2 MARCH 2018 - CLUB MEETING AT BELLISSIMO
Flag Salute: Ray Falcon
Invocation: Ray Falcon
Members Present: Dan Antokol, June Bertini, Jessie Carballo, Bernie Cohen, Ray Falcon, Steve Fox, Stuart Gold, Steve Hopper, George Sherman, Linda Wells, Peter Wells, Phil Wells
Visiting Rotarians and Guests: Jorge Bacera, Diane Henry, Captain Joseph Rampolla
Announcements:
- Walter D. Head Scholarship applications are due March 13. For details see Mimi Tausner’s February 26 Rotary Bulletin (emailed to you)
- Women in Rotary Brunch March 18, 11 AM – 3 PM at Seasons ($80)
- Park Ridge Rotary Board meetings are changed for March and April; they will be held on Tuesday, March 13 and Tuesday April 10
- SHARE THE LOVE – Shout Out Rotarian of the Week is Helen Paul. Let her know we miss her and thank her for her service to our Club!
Contact Information:
950 Willow Valley Lakes Drive
Apt. K103
Willow Street, PA 17584
P: 717-464-8334
E: redheadhp@aol.com
Badge Fine: None
Photo Fine: None
Late Fine: None
Birthdays and Anniversaries:
- None
Sunshine:
- June circulated ‘thinking of you’ cards for members to sign and let the following know we miss them and hope all is well: Irma Chazotte, Mariya Gonor, Lester Kempner, Helen Paul, and Nancy Swales
- David Kist is doing better
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are currently contending with adversity of one type or another.
Happiness:
- Phil, Ray, June and Dan were happy about today’s guests
- Bernie, Diane and Jessie were just happy to be with the group
- Dan and Steve Fox were happy that our bowling night went well
- June was happy to have completed her house sale and downsizing efforts
- Steve Fox was happy that he lost 28 pounds
- Peter was happy for a great visit with family in Florida
- George was happy that he signed up for an apartment in Seabrook Village and would be moving in May; everyone will miss him and hoped he will drive up often
- Dan was happy that his younger son is employed
- Phil was happy about an upcoming ski trip
- Ray was happy that the weather was not as bad as expected.
Program
On March 2, 2018 at Bellissimo Ristorante in Montvale, members of the Park Ridge Rotary gathered to hear Captain Joseph Rampolla of the Park Ridge Police Department. The subject of his talk was School Safety in Park Ridge, particularly in light of the school shooting in Parkland, Florida on February 14.
Captain Rampolla has more than 20 years of service in Park Ridge. He grew up in Washington Township and later moved to Park Ridge. He has a Bachelors degree in criminal justice and, in addition to police service, has worked in a correctional facility. As an Officer he as been involved with DARE, a Computer Task Force and school safety.
Captain Rampolla noted that the tragedies at Columbine and Newtown changed law enforcement. Especially after the Newtown shootings, police realized that they have to get into buildings as quickly as possible. Although he did not know all the specifics of the Parkland shootings, Captain Rampolla noted that in these situations there is a lot of confusion. He further provided cautionary advice, such as when one enters a building it is important to look for where the exits are and be continuously aware of the surroundings. In a shooting situation, it is vital to run, hide or fight, in that order.
Regarding safety in our schools, Captain Rampolla explained that New Jersey has an Office of Homeland Security, a state version of the Federal Homeland Security organization. Their charter includes counter-terrorism (including domestic terrorism). He is the contact point with this organization for Park Ridge. The relationship enables the police to get constant information on events around the state. Also in place are a Bergen County SWAT team and a school safety task force. Within the Park Ridge schools, police have frequent lock down drills and police training on various scenarios. They often learn ways to improve their response from these events. In addition to the drills, there are frequent school walk-throughs and the assignment of retired police officers to be on site. Outstanding concerns include more training for substitute teachers, and additional protocols for school bus and playground situations.