We had a late start to the lunch today but Paul was able to make up the time and move the meeting along. After the Pledge, Bryden led us in singing “America” followed by our invocation given by Rick Graham. Scott Mason introduced our speakers. They were; The Eminger family, Char Coon (our wonderful Rotary Anne), pass member Bill Holler, Andrea Scibetta from the Buffalo Niagara Medical Club, our guest, Jen Middleton and her friend Paul Frasier.
Joe Arcara announced that the Installation of new officer’s event will be held at Brian Ahern’s house August 11. Details to follow. Audrey passed along a card for us to sign congratulating Shari for graduating with her Bachelor’s degree in business. Gary Roberts thought it was a GED. Audrey will have a meeting of the Wine Committee wrap up. Lastly, Audrey announced that she will give a seminar for first time home buyers at her church Thursday, 5/26/16 at 6:00. The address is Riverside Baptist Church, 346 Ontario Street, Buffalo, NY. Please RSVP Audrey if you can attend abaker616822yahoo.com.
At this time, Paul asked Greg Eminger to present a $750 scholarship award to his daughter Hannah. We all know Hannah and all her accomplishments with Interact and Slap Shot. Larry added to Hannah’s achievements and Hannah thanked us.
Finemaster Joe Arcara stepped in for Ted Purvis and took confessions. I confessed that my son Brian graduated from St. Bonaventure and is off to RYLA. Jim Prichard had a record crowd of 3,000 for an event at the Riviera. Jim, you really put the Riv and the map buddy. Joe Arcara fined himself to brag that his 9 year old granddaughter came in third in the States. Rene and John Cogan can relate to that (past gymnasts). Mike Austin confessed that his kids didn’t do anything this weekend. Paul played golf all weekend even though it was his and Nancy’s 44th wedding anniversary. I said that I would love to have been there when he told her his plans. Joe fined anyone without a Rotary pin on (rookie move).Then Joe went through the room testing us on Buffalo trivia.
There was something peculiar about our start of the meeting. There was no split club and we started real late. Oh well, far be it for me to ask questions.
Larry re introduced Jen Middleton. Jen was a RYLA participant 10 years ago. Her mother forced her to fill out the application. It was the farthest thing from here desires of things to do. Well, it turned out to be a life altering event for her. She continued the projects they were all enthused about during the week camp. She was abscessed. She organized school supplies to be shipped to Africa, she was instrumental in starting a Multiple Care Center. Hannah went to Africa a couple of times. She showed us slides of her trips. Her involvement brought her closer to her brother. She even was able to see the center that she helped build. At 1:40, my phone was blowing up so I had to adios. Don’t know what happed after that. I hope you’re not all still there.
Today we broke ranks and gathered at the Paddock Golf Dome for lunch in anticipation of a larger than normal attendance. We were honoring high achievers from the Ken – Ton Middle Schools. Most showed up with a parent or 2 and their Principals. And it goes without saying how proud you feel when you listen to their achievements. Paul led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Paul then gave an overview as to what Rotary is and what we do. You can see the pride felt by our guests was equal to our achievements.
Paul introduced Tom Schwob. Tom presented the awards. Tom mentioned Rotary has been rewarding the students for 3 ½ decades. The recipients were as follows: Evan Haieck from Franklin Middle, Claire Bressette from Kenmore Middle. Clair is Tom Leous’ granddaughter. Madison Fox from Hoover Middle, Olivia Warrington from St. Johns and Thomas Struckman from St. Amelia’s. None of the students wanted to speak after their presentations. It will be fun to see what happens when Larry gets a hold of them in the Interact clubs once they get into High School. I’m sure we won’t be able to shut them up. Meeting was adjourned. Remember we will be back here 5/16 for the High School Scholarship presentations.
Lastly, a congratulations goes out to Ron Levea. Ron is our latest Paul Harris Inductee. WTG buddy.
We all gathered, had lunch and complied with our President as he began our meeting. We gave our Pledge followed by singing God Bless America. We sounded ok with the leadership of Barb and Bryden, but we still need Chuck Patterson to complete us. Rick Graham gave the invocation asking for special thoughts for the Hettler family. Sue’s dad, Allen Bagley was a fine Rotarian who recently passed away.
Our visitors were Demean Piatek, his last time eluding fines because next week he will be a member. And John Barcato, Ken-Ton deputy School Superintendent.
Announcements today were first from Audrey. The push is on. We need baskets, sponsors by the end of the week, people and payments. Also, they need help manning several stations that evening. A signup sheet was passed around. It will cost less if you buy your tickets before the event. Scott Mason was having a final wrap up meeting after today’s meeting for Shred It. Jim Prichard announced the Riviera Theater is having their golf outing June, 6 at Tan Tara. Reach out to Jim for the details. Rick Graham was having a foundation meeting also after today’s meeting. Pat Griffin reminded us about the Rotary Training he and Larry are going to this week end in Niagara Falls. Paul confirmed the club will pay for it but to let him know. In conclusion, we will be meeting at the Paddock Golf Dome for the next 2 meetings for the scholarship presentations.
