President Harold Graves brought the meeting to order. We sang the Star Spangled Banner, recited the Pledge of Allegiance, and the invocation was provided by Helen Kessler.

Visitors & Guests: Ed Glassberg introduced Lou Fagen, Sehl Burns, Peter Fennell and past District Governor Jerry Gortner (Canastota) and we welcomed them all in song.

Announcements:

  • The Executive Director, Wendy Scott and the Treasurer, Michael Vaughan of the Dewitt Community Library gave a short presentation about the library and its newer resources and services. They also mentioned that the library is looking to expand its size, and move from Shoppingtown into a free-standing building of its own. It is currently researching a location for the move. On May 17th, a proposition will be placed before the voters of the Town of Dewitt to increase its town tax funding to replace funds lost when the Town of Dewitt removed its annual grant. It is asking for an additional $42,835 in tax revenue to support current library services, collections and increasing operating expenses.
  • We received a thank you note from Learning Disabilities of CNY for our recent grant to them.
  • Richard Walker gave a progress report on the NewlandCenter (formerly The Learning Place.) It is located at 1443 E Genesee Street, Syracuse, 13210.The NewlandCenter is a non-profit, volunteer-based chartered corporation dedicated to providing free adult literacy services to our Syracuse inner-city neighborhoods. The center is located on East Genesee Street with access from all neighborhoods of the city via bus lines. The volunteer tutors provide one-on-one tutoring and group instructions to enrolled adult students. Students are assessed to evaluate their strengths and needs when they enroll. A full range of educational subjects are offered. They are funded by foundation grants, local organizations and individual contributions. Volunteers are always welcome as tutors, office staff and board committee members. The Center has expanded its outreach to include Veterans as well. People who may be interested in working with the NewlandCenter should contact its Executive Director, Linda Green, at 315-471-1446.
  • Our advertising director for Pancake Day, Mark Matt reminded us all that the deadline for ads for submission into the Flapjack is April 18th! Please do not wait until the last moment to try to sell your ads or submit them for publication. If you have questions, please contact Mark directly.
  • Our next feeding for the SamaritanCenter will be April 16th. Those interested in participating please contact Fred Cholet.
  • The Rotary Foundationhas established a fund for relief for the victims of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Please go to rotary.org if you would like to make a pledge to the fund.
  • Judy Williams and PDG Jerry Gortner awarded special recognition to 7 club members for having donated $100 to the Rotary Foundation in the 2010-2011 fiscal year.

Program:

Past District Governor Jerry Gortner, as District Foundation Chairman, made a presentation on the many facets of Rotary Foundation. Please remember to consider all the ways that Foundation can be a support for your local programs and projects.

Happy Dollars: Dan Maffei, Jim Merrithew, Ed Glasberg, Leo Eisner, Steve Woiler, Jerry Gortner, Larry Schunck, Harold Graves, and Kim Jeffery.

50-50: was won by Leo Eisner.

Submitted by Michael Miller