banner
separator
Vestal Rotary Vigilant 2.0 
News both Fit and Unfit to Print!

News Items from Meeting held July 13th… 

50/50 – Won by Richard!! 

There was a short celebration honoring Richard’s 80th Birthday – including cupcakes, a crown and sash for the “Birthday King”.  80 Candles were present, but it was thought better of to light them for fear of setting off the sprinklers!

Intro of guests present:

There were 3 guests this week – including:  Sadie from United Way (potential new club member); Tara Dharkal (BU Professor & our featured speaker today); 1 other gentleman that I was unable to hear his name – I “think” it was Ben (he knew both Richard & Nate)!   

Fines both Happy and otherwise:

  • Christina was happy to have had a GREAT weekend spending time with some of her fellow Rotarians – Danielle @ Pour House (snubbing George for an invite to 500 Poolside), Nick & Catrina (paddleboarding on the River – everyone survived although there was no proof of life for Nick at the meeting) and a CLOSING transaction with Ted, Kevin and Christina involved!  She was also happy to be presiding over her 1st official Vestal Rotary meeting!
  • Aaron was happy to recognize Christina as President for this year!
  • James was happy to share that he adopted a dog from Humane Society over the weekend.  In addition, he celebrated his son’s graduation with a PARTY!
  • Nate was happy to welcome Ben (visitor) and the fact that he’s no longer President!
  • George paid because he’s “Just Happy”!

Speaker’s Corner:

Tara Dhakal was our speaker. He is a BU Professor in the ECE Department (Electrical, Computer & Engineering) as well as the Director for Center for Autonomous Solar Power (CASP).  Dr Dhakal shared with us where exactly he grew up and lived in Nepal and how he spent his time growing up there – riding his bike and shared his experiences with wild monkeys there!  He shared his journey in college and how that brought him to the United States.  We learned about the Green House effect and the need for renewable energy here in the US.  We lag many European & Asian countries in adapting renewable energy sources and uses. IN addition to his expertise in his field of study, he shared that he met and hosted Richard on Richard’s dream trip to Nepal.  He had quite a few stories to share as well as pictures – including his Mother’s BIG Birthday party!    You can visit CASP website for more information:    Center for Autonomous Solar Power | Binghamton University

 

Announcements:

  • California Grill is closed on August 10th.  The club will meet at MHAST’s new facility @ 34 W State St, Binghamton (former CVS) – lunch will be served.  More specific details to follow.  Keep an eye on your email
  • July 25th – Johnson City Carousel Day – looking for volunteers to “spend time at our table” and talk up Rotary.  A sign-up sheet will come soon via email

 

Upcoming Events

Johnson City Carousel Day
Jul. 25, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Carousel Days
Jul. 25, 2026
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Vestal Rotary Club Meeting
Jul. 27, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
VR Board Meeting
Aug. 04, 2026 6:30 p.m.
Vestal Rotary Club Meeting
Aug. 10, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Vestal Rotary Club Meeting
Aug. 24, 2026
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m.
View entire list
Speakers
Upcoming Speakers
Jul 27, 2026 12:15 PM
Vestal Town Assessment
Aug 10, 2026 12:15 PM
New MHAST Facility
Aug 24, 2026 12:15 PM
YWCA Executive Director
Sep 07, 2026 12:15 PM
Past Speakers
Jul 13, 2026 12:15 PM
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Ryoichi Matsushima
July 5
 
Spouse/Partner Birthdays
Debbie
July 30
 
Anniversaries
STEVE Miller
Susie Miller
July 1
 
Mitch Mitchell
Jul 25 1973 Mitchell
July 12
 
Join Date
Christina Schaefer
July 5, 2022
4 years
 
Michael Costantino
July 13, 2015
11 years
 
Ryoichi Matsushima
July 25, 1988
38 years
 
Executives & Directors
President
 
President Elect
 
Vice President
 
Immediate Past President
 
Secretary
 
Executive Secretary/Director
 
Treasurer
 
Rotary Foundation
 
Membership
 
Club Service/Social Media
 
Coats for Kids
 
House Committee
 
Dicks Sporting Goods Open
 
Dicks Sporting Goods Open
 
Interact Advisor
 
Interact Advisor
 
RYLA Chairperson
 
Sergeant-at-Arms
 
Board Member at Large
 
Board Member at Large
 

Bulletin Editor

Danielle Bulger
separator