Rotary District Governor pays special visit to Caldwell

Rotary Assistant District Governor Hal Mueller, District Governor Jim Allison and Rotary Club of the Caldwells President Jon Wohlgemuth. Photo by Janet Markman.

The Rotary Club of the Caldwells (RCC) held its weekly lunch meeting this past Tuesday, October 18, at the Cloverleaf Restaurant. This was a very special meeting as the newly elected District Governor, for Rotary year 2011-2012, Jim Allison, attended the meeting and presented his agenda as well as the goals he intends to achieve during his tenure. Assistant District Governor Hal Mueller was also present at the meeting.

Under his signature of “Sing Rotary’s Song” he spoke of his priorities to “strengthen our clubs, motivate our members, get more young people involved, build bonds between clubs and the district and help the people we serve to lead happier and healthier lives” And, by the end of his term , he wants all 54 clubs in his district, to be “effective, productive and thriving to better respond to the communities they serve”.

District Governor Allison also talked about the District’s responsibility to help the clubs develop good projects, good programs, good administration and good public relations, all important components of building and growing a successful club.

Jim has been a Rotarian with the Madison, NJ club for close to 16 years and served as its President in 2004-2005, Rotary’s Centennial year. He has been very active during his membership that included the construction of a playground and the development of a senior path and garden project. He is also known for his “attribute” of a great singing voice. He became the song leader of the club on the dayhe joined. At the district level, Jim and his wife, Susan were group leaders for the short term youth exchange trip to Japan in 2002 and Jim served as Assistant District Governor from 2008 to 2010. Jim is a five-time Paul Harris Fellow.

Jim and Susan currently reside in Easton Pennsylvania, moving there in 2007, after living in New Jersey for 34 years. Married for 43 years, Jim and Susan have two sons and are the proud grandparents of a beautiful granddaughter born in 2009!

RCC’s meetings are held each Tuesday at Noon at the Cloverleaf Restaurant on Bloomfield Avenue in Caldwell, NJ. If you would like more information about the club including becoming a member, please visit our website at: www.caldwellrotary.org.

by Dianne Woitkowski

Rotary Club of the Caldwells

Garrity and Machi Awarded Rotary Scholarships

The Rotary Club of the Caldwells presented two James Caldwell High School students with scholarships at the School Scholarship Presentation Program on June 8th. The students who received the scholarships were Christine Garrity and Serena Machi. The scholarships were given based on a high emphasis on community service and a lesser emphasis on extra curricular activities and academic achievement. "Community service is the very high priority function of Rotary and we are pleased each year to encourage and reward students with that same dedication, " said Gerry Valk, Rotary Scolarship Committee Chairman.

Serena and Christine were selected for the scholarships by a scholarship committee of Rotary who graded the many applicants from both the James Caldwell High School and the West Essex Regional High School. "The submissions were extremely close, " said Valk. " We were impressed to see how many students are extensively involved in community service in a variety of ways". The scholarship presentations were made by Zachary Steinhart, Rotarian and 2003 graduate of James Caldwell High School.

The scholarships will assist the students with college expenses by giving each student $1,000 each of the four years in college.

The Rotary Club of the Caldwells is committed to service both locally and internationally. For more information, visit www.CaldwellRotary.org. To inquire about membership, please contact Tom Cocchiola at 973-226-2344 .

Irene Gibbons to be honored with "Service Above Self" Award

Irene Gibbons to be honored by Rotary

“Service Above Self” Award recognizes life-long commitment

by Christy Berg, Rotary Club of the Caldwells

Irene R. Gibbons, esteemed resident and former Mayor of Caldwell, NJ, will be honored by the Rotary Club of the Caldwells with a “Service Above Self” award on June 21, 2011 for her extraordinary and selfless life-long service to the community. Ms. Gibbons has tirelessly and immeasurably impacted lives in Essex County through her abundant gifts of time, energy, expertise and leadership through a multitude of civic and humanitarian organizations.

