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Bulletin Editor
Pat Griffin
Speakers
May 01, 2023
High School
May 08, 2023
Middle School
May 15, 2023
Mission Work in Columbia
May 22, 2023
Fellowship
May 29, 2023
View entire list
Upcoming Events
Shred-It
Ken-Ton Elmwood Commons
Apr 29, 2023
10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting
Paddock Golf Dome
May 01, 2023
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting
Paddock Golf Dome
May 08, 2023
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting
Paddock Golf Dome
May 15, 2023
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
 
Board Meeting
Kenmore -Town of Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce
May 19, 2023
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
 
Weekly Club Meeting
Paddock Golf Dome
May 22, 2023
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting
Paddock Golf Dome
May 29, 2023
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting
Paddock Golf Dome
Jun 05, 2023
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
 
Weekly Club Meeting
Paddock Golf Dome
Jun 12, 2023
12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
 
Board Meeting
Kenmore -Town of Tonawanda Chamber of Commerce
Jun 16, 2023
8:00 AM – 9:00 AM
 
View entire list
Stories
The Ken April 17

The Ken

April 17, 2023

Director: Pat Griffin

Finemaster: Steve Blass

Table attendance/Split club: Scott Mason

Ken writer: Pat

Invocation: Linda Skroka

President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:30. Linda led us in prayer.

Larry introduced a UB Rotaract guest Dan Bauman. Dan updated us on their latest project which include a campus clean up as well as their Niagara Greenway Trail cleanup on Saturday 4/29. They also had a pizza fundraiser at Blaze Pizza.

I had a few announcements. Our club cleanup in Isle View Park is Saturday 4/22 from 10-2 and Sat 4/29 10-2 is Shred it. We need volunteers.

Larry announced that he set up a table for our club at the District Conference at NCCC.

Rick gave us a update on the Centennial celebration of our club. The 2nd meeting came up with some great ideas and this will take full participation from ALL members to make this successful.

Steve mentioned that there is a Cub Scout pancake breakfast Saturday 4/22 from 10-2 at St. Marks on Delaware Road.

Brandon introduced our guest speaker Shelly Unocic from Lockport Rotary, she is the President elect.They were chartered on 5/1/1919. They also adopted a trail called the Market Street Trail. They are in the process of raising funds for a pavilion on the trail .There is a Rotary meat raffle and fellowship dinner on 5/19 at the Niagara County Fairgrounds. More info on www.lockportrotary.com. Shelly is also Director at the Cornerstone CFCU Arena. They are having a 2023 Hockey Induction Ceremony on Saturday May 6th at 7pm at the arena. Guest speaker Rick Jeanneret.

Split club winner was Cathy $11 and ace of spades, Ron picked the 2 of clubs.

Finemaster Steve did asked for confessions and Brandon admitted to vacationing in Mexico. Steve also stumped us on Earth Day trivia: Who founded Earth Day? Gaylord Nelson. What year was the first Earth Day? 1970 and when did it go global? 1990. We didn’t get any correct but we learned something.

Hope to see you Monday as we have a speaker from the Town of Tonawanda Historical Society.

Pat

The Ken April 3

The Ken

April 3,2023

Director: Pat Griffin

Finemaster: John Coogan

Table attendance/Split club: Karen

Ken writer: Pat

Invocation: Linda Skroka

 

 Past President Donna opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:25. Linda led us in prayer.

Karen introduced our speaker Lynn Riker from Hospice and Palliative Care Services. And we have a guest today, Cheryl Widmer.

Announcements: Shred it fundraiser is 4/29 from 10-2, volunteers needed. I have lawn signs available. Isle View Park clean up is 4/22 10-12. Please consider helping out. Its Earth Day.

District conference is 4/15 at 9 am at NCCC ,if you plan on attending you need to register online.

Split club winner was Ron $12 and yours truly had another chance at the ace and I picked 9 of diamonds.

Our speaker Lynn gave us some important insight on hospice care. This is a subject we don’t wat to discuss until it’s a crisis. It is a health insurance benefit and 2/3 of the care is at home through  care givers. Palliative care is different as it is about treating the illness and is not life ending care.

More information can be found on hospicebuffalo.com

Our fine master John asked for confessions and Phil is the proud grandfather as of today.

 Karen was a volunteer at Roswell and they asked her to speak to the staff as she is a dietician.

Pauls granddaughter won a gold metal in swimming.

John stumped us on some trivia and we now know that Marlon Brandos birthday is April 3rd.

There will not be a meeting on Apri 10. See you on the 17th.

Happy Easter!

Pat

The Ken March 27
Rotary March 27th, 2023
Director: Dick/Linda
Fine master: Sue J.
Table Attendance/Split Club:  Linda S.
Invocation: Ed H.
Ken writer: Cathy P
Brandon Called the meeting to order at 12:24
Invocation: Ed Hacherl-special prayers for the tornado victims
Guest Speaker: Richard Wruck, President of the Fulbright Association
 
Mr. Wnuk has over 40 years of business experience at various senior executive positions encompassing both start-up ventures as well as with large public multi-national companies. He earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from the State University of New York College at Buffalo and attended the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School. He has an extensive background in Publishing and Gaming.
Currently Mr. Wnuk is the acting Executive Director of Business Development and Strategy for Haven Network, a Hong Kong Technology company. He has been a Senior Advisor for many large and small companies including: Blue Heron Ventures a California Corporate Consultant and Investment Fund,  Cedar Design an Israeli high tech game company, Alcon Entertainment, a leading Hollywood production company and Special Advisor for Kik Interactive, a high tech company in Waterloo Ontario that has developed a leading instant messenger for smart phones.
In March of 2014, Mr. Wnuk was awarded a Fulbright to teach at Tallinn University, Baltic School of Film and Media.  In 2016 Mr. Wnuk was awarded a second Fulbright to teach at KDU University, School of Computing & Creative Media, in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.  Mr. Wnuk has also worked with and advised the ITU (International Telecommunication Union) which is a United Nations agency is specializing in communication and information technology. President of the Fulbright Chapter of WNY and Northern Pennsylvania
Fulbright is an international exchange program part of the State Department with 400 awards annually in over 135 countries to teach, conduct research, and carry out professional projects. Started in 1946
It's been mainly students but is beginning to include professionals.
390,00 Fulbright’s awarded.
 140,000 Americans
Graduating students who want to understand what is going on in the world will live in a country for a year and are Ambassadors for the country from which they come.
Funded by the US gov't $270 million matched by the foreign governments.
Impact in US from the foreign students is $28 Billion. $3.7 Billion is brought into NY STATE. UB has 6,161 Foreign students.
The Fulbright acceptance rate is 10-20% We want to increase this number from WNY and include the smaller schools.
They expose students to art, architecture, and history as well as local companies as much as possible which can lead to an exchange of ideas.
Split Club winner: Ed Hacherl $10.50
Ace of Spades WINNER Pat Griffin $331.00
Confessions: Linda Sroka fined herself as they welcomed a new grandson over the weekend. Sue J. Just got back from Cabo.
Announcements:
  • The Satellite club made approx. $2300 on their paint collection last weekend.
  • Friday March 31st-8:00AM Board meeting in the KTCC Conference Room
  • NO MEETING APRIL 10TH
  • Adopt-A-Trail Earth Day Clean-up April 22nd @ Isle View
  • Shred-It April 29th
APRIL MEETING DUTIES:
Director-Pat Griffin
Fine master John Coogan
Table Attendance/Split Club: Scott Mason
Ken-Writer: Pat Griffin
Invocation: Tim Glor
 
Adjourned around 1:30
The Ken March 20
The KEN 03.20.2023
The Ken:
March 20th, 2023
Director: Dick
Fine master: Karen
Table attendance/Split club: Steve
Ken writer: Cathy Piciulo
Invocation: Ed Hacherl
 
Brandon Blatz rang the gong at 12:28PM call to order
 Ed Hacked gave the Invocation
Guests: Dan Bauman UB Rotaract Club
Faces we have not seen in a while TJ & Alycia
Announcements:
Ed Hacherl updated on Foundation funding a water tank in Honduras
The Foundation also funded" Be your own Heroes'' Job fair
Volunteers needed for the Paint drive sponsored by the Satellite Club this Saturday 9-1. Evans Bank donated 100 flyers
Next week’s speaker Richard Wnuk will discuss the Fulbright scholarship
Audrey Myers was promoted again @Evans Bank-she is one of the few females in upper management.
No meeting Dingus Day April 10th
May 15th Club Assembly
No mtg May 29th
Shred-it April 29th Volunteers needed
Cam announced that we have - live entertainment booked for Kentoberfest
Holly is working on sponsor request info for that event
•              Trying to organize dancers & Kid zone of pumpkin painting
•              Looking into a banner that can be changed to be used for events
District conference April 15th @NCCC -please attend if you can and have not yet been to a conference.
Split Club $13  Donna
Ace of spades Linda pulled the 2 of Clubs.
Visitor Dan Bauman from UB Rotaract gave an update about the group and their activities:
Dan thanked us for Donation to Food Recovery Program, they will be spending a Saturday cleaning South campus after the winter. They have also been volunteering at the Friends of night people.
Larry reminded us about volunteering to connect with Rotaract. Anne Bermingham sent an email on 3/14 below with the LINK to the Zoom meeting on Wed March 29th from 5:00 to 6:00PM.  It would be a really neat way to volunteer for only one hour in name of VOCATIONAL Service, called "Networking Session for ROTARACTORS  and ROTARIANS" to mentor the students in career paths. https://rotary7090.org/event/networking-session-for-rotaracters-and-rotarians/
 
Larry discussed Centennial ideas
April 8th 2024 is total Eclipse at 3:00PM, perhaps we can get the glasses and have an event. It's 2 days before our actual anniversary.
•              Cam- the science museum has an Upper deck Perhaps to rent- watch party?
Brandon will be participating in the Il day powerplay-supports cancer research. What can we do to support him?
 Next mtg for 100th Anniversary-ideas and events for discussion (keep in mind the size of the club!)
•              Golf outing
•              Gala event
•              5k through Elm lawn
•              party during a clean-up at the Ron Pilozzi pavilion in Niawanda Park?
•              Include seeking new members
•              Need a Branded tent
Karen asked for confessions.
  1. Ricks Grandson is a goalie at Colgate and will be playing in NCAA finals $10
  2. Karen met Jackie Pritchard at the Gala who recruited her to volunteer at Roswell as a Research volunteer + therapy dog handler. She was an oncology nutritionist in Massachusetts for 40 years. She is a good source of information for anyone going through chemo or radiation treatment-she understands the drugs and the nutrition and can put it in layman’s terms for you.
Trivia -Basketball related.
1:28 meeting adjourned
March 20 2023
The Ken:
March 13th, 2023
Director: Dick Hanaburgh
Fine master: Dick Hanaburgh
Table attendance/Split club: Linda Sroka
Ken writer: Cathy Piciulo
Invocation: Ed Hacherl
 
 
Guest speaker:
Gary Decker, Scout Executive & CEO, BOY Scouts of America
Guest- Mike Woods, Northwest Bank from Buffalo Rotary
  • 12:27 Called to order
  • Ed Hacker invocation
  • Dick introduced guests.
Announcements:
  • Pat Griffin -Satellite club is holding a paint recycle-Collection on Saturday March 25th from 9-1@ 36 Young St. @ Intermodal Hub Public Facility, register online
  • Shred -it April 29th 10-2 @Elmwood Commons
  • Greenway Clean-up April 22nd@Isle view
  • Board will be reviewing proposal to buy some pick-up grabbers
• • •
  • Board Mtg wed @5:30 W/ dinner to review the Bylaws.
  • Cameron offered info on FDIC Insurance for anyone concerned about the recent bank failure
  • Rick will send info in a week -Centennial update
  • Satellite Club meeting is Thursday@7:30AM at Chims Oasis
  • Hole in one July 10th 8AM- 4:00pm
  • Mike Austin needs helpers for the summer weed wacking and mowing -paid position @ Elm Lawn
• • •
Gary Decker, Scout Executive & CEO, BOY Scouts of America
Previously @scouts in Horseheads, Rochester + Binghampton longtime Rotarian in Cortland-Chaired their 100 Anniversary.
Greater Niagara Frontier Council, Boy Scouts of America
He asked people to stand who had an association with or was a boy scout or girl scout as a kid.
Everyone stood.
• • •
Last year 1900 Scouts advanced in Rank, 4300 Merit badges earned, 1500 campers, 118 Scouts Earned Eagle, 50,000 hours of community
service
The future of Rotary is from these scouts who understand community service!
They survived numerous challenges over the last s years but are alive and well.
They sold 2 camps and invested in 1 camp to make it world class
In the process of merging w/ council in Batavia to become the WNY Scout Council Kenmore Rotary has made a huge impact!
400 Youth members grew 11% last year
Financial support from the Kenmore Club has made a huge difference Foundation has also supported
  • Inflatable Archery Range
  • Rotary cabin
Current challenges
  • getting kids to get outside to engage
  • Parents are so busy and this program includes them
• • •
The national bankruptcy Is also a challenge The 2 camps that sold
  • I will be a park in Lewiston
  • I is privately owned t­ower will create an Easement
Cam suggested a table for the scouts @ Kentoberfest.
Please include them in community service projects
 
Winners
50/50 $14 Cathy p
ACE of spades Steve pulled 9 hearts
Adjourned around 1:30
The Ken March 13
The Ken – March 6, 2023
Director:  Dick Hanaburgh
Fine Master:  Sue Jandzinski
Attendance/Split Club:  Steve Blass
Ken Writer – Linda Sroka for Cathy Piciulo
Invocation – Ed Hacherl
 
 
Brandon Blatz called the meeting to order at 12:23 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Ed
gave the invocation.
 
No guest speaker for this meeting.
 
Guests:  Fiona Barre Ho, RCA and Savio Sesouza., Rotaract
 
Announcements:  Mike Austin has been diagnosed with prostate cancer and is undergoing chemo.
Donna spoke with Art.  He is “alive and kicking” as he said.  Hopes to be back to meetings as soon as possible. 
 
Larry mentioned the golf outing with other service clubs will be help in July.  Our club will be on the 8th hole from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.   More details to follow.
 
Cam submitted our Kentoberfest proposal to the Town.   The date is September 23, 2023 from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.  The committee will be established soon.  He welcomed suggestions for the event whether they are same as last year or new additions.  A few comments included dunk tank, pumpkin painting for kids, seeking a second food vendor to offer variety, and vendors/sponsorships details will be available within the next 30 days per Holly.
 
The Boy Scouts of America, Polaris District, recognized Stephen Blass and Bob Patterson with each receiving the District of Merit Award (the Scouts’ highest award), and Dick Hanaburgh with the Sparkplug Award at their recent awards dinner.  Congratulations gentlemen!
 
Donna announced birthdays and anniversaries for the months of January, February & March.  Birthdays in January: Ed Hacherl, Chuck Patterson, Ron Levea; February: John Hannon, Glenn Gentzke, Bill Brucker, Holly Nowak; March: Joe Arcara, Paul Chisholm.  Anniversaries in January: Rick Graham (29 years); February:  Holly Nowak (7 years), Sue Jandzunski (7 years), Mike Austin (14 years), Ron Levea (41 years), Joe Arcara (12 years), John Coogan (22 years); March: Greg Stevens (2 years).
 
Brandon reminded the group that requests for Bandit tickets are due this afternoon.  Venmo Brandon for tickets.
 
Split Club/Ace of Spades- Brandon won the split club - $14.  Brandon also had the winning ticket for the Ace of Spades.  He pulled the Ten of Diamonds.
 
Confessions: Donna brought in a box of Oreo cookies for each table as today is National Oreo Day.  She also compiled a list of birthdays and Rotary members’ anniversaries for the months of January – March. 
Pat took a road trip to the Wake Forest game. 
 
Brandon coached his youth hockey team’s game.  Although they lost 3-2, the 10 year olds were thrilled to play on the same ice as Connor McDavid.
 
Other Business:
 
Fiona updated the group on the project in Tanzania which the Foundation provided funding for the water project.  The water which needed to be filtered is now done so by a plant based system.  100,000 children in the village now have filtered water.  Savio is working on a presentation of the project which will showcase our gift at the UN in March.
 
Brandon went through slides of our website’s updates.  He highlighted Meetings, Events – where speakers’ names for upcoming meetings are located – added Past Presidents, Paul Harris Recognition Award.  Discussion by group to update personal information on the website.  Log into Club Runner to edit profile.  Username:  firstname.lastname.333 Password: 333
Brandon also mentioned the new brochure draft is completed.
 
Adjournment:  Meeting adjourned at 1:18 p.m.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Ken Feb 27
The Ken – February 27, 2023
Fine Master:  Sue
Attendance/Split Club:  Dick Hanaburgh
Ken Writer – Linda Sroka
Invocation – Sue
 
Note:  There no was no meeting on February 20, 2023 – Presidents’ Day
 
Brandon Blatz called the meeting to order at 12:19 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Sue
gave the invocation.
Announcements:  Larry noted that a Zoom meeting is scheduled for March 15th from 7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. regarding youth services/scholarships. 
There is also a board meeting at 5:30 p.m. on March 15th to discuss and review ByLaws. 
Rick mentioned that the first meeting of the Centennial Committee took place last week.  Manpower needs and funding were discussed.  There will be a main event and several smaller events throughout the year.  
The Shred It Committee will meet March 6, 2023 following the regular weekly Rotary meeting.
Larry attended the wake of Brittany Helpard Mez who passed away on February 4, 2023.  She was the daughter of the late Ralph Helpard.  Former Rotary member, Rick Coates, also passed away.
Brandon reminded the group that the deadline for Bandits tickets is March 1st.
Guest Speaker:  Karen introduced our guest speaker, Catherine
Shick, PR Manager for FeedMore WNY which is the result of a merger between the Food Bank of WNY and Meals on Wheels for WNY.  The organization serves four (4) counties:  Erie, Niagara, Cattaraugus and Chautauqua. They partner with pantries, schools, food industry, and government.  Small food pantries rely on FeedMore for food, produce, and non-perishables.  Other partner organizations include: Feeding America, Feeding NYS, Food Bank Distribution Network, Meals on Wheels America, Meals on Wheels NYS, and other local/community Meals on Wheels.
Their main focus is on food insecurity which is the lack of access to nutritious food.  Food insecurity can be at different stages for different people, it can be seasonal for others (i.e. do I pay my heat bill or buy food for my family).   Those who suffer from food insecurity purchase more process foods which impacts health.  The client include babies, children, working families, veterans and everyone in between.  All are equally important.  There are two main locations:  James E. Casey Dr. in Buffalo where meals are prepared and Holt St which houses the distribution center.  5,000 meals are prepared each day. In 2021 over 1.3 million meals were prepared and served.  A team of social workers also focus on the welfare of their clients. 
FeedMore also hosts a workforce training program, RISE, focusing on those with high barriers to employment; teaching soft skills – financial, literacy, resume writing, nutrition education.  Participants receive a nationally recognized certificate in warehouse and logistics.
Needs include volunteers to: deliver meals, sort and pack food donations, assist with special events and food drives, make companion calls, tend community gardens, and make angel cards. For more info or to volunteer call 716-822-2002.
Split Club/Ace of Spades- Phil won the split club - $13.  Dick pulled the Jack of Diamonds. 
Confessions:  Donna donated $5 in honor of her grandson who turned 5 on February 26th.
Adjournment:  Meeting adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
The Ken Feb 13
The Ken – February 13, 2023
Fine Master:  Holly Nowak
Attendance/Split Club:  Dick Hanaburgh
Ken Writer – Linda Sroka
Invocation – Brandon Blatz (for Chuck Patterson)
 
Brandon Blatz called the meeting to order at 12:28 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Brandon also led the invocation.
Announcements:  Steve said our dinner on Wednesday, February 8th went well.  Donna was extremely surprised and overwhelmed to receive the Paul Harris Award.  Reminder if you are interested in attending the Bandits game on Saturday, April 15th, contact Brandon by March 1st.  Ticket prices start at $26.00.
There is a Rotary Board Meeting on Friday, February 17th at 8:00 a.m.  There is no meeting on Monday, February 20th.
A Centennial Committee will need to be formed in the near future.  Larry brought in a plaque which stated the Charter Issue date, April 10, 1924.  Founding members named on the plaque. 
Cathy Piciulo reminded the group the State of the Town with Joe Emminger is Thursday, Feb. 16th with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. and the presentation at 9:00 a.m. at Elmwood Commons.
Confessions: Paul’s granddaughter won two silver awards for diving!  Steve finished his term as President of the Board of Family Promise.
Guest Speaker:  Steve introduced our guest speaker, Luanne Firestone, Executive Director of Family Promise of WNY.  Family Promise is an emergency shelter for homeless families.   They are one of two shelters in Erie County that do not separate families experiencing homelessness.  The other shelter is Salvation Army. 
Family Promise hosts 20 families at a time.  The small environment helps children not to feel overwhelmed.  During 2022, hosted 10,184 bed nights with 120 children and 45 adults.  Most guests stay between two months to six months depending upon their circumstances.
The shelter assists with medical care, mental health services, education, housing and finding jobs.
Many of their families fall into homelessness due to medical issues, drug abuse, divorce, mental health, inhabitable housing. 
Those in need of Family Promise services start the process with the Erie County Dept. of Social Services. Initially the families are housed in motels in Erie Co/Niagara Co until shelter placement is available.
Homelessness brings a host of other emotions: loss of dignity, confidence, belongings, neighborhood, and school.  There are circumstances which make placement difficult such as: owning a pet, disabilities, large families, LGBTQ+
Beyond sheltering the homeless, FP provides summer camp experiences, activities at the Old First Ward Community Center, therapy dogs, birthday parties and gifts for the children.  70% of Family Promise guests are children.
There are many ways to support the organization from donations to volunteering.
 
Split Club: Cathy Piciulo won $11.00.  Larry picked the King of Hearts.
 
 
Meeting adjourned at 1:20 p.m.
The Ken February 6
The Ken – February 6, 2023
Fine Master:  Holly Nowak
Attendance/Split Club:  Dick Hanaburgh
Ken Writer – Linda Sroka
Invocation – Sue Jandzinski (for Chuck Patterson)
 
Brandon Blatz called the meeting to order at 12:15 p.m. and opened with the Pledge of Allegiance.  Sue Jandzinski led the invocation.
 
Our guests were Richard Kulakowski and our presenter, Fr. Ron Gaesser, who does mission work in the Dominican Republic. 
 
Announcements:  We are set for Wednesday’s Winter Social at Howling Rooster.  We expect an attendance of 25.  Lisa Bishop, District Governor, and Scott Marcin, District Governor Elect, will also be in attendance. 
More information to come, however, mark your calendar for the Paint Recycling Program to be held Saturday, March 25th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Tonawanda Intermodal Hub Public Facility.
 
Interested in attending a Bandits game on Saturday, April 15th?  Let Brandon know by March 1st as tickets are selling fast.
 
Reminder that Earth Day clean-up is Saturday, April 22nd.  Help is needed for about one hour.
 
Confessions:  Cam and his wife were out and about all weekend.  Great fun – even called off work.
Pat had a wonderful vacation visiting Sequoia National Park and Death Valley with last stop in Las Vegas.
Larry celebrated his birthday over the weekend and had a fun time.
Split Club: And the winner is Brandon Blatz, $12.  Dick picked the 4 of Clubs in drawing for the Ace of Spades.
 
Karen Kulakowski introduced her dear friend, Fr. Ron Gaesser who serves in the Dominican Republic.  Fr. Gaesser has worked with the poor and needy there for 20 years and holds dual citizenship with the US and the DR.  Fr. Gaesser informed us that he is currently working on four (4) projects, each of dire importance to the citizens and illegals.  #1, Education:  there are two (2) schools within his scope.  One is Monte Plata and is focused on children who are autistic, brain damaged or have downs syndrome. Given this school is in rented space, only 70 children can be cared for at this time.  The other school is located in the town of Don Juan, DR.  There 400 children receive an education.  #2, there currently is no church as it burned.  #3, assisting Haitian illegals.  #4, building latrines.  There are many areas with absolutely no such facilities. 
 
Fr. Gaesser’s main focus is on latrines.  Since 2007, they have built over 2,300 latrines with labor provided by the families.  They build about 20 per month, and the cost is $250 per latrine.  Each latrine is built so that it can easily be moved and laid on its side during hurricanes so as not to be damaged.  The second issue is the lack of good, clean drinking water. 
 
His foundation, El Portal de Belen, is located in Ithaca, NY. 
The Ken 1/30/2023
The Ken
1/30/2023
Director: Ed
Finemaster:Gary Roberts
Table attendance/Split club: Phil Michalowski
Ken writer: Ed
Invocation: Larry Coon
 
 
President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:20.
 
Larry Coon led us in prayer.
 
Cathy Piciulo introduced our guests; Judy Tucker and Melissa Chernowetz from the Tonawanda Kenmore Historial Society. 
 
Announcements:
Brandon reminded members of the Winter Social next Wednesday 2/8/2023, 5:30pm at the Howling Rooster.  Please contact Steve Blass 716-868-8085 or sblass61@gmail.com to reserve your spot.
Also, another Social event for the club is a Bandits Lacrosse Night for April 15, 2023. Please RSVP to kenmorerotarypresident@gmail.com.
 
Program:
Cathy Piciulo Introduced our speakers Judy Tucker and Melissa Chernowetz from the Tonawanda Kenmore Historical Society located at 100 Knocke Rd. (kentonhistory.org)
Judy gave some background on the Society and indicated they have an open house 11-1 this Saturday.  The Society has a large collection of historical artifacts, documents, tools, furniture and more.  The Society had received a grant and are using that to scan and catalogue the historical items they have.
 
Melissa thru a $5,000 grant from the Kenmore Rotary Foundation is working on the Music of Kenton exhibit.  Kenmore West and East were a significant source of great bands in the 1970s.  She reminded me of all the bands that played at my high school dances.
 
Presentation:
Brandon called up Judy Tucker and Melissa Chernowetz from the Tonawanda Kenmore Historical Society for a photo op and the Presentation of the “big” check $5,000 to go towards the Music of Kenton Exhibit.
 
Dick Hannaburgh won the split and Larry Coon got to draw for the Ace of Spades.  The Ace is still in the deck.
 
Finemaster, Gary Roberts asked for confessions, Ed Markarian confessed both of his children are engaged!  Gary quizzed the club on Buffalo Bills historical trivia. 
 
I want to thank the January meeting POD Finemaster Gary Robert; Table Attendance Phil Michaloski; Ken Writer Cameron Kukla and Invocation Larry Coon.  Great job!
 
FYI February Meeting POD Finemaster Holly Nowak; Table Attendance Dick Hanaburgh; Ken Writer Linda Sroka and Invocation Chuck Patterson.
 
