Hello from Korea

Hi Everyone,

A big hello from Korea which is known as “The Land of The Morning Calm”. I look forward when I return, to share about my experience at The Global Peace Convention and OneKorea Campaign, it’s been quite exciting so far.

I hope a few of you were able to get together over lunch last Friday at the Briars! For those who went away, I hope your vacation was joyful and relaxing.

This Friday will be our monthly general meeting with Rachel leading the meeting. If you have something that you would like to bring up at the meeting, please if possible, let Rachel know ahead of time.

Mark J

“I am for true world peace and building a beautiful global garden for our children.” 
― Suzy Kassem

This Friday

Last week our speaker was Steve Bender, who works at the Westchester  County District Attorney's Office in the role of a prosecutor and presently is the head of the Appeals and Special Litigation Division. He shared some interesting history and information on the world of District Attorneys’ offices and the important role they play in our communities.

A reminder that this Friday there will be no official meeting at the Briars. You are welcome to come for lunch in the front room of the restaurant. Bobby reminded us last Friday that our budget allows for a total of $15 per person for lunch, which includes tips and tax.

I will be away at a Global Peace Convention/Conference in Seoul Korea until March 3^rd. Rachel will run the show in my absence with her great leadership skills and heart.

Please keep Anne Cargill in your thoughts and prayers as she bravely goes through her Chemo and Radiation treatments. We love and miss you Anne.

Mark J.
“You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us. And the world will live as one.” 
― John Lennon

This Friday Feb. 15, 2019

We had another lively and meaningful meeting last Friday! Our guest speakers Juliana and Fiona, both directors of development, shared about ANDRUS, its history and as well as it many important services to help young folks with special situations and needs. I was moved to tears coming to understand how challenging life can be for some and how lucky we are to have some level of normalcy in our lives.

Tomorrow Feb. 15^th our guest speaker, thanks to Richard, is Steve Bender, and here is what he plans to talk about:  “I plan to talk about what the Westchester  County District Attorney's Office does, the role of a prosecutor and the challenges they face, and my present role.  I have been a prosecutor at the office for over 30 years, having acted in many different positions; presently I am head of the Appeals and Special Litigation Division.”
The weather looks great tomorrow and a good time to get out of the office or home for a good meeting together. I hope all of you can come.

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

This Friday Feb 8, 2019

Hi Everyone,

The good news….Spring is only 41 days from now and we did get to enjoy a bit of what is to come, this past week!

Last Friday was a general meeting, just for our club members. As always, there was some good conversation amongst us all. We also welcomed Jeff Cadge, who is the newest member to join our club. Already Jeff has shared some good ideas on how to promote Rotary and has volunteered to use his expertise to help accomplish that. Welcome Jeff!

This week our guest speakers are Juliana Fondacaro and Fiona Wilkes, both from ANDRUS which is a school similar to St. Christopher’s but for younger children with special needs and challanges. Below I have included Bios for both speakers.
Fiona Wilkes, Director of Development

·         Has spent the last 4 years of her career in the nonprofit sector. Formerly worked at Cardinal McCloskey 

·         Passionate about helping those who cannot advocate for themselves and are faced with difficulties beyond their control

·         Lives in Greenwich 

·         MBA from Washington State University

Juliana Fondacaro, Assistant Director of Development

·         Previously worked at St. Christopher’s and joined ANDRUS in September

·         Believes that not only youth, but their families too deserve the chance to live their best lives and is passionate about the work that ANDRUS does to support this.

·         Lives in Dobbs Ferry

·         On personal time, she is a Leadership Westchester Ambassador and supports youth hockey in Rockland and Westchester

Looking forward to seeing all of you tomorrow!

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? There 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