Members in Attendance (9):  Debbie Brown, Pat Bailey, Peter Brown, Murray Forth, Ray Hannan, Kevin Leyhane, Phil Kellerman, Andy Leyhane, and Debbie Rodriguez.

By Zoom (5):   Roberto Martinez, Jim Leyhane, Roberto Martinez, Charlie Foote and Ruth Samuels.

Guests (1): Stephen Fine (Speaker)

President Peter Brown called the meeting to order. 

Theme for the Year: “Building Community”

MEETING NOTES:

Iron Giraffe Bowl-a-Thon: The bowl-a-thon will be held on Sunday April 14 from 2 pm until 4 pm. The cost will be $13 per person for 50 bowlers. Per Phil Kellerman, the next step is to ask for sponsors. He has all the sponsor signs from last year. Stay tuned for further details.

Water for Kenya: Tony Kasura, one Peter and Debbie Brown’s guides during their trip to Maasai Mara Kenya, and Edith Kenara of the Rotary Club of Enkare Karok have identified different areas for the proposed well. They were supposed to speak but Ms. Kenara has been out of town. Peter hopes the conversation will take place shortly.

Ukrainian Refugees: Peter Brown received an email. He will look into this.

Moscatiello’s: Roberto Martinez and Jim Leyhane met with Michael Moscatiello Senior. Due to rising costs, dinner will now cost $30. This includes the room, tip, bread and soft drinks. Michael has also added a few items to select from for our weekly dinner choices. 

PETS Training: Per Roberto Martinez, Pets training is coming up soon. It will be held in Syracuse. Roberto proposed that the Club help cover the costs for some members to attend. He will have more information shortly.

AARP: Debbie Rodriguez suggested that the Club look into the AARP Community Grants.

Next Meeting: Thursday, January 18th at 6:00 pm at Moscatiello’s Italian Family Restaurant, Route 4, North Greenbush. Also, you can join the by Zoom using the link on the websites calendar page. Our speaker will be Terry Brewer on Recruitment.

Entree choices will be Caesar Salid, Portobello Ravioli or Spaghetti with meat balls.

The Melanoma Education Foundation is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that was officially established in 2000. Unofficially, it began in 1999 by offering education on Melanoma to high school wellness teachers and to students. The Foundation’s focus is on self-evaluation, early detection and prevention. They are also contacting Rotary Clubs offering free presentations on Melanoma to establish a connection to older people.

There are three types of skin cancers: basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Both carcinomas grow slowly and are not usually fatal. However, melanoma is deadly. It is fast growing and spreads internally. There are usually no symptoms until it is too late. Anyone, regardless of skin type, can develop a melanoma. It can occur anywhere on the body (feet, hands, scalp). The average age of onset is 65 but it can affect young people too. Twenty-five percent of new patients are less than forty years old.

The Melanoma Education Foundation has two websites. The website for educators of middle and high school students that contains lesson plans, classroom materials and videos can be found at https://melanomaeducation.net/. The website for the general public can be found at https://www.skincheck.org/. This website contains videos, pictures and educational materials on risk factors, warning signs, how to check your skin, what to look for, skin protection options and the dangers of UV radiation.

Melanoma prevention includes the use of broad-spectrum sunblock combined with protective clothing such as hats and the use of sunglasses. Avoid exposure during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm. Practice self-evaluation. See a dermatologist yearly and anytime you find something of concern. “When in doubt, get it out.” Use sunless tanners (over the counter products or spray booths. Check out the websites for the pictures and more in-depth information.