BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING
Friday, May 29th, 2009
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
On May 29th, in the year 1937, horse-show jumper Alwin Schockemoble was born.
(I know you’re not interested in this, but it’s fun to write “Schockemoble.”)
A NEVER-ENDING TRUTH
A husband, in heated discussion with his wife, always has the last words.
They are: “Yes, dear.”
*******
OPENING OF THE MEETING: Our weekly meeting was opened precisely at 12:17, to the sound of loud foot-stomping and a colorful fireworks display.
THE OPENING CEREMONIES: A stirring Salute to Our Flag was led by Mark Seiden,
Sy Yuter stood proudly front and center for the singing of our National Anthem, and the Rev. Lee lifted our spirits with an inspiring appeal to our Maker for understanding and a modicum of mercy.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS, HAPPY THOUGHTS, AND MEMBERS’ INSIGHTFUL OBSERVATIONS: President Fulfree opened with an introduction of our guests, Frances Chu followed with a reminder of Asian-American Day, which will take place at the site of the Kensico Dam, from noontime onward, tomorrow, May 30, and Sy Yuter rose to thank President Fulfree and fellow Rotary members for their participation in last weekend’s parade and festivities. Mr. Fulfree came back to remind us of our monthly Board Meeting this coming week, Gerry Mahoney announced the Annual End-of-School Celebration, which will take place in Law Park this weekend, Father John followed with a reminder of a Tour of Gardens, coming soon, and Zen Eidel delighted us by outlining the musical festivities that will occur at Copeland House on June 28th.
As for Happy Thoughts, Ms. Mahoney--just returned from Dublin, Ireland--said she was saddened ( I thought these were Happy Thoughts!) by her failure to attend a Rotary Meeting there, and Shelly Lotter joyously announced that there will be an Open House at The Club on June 25th, and threatened to no longer speak to those who declined to attend
NEXT WEEK: Our speaker next week will be Seth Leitman, who will enlighten our assembled Doctors on “How Green Saves Energy.”
THIS WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our speaker today was brother Mark Seiden, who spoke interestingly on “The Upcoming Rotary Year.” (He will be the incoming President, in 2009-2010. as you know.)
President-to-be Seiden laid out his plans for a dynamic year. He started by announcing the names of Board Members of our Club, and then launched into some of the details that he intends to feature in his tenure as President. Basically, he promised to get Back to Basics.
First of all, he pledged to galvinize membership in our Club: his goal is to grow our membership by at least 20%. Second, he urged Club members to get more involved in our obligations to the world community by volunteering to serve on a committee dedicated to getting things done that need to be done. We can achieve that goal by swearing--each member of Briarcliff Rotary swearing—to devote 3-to-5 hours a year to worthwhile and needed service.
There is basic work to be done, and we could not ask for a better leader to lead us to higher ground than Mark Seiden.
.
Bravo, Mark!
###
THE DRAWING: The first lottery winner was Etrusca. “Cookie” Consentino; the second lucky winner, Vladimir.
Immediately following the drawing, Bishop John barricaded himself in the men’s room in protest and refused to come out.
MEETING CONCLUSION: The meeting was adjourned at 1:32 pm, to the sorrow of all.
A lengthy mourning line quickly formed outside the building.
Submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
5/29 Attendance - Lee Carrozzi, Frances Chu, Antonia Conte, Etrusca Cosentino, Zachary Cosentino, Zeneth Eidel, Sheldon Feiner, Marie Fuesy, Peter Fulfree, John Herzog, Eric Leberson, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter, Geraldine Mahoney, Fiala Portnoy, Vladimir Portnoy, Paul Rosen*, Mark Seiden, Ken-Ichi Shimazu, Donald Wilde, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
June 2009 Program - from Sy Yuter
JUNE Program
5 *How Green Saves Energy - Seth Leitman
9 *Installation Dinner, Amalfi 6 pm
12 How Rotary Helped Me - Phelps Nurse Veronica Molina
19 *Good Tree Problems - Dean Dykeman, Sav-A-Tree
26 *Ossining Food Pantry Update - Martin Engelhardt
*PROGRAMS CONFIRMED
Fax copy: Gazette Editor Gary Cahill - 271-4219 **
**Briarcliff Recreation Center, 48 Macy Road, Noon, 914-762-0111
5 *How Green Saves Energy - Seth Leitman
9 *Installation Dinner, Amalfi 6 pm
12 How Rotary Helped Me - Phelps Nurse Veronica Molina
19 *Good Tree Problems - Dean Dykeman, Sav-A-Tree
26 *Ossining Food Pantry Update - Martin Engelhardt
*PROGRAMS CONFIRMED
Fax copy: Gazette Editor Gary Cahill - 271-4219 **
**Briarcliff Recreation Center, 48 Macy Road, Noon, 914-762-0111
Friday, May 22, 2009
BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING - 5/22/09
BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING
Friday, May 22nd, 2009
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
On May 22nd, in the year 1913, farmers Lester Howe and Henry Westin discover
Howe Caverns, when Howe stumbles into a gaping hole in the ground.