Ted Purvis was the fine master today. First were confessions. Eddie confessed to beating Larry as the last one here. However, Mark Tremont came in after Ed. Good to see Mark was able to make a meeting. Jim Prichard accepted an awarded on behalf of The Riviera Theater for The Organization of the Year. Tim Glor witnessed it. Vanessa Williams presented it. Jim said he dreamed about her all night. I mentioned I did not know Jim was a tennis fan. Sue J corrected me, wrong Vanessa. Mike Austin is friends on facebook with Jim and noticed many photos of Vanessa. Audrey confessed to rock climbing in Sedona, AZ. Ted then fined us all $5 in honor of Mother’s Day this Sunday.
I won the split club and John Coogan drew the Ace of diamonds.
At this time Paul introduced our own, Ken-Ton school Super Intendant Dawn Mirand. Dawn gave an over view of the budget of $157 million that was presented 4/12 and will be voted on 5/17 at Hoover Middle School between 7:00am – 9:00pm. It is a 1.23% increase. Which translates to $77 increase on a $100,000 home. They are applying for special funding due to the loss of revenue from the Huntley Plant. That should lower it to $68 per year. Dawn also touched on 4 propositions that will be voted on the same night. Proposition 1; the budget, Proposition 2; Bus purchase, Proposition 3; Capital Improvement Reserve Fund, Proposition 4; Student Ex officio board member. Dawn was a wonderful presenter. She chose the The Family Support Center.
Paul started our meeting right on time. Bryden led us in singing “God Bless America”. Tim Glor gave the invocation.
Visitors were Joe Alber from Buffalo and Joe Kane from Clarence. Tim Grant was a guest of Gary Roberts.
Announcements were from Eddie, thanking me and Gretchen for hosting the gift gathering party. It is always wonderful to see you all outside our normal venue. Ed is pitching the full court press for our Wine Tasting Event May 11. We need a push in all capacities: sponsors, baskets, and attendance. Paul reminded us that we can drop off the baskets at his office, 3849 Delaware Ave. He also is stressing the need for baskets. We have 11 now and need 40 total.
Joe Albers let us know that there is a Rotary Leadership training Assembly in Niagara Falls, NY May 7. The cost is $45 per Rotarian. Joe said usually the club pays for it, however Art choked and Paul followed up with “if you want to go, let him know and he’ll see what he can do”. Somehow I got the feeling that the issue has yet to be determined. Nevertheless it is a valuable event. Pat and Larry are in. I would go just to hang out with those guys but Retail Saturday keeps me grounded. All are welcome to attend and learn all aspects of Rotary. Register on our districts website www.rotary7090.org. Mike Ford announced that Elderwood is having Chefs food truck on the campus 4459 Bailey Ave. Wednesday 4/27 from 5:00- 7:00. Oops, that was yesterday. Sorry Mike.
Larry was our Finemaster and heard several confessions. Dick Hanaburgh and his lovely wife gave birth to their first child Niamh. Congratulations Hanaburgh’s. Bryden flew home from Phoenix. They had to stop over in Baltimore. When Bryden boarded the plane he realized he got the pilots discount at the food counter. Can I borrow you Salvation Army shirt next time I fly? He also saw Rex Ryan’s brot
her Rob on his flight. Michaelene Bernat was also traveling. They were in Tucson then to Maryland to watch her daughter get another academic achievement award. Larry fined himself for eating the entire week end on the Rotary dime. Larry and Char were in Canada for the Slap Shot retreat week end. They had a great time and I’m sure Rotary would gladly feed you and Char for all you do to engage the young future Rotarians. With that Larry had some fun with Rotary trivia.
The split Club was won by Jim Prichard and Michaelene missed on the chance for the Ace.
Paul introduced our speaker Rebecca Poynton. Rebecca is VP of marketing for Veraview. Veraview is a 16 year old company. They are comprised of engineers and developers. Veraview puts the proper technology in the right space. To learn more please visit their website at www.veraview.com
Paul started our meeting promptly after Jovi’s wonderful taco lunch. Bryden led us in signing God Bless America. Tim followed with a prayer. However, it was difficult for me to focus. Brian Ahern gave me a piping hot loaf of spouted purple barley sourdough bread with flax, pumpkin and sesame seeds. Thank you Brian. I will be your Ginny pig any time.
A very enthusiastic announcement was made by Scott Mason. He was real happy with the help he got from you Rotarians on Shred It. And the results showed it. Scott figures we made a profit of $7500. He gave a huge shout out to Barb Henry for coming up with the idea. And I must confess I was suspicious myself. Scott challenged the Wine Event for another great success. Scott wanted to give special thanks to Jim Prichard, Brian Ahern for the print outs and the social media blasts. Donna D. for her emails and to John Coogan, Paul Chisolm, Joe Arcara, Rick Graham, Larry Coon and I couldn’t keep up with all else he was thankful for. PS Eddie accepted the throw down.
Larry Coon asked for help getting the Slap Shot kids to their retreat just outside of Hamilton. I believe it was 2 kids and you need to leave around 2:00.