The “Service Above Self” Award, named for Rotary International’s motto, was created by The Rotary Club of the Caldwells in 1976. Over the years, the award had been selectively given to citizens in the West Essex area who distinguish themselves through their volunteer work in the community. “This was a way that the club could say thank you from the whole community to some very special people,” said Sam Kent, Rotary Community Service Chairperson.

“Irene Gibbons has enthusiastically and passionately contributed to the community in countless ways,” said Rotary President Tom Cocchiola. “She epitomizes ‘service above self’.” Gibbons explained, “My philosophy is to never say no to something if there is any possibility that I can say yes. Otherwise I might miss an opportunity to broaden myself.”

Ms. Gibbons sites two main influences on her commitment to serve. The first was her parents. “As a first generation American, I treasure the gifts that our country offers to all,” said Gibbons. “My parents instilled in my brothers and me the greatness of our country, while treasuring our European heritage. They taught me that it is a privilege to serve.” A second major influence was Sister Grace Regina, Dominican nun and educator at Bishop McDonnell Memorial High School in Brooklyn. “I think of her all the time,” said Gibbons. “She was so inspirational to all of the girls, teaching us the joy of service. She said ‘C’mon girls, we’re going to join the Legion of Mary and have some fun!’ ” Together they worked with orphans, the blind, and those less privileged than themselves.

After receiving her B.S. and M.S. degrees from St. John’s University, Ms. Gibbons had an accomplished career as a History/Social Studies Educator and Guidance Counselor in New York. She relocated with her family from Queens, NY to Caldwell in 1966 and accepted a one-year grant position as Program Coordinator for Women’s Counseling at Essex County College (ECC). Ms. Gibbons’ outstanding leadership of Project Women Help Yourself (W.H.Y.), which dealt with a variety of women’s issues, resulted in a permanent position and a distinguished 19-year career with ECC, where she was ultimately appointed Director of Academic Programs.

Irene Gibbons has served the Borough of Caldwell through her exemplary commitment to civic leadership, serving 3 years on the Environmental Commission, 9 years on the Borough Council, and as Caldwell’s first female Mayor from 1991-1995. During her tenure, Ms. Gibbons was instrumental in gaining support to build a new Essex County sewer plant. As Mayor, she helped Rotarian June Van Zandt found the first Rotary/Kiwanis Caldwell Street Fair. The Street Fair, which has grown to attract over 35,000 people annually, has become part of the fabric of the community and serves as a major fundraiser for both organizations.

One of Irene Gibbons’ proudest moments was being sworn into office as the Mayor of Caldwell on the steps of Grover Cleveland’s Birthplace. “It was a defining moment for me and my family,” said Gibbons. “My love of history has been a life-long affair and one which has greatly enriched me. It is my hope that my enthusiasm for the Grover Cleveland birthplace and our presidents has contributed to an awareness about the magnificence of the United States.”

During her 5 years as President and 20 years as Trustee of the Grover Cleveland Birthplace Memorial Association, Ms. Gibbons helped revive a once stagnant historic site to a vibrant museum that attracts over 6,000 visitors annually from around the world. She fought hard to become a Docent at the Birthplace, one of her most cherished roles. For the past five years she has shared her expertise and passion for our country’s history with visitors. “I have enjoyed every single minute,” said Gibbons. “I’ve had the opportunity to meet people of all ages, from every walk of life, from many countries around the world and from diverse communities across this country. It’s very exciting to live in a country with such great diversity!” The NJ Department of Environmental Protection has bestowed several commendations and citations on Ms. Gibbons for her tremendous contribution. Ms. Gibbons has also served as a Trustee of The West Essex Historical Society.

Ms. Gibbons was honored by the West Essex Chamber of Commerce in 1990 as “Community Leader of the Year”. She has volunteered for the United Way of North Essex for 30 years, serving 3 six years terms as Trustee. Through her early work with the United Way’s 32 local agencies, such as The Bridge and Family Services, Gibbons realized “that even though we live in a suburban area, the need in our community for these services is tremendous. But people are reluctant and often don’t want people to know they need help.”

