Rotary Club of Englewood Celebrates in a Big Way
by Hillary Viders
The Rotary Club of Englewood had a sterling month this December! Under the leadership of President Dr. Lisa Wisotsky, two exciting online celebrations were held as well as the weekly meetings.
The first special event took place on December 18, when the Rotary Club sponsored the annual December Birthday Party for the McCloud Elementary School students in the 3rd-5th grades.Pre-pandemic the school children celebrated with a yoga session and fruit smoothies. Now monthly celebrations are virtual. Each participant received a birthday card and a gift certificate to The Marketplace in Englewood, where they can purchase healthy food.
The McCloud School Birthday Party was an outstanding collaborative event. Rotarians Charlotte Bennett-Schoen, Hillary Viders and Joyce Grossbard congratulated the youngsters during the Zoom program that was organized and led by McCloud School’s nurse, Ketsia Sadler, EdD, RN, CHES.
At the party, Stacey Antine, MS, RDN, the owner of Health Barn in Ridgewood, gave a 45 minute presentation. She began by asking each student to announce their birth date and speak a little about themselves.
Antine then talked about choosing healthy foods versus cupcakes and the importance of exercise. She also led an interactive demonstration of how to make a healthy “birthday smoothie” made with yogurt and fresh fruits.
The Rotary’s support of this event was greatly appreciated.
Then, on December 29, the Rotary Club of Englewood bid adieu to 2020 and welcomed the New Year with a festive party attended by 36 revelers. The fabulous fest was organized by a committee comprised of Wisotsky, Bennett-Schoen, Jackie Guttman, Amy Sokol, Donovan Rodruiqes and Scott Reddin.
Prior to the celebration, every Rotarian received a hand delivered chocolate basket filled with a delicious chocolate assortment from Matisse Chocolatier. Nothing like a hefty dose of chocolate to get a party going!
The New Year’s program included a musical performance by popular Rotarian Scott Reddin, who was dressed in a wild multicolored holiday jacket. Reddin radiated holiday spirit as he sang along to a medley of spirited tunes, such as “Jingle Bell Rock” and “it’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.“
The party then moved on to a video clip of Billy Amanna mixing a potent holiday tropical drink called “Billy Baroo.” Amanna warned, ‘Don’t drink this while zooming!”
Next was a hilarious comedy segment starring Chip Ambrogio, whose skit about “old people and modern technology” had people rolling in their chairs.
What A Year It Has Been!
Due to the Covid pandemic, 2020 was a year filled with unprecedented challenges. But the Rotary Club of Englewood was front and center supporting the community’s needs with financial, logistical and moral support, true to its mission of “service Above Self.”
President Wisotsky gave an overview of some of these Rotary’s activities in 2020. Scott Reddin proceeded to have each Rotarian state their wishes for the New Year. The most popular wishes were for peace, health, the end of the pandemic, social justice and the return to hugging grandchildren.
The party concluded with a beautiful performance by Rotarians Mitch Schonfeld playing violin and Jenny Katsaros on the piano, ending with a soulful rendition of “All Lang Syne.”
It was a great gala enjoyed by all, and everyone is looking forward to an in-person holiday party in 2021!