We started our lively, happy meeting right on time with the Pledge followed by singing “America” led by Chuck Patterson. John Coogan gave our invocation with special thanks for both Bills and Sabres victories.
Dawn greeted our guests, Hank Sokol from Buffalo Rotary and Lou and Mary Knotts from Calspan.
Hank asked for a few minutes to advertise Buffalo Rotary’s fund raiser. This is a play directed by Mary O’Connell and Company. Many of the Buffalo Rotarians have been schooled to perform and this will be their debut. October 26Th, 7:00 and the North Park Theater. Visit www.buffalorotaryevents.com for further details. Hank also mentioned that Buffalo Rotary has 3 slots opened for student exchange. They need to know by 12/31.
Tom Lang announced that the Christmas Party is less than 2 months away. Please consider auction items. Tom added that Jovi’s will show the Bills / Patriots game October 30 for us to get together. They’ll serve food. Damon Piatek said he launched a small business organization in June. They will have an event soon. Please contact Damon for the details. Let’s support these early organizations.
Jim Logan took confessions. Mike Ford had a great time with his son at the Elmlawn fall festival. Mike also took his son to his first UB football game. Mike Austin confessed he was interviewed for an article in the News about Elmlawn Fall fest. They entertained 1,200 – 1,500 guests. Mike Austin was fined for leaving the stocks at the Ahearn’s since the Presidents’ Party. Chuck Patterson was proud to announce that Mary Kay’s daughter Colleen got married Saturday and that Adam and Leanna are expecting their 3rd child. Pat Griffin wanted to appeal his fine that he was at South Padre Island on vacation. Audrey said that she and Chris had a great time with Eddie at Sky High in Ellicottville climbing the rope courses and zip lining. Afterward they enjoyed a lovely dinner at the Ellicottville Brewing Company. I thought that was an Operation Santa auction item but Audrey was quick to remind me that was a Wine Tasting event item. Nevertheless, please be creative and put together events so you too can enjoy the camaraderie. Damon was in Cleveland where Obama was speaking. Damon was able to meet Kal Penn, the associate director of White House office of Public Liaison. Jim acknowledged it was great to see Jerry Gentile. Jerry told us he is engaged to be married. Congratulations buddy.
Now to the best part of the meeting. John Coogan won like $10 bucks in the split raffle, however, yours truly nailed the Ace. Take that Coogs. $503. It pays to play.
At this time Paul introduced Lou Knotts. Lou is the CEO of Calspan. Calspan is a 70 year old company. It is a leader in aeronautics’ testing. In order to develop the world’s greatest innovations, Calspan’s clients must overcome many technical challenges to transform their creative concept, into a commercially viable product. To resolve such road blocks, innovators within the aerospace, automotive, commercial transportation and motorsports industries seek out the assistance of Calspan. The meeting extended to 1:40 and needless to say no one left.
Mike began our meeting on time with the Pledge. Barb Henry and Bryden Swires aka Sonny and Cher, changed things up with “You’re a Grand old Flag”. John Coogan gave a great invocation. Jim Austin interrupted our meeting with kind and touching words for son Mike and presented a birthday cake.
Mike Austin presented Shari a check from Kenmore Rotary Charities to the Elmlawn Memorial Park Fund in their efforts to re-tree Elmlawn.
Scott Mason thanked everyone for helping with Shred-It. Preliminary figures are that we made $6500. Scott had Audrey keeping track and had set a goal of $5000. As you see, we exceeded that. This was a great effort on all the Rotarians. And Especially to Scott, who has fine-tuned this event beautifully. Scott asked me to list the cast of characters that showed up. They were: Brian Ahern, Joe Arcara, Mike Austin, Paul Chisolm, Larry Coon, Donna DiFanncessco, Tim Glor, Rick Graham, Pat Griffin, Dick Hanaburgh, Barb Henry, Tom Lang, Ron Levea, Jim Logan, Ed Markarian, Scott Mason, Audrey Meyers, Holly Nowak, Chuck Patterson, Ted Purvis, Rene Rebmann, Gary Roberts and Art Traver. Lots of Larry’s Interact kids showed up under the reins of Darcy France. Larry reminded everyone to return the signs and to snag some extra ones after the election.
Gary reported that the Darwin Martin event went real good. He said that pictures from Shred It and the Darwin Martin house are on our Facebook page. Check them out.
