The Rotary Club of LeRoy gathered virtually on March 24, 2021, with 23 members present and two guests, Gary Churchill and Hans Kunze. Gary was visiting virtually from the Rotary Club of Batavia. Hans Kunze presented to the club on birding but also is from the Rotary Club of Perry.
President Mary Margaret welcomed and thanked everyone for their support over the last couple of weeks after her husband’s heart attack. Jake Whiting led the group in the Pledge of Allegiance followed by a prayer by Bob Carlsen.
President Mary Margaret shared announcements. Mary Young is collecting books for the upcoming R.E.A.L. on June 17th at the LeRoy Farmers Market. Please get in touch with Mary if you have books to donate. Shannon Karcher reminded the club of the guided hike at the Genesee County Park on April 25th. The group will meet at 8:30. The hike will be about 1.5 to 2 miles with little challenge other than mud. Shannon also reminded the club of the upcoming Shred-it event on May 8, 2021, in the parking lot of OrCon. The event will be from 8:00-Noon. It will be a drive-thru event where people will be able to have their documents safely shredded. People will be able to pay $10.00 per banker-sized box or medium kitchen bag. The event is secure and all documents will be shredding onsite by Shred-it.
Ben Deragan also shared the LeRoy Rotary Community Kitchen has been doing well with the move to the Our Lady of Mercy. They served 130 meals on Tuesday, March 23rd. They are continuing with the drive-thru process at this point to maintain the safety of all but hope to eventually serve in-person. President Mary Margaret shared the board has talked about when to return to in-person meetings. The goal at this point would be the first Wednesday in May. The location has not been solidified but is in the works.
President Mary Margaret moved on to missed meetings. Missed meetings were sanctioned to Ben Deragon (2), Jeff Halladay (2), Mary Margaret Ripley (2), Mike Tucci (1), Maria Valencia (1), Randy Vink (1), and Mary Young (2). Some members were able to supply make-ups while others were fined.
President Mary Margaret wanted to specifically fine two members. President Mary Margaret fined Bob Bennett for newly found information that he owned a bar many, many years ago in Warsaw. Bob shared more information about this business endeavor but he said it all worked out in the end. Jim Bonacquisti was fined for his excitement and enjoyment of being back on the football field with the high school athletes.
The program was presented by fellow Rotarian Hans Kunze. Hans has been interested in birds for most of his life. He has written a column twice a month which is published in seven newspapers. Hans is passionate about birding and spoke specifically about eagles, bluebirds, and hummingbirds. Hans and his wife, Leslie own Hans’ Bird Feeder & Greenhouse in Wyoming, NY. Hans can be found there most afternoons and enjoys talking about birds. They also help supply the birdfeed for the Humphrey Nature Center within Letchworth State Park.
President Mary Margaret thanked Hans for presenting and adjourned at 1:05 pm. If you are interested in learning more about the Rotary Club of LeRoy, follow them on Facebook, Instagram, or www.leroyrotary.org.