Paul McAfee's Personal Blog

Rotary celebrates India's first polio-free year

2012-01-20T10:26:00.003-05:00

Rotary club members worldwide are cautiously celebrating a major milestone in the global effort to eradicate polio. India, until recently an epicenter of the wild poliovirus, has gone one year without recording a new case of the crippling, sometimes fatal, disease. India’s last reported case was a 2-year-old girl in West Bengal State on 13 January 2011. The country recorded 42 cases in 2010, and 741 in 2009.

A chief factor in India’s success has been the widespread use of the bivalent oral polio vaccine, which is effective against both remaining types of the poliovirus. Another has been rigorous monitoring, which has helped reduce the number of children missed by health workers during National Immunization Days to less than 1 percent, according to the World Health Organization.

If all ongoing testing for polio cases recorded through 13 January continues to yield negative results, WHO will declare that India has interrupted transmission of indigenous wild poliovirus, laying the groundwork for its removal from the polio-endemic countries list, which also includes Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Nigeria. However, because non-endemic countries remain at risk for cases imported from endemic countries, immunizations in India and other endemic and at-risk countries must continue. Neighboring Pakistan, which has reported 189 cases so far for 2011, is a major threat to India’s continued polio-free status. Last year, an outbreak in China, which had been polio-free for a decade, was traced genetically to Pakistan.

"As an Indian, I am immensely proud of what Rotary has accomplished,” says RI President Kalyan Banerjee. “However, we know this is not the end of our work. Rotary and our partners must continue to immunize children in India and in other countries until the goal of a polio-free world is finally achieved.”

More on this story at the Rotary International website at this link:
http://www.rotary.org/en/MediaAndNews/News/Pages/120112_news_indiapolio.aspx

Delivering COMET Informatics LLC's investor presentation tomorrow morning at the Buffalo Club

2012-01-17T08:00:00.000-05:00

Wednesday morning, January 18, at 7:30 am, I will be delivering the investor presentation to the Western New York Venture Association for COMET Informatics LLC.

The two Co-Founders, Dr. Dirk Hightower and Dr. Serge Lossa, along with the Board President, Dan Draper, also will participate.

To join us, please call 636-3626 or email info@wnyventure.com for more info.

COMET Informatics develops and markets the COMET® web-based data application. COMET aids people who care about and are responsible for children’s success in school and life. COMET supports children's learning progress and outcomes with powerful real-time data and assessment evaluation tools. COMET is in use at 100 customers, including schools and community-based organizations. From COMET’s first paying customer in 2008, over 160,000 children, and the organizations serving them, have benefited from COMET.

In schools, COMET enables evidence-based interventions, matching a child with a specific need to a proven form of therapy or corrective action.

For community-based organizations serving children, and for funders of these organizations, COMET enables and simplifies the process of evaluating their programs.

COMET’s school customers include large school districts, such as the Rochester City School District, as well as many smaller school districts nationally.

In the community-based out-of-school program segment, COMET customers include the United Way of Greater Rochester, Upstate Cerebral Palsy, Volunteers of America, the City of Rochester, and many others.

As an example, COMET helps United Way of Greater Rochester measure the effectiveness of its innovative, community-driven strategic planning process. This help is vital because the process – with the goal of ensuring positive change in the community – raises the bar to look at the impact of the strategies it employs. COMET specifically enables United Way to more easily collect and use data on its evidence-based programs that help parents meet the challenges of raising children.

Two Rochester, NY, organizations formed COMET Informatics LLC. These are the non-profit Children’s Institute, Inc., and the for-profit software company, SophiTEC, Inc. Visit www.comet4children.com.

Added COMET Informatics LLC to GUST.com

2012-01-16T09:17:00.002-05:00

I just added a public profile for COMET Informatics LLC to GUST.com at www.gust.com/c/comet_informatics_llc.

GUST.com provides potential investors with information on COMET Informatics.

I will expand the information in GUST.com after our presentation to the Western New York Venture Association on Wednesday morning, January 18.

Come to the WNY Venture Association Meeting on January 18

2012-01-12T16:15:00.000-05:00

COMET Informatics LLC will be one of the presenters at the January 18 Western New York Venture Association meeting.

COMET is in use at 85 customers, including schools and community-based organizations. From COMET’s first paying customer in 2008, over 160,000 children, and the organizations serving them, have benefited from COMET.

In schools, COMET enables evidence-based interventions, matching a child with a specific need to a proven form of therapy or corrective action. For community-based organizations serving children, and for funders of these organizations, COMET enables and simplifies the process of evaluating their programs. COMET’s school customers include large school districts, such as the Rochester City School District, as well as many smaller school districts nationally.

In the community-based out-of-school program segment, COMET customers include the United Way of Greater Rochester, Upstate Cerebral Palsy, Volunteers of America, the City of Rochester, and many others. As an example, COMET helps United Way of Greater Rochester measure the effectiveness of its innovative, community-driven strategic planning process. This help is vital because the process – with the goal of ensuring positive change in the community – raises the bar to look at the impact of the strategies it employs. COMET specifically enables United Way to more easily collect and use data on its evidence-based programs that help parents meet the challenges of raising children.

Two Rochester, NY, organizations formed COMET Informatics LLC. These are the non-profit Children’s Institute, Inc., and the for-profit software company, SophiTEC, Inc.

M.I.T. Game-Changer: Free Online Education For All (Forbes)

2011-12-29T10:53:00.001-05:00

M.I.T. Game-Changer: Free Online Education For All.

This is real. Read the article.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesmarshallcrotty/2011/12/21/m-i-t-game-changer-free-online-education-for-all/

Please vote for Rotary International.

2011-12-29T10:16:00.004-05:00

Click here to vote for Rotary International.

United Airline's gift to you this holiday season is the opportunity to select your favorite charity among the 45 listed to receive a percentage of our 10 Million Charity Miles Giveaway.

Your vote helps increase your favorite charity's percentage of the 10 million miles.

You can vote for one charity once a day.

And you can encourage your friends to join you in supporting your favorite charity.

The 10 Million Charity Miles Giveaway is United's way of thanking you and honoring the causes closest to you.

New Company Created to Provide Data Systems to Help Children – COMET Informatics LLC

2011-12-22T07:31:00.001-05:00

Non-profit Children’s Institute, Inc., in cooperation with software developer SophiTEC, Inc., create a new company serving children through schools and community-based organizations.

Two Rochester, New York, organizations formed a new company named COMET Informatics LLC. These two organizations are the non-profit Children’s Institute, Inc., and the for-profit software company, SophiTEC, Inc.

COMET Informatics LLC continues the development of, and markets, a web-based data application named “COMET®”. COMET aids people who care about and are responsible for children’s success in school and life. COMET supports children's learning progress and outcomes with powerful real-time data and assessment evaluation tools.

In schools, COMET enables evidence-based interventions, matching a child with a specific need to a proven form of therapy or corrective action. For community-based organizations serving children, and for funders of these organizations, COMET enables and simplifies the process of evaluating their programs.

On December 7, 2011, the date the company’s founders signed its operating agreement, COMET was in use at 85 customers, including schools and community-based organizations. From COMET’s inception, over 160,000 children, and the organizations serving them, have benefited from COMET.

In the school segment, COMET customers include large school districts, such as the Rochester City School District, as well as smaller districts, such as Westmoreland Central School District, both in New York State. COMET customers include school districts throughout the USA and in Canada.

In the community-based organization out-of-school program segment, COMET customers include the United Way of Greater Rochester, Upstate Cerebral Palsy, Volunteers of America, the City of Rochester, N.Y, and many others.

COMET helps United Way of Greater Rochester measure the effectiveness of its innovative, community-driven strategic planning process. This help is vital because the process – with the goal of ensuring positive change in the community – raises the bar to look at the impact of the strategies it employs. COMET specifically enables United Way to more easily collect and use data on its evidence-based programs that help parents meet the challenges of raising children.

The Co-CEOs of COMET Informatics LLC are A. Dirk Hightower, Ph.D., from Children’s Institute, and Serge Lossa, Ph.D., from SophiTEC.

About the COMET Web-Based Application
COMET integrates assessment processes, including attendance, assessment instruments, and technology, into a single system. It captures and manages the large volume of data required for each child or youth. COMET does this across years, in educational institutions, and in other public and private organizations that serve children and families. COMET monitors the performance, outcomes, and success of children, parents, providers, programs, and organizations.

COMET provides individual and aggregate reporting. This makes COMET useful to early educators, teachers, and out-of-school staff, who conduct educational planning and interventions for specific children.
Administrators, who need to evaluate results of programs, benefit from COMET. Funders of non-profit programs, who need to determine the return on investment, also benefit from COMET.

COMET works in conjunction with existing data systems. It is designed for actionable research and evaluations across multiple domains such as social and emotional health, learning, physical health, mental health, and academic skills. COMET collects data from thousands of instruments and generates both generic and customized reports to meet the needs of customers. COMET’s professional staff can design and customize both assessment and program evaluation solutions for COMET users.

