MAPLEWOOD, NJ - Monday evening, June 24 was a time for celebration with the annual Maplewood Rotary Club end of year barbeque at the home of Steve Gussen and Stacy Hirschberg. Attended by almost all the members of the chapter and their spouses and/or friends, there was a true feeling of warmth and fellowship. Impossible to notmention that abundance of food and beverage for the celebration.
The first notable ceremony of the evening was the presentation by Rick Porter of the Paul Harris Fellow award to Mayor Vic DeLuca. The award, name in honor of Paul Harris who in 1905 founded the Rotary Club, is presented to a person who exemplifies all the qualities and goodness that The Rotary stands for. DeLuca has earned it with his support, and participation in major events over the years as Mayor of Maplewood.
During the course of the evening, not only was the year end celebrated, but two new members, Sharon Simmons and James Goodger, were administered the pledge of membership. The ceremonies continued with a presentation of a plaque and special Past President’s Pin to Rick Porter by President Elect Claudine Baptiste.
The final ceremony was the administration of the oath of office for the incoming officers by David Beni, with Claudine Baptiste stepping into the role of Chapter President for the coming year. Claudine told TAPinto SOMA that she hopes to focus more of the charitable support locally that has been done in the past.
