Leaders are born with the Rotary Club of Montclair.
Rotary International is a worldwide volunteer charitable organization. This group’s goal is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. Rotary clubs harness passionate individuals to exchange ideas, build relationships and take responsible action. The organization is a part of a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends and community leaders who make up Rotary Clubs, Rotary International and The Rotary Foundation. Rotary has actively worked to better conditions for the world and its inhabitants for over 100 years and is located more than 200 countries.
Montclair is lucky enough to call one branch of Rotary Clubs their own. The Rotary Club of Montclair is comprised of business and professional people, along with community leaders who share a common goal: to serve the local community and the world. The Montclair Rotary Club has aided people for over 90 years.
Lead by four officers, who are elected annually along with a group of directors, the Montclair Rotary Club is under the care of Paul Metcalfe as the President, Robbie Furman as the President elect, Alicia Robinson as the Treasurer and Robert Schwartz as Secretary.
“We work to make lasting improvements in our communities and around the world,” said Schwartz. “Rotary is made up of people from all walks of life who perform projects in our own communities and world-wide – and have a good time doing it. As an active Rotarian, you’ll develop skills like public speaking, project management and event planning.”
One of Rotary’s latest feats is their work to eradicate polio (endpolio.org). The Montclair Branch is also proud of their other projects, such as helping the Village of Breznice in the Czech Republic, The Dictionary Project, Camp Merry Heart, Pedals for Progress, International Youth Exchange, Montclair Food Charities and many more.
“We are proud of all of our accomplishments. These include annual donations to charities in Montclair, an annual food drive, service activities such as painting class rooms at the Montclair Community Pre-K and visits to the residents at the Montclair Inn,” said Schwartz.
The Montclair Rotary Club is also the originator and continuous sponsor of Taste of Montclair. This year’s event will be held at The Manor in West Orange on March 14, 2016. For more information, please visit their Facebook page at facebook.com/Montclair.Rotary.Club or The Taste of Montclair website at facebook.com/TasteOfMontclair.
If these types of humanitarian efforts attract you, The Montclair Rotary club would love to have your company! If you are interested in attending one of the meetings as a guest, please contact John Lee at johnleesandieg@gmail.com. Montclair’s Rotary Club meets every Tuesday at the Greek Taverna at 12:15 p.m., located at 292 Bloomfield Avenue in Montclair.
Even if one feels as though they are not able to dedicate all of their time to the organization, one has the option to serve the group as a Friend of Rotary. Contact montclairrotaryclub@gmail.com for an more information or an application. There is no cost and involvement can be as much or as little as one prefers. Montclair Rotary Club is holding a new member and friend reception at The Office, 619 Bloomfield Avenue, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2016.
Schwartz emphasizes the endless benefits that come with being a member of the club. “Joining is a great way to become better connected locally, to work with like-minded individuals and to participate in Rotary’s international humanitarian service efforts,” said Schwartz.
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