Belmont Rotarians Honor Senior Citizens

Age is an issue of mind over matter.  If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.                             –Mark Twain                                             

Belmont Rotarians pride themselves on the things they do for the youth in their community.  But in a conversation recently during a Rotary meeting, it was decided to take a look at what the Belmont Rotary could do for the senior citizens in its midst. A popular social activity for the seniors in Belmont is “Senior Lunch” held at the American Legion twice a week, with the food provided by the Meal on Wheels Program for a small fee.  Rotarians voted unanimously to provide a meal for each senior on the last Thursday of each month. The club will also be sending a Rotarian representative to enjoy lunch with the group.  On Thursday, April 25^th, President Mary Fuller and Past President Donna DiGirolamo shared lots of laughs and a good meal with their new friends at the American Legion.  This idea is a keeper!

Photo Caption:

President Mary Fuller enjoyed the opportunity to chat with new friends Lila and Mary at the senior lunch on April 25^th.

Hailing, originally from Cato, New York, located near northern Syracuse, Dr. Brian Schmitt has been an industrious man on his road to the Superintendent’s position here at Genesee Valley Central School.  Dr. Schmitt received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from St. John Fisher College in 1998, certifying him in Spanish for grades 7-12.  He continued at St. John Fisher, receiving his Master’s Degree in Education in 2003.  Still driven to further his education, he earned his Doctorate in Education Degree in 2009.  Dr. Schmitt has served as a High School Assistant Principal in Fairport, as an Eastridge Senior High Principal, and most recently, Hannibal High School Principal.

Dr. Brian Schmitt is the father of two young boys, Ethan and Andrew.  His wife, Kathleen, is an Advanced Placement instructor of World History at Webster Thomas High School. Dr.  Schmitt is also a former Rotarian.  First introduced to Rotary when he helped his mother serve meals at the Catholic Church where his local Rotary Club met, he later became a Rotary Exchange Student and traveled to Sweden. “My experiences through Rotary helped shape my life,” says Dr. Schmitt.  “I really enjoy helping people, traveling, and working with kids.” 

BATTER UP!!

It’s that time of year again. .. Batter up…block the ball…touch each base and keep your eye on the ball!!! Baseball for all sizes and ages, along with the smell of hot dogs, mark the beginning of May each year at Wil Mac Park.  The Belmont Rotary is very proud to support the girls’ and boys’ teams, parent volunteers and coaches who take part in the “Boys and Girls of Summer” ball programs. Be good sports, have a great time and show respect for all others on the field.

  Good luck to you all. 

The Belmont Rotary Club

Mama said there’d be days like this….

Some days you just have to do what needs to be done.  One of the details that “gets done” by the Belmont Rotary Club twice a year is the “highway clean up detail”.  Members divide themselves into groups and take a north or south section of Route 19 as the detail routes.   On May 15^th Rotarians will don their orange safety clothing, grab the work materials and head out on the road.  Rotarians are happy to say that most Belmont residents do not allow much trash near their homes.   This is much appreciated and shows respect for our area.  Thanks, everyone!

Brandon LaValley makes sure we have all of our materials each year for the highway clean up. He is ready to go!

May Rotarian of the Month May Noreen Pace   website

A native of Wellsville, New York, Rotarian Noreen Pace has been a member of the Belmont Rotary Club for eight years.   Noreen is a graduate of Wellsville High School and Brockport State College.   She completed her Master’s work at Alfred University. For thirty years Noreen served the community of Belmont as an elementary educator in the Belmont Central School District, later to become the Genesee Valley School District.   She worked as an elementary remedial math and reading teacher for several years.   A desire for a change of pace led her to a kindergarten classroom for a time.  Throughout the remaining years of her teaching experience, Noreen worked with fifth graders, instructing them in various areas of study.

