Another Successful Golf Tournament

It was a beautiful day for golf as close to one hundred golfers teed it up at the 24^th Annual Cranford Rotary Golf Tournament on July 28th at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield.  The event raised $6,000 for the Cranford Police Athletic League and another $6,000 for the Cranford First Aid Squad.  Additional funds raised at the outing will support Rotary scholarships and other giving by the Cranford Rotary Charitable Fund, Inc.

Shop Rite of Garwood, Shop Rite of Clark, and Two River Community were major corporate sponsors.  The Garlic Rose Bistro, sponsored the $100,000 Shootout. Marc Brown and Wolkstein, Von Ellen and Brown sponsored the putting contest, and more than 100 other organizations and individuals sponsored holes and raffle prizes.

Golf prizes were presented at the banquet that evening, including for low gross, low net, closest to the pin and longest drives.  There was also a putting contest and five golfers shot for a hole-in-one to win $100,000.

Accepting the check for Cranford P.A.L. was Police Chief James Wozniak, Honorary Chairman of Cranford P.A.L.  The Cranford Police Athletic League, or P.A.L., was founded in 1981, and provides athletic programs for over eight hundred children in Cranford. The programs are supervised and coached by Cranford Police Officers and volunteers from our community. The P.A.L. programs help create a positive, trusting relationship between youth and the Police Officers of Cranford.

Art Nathan, Treasurer of the Cranford First Aid Squad, represented the many volunteers from Cranford and the surrounding area who have been providing free 911 response since 1953.  In addition to the care and transportation services, the First Aid Squad also offers various training programs such as free community First Aid and CPR classes, and classes ranging from heart and stroke awareness to those on more advanced emergency care. 

Cranford Rotary Presents Vocational Awards

On June 19, Cranford Rotary honored two outstanding citizens for their service to the Cranford community.  Andrew Stratton was awarded the Edward Coe Vocational Award, and Barbara Murphy was given the Vincent F. Sarnowski Award. 

Lt. Stratton, recommended for the Award by Chief Len Dolan, is a 16 year veteran of the Cranford Fire Department.  During his tenure, Stratton has committed himself to fire safety education not only in Cranford but throughout New Jersey.  Lt Stratton asked that a donation of $250 be made on his behalf to the Atlantic Regional Firefighters Burn Foundation.  The Edward M. Coe Award is given to a member of the uniformed services on a rotating basis, as suggested by the Cranford Rotary and recommendation of the appropriate Municipal Chief or other Cranford Official.  Dr. Coe was a member of the Cranford Rotary from 1949 until his death in 1997. He was past President of the Rotary and a founding member of the Cranford First Aid Squad.

Ms. Murphy, who grew up in Cranford, was recommended for the Sarnowski Award by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gayle Carrick.  Ms. Murphy has taught 3^rd and 4^th grades at Livingston and Walnut Avenue Schools for over 40 years.  The Cranford Rotary will make a donation of $250 on her behalf to the Cranford High School Class of 1967 Scholarship Fund.  The Vincent F. Sarnowski award is given to a Cranford “Teacher of the Year” as recommended by the Cranford school system.   Mr. Sarnowski was Superintendent of the Cranford Public Schools until 1973 and was a Past President of the Cranford Rotary Club.

Mickey O'Brien Installed as 2014-15 Cranford Rotary President

Michael S. (“Mickey”) O’Brien was installed as the 92^nd President of the Rotary Club of Cranford at a dinner on June 11.  His term will begin on July 1. 

Mickey has been a Rotarian since 2012. No stranger to the Rotary motto “Service Above Self”, he has also been with the Knights of Columbus since 1996, where he has served in various capacities, including Grand Knight of Msgr. Watterson Council 1711 in Westfield in 2000-2001. He and his family were twice awarded “Family of the Year”.

