The Rotary Club of Ridgewood AM welcomed our own member John Plum. John has had a long distinguished career in capital markets with Citigroup and most recently Managing Partner at Emery, Kim Global Advisors, LLC.
John shared that negative interest rates are not a new concept and various countries have in the past and currently utilize negative interest rates as part of their central bank lending policies. Negative rates is an instrument of unconventional monetary policy applied by central banks to encourage lending by making it costly for commercial banks to hold their excess reserves at central banks so they will lend more readily to the private sector.
We thank John for giving us the history and context to better understand this phenomenon. It was very insightful and helpful!
District Governor Nikki Mederos thanked Jay Fowler at the District 7490 final meeting of the year 2019. Our thanks and recognition of our long time member and active Rotarian in our club, at the District level and nationally! Thank you Jay!
A special thanks to Mark and Amy Steppe for hosting The Rotary Club of Ridgewood AM meeting on June 27, 2019. It was very impactful to be up close to these gentle horses, many of which have suffered abuse and neglect. Mark and Amy's mission is to help Veterans overcome the effects of combat through the connection between a Veteran and rescued mustang horse. For more information visit this charity's website at www.unbridledheroes.org.
The transfer of the President's gavel from our past President Mike Tozzoli to our new President Vince Giordano at the Installation Dinner on June 13, 2019. Thank you Mike for your leadership and contributions this past year and all the best to Vince in the new term ahead!
The Rotary Club of Ridgewood A.M. congratulates this year’s Ridgewood High School scholarship recipients!
Timothy “Jack” Horan - Andrew Wolf Memorial Scholarship
Janus Kwong - Matthew Sayles Memorial Scholarship
Rachel Fazylova - H Carleton Clinch Memorial Scholarship
The Rotary Club of Ridgewood A.M. also recognizes Rachel Fazylova for her leadership in Rotary Interact Club at Ridgewood High School.
Each year, Rotary Club of Ridgewood A.M. reviews and selects scholarship applications from Ridgewood High School students. Once again, we congratulate this year’s recipients and wish them success in the years ahead.
Members of Ridgewood High School Interact joined AM Rotary on 6/6/19 to share their stories of charitable projects and outreach in 2019 and to share their plans for 2020. AM Rotary contragulates all seniors in Interact and wish them well in their post graduate days.
Thanks to Anne Bosch and Lynne Feeney for their continued support of Interact!
Take action, build international understanding, and make new friends around the world.
Interact clubs bring together young people ages 12-18 to develop leadership skills while discovering the power of Service Above Self. Find out how serious leadership can be seriously fun.
What are the benefits?
Connect with leaders in your community and around the world to:
Take action to make a difference in your school and community
Discover new cultures and promote international understanding
Become a leader in your school and community
Have fun and make new friends from around the world
What’s involved?
Interact clubs organize at least two projects every year, one that helps their school or community and one that promotes international understanding. Rotary club sponsors mentor and guide Interactors as they carry out projects and develop leadership skills.
Celebrate the global impact of Interact by getting involved in:
World Interact Week
Interact Video Awards
Rotary Youth Day at the United Nations
Global Youth Service Day
How do I join?
Check with your school or contact a local Rotary club to find out if there’s an Interact club in your area. Contact the Interact club to find out how you can join its next meeting, service project, or community event.
Follow Interact on Facebook to see how Interact clubs are having fun through service.
A reminder that May is Mental Health Month As the month concludes, pleaseemember that Mental Health awareness is a 12 month, 24/7 issue. Please be aware and reach out to all who seek help and assistance with mental health issues.
Dave Feeney hosted the sixth annual butterfly release was held at Habernicle Field, 1037 Hillcrest Road, Ridgewood, NJ
More than 150 butterflies were released on a beautiful clear evening. Thanks to everyone in attendance for joining Dave and others from Feeney Funeral Home. This annual tradition is a wonderful Ridgewood tradition of welcoming Spring!
The recent District Governor's conference in Gettysburg, MD featured a presentation made by Josef Schmidt, CEO of Freedom United, an organization positioned against the elimination of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. This session was of specific relevance to Rotary with whom Joe seeks to establish a partnership. The organization is global in scope, has outstanding private sector partnerships, international reach and influence, and achieved federal legislative changes in selected countries such Uzbekistan, Mauritania, India, the UN and even the US. More detail is contained herein. Learn more about Freedom United organization at freedomunited.org.