(“Look out for the big hole, Lester!”……“Henry, what ho----?”
AN INTERESTING OBSERVATION
“I am like a lonely man on a rainy day, who doesn’t know how to read.”
--My father on a very bad day.
*******
OPENING OF THE MEETING: Paul Rosen stepped in for the tardy President and opened our weekly meeting precisely at 12:17, to a lusty round of cheering and endless, thunderous applause.
THE OPENING CEREMONIES: The golden-throated Sy Yuter led us in singing our national anthem. Marie Fuesy stood front and center to pledge Allegiance to Our Flag. And Paul Rosen asked the Lord to forgive all our collective sins, if we promised to try harder.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS AND MEMBERS’ INSIGHTFUL OBSERVATIONS:
President Fulfree, who had recently arrived (he was held up by a traffic jam on the way in) announced the upcoming Board Meeting. The perky Sy Yuter rose to urge us all to march in the Memorial Day parade, holding our Rotary banner high. He also said that his son, Alan, would be in town with the grandchildren for his 35th High School Reunion. And Ernie reassured us that all was in order for our yearly Installation Dinner at Amalfi’s
NEXT WEEK: Our speaker next week will be Mark Seiden, who will speak to us, entertainingly, on the upcoming Rotary Year.
THIS WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our speaker today was Don Wilde, who had been asked to bring us up-to-date on the mating habits of the ostrich. After extensive research, Mr. Wilde concluded that ostrich-sex was very, very boring and quickly switched topics, choosing to enlighten us about a comparison between life for the Scythians and Pazytakians in 500 BC and life for most of us in Briarcliff Manor in 2009.
Mr.Wilde would have done better had he stayed with the ostrich
5/22 Attendance - Frances Chu, Etrusca Cosentino, Zachary Cosentino, Zeneth Eidel, Rodney Ertischek, Marie Fuesy, Peter Fulfree, Peter Garth, John Herzog, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter, Ernest Pacchiana, Paul Rosen, Donald Wilde, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
###
Friday, May 22nd, 2009
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
On May 22nd, in the year 1913, farmers Lester Howe and Henry Westin discover
Howe Caverns, when Howe stumbles into a gaping hole in the ground.
(“Look out for the big hole, Lester!”……“Henry, what ho----?”
AN INTERESTING OBSERVATION
“I am like a lonely man on a rainy day, who doesn’t know how to read.”
--My father on a very bad day.
*******
OPENING OF THE MEETING: Paul Rosen stepped in for the tardy President and opened our weekly meeting precisely at 12:17, to a lusty round of cheering and endless, thunderous applause.
THE OPENING CEREMONIES: The golden-throated Sy Yuter led us in singing our national anthem. Marie Fuesy stood front and center to pledge Allegiance to Our Flag. And Paul Rosen asked the Lord to forgive all our collective sins, if we promised to try harder.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS AND MEMBERS’ INSIGHTFUL OBSERVATIONS:
President Fulfree, who had recently arrived (he was held up by a traffic jam on the way in) announced the upcoming Board Meeting. The perky Sy Yuter rose to urge us all to march in the Memorial Day parade, holding our Rotary banner high. He also said that his son, Alan, would be in town with the grandchildren for his 35th High School Reunion. And Ernie reassured us that all was in order for our yearly Installation Dinner at Amalfi’s
NEXT WEEK: Our speaker next week will be Mark Seiden, who will speak to us, entertainingly, on the upcoming Rotary Year.
THIS WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our speaker today was Don Wilde, who had been asked to bring us up-to-date on the mating habits of the ostrich. After extensive research, Mr. Wilde concluded that ostrich-sex was very, very boring and quickly switched topics, choosing to enlighten us about a comparison between life for the Scythians and Pazytakians in 500 BC and life for most of us in Briarcliff Manor in 2009.
