One of our favorite days of the year is our Annual April Senior Luncheon where we serve up a delicious pasta lunch at the Denville Senior Center.   We just love puting a smile on the faces of this beautiful population!  In fact, we probably have more fun than they do!  Here's a shout out to Anthony and Sons Bakery for donating the rolls, to Denville Dairy for donating the pretty ice cream cake and to Denville Pizzeria for cooking the pasta and meatballs to perfection.  Mayor Tom Andes always joins us to hang out with our senior friends (and pull the lucky 50/50 ticket) and we were very happy to have Township Council President Glen Buie join us.  We would be remiss if we didn't give a special shout out to Past President Joe Paci for organizing this event again this year.  Thanks Joe, well done!  (Click on Read More to see a few photos and take a look at the fulll album under the Photo Album tab.)

 

Gay Holaten, Jesus Menendez and Diane Grabowski...Let's Go!

 

Rotarians At Work Serving Up Pasta and Meatballs

 

It was a very exciting day at Denville Rotary!  We couldn't be happier to present two prestigous awards to three very deserving individuals.  On the left, Past President Betsy Roberts presented Susan Banks, owner of Faith and Begorra, with the Outstanding Citizen of the Year Award.  Susan's contributions to the community are way too numerous to list here, but if you know Denville, you know Susan Banks!

 

On the right, Vicki Harrison and Brigitte Carucci, owners of Two Girls Media, were presented with our coveted Claude Dickerson Award which is given only during the first five years of membership to an individual (or team) who has made exemplary contributions to the community and exemplifies the ideals of Rotary.  Just like Susan, their contributions are great and too numerous to list here, but if you know Denville, you know Vicki and Brigitte!  Presented by past recipeint Diane Grabowski. 

 

 

Denville Rotary exists with a true spirit of giving to help others and here's a fine example of just that.  Through a grant and generous monetary gifts, we were able to donate two fire blankets and an emergency plug to the Denville Fire Department.  The blankets will contain electric vehicle fires in order to prevent spreading and the plug will be used to neutralize an electric vehicle so it can not move.  This is especially important if passengers are trapped inside the vehicle.  First Aid Captain, Bill Keating, center, and his crew received the donations.  Click on Read More for additional photos.

 

 

Join us for our second Meet and Greet gathering at El Mejicano on April 4, 2024.  Enjoy some apps and chat with Denville Rotarians to learn about all we do to create lasting change both locally and globally.  Details below: 

 

Congratulations to John DiMaggio for becoming Denville Rotary's newest member!  John is the owner of Denville Pizzeria and has a long history of always being willing to lend a helping hand and give back to the community.  He lives by Rotary's motto of Service Above Self.  Welcome, John, and thank you for your service and for your support of Denville Rotary!   Pictured from left are Tony Toriello, John DiMaggio and John's sponsor Patricia Agliata.

 

Tony deserves a nice round of applause as Denville Rotary President, Rick Rafferty, presents him with the prestigious Paul Harris Recognition.  After almost twenty years of membership with unwaivering dedication and outstanding contributions to Denville Rotary and to the community, Tony earned this award for the sixth time.  Congratulations Tony and thank you for all you do!   

 

 

It's plain to see that Jesus is very happy to be the newest member of Denville Rotary and we are all equally as happy that he has joined our Rotary family.  Jesus is the owner of  El Mejicano Restaurant located on First Avenue in Denville where he recently hosted our successful first Meet and Greet gathering.  We look forward to working together to further our endeavors in the community.  Welcome Jesus!

GOOD LUCK FOR THE 2023-2024 SEASON!

 

 

The Joey Bella Memorial Fund, an all volunteer organization, was founded in 1988.  It was established in honor of young Joey who left us way too soon.  The fund helps individuals and families in and around the Denville area who need assistance covering health care and related expenses of a seriously ill child.  They also help families obtain assistance through the NJ Children's Catastrophic Illness Act.  Thank you Richard Yobs, who has worked with the organization since its inception, for sharing the history and some very heartfelt stories.  Please help spread the word about the Joey Bella Memorial Fund and perhaps consider becoming a volunteer.

Congratulations and thank you to Emile Ayil!  President Rick Rafferty presented Emile with his latest Paul Harris Recognition.  For his generous contributions to the Rotary Foundation, Emile is now a Paul Harris Plus Five Member.  Wear your pin proudly Emile!