Noreen’s husband, Darr, is an electrical engineer who services air pollution control devices countrywide. Noreen has two sons and a daughter.   Kristian lives in Minnesota, Ian lives in Maryland and daughter Samantha lives in Florida. Noreen’s five grandchildren Aidan, Leif, Charlie, Lauren and Zoe are very special to her, and she loves to visit them all whenever she can!

Eight years ago this month, Noreen Pace was invited by Rotarian Mary Fuller to attend a Rotary meeting.  The evening of the meeting, Rotarian Jim Arthur was giving a program on the Four-Way Test.  Noreen was impressed with this experience and it started her thinking seriously about joining about this club.  Mary Fuller and Noreen Pace teamed together as fifth grade educators in the Genesee Valley School.  Both women took to their jobs each day with a sense of determination, dedicating endless evening and weekend hours to correcting papers and preparing future lessons.  Children were their lives. Mary’s invitation to the Rotary meeting opened a new door for Noreen.  Attending this meeting offered her the opportunity to join the comradery and positive adult interaction of this group of individuals.

In April 2005, Noreen became a member of the Belmont Rotary Club.  Passionate about reading and writing, Noreen has served and continues to serve as Literacy Chairperson for the Club.  She is well known by third graders in the school district as the “Dictionary Lady”, due to her reputation of passing out dictionaries to children each year, which she personalizes for each student herself.   This year, as part of her literacy initiative, Noreen Pace has distributed a thesaurus to each sixth grader in the Genesee Valley School District.  Middle School students will soon be receiving Spanish/English dictionaries to assist them with their language studies as well.  The dedication she has demonstrated to the goals set by Rotary to promote literacy serves as an example to the students whose lives she has touched.

Thirty years of teaching left Rotarian Noreen Pace with a satisfying feeling of accomplishment.  Now, she feels a strong sense of accomplishment once more through her community and international service as a Rotarian. Next year, Noreen will serve as President of the Belmont Rotary Club.  We all know we will be in good hands!

Belmont Rotary President Mary Fuller was proud and pleased to present a second prize check for $500.00 to Belmont’s Bernice Robbins at the 23^rd Annual Belmont Rotary 250 Club Raffle.  The winner of the grand prize of $1000.00 was Girard Kelly, of Angelica, New York.  Mrs. Robbins was also an early bird winner, receiving $50.00 in February.

Proceeds from the 250 Club event are used to provide scholarships for Genesee Valley School students, as well as community projects. To date, over $150,000 in matching and direct scholarships have been provided to our students through the efforts of the Belmont Rotary Club, and supporters such as Bernice Robbins. 

And how did this lucky lady feel after receiving her prize?  “I am just very excited,” exclaimed Mrs. Robbins as she claimed her prize.  “This is just wonderful!” 

We think so too, Bernice!

“My dad had a great influence on my life,” states Belmont Rotarian Marge Vossler.   “He was an active Rotarian, and I wanted to be a part of that.”

Born and raised in Williamsville, New York, seventy-four year old Marge Vossler has been never been one to sit back and let the world go by. As a young person she was active in the Girl Scouts and her church youth group. In high school she participated in the school yearbook and school paper. Following high school, Marge attended the University of Buffalo for one semester.  An emergency appendectomy led to a long recovery and she did not return to school.  Attending a church conference in Rochester, New York, Marge met her husband, Larry, and in 1958 they were married. They moved to Wellsville, New York and have made it their home.  In 1983 Marge returned to college, attending Alfred Agricultural and Technical School where she received an Associate’s Degree in accounting.

Marge and Larry had three sons.  Richard, a minister, resides in Livingston, New Jersey. Terry, a systems engineer with ABB, lives in Butler, Pennsylvania. Karl, from Purcellville, Virginia, served his country for twenty-seven years in the Air Force and is now an engineer for Lockheed Martin.  The family has indeed grown, as the Vosslers now has twelve grandchildren and two great grandchildren!

