Director: Sue Jandzinski
Attendance: Bob Patterson for Phil Michalowski
Invocation: Sue Jandzinski
Finemaster: Cathy Piciulo
Ken Writer: Holly Nowak
Attendance: Bob Patterson for Phil Michalowski
Invocation: Sue Jandzinski
Finemaster: Cathy Piciulo
Ken Writer: Holly Nowak
Speaker: Jeanne D'Ambrosia, Hometown Helpers
President Cathy called her last meeting to order with a gong and a pledge to the flag. We were led in prayer by Sue.
Announcements:
Don’t forget to get your dues in for the upcoming year!
6/30 Installation Dinner, get your money to Steve!
7/3 Annual Firework’s Watch Party at Elmlawn Memorial, $20 per adult, ensure you have the
flyer on your dashboard to get in. Donna will email it to everyone.
7/26 Paddles Up at Beaver Meadows State Park on Grand Island, connect with Ed Hacherl to
sign up to volunteer at the Beer Tent!
8/13 Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach Camp, Pat G. will be getting the food. 5:30 to 9:00pm.
Holly distributed the new calendar to the club for the 2025 – 2026 year. She reviewed it and
reminded the club we will have a Club Assembly meeting on 7/14. During this meeting we will
review the club survey results.
Guest Speaker:
Jeanne D’Ambrosia
Hometown Helpers - https://hometownhelpers.org/
Hometown Helpers is a nonprofit organization that provides compassionate, hands-on support
to seniors and individuals in need, ensuring they can live independently and stay connected to
their community. Through small yet impactful acts of kindness they offer relief, reassurance, and
a helping hand when it's needed most.
Some of the ways they assist are:
friendly visiting
coordination of urgent home repairs
assistance with improving home accessibility
support in using technology
assistance with pet care
connection to community services and events
Jeanne started this 501c (3) this year after assisting with Hurricane Helen relief efforts in South
Carolina over the course of two trips.
HH currently assists in the Lockport, Clarence, Tonawanda areas but hopes to expand in the
future.
Hometown Helpers was established with the help of private donors. Donations and volunteers
are always welcome! Donations can be earmarked to support a specific community, ex.
Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda. Service projects, such as Spring yard clean-ups, are another
way to help!
Confessions:
Cam is back from vacation and owes fine money.
Ace of Spades:
Ron Levea picked the Ace of Spades! We’ve had two winners in 3 weeks!
Split Club:
Ron Levea – Ron was the big winner today!
See you at the Installation Dinner on the 30th and the ToT Fireworks on July 3rd!
The Ken 6/16/2025
President Cathy called the meeting to order at 12:18 p.m. with a tap on the gong, which prompted Karen to ask how much longer she was going to be President! We then recited the Pledge of Allegiance and Cathy gave the invocation.
Guests were introduced by Phil: Lucas Koziol, potential new member and our speaker, Ron Sciandra from the Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club.
Announcements:
Pat: The board meeting is this coming Friday, June 20 at 8 a.m. at the Ken-Ton Elmwood Commons, Room 106.
Cathy: They have dismantled the Ken-Ton Chamber conference room, where we held our board meetings, and she donated furniture to our past speaker, Whitney Dann of Buffalo String Works for their new location.
Steve: Please pay your dues. Register and pay for the installation dinner, being held on Monday June 30 at Websters. The cost is $50 and he needs to know by June 23.
Gary: July 3rd at Elmlawn is a go for our annual 4th of July celebration. Food will be served at 7:30 p.m. at a cost of $20 per person-kids eat free. Gates open at 6 p.m. and fireworks at 9:30. Please enter through Brighton Road only. Please pay Steve in advance if possible or day of.
Speaker:
Larry introduced our speaker, Ron Sciandra from the Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club.
Ron is a 40-year member of the club, was district president for 2 years in a row and represents his club on the Service Club Council.
Their areas of focus are:
- Youth: Youth of the Year, A.C.E. Award, and Young Citizenship Award
- Americanism: Freedom Shrine, One Nation Under God, Wreaths Across America and Project Give a Kid a Flag to Wave
- Prevention of Child Abuse (National Project): Believe in the Blue, Give a Child A Hug Pillow
They are the club behind the 9/11 Memorial Healing Field in Gratwick Park in N. Tonawanda, where 3,000 full sized American Flags are flown.