 

The Police Unity Tour was founded in 1997 with 18 officers pedaling over 300 miles to the National Law Enforcement Memorial in Washington DC bringing awareness to Police Officers who have died in the line of duty and to honor their sacrifices.  May 9th, 2024, marks the 28th anniversary with well over 3,000 police officers participating in this rigorous and emotional event.  Among the riders will be Denville Police Department's Officer Michael Ambrose, Officer Julian Melahn, Officer Vincent Fisher and Sgt. Dennis Subrizi.  Denville Rotary commends their valient efforts with a generous donation in support of "Denville's Finest".  Gentlemen, have a safe and memorable ride!  Pictured on left is Ofc. Michael Ambrose and on the right is Ofc. Julian Melahn.

It was such a pleasure and an honor to have Jeannie visit Denville Rotary.  She always brings her smile, sense of humor and a wealth of knowledge wherever she goes. Accompanying her was Herb Hamilton, Assistant Govenor.  Jeannie joined Madison Rotary in 2007 serving in many leadership positions including president.  She has served in numerous district leadership positions including Assistant Govenor and she is the recipient of many awards and recognitions.  Jeannie is currently serving as District Govenor Elect.  To learn more about Jeannie's very impressive service to Rotary and community, please visit https://njrotary.org/documents/en-us/cccca203-37af-464b-9103-458770783ae4/1

A very big heartfelt thank you goes out to the Academy of Perfoming Arts Vocal Group located at Morris Knolls High School.  This very talented group of vocalists joined us for lunch at the Village Restaurant and treated us to some festive tunes. What a wonderful way to ring in the holidays!

OH WHAT FUN IT IS .. to party with Denville Rotary!  We packed the house at Ravello's with good food and spirits, amazing dance moves, awards and most importantly, good friends and friends of friends.  Let's not forget the highlights of the evening.  Mayor Tom Andes was presented with Rotary's highest award, the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow Recognition, for his years of many outstanding contributions to the community and his unwavering support of Denville Rotary.  Also, Deacon Frank Vezzuto was presented with Rotary's Vocational Service Award for promoting high ethical standards and furthering the ideals of community service.  Both of these honors are very well deserved and we thank them for their many years of service.  (Please take a look at the Holiday Gala photos under the Photo Album tab below.)

 

Pictured are President Elect Betsy Roberts and Past President Tony Toriello (aka party planners)

Pictured below is Mayor Tom Andes, Mrs. Sharon Andes and Rotarian George Hrobuchak

Pictured below is Rotarian George Hrobuchak, Deacon Frank Vezzuto, Rotarian Mrs. Diane Vezzuto

 

Not only is Denville Rotary all about service to others, service to community, networking, fundraising, caring and kindness, we also like to share fellowship and fun times!  Are these things important to you?  If you have an interest in joining us, contact Tony Toriello at ttoriello@yahoo.com to chat about how you can become involved.  (The men had their party too.)

 

Hundreds of enthusiastic visitors came from near and far to enjoy the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony at Denville Rotary's iconic Santa Land and Santa is now awaiting wide eyed happy children to share their wish list.  Dignitaries welcomed the crowd, holiday songs were sung, the tree was lit, hot chocolate and cookies were served and all is merry and bright! Everyone is welcome to visit Santa Land anytime of day, but to chat with Santa, come weekdays from 4-7pm and weekends from 1-6pm. (Take a look at the pictures in the Photo Album section below.)

 

 

 

THIS IS YOUR REMINDER ... 

Don't miss out on the festivities at Denville Rotary's Annual Tree Lighting Event this Saturday, November 25th, at 6pm.  Santa Land is all decked out and ready for Santa's arrival on Sunday, November 26th, following the Holiday Parade.  On December 2nd and 3rd and then December 9th through the 23rd, Santa will be sitting in his chair waiting for all the children to visit him on weekdays from 4-7pm and weekends 1-6pm.  Happy Holidays To All!

 

 

It's that time of year already!  We're only two weeks away from the formal opening of Denville Rotary's iconic Santa Land so Santa's helpers are hard at work.  Mark your calender for Saturday, November 25th, 6:00pm and join us for our traditional Tree Lighting ceremony with carollers, hot chocolate for the children, local dignitaries, Morris Knolls Academy of Performing Arts Vocal Group and of course the count down and tree illuminaton.  See you all there!  (Here's a special thank you to the Morris Knolls High School Interact Club for lending a helping hand with our preparation.)

