In July of 1998, I had the distinct pleasure of joining Rochester Rotary Charitable Trusts and Rochester Rotary Club as an Assistant. On December 31, 2012, I will have the distinct pleasure of retiring from Rochester Rotary. To say the least, the years have been both rewarding and fun. I've had the opportunity to meet many Rochester Rotarians and Rotarians from near and far, many Tuesday Luncheon Speakers and Presidents of Rotary International and served under 9 Rochester Rotary Charitable Trusts President and 15 Rochester Rotary Club Presidents.  

US Senate Candidate Wendy Long couldn't make it Tuesday but she made every effort to do so. Her plane from NYC was cancelled early Monday and up until 7 pm that evening she was planning to leave the City at 5 am and drive here. Given all the unknowns, she was advised not to attempt the drive but she gets a ton of credit from Rochester Rotary for making such a valiant attempt.

The meeting actually turned out to be quite delightful. We simply had a Fellowship Day with round table discussions on topics of future programs, community service, School #8, and ideas for future fellowship events. I think it is nice once in a while to spend time at the tables discussing what can improve Rochester Rotary and listening to the voice of the membership.

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Dan Dwyer, President of the Rochester AM Club, presented us with a check for $1,000 to support the Sunshine Campus. This has been a tradition for the AM Club for many years and we truly appreciate their commitment to allocate a good portion of their annual fundraising to the campus. Thanks Dan and thanks to all AM Rotarians!

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On Monday evening, October 22^nd, Sandy and I had the honor of attending the School # 8 Family Scholarship Dinner at Pier 45. If ever there is a question about whether we make a difference by our commitment to these students this night proved that we do indeed. I think with parents, siblings and Rotarians we had well over 50 in attendance. Co-Chairs Pat Coakley and Dick Moncrief orchestrated an elegant affair that honored the students and paid tribute to the support of their parents and Rotarian mentors. Thanks also to Joe Floreano for contributing to the dinner and the venue. Dr. Paul Burgett gave an inspirational keynote that spoke of the limitless opportunities ahead for the scholars and the need for them to pursue academic excellence.

When you get the chance, thank a member of this committee for all their hard work and the importance of their work. With all of the tracking, mentoring, management of communications, liaison with school and family that they do, theirs is no easy task. Their hearts, however, are some of the warmest in Rochester Rotary!

Here are those we should thank:

Bob Attardo                                                      

Warren Bastian                                                                                           

Richard Bayer                                                                         

 Mark Boylan

Bernice Borrelli                                 

Eileen Broderick   

Paul Burgett

Pat Coakley

Douglas W. Cook

Beth Cross-Wilhelm

Kathy Dexter

Dan Dey

Tracey Dreisbach

Lila Ford

George Forsyth

Don Forsyth

Carl Gerard

Laurie Mahoney

Dick Moncrief

Tim O'Grady

Ellen Wagner

Bob Williams                                                          

Riverside Convention Center

Open Bar

European Cheese Display with Ciabatta Bread and Water Crackers

Handpassed Hors D'Oeuvres

Salad Station

Mixed Greens with a Variety of Toppings and Dressings

Accompanied by Warm Rolls, Bread Sticks and Herb Butter

Carving Station

Pasta Station (Small)

Shrimp Scampi with Butter, Garlic and Olive Oil