North Hunterdon Rotary

High Bridge Park Project 07.15.08

Pictured right: Doc Ivovich, John Bohnel, Jim Christie's (Only his very close friends recognize him from this perspective!), and a volunteer from CertaPro Painters. Pictured right: Rotarian, Carol Gallo, pictured with her favorite pick axe in hand. One might wonder out loud: Is it a coincidence that Lorena Bobbitt's maiden name is Gallo? Could Lorena have finished the job with better tools (as expertly demonstrated above)? And does this pretty, yet devious, smile conceal a desire to become a feminist "hero" like her namesake Lorena"? If, as Pastor Andrew might put it, "...the wrong path is chosen...", then, at least Carol will be no stranger to community service.

Sky Van Ness (not pictured...because he's actually working) and John Bohnel (once again, proving the law of physics that "...an object at rest tends to remain at rest" ...and REALLY breaking a sweat...right!) have organized and manned the High Bridge Park Project with many of the Rotarian volunteers who have regularly attended. Len Yacullo, left, provides much needed supervision to John. Clay McEldowney, also not pictured anywhere (probably off giving an interview with the press...promises to lay the last brick at the dedication ceremony).

The park, like us, remains a work in progress...

Paul Harris Fellows 06.25.08

Hall, Ivovich and Groendyke honored by Rotary

The North Hunterdon Rotary recently honored three Rotarians with the Paul Harris Award. A dinner honoring the Rotarians, and the incoming Rotary officers, was held at the Beaver Brook Golf Club on June 25.

Less Hall, (left) is the owner of Les Hall and Associates, an accounting firm in Clinton . He has served as Treasurer of the North Hunterdon Rotary for many years. He is the President of the Main Street Breakfast Club and was named in Who’s Who in Business for many years.

Dr. Boris Ivovich, (center) has been a Rotarian since 1994. He serves on a number of Rotary committees and has been active in many non-profit groups in Hunterdon County including the Boy Scouts, Hunterdon County Advisory Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the United Way of Hunterdon County , and on the Board of NJ Special Olympics. He was a founding member of Anderson House.

Tom Groendyke (right) is the outgoing president of the North Hunterdon Rotary. He serves on the Board of the Hunterdon County Drug Abuse Council, the Two Hundred Club of Hunterdon County, the Spruce Run Lutheran Church Council, Roselle Savings bank and was formerly on the Board of Directors of the Clinton Historical Museum Village . He operates Groendyke Associates, an Independent Insurance and Financial Services firm in Califon.

High Bridge Park Project 06.07.08

North Hunterdon Rotarians (or is it the work release program?) "volunteer" at the High Bridge Park project. Pictured from left to right: George Wickard , Steve Croghan (aka 35079) , Sky Van Ness, and (baby-face) Beth Mineur. Nice job "crew"!

Andrew Paton 05.09.08

Advice on the marathon, ultra-marathon running...And Life!

A True Leader: Someone We Can Count On To Set A Steady Pace

Andrew Paton has vast experience in running the marathon distance and sees parallels between his running life and life outside of the 26.2 miles. His stories include tales of making laps to hear the cheering crowds at the Boston Marathon, and the fans that at the some forty plus other marathons and ultras that he's convinced cheer only for him!

Andrew breaks the marathon down in the following way:

First 10 miles: This is the part of the race "run with your head." Sometimes "...Money in the bank (i.e., miles already behind you) is really an overdraft (if run recklessly)."
2nd 10 miles: "Run with the heart!" His passion for the race and it's history palpable.
The last 6 miles: "Run with the gut!" When there's little else to rely on.

Andrew's experience tells him that the 20 mile mark is the half way point of any marathon. "Pure determination must carry a runner the last 6 miles."

With perhaps more than 45 marathons to his credit (and with a consistent schedule of 2 major races a year), Andrew has run marathons in Europe, Africa, and the US (Boston and races in Delaware and Mass, are among the list).