Have a great week everyone, February is Heart Health Month – Wear Red!
The Ken Jan 23
The Ken
1/23/2023
Director: Ed
Finemaster: Gary Roberts
Table attendance/Split club: Ed
Ken writer: Cameron Kukla
Invocation: Larry Coon
 
Bringing in our second meeting of 2023, Larry Coon made a bell sound to replace the rotary meeting bell and Stephen Blass lead us in the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:20pm. Our guests were: Jessica Nowak - Executive Director of 'Kenmore Meals on Wheelz', Skylar Shurr from 'Hearts for the Homeless', and Matthew Taboni founder of 'Food Recovery Network.'
 
 
Announcements: A reminder for the Bandits Game coming up to get your money to Stephen Blass more details to follow on January 30th's meeting..
Also, there is a "Rotary Winter Social" on February 8th from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at "Howling Rooster". Tickets for the social are $50 which includes the cost of dinner and is a dead line of February 3rd. Please RVSO to Stephen Blass for both events. 
Kenmore Rotary presented an award of $10,000 to, "Hearts for the Homeless". Skylar gave us a huge thank you and let us know the funds would be used for a freezer and a deli-slicer to provide more meals to the homeless.
The only fines offered for the meeting was $1 for any comments related to the bills game and the meeting was very quite. 

 Our speaker was Matthew Taboni from the National organization, 'Food Recovery Network'. Matt is a UB student, working on their Law degree and works with Roteract. Matt helped to found and form the UB chapter of this organization in Nov of 2020. Currently they utilize the two dinning halls at UB to recover 8 times a week totaling 100 pounds of food a night. Since their inception, Matt has helped to: Recover 16,760 lbs of food, feed over 14,000 people, and offer 1054 volunteer hours. They collaborate with 15 student organizations, 8 nonprofits, 8 other community organizations, and are the test pilot for "Project Dash" with Door Dash. Door dash would offer free delivery services to get the produce and food to nonprofits around the area. On average they have 6-12 volunteer positions open during a semester.
 
Thank you Matt for helping our students and community!
 
A final note: Our fearless president is in good health and will be able to bring the bell for next week so Larry can save his singing voice.
 
Contact information:
Matthew Taboni - mdtaboni@buffalo.edu
 
Fines, ace of spades and split club with resume next week.
The Ken Jan. 9
The Ken
1/9/2023
Director: Ed
Finemaster:Gary Roberts
Table attendance/Split club: Ed
Ken writer: Ed
Invocation: Larry Coon
 
Happy New Year! Here’s to a great 2023!
 
President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:20. Larry Coon led us in prayer.
Ed introduced our guests; Larry Mazuchowski from Our Little Roses Foreign Mission Society and our speaker Reid Harvey. 
 
Announcements: Steve announced that we have speakers for meetings in January. Larry Coon announced Edison Elementary held a Purple Pinkie event.
President Brandon introduced our speaker Reid Harvey from Africa Prosperity. He spoke about Environmental Health and Development for Sub Saharan through ceramic stoves, sanitary stoneware toilets and ceramic water filters.
 
Brandon called up Larry Mazuchowski for a photo op presenting a “Big” Check for $4,500 to help Our Little Roses with their own clean water supply.  Our Little Roses mission is to transform and empower abandoned girl children in Honduras.
 
Linda won $10 on the split and Dick also drew the 10 of Hearts.  Chuck brought in a box of chocolates from Courier Capital and Chuck had the winning ticket for the chocolates.
 
Finemaster, Gary Roberts asked for confessions, Brandon confessed to being in Disney World
Gary confessed to missing meetings and to start the new year off, Paid $20 to cover everyone’s fines.
 
 
Have a great week everyone, no meeting on 1/16 Martin Luther King Day.  Please plan on attending our meeting on 1/23.
The Ken Dec 19

The Ken

12/19/2022

Director: Brandon

Finemaster:Cameron

Table attendance/Split club: Paul

Ken writer: Pat

Invocation: Rick

 

 President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:31. Rick Graham led us in prayer.

Paul introduced our guests; Greg Stevens, Michelle Lockett, Jim Jones, Kevin Crosby, John Hannon 

Larry Introduced our Speakers, Kevin from Buffalo Sunrise club spoke about the Niagara Greenway Steering committee. It was launched in 2018 with 10 clubs. The committee has one member from each club. A cluster grant is in the making, each club will apply for a amount that they see fit and Rotary District will match up to $2000.00.

Greg Stevens shared with us on why it is good for Rotary. We will get a lot of visibility and it is appealing to our students from Interact and Rotaract. The Niagara-Greenway trail is the largest off road trail in the United States. There is signage and benches with the Rotary logo that our club donated on our section of the trail.

Michelle reminded us that Earth Day is April 22nd. She is coordinating the cleanup for each trail and our club committed to clean up our trail between 10-1 on that day. Our section is Isle View Park. Michelle encouraged our club to set up a monthly activities calendar for the trail. It can be something as simple as a walk of the trail.

John introduced us to the Wheels for workers 716 project. They acquire donated bikes mostly in need of repairs and when they are ready they are donated to the needy which are mostly refugees that have no means of transportation. This allows them to get into the workforce. So far 560 bikes have been donated. Our club donated $1000.00 for a work station. We presented John with the check today. NYS law requires the bikes to be equipped with bells, the Satellite club is spearheading this and we donated $5000.00 for 1000 bells that will have the Rotary logo on them. This is enough for 1000 bikes. Today we presented a check to Jim Jones.

Jim also announced that the Satellite club is going to have a paint recycling event in March. Our club committed to helping the advertise it.

Split club drawing was won by Kevin and he was kind enough to donate it back to the club. Thanks Kevin! Jim Jones drew the 10 of clubs.

Finemaster Cameron asked for confessions; Pauls' grand daughter came in 1st place in her diving competition. I shared that my nephew graduated from the police academy and will be a City of Buffalo officer .Cam fined himself mega bucks for missing 2 meetings. He also stumped us on a number of Christmas trivia questions.

The next meeting is January 9th. Have a wonderful and safe holiday. 

Pat

 

The Ken Dec 12

The Ken

12/12/2022

Director: Brandon

Finemaster:Dick

Table attendance/Split club: Paul

Ken writer: Pat

Invocation: Bob Patterson

 

 President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:21. Bob Paterson led us in prayer.

Paul introduced our guests; Santa from the North Pole and our speaker Sharon Green 

 

Announcements: Steve announced that we raised $3500.00 for operation Santa. Bob gave us the club foundation final distribution amount and it was $38,600. Larry mentioned that we would like to add a bicycle collection to our shred-it event in April.

President Brandon introduced our speaker Sharon Green from Global African Village. They are a all-volunteer nonprofit that assists the impoverished Bagishu people of Uganda. They accomplish this Through education ;infrastructure;& small business development. We can get involved by volunteering. The website is www.globalafricanvillage.org. They are doing some great works.

Steve won $7 on the split and he also drew the 6 of diamonds.

 

Finemaster Dick asked for confessions; Pauls' grand daughter came in 1st place in her diving competition. Thanks to Dich we were fined several dollars since we didn’t know there are 7 colors in the rainbow and in Georgia it is illegal to eat fried chicken with a fork. That should be a federal law! Brandon saved us by knowing that the platypus is the only mammal that lays eggs.

Mondar 12/19 we have Michelle Lockett from  Niagara Greenway so please try to attend as this is informative as to what our club has committed too.

Pat 

The Ken 12/5

10/31/2022 

Director: Not sure 

Finemaster:Dick 

Table attendance/Split club: Paul 

Ken writer: Pat 

Invocation: Rick 

The Ken 

President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:2. Rick Graham led us in prayer. 

Paul introduced our guests; Carmen from Platsburgh on zoom is a Rotarian and a friend of Karen. Also 2 guests of Karen were in attendance, Richard and I didn't get the other name. Announcements: Larry is meeting with a Kenmore East advisor to run the interact club. President Brandon inducted our newest member Karen Kulakowski. Welcome Karen! Brandon won the split of $11 and Ron picked the 3 of clubs. 

Finemaster Dick asked for confessions and Cathy confessed it was her birthday as well as announcing Brandon's. We celebrated with cupcakes. 

Dick stumped the tables with trivia from Shakespeare to Sesame Street. Karen got her first trivia answer correct, well done. 

Todays meeting was about getting to know each member so Brandon started with his bio. He coaches hockey and is a Eagle scout, a graduate from UB and Amherst High. Some other highlights are, Rick Graham worked at IBM and is a 29 year financial advisor. Chuck is into malting and is teaching at Bryant and Stratton. Ed Hacherl is a member since 1992 UB grad and a accountant. Tim is a dentist for 44 years and a member for 35. Bill retired 25 years ago and is a UB grad. Ron lives in the house he grew up in since 1955 had perfect attendance for 35 years and collects autographs. Mike Hettler is a member since 1978,has a law firm in Kenmore and a Nichols High grad. Cathy is Pres. of Kenton Chamber grew up in Rochester. Linda is a Villa Maria grad married for 37 years and was with WIVB tv. Donna is married for 34 rears 4 children. Her kids and grandchildren are her hobbies. She hates hockey and was also my work wife at Rainbow for 24 years. Dick is a Eagle Scout, 2 children a D'Youville grad andhis hobby is woodworking. Paul is a UB grad in finance. Own a insurance agency for 30 years and joined in1986. Larry is a Ken East grad has a marketing degree and 25 years perfect attendance. Involved with youth services. Our new member Karen was born in Auburn NY, moved to Arizona and recently moved back to Tonawanda. She is a Registered Dietician and her hobby is swimming. 

This was a fun meeting and hope to see all on Monday as we do have a speaker. 

 
The Ken Nov. 28
The Ken 11/28/2022
Director: Linda Sroka
Table Attendance: Rick Graham
Fine Master: Dick Hanaburgh
Invocation: Linda Sroka
Ken Writer: Donna DiFrancesco
 
The meeting was called to order by President Brandon at 12:26 p.m. with a Pledge to the Flag and a beautiful prayer by Linda.
 
We had a good attendance but unfortunately our speaker was a no-show. Brandon asked for announcements: Cathy asked for a moment of silence for the victims and their families of the mass shooting at Tops Markets. There are still tickets available for the Gala on December 7. Go to kentongala.com and buy yours! We are still accepting gift baskets, $50 value, and they can be dropped off at the Ken-Ton Chamber office or you can contact either Dick or Brandon to arrange a pick up. We will be meeting at the chamber office on Thursday December 1 at 4 p.m. to organize what we have. Long time friends of Rotary, Joe & Catherine Greco sent in their annual Operation Santa check. They have never forgotten the donation they received at Christmas time, some 15+ years ago, and have given back every year since. Such kindhearted people! Steve informed us of the Knights of Columbus/Kenmore Fire Department annual Christmas party, which is being held on Sunday December 11 from 1-5 p.m. There will be food and drink, the Bills game will be on and Santa will be there! Please bring an unwrapped gift for a child. The funds raised from the basket raffle at the Gala will be given to the fire department as our donation for Operation Santa. Dick reminded everyone that he works for a not-for-profit company now that deals in construction trades. If you know of anyone 18 years or older who is interested in learning this line of work, please let Dick know. They are also looking for volunteer instructors, mainly in the woodworking trade, but any construction trade would be welcome. Brandon announced that next week, December 5, we will not have a speaker but will have a “member introduction”. Each member will be able to give an elevator speech on themselves, their job, their hobbies, etc. so everyone in the club will get to know each other better. This is very helpful to our newer members. Also, our newest member Karen Kulakowski, will be inducted. This will also be on Zoom as Karen’s friend, who lives out of the area, wants to be a part of it. She’s the one who introduced Karen to Rotary as she is a member herself. 
Linda won the split of $13 and Joe picked the 7 of Clubs. The pot continues to grow!
 
Fine master Dick asked for confessions. Linda and her husband enjoyed a relaxing overnight stay in Rochester to attend the Harry Connick, Jr. concert. She also raved about Wegman’s in-house restaurant. She happily fined herself! Steve, Pat, and Larry attended the Service Club Annual Thanksgiving dinner at the Dome on the 15th. Pat said it was a full house and everyone enjoyed themselves. Brandon avoided the “apparent storm” we had by leaving town that Thursday and coming home on Sunday. He luckily was in South Carolina, soaking up the warmth. Cathy traveled to her brother’s house in Colorado for a family Thanksgiving and some site seeing. Ed Hacherl and his daughter ran in the Turkey Trot and he made it to the end! Congratulations Ed! He was one of 12,000 runners and told us about some of the crazy costume’s runners wear and props they bring to run with. Linda wants some members to sign up for next year’s turkey trot and run in speedo’s. Yikes! She said she’ll go in a full nun’s habit! This I gotta see! Dick then quizzed us on general knowledge trivia. We did pretty good and he was still able to raise a bit of money. Meeting duties for next month were announced. Director: Brandon, Fine master: Mike Ford, Table Attendance: Paul Chisholm, Ken Writer: Patrick Griffin, Invocation: Rick Graham
Meeting adjourned at 12:52 p.m.
 
The Ken Nov 14
The Ken 11/14/2022
Director: Linda Sroka
Table Attendance: Rick Graham
Invocation: Chuck Patterson
Fine Master: Cameron Kukla
The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco
President Brandon rang the gong at 12:22 p.m., we recited the Pledge to the Flag and Chuck led us in
prayer. Brandon announced our speakers, Miss Lizzie and Mr. James from NY Project Hope, and our new
member, Karen Kulakowski, who will be inducted into our club at the December 5 th meeting. Welcome
Karen! We had a nice turn out for today’s meeting. That was nice to see!
Announcements: Chuck has received several foundation grant requests and asks if anyone has anymore
to please have them in by next week. Cathy reminded everyone to register for the Ken-Ton Holiday Gala,
to be held on Wednesday December 7 at the Park Country Club from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. It’s easy to
register at kentongala.com. Our club will be sponsoring the basket raffle with the money going to our
Operation Santa. We ask that everyone please try to donate a basket or gift cards, and drop it off at the
Ken-Ton Chamber of Commerce office directly or bring it to our regular meeting on Monday 11/28 and
we’ll transport it. We are also seeking volunteers to come to the chamber office on Wednesday
November 30 at 4 p.m. to sort through, assemble and number the baskets. President Brandon is
attending, via Zoom, a Rotary District wide business meeting on some day soon (I guess I wasn’t paying
attention to that part). THERE IS NO MEETING ON MONDAY 11/21 IN OBSERVANCE OF THANKSGIVING.
The speaker for November 28 is Russ Ward with the Military Order of the Purple Heart.
Our Great President Brandon introduced our speakers, Lizzie and James, crisis counselors with NY
Project Hope, Coping with Covid. This project came about in March of 2020 due to the stress of the new
Covid pandemic. FEMA funded it and it was set up to run about 6 months but due to the great need, it
has gone much past that. That funding is set to run out on December 12 and the state will take it over,
they just aren’t sure for how long. This initiative is a part of the Office of Mental Health and is run
through the Buffalo Urban League. They offer an emotional support help line which is confidential and
anonymous. They have resources that can link people up to job training, mothers with child care or
necessities, funds to help people out of work, etc. They can also just be an ear to listen. They want to
help find balance between mind, body and spirit. They present to schools, from Pre-K through college
level. Small children can’t always articulate their feelings, which can be heightened due to the stress of
their living conditions during trying times. Sometimes it’s easier for them to talk to someone other than
a family member. They can present in an office setting as a group or individually. They also go into
senior citizen centers, as they are oftentimes the ones with the greatest needs during a pandemic like
this. They try to teach ways to deal with stress like yoga, meditation, sticking to a routine, massage
therapy to name a few. Take time to decompress. Everyone needs that. Their emotional support line is
open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. at 716-250-2478, or you can email them at
projecthope@buffalourbanleague.org. What a great resource to have! Cam won the split club of $10
and Ed Markarian picked the ACE…of clubs.
Cameron asked for confessions and Ed confessed to missing a lot of meetings and missing the gang. He
offered to pay a fine or give a pre-written check. Cam chose the check. Thank you, Ed, for your
generosity! We missed you too. Cam confessed to going to the Urban League Gala on works dime. He
 
find himself. He then quizzed us on November trivia. November is the last of 4 calendar months to have
30 days, the birthstone is Topaz, star sign is Scorpio and official flower is chrysanthemum (I had to look
up that spelling). Our table is the only one to get fined because we got the hardest questions!
Our great President adjourned the meeting at 1:15 p.m. HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!!
The Ken Nov. 7
The Ken 11/7/2022
Director: Linda Sroka
Table Attendance: Rick Graham
Fine Master: President Brandon
Invocation: Chuck Patterson
The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco
President Brandon called the meeting to order at 12:21 p.m. with a gentle gong and the Pledge
to the Flag. Chuck led our very small group in prayer.
Announcements: Chuck requests grant applications for the foundation be submitted by
Thanksgiving week (11/21) and Brandon noted that Charities grant request deadline was
November 1. The board meeting will be this coming Friday 11/11 at 8 a.m. in the Ken-Ton
Chamber office and those requests will be discussed. Upcoming speakers will be: November 14,
Lizzie Sneed from NY Project Hope and November 28 Russ Ward from Military Order of the
Purple Heart. There will be NO MEETING on 11/21 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Larry asked Brandon to pass along the information on the Service Clubs Joint Thanksgiving
Celebration which will be held on Tuesday November 15 at the Grill at the Dome. Reservations
are requested by Tuesday 11/8 and can be given to Larry to pass along to Dan Wiles. The cost is
$25 per person along with a new unwrapped toy.
Rick announced our speaker, Mark Baetzhold from Heart, Love & Soul, located at 939 Ontario
Ave. in Niagara Falls. Mark has been the executive director for 2 years. They were founded
almost 40 years ago to “feed those in need-body, mind & soul” by a prayer group from Sacred
Heart Parish. It started as a food pantry that grew into a dining program where they prepared
meals to ship to off-site locations. They now have a community health nurse on staff who
provides medication management, will take people to appointments, and provide basic care.
They provide daily breakfast and lunch, have a food pantry and a necessary shop and a
community garden. In 2021, they provided over 38,000 pantry meals and over 35,000 daily
meals. Going into the future, they are looking into ways to be proactive regarding food
insecurities. They are looking to expand their front entrance and pantry and create pathways to
health and wellness. You can visit their website for more information and ways to help at
www.heartloveandsoul.org. Mark was a very interesting speaker.
The split club of $7 was won by Bill, who picked his own ticket, and Brandon’s number was
picked for the Ace. Fortunately, he picked the 2 of Spades so we all have a chance next week!
Brandon then quizzed us on “Are you smarter than a 5 th grader?” questions. Donna remarked
that Brandon was the only one in the room closer to 5 th grade, and got fined for that comment.
Out of all the questions, I think we may have missed one. We are a pretty smart group!
Meeting was adjourned at 1:20.
The Ken October 31
The Ken
10/31/2022
Director: Not sure
Finemaster: President Brandon
Table attendance/Split club: Cameron
Ken writer: Pat
Invocation: John
 
 President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at
12:20. John Coogan led us in prayer.
Announcements: Chuck updated us on foundation grant requests, they are
due in by 11/30.
Larry mentioned that the Service clubs are having the Thanksgiving Dinner
11/15 6pm at the Grill at The Dome. RSVP by 11/8. This is a Holiday gift
drive so bring an unwrapped gift, proceeds are going to Kenton Closet.
Cathy reminded us about the Holiday party at Park Club on 12/7. Please
donate a gift of $50 value as proceeds go to Operation Santa.
Cam introduced our guest, Karen K, this is her third meeting and she is
anxious to become a member. The club also welcomed Friona from
Clarence Rotary.
Larry introduced speaker Dennis Lefebre from Buffalo Sunrise Rotary.
Dennis does mission trips, his first project was in 1998 they built a school in
Uganda. Dennis shared some of the challenges working in a third world
country. The biggest one is making sure the person you are partnered with
is properly vetted. Money has a funny way of "falling" into the wrong
pockets.
50/50 Split, Linda won $15 and Karen K drew the 2 of diamonds.
Finemaster Brandon asked for confessions and Tim was not at shred it as
he was somewhere out of town. Steve went to the Bills game and did some
early trick or treating. Brandon was in Watkins Glen. Steve reminded Larry
to confess his 35th anniversary at Mass Mutual. That set him back $2. 
Brandon quizzed us on Halloween trivia. All I got out of it was that Harry
Houdini died on this day and the Munsters lived at 1313 Mockingbird Lane.
My day is now complete.
Pat
The Ken October 24
The Ken 10/24/2022
Table Attendance: Dick Hanaburgh for Cameron Kukla
Fine Master: Dick Hanaburgh
Invocation: Linda Sroka for John Coogan
The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco
The meeting was called to order by President Brandon at 12:26 with the Pledge to the flag and a prayer
by Linda Sroka.
Announcements: Ron announced that Bill Brucker was playing golf today. Bill had a wonderful day for it!
Brandon reminded us about the chili cookoff held by the BNMC Rotary Club on Thursday 10/27;
foundation grant requests are due mid to late November and charities grant requests are due by
November 1. Our new laptop arrived today and Brandon will be installing QuickBooks so that our new
treasurer, Steve Blass, can work efficiently. Monday was also World Polio Day. Steve announced our
speaker for next week, Denis Lefebvre (booked by Larry Coon), who will be speaking on his trips around
the world. We are booked with speakers throughout the month of November, but if anyone knows of a
potential speaker, please see if they can speak in December. Cathy spoke on the Gala, scheduled for
December 7 at the Park Country Club, $125 per person with 2 hour open bar. Our Rotary Club will hold
the basket raffle and receive all the proceeds from it. If anyone would like to sponsor, we would also
receive that money. Tickets are now on sale at kentongala.com and should be purchased by November
18. The first week of December we will have an open club meeting with some members giving a 2-3
minute “speech” on themselves/what they do for a living. This should be very interesting, especially for
any newish members. Dick announced our guests, potential new member Karen Kulakowski, 2 nd time
published, and our speaker Greg Hennessey, host of In the Flamingo Lounge.
Steve introduced Greg Hennessey, host of “a podcast dedicated to the musical history of Buffalo and
Western New York. Stories old and new from people in all areas of music including broadcasters,
musicians, promoters, artists, and others will be told.” Greg also works for Marketing Tech as an account
director and is on the board of the Buffalo Music Hall of Fame. He’s a big Elvis fan. Fun fact: the pre-
press for Harry Potter was done here at Marketing Tech! Greg had to learn how to do a podcast on his
own, from his basement man cave, where he collects all forms of music media. He has heard a lot of
great stories from local musical figures. 90% of local musicians have day jobs and there is local talent
who work with big name performers like Lizzo, Beyonce and Joe Jonas! The Sportsman Club in Buffalo is
a highly regarded music venue with the music hall of fame right next door. Greg also provides “Music to
Remember,” musical entertainment brought to nursing homes and assisted living homes. Greg was a
very interesting speaker, especially if you’re into music! You can find him at rockabillygreg.com,
podcast@rockabillygreg.com and by listening to his podcast In the Flamingo Lounge.
The split club of $11 was won by Brandon and Cathy drew again for the Ace of Spades. This time she
picked the Ace of Diamonds! Fine Master Dick asked for confessions and oddly, there were none. He
then quizzed us on “This day in History”. Although I don’t really remember his questions, I DO remember
that they all happened BEFORE Brandon was born! Dick raised a few bucks.
As a reminder, November meeting duties are as follows: Director is Linda Sroka, Fine Master volunteer-
Cameron Kukla, Table Attendance/Split Club-Art Traver, Ken writer- Jeff Markarian and Invocation is
Chuck Patterson. If you are unable to fulfil your duties, please let Linda know and try to find a
replacement. Meeting adjourned at 1:29
The Ken October 17
The Ken 10/17/2022
Table Attendance/Split Club: Dick Hanaburgh
Fine Master: Dick Hanaburgh
Invocation: John Coogan
The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco
President Brandon called the meeting to order at 12:22 with the Pledge to the Flag, followed by a prayer
by John Coogan. Dick announced our visitors. Karen Kulakowski, first visit as a potential new member,
and Scott Wojtanik and Meghan Joyce, our speakers, from Buffalo Comedy Collective.
Brandon asked for announcements. Pat thanked everyone for the excellent turnout for Shred-it on
Saturday, even though the weather was less than desirable. Exact amount will be available soon, but
current totals have us at approximately $7,500. Great job everyone! Our next Shred-It will be April 22,
providing that date is available to us. Pat will keep us posted. Brandon reminded board members that
there is a meeting this week, Friday 10/21 at 8 a.m. at the Ken-Ton Chamber office. Thursday, 10/27
from 5-8 p.m., the Rotary Club of Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus will be hosting a chili cook-off at
Flying Bison Brewery. Entrance fee is $25 and it’s rumored the District Governor Lisa Bishop will be
there. Dick announced that our club will be running the basket raffle at the Christmas Gala this year with
all proceeds benefiting our club for Operation Santa. Please help in securing or making some. The gala is
being held on December 7 at Park Country Club. Chuck made a plea for foundation grant requests for
brick-and-mortar projects. Applications are due no later Thanksgiving (November 24). Brandon noted
Charities grant requests are due by November 1. Steve let us know the speaker for next week, 10/24, is
Greg Hennessey, a podcaster with “In the Flamingo Lounge”. We are booked with speakers through the
end of November. We are looking to schedule speakers for December and beyond. Cameron announced
that the Tequila tasting evening at Park went well. I *think* he said it was paired with octopus?
Brandon introduced our speakers, Scott & Meghan. They hold Buffalo Comedy Sports
nights/competitions as well as night out shows for adults. They are located in the Harlem Road
Community Center and have been around since 1993. They hold improv nights, not always for comedic
content but as a tool for better communication. They offer workshops and classes and tailor-made
programs for birthday parties, holiday parties and even for schools. These classes can help break down
social anxieties and barriers in a fun, judgment free atmosphere. They treated us to an improv name
game where we were all involved. I (Dynamite Donna) had the pleasure of standing in between Lovely
Linda and Goofy Griffin! We had a lot of laughs! You can check them out on social media and find them
at buffalocomedycollective.com.
Split club of $12 was won by me (Donna) and Joe picked the “J” of Spades. Close, Joe!
Fine master Dick asked for confessions. Cameron said he had a little too much fun at the above-
mentioned tequila night and he also hosted his family for the winning Bills game. Brandon confessed to
missing most of Shred-it due to coaching hockey (they won!), working, blah, blah, blah. Steve called him
out on showing up late and then going inside to eat pizza. Pat came back from a visit to the Ozarks and
wanted everyone to know (if you follow the show) that there really is a place called Marty Birds. Dick
then quizzed us on Oktoberfest. The first year it was held was in 1810 and it was to celebrate a wedding.
There are strict requirements in order to be considered an Oktoberfest beer, one of them being that it
must be produced within the city limits of Munich. Finally, the parade to kick off Oktoberfest is
called…Inn Keepers Parade. Who knew? Meeting adjourned at 1:04 p.m. and lunch was enjoyed by all.
The Ken October3
October 3rd, 2022
 