For more information, visit www.comet4children.com.

About Children’s Institute, Inc.
Children’s Institute, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to strengthen the social and emotional health of children. For more than 50 years, Children’s Institute has conducted research and developed and promoted prevention and early intervention programs, materials, and best practices to ensure children’s success.

About SophiTEC, Inc.
With over 20 years of experience in software development, SophiTEC designs develops, and deploys customized databases and expert systems to meet corporate, school, governmental, and not-for-profit customers’ needs. SophiTEC is headquartered in Bushnell’s Basin, near Rochester, New York.

Join Dr. Scott Martzloff for dinner Wednesday, January 18

2011-12-18T16:28:00.003-05:00

Dr. Martzloff is the new Superindent of the Williamsville Central School District.
Click here to download a registration form.

Rotary Dinner Event
Hosted by the Rotary E-Club of SOWNY

Dinner & Guest Speaker Presentation
Wednesday, January 18, 2012 5:30 PM — 8:15 PM

Featuring Scott Martzloff, Ed.D. - Superintendent, Williamsville Central School District

TOPIC: What is happening to school funding?
The impact of reductions in funding to public schools and how this will affect the area’s school systems and taxes.

Location: Windows on the Green Restaurant at Westwood Country Club
722 North Forest Road, Williamsville, NY 14221

Date/ Time: Wednesday, January 18, 2012
5:30 PM—6:30 PM Cash bar and networking
6:30 PM—7:15 PM Dinner
7:15 PM—8:15 PM Guest speaker presentation followed by Q & A

Dinner Cost: $26.00 with advanced reservation & prepayment (complete form below)
$30.00—pay at the door

Net dinner proceeds support the Rotary E-Club of SOWNY, Rotary District 7090’s new online Rotary club.

Dinner entre: Seafood stuffed filet of sole in lobster-lemon broth. Contact Mr. Maddalena for a vegetarian alternative.

Email questions to: rotaryeclub7090@roadrunner.com.

Poll About Perceptions of Rotary International

2011-12-16T07:38:00.000-05:00

I created a one-question poll on LinkedIn to explore how people perceive Rotary International and its Rotary clubs.

Please take this 2 second poll: http://linkd.in/sCWQb9

Thank you.

Proud father moment ...

2011-12-15T07:01:00.002-05:00

This week my oldest daughter, Marguerite McAfee , completed her Masters degree in Real Estate Finance at New York University (NYU) and started a terrific new job two days later ... in Real Estate Finance!

Rotary Club of Amherst East Contributes $1,000 to Amherst Meals on Wheels, in Amherst, N.Y.

2011-12-08T19:43:00.001-05:00

Amherst, N.Y. – December 8, 2011 – Gerry DeSimone, Presidentof the Rotary Club of Amherst East, presents a check for $1,000 to Anne MarieHoward, Director of the Amherst Meals on Wheels, Amherst, N.Y. Also in the Photo is Sally Draper, ServicesSub-Chair for Club Service & Events.

About Amherst Meals onWheels, Amherst, N.Y.

Amherst Meals on Wheels is located within the Amherst CenterFor Senior Services, 370 John James Audubon Pkwy, Amherst, NY 14228. Anne Marie Howard is the Director of AmherstMeals on Wheels. The organizationservers people 18 years old and up, with current clients ranging from 21 yearsold to 101 years old. The organizationhas 350 active volunteers. Clientsreceive two meals each day. To contactAmherst Meals on Wheels, visit http://www.amherst.ny.us/contact/contact_dept.asp?div_id=div_50&emp_id=000000.

About Rotary Club ofAmherst East

The Rotary Club of Amherst East meets weekly from 12:15 pm –1:30 pm for lunch. The club meets at theWindows on the Green Restaurant, Westwood Country Club, 772 North Forest Road,Williamsville, NY, 14221. The clubsupports international and local Rotary projects. In Western New York, this Rotary club and itslocal non-profit foundation support literacy and other education programs forchildren.

Rotary is a volunteer organization with 33,000 clubs in over200 countries and geographical areas. Itinitiates humanitarian projects that address today’s challenges affecting theworld today, such as hunger, poverty, and illiteracy.

Rotary club members represent a cross-section of businessand professional leaders around the world. These 1.2 million men and women donate their expertise, time, and fundsto support local and international projects that help people in need andpromote understanding among cultures. RotaryInternational is the worldwide association of Rotary clubs united under a mottoof Service Above Self.

Rotary’s flagship program is its effort to protect childrenagainst polio. It aims to eradicate thedisease from the world.

For more information about the Rotary Club of Amherst East,visit www.amhersteastrotary.org.

What is Rotary?

2011-12-08T08:48:00.001-05:00

I frequently post Rotary related information here. For those who don't know anything about Rotary, here is background.

The Object of Rotary
The Object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise and, in particular, to encourage and foster:
FIRST. The development of acquaintance as an opportunity for service;
SECOND. High ethical standards in business and professions, the recognition of the worthiness of all useful occupations, and the dignifying
of each Rotarian's occupation as an opportunity to serve society;
THIRD. The application of the ideal of service in each Rotarian's personal, business, and community life;
FOURTH. The advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of business and professional
persons united in the ideal of service.

Avenues of Service
The 5 Avenues of Service are Rotary’s philosophical cornerstone and the foundation on which club activity is based:
Club Service focuses on strengthening fellowship and ensuring the effective functioning of the club.
Vocational Service encourages Rotarians to serve others through their vocations and to practice high ethical standards.
Community Service covers the projects and activities the club undertakes to improve life in its community.
International Service encompasses actions taken to expand Rotary’s humanitarian reach around the globe and to promote world
understanding and peace.
New Generations recognizes the positive change implemented by youth and young adults involved in leadership development activities,
community and international service projects, and exchange programs that enrich and foster world peace and cultural understanding.

The Four-Way Test
The test, which has been translated into more than 100 languages, asks the following questions:
Of the things we think, say or do
1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Rotary District 7090 Pages Earned Their Personalized Facebook URLs

2011-12-04T16:42:00.001-05:00

The Rotary E-Club of SOWNY Facebook page is now: RotaryEClubSOWNY

So this is the URL: http://www.facebook.com/RotaryEClubSOWNY

The Rotary District 7090 Facebook page is now: RotaryDistrict7090

So this is the new URL: http://www.facebook.com/RotaryDistrict7090

This is a (lengthy) re-post of the information Liz Kovacs, President of the Rotary E-Club of SOWNY, posted on its Rotary District 7090 page recently - for those interested in our new E-Club.

2011-12-04T10:11:00.001-05:00

JOIN OUR NEW E-CLUB TODAY !

If you are interested in learning about the Rotary E-Club of SOWNY, here's what you can do!

    Click on informational tabs to the left of this page "E-Club Basics and How it works"
    Click on the BASICS OF ROTARY Brochure
    Click on the GUIDING PRINCIPALS OF ROTARY
     Click on our Meeting Schedule and see what is planned for the upcoming weeks and months.
    Register for a FREE informational webinar (click on tabs to the left of this page) and join us online.
    Join any of our webinar programs to learn more about Rotary, our Avenues of Service and other topics of interest.
    Contact Club President for more information by emailing rotaryeclub7090@roadrunner.com. We can also arrange a meeting to talk further and answer any questions you may have.
    Click on "Websites & Social Media" link to the left. View our Facebook and Linked In pages and add those sites to your personal Facebook and Linked In pages.
    View this video "As a Rotarian, How have you provided service?"   http://youtu.be/5Q8A624ulOA
    Check this website regularly for new programs and updates!

If you are interested in becoming a Charter Member of the Rotary E-Club of SOWNY, here's what you can do!

    Click on APPLICATION tab to the left of this page; complete and email to rotaryeclub7090@roadrunner.com as soon as possible. We need 25 members to obtain our charter!
    Cut and paste this link to your web browser. http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/NewMembers/Pages/ridefault.aspx This takes you to the Rotary International website ; watch the video on the front page!
     Continue to enjoy our webinar programs and special events.
    You may visit other Rotary Clubs in your area to meet fellow Rotarians. A current E-Club member will be delighted to join you and introduce you to clubs near you.   One requirement of E-Club is that you attend one face-to-face Rotary meeting per month (scheduled the last week of each month). This could be a breakfast, luncheon or dinner club meeting. You are always welcome to attend any Rotary Club meeting in our District 7090 or anywhere in the world when you travel for business or pleasure.
    Click on "Websites & Social Media" link to the left. View our Facebook and Linked In pages and add those sites to your personal Facebook and Linked In pages.
    View this video "As a Rotarian, How have you provided service?" http://youtu.be/5Q8A624ulOA
    Check this website regularly for new programs and updates!