Mickey has been a Field Agent for the Knights of Columbus since 2010, offering Life Insurance, Retirement Annuities, Disability Income Insurance and Long Term Care protection to its members in Cranford as well as other K of C councils in the Union and Essex counties. He has been serving as President of the New Jersey chapter of the National Association of Fraternal Insurance Counselors (“NAFIC”) since 2013. He was previously in laboratory sciences for the pharmaceutical and health care industries for over 30 years.

Other Rotary officers for 2014-15 are Maureen Strazdon, President-Elect; John Apisa, Secretary; Gene Matics, Treasurer; and Rich Feder, Immediate Past-President. 

2014 Rotary Scholarships Awarded

The Cranford High School students selected to receive 2014 Rotary Scholarships, based on their involvement in their school and in the community, are Kerry Dugandzic, AnnaLee Gallo, Max Glazer, Elizabeth Hopta, and Thomas Lee Philip.  Anastasia Caulfield received the Rotary Leadership Scholarship.  Kelly Schoustra and Rachel Zanfardino  received Interact Scholarships. 

Kerry will be attending Connecticut College, majoring in international relations and journalism, having raised funds for refugee students around the world and money in support of the fight against sex-trafficking in other nations.  AnnaLee is a member of Cranford Rotary’s Interact Club, has worked in Nicaragua, and hopes to become a neo-natal nurse practitioner after graduating from Fairfield University.  Elizabeth, who will be studying Womans Studies and English at Pennsylvania State University, has helped abused women.  Thomas is attending The College of William & Mary to concentrate on International Relations and Economics, with the goal to helping people outside the United States.  Max has made four trips to help the people of New Orleans recover from Hurricane Katrina and will be studying architecture and chemical engineering at Washington University in Saint Louis.

Anastasia was awarded Rotary’s Leadership Award, and will be attending Ramapo College to major in international studies.  Anastasia’s many leadership activities included the steering committee of the Cranford High School Peer Counselor Program, club officer of the Woods Tech Club, and three years on Student Council.

Two students who were members of Cranford High School’s Interact Club, the high school arm of Rotary, were given scholarships.   Kelly will major in business at Clemson University, and Rachel will attend Fairfield University.  Among the activities the Club participated in are visits to the Children's Specialized Hospital in Mountainside, and joining in bake and candy sales, and Relay for Life, for the American Cancer Society.

Scholarship awardees, each of whom will receive $3,000 towards their college education.  The scholarships are underwritten by the Cranford Rotary Scholarship Foundation, with funds collected from the annual Cranford Rotary Golf tournament.

Cranford Rotary Golf Tournament - July 28, 2014

The 24th Annual Cranford Rotary Golf Tournament will take place on Monday, July 28, 2014, at the Echo Lake Country Club, Westfield, NJ. The beneficiaries of this years tournament are the Cranford First Aid Squad, the Cranford Police Athletic League and the Cranford Rotary Scholarship Fund. The annual golf tournament offers an opportunity to enjoy a fun day of golf at one of New Jersey's premier golf venues while supporting worthy causes. The shot gun format offers an opportunity for golfers of any skill level to compete for numerous golf prizes, as well as closest to the pin, longest drive and hole in one contests. Those who do not play golf can support the outing through various levels of sponsorship from a hole sponsor up to the tournament sponsor. Brochures will be available in late May. For more information contact Gene Matics (908-931-0050) or Bruce Bergen (908-276-8855).

Rotary on Facebook

Keep up-to-date with Cranford Rotary on our Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/CranfordRotary

Rotary collects donations for Salvation Army Red Kettles

Even though the weather did not favor the Rotary Red Kettle elves this year, generous Cranfordians put over $475 in the Kettle for the Salvation Army.  It was a perfect winter day on December 7, the first day Rotarians and members of the Cranford High School Interact Club were outside Dunkin’ Donuts, so collection totals exceeded last year. But snow kept donors home on the 14th, so totals were less than half of last year that day. Thanks to all who gave!