Director: Cathy Piciulo
Table Attendance/Split Club: Dick Hanaburgh – filling in for Cam Kukla
Finemaster: Dick Hanaburgh
Ken Writer: Holly Nowak – filling in for Donna DiFrancesco
Invocation: John Coogan
Guests/Speaker: Beth Slazak
Bob Patterson reminded the club the Foundation Grant deadline for submission is Thanksgiving.  Foundation grants fund ‘brick and mortar’ projects vs. service asks that go to Charities.  Examples include freezers and ovens for food banks, equipment for Kenmore Mercy, generator for Ken Ton Meals on Wheels, New Reptile exhibit at Buffalo Zoo, gardens for Senior Center.  Bob will bring more examples next week.  Typically, there is $27,000 to $30,000 to grant each year depending upon the performance of the
Announcements:
Shred-It is 10/15!  A volunteer sign-up list was passed around.
Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus Club is having a Chili Cook Off and we are invited to attend.  October 27th from 5 to 8pm at Flying Bison Brewery.  Rumor has it District Governor is planning to attend.
Speaker
Beth Slazak, Manager of Education and Events, from Creative Education Foundation – a 501c3 NonProfit, found by Sid Parnes and LeRoy Osborn. , explored creativity vs. artistic.  We are all creative.
The history of creativity has a big buffalo draw, Sid Parnes and LeRoy Osborn.  Brainstorming is a buffalo thing!  Improving motivation at work, improving communication at home and at work and improves teamwork in organizations, profit and nonprofit alike.
CEF loves teaching people how to be more creative.  Humans are wildly creative and can become more creative, you can lean to tap into.
Talked about CPSI in Buffalo and also in Sarasota FL in March.  You can get certified in Creative Problem Solving.  They do on-site and virtual training in creative problem solving as well.  Leveling up virtual meetings, communication sessions – different ways to communicate messages.  Tolerance for ambiguity and dealing with adversity.
Talked about the basics of creativity.  What are the foundations of being creative.  3 elements
1. Divergent and Convergent thinking.  Used analogy of trick or treating Divergent = the most candy you could get, Convergent = sorting through it when you get home, safety, what you don’t like but your sister does, scary but interesting candies to save for later.
2. Phrasing challenges as questions.  “I don’t like…” statements get you nowhere.  If phrase challenge as a question you can’t help but answer it.  Try: “What might be all the….”. 
3. Yes, and… as a mindset you can start creating more interesting outcomes.  Yes, and how can we make this work.
Don’t forget you are creative!  You can learn how to leverage with questions to get better solutions and you can improve with training.
October 17th, 2022 Speaker:
Scott Wojtanik
Buffalo Comedy Collective
Creative Director, Co-Owner
Split Club: Paul Chisholm
Ace of Spades: Ron LeVea
Confessions:
Cathy planned a trip to MI during Shred It. 
Finemaster:
General October Trivia.
The Ken Sept. 26
Date: September 26, 2022
Attendance/Split Club/Fine Master: Phil Michalowski
Invocation: Gary Roberts
The Ken: Sue Jandzinski
We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation from Gary Roberts. Our guest today was Jessica
Nowak the Executive Director of Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels.
Rolling out our new meeting/luncheon format, Larry Coon introduced Jessica and welcomed her to the
meeting.
Jess has been the ED at K/T MOW www.kentonmealsonwheels.org since January 2022, and prior to that
served as the Assistant ED at the organization. Meals on Wheels was founded in 1977 by Helen Lapp, with
the idea of a home delivery meal program. A miss conception of the organization is that it only serves
elderly/home bound individuals. That is not the case. Anyone can sign up to receive this service, they
simply need to be home to accept the delivery.
Currently, K/T MOW has 250 volunteers that prepare, assemble, pack and deliver on average 3700
hot/cold meals a week. There are approximately 600 clients whom are responsible for paying a portion
[80-85%] of the cost of their pre-ordered meals. Jess mentioned they are always in need of “on call”
volunteers, typically needed during peak vacation season. The organization depends on donations to
offset the high cost of food, equipment etc. They do partner with other MOW programs throughout the
area to secure the lowest price for food/goods.
The average hot meal costs $5.25/cold meal - $2.55. They would like to branch out and purchase a food
truck but there are a few obstacles at this point – mainly finding staff to support this initiative. Jess is
also working on changing up the 13 week/rotation menu to accommodate dietary restrictions. Jess shared
that on an annual basis, Ken Ton Meals on Wheels prepared and deployed over 110,000 meals last year.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
Cam reported that the first annual Ken-Toberfest is now in the books – the event did well – Holly and Cam
reported that there will be a re-cap meeting later this week to review what worked and what didn’t. A
thunderous applause to Cam and the committee for a successful inaugural event!
Shred-it is scheduled for October 15, 2022/ 10am-2pm @ the Kenmore Commons. Patrick brought a few
signs for members to take.
CANCELLED – [from last week’s KEN] Patrick and Larry Coon will confirm the date for a joint cleanup day
at Isle View Park. Kenmore Rotary/Satellite club. – Rumor has it; Patrick will be a baby ice cream cone for
any Rotarians that volunteer!
Liquor Tasting is scheduled for October 12 th at Park CC. More information to come.
Chuck won the Split Club - $14 and Larry Coon picked the 5 of Spades.
Phil challenged us to some Octoberfest trivia and again, got those not wearing pins for $1 - $47 in fines
today! Great job Phil!
Respectfully submitted:
Sue Jandzinski
The Ken 9/19/22
The Ken September 19, 2022
Attendance: Steve Blass for Chuck Patterson
Split Club: Steve Blass     
Invocation: Gary Roberts
Fine Master: Phil Michalowski
The Ken: Sue Jandzinski
We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation from Gary Roberts. Our guest
today was Hannah-Jane Drake from the band Fourth Fret who will be performing this week
at Ken-toberfest.
Announcements:
Cathy Piciulo announced a few changes to our weekly luncheons:
 Beginning next week, the guest speaker will present after announcements so as to
allow the speaker to enjoy his/her lunch prior to the conclusion of the meeting.
 Also, we will be working with Liz from The Dome, to set up a system whereas
Rotarians fill out a pre-printed slip to indicate their menu/lunch choice. It was
thought that this may make things a bit easier and to eliminate delays in service.
More to come.
Shred-it is scheduled for October 15, 2022/ 10am-2pm @ the Kenmore Commons. Signs
will be coming.
Patrick and Larry Coon will confirm the date for a joint cleanup day at Isle View Park.
Kenmore Rotary/Satellite club. – Rumor has it; Patrick will be a baby ice cream cone for any
Rotarians that volunteer!
Ken-Toberfest is 5 days away – Call Cam with any questions!
Liquor Tasting is scheduled for October 12 th at Park CC. More information to come.
Sue J won the Split Club - $16 and Steve Blass picked the Ace of Hearts [so close!]
Phil challenged us to some trivia and again, got those not wearing pins for $1 - $40 in fines
today! Great job Phil!
“Hannah” Jane Drake, Marketing Director at the Giambra Team shared with those in
attendance her journey from Skaneateles to UB to her position and role at the Giambra
Team along with her band Fourth Fret. She serenade the group and believe me when I say,
she has a wonderful voice!
 
Respectfully submitted:
Sue Jandzinski
The Ken Sept 12
The Ken September 12, 2022
Attendance/Split Club: Steve Blass
Invocation: John Coogan
Fine Master: Phil Michalowski
The Ken: Sue Jandzinski
 
We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation from John Coogan.  Our guests today were Kelly Copps from Second Generation Theatre and Scott Marcin Assistant District Governor, Rotary District 7090/Amherst South Rotary Club
 
 
Announcements:
 
  • Holly provided an update on KENToberfest scheduled for Saturday, September 24th.  Sponsorships are still available as well as tickets and VIP reservations.
  • Phil offered up sunflower seeds to those in attendance. 
  • Larry Coon arrived at 12:29 – so he was not fined!
  • Linda announced that Randy Gerlach, president/CEO of Scholfield passed away
  • Services for Jim Austin are today [9/12] at Dengler, Roberts, Perna Funeral Home
  • Shred-it is October 15th
  • John “Guess Who” Coogan won the split Club and Steve picked the Q of spades.
 
 
Scott thanked the club for having him and is very interested in what is happening at Kenmore Rotary.  Some upcoming Rotary events are focused on Literacy [September], Polio Awareness [October] and Rotary Foundation [November].
 
Phil tried to stump us with Science [I think] Trivia…but remarkably, Paul Chisholm managed to answer most of the questions for table #1!
 
Kelly provided an overview of Second Generation Theatre which is located at Shea’s Smith Theatre.  There are currently 26 professional theatre houses in WNY.  The theatre was started by Kelly and 2 fellow UB graduates.  They offer educational programs along with camps available to individuals of all ages.  The Secret Garden will be running October 14-30.  For more information regarding the theatre, and what it has to offer, please check their website: https://secondgenerationtheatre.com/
 
 
 
Respectfully submitted:
Sue Jandzinski
The Ken August 22

                                          The Ken

8/22/2022 

Director: Holly Nowak

Finemaster: Rick Graham

Table attendance/Split club: Steve Blass

Ken writer: Pat Griffin

Invocation: Linda Sroka

 

 President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:25. Linda Sroka led us in prayer.

Steve introduced our guest, Kelly Copps as well as our speaker Amanda Scott.

Announcements: Cam made a announcement, Saturday 9/24 is Kentoberfest 1-7 pm. He passed around a sign up sheet for volunteers. Holly passed out flyers for the event, please promote the event as it is a fundraiser. 

 August 26th Bisons Friday nite baseball.. 

 50/50 Split, Holly won $19. Cathy drew the Ace of Spades! Congratulations! Over $500.00.

 Finemaster Rick tested our knowledge of Rotary. First question, percentage of women in Rotary? 22%, we were wrong at 36%.

Year that women were accepted into clubs? 1987. Hollys table was close. No one knew the current President is Jennifer Jones from Canada. Name one theme of Rotary this year? Donna was correct with Imagine Rotary.

Steve introduced our speaker Amanda Scott a Attorney at Pfalzgraf Beinhauer specializing in elder law. Most of there work is in probate, estate planning, Medicaid planning, and long term care. We learned that you can change your will as many times a you like, but it’s the last one that counts. If you don’t have a will then your estate goes to "administration". Which means it is labor intense and costly. Wills done by a attorney are typically not contested, and many times a no contest clause is added. To avoid probate joint ownership on accounts are a good idea. There is much more especially when it gets into Medicaid qualifications so if you have any questions please contact Amanda at 716-204-1055 or scott@pbelderlaw.com. This was a very informative meeting.

Thanks for attending and if you know of someone that would like to speak at Mondays meeting contact Steve. See you Monday.

Pat

The Ken August 29

                                          The Ken

8/29/2022 

Director: Holly Nowak

Finemaster: Jim Logan

Table attendance/Split club: Holly Nowak

Ken writer: Pat Griffin

Invocation: Tim Glor

 

 Past President Donna opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:20. Tim Glor led us in prayer.

Holly introduced our guest, Christine Pilozzi and Larry introduced speaker John Hanover and John Alcinio.

Announcements: Paul informed us that Jim Austin is in hospice, please keep Mike Austin and his family in your prayers. Cathy updated us on the Christmas Gala,it will be a event to thank all the service clubs at Park CC. Each organization can decide if thy want to do any fund raising, we will do a basket raffle dedicated to Operation Santa on 12/7.

 Holly is excited that Kentoberfest has the liquor license and everything is now flowing along. Volunteers are needed to set up at 11 am and clean up after 7 pm as well as during the event.

 50/50 Split, Christine won $9 and Donna drew the 8 of spades.

 Finemaster Jim asked for confessions and Tim was proud to announce that his daughter gave birth to a boy. Congratulations! Cathy celebrated their 28th wedding anniversary.

Jim fined anyone with shorts on a 90 degree day $2. Gary and Steve got hit with fines for wise remarks.

 Our trivia of the day was about the Beatles. What was the last song John Lennon played to a paid audience? I saw her standing there.

Which Beatle crossed Abby road first? John Lennon

The Beatle song that was written for Mia Ferrows sister? Dear Prudence. We didn’t get any of those correct but Jim asked additional questions and Tim got one right, for the wrong table though.

Larry introduced our speaker John Hanover from Wheels for Workers 716 connects local refugees with jobs. Definition of a refugee is someone that fears for their life and flees their country.

Johns organization refurbish bikes to donate to the new arrivals as most do not have any form of transportation. Three ways to help are 1-donate a bike 2-donate money and 3- donate time. 350 bikes were refurbished and delivered so far. It takes about 7 hours to make repairs on each one.

Lets help them out as these our future employees.

 Monday is Labor Day and there is no meeting. Monday 9/12 we have Kelly Copps from

 Second Generation Theatre as our speaker, so please come and support our guest.

Be safe and see you soon.

Pat

The Ken August 15, 2022

The Ken

8/15/2022 

Director: Holly Nowak

Finemaster: Jim Logan

Table attendance/Split club: Holly Nowak

Ken writer: Pat Griffin

Invocation: Tim Glor

 

 President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:25. Tim Glor led us in prayer and welcomed Chuck Patterson back, fully recovered.

Holly introduced our guests, Rotarian from the Rotary Club of Buffalo, Gerry Kelly and Denise Amato advisor from Kenmore West, Also our guest speaker Jerry Krajna.

Announcements: Rick Graham let us know that long time Rotarian Ed Gray's wife Nancy passed away.

 Holly announced that Wednesday August 17th Sunshine Day is cancelled.

Board meeting is Friday 8/19 at 8 am.

Cam made a announcement, Saturday9/24 is Kentoberfest 1-7 pm, beer tent food and music. Volunteers are needed, please contact Donna with your t-shirt size. Next meeting is 8/23 6 pm at the Municipal building, all are welcome.

 August 26th Bisons Friday nite baseball.. 

 50/50 Split, Rick won $22! Joe drew a10 of spades.

 Finemaster Jim took confessions, Chuck gladly paid $2 as he is glad to be seen and not viewed. Jim fined Larry $2 for being on time! Cam went to the Renaissance Festival in Sterling, NY and recommends everyone should try to go. Jim fined himself as his daughter had a baby girl. Congratulations. Jim stumped all of us with these trivia questions. When did Apple release the I-Phone? 2007. Who is often referred to as the father of computers? Charles Babich, he was a mathematician and passed away in 1871! Which planet is the hottest in our solar system? Venus.

Larry introduced our speaker. Jerry Krajna ,he has been involved with Riverside Highschool interact for 2 years. The club has 65 members and some of the project are watershed development, a hatchery at the high school, planted 40 trees, adopted a portion of the Niagara River shoreline and decorated a WW1 stone commemorating fallen soldiers. They are a busy bunch.

Great meeting and hope to see you next Monday as our guest speaker is Amanda Scott a Elder Law Attorney. 

Pat

The Ken August 8

The Ken 8/8/2022

 

Fine Master:  Jim Logan

Table Attendance/Split Club: Alisha Ferri

Invocation: Tim Glor

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

The meeting was called to order by President Brandon at 12:25 p.m. with a pledge to the Flag and a prayer by Tim Glor. 

 

Announcements: Holly shared that Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach is on Wednesday August 17 and will be a little different this year. Rotarians to meet there at 5:30 p.m. for dinner cooked on the grill by Steve Blass. Holly has a bounce house, face painting by the staff of HMN Resources and goodies for the campers. The event will kick off at 7 p.m. and will be another fun filled time for the kids and Rotarians alike. Holly passed around a sign-up sheet for volunteers and if you’d like to be added, please contact her. Holly also sent out the KEN-toberfest brochure (several times) for all to share. Cameron then elaborated on that event, which will be held on Saturday September 24 from 1-7 p.m. at the Village Green in front of the Municipal Building in Kenmore. There will be a dunk tank, DJ playing German music along with all time favorites, 50/50 raffle, and beer garden. Local police will provide security. Cam is asking for Rotarian volunteers to help for at least 1-2 hours, longer if you’re willing! Please reach out to him. Brandon reminded everyone on the upcoming Bison’s Baseball Night, Friday August 26 at 7:05 p.m. Tickets are $12 per person with RSVP and payment no later than August 15 to kenmorerotarypresident@gmail.com. It’s a Friday Night Bash with fireworks to follow the game. Friends and family welcome!

 

Brandon then welcomed our speaker, Anthony Billoni, owner of Apex Leader Growth, LLC. Anthony was a very engaging speaker, who spoke about defining innovation, creativity, and imagination. He “shares essential lessons to engage others to GET BETTER FASTER.” We participated in an exercise in problem solving where we thought of a problem/challenge, either personal or work related, at the beginning and then found a picture or phrase among the many that Anthony provided, that defined that situation. Cam and Phil shared theirs and it was very insightful. You can contact Anthony at anthony@apexleadergrowth.com or 716-857-0527 for more information or the opportunity to have him present to your office/work place. It would be well worth it!

 

Split club of $17 was won by Dick, and Donna picked for the Ace but chose the 3 of hearts instead. Brandon confirmed the Ace is still in the deck!

 

Jim Logan, before asking for confessions, let the club know that Chuck Patterson suffered a stroke last week. Thankfully he was home and it was noticed very early. He was rushed to the hospital and he’s doing well and is now home. Please keep Chuck in your thoughts and prayers for a speedy recovery. Jim quizzed us on August trivia and the table with the least wins had to pay a $3 fine per person. What made headlines on 8/8/1963? The great train robbery. “August” is the 10th solo album by what artist? Eric Clapton. Who knew?  Cam reminded us that there’s a KEN-toberfest meeting on Wednesday 8/10 for those on the committee. There’s no speaker on 8/15 and the speaker for 8/22 is Amanda Scott, Elder law attorney with Pfalzgraf, Beinhauer, Grear, Harris, Schuller. Also, no meeting on September 5 in observance of Labor Day.

 

Meeting adjourned at 1:32

 
The Ken 8/1/2022
The Ken
8/1/2022
Director: Holly Nowak
Linemacter: Paul Chisholm
Table attendance/Split club: Joe Arcara
Ken writer: Pat Griffin
Invocation: m Glor
President Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance at 12:20. Tim Glor led us in prayer.
Joe introduced our guest Rotarian from the Rotary Club of
Yonkers, N.Y Alan Gray. And our Guest speaker Larry
Mazuchowski from Our Little Roses Foreign Mission Society.
Holly announced that Wednesday August 17th is Sunshine Days
from 7-8:30 pm. Set up at 5:30.There will be a bounce house and
games. Steve will be grilling hot dogs. Saturday September 24th is
Kentoberfest 1-7 pm, beer tent food and music. More info to
come by email. Shred-It is Saturday October 15th 10-2pm.
President Brandon reminded us the Satellite club meets Thursday
morning 8 am.August 26th Bisons Friday nite baseball, all are
welcome rsvp by 8/15.
50/50 Split, Yours truly picked up some extra cash $17.Holly drew
a heart of something.Finemaster Paul fined anyone without a
badge. He tried our knowledge on the Mission of Rotary, there are
6. Providing clean water. Promoting peace. Fighting disease.
Saving mothers and children. Supporting education and Growing
local economies. Our table got 3 correct and Pauls' table missed
one. Ed Hacherl introduced our speaker. Alan Mazuchowski. Alan
has been involved with Little Roses for about 6 years. They are
located in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. This is their 35th
anniversary. Dr. Diana Frade is the founder. They provide a safe
haven and education for girls. The girls make a commitment to
their country of Honduras by staying there to make a better place
for all Hondurans. These young women represent the future
leaders of Honduras. Truly a wonderful program. Donations can
be made through ourlittleroses.org. You can sponsor a girl and if
you want to really make a impact Larry has room on the next
missions trip in September. I'm sure it is life changing.
The Ken 7/25/2022
he Ken 7/25/2022
Table Attendance/Split Club: Ron Levea
Fine Master: Cathy Piciulo
Invocation: Rick Graham
The Ken: Steve Blass
Brandon Blatz called the meeting to order at 12:29 p.m. with a pledge to the flag. Rick led
us in prayer. No guest.
Cathy mentions that the Kenmore Service Club picnic was Thursday, July 21 had about 180
people. The band The Crew played and all the clubs got to speak on stage.
Steve and Brandon are organizing a Kenmore Rotary Bison Game on August 26. Tickets are
$12 per person. Please e-mail Kenmorerotarypresident@gmail.com to RSVP and pay for
tickets.
Larry mentioned that Lisa Davidson and her group have ben taking care of the Garden we
sponsor at the Senior Center. They had the first harvest. They need help weeding. There is
room for signage for the Rotary Club at the garden
Donna needs everyone to go onto club runner and update your birthday and anniversary
Steve mentioned Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach Camp is at night on August 17. Mark your
calendars
Steve mentioned the speaker List: August 1 st - Our little Rose Foreign Mission Society- Larry
Mazuchowski, August 8- APEX Leader Growth LLC- Anthony Billoni, August 22- Elder Law
Attorney Amanda Scott
Pat mentioned the Speaker at the Satellite club on August 4, 2022 at 7:30am Speaker Erie
County Legislator Lisa Chimera and John Bargnesi at Chim’s Oasis.
August Duties- Director- Holly Nowak, Finemaster- Jim Logan, Table Attendance/ Split Club-
Alisha Ferri, Ken Writer- Pat Griffen, Invocation- Tim Glor
Cathy did trivia. Brandon won the 50/50 and Pat pulled the 8 of diamonds- 16 cards left.
Brandon ended the meeting at 1:10pm.
The Ken July 18
he Ken 7/18/2022
Table Attendance/Split Club: Ron Levea
Fine Master: Cathy Piciulo
Invocation: Rick Graham
The Ken: Steve Blass
Donna DiFrancesco called the meeting to order at 12:25 p.m. with a pledge to the flag. Rick
lead us in prayer. Ron announced our guests, Matt Cook from Be Your Own Hero, and Dave
Burr a visiting rotation from Florida.
Cathy mentions that the Kenmore Service Club picnic is Thursday, July 21 and needs some
volunteers for Clean Up, cooking, set up…. We have 8 tickets available.
Steve and Brandon are organizing a Kenmore Rotary Bison Game on August 26. Tickets are
$12 per person. Friends and Family are welcome and encouraged to join. More information
to follow.
Ed Hacherl introduced the guest speaker Matt Cook the Executive Director of Be Your Own
Hero. He talked about that the organization helps bridge the gap between
students/graduates and employment. They have a big Job fair in late March early April
every year. Can always use funding and people being open mined about different carrier
paths other then just going to college.
Ron had Matt Cook pull the 50/50 Winner and it was Linda Sorka and the Ace of Spades and
Ron won that and picked the Ace of Clubs.
Cathy did trivia and talked about Blue Mind Day on July 23 and did trivia about water.
Donna ended the meeting at 1:23pm.
President Dick announced our speaker and former member, Shari McDonough from the
Boys and Girls
Club. She has been with them for 7 years now. The B & G Club was founded in 1927.
Currently there are
500 kids signed up for the summer programs. They recently received a grant from Charities
for
“Blessings in a back pack”, which fills backpacks with healthy snack for kids to take home
on the
weekends so they won’t go hungry. They requested grants from other clubs, but Kenmore
was the only
one to give. The majority of their income comes from private gifts, donors and families who
can afford
to send their kids. They recently started a mental health program where they will have a
mental health
counselor at every club several days a week. This is very important. The big check was then
presented to
Shari in the amount of $2,500 (she also received the real check). It was nice seeing Shari
back at our club
after 7 years! We also took this opportunity to present a check for $1,775 to Linda Sroka
from Schofield
Care for their grant requesting new kitchen necessities.
Dick won the split club of $16 and Bill Brucker picked the 10 of spades.
Cam confessed to attending 2 pit fires, one with Tom Lang (who’s he??). Tim Glor’s oldest
son moved
again, this time to Las Vegas! Rick Graham spent a couple of weeks in France and it was not
great. He
returned home with kidney stones. Yikes! Hope you’re feeling better Rick! Trivia questions
raised a few
bucks.
REMINDER: No meeting July 4 and July 11.
The foundation president, Chuck Patterson, had 3 notices sent out to the membership on
the slate of
officers for the upcoming board. President Dick announced them and took a vote. All are in
favor of the
2022-2023 Rotary Club of Kenmore Foundation Board of Directors.
The Ken June 27
The Ken 6/27/2022
Table Attendance/Split Club: Brandon Blatz
Fine Master: Dick Hanaburgh
Invocation: Steve Blass
The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco
President Dick called the final meeting of his term to order at 12:30 p.m. with a pledge to the flag. Steve
Blass led us in prayer. Brandon announced our guests, Shari McDonough and Deanna (I didn’t get her
last name, sorry) from the Boys and Girls Club and Barb Perez from the BSA. Dick asked for
announcements.
Gary is set for the July 1 st picnic/fireworks at Elmlawn Cemetery. Food will be served at approximately 7
p.m. with a cost of $20 per person, BYOB, snacks and chairs. Please come in through the gate on
Brighton and it’s best to come down Delaware to Brighton as Colvin will be difficult. Tell them at the
gate you are with the Kenmore Rotary to gain access.
Ron Levea announced the passing on June 5 th of Dee and George Jackman’s daughter, Cynthia. Please
keep Dee in your thoughts and prayers at this difficult time.
Pat reminded everyone of the Hole in One Contest at the Sheridan Park Golf Course on Monday July 11.
Our spot is at the 8 th hole by the T-box (unknown what that is by us non-golfers) and runs from 8 a.m. to
8 p.m. We will have the usual golf balls to hand out to those who make it on the green. Please contact
Pat to sign up for a time slot. We will NOT have a regular meeting that day. Also, a dues email went out
(twice) and they need to be paid by Wednesday 6/29 or arrangements made. Please contact Pat directly
on this.
Brandon, as our incoming President, let the club know that the monthly Meeting Duties list went out to
the directors. Each month, the director is responsible for informing their “team” of their duties for the
month.
President Dick announced our speaker and former member, Shari McDonough from the Boys and Girls
Club. She has been with them for 7 years now. The B & G Club was founded in 1927. Currently there are
500 kids signed up for the summer programs. They recently received a grant from Charities for
“Blessings in a back pack”, which fills backpacks with healthy snack for kids to take home on the
weekends so they won’t go hungry. They requested grants from other clubs, but Kenmore was the only
one to give. The majority of their income comes from private gifts, donors and families who can afford
to send their kids. They recently started a mental health program where they will have a mental health
counselor at every club several days a week. This is very important. The big check was then presented to
Shari in the amount of $2,500 (she also received the real check). It was nice seeing Shari back at our club
after 7 years! We also took this opportunity to present a check for $1,775 to Linda Sroka from Schofield
Care for their grant requesting new kitchen necessities.
Dick won the split club of $16 and Bill Brucker picked the 10 of spades.
Cam confessed to attending 2 pit fires, one with Tom Lang (who’s he??). Tim Glor’s oldest son moved
again, this time to Las Vegas! Rick Graham spent a couple of weeks in France and it was not great. He
returned home with kidney stones. Yikes! Hope you’re feeling better Rick! Trivia questions raised a few
bucks.
REMINDER: No meeting July 4 and July 11.
The foundation president, Chuck Patterson, had 3 notices sent out to the membership on the slate of
officers for the upcoming board. President Dick announced them and took a vote. All are in favor of the
2022-2023 Rotary Club of Kenmore Foundation Board of Directors.
Meeting was adjourned at 1:14 p.m.
The Ken June 13

The Ken 6/13/2022

 

Table Attendance/Split Club: Phil Michalowski

Fine Master: Dick Hanaburgh

Invocation: Steve Blass

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

The meeting was opened at 12:15 p.m. with the pledge and a prayer from Steve Blass. President Dick asked for announcements.

  • Gary confirmed that there will be a 4th of July celebration at Elmlawn. It will be on Friday July 1st and he’ll take care of the food with the cost kept at $20 per person. Everyone is asked to bring their own chairs/drinks/snacks. This is always a wonderful event! 

  • Brandon reminded everyone of the Installation dinner, to be held on Monday June 20 at 6 p.m. at Webster’s Bistro and Bar. There will be NO regular meeting that day. There will be a board meeting this Friday June 17 at the Ken-Ton Chamber office at 8 a.m. The board has a lot to cover. Current slate of officers below.

  • Cameron updated on a very productive Kentoberfest meeting held last Thursday. If anyone has any suggestions on family fun activities or anything else that would be helpful, please reach out to him. 

  • Ed Markarian asks that we remember the McBride’s, whose family will be holding a Celebration of Lives on Wednesday, June 15 from 4-6:30 p.m. at Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home, 1671 Maple Road. This date marks what would have been their 71st wedding anniversary. Thoughts and prayers go out to the entire McBride family.

 

Phil announced our guests: Speaker Joe Lavey from The Riviera Theatre and Fiona and Anthony Desouza. Anthony was a recent Kenmore Rotary High School Award winner.  Congratulations again, Anthony!

Cameron announced our speaker, Joe, who updated on the beautiful historic Riviera Theatre. A few years ago, they were on the brink of bankruptcy. Jump ahead 5 years and with a change of staff, they are now thriving and ready to break ground on Phase 1 of their expansion. They purchased several businesses to the left and will be adding bathrooms, bar and concessions. Bathrooms being the major update. The theatre was built in 1926 and because it is an historic landmark, any “cuts” put into the building have to be witnessed by several people in order to preserve the historical value and status. There are 1,138 seats and before the theatre was revamped, they had about 20 shows per year. Now, they have around 125. They will rent the theatre out for anything within reason and love doing so. They really want to branch out more into the community and bring kids in, through schools or clubs, to learn about state-of-the-art technology and behind the scenes workings. Joe was very informative and it was very interesting to learn about such a wonderful venue. If you’d like more information or are interested in renting it out, you can email Joe at jlaveyjr@gmail.com and you can visit the website at www.rivieratheatre.org 

The $13 split club was won by Pat, who was super happy because it paid for his lunch and Cam picked for the Ace but pulled the 8 of hearts. The Ace is definitely still in there, so there’s still a chance. Dick asked for confessions. Cam is happy that his tenant in his new home paid part of his mortgage; Donna put in happy dollars for her grandson Hudson graduating pre-K; Steve put in happy dollars also for his son graduating kindergarten and his daughter graduating pre-k3; Dick’s son also graduated kindergarten!

Dick quizzed us on summer trivia and raised a few bucks. Meeting was adjourned and lunch enjoyed.


The Slate of Officers for the 2022-2023 Rotary year are as follows:

President: Brandon Blatz

President Elect: Cathy Piciulo

Secretary: Pat Griffin

Treasurer: Steve Blass

Past President: Dick Hanaburgh

Directors: Joe Arcara, Donna DiFrancesco, Ed Hacherl, Susan Jandzinski, Holly Nowak, Linda Sroka

 
The Ken June 6

The Ken 6/6/2022

 

Table Attendance/Split Club: Phil Michalowski

Fine Master: Dick Hanaburgh

Invocation: Brandon Blatz

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

The meeting was called to order at 12:24 p.m. with the Pledge and Prayer.  There was a good showing for today’s meeting, which was nice to see. President Dick asked for announcements.

  • Brandon reminded everyone of the Installation Dinner on Monday June 20 at 6 p.m. at Webster’s Bistro & Bar. The cost is $50 per person. Please RSVP to Steve Blass by email sblass61@gmail.com or phone 716-868-8085 no later than Monday June 13. There will be no regular meeting on June 20. 

  • Pat announced the Hole In One Contest held in conjunction with the other service clubs in the area, that will be from July 11-14. Our club always takes that Monday and he is looking for volunteers. The Community Picnic will be on Thursday July 21 at the Fire Department grove on Military and Kenmore and you can register and pay on the KenTon Chamber’s website.  Dues are due by June 27 for the 2022-2023 Rotary year.

  •  Gary announced there will more than likely be a July 4th picnic at the cemetery, possibly a BYOF (bring your own food) style this year. He will be in contact with Mike Austin with more to come.  

  • Ron let us know that there will be a Celebration of Lives for Keith & Mary McBride on Wednesday June 15 from 4-6:30 p.m. at Perna, Dengler, Roberts Funeral Home, 1671 Maple Road, Williamsville. This date marks what would have been their 71st wedding anniversary.

  • Donna read a message from Cathy Piciulo that Ronald Pilozzi, former Mayor of the City of Tonawanda and part of the driving force, along with his wife Christine, in the formation of the Satellite Club of the Tonawandas, has passed away. His visitation will be on Wednesday June 8 and Thursday June 9 from 3-7 p.m. at the John O Roth funeral Home, 25 William Street, Tonawanda. Heartfelt condolences go out to the Pilozzi family.

Our guest speaker, Barb Perez Director of Development with the BSA Greater Niagara Frontier Council, was announced by Brandon.  Girls are now welcomed into the Boy Scouts, which was originally chartered through congress as the Boy Scouts of America, and under that are the individual chartered councils. The program is now called Scouts BSA. They chose to include females because there was a decline in membership overall and the family dynamic has changed through the years. There are many little sisters of Boy Scouts that wanted to join too. As for camping, the boys are on one side of camp, girls on the other and adults in between.  Out of every 100 scouts, 4 will become Eagle Scouts. There were approximately 61,000 Eagle Scouts in 2019. There will be an event at the Botanical Gardens, “Cocktails in the Gardens” on Thursday August 4 to support the BSA. Barb was a very informative speaker and there were several Q & A’s.

 

Bill Brucker won the split club of $14 and Ron picked for the Ace but got the 5 of Spades instead. Phil did verify that the Ace was indeed still there! Dick asked for confessions. Ron attended his 50th reunion from college! Donna confessed to celebrating a big birthday recently and donated $1 per decade and also donated $1 in celebration of her twin grandson’s 1st birthday ($7 total)! Pat & Linda just celebrated their wedding anniversary by going to Presque Isle, where I had been several times in the past and told him how beautiful it was. He never believed me and because of that, paid a fine! Phil’s banana tree is doing wonderful! We then had boy scout trivia, and pretty much all paid a fine.

Meeting was adjourned and we all enjoyed lunch and great company.

 
The Ken May 23

The Ken:  May 23, 2022

Attendance: Sue Jandzinski

Split Club: Sue Jandzinski     

Invocation: Tim Glor [welcome back]

Fine Master: Phil for Paul Chisholm

The Ken: Sue Jandzinski

 

We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation from Tim Glor.  

 

Announcements

  • Kenmore Rotary installation dinner is planned for Monday, June 20th – 6-9 pm @ Webster’s Bistro Bar

  • Dan from UB Rotaract Club gave a brief update on spring 2022 events and also announced they are looking forward to Fall 2022 activities.

  • 2022-2023 Slate of officers is attached for your review.

  • Larry Coon provided an update on Lisa Davidson’s project that took place last weekend.

  • Dick won the Split Club -$23 and Dan [for Larry Coon] selected the 6 of spades.

 

Confessions: 

  • Sue J. announced that her oldest son graduated with his DPT [doctorate of Physical Therapy] from D’youville University last weekend.

  • Tim Glor is back from Florida 

  • Dick is now a Dance Dad – and celebrated his daughters dance recital last weekend, and also congratulated Sue’s son on his accomplishment as a fellow D’youville Alumni!

  • Phil has a new indoor banana tree that will double as a Christmas tree.  Photos to come!

 

Fine Master:

  • Phil stepped info Paul C.  and tested our knowledge on Memorial Day Trivia


Today’s guest speaker was Anne K.C. McCooey, Executive Director of BRRR Alliance [Black Rock Riverside Alliance].  Anne provided a very thorough explanation of her organization and it was absolutely fascinating!  Please check out her organizations website:  BRRRAlliance.org.

 

Respectfully submitted:

Sue Jandzinski

 
The Ken May 2
The Ken:  May 2, 2022
Attendance: Sue Jandzinski
Split Club: Sue Jandzinski     
Invocation: John Coogan [welcome back]
Fine Master: Paul Chisholm
The Ken: Sue Jandzinski
 
We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation from John Coogan. 
 
Announcements
  • Bill Bruckner had a bit of a health scare – but thankfully he is now equipped with a new Pacemaker – and all is well.  [Thank you Ron L. for the update]
  • The split club was won by John Coogan who incidentally missed the Ace of Spades
  • Lynn shared some information on upcoming seminars at taking place at Scholfield Residence.
 
Confessions:
  • MY APOLOGIES – either there were none – or I missed them!
 
Fine Master:
  • Paul tested everyone’s knowledge [and patience] with trivia tied to the month of MAY.
 
No guest speaker today - Next week begins the annual Student Awards luncheon [#1 of 2]
 
Respectfully submitted:
Sue Jandzinskihttp://Schofeild 1
The Ken April 4
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The Ken March 28

The Ken:  March 28, 2022

Attendance: Brandon Blatz

Split Club: Brandon Blatz     

Invocation: Chuck Paterson

Fine Master: Sue Jandzinski

The Ken: Sue Jandzinski

 

We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation from Chuck Patterson.  

 

Announcements

  • Shred it signs are available to take – Please write your name on the list if you are indeed taking one with you today. 

  • The split club was won by Ron [welcome home] and Brandon missed the Ace of Spades 

 

Confessions: 

  • Chuck, Joe A., and Rick enjoyed Jim Logan’s Roast I mean Retirement party on Saturday – Thank you for representing Kenmore Rotary

  • Ron L. has made his way back from Florida aka – Spring Training Camp.  While in Florida, he did offer up his services to assist with negotiations between players and the league.  

 

Our guest speaker today was Cloe Wingeter who joined us from “across the pond” University of Oxford.  Cloe is studying for a year abroad and the Rotary provided Cloe with a grant last year.  Cloe reviewed some of the courses she is currently taking, she explained some language barriers she has had to overcome [minor but still…a challenge].  Cloe meets regularly with the Wallingford & Didcot District Rotary Club and interacts with other student Rotarians from the area.  She is excited about this opportunity and appreciates the support she has received.  

 

Next week’s speaker – Nancy Wise-Reid

 

Respectfully submitted:

Sue Jandzinski

 
The Ken March 21, 2022

The Ken

3/21/2022

 

Table Attendance/Split Club: Brandon Blatz

Fine Master: Sue Jandzinski

Invocation: Phil Michalowski

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

The meeting was called to order at 12:21 p.m. by President Dick with the Pledge of Allegiance and a warm prayer by Phil. There were no announcements by the club members, but President Dick reminded everyone of Shred It, which will be held on April 23, the Greenway Clean Up that will be held on Saturday May 7, and he will update us on when the Kenmore West vegetable garden work will start.  Larry, in his absence, wanted everyone to consider the UB Mentor Program. If you have any time at all to mentor a student, please reach out to Larry for information. It can be done in person, via zoom or however you can make it work.

 

There were 14 members present at today’s meeting and we were very happy to see those who have been missing for a while. Thank you for coming! The split club was won by Donna (thanks to Paul, who cut in line ahead of me) and Paul tried for the Ace and drew the Queen of Clubs. 

 

Sue asked the members for confessions. Dick mentioned something about the Board of Education, I think relating to his kids, but I’m sorry I missed what it was. Brandon confessed to being in NYC on vacation and basically went on a bar tour. Paul played his first round of golf and used it as practice. Mike Hettler spent a week of R & R in Florida. Sue fined herself $5 for being the Director for the month and not being present last week. Other fines were given accordingly. She then quizzed us on Spring. Did you know that Tornadoes occur more frequently in Spring than in other seasons of the year or that an egg will stay balanced in an upright position on the first day of Spring (due to the position of the earth relative to the sun)? Thanks to Sue, we now know.

 

Sue announced our speaker, Walt Ludwig, President of Kenmore Mercy Hospital.  He began by thanking the club for our continued support of the hospital. He updated us on what’s been happening at the hospital in the past 2 years since Covid. St. Joe’s campus became a “Covid Only” hospital to treat the sickest patients and where KM intensive care doctors and nurses went to work; they also had to deal with a nurse’s strike at their sister hospital, Mercy Hospital; they lost about 10% of their workforce; and switched over to electronic medical records. They are grateful for the community support during the first wave of the pandemic, however, it lessened during the 2nd wave, and the 3rd wave (this past winter) was the toughest yet as they had to bring in agency nurses to fill vacancies. He would like us all to be good communicators for KMH, as all services are up and running. They have maintained quality ratings through it all (16 cycles to date) and have also maintained Top Hospital Status with an A rating. Walt is always a wealth of information and we appreciate him taking the time to speak to our club.

The Ken March 14, 2022
 
The Ken Monday March 14th
Meeting started at 12:25 pm
Guests: Tina Walz from M&T and Pat Covell Boy Scouts (former member of Kenmore Rotary)
Gary Roberts won the split club of $11.00
Cathy Piciulo drew the 3 of hearts
Cathy Piciulo made a plug for Clarence & Kenton Chamber of Commerce Annual Golf Classic, on Monday, June 13th, Shotgun start at noon,  Fireside Chat with Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney, ESQ. on Women’s Business Wed. March 23, from 11 am to 1 pm and a virtual public meeting on the Willowridge Parkview Triangle improvement being held on March 15th.  6:30 pm.
Fines were for St Patricks Day Triva, Paul Chisholm Birthday, Stephen brother had a son, Dick Hannaford brother had a son, Donna for coming  back from Florida Vacation, Pat Griffin Going on a Florida Vacation, Cathy Piciulo for making a plug for the Chambers golf outing.
Speaker was Alise Ivency with junior Achievement talking about the challenges of post covid fund raising and delivering the program. The model is all volunteer, funded by business donations and they just celebrated 100 years. Great companionship during the lunch that followed.
The ken 3/7/2022

ROTARY CLUB OF KENMORE

KEN: MONDAY MARCH 7, 2022

 

Table Attendance/Split Club: Cameron Kukla

Fine Master: Sue Jandzinski

Invocation: BobChuck Patterson

The Ken: Larry Coon

 

We were called to order at 12:27 p.m. by President Dick, with a Pledge to the Flag and another warm prayer by BobChuck Patterson.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Sue Jandzinski informed us that free Narcan training at Kenmore United Methodist Church will be available THIS SATURDAY 3/12 from 10am to noon.  Call Leann for info 830-0585. 

 

Steve Blass announced upcoming speakers: March 14 is Junior Achievement of WNY, then Walter Ludwig from Kenmore Mercy on March 21. March 28 and beyond are open.  Let Steve Blass know if you can help with bookings.  

 

Dick and Larry vowed to clarify the upcoming events on the Niagara River Greenway Trail.  The update is that The Waterkeepers org will be doing a cleanup of our Isleview Park section while we’re all hard at work at SHRED IT on April 23rd.  (Yes please  plan to help from 9:30 to 2pm!).  THEN, TWO WEEKS LATER, the UB Rotaract Club needs our help with work on a new Pollinator Garden (that our Foundation funded) on Sat May 7th from 10am to noon. We have no obligation on April 30 date at this point.

 

Split Club was won by Larry’s student guest Dan Bauman from UB Rotaract and Steve missed pulling the Ace of Spades.

 

Finemaster Sue J asked for confessions: Mike Ford was fined for recent trips to NC and NJ.  Appropriate amounts of abuse were dished out to confirm that we missed him! Sue quizzed us on college basketball trivia as March Madness is quickly approaching.  She rounded out the take for the club with appropriate trivia teasers.

 

Larry was happy to introduce Rotaractor, Dan Bauman, a sophomore from UB who shared a well put-together power point about the many projects that his Club is performing. He wants to keep the momentum going on our two clubs collaborating on projects. He promises to come back on monthly basis or so, as he lives here in WNY all year.

The UB Rotaract has about 30 very active members. Some of their projects focus on solving food insecurity for the needy in Buffalo.  One of their initiatives: two evenings per week, using their own vehicles, they caravan a load of 70 to 100 boxes of leftover UB cafeteria food down to the city mission in Buffalo. Through ours and Grand Island’s Club, they have been and will continue to support environmental cleanups and plantings for healthy pollination.  Currently they are collecting household items to help an Afghan refugee family get set up in an apartment in our area on March 28th. Donations requested and accepted!  Lastly, Dan asked each of us to consider becoming mentors to his fellow club members for career advice.  He shared a comprehensive list with Larry that includes their members’ majors, career goals and contact info.  We Rotarians are encouraged to also get our friends involved with appropriate career specialties. Watch for an email with a mentoring form to volunteer. Dan did a fine job and we finished by 1:25.

As a side note, kudos to Chairman, Cameron Kukla who held a committee meeting this week.  With help from the former wine tasting crew, he is looking for support on a new fundraising event.  Proposed is an outdoor “KEN-toberfest Bier Garten” event in the Village of Kenmore with a tentative date of Sept 24th.  An initial proposal will be sent asap to Mayor Patrick Mang.

Have a good weekend everyone!  L Coon


 
The Ken February 28

The Ken

2/28/2022

 

Table Attendance/Split Club: Paul Chisholm

Fine Master: Cameron Kukla

Invocation: Chuck Patterson

The Ken: Stephen Blass

 

The meeting was called to order at 12:26 p.m. by President Dick, with a Pledge to the Flag and a warm prayer by Chuck Patterson.

 

Dick asked for announcements.  Steve mentioned we have UB Rotaract as the speaker at the March 7, 2022 and Junior Achievement of WNY on March 14, 2022. Sue mentioned that she has Walter Ludwig coming from Kenmore Mercy on March 21. Dick and Larry mentioned that the river clean up event is April 30, 2022. Larry will get us a start time. 

 

Split Club was won by Larry and Linda picked for the Ace of Spades, but didn’t get it. 

 

 

Cameron was fine master and asked for confessions. Dick reported he took his Kids to a Cub Scout weekend campout and had a great time. Cameron admitted he did nothing all weekend and was at the casino instead of helping his cousin move. Cameron Then did questions about the month of March.

 

Steve then introduced Eric Ensminger from Marketing Technologies of WNY who gave us a great talk about all the services his company can provide to businesses. He should us some examples. We ended around 1:08 and enjoyed Lunch a little late. 

 
The Ken February 14, 2022

The Ken

2/14/2022

 

Table Attendance/Split Club: Art Traver

Fine Master: Larry Coon

Invocation: Chuck Patterson

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

The meeting was called to order at 12:25 p.m. by President Dick, with a Pledge to the Flag and a warm prayer by Chuck Patterson.

 

Dick asked for announcements.  Larry said that the UB Rotaract club is very excited to work Shred-It with us in April. They will have their clean up the following weekend and would love for us to help them. I’m sure that can be arranged! Shred-It date has been confirmed by Pat for Saturday April 23. Larry won’t be in attendance but will have lots of helpers on hand. Larry also suggested, aside from announcements on social media, that an email be sent out club wide when there is going to be a speaker. Not everyone is online and don’t see when they are scheduled. He would have been in attendance at the last meeting had he known. Continuing on that subject, the speaker on Monday 2/28 will be Eric Ensminger from Marketing Tech. There is no meeting on Monday 2/21. There are also no speakers after February 28, so if anyone can help Steve Blass out with contacts or suggestions, that would be very helpful.

 

Split Club was won by Brandon and Rick picked for the Ace of Spades and got the 3 of Spades instead.

 

Larry filled in as fine master and quizzed us on Valentine’s Day. The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre was in 1929 and 7 people were killed. There is much debate as to when Valentine’s Day was started, but his research found it to be 6th Century B.C. There were some other facts he told us about how they celebrated it back then, but it’s a little too much to share! Larry did a lot of research!

 

We had no speaker, so the meeting was adjourned at 12:43 p.m. and we all enjoyed lunch.

The Ken Feb 7, 2022

The Ken

2/7/2022

 

Fine Master: Cameron Kukla

Table Attendance/Split Club: Brandon Blatz

Invocation: Chuck Patterson

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

The meeting was called to order at 12:27 by President Dick with the Pledge of Allegiance. Chuck Patterson led us in prayer. Brandon introduced our guests, speaker Monica Pellegrino Faix, Executive Director of the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation and Jim Jones from the satellite club. Split club of $11 was won by Brandon and his number was also picked to draw for the Ace, which he didn’t. He picked the Queen of Diamonds.

 

Dick asked for announcements. Pat told us that Shred It will be on Saturday April 23 from 10-2 at the Kenmore Elmwood Commons. He will hold a committee meeting at the end of February or beginning of March. Also on April 23, there will be a clean up at Isle View Park, where our Rotary bench is. Jim will have more information for us as it gets closer, but there are usually 2 shifts and definitely 1 in the morning. Brandon thanked the Foundation for the grant to purchase an archery set for the Boy Scouts. He invited everyone to come out and see it. Cam announced the Cigar and Bourbon night at Park Country Club. It will be on Thursday April 21 and the cost will be $100 per ticket. The bourbon will be paired with food, similar to last year’s event. There is no speaker on 2/14, there’s no meeting on 2/21 in celebration of George Washington’s birthday in which he would be 290 years old, and the speaker on 2/28 will be Eric Ensminger from Marketing Tech.

 

Cam came up as fine master and asked for confessions. Brandon confessed that effective the 15th, he is getting a promotion within the Boy Scouts. Congratulations!! Cam got his first bonus at work. They hit all their goals and he is very proud of his team. Way to go Cam!! Our trivia consisted of: Which King in the deck of cards has no mustache? Hearts. Vincent Van Gogh was in a psychiatric hospital when he painted Starry Night. Bill Clinton sent a total of 2 emails during his Presidency. 

 

Our speaker, Monica, gave a very informative talk on the Buffalo Central Terminal, which will be reused, not just restored. It had its grand opening in 1929 and the last train to depart was in 1979. In 1997, the Central Terminal Restoration Corporation was formed. The tracks are still used today by CSX.  The building is 500,000 square feet in size, and will be re-established as a hub of activity, inside and out. In 5 years, they hope to open some areas for use, but it won’t be for at least another 20 before there will be a complete re-use. Monica had a wealth of information and welcomes everyone to visit their website buffalocentralterminal.org to find out more information and view some amazing photos.

 

The meeting was adjourned at 1:13 and everyone enjoyed lunch.

The Ken - January 24

The Ken:  January 24, 2022

Attendance: 

Split Club: Mike Ford     

Invocation: Larry Coon

Fine Master: Mike Ford

The Ken: Sue Jandzinski

 

We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation from Larry Coon.  

 

Announcements

  • Brandon reviewed duties for January/February luncheons

  • Larry C. announced there was a meeting at the Senior Center on Ensminger Road regarding the Rotary Garden project. 

  • Steve is looking for guest speakers.  Sue was reminded to forward the list of grant awardees to Steve to assist in upcoming speakers.  Sue will also get a date on the calendar for Walt Ludwig from Kenmore Mercy Hospital to present.

 

Our guest speaker today was Skylar Shurr, Program Manager for Hearts for the Homeless.

Skylar informed those in attendance on how the organization was founded and the current programs/clients that are served.  HFTH began as a mobile soup kitchen that served meals to homeless individuals 5 days/week.  The organization has grown to include clothing bins throughout the WNY, a thrift shop along with a food pantry.  HFTH partners with other organizations like FeedMore to address the growing needs of this population.  You can learn more about the organization, the mission, upcoming projects and how to assist by checking out their website

https://heartsforthehomeless.org/


Confessions: 

  • Sue J. had a birthday

  • Mike Ford has a new job and will be “scarce” at upcoming meetings

  • Larry C. was fined – but I can’t remember why

  • Paul C. was fined because Skylar’s phone rang during his presentation

 

The split club was won by Gary R who also missed the Ace of Spades 


Respectfully submitted:

Sue Jandzinski

 
The Ken January 10
The Ken
1-10-2022
 
Fine Master: Brandon Blatz
Table Attendance & Split Club: Brandon Blatz
Invocation: Brandon Blatz
The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco
 
The small meeting was called to order by President Dick at 12:24 p.m. with a warm welcome back from the holiday season. Brandon led us in prayer.
 
Dick spoke again on the award Paul Chisholm received at the Christmas Gala. Paul announced that the 2022 Gala will be held around the same time of year, early December, and that they made $3,000 on the affair. That money will be put towards a summer picnic, where and when to be determined, for all the not for profits involved. Grant checks went out from Charities and the Foundation at years end. Rick mentioned we need to find a way to engage members to start attending meetings and possibly send out a survey asking why attendance is so low. Dick will prepare one this week. Steve is working actively on the speaker list, and the speaker scheduled for January 24 is Skylar Shurr from Hearts for The Homeless. Members need to start bringing guest so we can familiarize everyone on what Rotary is and what we do. Also suggested was to invite local businesses to join a meeting.  So many people are unfamiliar. Bill announced that a past member, Roger Moore, passed away. He was 95. There will be NO MEETING on January 17 in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Split club of $9 was won by Dick and Donna picked for the Ace but got the 3 of clubs instead. 
 
Dick announced our speaker, Jerry Sheldon from Sleep in Heavenly Peace. This non-profit was started in Idaho and there are now 280 chapters around the country. Their motto is “No kid sleeps on the floor in our town!” Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Buffalo Chapter, is a charitable organization whose main objective is making handmade beds for children who do not have beds of their own.  They make single beds and bunk beds for the approximately 95 requests they receive per month. There are 10,000 kids in Buffalo without beds and in 2021, they made over 700.  They operate out of the Eastern Hill Mall and every bed is made brand new, and comes complete with bedding. The volunteers work in 3 hour shifts 2 days per week, and he is booking volunteers out as far as the summer.  In addition to volunteers, they could also use monetary donations. If you have any questions or would like to volunteer or donate, please contact Jerry at 716-570-3449 or by email at jerry.sheldon@shpbeds.org
 
Fine Master Brandon asked for confessions. Chuck confessed to being in Florida during our last snow storm and watched it on TV. Linda fined herself for coming to last weeks meeting, when there really wasn’t one, but enjoyed a quiet lunch anyway. Art expressed a heartfelt thank you for the outpouring of sympathy and concern over the passing of his beloved, Barb. Dick went to the Bills game for free! We were then quizzed on New Years trivia. The first NY Eve ball weighed in at 700 lbs. and was 12’ in diameter. The numbers on the Waterford Crystal ball are 7’ in height. A few bucks were raised. Meeting was adjourned at 1:10 and everyone enjoyed lunch and companionship.
 