The Christmas Party is 12/9 at Park Country Club. Please think of auction items. They help us raise the money we need for Operation Santa.
Fine master Jim Logan took confessions. Pat apologized to Barb for driving right past her while she was all alone setting up cones and getting ready for Shred It in the rain. Art confessed that Wednesday will be his 5th anniversary of turning 64. Jim Prichard said the Riviera Theater will be celebrating 90 years for the next 90 days. Elmlawn is co-sponsoring a 5K run through the park 10/15 and 10/16 is fall fest from 10-3. Dawn said we can all check out the new turf at Sparkie Field 10/15 for the East / West game. Bryden confessed to having to MC an event in Spanish.
John Riordan drew Arts’ # for the split club and Dawn was real close on the Ace.
Our speaker canceled on us so Mike went around the room so that we can all share what’s been happening in our lives.
Mike was back conducting our meeting. We gave our Pledge, Bryden led us in “God Bless America” and Rick Graham gave our invocation. Rick asked us to keep Tim in our thoughts. Gary reported that Tim is in a back brace and will be for 3 more months.
Guests today were Susan Taylor from Buffalo Rotary and Gary, Jim Prichard’s colleague from the Riviera Theater.
Susan Taylor announced that Buffalo Rotary is teaming up with O’Connell & Company in their presentation of Gentleman prefer Divas October 10. This is a cabaret-style format filled with great music. The twist is Mary Kate O’Connell is coaching several of the Rotarians to perform. Buy tickets at www.buffalorotaryevents.com.
Tom Lang announced that we are all set for Thursday night’s tour at the Darwin Martin House. I am writing this Ken Friday the day after the event. Let me tell you, it was one of our finest. We gathered in the Greatbactch room for a 15 minute movie overview. Then we wondered outside as our Docent began our tour outlining so many of the features we see every time we drive past this magnificent structure and didn’t get. As we went inside it all came together. The talent Frank Lloyd Wright had to mess with our concept of space. The illusion to always feel you are outside in nature. After, we met at Amici’s on Elmwood for a spectacular dinner. Please patronize this establishment. Gary and Donna worked out such a deal, The Amici’s must have comped at least half the expense.
Scott wrapped up announcements with a reminder to volunteer Saturday for Shred-It. He needs as many people he can get. These people come in fast and furious and they take shredding their documents very seriously.
Tom Lang took confessions. Brian and Pat’s son was married and they spent time in Tuscany. Brian also came in 2nd at Park’s tournament. Mike confessed to not being able to play with Brian. Ed Markarian joined LinkedIn and received many invitations. One in particular was from Gary Roberts. Ed did not recognize this ancient image. We all wondered what his eHarmony picture looks like. Jim Prichard played in the Sabres golf tournament. Jim was also on TV pitching the Riviera Theater. Larry paid a fine because Tom was dressed properly. I confessed to celebrating my 60th birthday by riding my bike to Niagara on the Lake which turns out to be 60 miles. Dick Hanaburgh‘s birthday was also Saturday. No pins were fined as well as not attending the Darwin Martin Tour.
Holly won the split club and Mike missed the Ace.
Rick Graham took over the podium to give an update on our foundation. Members with terms ending this year are Jay Geasling, Jim Logan and Ed Markarian.
Members with terms ending next year are Tim Glor, Mike Hettler, Chuck Patterson and Rick Graham.
Current officers are Rick Graham – President, Chuck Patterson – Vice Pres., Tim Glor – Treasurer, Mike Hettler – Secretary.
Donations made by the Foundation in 2015 – Salvation Army - $5000 for smart whiteboards, James Ryan Foundation - $4500 for vests, Kevin Guest House - $7500 for a security system, Niagara Frontier Council of the Boy Scouts of America - $2500 for radios, Let kids be kids - $2500 for bicycles in Africa, Boys & Girls club of Buffalo - $5000 for furniture and carpeting. This was a total of $27,000.
At the 8/31 meeting, Jay Geasling and Tim Glor indicated they will be leaving the board this year. Ed Markarian agreed to another 3 year term. This created 3 openings. Nominated were Pat Griffin to a 3 year term, Barb Henry and Larry Coon to a 2 year term. They nominated the following officers to serve a 1 year term: President – Rick Graham, Vice President – Chuck Patterson, Treasurer – Ed Markarian, Secretary – Mike Hettler. Jim Logan motioned to accept these officers, John Riordan seconded, motion passed.
