The Ken January 28, 2019
Attendance: Gary Roberts
Split Club: Pat Griffin
Invocation: Chuck Patterson
Fine Master: Mike Hettler
The Ken: Sue Jandzinski
We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Chuck led us in OUR RENDITION of “God Bless America”. Our guests today were Mark Simon from UNYTS, Greg Stevens and Kevin Crosby from the Niagara River Greenway Project. Announcements – Past President, Roger Moore’s wife passed away in Florida last week; Rick Graham read a challenge from the president of Rotary International that was published in this month’s Rotarian magazine – encouraging clubs to engage in a special service project which will benefit their community. With that being said, Audrey announced that she is planning on presenting a project involving the Niagara River Greenway Project at next month’s Rotary Board meeting. Pat Griffin announced a workshop for new Rotarians is scheduled for February 28th [6:30-8:30 pm] at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott; Jeff Markarian had a question on how to make out checks to Rotary [who to make them payable to – Kenmore Rotary, Kenmore Rotary Charities etc]; Larry Coon reported on the success of last week’s Purple Pinky Project – the event raised $1,400, which is matched by Kenmore Rotary making it $2,800 – which is then matched by Gates Foundation with the grand total of $5,600 – great job and a shout out to Bill B. for holding down the fort and Hoover and to Audrey for bringing the donuts! Jim Logan was beaming with joy when he announced that he and his wife will be 1st time grandparents in August; Cathy Piciulo invited all to the State of the Town [Town of Tonawanda] address with Supervisor Emminger next Thursday, February 7 at the Tonawanda Castle.
Audrey Meyers and Gary Roberts presented Mark Simon [UNYTS] with a check for $5,000 for his organization. The donation is a result of proceeds from last year’s Wine Event.
January’s Finemaster Mike Hettler, took to the podium and began by basically asking all to take out $5 and report on 1 positive thing that has happened to you this year. We were running late and quickly went through the room – Mike generated $74 in fines today! Rick Graham won the split club and Mike Hettler missed the ace of spades.
Audrey introduced our speakers – Past District Governor Kevin Crosby had Greg Stevens speak to us about the Niagara River Greenway Commission. Greg provided an update on the progress of this initiative along with upcoming opportunities that we and other Rotary clubs may be interested in participating in. WNY Rotary clubs located near the Niagara River Greenway and Erie Canal have collaborated on a multi-year community service project to help develop, promote, and maintain the trails, parks, and recreational areas of the Greenway. In addition to Rotary clubs, this project is expected to involve WNY Rotaract, Interact, and EarlyAct clubs.
Very interesting topic that took us until 1:40.