With a lifetime best of 3:19. Today, Andrew's typical pace is 3:30 to 3:40. Andrew has served admirably as a 3:45 pacesetter for the Hartford Marathon

Andrew considers his toughest race the 56 mile ultramarathon, the Comrades. The Comrades has an 11 hour time limit to complete the 56 miles which includes 5,832 ft of climbing.

Running Parallels Life

With this much training and racing, Andrew has had time to think about living.

Andrew's Tips on running and living:

Travel light..."Don't clutter your life with lots of stuff." Most of the life's material and emotional clutter doesn't matter.
Ignore those that speed ahead early in the marathon and in life
Consistency trumps a fast start
Train well. No matter how many marathons you've done, you never know it all, and you have to be prepared for each race and situation
Smile at the spectators. Enjoy all the compliments in life. "It's a special genuine moment when you've been complimented. Take it with humility and you'll be prepared to compliment others."
Run close to your pace setter...find a good pace-setter (life partner), and stay close by each other
When all your strength is gone...it isn't. Don't pay attention to all of your feelings. Go beyond your senses. There's more strength than you realize
Keep going forward. Keep moving toward your goal

Favorite line: "Pain is compulsory...Grumbling is optional!"

As the pastor of Church of the Nazareen, Andrew has prayed through his share of races. As most marathons are run on Sunday, Andrew usually sticks to races run on any other day. Appropriately, he's currently signed up for the God's Country Marathon.

Thanks for the advice Forest...I mean Andrew!

www.clintonnazarene.org

Special Olympics 05.07.08

Special Olympics athletes competed this week at North Hunterdon High School.

The Interact Club, headed by advisor Mary Beth Berry, spends much energy organizing this event and training the athletes leading up to the competition. Rotarians and fans, Andrew Paton, Bob Alexander and John Bohnel, look on.

Road Rally 04.26.08

Karl Kroeschel, front and center, with fellow Rotarians, spouses and friends after the recent road rally and scavenger hunt. Much fun was had by everyone who attended. Thanks to Ann Bartlett for her organization, and to the Groendykes for the after event party.

RYLA Conference

Mary Beth Berry's Interact students, Kelsey and Colin, attended the RYLA Conference, a youth leadership program held recently in Newton, NJ. They thanked the Club for opportunity and the experience to attend this worthwhile event. Exercising their recently honed leadership skills, the students have invited all of the Rotarians to attend the upcoming Special Olympics event to be held on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 5:15 pm, at the North Hunterdon Regional High School.

If Rotarians are interested in helping, please show early at 4:30 pm.

Your presence in the stands to cheer the athletes on will be greatly appreciated.

Habitat for Humanity (02.08.08)

John Bohnel proposed that the North Hunterdon Rotary Club become involved on some level with Habitat for Humanity and or Habitat ReStores.

Habitat ReStores, in brief, are retail outlets that sell new and used building materials that support Habitat affiliates. Every dollar goes toward home building and not administrative costs. If you're interested in learning more, please check out their website: http://www.habitat.org/env/restores.aspx

Habitat is active throughout the world, and has built more than 225,000 homes (50,000 throughout the United States). Please visit http://www.habitat.org/how/factsheet.aspx if you're interested in some basic facts and an overview of Habitat's mission and organization.

John indicated that there are some local Habitat organizations, i.e., there is a Raritan Valley Chapter, which encompasses Somerset and Hunterdon County (but is appears to be mostly Somerset). He feels that there is a void within Hunterdon County itself. As the 4th wealthiest county in the US, John believes that building products from rehabilitation projects in the Hunterdon County can be salvaged and reutilized in Habitat building project.

If you're interested in exploring the possibility of becoming involved with John and Habitat for Humanity, please contact him by email at either of the following addresses:

jabohnel@patmedia.net

john@rfaucettconstruction.com

Youth Exchange Host Family Experiences

Jim and JoAnn Murray have had many positive experiences with the Exchange Program, and consider that giving their own children exposure to young adult students has made their children accepting of varying cultures. Jim talked about Ivan from South America.

