Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Caldwell Rotary Supports United Way’s North Essex Camp Fund
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Our thanks to Chirstina, Grover Cleveland Middle School
Monday, March 26, 2012
JVS Home Maintenance Solutions and Rotary of the Caldwells Announce Program to Help Local Seniors
The Rotary Club of the Caldwells has made a donation to Jewish Vocational Service of MetroWest NJ (JVS) that will support home maintenance services and minor home modifications to individuals 60+ living in the Caldwells and Essex Fells.
The new Rotary Club program is based on the successful model developed by Caldwell LIVE (Lifelong Involvement for Vital Elders), a program to help older adults remain safely and independently in their own homes.
Caldwell LIVE was launched in 2008 with federal grant funding secured by United Jewish Communities of MetroWest NJ (UJC MetroWest). The program touched the lives of over 1,000 seniors in the Caldwell area before being transitioned to the community in January. Caldwell Rotary responded to local interest in continuing the much-needed home maintenance services with the donation to JVS.
Funding through the Caldwell Rotary will subsidize home safety modifications, such as the installation of grab bars and hand-held showers, that can help prevent falls in the home — a major safety risk for older adults. The service is available to individuals living in Caldwell, North Caldwell, West Caldwell, and Essex Fells. The initial home visit includes to a free safety assessment, the installation of a free grab bar, and up to three hours of home maintenance service. Residents will be asked to pay for additional materials.
Rachel Cohen, program manager of JVS At Home Services, observed that “many residents have been in the same home for several decades. While the people have changed physically over the years their homes have not been updated. We help older adults look at their homes with new eyes so that they can live in a safe, comfortable environment. And, for those just moving into the community, these services help them get off to the right start. We are grateful to Rotarian Bob Markman and the Rotary Club of the Caldwells for making this program accessible to the community.”
JVS, a partner agency of UJC MetroWest, holds a Home Improvement License through the State of New Jersey. Marty Moskowitz, JVS’s handyman, is an engineer by training and has over 30 years of experience in property management. Since coming to JVS, he has also received specialized training on how to work with older adults.
Caldwell residents who have used the service in the past have commented on how minor modifications have improved their quality of life and can make the difference between staying at home or moving to a residential facility. As one participant wrote in a thank you note, “We are very much safer because of the service you provide.”
For additional information or to request service, Caldwell area residents can call JVS Home Maintenance Solutions at (973) 674-6330, ext. 296 or e-mail rcohen@jvsnj.org.
Thursday, December 29, 2011
Gerry Valk
Gerry Valk was a humanitarian who passionately helped others: He was a true Rotarian. Gerry’s commitment to disadvantaged students at the Essex Valley School and advocacy for high school student scholarships is a but a small part of his legacy.
Rotarians remembered Gerry and expressed their sentiments. Gerry was
“a true gentlemen”, a “great man, a great person, a great guy”
“a class act”,
“a beautiful soul who enriched many lives through his acts of kindness and generosity”
“He epitomized humanitarianism.”
“A fine example of a Rotarian.”
Gerry was all of those and more. He made a difference; he improved the lives of others.
Gerry will be missed. Rest in peace.
Monday, December 26, 2011
The Season of Giving
Many people think of this time of year as the season of giving. Of course, for Rotary Club of the Caldwells members, the season of giving lasts all year long. Members have given in so many important and life-changing ways over the years. The Nairator is too small to list all recent accomplishments and projects over the last 12-months, but they include:
Sponsoring a GOL mission in the DR funded by a multi-year commitment and an awesome Talent Show.
Funding a room in the Caldwell College Autism Behavioral Center.
Building a playground for young children in Caldwell.
Completing the refurbishment of a North Caldwell field house facility.
Furnishing a boat shed to Camp Merry Heart in addition to $3,000 for camperships.
Awarding approximately $11,000 for scholarships awarded to HS students.
Donating $7,000 to the Rotary Foundation.
Pledging $6000 (and a laptop) to needy families through the Caldwell Human Ser-vices Department.
Funding & Supporting Dominican Republic projects under Mike’s direction.
Supporting Help The Children Hear.
Putting on a Street Fair that has become part of the culture of Caldwell.
Accomplishing too many smaller, impactful projects to mention.
RCC members are special, giving people who have obviously worked hard during this extended season of giving. Heart-felt comments during the recent special meeting held by President Jon captured the essence of this club; the comments demonstrated why membership in the RCC is, in and of itself, a gift.
In some ways, the RCC is reminiscent of dominant sports teams with “teammates” who work together to accomplish extraordinary things. Focusing on common objectives and working together is the key to continued success.
Looking forward, the sky is the limit in the upcoming and ongoing “season of giving.”
by Rotarian Tom Cocchiola