29 September 2017 - CLUB MEETING AT BELLISSIMO
Flag Salute: June Bertimi
Invocation: Jan Doornbosch
Members Present: Dan Antokal, June Bertini, Bob Bustard, Whitney deBordenave, Pat DiRosa, Jan Doornbosch, Steve Hopper, Helen Paul, Cyndi Rose, Phil Wells
Visiting Rotarians and Guests: Mary Connolly, Rosemary Bustard, Brian and Cathy Gilbert, Trevor (Atrium)
Announcements:
- October 6: Installation of new members and visit from DG Jim Boyer
- October 15: Car show at the Atrium
- October 25: Social event at Uptown Art, 329 Broadway, Westwood NJ
- Fruit Sale has begun; orders must be received by November 16
Badge Fine: None
Photo Fine: June
Late Fine: None
Birthdays and Anniversaries:
- Stuart celebrated a birthday on September 21
- Whitney celebrated a birthday on September 24
Sunshine:
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who are currently contending with adversity of one type or another.
Happiness:
- Cyndi was happy she arrived at the luncheon on time
- Whitney was happy to have had a great birthday celebration; she is also happy about visiting other Rotary clubs
- Trevor (member of Bergenfield Club and Atrium) was happy to be joining us today
- Jan was happy to be visiting his gradson in Holland for his birthday
- Mary Connolly was happy about the warm reception at our club
- Steve Hopper and Dan were happy that the 5K run was completed and thanked the entire team
- Steve Hopper, Dan and June were happy about the great weather
- Whitney, June, Bob and Phil were happy about our guests and speaker
Program
On September 29, 2017 at Bellissimo Ristorante in Montvale, members of the Park Ridge Rotary gathered to hear a presentation on “So You Think You Want to Run a Marathon” by Bergen-Highlands Rotarian Mary Connolly. Mary completed her first marathon at age 32, 10 days before breast cancer surgery. She has run seven marathons and 39 half-marathons, and attributes career success and staying sane during some life-altering tragedies to a regular running schedule. As a life coach and running coach, she discussed the reasons people decide to participate in marathons, what impact running a marathon can have on the rest of your life and what it will take to achieve your goal.
Mary recommended that potential marathon runners take their time rather than rush into marathon running. She emphasized that potential marathoners work on flexibility, strength and endurance rather than speed, especially when starting out. She noted that it is potentially discouraging to set difficult time goals in the beginning. She also suggested that beginners just run and forget about all the technology available to runners.
Mary discussed how marathon running can change your life for the better. Mary cited many reasons for this. One is that it is better for your physical and mental health. It also makes you a more productive worker because it increases alertness. Additionally, it benefits charities, builds good will and better friendships. Finally, marathon runners have the opportunity to travel all over the world.