Posted by Lori Orestano-James on Aug 01, 2017
Monti Meeting Happenings
August 1, 2017             6:30pm            Albella’s Restaurant
 
Call to Order
President Barbara Carr called the meeting to order at 6:30pm followed by the Pledge of Allegiance and The Rotary Four Way Test.  She then welcomed all members and introduced guests.
 
 
Guests: Bejan Kerendian, Honorable Anthony Kane,  Susan Goodreds, Janice Valentino
 
Montigram Editor Report
 
We have a lot of great events and activities as we move forward this coming month.  Please be sure to check our calendar so you don't miss out on what is going on!  
 
Food - Glorious Food - Venue Update
 
Lori Orestano-James presented on behalf of the Dinner Committee.  Changes that the club requested such as "Family Style" service of salads along with 2 main entree selections (with standard Grilled Salmon with Veggies or Grilled Chicken (or Salmon) Caesar were met with a positive response from the club members.  In addition, thanks Mike for the delicious "bar nosh" you served prior to the meeting.  
 
As a reminder - The Monticello Rotary Club now meet weekly at Albella Family Restaurant, 50 Jefferson Street, Monticello, New York. 
Please remember to park in the side parking lot (to the left looking at the building) or use the spaces toward the left on the "Party Room" side of the building. 
 
Don't forget that we will be meeting at the Forestburgh Playhouse on August 8, 2017 for our meeting.  Fellow Rotarian Franklin Trapp welcomes our club with a delicious meal, a wonderful Cabaret show (Time of My Life - 30 Years of Dirty Dancing) and a fabulous Main Stage show (Bye, Bye Birdie!).
  
 
 
President's Reminders
 
At the July 18, 2017 meeting, President Barbara Carr shared several upcoming events and flyers (Please see attached).  In addition, she shared information about Region 5 events.  Please see the Club Calendar for further information.)
 
In addition, President Carr welcomed Jim Akin after his return from an illness.  We are glad to see you back. 
 
Guest Speaker
 
The Honorable Anthony Kane, Susan Goodreds and Janice Valentino representing Hospice of Sullivan And Orange Counties were our guest speakers for our meeting.  Their presentation was inspiring as they shared with us the wonderful works of this organization. Judge Kane shared that he believes that Hospice is the most important organization he has ever been part of.  He said when the family is unable to take care of their loved one, Hospice assists and improves greatly the end of life care for the patient and family.  Hospice helps with positive family relationships , medical needs and spiritual needs during this difficult time.  Judge Kane stated, "Hospice makes end of life acceptable and productive." 
 
Susan Goodreds spoke to our members about the upcoming Forestburgh 5K Run-Walk scheduled for August 12, 2017 which is the largest fundraiser for the Sullivan/Orange Hospice.  She encouraged our members to join in on the event to help Hospice reach its goal for this years race. More information on the event can be found at www.forestburgh5K.com . 
 
Janice Valentino is the Director of Marketing and Development for Sullivan/Orange Hospice.  We learned that costs of services of Hospice are more expensive in Sullivan County than in Orange County due to the Medicare Reimbursement formula because Sullivan County is further away from New York City.  Currently, Hospice is serving about 200 families per year in Sullivan and Orange County.  
 
Ms. Valentino also told us of two programs that Hospice is currently involved with.  First is the Camp Chrysalis.  This is a 3 day camp for Sullivan County youth ages 5-17 years of age who are in need of "grief services."  Follow this link for further information. http://hospiceoforange.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/Camp-Flyer-2017-FINAL.pdf 
 
The other program is a "We Honor Veterans" Program.  Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc. has reached the top tier of Community Partner Level IV of “We Honor Veterans,” a campaign developed by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) in collaboration with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Through this program Hospice gratefully acknowledges our military and service men, women and families. They aim to create a veteran centered organization through education, strategic partnership, resources and veteran recognition. Their mission is to serve our Nation’s Veterans who have served us. 
 
Janice shared what it is like to witness when the Veterans receive an Honor Salute or is presented with a beautifully hand crocheted red, white and blue afghan made by the "Chain Gang" in Wurtsboro, NY.  She said that the Veterans enjoy the card made by students and are truly grateful for this program. For more information visit the following link: http://hospiceoforange.com/veterans-care/ 
 
Janice also reminded us that we are losing 1 in 4 Veterans every day.  Judge Kane also reminded us that the Sullivan/Orange Hospice is a non-profit indicating that it is not true of all Hospice organization.  
 
President Carr presented our speakers with a token of appreciation from our club and thanked them for all they do for those is our community.  This organization truly follows the Rotary principle and shows "Service Above Self" in all that they do! 
 
Member Happenings
 
This is a new section of the Montigram Voice.  As long as we are made aware, we will post news about our members.  
Congratulations:  Dr. Joe D'Abbraccio on the opening of your new office!
 
Committee Reports
 
Monster Run – Les Kristt
Les reported that the race is laid out.  He shared that we have an increase in Race Sponsorships.  There is an increase in outreach through Social Media.  We need volunteers to assist the day of the race.  In addition, we need to help get the runners out for the day of the event.  Registration is available online.
 
As a reminder - we will be holding our usual Pre-Registration on Saturday, August 5, 2017 at the Sign-in Table location (next to Monticello Pizza Hut) from 10AM - 2PM.  Please let Orshii Boldiis know if you can help out on that day!
 
Janet Kaplan is putting together a raffle for this years Monster Run.  The Raffle Basket theme is "Health & Wellness (how appropriate!) There are a number of wonderful items donated already but more is needed.  If you are able to make a donation to the cause, please contact Janet.  Janet gave out raffles to sell for those members present at the meeting.  Tickets at $5 each or 3 for $10 dollars.
 
Annual Dues: If you have not taken care of payment of your dues, please do so ASAP.
 
 
Friendship Friday - Barbara Carr
Barbara reported that the next Friendship Friday is August 4, 2017 at 5:30pm until 7– BHR in Rock Hill.  Members are encouraged to bring guests to learn about Rotary, our club and activities.
 
Rotary Night at Forestburgh PlayhouseGary Tugender
Gary shared that tickets are still available for our clubs annual Night at Forestburgh Playhouse meeting.  The show is the ever popular, Bye, Bye, Birdie!  Tickets and dinner are priced at $62 per person.  If you are a season ticket holder or just want to attend for dinner, the cost is $28 per person.  Please be sure to contact Gary as he needs to finalize the count with Forestburgh Playhouse.