Mr.Wilde would have done better had he stayed with the ostrich
5/22 Attendance - Frances Chu, Etrusca Cosentino, Zachary Cosentino, Zeneth Eidel, Rodney Ertischek, Marie Fuesy, Peter Fulfree, Peter Garth, John Herzog, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter, Ernest Pacchiana, Paul Rosen, Donald Wilde, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
###
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
This Friday, 5/22 - from Ernie & Sy
Rotarians, there will be a luncheon this friday May 22,09 at the Rec center- even though it is the Memorial Day weekend. See you there - Ernie
Also, Don Wilde will speak on Friday May 22 on Joy of Life, and Mark Seiden will speak on Friday May 29 on the Upcoming Rotary Year. Sy
Also, Don Wilde will speak on Friday May 22 on Joy of Life, and Mark Seiden will speak on Friday May 29 on the Upcoming Rotary Year. Sy
Friday, May 15, 2009
BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING - 5/15/09
BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING
Friday, May 16th, 2009
A BANNER DAY IN HISTORY
Today is National Piercing Day, a day to get one or both ears pierced—or a navel,
if you are so inclined.
Throw a Piercing Party today! And don’t forget: Support your local piercer!!
SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
It is estimated that 2.6 million homeowners will lose their homes this year.
Uh-oh.
*******
OPENING CEREMONIES: Our weekly meeting was opened precisely at 12:18 pm to roars of approval and very annoying foot-stomping.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS AND MEMBERS’ INSIGHTFUL OBSERVATIONS:
Guests were welcomed and club members were applauded for their participation in
our recent Truck Show. And Marie Fuesy announced that she was proud to be on
The Board next year. (She still hasn’t sold her house, but people are looking. Not buying, mind you, just looking.)
NEXT WEEK: President-Elect Mark Seiden will bring us news about the Upcoming Rotary Year.
OUR SPEAKER TODAY: Our guest speaker today was Mr. Douglas Cacciola, Briarcliff Manor Fire Department Chief, who spoke to us interestingly on “Briarcliff Fire Department History.”
Interesting Fire Department facts, as related by Chief Cacciola:
. The Briarcliff Fire Department (really Walter Law’s fire department) was founded in 1907, at which time, most of the members worked for Mr. Law);
For the next four years, firemen were farm hands in their real life, and most were still employed by the aforementioned Walter Law.
At that time, fire engines were stored in the barn at the Presbyterian Church;
In due time, the fire department was handed over to the village of Briarcliff Manor. In 1934, Briarcliff Manor was growing by leaps and bounds, and so was the Briarcliff Fire Department: by order of the Board of Trustees, it was split into three companies, to better serve the Village;
There are more than 700 ambulance calls a year in the Village. The Ambulances Corps is attached to the Fire Department;
All fire Department uniforms and food are paid for by fund-raising;
The current Fire Department owns a Fly Car, which responds to medical emergencies;
. It also owns an 80 lb. Extractor, a heavy tool that is used to extract car-accident victims (There are many, far too many car accidents on the Taconic and on Rts. 9 and 9A.);
. The Briarcliff Fire Department owns a white fire engine. Legend has it that it is white so that it can be seen on the streets at night. The real reason is that the engine is white, as a tribute to Walter Law and his dairy farm. (Milk is white--get it?)
. . The fire alarm, sitting atop the Municipal Building, had a signal that was grating on the nerves. It now has a new electronic signal. Unfortunately, it continues to be grating.(It sounds at 12:02 pm, so as not to conflict with the Ossining Fire Deparment signal which goes off exactly at 12:00 pm, miffing many.).
. The Briarcliff Fire Department is comprised solely of citizen-volunteers, to whom we owe a heartfelt vote of thanks. We also owe a vote of thanks to Chief Cacciola. Bravo, Chief, for an excellent talk!
###
.
THE DRAWING: The first lottery winner was Ernie Pacchiana. (Cries of “Fix! Fix!” thundered throughout the hall!.) There was no second-place winner.
It is reported, but unconfirmed, that Bishop John immediately went into a downward emotional spiral and resigned from the Church.
MEETING CONCLUSION: The meeting was adjourned at 1:32 pm, to the sound of loud sobbing and a spirits-lifting trumpet voluntary.
Submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
5/15 Attendance - Frances Chu*, Etrusca Cosentino, Zachary Cosentino, Zeneth Eidel, Rodney Ertischek, Marie Fuesy, Peter Fulfree, Peter Garth, John Herzog, Eric Leberson, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter, Geraldine Mahoney, Ernest Pacchiana, Paul Rosen, Mark Seiden, Donald Wilde, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
Friday, May 16th, 2009
A BANNER DAY IN HISTORY
Today is National Piercing Day, a day to get one or both ears pierced—or a navel,
if you are so inclined.
Throw a Piercing Party today! And don’t forget: Support your local piercer!!
SIGNS OF THE TIMES.
It is estimated that 2.6 million homeowners will lose their homes this year.
Uh-oh.
*******
OPENING CEREMONIES: Our weekly meeting was opened precisely at 12:18 pm to roars of approval and very annoying foot-stomping.
PRESIDENT’S REMARKS AND MEMBERS’ INSIGHTFUL OBSERVATIONS:
Guests were welcomed and club members were applauded for their participation in
our recent Truck Show. And Marie Fuesy announced that she was proud to be on
The Board next year. (She still hasn’t sold her house, but people are looking. Not buying, mind you, just looking.)
NEXT WEEK: President-Elect Mark Seiden will bring us news about the Upcoming Rotary Year.
OUR SPEAKER TODAY: Our guest speaker today was Mr. Douglas Cacciola, Briarcliff Manor Fire Department Chief, who spoke to us interestingly on “Briarcliff Fire Department History.”
Interesting Fire Department facts, as related by Chief Cacciola:
. The Briarcliff Fire Department (really Walter Law’s fire department) was founded in 1907, at which time, most of the members worked for Mr. Law);
For the next four years, firemen were farm hands in their real life, and most were still employed by the aforementioned Walter Law.
At that time, fire engines were stored in the barn at the Presbyterian Church;
In due time, the fire department was handed over to the village of Briarcliff Manor. In 1934, Briarcliff Manor was growing by leaps and bounds, and so was the Briarcliff Fire Department: by order of the Board of Trustees, it was split into three companies, to better serve the Village;
There are more than 700 ambulance calls a year in the Village. The Ambulances Corps is attached to the Fire Department;
All fire Department uniforms and food are paid for by fund-raising;
The current Fire Department owns a Fly Car, which responds to medical emergencies;
. It also owns an 80 lb. Extractor, a heavy tool that is used to extract car-accident victims (There are many, far too many car accidents on the Taconic and on Rts. 9 and 9A.);
. The Briarcliff Fire Department owns a white fire engine. Legend has it that it is white so that it can be seen on the streets at night. The real reason is that the engine is white, as a tribute to Walter Law and his dairy farm. (Milk is white--get it?)
. . The fire alarm, sitting atop the Municipal Building, had a signal that was grating on the nerves. It now has a new electronic signal. Unfortunately, it continues to be grating.(It sounds at 12:02 pm, so as not to conflict with the Ossining Fire Deparment signal which goes off exactly at 12:00 pm, miffing many.).
. The Briarcliff Fire Department is comprised solely of citizen-volunteers, to whom we owe a heartfelt vote of thanks. We also owe a vote of thanks to Chief Cacciola. Bravo, Chief, for an excellent talk!
###
.
THE DRAWING: The first lottery winner was Ernie Pacchiana. (Cries of “Fix! Fix!” thundered throughout the hall!.) There was no second-place winner.
It is reported, but unconfirmed, that Bishop John immediately went into a downward emotional spiral and resigned from the Church.
MEETING CONCLUSION: The meeting was adjourned at 1:32 pm, to the sound of loud sobbing and a spirits-lifting trumpet voluntary.
Submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
5/15 Attendance - Frances Chu*, Etrusca Cosentino, Zachary Cosentino, Zeneth Eidel, Rodney Ertischek, Marie Fuesy, Peter Fulfree, Peter Garth, John Herzog, Eric Leberson, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter, Geraldine Mahoney, Ernest Pacchiana, Paul Rosen, Mark Seiden, Donald Wilde, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Friday Report - 5/8/09 from Don Wilde
BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING
Friday, May 8th, 2009
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson recommended a national Mother’s Day. His recommendation was passed unanimously by both Houses of Congress, and we have
celebrated mother’s ever since on a day in May.