Did you know…

that November is Rotary Foundation Month. The mission of the Rotary Foundation is to enable Rotarians to advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through the improvement of health, the support of education, and the alleviation of poverty. It is supported solely by voluntary contributions from Rotarians and friends of the Foundation. Programs funded through the Foundation include PolioPlus which is dedicated to eradicating polio, scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study in a wide range of academic fields, and grants to serve the wide variety of projects Rotarians are doing in their own communities and around the world.

Cranford Rotary Aids Moore, Oklahoma

On the afternoon of May 20, 2013, a tornado struck Moore, Oklahoma with peak winds estimated at 210 miles per hour.  The tornado was 1.3 miles wide at its peak, and an estimated 1,150 homes were destroyed, with an estimated $2 billion in damages.  The storm killed 23 people and injured 377 others. 

Cranford Rotary joined many other organizations in donating funds for the restoration of Moore.  The Club matched the donations of the members and sent a check for $1,400 to the Rotary Club of Moore to be used where the funds are needed most. 

MEET CRANFORD ROTARY'S NEW PRESIDENT

Richard W. Feder has been installed as the 91^st President of the Cranford Rotary Club. 

Rich’s commitment to “Service Above Self”, the Rotary motto, is exemplified by his many community activities including  Cranford Rotary, the Cranford Jaycees where he served as Vice President, and Cranford youth sports where he coached baseball and basketball.  He also served on the Cranford Zoning Board of Adjustment for 11 years, serving as Secretary for 5 years, the Cranford Insurance Review Board, and the Cranford Citizens Budget Review Committee.

Rich has been a Cranford Resident for 34 years.  He is currently Managing Partner of Feder Insurance Services which provides a broad array of property, casualty and health insurance services to individuals and commercial businesses, specializing  in Medicare insurance products and health insurance for small and mid-size groups.   He was formerly employed by UBS AG (New York/Zurich) as Chief of Staff (US) and Co-Head of Investor Relations, and by PaineWebber Group Inc. as Head of Investor Relations and Head of Insurance & Risk Management.  He holds an MBA from Pace University and a BA from Rutgers University.

Other Rotary officers for 2013-14 are Mickey O’Brien, President-Elect; Vincent Spada, Secretary; Gene Matics, Treasurer; and David Del Vecchio, Past-President.

The Rotary Club of Cranford was established in 1923 and serves the Cranford community through service projects, sponsorships and scholarships.  Past beneficiaries of Rotary support include Cranford Project Home, Cranford Family Care, Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence, Cranford United Way, Cranford Historical Society, Cranford PAL and the Rotary International Foundation. The Cranford Rotary Club meets every Thursday morning at 7:45 am at the Cranford Community Center. Any business or professional, active or retired, is cordially invited to attend meetings. For additional information, please contact Membership Chair Mike Flynn at 908 272-2827.

CRANFORD ROTARY GOLF OUTING A HUGE SUCCESS

One hundred golfers teed it up at the Cranford Rotary Golf Tournament on July 22^nd at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield. Although the weather threatened at times, nothing could dampen the enthusiasm surrounding the day, which by all accounts was the most successful event in the 23-year history of the tournament. ShopRite of Clark was the primary Tournament Sponsor, helping to raise $12,500.00 for the Cerebral Palsy League, Adult Services Programs. Additional funds raised at the outing will support Rotary scholarships and other giving by the Cranford Rotary Charitable Fund, Inc.

In addition to ShopRite of Clark, there were 17 other major sponsors, lead by Two River Community Bank, the Corporate Sponsor and the Garlic Rose Bistro, sponsor of the $100,000.00 Shootout.  Ninety-five other organizations and individuals sponsored holes, and there were 28 raffle prize donors.

Golf prizes were presented at the banquet that evening, including to Marc Ruderman for the low gross score, Tony Isaksen and Beverly Goldman for low net scores, and to 11 others for other low scores, closest to the pin and longest drives.  There was also a putting contest and five golfers shot for a hole-in-one to win $100,000.00.

