Next Week (October 13): In-person lunch meeting at First Presbyterian Church. Program: Bill Boland Mid-Project Update on Holiday Evening with Rotary
Club Service:
Gil Sweet: photos. See them all here
Jeff Ugoretz: invocation
Tom O'Brien: COGS
Welcome: President Stu opened the meeting at the Center, 400 Park Ave., south, with an imaginary “ding” on his imaginary bell, followed by "My Country ’Tis of Thee", and the Pledge of Allegiance. Attendance: at least 41 members were in attendance at the October 6, 2022 in-person luncheon.
Guests and Visiting Rotarians: John Wahlig introduced two guests. Katie introduced a colleague from work. Ted introduced Emma and Amanda from the Interact Club. John Brown introduced his wife, Margo; Ernie Stevens; a new executive from the Radisson and also Brian McConnell, who is returning temporarily from his home in the south. Ross Perry introduced his wife, Mary Lou. Wendy Winnett introduced Belina, who is an exchange student from Ukraine. Belina said she has been here for only about a month. She gave a short greeting and thanks to our members. More photos here.
President Stu congratulated the members for their first formal lunch in more than two years. He especially praised the size of the turnout. Stu commended those who attended the special, after-hours social meeting at Three Birds Restaurant on September 29, 2022. Approximately 25 Rotarians attended the social. Stu explained that the September 29, 2022 evening social event was based on the 5 Thursdays in this year’s month of September. The social took the place of the fifth Thursday luncheon.
Stu thanked John Wahlig, John Brown, Rick Davis and Dale Wexell, among others for their hard and effective work in locating possible venues for the Club’s in-person lunches. Their work resulted in the Thursday, October 6, 2022 luncheon being catered and served by Janet Sullivan, her husband Jim, and Janet’s sister. The meal at the Center was especially tasty. John Wahlig noted that the committee also worked with the Radisson to make an offer to serve the regular Rotary Thursday lunches. Those lunch meetings will tentatively be piloted in November, December and January, 2022.Dick Perry asked Stu to confirm that Rotary is not changing the length of the luncheon meetings. Stu confirmed the meetings will remain the same— one hour and fifteen minutes.
Stu reported that Sam Sanfratello is at home, although not recovered. Rich Fastiggi is also at home recovering from his second surgery. Dave Anderson has Covid 19 (or some version of it), and Les Rosenbloom has recovered from his own case of Covid.
Stacy Ward reported that the Gaffer is looking for volunteers for this year’s Parade of Lights on Saturday, November 26, 2022. She also said that Corning Meals on Wheels is conducting a Halloween cookie sale fund raiser. Costs: $15 per doz.; and $8 per half doz. Order online here or call 607-962-7985.
Fifty-Fifty: Les Rosenbloom reminded the members that the traditional 50-50 lottery has not been seen for at least 2 years. He fixed that by taking up a collection. He reported that that there was $300 in the kitty.
Good News Bucks
Stacy Ward reported that his daughter passed her driving test ($3 penalty). John Brown praised the large turnout for the lunch. Gill Sweet paid to reduce emails from John as well as grandchildren doing well. This led to a discussion of things that make people happy... And, finally, that Civic Music tickets are still available. John Whalig offered thanks for the great turnout. Dale Wexell praised all the work that went into organizing the day’s lunch, discussed fellowship and contributed $50 to show his appreciation. He also added a plug for fundraising activities. Les Rosenbloom contributed $25 so John Brown would stop emailing him [laughter]. Bill Boland praised the City of Corning for building 6 pickle ball courts in the Nasser Center.Margo Brown won the “sure win” lottery at the end of the luncheon.
Today’s Program
Paula Smith introduced Harolyn Giordano, the Pink Boutique Director, and Brenda Current, the YWCA Elmira and Twin Tiers CEO as presenters of the day’s program. Harolyn described the Pink Boutique and its work, explaining how the Boutique, together with the YWCA, promote October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. A video of the presentation can be found at: full presentation/ just the presentation.