Wednesday, May 29, 2019

This Friday May 31, 2019


Dear Fellow Rotarians,

I hope each of you had a relaxing Memorial Day weekend. As you know, we did not have regular meeting, but for those who came for lunch at the Briars I hope you enjoyed your time together.

This Friday our guest speaker is Marc Ferris. From reading the bio he sent, I am quite sure this presentation will be quite entertaining. Instead of trying to explain about Marc and what he has planned to share with us, I have copied and pasted this below:

This presentation, Star-Spangled Mystery, is wowing people with fascinating facts, riveting storytelling and virtuosic music performance.

There are several tie-ins to holidays and other important observances, including: Star-Spangled Banner Day I (Sept. 14); Columbus Day; Baseball Playoffs (October); Football Season; Veterans Day (Nov. 11); November-December Holidays; Martin Luther King Day/Black History Month; Presidents' Day; Star-Spangled Banner Day II (March 3); St. Patrick's Day; Easter/Passover; Memorial Day; Flag Day (June 14); July 4; Baseball Season.


Below is a general description of the program. 

Written in 1814, “The Star-Spangled Banner” is the most controversial song in United States history and it continues to inflame passions to this day. In this presentation, author Marc Ferris relates the fascinating hidden history about our national anthem, punctuated by live musical renditions of the song’s original version along with other tunes considered for anthem status in this broad sweep of American music and political history. 

Marc Ferris, author of the acclaimed book Star-Spangled Banner: The Unlikely Story of America’s National Anthem, has appeared on CNN, MSNBC, NPR, CBS This Morning and many other major media outlets.
I’m hoping for a full house this Friday in support of Marc’s entertainment. Also this is a great chance to bring a friend. Rachel, our president elect, will be running the meeting. I am enjoying my time in beautiful Washington State. Just spent 4 days in the Cascade Mountains, surrounded by very tall pine trees and beautiful mountains and lakes. It is breath taking here. See you on June 7th.

Mark J.
“After you are gone, people may forget most of what you have said and done. But they will remember that you loved them.” 
― 
Steve Goodier

Thursday, May 16, 2019

This Friday May 17, 2019


Hi Everyone,

Something bright and illuminating is outside today, I think it’s called the sun….hmm! I think we all could get used to this!

Last Friday was our annual Mother’s Day event! It was as usual, a wonderful time together with 50 senior moms/ladies from our community. Mike Risko’s Band provided us all with great music, setting a joyous mood, which lead to endless conversations. The food and wine was delicious and thanks to Rachel we had a great tasting cake to enjoy. Also each mom/lady received a nice planted flower to take home.

This week our guest speaker is Dr. Ed Placke from Green Chimneys. Below is a short bio:

Green Chimneys Children’s Services, Inc. – Executive Director- Dr. Placke
Responsible for the leadership and management of the Agency that includes two schools, residential program, community services, horse barn, working barn, organic gardens, model forest, summer camps and outdoor education programs.  Over 500 staff are employed and over 1,500 children along with their families are served annually.  The Agency has the largest and most comprehensive nature-based programs in the State and beyond.

Please come, support and enjoy this special presentation.

Mark J.
“If people did not love one another, I really don't see what use there would be in having any spring.” 
― 
Victor Hugo

Thursday, May 2, 2019

This Friday May 3rd. 2019

This past Friday our guest speaker became seriously ill and could not share at our meeting. We did have time for more personal discussion, which is always good for growing closer as a club.

This Friday our own Jeff Cadge will be our speaker, sharing about video production on the Web and about his experience in the business. I have watched a few of his productions and they are excellent. Jeff is very humble about his accomplishments, but after visiting his office, I could see that he has won numerous awards, which include several Telly Awards, that honor excellence in video and television. It’s a great time to bring a friend for lunch tomorrow.

I also just received an exciting email from Vakondja Katuuo, from Peoples Bank, saying that she wants to become our Rotary member, and will come join us tomorrow. Please let’s all show up to give her a warm welcome. I believe this is one of Scotts contacts.

Hope to see you there!

Mark J.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

This Friday April 26, 2019



Hi Everyone,

Depending on your faith tradition, I hope you enjoyed the holidays. It’s a beautiful time of the year to enjoy both Easter, last Sunday and Passover that began last Friday at sundown and officially ends this Saturday at sunset.