Each flag has a tag with the name and background of each person who lost their life that day.
They are sectioned off with 4 fields of 700 flags, set to fly for 3 days. Next year is the 25th Anniversary and the flags will be displayed from September 11th through the 13th, 2026. There will be a ceremony each day where dignitaries will speak, a Missing Man table, singers, food trucks for the attendees, vendors, and an information table where memorabilia will be sold. Flags can be purchased for $30 through the Exchange Club. After the event, you are welcome to take your flag home. All proceeds from this will go to veterans and military organizations. They will need many volunteers to assemble the flags, transport, and set up at the park and sell t-shirts.
Ron welcomes everyone to attend one of their meetings and enjoy breakfast. They meet every Wednesday morning at 7:30 at the Olympic Restaurant at the corner of Sheridan and Military in Tonawanda. They can be reached at 716-316-0141 and you can visit their website at
President Cathy then introduced our newest member, Micah Nutter Dowling and inducted him into our club. He’s fairly new to the community and is the Pastor of Deerhurst Presbyterian Church in Kenmore. Welcome to the family, Micah!
Cathy thanked everyone who volunteered at the beer tent for opening night at Kenmore Days in Mang Park. We all had a great time and raised $532 in tips! Way to go!!
Split Club & Ace of Spades:
Tim’s ticket was picked for the Split and he won $13
I tried for the Ace, but picked the Jack of Hearts
Fine Master:
Steve filled in for Cathy (who forgot she was it) and asked for confessions and happy news.
- Karen gave an update on her niece, and it’s not good. The cancer has spread as she failed 2 rounds of chemo. She is seeking treatment options from other doctors/hospitals and has a great spirit and outlook. Please keep Kristin, and her young son, in your prayers.
- Cathy fined herself for forgetting her duties
- Phil suffered through 3 oral surgeries, had a crown put in that he unfortunately swallowed. All’s good, he got it unstuck, BUT it will be making it’s way through and you can figure out the rest!
- Steve asked for anyone who has kids and celebrated Father’s Day to donate $1 for each child. Our speaker donated $5; 3 for his kids and 2 for being our speaker. That was kind!
President Cathy adjourned the meeting at 1:20 with the reading of the 4-Way Test.
The Ken 6/9/2025
Past President Brandon stepped in for President Cathy and called the meeting to order with a gong and a Pledge to the flag.
Steve Blass led us in prayer.
Announcements:
Guest: Mike Ryan from Buffalo Rotary Club
Be sure to get your dues in for the upcoming year!
6/30 for the Installation Dinner. Be sure to register by 6/23!
6/12 Kenmore Days Beer Tent – We are tending the bar, arrive by 4:30pm at Mang
Park. Sign up to volunteer to serve beer or collect money. Tips benefit our Club that evening.
614 – 9:30am to 2:00pm, 405 Ohio Street - District Changeover
6/3 - Wednesday – Meeting Duties and a Membership Survey were emailed out,
Survey was out on Thursday AM, please check your junk/spam folder for it. Would love
to get a 100% response rate!
6/26 – Tifft/Science Museum Event in the Evening at Tifft.
7/3 is our annual July 4 th Party at Elmlawn Memorial Park. $20.00 per person if you
want food. We will eat at 7:30 pm.
8/13 Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach Camp
Board Meeting Friday the 20th , 8:00am
Next Meeting: June 16 th – Speaker: Ron Chandra, Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange
Club – The Healing Field at Gratwick Park
Guest: Mike Ryan from Buffalo Rotary Club
Be sure to get your dues in for the upcoming year!
6/30 for the Installation Dinner. Be sure to register by 6/23!
6/12 Kenmore Days Beer Tent – We are tending the bar, arrive by 4:30pm at Mang
Park. Sign up to volunteer to serve beer or collect money. Tips benefit our Club that evening.