A MOTHER’S DAY OBSERVATION
God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.
--Jewish proverb
*******
OPENING CEREMONIES: Our weekly meeting was opened precisely at 12.16 PM,
to an outburst of feminine enthusiasm and delight.
NEXT WEEK: Douglas Cacciola, Briarcliff Fire Department chief, will delve deeply
into Briarcliff Fire Department History
OUR SPEAKER TODAY: There was no speaker scheduled for today. Instead, we had a merry round of Mother’s Day activities and entertainment.
It was glorious!
THE DRAWING: Alas, there was no lottery for club members this week. But if there had been, Bishop John announced that he would have been the winner.
MEETING CONCLUSION: The meeting was adjourned at 1:32 pm, and the ladies, sated and happy, headed off to their various abodes…Bless each and every one of them!
Submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
5/8 Attendance - Barbara Briganti, Lee Carrozzi, Frances Chu, Antonia Conte, Zeneth Eidel, Rodney Ertischek, Sheldon Feiner, Marie Fuesy, Peter Fulfree, John Herzog, Eric Leberson, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter, Ernest Pacchiana, , Fiala Portnoy, Vladimir Portnoy, Paul Rosen*, Mark Seiden, Carl Weiner, Frances Wills, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
Please see slide show on the left.
###
Friday, May 8th, 2009
TODAY IN HISTORY
In 1914, President Woodrow Wilson recommended a national Mother’s Day. His recommendation was passed unanimously by both Houses of Congress, and we have
celebrated mother’s ever since on a day in May.
A MOTHER’S DAY OBSERVATION
God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.
--Jewish proverb
*******
OPENING CEREMONIES: Our weekly meeting was opened precisely at 12.16 PM,
to an outburst of feminine enthusiasm and delight.
NEXT WEEK: Douglas Cacciola, Briarcliff Fire Department chief, will delve deeply
into Briarcliff Fire Department History
OUR SPEAKER TODAY: There was no speaker scheduled for today. Instead, we had a merry round of Mother’s Day activities and entertainment.
It was glorious!
THE DRAWING: Alas, there was no lottery for club members this week. But if there had been, Bishop John announced that he would have been the winner.
MEETING CONCLUSION: The meeting was adjourned at 1:32 pm, and the ladies, sated and happy, headed off to their various abodes…Bless each and every one of them!
Submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
5/8 Attendance - Barbara Briganti, Lee Carrozzi, Frances Chu, Antonia Conte, Zeneth Eidel, Rodney Ertischek, Sheldon Feiner, Marie Fuesy, Peter Fulfree, John Herzog, Eric Leberson, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter, Ernest Pacchiana, , Fiala Portnoy, Vladimir Portnoy, Paul Rosen*, Mark Seiden, Carl Weiner, Frances Wills, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
Please see slide show on the left.
###
Thursday, May 7, 2009
About Mothers Day Program - from Ernie
Rotarians,, This Friday, May 8 will be our annual Mothers Day Luncheon. Please be at the Rec Center at 11:30 am to meet and greet the Mothers.--- Wear your blue Rotary shirts. Ernie
###
###
Monday, May 4, 2009
BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING - 5/1/09
BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING
Friday, May 1st, 2009
TODAY IN HISTORY
May 1st is synonymous with International Worker’s Day, celebrating the social and
economic achievements of the labor movement. Fair enough.
But in England, May Day rites include Morris dancing, the crowning of a May Queen, and various celebrations involving a Maypole.
And you wondered why we seceded.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
The 10 post-war recessions, prior to the current one, averaged 10.4 months, the longest being 16 months. The present recession is now in its 16th month…Oy!
.*******
OPENING CEREMONIES: Our weekly meeting was opened precisely at 12.16 PM,
to squeals of mass delight.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG, PATRIOTIC SONG, AND PRAYER: The Salute to Our Flag was led solemnly by Peter Garth. Then, the patriotic anthem was rendered magnificently by Sy Yuter, and the prayer, led by Paul Rosen, sent every spirit soaring.
PRESIDENT FULFREE’S REMARKS: President Fulfree called immediately for Community News. There was very little—but a great deal of Member News. Bob Amsterdam is going as a volunteer to Israel on secret business. Zen Eidel announced that another Rotary bench had been sold and put in a plug for the upcoming Art Show to be held at the Briarcliff Library. And Sy Yuter proudly proclaimed that his grandson had a Briarcliff T-shirt. He suggested that our Rotary Club sell Briarcliff T-shirts as a fund-raiser. Not altogether a bad idea.
