December 6 TRI-GEAR REPORT
Invocation: Bob Balentine
Members Present: Michelle Albergo, Bob Balentine, Dick Beattie, Bob Bustard, Ryan Cangialosi, Irma Chazotte, Joeen Ciannella, Bernie Cohen, Pat DiRosa, Ray Falcon, Steve Fox, Stuart Gold, Bob Guller, Steve Hopper, Pete Jacobsen, Pat Little, Fay Logan, Kelley O’Donnell, Cindy Rose, George Sherman, Brittany Vozza, Phil Wells.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests: PDG Raj Bhatia and Past President Jim Boyer (Northern Valley Club); Guest Speaker Ikuyo Yanagistawa, President of the Englewood Club, and John McKeon, friend of President Bob.
Make Ups:
(Please be sure to report your make-ups for our records and to improve our percentage of attendance!)
Sunshine:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are currently contending with adversity of one type or another.
Happiness:
by George Sherman
Nancy Swales was happy to report that her son is doing better.
Joeen Ciannella was happy for Ryan’s election to the Park Ridge Council.
Bob Balentine was happy that his leg has healed and that Cindy is doing better.
Ray Falcon was happy for today’s guests.
PDG Raj Bhatia was happy to be visiting with us today.
Irma Chazotte was happy for her niece’s successful bone marrow transplant.
Helen Paul was happy to hear from a contact in the area near Tacloban, Philippines of the good work being done by Rotary International.
Jim Boyer, Past President of the Northern Valley Club, was happy to be visiting with us today.
Bob Bustard was happy for the great turn-out and to have his brother-in-law John with him today.
Announcements:
by George Sherman
Be sure to register to attend the club’s annual holiday party from Noon until 2:30 on Sunday, December 15 at the ’76 House in Tappan, NY. Cost is $28.00 per adult and $14.00 for those 12 and under. The club will be purchasing gifts for the children so it’s important that Joeen Ciannella know of the ages of the children attending. We will also be continuing the tradition of collecting UNWRAPPED gifts and/or gift cards which Michelle will transport to Shelter Our Sisters along with the gifts that have been collected by our Interact Clubs at PRHS and PHHS.
On Wednesday, December 18 club members will be visiting Lehmann Gardens from 6:00 until 8:30 to spread some holiday cheer. This event has become something members and residents have come to eagerly anticipate each year.
Start making plans to attend the 2014 District Conference aboard the Royal Caribbean’s Explorer of the Seas. The Conference Package features 6 days and 5 nights aboard the ship, including 2 days and 1 night at Kings Wharf, Bermuda. For complete details, download the brochure from the Download section of our website.
Mark Your Calendar with these UPCOMING EVENTS:
by George Sherman
Thurs, 12/13 – Club Cocktail Hour Meeting at The Cornerstone, 84 Broadway, Hillsdale, 5:30.
Sun., 12/15 – Club’s Annual Holiday Party at the ’76 House – 110 Main St. Tappan, NY Noon-2:30 - $28.00 Adult/$14.00 age 12 and under.
Tues., 12/17 – Board Meeting – Pascack Historical Society – 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge – Dinner at 6:00; Meeting at 6:30.
Wed., 12/18 – Club’s annual holiday gathering at Lehmann Gardens – 12-14 Sulak Lane, Park Ridge – 6:00-8:30.
Fri., 12/20 – Club Meeting at The Courtyard by Marriott – 100 Chestnut Ridge Road, Montvale – 12:15.
1/3;1/3;1/3: Ryan Cangialosi won the day’s drawing but the Joker remains hidden.
by George Sherman
At Friday’s meeting, Englewood’s Club President, Ikuyo Yanagistawa, PDG Raj Bhatia and Northern Valley Past President Jim Boyer visited our club to describe their August visit to Japan. Traveling with a team of members from the 9.11 community, the Japanese Medical Society of America and Mount Sinai Global Health, they sought to bring hope to those affected by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear disaster at the Fukushima power plant.
During their week-long stay, participants in the mission visited temporary shelters in 3 states, celebrated “Christmas in July”, and spoke with numerous individuals whose lives had been forever changed by the multiple disasters. Included also on their busy itinerary was a luncheon with the oldest Rotary Club of Sendai, chartered in 1937.
Theirs was the second mission to the region near Tohoku. A highly regarded mission in 2012 brought requests for a second visit. The emotional support provided on these occasions has proven to be especially helpful in enhancing the resilience and coping mechanisms of affected children.
Park Ridge Club members were given an opportunity to view many of the events that took place during the mission thanks to the effective Power Point presentation put together by Ikuyo, Raj and Jim. One of the most moving moments described the group’s visit to see the “Soaring Crane” in Koriyama. The origami crane, fabricated out of steel recovered from 9/11, had been delivered during the first mission in 2012. Presented at the time by The September 11th Families’ Association, this monument in the shape of a crane had been inspired by Sadako Sasaki who died at age 12 from radiation exposure after the bombing of Hiroshima. A children’s book entitled Message on a Wing has been published by the Koriyama West Rotary Club and was shared with club members. It tells the story of Sadako’s strength and courage as she battled radiation induced leukemia. Hundreds of copies have been donated by the Koriyama club to schools and libraries in Fukushima.
