Thursday, October 29, 2009

November-December Rotary Programs - by Sy Yuter

November-December Rotary Programs

NOVEMBER

11/6/09 *Life Project for Africa - Seth Leitman

Bring food for Food Pantry

11/13/09 *War Against Alzheimer's - Michelle Muir

11/19/09 *French Gourmet Fellowship Dinner - Heights Restaurant, Mt. Kisco, 6:00 pm. $30 incl. tax and tip. Contact Sy for reservation

11/20/09 *Sing Sing College - Sean Pica, John Gallagher

11/27/09 *An Iranian Bomb - Dr. Sy Yuter

DECEMBER

12/4/09 *Truth in Government - Hon. Joseph DiaGuardia

12/11/09 *What's New With the Red Cross - John Ravitz

12/18/09 *High School Choral Group

12/25/09 *Square Table at Squires

*PROGRAMS CONFIRMED

Sunday, October 25, 2009

BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING - 10/24/09 by Don Wilde

BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING
October 24, 2009

TODAY’S INTRINGUING QUOTE

“He gave her a look you could have poured on a waffle.”
--Ring Lardner

THIS DAY IN HISTORY.

On October 24th, 1861, the first transatlantic telegraph system—pioneered by Samuel F.B. Morse went into service, making it possible to transmit messages from coast-to-coast. This was followed by the telephone. Then the computer. Then the—Oh, Gawd!!

*******
.
MEETING OPENING: President Seiden opened our weekly meeting to the sounds of a Trumpet Voluntary and wild applause precisely at 12:15 pm.

SALUTE TO OUR FLAG, PATRIOTIC ANTHEM, AND PRAYER: The Salute to Our Flag was headed by our national anthem was rendered wrenchingly by our very own Sy Yuter, and Bishop John ..

PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS: President Seiden started off his section of the meeting off by saluting our guest speaker, Mr. Scott Craven, of the Ossining Police Force He then announced that our membership stood at 32. Our goal is 37. For God’s sake, get cracking!

MEMBER’S COMMENTS: Marie Fuesy reminded us that there are “good buys” at the local Stop ‘n Shop. Frances Chu announced the upcoming Rotary dinner ($30 dollars apiece), and urged us all to attend. Bob Maher, who was sorry that he was not present,
revealed by proxy that the Harlem Magic Masters basketball team would be appearing soon at the Briarcliff High School. President Seiden stated that Briarcliff Rotary shirts were now available at a laughably low $25, that a Rotary Fellowship Dinner, supporting
AIDS research relating to newborn infants, was planned but was seeking a new available date, and that Long-Range Calendars were now being offered for $8--the proceeds of which would be donated to charity.

NEXT WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our speaker the October 30th, will be Mr. Tom Vincent, Historical Society President, whose topic will be the “History of Briarcliff.”



THIS WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our speaker this week was the aforementioned Mr. Scott Craven, who spoke interestingly on the history of “The Mouth of the Croton River”, on which he wrote his Master’s thesis.



A few of the highpoints of his talk: The Hudson is one of the largest and most highly-traveled rivers in the country. Croton Point has changed dramatically, as can be seen in aerial photographs taken over the years. The “Harmon” in Croton-Harmon wanted to create an Artists’ Community and gave the land for that unfulfilled purpose. That an ice glacier had a profound affect on the river, as can be seen by the huge rocks it left behind. That fishermen can still find a few striped bass and sturgeon in the river, if they are patient enough. That at one time there was an earthen dam across the Hudson. That in 1835, New York City was dying and was saved by water from the Hudson. And that the river is being dredged constantly for the sake of ship passage. (What he didn’t mention was that the Hudson River was a subject for many skilled painters and an inspiration and a source of solace for the rest of us.)

It was a fascinating talk. Congratulations, Mr. Craven!

###

THE DRAWING: The results of the weekly drawing: First-place winner, Julio Salazar; second-place, Marie Fuesy.

Bishop John heaved himself out of a window.