The Cerebral Palsy League, Adult Services Programs are designed to assist people with a wide range of developmental disabilities.  Adults may receive training in basic vocational, independent living and social skills.  The programs help to improve an individual’s quality of life by allowing them to remain active outside the home and developing social relationships with others.  They also provide families and caregivers with time to pursue their own interests.

The Cranford Rotary Charitable Fund, Inc. was created in 1996 with a focus on supporting education and to support the many other charitable efforts and projects of the Cranford Rotary Club, both locally, nationally and internationally.

The Rotary Club of Cranford, affiliated with Rotary International, was established in 1923 and serves the Cranford community through service projects, sponsorships and scholarships.  Past beneficiaries of Rotary support include Cranford Family Care, Cranford PAL, Project Home, Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence, Children’s Specialized Hospital, Cranford United Way, Cranford Historical Society, Cranford Senior Housing and the Rotary International Foundation. The Cranford Rotary Club meets every Thursday morning at 7:45 am at the Cranford Community Center. Any businessperson or professional, active or retired, is cordially invited to attend a meeting to learn more about the club. For additional information, please contact Membership Chair Mike Flynn at 908-272-2827.

Cranford Rotary Welcomes Barry O’Donovan

Barry O’Donovan was inducted as a member of the Cranford Rotary at the Rotary meeting on July 11.  O’Donovan is the owner of Kilkenny House Restaurant & Pub in Cranford.   

O’Donovan, who is known for always putting family and community first, exemplifies Rotary’s slogan “Service Above Self”.   He was honored by the U.S. Small Business Administration with the Phoenix Award for Outstanding Disaster Recovery for reopening Kilkenny House just six weeks after  Hurricane Irene hit.  At the time O’Donovan said he was proud and humbled by the honor, and insisted the award wasn’t just for him, but for all of Cranford.   He continues to be a fixture in the community, always willing to support local causes. 

O’Donovan came to America from Kilkenney, Ireland in 1979.   He worked at Joyce’s in Manhattan and owned Henry Grattan’s Restaurant & Bar and the Judge & Jury in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.  In 2002 when his children were born he decided to move to Cranford.  He opened Kilkenny House on Sept. 10, 2008, as a place where families could come for dinner.

Rotary Awards Scholarships

Cranford Rotary Club has awarded its annual scholarships to four Cranford High School seniors, and a leadership award to another.  Recipients were selected based on their service to the community and involvement in school.  The awardees were presented at the Rotary meeting on June 13. 

Scholarship recipients are Gary Hoffman who will be attending Duke University, Sierra Stivala who will be going to The College of New Jersey, Jake Waleski who will be a student at Mulhenberg College, and Jennifer Wojtowicz who will be studying at Notre Dame University.  Cassandra Zebrowski, who will be attending Villanova University, received the leadership award. 

Each scholarship winner will receive $3,000 towards their college education.  The scholarships are funded by the Cranford Rotary Scholarship Foundation, financed by the annual Cranford Rotary Golf tournament.

From left to right: Steve Lieberman (Rotary scholarship chairman), Sierra Stivala, Jennifer Wojtowicz, Cassandra Zebrowski, Gary Hoffman, Jake Waleski

Rotary learns about the Junior League

The Junior League of Elizabeth-Plainfield was founded in 1923, the same year Rotary was established.   Rotary and the Junior League share a commitment to serving the community as well as a birth date.  At the Rotary meeting on June 6, Christine Martinez, President of the Junior League outlined many of the projects undertaken by the local chapter of the group whose mission is to promote volunteerism and develop the potential of women.   Proceeds from the Jumble Store, a non-profit thrift store that is operated by the Junior League at 110 Walnut Street in Cranford, fund projects such as the Career Closet which outfits women returning to the workforce with  free business attire, and the Buddyflies Tween/Teen Empowerment Event.  For more information visit www.jlebnj.org or email cmm5555555@gmail.com.