December 20
The Ken
12/20/2021
 
 President Dick opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:28. Rick Graham led us in prayer that included words for Art Travers family as they are going through a difficult time.
50/50 Split Donna picked up some lunch money $12. Cathy drew the 2 of clubs.
 Announcements: We received a thank you from Kenmore West Community Club.
Larry introduced Char first so he would not forget. Smart.
Also from the Kenton School District superintendent Tino Cimato and Kelly White. Michelle Locket, Rich Adams, Bill Bruckers nephew Dan and his wife Jean' and Friona.
Confessions-Dick won 2 baskets at the gala, he fined himself $10. Larry $2 for being on time!
I couldn't keep up with the trivia but we did learn a few thing, none that I can remember.
This meeting was special as President dick awarded Bill Brucker the prestigious Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Larry said a few words about Bills accomplishments. He became a Rotarian in 1982. His father was a Rotarian and between the 2 of them have over 100 years of memberships! Bill was very surprised and grateful. Congratulations Bill!
 Lisa Craft and Lisa Donaldson from Kenton School administration our guest speakers, they sponsor a section of The Niagara River Greenway as well as the garden at the Senior Center. Lisa thanked us for the $1000 grant that we donated. They are working with the UB Rotaract Club and hope to put a pollinator garden in around springtime. We were reminded that April 22 and 23 are Earth Day cleanups. The students have to initiate a project, plan it and carry it through. Excellent presentation.
We are thrilled to hear that Tino is joining the club,
great way to end 2021.
Next meeting 1/10/2022.Merry Christmas Happy New Year and be safe.
 
Pat
The Ken December 13
Donna opened the meeting with the Pledge of
Allegiance at 12:22. Rick Graham led us in prayer
50/50 Split Joe Arcara took home $12. That paid for his chicken
caesar salad. Larry drew the 9 of hearts.
Announcements: We received a thank you from Pixie Mamas
animal rescue for the donation we made. Cathy read a thank you
from Cradle Beach also.
The gala was a great event.
Paul Chisolm was awarded the first annual Champion Award,
congratulations!
Lisa Craft and Lisa Donaldson from Kenton School administration
are guest speakers next week.
Foundation meeting Tuesday 12/14 at Chucks house to finalize
grant requests.
Finemaster Mike exempted anyone that attended the gala from
fines except for Paul. Paul fined himself $50! Thanks Paul! Steve
vacationed in Disney, $5. Larry $2 for being early
Trivia questions ,how many qb's threw for 300 yds and ran for
100yds? Answer 4. How many households put up Christmas trees?
77%. USPS delivered how many packages during holiday season?
800 million. Jingle Bells was always a Christmas song? F Was
Christmas ever banned? Yes 1659-1681, not sure which country.
We only got one right. Guess which one.
Elisabeth O'Donnell from Gliding Stars-Adaptive Ice Skating
Programs is our speaker. The program provides weekly adaptive
ice skating lessons for children and adults with challenges in WNY.
The
program provides them the opportunity to learn ,have fun,
improve physical fitness and develop lasting relationships.
Elizabeth started the program 41 years ago and their annual ice
show is on March 26,2022. For more info go to
www.glidingstars.org it’s a wonderful program. Thank you
Elizabeth and Jan.
Pat
12/13/2021
The
The Ken December 6

The Ken

President Dick opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance  at 12:24. Rick Graham led us in prayer and a special request for  the Bills on MNF. 

Announcements: Donna asked for any late donation for Operation  Santa and Kenmore Volunteer Fire Department. Joe Arcara thanked  the club for condolences for his sister and for filling in for him  during November ,it was a tough month. Cam announced that  Evans Bank adopted 50 kids through Gateway-Longview for  Christmas. Well done! Chuck announced that the foundation  board is meeting this week and next to dole out some money to  grant requests that were submitted. 

Elisabeth O'Donnell from Gliding Stars is our speaker on 12/13 and on 12/20 the speaker is Lisa Davidson from Kenton School District. No meeting on 12/27 

Cathy won $11 on the drawing and Ron drew the 7 of clubs. The pot is growing so we should expect to see John Coogan soon. President Dick asked for confessions and Cathy confessed it is her birthday today and fined herself $6. Some trivia include, who took over as President of Cuba in 1976? Who was crowned on this day in 1804? Name of President Roosevelts speech the day after the bombing of Pearl Harbor {Day of Infamy}. And was Otis Readings' song Sitting on The Top of The Bay awarded #1 on the charts posthumously?  

Thejan(TJ) Kodituwakku was inducted today as a new member, residential real estate for Keller Williams. Congratulations! TJ moved here from Sri Lank 5 years ago and and also attends UB for Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of Interact in Sri Lanka. Please welcome TJ into the club and get to know him, there is more to this story than i wrote down. 

Pat 

 
The Ken November 29

The Ken

11/29/2021

 

Fine Master: Brandon Blatz

Table Attendance & Split Club: Cameron Kukla

Invocation: Tim Glor

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

The meeting was called to order at 12:20 p.m. by President Dick with the Pledge of Allegiance and prayer by Tim Glor.

 

Steve Blass announced the upcoming speakers: TJ (new member) will be speaking to the club on December 6th and Elizabeth O’Donnell from Gliding Stars will speak on December 13th.  Larry Coon has scheduled Lisa Davidson, Instructional Specialist for Science for the KenTon School District, for December 20th.  President Dick announced there will be NO meetings on December 27th or January 3rd, 2022 in light of the Christmas Holiday. In January, he will schedule current members as speakers to update the club on work/life/retirement, etc. This is so we can fill in the gaps on the speaker list and also so new members can learn about their peers. Rick mentioned that we need to start working on our centennial celebration in early 2022. There will need to be a lot of working parts to prepare for this grand celebration.

 

There was no speaker for today, so Chuck updated on the grants for the Foundation. Their next meeting is Tuesday 12/7 and Friday 12/3 is the last day for requests. He has received 10 applications totaling $140,000. I’m sure we will be updated on the recipients once the decisions have been made.  Split club of $12 was won by Art and Dick picked the 7 of Diamonds.

 

Last minute Fine Master Brandon asked for confessions. Tim spent thanksgiving in Virginia with family, Ron’s granddaughter got engaged the day before Thanksgiving on a golf course, Cam and his fiancée got their traditional Indian Wedding outfits, and Linda, fully vaccinated, got covid and didn’t have to cook dinner for only the 2nd time in 38 years. He then quizzed us on Thanksgiving Trivia. The first Turkey Trot was held in Buffalo (of course, because it’s the oldest!) The first Thanksgiving Day NFL game was held in 1920; there were 5 women present at the first Thanksgiving and 12% of Americans skip turkey.

 

Last minute addition requests to The Ken, from Larry: The Satellite Club will be meeting this Thursday 12/2 at 8 a.m. at Spot Coffee, 54 Webster Street, N. Tonawanda. Their speaker this week will be the N. Tonawanda Mayor Elect, Austin Tylec. The Village of Kenmore’s 9th Annual Stop, Sip and Shop will also be held this Thursday 12/2 from 4-8:00 p.m. Please come out in support of our Satellite Club and our local businesses.

 

Meeting adjourned and lunch enjoyed by all!

The Ken November 8

The Ken

11/15/2021

 

Fine Master: Donna DiFrancesco

Table Attendance & Split Club: Cameron Kukla

Invocation: Tim Glor

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

Another small meeting called to order by acting President Donna at 12:21 p.m. followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and a heartfelt prayer by Tim Glor.

 

Chuck announced that the Foundation is now accepting applications for this years grant disbursement. There is an updated request form on our website. These requests are due by the first week of December. If you know of any group or organization in need, please direct them our way. Paul reminded everyone about the Ken-Ton Holiday Gala on December 7 at Park Country Club. There will be a 3-hour open bar, along with food stations, basket raffle and silent auction. RSVP to Cathy P at the chamber by Wednesday 11/17/2021. Make checks payable to Kenmore Rotary Charities. Steve Blass attended the Christmas Bash for Kids at the Knights of Columbus this past Sunday and said it was well attended with over 100 guests. There were many presents collected and Kenmore Rotary will be sending them a check also. Cameron will be volunteering every Monday in February with Home Beneath Our Feet and will let us know when they will be needing additional help. If you’ll remember, they spoke at a meeting in August.  There will be NO meeting next week, 11/22, in observance of Thanksgiving.

 

Split club of $5 was won by Mike Hettler and Donna picked the 8 of spades. 

 

Fine master Donna only asked for confessions. Cameron went to NYC for the weekend to meet his fiancée’s parents and attend his first Buffalo Bills away game. He had a great time. Paul took a golfing trip to the Outer Banks for 4 days and didn’t golf at all but he did get sick (just a cold thankfully). Chuck played a round of golf on Friday and it has snowed every day since. Ed H. went to Ft. Lauderdale for 4 days and he actually got to play golf! Mike H. went to Hilton Head for vacation and has another vacation coming up to Anna Maria Island. I found that the central theme to this week’s confessions was travel and golf. I’m sure it felt great for everyone to get away after the past year and a half.  Dick will be putting in $20 next week for missing the meeting this week.

 

There was no speaker, so the meeting was adjourned at 12:40. Friendship and good food was enjoyed by all.  Happy Thanksgiving!

The Ken Nov 8

The Ken

11/8/2021

 

Fine Master: Brandon Blatz

Table Attendance & Split Club: Dick Hanaburgh

Invocation: Tim Glor

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

The small attended meeting was called to order by President Dick at 12:24 p.m., followed by the Pledge. Tim led us in prayer.

 

President Dick asked for any announcements. Brandon, for Larry Coon, reminded everyone about Honar Ali’s talk “Lessons from a 71 Day solo bike trek and how it changed by life”, which will be on Wednesday November 10 from 6-7 p.m. in UB Clemons Hall Rm 120.  He would like some members to attend in support of Honar. I’m sure this will be a great follow up to the talk he presented to our club. We will also invite him back to speak at a club meeting for part 2 (and maybe part 3)! Steve Blass announced that the Knights of Columbus, along with the Kenmore FD will hold their 24th annual Christmas Bash for Kids, this Sunday November 14 from 1-5 p.m. There will be food, beverages, football, raffles and children’s crafts. Admission is an unwrapped $15 toy and a roll of gift wrap. All proceeds will go to local families in need. Please try to attend if you are able! Cathy passed out fliers for the Ken-Ton Holiday Gala 2021 to be held on Tuesday, December 7th at Park Country Club. PLEASE RSVP to her by November 17.

 

Split club of $7.50 was won by Ron. He was the last member to buy tickets. It pays to wait until the end! The Ace of Spades pot is up to $226 and Chuck picked the Jack of Spades. More money and 1 less card for next week! 

 

Fine master Brandon asked for confessions. Tim Glor confessed he left half his wrap from lunch last week on the table and learned that Larry tried to hunt him down to make sure he took it home. He’s making sure he doesn’t forget it this week, because Larry wasn’t there to help out. Mike Ford went golfing with his son. Mike broke 90 (whatever that means). President Dick put in $20 because there was no time for fines last week. Thanks, Dick!

Brandon quizzed us on Veteran’s Day trivia, some of which was: 71% of veteran’s voted in the 2008 election, the flower associated with Veteran’s Day is the red poppy, and November 11, 1954 officially became known as Veteran’s Day, with 48 stars on the American Flag. He was able to raise a few bucks!

 

I’d like to make a personal shout out to Jeff Markarian, who takes my typed notes and turns them into The Ken. Thank you for all your help, Jeff. It’s greatly appreciated!

 

Meeting was adjourned as there was no speaker, and we all enjoyed lunch and friendship!

 
The Ken Nov 1

The Ken

November 1, 2021

 

Fine Master: Mike Ford 

Table Attendance & Split Club: Cameron Kukla

Invocation: Tim Glor

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

 

Meeting called to order by President Dick at 12:27 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Tim Glor led us in prayer. We had a large group today! Over 20 members. It would be nice if we could do this every week.

 

Guests today are the speaker, Honar “Art” Ali, Greg Stevens, Michele Lockett and Char Coon.

 

Announcements: President Dick will designate 1 or 2 meetings a month to members to speak about their business and or community involvements. He will have 2 or 3 members each time, and this will be a great opportunity for other members to know what our peers do.

Larry announced there is a concert at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday November 7 at Cardinal O’Hara High School featuring the award winning American Legion Band of the Tonawandas. 

Greg Stevens, founding member of the Satellite Club, announced that their next meeting is Thursday, 11/4 at 8 a.m. at the Spot Coffee of Webster Street. They meet there every other Thursday. All are welcome. I know from attending some of these meetings myself that they are very informative and they get a lot accomplished. Everyone should try to attend at least one once in a while.

 

Larry introduced our speaker, Honar “Art” Ali, whom he was able to put through the Rotary RYLA program several years ago. Honar took a 5,000-mile bike trek that took him 71 days to complete. He hails from Northern Iraq and at age 19, he came to Buffalo to complete his immigration and become a US citizen. His given name ALI means Art, so he’s adopted that as his name! His biking adventure was a last-minute idea. He only planned a one-way trip to Seattle, Washington to visit a friend. Within 2 weeks, he and his friend left from Astoria, Oregon, after having to purchase  bikes and all the necessary gear for camping and survival. They separated at one point, with Honar heading to Buffalo and his friend heading to San Francisco. There were so many stories he told of people he encountered and places he visited, but one of the most memorable stories for me was about an orthodontist he had to contact to fix his braces that broke. He found one 2 days travel time away, scheduled an appointment, and when he arrived, he saw the Rotary emblem on his door. The receptionist, the doctor’s wife, told Honar that he was a long time Rotarian. After fixing Honar’s braces and Honar telling the him that he, too, was involved in Rotary as a Rotaract member, there was the kindness of “no charge” for the repair, even though Honar was ready and willing to pay. He came away from this adventure with a new found confidence in himself, he found acceptance and his own identity as a US citizen, and all along his journey he was treated with love, dignity and respect by everyone he met.  He is scheduled to speak at UB Rotaract on Wednesday 11/10 @ 6 pm. in Clemens Hall Room 120 and all are invited. We would also LOVE to have him back to a club meeting for a part 2 (and possibly part 3) sometime in the near future.  

 

Due to such an interesting speaker, time was short and no fines were had. Split club was won by Holly at $14.00 and Ron drew the Ace of Diamonds.

 

Meeting adjourned.

 
The Ken Oct. 25

The Ken

October 25, 2021

 

Fine Master: Mike Ford for Jim Logan

Table Attendance: Linda Sroka

The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco

Invocation: Tim Glor for John Coogan

 

President Dick called the meeting to order, without the gong, at 12:37 p.m. and led us in the Pledge of Allegiance.  Tim Glor led our small group in prayer.

 

Announcements made by Cathy P. The Chamber is hosting a “Meet the Candidate” night tomorrow, Tuesday 10/26/2021 at the Brounshidle Post at 7:30 p.m. Please come out for support!

Cathy also promoted the Ken-Ton Holiday Gala 2021 which will be held on Tuesday, December 7 from 6 p.m.-9 p.m. at the Park Country Club. I will be sending out a separate email which will include the flier for this event, and includes cost and all other important information. She would like all RSVP’s by November 17.

 

Tim Glor won $10 for the split club and Joe Arcara pulled the 9 of Diamonds. 

 

Rick Graham put in a $20 fine for his confession on taking a 2-week European vacation by cruise (I think). They took an 8-hour flight into Amsterdam, 1st class, and said the food was better on the plane than on the cruise! He mentioned the heavy COVID protocol’s everywhere they went. Masks and covid testing were the norm. Mike Ford confessed to a work conference in Long Island, also with many covid protocols still in place. Tim Glor confessed to having to wear a mask and gloves for 40 years. No fine for Tim.

Gary R and Joe A showed up at the Howling Rooster for the get together last week Thursday because they never got (or read) the email that said it was canceled. Gary wasn’t fined because he stayed for dinner. Joe was fined because he didn’t stay to support a local business. Then Mike quizzed us on “Trivia for Geniuses”. Silly thing to do to our group, but it did raise some money because we were all fined. Rick G. did know that the first New Year’s ball drop in Times Square was 12/31/1907.

 

Again, there was no speaker so the meeting was adjourned and we all enjoyed lunch.

 
The Ken October 18
The Ken
10/18/2021
 
Fine master: Mike Ford (for Jim Logan)
Table Attendance and Split Club: Linda Sroka
Invocation: Steve Blass (for John Coogan)
The Ken: Donna DiFrancesco
 
President Dick called the meeting to order at 12:34 p.m. with a gong and the Pledge of Allegiance. Steve Blass led us in prayer.
 
Announcements-The party scheduled for Thursday 10/21 at the Howling Rooster has been postponed until further notice. Steve Blass is looking for speakers. Cathy P. suggested UB Health, Compeer, reaching out to Sue J. for a list of previous charities grant recipients and Chuck will provide a list of foundation grant recipients.  
 
We had no speaker scheduled for today, so Chuck spoke to us about the $20 million grant “Rescue Act” he’s been promoting and working on. The Town of Tonawanda Supervisor was giving $2 million to local businesses who met a certain criterion. There were approximately 459 businesses eligible and after a very extensive process, which included Chuck and 1 other person visiting each of the 500 applicants, each of the “winners” will receive $4,300. The other applicants who applied weren’t eligible due to their locations. The recipients will have to provide how the money will be spent and it is taxable income.
 
Linda Sroka suggested that club members be scheduled as speakers so the rest of the club can find out what everyone does. This can be discussed at the next board meeting. Speaking of the board meeting, due to new conflicts, it will be held on Friday, October 29 at 8 a.m. at the Ken-Ton Chamber office.
 
Split club was won by Dick-He’s now $10 richer
Ace of Spades-Linda picked the King of Clubs-more money for next week!
Fine master Mike Ford went easy on everyone: We were fined $1 for missing pin, $1 for missing name tag, and $1 if you weren’t wearing Buffalo Bills gear.
 
Meeting ended and everyone enjoyed lunch.
 
The Ken Sept 20

The Ken September 20, 2021

Attendance: Kathy Piciulo

Split Club: Kathy Piciulo     

Invocation: Gary Roberts

Fine Master: Holly Nowak

The Ken: Sue Jandzinski

 

We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation from Gary Roberst.  Our guest today was TJ Kodituwakku who has extensive ROTARY experience along with Jenna Brinkworth and Tony Billoni from Tobacco Free WNY.

 

Speakers Jenna and Tony from Tobacco Free WNY and provided very important information regarding their initiative – combating the environmental issue tied to cigarette smoking.  A lot of information was shared including this short video: https://vimeo.com/569607223

This program is connected to the NYS Department of Health and focuses on policy change.  DID YOU KNOW:

  • Cigarette butts are the second worst form of liter

  • Cigarette butts comprise of 305-40% of items collected in annual coastal/urban cleanups

  • 4,211,962 cigarette butts were collected in beaches and waterways globally in 2019

  • Approximately 6000 million trees are chopped down each year by the tobacco industry.  On average each tree produces enough paper for 15 packs of cigarettes

The organization is always interested in partnering with the community for sponsorship of receptacles for cigarette butts.  Please reach out to Jenna or Tony if interested.  


Announcements:  

 

October 2 – Shred it

 

Confessions: [there were many!]… 

  • Kathy confessed to constantly picking up cigarette butts outside her office building and working “closely” with her fellow tenants on a solution.

  • Sue J. confessed – she did indeed write THE KEN, but did not forward to Jeff M.  

  • As mentioned above, Paul, Chuck and Mike won the golf tournament – pay up 

 

Holly entertained us with some PUMPKIN Triva  

 

The split club was won by Paul C., and Gary missed the Ace of Spades 

 

September 27th presenter – District Governor, Frank Adamson

 

Respectfully submitted:

Sue Jandzinski

 
The Ken 9/13/2021

The Ken September 13, 2021

Attendance: Ron Levea

Split Club: Ron Levea     

Invocation: Brandon Blatz

Fine Master: Holly Nowak

The Ken: Sue Jandzinski

 

We opened the meeting with the Pledge and Invocation from Brandon Blatz.  Our guest today was TJ Kodituwakku who has extensive ROTARY experience!

 

Announcements:  Leslie announced NIGHT OF BLUES [Blues Brew & BBQ] scheduled for September 24th to benefit the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns.  Tickets are available for pre-sale on their website.  There is a Rotary board meeting Thursday September 16th, and next week’s speaker is Jenna Brinkworth, Community Engagement Manager, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute.  Paul C., Chuck P. and Mike F. won the Golf tournament sponsored by the Boys Scouts of America – and their trophy was present at the luncheon!  


Confessions: [there were many!]… 

  • Tim Glor has been missing for a year or so – he is back for a few months then off to the sunny South [welcome back Tim]

  • As mentioned above, Paul, Chuck and Mike won the golf tournament – pay up gentleman!

  • Mike announced that this week is his 14th wedding anniversary

  • Dick’s daughter started kindergarten and is having a great time

  • Leslie’s son started college – and hasn’t missed a class [yet]

  • Paul C. has golfed 6 out of the last 7 days [is he retired ?? – asking for a friend]

 

Holly entertained us with some Middle School Trivia – which included “what color are Mickey Mouse’s shorts?  

 

The split club was $21 – and I can’t remember who won, and who missed the Ace of Spades [just being honest!]

 

Respectfully submitted:

Sue Jandzinski

 
The Ken August 23

The Ken 8/23/2021

 

President Dick called the meeting to order at 12:20 p.m. with the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed Hacherl led us in prayer.

 

Announcements: Larry introduced Don Cyprus as a possible new member, whom he just recently met. Don gave us a little bio about himself, telling us he worked for 43 years as a county employee as a health inspector. That’s a mighty long career! Cameron told us about a clean up project at the Westminster Commons in Buffalo on September 18 that Evans Bank is working on and requested help. If you’re available and interested, please contact Cameron. Chuck noted that 2 people have signed up for the Boy Scout’s Golf Tournament on Monday 8/30. He would like 2 more people so they can complete a foursome. Please contact him or Dick. He also mentioned again about the America Rescue Plan for small businesses, making available $5000 to qualified businesses, with 20 or fewer employees. Application and information can be found at kentonchamber.org. Cathy mentioned that the Buffalo Gift Emporium is looking for non-profits. Honestly, I don’t remember what for, but if you’re interested in more information, please contact her at the Chamber.

 

Our speakers today were Dwight Lowe and Kim Fix from Home Beneath Our Feet, which is a nonprofit organization “geared towards providing our youth the platforms to become the best version of themselves through a gardening and holistic education initiative.” The children, ages 7-11, grow and harvest food, complete homework assignments and help clean up the community. They offer an after-school program during the winter months, where they provide a hot dinner meal twice a week, and the kids learn about indoor hydroponics and can receive help with homework. The cost is $25 per week per child. They hold fundraisers and apply for grants. If anyone is interested in helping, in any way, they are always looking. Please visit their website at www.Homebeneathourfeet.org or email Dwight directly at dwightlowe@homebeneathourfeet.org. There were a lot of great questions from our members and we learned quite a bit about this great organization.

 

Cameron won the split club of $20 (we had a nice attendance today), and Art drew the 2 of spades. Maybe next time, Art! Ed H. as fine master asked for confessions and Cameron confessed he watched the Bills win. Then Ed quizzed us on the Labor Day holiday, which was originally called “Labors Day Holiday”. Before it was passed, people in the late 1800s worked 7 days a week, 12 hours a day, even for kids as young as 5! The President that made it a federal holiday was Grover Cleveland in 1894. Very interesting information.

 

There was no formal end to our meeting, so we all enjoyed our lunches and parted ways. Due to the Boy Scouts Golf Tourney next Monday, I will be back at the gavel to run the meeting. Hope to see you all then! Have a wonderful rest of your week.

Donna

 
The Ken 8/16/2021

The Ken 

President Dick opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance  at 12:15. Ed Hacherl led us in prayer . 

Announcements: There is a America Rescue Plan from the Town  that has $5000 available to qualified businesses in Kenton>  Application is on kentonchamber.org.  Brandon mentioned a BS of  America outing at Lancaster CC on August 30th ,please contact  Mike at mford@broadwayhcwny.com asap as we need at least 8  golfers. Meals on Wheels reception at the Noco pavilion will be  honoring Kenmore Rotary Charities by inducting us into the 1st  hall of fame. This is  Helen Lapp Society. Helen is the founder of  Kenton Meals on Wheels September 20,1977. Donna and Larry  will attend with Chuck to represent our club. 

Chuck  won $11 on the drawing andPaul drew the 8 of hearts. Ed Hacherl  asked for confessions and John Coogan traded in his  Bentley for a Maserati, that cost him $15. 

Some Olympic trivia: 776 BC 1st Games held in Los Angeles  Coliseum? Wrong. Olympic motto Faster-Higher-Stronger. Dicks  table paid $1. Five Olympic values? Joy of effort-fair play-respect  for others-pursuit of excellence. Mikes table $1. What do the 5  rings represent? The 5 continents. Our table $1 please. Well done  Ed.  

After digging into the rotary constitution we found that Paul is  only responsible for $5 for the "apple" pie. 

Stay tuned Monday as I was promised Damon will be back. Pat 

 
The Ken August 2
Ken  8/2/2021 
 
 
We had a small group for lunch, so the meeting had an informal feel to it.
 
We discussed upcoming meetings, and the need to start planning for the clubs 100th anniversary in 2024.
 
Chuck Patterson had pictures from our group at Graycliff. 
 
Chuck noted complements from the Graycliff staff at the amount of work achieved.  Great job.
 
 
Announcements:
 
Chuck Patterson announced Our club is invited to a Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels Cocktail Party at 7pm on September 30, 2021, at the NOCO Pavilion.  The Party is to honor the Kenmore Rotary Club as the first inductee to the Helen Lapp Society.  Helen Lapp was the founder of Ken-Ton Meals on Wheels.  Please contact Chuck to make a reservation.  We decided spouses/significant others are welcome.  Contact Chuck at bobchuckpatterson@yahoo.com
 
Finemaster – no fines
 
Split Club – Ron Levea had both winning tickets but did not draw the ace of spades.
 