THE CONCLUSION OF OUR MEETING: Our weekly meeting ended precisely at 1:30 pm., at which point, the assembled Rotarians carried President Seiden around on their shoulders, singing “For He’s A Jolly Good Fellow!”.

Respectfully submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde
###
10/23/09 Attendance - Robert Amsterdam, Lee Carozzi, Frances Chu, Antonia Conte, Dean Dykeman, Rodney Ertischek, Marie Fuesy, Peter Garth, John Herzog, Rachel Leihbacher, Seth Leitman, Shelley Lotter, Geraldine Mahoney, Ernest Pacchiana, Mike Risko, Paul Rosen, Mark Seiden, Julio Salazar, Ken-Ichi Shimazu, Donald Wilde, Frances Wills, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter
###

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING - 10/16/09 from Don Wilde

BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING
October 16, 2009

TODAY’S INTERESTING QUOTE

“He turned his life around. He used to be depressed and miserable. Now he’s miserable and depressed.”
--David Frost

THIS DAY IN HISTORY.

On October 2nd, in the year 1924, the new ZR-3 Dirigible from the Zeppelin Corporation, set a world’s record for wingless transatlantic flight. I wonder what happened to its sister zeppelin—oh, you know the one I mean. What was it called—the Hindenburg?

*******
.
MEETING OPENING: President Seiden opened our weekly meeting promptly at 12:15 pm., with great flair and enormous dignity.

SALUTE TO OUR FLAG, PATRIOTIC ANTHEM, AND PRAYER: The Salute to Our Flag was headed by an enthusiastic Mark Seiden, our national anthem was rendered with aplomb by our very own Sy Yuter, and Bishop John wound things up with a highly- impassioned plea to The Almighty for mercy, forgiveness, and a pleasant October..

PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS: President Seiden started things off by reminding us of “Service Above Self!” He then proceeded to talk about the Grapefruit Sale, the Food Pantry, water wells in Africa, bicycles for girls, the upcoming Truck Show, and the many, many people who have fallen victim to troubled times. The message: Our Rotary chapter is doing well, but we must all continue to pitch in.


VISITOR’S DAY! Our first official Visitor’s Day was a tremendous success! There were seven (7) guests—so many that we had to set up a sixth table! (Guests have been known to turn into members, you know. Get it? Get it? )

NEXT WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our official speaker next week, the 23rd of October, will be
Fialla Portnoy, whose topic will be “My Life.”

THIS WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our speaker this week was most interesting: Mr. Carlo Pellegrini, a professional juggler. He opened his section of the meeting by speaking about “running away to join the circus and becoming a juggler.” Which is what he is—a juggler—although he chose, wisely, to stay home rather than to run away.


Mr. Pelligrini was amazing! He juggled balls, while continuing his talk: 2 pairs, 3 pairs, 4 pairs of balls, he kept in the air—all the time spieling, spieling, spieling away! Anyone could do what he does, he observed, provided they have five pairs of hands.


Don‘t believe it for a minute. He is extremely gifted. You have to be born with those reflexes. And he was.







A most enjoyable performance. Bravo, Mr. Pellegrini!

###

THE DRAWING: The results of the weekly drawing were most depressing. I didn’t win—once again. The winners know who they are, so I won’t bore you with the details.



THE CONCLUSION OF OUR MEETING: Our weekly meeting ended precisely at 1:30 pm., with Bishop John’s springing out of a birthday cake.

Respectfully submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde


###
10/16/09 Attendance - Robert Amsterdam, Frances Chu, Antonia Conte, Etrusca Cosentino, Zachary Cosentino,Dean Dykeman, Zenith Eidel, Rodney Ertischek, Marie Fuesy, Peter Garth, John Herzog, Seth Leitman, Shelley Lotter, Robert Maher, Geraldine Mahoney, Ernest Pacchiana, Fiala Portnoy, Vladimir Portnoy, Mike Risko, Paul Rosen*, Mark Seiden, Julio Salazar, Ken-Ichi Shimazu, Donald Wilde, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter

Friday, October 16, 2009

BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY MEETING - 9/9/09 By Don Wilde

BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY MEETING
September 9th, 2009

091009BRfootball
Please click on the picture, and then on the next screen, click "slide show" to get a full screen size slide show.