Simi and her husband, Taz, are new host parents to our exchange student, Christian. Christian is from the Canary Islands (off the coast of Morocco, 3 hours south of Madrid, Spain). Christian discussed and compared the education system in the US vis a vis Europe, and, in general, considers the level of education as somewhat lower than in Europe.

Ann Thornton and Les Giese have hosted 3 long-term students, and through the program and have also had their own son TJ in the program with his stay in Germany. Ann gave the club an idea of the communications between the host and sending families. She explained that the program has changed the direction of her life and the lives of her family members.

Caitlin Smith has had experiences staying with 4 families during her time in the exchange program. She talked about her travel experiences in Europe. Caitlin also discussed the affect of her experiences on her college application process. She also considered the German school system as being at a somewhat higher level. Pete Smith urged all members to become involved with the program and considered it as a learning experience.

Tom and Doris Hurban has had involvement with his 5 week tour of the US as it related to the Exchange program. Tom also considered that he has received more from the program than he has contributed. Doris explained that she has been involved with the Program since 1978. Doris fondly remembered her Program "children" and consideres that the "...world becomes bigger, broader, and better" for being involved with Youth Exchange.

Natasha is our outgoing summer exchange student and hopes to go to Switzerland. In High School, Natasha is involved in the marching band as a drummer, and is also involved with fencing. Natasha's mother is very comfortable with the exchange interview / screening process.

And finally, Jim Murray defended the efficacy of the US's education system ...(We learn about "efficacy" in Kindergarten).

Rotary Homes of Hope

Doug Merritt, Chairman, Rotary Homes of Hope Project

The Rotary District 7510 Homes of Hope project was started almost 6 years ago in Ecuador, and benefits families, with children, with household incomes of $1 to $2 daily. This year's project is a two faze, school construction project. $60,000 is needed by March of 2008 to continue this long-term project.

Over the last several years, the project has provided homes for more than 200 families, a community center, day care center, potable water (matching grants have been received from Rotary International to provide water to each home in the community...a project that is near completion), latrines, access to medical care (treating over 600 patients during a recent clinic), drip irrigation food tunnels, but most significantly, it has provided hope to those that are in desperate need.

There are 84 children in the community that will be served by the school. There is also a "Sponsor Me" program that seeks to find sponsors seeking to support a child financially ($420 per year will support 1 child).

Doug has requested North Hunterdon's continued financial support in the amount of $2,000 for 2008.

For more information please visit http://www.rotaryhomesofhope.org/

Before the Glory

A Teacher, Humanitarian, Author, and Inspirational Speaker, Billy Staples

Billy Staples...Sought of for His Book and His Passion for the Children he Teaches

Raised by his grandparents as an ardent New York Yankee's fan. In 1974, Billy met Joe DiMaggio, an event that changed his life...Billy requested his autograph, and was told by Joe, "follow me kid". In the old timer's locker room were some of the great players that have ever existed. Billy befriended the Yankees locker room attendant, and eventually spent a good portion of his childhood as a Yankee's locker room "gofer".

As a young adult, Bill became a teacher in the projects. With a focus on attendance and good behavior, Billy challenged his students to excel with the promise of meeting a recognized sports figure. Michael Jordan was the first class trip. Billy required his kids to tell the stars how they worked hard to meet them, and they had to ask the star for a personal childhood story. Billy focuses his efforts on high-risk children--those at risk to stay in school and "not" drop out.

Billy has been nominated for the "Disney Teacher of the Year" twice. 1999, Jack Canfield, gave Billy a book deal opportunity and now he is promoting "Before the Glory". The book uses stories about the childhood of famous baseball players, and the proceeds are used to support the high school that he helped start, and which has become his life passion, The Career Academy in Bethlehem, PA, and the college scholarship group - (CAPERS) are off to a wonderful start. Capers has given college money to 57 students who have agreed to come back to the area after college graduation to seek employment.

