PARK RIDGE—The Park Ridge Rotary Club kicked off its 2023–2024 year on July 17 with the induction of president Vicky Meo and other club officers.
Meo, a financial advisor with Edward Jones, shared with members and guests what it means to be a Rotarian, and her vision for the year. She said the district’s theme for the year is “to create hope in the world.”
“I am honored to serve as president. I have met great people in this club and have seen how this club works together to make a difference in so many lives both here in our community and internationally with the assistance of our district and other clubs,” said Meo in a club statement outgoing president Terry Ciulla shared with Pascack Press.
Meo said, “I know the last few years have been difficult for everyone. We have greatly missed being able to help those around us and are looking forward to continuing the service above self we have demonstrated in the past.”
Meo said of the district’s theme for the year, “We are looking forward to being that hope for everyone around us. We will continue to help those in need in our community with our efforts at the food pantry. We will continue our fundraising efforts to support our local high school seniors through our scholarship fund as well as charitable donations to local charity who share in our commitment to make a difference in the world.”
Awards of Recognition
The Park Ridge Rotary Club grants a Paul Harris Award to a club member who meets the highest professional and personal standards and live a Life of “service above self” exemplified by Paul Harris, who, in 1905, founded what became Rotary International.
The Walter D. Head award is award to an individual who exemplifies similarities to Walter D. Head. This award was created in memory of the renowned educator who presided as provost of the college that became Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Head was also an active Rotarian highlighting importance of education, dedication to the community and the Rotary motto, Service Above Self.
Linda Hanlon was awarded both the Walter D. Head award and the Paul Harris Award
Meo, said Hanlon, “has always been an energetic trailblazer and breaking those glass ceilings throughout her professional career and being a Rotarian.”
Within months after in 1987 Supreme Court ruling to allow women to join Rotary, Hanlon was the first woman to join the Park Ridge Rotary Club.
“She didn’t stop there as she climbed the Rotary Ladder to club president; she continues serving her community as chair of the club’s Charitable Foundation.
“Over the past 35 years and more, Hanlon has contributed her leadership and organizational talents as a commercial banking executive to integrate within our club.
“What keeps her mojo going is her selfless passion for every student given a chance to obtain their academic dream to go to college with the help of Rotary Scholarship of which program Linda has led for decades,” said Meo.
Ray Falcon accepted his Walter D. Head Award from outgoing president Terry Ciulla.
Meo said, “Ray’s outstanding dedication of Service Above Self shone for decades within our club and communities we serve. This year Ray stepped up to a big challenge in the reconstruction of financial processes and tools for our Park Ridge Rotary Charitable Foundation to bring us into the 21st century.”
She said, “He has honored us with taking the position as foundation treasurer and partnering alongside chair of charitable foundation Linda Hanlon.”
The club told Pascack Press, “We as Rotarians are in your neighborhood, your schools, and local businesses — volunteering for the betterment of family life in our community and goodwill around the world. We are people of action and always looking for like-minded individuals who want to volunteer to make a difference.”
For more information: ParkRidgeRotary@gmail.com, ParkRidgeRotaryClub.org, Facebook.com/ParkRidgeRotaryClubNJ.