November is our month where we especially give thanks for all the goodness around us. We live in a world today that’s facing numerous challenges, and many are facing rough times. When we really think about it though, we still have much to be thankful for in our everyday lives. Despite uncertain times, we live in the greatest country in the world. Many people in their own small way work hard every day giving of themselves to positively impact others.
I would like to especially thank the following Rotarians who have served above self throughout our community recently:
Those that donated clothing for Little Italy’s Northside Halloween event
Jessica Haas and Mike Tanzini for handling SCC’s Trunk or Treat event (thanks also to those that donated candy)
Jim Leonard for spearheading a team to help clean-up our Riverbank
Our Carousel Band Organ for participating at Rod Serling’s Concert Event at BHS (and to those who got it there)
Sam Lupo and Company for decorating Ideal Living Center with beautiful holiday lights
Those who have already donated to the GFJ Monument Restoration Project
Darlene Leonard and committee for organizing Broome County’s only major Holiday Parade to take place on 12/3/22
Betty Casey as president of Union-Endicott’s Educational Foundation (and members: Brian Steele, Dennis Sweeney, Pamela Portland, Nicole Wolfe, and myself)
Dennis Sweeney and Endicott Elks for The Dictionary Project, handing them out to all U-E and M-E 3rd grade students
Brian Steele for helping the Tiger’s Pride Marching Band throughout this season
Kim Potter, Heather & Karl Bub, Jessica Hass, Brian Steele for serving on the nominating committee
All our Rotarians for signing up for BU concessions, Brian Steele and BettyCasey for coordinating all the efforts at BU
I’m sure you too, have much to be thankful for in your world. God bless you all for the good you do for our wonderful community…making it a better place each and every day.
In keeping with my commitment of transparency of the Foundation, I am providing you with the latest update. On Thursday, October 6, after the regular meeting, the board met to discuss two requests for money. The Foundation finalized the request from Brian Steele and Mario Salati for the restoration project of the George F. Johnson Memorial on Main St. The request was for $5,000. With our funds getting low, I approached them to ask if we could donate $2,500 now and the remaining $2,500 after July 1, 2023. Since the actual work will not be done until after then, the second $2,500 will be given at that time. We will be presenting them a check in the next week or two for $2,500. The second request was from Sam Lupo for the UHS Capital Project. I am coping right from the proposal why this money is being requested. "UHS has financed the majority of the project through a bond issuance. However, as part of the New York State Certificate of Need (CON), NYS requires the sponsor to put in 10% of the project cost." The board voted to give $5,000 to the UHS Foundation towards the total required of approximately $15 million. Once again, it will be given in two parts, $2,500 now and $2,500 after July 1, 2023. Both Doug and I signed a letter of intent for the second donation after July 1. In recognition of the $5,000 donation, the UHS Foundation will offer the Endicott Rotary Club the opportunity to name one of the private inpatient rooms in the patient tower. The Foundation has only $4,653 left to donate between now and June 30, 2023, until the new numbers are recalculated, and a new total is established. Once this money is gone, no more donations will be made until July 1, 2023, unless a special emergency need arises. Any requests coming in will more than likely be scaled back. Currently, the investment account of the Foundation has once again decreased in value due to market returns. The current amount in the investment account as of September 30, 2022, is $134,974.50. The total market losses for the year-to-date are $25,002.93. Once again, this is due to market conditions and nothing else. There is currently $39,494.56 in the checking account with approximately $20,000 coming from donations received from outside sources for the George F. Johnson Memorial Fund that is being held for that project. Once the BU games start, the Foundation totals will begin to rapidly grow towards the recalculation of next year's amount to be donated. We appreciate everyone who volunteers their time throughout the year, which allows our foundation to give back to the community.
If anyone has any questions, please contact me via email or give me a call.
Third-grade students in all elementary schools received a special gift that will serve them well in their education for years to come.
For nearly 13 years, members of the Endicott Rotary Club and Endicott Elks Lodge have donated dictionaries to all U-E third graders. Dr. Dennis Sweeney, who helps coordinate the effort, said it’s an important program for both organizations adding, “Each child will have their own dictionary to use in support of general literacy education.” Sweeney, retired U-E Superintendent, delivered the dictionaries to each elementary school. Building principals and a few students greeted Dr. Sweeney and thanked him for the generous donation.
Each dictionary has a bookmark and a label where students can write their names.
The partnership helps foster community and collaboration between our students and the organizations in our area.
Each year Endicott Rotary hangs holiday lights for the residents at Ideal Living Center. If you would like to help this year, please contact Sam Lupo or meet at the gazebo at Ideal on 11/5 at 9:30am.
We have officially kick off the fundraising efforts for George F. Johnson Memorial Rehabilitation Project. We want to thank our October donors; Michelle and John Karedes, Coleman and Damiels Funeral Home, Precision Automotive, Summit Dental, The Cider Mill and Byrne Dairy for making a donation to the project. We have a great opportunity through the Ralph J. Warner Memorial Fund to match private individual donations up to $5,000.
If you would like to make a donation to this project, please find the information below and on our webpage www.EndicottRotary.com
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