To support the college scholarship organization by buying a book, please Visit:

http://www.billystaples.com

Rich Ihling Inducted as Newest Member

Rich Ihling, proprietor of Ihling's Appliances in Clinton on Old Highway 22, was inducted as North Hunterdon's newest member. Rich was supported for membership by Rich Reiner...we promise not to hold that against him. Welcome!

Christine Schaumburg, Mayor of Clinton

Christine Schaumburg, Mayor of Clinton, thanked the Club for its involvement with the Centennial Park development at the Red Mill (news article below), and welcomed similar, future partnerships with the North Hunterdon Rotary Club.

Ms. Schaumburg also spoke to the Club this afternoon about current issues in Clinton and plans for the Town's development and redevelopment. The town's lack of parking, pedestrian safety, and signage were all part of the conversation and Christine fielded questions related to these issues. The mayor welcomed any suggestions and welcomed public comment on any issues at hand. The North Hunterdon Municipal Court's relocation is also being finalized, according to the Mayor.

Please follow the link to the towns website for updated information http://www.clintonnj.gov/

Interact Update

An Interact representative from North Hunterdon High School, as a recipient of their club's recipient of the month, will be attending our meetings on a regular basis (4th Friday of every month). Mary Beth Berry, Interact Advisor, continues to increase the involvement between our clubs.

District Governor Visits North Hunterdon Rotary 10.19.07

Dr. Julie Ann Juliano, a Rotarian of 15 years, brought her message that "Rotary Shares" to the North Hunterdon Rotary Club, and that we are all important to our club. The Club was honored to be considered by the Governor to be the second best Club in the district (behind her home club, of course). It was also our honor to be recognized for our hands-on projects, our considerable college scholarship, and our nationally recognized fundraising event, the Skylands Triathlon / Duathlon, that make our scholarships and other projects possible.

The Governor urged each of us to share our commitment to Rotary with our friends in an effort to spread our mission with like-minded people. She shared her personal efforts to increase membership and suggested to us to share our own project successes. "Be proud" of "OUR Rotarians" in the District who have done amazing projects throughout the world and have accomplished equally amazing results, both great and small. Dr Julie's words: "Education, fellowship and fun"...be involved with the District Conference. "Every single day wake up and be a Rotarian...Put on your Rotary pin...And tell a Rotary story..." This is the only way to spread the word that "Rotary is the best service organization in the world."

2007 Skylands Triathlon / Dualthon

To view race results visit Lin-Mark Computer Sports at http://www.lin-mark.com/ressky07.htm

North Hunterdon Rotary Club would like to thank everyone involved for another successful triathlon / duathlon event. It was a cool September morning, with water temperatures in the 70's, sunny skies for the bike, and comfortable conditions for the run. We're always grateful to have our athletes who have supported our efforts in the community for the last 21 years of the Skylands Triathlon...the support of our local business community (many of whom are Club members)...business names and contacts to follow, our State Troopers and EMS, and Club members, families and friends who sweep the course, set up transition area, and swim course, man the parking and traffic, who serve food, and take everything down after the event .

Our athletes are always happy to have the enthusiastic encouragement of North Hunterdon's Interact Club (and their advisor, Mary Beth Berry), who cheer at every corner, up the nasty hills, and who hand water out on the run. Dr. D is always a welcoming voice to weary athletes, happy to have the finish line in sight.

We're always pleased with the quality of athletes who choose to do our event among so many events held...and we welcome the newbies who have taken up the triathlon / duathlon as a healthy lifestyle. Years of thanks to Lin-Mark for their professional timing services.

North Hunterdon hopes to have you all back next year. Please check back with us as we post photos, and as the event nears for 2008.

"Where's the beef?" If you were wondering where all the extra hot dogs went! Here they are...2007 Skylands Hot Dog Eating Contest finalists!

Instructions: 1. Please print this photo, 2. Hang it on your refrigerator, 4. Move away from the refrigerator, 4. Swim, 5. Bike, 6. Run, 7. Repeat steps 4 through 7.

The Midland School

Karen Storm, Supervisor of Student Support, discusses Autism with North Hunterdon

The Midland School was opened in 1960 and today serves approximately 245 students with developmental disability. The school's specializes in the educational service needs of our Autistic citizens across the spectrum.

The statistics on Autism are alarming. For various reasons, not as yet understood by the medical or scientific community, the incidents of autism is rising rapidly. Research is considering the genetic and environmental factors, and combination of the two, as well specific environmental triggers, as possible causes for the epidemic rise. In the 1970's, 1 in 10,000 children were diagnosed with Autism --Today, 1 in 166 are diagnosed with the condition.

Midland's curriculum considers the individual potential of each student, the current educational and social needs of its students, and works to integrate the students into the greater social and work community with the greatest degree of independence possible. Curriculum might include speech therapy. independent living skills, social skills training, Home-Alone programs, Community Living Program, career cluster programs (...clerical, food preparation, maintenance, recycling, and alike), as a way of developing living skills that are required of and are eventually practiced in the community by the School's students. Many of Midland's community job training programs assist the adult students in their transition to lifestyles which are productive to their community.

The North Hunterdon Rotary Club has continued to support The Midland School with a financial donation recently authorized by the Board of Directors, and as individuals, we compassionately support the efforts of the School and its dedicated staff which cares for OUR most socially needy, vulnerable, and loving children.

To learn more about The Midland School http://www.midlandschool.org

To see Clay perform his magic shadow puppets on the slide screen, please contact him directly.

New Jersey Astronomy Center for Education at Raritan Valley

Jerry Vinski, Director of Planetarium & NJACE , discussed Raritan Valley's planetarium and Astronomy Center for Education. In its 18th year of operation, the planetarium drew over 30,000 visitors. Part of the state curriculum.

Started in 1990, and initially sponsored by Merck, NJACE also involves Project Astro: 12 amateur astronomers who work with 2nd to 8th graders and support the State curriculum by working with their teachers. The planetarium and NJACE now receives broader corporate support including $150,000 from 3M.

Through its outreach program, Starlab, a portable planetarium, NJACE provides introductory programs to various groups including scouts and the Somerset County 4H.

The North Hunterdon Club was fascinated with the discussion of the terrestrial planets, the number of Jupiters it would take to equal one Sun, the fact that Sun and stars are mostly hydrogen (and some helium), that there are about 200 billion stars form a galaxy, and that there are a 100 billion galaxies.

Notwithstanding, perhaps the most interesting and unexpected discovery was the unidentified Jovian-like object and its satellite (lower right of the photo) that has now been discovered as a result of this photograph. As is common practice with any new discovery, naming the objects is of foremost concern. It should be left to some inventive Rotarian to name the objects. At the time of this writing, the specific mass and density of the objects has not been determined, however, the considerable reflective qualities of the objects is unmistakable.

FBI Assistant Chief-in-Charge, Mark Mershon: Visits North Hunterdon Rotary

A genuine Assistant Chief-in-Charge of the FBI's NY office was happy to discuss his work, recent events, and in general, his rewarding life in the FBI. Since it would be futile to do justice in this forum to the very impressive and patriotic Chief, Mark Mershon (whose involvement ranges from anti-terrorism, kidnappings, cyber-crime, and organized crime; just to scratch the surface), it should suffice to say that we should all rest more soundly knowing that this capable man is privy to some of the same intelligence reports that the president is. Now we know that at least somebody can read them.

Trip to Broadway Musical, Mystery, Comedy "Curtains"

Not just your typical AARP Work Release Program: Safe to say that all the Rotarians who attended the Broadway showing of "Curtains" and dinner at the Turkish eatery, "Dervishes", had a great time. Great food...Great play. For those of you not lucky enough to have attend--If you can picture: The stage awash in blue lights...Our Rotarian audience awash with blue hair (Possibly the largest assemblage of blue hair ever).

Just some pictures for fun...

