Rotary Club of Cranford

Miracle Feet Program

2011-11-09T17:32:00.002-05:00

Previously, the solution to clubfoot had been expensive and unsuccessful surgery. The patient's feet too often reverted back to the pre-surgery condition relatively quickly. Now with the MiracleFeet procedure, the success rate is much higher, without surgery!

From the website miraclefeet.org:

"There are about 1 million children living with untreated clubfoot in developing countries. Many of these children will not walk properly. They will not be able to run, play or go to school. It doesn't have to be this way. Treatment is simple, highly effective - and inexpensive!

For $250 per child, miraclefeet brings the magic of treatment to developing countries. Every day, children across the world are born with clubfoot. "

Here is a video from Yasmin (age two) before she was treated. Her mother cried through the entire first appointment with Laura because she wanted surgery.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csn6zXnI18M

Here is Yasmin now – and her happy mom, no longer crying. Six weeks of casting and no surgery and these are her feet now--apparently a few days after the casts came off she learned how to run for the first time in her life and has not stopped.

Candidates for local office visit the Cranford Rotary

2011-11-01T17:47:00.000-04:00

It has become a tradition for the RotaryClub of Cranford to invite all candidates for local office to come speak to our club just before Election Day.

October Program Chair, Marc Kelley, arranged for visits from both the Democratic candidates and the Republican candidates (on separate weeks). Each candidate had the opportunity to make a presentation to our Club and then answer a few questions posed by our members.

October Program Chair, Marc Kelley, Democratic Daniel Aschenbach and Thomas Hannen, Jr., and Cranford Rotary President Mike Flynn.

October Program Chair, Marc Kelley, Republican Candidates Lisa Adubato Nesi and Andis Kalnins, and Cranford Rotary President Mike Flynn.

Cranford Rotary reminds you to get to your local polling place and vote on Election Day! Every vote counts!

Cranford Rotary is non-partisan, recognizes the worthiness of all legitimate enterprise and offers its members an opportunity for fellowship while engaging in community service.

The Object of Rotary is to “encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise.” Rotary is a service organization. Since 1910, the Rotary Motto has been “Service Above Self.”

Rotary strives to achieve it’s objective of “Service Above Self” through activities in four primary areas. These are often referred to as the Four Avenues of Service: Club Service, Vocational Service, Community Service and International Service.

We meet every Thursday morning @ 7:45 AM at the Community Center on Walnut.

NJ STATE VOCATIONAL ASSEMBLY

2011-10-06T12:55:00.001-04:00

By Bruce H. Bergen

New Jersey is the ONLY place in the Rotary world to have a state-wide, multi-district vocational assembly—and ours is in its 31^st year. This helped attract R.I. President Kalyan Banerjee, from India, as the keynote speaker. He spoke about the importance of Vocational Service in the founding and development of Rotary, and acknowledged the unique standing of New Jersey’s yearly event. He also spoke about the lack of attention to Vocational Service in Rotary today, and indicated the need for there to be a renewed focus on this area of service.

Also speaking at the event were former NJ Attorney General and current Dean of the Rutgers Law School, John Farmer, Jr. who spoke about the connection between vocational service and the training of lawyers for the current economic climate. Psychologist Dr. Teena C. Cahill, urged the listeners to use their vocations as an opportunity to change the lives of others and to have a positive effect on the world.

Each of the 5 districts awarded an annual Vocational Service award. The winner in District 7510 was Gary Grover of Lamberville/New Hope Rotary, who was chosen from 7 nominees within our district. Maybe our club should think of making a nomination for next year’s event.

21ST ANNUAL ROTARY GOLF TOURNAMENT A SUCCESS

2011-07-29T16:04:00.000-04:00

The Rotary Club of Cranford held its annual golf tournament last week at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, NJ. Proceeds from the tournament will support Cranford Project Home and the Cranford Rotary Charitable Fund. In addition to the 80 golfers who enjoyed a fun day on the course, over 100 companies and individuals supported the tournament through sponsorships and gifts. The club thanks everyone who supported this event, with special recognition to the tournament sponsor: Two River Community Bank.

BIG WINNERS ARE BENEFICIARIES

Gene Matics, treasurer of the Cranford Rotary Club, is shown presenting a check for $5,000 to Kathy Willis, Executive Director of Cranford Family Care, and Elena Kruglyak of Cranford Project Home. Additional proceeds from the tournament will be used by the Cranford Rotary Charitable Fund towards a portion of the over $15,000 awarded annually in scholarships to Cranford seniors, as well as other charitable recipients designated throughout the year.

Golfers, however, will have to wait another year to try to snag one of the major prizes offered: a Rolex Watch donated by Martin Jewelers, an automobile donated by Planet Honda, $100,000 cash in a shootout sponsored by Garlic Rose Bistro, or $5,000 cash in our first-ever putting contest, sponsored by Marc Brown, Wolkstein, Von Ellen and Brown, LLC. Rotarian Joe Carney's shot from 175 yards drew gasps from the crowd as it approached the target in the $100,000 shootout, but it came up short.