If you are currently a Rotarian of any Club anywhere within District 7090 (Southern Ontario Canada & Western New York US) or around the globe, you may attend our programs and obtain a make-up in two ways!

    Register for a webinar; attend the presentation and you will receive a make-up confirmation via email within 48 hours of the webinar.
    Spend 30 minutes on our website viewing past presentations. See those marked PPP to the left (this stands for Power Point Presentation). Once our new website is developed, we will offer a complete Library of Programs to view including PPP's, videos, film, articles and other documents spanning a wide range of topics of interest to Rotarians. If you spend 30 minutes watching programs from this website, email rotaryeclub7090@roadrunner.com and request that an emailed make-up confirmation be sent to you. You may forward this to your Club Secretary as proof you made a make-up. As Rotarians, we honor the 4 Way Test and trust that your request for a make-up slip is based on truth.

    While you are here on our website, you may wish to .

    Click on "Websites & Social Media" link to the left. View our Facebook and Linked In pages and add those sites to your personal Facebook and Linked In pages.
    View this video "As a Rotarian, How have you provided service?"     http://youtu.be/5Q8A624ulOA
    Check this website regularly for new programs and updates!

Rotary E-Club of SOWNY WEBINAR: ROTARY FOUNDATION - Arthur Wing, Rotary District 7090 Past District Governor: 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM EST USA

2011-11-30T06:31:00.001-05:00

Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/355133302

Our distinguished guest is Arthur Wing, current Director of the District 7090 FOUNDATION COMMITTEE which encompasses the following: the Annual and Permanent Fund , Polio Eradication, Group Study Exchange, Grants, Foundation Alumni, Rotary Scholars and the Paul Harris Society.

These topics are vast individually, however, Art will provide an overview of each and field questions pertaining to any aspect of Rotary Foundation.

This webinar is a must for all Rotarians who require a better understanding of Rotary Foundation and pertinent developments within our District. Our distinguished guest, Art Wing , has served as Past District Governor (2005-2006) and is a member of the Rotary Club of St. Catharines. Don't miss this opportunity !

Register NOW and reserve your seat !

Title: Rotary E-Club of SOWNY WEBINAR: ROTARY FOUNDATION - Arthur Wing Date: Thursday, December 1, 2011 Time: 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM EST.

After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

Help getting Apple's iOS 5 onto your iPhone or iPad

2011-11-25T11:40:00.001-05:00

If you are having trouble updating your iPad or iPhone to Apple's iOS 5, this is a resource to solve the problem. This requires a little technical competency, but it works.

The main error message this addresses is "Error -3259". It generally mentions “Network Connection Timed Out”.

I spent hours (>10) trying to update my wife's iPad 1 and iPhone 4. This finally did the trick. Verizon had no interest in helping with this issue.

http://osxdaily.com/2010/11/18/itunes-network-connection-timed-out-error-3259-iphone-update-fix/

From the explanation on the blog that has this information:

Some users report variations of a “Network Connection Timed Out” error when trying to update their iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch to a newer version of iOS or even when attempting to connect to the iTunes Store. Errors include but are not limited to:

“There is a problem downloading the software”
“Network Connection Timed Out”
“iTunes could not connect to the Store. An unknown error occurred (-3259). Make sure your network connection is active and try again.”
“There was an error downloading your music (-3259)”
“Cannot connect to iTunes Store”
iTunes Error 9808
Variations of iTunes Error -3259

The specific files are at the following links. You will need to know exactly what model device you have, which can be tough, since it isn't indicated on the Apple products.

Download iPhone Firmware / IPSW Files
http://osxdaily.com/2010/10/25/download-iphone-firmware-ipsw/

Download iPad Firmware & IPSW
http://osxdaily.com/2010/11/02/download-ipad-firmware-ipsw/

Download iPod Touch Firmware / IPSW Files
http://osxdaily.com/2010/10/30/download-ipod-touch-firmware-ipsw/

Google for Veterans and Families

2011-11-23T12:35:00.001-05:00

The site includes the creation of new services like VetConnect, Resume Builder powered by Google Docs, Tour Builder powered by Google Docs, and our very own Google Veterans YouTube Channel.

Visit: http://www.googleforveterans.com/#utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=BKWS

Rotary Distric 7090 Social Media Campaign by PR Director Paul McAfee

2011-11-22T07:56:00.001-05:00

Rotary clubs and their members need to know what we are doing with our Rotary District 7090 social media campaign. We need as much participation by individual Rotary members in our District, and by their clubs, to be a success.

Travel to make personal presentations to Rotary clubs in our Rotary District is an issue, especially due to the heavy workload I have with our new company launch (COMET Informatics LLC - See www.comet4children.com for more information about this).

Here is an alternative ... If your club has a computer with a projector and screen, and if you have good Internet access for that computer, I could be at your meeting "virtually" using GoToMeeting.

You would need to do a test of GoToMeeting with me in advance to be sure your audio is working, and that your Internet connection will work with GoToMeeting. Connection quality is only a bandwidth issue, but worth checking ahead of time. Audio should be checked also. Otherwise, you won't hear me talking, and you can't ask me questions.

I am happy to explore this idea with your Rotary District 7090 club.

Paul McAfee
PR Director, Rotary District 7090

Rotary District 7090 Group Study Exchange Applications

2011-11-20T07:56:00.001-05:00

The 73 clubs of Rotary District 7090, stretching from Southern Ontario to New York State, are seeking young professionals to take part in a Group Study Exchange to Brazil.

There is no cost for participants of this program.

The Group Study Exchange program, sponsored by The Rotary Foundation, provides young business and professional men and women between the ages of 25 and 40 with a unique cultural and vocational experience. The program extends travel grants for a four-person team with a Rotarian team leader to travel to Brazil from April 26th - May 28th, 2012.

The Group Study Exchange program is an opportunity of a lifetime. While in Brazil, the team members will be hosted by local Rotarians members and will study the institutions, the Brazilian way of life, and their own vocations as practiced in Brazil. The hosting Brazilian Rotarians and their clubs plan the itinerary.

Applicants must:
    be between the ages 25 and 40;
    be fully employed with at least two years of work experience in their chosen field;
    reside in, or be employed in, our Rotary district;
    be personable, articulate, cooperative, motivated team players, who are enthusiastic about their vocations and have demonstrated leadership skills;
    be a Canadian or United States citizen;
    not be related to a Rotarian or be a Rotarian;
    be available to participate in a selection session interview December 10th;
    be able to take a month away from their job to travel to Brazil; and
    be prepared to attend frequent team meetings between December and their departure date of April 26th, 2012. The team is scheduled to return to this area May 28th 2012.

The application deadline is November 21st with a selection/interview session scheduled for all day Saturday, December 10th (8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) 2011.

More detailed information and applications can be obtained by visiting

http://www.rotary.org/en/serviceandfellowship/makeconnections/groupstudyexchange/Pages/ridefault.aspx

For further information, please contact Robert Gosselin, Canadian Co-Chair, robert2gosselin@sympatico.ca or 905-328-0061 or Dan Smth, United States Co-Chair, dsmith@plantrol.com or 716-269-9900.

COMET Videos from Rochester United Way

2011-11-18T06:14:00.001-05:00

This is the YouTube Playlist that contains all of the videos I uploaded last night. The videos show Patricia Davis and Elizabeth Ramsay Marchese, from the United Way of Greater Rochester, talking about how they use COMET.

Presentation on School Budget by Scott Martzloff, Ed.D.

2011-11-15T19:27:00.001-05:00

Video from Scott Martzloff, Ed.D., Williamsville Central School District about 2012-2013 budget:

http://bit.ly/Williamsville-Budget

Dr. Martzloff talks about issues that face every New York State School District.

Rotary Members Should Support Green Mountain Coffee

2011-11-11T22:36:00.001-05:00

Recent headline from CNN Money: "Green Mountain Coffee sinks on sales miss".

Green Mountain Coffee supports Rotary through the Five for Water Foundation project. Visit http://www.fiveforwater.org/ for more information.

Rotary Clubs should support Green Mountain Coffee. It helps the RI Foundation, helps build water wells, and helps the clubs raise funds for their own projects.

Free Meals for Veterans Today 11/11/11

2011-11-11T10:39:00.001-05:00

Fellow Veterans in the Buffalo area ... receive meal freebies today: Applebee's, Olive Garden, Chili's, Texas Roadhouse and Subway.

See restaurant websites for details. Free car wash at Delta Sonic. Bring proof of service.

If you are interested in joining Rotary ...

2011-11-10T10:16:00.001-05:00

If you are interested in joining Rotary ... To be a member of the Rotary Club of SOWNY, you must live or work within our District 7090.

Or - and this is important to many - You may have been associated with Rotary through our District. So if currently, or in the past, you were a Group Study Exchange participant, or a RYLA (Youth Leadership) participant, in our District, you may be eligible to join this e-Club. Other qualifications can include a past Rotaract or Interact membership in our District, or having studied abroad in one of our student exchange or scholarship programs.