Since 1949, Mental Health America and our affiliates across the country have led the observance of May is Mental Health Month by reaching millions of people through the media, local events and screenings. We welcome other organizations to join us in spreading the word that mental health is something everyone should care about by using the May is Mental Health Month toolkit materials and conducting awareness activities.
May is Mental Health Month 2019
This year marks MHA's 70th year celebrating Mental Health Month
At the recent District Governors Conference in Gettysburg, MD, a presentation was made describing the initiative underway by several organizations including the Ridgewood YMCA. This initiative is an effort to build YMCA Community based facilities in Haiti utilizing shipping container boxes. Phil Wells and his father, Peter, a former District Governor, who are each architects in Park Ridge and active in Park Ridge Rotary have been leading this effort for many years. They partnered with the YMCA in Haiti as well as the YMCA in Ridgewood to construct multi use buildings from shipping containers. Andy Topp, our former Rotary Member who passed away last year, was very instrumental in creating this unique repurposing of shipping containers in Haiti and other countries.
As many of you know, Ernie Lamour, CEO of the Ridgewood YMCA, who s a member of our Club is also responsible for coordinating resources in helping the population of Haiti.
Jay Fowler, John Plum and their spouses attended the District Governor's Conference in Gettysburg, MD; May 3-5. Jay was the event's Master of Ceremony!!
The schedule was over two and a half days, Thursday afternoon (registration) through Sunday morning, split evenly between sessions for our District, 7490, and the other District for NJ, 7475, as well as one combined session discussing common problems, issues and opportunities for Rotary at large. There was also our representative from Rotary International, Valerie Wafer (Toronto), as well as our respective District Governors. Total attendance was about 250, including spouses, speakers, and the occasional middle school child.
A presentation made by Josef Schmidt, CEO of Freedom United, an organization positioned against the elimination of Human Trafficking and Modern Slavery. This session was of specific relevance to Rotary with whom Joe seeks to establish a partnership. The organization is global in scope, has outstanding private sector partnerships, international reach and influence, and achieved federal legislative changes in selected countries such Uzbekistan, Mauritania, India, the UN and even the US. More detail is contained herein.
The meeting in Gettysburg was invaluable in better understanding the topics and issues being addressed by local and International Rotary organizations. Next year's meeting will take place at The Sagamore up in Bolton, New York, on Lake George.
Jeanne Johnson a long time advocate and spokesperson for pedestrian safety in Ridgewood shared her background and experiences in organizing and advocating for pedestrian safety throughout Ridgewood and the community. Jeanne has been tireless in her support and advocacy. Jeanne shared that the police department confirms that the accident rate has declined as a result of the awareness and training received by residents. Thanks to Jeanne Johnson for her support of such an important aspect of public safety!
Rotary Club of Ridgewood AM is a supporter of Pony Power Therapies.....
Pony Power Therapies was founded by Executive Director Dana Spett in 2000 to provide horse-assisted activities to children and adults with a variety of special needs. A lifelong equestrian, Dana discovered therapeutic horseback riding while researching alternative therapies for one of her daughters with mild special needs.
In 2005, Pony Power transitioned to a 501(c)3 as a first step in becoming the only equestrian center in Bergen County dedicated to serving populations with special needs. The fees we charge cover about 65 percent of the actual costs of our services, and we fundraise as an organization to cover the remaining 40 percent.
Pony Power has been a member center of the Professional Association of Therapeutic Horsemanship (PATH) International since its inception. PATH is the equine-assisted activity industry’s leading accrediting body. Pony Power instructors are either certified by PATH or working toward their certification.
Tom Grissom a long time member of Rotary and good friend of Ridgewood Rotary Club AM joined the club meeting on April 25, 2019 to share an update of the Walter Head Foundation.
he Walter D. Head Foundation is our district’s charitable foundation. It was named for Walter D. Head, a former member of the Teaneck Rotary Club and who later became the President of Rotary International in 1939-1940. The purpose of the foundation is to award educational scholarships and to support special projects throughout Rotary District 7490. Recently, the District Foundation formed the Rotary Military Family Assistance Center to provide services to the families of active service men and women.
