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Tomorrow’s meeting:
Joe Myer, Owner, Myer Farm Distillers
Join the Zoom Meeting June 16, 2021
Newsletter Reporter: Reporter | Photos: Photos | Editor: Ted Schiele President Geoff Dunn opened his third-to-last meeting in quite a state! Heidi Goldstein was not there to ring in the meeting, Prez Geoff didn’t have his gavel … “Is there a bell in the house?” “A bell! A bell! My presidency for a bell!” “Ask not [for] who rings the bell …” George Ferrari had a bell, and he rang out truth, and he rang out fairness, and he rang in the meeting! In his countdown, Prez Geoff wished all fathers a Happy Father’s Day (just four days hence) and everyone a happy Summer Solstice — also four days away. The end of the Rotary year was in 14 days, the end of 2021 in 198 days, and standing on tip-toes, Geoff could just make out the District Conference, 317 days into the future: April 29, in Rochester, in person! As promised, Prez Geoff had an update on the return to in-person meetings. The best estimate at that time was that our return to Coltivare would be June 30, for Pass the Gavel. (Geoff is determined to open at least one meeting at Coltivare, to bring the gavel to the bell, with the flags and Four-Way Test banner and everyone as the chosen ones, during his presidency!) But last week we were still on Zoom, and Harlin McEwen, Joe Giordano, Ron Provus, and Linda Pasto recited the Four-Way Test. Juneteenth was the topic of June Losurdo’s Thought for The Day. Juneteenth — June 19, 1865 — was the day the last enslaved people in the U.S. heard they had been freed. June read a passage from a Cornell Chronicle article about Juneteenth through the eyes of Jamile Michener, Associate Professor of Government at Cornell’s CALS. In it, Michener tells a story about going to a child’s birthday party with her sons, and being threatened by the resident when they went to the wrong address. It is the kind of incident that Michener recalls when she thinks about Juneteenth. “Sharing this today is part of being an ally,” June said. “Speaking up in my own social circles is a way for me to share what I am learning.” June recommended we read 8 Ways To Be a (Better) Ally, in the Oct. 14, 2020 issue of Syracuse University’s “The Peel,” an interactive newsletter and blog focused on the student experience. On Juneteenth, or any day, June said, find time to research and listen, which are the first two ways to be an ally. Editor’s Note: If you listen to podcasts, check out Ezra Klein’s interview of Jamila Michener, on the Ezra Klein Show (June 8, 2021) from New York Times Opinion. In my opinion, Jamila is a local treasure. Thank you June for sharing her wisdom with us at Rotary. Several guests were introduced, but no visiting Rotarians.
Nancy Potter introduced Bea Nellenback, Director of Development at Alternatives Federal Credit Union, which was one of the Dozen Dinner Draw beneficiaries. Bea said that the donation ($5,000) was hugely important in assisting local micro businesses impacted by the pandemic; 10 local businesses received no less than $1,000 each. Among the recipients were a hair salon, massage business, agri-tourism business, and retail businesses. Sixty percent were women owned and 40% owned by people of color. AFCU has been working with small businesses, giving loans and offering support and advice throughout the pandemic. There was a fellowship breakout. Sunday, August 8th is the 8th Annual Rotary Road Rally, and Kelly Buck and team are busy pinning down the start and finish lines. Once that’s settled, Kelly said they will start promoting it. Mary Berens has agreed that the prize structure will be the same as last year: first to finish, last to finish, a few twists in between, and one prize winner selected totally at random. Kelly asked for donations of items for goody bags that go to each car, so if your company or business has a pen, sticky notes, etc., please catch up with Kelly! Proceeds go to the James Gibbs Scholarship In the category of “hope you were able to get there,” Serena McCloud reminded everyone of the Juneteenth celebration at Southside. Organizers were going to try for a world record Soul Train line! And Prez Geoff mentioned the District Pass the Gavel event, welcoming Evan Kurtz as our new DG. Geoff also noted that he will be serving as an Assistant Governor this year, filling in Cindy Kain’s spot. Happy Dollar celebrations included a granddaughter’s IHS graduation — she is going to Vassar and will be on their track team! Ground was finally broken for cottage up north; looks like Cornell hockey season is coming this fall; and praise for an edible arrangements gift. There was remembering the good ole days and 50th high school reunion on Zoom. The Savage Club sang for the Elks’ Flag Day celebration and Savage Club’s first chicken BBQ is coming Saturday June 26 at the Bob Baker BBQ pit in Lansing. President Geoff’s new Assistant Governor job was recognized, and there was a shameless plug for the Wells College Golf Club, now under new management! The Club has been renovated, and the course has gotten some real TLC, including a complete renovation of their sand traps (a huge undertaking)!
Ally Evans introduced the third installment of four honoring craft beverages in the region. Ally introduced Glen Allen, General Manager and Co-owner, and Jeremy Broshears, Tasting Room Manager, from Damiani Wine Cellars on the east side of Seneca Lake (damianiwinecellars.com). Glen said he is proud to be a part of this region, and Damiani is dedicated to giving back to the community. The brand’s reputation is for bold red wines, but they also make elegant whites and excellent sparkling wines. Started in the 90s in a garage, the enterprise grew quickly, becoming Damiani Wine Cellar in 2004. This area not known for red wines, so Damiani stood out for its bold, full bodied red wines. Damiani was the first winery to score 90 points in Wine Spectator for a red wine, over ten years ago, and has since gone on to score 90+ points in all of the major wine journals for red, white, and sparkling wines. The winery has a tasting room, bocce ball court, and outdoor seating. Jeremy said that during COVID they moved away from the tasting bar set-up to tastings at tables. They’ve kept that model, and now all tastings are done seated. They have expanded their food offerings with cheese and charcuterie, as well as a food truck. In addition to the indoor seating, there is now seating for up to 100 people outdoors. Damiani’s staff is well versed on the wines, the production, and the overall Damiani way. Private events may be scheduled for groups larger than six. Social distancing is still being maintained in the tasting room and masks are still encouraged to maintain safety for guests, even though the governor has lifted most COVID restrictions. 2020 was a great growing season and their Rose is already sold out. The reds haven’t been bottled yet; check back in August/September for those. Many small bottlings go just to their wine club. Learn all about the club here.
Visiting Rotarians: None
Students: None
Workers:
• Thought for the Day, June Losurdo
• Introductions, Rotary hosts introduced their guests
Zoom Manager: Angela Sullivan
Bulletin Reporter: Margaret Frank
Photographer: Mike Brown
Bulletin Editor: Ted Schiele
Club Service Facilitators, Beverly Baker & June Losurdo
Sunshine Chair, Kellyann O’Mara
June 23, 2021
Joe Myer, Owner, Myer Farm Distillers
Join the Zoom Meeting
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