This year we will have $28,840 to donate. Please ask organizations you know that need Capital projects to visit our web site and download a request.
Rick Graham thanked Jim Logan and Jay Geasling. Ed thanked Mike Hettler for staying on as secretary. Mike reminded us that we can only spend what we make off the foundations returns. To keep the foundation in mind when planning your contributions and bequests.
Paul stood in for Mike today and started our meeting promptly with the Pledge. Barb led in singing “God Bless America”. Rick Graham reminded us of Tim Glor’s injuries and gave a warm invocation. Guests today were David Evans from the Niagara Central Club and our speaker, Kellie Cavo.
Holly announced that her organization SEAWNY.org is having an event today. Scott is all set for Shred It next Saturday 10/1 at 10:00 – 2:00. Scott passed out signs and can use volunteers. They come fast and furious to shred documents.
Fine Master extraordinaire, Mike Ford t6ook confessions. Paul C. for missing meetings. Rick Graham for his annual fishing trip. Rick’s group caught over 100 fish, mostly Walleyes. Ted Purvis was on vacation out west. And I confessed to winning skins in a golf tournament. Mike then quizzed our tables on famous events or birthdays on today’s date.
Jim Austin won the split raffle and Gary missed the Ace.
Paul introduced our speaker Kellie Cavo of Gerard Place. Gerard Place provides transitional housing and supportive programs for homeless, single-parent families. They strengthen the community by empowering individuals and families toward self-sufficiency via community education and outreach. To learn more, please visit their website at www. Gerardplace.gov.
Mike started our meeting on time. We said the Pledge. Chuck gave a thoughtful invocation and Bryden changed things up with “America”. With Bryden, Barb and Chuck, we sounded pretty good.
Mike asked Chuck Patterson to come to the podium, where Mike presented Chuck with the Paul Harris pin for his induction into this elite group a couple of weeks ago. Our guest today was Gary Hoy, our speaker.
Tom Lang thanked us for our attendance at the social event held on the Moon Dance. With all that fun and camaraderie, the club ended up spending $60. WTG Tom. Next up is the tour of the Darwin Martin House September 9/29. There is an event with the details on our website.
Larry Coon knocked the wind out of our sails when he announced that Tim Glor was in a horrific accident several weeks back. He is recovering but we understand he has some fractured vertebrae. Tim, I hope you know we are all pulling for a full recovery. Please reach out to any of us if there is anything we can do.
Larry also announced that the Buffalo and Erie County Naval and service organization is desperately in need of volunteers to run a concession stand at the Bills home games. There is a little training involved. Ask Larry for the details if you are interested. Mike reminded us the Foundation meeting is 9/26 and the district Governor will be here 10/10. Finally the Christmas Party is December 9 at the Park Country Club.
Dick Hanaburgh was to send me details on the Boy Scouts Mud Run. I did not receive them. I’m sure they are on their website wnyscouting.org.
Mike Ford was having a hot dog sale at Elderwood Tuesday to advertise their Altimeters Walk Saturday. They end up at the zoo afterwards.
Fine master Mike Ford asked for confessions. Chuck confessed that his daughter received her PHD in Cancer Biology. John Coogan confessed to his and Jo Jo’s 35th anniversary. Mike Austin paid a happy fine for sailing with me and Gretchen. Mike brought a friend that he met at Cradle Beach. She was very impressed with our organization and what we do. Larry asked Mike to fine Tom Lang for his casual attire. I think it back fired and the fine was levied on Larry.
Mike then tested out football trivia.
Joe Arcara won the split club and Bryden missed the Ace of Spades.
At this time Larry introduced another dynamic speaker, Gary Hoy. Gary was a Special Ed teacher. Then trained Fortune 500 executives before starting 123 Video Pro. Gary gets himself involved in projects whole heartedly, and is now researching the effect of videos on websites. His tag line is “websites do not go viral – videos do”. It sounds like Gary has some interesting advice for our website. Please visit his at www.123videopro.com. Great program.
At 12:40 Mike started the meeting with our Pledge. John Coogan gave the invocation and Bryden led us in a slower than usual attempt of “God Bless America”. Our guests today was past president of our club, Augie Cosentino and his grandson Christopher Wilson. Larry introduced his guest Gary Hoy, who will speak to our club about video marketing on our websites. Bob Werner introduced his friend Donna Miller.