Ms. Gibbons has also served as a Trustee for The Occupational Center of Essex County, working with people with special needs. She values the experience for exposing her to a wonderful group of people that she hadn’t known before. “It opened my mind to the fact that some people just operate a little differently,” said Gibbons. “Once you get out of your typical environment, a lot of wonderful things happen to you.”

A 25-year member of The Kiwanis Club of Caldwell, Ms. Gibbons was the organization’s first female member. She had wanted to join Kiwanis since she was a young child and her father explained that while Kiwanis did many good things, she couldn’t join because it was a men’s club. Determined, Ms. Gibbons sought membership as soon as gender based membership in Kiwanis began review by the Supreme Court. “It was difficult,” recalled Gibbons. “But, I did it for my daughters. And now I’m proud to say that I did it for my granddaughters, too.”

Ms. Gibbons has served as Kiwanis President, Lieutenant Governor, and, for the past ten years on the Kiwanis New Jersey State Board. For the past ten years, she has coordinated Builders’ Clubs in middle schools throughout New Jersey. And, she has been an active member of the Rotary/Kiwanis Street Fair Committee for 25 years. Kiwanis has recognized Ms. Gibbons with an international Hixson Award and a NJ District Carrington/Swain Award for her outstanding contribution and achievement.

Irene Gibbons shows no signs of retiring from her community service commitments. “I always tell people that I’ll have to live to be 150 years old or I’ll never get everything done!”

Not a Golfer? Enjoy a country club dinner and support the Caldwell College Autism Center

Special Guest: CBS Television Meteorologist John Elliot to MC dinner.

The Rotary Club of the Caldwells has committed all money raised from their 40th annual Golf Outing to The Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis at Caldwell College. We are extremely grateful to those who have already registered to play golf or have become sponsors of the event.

A limited number of sponsorships are still available, providing an opportunity to showcase your company’s support for this important cause.

If you’re not a golfer, there is still an opportunity for you to join in the fellowship of the day and to support this important cause. The dinner following the day of golf is open to all and promises to be an enjoyable evening. Please consider joining us at Cedar Hill Country Club for a delicious meal and cocktails.

Sponsorships or dinner tickets can be purchased or donations made at www.caldwellrotarygolfouting.eventbrite.com.

Rotary Donates Playground to Caldwell

by Teresa Akersten, Editor, The Caldwell Patch

The Kiwanis Oval will once again have a playground thanks to the generosity of the Rotary Club of the Caldwells.

The Rotary has donated funding for a playground which will be installed on the patch of grass between the Caldwell Community Center and Borough Hall just outside the entrance to the Kiwanis Oval field.

Caldwell's governing body passed a resolution Tuesday night accepting the gift. The value of the donation was not disclosed.

Rotarian Tom Vetter said the 40' by 40' playground will be completely fenced in. The equipment will be suitable for children ages 3 to 8.

The installation will take place in about two weeks, added Rotarian Sam Kent. Kent said the project is expected to be completed in time for the Caldwell Community Center's campers to use.

A playground once stood at the far end of the field, but was removed before a turf field was installed at the Kiwanis Oval last year.

Interested in a follow-up to this article?

40th Annual Golf Outing to benefit Caldwell College Autism Center - Opportunities still available for sponsors, golfers, diners and donors

by Dianne Woitkowski, Rotary Club of the Caldwells

Special Guest: CBS Television Meteorologist John Elliot to MC dinner

On June 16, the Rotary Club of the Caldwells will host its 40^thAnnual Golf Outing. This anniversary year is special because all proceeds from the Outing will be used to support the efforts of the newly opened Caldwell College Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis, located on the Caldwell College campus. We are also privileged to have Caldwell local John Elliot join us for the event!