Cranford Rotary Quiz

1 - What is the name of the attorney credited with the founding of Rotary?

2 - What is Rotary International’s motto for the Rotary year 2012-2013?

3 - What aviation pioneer was an active member of the Rotary Club of Dayton, Ohio?

4 - What is the name of the annual district fundraiser, often hosted at the Pines Manor in Edison, usually in November (Foundation Month)?

5 - What do Cranford Rotarians Marc Brown, Gary Goodman, Bruce Bergen, Nick Giuditta, Dave Weeks, and Paul Harris have in common?

 

1 – Paul Harris; 2 – Peace Through Service; 3 – Orville Wright; 4 – Eat, Drink, and Share; 5 – They are all lawyers

(thanks to Vince Spada)

Save the Date - Installation Dinner

Cranford Rotary's Installation will take place on Tuesday, June 11at 6:30 at Kilkenny's. Members and their guests are invited.  Plan to be there. 

Rotary learns about Eye Level

Alexandra Smith addressed the Rotary this morning, describing her new business, Eye Level Learning Center at 21 North Avenue.  Eye Level tutors students age 3 through 15 in English and Math, teaching them critical thinking.  Alexandra has a Masters Degree in Teaching and has one employee at this point.

Rotary and Interact at Cranford High

Students from Cranford High School's Interact Club - the Rotary-sponsored service club for high school students - met on April 24 with members of the Cranford Rotary.  Dave Del Vecchio, Rotary President, discussed some of the programs the  Club has been involved in, while the students talked about Relay for Life and their many activities to raise funds and awareness to save lives from cancer.  For more information on the great work the students are doing and how you can help, visit www.relayforlife.org/cranfordnj.

Cranford Rotary rolls to victory at Linden Lanes! 

The Cranford Rotary Bowling Team defeated Westfield Rotary in two straight games on Monday night to win the 2012-2013 Rotary District 7510 league championship. Great going Bruce Bergen, Marc Brown, Christine Felegi, Steve Lieberman, and all the other Rotarians who stepped in as subs. After many years the trophy will be returning to Cranford after the Bowling Banquet on May 3.

GOT BIKES?

Pedals for Progress (P4P), in its continuing effort to recycle bicycles properly, will stage a used bike collection on May 11, rain or shine, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Orange Avenue Pool, 1025 Orange Ave., Cranford. The collection is sponsored by the Cranford Rotary Club.
Anyone with an adult or child’s bicycle in repairable condition is urged to donate his or her bike to this worthy cause. P4P does not accept “bikes for parts” or disassembled bikes. P4P collects 5,000 to 7,000 bicycles annually. To date, more than 137,000 have been shipped to developing countries in Latin America, Africa, and Eastern Europe. In these countries, the bikes are reconditioned by partner agencies and distributed at low cost to poor working adults. The bikes provide them with reliable transportation for commuting to work, transporting products to market, and accessing health care and other services. It costs $40 to collect, process, ship, rebuild and distribute each bicycle. Therefore, a donation toward shipping costs is necessary. The suggested minimum donation per bike is $10. All cash and material donations are fully tax deductible, and receipts will be available at the collection site.

P4P is a 501(c)(3) corporation and a registered charity in New Jersey. P4P also accepts donations of working portable sewing machines, as well as wrenches for overseas shops. For detailed information about P4P’s overseas projects and a current schedule of bicycle collections, visit their website at www.p4p.org. For more information about the collection on May 11, call 908-272-1790 or email: crcp4p@yahoo.com.

Save the Date!  Golf Event on July 22!

Rotary on Cranford Radio

Hear Rich Feder, President-Elect of the Rotary interviewed by Bernie Wagenblast of Cranford Radio.Cranford Radio.  Photo of Bernie addressing the Rotary meeting on April 4.

New members inducted

James Murphy (l) and Maureen Strazdon (c) are welcomed into the Cranford Rotary Club today by membership chairman Michael Flynn.

