Wow, July certainly has flown by and what a busy and exciting month it was for our Rotary!
We’ve had excellent attendance at our luncheon meetings.
Brian Steele brought in interesting and informative speakers.
The GWJ Statue Restoration Committee got off to a great start. Brian and I met with a variety of possible donors for the project.
The Executive Board approved a solid 2022-23 budget brought forth by treasurer Kim Potter.
Some of us attended the dedication of Endwell Rotary’s Band Organ at Highland Park. Thanks to Jim Leonard in assisting them with their project.
Our Club donated a number of toiletries and personal hygiene items for YWCA’s drive to give out to those in need.
Jessica & Brian Haas finally celebrated their wedding vows (after a 2 year hold) with a beautiful ceremony.
Heather Uhlman &Karl Bub were married in July. Congratulations to both of them!
On a sad note…our long-time member, Ralph Spinelli passed away in Florida. Our condolences and thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time. We will certainly miss Ralph and his quick wit and stories he liked to share with us all.
August also looks to be a very busy month for us. The Dick’s Open is just around the corner, and I would like to thank Tom Latini for organizing and keeping all of us informed. We look forward to our annual picnic at Round Top on the 25th…please plan on attending and bringing a dish to share (we’ll provide the main course). The northside Gusto Festival, which we help sponsor, is on the 26thand we plan to staff a booth of hot dogs and snacks (which we get to keep the profits).
In closing, this year’s Rotary International’s theme is “Imagine”. Imagine brining in a prospective new member. Thank you for making our club special and making it such a vital part for our community!
I would like to update the club of the financial stability of the Endicott Rotary Foundation. Unfortunately, the foundation's investment account has lost over $16K since January 1, 2022. We hope as the country and world slowly rebound, that we see the markets return to some sort of normalcy. We have adopted a giving structure of 3%/35% moving forward to sustain the longevity of the Endicott Rotary Foundation. This will allow our fund balance to grow, at the same time giving back to the community and fulfilling our vision and mission.
The foundation has received several requests for funding this summer. We are once again sponsoring the Gusto Festival in August. We presented Mike Romeo, president of Little Italy and Gusto Fest organizer with a check for $1,500 at our July 21st regular meeting. We have also approved to have the inside of Community Hall at the Endicott Visitor's Center painted. We received several quotes and have awarded Pickett's Painting with the job. Additionally, we granted $239.00 to the West Endicott National Night out event being held on August 2nd.
Other pending requests include the YWCA and the Endicott Fire Dept. I will update the club on those once the foundation board has made a decision.
In an effort to promote transparency, I will be updating the club once a month on the foundation's business at one of our regular club meetings.
Congratulations to Brian Steele on being appointed to District 7170 and the CNY Rotary Public Image Committee.
Rocky Martinez, 7170 District Governor, formed the committee to promote the district's overall public image with website development, advertising, social media and public relations. The committee has also been tasked with event participation and tracking.
Brian will also serve on the CNY Rotary Public Image Committee which will guide the public image and relations of merging 7170, 7190 and 7150 into one district known as CNY Rotary.
Brian joins Wendy Deis from Owego Rotary, Chris Hasse from Itaca Sunrise Rotary and Sean Lewis from Oneonta Rotary as members of the committee.
The Dick's Sporting Goods Open will be played at Endicott's En-Joie Golf Course from August 15-21, 2022. Endicott Rotary will once again volunteer in the main concession tent under the direction of Tom Latini. The response from our club has truly been overwhelming. In record time every time slot has been filled, a true testament to our club's dedication and comradery. ~ Thank you! ~
There are opportunities to volunteer in other areas of the open, Dave Baker is looking for Marshalls, if you would like to volunteer as a Marshall, please contact Dave. ~ Service Above Self ~
The Endwell Rotary Club dedicated their Wurlitzer Band Organ purchased for the Town of Union’s use at Highland Park. The dedication ceremony took place on Sunday, July 24th at noon, at the Carousel in Highland Park. Endicott Rotarians Gail Smith, Rick Materese, Tom Latini, Jim Leonard, Mario Salati and Brian Steele attended the event.
The organ’s cost has been partially underwritten by a generous donation from the estate of long-time Endwell Rotarian club member Nick Lignini. The community will have the opportunity to help support the project through the purchase of raffle tickets and sponsorships. A plaque will be developed at the park with names of the sponsors.
.png)