Announcements began with a thank you from Tom Lang for the wonderful turn out for tonight’s Moondance sail. Tom said there is room The Ken 8/29/2016
for more if there are any last minute takers. Please get there between 5:30 and 5:45. Gary Roberts is narrowing in on a tour of the Darwin Martin House. It looks to be 9/28 or 9/29 and sometime around 5:30 and 6:00 for an hour tour. We will have a dinner somewhere after. It is going to be around $40.00 per person. Details are still being worked out. Jim Logan was panicking with the ambiguity of Gary’s attempts. Scott is already getting Shred-It calls from past customers. Isn’t it great that our brand is gaining ground?
Fine Master Pat Griffin asked for confessions but interrupted himself, only as Pat can, by trying to get retaliation fines levied against Tom Lang. It sounded like Larry had something on Tom about a past speaker. Tom didn’t bite but paid a bribe so Pat would drop the subject. Inquiring minds such as mine will liquor Tom up tonight and try to get him to squeal. Stay tuned. Pat fined Jim for picking on Gary. Jim Prichard confessed to partaking in a movie being produced at the “Riv”. Jim will pay again if his line is used in the movie. Pat proceeded to question us on our Olympic trivia. We raise a few bucks. Good job Pat.
Jim P won the $17 split club and Eddie missed the Ace of Spades.
At this time Eddie introduced our speaker, Christopher Wilson, Augie’s grandson. Christopher has his bachelors in IT, and a Masters in organizational leadership. At one point Chris was asked how he is going to make this a better world. This got him thinking. Chris applied for the Peace Corp and after a thorough investigation and health testing, Chris was accepted. In 2014 Chris went to Tanzania, Africa. Chris was sent to a host family, learned Swahili and was assigned as a health volunteer. Quite a change for Chris who started as IT and is now in Health Care. At one point, in Africa, far away from all he knew, Chris received a call from a young lady who asked to bum a ride to a concert she knew Chis was attending. Once Chris saw her, he knew she would be his wife. They were married shortly after.
Chris had lots of time to think. He was always interested in herbal medicine and began researching it. He noticed there were not the many diseases in Africa that we have in the US. The diet and the quality of food there was very basic. Christopher started Soul in Wonder. Discover self. Expand self. Reinvent the world. To learn more about his Holistic Healing Services, please visit www.soulinwonder.com. Great program given by an inspiring mind.
This weeks meeting was at Marrotos since Jovi’s was unavailable. The table was manned by Past President Paul Chisholm and Ron Levea , and Chuck Patterson was the writer of the Ken. The Meeting opened at 12.45 pm but since no gong was present Jim just announced it. We also skipped the patriotic song and pledge since we had no flag. Jim Austin, our new President was the master of Ceremonies Next Chuck Patterson gave the weekly prayer, and then Ron Levea introduced Dave Evens from Central Niagara Rotary and Donna who was Bob Werners driver, we had on other visitors.
Next was announcements, a thank you to Larry Coon for bringing all the kids to help at Cradle Beach Day. The Moon Dance boat ride on August 30th was promoted, cost $20/person, pay at the boat. Shred-It was promted - date was moved then moved back - to be discussed at a meeting after the Rotary meeting. Last everyone was reminded that Friday December 9th is the Christmas party.
Next was the split club and our visiting Rotarian was the winner winning $13 and then had the honor of drawing for the Ace of Spades but unfortunately he drew a 7 of hearts.
Finally we got to the fine master who was Paul Chisholm. I was asked to bring up a lot of issues Paul could be fined for, but since he was the fine master and I wanted to keep a low profile I didn’t bring them up. Joe Stark was fined for missing Sunshine Day. Everyone was fined for no name tags - which didn’t seem fair since somebody forgot to bring them. Paul though had a lot of other fines he leveed. Brian Ahern for winning a club champinship at Park CC, Tim Glor for attending a 50th reunion, Rick Graham for being lucky at the Casino.