“The Great American Jukebox” is the theme of this Fridays guest speakers, Ed Liss and Andrew Stein. Both are Rotarians from different clubs. They will include some exciting videos for us to watch, during their presentation.

Here are their bios:
BIO: ED Liss

Ed Liss has been a music historian and a jukebox collector/restorer for 43 years. A New York City native, Ed was drawn to all types of music as a child and in his adult years he was able to associate with famous professional musicians who played with Ray Charles, Frank Sinatra, Ella Fitzgerald, Paul McCartney, The New Orleans Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Harry Connick, Jr., Nelson Riddle, and a host of others. He has restored 19 vintage jukeboxes dating from 1936 to 1979. Each machine plays the precise music of its era and is 100% authentic. Ed is a retired IT CEO who spent 46 years developing on-line systems using proprietary Artificial Intelligence software used by Fortune 100 companies. Ed has 2 MBA's from Baruch College. Ed is from the Sommers Rotary.
  
BIO: Andrew Stein

Andrew Stein has over 30 years of video production experience. He was a member of the New York Yankees scoreboard crew for 5 years, working side by side with Eddie Layton and Bob Shepard. Andrew was a cameraman and editor for CNN & NBC. 

Andrew's production company created many productions for local businesses such as GE, Con Edison, Texaco, The Jefferson Valley Mall and White Plains Galleria. Andrew is devoted to helping non profits and has created approximately 40 excellent informative videos for Rotary international, with Helen Reisler. As a member of the Peekskill Rotary Club, Andrew has worked to help promote local projects by creating video news releases and public service announcements. 

Being a musician, and an creative artistic filmmaker, the Great American Jukebox project has been a wonderful opportunity to bring smiles to the elderly, when a smile is hard to come by.    

This will be an different but exciting presentation, so please consider bring a guest with you.

Mark J. 
“Rule with the heart of a servant. Serve with the heart of a king.” 
― 
Bill Johnson

Thursday, April 11, 2019

This Friday April 12,2019


Dear Fellow Rotarian Family,

I hope this week is bringing new and bright experiences to your life!

Last Friday our guest speaker was MaryAnn Ciambriello, the owner and operator of two Homecare Agencies, “Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care and Help at Home”. She shared with us some tips on how to aid and care for someone with dementia. She also explained the role of the care giver and how to work with the elderly. MaryAnn, a fellow Rotarian, has offered herself as a resource, someone to call to get help and information if needed. She is quite passionate about her work!

This Friday our speaker is Christian 
Philemon, the ED of the Youth Shelter of Westchester. For over 40 years, the Youth Shelter Program of Westchester, Inc., has been providing a home-like alternative to jail for young men awaiting disposition of various criminal charges. Over the years, the YSPW has helped hundreds of young men to address their educational and emotional needs and has helped to guide them on the difficult road to a better life.

Hope to see a full house this Friday. Remember next Friday, April 19th, due to the holidays, we will not have a meeting or a lunch. Please enjoy your time with family and friends!

Mark J.
“When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” 
― 
Maya Angelou

Thursday, April 4, 2019

This Friday



   
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Hi Everyone,

I hope your week is going well!

Last Friday, Rachel shared a bit of her experience from PETS (President Elect Training Seminar).  Sounds like there were some great and inspiring talks given as well as a push to expand membership in Rotary. I hope we can all support Rachel and each other in the pursuit of this goal for our own club.

Tomorrows speaker is MaryAnn Ciambriello. MaryAnn is the owner and operator of two Homecare Agencies, Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care and Help at Home. MaryAnn is a compassionate RN with over 30 years’ experience in the health care industry. She is known for her passion and commitment to providing 5-Star Quality Home Care.

Here is what she said she will sharing with us:
Dementia tips for caregivers
-Cost of Homecare vs Assisted Living vs Nursing Home
-Role of the care manager in working with the elderly 
-Choosing the right elder care attorney
-Assisted Living Placement Services... when You want to place your loved one in an Assisted living facility. The do’s and Don’t’s.

Hope to see everyone there tomorrow. Guests are always welcomed. 

Mark J.

Did I offer peace today? did I bring a smile to someone’s face? did I say words of healing? Did I let go of my anger and resentment? Did I forgive? Did I love? These are the real questions. I must trust that the little bit of love that I sow now will bear many fruits, here in this world and the life to come. 
- Henri Nouwen