Autism, a growing and serious health concern is a developmental disability that affects 1 in 110 individuals and their respective family members nationwide. In New Jersey, the numbers jump to 1 in 94! New Jersey ranks number one in the number of Autism diagnoses reported annually.

The Center for Autism and Applied Behavior Analysis is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to helping children and their families affected by Autism in Northern New Jersey. A team of highly-trained professionals provide the most effective treatments currently available. It should also be noted that Caldwell College is the first College in New Jersey to offer a doctoral program in Applied Behavioral Analysis with a concentration in Autism.

The Rotary Club of the Caldwells has a long history of supporting local causes in the West Essex community and beyond. Celebrating 60 years of service, the Club raises funds in several ways including: various fund-raisers hosted throughout the year, member and individual contributions, and managing a volunteer staffed consignment shop in Caldwell.

As Sam Kent, Long time Rotarian states: “This event always has and continues to support local causes only!” If you would like more information about Rotary Club of the Caldwells, please visit our website at www.caldwellrotary.org. If you are considering becoming a member of the Club, please contact Jerry Smith, Rotarian at JSmith@dialpestcontrol.com for membership information.

This year’s Golf Outing promises to be better than ever! The event will be held at the Cedar Hill Golf and Country Club, located at 100 Walnut Street in Livingston, NJ. Registration and lunch begins at 11:00AM but the Club strongly encourages all golfers to pre-register online at: www.caldwellrotary.org . There will be a Shotgun Start at 1:00pm. The Cocktail Hour begins at 6:30. An auction, dinner and golf awards presentation will follow. One feature of the Outing will be a hole-in-one car giveaway. There are several auction prizes being offered including a 3 day/2 night weekend golf vacation in the Catskill Mountains at a private four bedroom home situated on 10 acres. This package includes 2 rounds of Golf at the beautiful Shepherd Hills Golf and Country Club in Roxbury, NY. A complimentary “foursome” will also be auctioned off for a day at the beautiful Seaview Golf Resort located in Galloway, NJ. Several other prizes are included in the auction as well.

There are a number of sponsorship opportunities available including a “pin” sponsorship that puts your company name on a “hole flag” at a very affordable price of $350.00 and you get to keep the flag!

If you are interested in a pin sponsorship, please contact Rotarian Tom Vetter at: tvetter@vetterplanning.com for more information as soon as possible because there are only 18 pin sponsorships available and they are already selling quickly. Other sponsorships are available as well and the contributions range from $250 to $10,000 with respective acknowledgements given during the dinner presentation, appropriate sponsorship signage will be displayed prominently and perks including complimentary golf fees included for some sponsorship levels. If you would like more information about purchasing a sponsorship for you or your business, please contact Tom or you can go to www.caldwellrotary.org and download a golf/registration brochure for more information.

Those who cannot attend but wish to make a tax deductable donation to support Rotary in its Fund-raising efforts may do so, on the website, or mail a check payable to Rotary Club of the Caldwells, PO Box 98, Caldwell, NJ 07006.

Jon Wohlgemuth, President Elect, Caldwell Rotary Board of Directors and Golf Committee Chairperson says: “Spring is finally here so let’s get out and play some golf, and in doing so, support a most worthwhile cause – Autism.”

The Gift Begins with Local Performers

May 7 Talent Showcase benefit will save children’s lives

On Saturday, May 7, 15 local performers will showcase their talents to help the Rotary and Interact Clubs of the Caldwells raise money for a pediatric cardiology surgical mission. Tickets are available at the West Caldwell Public Library, on line at www.giftoflifetalentshowcase.eventbrite.com, or at the door. The curtain goes up at 7; doors will open at 6. Tickets are $10 and $7 for students. Children 5 and under will be admitted free.

Rotary chose to host the Talent Showcase as a way to involve the community, giving people an opportunity to directly help save the lives of children through the Gift of Life program, whether by donating their talent or attending the show. All proceeds from the event will be used to sponsor heart surgeries for children who would otherwise not have access to the medical care they need to survive.