614 – 9:30am to 2:00pm, 405 Ohio Street - District Changeover
6/3 - Wednesday – Meeting Duties and a Membership Survey were emailed out,
Survey was out on Thursday AM, please check your junk/spam folder for it. Would love
to get a 100% response rate!
6/26 – Tifft/Science Museum Event in the Evening at Tifft.
7/3 is our annual July 4 th Party at Elmlawn Memorial Park. $20.00 per person if you
want food. We will eat at 7:30 pm.
8/13 Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach Camp
Board Meeting Friday the 20th , 8:00am
Next Meeting: June 16 th – Speaker: Ron Chandra, Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange
Club – The Healing Field at Gratwick Park
Speaker:
Alex Fursman – Emerling Floss Murphy
Alex Fursman – Emerling Floss Murphy
Property and Casualty Insurance
Phone: 716-306-8129
Email: afursman@efm-agency.com
Alex started at Lawley and learned all about Construction Property and Casualty. Got a
call from current partner at EMF last year. He had been behind the scenes and decided
to take a step out of his comfort zone and said yes. Year prior stepped out of his
comfort zone by moving to LA, there two months and moved back because he hated it.
Had a life changing experience there, went to Gold’s Gym in Venice the day of the Bills,
Chiefs playoff game. Got a tap on the shoulder and invited to a Bills playoff watch party
later that day. Ended up at a Beverly Hills party for the game and decided there that he
was not going to be the introverted Alex. And to say yes to opportunities!
Led to decision to take it to Emerling, Floss, Murphy and move into Sales. Getting
married changed his perspective on things as well, drive to provide. Couldn’t be luckier
for that opportunity for his wife pushing him and supporting him to do more.
Welcome to the Club Alex and thank you for sharing your story!
Phone: 716-306-8129
Email: afursman@efm-agency.com
Alex started at Lawley and learned all about Construction Property and Casualty. Got a
call from current partner at EMF last year. He had been behind the scenes and decided
to take a step out of his comfort zone and said yes. Year prior stepped out of his
comfort zone by moving to LA, there two months and moved back because he hated it.
Had a life changing experience there, went to Gold’s Gym in Venice the day of the Bills,
Chiefs playoff game. Got a tap on the shoulder and invited to a Bills playoff watch party
later that day. Ended up at a Beverly Hills party for the game and decided there that he
was not going to be the introverted Alex. And to say yes to opportunities!
Led to decision to take it to Emerling, Floss, Murphy and move into Sales. Getting
married changed his perspective on things as well, drive to provide. Couldn’t be luckier
for that opportunity for his wife pushing him and supporting him to do more.
Welcome to the Club Alex and thank you for sharing your story!
Split Club and Ace of Spades:
Ron Levea picked for both
Finemaster: Donna DiFrancesco
Happy Bucks (Confessions):
Donna’s ‘twinies’ graduated to regular Pre-School.
Cam will be in Lake Placid next week.
Holly will be at EPIC Universal next week.
Larry went to the Greek Fest last weekend and caught up with a lot of people!
Donna quizzed us all on Flag Day trivia – we need to study up!
Donna’s ‘twinies’ graduated to regular Pre-School.
Cam will be in Lake Placid next week.
Holly will be at EPIC Universal next week.
Larry went to the Greek Fest last weekend and caught up with a lot of people!
Donna quizzed us all on Flag Day trivia – we need to study up!
Meeting adjourned before 1 p.m. with the reciting of the 4-Way Test.
The Ken 6/02/2025
The meeting was called to order by President Cathy with a Pledge of Allegiance and invocation by Sue J.
Announcements:
Be sure to get your dues in for the upcoming year!
6/30 for the Installation Dinner
6/12 Kenmore Days Beer Tent – We are tending the bar, arrive by 4:30pm at Mang
Park.
6/14 – 9:30am to 2:00pm, 405 Ohio Street - District Changeover
6/3 - Wednesday – Meeting Duties and a Membership Survey will be emailed out
Volunteer with the goats, they are there through the end of this week!
8/13 Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach Camp
100 for 100 – Bill Brucker won the paid dues for 2025/2026 year. Thank you Bill for your support
Be sure to get your dues in for the upcoming year!
