June 27 TRI-GEAR REPORT

Program:
by George Sherman

On Thursday, June 27, the Park Ridge Rotary installed Bob Bustard as the club’s president for 2013-14. The ceremony was a casual Garden Party held at the home of Bob and Rosemary Bustard in River Vale. Club member Ray Falcon, 2012-13 District Chief of Staff, served as Master of Ceremonies before a group of about 40 members, family and friends.

After Sargeant at Arms, Peter Wells gave the invocation, outgoing President Joeen Ciannella proudly reviewed the events of the past year, thanking one and all for the support she had received. Much had been accomplished. The club has expanded by 5 members; over $2000.00 in goods and gift cards had been raised for the Park Ridge Food Pantry; our annual fruit sale brought in over $3,500.00; the sale of Lord and Taylor tickets raised an additional $1,200.00; over 350 dictionaries had been distributed to 3rd graders in Montvale, Park Ridge, and Woodcliff Lake; the annual holiday party brought food, entertainment and small gifts to the residents of Lehmann Gardens; club members played an active role in supporting the District’s efforts on behalf of the victims of Superstorm Sandy; seven high school juniors were provided with a week-long RYLA experience; Robert Thorwarth was honored with the Dr. Stewart Alexander Memorial Scholarship; 9 high school seniors were provided with scholarships totaling $7,000.00 and our 50/50 Cash Raffle increased the amount of money available to our Charitable Foundation by $7,500.00. All in all, it had been a very busy and rewarding year, and one that President Joeen will always treasure.

Next, Jan Doornbosch did the honors of dismissing the 2012-13 officers and directors from their duties and proceeded to install the incoming officers and directors, reminding them of the great responsibility they were assuming and encouraging them to make the most of the great opportunities that lay ahead. Officers for 2013-14 are: Bob Bustard – President; Patrick Little – President-elect; Vlad Zherenovsky – Vice President; Philip Wells – Secretary; Patricia DiRosa – Treasurer; Steven Hopper – Sgt. At Arms; Joeen Ciannella  - Immediate Past President.

After pins were presented to the incoming officers by District AG, Dr. Stuart Gold, Past-President Joeen announced that George Sherman was being awarded this year’s Walter D. Head Award. Stu Gold was then called upon to present a special Paul Harris recognition to Peter Wells for the incredible work he had done in coordinating the District’s Disaster Relief efforts in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

Once the awards had been presented, President Bob Bustard spoke briefly about his hopes and goals for the coming year. Thanking the club for the honor of allowing him to serve as our president, he reminded us that he is counting on everyone to help increase the number of members we have in the club. More members will allow us to do more good and to raise more money for the benefit of more people. He called to mind the example set by the late Bill Swales who introduced Rotary to the guests he brought to club meetings seemingly every week. Bob closed out his talk and the program by promising that he would do all in his power to make the coming Rotary year productive and fun for all.