The Pancake Breakfast
In 1964, shortly after the Parish House was built, Edith and Jack Ryan organized a pancake breakfast for the Palisades Presbyterian Church as a fundraiser. Two years later in 1966, Bob Rasmussen, Donald Finck and Michael Shapiro joined them with Fred Griffing coming aboard soon after. When Jack Ryan passed away, Bob Rasmussen assumed the responsibility for organizing the breakfast. This past May, Bob, Donald and Michael celebrated their 46th year of pancake making. Rounding out the group are John Guzewich who started around 2002 and Jim Rubenstone, the newcomer, who joined in 2009.
The loyal group of guys served pancakes to about 150 people this year, many of whom made their way to the church Parish House after the Memorial Day flagpole ceremony. Pastor Angela Maddalone reports, “We now hold the breakfast as a service to the community. Most years we just break even. It’s our small way of honoring those who serve our country and the community of which we are a part.” Church Elder Nina Van Eckardt is responsible for the charming poster with caricatures of the winsome five that were mounted throughout the community advertising the event.