Mike Austin then introduced Bob Werner as our speaker, and he talked about the many places our club had met and what the old days in Kenmore was like. He talked about how we first met at the YWCA in the old Ebert mansion, from there to the Continential Inn, the Royal Knight which became Morgans, then the Philp Sheridan School, the Village Green and finally Jovi’s. He also talked about our first President Frank Morgan, and our piano player Mike Fink and other early club members as Moores, Longs, Werners and Thompsons, where their businesses were and what Kenmore was like at that time. Last he talked about our foundation and how F Paul Norton was instrumental in forming it. The meeting was closed at 1:35 pm.
Mike started the meeting a little early today. We gave our pledge. Gary rushed the podium to give his invocation and convinced Mike not to do a song today. Gary gave the invocation off his iPhone. Pat interrupted somewhere through all this.
Ron introduced our only guest, Dr. Werner, who doesn’t want to be introduced as a guest.
Mike mentioned there will be a meeting Monday 8/15 even though Sunshine Day is Wednesday. Mike thanked everyone for attending the Presidents Party and especially Brian and Pat Ahern for hosting. Mike also reminded us to bring clothing for Ken Ton Closets to the meeting or to drop off at Elmlawn. Holly reminded us to sign up for Sunshine Day activities 8/17. A signup sheet was sent around the room. If you haven’t been to a meeting lately and want to join us for lunch, let Chuck Patterson know so he can have enough food. Set up is at 11:00. Chiavetta’s BBQ will be 12:00 – 2:00 and the games are 2:00 - 4:00. There will be a dunk tank, new games and they are working on getting the horses back.
Tom Lang announced that he booked the Moon dance for August 30 at 2:00. $20.00 / person and includes food. Not sure about drinks. Stay tuned. And Scott said he will have the first Shred It meeting after our meeting 8/15. Shred It is 10/1 this year.
Tom Lang filled in for Mike Hettler at the last minute as fine master. Mike Hettler was the first fine. Mike Austin confessed to playing in a 3 day invitation at Park Club. He and John Coogan came in last where Gary Roberts and Jim Logan were runners up for first. Gary paid Mike $40 for deserts. Tom fined me for a Ken article (?) and Pat for being Pat. Tom asked each of us to share a story, joke or pay a fine. Dr. Werner schooled me on how to tell a joke. However, mine was kind of funny. We made good fine money overall.
Rene won the split club and Michaelene picked her own number and missed on the Ace of Spades.
President Mike introduced Mike Wiener, President and CEO of the United Way. Mike joined the United Way in 2009. Mike holds Master degrees in Business Administration and Rehabilitation Counseling. The United Way is responsible for fundraising and the allocation of over $15 million dollars annually. These resources are utilized to address local health and human service priority indicators; encompassing income, Education, and Health/Wellness. This was a very informative meeting.
My store faces west. All day I have been squinting in the hot sun. Draining me of all my energy. Now, instead of plunging in Lake Erie to resurrect my spirits, I had to pull myself together to get to the Rotary BBQ. On my way I wondered how we are all going to park on North Forest. Thinking this was going to be a nightmare. As you probably can tell by my tone, I was spent. Well, as I approached Pat and Brian’s house, facing east so my eyes suddenly adjusted to normality, I drove into a Bohemian wonderland. Intertwined in the woods, was a long wide driveway that accommodated everyone. I went into the front door, still facing east, I was greeted by cool artwork displayed in an opened sprawl of Fen schwa. My spirits were rising. I grabbed a coke, said hello to several friends and proceeded to the back yard. It just got better. My blood pressure lowered. I was back.
We had a good turnout. We mingled, snacked and got reacquainted. Seven o’clock food was served. Smoked ribs, pulled pork, smoked turkey, coleslaw and a funky corn bread with real corn and pine nuts. Gretchen, you met you match. Afterwards, we gave our Pledge and John gave an inspiring invocation. Paul thanked his board and commended them on their stellar performance. A standing ovation was given. Chuck Patterson swore in the new board. Mike took the gavel and also thanked the new board. He thanked Paul for all that Paul did throughout his duel term. So many new, active members, great programs and over $68,000 donated to various organizations in the Town. Several gifts exchanged. Paul took back the floor to recognize another outstanding Rotarian. Our newest Paul Harris award goes to Chuck Patterson.
Coffee and deserts were served pool side as the temperature cooled down and the sun was setting. We divvied up the leftover food. Needless to say, I was very popular when I got home. Thank you to the Ahern’s for hosting and this committee for another great event.
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