THIS DAY IN HISTORY

Leo Tolstoy, the revered Russian novelist was born on this day. On this very day, he would have been one hundred and thirty seven years old.

If he had lived.

AN OBSERVATION

Definition of a football classic: A game, usually played on a Saturday afternoon, starring two friendly football teams, who are determined to beat the living daylights out of each other.

###

Our Annual Briarcliff-Pleasantville Football Luncheon took place here today. It was a gala affair, featuring star players and the coaches of both teams. But the nagging question was “Where were the pretty cheerleaders?”

There was much bragging and boasting on both sides, and the telling of excellent stories There was very little humility—thank Heaven!

Did you notice? There seemed to be a goodly number of female members in the Pleasantville Rotary Club

Hmmmmm.

Next year, the luncheon will be hosted by the Pleasantville Rotary Club. Polish up your
table manners, and let’s think about inviting more women into our Club.

It sure would beautify things.

###

Respectfully submitted by
Don Wilde

10/9/09 Attendance - Robert Amsterdam, Frances Chu, Zachary Cosentino, Dean Dykeman, Zenith Eidel, Rodney Ertischek, Marie Fuesy, Peter Garth, Rachel Leihbacher, Robert Maher, Geraldine Mahoney, Ernest Pacchiana, Fiala Portnoy, Vladimir Portnoy, Mike Risko, Paul Rosen, Mark Seiden, Julio Salazar, Ken-Ichi Shimazu, Carl Weiner, Donald Wilde, Frances Wills, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter

###

Saturday, October 10, 2009

From Facebook of Frances Chu - 10/9/09

On Friday 10/9 jointly with Pleasantville Rotary, Briarcliff Manor Rotary Club hosted annual luncheon for leaders of football teams of Briarcliff and Pleasantville High Schools. It was so refreshing to see that leaders of 2 rivalry teams were sitting next to each other, and exchanging gifts...

Are captains of football teams always so good looking?
###

Friday, October 9, 2009

FELLOWSHIP FRENCH BANQUET - 11/1/09 from Sy Yuter

BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB
FELLOWSHIP FRENCH BANQUET
SUNDAY NOVEMBER 1, 2009, 6:00
YORKTOWN HEIGHTS BISTRO

Hor's d'oeuvres
Rillettes with tapenade
Brandade fritters
Pissaladiere
Escargot with garlic butter
Quenelles of scallops with shrimp sauce
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Alsatian bacon and onion tart

Duck confit with French lentils

Frog's legs meuniere with haricots verts and toasted almonds

Beef Bourguignon with potato gratin
----------------------------------------------------
Crepes Suzette
Chocolate mousse
Profiteroles with praline sauce
Coffee and Tea

COST: $30 including tax and tip per person, Cash bar

Reservations: Dr. Sy Yuter, Program Chair, 914-762-0111, scyuter@computer.net

Send checks payable to CASH to Dr. Sy Yuter at
407 Cedar Dr. W., Briarcliff Manor, NY 10510

Directions: www.theheightsbistro.com, 334 Underhill Ave,
Yorktown Heights, NY 10598, 914-962-3777

Thursday, October 8, 2009

BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING - 10/2/09 by Don Wilde

BRIARCLIFF MANOR ROTARY CLUB MEETING
October 2, 2009

TODAY’S INTERESTING QUOTE

“I hate housework! You make the beds, you do the dishes—and six months later,
you have to start all over again.”
--Joan Rivers

THIS DAY IN HISTORY.

On October 2nd, 1928, the ongoing Taxicab War in Chicago increased in intensity, when two rival Yellow Cab garages were dynamite-bombed. Both companies stayed tight-lipped about the on-going feud.
(But both were secretly very, very put out.)

