Program for next week (September 22nd): Hank Jonas and Gil Sweet: Corning Civic Music Upcoming Season
The Club convened for its usual Thursday noon meeting in the basement of the First Pres Church in Corning, and on Zoom. Recording of the entire meeting: here; recording of just the presentation: here.
In-person members present include Ross Perry, Dale Wexell, John Wahlig, Rick Davis, Dave Anderson, Dr. Bob, Wendy W, Jim Webb, Harrie Stevens, John Brown, Cathy Buck, Andy Rochester and Jan Harvey. Dialing in via Zoom were Gil Sweet, Stacy Ward, Nancy Dubendorfer, Dick Perry, Ted Goldwyn, Paul Tick, and the unsinkable Les Rosenbloom.
President Stu Sammis called on Ernie Danforth to lead us in a rousing rendition of "America (My Country, Tis of Thee)," which was followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and the Rotary Four-Way Test. Ross Perry led us in prayer.
Club Service:
Ross Perry gave the invocation.
Dick Perry captured the photos.
Ted Goldwyn served as your humble scribe (i.e., COGS writer).
Guests and Visiting Rotarians:
Harrie Stevens was a guest for the fourth time, introduced by John Brown. He is being considered for Club membership.
Announcements:
- President Stu provided the latest update from Rich Fastiggi, who is recovering from recent open heart surgery. Rich reports that progress is being made. They told him this operation would be worse than the last one. Get well soon, Rich. We miss you!
- Stu also gave an update on Sam Sanfratello, who is back home, and receiving treatment locally following a stint in Rochester. Sam, we are in your corner!
- Paul Tick is feeling well and recently started physical therapy on his knee. Paul's latest two books have been published on Amazon - congrats!
- In-person Meetings: John Brown reminded us that we will hold our first in-person meetings at The Center at 400 Park Avenue in South Corning on October 6 and 20. To make this work financially for members and the Club, we will need to have roughly 40 members attend each week. Meals will cost $15 pp (or $16 pp by credit card), and will include a hot entree, salad, and coffee/tea/milk. The Club will continue to meet in the Pres Church basement on alternating weeks. Thank you to the search committee for your efforts!
- More in-person Meetings: Also, thanks to John Wahlig, the Radisson has come around, offering $15 luncheon and no room charge. The search committee is looking to pilot this in November, December and January. As with the meetings at the Center, we will need a sufficient number of Rotarians to attend each week to make this a sustainable solution.
- Cathy Buck is our Club's representative to the Camp STAR Board. She announced that she is selling Camp STAR raffle tickets for $3 each, or 2 for $5. Prizes include leftover donations from the golf tournament. See Cathy to purchase tickets.
- Stacy Ward shared that since September is one of the rare months with a fifth Thursday, we will be hosting a special after-work social meeting on September 29, from 5 - 7 pm. Details are still being finalized, but we are considering the Three Birds restaurant on Market Street as the venue. This event is a joint effort among the Programs, Membership and Community Engagement committees. Stacy is hoping to encourage members who aren't able to make lunch meetings regularly to attend. Cost will be around $15, and will include appetizers and a cash bar. Please encourage members to bring guests and potential Rotarians!
- Stu shared that the Wineglass Marathon is coming up on October 2nd. Rotarians can volunteer to help set up the course through town at 0-Dark-30. To volunteer, sign up here.
- We still need committee chairs!
- The next Board meeting is this Monday, September 19 at 6:00 pm. Any Rotarian is welcome to attend.
- Ernie announced that a one-question Club survey will be emailed to all members, asking for your feedback on how to handle Club meetings going forward. We need YOUR input on how often to meet. Please take the time to fill out the survey.
Good News Bucks:
- Stacy shared that her youngest daughter is taking her road test tomorrow. Young Sofia has also been hired for her first job, working at Old World Cafe. Congrats to all!
Today's Program:
Stu Sammis introduced Susan Gruber, Certified Aging in Place Specialist, and Michael Hurley of Gerould's who presented on Creating Your Forever Home: It Starts At The Front Door. The video of the presentation can be found at: full meeting / just the presentation.
Visit www.forwardthinkinghomesolutions.com for more info on Susan's firm, Forward-Thinking Home Solutions, and to register for upcoming presentations at Appleridge Senior Living.
How we all feel...sometimes...