 
Have a great week everyone and we’ll see you on Monday
The Ken 7/19/2021
The Ken July 19, 2021
Attendance: Bob Paterson
Split Club: Bob Paterson     
Invocation: Rick Graham
Fine Master: Holly Nowak
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
 
Brendan opened our meeting at 12:24 right after Liz took our orders off the menu. We gave our pledge to the flag and Rick Graham gave an inspirational invocation.
Holly announced that we are going to help Graycliff at 6472 Old Lake Shore Road in Derby, NY with some landscaping and pick flowers that they will sell in their boutique 7/29 from 4-6. At 6:00 we will get a private tour of the conservancy. Cradle Beach is having Sunshine Day this year. We cannot participate in person, but we will still put together goodie bags for their prizes and send them ice cream. Details to follow. Brandon announced that the board approved 1 sign  for our adopted section of the Greenway Trail. Bandon, Larry, and Michelle Lockett walked the Trail that starts around Isle View Park and heads north to the condominiums. Our biggest commitment is to police it about 3 times a year for fallen trees and debris. I won the 50 / 50 and Brandon won the chance for the Ace. I bought his chance with my 50 / 50 winning and blew it on the Queen of diamonds.
Our speaker asked to speak early today so Brandon introduced Leslie Drdul to bring us up to date on the Boys and Girls Club of the Northtowns. She explained how they handled the  challenges with covid and seam to be heading in the right direction. They do a great job to inspire and enable young people to reach their full potentials as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. This was a great delivery of an important message by Leslie, who is putting in her Kenmore Rotary application. Great to have you aboard. Holly gave us more rain trivia and raised a bit of money. There were no confessions, so Brandon adjourned us at 1:24.
Jeff
The Ken 7/12/
The Ken 7/12
The Ken President Elect Brandon opened the meeting with the Pledge of  Allegiance at 12:21. Rick led us in prayer . Chuck introduced our  guests. 
Announcements: Holly contacted Cradle Beach and we may have  a scaled down event. Cathy mentioned a combined Holiday party  with other community groups in December, stay tuned for more  
info. I read a thank you letter from Chloe, she spoke at our  meeting and we made a donation of $500.00 to help her out with  her matching grant she really appreciated it. 
Finemaster Holly quizzed us on trivia about rain, we learned that  it was more about movies and songs not "Raindrops Keep Falling  on My Head" I  introduced our guest speaker Michele Brooks from  NAMI. This was very informative, as mental health is a topic many  of us avoid. Our club supported them with a $500.00 donation  and Michele  was very thankful.  
Pat 
                       
Here are the links to 2 videos pertaining to today's speakers from NAMI.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXxytf6kfPM&authuser=0
Special Ken Edition - Scotch Night
  On June 24 Tom Lang, Paul Chisholm and Jim Logan sponsored us at the Park Country Club for a wonderful evening, sensually stimulating  our pallet with the deaconates of food, Scotch and tobacco. We met at 6:00 on the patio looking over the 18th green. It was great to socially re-unite with 19 fellow members and  meet new friends as we watched some the golfers approach the last hole. Dinner followed where the PCC chef created several courses to pair with selected Scotches. First course was Balvenle Scotch paired with toasted garlic bread smothered in an olive, anchovy, cheese topping. 2nd course was Glenmorangie Scotch paired with a slice of pork belly served on banana bread French toast. Course 3 was Lagavulin Scotch that was paired with a smoked brisket, cucumber slaw on a toasted slider bun. Our final  desert course  was a fabulous chocolate bomb with crusted graham and pastry crumbs and a drizzle of caramel sauce paired with Drambuie. Yes Drambuie is a Scotch. The Chef did a great job breaking down the flavor of the Scotch to compliment the courses. Afterward we retired back to the patio for a couple of cigars and engage in enlightened conversation. It's always fun to watch side "B" come out after a little Scotch and cigar buzz. Great evening that I'm sure Tom will build from. Thank you. Jeff

The Ken June 21

The Ken

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

8:12 AM

 

President Dick opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance at 12:22. Gary led us in prayer .Announcements are the Independence Day fireworks are on July 2nd. It will be catered and a pass will be emailed to us. Cost is $20, 12 and under free. Please rsvp Gary Roberts. Its 12:27 and Larry arrived! Guess who won $8 on the split? John. Steve pulled the 2 of spades.

Finemaster Dick asked for confessions, I paid $1 as I have a interview with OTB. Im back in action! Steve's son graduated from pre-k as did Dick kid. Congratulations! Jim's 4 some won a skin and was third in their flight at a tournament. The trivia started and our table was asked what was the shortest war in history? 38-45 minutes and England I'm assuming beat Zanzibar. We had a chance to redeem ourselves, how many years did the 100 year war last? We were wrong again its 116.Steves table is next,How long was  William Harrison President? 32 days. They redeemed themselves with a easy question. Who built the 1st auto? Henry Ford.

Steve introduced our guest speaker Linda Maraszrk from the Goodwill WNY. Goodwill is celebrating 101 years and they have a rewards ceremony each year. Their main objective is to help people help themselves through job training and enter the job market as well as retain the job. Changing lives through the power of work. Donations fund this several ways. They received 9 million pounds last year! These are processed then sold at their stores as well as online where there are items that you cant find at outlets ex jewelry. shopgoodwill.com/buffalo. There are 11 locations on WNY. Employment referrals mainly come from social services. Manufacturing and tech are the 2 main fields. Please follow and like on social media as they are doing great works out there.

Very informative and hopefully we can schedule a tour of the facility.

Be safe and see you next Monday as our District Governor will be speaking.

 

Pat

The Ken 6/13/2021

6/7/2021

Wednesday, June 9, 2021

10:35 AM

 

President Dick opened the meeting at  and led us in the pledge of allegiance. The large Flag is back! Gary led us in invocation. Our guests today was Melanie Brem from Connect Life also our speaker. Mike Ford mentioned the date for the cigar and bourbon event at the Park Club is June 24th. and the cost is $100. Contact Tom Lang to rsvp. Gary announced the Independence Day Fireworks on July 4th at 7:30 will be catered by Enchanted catering. Also byo drinks chairs and children. Cost $20. Cathy reached out to us about heling with landscaping at Greycliff conservatory, this will also include a tour after. Date is Thursday July 8th. Dick won the 50/50 $13 and Ed Hacherl picked the 5 of clubs, better luck next time as the pot of gold is building.

Cathy Piciulo our finemaster tested each table with trivia , our table was saved by Ron with the correct answer of Marvel comics. I forgot the question. Larrys table as well as Teds struck out. So sorry. Our speaker Melanie Brem explained that connect Life provides blood for most of the hospitals in the area. They also accept tissue donations. There are 7 mobile sites, a example is Kenton Elmwood Commons as the are open on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of the month for donations. Donor has to be 16 years old. Last year they collected 20% more than the previous year. Each donation saves 3 lives. They will also blood type each donor.

Lets help support the cause.

Be safe and see you next week.

Pat

Insert from Bob Patterson

The Kenmore Rotary Foundation is having its election of officers and election of two members for a three year term on June 28th. 
 
The Board is proposing the following slate for the 2 expiring Board Terms. The new terms will run from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2024. We are proposing current Board Members Larry Coon and Paul Chisholm. 
 
For Officers we are proposing the following Board members for the Board Term running from July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022. Robert C Patterson - President, Ed Markarian for Vice President and Treasurer, and Mike Hettler as Secretary.   
 
Thank you
Bob

Sent from Mail for Windows 10

 

 
The Ken 6/7/2021
6/7/2021 
6/9/21 10:35 AM
President Dick opened the meeting at 12:20pm and led us in the  pledge of allegiance. Steve led us in invocation. Our guests today  were Michelle Lockett from Niagara River Greenway our speaker.  Also our Satellite member Jim Jones and Greg Stevens. Mike Ford  
brought a guest but I didn’t catch his name. Paul mentioned the  date for the cigar and bourbon event at the Park Club is June  24th.On a sad note long time member Keith McBride passed  away. Donations can be made to Kenmore Rotary Foundation in  his name. President Dick announced the slate for the board(I will  send it out as a separate email). Rick made a motion to accept,  Paul 2nd all in favor. 3 new members were inducted today, Alisha  Ferri, Cameron Kukla and Linda Sroka. Congratulations and  welcome aboard! Brandon received his member certificate 1 year  later. Mike won the 50/50 and Joe missed the ace of spades.  Confessions were made and Rick confessed he was at a dude  ranch for a vacation. Mike celebrated his birthday. Finemaster  Cathy fine anyone that has never brought in a new member  $1.00.No lapel pins $1.00. Our knowledge of June awareness  month proved that we are not aware that there are hundreds!  Our speaker Michelle Lockett provided a update on what is being  done on the greenway trail. A video that she shared with us was  from the Riverside Highschool students involvement stocking the  river with trout that was raise from there classroom. Fantastic!  Michelle shared a map of the river around Isle view where our 2  benches can be placed. Also The Satellite club will participate. A  very informative meeting. More info can be found on  niagararivergreenway.com. Jim Jones followed up with a update  on the Satellite club. Lets support them they meet the 1st and 3rd  Thursday of the month at Billygans Café on Niagara Street. Be safe  and see you next week. 
Pat
 
The Ken May 3, 2021
The Ken May 3, 2021
Dick opened the meeting at The Paddock Golf Dome at 12:40 with the pledge of Allegiance. We forgot our invocation today and was disappointed not to hear words of wisdom from brother John C. Our guests today were our speaker Cloe Wingerter of John Snow, Inc and Linda Sroka with Schofield Care. Linda has her application in to become our newest Rotarian. Welcome aboard Lynn.
Chloe had an afternoon engagement so had  to present before lunch. Pat introduced us to her as we placed our lunch order. Her talk today was “Food for Thought”.  This was an interesting discussion based on supporting food systems for the community and economic development. Their goal is to create a more vibrant and equitable food system for historically underserved communities by improving accessibility and affordability of healthy, locally grown food. It stimulated many questions that Chloe answered.
Dick continued our meeting as we ate our lunch. Larry mentioned that the Slap Shot was being held this week end virtually. Dick thanked this large turn out for getting back to normal. Mike Ford was the fine master. He exempted me from fines because Pat was trying to throw me under the bus with last weeks Ken. I guess Pat expected me to proofread his Ken. All though Pat’s penmanship was lovely I just copied it, turned it into a PDF, and pasted. Sorry buddy. Anyone without a name tag or a pin was fined. I think that’s code for “I wasn’t told I was Fine Master today”.
Gary Roberts won the split club and I missed the Ace of Spades.
Great meeting.
The Ken April 26
4/26/21 The Ken Attendance 18 Pres. Dick gonged the meeting at 12:25. It 
felt good to be live again. He led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. By popular demand the 
Song was waived. We had guests from Evans Bank Alisha Ferri and Cameron Kukla, AS well as fellow satellite member Jim Jones. I we had a few announcements, Shred-it was a 
success on Sate grossed #9500!! The gift that keeps giving. Jim Jones filled us in on Buffalo Water Reeper at Istuiew Paric on Sat. as well as the Riverside interact club was at Blackrock Park. Huge success. The split club was won by Joe Arcana $ 17. I had 
a chance at the Ace of Spades (since Coogan was not here) and drew the 8 of Clubs : : Finemaseter Mike Ford wacked everyone that wasn't at shred-it $5. Then he had everyone give a confession , hots of Florida trips, weddings, 
retirements and Donna will be a grandmother to twins soon, Lets try and have a good showing on Monday May 3RD AS we have a quest speaker Chloe Wingerter, You DON'T WANT TO miss this one! Meeting Adjourned at 1:12 signing off till next week 
Pat
 
The Ken 7/8

July 1, 2020 meeting by Zoom

 

Incoming President, Dick Hanaburgh, opened his first official meeting at 12:11 to a very small crowd (about 9 in total). Due to the small number, he decided against the usual meeting formalities and jumped right into business at hand.

 

First was the discussion regarding when we could meet in person as a club. Mike Ford has been working with George, the caterer at the Ken-Ton Commons, and George hasn’t gotten the go ahead to host anything in person yet. Therefore, we will have to look at other options for the time being. One possibility is meeting at a park, bringing our own lawn chairs/lunch/drink and keeping socially distant. Chuck Patterson offered his back patio/yard for such a gathering.  While we are on the subject of our eventual meetings, as a reminder, LUNCH meetings will be the 1st and 3rd Wednesdays at 12:15 p.m., and BREAKFAST meetings will be on the 2nd and 4th at 7:45 a.m. The random 5th Wednesday on any given month will be a LUNCH.

 

Chuck Patterson presented Proposal 1 for the slate of officers for the Foundation board, which was previously published in the Ken.  The term would be for 3 years, starting immediately, and running until the next election in July 2023. They are Robert Patterson (current member) Mike Hettler (current member) and Mike Austin (new member). Pat Griffin, as acting secretary, cast 1 ballot the entire slate. Passed by unanimous vote.  Proposal 2 is for officers whose term would be for 1 year, starting immediately, and running until election in July 2021. Those officers being Robert Patterson, President until June 30, 2021, Ed Markarian, Vice President until June 30, 2021, Ed Markarian, Treasurer until June 30, 2021, Mike Hettler, Secretary until June 30, 2021. Pat Griffin, as acting secretary, again cast 1 ballot for the entire slate. Passed by unanimous vote.

 

We then moved onto the board of directors for the club. Leaving this term is Tom Lang as Past President, and Audrey Meyers as director. Phil Michalowski has agreed to become a member of the board, as has Cathy Piciulo. The slate of officers is as follows:

 

2020-2023 President Dick Hanaburgh

2020-2023 Past President Donna DiFrancesco

2020-2021 Treasurer Ted Purvis

2020-2021 Secretary Patrick Griffin

Directors:

2020-2023 Joseph Arcara 

2020-2023 Susan Jandzinski 

2020-2021 Michael Ford 

2020-2022 Holly Nowak 

2020-2022 Edward Hacherl 

2020-2023 Phillip Michalowski (new)

2020-2023 Cathy Piciulo (new)

 

We would still like to have speakers during our zoom meetings. There is one scheduled for 7/15.

As a final note, Dick volunteered to stop by Jovi’s and let Mark know of our plans to change venues and to pick up our supplies that are there.  

 
The Ken June 3
The Ken June 3, 2020
Zoom video meeting
Dick began our meeting with the pledge. It appears we had 14 people in attendance. Dick updated us on our meeting venues once we can attend. We will meet at the Elmwood Ken – Ton Commons, the old Phillip Sheridan School. The first and third Wednesday (and 5th if necessary) will be lunch meetings and the 2nd and fourth Wednesday will be 8:00 am meetings.
Pat has Shred – It all set for August 22 from 10:00 – 2:00. It will be at the Elmwood Ken – Ton Commons. 3200 Elmwood Ave. We will have to make do. The schools will not allow any type of gatherings on their properties yet. We will post this to facebook and as we get closer, we will perhaps boost these posts. Dick had great success in the past. Steve Blass has volunteered to be an administrator on our Kenmore Rotary facebook page. The discussion turned to keeping up our presence with facebook and more content on our website. The other clubs, West Seneca in particular, has an impressive website. This falls on me. Perhaps Steve, you can nudge me to keep up to date. This forum allows us to communicate everything our club does to the public. The more content we put up, the easier we are to find with the ad words we use. The problem is it takes time.  Pat let us know our club can donate a $500 scholarship per student. Ken Ton meals on wheels and Kenton cares were able to get $2000 each.
Bob Patterson needs the nominations for our Foundation posted in the Ken. Nominated for 2020 - 2021  Officers are Robert Patterson, President, Ed Markarian, Vice President and Secretary and Mike Hetler for Treasurer. Nominations for the board for 2020 – 2021 are Robert Patterson, Mike Austin, and Mike Hetler. Thank you all for your commitment. Susan and James Jones gave a little presentation about our Satellite Club. The closing down really hurt them with their membership. But it was great to hear their enthusiasm. With no further agenda, meeting adjourned.
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Then Ken November 18
The Ken November 18, 2019
Attendance: Mike Austin
Split Club: Ron Levea     
Fine Master: Pat Griffin
Invocation: Phil Michalowski
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting with the Pledge, no song and Phil gave our invocation.
Our only guest today was Britany McClean.
Announcements: Chuck reminding us about our Foundation requests. Mike Ford is selling $10 Bills / Cowboys squares. Payoff is $400, $200, $100. There will not be a meeting 11/25 in honor of Thanksgiving. There will be a signup sheet for the Christmas Party 12/6, 6:00 at the Park Country Club.  You are to bring a gift $25 or greater. There is talk of segregating the values at the gift table. Proceeds go to the Knights of Columbus as our participation in the Operation Santa. There will be a great party at the Kenmore Fire Department, 12/8. $10 entrance. Lots of goodies. More details about this but Larry was barking at me to put it all in the Ken that I missed what was to be put in the Ken. Contact Gary Roberts who seems to have his finger on the pulse for this project. We would like a great turn out in memory of Joe Starck who was instrumental in our Operation Santa program. Donna, Chuck P and Jim Jones from our satellite club, attended the Foundation Celebration and Grant Management seminar on Saturday. We are now eligible to receive grants.
Mike Ford won the split club and Pat Griffin missed the Ace.
Pat was the Finemaster today. Confessions: Branden missed last week because he was in Dallas. He attended a Dallas Rotary meeting. WTG new member Branden Blatz. Chuck was in Mexico. Phil watched the swearing in of his daughter as a Mecklenburg, SC Sheriff. Pat wondered if she could get him out of a ticket he got on Kenmore Ave. Steve Blass went hunting on opening day. Missed a shot at 2 does. Pat fined Mike F for taking 5 meatballs. Pat quizzed us on Thanksgiving Day questions. We answered most of them so he had to resort to “.. those without a name Tag…” bla bla bla.
We had no speaker today so meeting was adjourned.
The Ken November 11
The Ken November 11, 2019
Attendance: Mike Austin
Split Club: Ron Levea     
Fine Master: Tim Glor
Invocation: Phil Michalowski
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting with the Pledge, no song and Phil gave our invocation.
Guests today were Fiona Barreto and her son Sovia and our speaker Alexis Linck Entwhistle.
As of this meeting we do not have a speaker for our meeting next week. The Christmas party is being finalized. Donna is going to our Districts Foundation Seminar and Grant Management Seminar Saturday. We need 2 club members to apply for grant money. John Duerr with the Ken Ton Elmwood Commons dedicated their new flag pole Monday at 2:30. Fiona thanked us for our Foundations contribution to her Bread Fruit and micro flush toilets. We really made a splash.
Alexis won the split club and Art T missed the Ace.
Fine Master Tim Glor took confessions. Ed Hackerl was on a golfcation in Fort Lauderdale and also celebrated his and Marge’s 32nd wedding anniversary. Mike Ford is back to work. Mike also went to the Seneca Niagara casino and won 2 Bills tickets. The guys were quit concerned that Gary Roberts left the meeting abruptly. He forgot to turn the crock pot on before he left and Donna was on him like stink on a monkey. Tim excused our Veteran Phil from any fine. Scott S you too would have been excused. Tim tested us on interesting Veteran trivia so we could all reflect on the gratitude we hold for these brave people.
Larry was pleased to introduce our speaker today, Alexis Linck Entwhistle. Remember Alexis was the Rotaract student we helped get an apartment last year that was burnt and she lost everything, including an endeared feline. She spoke to us today about her involvement in the Rotary Youth Exchange Program in 2014 - 2015. Alexis’ local Rotary Club, Sauquoit Rotary in district 7150 outside of Utica sponsored her. In return, that district, not the club itself, had to accept an exchange student. Alexis stayed with 3 families. The first family was too rigid but she endured. The second family was great and the last family bonded like real family. They forced her to only speak Italian. They went on many field trips. Including a trip to Spain, learned to ski in the Alp’s, learned to make pasta. We asked what commitments we, as a host club would be required to do, hosting a student. Her reply was to help the host family with rides and to always check in. Take the students on field trips to places we take for granted, but a visitor would find remarkable. This young lady was very impressive and it sounds like we are perhaps thinking about throwing our hats into this arena. I think it might freshen up and give a spark our club. If we all chipped in and leaned on other clubs in our district we may benefit in the long run. TBD.
Meeting adjourned.
The Ken November 4
The Ken November 4, 2019
Attendance: Phil Michalowski
Split Club: Ron Levea     
Fine Master: Scott Swan
Invocation: Phil Michalowski
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting with the Pledge, no song and Phil gave our invocation. We asked Brian if his Boston club still sings. He smiled and said no. Maybe it’s time? Our guests today were Brian Ahern and Nancy Chisolm.
Announcements: Dick H, Shred-It charged us less than quoted increasing our profits. Final numbers will be in soon. There will be a meeting Monday 11/11. Larry has Alexis Linck Entwhistle speaking to us. Alexis is the UB Rotaract student who has been an exchange student to Italy from her home club of Utica. We need a speaker for 11/18. Holly hosted the first wine event committee meeting last week and only 5 members attended. We need a larger committee.
Phil M won the split club and Rick Graham missed the Ace.
Scott Swan was our fine master. He took fines from: Paul Chisolm played golf with Brian Ahern in the cold. Brian fined Jim Logan $20 for stiffing because of the cold. Brian paid the fine himself. Donna was at a Halloween wedding. She said it was weird but really nice. Ron was in Phoenix. No clouds there. I confessed to losing our rug store roof in the storm Thursday evening. Roofmasters had a crew there within 20 minutes to prep, supplies in an hour and all repaired by noon!!! Mike Austin confessed to watching Madison’s last soccer game. Scott had very interesting trivia regarding our veterans in honor of Veterans Day coming up. Lots of reflection and made some money.
Paul introduced a past Kenmore Rotarian, Brian Ahern. Brian is associated with another club near Boston. They are very passionate about a program they are involved in. Rotaplast, www.rotaplast.org. This organization is committed to helping children worldwide by eliminating the burden of cleft lip and / or palate, burn scarring, and other deformities. Working with local professionals, Rotarians, and other organizations, Rotaplast sends multidisciplinary medical teams to provide free reconstructive surgery, ancillary treatment and training for the comprehensive care of these children. Brian himself attended one of these sessions in the Philippians. Very remarkable program, especially to see the before and after images of these delighted children.
Meeting adjourned.
The Ken October 28
The Ken October 218, 2019
Attendance: Phil Michalowski
Split Club: Paul Chisolm
Fine Master: Mike Hetler
Invocation: Rick Graham
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting with the Pledge, no song and Rick Graham gave our invocation. Our guests today were good friend to Rotary Julie Stark – Waldron, Karen Battaglia, Linda Griffin’s sister and our guest speaker Walt Ludwig.
Donna was inquiring about the wine event grand committee meeting tonight at 5:30. Someone texted her and the word was out that they were meeting at the Delaware. We will have a meeting Monday 11/11. Brian Ahern will speak to us.
Donna asked for 2 of our newest members to come up and be sworn in as new Rotarians. Branden Blatz and Steve Blass. Welcome gentleman.
Joe Arcara won the split club and Tim Glor missed the Ace of Spades.
Mike Hettler took the floor for confessions. John Coogan missed last week because he was in FLA. They had a rainy day so they went to the Casino where he evidently did pretty well. Mike Ford had his in-laws in town for the Bills game. Mike bought a new car then was laid off again. Tim Glor visited his son Brian and their first child Ellen Margaret. Mike Hettler was in Italy. That reminded Tim that he too was in Europe. Mike fined anyone in the room who didn’t do anything special over the weekend.
Sue introduced Walt Ludwig to speak to us. Walt is the president and CEO of Kenmore Mercy Hospital.  We should all be very proud of our Hospital. Once again they won several awards. Beginning with the Magnet award for nursing excellence. KMH is the only recipient in the state to receive this. KMH received the Beacon Award for excellence in ICU for the third year in a row. Again, straight A’s from 2014-2019 in the Leapfrog Hospital safety grade. Also the highest patience experience in NYS. Walt is proud to be able to unveil a new $130 million electronic medical record system. This will transform all of our interactions with our Health care needs. Walt answered many questions we had for him. He was a friendly and informed speaker.
Meeting adjourned
The Ken October 21
The Ken October 21, 2019
Attendance: Phil Michalowski
Split Club: Chuck Patterson         
Fine Master: Mike Ford
Invocation: Rick Graham
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
We would like to welcome our Satellite club to our forum. The members of the Rotary club of the Tonawanda’s will now be receiving out weekly bulletins. Donna began our meeting on time with the Pledge. Chuck led us in “America”. Rick Graham gave a profound invocation. Our guests were not guests, they are new members. Steve Blass and Branden Blatz. I will get you their bios as they become available to me.
Announcements: Holly will have a wine event full committee meeting 10/28. She will let us know where, soon. It has come to our attention that our club’s voice mailbox associated with the phone # on our website is full. Art T stepped up and will manage our phone calls. Thank you Art. Dick debriefed us on Shred It. We had a small contingent of Rotarians present. Thanks to Larry’s Interact and Rotaract volunteers, we were able to accommodate everyone and grossed about $6K. The Shred It guys, once again were great. Mike Austin said the Fall Fest at “the Park” was a success.
Tom Lang won the split club and Dick H missed the Ace.
Mike Ford was our last minute fine master. He asked Shred It organizer, Dick to exempt anyone from fines. He immediately excepted Phil M. Phil was very helpful at the event and has agreed to head it next year. WTG Phil. With that, Phil confessed to visiting his son in South Carolina. They had a great time crabbing big fellers. They drove through the horrible storm to visit his daughter who is about at the end of her gruesome training for Deputy Sherriff. Holly’s disrupt HR had their grand event and was wonderful. Paul has been critiquing many of the local theater companies. Tom Lang had a great time at the PCC wine tasting event. Chuck Patterson reminded us our Foundation is taking requests for funding. Anyone who did not help with Shred It was fined $2.00.
We did not have a program so Larry gave us an overview of Rotary Youth 7090 District Conference at Niagara-on-the-Lake. He and Char had a great time reacquainting with old friends and making new ones. This conference is made up of “Earlyact”, elementary kids, “Interact”, High School students and “Rotaract”, college students. 185 signed up. They covered Slapshot, RYLA and student exchange. We have a student in our Kenmore community that is really hoping to take advantage of our youth exchange. If we send a student we have to host a student. Thus the term, exchange. This will entail a school term. I believe September through June. It is something we should really consider. Most people know of Rotary because of Youth exchange. Larry timed out thanks to Art’s subtle reminders.
Meeting adjourned
The Ken October 7
The Ken October 7, 2019
Attendance: Joe Arcara
Split Club: Chuck Patterson         
Fine Master: Mike Hettler
Invocation: Chuck Patterson
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting to a full house today. Chuck led us in “God Bless America” and also the prayer. Guests were: John Duerr and Tom Siskar with Ken – Ton Elmwood Commons. Rich Adams from Buffalo Rotary, our speaker, Town Supervisor Joe Emminger. Brendan Blatz was also here. This is Brendan’s third public mention for application to our club.
Announcements: Chuck is beginning to review our Fountains applications for contributions. If you know of a worthy organization please direct them to our website, www.kenmorerotary.org to fill out an application. Holly will have a Wine Event committee meeting Monday 10/18 at 5:30 to begin our planning. Location of the meeting TBD. Dick is all set for Shred It Saturday 10:00 – 2:00. Please let Dick know if you are able to help out. Brendan Blatz and Dick told us about the Polaris District event. Please contact Dick for details. Scott Swan along with Lake Shore Savings Bank is sponsoring a wine event for the Mikey‘s Way Foundation 10/12 from 5:00 to 8:00 at Fredonia Williams Center. Contact Scott for tickets. Pat and Ted attended our satellites meeting Thursday. He reports they are enthusiastic and recommends we sit in on a meeting, 1st and 3rd Thursday am at Billegan’s. Larry reminded us the Youth Conference is 10/19 at Niagara-On-The-Lake. Details at youth7090.org.
Donna won the split club and Scott Swan missed the Ace. Mike Hettler was fine master today. Confessions: Chuck reminded us his son will be married the day of our Shred It. Pat and Linda went white water rafting in VA. Pat was tossed out of the boat. Am I weird that I really would have liked to have seen that live? For respect to the Town Supervisors time, Mike cut fining off and fined anyone who didn’t confess to something $3.
Larry prefaced his introduction to our speaker by wishing Ken–Ton Elmwood Commons all the success this weekend with the opening of no other than Mary Kate O’Connell and Co.’s presentation of “Young Frankenstein”. Just like D’Youville has Kavinoky, The commons has Mary Kate O’Connell and Co. This is big. Larry gave quite an impressive Bio on our Town Supervisor, Joe Eminger. Joe was right up on his topics this afternoon because he was delivering his budget to the Town Board this evening. This is the 9th straight year we are under the NY State Tax gap. Allowing us to be in good graces with Moody’s bond rating. We are able to secure $26M at 1.5% default risk. We are getting there with the sale and signed contract for the Huntley plant. The new owners will clean it up and re-develop it. We are in the 4th year of a 7 year NYS mitigation allowance so we need to get it cleaned up fast. There are 100 acres of property on the waterfront. If NRG does not go through with it, Joe will exercise eminent domain. Joe said Tonawanda Coke is even a worse mess. However, Honeywell is in the arena. They sold the property to Ton. Coke. They are very credible so they should help out. Joe asked that we get involved through www.Tonawandatomorrow.com. Leaf removal is coming up. Please leave the leaves on your lawn, not in the street. Joe usually repairs 15 – 20 lane miles of road per year. This year they repaired 30. The Rec Enhancement Project has created many rumors. Joe is waiting on the final #’s. He finds it very peculiar the developers cannot get him them. Once he gets them, he will sort out the P and E and put it to a referendum so the people can decide. He is on the fence. We don’t make any money on the rec department, other than the Dome. There are several pressing issues that we need to attend to. Such as the Sewer system. The DEC changed their requirements on our sewer system. We are $70M into a $100M - $150M project. In closing, Joe said he is always available if you need him. Then he dropped a bomb and said Amazon is coming… the agreement is settled. Then he dropped it like he shouldn’t have mentioned it. Stay tuned.
 