  Over the years the Marge has immersed herself in community service.  Marge has always been active in her church.  She is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and has served as its treasurer.  Currently Marge is the treasurer for the Allegany County Fair Board.  And, for sixteen years, Marge has assisted Office of the Aging clients with their income tax returns.                                        “I don’t lie to sit around much,” Marge will tell you.  Her many volunteer endeavors acknowledge that fact.

Rotarian Marge Vossler’s father was a very active Rotarian.  Before moving to Buffalo he was been a member of the Glens Falls Rotary Club.  With no opening in his electrical engineering classification he had to wait until moving to Williamsville with his young family to join a Rotary Club again.  Eventually, he was able to join the Buffalo Club.  Marge was able to attend many Rotary activities with her dad and that is where she really learned about Rotary.

                                                                                                   Rotarian Dirk Knapp enjoyed growing up in Belmont, New York and even as a young person, was involved in his community.  Dirk was a member of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, organizations which allowed him to participate in service projects throughout the years.                    Never afraid to roll up his sleeves, Dirk worked on farms in the area, as well as the Harris Hardware Store in Belmont for six years during his high school and college years. 

Following graduation from the Belmont Central School, Rotarian Knapp attended Alfred State College from which he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  Dirk was employed at Acme Electric in Cuba, New York for thirty-seven years until the company closed its doors.  For the last six years, Dirk Knapp has been employed at Dresser Rand Corporation in Wellsville, New York.

Dirk has been married for forty-two years this July to his wife, Debra.  She is a guidance counselor in the Genesee Valley School District and has been in the field of education for thirty-seven years. Dirk and Debra have two children.  Eric is also employed by Dresser Rand of Wellsville.  He also operates a heating and plumbing business.  Eric’s wife, Carissa, is an Assistance District Attorney for Allegany County.  Carissa currently serves as the Sergeant-At-Arms for the Belmont Rotary Club.  The Knapp’s daughter, Susan, is a special education instructor. At this time she is on maternity leave caring for three year old Anabelle and one year old Sebastian.  Susan’s husband, Drew, is a school psychologist for the Amherst School District.

Dirk Knapp is extremely proud to serve his community through the activities of the Belmont Rotary Club. It was the community service aspect of Rotary which encouraged him to become a member.  His mentor, John Maynard, invited Rotarian Knapp to participate in some Rotary Club community fund raisers and activities back in 1988.  Dirk saw firsthand the difference Rotary could make in the lives of others and he was hooked.

“There are so many people in the world who need help on one way or another”, explains Dirk Knapp.  The work of the Belmont Rotary Club not only enables my fellow Rotarians and me to assist those in our local community, but the world community as well.  That’s a great feeling!”

Belmont Rotary Club Meeting

       Wednesday, January 23, 2013

  January is Rotary Awareness Month

Rotary Moment                          Brandon LaValley

Hal Paris and Leonard Presutti brought me into Rotary.  Rotarian John Maynard asked me to be a Belmont Rotary representative for the GVRC camp and I was very happy to do that.   On Friday nights at the camp after dinner, they hold a dance.  The first time I was there and watched the kids with all kinds of disabilities laughing and dancing like  other kids, I thought, “This is really a good thing.” That was my Rotary Moment.

Once again last week, the gavel held by Acting President Noreen Pace was one of action.  There was much banter, wheel spinning, and “integrity challenging” during the evening.  It can be difficult in this group to be a follically challenged Rotarian!  Although, it is good for the fining pot!

Were you aware…

-that Rotary Clubs in Spain ceased to operate shortly after the outbreak of the Spanish Civil War?

-that in the Netherlands Rotary was forbidden after the occupation by the German troops in 1940, and could only be reinstated after the liberation in 1945?

Last week during “After Rotary Rotary”, Rotarian Carissa Knapp was looking through old Dispatch newspapers stored in the library.  She found an article about the night the Belmont Rotary Club received its charter back in 1959.  Over 250 people came for the celebration held at the Belmont Central School.  Over $200 dollars in fines was collected.  That must have been quite a party!