If you are interested in joining, or want more information, just post your questions here.

http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/7090//HTML/68268//District%20Map.pdf

Regents Approve Development of Kindergarten Readiness Tool for Use in 2014-2015 School Year

2011-11-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

Dr. Dirk Hightower, Executive Director of non-profit Children's Institute (where I work), is quoted in a recent release from New York State Dept. of Education.

Dr. A. Dirk Hightower from Children’s Institute in Rochester stated, “Screening and assessing children’s readiness skills along multiple dimensions is essential to understand what children may need to get a good start in school. While identifying children’s needs is a necessary first step, a next and equally important step will be to provide and monitor the interventions necessary to assure each student’s success.”

Other content from the release:

"Yesterday [October 19, 2011], Governor Cuomo submitted New York’s application for a federal Early Childhood Learning Grant (ECLG) that could bring New York an additional $100 million in federal funds. State Education Commissioner John B. King, Jr. said the application highlights the State Board of Regents’ commitment to early childhood learning. King noted that the NYS pre-K standards, adopted by the Regents to provide a strong foundation for the NYS Common Core standards, are a key element of the application.

The development of a kindergarten readiness measurement tool is an essential criterion of New York’s application for the ECLG grant. Earlier this week, the Board of Regents directed State Education Department (SED) staff to develop a Determination of Kindergarten Readiness tool for implementation in the 2014-15 school year. The Board also called for creation of a Kindergarten Readiness Advisory Council made up of expert stakeholders from around the state to provide advice for the development of the tool."

The full release is available at: http://www.oms.nysed.gov/press/KindergartenReadinessToolFor2014-15..html

Rotary Member Amy Ball Receives Paul Harris Fellow Award

2011-11-07T14:31:00.004-05:00

The Rotary Club of Fonthill, Ontario, Canada, honored Amy Ball on Friday, November 4th, 2011, with a Paul Harris Fellow Award for her international service as founder of the Friends of Kurdistan Foundation.

The Friends of Kurdistan Foundation is a not-for-profit organization operating in Northern Iraq. Their mission is to support capacity building in communities across Iraqi Kurdistan and provide micro credit assistance to women, children, and families in Kurdistan.

To learn more and how you can help, go to www.friendsofkurdistan.com.

Amy holds the position of President Elect of the newly formed Rotary E-Club of SOWNY (www.rotaryeclub7090.org) which is currently in provisional status and looking to become chartered in early 2012.

Rotary e-Club of SOWNY

2011-11-05T18:20:00.002-04:00

Just created ads in LinkedIn and Facebook to promote our Rotary e-Club of Southern Ontario and Western New York (SOWNY).

2011-10-30T15:23:00.002-04:00

Photo albums on Facebook from Saturday at the Rotary District 7090 Conference in Niagara Falls at:

http://www.facebook.com/groups/2249127995/photos/

Rotary District 7090 Governor John Heise presiding over the 2011 District Conference on Saturday, October 29.

2011-10-30T14:44:00.002-04:00

Photos from the Rotary District 7090 Conference Saturday in Niagara Falls are available on this left side of this District web page:

http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/SitePages/SitePage.aspx?did=7090&pid=34316

Our guest speaker at lunch on Saturday.

Saving Philanthropy

2011-10-20T11:19:00.001-04:00

If you have any involvement with non-profits, or non-profit management, you should arrange to see this video: "Saving Philanthropy".

http://www.savingphilanthropy.org/

Ongoing fraud in Service Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses

2011-10-08T08:32:00.000-04:00

According to the VA Office of the Inspector General's report:

"We project that VA ... will award about $2.5 billion in VOSB and SDVOSB contracts to ineligible businesses over the next 5 years ..."

That is $2.5 billion in business that will NOT go to legitimate VOSB and SDVOSB companies.

For the full report, visit: http://www.va.gov/oig/52/reports/2011/VAOIG-10-02436-234.pdf

2011-07-26T21:07:00.001-04:00

I posted the photos I took on Monday, July 25, at Glen Oak Golf Course.
These are from the Kevin Guest House golf outing. Check the album at Google.
You'll find a few Buffalo Sabres and other notable people among the golfers.

In Washington, DC, for a Dept. of ED Bid Pre-Solicitation Conference

2011-05-22T21:09:00.011-04:00

My friends know that I went to middle school, high school and undergraduate school in the suburbs of Washington, DC. Steamed Maryland (Chesapeake Bay) blue crabs are part of my adolescent heritage, and I take every opportunity to enjoy them when I can.

Today, I drove 400 miles from Buffalo, NY, to Arlington, VA, for a Department of Education bid pre-solicitation conference, which is tomorrow in Washington, DC.

I arrived in time to have dozen blue crabs at the Quarterdeck Restaurant. I am in a crab induced stupor. What a wonderful experience.

Rotary District 7090 Assembly PR and Social Media

2011-05-13T14:05:00.005-04:00

Preparing to give two workshops for Rotary District 7090 District Assembly tomorrow; PR for Rotary Clubs, and Social Media for Rotary Clubs.

I'll post the presentations on the PR page at the Rotary District 7090 website (www.rotary7090.org).

Download the presentations from this page: http://bit.ly/Rotary7090PR

The SUNY UB business plan team I coached won the annual Panasci Business Plan Competition.

2011-04-28T15:50:00.002-04:00

This release is from the University at Buffalo:

More Than $10,000 Awarded in University at Buffalo Entrepreneurship Competition

Photo: State University of New York, University at Buffalo

Release date - Apr-28-2011

Contact - Jacqueline Ghosen
716-645-2833

BUFFALO, N.Y. – More than $10,000 in seed funding was awarded to the winning team in the University at Buffalo’s Henry A. Panasci Jr. Technology Entrepreneurship Competition (Panasci TEC) for its business proposal for a social network-based information discovery product.

Smruthi Mukund, UB doctoral student and team captain, Anurag Bharadwaj, Venugopal Govindaraju, UB Professor of Science and Engineering, Vedanth Satyanarayana and Achint Oommen Thomas won first place for their proposed business, Lectio Labs.

Lectio Labs is a Web-based interface designed to help users discover new information through shared interests in their network of intellectual peers. After signing up to Lectio, users can receive and read personalized news through their myLectio accounts. They can also link their Lectio accounts to their Facebook accounts.

The team plans a consumer-based application as well as a customized enterprise version that will facilitate collaboration within companies.

“The Panasci TEC competition was invaluable,” said Mukund. “There are thousands of good ideas, but only the one or two with a good business plan make it. Our Lectio idea was good, but we were definitely not equipped with the skills needed make it a reality in terms of a business. Through the process laid out by the School of Management’s Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, we learned so much about revenue streams and marketing streams, and we had even more ideas about how to improve Lectio and make it more interesting to use.

“The CEL also paired us with a mentor, Paul McAfee, from Exubrio Group,” Mukund said. “He was incredibly helpful at every step of the process.”

Now in its 11th year, Panasci TEC awards seed money and business services to the team that presents the best plan for launch of a viable new business. Eleven local ventures have been launched with first-place prize money since the UB competition began, and most are still in business.

In addition to the $10,000 in start-up funding, the winning team will receive in-kind awards for legal services from Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel LLP, accounting services from Kopin & Co. P.C., human resource start-up services from the People Plan by HR Foundations Inc. and office space from North Forest Office Space, bringing the total package to more than $20,000.

The competition was created by the University at Buffalo School of Management and the UB Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach, and is funded with a $1 million endowment from the late Henry A. Panasci Jr. to facilitate and promote the commercialization of UB-generated technologies.

Based on the content of their written business plans, five teams were selected to present their business plans publicly in the competition’s final round on April 27 at the Jacobs Executive Development Center. Each team delivered a 10-minute presentation and was evaluated on how well they described the feasibility and marketability of their venture, proved the need for their product or service and presented potential sources of capital.

Other new venture ideas included a software company specializing in online and client-based preference scheduling of nurses; a restaurant delivery service providing marketing, order processing and delivery services; a software solution enabling individuals with disabilities to perform computer tasks; and an integrated service designed to enhance word-of-mouth advertising.

Serving as judges for the competition were Robert H. Fritzinger, director, SUNY Fredonia Technology Incubator; James Hengst, president and CEO, ZeptoMetrix Corp.; Marnie LaVigne, director of business development, UB’s New York State Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Life Sciences; Mel E. Passarelli, vice president of North American operations, Attunity; Brian Pearson, president, Valuation Advisors LLC; and Alan Zdon, owner, iCraveit.com.

