The visiting guest at the Paramus Rotary Club Meeting of Thursday, August 24, 2017 was a former recipient (4 years ago) on a Paramus Rotary Club Scholarship, Carolyn Kowalski.
Pictured is Paramus Rotary Club Scholarship committee member Ray Hough, Carolyn Kowalski, and President Elect Diane Vasile-Falone.
Carolyn graduated this past June from the University of Maryland with a degree in Nutrition and Food Science and is on her way to the State of Washington to begin a one year of service with AmeriCorps which is like the Peace Corps. It’s another form or service to our country where individuals commit their time and skills to get things done for America. Carolyn’s ultimate goal is to work for one other the government agencies where her studies and gained knowledge can be used to benefit others.
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Today’s guest speaker was M. Bridget Schindo, and account manager for Community Blood Services.
Community Blood Services, a not-for-profit organization that supplies blood and blood products to hospitals in the NJ/NY region, has been devoted to serving the community’s transfusion medicine needs for more than 60 years, since it was founded in 1953. Donations of blood and blood products, umbilical cord blood, stem cells and bone marrow join individuals, organizations, businesses and communities together in partnership with us to help save lives.
Community Blood Services has locations in Lincoln Park, Paramus, Montvale, and Parsippany.
Bridget has organized 100s of blood drives over the years collecting whole blood, double red cells, and platelets. Several times in the past the Paramus Rotary Club has invited the Community Blood Service’s blood mobile to the parking area at Seasons so that out members could participate.
Things we did not know….50 platelets must be collected every day to meet patient’s needs – platelets are only good for 5 days so frequent donations are essential - one cancer patient can use up to 8 units of platelets a week.
Bridget also shared the story of a recent very young patient (only 3 months old) who was diagnosed with Stage IV neuroblastoma and in need for weekly platelet transfusions during his chemotherapy treatments. Thanks to the life-giving platelet donors he is in remission today.
We are reminded that the Paramus Rotary Club has a very special connection to the Community Blood Center as Bridget’s predecessor was Past Club President Mary Ann Siniscalchi. And to quote Bridget “Mary Ann was a wonderful leader in the Volunteer world and everyone wanted to work with her at the Paramus Donor Room and at blood drives in the area”.
Pictured below are Rich Siniscalchi and Bridget Schindo
The Paramus location is at One West Ridgewood Ave, Suite 208, Paramus, NJ 07652. You can call toll free at 866-228-1500.
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Upcoming Events
Club Picnic and Pool Party
Sep 09, 2017 at 02:00 PM - 06:00 PM
At Nick Laganella’s Home
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Progress Dinner
Oct 28, 2017 at 05:30 PM - 10:30 PM
For only $25 per person, spend a wonderful evening socialize with fellow Paramus Rotarians.
More details to come.
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Our beloved club member and Past Rotary International Director Ray Wells has passed away. His light will continue to shine brightly in our hearts and in the hearts of many Rotarians in our district and around the world.
Please keep the Wells family and friends in your thoughts and prayers.