Meeting adjourned
The Ken September 30
The Ken September 30, 2019
Attendance: Gary Roberts
Split Club: Jeff Markarian             
Fine Master: Jim Logan
Invocation: Chuck Patterson
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
It was great to have Donna back as our fearless leader. Donna said she is doing great after her surgery. We gave our Pledge. An overzealous but often creative, Rick Graham cut right in front of our song leader to give our prayer. Chuck Patterson then led us in “America”. Our guests today were Steve Blass from the Boy Scouts and our speaker from the YMCA, Scott Wiegley.
Dick H announced that Larry was coming in at the end of the meeting with lawn signs for Shred It and that we are all set for 10/12, 10:00 – 2:00. He began our Facebook promotion and reached 3,800 people, 49 of whom clicked to learn more. This is more than we had for last spring’s event. There will be a signup sheet next week.
Art won the split club and Gary lost the Ace of Spades.
Jim stepped up as fine master. Jim welcomed back Donna and thanked Dick for a great job substituting. Jim asked us all to throw in $1 happy dollar for Donna’s recovery. Rick Graham confessed to his vacation in the Canadian Rockies. Joe Arcara was dismissed of fines for his tale of a collision in his new car. Chuck is going to miss Shred It because his son Ryan is getting married. Congratulations Chuck. Scott Mason was to be fined for missing his assignment at the head table but had a good excuse. Sue J celebrated her 24th wedding anniversary. Gary was fined for not getting our guests name correct. Jim tested us on general trivia. Lots of fun.
At this time, Donna introduced our speaker, Scott Weigley with the YMCA, in particular Camp Weona. We tend to forget the scale of the YMCA. Basically their mission is a community based organization committed to providing programs designed to build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all. It is best known for the Turkey Trot. Our YMCA is the second oldest in the country founded in 1852. Thanks to events like the Turkey Trot and annual campaign, the Y gives $1,399,203 in financial assistance. They employ 1,082 people. They collaborate with 18 school districts. My family has been members of the YMCA for as long as we had children and it played a major role in their upbringing. Again, another dynamic speaker with lots of passion.
Meeting adjourned
The Ken September 23
The Ken September 23, 2019
Attendance: Gary Roberts
Split Club: Tim Glor
Fine Master: Jim Logan
Invocation: Chuck Patterson
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Dick H sat in for Donna again and began our meeting with the Pledge followed by “God Bless America” led off by Chuck P.  Chuck also gave the invocation.  Guests today were Heidi Nichlaus from Hearts and Hands, Steve and Brendan Blass and Anna Castinquay.
Holly announced that she toured the Wurlitzer Building for our Wine Event. They were very accommodating and Holly was impressed. Her committee will meet 1st week in October. Larry is attending the Youth Conference October 19 for all that is related to youth in Rotary. RYLA, Youth exchange, Interact and Rotaract. Anyone who would like to be involved can contact Larry. Shred it is October 12, 10:00 – 2:00.
Anna asked for contributions for The Global Autism Program. They train parents in Ecuador in techniques to deal with Autistic children. We suggested she visit our website and apply for funds from our Foundation. It sounds like its right up our ally.
Dick won the split club and Paul missed the Ace.
Jim Logan took confessions. Tim Glor was at son Allan’s wedding in Culpepper, VA. Jim was looking for Eddie M to fine him for being a Legal Elite. Jim the tested us on our knowledge of the month of September.
At this time Larry introduced our speaker today, Heidi Nichlaus. Heidi represents Hearts & Hands a neighbor helping neighbor volunteer organization. Their mission is built upon an interfaith coalition, trained volunteers of Heats and Hands – Faith in Action connect frail or vulnerable individuals in underserved communities with needed services: to uphold their dignity, to improve their quality of life, to enhance their ability to live in their home of choice and to assist their primary caregivers. Heidi spoke with passion and energy to us this afternoon.
Meeting adjourned
The Ken - September 16

The Ken September 16, 2019

Attendance: Holly Nowak

Split Club: Ed Hackeral

Fine Master: Jim Logan

Invocation: John Coogan

The Ken: Jeff Markarian

Dick H sat in for Donna and began our meeting with the Pledge followed by “God Bless America” encouraged by Chuck P. John gave another heart felt invocation from his own heart, no notes as he too was asked step in for missing colleque. Our guests today were: speaker Bob Artis, Jim Tyrpak from the Rotary Buffalo Club, Steve Blass and Chris Pilozzi from our Charter club.

Announcements: Fall Shred It is rapidly coming upon us 10/12 at Kenmore West. Pat will have signs next week to start spreading around the Town. Holly sent a thank you card around the room from Cradle Beach.

Our guest Jim Tyrpak won the split club and John Coogan missed the Ace.

Jim Logan came up to assess fines and to trip us up on Labor Day trivia. Jim started off by fining himself for his and Cheryl’s first grandchild, Bryson James. Paul was fined for not sitting with Jim. Mike Ford thanked Paul and Cathy for a fun time golfing at the Chamber Golf Outing. Mike won the longest Drive and closest to the line. Tom was fined for requesting a special lunch. John Coogan got his 2nd Hole in One at NFCC. Dick H confessed to being off for 3 weeks on paternity leave.

Jim Tyrpak made a wonderful introduction on the many accolades Bob Artis, our District Governor achieved throughout his life. Bob began his program with a lovely prayer for our one and only Donnas’ speedy recovery. This was the first time it was mentioned that our main gale was not well. Pat emailed me earlier this week to let me know that all is well with Donna. Donna, we all send our love. Bob continued his enthusiastic discussion on how he got introduce to and fell in love with Rotary many years back. And to his marvel is now our District Governor, 1 out of 525 Districts throughout the world. Dick used a gavel that Bob brought in to ring our session to order. This particular gavel has great significance. In 1977, the International Assembly was held in San Francisco. Each district was presented with a handmade gavel comprising of wood with extreme relevance. Some of the wood was from the Capital when it was in Philadelphia. Another from a British Cone tree that is the oldest tree on the planet. Another from a beam in Boston’s’ North Church where Paul Revere gathered. Lastly some of the wood came from Paul Harris’ desk. The sceptic writer that I am asked if he was BS’ ing me. I don’t want to be any part of fake news. He assured me it was true. Bob gave many examples of how important our theme this year of “being connected” can be used to our benefit. He talked about his difficulties in tracking down one of the first people to be vaccinated with our Polio program. He was connected so he eventually found her and had her speak at an RI Convention. He had Dick pick a business card from his duffle bag. Then asked Dick to email that person, from Germany, to get “connected” then Dick picked one for our president Donna to connect to that person. This guy went so fast I couldn’t keep up to him and I am trying to pass on his passion in this meek post and I am failing miserably. All I can say is you missed a chance to hear a real pro speak. Meeting adjourned.

The Ken September 9
The Ken September 9, 2019
Attendance: Gary Roberts
Split Club: Holly Nowak
Fine Master: Paul Chisolm
Invocation: Rick Graham
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting with the Pledge.  Great to see a full house. Chuck Patterson led us in “God Bless America” and Rick Graham gave our invocation. Our guests today were Kathleen Shelby from St. Louis and our speakers Kevin and Tim Devine. Announcements: Pat Griffin has Shred It on course for October 12. Mike Ford was to say something about membership but drew a blank. Audrey stepped in to announce that Mike and Audrey are the committee. They are looking for new members and retention of existing members. Please help them with any suggestions. Holly and Scott Swan are in search of a 2020 Wine Event venue. Donna said our Rotary district 7090 is having a Rotarians in Action day at Fox Valley Country Club September 28 at 8:30 am – 4:00 pm. Also, Rotary Leadership Institute at NCCC October 5 from 8:00 – 4:15. Please visit the Rotary7090.org website for details. Donna received this year’s Rotary flag at the Presidents dinner. District Governor Bob Artis spoke and will be speaking to us September 16, next meeting. He is a very good speaker. Let’s all show up and show him our support. Billygans Café is closed so our satellite club will need some place to meet. The Niagara County Central Rotary Club invited those members to meet with them every Thursday at 7:15 at Olympia at 3312 Niagara Falls Blvd. Lastly, we decided to put off the Greenway Trail hike. This is a bummer because it could have been fun. However, it never got off the ground. Let’s table this make an event out of it.
Pat Griffin won the split club and Mike Austin just missed the Ace of spades with Ace of clubs.
Paul took the floor as fine master. Paul immediately fined Gary for something. Then asked Holly to boast a bit about and organization she founded. It is disrupt Buffalo.  Disrupt is an organization exchange designed to energize, inform and empower people in the HR field. Donna confessed that she is indeed married. She showed us a picture and everything. Chuck confessed to being on a west Mediterranean vacation. He had a great time, however a computer and cell phone were stolen. How disruptive. The perps must have come from Holly’s crowd. Paul proceeded to test us on a topic, but for the life of me I do not remember what that topic was. But we raised money nevertheless.
At this time, Mike Ford introduced our speakers. Kevin Devine and his brother Tim gave us a presentation on means to recovering over- billing by the Utility Companies. They can help you negotiate for retroactive, historical refunds as far back as 15 years or as few as three years for billing discrepancies. This sparked many questions and they answered them all. To learn more, visit Kevin at sustainabletomorrows.org. Great presentation. Meeting adjourned.
The Ken 8/26
The Ken August 26, 2019
Attendance: Phil Michalowski
Split Club: Ron Levea
Fine Master: Mike Austin
Invocation: John Coogan
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting with the Pledge.  We had a light crowd so Donna waived the song. Our guest today was Zoey Griffin, fresh from RYLA. Holly thanked everyone who helped out with Sunshine Day last week. It was another success. We have some ideas that we will implement for next year.  Art announced he and Barb are celebrating their 50 year anniversary. Shred It is all set for 10/12. There will not be a meeting Monday September 2.
Art won the split club and Paul C. missed the Ace.
Mike Austin took over as the fine master. Art donated for his anniversary. Paul and Sue contributed for missing Sunshine Day. Holly told Mike that I suggested to her son, Will, that he should join the necking club at school.  Can’t believe he told on me. Last time I give him advice. Mike A confessed to shooting his lowest round of golf at Niagara Falls Country Club. Witnessed by John Coogan, Jim Logan and Paul Chisolm. Phil moved his daughter to Charlotte, NC and witnessed as she was presented her boots and uniform and was sworn in as a Sheriff for Mecklenburg County. Mike quizzed us on Labor Day fun facts.
Larry asked Zoe to come up and give a few words on her RYLA experience. She really enjoyed it. They spent a lot of time with corporate games, getting them used to life in that arena.  Larry then gave us an overview on the bread fruit project (www.treesthatfeed.org). Larry and Char visited a Rotary Club in Chicago and presented them a check from Fiona’s son for $500 that his Interact club raised for this project. Also, keep in mind our Greenway Trail Hike is Thursday 9/12. We will finalize the details at our September 9 meeting.
Meeting adjourned.
The Ken August 5

The Ken August 5, 2019

Attendance: Cathy Piciulo

Split Club: Ron Levea

Fine Master: Mike Austin

Invocation: Tim Glor

The Ken: Jeff Markarian

Donna began our meeting with the Pledge. Chuck led us off singing “God Bless America”. Our guest today is Joana Fejzaj.

Announcements: Chuck has the elections for the Foundation set for 8/19. Pat and Donna came up with Thursday September 12 for our Green Way Trail exposure walk. The walk is to make our residents know this is there for their recreation. Please start thinking of anyone who would like to hike with us. We are working out the details but I’m sure it’ll be a blast after. We’ll meet at the Intermodal Hub and walk to Isle View County Park 2.3 miles, and for those who want to extend it to Grand Island Bridge 3.3 miles, you may. I challenge Audrey and Chris to a race (of course I get a 10 second / mile / year older I am as a handicap). We should make book whoever wants in to raise a little $$$. Larry asked about the Peace Bridge event. It appears this ties into Rotary or service clubs etc. Our team is looking into if this is something we want to participate in. Holly has Sunshine Day all set for Wednesday 8/114. Pat has gourmet lunches for those committing their time.

Chuck won the split club and missed the Ace.

Mike Austin was fine master. Confessions: Gerry Gentile bragged about his beautiful 4th grandchild. Jim Logan says hi from Brian Ahern and gave our club $20 for our kitty. What a class act. Always. Mike Ford is back in the work force. That’s great Mike. They’ll be lucky to have you. Tim Glor returned from Arlington, VA for a bridal shower. They attended our National Cemetery and witnessed the changing of the guard. Very impressive. Donna paid $5 for her wedding anniversary. Mike proceeded to test us on Erie County Fair trivia.

At this time we had the pleasure to have Joana Fejzaj pitch in for Leo Nupolu-Johnson’s program on the Liberian Learning Center. Joana spent her youth in war torn Liberia. She immigrated to Canada and took advantage of the wonderful opportunities there to learn, especially with the amount of books that are available. The only books she had access to, were government issued. They are looking to raise money to provide part of the infrastructure and services that Liberia requires to achieve its educational development goals, a coalition of partners in Canada and Liberia, led by Empowerment Squared, has created a vision for the Liberian Learning Center. Please visit them at www.empowermentsuared.org to learn more. Joana was a fabulous presenter that knew her topic well.

Meeting adjourned

The Ken July 29
The Ken July 29, 2019
Attendance: Sue Jandzinski
Split Club: Tim Glor
Fine Master: Donna DiFrancesco
Invocation: John Coogan
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting with the Pledge. She waived the song. Our guests today were Darcy France and Gary’s colleague Christy.
Announcements: Pat has an assignment sheet for Cradle Beach 8/21. Donna sent out committee lists. Dawn Mirand sent in her resignation. We need speakers.
Bill Brucker won the split club. Darcy missed the Ace. Donna filled in for fine master. She gave us animal trivia questions.
 Larry introduced Darcy to speak to us about Kenya Relief. Kenyarelief.org. Kenya Relief operates a medical / surgical clinic, orphanage and school in Migori, Kenya. They also organize and send over 20 mission teams each year. These teams include but are definitely not limited to medical / surgical teams, educational teams, ministerial teams and project / construction teams. They also offer child sponsorship, stateside volunteer opportunities and many other areas of involvement.
Meeting adjourned
The Ken July 22

The Ken July 22, 2019

Attendance: Sue Jandzinski

Split Club: Phil Michalowski

Fine Master: Phil Michalowski

Invocation: Chuck Patterson

The Ken: Jeff Markarian

Donna began our meeting with the Pledge followed by Chuck’s version of “God Bless America”. Very nice attempt. Our guest today was Katherine Selby from St. Louis. Chuck presented us with the sleight of officers for our Foundation. They are: Ed Markarian and Pat Griffin for a 3 year term. The proposed officers are: President, Chuck Paterson - VP, Ed Markarian - Treasurer, Ed Markarian - Secretary, and Mike Hettler. We will be voting August 5. Thank you gentleman for your service to our foundation.

Dick announced that Shred-It will be 10/12/2019 and is all set. Donna has the speaker list on Google Drive. There are many open meetings available for speakers. Pat will have a signup sheet for Cradle Beach next week. He will procure sandwiches and perhaps some apples for our lunch. It’s not lunch without the crunch. Bob Artis, our District Governor, will speak to us 12/16. Our final announcement, Donna will have a committee list that you can look over and get on the committee you are interested in.

Our guest spoke about a way her club and many other clubs are raising money for Alzheimer’s. It is called CART (Coins for Alzheimer’s Research Trust). Money is raised by donating your spare change at each of our weekly meetings. The change is sent to CART. Many clubs do this and the money given to the research of Alzheimer’s is staggering.

Art won the split club and Jim Logan missed the Ace.

Fine master Phil took confessions. Tim Glor went to Nashville for his son’s bachelor party. He had a great time in a great city. Larry helped pull off a 60th birthday party for a college friend in the Finger Lakes. You were fined for no pin. Phil gave was word definitions for British slang terms. Lots of fun.

Without a speaker we finished up a tad early today.

Meeting adjourned

The Ken July 15

The Ken July 15, 2019

Attendance: Pat Griffin

Split Club: Cathy Piciulo

Fine Master: Phil Michalowski

Invocation: Chuck Patterson

The Ken: Jeff Markarian

Donna began our meeting with the Pledge followed by Cathy who led us in a nice tempo version of “God Bless America”. Chuck Patterson was ambushed to give our invocation and did a fine job. Guests today were Samantha Galba, Sue and Brian Hettler. Donna was able to thank Gary in person for putting together the picnic at Elmlawn. It sounds like he did a Youmans job.

Larry introduced Samantha to give us an update on her RYLA experience. Samantha gave a heartfelt talk confirmation about her time on Campus. She said the speak ups were the best part. She got real emotional when she told us because she struggled with opening up to people. The exercise aloud her get through it and feel the relief.

Donna had the pleasure of introducing Matt Dewitt into or club. Matt's category is finance. Let's all reach out had nurture Matt as he gets his bearings on the Rotary pulse.

Ted passed out dues. Mike Hettler won the 50 / 50 and Gary missed the Ace.

Phil M took confessions. Chuck Patterson gave happy dollars for his enjoyment at the firework picnic. Donna and many others followed suit. Ted was out west on vacation. Phil fined himself on the birth of his granddaughter, Audrey Rose. Larry chucked in a few dollars for having Samantha speak and that his niece won many awards at the Irish Dance competition. Larry also had a reunion that Mike and Cathy p attended for Mike and Larry were in the same class at Ken East. Phil came up with a new format for fines. Word definition. Quite a challenge and many of the well-read Rotarians had the answers.

At this time, we had the pleasure of hearing from past RYLAian Brian Hettler as he speak about his unbelievable adventure as he continues to make this world a grander place. Mike introduced his son with such pride he must feel when listening to Brian speak of is endeavors. We have heard from Brian many times while he was setting up fresh water wells for the people in Peru. Now Brian is a topologist working in the Amazon. He gave us a little perspective on the size of this region being greater than that of the entire United States. Brian is with Amazon Conservative Team, ACT (www.amazonteam.org). Their mission is to partner with the indigenous and other local communities to protect tropical forests and strengthen traditional culture. Their vision is to see a future where healthy communities exist in harmonious relationship with each other, contributing to the well-being of the planet. As you would only expect, this discussion went well past 1:30 and no one excused themselves. Wow, what a journey. Many questions followed.

Meeting was adjourned.

The Ken - July 8
The Ken July 8, 2019
Attendance: Phil Michalowski
Split Club: Joe Arcara and Holly Nowak
Fine Master: Phil
Invocation: Larry Coon
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting with the pledge. Due to the light attendance, we forgave our song. John gave our invocation. There were no guests today. Holly announced that Sunshine Day at Cradle Beach is 8/21. Holly also, was having a debriefing meeting tonight at her house. Audrey was asked by the Rotary Greenway Steering committee to promote our section of the Trail. This is between Riverside Park and Mississippi Mudds. We are thinking to set a day for us all to hike it and bring guests. That could be a great social event. Chuck Patterson passed the task of feeding us lunch for Sunshine Day to Pat Griffin. It looks like he’ll get Wegemans sandwiches. We need someone to sit in for Sue J for attendance next week. Sue will be covering us at the hole in one event at Sheridan. We still need others to cover a couple of slots for that event also. New member Matt Dewitt will be inducted in our club next week. Please pay Donna for any past parties you’ve attended and are still outstanding on. Our Christmas Party will be at Park Country Club 12/6 this year. Donna thanked Gary and Mike Austin for hosting the fireworks party.
Matt won the split club and Holly missed the Ace.
Phil took confessions and levied a few fines.
Donna led us in discussions on a few items for our opened meeting. Larry is ordering “T” shirts so we can promote Rotary. Audrey asked to be off the Wine Event and added to the membership / retention committee. Matt volunteered to relieve  president elect Dich H. as chairman of the Shred It event. Way to go Matt. Thanks for stepping up.
At this point we ran out of time so meeting was adjourned.
The Ken June 24
The Ken June 24
Attendance: Dick Hanaburgh
Split Club: Chuck P
Fine Master: Dick Hanaburgh
Invocation: John Coogan
The Ken: Audrey Meyers
President Donna opened our meeting at 12:49 PM.  Chuck and Cathy led is in “America the Beautiful”.  Guests today were Tina from M&T Bank (taking over the Delaware Sheridan location for Rene) & Matt Dewitt.  “Hole in One” on 7/15 signup sheet (WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!).  Mike announced the Rotary / Elmlawn Fireworks on July 3, gates will open at 6 PM, dinner at 7/7:30, please RSVP so Mike can email you an entrance pass.  Pat announced Shredit will be 10/12 or 10/19.  Larry announced Grand Island Anniversary Dinner.  Donna reported that the Rotary Club of Kenmore-Tonawanda’s event went well last week, all new members received their Pins and Certificates, and channels 2, 4, and 7 were there, they need 15 members before they separate and become their own independent clubs, they currently have 9 members.  Chuck & Donna volunteered for Ride for Roswell.  No meeting 7/1 due to the fireworks get-together at Elmlawn on the 3rd.  7/8 will be a working meeting.  Speaker list is ready to go PLEASE FILL SPOTS AND GET SOME SPEAKERS IN.  Director’s duties will be out this week.
Joe Arcara won the Split Club.  JOHN COOGAN WON THE ACE OF SPADES AGAIN!!!!  (insert eyeroll) … Just kidding!!!  Congrats John!
John confessed an impossible surprise party for Jo-Jo’s milestone birthday.  Jeff confessed that Gretchen and their son are on a four-wheeling adventure.  Mike Austin confessed that John carried him on their two-day golf tournament and that no one wanted to golf with Chisholm.  Rene confessed that she is leaving M&T Bank and Tina will be taking over for her.  Rene is looking at all opportunities available to her right now and has enjoyed her time with Kenmore Rotary.  (Thank you, Rene, for being a part of our family and for all you have done for our club!)  Joe confessed to 4 days in Ellicottville and that a mailbox attacked his wife’s car.  Dick confessed to a night out with his wife for their 7-year anniversary, which reminded Mike Austin it was his 7 year freedom anniversary so he paid a happy fine. 
Audrey introduced Olivia Hill and Alan Rosenhoch from Invest Buffalo Niagara.  Invest Buffalo Niagara is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year.  Their mission is to help grow businesses in the Buffalo Niagara region.  They focus on helping existing businesses expand, and by promoting the region to both domestic and international businesses in hopes of attracting them to the region.  Since their inception in 1999, they have celebrated 363 wins with $6.2 billion in capital investments made, and 45,000 new jobs.  Their services are free to their clients.  They do customized research, introductions to key people in the area, assist in finding Real Estate, and help answer tax and duty questions, and hand hold through the process.  Almost 100 Canadian companies have expanded into the Buffalo Niagara Region with the help of Invest Buffalo Niagara.  They’re funded by private investors and some public.  There will be a new international focus beginning 7/1 to help expand businesses from Germany, France, and the UK into the Buffalo/Niagara region.  Some examples of wins include: Frank Ralphs (from Montreal Canada) which brought 56 jobs, $2.1m investment capital, Sentient Science (from Idaho Falls, ID) which brought 86 jobs, $10.5m investment capital, Athenex (from China) which brought 450 jobs and 1.72g.  To help be an ambassador for the Buffalo Niagara region (both personally and for your business) please visit:
https://buffaloniagara.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/BuffaloNiagaraAccolades.pdf
The Ken June 17

The Ken June 17, 2019

Attendance: Phil Michalowski

Split Club: Ron Levea

Fine Master: Dick Hanaburgh

Invocation: Larry Coon

The Ken: Jeff Markarian

Donna began our meeting promptly. We gave our Pledge. Cathy led us in “God Bless America”. Larry gave our invocation. Guests today were Darcy France, Shelia Gueti and Christy Sharky. There is a signup sheet for the “Hole in One” contest at Sheridan Park Goff Course. Our Rotary club needs to have 2 volunteers from 8:00 am – 5:00 pm July 15 to sell chances for a hole in one prize. We talked about the Installation of officer’s party Wednesday evening. Ride for Roswell needs volunteers. Larry said RYLA went real well as expected last week.

