PARK RIDGE—This has been a season of celebration and pride for the Rotary Club of Park Ridge. The evening of July 10 at Hearth & Tap in Montvale was no exception. Past District Governor Bonnie Sirower officiated at the installation of new officers and board members.
The club told Pascack Press on Aug. 3 that Dan Antokal delivered a memorable recap of his year as president. “His achievements in advancing our club’s mission to provide community service missions were praised by all.”
And the club said, “Terry Ciulla set an inspirational tone as she looked ahead to her term as president in 2022–2023. Her remarks emphasized the importance of ‘service above self’ to our community and mission to improve family life, particularly in reducing food and housing insecurities, improving medical and mental wellness and supporting youth leadership programs and higher education.”
Ciulla said, “We can’t do it alone. We need to make it a point to collaborate with other like-minded organizations that have the same goals and passions as Rotary has.”
Also sworn in: president-elect Vicky Meo, vice president Brian Landy, secretary June Bertini, treasurer Stuart Gold, sergeant at arms Bob Bustard, and immediate past president Dan Antokal. Steve Fox is a newly elected board member.
Awards to two members
The Park Ridge Rotary Club grants a Paul Harris Award to someone who meets the highest professional and personal standards exemplified by Paul Harris, a Chicago attorney who, in 1905, founded the club that became Rotary International.
“Our Club grants a Walter D. Head award in memory of the renowned educator who presided as provost of the college that became Fairleigh Dickinson University. Dr. Head was also instrumental in the formation of the United Nations and was an active Rotarian,” the club said.
It added, “While it is rare to receive either a Paul Harris or a Walter Head Award, this year Rotary Club member Jan Doornbosch received both. Club membership and past Paul Harris Fellows recognized Jan for his outstanding service to the community for nearly 40 years as a Rotarian and for his leadership of the Park Ridge Rotary Charitable Foundation.”
Ciulla received recognition with a Walter D. Head award from Antokal, who said the nod was “in recognition of her demonstration to club members the club mantra ‘service above self.’”
“Terry has led multiple efforts in feed the hungry within our community, our state of New Jersey, along with eight states along the Northeast coast,” Antokal said.
He lauded Ciulla’s work on the club’s Alzheimer’s steering committee for the Bergen County Walk to End Alzheimer’s, and as an advocate working with state and federal legislators.
“She has been living the Rotary ideals through her lifelong commitment to service, fairness, goodwill and benefits to others,” Antokal said.
Ciulla is Deacon of Missions and Outreach for the Pascack Reformed Church.
For more information, write parkridgerotary@gmail.com or visit parkridgerotaryclub.org or facebook.com/parkridgerotaryclub.