Local Rotary Helps Local Child

“You never stand so tall, as when you bend to help a child.” This phrase brought two caring organizations together to bring a little sunshine into a rather challenging life.

Such is the life of 16 year old Mikey Norris. He has lived with the challenges of intellectual, physical, and emotional disabilities all his life. His difficulties were brought to the attention of the Port Chester-Rye Brook Rotary Club by Marion Anderson of the Heartsong organization, a little over a year ago. In that year “MikeyMo”, (as he is called because of his love for Elmo) and the members of the Rotary Club have grown together. The club has visited the family and had them to a club meeting, cooked Christmas dinner, and worked to provide contacts so that Mikey and his family get the services he is entitled to receive. In return, MikeyMo has been giving the Rotarians life lessons in courage and priorities.

When Sal Farenga became president of the club, he found out that MikeyMo loves motorcycles. Since Sal is a Harley rider, it was a natural. He reached out to his riding club, the White Plains New York Harley Riders and their President, Dennis Morgan and an event was born.

On Saturday Sept. 12, with the assistance of the Rye Brook Police Department, a half of dozen Harleys rode up to Westchester Burger Co. Police car lights flashing and engines roaring, brought a reaction and smile from MickyMo that was worth millions of dollars. Not only was he able to sit and rev up the bikes, both organizations presented him with his own motorcycle vest. The vest displays patches from both clubs, the American flag, and, of course, Elmo!

Justine Riordon, his care giver and adoptive mother, his father and his grandparents were extremely thankful for the efforts of the Rotary and motorcycle club. But the truth is that both clubs are thankful for the opportunity to share a day of fun with Mikey and his family.