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Today’s meeting:
Randy Lacey, Owner, Hopshire Farm & Brewery
Join the Zoom Meeting May 26, 2021
Newsletter Reporter: Margaret Frank | Photos: Mike Brown | Editor: Ted Schiele  President Geoff Dunn opened by thanking everyone who had a hand in running the previous week’s meeting while he was in an undisclosed location taking care of some undisclosed business. And in the ripples of that Geoff-less meeting lay proof that, as the time ticks down on his presidential tenure (35 days from then), the peaceable and stress-free transfer of power will usher in a new Rotary year on a wave set for success!
Among the grains of sands queued up to run through the hourglass of Prez Geoff’s weekly countdown was Memorial Day, the unofficial start of summer, then five days hence, and now a moment in the past. But, Memorial Day, of course, has meaning and importance more deeply rooted than just dragging out the grill, and Geoff shared some of his thoughts. Celebrated on the last Monday of May, Memorial Day is set aside to honor and mourn American military personnel who died in service to our country. Though officially designated a federal holiday in 1971, five years earlier President Lyndon B. Johnson had recognized Waterloo, N.Y. as the birthplace of Memorial Day. The group recited the Pledge of Allegiance in observance of the those who were taken from us by war. On a lighter note, in his Thought for The Day Mike Brown told a story about Abraham Lincoln’s days as a trial lawyer. Lincoln used humor strategically both in and outside the courtroom. During one particular trial, he is said to have told jurors about the small boy who ran to summon his father. “Paw, come quick,” he panted. “The hired man and sis are up in the haymow, and he’s a-pullin’ down his pants and she’s a-liftin’ up her skirts and they’re gettin’ ready to pee all over our hay!” The father replied: “Son, you’ve got your facts absolutely right, but you’ve drawn a completely wrong conclusion.” Later, in court, following his opponent’s lengthy winding-up speech, Lincoln told the jurors: “My learned opponent has his facts absolutely right, but has drawn completely wrong conclusions.” He won the case. The meeting’s only guest was visiting Rotarian District Governor-elect Evan Kurtz, from Dryden Rotary.
The aforementioned visiting Rotarian, DG-elect Evan Kurtz, announced the 2nd annual “7 Runs, 7 Counties, 7 Days” district-wide fundraiser to end polio. Evan, who runs regularly, dreamed it up last year as a way to get outside during the most intensive early days of the pandemic, and raised over $4,000 for polio.  The run-walk-bike-stroll get-together to have a good time kicks off this year on Sunday June 20 in Delaware County, and day-by-day over the course of the week works its way through all seven 7170 counties, ending up here in Tompkins County on Saturday the 26. Post time is 10:00 a.m. at the Children’s Garden in Cass Park, and goes up the Black Diamond Trail. The length of the course is 40 minutes — 20 minutes up and 20 minutes back — of running or walking or whatever. And no need to sign up sponsors; just tell Evan how much you would like to donate. Get details here on the 7170 website.
President Geoff announced that our club has exceeded its goal for End Polio. Paul Harris Fellow presentations.
 Foundation Chair Maricelis Acevedo presented two Paul Harris awards: the first to Mike Katz, and a Plus-5 award to Jean McPheeters. Mike is the owner and manager of Edible Arrangements. He was a member of the Ithaca Sunrise Club for 15 years before joining the Ithaca Club. Jean is Principal of Jean McPheeters Consulting and has served and contributed to numerous boards and fund-raising campaigns over the years. She was the President of the Tompkins County Chamber of Commerce for 14 years, among other positions throughout her career. Many, many thanks to Mike and to Jean. A small group of Board members will be meeting to formulate a concrete plan to return to Coltivare for meetings in the near future. Club members will be briefed when their proposal is ready. Rotary District 7170 Pass the Gavel
Honor outgoing District Governor, Matt Adler — who has had a very unusual and challenging year — and welcome incoming District Governor Evan Kurtz, along with the rest of the DG Track: incoming DG Elect Rocky Martinez, and incoming DG Nominee, Cindy Kain. When: Thursday, June 17th
How: IN PERSON!!!
Where: Traditions at the Glen Under the tent Johnson City
Cost: $40 per person
Reservation link https: https://forms.gle/PPjUymF4r9gbW6838. Registration deadline is June 10.
Time: 5:30-6:30 p.m. cocktails, sign in, fellowship. Dinner at 6:30 p.m. followed by the passing of the gavel and a little bit of “speechifying.” PDG Orville Wright will emcee. Guest speaker, RI Director Elect Drew Kessler. Drew will be the youngest RI Director in the history of Rotary. business casual.
 Bill Murphy wrapped up his banner month of programming with a look into the heart of the Rotary Student of the Year Award/Scholarship given by TST BOCES. To do this, Bill introduced our guides, Cindy Walter, Principal of Career and Technical Education Kevin Casler, Dean of Students Jeff Podolak, and 2016 Rotary Student of the Year Award Winner, Deanna Day.
 The Career and Tech Center offers an incredibly broad programming opportunity for 11th and 12th grade students, Cindy explained. Often these are students who have not had a lot of success in high school, but now find an opportunity at BOCES to excel in something different, something hands on. The students spend half of every day at the Center following their interests, and graduate with clear skill sets. Many go on to 2- and 4- year college experiences.
 Kevin, who told us he has one of the best jobs in the world, walked us through the Animal Science program. His tour was punctuated by testimonials from students describing what they are doing now, and how the BOCES experience helped them. Kevin thanked Rotary for all their support over the years.
Jeff detailed the application process for the scholarship. Students have to write an essay, build a resume, and go through an interview process. The student’s grades, their effort, and other aspects of their education at BOCES are considered in the process.  Deanna, the 2016 Rotary Student of the Year Award Winner, is currently a staff member at BOCES. She expressed her pride in having won the scholarship, which she used for her Onondaga Community College education. TST BOCES was challenging, she  said, and a great experience for her. Being a former Student of the Year winner brings along a lot of recognition, Deanna continued, adding that she is very thankful to Rotary for the opportunities it has given her.
BOCES builds professional skills and life skills in their students, and students have fun. To see more about the programs offered by TST BOCES visit tstcte.org. (It’s a great website, so be sure to check it out!)
Visiting Rotarians: DG-elect Evan Kurtz, from the Dryden Rotary Club
Students: None
Workers:
• Thought for the Day, Mike Brown
• Introductions, Rotary hosts introduced their guests
Zoom Manager:
Bulletin Reporter: Margaret Frank
Photographer: Mike Brown
Bulletin Editor: Ted Schiele
Club Service Facilitators, Beverly Baker & June Losurdo
Sunshine Chair, Kellyann O’Mara
June 2, 2021
Randy Lacey, Owner, Hopshire Farm & Brewery
Join the Zoom Meeting
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