NEXT WEEK: There will be no speaker next week; instead, we shall join together in celebrating our much-beloved Mother’s Day program. Be sure to wear your Rotary Shirt!
(NOTE: Our club’s fund-raising Truck Day will be held in the Briarcliff High School
Parking Lot this coming Sunday, from 11 am until 3. Be there, or be eternally steeped in shame!
OUR SPEAKER TODAY: Today’s speaker was Dr. Fran Wills, Superintendent of Briarcliff Schools, aided by Barbara, her assistant. Their topic: Briarcliff Schools Budget. Both spoke eloquently on the subject.
Dr. Wills pointed out that, in this economic downturn, she and her staff were doing all humanly possible to keep a tight rein on expenses, while at the same time providing a quality education for students.
-
The good news is that N.Y. State has provided $100,000 in stimulus funds, helping to keep cuts to a minimum. In addition, school surplus funds have been utilized for the same purpose.
Recently, comptrollers took a look at the Briarcliff educational system, Fran said, and found only two troublesome issues: purchasing and encumbrances. Both were swiftly addressed by school administrators, and currently are back on track.
Dr. Wills is proud--as well she should be--for the Briarcliff schools’ strength in science and in foreign languages. For example, time was when language instruction was taught beginning in the sixth grade. Today, it is begun in elementary school. (Chinese, incidentally, has replaced Russian, as the foreign language of choice for students.) And Science is getting the continued attention it deserves.
There was more Good News—especially for taxpayers. The school tax levy is less than last year, with the yearly budget set at $5.2 million. And there has been little or no reduction in services provided by the schools. Services are just provided more efficiently.
The teaching of science remains strong, Dr. Wills continued, with excellent teachers teaching a range of scientific subjects, readying students for today’s complex world.
Fran called particular attention to the Educational Website, where interested parties can get up-to-the minute news on the latest school developments.
There are two propositions being put forward to Briarcliff voters: (1) An authorization to begin necessary renovations on the High School, and, (2) To use the Reserve Fund to update and reconstruct two Todd School classrooms and two Todd School bathrooms. More good news: neither would require raising taxes!
It was an excellent speech, delivered with knowledge and passion.
Thank you, Fran. And a tip of the hat to Barbara.
###
THE DRAWING: The first cash prize in our weekly drawing was won by, I believe, (I was still thinking of Fran’s talk) Mark Seiden; the second prize, by an ecstatic Zen Eidel.
Bishop John, who was not present, called in to say that he was bitterly disappointed and was immediately enlisting in the French Foreign Legion.
MEETING CONCLUSION: The meeting was adjourned promptly at 1:32 pm, with club members parading proudly down the hill out back and Sy Yuter’s return for a crowd-pleasing reprise of our national anthem.
Respectfully submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
5/1 Attendance - Robert Amsterdam, Barbara Briganti, Frances Chu, Etrusca Cosentino, Zachary Cosentino, Peter Fulfree, Peter Garth, Eric Leberson, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter,Geraldine Mahoney,Ernest Pacchiana, Paul Rosen, Mark Seiden, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
###
Friday, May 1st, 2009
TODAY IN HISTORY
May 1st is synonymous with International Worker’s Day, celebrating the social and
economic achievements of the labor movement. Fair enough.
But in England, May Day rites include Morris dancing, the crowning of a May Queen, and various celebrations involving a Maypole.
And you wondered why we seceded.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT.
The 10 post-war recessions, prior to the current one, averaged 10.4 months, the longest being 16 months. The present recession is now in its 16th month…Oy!
.*******
OPENING CEREMONIES: Our weekly meeting was opened precisely at 12.16 PM,
to squeals of mass delight.
SALUTE TO THE FLAG, PATRIOTIC SONG, AND PRAYER: The Salute to Our Flag was led solemnly by Peter Garth. Then, the patriotic anthem was rendered magnificently by Sy Yuter, and the prayer, led by Paul Rosen, sent every spirit soaring.
