Stories

Vanity is largely a matter of self-control, or lack thereof. Others may try to feed our ego,

but it is up to us to constrain it.

   Slow down and enjoy life

its not only the scenery you miss by 

going too fast - you also miss the sense

of where you are going and why. 

CORKS & FORKS OF THE VALLEY WINE, BEER & FOOD TASTING - APRIL 16 2012 - 6 pm - 9 pm

DISTRICT 7470 CONFERENCE MADISON HOTEL MORRISTOWN - MAY 18 -19 2012 

PRESIDENTS INSTALLATION DINNER - FLYNNS ON THE HILL - JUNE 27TH 2012 

  This week's Program will be Frank Geraghty - He will be talking about Rotary

I’ve always been the kind of person who feels obligated to repay a favor or act of kindness toward me or my family. However, in reflection, I still owe my friend, Bernie, and I will never be able to repay him.

In September of 1955, I was just 10 years old. My family moved from Perth Amboy, NJ, to a small town a short distance away called Fords. It was a big adjustment for me to leave my group of playmates, but I quickly became best friends with Bernie who lived up the street from our new home. Bernie was my age and we were in the fifth-grade class. His father was killed during World War II. He lived with his mother, a younger brother, sister and grandparents. I enjoyed being over his house, as his family made me feel right at home. I guess, in a strange way, I envied Bernie because he never received a "licking" from his dad.

A short distance from where we lived was an area called Cutter’s Woods. Coming from the "city," I found the woods a great source of fun and fascination. Bernie and I spent many afternoons playing there. We especially liked fishing for sunfish and bass. Near where we played was a very old house. A elderly lady lived there with umpteen cats. We decided she must be a witch and steered clear of going near the place.

April Angel

(To be published in Chicken Soup for the Preteen Soul 7/ 2011)

by Joe Gurneak

"Not the smallest of prayers nor slightest deeds of kindness goes unnoticed by God."

As I sat in church several weeks ago, my mind began to wander. This happens at times, although I try to concentrate on prayer or at least reflect on what is being said. I thought back to a happening a year ago that seemed like an every day occurrence, but then the realization set in that the little story now seemed to have a deeper meaning or perhaps a message.

It was year ago in April on a cold, rainy afternoon. The kind of dismal rain that chilled to the bone. I ducked into a grocery store in Paterson, New Jersey, to buy a sandwich and soda. As I waited for my order, a boy of about ten came in. At first, I paid no attention, but then he approached me. "Say mister," his soft spoken voice asked "would you buy me a lottery ticket? My dad’s outta work." He produced a dollar’s worth of change, mostly pennies. "Sure", I replied, as he handed over the money. It was my guess that there was exactly one dollar. I bought ten dollars in pick six tickets for the boy and ten for myself. I handed the ten tickets to him. He looked up at me without expression and quietly said, "thanks". "Hey wait" I said, "here’s your dollar back. All that change will weigh down my pocket." Then he took a step back and bowed his head for a moment. It looked like he was praying. He then looked up at me and said, " Ya know, Jesus listens to prayers". There was a radiant softness in his big brown eyes. His shirt and pants were dripping wet. He should have had a jacket on since the rain and temperature made for quite a raw afternoon. I studied him for a moment. Life was certainly not easy for this young person, trying to help his family. The young boy slipped the tickets into his pocket and disappeared out into the pouring rain without looking back. As he struggled to ride an old bike that had a bent front wheel, I was sorry that I didn’t do more to help him. (continued in bulletin)

Save the date!!

Come and join the Rotary Club of Phillipsburg NJ as we host Comedy Night

Date: Saturday October 26th.

Location: Flynn's on the Hill, 341 Pursel Street, Phillipsburg NJ

Featuring:Comic and Ventriloquist-John Pizzi

Ticket Price: $35/ person

Hors d'oeuvres and cash bar runs from 6pm - 7:30pm.

Show Time 7:30pm