Cleverly hidden among these random pictures are: A realtor who still thinks that the 60 guilders worth of trinkets paid to purchase Manhattan was way too much; the "balcony hecklers" from the Muppet Show; a woman who smiled and waived at ANY man who would take her picture (definitely in need of a chaperone); a man who was actually surprised to remembered where he was when the lights came back on; someone who actually doesn't remember where they were on D-Day; one who thinks Engelburt Humperdink is still cool; Ralph Kramden's original bowling shirt; and, embarrassingly enough, a man wearing a clip-on tie provided by the restaurant.

Andrew Paton, Rotary's "New-Old" Member

Obviously miserable as usual: Andrew tells of his destiny and journey from South Africa's slums...to saving souls in the back of his limo (no details or video of limo "confessionals" provided)...to pastor of Clinton's Church of the Nazarene, and community interfaith fellowship leader.

All are welcome: Sinners, saints, shepherds, shameless, Shakers, Shintoists, the sinuous (I'll take two...thank you)...And, according to Andrew, "...always room for one more hypocrite."

We're happy to have Andrew's positive aura back among us. Now, if only someone would let him do the prayer...With his connections, maybe we'd get some action! ajjpaton@earthlink.net
www.clintonnazarene.org

History of Clinton / Allie McGaheran

Former Mayor of Clinton, teacher of 26 years, and past Paul Harris recipient, Allie McGaheran delivers the "History of Clinton" to the Club

Allie McGaheran bring the same passion to her discussion of her beloved town of Clinton and her efforts to support the Red Mill that she exhibited in her prior endeavors.

First of what could be a 15-part mini-series, Allie brings history to life. Beginning this story in 1740, as the area is first congealed into a recognizable village. English and German farmers are drawn to the area because of its excellent farmland and the potential power at the convergence of South Branch of the Raritan River and the Spruce Run River. Began as a proprietary colony of the West Jersey Society, based in London, in 1751, at the purchased of 400,000 acres. A squatter, David McKinney, already had a mill on the property. In 1776, Kirbride sold land to Taylor, who ground grain for the Revolutionary Army (not the mill buildings extant).

1782 Daniel Hunt bought the mill area, and upon his death, his sons, Ben and Ralph (poor business men) sold mills (the area then known as Hunts Mill) to John Gray and John Taylor. Two mills, and what is now the Clinton House, were already on the property. The mills were on the "Jersey Turnpike", the road traveled to Penn's "Sylvania" the now well known proprietary colony of William Penn. Taylor (of the Taylor Wharton in High Bridge) desired to build a canal along the south Branch to float grains to Trenton...this never came to pass. Dewitt Clinton, Gov of NY did build the Erie Canal. In 1865 the area ceased being called Hunt's MIl, and it was instead, named after Dewitt Clinton, NY governor.

The area between the two mills has always been a crossing, starting with a fording system. There were two bridges prior to the existing iron pony truss bridge, both were wooden (the first, a covered bridge). Both floated away in storms.

The history of the area can be traced through the architecture. In 1870 there was a complete Main St. Federal style buildings on Main and Center Streets. The 1920's architecture of Leigh St., (ugly) split-levels of 1960's, Townhouses and condos of the 1990's.

John Leigh, second Mayor of Clinton, and virile father of 17 children (must have been the organic diet), built the municipal building in 1865 from the bricks which he made himself in the Beaver Brook. (The addition to the building was dedicated in 1992 and much time spent matching the patina of the original bricks). 1869 the first Free School was built. It later burned in 1922 and then rebuilt. The current owner of Fox Lumber, Cy Fox Jr., found the 300 pound bell from the original wooden school. The bell has been restored and now sits on a pedestal by the Clinton Public School.

Early on there were two banks in the area (we now have 57 bazillion)...the "Upper Bank", opened in 1856 and run by Leigh Family. And the second, the "Lower Bank" opened in 1865 by Voorhees.

The oldest organized church, Clinton Presbyterian, opened in 1839. The stained glass windows depict various flowers mentioned in the bible. The Blizzard of 1888 blew the steeple from the church into the James Milligan house. Milligan, an Irish immigrant, came as laborer to the limestone quarry and later became the proprietor.

