Briarcliff Rotary Shines Again: "Mother's Day Luncheon"

The Rotary Club of Briarcliff Manor hosted its annual "Mother's Day Luncheon" at Tuscan Grille, North State Road, Briarcliff Manor, on Friday, May 10, 2013. Sixty five Briarcliff mothers enjoyed the luncheon.

Illustrating the "Service Above Self" motto of Rotary International, Briarcliff Rotarians personally served lunch to each of the mothers. Catering to the specific needs of many senior mothers who required special diets, Rotarians served wine, food, dessert, coffee and more. Some Rotarians had taken a break from work, as clear from their dress, nevertheless, did not hesitate carrying plates of pasta, salad, stake, wine, or other food.

Music was provided by Carmino Ravosa, the famous singer, pianist, and songwriter, as well as a producer, director and musical historian.  Ravosa is an author and editor of the music textbook series, "World of Music" and "The Music Connection" and the composer of the theme musicals in these series. He was a songwriter for the CBS children's show Captain Kangaroo, Romper Room, the PBS program Shining Time Station, and also the PBS publication "Sesame Street Magazine."

Ravosa is best known for his numerous songs with themes related to American History. To the delight of a highly appreciative audience, he played songs focusing on local and national history, such as a number on Walter Law, the founder of the Vilage of Briarcliff Manor, and the 19th Amendment which granted women the right to vote. Age has not dimmed this shining light of American music!

"We really appreciate that the Rotary does this for us every year. Thank the Rotarians," said Janet Gallagher who is a regular attendee at this annual function. "Everything was so nice," said Carol Maio, while another attendee, Sally Melowitz, commented, "I enjoyed the whole thing—the meal and the music were great." The universal sentiment of the mothers was echoed by Agnes De Sisto: "A big thank you to the Rotarians."

The Briarcliff Rotary salutes the mothers of this community, and is delighted at this opportunity to express its appreciation. This is an annual event, hosted by the Club at a local restaurant every year on the Friday before Mother's Day. The Club thanks the Briarcliff Recreation Department for its help in organizing this event.