Mike Ford won the split club and Cathy missed the Ace.

Dick H came up as fine master. John Coogan confessed to being in Aruba last week. Phil’s daughter became a North Carolina Deputy Sheriff and his son’s family is expecting in July. Dick quizzed us on trivia.

Larry introduced Darcy and Sheila. Shelia is a junior at Kenmore West. She is the president of Interact. You have seen her at many of our Rotary events like Shred It. She and Darcy explained the projects they do at school. They include events like carnation sale for St. Valentine’s Day, Kiss a senior, where they wrap up Hershey kisses and present them to graduating seniors, and Purple pinky. All proceeds go to community programs. The Interact club recognizes 1 student each quarter for exemplary acts of kindness. Each recipient gets their name posted on the school bulletin board and has a letter sent to their families. They also get a lunch gift card. Sheila asked that our Rotary club donate funding for the 4 quarterly gift cards. Sheila was a confident speaker that gave us all a little insight as to what Interact does.

Meeting adjourned

The Ken June 10
The Ken June 10, 2019
Attendance: Phil Michalowski
Split Club: Ron Levea
Fine Master: Dick Hanaburgh
Invocation: Rick Graham
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Donna began our meeting promptly. We gave our Pledge. Donna thought better and waved the song without tone accurate members present. Rick Graham gave our invocation. Guests today were Charlie Galotti from Perth Australia.  Charlie brought his wife, Rosetta and sister and brother-in-law Joe and Rebecca Cole. We exchanged Rotary flags and was invited to Perth anytime. Mike Billoni and Christy Sharky were our other guests. Donna thanked Holly for subbing for her last week. Kevin Crosby asked that we attend our satellite clubs charter ceremony June 20 at 9:00. It will be held at the Intermodal Hub Public Facility at 36 Young Street in NT. I Googled this and it is a public bathroom. Sounds a little creepy but what the heck. The Ride for Roswell is June 22 and they need volunteers. Contact them at www.rideforroswell.org to learn more. Tim Glor mentioned that Jacquie is very involved with this project. Gary procured Webster’s Kitchen at 110 Webster June 19 at 6:00 for the Installation of officer’s dinner. This should be well attended. A great night out in a fabulous location to hang out with your Rotarian friends without a gong or long winded characters promoting their organizations. Mike Austin has the Independence Day fireworks party at the cemetery 7/3. Mike Billoni’s Grand Island Rotary Club is having a 60th Anniversary party at the Launch Club 6/26 at 6:00. Ron thinks our club sponsored Grand Island. Mike will look into this. Sue J read a thank you letter from Thomas Edison’s Children’s Garden chair. They purchased a “Little Free Library Exchange Box”. With it, they will rent out books where the proceeds will go towards a fresh water well in Burkina Faso, Africa. They will dedicate this 6/17 at 10:00 if anyone is interested.
Gary won the split club and guest, Joe Cole missed the Ace.
Dick H. took over as Finemaster. There were no confessions. Dick gave each table a couple of clever riddles. Lots of fun and made a little money.
At this time, Donna introduced Arlene Kaye, founder and owner of Fashion Lab NY. FLNY is located at 1205 Hertle Ave. They give young women a place to experiment creatively and invent through the Art and Science of Fashion. They provide the tools and direction to inspire their uniqueness, and encourage their own sense of style. The Fashion Lab NY process will engage students to discover, explore and invent your vision of Fashion. Arlene runs summer camps and allows the students to apply their designs with sewing machines to teach them to sew. For more information please visit www.fashionlabny.com. Great program.
Meeting adjourned
The Ken - June 3
The Ken June 3, 2019
Attendance: Cathy Piciulo
Split Club: Ron Levea
Invocation: John Coogan
Finemaster: Dick Hanaburgh (First time as Finemaster 😊)
The Ken: Audrey Meyers
Holly filled in for President Donna today and started the meeting promptly at 12:45. Cathy kept our tempo upbeat as we sang God Bless America (probably our best version of that song yet!).  Guests were Kristy Sharkey (a colleague of Gary’s), Matt Dewitt, and our speakers, Lieutenants Damon & Allison Bethel from the Salvation Army. 
Holly asked for announcements: Gary announced that the Installation will be at Webster’s Patio on 6/19 with a cost of $60 per person.  Cash bar from 6pm-7pm and dinner will be at 7 pm.  Please sign up and pick your dinners so he can get our reservation in.  Audrey announced that the Riverside Park clean up day on May 21st with Kenmore West, Buffalo Olmsted Parks, and Roteract was A LOT of hard work, but was a success.  Thanks for Dan Hamlin from Roteract (and Buffalo Medical Campus Rotary), Pat Griffin, Ed Hackerl, and Jeff Markarian for showing up (hope your blisters have healed by now😊 and I apologized you were pooped on Jeff!).  Cathy was the lucky winner of $13 from our split club, and Jim Logan had a shot at the ACE… he pulled the 10 of hearts.  Ron announced that there are 31 cards left and $318 in the pot already!  First time Finemaster Dick did a great job in putting us to sleep with questions on sleep.  Confessions: Dick announced that he and his wife welcomed a son to their family on May 18th (Which is why his topic was sleep).  Baby Richard 4th (Mac for short) and mom are doing well.  Tim Glor announced that he was able to visit the Indy 500 for the first time over Memorial Day Weekend.  He also had the change to visit his brother and attend his brother’s Rotary meeting.  Ted handed Dick $20 to be donated to the Boy Scouts to thank the local Boy Scout who showed up during winter to shovel Ted’s driveway while Ted was dealing with a bum foot.  The local Scout left without payment after shoveling. 
It was very clear that Lieutenants Damon & Allison were very passionate about the Salvation Army.  The Major was unable to come as he was out of town and asked them to take his place.  They talked about how the Rotary and Salvation Army would have a very serious battle called “the Battle of the Bells” around the holidays.  This was a competition to see who could raise the most money ringing the bells for the Salvation Army.  Damon admitted that Rotary always won.  The Salvation Army was formed in 1865 in England and serves poor and needy families along with assisting those with addictions towards recovery.  Pastors are known as Officers, and they explained some of the symbols on their uniforms.  One star = Lieutenant, two stars = Captain (achieved after 5 years of satisfactory service), and the SS = Save to Serve.  Major is the top level in the system.  There are 4 Corps that serve the Buffalo area, 1 to serve Tonawanda, and 1 Adult Rehab Center on Military Road.  The Rehab Center gives adults a place to stay for 6 months as they are reintroduced to Jesus and sobriety.  Adults are fed and housed and are employed to work during the 6 months.  They make $6 a week and will either drive a truck for the Salvation Army, or work in the store, or in the sorting center.  They bring in an average of $44 million a year from the collection and resale of used clothing and other items.  There is a Summer Day Camp program held in Buffalo for children.  There is also a 5-day Summer Camp program for kids held in Penn-Yann NY.  There are many additional programs including some for senior citizens.  Lieutenant Damon confessed that he is passionate about the program because it has impacted his life in many ways.  He is a former Defensive End/Defensive Tackle and when he came into money, he fell into drugs and partying and on the wrong path.  He ended up in the Adult Rehab Center and got back on track.  He said one proud football memory is being one of the few who can say they sacked Charlie Ward in a Florida State game
The Ken - May 20

The Ken May 20, 2019

Attendance: Sue Jandzinski

Split Club: Audrey Meyers

Fine Master: Paul Chisolm

Invocation: John Coogan

The Ken: Jeff Markarian

It was good to be back on our home field. Donna began our meeting with the Pledge. We embarrassed ourselves with an “I know what I’m doing but really didn’t version of “Oh Canada” in honor of our guest speaker today. She is Cathy Henry and her husband Dr. David Henry of the St. Catherine’s Rotary Club. Fiona Barretto and Matt Dewitt were our other guests.Donna announced that the Kenmore Tonawanda Rotary Club is now a charter club. Their president, Chris Pilozzi, who has been a guest here several times suffered a stroke. Her husband is filling in for her as president but would love some help if anyone could contact them to help run a meeting or 2. They meet at the Billegan’s Cafe on Niagara Street in Tonawanda every other Thursday morning. Gary Roberts is trying to get the installations of officer’s party off the ground. Details to follow. Mike Ford had Dan Wiles contact him to help out with the service organizations day at Sheridan golf course July 15. We need to cover from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Audrey thanked everyone for their support for the Wine Event. Final accounting will be done but she is expecting to Net over $12K. There will be a debriefing in July while it’s fresh on our minds to make any adjustments for next year. Riverside Park cleanup day was held last week. Audrey lined up Kenmore West Students to meet at 9:00. They got an over view of the Olmsted Park system then chipped in to clean up a baseball diamond to be ready for games that evening. Larry is asking for RYLA applications. The week long leadership camp is coming up quick, June 9-15 at Fredonia. Dr. Dave thanked us for having him and extended a welcome to his club in St. Catherin’s.

Paul C took the reins as fine master today. First fine was for all who missed the student recognitions the last 2 weeks. Confessions – Mike Ford was in Disney for a vacation. Audrey and Chris were in S. Dakota for business and pleasure. Audrey exchanged flags with their club. Cathy Piciulo attended a theme costume birthday party and won a best costume for a murder mystery theme. Holly’s son Will was getting an award at Ben Franklin. She also confessed to being quoted in Discover Card ad. Lastly, Holly blew in Paul on a particular matter and gave Paul a chance to tell his side of the story. Pat Griffin mentioned an article in “The Rotarian” about Niagara Falls. Pat added that he and Karen went to see the Tubes at the Riv.

Mike Austin won the split club and Chuck missed the Ace.

Larry came up to introduce our speaker Cathy Henry. Unfortunately it was already 1:15 and I could tell she was anxious to get to her program. Cathy with help from Fiona gave a strong push for our involvement with the Trees That Feed the World Foundation. They want to plant fruit Trees, mainly breadfruit trees in 17 Countries. The trees are an incredible source of nutrients and bare a lot of fruit to feed so many of the people in these undernourished countries. Let’s keep this project in the forefront and an incentive as we continue our fundraising events. Learn more at www.treesthatfeed.org .

Meeting adjourned

The Ken - May 13
The Ken May 13, 2019
Attendance: Ron Levea
Invocation: Tim Glor
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Today’s meeting was at the Paddock Dome where we recognized 6 Junior High School students for their accomplishments as they prepare for High School. We gave our Pledge and Tim Glor gave the invocation. Donna immediately handed the meeting off to Tom Schwob who gave the presentations.
The recipients are from top row across: Wilson Hendershot from St. Andrews, Nicholas Patkalitsky from St. Cristopher, Allie Gartz from Ben Franklin, Emily Mical from St. John’s, Genevieve Blumberg from Hoover Middle, and Maximillian Riso from St. Amelia and a group shot of all the winners. It was great to hear from their administrators all they have accomplished. Larry was able to give all in the crowd a little bio on what Rotary is and does. I always like the part that the United Nations is made up of 193 sovereign nations, The Red Cross and Rotary. Take that Kiwanis.
Meeting adjourned
The Ken - May 6
The Ken May 6, 2019
Attendance: Ron Levea
Invocation: John Coogan
Fine Master: Mike Ford
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
Today’s meeting was at the Paddock Dome where we recognized 6 High School students that earned $750 scholarships from us. Proceeding a delicious cold cut lunch, Donna welcomed our students, their parents and their principals to our weekly meeting. We gave our Pledge to several tiny flags that Donna had the wherewithal to think ahead to bring. John Coogan gave a wonderful invocation. Our Rotarian publicist recommended that we pass on any form of singing for not to scare away unfamiliar ears. Larry introduced Tom Schwob who was a little frazzled as he just had to break up a yogurt fight at his school before coming here to present the awards. Tom got right down to business. It was real neat to hear of the student’s achievements and bio’s from their principals. Going across the page, the recipients were: Erin Watson from MT. ST. Mary’s, John Federice from St. Joe’s, Thomas Appenheimer III from Cardinal O’Hara, Jordan Goodwin from Kenmore West, and Cheyenne Mohr from Kenmore East and lastly, Audrey Steele from CSAT. After the presentations, Larry got up to give a Rotary ra ra. I don’t think I have ever been prouder as a Rotarian, than when Larry introduced Alexis Linck-Entwistle. Alexis a great friend to our Club. She is a UB Rotaract who asked for our help in finding her a place to stay while she attended UB. Larry hooked her up with Pat and Pat set her up in one of his apartments. She told Pat she loved the place but was a tad lonely. Pat advised her to get a cat. Low and behold, the apartment had a fire and Alexis lost everything, including the cat. She surprised us Monday and attended our meeting to thank us for our contributions to getting her back on her feet. As Larry was trying to get the essence as what being a Rotarian is to the parents and administrators attending, Alexis gave a heartfelt thank you, showing all in attendance, first, what we do. With our contributions, we resurrected a broken spirit. I can tell you there wasn’t a dry eye in the house.  Another grand meeting.
 
 
The Ken - April 29
The Ken April 29, 2019
Attendance: Bill Brucker
Split Club: Dick Hanaburgh
Invocation: Rick Graham
Fine Master: Mike Ford
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
 We started our meeting today with the Pledge. Kathy led us in a fine rendition of “God Bless America” Rick Graham gave our invocation. Guests were: Bob Artist with Clarence Rotary Club, Speaker Jeff Bagel, Matt Dewitt, Kristy Sharkey, a colleque of Gary’s. Gary had another guest but I did not get his name. This is Matt’s 3rd visit and has put in his application for membership.
Bob Artist, our district’s 7090 incoming President, advertised the theme for this year’s district Conference will be a Cruise through the Caribbean. For details, go to www.rotary7090.org. Bob also has happy socks that his club is selling all profits will go to the Polio program.
Announcements: Audrey will have a signup sheet for you to use if you can help out the night of our Wine Event. Riviera Has helpers. Also, we have 273 tickets sold. It looks like this will be a fun event. Audrey also has Kenmore West, Buffalo Olmstead Park and the City of Buffalo Alliance helping with the spring cleanup project in Black Rock 5/21 from 9:30 – 12:00. I’ll get more details out as I get them. Mike Ford was having a new member happy hour at Jovis the other day. I will report as to it’s success. Larry asked for our help with an Interact student whose apartment burned down and lost everything. Gift cards and cash would be great.
Dick won the split club and Tim lost the Ace. Paul C has a bottle of Johnny Walker blue donated by the Ahrens for our Wine Event. What a great gesture. Thanks Pat and Brian.
Mike Ford took over as fine master. I confessed to being in Hilton Head. Scott Swan made Audrey pay a fine because his emails were being hawked by the competition. Donna celebrated 25 years at Rainbow. Sue J’s oldest son is graduating from Baldwin Wallace and is in the Lacrosse play offs. Sue will keep us up to date on their progress. We were running out of time but Mike was able to raise a little money on football draft questions.
Audrey introduced our speaker Jeff Bagel. It was a real treat today to have Jeff speak to us. Jeff is a principal with eAdvancement Consulting where he provides high quality counsel that helps non-for-profit organizations. He is the author of the 2017 Best Seller “Annual Fund Raising Plans Made Simple”. Jeff gave us some guidance on contributing to organizations. He suggest searching for the company on guidstar.com. You are able to see the P & L of company and the site will tell you how they use the money donated.
Great program.
Meeting adjourned.
The Ken April 15
The Ken April 15, 2019
Attendance: Bill Brucker
Split Club: Mike Austin
Invocation: John Coogan
Fine Master: Mike Ford
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
 We started our meeting today with the Pledge. Chuck led us in signing “God Bless America” John gave our invocation. Guests were: Chris Pilozzi, Lisa Freeman, Melisa Di Francesco, Donna’s daughter, Pat’s wife Linda Griffin and her sister, Karen Battaglia and Matt Dewitt.
Gary began our Armenian Raffle. We are selling 50, $10 changes to win a $200 gift card. This will help us raise money to purchase a special gift for the Wine Event. To be continued. Dick announced the Shred – It event was a record haul. We grossed $10,800. He thanked all who helped out. Rene announced that the Wine Event sponsors are accumulating. We are at $11,000. The Riviera took a table. They sold 21 tickets that brings the tickets sold to 210. Baskets are down. Donna reminded us there is no meeting in honor of Easter. Then the next 2 meetings will be at the Dome for Student Recognition. Pat Griffin, club secretary, announced the board will be 2 light for next year and that we need someone to be president elect. Donna mentioned that Dick H has agreed step up. Thank you Dick.
Dick H won the split club and Mike Ford missed the Ace.
Mike came up to be our Fine Master. Mike took confessions from Paul C. Paul missed Shred – It because he was golfing. Paul was fined before confessing due to a rat in the bunch. Dick confessed to leaving Shred – It a tad early to go to a Lamaze type class to prepare for their 2nd child soon to be welcomed into this world. Good luck pale. Mike Austin boasted about more of Maddison’s accomplishments in track and field. Maddison got a first in the high jump and tied for first in the 100 meter. Mike tested us on Masters Tournament knowledge and fined us accordingly.
Mike Introduced Lisa Freeman with Compass House. Lisa is the executive president. The Compass House Emergency Shelter meets the basic needs of runaway and homeless youth ages 12-17 through immediate access to crisis counseling, meals and a temporary place to stay. They are the areas only shelter for both male and female youth. Trained, caring professionals are always on hand to listen and provide support. All services are voluntary, confidential and free. To learn more about what they do and how you can help please contact them atwww.compasshouse.org. Great program
At this time
 
Meeting adjourned.
The Ken - April 8
The Ken April 8, 2019
Attendance: Bill Brucker
Split Club: Chuck Patterson
Invocation: John Coogan
Fine Master: Mike Ford
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
 We started our meeting today with the Pledge. Chuck led us in signing “God Bless America” John gave our invocation. Guests were: Alisha Ferri, Audrey’s colleague who will help at Shred – It. Chris Pilozzi, chairperson of our satellite club. Kevin Crosby District 7090 director and president of Buffalo sunrise group. Our speaker Lynn Riker and Matt Dewitt. Donna had Kevin jump right in and introduce our satellite clubs chair, Chris Pilozzi. They are an extension of our club. They have 8 members and they meet every other Thursday at Billegan’s. The long term goal is that they will break off once they get established.
Dick H announced Shred – It is all set. He is expecting cars to arrive at 9:45 ish so please get there early just in case. He has procured Paula’s donuts for the morning and pizza for the afternoon. His boosts on social media reached 1600 people. Audrey is having a walk through for the Wine Event at the Castle 4/17 at 2:00. All are welcome but not mandatory.
Donna won the split club and John Coogan missed the Ace.
Mike Ford took over as fine master. Joe Arcara confessed to being in FLA for several weeks. Welcome back Joe. Chuck confessed to driving here today with his top down. Audrey admitted she will miss Shred – It but has Alisha subbing for her. Reach out to make Alisha feel at home. Mike quizzed us on WrestleMania / NCAA basketball topics. Yes, you read this right. WrestleMania.
Mike introduced Lynn Riker, the Director of clinical outreach at the center for Hospice and Palliative care. Hospice cares for individuals suffering from serious illness, as well as their families and caregivers. They’re there to help to provide an integrative, holistic (physical, emotional, social and spiritual) approach to care that focuses on the whole person rather than on individual symptoms. Lynn asked us to please reach out to her at any time we feel we need their services. She can be reached at lriker@palliativecare.org, hospicebuffalo.com or her cell, 716-472-8890. Lynn made a lot of sense as to what Hospice does.
Meeting adjourned.
The Ken - April1
The Ken April 1, 2019
Attendance: Dick Hanaburgh
Split Club: Chuck Patterson
Invocation: John Coogan
Fine Master: Holly
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
 We started our meeting today with the Pledge. Chuck led us in signing “America” and John Coogan gave the invocation. Our only guest was John Duerr.
Donna started our program today by thanking Gary Roberts for hosting a fabulous social. It sounds like fun was had by all. Holly announced the Wine Event Sponsorships are up to $10,975 with 214 tickets sold. Only 20 baskets so far so please help manage that. The committee will have 4 or 5 special gifts items. A nice TV, $500 gift certificate for Markarian Rugs, A night out including tickets to an event at the Riviera theater, dinner at JT’s and a stay over at the Hotel Henry, 4 tickets to the Irish Classic theater and dinner at Jovis are some of the special items we will have to offer in this category. Then there will be a 50/50 raffle and sheets of tickets to enter into the basket drawings. The team is playing around with packaging these together to give the allusion of a better chance to win. Dick has Shred –It ready with signs, and social media advertising. This will be next Saturday. 10:00 – 2:00.
Our guest John Duerr won the split club and Holly missed the Ace. Before introducing our fine master, Donna welcomed Tom Lang in attendance. At this time, Holly took the floor. First confession was from Chuck Patterson. He gave happy dollars because Mary Kay was involved in a horrific accident and came out unscathed. Phew. Larry is still taking Slap Shot applications. Mike Ford took his 7 year old to Adventure Landing. Audrey is working with Kenmore West and East students to help out with the Green Way trails project. She will get us the dates and would love to see Rotarians helping out. Looking at 5/21. Rene fined herself $5 because she is turning 50. Rene, you are well preserved. John and Gary were fined for their antics at the Social. Let’s put it this way; they seem to be very fond of one another. Holly quizzed us on spring topics.
Larry introduced our speaker, John Duerr. John purchased the Philip Sheridan building from the school department. He made a successful bid and has cleared a public referendum. This will be a senior living Campus with multi use areas. The second floor will use the classrooms as apartments. Presently there is a day care with 100 students and Buffalo Turners Gymnastics with 150 kids. They hope to retain them. Buffalo Turners is even considering expanding. John would like to resurrect the auditorium to use for shows and concerts. John shared with us 1 obstacle they encounter. The survey showed there was an old tank buried with 6,000 gallons of old, unusable heating oil that had to be disposed of. That took many months. All and all, John is looking forward to transforming this building. Insightful program
Meeting adjourned.
The Ken - March 25
The Ken March 25, 2019
Attendance: Rene Rebmann
Split Club: Scott Swan
Invocation: Chuck Patterson
Fine Master: Holly
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
 We started our meeting today with the Pledge. Kathy led us in a fine rendition ofteh National Anthem. Rene welcomed our only guest today, Scott Dermeyer. Scott is a friend of Ted and is a DJ. Mike Ford is changing the date of the membership / social to 4/30 at Jovi’s. Bring a potential member and they get a free drink. Holly gave us an update on the Wine Event. All going well. Please help out filling the sponsorships. Think of your vendors who sell to you regularly. Perhaps they have a budget for this purpose. Also, we only have 9 baskets with a goal of 30 - 40 needed. Larry has the Rotaract kids, ages 15 – 18 attending a Slap Shot retreat the first week end in May. Contact Larry if you know of a young person that would like to be involved with this tremendous group. Larry thanked us for the past issues of The Rotarian. Keep them coming. Dick has Shred It under control for 4/13 between 10:00 – 2:00. Donna has lawn signs. Please get them and promote this event. Donna also mentioned the Rotary Summit has been canceled. Gary can use a couple more attendees for the social at Webster’s Kitchen Saturday night. Cathy mentioned the Ken – Ton Chamber of Commerce is recognizing those who go out of their way to help others, May 18. If you know of a good deed done or just someone who is always ready to help, contact Cathy.
Phil won the split club and Art missed the Ace.
Holly stepped up as fine master. Rick confessed to being with 900 kids somewhere. And that he is scheduled to be on the ship that was caught in the storm off Norway this week. Mike Ford confessed to a Splash Lagoon retreat, a football event he was in and that his position at Elderwood was cut. Mike is now a free agent. I am sure with the talents he has shown with his involvement in our club, this won’t last long. Good luck pale. Ron Levea was in Florida scooping out the baseball teams and followed some of the PGA tournaments. While away, Ron’s granddaughter won the balance beam in the NY state gymnastics and came in 2nd place all around. Ron, that is huge!! Phil is taking his Brenda to Italy for their 25th anniversary so he put in the $16 dollars   he won from the split club.  He was told that was not allowed so he took it back and paid $20 happy dollars. Larry spoke to Amherst Rotary about the Interact program. Mike A. has Madison doing high jump in May. Holly tabled her spring questions because we ran out of time.
Phil came up and presented his hobby of coining. April 21-27 is National Coining week. Phil started coining as a young boy. He found an odd coin and was attracted ever since. We are coming up to the Great American coin drop. This is where the rare coins are put back into circulation. Rather casually, the coiners will just buys things and pay for them with rare coins. Just as an attempt to excite someone into this fun hobby. Phil passed around several coins from his collection. It was real neat to see what we just take for granted. There appear to be many layers to another one of our Rotarian brothers.
Meeting adjourned.
The Ken - March 18
The Ken March 11, 2019
Attendance: Scott Swan
Split Club: Rene Rebmann
Invocation: Chuck Patterson
Fine Master: Pat Griffin
The Ken: Jeff Markarian
 We started our meeting today with the Pledge. Chuck led us in signing “When Irish Eyes are smiling”. That really hurt. Chuck wanted to do another, patriotic song. Nevertheless, we made sure that didn’t happen. Chuck I hope the swelling above your eye has subsided.
We had no guests. Donna began the announcements by fining herself for not welcoming Art back last week. Art has been out for health reasons. Great to have you back Art. There will be a Rotary Summit 4/6 at NCCC. Please visit our district website to register. www.rotary7090.org. Audrey will have a full Wine Event committee meeting Thursday 3/28 at Jovi’s. Some may stay after for dinner if you’re interested. Holly has been tied up so Audrey and Renee are stepping up to sell sponsorships. Sue will take the art work for the ads. Let’s all try and help out. Gary procured Webster’s Kitchen, 110 Webster St., NT, at 6:00 as our next social event for March 30. $75.00 / person which will include 4 course dinner with wine pairing. We need 30 people to breakeven. We are getting close. Pat has signs for our Shred-It event 4/13. Dick has it on facebook. Please like, share and possible comment to boost it. When the timing is right, Dick will pay to boost this event to our defined demographics.
Gary won the split club and Rene missed the Ace. The drawings were out of order. Not sure why we had them before the fine master. Perhaps this is a new habit and you will be fined if you win. If that’s the case, beware of revolution.
Pat Griffin stood in as fine master at the last minute. Pat initially fined anyone $1 who wasn’t here last week. Then in preparation for March Madness, Pat tested us on college basketball trivia.
We did not have a speaker again today. We are trying to get speakers. Please let us know if you have anyone that would like to present. Donna spoke to Kevin Crosby regarding the Tonawanda satellite club. They meet every other Thursday at Billegan’s at 7:30. And finally, Buffalo Rotary is having a trade show as an event 4/18 at 5:30.
Meeting adjourned.