The UB School of Management is recognized for its emphasis on real-world learning, community and economic impact, and the global perspective of its faculty, students and alumni. The school has been ranked by Bloomberg Businessweek, the Financial Times, Forbes, U.S. News & World Report and The Wall Street Journal for the quality of its programs and the return on investment it provides its graduates. For more information about the UB School of Management, visit mgt.buffalo.edu.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, a flagship institution in the State University of New York system and its largest and most comprehensive campus. UB’s more than 28,000 students pursue their academic interests through more than 300 undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs. Founded in 1846, the University at Buffalo is a member of the Association of American Universities.

Create a permanent "Ovation" free

2011-04-09T08:54:00.002-04:00

Create a free permanent Ovation for someone, some organization, or some place you admire.

Follow Rotary District 7090 Group Study Exchange in South Korea

2011-03-25T07:20:00.002-04:00

Follow the Rotary District 7090 Group Study Exchange group as they visit Rotary Clubs in Korea. This is a group of young non-Rotarians from Western New York and Southern Ontario visiting their counterparts in Korea. Rotarian Roseanne Morissette is their Rotary guide, and all costs are covered by the Rotary District.

Click here to follow their progress.

Free Kindle Books

2011-02-24T16:04:00.000-05:00

One of my co-workers told me about free books for my Kindle.

Today, I discovered Free Kindle Books. Downloaded Hermann Hesse's Siddhartha free.

A dog named Summer in the Winter

2011-02-24T10:13:00.002-05:00

What is Rotary?

2011-02-12T08:26:00.000-05:00

I'm following up on responses to our Rotary radio ad on WBEN 930 AM. You can hear the radio ad by clicking here.

In providing information to a potential new Rotary member, I found this excellent video, titled "What is Rotary?", and produced by Rotary International.

Recording at WBEN 930 AM for our Rotary District 7090 e-Club

2011-01-26T07:32:00.001-05:00

Going to WBEN this morning to record a new Rotary radio commercial for our Rotary District 7090 e-Club.

Here is the commercial for the new Rotary District 7090 e-Club:

The one million two hundred thousand men and women in Rotary have accomplished extraordinary things.
I’m Paul McAfee and I am President of a local Rotary Club.
We’ve helped people grow food in communities around the world.
We’ve taught millions of people to read.
We’ve brought clean water to villages, worked toward world peace, and have nearly eradicated polio, a crippling childhood disease, from the face of the planet.
But here’s the thing.
We, among the one million two hundred thousand men and women, know we could accomplish so much more, if only we were one million two hundred thousand, and one.
There are 73 Rotary clubs in Western New York and Southern Ontario, with 2,600 professionals, executives, and educators, and many others, just like you.
Find out what an impact one person can make.
Consider joining our new Rotary e-Club. Meet with your fellow Rotary members online, and attend regular Rotary club meetings when you can. Call me at 716-810-3435 … that’s Paul McAfee, at 716-810-3435.

Children's Institue Publishes Case Study for Local Volunteers of America

2011-01-08T11:22:00.000-05:00

The Children's Institute, in Rochester, New York, recently published a case study showing how a local Volunteers of America office uses COMET.

Bank by Marguerite on Etsy

2011-01-06T14:40:00.002-05:00

Marguerite has added a number of new jewelry items on Etsy. Visit and shop.

Samples follow, but visit Etsy to see these and many more.

Sentimentality

2011-01-04T09:07:00.001-05:00

For us, things don't get old, they get sentimental. Last night I cleaned the moldy sentimental Thanksgiving leftovers out of the fridge.

Rosie is in Ireland today ...

2011-01-02T10:17:00.000-05:00

Youngest daughter Rosie is in Ireland this morning. I've been wandering around her new neighborhood in Cork using Google to see what there is. Looks wonderful. The link is to University College Cork, where she will be studying.

Presentation tomorrow to my Rotary Club about COMET

2010-12-22T07:36:00.000-05:00

Creating a presentation for my Rotary Club about Children's Institute's COMET web-based application.

Working on Rotary 7090 radio PR campaign

2010-12-20T15:47:00.002-05:00

I did it ... I got the emails out to the Canadian Rotary clubs in District 7090 inviting them to participate in our 2011 PR Campaign.

Working on Rotary 7090 radio PR campaign

2010-12-19T07:16:00.002-05:00

Today, I must finalize Rotary District 7090's radio PR campaign for 2011. Visit this link to hear the radio ads we ran last year.

McAfee takes position at Children’s Institute Inc.

2010-12-11T08:29:00.001-05:00

Short announcement in Clarence (NY) Bee about my new position at Children's Institute.

Jewelry designed by my daughter

2010-11-21T19:04:00.000-05:00

If you are looking for some original jewelry for holiday gifts, my oldest daughter, the painter/investment banker/jewelry designer/Real Estate Masters student, Marguerite, has some she has created for sale at this link.

Recently Joined Children's Institute to work on COMET

2010-11-16T12:49:00.002-05:00

I have officially become a faculty member at the University of Rochester. I'm working at one of their affiliates, the Children's Institute. The project I'm working on specifically is COMET. Read about COMET at the Children's Institue website, and at the COMET website.
From the Children's Institute website ...
See the Big Picture with COMET
School districts and organizations routinely collect large volumes of data about children and youth in the hopes of supporting their success in the classroom and in life. Then come the challenges, such as how to gather it all together and get it to teachers, administrators and mental health professionals so that they can make efficient and effective decisions. That’s where COMET comes in.
Web-based and user-friendly, COMET collects and manages data and supports decisions for multiple levels of information. By linking new and existing data sources, COMET provides easy access for professionals across disciplines.
COMET Offers:
    * Immediate access to simple pre-post evaluations and facilitates the completion of more complex evaluations
    * Integration with existing IT
Make Data-Driven Decisions:
COMET can tell you how a child is doing in class, evaluate the results of a program, and document a return on investment for a newly funded initiative. COMET is a powerful tool for the education community, delivering answers in an easy-to-understand format. Access the most recent student data from a variety of sources, as well as historical data and trending to insure a continuity of information when children change grades and schools. Global reports by schools, grades, programs, interventions or any grouping of interest are also available, allowing for ongoing evaluations and improvements after implementation.
COMET Is:
    * Easy. Input responses to screening and assessment tools with the click of a mouse.
    * Fast. Save time completing instruments electronically instead of on paper; there’s no copying or shipping required.
    * Accessible. Retrieve browser-based, multi-lingual instruments during class, off hours, at home or at the library.
    * Immediate. Enjoy real-time feedback on scores and reports.
    * Targeted. Identify children’s strengths and issues quickly; develop individual or group plans immediately.
    * Flexible. Customize COMET by adding surveys, forms, instruments and reports quickly and easily.
    * Affordable. Transaction costs can be equal to the cost of paper measures.
How COMET Works:
    * Web-based and user-friendly, COMET collects and manages data electronically for multiple levels of information
    * COMET links new and existing data sources, and provides easy access for professionals across disciplines with just the click of a mouse
    * On a daily basis, COMET provides built-in ticklers and reports to promote the timely administration of the instruments and improve response rates
    * Getting COMET up and running is easy to do: The only requirement is Internet access with a recent computer and a professional-grade communication line
    * We provide the initial installation, training and support
    * We also offer fee-based arrangements for ongoing support, as needed
Awards and Recognitions:
    * Chosen by the Rochester City School District and United Way of Greater Rochester for ongoing data entry and analysis to support data driven decisions for programs and projects

Amherst East Rotary Fund Raising Wine Tasting

2010-11-07T16:30:00.002-05:00

We had a great fund raiser last Friday evening, November 5.
We held a wine tasting and auction at the Windows on the Green restaurant, which is in the Westwood Country Club, in Williamsville, New York. New proceeds will go to the Greater Buffalo Chapter of the American Red Cross. The American Red Cross, Greater Buffalo Chapter prepares for and responds to community disasters and emergencies, and helps people lead safe and healthy lives. The American Red Cross is one of the oldest and largest volunteer driven organizations in the United States and locally depends on the efforts of more than 1,000 volunteers to provide its emergency services and health education programs.
The pictures pretty much tell the whole story, so click here to view them on my Kodak Gallery account. The following photos are just a sample.

New York State Schools' Response to Intervention Requirement

2010-11-06T14:15:00.002-04:00

Did some work with Rochester's non-pfofit Children's Institute this week on the New York State Response to Intervention mandate for schools.
This relates to The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandated the development of Response-to-Intervention (RtI).
Screening students early for academic and behavioral issues is a cornerstone of the New York State Education Department’s approach to RtI.
Children’s Institute can support RtI compliance. The organization, which is a non-profit affiliated with the University of Rochester, offers a comprehensive set of RtI screening and assessment tools for social and emotional health.
Using the nationally-normed Child Rating Scale assessments, you can assemble a 360-degree view of child needs by conducting assessments that measure data from:
-    Parents (Parent-Child Rating Scale, the P-CRS)
-    Students (Self-assessments, including Child Rating Scale, and Student Rating Scale)
-    Teachers (Teacher-Child Rating Scale, the T-CRS)

You Can Report Phishing Emails to Federal Government

2010-10-18T07:08:00.001-04:00

Did you know you can easily report Phishing emails to the Federal Government? Forward them to: phishing-report@us-cert.gov

Read more at: http://www.us-cert.gov/reading_room/emailscams_0905.pdf

The United States Computer Emergency Readiness Team (US-CERT) is a
partnership between the Department of Homeland Security and the public
and private sectors. Established in 2003 to protect the nation's
Internet infrastructure, US-CERT coordinates defense against and
responses to cyber attacks across the nation.

