialty salad, bread, dessert, and beverages. And, always, come early for a social period plus the cash bar.

If you plan to join us — and your guests are always welcome if we know they are coming — please be sure dinner coordinator Debbie Rodriguez has received your RSVP via email at debbanrod@yahoo.com by this evening (maybe you can squeeze in on Wednesday morning, but before 10 a.m.). The following already have reserved:

Pat Bailey
Debbie Brown
Peter Brown
Dick Drumm
Murray Forth
Ray Hannan
Phil Kellerman
Kevin Leyhane
Wells Packard
Debbie Rodriguez
Guest speaker

Fistula Foundation fundraiser planned

March 9, 2020March 9, 2020 SRCrotaryLeave a comment

Fistula Poster The UAlbany School of Public Health will host a public engagement event to raise awareness and support for efforts to combat obstetric fistulas among sub-Saharan African women.

It is scheduled for 5:30 to 8 p.m. Monday, April 20, at the school, located at the Health Sciences Campus on Columbia Turnpike in Rensselaer. The event is co-sponsored by the Danes Rotaract and Southern Rensselaer County Rotary clubs.

The event will include a silent auction to help raise funds for the Freedom From Fistula Foundation, a Rotary-supported health organization dedicated to helping women in sub-Saharan countries receive education and medical assistance to combat what is a common gynecological problem there.

SRC members are invited to donate items for the silent auction, and may contact President Phil Kellerman at a club meeting, via phone at 352-262-5421, or via e-mail at philkellerman77@gmail.com.

Time to shop for Easter basket items

March 6, 2020 SRCrotaryLeave a comment

Screen Shot 2020-03-06 at 2.04.59 PM It’s that time of year again, when SRC and others join with Circles of Mercy for its “Easter Baskets for Cate’s Kids” drive on behalf of needy children ages 1 to 12. Last year, SRC pledged 75 baskets but came up with 106!

Circles of Mercy is an outreach center for poor and low-income families which is sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy Northeast Community. SRC has partnered with the organization for years on a number of effort, including holiday family “adoptions.”

“Last year, over 150 requests for Easter baskets was met, but given the current economic times, no doubt Circles of Mercy will have not only the same number of children, but possibly more,” says Circles’ director Richard Zazycki.

Easter this year will fall on Sunday, April 19, and we have agreed to meet an April 1 deadline by which to deliver gift baskets to Circles in time to get them distributed to the client families the week before the Easter holiday.

President Phil Kellerman will be contacting some of you about possibly coordinating the club’s portion of the effort and staying in contact with club member Shannon Romanowski at the Greenbush YMCA which is undertaking a companion effort.

Meanwhile, our practice has been to have the club purchase baskets, artificial grass, and transparent wrappings, and ask members to purchase items for the baskets from the shopping list below, getting them to our event coordinator as they are purchased.

Since we’re on a tight turnaround, you may want to begin shopping now. Here’s what is needed:

THE SHOPPING LIST

• coloring books
• crayons
• color pencils
• facial tissues
• toothpaste, tooth brushes, and dental floss
• combs and brushes
• small, age-appropriate (1 to 12) stuffed animals, toys, small games
• reading books
… and, of course, different types of traditional candy

Foundation Bowl-a-Thon fun for all

March 3, 2020 SRCrotaryLeave a comment

The Southern Rensselaer County Rotary Club’s “Foundation Bowl-a-Thon” drew about 50 participants to the East Greenbush Bowling Center on Sunday.

The event was billed as a fundraiser for both the Oley Foundation and the Freedom From Fistula Foundation, organizations SRC helps support on an ongoing basis.

In addition to the bowlers, we had several event volunteers from the club and from the Danes Rotaract club we sponsor at the UAlbany School of Public Health. And, we had 24 lane sponsors at $100 each.

Here is a slideshow of some scenes from the day:

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Details outlined for District Conference in Albany

March 1, 2020March 1, 2020 SRCrotaryLeave a comment

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Usually, SRC members have to make a bit of a drive to attend the annual District 7190 Conference. This year, things will be different.

The conference, scheduled for Friday, May 15, through Sunday, May 17, will be held at several venues in Albany, a quick trip for all of us, which should make attendance a breeze.

Here’s the schedule:

FRIDAY, MAY 15

• 1:30 to 4 p.m. — Day of Service Projects

Continuing an annual tradition, attendees can choose to volunteer at one of these three optional projects on Friday afternoon. No cost to attend or participate, but we ask you to please sign up during registration so we can plan accordingly:

Option 1 — Northeast Regional Food Bank farm, Altamont: Wear your work clothes for gardening and help the staff at the Northeast Regional Foodbank’s Farm in Altamont with some spring planting. Farm supplies local foodbanks during the growing months. NERFB also will sell produce to support its Foodbank programs.