     Women in Rotary for Five, Please!

  Playing the game of Jeopardy to emphasize the importance of Rotary Awareness Month sharpened our knowledge of Rotary, while exposing our club’s competitive, yet humorous edge!

Rotarian Dana Ross kept his audience of Rotarians on their toes during his program on Rotary Awareness Month rcently.  

Employing the use of the game Jeopardy, as well as his clever sense of humor, Rotarian Ross was able to dust a few cobwebs from our "Rotary Trivia Recollections".   

Along with the entertaining aspect of the program, the questions and answers led to revitalizing conversation regarding  the history and future of Rotary.  Well done, 
Rotarian Dana Ross! 

Trivia: Who was the very first Belmont Rotary Club President in 1959?

Reminders:  NO MEETING   JANUARY 30^TH

                   First 250 Club Early Bird Drawing

                   Is Wednesday, February 13th

Belmont Rotary Club Meeting

           Wednesday, January 16, 2013

      January is Rotary Awareness Month

Rotary Moment                          Joe Mead

Years ago Hal Paris was in Rotary and he had talked to me about Rotary a couple of times.  Then, after my wife Kathy passed, he talked to me about joining again and I guess it was a good time for me to get involved in something. I was impressed with what Rotary was about.  For a year I worked on the Rotary Camp Committee and spent time there.  It was a highlight for me, and I was really impressed with what they did there.

Rotary/ Library Renovation Project Update

On Thursday, January 10^th, Rotarians John Maynard and Donna DiGirolamo met with library Trustee Meredith Chilson and Alfred State College Construction Instructor Jason Miller to discuss the renovation of the wall in the main room upstairs.  Mr. Miller’s crew sixteen young men will prepare the room for removal of the plaster from the walls on January 22^nd.  Once this has been completed they will begin to apply the dry wall.  

Dana Ross has the program this week.  He will be speaking about Rotary Awareness. Thank you, Dana!

Jon Alhart has requested that we now send our weekly bulletins to the Facebook page.  The first two bulletins for January have been sent!  Thank you, Jon!

Thank you to those of you who were able to assist with the removal of the Christmas wreaths this past weekend.  Your presence during activities such as this helps to reinforce “Rotary Awareness” in our community.  People do appreciate our efforts!

Reminder:   Jan.  23^rd    Board Meeting

                Jan. 30th    No Meeting 

        A Good Time Was Had By All

The Belmont, Friendship and Wellsville Rotary Clubs joined together again in December for the annual

Rotary Christmas Party held at Moonwinks in Cuba, New York.   Each club donated an item to be auctioned, and along with a 50/50 raffle, the three clubs raised over $400 for the Genesee Valley Rotary Camp.  Irish folk singer, Patrick Kane, not only provided specialty Christmas music for the evening, but many a story and a lot of laughs as well.  The Belmont Rotary thanks the Friendship and Wellsville Rotary Club for their generous donations and fellowship!

We make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give.     Winston Churchill

Belmont Rotary Club Meeting

      Wednesday, January 12, 2013

 January is Rotary Awareness Month

Rotary Moment            Jim Arthur

I had been asked repeatedly by John Maynard to think about joining Rotary, but I did not think it was what I wanted to do.  It seemed that I was already so busy.  Then, I began noticing the different projects and activities that the Belmont Rotary Club was initiating in our community, such as the Amity for Renee Fundraiser, and I wanted to take part in that energy.  (John’s insistence eventually paid off!)

Good News!! The missing bridge wreath has been located in the Town and Village Hall. Greg Winterhalter found it and returned it to the Horn Room for us.  Now, relax, Brandon!!!!