Rotary - Make a World of Difference

Former Cranford Resident Now Rotary District Governor in NY State

A community service effort by the Cranford Rotary Club years ago was this current District Governor's first exposure to Rotary.

Think about that for a moment. Perhaps, a future Rotary leader first heard about the Four-Way Test when he or she received a dictionary this month.

Read the story here: District 7120 Gov. visits Bath Rotary Club

On October 4, 2012, Cranford Rotarians handed out dictionaries to every third grader in Cranford and Garwood as part of their annual Third Grade Dictionary Project. Seen above, third grade students at St. Michael School in Cranford hold up their new dictionaries.

This local program highlights Rotary's focus on Basic Education & Literacy at home and around the world. Other areas of focus of Rotary International are: Peace & Conflict Prevention / Resolution; Disease Prevention & Treatment; Water & Sanitation; Maternal & Child Health, and; Economic & Community Development.

More Images from Hole-in-One Check Presentation at Garlic Rose Bistro

Rotary Club Presents $100,000 Hole-in-One Check

Members of the Rotary Club of Cranford and Marc Corello, owner of Garlic Rose Bistro and sponsor of the Hole-in-One Shootout, present Ottis "OJ" Anderson with a $100,000 check following his hole-in-one at the club's annual golf tournament. 

Cranford Rotary Awards Scholarships

Four CHS Students Named As Recipients

The Rotary Club of Cranford and scholarship chairman Steven Lieberman announced that it has awarded its annual scholarship grant to four Cranford High School students who were selected by Rotary based on their involvement in their school and in the community.  Recipients of the Cranford Rotary Scholarship awards for 2012 are Megan Byrne, Emily Bovasso, Danny Rahal and Jonathan Rubin. Each scholarship winner will receive $3,000 towards their college education.

• Megan Byrne served the community as a volunteer with CARE Hospice, visiting and interacting with sick patients.  She will attend Loyola University in Maryland and expects to major in speech therapy.

• Emily Bovasso served as a volunteer member of the Cranford First Aid squad providing support and assistance as a first responder to emergency situations. She will continue her education at Wagner College in New York and hopes to major in the health field.

• Danny Rahal started an educational tutoring service to help Cranford middle school students with their studies. He also volunteered on the Cranford First Aid squad. Danny will attend University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and will study a pre-med course.

• Jonathan Rubin organized a service to provide sick and critically ill children with electronic hand-held games so that they could play while undergoing medical treatments. He was also active in organizing blood drives in the Cranford community. Jonathan will study business at Susquehanna University.

The Cranford Rotary Scholarship award winners were feted in June at an awards presentation ceremony at Cranford High School and attended a recent Rotary Club meeting at the Cranford Community Center.  The four winners were selected from over 100 applicants.  The scholarships are funded by the Cranford Rotary Scholarship Foundation, which is the recipient of monies collected from the annual Cranford Rotary Golf tournament.

The Rotary Club of Cranford has been in existence since 1923 and currently has 30 active members who serve the Cranford community through service projects, sponsorships and awarding of scholarships.  Past beneficiaries of Rotary support include Cranford Project Home, Cranford Family Care, Cranford Fund for Educational Excellence, Cranford United Way, Cranford Historical Society, Cranford PAL and the Rotary International foundation. The Cranford Rotary Club meets every Thursday morning at 7:45 am at the Cranford Community Center. Any interested person, male or female, is cordially invited to attend our meeting. For additional information, please contact Membership Chair Mike Flynn at 908 272-2827.

Rotary is a worldwide organization of more than 1.2 million business, professional, and community leaders. Members, known as Rotarians, provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. Clubs are nonpolitical, nonreligious, and open to all cultures, races, and creeds. As signified by the motto “Service Above Self”, Rotary’s main objective is service — in the community, in the workplace, and throughout the world.