Option 2 — NERFB Warehouse, Latham: Join your fellow Rotarians for indoor volunteer work at the warehouse near the Albany International Airport. Help the staff by sorting donations and boxing for distribution to worthy groups and individuals.

Option 3 — Ronald McDonald House, Albany: Work together helping residents at the facility located near the Albany Medical Center.

• 5:30-7 p.m. — Re-Connecting Dinners

• Optional event –– Meet up with fellow Rotarians at various venues in the Albany area and “Re-Connect” with friends. Venue selection and dinner cost is on your own. Some suggested locations and hosts are listed as options to consider during registration. Please specify your preference during registration so appropriate space can be reserved.

• 7:30-9:30 p.m., International Taste Tour: 4 to 5 pubs in Albany’s North End

• Optional event — The North End , also known as the city’s Warehouse District, has a number of venues featuring various international themes — German, Irish, Asian, etc. This event ($20 per person) includes some light fare to go with cash bars at each of the venues. Plan accordingly to use hotel shuttles or support local Uber/Lyft drivers for a fun and safe evening.

SATURDAY, MAY 16

8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Albany Capital Center, 55 Eagle Street
Business meeting and breakout sessions; showcase of club projects; lunch program; club awards

• The new Capital Center building near the Governor’s Mansion is our venue and host on Saturday for District Conference. District Governor Larry Jones will officially call our conference to order, followed by role call of participating clubs. Meet our Rotary International President’s Representative, Michael Angelo Caruso, attend our annual meeting/business sessions, and enjoy the lunch program featuring our keynote speaker. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals are included as part of the full conference registration, as is Sunday brunch.

1:30 to 4 p.m., Discover Albany

Options: Treasure Hunt of Albany sites, the New York State Museum, tour the historic Ten Broeck Mansion, and more

• Select from a number of options on Saturday afternoon to enjoy the Downtown Albany area. Please specify your preference during conference registration so we can plan accordingly. Tours are being arranged at some nearby historic sites, or choose to join teams to participate in our treasure hunt in the neighborhood near the Albany Capital Center, the Empire State Plaza, and Renaissance Albany. This fun activity is a favorite with our Exchange students and Rotarians who join up with them.

5:30 – 9:00 pm – International Street Fair: International drink tastings, Mazzone Hospitality’s international food stations, cultural activities, and entertainment. This program will feature tastings and activities from different countries as part of the full conference registration. Mix, mingle, and connect with Rotarians and friends.

SUNDAY, MAY 17 AT THE RENAISSANCE HOTEL

9:30 Sunday Brunch: The “Remembering Rotarians” memorial service

Join us for a brunch at our official district conference hotel, which is included with the full conference registration. The program will include our annual tribute to “Rotarians called to Higher Service” during the past year. Governor Larry Jones will close the conference following the brunch and program.

Simply click here to go to the online registration page for the conference.

Gates Foundation renews Rotary polio pledge

March 1, 2020 SRCrotaryLeave a comment

By LARRY JONES
Governor, District 7190

Rotarians around the world are celebrating the announcement from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that it is renewing the partnership with Rotary International to continue the battle to eradicate polio.

This additional commitment of up to $450 million underscores the viability of the combined worldwide effort to eliminate this disease. When polio was at its worst it was crippling 350,000 people, mostly children, each year. Today, largely due to the coordinating efforts of Rotary in partnership with foundations like the Gates organization and governments worldwide, polio annually is crippling fewer than 50 people each year. And soon, the number will be zero.

Similarly, Rotary partners with other organizations around the world in a wide variety of activities. Dozens of Rotary-founded organizations connect Rotarians to wherever the need is greatest. In communities around the world, local and international organizations partner with Rotary clubs to solve problems as only private partnerships can.

Rotarians in District 7190 contribute more than 44,000 volunteer hours each year, with an approximate in-kind value of $780,000, to polio eradication efforts that directly benefit our communities, and Rotary is attracting new members who are looking for a way to connect to service opportunities.

How about you? In addition to participating with the many ways local Rotary clubs are making a difference, you also will develop and establish a strong network of professionals who share business and community values similar to yours. Even more, you will have many opportunities and ways to participate in dynamic projects around the world together with 1.23 million Rotarians in more than 33,000 clubs worldwide. Whether you’re traveling for pleasure or volunteering to better humankind, virtually anywhere there is a need you can find Rotary already working in that community.

You probably already give some service to the community. Otherwise, I doubt you’d still be reading this message. But, would you like to go deeper? Do you want to learn more? Just contact me, and I’ll make sure to connect you with Rotarians engaging the community where you live or where you work.

This year the international Rotary theme is “Rotary Connects The World.” But, it’s not just a theme, it’s a way of shaping your efforts. We are on the lookout for passionate people with a desire — indeed a need — to serve their community, globally and locally. It starts with you. Reach out to me or another local Rotarian today. Then, let’s get busy!