Rondequoter

Lori Martinez took notes tonight.  Thanks Lori!

Business Meeting tonight.

The Irondequoit Rotary Club has received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Director of Recreation of the Town of Irondequoit and the Recreation Supervisor: “In grateful recognition of your outstanding service and dedication to Irondequoit Recreation and our community.” This was accompanied by a very punny card that read, “You’re the BALM,” and a gift of lip balm with the Irondequoit Rec logo.

Guest Lorenzo Weaver was welcomed back as he accompanied Honorary Member Lee Steinfeldt.

Peter Mendick finally got to sing the carol he has been requesting all year round, “White Christmas,” as the opening song.

PASTA DINNER UPDATE

Bob Scheidt has the official Pasta Dinner results, and our Club set another record. By managing our network of sponsors, net profit was increased by 14% without serving more meals. Bob Scheidt looks forward to more member involvement. Our Paris-Kirwan sponsor was taken out for an appreciation dinner, and the relationship will continue as Irondequoit town-centric projects are underwritten by this sponsor. President Dan announced that, of only 5 entries in the pasta sales guessing contest, Dave Shaheen is the winner (closest without going over). The Pasta Dinner Committee was thanked and Bob Scheidt’s leadership was highlighted. Lou DiPrima suggested putting the pasta proceeds toward the sponsor dinner.

DURAND TRAIL PROJECT UPDATE

Lou DiPrima, Sal Abbasey, Dan Dwyer, Dave Shaheen and Jim Kozlowski led the Trailblazers in their fabulous final chapter. Phase 1 is now complete, and there were more accolades from passersby as the team was finishing up the project. It is time to consider a new phase by identifying another area of the park in need of renovation. President Dan acknowledged Tom Kosanke’s initiative as well as the collaboration among Rotarians, Interact, Scouts, and Irondequoit Parks and Recreation. Moving forward, there should be signage to recognize Rotary, Interact, and Scouts.

HOLIDAY BASKET REPORT

Terri Corrigan-Bastuk thanked all who participated, especially her “elf” Elena Barbone, for a successful project at the Irondequoit Food Cupboard. The food provided by Fran DiPrima was also appreciated. Our Club has been invited to a meeting at the ICC one Wednesday night. In addition, two no-shows to Shop with a Cop resulted in leftover $100 gift certificates that were sent to the ICC.

SHOP WITH A COP PROJECT

Lou reports that Louis went to pick up gift cards at several different Target stores. An additional $250 gift card went toward pizza and incidentals. Shop with a Cop was described as a fun project. Bob and Judene Scheidt did the afternoon shift. A good police representation was noted. Chief Peters and his Administrative Assistant were thankful that the traditional project went through. President Dan remarked that this was a win-win situation with a great deal of Club support. Jim, Lou, Aaron & Dan wrapped gifts and made it look like the kids did it!  Les Kaszuba kept the morning shift smiling.  Great EVENT!

FINANCIAL REPORT

Treasurer Lynn Wozniak summarized the Financial Report as follows:

• On the administrative side, Happy Dollars/Conscience Fines are behind. We should be at the halfway point and are not bringing in as much as expected. Bob Scheidt mentioned that some dollars pledged toward the Foundation are perhaps not being put toward administrative costs.
• For the weekly dinners, we are holding our own and had enough to pay November invoices.
• Bookmarks have been paid for.
• Under Club Projects, dictionary labels are in and should be placed by the first of the year. The cost is within the budgeted amount.
• Lumber for the Durand Trail Project has been paid for by the Foundation and there is still enough money for the signage.
• Refreshments for the Veterans’ Day Bench Dedication have also been paid.
• The extra $250 has been added to the Shop with a Cop expenses.
• In general, we are keeping pace with costs. Treasurer Lynn will meet with Jason Miller to reconcile the books and update the budget.
• Regarding Club donations, we are almost done with the District Matching Grant for Ukrainian resettlement: 9 Ukrainian families are receiving up to $600 per family in installments of $150 and must show receipts. Report is ready to be submitted to get Matching Grant funds from the District.
• Foundation and Polio monies will be sent to Rotary International in December.
• $300 total contributions in memory of Joanne Mendick to be sent to RI as well.
• Member contributions in memory of Isaac Elliott’s cousin will be sent as a $100 donation to Uplift Irondequoit.

BOARD MEETING REPORT

President Dan met with the Board prior to the Business Meeting to discuss key calendar items. BJ Cunningham is guiding Lily Lynch on the Valentine’s Day and St. Patrick’s Day projects. It was decided that, since Valentine’s Day 2024 falls on a Wednesday, our regular Club meeting would be replaced by the project. We have to make sure Les Kaszuba is committed to the date. The St. Patrick’s night has tentatively been scheduled for Wednesday, March 13 because March 17 falls on that following Sunday.

MORE KEY CALENDAR ITEMS

Members were able to review all calendar items. The first meeting of 2024, January 3, will be spent reviewing the strategic plan developed by Treasurer Lynn under her previous leadership. Dr. Aaron Johnson will facilitate the discussion on this day and a Saturday workshop will follow on January 13 if Dr. Johnson determines it is necessary. As a Club, we will brainstorm other meaningful, sustainable community projects that can be funded in addition to Durand. President Dan highlighted the “sweat equity factor” (physical labor, mental effort and time) as well as the passersby who not only commended Rotarians but even helped carry wood. It so happened that a jogger who stopped to see the Trailblazers at work is responsible for Community Projects for R G &E and volunteered to assist with Phase 2.

On December 27, our Club’s End-of-the-Year Party will take place at the Sicilian Club from 6-8 p.m. Lou suggested a White Elephant Gift Exchange where wrapped gifts are placed in the middle of the table and participants are given numbers. The options are to either select a gift from the pile or “steal” one that has already been claimed. Lou will explain the rules in more detail in an email. This will be an opportunity to celebrate amazing work in such a short time, namely the Veterans’ Day Ceremonies, Pasta Dinner, Durand Trail Project, Ukrainian Resettlement, Shop with a Cop, and Holiday Baskets.

OLD BUSINESS

Terri Corrigan-Bastuk met with Tamara Denysenko to give 6 Ukrainian resettlement checks and one recipient, who is living as a single mother because her spouse is fighting in the war, expressed profound gratitude.

Kenn Van Dieren is seeking a new Dictionary Project chairperson because, as he puts it, he is “aging out.” Over the years, he has enjoyed seeing the children’s eyes light up as they hold the book in their hands.  President Dan asserts that physical dictionaries are still relevant. Ray Holla reports that kids at the Fourth of July parade thanked the Club for dictionaries, which go far beyond words and definitions. He has agreed to come alongside BJ Cunningham for the time being.

NEW BUSINESS

President Dan stated that Corporate Member James Brennan had been sent by Dr. Aaron Johnson to help revive the Vocal Contest. Secretary Lori Martinez, who is brand new to the Steering Committee, had voiced some strong concerns about the difficulty of recruiting contestants despite all the talent, especially at West Irondequoit. President Dan explained the rationale behind the Club’s renewed interest in the competition, which could lead to a music scholarship at most, and at least, to adjudication of talent by renowned music professionals. He appointed Lori Martinez to the Steering Committee because of her passion for music and her desire to empower youth.

Isaac Elliott requested gifts for homeless families by Christmas Eve and will email the ages and kinds of gifts to President Dan.