-Richard Feder

Former NFL Star Shoots Hole-in-One To Win $100,000 at Cranford Rotary Golf Tournament

Cranford PAL Also A Big Winner

There was electricity in the air last Monday afternoon as lightning storms surrounded the area, but nothing would compare to the thunderous ovation when former NY Giants running back Ottis “OJ” Anderson made a hole-in-one to win $100,000 during the Cranford Rotary Club’s Annual Golf Tournament in front of nearly 100 people at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield, NJ.


Now in it’s 22nd year, the tournament has included for the past seven years a “$100,000 Shoot-out,” where five qualifiers each take a single shot to make a hole-in-one for the grand prize. The qualifiers were selected during the day through a closest-to-the-pin contest, and the contestants took aim from 150 yards away as fellow golfers and guests watched on. The $100,000 Shoot-out was sponsored by Garlic Rose Bistro of Cranford.

“I was just trying to get it close,” said Anderson, the Super Bowl MVP for the NY Giants in Super Bowl XXV. “I was as shocked as anyone else when it disappeared in the cup.” The ace was Anderson’s first.



Anderson was not the only big winner of the evening, though. With its largest single donation ever from the golf tournament, the Rotary Club presented Cranford PAL a check for $10,000 to support its youth athletic programs. Additional proceeds from the event go towards approximately $15,000 in scholarships presented each year by the club.



But no doubt, the biggest buzz of the evening was the rare feat that occurred right in front of everyone’s eyes.



The Rotary club’s golf tournament has for more than two decades supported local organizations and charities. It is supported each year by scores of businesses and individuals who take part through sponsorships, donations and participation, with this year's primary sponsor being ShopRite of Garwood.

"Rotary's motto is ‘Service Above Self’,” chimed Rotary President Dave Del Vecchio. “Cranford Rotary's Annual Golf Tournament has become one of the premier events in Union County for those interested in fellowship and supporting community projects like the PAL and our scholarship foundation. I invite anyone interested in learning more about the many causes we support, both locally and internationally, to join us at our weekly breakfast meeting at 7:45 AM on Thursday mornings at the Community Center on Walnut."

Rotary Club Hosts 22nd Annual Golf Tournament July 23

ShopRite of Garwood joins effort as Tournament Sponsor; Cranford PAL is Primary Beneficiary



Vincent Esposito (second from left), manager of ShopRite of Garwood, presents Gene Matics, treasurer of the Cranford Rotary Club, a donation as Tournament Sponsor for the 22nd Annual Cranford Rotary Golf Tournament. Looking on are Chris Polito (l), PAL Executive Director, and James Wozniak (r), PAL Board Member.

The Rotary Club of Cranford will hold its 22nd Annual Golf Tournament on Monday, July 23, 2012, at Echo Lake Country Club in Westfield. Participants will enjoy a day of golf and fun on one of New Jersey’s premier courses while helping support the charitable efforts of the Rotary Club.

Leading the list of more than 100 area businesses and individuals who support this tournament every year is this year’s Tournament Sponsor, ShopRite of Garwood. The primary beneficiary of this year’s event is Cranford PAL, supporters of numerous athletic and community programs for Cranford youth.

“We are excited to welcome ShopRite of Garwood as our Tournament Sponsor,” said Mike Flynn, Rotary Club President for 2011-12. “Their generous support has helped get the ball rolling early for our biggest fundraiser of the year,” he added.

“The Rotary Club has helped us continue providing youth athletic programs for the Cranford community,” Chris Polito, executive director of Cranford PAL stated. “We are grateful for their continued support, and we wish all of the participants a great day.”

For more information about playing in the tournament or becoming a sponsor, contact Bruce Bergen, (908) 276-8855 ormailto:bhb@ksbblaw.com, or Gene Matics, (908) 931-0050 or ematics@tworiverbank.com.

2012 Rotary Scholars

Miracle Feet Program

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

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

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

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

Just trying out posting on the Cranford Rotary blog.

Cranford Rotarians at the Downtown Street Fair

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

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

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

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

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