- Sheriff Peter Stuhlreyer assumed sheriff duties today because he walked through the door before Mayor Bryan Barnett. To pay him back, Peter signed Bryan for two lunches and himself for none. It was nice of Bryan to treat Peter.
- Several Rotarians were fined for arriving a bit late for the meeting. Those Rotarians were Vito Pampalona, Steve Cooper, and Carol Franciosi.
- Ron Lichtel was fined for his exceptional Santa beard. He was told the fine was less than his Screen Actor's Guild dues, so he should smile and pay up!
- Then Sheriff Peter turned the tables on himself and paid a fine for skipping his 8 - 9 pm bell-ringing assignment. In retrospect, he didn't miss the 37-degree temperatures and rain.
- Our good sheriff raised $164 for our scholarship program.
SPEAKER
Before becoming the president and CEO of Leader Dogs for the Blind, Melissa Weisse served as the vice president and chief philanthropy officer. In this role, she spearheaded the organization’s national philanthropy and fundraising strategy, overseeing its execution. With more than 20 years of experience in fundraising and nonprofit leadership within the blindness and low-vision community, Weisse has raised over $150 million. She diversified and expanded Leader Dogs' revenue streams and led a highly successful $14.5 million capital campaign for the organization’s new canine development center. Under her leadership, the team raises more than $17 million annually.Founded by Lions International in 1939, Leader Dogs for the Blind began in a small house in an apple orchard at the intersection of Avon and Rochester Road. Today, the organization has become one of the world’s largest guide dog providers, employing 191 people supported by 900 volunteers. Its 14-acre campus boasts 200,000 square feet dedicated to breeding, training, and residential housing.
The organization’s mission is to empower those who are blind or visually impaired by equipping them with lifelong skills for safe and independent travel. Its services include providing highly trained guide dogs, orientation and mobility instruction, and a specialized summer camp for teens. The organization conducts much training at its center on Walnut Street in downtown Rochester.
All services Leader Dogs provides are free to individuals who are blind or have low vision. As a privately funded nonprofit, the organization does not receive government funding. The puppy-raising program is essential to the organization's mission, relying on volunteer families to foster dogs before they undergo extensive training at the headquarters. Leader Dogs for the Blind needs families and individuals to volunteer as puppy raisers. The organization expects 70 puppies to arrive in December and seven new litters in January. Please spread the word about the need for puppy raisers in your network. More information can be found here: