Activities
Our Rich Tierney addressed the Senior Citizens Club on the subject of Emergency Alert Systems and reintroduced a new cell phone "companion" that connects to a hard line phone and directly to 911 in the event of an emergency.
A past 50/50 Raffle was handled by Rotarians George Gregor, Greg Bakay, and Peter Nicolas.
Florham Park Rotarians parade through town at a holiday event prior to the onset of the 2020 pandemic.
At the campus of the New York Jets, Florham Park Rotary President George Gregor presented a 50-Year Super Bowl Anniversary certificate to Jets President Neil Glat, flanked by Jets executive Tim McDonough (at left) and Florham Park Mayor and Rotarian Mark Taylor.
"Ice Cream with a Cop" and "Coffee with a Cop" have become popular traditions and have provided local town citizens to get to know members of the Borough's police force.
At a weekly meeting Florham Park Rotary welcomed Cheryl Ricci-Francione, Executive Director of the Greater NJ Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, based in Florham Park. The presentation was as informative as it was sobering, and addressed a serious problem and the efforts to solve it - on both an international and local basis. Ms. Ricci-Francione was welcomed by (from left) George Gregor, Rich Tierney, and Peter Nicolas, who introduced the guest speaker.
Florham Park Rotary places a high priority on helping students in the Borough at all levels. Among the gifts made to the Brooklake Elementary School were twelve Xterra Spin Bikes. At left (from left) Peter Nicolas, Rotary Sergeant-at-Arms; Brooklake Elementary School Principal, Thomas Connolly; Brooklake Physical Ed Teacher, Jennifer Gilligan; Florham Park Rotary President, George Gregor; and Florham Park Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Steven Caponegro.
Each year, Florham Park Rotary presents dictionaries to third grade students at Brooklake Elementary School. Prior to the pandemic, Rotarians such as George Gregor and Peter Nicolas did that in presented, visited classes and helped explain the importance of building a working vocabulary. Here, Sergeant-at-Arms Nicolas (at right), guides students in Ms. Conroy's class through dictionary search techniques.
On June 26, 2020, Dale Bridge, a graduating senior residing in Florham Park, was awarded the "Service Above Self" award by Florham Park Rotary President George Gregor and Mayor Mark Taylor (at left handing the award certificate to Mr Bridge). Dale was an EMT volunteer in town and earlier this year contracted, and survived, the COVID-19 virus. Below right, Dale and his mother Kathy Bridge were met at the Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad in a presentation that included Peter Nicolas, Sergeant-at-Arms (at extreme left) and Rotarian Frank Sweetin (second from left).
Ania Tureczek of Florham Park received a Community Service Award from President Gregor, as Mayor Mark Taylor looks on. Ania graduated East Hanover High School. She volunteered in Nicaragua, where she taught hygiene in two villages, volunteered at Saint Barnabas Medical Center, and at Madison YMCA.
Hunter Caplan received the 2020 Scholarship Award from Florham Park Rotary, presented by President Gregor. At right, with mother Allison Caplan, Hunter graduated the Morris County School of Technology and was a high impact member of the Florham Park Garden Club and Frelinghuysen Arboretum, in addition to recognition by the National Honors Society, Key Club, and Peer Leadership Club.
Outdoors, outside their entertainment facility on Vreeland Road, Mike D'Amato and Cheryl Taylor of ImagineThat!!! sponsored a celebration of Front Line Heroes during the pandemic that affected so many lives. Below, Rotary President George Gregor, Sheriff Jim Gannon, Patrol Officer Kyle Kepler, and Rotarian Rex Lyon were some of the participants in honoring members of local police, fire, and emergency medical services active throughout a difficult time. The event included musical entertainment, children's games and vehicles on display provided by the Florham Park Fire Department, First Aid Squad and Sheriff Gannon.
Above, Florham Park Rotarians deliver some of the presents collected at the Post Office.
At right, Rotarian Simone Campbell adds more "wish list" tags to the Angel Tree.
In May 2021, two recent editions of the Florham Park Eagle reported on the grant that funded the purchase of three document cameras for the Ridgedale Middle School (at right) and the continuing work of Florham Park Rotarian Rich Tierney (at left) in promoting the availability of the Emergency Alert System to seniors in the Borough and others living alone.
Each holiday season, Florham Park Rotarians place an "Angel Tree" at the local post office. The Tree is adorned with "wish list" tags from children who are sponsored by the Division of Child Protection and Permanency in Morris Plains.
Rotarian President George Gregor (above and at right) with Florham Park Police officers Charles Greenstein and Faith Niemynski. Ice cream above, coffee at right.
International Food Pantry
Among Florham Park Rotarians pitching in at the local International Food Pantry are (from left) Rich Tierney, George Gregor, Karol Williams, and Peter Nicolas.
At left, Dale Bridge receives the "Service Above Self" award from the Florham Park Rotary, on a plaque that hangs in the Borough Municipal Offices. Kathy Bridge, also an EMT volunteer, looks on as President Gregor presents the plaque to her son.
Independence Day 2020
In an unprecendented historical reversal, due to pandemic of 2020, the "town came to the parade" on July 4th, as Florham Park residents drove their vehicles - at a distance - through Borough Hall park, where organizations, including Rotary, were stationed along the "parade route." Above, Rotarians Simone Campbell, Mayor Mark Taylor, and George Gregor greeted the many "passersby."
The 50/50 Raffle that followed the July 4, 2020 "parade" was handled by Florham Park Rotarians Rex Lyon (at extreme right) and attended by Mayor Mark Taylor, Secretary Simone Campbell, and Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Nicolas.
In the midst of a difficult year for small business owners, Marisa Spagnoletti of Lucy's Gift was recognized for her philanthropy and contribution to causes. Her organization was a leading sponsor of the highly successful "Taste of Florham Park" that was held at The Mansion at Fairleigh Dickinson. A member of the Florham Park Rotary, Marisa manages a unique gift shop and has dedicated her life and business to the memory of her late husband by directing net profits to such causes as children in need, crime victims, and others who need assistance.
Al DeCuir, Donald Cheng, and Justin Arteaga were guests at an event held at the Florham Park Memorial First Aid Squad.
In July 2020, President Gregor presented a Community Service Award from Florham Park Rotary to Thoma MArtynowicz, here with his parents, Ed and Diane. "TJ" graduated Seton Hall Preparatory Schol and worked with the Special Olympics and Camp Sunshine. He also founded an organization that raised 6400 pairs of socks for the homeless, among other achievements.
When events such as Club Raffles could be conducted, Rotarians Karol Williams, Betty O'Brien, and Simone Campbell sprang into action. In the Spring of 2021, Rotarian Laura Kern (at right) coordinated Florham Park Rotary's participation in Career Week for the students at the Ridgedale Middle School, an event that went so well, Florham Park Rotary plans to make it an annual event, added to the other activities conducted to benefit the students of Florham Park.
Camp Merry Heart
Suspended during the year of the pandemic, Spring Cleanup resumed at Camp Merry Heart in Hackensack, New Jersey, and nine members of the Florham Park Rotary spent part of a Saturday in and around the Science Building (for which this Rotary has responsibility). Participating (from left at rear): Bob Feid, Rex Lyon, Peter Nicolas, Laura Kern, Simone Campbell, George Gregor, and Betty O'Brien, with Karol Williams and Debbie O'Keefe in the foreground.
With the day's work completed, lunch followed.
With the weather cooperating, Simone Campbell and Karol Williams address the needs of the surrounding outside grounds. Above center, Bob Feid, always the hardest worker. At right, Peter Nicolas chops away. Below, work inside and out.
The June 10, 2021 edition of the Florham Park Eagle reported on two of the Rotary's recent activities: the donation of dictionaries to the third grade students of Brooklake Elementary School and the Florham Park Rotary's participation in Career Day, in which eight Rotarians "Zoom-advised" students at the Ridgedale Middle School on career planning and their own experiences.
Independence Day Parade 2021
Marchers representing Florham Park Rotary included (from left) Peter Nicolas, Jean O'Day, Debbie O'Keefe, Simone Campbell, Karol Williams, and George Gregor. Below, scholarship and community award winners Kristin Alessio and Thomas DeFrancesco ride in the "ceremonial" Rotary Convertible in the Parade through the streets of town, driven by Jean O'Day.
Bob Feid and Rex Lyon welcomed Laura Kern to the Florham Park Rotary (at right), while Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Nicolas (below) presided via Zoom conferencing as Laura received her Rotary tee shirt.
Florham Park Rotary's Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Nicolas briefs Parade watchers on the achievements of the 2021 Scholarship and Community Service Award winners, Kristin Alessio and Thomas DeFrancesco.
2021 Scholarship Award winners are Kristin Allesio and Thomas DeFrancesco. Kristin received her award at a weekly meeting at the Florham Park Diner, from George Gregor, as Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Nicolas and Mayor Mark Taylor look on. At left, at the DeFrancesco home, President George hands Thomas his certificate as Peter Nicolas and Debbie O'Keefe add their congratulations.
Kristin Alessio was recognized for winning the 2021 Florham Park Rotary Scholarship Award at a weekly Friday meeting at the Florham Park Diner. Attending (from left seated) Mayor Mark Taylor, Betty O'Brien, and Rex Lyon. Standing, from left, Bob Feid, Kristin, father Gary Alessio, Peter Nicolas, and Rich Tierney.
Rotarian Banner carriers included (from left) Debbie O'Keefe, Simone Campbell, Peter Nicolas, and Karol Williams
On June 30, at the end of the Rotary fiscal year, at the annual Banner Exchange ceremony, Shelby Rhodes is sworn in as District Governor for 2021-2022. Sitting in the foreground in a yellow suit is Dr. Ann Wolko, retiring DG for 2020-2021. The dinner event, with more than 180 Rotarians and guests attending, was held in Florham Park at the exclusive Park Avenue Club. Florham Park Rotary was represented by President George Gregor and Secretary Simone Campbell (pictured below).
On July 16, 2021, at the Rotary's weekly meeting, President George was awarded recognition as a Paul Harris Fellow, with Past Assistant District Governor Michael Karu reading the citation.
Meet Your Neighbors Day in Florham Park
The lawn behind the Florham Park Library was the site of local organizations set up at tables to greet visiting neighbors and guests of Borough residents and friends. Mayor Mark Taylor, Rotary President George Gregor, Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Nicolas and Judi Gregor at the Rotary table set up on the lawn, with a display announcing the Halloween Dog Parade set for October 16.
The Big Day Arrives!
Mayor Mark and President George, with Barbara Grobert of PetsSuppliesPlus, who lead-sponsored the event and "general-managed" it to resounding success.
Rotarian Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Nicolas briefs volunteers from Hanover Park High School.
President George with Bubba, the first canine to arrive. Bubba did not participate in the Costume Contest, nor the Parade, attending in the status of Senior Observer.
Veteran Florham Park Rotarians Frank Sweetin and Rex Lyon deliberate over the day's success.
The Florham Park Rotary event staff. Standing from left, President George, Debbie O'Keefe, Laura Kern, Treasurer Betty O'Brien, Santos Colon, Eunice Prosper, Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Nicolas, and Karol Williams. Seated, Secretary Simone Campbell, Rex Lyon and Honorary Member Judy Beechers.
Rotarian Eunice checks in arriving contestants and their escorts, guiding them to the correct registration desk.
Rotarian Peter dispenses final instructions to the volunteers from Hanover Park High School. At right, MC Carmine with Rotarian Betty O'Brien.
Debbie O'Keefe welcomes contestants who pre-registered.
Best dressed?
Rotarians Betty, Simone, and Judy at the Registration Desk. At right, a contestant presents herself.
Did not Win, Place or Show - but kept a low profile.
At right, Mayor Mark Taylor at the refreshment table with volunteers from Hanover Park High School. At left, Officer Kevin Langereis advises an event guest it's alright to walk on the grass.
The Winner(s)!
Rotarians Eunice, Santos, Debbie, Karol, and Laura, carrying one of the Award Prizes. Below, President George with Alex Parker-Magyar, Editor of the Florham Park Eagle, which covered the event.
Rotarians Debbie and Laura handing over a prize to a winning contestant. At right, MC Carmine with Karol Williams of the Florham Park Rotary Club.
The Morris County Sheriff's Office providing gifts and presented a Police Dog briefing and demonstration. That event was attended by McGruff, the Crime Dog, at left.
The Florham Park Rotary 50/50 Raffle was held immediately after the Dog Parade winners were recognized and awarded. The Raffle, as in the past, helps maintain the Rotary's sustaining College Scholarship Fund for Florham Park residents graduating high school. The Raffle winner was chosen by Branden Sardo (at right), appropriately, as he was a past recipient of this Scholarship Award from the Florham Park Rotary.
President George leads the Dog Parade - twice around the Gazebo lawn, giving the judges ample time to review the contestants. Below, presents a Certificate of Appreciation to Barbara Grobert for her work in sponsoring - and then managing the Event.
President George with Rotarian Debbie at the registration Table by the Gazebo.
Carmine's sunny disposition ensured the weather would be no problem!
Florham Park Rotarians who put up the Angel Tree at the Post Office, from left, Rex Lyon, Bob Feid, Karol Williams, Peter Nicolas, Debbie O'Keefe (in front of Laura Kern), and George Gregor - with Post Office Manager Mark Glover.
Future Rotarians Maureen Capuzzi and David Kramer stopped by to cheer the "festooning" of the Angel Tree, with Mr. Kramer - a professional photographer - snapping the picture at left.
The Guest Speaker program resumed in January 2022 with the Club welcoming borough resident Danielle Gasalberti, a certified shool psychologist and author of the book "Love Your Selfie." Ms. Gasalberti discussed empowerment and self-confidence for school-age students and their families.
On February 4, Ms. Brianna C. Donofrio, PA-C, Physician Assistant at the Essex Cardiology Group discussed principles of maintaining overall heart health and preventing cardiovascular disease. Brianna is a member of the Dr. Stephen M. Levy team at offices of the Group in Florham Park.
A March Speaker was former Rotarian Sean Shallis " The Consumers Real Estate Coach" and author of 10X House Selling Secrets. Mr. Shallis, a Master Coach, shared his proprietary insights into "Billion Dollar Blindspots" to help business entrepreneurs transition from "grinding to aligning." The meeting was open to the public and especially for enterpreneurs who want to build "a duplicatable, repeatable, and scalable business that naturally attracts the perfect clients, strategic alliances and business partners." Sean Shallis has been a featured strategist and subject matter expert on various media and print outlets, including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Bloomberg News TV, and elsewhere.
On April 29, 2022, Patrick Enright, Vice President for Professional Studies and Applied Sciencies at the County College of Morris was a guest speaker. Mr. Enright discussed the College's "Reimagined Center for Workforce Development" with a focus on programs in place to meet the demands of local employers for qualified, job-ready applicants. Such programs have expanded from a concentration on manufacturing into healthcare.
Guest Speaker Patrick Enright is flanked by Florham Park Mayor Mark Taylor and Betty O'Brien, Treasurer of Florham Park Rotary.
Patrick Enright was greeted to Florham Park Rotary by Mayor Taylor and Rotarian Damion Bernard
Kerri Weibel, newly-appointed Principal of the Brooklake School, is flanked by President George and Dr. Steven Caponegro, Florham Park Schools Superintendent, who escorted and introduced Ms. Weibel to the Rotary at its weekly meeting on May 6.
On May 21, 2022, Florham Park Rotary against spent part of their Saturday in what has become a traditional "day trip" to the Merry Heart Camp in Hackettstown, NJ, where the Club is responsible for the Nature and Science cabin, cleaning up and preparing for the new camp season.
At left, Peter, Rudolph, and Betty tend to some outdoor chores. Below, Damion addresses the result of winter in the cabin.
At left, Betty, Damion and Bob work outside. Above, Judi assesses the condition of a display table.
Clearing leaves around the cabin has been an annual chore, which fell to Bob this Spring.
During the past winter, two very large trees fell near the cabin - both missed the building. Here, Bob and Damion clear enough of the damage to permit clear paths to the cabin.
In May, at a District Leadership conference, held at the Park Avenue Club in Florham Park, our own President-Elect Simone (at right) led the Pledge of Allegiance and Sergeant-at-Arms Peter delivered a "Rotary Moment" to the nearly 200 assembled members of District 7475, marking the last leadership meeting of DG Shelby before change of officers on July 1.
Fourth of July Parade in Florham Park. George Gregor and Simone Campbell among the Rotarians marching. Followed by "Ruff Ruff" masquerading as Barbara Grobert, owner of Pet Supplies Plus.
Local media announced the planned apearance of Ruff Ruff at the upcoming Halloween Dog Parade.
On September 29, 2022, members of Florham Park Rotary celebrated Rex Lyon's 50 Years in Rotary! In addition to a commemor-ative plaque presented here by his fellow Rotarians George Gregor, Rich Tierney, and Peter Nicolas, a plate bearing "Rexford L. Lyon" was added to the "Judy Beecher Plaque" that hangs on a wall at Borough Hall.
National "Coffee with a Cop Day" was observed on October 5, 2022 at the Florham Park Diner. At right, Sergeant Daniel Bundschuh is flanked by Florham Park School Superintendent Dr. Steven Caponegro and local Rotary's Sergeant -at-Arms Peter Nicolas.
Past President Bob Feid (at left) shares a moment with guest Honoree Rex Lyon at the dinner celebrating Rex' 50 Year Anniversary as a Rotarian.
2022 Halloween Dog Parade and Costume Contest was Again co-Sponsored by the Florham Park Rotary and Pets Supplies Plus
Rotary President Simone Campbell led the
parade in two laps around the Gazebo Lawn.
Judging the Costume Contest at the Halloween Dog Parade: Karol Williams, Mayor Mark Taylor, and Barbara Grobert, owner and operator of Pets Supplies Plus, co-sponsor of the Event with the Florham Park Rotary.
Costume awards were given in six catetories: Funniest; Most Creative; Scariest; Spunkiest; Best Dressed Duo Dog/Human (below left, Stephanie Marelli and he dog as the Cast of Toy Story); and Overall Best in Show (at bottom right awarded to Brielle Dolack and her dog Partner dressed as a Dinosaur with Jurassic Park Uniformed Humans.
Rotarians Peter (below with McGruff) and Debbie, Karol, Laura, and Damion (above) worked to keep the Event on schedule.
Annual Third Grade Dictionary Presentation
Brooklake Elementary School was again the site of Florham Park Rotary's annual presentation of dictionaries to Third Grade Students. At above right, David Richmond and Mayor Mark Taylor and at right President Simone Campball spent time in classrooms explaining and working with students on the use of the dictionary.
At left, newest Rotarian Rakesh Agrawal participates in his first event with the Florham Park Rotary. Below, Rakesh receives his Rotary pin from Membership Chair George while President Simone and Mayor Mark Taylor look on.
Above left, Morristown Rotary President Donna Orr receives the Florham Park Club banner from visiting President Simone.
Past President George visited the Fanwood Scotch Plains holiday lunch, with President Simone, and exchanged Rotary banners with President Al Smith
At left, Membership Chair George and President Simone present the Rotary pin to Savita Agrawal, most recent new member of Florham Park Rotary.
Another successful holiday for the Rotary Club's Angel Tree was marked by the visit of Jaime and Kara of the State of New Jersey Division of Child Protection and Permanency, met at the local Post Office by Past President George.
At right, January Speaker Julia Somers is flanked by Sergeant-at-Arms Peter Nicolas and President Simone. Ms, Somers, New Jersey Highlands Coalition Executive Director, spoke of efforts to preserve the quantity and quality of drinking water for the residents who rely on the Highlands.
At right, February speaker Nancy Rudgers, director of development at Nourish. NJ, discussed the group's mission to create lasting solutions to problems of hunger, homelessness, and poverty. She was welcomed at the Club's weekly meeting at the Florham Park Diner.
Jonathan Arzt is flanked by George Gregor and Brian Dutka. The Great Greek supported the Taste of Florham Park - 2023 with a selection of tasteful foods unique to Mediterranean cuisine.