Larry was the fine master and took many confessions. Rick Graham won a basket at Watson’s grand opening. He will re gift it for the wine event. Holly confessed that she had a great time at Shred It. Ron Levea’s friend showed up the wrong day to help with Shred It. Pat predicted Cubs – Red Sox World Series. With that Bryden taunted that he will be going to Phoenix on vacation and is going to the Razorback / Pirates game. John Coogan had a Trump tie on. Joe Starck couldn’t make Shred It so he donated $5 to the Wine Event (go figure). Larry continued with Music Trivia and raised lots of money.
Brian Ahern won the Split Club, Gary lost on the chance at the Ace of Spades. Gary sold the last few numbers of the Armenian Raffle so we could have the drawing. New member to be Damon Piatek won.
Paul welcomed Shari McDonough back. For those that are new to our club, Shari is a Kenmore Rotarian. She has been instrumental in getting our largest Fund Raiser, The Wine Tasting Event, to the level we are at now. She is a remarkable leader who is now using her talents to help the Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo. Kenmore Rotary supports this club. The Boys and Girls Club of Buffalo started by Buffalo Rotary in 1926. In 1986 they started to let Girls in. The Boys and Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow – all while having fun. It is the place where great futures are started each and every day. Their P&L showed a negative $308,141 when Shari started almost a year ago. To this date they are positive $91,777. Great job.
President Paul began our meeting at 12:32. After pledging our Allegiance to the Flag , Bryden led us in the singing of “America the Beautiful”. Tim Glor gave the invocation.
Damon Piatek and our speaker Josh Szary were introduced as guests.
Jeff Markarian announced that the gift basket party for our Wine Tasting Event will be hosted by him and Gretchen at their home on Saturday April 23rd. He would appreciate RSVPs from those members wishing to come.
Scott Mason is still looking for volunteers to help with the Shred It fundraiser this Saturday the 16th . It will be held at Kenmore West High School from 10:00 to 2:00.
The Wine Tasting Event will have a meeting at 5:00 this Wednesday at Jovis.
Pat Griffin suggested the club may want to consider implementing a gift certificate fundraiser offered by Barnes & Nobel.
Gary Roberts took more donations for the TV raffle to aid the Wine Tasting Event.
Finemaster Larry Coon took confessions from Joe Acara for spending 2 months in Florida; John Coogan for the arrival of his new grandson Zach; Pat Griffin for serving as a volunteer for Junior Achievement; Damon Piatek for submitting for membership in our club; and Barb Henry for her help in supervising the Purple Pinky Easter Egg Hunt sponsored by Rotary.
Larry then ran a Name that Tune contest to raise money. John Coogan stood out as an expert.
Jim Logan won the split club and John Coogan could not draw the Ace of Spades.
President Paul introduced our speaker Zach Szary. Josh works in the corporate account development department of VSP Graphic Group. This company is a locally family owned company that was started in 1995. They have offices in West Seneca, San Diego, and West Palm Beach Florida.
VSP is a 3M certified company that fabricates for custom environments, retail stores, vehicle wraps, exterior signs, architectural applications, glass windows, flags and banners, and trade and show exhibits. They service small businesses and large companies.
The Buffalo Bills, Sabres, and Bandits are some of their clients. They have won many awards and received much recognition for their work. Josh showed some examples of their work which were very impressive.
It is great to see a local company doing so well here and outside our community.
President Paul called our meeting to order at 12:39. After we pledged our allegiance to the flag Chuck Patterson led us in the singing of “God Bless America”. Tim Glor gave the invocation.
Damon Piatek and our speaker Christina Schweitzer were introduced as guests.
Scott Mason announced that we are still looking for volunteers for Shred it which will be held on Saturday April 16th from 10:00 to 2:00 at Kenmore West High School.
Gary Roberts started the Armenian Raffle which features the raffling of a 32” TV. Proceeds are to be used for our Wine Tasting Event. Noticeably absent were any Armenians at today’s meeting.
Finemaster Larry Coon took a confession from Barb Henry that today is Harold White’s 92nd birthday. Happy birthday Harold!
Mike Austin noted that his tie closely matched the same tie worn by Rick Graham. Brian Ahern confessed to a trip accompanied with a beautiful woman to Saratoga. President Paul confessed to relying on his son’s Carl help in bringing a projector to the meeting.
Larry then quizzed our membership to a game of Name that Tune.
The split club was won by Jim Pritchard. Michaelena could not draw the Ace of Spades.
Paul introduced our speaker Christina Schweitzer who currently is the Director of Employment Services for the Salvation Army on Main Street.
The goal of the Salvation Army is to get people who have been struggling back into the work force. In cases of those who have had long term unemployment job readiness training is necessary. Employment counseling, job search, and the use of technology especially as it pertains to the making of resumes is used to help these people get employed.
Many local companies and educations facilities such as NCCC, Delaware North, West Side Ministries, TSA, Rich Products, the United Way, Key Bank, First Niagara, UB, and Canisius have offered their services and on the job training to help the Salvation Army in the training of those who are in need.
In training these future employees the Salvation Army is trying to reach success, opportunity, education, and leadership for those people. As usual it is nice to hear about the Salvation Army’s accomplishments.