The 1880's brought the Lehigh Valley Railroad. 10 trains from NY to Clinton ran until the 1930's. On Friday, October 30,1891, a fire broke out in livery stable in town, burning 28 buildings. Two buildings survived. No wooden buildings were rebuilt, and all have steps up due to the Town's propensity to flood. At the time there was no fire department in Clinton. In reaction to the Town's unpreparedness, the Clinton Fire Department was started 1892. Merchants were the first 40 members and they bought the first steam engine with no municipal funds.

Other interesting facts:

There was a commercial shirt factory in town that employed over one hundred employees.
1895 the streets were first electrified
The streets were not paved until 1930
The oldest house in town was raised in 1950 to make way for the municipal parking lot
Clinton is the final resting place of a Civil War general, George Taylor, wounded at Bull Run
5 historic cites; 284 on the national historic registry

Allie pleads for your concern and contributions for the almost 300 year old Red Mill which has no sprinkler system. Please contact the Red Mill. Red Mill Museum Village

Jim Robinson

"Medallion Envy" -- Jim Robinson (AKA as "Tiny Jim" by several estranged partners...Must be because of his ukulele playing prowess), obviously compensating for some, as yet, unaddressed inadequacy, wears his shiny, new Paul Harris Fellow award. Congratulations "TJ"!

Installation Dinner / Paul Harris Fellows

The New Board Installed (aggregate weight 1,711 lbs...breakdown to follow)

(Left to Right): Departing president, Jeanne Cassano, newly inducted Paul Harris Fellow, Jim Robinson, Chat Hoffman, Rich Walton, incoming president, Tom Groendyke, Les Hall, Rich Reiner, new Board Member, Carolyn Sepkowski, and Jacques Duvoisin.

Len Yacullo: Never Has There Been a More Deserving Paul Harris

Alternative Headline: The oldest American Idol, Tom Hurban, sings "Mack the Knife" (it's a good dentist song) to Len, the Club's recipient of the Sanjiah Look-alike Contest.

Centennial Park Dedication, June 2007

The Centennial Park dedication was the culmination of a three year collaborative effort of the North Hunterdon Rotary Club, the Red Mill Museum Village and the Town of Clinton .

The North Hunterdon Rotary Club dedicates the park to those members who are no longer with us but who are remembered for their contributions to the club and to the community. Honored are Ben Duke, Bill Happel, Bob Hayes, Rich Simpson, George Cregar, Paul Goble, Staats Brokaw and Ken Harding.

Honored guests in attendance were: Mary Alice Duke, Helen Happel, Rose Hayes (and daughter Sue), Sally Simpson, Edna Cregar, Marjorie Goble and Lorraine Harding; widows and loved ones of the Rotarians honored.

The park dedication was also attended by (left to right) Chris Schaumburg, the mayor of Clinton, our club’s District Governor, Dr. Julie Ann Juliano, Club president Jeanne Cassano, and Richard Miller the President of the Red Mill Board of Trustees (not pictured).

Please view the slide show of the park constuction by clicking here and please visit the Park.

James Lance, Esq. Presents...
The Most Sensational Crime / Trial of the Century
The Lindbergh Trial

James Lance at North Hunterdon Rotary Club, Friday, June 15, 2007

A true pedagogue...Jim Lance regales the Club with the convoluted and sordid happening of 75 ago ("75 years, 3 months, and 2 weeks ago"...as Jim will tell, to be more precise)--The murder of Charles Lindbergh, Jr., the most famous child in the world and the subsequent Hunterdon County trial of Bruno Richard Hauptman. Jim has completed copious research on the subject and his opinions are fleshed out and perspicuous.

The March, 1932 felony murder case of Charles Lindbergh, Jr., the son of Charles Lindberg, famous for his flight from Long Island to Paris, and Ann Spenser Morrow, presented a mixture of evidence: direct, demonstrative, and circumstantial, leading Jim to propose that the planned kidnapping, with the intent on ransoming the child for $50,000, resulted in the accidental death of the child. The evidence includes, a ransom note, a ladder left at the scene, a carpenter's chisel (missing from Hauptman's tool chest), traceable gold certificates passed in NY and Phila., the baby's sleeping suite exchanged in a Bronx cemetery, the baby's badly decomposed body found in Mercer County whose limited autopsy reveals his shattered head, (and let's not even mention that Hauptman retires one day after the ransom is paid...duh!).