US-CERT interacts with federal agencies, industry, the research
community, state and local governments, and others to disseminate
reasoned and actionable cyber security information to the public.

UB Office of Science, Technology Transfer and Economic Outreach

2010-10-17T09:15:00.000-04:00

Image via WikipediaWorking on a business plan for unique small-scale wind energy project at SUNY, University at Buffalo, where I am Entrepreneur-in-Residence.
This is at the State University of New York, University at Buffalo, Baird Research Park Technology Incubator.

2010-10-16T10:52:00.000-04:00

Image via Wikipedia
In honor of World Polio Day, The Rotary Foundation will grant 2 for 1 recognition points for every online contribution of US $100 or more made to PolioPlus during 18-24 October 2010.

Go to www.rotary.org/contribute to make your online contribution.

Children's Institute to Help Some Monroe County Children with Day Care

2010-10-05T11:18:00.000-04:00

Rochester's non-profit Children's Institute will help some children who cannot get subsidized day care through Monroe County, New York.

Link here to today's article from Rochester, NY, Democrat and Chronicle.

Click here for information about Children's Institute.

COMET from Children's Institute

2010-10-02T08:30:00.000-04:00

Worked on COMET projects at Children's Institute in Rochster, NY, yesterday.

Presently, COMET serves 76,000, children. Too often people who work with children do not have a complete picture of children’s needs and strengths. This leads to compromised programming and outcomes for kids.

COMET is a web-based system that accumulates, organizes, and analyzes data. Adults can use this information to improve outcomes for children.

• COMET provides real-time assessments and evaluations for individuals, programs, and organizations, so that adults can tailor their work to better help children.

• COMET monitors the effectiveness of providers, programs, and organizations anywhere, and supports accountability and continuous improvement.

Children's Institute and University at Buffalo

2010-09-08T08:03:00.003-04:00

The renewable energy system is still in stealth mode at the State University of New York (SUNY) University at Buffalo (UB) Baird Research Park Technology Incubator.

Image via Wikipedia

Riding the motorbike today ...

2010-07-31T08:35:00.002-04:00

iding my motorcycle - a Honda VTX 1300R - into the verdant rolling hills of Western NY to Letchworth State Park.

Letchworth State Park, renowned as the "Grand Canyon of the East," is one of the most scenically magnificent areas in the eastern U.S. The Genesee River roars through the gorge over three major waterfalls between cliffs.

Photos of Lower Falls or near the falls. Shot with my cell phone.

Children's Institute Gets a Facebook Page

2010-07-27T20:35:00.000-04:00

Children's Institute, in Rochester, New York, finally has a Facebook page.

The mission of Children’s Institute is to strengthen children’s social and emotional health through prevention and early intervention initiatives built on research, evidence and collaboration. Some of the areas we focus on:
    * Early literacy
    * School adjustment
    * Separation from parents through military deployment
    * Obesity prevention
    * Child care accreditation

Opera Company of Philadelphia "Flash Brindisi" at Reading Terminal Marke...

2010-07-25T07:30:00.001-04:00

Working on Renewable Energy

2010-07-23T09:54:00.001-04:00

Working today on a renewable energy project from the SUNY University at Buffalo technology incubator. Still in stealth mode, but exciting stuff.

Newsletter for July 15 Meeting of Rotary Club of Amherst East

2010-07-18T11:55:00.000-04:00

You can read our weekly Rotary Club of Amherst East newsletter on our website at http://bit.ly/100715AERotaryNewsletter.

Rotary District 7090 e-Club Committee

2010-07-16T08:16:00.004-04:00

Image via Wikipedia

We have our initial committee that will explore the creation of an e-Club in Rotary District 7090.

Annie Holtby (Canada)
Paul McAlister (Canada)
Robert Klingensmith (USA)
Navpreet Jatana (USA)

I will serve as the Committee Chair.

For a list of existing Rotary e-Clubs, visit the Rotary International website at:

http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/en_pdf/eclub_list.pdf

We will report on our progress on the Rotary District 7090 e-Club page on our District website.

Starting the New Year for Rotary Club of Amherst East

2010-07-12T13:28:00.000-04:00

Preparing for Rotary Club of Amherst East's first Board meeting in the new Rotary year.

Writing Rotary PR Grant Application

2010-07-05T09:57:00.002-04:00

Writing the grant application for the 2010-2011 Rotary International PR Grant for Rotary District 7090.

On My Way to Rotary Club Dinner Soon to Start My Year as Club President

2010-07-01T16:23:00.000-04:00

I am excited to start my second term as President of the Rotary Club of Amherst East tonight.

We will also honor outgoing club President, Robert Klingensmith. Robert has done a tremendous job leading our club this past year.

Isle of Colonsay, Scotland - Origination of Clan McDuffy

2010-07-01T08:42:00.000-04:00

McAfee clan came from Clan McDuffy, which originated on the Isle of Colonsay, Scotland. There are amazing street level photos from Google Maps.

Book with information about benefits for Veterans.

2010-06-28T07:39:00.000-04:00

Doing research and found current online copy of "Federal Benefits for Veterans Dependents & Survivors."

Interactive version: http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book.asp

Acrobat downloadable version: http://www1.va.gov/opa/publications/benefits_book/federal_benefits.pdf

Rochester, New York, Non-Profit Children's Institute

2010-06-27T16:21:00.002-04:00

Working once again on a project for Children's Institute, the Rochester, NY, based non-profit. This is so gratifying.

The mission of Children’s Institute is to strengthen children’s social and emotional health through prevention and early intervention initiatives built on research, evidence and collaboration.

Some of the areas they focus on; Early literacy, School adjustment, Separation from parents through military deployment, Obesity prevention, and Child care accreditation.

Rotary Club of Amherst East: 2010-2011 Leadership

2010-06-27T09:17:00.002-04:00

I'm updating our Rotary Club of Amherst East officers and committee chairs on our website, and our District's website. As incoming President, I am proud to share leadership for 2010-2011 with the following excellent Rotarians.

Immediate Past President - Robert Klingensmith
President Elect - Lyn McDonald
Secretary – Carolyn Yurtchuk
Treasurer – Dick Hitzges
Assistant Treasurer – Gabe Maddalena
Sergeant-at-Arms – Gabe Maddalena

Membership Chair – Rob Klingensmith
RI Foundation Chair – John Yurtchuk
Services Chair - Lyn McDonald
     Services Sub-Chair for Vocational Services - Steve Pease
     Services Sub-Chair for Community Service - Gerry DeSimone
     Services Sub-Chairs for International Service - Jon Olsen & Steve Pease
     Services Sub-Chairs for Club Service & Events - Sally Draper & Nancy Mamula
     Services Sub-Chair for New Generations - Don Lawrence
Club Administration Chair – George Oliver
Public Relations Chair – Ken Weinstein
Communications Chair – Chris Genovese
Program Coordinator (Speakers) – Mike Tyrpak

Modeling for Tax-equity Financing

2010-06-24T08:58:00.001-04:00

Modeling Choices Impact Tax Equity Financing - http://advantageforanalysts.com/documents/20080301NAWModelingChoices.pdf

This is relevant to financing renewable energy projects.

Full title:

"Modeling Choices Impact Tax Equity Financing
Applying the myriad modeling options for partnerships under the U.S. tax code can improve deal-team competitiveness."

Acciona North America is in this business: http://www.acciona-na.com/

Rochester, New York, Non-Profit Children's Institute

2010-06-20T08:58:00.004-04:00

More work today for Rochester, NY, based non-profit, Children's Institute.

Working on a sales and marketing strategy to help expand awareness and use of COMET.

The mission of Children’s Institute is to strengthen children’s social and emotional health through prevention and early intervention initiatives built on research, evidence and collaboration. Some of the areas we focus on:

Early literacy
School adjustment
Separation from parents through military deployment
Obesity prevention
Child care accreditation

Children's Institute is affiliated with the University of Rochester, in Rochester, NY. The University of Rochester William E. Simon Graduate School is my MBA alma mater.

Buffalo & Niagara American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure Bike Ride

2010-06-06T09:11:00.001-04:00

Perfect Buffalo American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure fund raising bike ride Saturday. I raised $2,215. I had a great 16 mile ride. Many thanks to all who supported the ADA by contributing to my ride.