  

There wasn't a seat to be had when Morris County Sheriff James Gannon spent time filling us in on his extensive perosnal background as well as the many incredible initiatives and responsibilities of the Sheriff's Department.  Sheriff Gannon was entertaining, informative and is a true leader.  We are grateful for his many years of service to Morris County.  

 

This past weekend was a spooky fun time at the Morris Knolls High School Interact Club's Trunk or Treat event. President Rick Rafferty and Rotarians Bernadette Lindsay and Jessica Lindsay participated handing out treats to little ones from Rick's spidery trunk.

 

 

 

 

Rotary is all about sharing and caring and giving.  There is such waste as billions of dollars worth of medical supplies sit unused or are thrown away every year.  Mission MediGive is working with MedShare and Denville Rotary to collect medical equipment and supplies that will be donated and re-used where they are needed.  The Medical Equipment Drive is being held on Saturday, October 21, 2003 at Morris Knolls High School 10am - 2pm.  For more information please contact Brooke Ogilvie at bogilvie44@gmail.com.

 

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Your very thoughtful donation can play an important role to women receiving breast cancer therapy.  Please give if you can on October 18th at Denville Municipal Building.  See details on the flyer.  Appoints are preferred but walk-ins are welcome! 

 

 

We just love the occasional off premise meetings.  This past Thursday brought us to a wonderful culinary delight at Cafe Metro on Diamond Spring Road.  Friends gathered and learned so many interesting facts about the history of Denville from Vito Bianco, Director of the Denville Historical Society.  Stop in the Denville Museum and take a look around and, if you'd like, you can arrange for a private tour.  Thank you, Vito, for a very interesting presentation.

    

 

  

 

What a pleasure it was to have Dr. Steven Forte, Superintendent of Schools, join us for an afternoon meeting!  Dr. Forte has served as Superintendent of Denville Township Schools since 2014 and he has much to be proud of.  Our schools rank in the top 20% of NJ schools for math and reading proficiency with a student/teacher ratio of 10:1.  Dr. Forte spoke about the updated curriculum, woodworking program, building improvements, the operating budget and reserve funds, maintaining faculty and staff and recruiting new hires, class three resource officers, how the district is planning for the possible increase of students as a result of the new housing developments currently under construction and those planned.  This is just a sampling of Dr. Forte's discussion.  If you missed this meeting, you missed a lot.  Thank you Dr. Forte!  (To sign up for the school newsletter email sforte@denville.org.  Please click on Read More to view Denville Public Schools Fact Sheet.) 

 

   

Denville Rotary and Denville Sunrise Rotary once again joined forces for our Annual Dictionary Project.  We were greeted with lots of smiles and enthusiasm at both Riverview School and Lakeview School where dictionaries were distributed to every third grade student.  It's so heartwarming to know that in this age of a constant on-line existence, the students are still very excited to receive a dictionary in hand.  This is always one of our favorite projects!

 

  

The weather could not have been better with a clear blue sky and mild temperatures.  It was the perfect day for an off-site outdoor meeting at Diamond Spring Brewing Company (thank you for hosting us)!  It's nice to spice it up a bit and do something a little different.  Pizza and salad were ordered from Denville Pizzeria and of course individual beverages from the brewery were a real treat!  We love supporting our local businesses. Thank you to new members Bernadette Lindsay and Jesse Lindsay for introducing us to their business, North Capital Funding.

 

  

 

    

Rotarians Doug Cook of Pequannock and Ray Freeney of Madison joined us for lunch and gave a presentation on the End Hunger Program which provides packaged food for those in need not only in New Jersey but well beyond our borders.  Volunteers from churches, scouts, corporations, service organizations, families, friends and more gather to work in an assembly line set-up to measure, package, weigh, seal and box up for shipping dry food pouches each meant to feed a family of four.  The food is shipped to preselected organizations/charities where it is distributed to families. The Grains of Hope in Pequannock is one such program, having already packaged more than a million meals, they have two million in their sights.  Stay tuned for more to come on End Hunger.  Pictured from left, Ray Freeney and Doug Cook.

  

Members and friends of Denville Rotary are donating school supplies for local families in need of support as the new school year is just around the corner.  Steve Dublanica of Denville Social Services will be hosting a parent/child visitation day where families can secure the items they need.  We wish all students a very sucessfull and fun-filled 2023-2024 school year!  Pictured from left are Rotarians Betsy Roberts, Mary Radicsh and Diane Grabowski.