6/30 for the Installation Dinner
6/12 Kenmore Days Beer Tent – We are tending the bar, arrive by 4:30pm at Mang
Park.
6/14 – 9:30am to 2:00pm, 405 Ohio Street - District Changeover
6/3 - Wednesday – Meeting Duties and a Membership Survey will be emailed out
Volunteer with the goats, they are there through the end of this week!
8/13 Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach Camp
100 for 100 – Bill Brucker won the paid dues for 2025/2026 year. Thank you Bill for your support
and congratulations!
Speaker:
Danielle Yelich – our new member, spoke regarding Schofield Care.
Danielle reviewed the services available through Schofield Care:
Adult Day Health Care Program – located in downtown Buffalo, Old First Ward district,
largest medical model adult day program in WNY. They coordinate transportation and
offer two sessions Monday through Friday, and one on Saturday. Essentially a nursing
home model in a day program setting.
Home Health Care Services –
Certified – provides aide services for a certain amount of hours a week to help people
remain in the community and age in place
Danielle Yelich – our new member, spoke regarding Schofield Care.
Danielle reviewed the services available through Schofield Care:
Adult Day Health Care Program – located in downtown Buffalo, Old First Ward district,
largest medical model adult day program in WNY. They coordinate transportation and
offer two sessions Monday through Friday, and one on Saturday. Essentially a nursing
home model in a day program setting.
Home Health Care Services –
Certified – provides aide services for a certain amount of hours a week to help people
remain in the community and age in place
Residence – 120 bed skilled nursing facility, 30 to 40 beds are short term for respite
care, and short-term rehabilitation
Overview:
2/3 are Medicaid recipients
The Medicaid reimbursement is less than the cost of care and just their facility recorded
a lost last year for $1 million.
Currently 1.6 billion reimbursement gap in all of NYS. Federal cuts are being proposed
this year and that will increase the NY need by 30% of their current support.
NY has a moratorium on adding beds so facility closures lead to not adding more beds
(Jamestown and Weinberg closed and beds cannot be added back.)
Scholfield has launched an expansion campaign. They are building on and adding 16
beds. They are converting and adding more private beds for residents. Property is
purchased and that section of the facility will be able to be closed off (ex. In case of
another pandemic). There will be some cosmetic update and reinvigoration of therapy
clinic.
115 th Anniversary year, trying to ramp up advertising and campaign
Thursday June 12 th , 2pm to 5pm Anniversary Celebration
Open to the public!
Food for purchase, raffles and live music!
care, and short-term rehabilitation
Overview:
2/3 are Medicaid recipients
The Medicaid reimbursement is less than the cost of care and just their facility recorded
a lost last year for $1 million.
Currently 1.6 billion reimbursement gap in all of NYS. Federal cuts are being proposed
this year and that will increase the NY need by 30% of their current support.
NY has a moratorium on adding beds so facility closures lead to not adding more beds
(Jamestown and Weinberg closed and beds cannot be added back.)
Scholfield has launched an expansion campaign. They are building on and adding 16
beds. They are converting and adding more private beds for residents. Property is
purchased and that section of the facility will be able to be closed off (ex. In case of
another pandemic). There will be some cosmetic update and reinvigoration of therapy
clinic.
115 th Anniversary year, trying to ramp up advertising and campaign
Thursday June 12 th , 2pm to 5pm Anniversary Celebration
Open to the public!
Food for purchase, raffles and live music!
Split Club & Ace of Spades:
Cam Kukla won the big bucks! He shared it with his staff!
Cam Kukla won the big bucks! He shared it with his staff!
Meeting was adjourned with reciting the 4-Way Test.
The Ken 5/19/2025
President Cathy Piciulo started off our meeting by ringing the bell at 12:25pm and led us in the Pledge of
Allegiance followed by a moving invocation from Past President Donna DiFrancesco.
Allegiance followed by a moving invocation from Past President Donna DiFrancesco.
Guest Introductions:
President Cathy introduced Cliff Madell as our Guest Speaker
President Cathy introduced Lucas Koziol from Child and Family Services and Lucas spoke briefly
on how he is looking to possibly join our Club, network with others and possibly be a future guest
speaker!