Updated Paul McAfee Biography

2010-06-02T13:20:00.002-04:00

I was asked to update my biography by a local organization, so here is the most current bio:

eXubrio Group's CEO, Paul McAfee, is an innovative leader with a history of increasing revenues through restructuring and turnaround management. Paul brings more than 30 years of global, executive-level management, sales and marketing experience to client engagements.

Paul has helped some of the biggest and best known companies in the world improve their images and marketing campaigns. He is a "turn-around" specialist with a focus on profitable growth. He can produce results that increase revenues, reduce waste, and improve productivity for the sales and marketing teams. Paul can increase revenues and the overall wellness of the company. With the challenges that every company faces today, it takes experience, skill and guts to step-up and win new business.

Paul and his wife, Laurie, settled in Western New York in 1998. Paul came to the Buffalo area to work for Danaher Corp. at its American Sigma business in Medina, NY. Paul’s task as Vice President of Sales and Marketing was to turn around an acquisition that wasn’t meeting Danaher’s aggressive annual growth and acquisition goals. When Danaher moved American Sigma to Colorado, Paul turned down relocation to remain in Western New York to let his three daughters complete school in the Williamsville, NY, schools.

Paul’s senior executive background includes several industries, especially consumer and business sales and marketing leadership roles at Kodak, Sprint, and Danaher. In his marketing consulting work, Danaher subsequently retained him twice to help reconfigure marketing in their environmental instruments division.

Since establishing eXubrio Group in 2002, Paul and his team have led efforts resulting in dramatic improvements for other Fortune 500 clients as well as smaller companies and startups. Paul is skilled in developing and implementing fully integrated global sales and marketing strategies, and national public relations campaigns.

Paul is a veteran of the US Army, having served from 1968 to 1971, including service in Vietnam and Germany. eXubrio Group LLC is a registered Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

Paul earned his MBA in 1995 from the University of Rochester, William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration. He earned his Bachelor of Arts & Humanities degree in 1974, with majors in Radio, Television & Film Production, and in Mathematical Linguistics, from the University of Maryland.

Paul's pro bono economic development and community service work includes:
• Pro bono Entrepreneur in Residence at the State University of New York (SUNY) University at Buffalo Baird Research Park Technology Incubator.
• Immediate Past President of the Rotary Club of Amherst East and President-Elect for 2010-2011.
• Public Relations Director for Rotary International District 7090 (Western New York, USA, and Southern Ontario, Canada).
• Past Entrepreneur in Residence at the University of Rochester Office of Technology Transfer.

Honoring our military today.

2010-05-31T08:04:00.000-04:00

Celebrating today my surviving Vietnam in 1969. Honoring 58,000 who did not survive, and thousands who gave their lives in other wars.

Rotary International PR Grant

2010-05-29T07:20:00.000-04:00

Meeting Rotary District 7090 Governor Pravin Suchak to review & sign RI reimbursement application for our Rotary International PR Grant. Mailing it to RI today.

Rotary International PR Grant

2010-05-26T16:38:00.002-04:00

Did it! Completed the Rotary International PR Grant request for reimbursement application for Rotary District 7090 - www.rotary7090.or g.

Annual Motorcycle Blessing and Pig Roast

2010-05-23T20:18:00.001-04:00

If you want to get a bunch of guys & gals with Harleys and big motorcycles to church, serve pulled pork, ribs, and bless their bikes.

Thank you Clarence United Methodist Church.

You made an otherwise great day perfect.

Working at SUNY UB STOR This Afternoon

2010-05-20T07:26:00.001-04:00

I look forward to working in my pro bono role as Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the State University of New York (SUNY) University at Buffalo (UB) Baird Research Park Technology Incubator today.

I'm working with an early stage start-up in the energy business. They have great ideas and a terrific team.

Riding my Honda VTX 1300R to the Green WNY Countryside

2010-05-16T13:54:00.003-04:00

Beautiful day today in Western NY. Going for a ride on my Honda VTX 1300R motorcycle with my friend, to put some miles on his new Harley.

My bike:

Working on a project for the Children's Institute, in Rochester, NY

2010-05-14T08:57:00.000-04:00

The mission of Children’s Institute is to strengthen children’s social and emotional health through prevention and early intervention initiatives built on research, evidence and collaboration. Some of the areas we focus on:
- Early literacy
- School adjustment
- Separation from parents through military deployment
- Obesity prevention
- Child care accreditation

New Rotary Club Brochure Templates Available

2010-05-13T19:31:00.003-04:00

The new club brochure kit was developed to help Rotary clubs advertise their clubs and its service activities in your community.

The kit contains files in three different formats (InDesign, PDF, and Word) and three distinct designs that can be adapted to incorporate club-specific information. The kit also includes a Club Membership Inquiry Form that can be used alone or in combination with the brochures.

The link to download the Club Brochure Kit is: http://www.rotary.org/RIdocuments/graphics/club_brochure_kit_en.zip.

The related Membership Development link is: http://www.rotary.org/en/Members/RunningAClub/MembershipDevelopment/Pages/Findingandkeepingmembers.aspx

Rotary District Assembly PR & Social Media Presentations - May 15, 2010

2010-05-13T16:49:00.000-04:00

I am posting links here to the presentations I've created for Rotary District 7090's District Assembly, which is this Saturday, May 15. If these are of any use, please take them and use them for yourselves.

My Public Relations web page on the District 7090 website is:
http://www.clubrunner.ca/dprg/dxprogramhome/_programhome.aspx?did=7090&pageid=34316

The PR for Rotary Clubs presentation is:
http://www.clubrunner.ca/data/7090/html/91180/100513_PR-101.ppt

The Social Media for Rotary Clubs presentation is:
http://www.clubrunner.ca/data/7090/html/91230/100513_Rotary_Social_Media_Workshop.ppt

The Social Media presentation will be totally interactive and will involve showing websites on-screen and discussing what is going on with the attendees. Therefore, the slides I created for the Social Media session are mostly valuable for the links they contain, rather than the presentation content itself.

Children's Institute, Rochester, New York

2010-05-09T11:01:00.000-04:00

Working on a strategic plan, plus marketing and sales plan, project for the Children's Institute in Rochester, New York, today.

Rotary PR and Social Media Workshops in Niagara Falls

2010-05-08T15:32:00.002-04:00

I'm preparing to give two workshops on May 15 for Rotary District 7090. One is on Rotary PR, and the other on Social Media for Rotary Clubs. These are part of our District Assembly, in Niagara Falls, New York.

May 12 - Innovative Business Leadership Forum

2010-05-05T16:08:00.001-04:00

I am honored to be the Facilitator for a business leadership panel at the Burchfield Penney Art Center on May 12.

INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP
Strategies for Creating, Sustaining or Restarting Growth

Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Burchfield Penney Art Center
Registration:       8:00 a.m.
Program:            8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.

Panelists:
Dennis Brown, CEO, Logistics Dynamics, Inc.
Peter Hunt, President & CEO, Hunt Real Estate Corporation
Sam Heleba, President, Graphic Controls LLC,
Rick Posa, CEO, SAMCO Technologies

Facilitator: Paul McAfee, eXubrio Group LLC

Whether your company is a start up using cash, energy and optimism to build, a mid-size company transitioning toward infrastructure, policies and controls or a mature company restarting growth, entering new markets, launching a new product or making an acquisition, innovative leadership is at the center of your success. Join us as we discuss the dynamics, differences and similarities in each of these growth phases.

· Capturing Strategies for Future Growth
· Leveraging and Energizing Your Highest Value Opportunities
· Assessing and Strengthening Your Organization’s Strategic Capabilities
· Building Successful Alliances That Provide Market Access Technology & Resources
· Managing Innovation in addition to Managing Operations

Register Online: www.businessleadershipforum.com

The forum is presented through the collaborative efforts of CoreIP Systems, Lumsden & McCormick, LLP, Jaeckle Fleischmann & Mugel, LLP, Insyte Consulting, The Kamis Group, World Trade Center Buffalo Niagara and Vanner Insurance Agency.

Information:   Paul Herlan, Lumsden & McCormick, LLP, 716.856.3300, or pherlan@lumsdencpa.com

This seminar is complimentary and a continental breakfast will be served.

Working with the Children's Institute Non-profit in Rochester, New York

2010-05-05T16:02:00.000-04:00

Just had a very good meeting working with Children's Institute in Rochester, New York, on a new project.

Rotary Social Media Campaign Working

2010-04-17T14:22:00.002-04:00

This morning, I had a message in Facebook from a woman in Williamsville asking about joining Rotary. I'm offering her assistance in evaluating clubs in our area.

It looks like our WBEN radio PR campaign, and our social media campaign, are working.

Click here to learn more and find a club near you.

My company, eXubrio Group LLC, provides the PR and social networking services for this Rotary project pro bono.

Rotary District 7090 Radio PR Campaign

2010-04-12T19:37:00.002-04:00

Listen to the radio PSA ads by the fourteen American Rotary clubs in Western New York on WBEN 930 AM at this link.

