Members Present Bob Balentine, Bob Bustard, Ryan Cangialosi, Irma Chazotte, Bernie Cohen, Pat DiRosa, Jan Doornbosch, Steve Fox, Stuart Gold, Fay Logan, Kelley O’Donnell, Cindy Rose, George Sherman, Nancy Swales.

Visiting Rotarians and GuestsGuest Speakers Lynn Bosi and Miri Upton (Shelter Our Pets), Rotarian Larry Bogert (Guest of B. Bustard) Ned Barber (Guest of G. Sherman), Mary Ellen Offer (Guest of I. Chazotte).

Make Ups: Earning Make-ups at the Jan. 28 Board meeting were M. Albergo, B. Bustard, B. Cohen, J. Doornbosch, S. Gold, F. Logan, C. Rose, G. Sherman, Phil Wells, V. Zherenovsky.

 (Please be sure to report your make-ups for our records and to improve our percentage of attendance!)

Sunshine:

Kelley O’Donnell asked that we keep a co-worker in her office in our thoughts.

Nancy Swales was happy to report that her son went back to work this week.

President Bob reported that he spoke to Linda Hanlon who is feeling better.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are currently contending with adversity of one type or another.

Happiness:
by G. Sherman

Stuart G. was happy to report that The Rotary Foundation has FINALLY closed out our grant for the Namibian water pumps. All requirements of the grant have now been met.

Many members offered happy dollars in thanks for Stu’s dogged persistence in seeing the whole Namibian grant process through with TRF.

Ryan C. was happy to have our guests from Shelter Our Pets with us today.

Nancy S. was happy to be getting a back stage tour after going to see Jersey Boys.

Irma C. was happy to have her friend Mary Ellen with her today.

Cindy R. was happy to be attending a new Learning in Retirement class at Bergen CC after today’s meeting. She was also happy to note the beginning of the Chinese New Year today.

Steve F. was happy to have had a great time with his son at Thunder Mountain.

Bob Balentine was happy for the service being provided by Shelter Our Pets.

Stuart G. was happy to report that Explorer of the Seas is currently in port being sterilized.

Multiple members were happy for Bernie C. as he accepted his new Paul Harris pin with 2 sapphires from President Bob.

Guests Mary Ellen Offer, Lynn Bosi, Larry Bogert, and Ned Barber expressed their happiness at being at today’s meeting.

Announcements:
by G. Sherman

President Bob announced that Michelle and he had arranged to work with Pascack Hills and Pascack Valley High Schools in putting together another FEED THE HUNGRY project currently scheduled for Thursday afternoon, March 20.

Club guest Ned Barber, Borough Historian for Park Ridge, announced several new projects he will be working on including researching the oldest buildings and the oldest businesses in the community and interviewing past mayors of the town.

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

Fri., 2/7 – Club Meeting – The Courtyard by Marriott, 100 Chestnut Ridge Rd., Montvale – 12:15. Guest speaker – Eric Fuchs-Stengel, Executive Director, Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization, Inc.

Mon., 2/10 – District Staff Meeting – Trattoria Il Cafone, 7 Ridge Road, Lyndhurst – 5:30-8:00 - $15.00. Register online at http://www.clubrunner.ca/Portal/Home.aspx?accountid=50049

Thurs., 2/13 – Club Meeting at Domani, 387 Washington Ave., Hillsdale (Kings Shopping Center) – 6:00.  

 Tues., 2/18 – Board Meeting – Pascack Historical Society Museum, 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge. Dinner at 6:00; meeting at 6:30.

 

Program
by George Sherman

 Today, the club was pleased to welcome Lynn Gregorski-Bosi, President of the recently established non-profit Shelter Our Pets, and her fellow volunteers Miri Upton and Ned Barber.

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Started in the fall of 2012, the organization was created to provide a safe haven for the pets of victims of domestic violence who are fleeing their abusive situations. Shelter Our Pets assists people seeking safety from violence by providing alternatives to giving up a beloved pet, leaving a pet behind in a potentially dangerous situation or continuing to subject themselves and their pets to abuse.

The group offers free care and shelter to pets of abuse victims for up to 90 days, either with a volunteer foster family or at an area kennel until they can be reunited with their owners. Eventually, they hope to create housing where abuse survivors can reside with their pets while they rebuild their lives.

To learn more about this unique organization that is providing a much needed service to more people than you might guess, visit http://www.shelterourpets.org .