Next Club Meeting: January 6, 2022, ZOOM
We are currently meeting only by Zoom. There is no in-person meeting component for the immediate future. This is only temporary. Thanks to all who have made suggestions on new venues.
Club Service:
- Invocation: Ray Defendorf
- Photos: Gil Sweet
- COGS: Ted Goldwyn
- Jan Harvey presiding
Guests: No guests this week.
Announcements:
- Former President Jan Harvey led off the session by sharing a recording of Susan Boyle's beautiful rendition of Auld Lang Syne, and then leading us in the Pledge of Allegiance.
- Deacon Ray Defendorf offered a prayer of hope and healing for the New Year.
Program:
- In honor of the holiday season, this week's program consisted of an open discussion of Rotarians' hopes and plans for the New Year. Following are a few of the highlights:
- Sam Sanfratello resolves to lose weight (again!) this year. Jan Harvey sang the praises of the "COVID diet" as a (not too desirable) way to lose 20 pounds. Our newest member Cathy Buck shared that she also suffered through a bout of COVID back in November 2020.
- Jan is fortunate to have so many projects to keep her very busy! She has enjoyed plenty of socially distant social interaction, via Zoom and with neighbors passing by the house. She loves curbside pickup and extolls its great convenience!
- Cathy Buck is hoping life goes back to normal someday.
- Jim Webb hopes we keep the benefits and conveniences of what we've enjoyed during the pandemic, including curbside pickup, Zoom and WebEx.
- Rich Fastiggi thinks the omicron variant's high transmissibility rate (along with its relatively mild symptoms) will be its Achilles' Heel, meaning that herd immunity may finally come to pass. He cited the example shown by South Africa's experience with the variant, which saw a sharp spike in COVID cases, that fell off just as quickly. Rich postulated we may see that sharp decline in the U.S. come near the end of January. He also thinks scientists should start reconfiguring the vaccine to be better directed at new and emerging variants. Regarding the new pills that have appeared on the market, Rich said that some versions are more effective than others. One unique aspect of the coronavirus is that it tends to attach itself to blood vessels, which are all over the body. Due to the continuing evolution of the virus and new variants emerging, Rich said that to be truly vaccinated, everyone should get 3 shots, and experts are already talking about offering a fourth shot later this year. Eventually, COVID may require vaccine boosters every year, like the flu shot.
- Ed. note: Visit the Steuben County website for the latest updates on local COVID infection rates and other data.
- Jan asked about new directions Rotary can pursue in 2022.
- Sam Sanfratello's idea is for Rotary to provide handyman help to elderly and homebound folks in the area. Are there gaps with the services Office for the Aging, Meals on Wheels, Catholic Charities, the Food Bank/food pantries, and other organizations provide? Sam will do some research. Ray mentioned an organization known as Community Progress, a 501(c)3 charitable organization that provides repairs. Arbor Housing and Development also provides similar services.
- Jim Webb threw out the concept of Sustainability. What can be done locally? How can Rotary connect with younger potential members through this avenue of service? Ernie Danforth mentioned that District 7120 has a new committee focused on Sustainability. Jim will look into it!
- Tony Spycher would like to receive a hard copy of the Rotary Directory. Jan is not sure where that project stands, but we will look into it.
- Dick Puccio asked about the status of the Interact Club. Unfortunately, there is currently no advisor and a lack of participation from students in the high school. How about the High School Learning Center? Ted will pursue. ASMS is another opportunity.
- Jan said it would be great to get back to in-person meetings. But between the current Radisson remodeling project and the rise in omicron cases, it's not the right time. Let's make it through January and February, and then we can discuss. We have a committee that is looking at various options, like Carey's Brew House.
- Dick Puccio promised to not make any corny jokes between now and the end of the year (unfortunately, he meant 2021...).
- Thank you all for sharing your hopes and ideas for the New Year! If you weren't able to attend, watch the video of the meeting for details.