Clarkstown Sunrise Rotary Installs New Members, Presents Awards

This past Thursday the Clarkstown Sunrise Rotary Club held a special dinner at La Fontanella Ristorante in Tappan to commemorate the installation of the club’s new president, Tom Martucci. Martucci, a long-time Rotarian had previously served as vice-president. Building on the club’s extensive list of achievements, Martucci was excited about what the coming year would hold in store for the Rotary’s activities.

“I’m honored and humbled that such an outstanding club elected me to be their president,” said Martucci. “We want to improve our presence in the community and increase our fundraising.”

The new Sergeants at Arms are Allan Beers and Barry Fixler. Rotarian John Wall is also the new secretary.

As many may already be aware, the Clarkstown Sunrise Rotary Club is instrumental in raising money for a number of causes, both local and those that are far-reaching.  In the past year, the club has raised and donated money for a multitude of worthy organizations including United Hospice of Rockland, S.T.E.P., Meals on Wheels, People to People’s Project Joy, Relay for Life, and Polio Plus. In addition to those activities, the club also hosts fundraising activities such as the annual Pancake Breakfast and also gives out scholarships to area high school students.

The evening’s festivities were presided over by outgoing two-term club president Mitchell Kahn.

“It’s an honor to be installing our new president Tom Martucci tonight,” Kahn said. “We have a wonderful club, we have wonderful members. If you need help doing an event, there will be someone there.”

In addition to the installation of the club’s new president, the dinner also served as an awards ceremony recognizing many of the actions of the Clarkstown Sunrise Rotarians. The small cohort of dedicated volunteers cheered on their own as plaques were given out for service to the community.

The Clarkstown Sunrise Rotary is one of many rotary clubs in District 7210, which includes seven counties. There are two prestigious awards given out within the district and this year this rotary club received both: Barry Fixler was the District 7210 Community Service Rotarian and Michelle Mazzaro was the District 7210 Community Service non-Rotarian.

Also, Laura Geberth received the Paul Harris Award.

It is particularly important to note that all of the activities done by the Clarkstown Sunrise Rotary are accomplished by a mere 23 extremely dedicated members.  They are truly a group of selfless individuals that care about making their community a better place for all. Thanks to the time and effort that they put in that goal is realized and will continue to be realized for years to come.

“It’s a great night for the Clarkstown Sunrise Rotary Club,” said Rotarian and Clarkstown Councilman George Hoehmann. “With the change in leadership we are recognizing a year of service. We are a small club, only 23 members, but with a huge impact on the community.”