March 8 TRI-GEAR REPORT
Flag Salute: President Joeen Ciannella
Invocation: Peter Wells
Members Present: Bob Bustard, Joeen Ciannella, Bernie Cohen, Pat DiRosa, Steve Fox, Stuart Gold, Rob Guller, Steve Hopper, Lisa Peck, George Sherman, Peter Wells, Phil Wells and Ryan Cangialosi.
Visiting Rotarians and Guests: Guest Speaker Karen Amy, President of the Dackks Group for Supportive Housing Development and a member of the Bergen Highlands Rotary Club; Proposed new member Kelly O’Donnell.
Make Ups: President Joeen, Bob Bustard, Stuart Gold, Bernie Cohen, Jan Doornbosch, Pat Little and Pat DiRosa were at the Charity Foundation Budget meeting. Stu was also at the District Staff Meeting and a Wyckoff meeting. Steve Hopper attended two meetings of the new Westwood Club and Bob Bustard attended one.
(Please be sure to report your make-ups for our records and to improve our percentage of attendance!)
Late Fines: In a shrewd move, Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Wells persuaded President Joeen to waive all late fines, pin fines and photo fines as a way of thanking members for risking life and limb to drive to the meeting at The Courtyard in today’s snowy weather. As a result about $65.00 were collected in Happy Dollars.
Pin Fines: Waived.
Photo Fines: Waived.
Birthdays and Anniversaries: None.
Sunshine:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are currently contending with adversity of one type or another.
Happiness:
by George Sherman
Lisa Peck was happy to have shoveled her driveway enough to be able to get to work and to today’s meeting.
Stuart Gold was happy that everyone arrived here safely.
Rob Guller was happy for our newest proposed member, Kelly O’Donnell.
Kelly was happy to be meeting new friends.
Ryan Cangialosi was happy for the anticipated 50 degree weather this weekend.
Phil Wells was happy to have finally closed on the sale of his house in Philadelphia. His father was downright ecstatic.
Steve Fox was sad to report that his son had broken his hand in a soccer game, but happy that they would be going to see the Blue Man Group in NYC this weekend.
President Joeen was happy that Tara and Bobby have a bid in on a house.
Announcements:
by George Sherman
At the Feb. 19 Board meeting, Michelle Albergo announced that personal issues are forcing her to remove herself from the rotation of chairs. Bob Bustard has agreed to step in as Club President 2013-14. Completing the slate of officers will be Patrick Little – President Elect; Vlad Zherenovsky – Vice President; Philip Wells – Secretary; Pat DiRosa – Treasurer.
Irma Chazotte and Lisa Peck are again selling sales passes to Lord and Taylor’s sale which will take place Thursday, April 4 at the Ridgewood store in the Fashion Center. The club keeps all proceeds from the sales of tickets plus gets a percentage of the sales of merchandise. Members who sell at least $50.00 worth of savings passes will be entered into a drawing for a nice gift basket from L&T. WE URGE ALL MEMBERS TO BE RESPONSIBLE FOR SELLING AT LEAST 5 SALES PASSES. This would allow the club to raise at least $1000.00 with a minimum of effort.
So far 32 Rotarians have responded to the e-mail invitation to the March 15 Beefsteak Dinner at the Westwood Elks Club. You will be receiving another within a day or two. Please respond. Remember that paying early will give you a $5.00 discount on each adult registration. To date we have only 38 registrants. Introduce your friends to Rotary. Last year's event was a fabulous time and this year's promises to be equally fun
After reading in the Bergen Record of the plight of Paterson’s North Main Street branch of their library, Dick Beattie and George Sherman decided to participate in the “Big Book Drive” campaign being conducted by The Record and the libraries of Ridgewood and Fair Lawn on behalf of the children of Paterson. The goal of the drive is to provide as many Paterson children as possible with a book of their own to take home. Between now and March 15, Dick and George will be collecting any new or gently used children’s book you may see fit to donate and will deliver them to the Ridgewood library for distribution to Paterson’s children during the April opening of the new temporary home of the Paterson branch. To learn more of this project, visit http://www.northjersey.com/news/book_drive_north_jersey_donations_paterson.html
Registration brochure for this year's District Conference in Mystic, Connecticut is now available. Download the brochure from our website or contact Judy Messineo at bergentravel@optonline.net for more information on the availability of bus transportation or on the conference itself.