MANY OTHER PRIZES

The men and women playing did not go home empty handed, as prizes and gifts were handed out during the post-golf reception for gross and net golf scores, closest to the pin, longest drives, plus a broad selection of donated raffle prizes.

You can find photos from the event here. Next year's tournament will be held on Monday, July 23, 2012. Watch this blog for more information over the winter.

Welcome

2011-07-29T15:16:00.002-04:00

Just trying out posting on the Cranford Rotary blog.

Cranford Rotarians at the Downtown Street Fair

2011-05-26T16:45:00.000-04:00

Barbara, Kathy, Joe, Al, Rich and Mike at the Rotary booth at the Street Fair.

Thanks for all your hard work!

Cranford Rotary Annual Installation Dinner

2011-05-26T08:16:00.001-04:00

Save the date. June 14th AI Kilkenney House. 6 PM.

Ron Starner, Owner of The Bob Evans Agency speaks about Insurance for Rental Cars

2011-05-19T11:52:00.001-04:00

Former Club President, Ron Starner, owner of The Bob Evans Agency spoke about Liability, Medical and Loss Damage Waiver coverage while renting a car.

He warns that you should carefully read the contract, prior to standing in line at the rental agency of course, to determine whether you are covered for damage to the vehicle and other losses, BEFORE you decline the coverages offered, especially when traveling outside of the U.S.

Check limits and exclusions and anything else that may void the Loss Damage Waiver, and be sure to understand exactly what is covered by your current umbrella policy.

Rotary Club of Cranford announces its Board of Trustees for 2011-2012

2011-05-19T10:35:00.000-04:00

Board of Trustees for 2011-2012

Officers

Mike Flynn, President

Al Ugarte, Past President

Dave Gordon, President Elect

Gene Matics, Treasurer

Lou Brigando, Secretary

Trustees

Bruce Bergen

Rich Brightman

Joe Carney

Barbara Ginsberg

Nick Giuditta

David Weeks

Kathy Willis

"Are You Smarter Than a Cranford Fifth Grader?"

2011-04-13T15:27:00.001-04:00

by Lou Brigando

There was no shortage of fun and excitement at the 2nd Annual "Are You Smarter Than a Cranford Fifth Grader?" held at Hillside Avenue School.

Four teams from Cranford Elementary Schools joined in the good natured competition with teachers and parents to "strut their stuff."

At times the excitement rivaled any Jets/Giants Football game!

Thanks to the Cranford Rotary and Joe Carney as well as Gayle Carick, Cranford Superintendent of Schools, and the dedicated Cranford educators who worked hard to put this special event together.

"Are You Smarter Than a Cranford Fifth Grader?"

2011-04-06T17:12:00.000-04:00

Also, Cranford Rotary's "Are You Smarter Than a Cranford Fifth Grader?" is tomorrow night at 6:30 PM at Hillside Avenue School.

Meeting with Interact at Cranford High School

2011-04-06T17:09:00.000-04:00

A last minute reminder, in case you didn't get the email from Vince earlier today, our meeting tomorrow morning will be with the Interact Club at Cranford High School. On-Street parking near the High School is limited, so please try to get there early, say 7:30 AM, in oredr to get a spot.

We will start promptly at 7:45 AM

Visiting Rotarian

2011-03-24T21:24:00.002-04:00

Roselle / Roselle Park Rotarian Hanan Jacobs visited the Cranford Rotary Club this morning and told our Club about their upcoming Annual Spaghetti Dinner March 26th at the Community United Methodist Church, Roselle Park, NJ.

2011 Cranford Rotary Golf Outing

2011-03-24T19:20:00.001-04:00

Save the Date
July 18, 2011
Echo Lake Country Club

Click Here For More Information

Mark Spina from "The Theater Project" addresses Cranford Rotary

2011-03-24T17:30:00.000-04:00

The Theater Project, a professional theater troop that currently stages productions at the Union County College, will soon need to find a new home. They are looking for a location that can accommodate between 75 and 200 people.

Begun in 1994, THE THEATER PROJECT, is known for its color-blind casting policy and provocative “actor’s view theater” seating" -- the audience is on-stage with the actors, “where the action is.”

A production of The African Company Presents Richard III, by Carlyle Brown is scheduled to run from April 28th to May 15th.

Based on a true story, 134 years before Rosa Parks refused to move to the back of the bus, 108 years before Martin Luther King, Jr was born, and 6 years before enslavement of blacks fully ended in New York state, a theater company of free black actors was passionately performing Shakespearean adaptations and original works in front of packed houses in 1821 Manhattan. The African Company, as they were known, then dared to open their production of Richard III on the same night and right next door to another Richard III production by New York City's leading theater of the time starring English tragedian Junius Brutus Booth. The African Company's refusal to close down and capitulate to the pressure of their white competitors is depicted in this provocative and empowering drama.