Thanks Tom for your many years of friendship and contributions to Rotary and the community!!
TIME FLIES...........MORE THAN 43,800 HOURS HAVE PASSED ON THE RIDGEWOOD DOWNTOWN CLOCK SINCE IT WAS DEDICATED ON APRIL 15, 2005! THOUSANDS OF RIDGEWOOD VISITORS HAVE LOOKED UP AT THIS CLOCK FOR A TIME CHECK AND IT IS A GREAT PLACE TO MEET. WHAT A GREAT GIFT SPONSORED BY ROTARY!
Matt Viola, Vice President of Charity Navigator gave Ridgewood Rotary Club AM an update on the many services this organization provides to various philanthropic donors. Charity Navigator uses various metrics derived from IRS Form 990. Through various analysis and filters, Charity Navigator is able to provide a rating system for thousands of non profit 503c organizations.
David Scher was our guest speaker today who shared his story of growing up in upstate New York and making his way to New Jersey by way of Rochester University, Chicago School of Economics and Wall Street.
The Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club greatly appreciates area businesses that help support our wide range of community service projects and grants. As a thank you to these community-minded businesses, we will periodically feature supporters on our website.
PUT YOUR BEST FACE FORWARD with Ridgewood Eyewear
Our first feature is on a new supporter, Ridgewood Eyewear, located for a dozen years in the historic, two-century old Archabold-Vroome house at 160 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood. Owner Angela Dragotto greets customers with a smile and 20 years of experience as an optician. She has an impressive knowledge of eyewear, backed by a varied selection of over 1,000 frames of the latest designs and technology.
On March 31st, 2019, over 50 people braved the weather to come out and support West Bergen Mental Healthcare and the great sport of Paddle Tennis at the Ridgewood Country Club. Through the laughs and fun, we made some new friends and contributed to a great cause!
Dr. Catherine Nagadya a Graduate of Clinical Medicine, Founder of Girls Unstoppable Uganda, WMI Micro-Grant and President's Award Recipient shared her extraordinary story of growing up in rural Uganda and dreaming at the age of 6 of becoming a doctor. With the help of a WMI (wellsmountaininiative.org) scholarship, Catherine completed her Medicine and Surgery degree in 2015 at the Mbarara University of Science and Technology in Uganda.
Tom Wells the founder of WMI shared in Catherine's compelling story and added that WMI started with one student many years ago and has since helped over 400 students throughout the world with many thousands applying for scholarship assistance.
Thanks to Dr. Nagadya and Tom Wells for sharing this inspiring story with Ridgewood AM Rotary!
Ridgewood AM Rotary is delighted and honored to have Ernest Lamour the CEO of Ridgewood YMCA join our chapter. Ernest and his family live in Hawthorne and we thank him for all he does for our community! Chris Stout (Ernest's sponsor) is an active member and participant at Ridgewood YMCA and encourages all of us to take advantage of their programs!
Welcome to our "Meet a Member" series. Each week, we highlight a member of the AM Ridgewood Rotary to help both existing members and prospective members learn more about the people in our club that make it so unique.
Our longtime friend and Ridgewood AM Rotary member, Pastor Andy Topp, passed away Wednesday afternoon. He served in many ways, including as past Gift of Life Chairperson for the District and Founder of the International Humanitarian Aid Foundation (IHAF). His heart for his family and work through IHAF will be long remembered and treasured.
I know our club will join the many family and friends in embracing his family with love, support and care as they travel this tough road. We ask that you keep his family in your prayers. The service for Andy Topp will be this Sunday, May 6th, at the Reformed Church of Boonton, 236 Washington Street, Boonton, NJ 07005, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.
Rest in Peace, our dear friend and fellow Rotarian, H. Carleton Clinch. We are so grateful for your friendship, service, and leadership. You will be deeply missed.
Since 1985 Rotary has led the battle against polio, and kept the pressure on as worldwide cases plummeted from 350,000 per year to several hundred. When India went off the list of endemic countries in 2012, we took one more step toward eradicating a human disease from the earth for only the second time in history. Now, Rotary and its partners are This Close to making that dream a reality.