Jim's Bottom Line: "Guilty as Charged!"

Sorry if any of the facts are misrepresented...Not Jim's fault...Never believe what you read on the internet.

Youth Exchange Student / Ivan Garcia

Ivan "The Energetic" Garcia Makes His Presentation to the Club

"Wow!" If you don't say "wow" after seeing our Youth Exchange student Ivan Garcia extol the virtues of the Youth Exchange Program, or smile while listening to his descriptions of the friends he's made, the places he's visited, and the family, in the form of our Rotarian, Jim Murray, who again opened his home and heart, then (as they say in Gautier) "...you just ain't alive man." Proud of his heritage, and fluent in his emotions, Ivan is truly an ambassador of the Program and of his home country, Venezuela.

Chuck Simpson, President of the Gautier Mississippi Rotary Visits North Hunterdon

Bad Shirts, A Pretty Pose, and Smiles All Around for a Katrina Relief Project

Despite losing their home and material life to Katrina, the Simpsons are quick to smile and certainly know better than most the importance of friends, family and community. Rich Reiner and Dan Torronne, with the support of the North Hunterdon Rotary Club gave their efforts to build and provide sheds to store the few belongings salvageable in the aftermath. Although small relative to the need, the Club donated approximately $15,000 toward the effort. The Club hopes to stay in contact with our new found friends.

Pictured Below (Left to right): Rotarian, Tom Weyman (Did you get a free bowl of soup with that shirt Tom?), Secretary of the Gautier Club, Anna Simpson, Lexi Simpson, President (and honorary yankee...cuz we like him), Chuck Simpson (Some how the shirt actually looks good on him), and Rich Reiner (Didn't even know they made them in that size Rich). Not pictured is Dan Torrone (Wearing eel skin boots and matching jacket, a 1982 Star Wars belt buckle, and probably just enough chest hair showing to ruin anyone's lunch).

Scholarship Awards Luncheon

2007 Scholarship Recipients

The North Hunterdon Rotary Club hosted its annual Scholarship Recipients Luncheon, recognizing the 19 students who were awarded scholarships by the Club this year. The North Hunterdon Rotary Clubs holds two fundraisers each year to help raise money to fund the scholarships, the Skylands Triathlon / Duathlon, scheduled for September 16, 2007 at Spruce Run Reservoir, and the Basket Tricky Tray, held each April at North Hunterdon High School . Together, these fundraisers bring in almost $35,000 which is then supplemented by donations from the estates of deceased members, allowing the club to give away $42,000 to deserving students from North Hunterdon, Voorhees and Delaware Valley High Schools.

The 2007 recipients are:

Richard Simpson Memorial Scholarship: Kayla Burd ( Del Val), Megan Muehlbauer ( North Hunterdon ), Katrina Hintz (Voorhees)
Dennis Huff Memorial Scholarship: Jessica Buckley ( Del Val), Matthew Schettino ( North Hunterdon ), Kaitlyn Bussard (Voorhees)
George Cregar Memorial Scholarship: Clare Duffy ( Del Val), Karl Jacbosen ( North Hunterdon ), Margeret Whitman (Voorhees)
Norman Seeley Memorial Scholarship: Gabrielle Spells ( North Hunterdon ), Salvatore DeSantis (Voorhees)
North Hunterdon Interact Scholarship: Melanie Dominko-Richards ( North Hunterdon )
Rotary Club of North Hunterdon Scholarship: Jeffrey Beatty, Joseph Bergen, Andrew Ehlert (Del Val), Caitlin Smith and Alexander Gitch (North Hunterdon), Michelle Mizeski and Elyssa Polomski (Voorhees)