Park Ridge Rotary Club

The fiftieth anniversary of the Rotary Club of Park Ridge was celebrated with a dinner on June 29^th at the Curragh Traditional Irish Pub and Restaurant. Steve Schermerhorn planned the event for the dinner and was the evening’s emcee.  He welcomed members and their guests.  Also in attendance were members of District 6440. They were Richard and Helen Rivkin of the Northbrook Rotary Club and Mike Yessner of the Rotary Club of Skokie Valley.  The evening’s venue was comfortable and the restaurant service attentive and personable.

After dinner, Diane Forsythe, President 2010-2011, presented a review of the club’s humanitarian programs and club activity of the past year. Diane then presented club member acknowledgements followed by the announcement of the President’s award for 2010-2011 to Steve Schermerhorn. President’s Award recipient Steve was presented with a commemorative plaque.

Incoming president Patricia Ahern presented Diane with the gift of a plaque and gavel in appreciation for Diane’s leadership and contribution during the past year.  The new board was sworn in for the 2011-2012 year –

Sandra Artisuk-Lynch, Al Bartel, JohnAlan Boryk, Maureen Connelly, Ed Coyne,  John Davis, Don Ely, Diane Forsythe, Rose Garlasco, John Haley, Jeff Krupp, Steve Schermerhorn, Charlotte Ogorek.

President Patricia Ahern then addressed the evening’s attendees with her 2011-2012 goals for the club. The following is a copy of her address:

“My staff and family will tell you that putting me in charge requires a great deal of fortitude and resilience.  My job is to lead us to renewal and revitalization.  We’ve had a good start with Diane shoring up our fortifications this past year.  Thanks so much, Diane.

And, we go forward.

 Anyone that has worked with me will tell you that staying the same and accepting the status quo simply is not in my DNA.  So, get ready:  we are in for a wild ride. 

Consider our vision statement:

•          “Service above self” motivates Park Ridge Rotarians to gather weekly. 

•          These business and community leaders respond to global and local issues with creative insight and sustainable solutions.

I want to be the president that pushes for solutions.  Is that ok with you?

I want to be a member of a Rotary Club that is thriving, and not just surviving.  How about you?

I want to have champions in our Club that are problem solvers, not problem-sharers.  How about you?

I want the very best programs and fellowship events.  How about you?

I want to improve our investment in youth, community and the world through improved fundraising.  How about you?

I want to create a magnet Rotary Club that community and business leaders are drawn and attracted to.  How about you?

So, maybe you’re getting my point:  this club is all about you.  You get as much from it as you put in. 

It’s time for us all to claim the destiny that a 50 year old service organization deserves.  I’ll do my best to restore and improve, but it’s really all about you.

Thank you, very much.”