Lori Martinez took notes tonight. Lori, Thanks!
PASTA DINNER PRELIMINARY RESULTS: Treasurer Lynn Wozniak reports that as of November 15, total revenue from our Pasta Dinner totaled $38,000, which includes some meal tickets sold at the door. Top sellers were President Dan Dwyer, followed by Bob Spatola and Bob Scheidt. 1740 meals were sold, and President Dan commended Lorenzo Weaver, guest of Honorary Member Lee Steinfeldt, for serving about half of them.
Lou DiPrima mentioned that the boiler in the kitchen needs an overhaul, and a moving company should be hired to power wash, steam clean, and bring it back. A motion was brought forward for the Club to make a donation for the improvement of the Bishop Kearney kitchen, which would include the boiler repair, since it is not safe to use in its present condition.
FINANCE REPORT: Highlights from Treasurer Lynn are as follows:
- Regarding the Pasta Dinner, profits should exceed budget.
- Recently opened CNB savings account earned interest in the first month.
- We are “holding our own as expected” with weekly meals from July through October. ----- One month expenses exceeded revenue.
- October cost has not been finalized yet and November is to be determined.
- On average, 14 people have been eating; this number fluctuates between 9 and 16.
- Met with Past Treasurer Jason Miller to reconcile fiscal year and make adjustments to budget.
- Filed 990N (e-postcard for clubs) on deadline to keep Club status active for another year.
- Will send in Foundation and Polio funds for tax purposes by December 6, to coincide with Dave Hannan’s Foundation presentation.
- Main expenses have been on Veterans’ Day celebrations, including refreshments, and Durand Trail Project.
- Rappl Family will send donation.
- Club donation has been made in Isaac Elliott’s name to Uplift Irondequoit, in memory of his cousin.
DURAND TRAIL PROJECT UPDATE AND PLAN: Tom Kosanke says that the eight Rotarians and one Interact student, who were assisted by a community member (and prospective Rotarian), did a great job on November 12. The work is more than 2/3 of the way complete and there is enough wood for 120 feet of platform. Positive comments have been made on the Facebook page and continued expressions of gratitude have come from passersby while they observed Rotarians at work. Photos of the work so far can be seen on the website. Tom hopes to finish Phase 1 by 11/19. So far 7 Rotarians have committed to working from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Invitations have been extended to the Scouts and Interact Club. Please let Tom know if you can help the Trailblazers, even for an hour or two.
MAJ. GEN. RAPPL BENCH DEDICATION AND HIGHWAY EVENT: Bob Spatola reported a good Rotarian turnout at both events in honor of Major General Norbert Rappl. The Rappl family was happy and surprised to see the bench, as were the Rotarians present. President Dan called for a full Club thank-you to the Veterans’ Committee and to Dick Butler as Master of Ceremonies at the morning ceremony and Tryon Park. When the power went out at the Highway Dedication, Dick carried on flawlessly, and power was restored for his final comments. Dick jokingly said that it was Norb’s spirit telling him his speech was too long. Rotary was recognized for playing a part in Major General Rappl’s life. Both highway signs (the one unveiled in the park and the other that is being prepared) are to be installed by DOT in about a month’s time. Terri Corrigan-Bastuk will send the quote by Dominick Fantauzzo in the Highway Dedication to the rest of the Club.
HOLIDAY BASKET PROJECT: Terri stated that the Dictionary Project (placing labels) can be folded into the evening of December 13 when Community Cupboard Holiday Baskets will be prepared. The goal is distribution by Christmas. As a Club, we should arrive between 5:30 and 6 p.m. The projects are scheduled on the same night as the Board of Directors meeting, so adjustments will be made accordingly.
EASTERN CITIES EVENT AT STRONG MUSEUM OF PLAY: Tom Kosanke appreciated the change of venue this year. The format consisted of grazing and socializing, followed by a presentation, desserts, and games. At least 300 Rotarians were in attendance. The Perry Rotary, which is a small club of 75 prominent community members, is celebrating its centennial this year. Tom quizzed Club members, who knew that we were part of District 7120 but had to be prompted to remember Zone 32, which includes Bermuda, a possible Club vacation spot.
At this point, a champagne toast was offered by Terri Corrigan-Bastuk in honor of our accomplishments (Trail Project, Pasta Dinner, Veterans’ Day Ceremonies, among others).
DISTRICT WIDE VOCAL COMPETITION: A District Wide Vocal Competition contestant was last sponsored by Terri and Dick Butler during Dick’s presidency in 2013. President Dan has asked Lori Martinez to be on the Steering Committee to help bring this competition back to life. Contestants are being sought at Eastridge, West Irondequoit and Bishop Kearney. So far, there are tentative responses from music teachers at Eastridge and West Irondequoit, the latter of which is known for its outstanding musical theatre productions. Two vocalists from Eastridge graced the Veterans’ Day ceremonies with their renditions of “God Bless America” (senior) and the National Anthem (sophomore), but the competition is only open to juniors. In-person Club auditions for the February 11 Regional Competition should take place before the application deadline of January 24. The Final Competition will be held on February 25 at noon at Roberts Wesleyan, with a snow date of March 3. There is a $200 sponsorship fee per contestant, and President Dan says it would be a great use of our funds. Cash prizes will be awarded, and a total of $40,000 in scholarships to the music school of the winner’s choice is available through the District.
OLD BUSINESS: Three days after the Holiday Baskets, Shop with a Cop is on for December 16. President Dan spoke to Chief Peters, who expressed appreciation for the Club’s honest feedback during the recent visit by Officer John Lawton. Members were quite upset and disappointed at the proposed changes to make the project citywide under Toys for Tots. So once again, Shop with a Cop will be for all Irondequoit children in need who will be paired with an officer. The plan is for them to shop at Target and wrap gifts together. Irondequoit Rotary will provide financial support, and Captain Jessica Franco, a former Rotarian, will be invited to share more details soon.
NEW BUSINESS: Treasurer Lynn shared a letter from Mary’s Place requesting assistance with their Christmas project for refugee children and teens. They are seeking donations of toys, blankets, hats, gloves, and scarves which can be dropped off between November 27th and December 7th 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. at 414 Lexington Avenue. Volunteers are also needed during the week of December 8 for gift assembly. Distribution date is December 15 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. Call volunteer coordinator Sophie Bazzett with any questions: 585-270-8626. BJ Cunningham’s husband may be able to bring items on the days he drives for Mary’s Place.
President Dan reminded us that this weekend and next (November 18th and 19th ; 25th and 26th noon-4 p.m.), our Pasta Dinner sponsor Intervol is having a donation drive for medical supplies. Sal Abbasey and Lori Martinez have volunteered to help out on Saturday, November 18. Intervol is located at the Riedman building on 100 Kings Hwy S., across from Bishop Kearney. See the website for more information on how Intervol serves the community: www.intervol.org
Last but certainly not least, we have two opportunities to socialize as a Club: next Wednesday at Nick’s Seabreeze Inn on Culver for some informal Thanksgiving cheer (arrive at 6; dinner at 6:30) and the New Member Recruitment Social on November 29 at 6 p.m. at the Irondequoit Beer Co. on Titus. The challenge is to bring a prospective new member in order to get drinks and snacks for free.
CLOSING REMARKS: Thought for the week: Acknowledging the good that you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance......Eckhart Tolle
President Dan highly recommends Tolle’s book The Power of Now and wants to make sure we have 30 people at Irondequoit Beer Co. in two weeks!
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