 

 

 

Denville Rotary and Sunrise Rotary are having their monthly Blood Drive on Wednesday, August 16th.  This drive is a special celebration of the life of Allison Sillence who passed away following a courageous battle against ovarian cancer.  Please see the flyer for details and donate if you are able to.  Thank you!

 

Exciting things happened at Denville Rotary on June 24, 2023.  We joined together at Navona Restaurant celebrating the installation of incoming President Rick Rafferty and his Board of Directors serving the 2023-2024 Rotary year with PP Diane Vezzuto serving as Master of Ceremonies.  As tradition holds, this is a very special time for us!  That's not all though.  Denville Rotary awarded Rotarian Dr. Andy Smith with the prestigous Paul Harris Recognition for his contributions and service to Rotary and to our community.  A second Paul Harris Recognition was awarded to Dave Sipple, Chairman of the Denville Beautification Committee, for his nonstop efforts to keep Denville "flowering" season after season.  A special thank you to Dave and his volunteers for literally getting down and dirty so our community remains bright and beautiful!  To show our appreciation, we presented the DBC with a $1,000 donation to help with their ongoing plans.  As things wind down, we offer a very special thank you to President Joe Paci and his Board for their leadership and dedication as we continued to grow and prosper.  Looking forward, we wish the best to incoming President Rick and his Board of Directors in keeping the momentum going for another prosperous year!

(Please take a look at the Installation Photos under the Photo Album tab below.)    

 

   

Our 40th Anniversary Street Festival was a huge success!  We had perfect festival weather, thousands of visitors, over a hundred vendors, numerous sponsors, a very lucrative 50/50 raffle, live music all day long, dancing in the street, a very busy beer garden, a variety of yummy food and treats, rides for the kiddies, and balloons, cotton candy and zeppoles.  All this topped off with lots of smiles, laughter and the joy of children of all ages!  Thank you to all who visited and enjoyed the day with us.  Your support contributes to the many Denville Rotary community projects and donations delivered over the course of the year.  Also, a special thank you to our club members, club families, club friends and all volunteers who worked so hard for many months.  We want to give a very special thank you to Mayor Andes, Denville Police Department, Denville Fire Department and the Denville Department of Public Works.  Please visit the Photo Album area below and click on Sreet Festival 40th Anniversary 2023 to view the photos.

 

Rotary's A. R. Spinola Scholarships were recently awarded to seven very deserving students for use in pursuing their higher education goals.  We want to thank the Spinola family for their continued support in honoring "Spinny," who was a beloved Denville Township school administrator and devoted member of this club for many years.  The scholarship recipients are Jessica Russo and Braden Loeffler of Morris Knolls High School; Meredith Hollister and Christian Barnard of Morris County School of Technology; Paulina Castaneda, Olivia Kelson and Benjamin Reinhart of Morris Catholic High School.  Congratulations to all!

 

 

Denville Rotary would like to give a special thank you to Detective Scott Welsh for presenting a very informative program at our May 11th lunch meeting.  He spoke about current events within the police department, the growth of Denville Township as seven parcels of land are being developed for residential living spaces and how this growth will effect the department, he spoke about school safety and discussed the requirements regarding the new conceal carry law in New Jersey.  Detective Walsh answered many questions from those in attendance.  It was such a pleasure to have one of Denville's finest join us for the afternoon!  Pictured are Detective Welsh and President Joe Paci.

 

Rotary would not be in existence today if not for the vision of one man, Paul Harris, born April 19, 1868, he died on January 27, 1947.  Paul was born in Wisconsin, grew up in Vermont, attended the University of Vermont, Princeton University and the University of Iowa where he received his law degree.  He ultimately settled in Chicago where he opened his law practice.  During a walk along the streets of Chicago's North Side with a fellow attorney, Paul was very impressed by the comaraderie among businessmen and wanted to find a way to channel it.  He had a vision and on February 23, 1905 Paul met with three business associates to discuss forming a networking organization for local professionals.  This became known as the first Rotary meeting.  To learn more about the history of Rotary and it's evolution, seach rotary.org/history.  You'll find Rotary's very first service project very interesting!  Thank you Paul Harris!  (Graphic credit Debbie Vance, Graphic Designer)

 

  

It was such a pleasure to be back (post Covid) at the Denville Senior Center hosting our Annual Senior Luncheon.  Denville Rotarians were delighted to cook up and serve a delicious pasta, meatballs and fresh bread lunch with ice cream and fruit cup for dessert.  We want to give a special shout-out to Denville Dairy and Anthony's Bakery for their generous donations.  Mayor Andes and Assemblyman Brian Bergen joined us with a warm welcome from the sixty plus senior residents who enjoyed a fun afternoon with good food and lots of comradery.