*******
.
MEETING OPENING: Our meeting was opened promptly at 12:15 pm. President Mark
Seiden was not present. It is rumored that he was out beating the bushes for home-buyers. However, Paul Rosen leaped into the breach and performed the Opening with great élan and dignity..

SALUTE TO OUR FLAG, PATRIOTIC ANTHEM, AND PRAYER: The Salute to Our Flag was rendered heroically by Sy Yuter, the ever-ready Paul Rosen led us in a rousing patriotic number, and Bishop John held us all in awe with his plea to The Almighty for mercy, forgiveness, and a pleasant Fall.

PRESIDENTIAL COMMENTS: Temporary Chief Executive Paul Rosen welcomed visiting Rotarian Tom Guinness and heaped lavish praise on Antonia Conte, who was celebrating a birthday. Antonia is ever-young and ever-lovely.

MEMBERS’ OBSERVATIONS: Various Rotary members expressed great relief that Community Day was over, Geraldine Mahoney distributed handsome and useful Library bags. And we were reminded that new ID badges await all members in good standing. Ernie Pacchiana noted that the Rotary “take” was not as bountiful as last year’s, but not bad, all things considered. Free pumpkins were announced as available. And Julio Salazar was heartily welcomed back into the fold.

NEXT WEEK’S SPEAKER: There will be no official speaker next week. Instead, we
shall gather here at the Rec. Center to break bread with our cousins, the Pleasantville Rotarians, in celebration of the Briarcliff –Pleasantville football classic.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~



















THIS WEEK’S SPEAKER: Our speaker this week was our own Mike Risko. Mike, head of the Ossining Music Center, gave us all a music lesson, passing out an Open-String-and Moveable-Chords-Chart, and then leading us all in loud, boisterous, and extremely funky version of God-Knows-What. (I was so stunned by the mass musicality of our little group that I was rendered temporarily unconscious.)









It was great fun, and a reminder that some are meant to play a musical instrument and some are meant to applaud.

Mike Risko is a great addition to our club. He is greatly admired and much appreciated.



Thank you, Mike, for a happy half-hour.

###

THE DRAWING: The results of the weekly drawing were so depressing that I absolutely refuse to comment. The only good news was that Bishop John may have been one of the winners. Bu then again….

THE CONCLUSION OF OUR MEETING: Our weekly meeting ended precisely at 1:30 pm., when Etrusca Consentino was shot out of a cannon.

Respectfully submitted by
Recording Secretary, Don Wilde

###
10/2/09 Attendance - Robert Amsterdam, Frances Chu, Antonia Conte, Zachary Cosentino, Dean Dykeman, Zenith Eidel, Rodney Ertischek, Peter Garth, John Herzog, Rachel Leihbacher, Shelley Lotter, Robert Maher, Geraldine Mahoney, Ernest Pacchiana, Mike Risko, Paul Rosen, Julio Salazar, Ken-Ichi Shimazu, Donald Wilde, Elinor Yuter, Sy Yuter

Thursday, October 1, 2009

October & November Programs - Dr.S. C. Yuter, Chairman, Programs

10/2/09 *Play the Guitar - Mike Risko
Bring food for Food Pantry
10/9/09 *Briarcliff-Pleasantville Football Luncheon at Briarcliff
10/16/09 *VISITOR'S DAY -- Carlo Pellegrini, Juggler -- Bring a prospective member.
10/23/09 My Life - Fialla Portnoy
10/30/09 *History of Briarcliff - Tom Vincent, Historical Society President

11/1/09 *French Gourmet Fellowship Dinner - Heights Restaurant, Yorktown Heights,6:00 pm. $30 incl. tax and tip. Contact Sy for reservation
11/6/09 *Life Project for Africa - Seth Leitman
Bring food for Food Pantry
11/13/09 *War Against Alzheimer's - Michelle Muir
11/20/09 *Sing Sing College - Sean Pica, John Gallagher
11/27/09 *An Iranian Bomb - Dr. Sy Yuter

*PROGRAMS CONFIRMED