Watch this tribute to the Rotary International's role in eradicating polio
"Rotarian Betty Wiest visits Ridgewood Social Services with bags of groceries donated by the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club. The Club makes weekly contributions to the food pantry at the Ridgewood Social Services.
Members of the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club held a food drive for the Social Service Association of Ridgewood. Food pantries are at their lowest levels in summer, making the timing of the food drive particularly important.
Food Drive to Benefit Ridgewood Social Services Assocation
Long-time Rotarian Jay Fowler recently began training for his first New York City Marathon. He writes, "At 66 I know that this race will be both a physical and mental challenge for me, but one I am more than willing to undertake to support the charitable work of the Ridgewood Rotary Foundation."
William Paterson Professor Dr. Jim Crane treated the Ridgewood Rotary Club to a fascinating and entertaining discussion of the Golden Years of Baseball.
Professor Jim Crane on The Golden Years of Baseball
Betty Wiest Receives Prestigious Arthur Fenniman Award
Former Ridgewood Deputy Mayor, active sportswoman, local personality and devoted Rotarian Betty Wiest received the Arthur Fenniman Award from Rotary District 7490 Governor Peter Wells and District Governor Nominee/District Secretary James Boyer. This is one of the most prestigious awards given to a District 7490 Rotarian and was named after Arthur Fenniman of the Maywood Club who exemplified and embodied both “Service Above Self” and Rotary’s 4-Way test throughout his personal, vocational and Rotary life. It is in his name that the District annually honors someone who has demonstrated these same qualities of commitment to service and high ethical standards. Betty is a long-time member of the Rotary Club of Ridgewood A.M. which meets at 7:30am every Thursday morning at Roots Steakhouse in Ridgewood.
Pictured with Betty Wiest are James Boyer and Peter Wells, Rotary District Governor .
Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club Announces New Location at Roots Steakhouse
As of Thursday, May 5, 2016, the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club will now hold weekly meetings at Roots Steakhouse at 17 Chestnut Street in Ridgewood. The move reflects the growth of the Club's membership and the need for a larger space to accommodate weekly meetings. The Club meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast and fellowship. Featured speakers from the community and beyond address varied topics relating to community service, current affairs, history, politics and more. The Rotary Club is comprised of local professionals committed to making a difference in their community and the world.
New Meeting Location for Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club
Neal Frank ~ Newest Member of the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club
The Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club inducted our newest member to the club, Neal Frank, owner of Creative Solutions, a promotional and printing products company. Pictured from left is Greg Taris, co-chair of the Membership Committee, Club President Ken Espanek, Neal Frank, and John Plum, co-chair of the Membership Committee.
The Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club welcomes all community-service minded professionals to join us at one of our weekly meetings at 7:30 a.m. at Roots Steakhouse, 17 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood.
Emmy-Nominated Documentary Film Maker Minnie Roh on the Comfort Women of WWII
Veteran Producer Minnie Roh gave a riveting talk at the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club this morning. The Emmy-nominated journalist helped publicize Japanese war crimes against women in World War II by bringing to light efforts by the surviving "comfort women" to demand recognition and reparations by the Japanese government for the atrocities committed against them.
Rotarians from Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club Pack Meals for Feed My Starving Children
On March 13, 2016 Rotarians from the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club spent the morning at Hawthorne Christian Academy, packing meals for Feed My Starving Children, a non-profit Christian organization committed to feeding hungry children from around the world. The hand-packed meals are specifically formulated for malnourished children. FMSC meals have reached nearly 70 countries around the world. Rotarian Tammy Butler spearheaded the community service project.
Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club Packs Meals for Feed My Starving Children
Minnie Roh to Address Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club on March 17, 2016
Minne Roh, Glen Rock resident and Emmy-nominated correspondent for Asian American Life, a monthly news magazine show on CUNY TV, will speak at Ridgewood AM Rotary on Thursday, March 17 at 7:30am. Members of the public are welcome.