Announcements:
President Cathy started off our announcements recapping our past few weeks of student awards
and how there is “Hope for the Future”.
Ron Levea noted that the room was cold and went up 1 degree since we got there to a chilly 61
degrees
Past President Donna brought in some treats and announced our May Birthdays and Rotary
Anniversaries:
o Birthdays: Donna DiFrancesco, Gary Roberts, Cam Kukla
o Rotary Anniversaries: Glenn Gentzke – 6 Years, Jim Jones – 6 Years, Gary Roberts – 37
years, and Phil Michalowski – 8 Years
President Cathy reminded everyone that our Installation Dinner and Awards Event will be held on
6/30 at 5:30pm at Webster’s Bistro Bar. Please RSVP to Steve Blass by 6/23 at (716) 868-8085
or SBlass61@gmail.com. The cost is $50.00 per person and family and friends are welcome to
attend. For More Information: https://kenmorerotary.org/event/kenmore-rotary-installation-dinner--
-awards/
Immediate Past President Brandon Blatz reminded the Club that there is no meeting next week
5/26 in observance of Memorial Day and shared with us our upcoming speakers:
o June 2 nd – No Speaker Scheduled Yet
o June 9 th – Jeannie D’Ambrosio, Hometown Helpers
o June 16 th – Ron Sciandra, Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club
o June 23 rd – No Speaker Scheduled Yet
President Elect Holly Nowak gave many updates/announcements:
o The 2025-2026 Meeting Duties and a Member Satisfaction Survey will be coming the 1st
Week of June. If there is a month that is either good or bad for you to be on the Monthly
Duties, please reach out to President Elect Holly at KenmoreRotaryPresident@gmail.com
o June 14 th is the District Changeover Event: The Event will be held at 405 Ohio St from
9:30-2:00pm. For More information and to register visit:
https://rotary7090.org/event/district-council-and-changeover-luncheon/
o We are currently at $6,440 for our $100 for 100 campaign. Congratulations to Bill Brucker
for winning a free Club Membership for getting 10 chances in our President Elect
Challenge by securing $1,000 for the campaign. Rick Graham also had 1 chance by
securing $100. Great job guys!
6/30 at 5:30pm at Webster’s Bistro Bar. Please RSVP to Steve Blass by 6/23 at (716) 868-8085
or SBlass61@gmail.com. The cost is $50.00 per person and family and friends are welcome to
attend. For More Information: https://kenmorerotary.org/event/kenmore-rotary-installation-dinner--
-awards/
Immediate Past President Brandon Blatz reminded the Club that there is no meeting next week
5/26 in observance of Memorial Day and shared with us our upcoming speakers:
o June 2 nd – No Speaker Scheduled Yet
o June 9 th – Jeannie D’Ambrosio, Hometown Helpers
o June 16 th – Ron Sciandra, Erie Niagara Sunrise Exchange Club
o June 23 rd – No Speaker Scheduled Yet
President Elect Holly Nowak gave many updates/announcements:
o The 2025-2026 Meeting Duties and a Member Satisfaction Survey will be coming the 1st
Week of June. If there is a month that is either good or bad for you to be on the Monthly
Duties, please reach out to President Elect Holly at KenmoreRotaryPresident@gmail.com
o June 14 th is the District Changeover Event: The Event will be held at 405 Ohio St from
9:30-2:00pm. For More information and to register visit:
https://rotary7090.org/event/district-council-and-changeover-luncheon/
o We are currently at $6,440 for our $100 for 100 campaign. Congratulations to Bill Brucker
for winning a free Club Membership for getting 10 chances in our President Elect
Challenge by securing $1,000 for the campaign. Rick Graham also had 1 chance by
securing $100. Great job guys!
o Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach Camp is 8/13 in the evening this year. Even though Pat
will be away, he will still coordinate the food! More Information:
https://kenmorerotary.org/event/sunshine-day/
will be away, he will still coordinate the food! More Information:
https://kenmorerotary.org/event/sunshine-day/
Past President Pat Griffin announced that on June 21st from 5-11 pm at the Buffalo Launch Club
there will be an official Launch of the Brian T. Markarian Scholarhip Fund. This is an evening
dedicated to honoring Brian's deep love for sailing and his commitment to supporting young
sailors in pursuit of their dreams. For More information or to support the Markarian family visit:
CLICK HERE
Past President Pat also announced our Fall Shred-It will be 10/18 at the Ken-Ton Elmwood
Commons
Past President Pat and Ed Hacherl shared a joint announcement that our Club will be selling
adult beverages within the designated shelter for those over 21, with all proceeds coming back to
the Club to benefit our numerous community projects at the Paddles Up Niagara event on July
26th . More information is available here: https://www.niagararivergreenway.com/paddles-up
there will be an official Launch of the Brian T. Markarian Scholarhip Fund. This is an evening
dedicated to honoring Brian's deep love for sailing and his commitment to supporting young
sailors in pursuit of their dreams. For More information or to support the Markarian family visit:
CLICK HERE
Past President Pat also announced our Fall Shred-It will be 10/18 at the Ken-Ton Elmwood
Commons
Past President Pat and Ed Hacherl shared a joint announcement that our Club will be selling
adult beverages within the designated shelter for those over 21, with all proceeds coming back to
the Club to benefit our numerous community projects at the Paddles Up Niagara event on July
26th . More information is available here: https://www.niagararivergreenway.com/paddles-up
Guest Speaker:
Cliff Medell is the Executive Director of Teen Treks
Cliff Medell is the Executive Director of Teen Treks
Teen Treks started in 2001, as Executive Director, Cliff Madell wanted to make sure his
son, Tyler could look forward to a future of self-contained bike touring. Birthed out of
the Youth Hostel Movement, Teen Treks later became an independent non-profit hosting
17 bike adventures across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Teen Treks has always strived
to foster a spirit of adventure that provides teens opportunities to gain independence,
explore about the world around them, realize their capabilities and enjoy the freedom of
traveling by bicycle.
Each Trip has 2 adults, usually 18-21 years old as they relate to younger kids
We watched a short video that shows how kids (as young as 6 th grade) bike with just 2
bags and a tent across various trips ranging from 20 to 100 miles a day.
o This is a great way for youth to build friendships
o Not much training is needed for these trips, as they bike as fast as the slowest
biker
son, Tyler could look forward to a future of self-contained bike touring. Birthed out of
the Youth Hostel Movement, Teen Treks later became an independent non-profit hosting
17 bike adventures across the U.S., Canada and Europe. Teen Treks has always strived
to foster a spirit of adventure that provides teens opportunities to gain independence,
explore about the world around them, realize their capabilities and enjoy the freedom of
traveling by bicycle.
Each Trip has 2 adults, usually 18-21 years old as they relate to younger kids
We watched a short video that shows how kids (as young as 6 th grade) bike with just 2
bags and a tent across various trips ranging from 20 to 100 miles a day.
o This is a great way for youth to build friendships
o Not much training is needed for these trips, as they bike as fast as the slowest
biker
Teen Treks is starting to expand their business, offering “Family Bike Weekends” that
include only 1 overnight
Teen treks is a non-profit working on their 501(c)(3) status to provide scholarships for
students attending these treks
For more information on the amazing programs Teen Treks offers, visit:
https://teentreks.com/
include only 1 overnight
Teen treks is a non-profit working on their 501(c)(3) status to provide scholarships for
students attending these treks
For more information on the amazing programs Teen Treks offers, visit:
https://teentreks.com/
Split & Ace of Spades:
Speaker Cliff selected President Cathy’s ticket for a 33% chance to win $797.00 in the weekly
Ace of Spades drawing and unfortunately, Cathy picked the 4 of Clubs. Only 2 cards remain with
a guaranteed 50/50 shot and a guaranteed pot over $800 for the June 2nd meeting!
Prospective Member Lucas picked Ron’s ticket for $37 in the split club drawing.
Speaker Cliff selected President Cathy’s ticket for a 33% chance to win $797.00 in the weekly
Ace of Spades drawing and unfortunately, Cathy picked the 4 of Clubs. Only 2 cards remain with
a guaranteed 50/50 shot and a guaranteed pot over $800 for the June 2nd meeting!