Past productions have included:

2011	Astonishment
2010	Manuscript By Paul Grellong Why Torture Wrong .... and the People Who Love Them Crowns
2009	The Smell of the Kill Psycho Beach Party Ruby Sunrise
2008	Fully Committed Flaming Guns of the Purple Sage Defying Gravity
2007	Omnium Gatherum Valhalla It's a Wonderful Life Open Admissions
2006	The Road to Mecca The Lady in Question The Skin of Our Teeth
2005	Three Tall Women Jackie, An American Life Music from a Sparkling Planet
2004	• Top Girls • Betty's Summer Vacation • The Mystery of Irma Vep
2003	• Having Our Say • A Wilde Night in the Rockies • Pterodactyls
2002	• All in the Timing • The Food Chain • Artist Descending a Staircase
2001	• The Dining Room • Empty Plate at the Café du Grande Boueff • How I Learned to Drive
2000	• The Golden Fleece & The Problem • Defying Gravity • What I Did Last Summer
1999	• The Little Playwright • The Food Chain
1998	• A Chekhov Kaliedoscope • The Dining Room
1997	• For Tiger Lilies Out of Season • The Great Illusion: Soviet Theater • A Durang Evening • The Waiting Room
1996	• The Actor's Nightmare, Inc. 1. Desire, Desire, Desire 2. For Whom The Southern Belle Tolls • Three One Acts: 1. The Golden Fleece 2. Wanda in the Living Room 3. Sightings
1995	• Open Admissions • Beyond Therapy • Oleanna
1994	• Six Degrees of Separation

Two Club Presidents

2011-03-17T13:39:00.002-04:00

Roselle / Roselle Park Rotary Club President Pat Spagnoletti (left) receives a Cranford Rotary coffee mug from Cranford Rotary President Al Ugarte.

Thanks to all the R/RP Club members who made it to today's meeting. See you all next time at your place!

St. Patrick's Day Fun at Rotary

2011-03-17T13:32:00.004-04:00

Cranford Rotarian Vincent Spada greets leprechaun Paddy O'Furniture (Rotarian Dan Crowley) at today's meeting.

For more about leprechauns, check out this link.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leprechaun

Trivia: Prior to the 20th century, it was generally held that the leprechaun wore red, not green!

Cranford's Health Inspector Warren J. Hehl Addresses Joint Meeting of Rotary

2011-03-17T13:20:00.005-04:00

Warren J. Hehl, Health Inspector for the Township of Cranford (shown here with Club President Al Ugarte) addressed this morning's annual joint meeting of the Cranford Rotary Club and the Roselle / Roselle Park Rotary Club.

Mr. Hehl explained the particulars of the new recycling laws enacted through the NJDEP that affect both residential and commercial property owners.

For those of you who were not able to attend today's meeting, below is a link to the State of New Jersey DEP website on recycling.

http://www.state.nj.us/dep/dshw/recycling/

Guest Speaker

2011-03-04T18:58:00.005-05:00

March Guest Host Kathy Willis greets Cranford Patch Editor Michelle Walbaum and Senior Advertising Manager Sharmonique Shade at a recent Cranford Rotary meeting.

Patch is an Online Community and internet-based news media focused on local news and events. It also offers free listings for local downtown and home-based businesses looking for a web presence.

Their website is cranford.patch.com.

Contact Michelle at michelle@patch.com
or, Sharmonique at sharm@patch.com for more information.

Guest Speaker

2011-03-04T18:53:00.004-05:00

Rotarian Kathy Willis greets Union County Freeholder Betty Jane Kowalski.

The recent Guest Speaker to the Club and spoke about services the county provides to its citizens, including the Union County MusicFest held at Oak Ridge Park in Clark.

Guest Speaker

2011-03-04T18:16:00.005-05:00

President Al presents Certificates of Appreciation to members of the local Serv Pro team, recent guest speakers to the Cranford Rotary Club.

Rotary interesting guest speakers to make a presentation to the Club about their profession, service project, or charity.

This is not an opportunity for a sales pitch, but rather an opportunity to acquaint yourself with Rotary and to make a presentation that addresses the value your organization provides to the community.

Interested presenters can contact the Cranford Rotary at cranfordrotary@gmail.com

Congratulations to a New Member!

2011-03-04T18:09:00.003-05:00

Rotary Club of Cranford new member
David Gordon shakes hands with
Rotary Club President Al Ugarte.

Rotary meets every Thursday morning at 7:45 AM in the Cranford Community Center on Walnut Avenue.

Congratulations to a New Member!

2011-03-04T17:55:00.004-05:00

Club President Al Ugarte and President-Elect Mike Flynn present new Rotary Club of Cranford member, Korine Dankowski, with her Rotary International badge and lapel pin.

Contact a member if you are interested in showing that you also believe in "Service Above Self".