The wheel was flying last week during the fining period.  Acting President Noreen is taking no prisoners as she wields the gavel.  Be aware all ye moaners….you know who you are, Dirk and Dana…

PP Jim sat quietly, donning his Fine Free Badge and  smiling, as he prepared to leave for Las Vegas! Las Vegas!!!   Who ever thought!!?!!

Cyborg Cockroaches?! Check out the News, studies, and recent research article in this month’s Rotarian on page 18.  Who said good help is hard to find?

Are you aware…

-that there are 1.2 million Rotarians worldwide?

-that there are 34,000 Rotary Clubs in 200 countries?

Trivia – Which United States President, born on January 30, 1882, was a polio survivor?

        Rotary Awareness Through Community Awards  

Rotarian Bob Drosendahl presents the very first Rotary Christmas Lighting Award for A Business to Crystal Sallazzo, a representative for ALCO Federal Credit Union. 

Rotary awareness can be promoted through the concept of civic pride.   We are honored to commend those citizens and businesses in our community who take pride in participating in community activities.  The plaque awarded to the ALCO Federal Credit Union by the Belmont Rotary will be displayed for the coming year for all to see.  Thank you, Mrs. Sallazzo, and the ALCO Federal Credit Union for your community spirit!

Reminders: January 16^th     Dana Ross Program

                   January 19^th    Wreath Removal  9:00

                   January 23^rd     Board Meeting

                   JANUARY 30^TH  NO MEETING

Belmont Rotary Club Meeting

       Wednesday, January 2, 2013

 January is Rotary Awareness Month

Rotary January Calendar

-Wreath Removal     Date to be Determined

-January   9^th-           Mike Healy Program

-January 16^th            Dana Ross Program                                          -January23^rd             Board Meeting

-January 30^th            Meeting?

CALL NOREEN IF YOU CANNOT MAKE A MEETING

Rotary Concern

In December 2012, five volunteers distributing polio vaccine were shot and killed in Pakistan by the Taliban.  The Taliban claims that this vaccine is actually given by the United States to sterilize people.  For a couple of days the vaccinations were halted and fears of a resurgence of polio arose.  Thankfully, the vaccinations are again taking place with security guards accompanying the volunteers.  Please keep these brave individuals in your thoughts as they put their lives on the line for the sake of others.

Congratulations…

*To President Mary Fuller, Bob Drosendahl and Dana Ross for the great job they did planning our Christmas Party,

*To Joe Mead, Dana Ross and Don Skinner for winning the raffle items at our Christmas Party.

*To Mike Bessette for winning the Gun Raffle. Thank you, Don Skinner, Daryl Fuller, and Mike Healy for your efforts with this project.

What might people see around our community that would make them aware of Rotary?

      January Rotarian of the Month

“When I attended a Rotary meeting in 1981 and heard all of the things Rotary was doing for the Belmont community, I wanted to be a part of those accomplishments.”  That meeting was a Rotary moment for John Maynard, and that year he became a member of the Belmont Rotary Club.

John Maynard was raised in Rochester, New York.  After serving four years in the Navy as a medic, John worked at Strong Memorial Hospital in the radiology department.  It was there that he met his wife, Diane, a Belmont native.  The Maynard’s decided to return to Belmont to live and raise their children, Alan and Sarah.  For twenty-one years they owned and operated Maynard’s Groceries and Gas, where customers could find a welcoming smile, and share bits of local news. For twenty-two years, John served his community as a Town Councilman. Taking this commitment very seriously, John was always one to listen to his constituents when difficult decisions had to be made.  As a Rotarian, business owner, American Legion member, parent and councilman, John has given his best effort.  We have all benefited from his dedication.

John Maynard has twice served as Belmont Rotary President. He has been a strong advocate for the Foundation, serving as the Chairman for over twenty-five years.  Due to his diligence and leadership, the Belmont Rotary can boast not only the fact that we are a 100% Paul Harris Fellows Club, but  we are also a 100% MULTIPLE Paul Harris Fellow Club! Sapphires for everyone! Great job, John.