RONDEQUOTER, September 6, 2023 (Sep 10, 2023)

Tonight's meeting minutes are courtesy of Lori Martinez. Thanks, Lori!

OPENING COMMENTS

President Dan Dwyer gave a shout-out to Lou DiPrima and Bob Scheidt for installing the new speaker system supported by a $300 Rotary Club donation. He used the microphone, which he encouraged all members to do as well.

Therese (Terri) Corrigan-Bastuk then asked everyone to sing Happy Birthday to Guy Kittelsen (September 4) and Dominick Fantauzzo (August 28 birthday listed on Bulletin) while she made a video recording to send to each. Doug Decker’s 70th birthday was celebrated during Concerts at the Shore (“Beach Night”), one of several Summer Socials.

SUMMER SOCIALS REVIEW

President Dan commended Lou for a fabulous Steak and Bocce Night. Lou reports:

Two leftover coolers were taken to Beach Night.
Several Club members contributed by bringing corn on the cob (Ray Holla), cookies (Jim and Barb Kozlowski), and wine (Lou DiPrima).
Herrema’s did a phenomenal job with the food this time around.
Goal was to break even.
Kids added to the festive atmosphere.
S’mores were a big hit, even if Lou found melted marshmallow and other ingredients in his car afterwards!

Beach Night on the fifth Wednesday of August was well attended, with 18 members present. BJ Cunningham was thanked for bringing Doug’s birthday cake. Some members who had not yet paid the $10 for pizza at Beach Night gave their money to Lou.

DURAND PARK UPDATE

Tom Kosanke gave a detailed account of progress on the Durand Park Trail:

Most of the pressure-treated wood has been securely stored (“under lock and key”) beneath tarp and will be used to lay decking for simple platform.
Project has been intentionally delayed due to thunderstorms and air quality alerts.
Terri, Tom, and Dave Long walked this site two Sundays ago.
Purpose was summarized as extending walkable area by bringing platform around large muddy spot to lake. 20-minute walk from road is easy, not steep.
Logistics were described as a bit tough, but not insurmountable.
Wood has gone up in cost twice, but Morse Lumber honored original price.
County and Parks Dept. have provided unwavering support. Parks Dept. has agreed to pre-saw wood, which is to Rotary’s benefit. We will avoid allowing Scouts to saw wood to prevent injury.
Clearing has been designated as a work spot. Thought process is as follows: we will have 2-3 work sessions, but it is not a race to complete the platform. Rotarians will have fun with Scouts’ support.
Brandon Barnhart’s construction colleagues have offered to assist with moving wood.
There is a narrow trail that is tricky to work around: Log Cabin Rd to work spot is 70-100 ft down. Once 12 ft. planks are cut down into 3 ft. 2x 4s, they will be easier to handle, since they will not be as heavy. It may be stressful going downhill, but all Rotarians are capable of this.
Safe technique for transporting wood up and down the steep incline to be further examined.
Cordless drills are needed for assembly work.

GEN. RAPPL BENCH UPDATE

Bob Spatola recapped this project for those who may be unfamiliar with its origins, then communicated some important updates:

Irondequoit Rotary Club, especially members who are veterans, decided to initiate this dedication about a year ago.
During veterans’ breakfast meeting on 9/5, it was decided that medallion would be secured on larger upper slab so that it would be more noticeable.
Bench will be placed at Town Hall; pad to be provided by Town of Irondequoit.
Club is aiming for Veterans’ Day unveiling, in conjunction with Maj. Gen. Norbert J. Rappl Highway Project (stretch of 590 from Ridge Rd. to Tryon Pk. Bridge, south of Browncroft with substantial signage).
Bob has been in contact with Assemblymember Sarah Clark (will send email out to Club); Governor has still not signed bill.

SEPTEMBER CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS

Two new member presentations will take place at next meeting: Lori Martinez and Debbie Renna-Hynes.
The week after that, the first ever visit from Interact Club is scheduled.
On 9/27, it is hoped that Assemblymember Sarah Clark will have further details on Highway Project.

OTHER OLD BUSINESS

Aside from the Pasta Dinner Committee, Terri has been active with the District Grant. She stated that the Ukrainian resettlement initiative ($4,500 maximum) is assisting families displaced by the war. At the outset, 5-6 families were to receive aid in increments of $150 (no more than $600 per family for tax reasons). They needed to show receipts proving that the money had been used for basic needs such as medication and food so that they could receive another disbursement. The total number of families increased to 9, and they hope to thank our Club sometime soon.

Terri reminded everyone that the Ukrainian Credit Union is located in Irondequoit and is the headquarters for all U.S. Ukrainian Credit Unions. There are also four Ukrainian churches in the area. She reported that 15 new families arrived last week.

NEW BUSINESS

Ray Holla enthusiastically described the successful Haccamo camping season. The first week was for children and youth ages 7-18 (75 campers), and 100 adults ages 19-30 took part in the second week. Carnival Night featured the ever-popular Bounce House. Ray took pictures of the kids riding the train and posted them on the Haccamo website. The Mendick family was commended for their large donation.

Ray reflected on how the wonderful camp counselors come in as high schoolers and are now medical doctors and social workers. Club members discovered that Andrea Sauer responded to a shortage in staffing by providing much-needed nursing skills on one of the days. Andrea was hoping to go unnoticed but deserved recognition. Such humility is an example of Service Above Self.

THOUGHT OF THE WEEK: President Dan says it is a blast to lead a club full of great leaders!

Rondequoter