Fire Inspector Joe Smaha Visits Paramus Sunrise Rotary Club

Paramus Sunrise Meeting 12/15/09 Joe Smaha, Paramus Fire Inspector, Volunteer Fireman and church Pastor, was the speaker at Paramus Sunrise Rotary Club. Experienced in Fire Prevention and Detection, Smaha informed the group that more residential fires occurred than industrial. Another interesting fact: 95 % of the homes had smoke detectors but the most fires occurred in the 5% that had no smoke detectors.

He went on to inform the group that to protect the senior residents, the Fire Department would install smoke detectors and change the batteries at least once a year. At the other end of the age level, fire inspectors visit the local schools, often with a fire engine, to teach them fire safety. Using a PowerPoint presentation, he showed the Rotarians some of the statistics and areas of his work. John DeBouter, Rotary Vice President and President of the IBEW Local Union 164, was an avid viewer.

Rotary President Mukesh Malkan asked Donna Kennedy to light our Remembrance Candle and lead the group in a salute to the new American Flag that the IBEW had furnished. Donna also reported the events that took place at Rotary District 7490's Holiday Party. It was interesting to note that the newly chartered Paterson Great Falls Rotary Club had taken a full table. Caryl Bixon-Gordon, Club Secretary, of Caryl Communications will be a speaker at the next District Staff meeting on Public Relations scheduled for January 11, 2010

Liz Mason discussed our major fundraiser, the Fashion Show on May 21st, 2010. She is looking for door prizes and Tricky Tray items. At our first Fashion Show, Rotarian Hasmukh Khatri donated over $1,000 worth of clothing samples which then President Anthony Iacono priced at one dollar each, a steal!

According to tradition, the last person to attend has to blow out our Remembrance Candle. Mike Yeun got a reprieve, being replaced by Khatri. The club decided not to have a meeting on Tuesday, December 29th.