Since 1974, Gift of Life is credited with saving over 11,000 lives, including 18 children in the Dominican Republic whose surgeries were sponsored by the Rotary Club of the Caldwells in 2007. The club hopes to raise enough money through the support of the community to save approximately 25 children.

The response to the club’s call for auditions was tremendous, attracting a diverse group of talented performing artists, both established and emerging. The showcase will be a wonderful mix of rock, pop, gospel, Broadway and classical music, with some magic and a few surprises mixed in. The show will be enjoyed by people of all ages and is a special way for families to celebrate Mother’s Day.

Recording artist Stephanie White said that her band, The Pfilth Harmonic, is “always eager to be part of local efforts for a greater cause. These children need help and what better way to unite and educate people than through music.” Garrett Bell agrees, “We are here to support the kids through music”. Bell and his GNGR band mates Jason Inguagiato, Owen Daly-Smith and Aidan O’Connor will bring a mix of punk, rock, alternative and pop to the stage.

Many of these artists have donated their talent for other causes in which they believe over the years. Don’t Look Back’s members Bobby Norgard. Olivia Polci, Ryan Peter, Danny Spadaro and Patrick Wu, have helped raise money for the people of Darfur and The Children’s Specialized Hospital. Spadaro and Erik Parian, winner of the “Rutgers Idol” competition, will also perform as Cousins Live. And, Patrick Wu will give us a taste of his award winning beatboxing. “Every human being deserves the gift of life, “ said Wu. “Everyone, no matter where they come from, should have the opportunity to have their wishes realized and their dreams come true.”

When he’s not performing off-Broadway, for Fortune 500 companies or groups like Chicago and Earth, Wind and Fire, professional magician David Corsaro donates his talent to Habitat for Humanity and the Lions Club. Nicole Garamella, who volunteers regularly at West Caldwell Handicap Canteens and will grace the stage with a selection from Phantom of the Opera, explains “To actually make a difference in someone’s heart makes me proud of the gift that God has given me.” Accomplished gospel artist, Johnnie Jones, agrees, “By the grace of God, I am able to help these young people experience that gift of life, that they may prosper and be in good health, even as their souls prosper. ”

The audience will also be treated to performances by veteran artists of all genres. Barbershop and acappella singer Anthony Procino has performed with the Morris Music Men, Dapper Dans, and The New Jersey Connection. After six years with the US Navy Band, Pianist Cass Gilbert performed with Jimmy Santo's Latin Band, The Hecklers, The Silver Starlite Orchestra and Tune Toppers. Staci Beth Block, a member of the Bergen County Players, has years of theater performances in NYC and NJ to her credit and will give us a taste of cabaret. Professional actor Alex Oleksij has spent over twenty years on stage in a variety of musicals. “Children are our greatest natural resource,” said Oleksij. “Rotary and Gift of Life should be saluted and supported in their ongoing efforts to give children the full, rich lives they deserve.”

A diverse group of solo performances will include guitarist and music instructor Mark Caccioppoli who can be enjoyed at local coffee houses or his regular “Sunday Gig” at Notre Dame Church. Lenny Meranus, known as “Livingston Leo” to members of his band, has toured both locally and with international acts such as Los Lobos. Leon Richardson, who has multiple concert choirs, swing choruses and musicals to his credit, will bring soulful R&B to the stage. We’ll also hear an acoustic performance by David Ciaro, drummer for Goth-Punk outfit, Blackpool, and the band, It Ain’t Pretty, who can be seen at bars up and down the NJ coast. And, Jordan Whiting, an extremely talented fifth grader from Washington School, will impress us with a Hayden piano concerto.

Rotary members have been extremely moved by the outpouring of support from these artists, local business sponsors such as The Animal Emergency and Referral Center and North American Eagle Construction, and members of the community. They have adopted the motto “The Gift Begins Here…with YOU” because the ability to save a child is within everyone’s reach.