Noted CPA, Bill Haggerty, Partner at The Haggerty Group, discussed recent changes in New Jersey's Pension Plans at the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary meeting on Thursday, March 3rd
Dick Brahs, Managing Director of the Hermitage, Speaks to Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club
Dick Brahs, Managing Director of the Hermitage in Ho-Ho-Kus gave a great speech this morning. The Hermitage,which is a National Historic Landmark and house museum, incorporates a stone house that was visited during the Revolutionary War by General George Washington. It was also the site of the marriage of Aaron Burr and Theodosia Prevost. Its picturesque Gothic Revival design dates to the 1847–48 renovation by the architect William H. Ranlett. To find out more information please visit them at http://www.thehermitage.org/
Inspiring Project by Ridgewood High School Project Interact
Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Member, Dan Fishbein, has shared this wonderful video produced by Ridgewood High School's Project Interact Club to help former student and multiple-cancer survivor Julia Leonard get a new wheelchair.
Ridgewood A.M. Rotary's Annual Texas Hold 'Em Social
This is an annual Ridgewood A. M. Rotary social event. Rotarians and friends enjoyed a night of fabulous food prepared by our hostess Missy Elfers. Our host Rob Elfers set up tables and equipment. Players put in a nominal amount for the "pot". Knowledgeable players assisted those not familiar with the game so we all had a fun-filled evening.
Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Welcomes New Member, Peter Krautle
Peter Krautle, Managing Partner of Louisa Voice, a growing company that delivers voice services to small and medium business, recently joined the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club. Pictured from left to right are Club President Ken Espanek, new member Peter Krautle, and membership committee co-chairs, Greg Taris and John Plum. The club invites all members of the community who are interested in Rotary's commitment to Service Above Self to learn more about the club by joining us for breakfast on Thursdays at 7:30 a.m. at Roots Steakhouse, 17 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ>
Dr. Caleb Kim, DDS, Joins Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club
The Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club is pleased to announce that Dr. Caleb Kim, DDS recently joined the club. Dr. Caleb Kim, a board-
certified Prosthodontist, established AP&P Dental, with his brother, Dr. Tyler Kim, a Periodontist. Their unique practice located in Ho-Ho-us is the only practice in Bergen County with a board-certified prosthodontist and board-certified periodontist working together as a team in one practice.
The Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club welcomes all members of the community to learn more about Rotary's commitment to Service Above Self by joining us for breakfast on Thursday mornings at 7:30 a.m. at Roots Steakhouse, 17 Chestnut Street, Ridgewood, NJ.
Mary Jane Surrago, a longtime volunteer with the Glen Rock Volunteer Ambulance Corps, spoke with the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club about the Corp's long history and their vital role in the community.
Barbara Dunn, Executive Director of Paterson Habitat for Humanity gave a compelling talk about the many ways that Habitat for Humanity makes the dream of homeownership possible for low-income residents and helps to rebuild some of our poorest communities right here in Bergen County.
Pictured with Ms. Dunn is Paterson Habitat for Humanity board member, Wayne Angelbeck.
Director of Paterson Habitat for Humanity to Speak to Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club
On Thursday, January 21, Barbara Dunn, Executive Director of Paterson Habitat for Humanity, and Wayne Angelbeck, board member, will discuss how Habitat for Humanity is making the dream of home ownership possible for families with limited income right here in Bergen County.
All members of the community are welcome to join us. The Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club meets every Thursday morning at 7:30 a.m. at It's Greek to Me, 21 East Ridgewood Avenue, Ridgewood, NJ.
Featured speaker: Barbara Dunn, Executive Director of Paterson Habitat for Humanity
Laurent Junod, Technical Director and Master Watchmaker for Patek Philippe, gave a fascinating presentation to the Ridgewood A.M. Rotary Club on New Year's Eve on the history of watchmaking and the future of the watch industry. Mr. Junod also discussed Patek Philippe's new elite watchmaking school in New York City, which is training a new generation of watchmakers.
Our Club collected over 13,000 pairs of shoes last Fall for Soles for Souls, which is a charitable organization that distributes shoes to the poor in the United States and all over the world. Thanks to Member Betty Wiest for organizing the event.
At our meeting on Thursday, March 12th, we had a speaker, Raoul Mallalieu, from a local historical society. Raoul discussed the local area's contribution to the revolutionary war.
We have speakers almost every week and the public is always welcome to attend.
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