Posted by Elizabeth Spaeth on Apr 30, 2024
 
Today’s speaker was Joseph Kane, a Prevention Specialist with The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. (Council).  The Council is a private non-profit 501(c)3 organization composed of concerned individuals from diverse backgrounds. The group’s primary purpose is to represent the best interest of problem and disordered gamblers and their families, recognizing that problem gambling is a treatable condition.
 
The Council focuses on educating the general public, training professionals throughout the State, referring problem and disordered gamblers and their families to treatment, and advocating for increased treatment services for problem and disordered gamblers and their families.
 
Joe bravely shared his story of addiction and recovery with Club members, stating that he is a recovering alcoholic since 2006, and in his second recovery from gambling since 2020.  Joe has spoken at numerous Rotary Clubs in Bergen County on gambling addiction.  He also works with parolees re-entering the work force, and speaks at high schools throughout the County to educate young people on the perils on gambling using apps on their phones. 
 
The Council’s 1-800-GAMBLER® Helpline and website www.800gambler.org have been resources for thousands of people with a gambling problem, those in recovery, as well as their friends and families. The 1-800-GAMBLER® helpline is free and confidential, and is available 24 hours a day in New Jersey and throughout much of the U.S.
 
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Past President Fred Rohdieck attended the 65th Anniversary Ahow for The Paramus Scholarship Show Fund, Inc. on Saturday, April 27, 2024. Presented annually since 1959, the show raises money for scholarships for graduating high school seniors who reside in Paramus, NJ.  This years’s 65th anniversary was a variety show featuring local talent. Vice President Debbie Cibelli and Past President Dawn Feorenzo participated in the show as members of the Paramus Women’s Club.  Thank you, ladies!
 
ANNOUNCEMENTS
 
THE METROPOLITAN PLANT EXCHANGE:  NOW - JUNE 30, 2024
Present the Donation Form to the store when you make a purchase of $50 or more and $10.00 will be donated back to our club. If you have any questions, please call Dawn Philibosian @ 201-657-6531.
 
DISTRICT CONFERENCE: MAY 2 - 5, 2024
The District Conference for Districts 7490 and 7505, Celebrating Hope and Kindness, will be held at the Seaview Hotel in Galloway, NJ. The Conference cost is $325 per person.
 
ROTARY RELAY FOR LIFE: FRIDAY, MAY 10, 2024 @ 6:00 PM
Please join the Rotary Relay for Life team for this yearly event that supports the American Cancer Society to be held at East Brook Middle School, 190 Spring Valley Road, Paramus.  There is no fee to participate.
 
For those who would like to make a donation, please visit Dawn Philibosian's Facebook page and click on the event link. If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Philibosian @ 201-6576531 
 
DISTRICT DAY OF SERVICE:  MAY 18, 2024
The Rotary Club of Paramus will be participating in the Fundraiser Steps 2 Cure Neurofibromatoses (NF). NF is the most common genetic disorder that causes tumors to form on nerve tissue. It affects three times as many people as muscular dystrophy and Huntington's disease. NF tumors can develop anywhere in the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves.  
 
DATE: Saturday, May 18, 2024
CHECK IN:  9:00 AM
WALK BEGINS: 10:00 AM
LOCATION: Overpeck County Park, Ridgefield Park
REGISTRATION FEES:
Adults - $30.00  Kids:  6-17 - $20.00
 
Team Name: Paramus Rotary Noon Club - Team Olive.
 
If you are unable to attend the walk, please consider donating.  
 
As we get closer to the date, Dawn Philibosian will be sending an e-mail out with further details.  If you have any questions, please contact Dawn directly at 201-657-6531.
 
PARAMUS EARTH DAY CELEBRATION:  MAY 19, 2024
This annual, community-supported celebration will include an afternoon event with vendors, food, and entertainment from 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM at the Paramus Public Library, 166 East Century Road.  If you would like to participate, please sign up for this event using the volunteer sign-up sheet that will be available at our weekly lunch meetings.  
 
ANNUAL 2024 GOLF OUTING:  MAY 20, 2024
The Annual Golf Outing will be held at The Edgewood Country Club.  We still need golfers, sponsors, raffle gifts, gift cards and/or donations.  This year's event will benefit the October Foundation, The Black Poster Project, Alumni in Recovery as well as other Rotary Projects.  Please join us in supporting these important charities.  
 
If you have any questions, please see the golf outing flyer or call Debbie Cibelli at 201-264-6428 or Dr. Peter Kantzilleris at 201-723-8385.   If you have any ideas or suggestions to attract the participation of local business owners, please contact Jay Leone directly at 973-464-9039 or e-mail jay at rotary15@gmail.com.
 
PARAMUS VETERANS HOME BINGO:  MAY 28, 2024 @ 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Once again, we will need volunteers to help this fun event with our veterans. There will be s sign-up sheet at our weekly meeting on Thursday. If you would like to attend but won't be at the meeting on Thursday, please contact President Jean @ 201-321-8842 or Ed Lang at 201-669-2934.  Many thanks to Ed Lang for making arranging this outing.
 
CASH RAFFLE:  JUNE 7, 2024 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Rotary Club 50/50 Cash Raffle will be held at the Paramus Elk's Club, located at 200 North Route 17, Paramus, NJ.  The cost of a ticket is $100 and includes an open bar and a buffet catered by Seasons Catering.  If you would like to purchase a ticket, please contact Barry Fowler @  201-818-7350.
 
JUNE FELLOWSHIP: JUNE 20, 2024  
By popular demand, our June Fellowship will be held on June 20th to see  Beautiful, The Carol King Musical  at the Paper Mill Playhouse, located at 22 Brookside Drive in Millburn NJ.
 
BUT WAIT THERE IS MORE!  Meet your fellow Rotarians for bites and drinks before the show at the Carriage House Restaurant located on site at 5:15 PM!
 
There is still time to sign up and join those who have already registered. The Playhouse is offering a group rate discount of 20 - 30%.  Tickets range from $50 - $135 (depending on where you sit, and this is WITHOUT the group discount).  There is also a $10 fee for parking.
 
Past President Pete Kantzilieris will be sending out an email soon with the final details on the cost for tickets and food.
 
2024 PRESIDENTS BALL & GOVERNOR’S BANNER EXCHANGE:  THE MAGIC OF ROTARY,  JUNE 27, 2024 @ 6:30 PM
Please join District Governor John Cosgrove as he welcomes incoming Governor Scott Reddin and honors Club Presidents. The Ball will be held at Seasons Catering.  The cost is $135. Please register for this Gala event on Club Runner.  No Payments will be accepted at the door.
 
If you would like to mail in your payment, please make your check payable to Walter D. Head Foundation and mail to:
 
Garfield YMCA, 33 Outwater Lane, Garfield, NJ 07026     ATTN:  Patricia Gallager
 
GREETERS  
Please contact Kevin Shanman to sign up to be a greeter.
 
TREX RECYCLING
Please keep bringing your clean plastic to our weekly meetings. We are close to getting our 2nd bench!
 
BOARD MEETING
An e-mail will be sent out with the date of our next Board Meeting.