Rotary Membership Campaign in Western New York

2010-04-11T20:44:00.000-04:00

Buffalo Area Marketing & PR Firm eXubrio Group Launches PR and New Member Campaign for Local Rotary District 7090

Buffalo, NY – April 12, 2010 – On Monday, April 12, local Rotary District 7090 introduced a series of radio ads on WBEN 930 AM radio. These ads, called Public Service Announcements (PSAs), promote awareness of Rotary in Western New York. The ads also promote membership for the participating clubs. eXubrio Group CEO Paul McAfee developed and launched the Rotary PR campaign pro bono in his role as PR Director for local Rotary District 7090.

Rotary District 7090 comprises 74 Rotary clubs in Western New York and Southern Ontario, with 2,700 professionals, executives, and educators. Rotary members have helped people grow food in communities around the world and taught millions of people to read. Rotary clubs have brought clean water to villages and worked toward world peace. Through its international Polio program, Rotary members have nearly eradicated Polio, a crippling childhood disease, from the face of the planet.

eXubrio Group will introduce a parallel PR campaign in Southern Ontario to support the Canadian clubs in Rotary District 7090.

The Rotary radio public service announcements are running through May 9 on WBEN 930 AM. The ads also are available to download on the Rotary District 7090 website, www.Rotary7090.org, on the “Public Relations” page.

To help potential new members find a Rotary club, eXubrio Group’s Paul McAfee created a Landing Page on the District website for this radio campaign. This web page has links to individual pages for Canadian and American clubs in the local Rotary District. The landing page is at www.Rotary7090.org, at the “PR Campaign” page link.

Rotary International is a volunteer organization of business and professional men and women. There are approximately 1.2 million Rotary club members belonging to over 33,000 Rotary clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas.

For more information about Rotary International, visit www.rotary.org. For more information about Rotary District 7090, visit www.rotary7090.org.

For information about eXubrio Group LLC, and Paul McAfee, visit www.eXubrio.com.

# # #

Rotary District 7090 Radio PR Campaign

2010-04-11T10:32:00.000-04:00

I'm having fun uploading the radio public service announcements (PSAs) Domenic Cortese and I created to promote Rotary in Western New York on WBEN 930 AM radio.

When these are all online, you will be able to listen to any of the 14 PSAs at our Rotary District 7090 website PR page at the link here.

Here are the participating Rotary International clubs, all of whom are part of Rotary District 7090.

Canada
Ancaster AM, Brantford Sunrise, Fonthill, Hamilton, Hamilton A.M., Hamilton Sunset, Lewiston / Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls Sunrise, Niagara on the Lake, St. Catharines Sunrise, St. Catharines, St. Catharines South, Welland

USA
Akron-Newstead, Amherst East, Amherst South, Buffalo, Buffalo Sunrise, Clarence, Grand Island, Hamburg Sunrise, Kenmore, Lewiston-Niagara, Niagara County-Central, Tonawandas, West Seneca, Williamsville

Rotary District 7090 Radio PR Campaign

2010-04-10T01:48:00.000-04:00

Starting Monday, April 12, Rotary District 7090 will run a radio Public Service Announcement campaign. Visit http://bit.ly/Rotary7090Radio.

1994 Press Release from When I Worked at Kodak

2010-04-07T15:50:00.000-04:00

I am the subject of the press release from 1994 (click here). I had forgotten about it and was surprised to see it indexed by Google this week. This is a nice reminder of good times at Kodak.

Here is the content of the release:

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Aug. 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Eastman Kodak Company (NYSE: EK) today announced it had appointed Paul H. McAfee as director of worldwide Photo CD marketing, effective September 6. McAfee will report to Fred Geyer, who is responsible for worldwide marketing in the Digital and Applied Imaging organization.
    In his new role, McAfee will be responsible for managing Photo CD marketing worldwide, with emphasis on the United States and Canada region. "Paul will concentrate on marketing Photo CD applications and end-user solutions from the customer's perspective," said Geyer. "This is an important addition to our Digital and Applied Imaging team and will renew the vigor around our Photo CD marketing efforts. Paul's first-hand experience with the Photo CD system, his extensive contacts with industry opinion leaders and influencers in both the photographic and computer industries, and his imaging marketing experience, make him ideally suited to this important task."
    McAfee came to Kodak in August 1991 from a position as vice president of sales and marketing at the Charles Beseler Company, a photographic darkroom equipment manufacturer. Prior to that, McAfee worked for 7 years with Ilford Photo, a photographic film and paper manufacturer. At Ilford, he held several management positions, including marketing communications manager in the U.S., worldwide black and white film product manager in England, and national sales manager in Canada.
    McAfee joined Kodak in 1991 to manage public relations for the launch of the Photo CD system and has worked with both the Consumer Imaging and Digital and Applied Imaging Photo CD marketing teams. During his three years at Kodak, McAfee has held the positions of manager, Consumer Imaging news, deputy director, Consumer, Professional, and International News, and most recently, director of Corporate Media Relations.
    McAfee holds a BA degree with honors in philosophy from the University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, where he graduated in 1974. He was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa in 1975. McAfee majored in Philosophy, specializing in mathematical linguistics, and in radio, television & film production. He currently is beginning the second year of the two-year Executive Development MBA program at the University of Rochester Simon School of Business. McAfee is 45 years old.
    McAfee will be succeeded as director of Corporate Media Relations by Charles S. Smith, who is currently director of communications for Kodak's Health Group.
    -0-                  8/15/94

CONTACT: Paul C. Allen, Corporate Media Relations, of Eastman Kodak Company, 716-724-5802, or fax, 716-724-0964/     (EK)

Back from Rotary President Elect Training

2010-03-29T10:09:00.000-04:00

We had a great day of training in Toronto Saturday. Incoming Presidents of Rotary Clubs from Rotary International Districts 7070, 7080, and 7090, attended a full day of training to prepare them for their year as a Rotary Club President.

My club is the Rotary Club of Amherst East. Join us for lunch to learn more about Rotary. We meet Thursdays at noon at the Ramada Hotel and Conference Center, on the corner of Audubon Pkwy and North Forest Road in Amherst.

My Rotary project this week is to record the Rotary Public Service Announcements (PSA) that we will run on WBEN 930 AM radio next month to create awareness of Rotary and encourage membership in the clubs in Rotary District 7090.

My company, eXubrio Group is helping to produce these PSAs and providing additional pro bono public relations and Internet social media support to the program.

Headed to Markham, Ontario, Canada

2010-03-26T08:56:00.000-04:00

I'm headed to Markham, Ontario, Canada, today for a day of Rotary training. This is called President Elect Two (PETS 2) training, meaning the second in a pair of training programs for incoming Rotary club Presidents. As an aside, we lived in Markham for a year after working in England for 3 1/2 years for Ilford Photo (then a division of Ciba-Geigy). I'm looking forward to visiting the beautiful Town of Markham this afternoon.

I dub this "PETS 4". This year will be my second time as President of the Rotary Club of Amherst East. I was President in Rotary International's Centennial year, 2004-2005. I had to move to a breakfast club for about a year and a half, but as soon as I returned to the Amherst East club last year, I was asked by the club to have another year as President.

Next year will be interesting, because I also serve as PR Director for Rotary District 7090. This is the District of 74 Rotary Clubs that covers Western New York, USA, and Southern Ontario, Canada. So for one year, I'll be President of my club and Director of PR for our District. The good news is that we have some great PR Committee members who can help with District activities during my year as President of my club.

Bonnie returns home this weekend, so she can help the family take care of her dog, Leo (a sweet dog that I have dubbed Blockhead for reasons I'll share then there is more time).

I Discovered Twitter Grader - This is a Free Service

2010-03-02T17:36:00.001-05:00

On Twitter, @paulmcafee got a grade of 90/100 on @grader. Check it out: http://twitter.grader.com/paulmcafee

This can help you improve your Twitter ranking. This is important to obtaining better search engine rankings, and can help bring traffic to your business.

You can download my presentation materials from tonight's web seminar

2010-01-28T15:44:00.001-05:00

I, in my role as PR Director for District 7090, will give another one-hour presentations to our clubs about obtaining funds from the District to participate in the District's radio PR campaign. This presentation will be for the radio campaign for the USA clubs. We will have presentations for the Canadian clubs soon. Paul will explain how Rotary clubs in the District can participate in the WBEN AM 930 radio Public Service Announcement (PSA) campaign, including how the clubs can receive funds from the District to expand the reach of the clubs' PSAs.

Go to my Public Relations page on the Rotary District 7090 website to download my PowerPoint slides, and my handouts.

2010 ADA Buffalo Tour de Cure

2010-01-23T16:18:00.001-05:00

I just registered for the American Diabetes Association Buffalo Tour de Cure bicycle fund raising ride. June 5, 2010. Ride with me, or you can support my ride.