PRESIDENT FULFREE’S REMARKS: President Fulfree called immediately for Community News. There was very little—but a great deal of Member News. Bob Amsterdam is going as a volunteer to Israel on secret business. Zen Eidel announced that another Rotary bench had been sold and put in a plug for the upcoming Art Show to be held at the Briarcliff Library. And Sy Yuter proudly proclaimed that his grandson had a Briarcliff T-shirt. He suggested that our Rotary Club sell Briarcliff T-shirts as a fund-raiser. Not altogether a bad idea.
NEXT WEEK: There will be no speaker next week; instead, we shall join together in celebrating our much-beloved Mother’s Day program. Be sure to wear your Rotary Shirt!
(NOTE: Our club’s fund-raising Truck Day will be held in the Briarcliff High School
Parking Lot this coming Sunday, from 11 am until 3. Be there, or be eternally steeped in shame!
OUR SPEAKER TODAY: Today’s speaker was Dr. Fran Wills, Superintendent of Briarcliff Schools, aided by Barbara, her assistant. Their topic: Briarcliff Schools Budget. Both spoke eloquently on the subject.
Dr. Wills pointed out that, in this economic downturn, she and her staff were doing all humanly possible to keep a tight rein on expenses, while at the same time providing a quality education for students.
-
The good news is that N.Y. State has provided $100,000 in stimulus funds, helping to keep cuts to a minimum. In addition, school surplus funds have been utilized for the same purpose.
Recently, comptrollers took a look at the Briarcliff educational system, Fran said, and found only two troublesome issues: purchasing and encumbrances. Both were swiftly addressed by school administrators, and currently are back on track.
Dr. Wills is proud--as well she should be--for the Briarcliff schools’ strength in science and in foreign languages. For example, time was when language instruction was taught beginning in the sixth grade. Today, it is begun in elementary school. (Chinese, incidentally, has replaced Russian, as the foreign language of choice for students.) And Science is getting the continued attention it deserves.
There was more Good News—especially for taxpayers. The school tax levy is less than last year, with the yearly budget set at $5.2 million. And there has been little or no reduction in services provided by the schools. Services are just provided more efficiently.
The teaching of science remains strong, Dr. Wills continued, with excellent teachers teaching a range of scientific subjects, readying students for today’s complex world.
Fran called particular attention to the Educational Website, where interested parties can get up-to-the minute news on the latest school developments.
There are two propositions being put forward to Briarcliff voters: (1) An authorization to begin necessary renovations on the High School, and, (2) To use the Reserve Fund to update and reconstruct two Todd School classrooms and two Todd School bathrooms. More good news: neither would require raising taxes!
It was an excellent speech, delivered with knowledge and passion.
Thank you, Fran. And a tip of the hat to Barbara.
###
THE DRAWING: The first cash prize in our weekly drawing was won by, I believe, (I was still thinking of Fran’s talk) Mark Seiden; the second prize, by an ecstatic Zen Eidel.
Bishop John, who was not present, called in to say that he was bitterly disappointed and was immediately enlisting in the French Foreign Legion.
MEETING CONCLUSION: The meeting was adjourned promptly at 1:32 pm, with club members parading proudly down the hill out back and Sy Yuter’s return for a crowd-pleasing reprise of our national anthem.
Respectfully submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
5/1 Attendance - Robert Amsterdam, Barbara Briganti, Frances Chu, Etrusca Cosentino, Zachary Cosentino, Peter Fulfree, Peter Garth, Eric Leberson, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter,Geraldine Mahoney,Ernest Pacchiana, Paul Rosen, Mark Seiden, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
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Friday, May 1, 2009
To Mayor Peter Chatzky
Dear Mayor Chatzky,
Thank you very much for visiting our Website and your comment of 4/27. Please come to join us any Friday at our Club meetings. We'll be delighted if you could share with us your knowledge about Willie Shoemaker as our luncheon speaker. If you agree to do so, please call Sy Yuter to arrange for a date. We’ll be honored for your visit and especially to hear stories about Willie Shoemaker.
Thanks again. We are looking forward to seeing you at our Club.
Yours at Rotary,
Frances Chu
Acting Website Administrator
Thank you very much for visiting our Website and your comment of 4/27. Please come to join us any Friday at our Club meetings. We'll be delighted if you could share with us your knowledge about Willie Shoemaker as our luncheon speaker. If you agree to do so, please call Sy Yuter to arrange for a date. We’ll be honored for your visit and especially to hear stories about Willie Shoemaker.
Thanks again. We are looking forward to seeing you at our Club.
Yours at Rotary,
Frances Chu
Acting Website Administrator
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