Reporting Meeting of September 24, 2007

(for distribution October 1, 2007)

• Val Mosier’s Rotary Minute reviewed the history of the club’s sponsorship of the Town in Bloom project. He invited the membership to view this year’s plantings at Lake Hill Road and Route 50, at the corner of Lake Hill and Kingsley Road, at the Ballston Town Hall, at the High School and Middle School, and at the Ballston Library. Mums will be planted at several locations later this week. Last year in an effort to expand community participation in this activity, a campaign to solicit contributions from community members and businesses was initiated. It raised over $1400. Mary Anderson distributed a report on TIB’s successful 2007 year that noted the donations from 29 community members, 2 community organizations and the Rotary, and 5 businesses. The report thanked Cathy Rogers for her inspiration and guidance in establishing this successful community beautification initiative and all the many persons who supported the project in one way or another.

• Bill McClary announced that Earl Wilmot had been hospitalized recently but was now convalescing from his illness at home.

• Bill Gould, Assistant Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 54, and Junior Assistant Scoutmaster Andrew Hagan invited Rotarians to buy popcorn after the meeting in support of a Troop 54 fundraiser. Troop 54 also meets each Monday in another part of the Town Hall.

• Chris Nyhan distributed Apple Pie Festival flyers and a signup sheet for volunteers to solicit prizes from community merchants. Paul Lewandowski also distributed a signup sheet for those who can help out at the Apple Run on October 20. Dick O’Rourke announced that Entertainment ’08 books are available and can be obtained from him at any meeting through October.

Mike Welshhans is awarded the coveted BH-BL Rotary coffee cup and certificate of appreciation by President-Elect Mark Gasparovic after Mike’s 9/24 program presentation, “Travel Issues for People with Special Needs.”

Mike narrated a video depicting a trip to Florida’s Disney World with a focus on issues confronting travelers with special needs. He noted that he has traveled a lot and there are four considerations he must address before traveling: where, how, accessible transportation, and what to do when he reaches his destination. Mike noted that he flew to Orlando on Southwest because of its accommodations for travelers with special needs such as assistance in reaching the boarding area. The video showed his lodgings in Orlando with good accessibility to rooms and support rails where needed, accommodation to diet restriction and food allergies, and a good time being had by all on various and sundry amusement park rides. The excitement generated by the roller coaster rides was awesome.

Next Two Weeks: There is no meeting on Monday, October 8, because Columbus Day is a National Holiday. Our October 15th meeting will be held at the high school in conjunction with the 7th Annual “Taste of Burnt Hills” dinner, which is a benefit for the BH-BL Education Foundation. At this meeting we will be working in the teacher’s lunch area adjoining the cafeteria on compiling the Apple Run bags. We need member help. You do not have to participate in the “Taste of Burnt Hills” dinner to help out with the “goodie bags”. However, if you wish to participate in the “Taste” dinner and festivities, you can purchase tickets now at Margaret Phillips’ Nivek Realty office, 810 Route 50, Suite 4, in Burnt Hills (518-399-7124). The tickets are $25.00 and checks should be made payable to BURNT HILLS-BALLSTON LAKE EDUCATION FOUNDATION. “Taste” tickets will also be available at the door on the 15^th. Reported by Dick O’Rourke