Meeting # 21 Paramus Sunrise Rotary Club

Meeting 21 President Anthony Iacono suggested to Program Director, Liz Mason that we have Joey Rizzolo talk about the Freedom Walk that Joey initiated last year. Liz was in favor of that as is our Honorary Member, Mayor James Tedesco. Along with his mother, Rosa and fellow student Eric Carminio, this 7th grade student shared his goals with us, verbally and with a slide presentation.
Joey and his group are having their 2nd Freedom Walk on September 7th, 2008 at Bergen Community College. Registration is at 11 AM and the 2 mile walk begins at noon. Last year 450 people of all ages participated and Joey anticipates at least 1,000 including baby carriages.

Thanks was given to member Tom Wells and his capable secretary, Kathy Soares. In response to a club memo Tom volunteered Kathy to type up our new name badges. Remarkable because Tom was out of the country. Kathy figured out how to get the names printed properly and into the badges. Remarkable because she did it in the same day so that the badges would be ready for the meeting the following morning.

Irene Maury gave a report on the blooming of the vegetable garden. She thanked those members who had contributed to the weeding so that the fruits would flourish. We discussed a picnic and Iacono suggested that we hold it on the 7th of September after the Freedom Walk at Bergen Community College. This could develop into a 4 club Paramus Rotary picnic.

Mike Blitzstein notified us that we could not get everyone together for the formal dedication of the three planter boxes at the Paramus Bandshell. That will have to be delayed again.

Mention was made of a District wide project, the cleaning of the Saddle River. Slated for Saturday, October 4th, the committee members have been busy checking the river for debris sites. It is understood that flotsam and jetsam gathers near to bridges, but the committee would appreciate insight into any other places along the entire route that would need special attention. Pres. Iacono said he would check with OEM head, Steve Mehl, to see if he had any information about the River.

New members are welcome to apply. Access www.paramussunrise.org for information. Watch the birds fly!