NYC Chapter Committee Meeting Minutes
Thursday, November 15, 2007, 6:30 p.m.

Attendees: Mike Azzarella, David Borchard, Michael Davis, Ron DiGiore, Bob Kennedy

Excused: Nina Bohrer, Kayla Boorady, Elaine Bourke, John Kalinowski, Laura Pillich, David Schofield, Joyson Thomas

We discussed the planned events for FY ’08:

  1. The all-male retreat is November 16 – 18 at Loyal Retreat House in Morristown, NJ. Contact John directly for further details.
  2. While a November wine tasting event was cost prohibitive, there still seems to be some interest in the Chamber Music event at Weill Hall (inside Carnegie Hall) on December 1. Tickets are only $20. See separate email for ticket ordering details.
  3. In lieu of Mass on December 8 a holiday party will take place at the Davises on Thursday, December 13, from 6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. Please let Michael (or Lynda) Davis know if you are attending (mpdinnyc@aol.com or 212.689.6239). Their address is 10 Waterside Plaza, Apt. 23K.
  4. Yet another discussion occurred about the opera event and/or Canisius professor lecture. At the last meeting the group agreed to combine both into one big event. Michael Davis asked the committee to consider these two as separate events. It was agreed that we should try to get Canisius music professor, Jane Carey, to attend the opera event if at all possible. (Regardless of Jane Carey’s attendance, we can still consider another lecture in the spring.) Actual operas in Feb., Mar. or Apr. were discussed including "Carmen", "Barber of Seville" and "La Boheme". Bob was to check out if tickets are still available and how to go about getting a group rate. Ron was to help with the restaurant selection. A separate room (or area) is necessary so that all may hear Jane Carey speak.
  5. As Campaign 2008 builds, Michael Davis suggested that, in addition to the opera event, we host a "political discussion" event given by one of the political science professors from Canisius in the spring.
  6. We await word from Rachel if Canisius can help host the players (and parents) for a gathering before the Iona or Manhattan College games. Otherwise, this is too cost prohibitive for the NYC chapter.
  7. Joyson, in an email before the meeting, wanted to present the Sabres vs. Rangers games on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 at 7 p.m. or Saturday, February 16, 2008 at 1 p.m. The committee agreed that it is too close to the opera event. However, it would be good for those alums who are already attending to meet before (or after) the game.
  8. David will alert us about a spring community service project coordinated by M&T and NY Cares in which Canisius alums may participate. He told the group about a request from Fr. Bucki to help house Canisius students while they perform community service in New York City from January 5 – 12, 2008. Anyone interested in providing housing may do so directly with Fr. Bucki (buckij@canisius.edu or 716.888.2420).
Michael Davis is concerned about the NYC Chapter and the direction in which it is heading. He asked "What is the purpose of this chapter?" All agreed that it has been very difficult to keep connected with Canisius College with all of the (continual) changes going on in the alumni office. It would be great if Canisius could be more actively involved with the chapter(s). Bob reminded everyone that the NYC Chapter is one of the most active in the country (after Buffalo).

The committee wishes to congratulate John on his approval to the Master of Theology program through the Diocese of Trenton! He is pursuing this for lay ministry.

The committee also wishes Kayla’s dad quick recovery from his surgery scheduled for today (November 15).

The next gathering is on December 13 at the Davises. The next meeting after that will be scheduled for January 15, 16 or 17, 2008 at the same time and place.