President Joeen asked Peter Wells to speak about our 2013 CASH RAFFLE. Peter reminded us that this is our biggest fund-raiser of the year and something that we ALL must get behind. Potentially, we can raise $7500.00! Tickets are only $50.00 apiece and only 300 will be sold, so your chances of winning are quite good. The drawing will take place at our June 14 luncheon meeting at The Courtyard. By starting early, we hope to have them all sold by June 1. EACH MEMBER IS ENCOURAGED TO ACCEPT RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE PURCHASE AND/OR SALE OF 5 TICKETS.
Stuart Gold announced that the October 12, 2013 session of the Rotary Leadership Institute will be held at The Courtyard by Marriott. RLI will have attendees from 7 Districts and will provide an outstanding opportunity for all members – especially our newest – to learn of the work of Rotary. To learn more, visit www.rlinea.org.
Mark Your Calendar with these UPCOMING EVENTS:
by George Sherman
Fri., 3/15 - St. Paddy's Day Beefsteak - Fish/Shrimp& Chips Dinner - Westwood Elks Club, 523 Kinderkamack Rd., 7:00-11:00. Music by Moxie Light. THERE WILL BE NO THURSDAY NIGHT MEETING THIS MONTH.
Tues., 3/19 – Board Meeting – Pascack Historical Society, 19 Ridge Ave., Park Ridge – Dinner at 6:00; Meeting at 6:30.
Fri., 3/22 – Club Meeting at The Courtyard – 12:15 – President Joeen will conduct the club’s monthly business meeting.
Fri., 3/29 – No club meeting – Good Friday
Thurs., 4/4 – Lord and Taylor Sale – Fashion Center, Ridgewood
Fri., 4/19 – 2013 CLUB PICTURE
Thurs.,4/25 – President’s Ball – Season’s
Thurs., 5/16- Sun., 5/19 - 56th Annual District Conference - Mystic, Connecticut.
Sun., 5/19 - Fri., 5/24 - 2013 RYLA
Sat., 6/22 - Clearwater Sail - Alpine Boat Basin
Program:
Today, Park Ridge Rotarians heard from Ms. Karen Amy, President of the Dackks Group, a Bergen County, New Jersey, charity dedicated to helping the homeless make the transition to independent living. Based in Ramsey, the organization works collaboratively with social service agencies in the state to identify and house individuals and families ready to make the transition toward self-sufficiency and independent living.
The DACKKs Group was incorporated as a 501©(3) non-profit organization in January 2001. With the support of federal, state, county and foundation grants along with the help of many dedicated volunteers, a dozen housing units have been acquired, rehabilitated, and furnished. As stated in their informational flyer, “Bergen County’s housing costs strain even those with financial resources”. For the county’s estimated 825 homeless adults and children, housing remains out of reach. During the time of the group’s existence, nearly three dozen individuals have been provided with a home. None have returned to the streets.
If you want to play a role in helping the group continue its mission, there are many ways in which you can assist. The DACKKs Group needs volunteers in the Bergen County area. Can you paint, clean, make household repairs? Are you a construction professional willing to donate some of your time and talent to keep properties in top shape or help with emergencies? Plenty of opportunities to help exist. Readers are encouraged to visit www.dackksgroup.org to learn more.
1/3;1/3;1/3 – Won by Ryan Cangialosi. Additionally two drawings were held for 50/50 Raffle Tickets – Phil Wells won one and Bob Bustard, the other.