Prospective Member Lucas picked Ron’s ticket for $37 in the split club drawing.
Fines:
Karen started off by asking for Happy Dollars/Confessions:
o Past President Donna shared with us that her twin grandsons recently celebrated their 4th
Birthday! She also shared that her step granddaughter graduated from Niagara University
over the weekend!
Karen started off by asking for Happy Dollars/Confessions:
o Past President Donna shared with us that her twin grandsons recently celebrated their 4th
Birthday! She also shared that her step granddaughter graduated from Niagara University
over the weekend!
o Speaking about College, Immediate Past President Brandon shared with us that he is
going back to school in the fall as he was recently accepted into West Virginia
University’s Online MBA Program! WOOHOO!! Congratulations!!
o President Elect Holly shared that her news won’t be as big as Brandon’s but her 8-year-
old nephew wanted to visit a Cat Café, so they went to the one in Buffalo for his birthday
and Holly is now a proud adopted mother of 2 new cats (Indy and Marion)! Holly self-
proclaimed that she is now only one Cat Café visit away from being a “Crazy Cat Lady”!
o Past President Rick Graham confessed that he recently visited Hilton Head, SC and that
next July his oldest granddaughter will be getting married!
o Past President Bob “Chuck” Patterson shared with us that his youngest grandchild was in
the play “Alice in Wonderland” but wasn’t so sure which character she portrayed- it wasn’t
Alice!
going back to school in the fall as he was recently accepted into West Virginia
University’s Online MBA Program! WOOHOO!! Congratulations!!
o President Elect Holly shared that her news won’t be as big as Brandon’s but her 8-year-
old nephew wanted to visit a Cat Café, so they went to the one in Buffalo for his birthday
and Holly is now a proud adopted mother of 2 new cats (Indy and Marion)! Holly self-
proclaimed that she is now only one Cat Café visit away from being a “Crazy Cat Lady”!
o Past President Rick Graham confessed that he recently visited Hilton Head, SC and that
next July his oldest granddaughter will be getting married!
o Past President Bob “Chuck” Patterson shared with us that his youngest grandchild was in
the play “Alice in Wonderland” but wasn’t so sure which character she portrayed- it wasn’t
Alice!
Karen quizzed everyone on Memorial Day Trivia as we have no meeting next week.
o Did you know:
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day as graves were decorated
Memorial Day Became a Federal Holiday on the Last Monday in May in 1971
The National Moment of Remembrance Act was passed in 2000 and at 3:00pm
local time, National Moment of Remembrance is to be practiced by all Americans
throughout the nation
American Flags are to be lowered to “half-staff” until Noon then raised to “full-
staff” to symbolize “HOPE”
o Did you know:
Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day as graves were decorated
Memorial Day Became a Federal Holiday on the Last Monday in May in 1971
The National Moment of Remembrance Act was passed in 2000 and at 3:00pm
local time, National Moment of Remembrance is to be practiced by all Americans
throughout the nation
American Flags are to be lowered to “half-staff” until Noon then raised to “full-
staff” to symbolize “HOPE”
President Cathy closed the meeting leading the 4-Way Test at 1:20pm.
The 5.19.25 edition of “The Ken” was respectfully submitted by the one and only Brandon Blatz.
The Ken 4/28
President Cathy started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:34 p.m. Steve led us in prayer.
Announcements:
Shred-it went well. Thank you to all the volunteers, especially Alex and Danielle, as this was their first one.
Brandon ran into Jeff Markarian and Jeff misses everyone and says Hi
Steve-installation and awards dinner will be at Websters on June 30th. The cost is $50 payable to Steve. Monday May 5th is the Student Scholarship luncheon. The buffet is $20 per person.
Saturday May 3rd is the Watershed clean up at Isle View Park form 10-12. Lunch at Mooney’s afterwards.
Cradle Beach Sunshine Day is Wednesday August 13 at 5 p.m. Dinner will be served.
Save the date for the annual Chili Cook-Off on October 22nd.
Holly announced we are at $6,450 for 100/100. Let’s give a big shout out to Bill Brucker for his generous donation!
Kenmore Days is on Thursday June 12th at Mang Park. We are beer tent sponsors so we will need volunteers.
Larry will need some help with Purple Pinkie Wednesday May 7th at Franklin Elementary and Middle School.
If you are looking to donate books, check out AAUW at 425 Essjay from April 22 to May 14. They are having their annual Fantastic 69th Scholarship Book Sale from May 28 to June 1. Call 716-832-4119 for more information.
President Cathy introduced Kevin Hardwick, Erie County Comptroller from 2022-present. Kevin is a longtime resident of the City of Tonawanda. He spoke about the importance of regionalism within the county. County grants were dolled out to the towns and cities. Most of them used it for other projects but the City of Tonawanda used it to explore joining ECWA for their water needs. Well that worked out well as the city had an aging system and after the county took over and installed a water tower, and repaired the aging water lines, well, you guessed it! We have water pressure! A very informative meeting.
Ron picked the 4 of spades and Pat/Donna split $27.
Have a wonderful week and see you Monday.
Pat
The Ken 4/14
President Cathy started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:32. John led us in prayer.
Announcements:
Donna-Anniversary's this month are Cam 4 years, Alicia 4 years, Bill 43 years and Ed 33 years.
Congratulations!
Birthdays: Paul Harris 157
Steve- Installation dinner is at Websters on June 30th. Cost is $50 and can be paid to Steve. Please attend as there will some important awards.
April 26th is Shred-It from 10-2.
Larry- Last week to apply for RYLA
Ed- May 3rd is our trail clean up at Isle View for the Niagara Greenway. Please sign up.
Cathy introduced our speaker, Whitney. Buffalo String Works’ mission is to ignite personal and community leadership through accessible, youth-centered music education. The enrolment is 185. 62% of funding comes from grants. They are in their 10th year in Buffalo. All the instruments are donated. On June 2nd there is a concert at Asbury Hall, 6-9pm.
If you know of a contractor they are in need of one as renovations at the Niagara Street facility are needed.
https://www.buffalostringworks.org/
Last week I posted a go fund me page for Karen's niece Kristen. This is the correct site: https://gofund.me/682adb7e
Split Club:
Ace of spades-Cathy drew the 8 of hearts and I split $30 with Donna
Fine Master:
Steve asked for confessions and Donna is glad to say her house is renovated from the water damage and more importantly husband Paul rang the bell!
Larry's cousin had a press release for Cardiac Crusades and it went out to over 200 markets! Lives will be saved!
Steve's kids Bobby and Sara received Scouting awards.
No meeting on 4/21 in observance of the Easter Holiday
Speaker on 4/28 is Kevin Hardwick, Erie County Comptroller
Yours truly,
Pat
The Ken 4/9/2025
President Cathy started the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 5:45 p.m. John led us in prayer.
Announcements:
Brandon attended the district conference with Donna, Holly, Cathy & Jim. Sounds like they had fun.
Steve announced that the installation dinner is on June 30 at Websters. The cost is $50. Dinner to be determined and announced later.
Jim reported that the satellite club’s electronic recycling event last Saturday went very well and they grossed more money with fewer cars. Well done!
Ed reminded us that the Greenway clean up is on May 3 from 10 am to 12 pm at Isle View Park. Lunch is at Mooney’s afterwards!
High School scholarship luncheon is May 5th and Middle School May 12th
Karen asked us to keep her niece Kristin Kulakowski da Silva in our prayers as she is recovering from breast cancer. There is a GoFundMe page https://gofundme./f6622700 set up as she has financial needs.
Split/Ace of Spades:
Brandon drew the 9 of diamonds and the Ace is still in there! Cam took home a whopping $37!
Fine Master:
Cam asked for confessions and Brandon confessed that he will donate $1 as his stock portfolio did very well today.
John has been away for a while so he made a generous donation. Thanks John and good to see you!
Jim and his wife celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. Congratulations!
Cam then tested us on finances and we did very well!! Better than he expected!
We had a nice time at Joey’s and will continue in July.
Hope to see you all on Monday at The Dome.
Yours truly,
Pat