 

 

In recognition of Denville Rotary's 76th Anniversary, several Past Presidents addressed our club highlighting the events of their year (or in some cases years) serving as president.  What an enjoyable walk down memory lane!  We were reminded of some historical events and shared lots of laughs revisiting the many fun times!  Past Presidents pictured left to right are Bill Kader (1982-83), George Hrobuchak (2009-10), Betsy Roberts (1998-99), Mary Radicsh (2017-2018), Diane Vezutto (2018-19) and Rick Rafferty (2014-15).  Missing from the photo are Patricia Agliata (2001-02 and 2020-22) and Tony Toriello (2007-08). 

Denville Rotary's annual Joint Service Club Meeting is being held on April 20, 2023 at the Village Restaurant in Morris Plains.  Our featured speaker is Lt. Col. Alexander Burgos who is second in command at Picatinny Arsenal.  This meeting is open to members of local service organizations with limited seating.  Respond by April 7th to claim your seats.

 

A warm welcome to Craig and Chrissy, owners of Diamond Spring Brewery!  They delighted us with a very interesting introduction to their new business venture as well as a history of how it came to be.  They have some fun events planned for the outdoor seating area which will accommodate about 100 patrons.  Opening soon at the corner of Diamond Spring Road and First Avenue.  Be sure to check them out!

Dana Foreman, Associate Director of Denville Community Media, presented a very informative program at our luncheon meeting.  Dana is immersed in our community creating videos documenting the interesting present and historic highlights of Denville Township, including a video on the history of our iconic Santa Land.  Find him on Facebook and view his videos on YouTube.  *Notice the clock tower in their logo.

 

Suzanne Freeney visited Denville Rotary to enlighten us about Gift of Life International and Gift of Life NJ.  The mission of Gift of Life NJ is "to provide resources to treat children with congenital heard defects from anywhere in the world where our assistance is needed."  Every 2 hours and 18 minutes the global network provides lifesaving cardiac care to a child in need.  Over 4,000 children are treated annually.  At its inception in 1975, Gift of Life brought one child at a time from emerging countries to the United States for cardiac treatment.  In 2009 the network created a new strategy to focus on developing sustainable pediatric cardiac surgery and aftercare programs in select countries.  Suzanne spoke to us from her first hand knowledge as she herself has been on several Gift of Life missions and had the experience of being in the operating room to witness a child's cardiac surgery.  Thank you Suzanne for reminding us of the important work of Gift of Life.  We presented Suzanne with a generous donation to help support their mission.  For more information visit www.giftoflifenj.org.

Denville Rotary and Denville Sunrise Rotary joinded forces for a soup making event at Healthy Italia in Madison. What could be better than a service project combined with great fun, fellowship and lots of laughs.  After making and packaging 64 quarts of soup under the direction of owner, Cristina Bossini, we all sat together and enjoyed a delicious meal expertly prepared and served by Cristina and her staff.  Roots and Wings and St. Peter's Village were the beneficiaries of this service project.  Well done Rotarians! (Take a look at the slide show under the photo albums tab.)

May your new year be filled with much happiness, achievements, accomplished goals, service to others and many, many blessings.  Denville Rotary wishes you all the best for the new year as we highlight some of our 2022 achievements and events.  After a two year absence it was wonderful to bring back our annual events kicking off the summer with the Rotary Street Festival and ringing in the holidays with the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the opening of our iconic Santa Land.  We continued our monthly blood drives collecting 669 units for the year, ran the Dictionary Project for third graders, we awarded A R Spinola Scholorships, conducted our annual drives for food, paper products and school supplies all distributed through Denville Social Services, we presented the prestigous Vocational Award, Citizen of the Year Award, Claude Dickerson Award and several Paul Harris Awards.  What a great time we had assisting Habitat for Humanity with the final construction stage of a home build.  We conducted our holiday raffel, donated to various local organizations, we support MKHS Interact students, we celebrated our new officers at the Installation Luncheon and also held our annual Holiday Party as well as a myriad of fellowship events.  It was a very busy and productive year!  For more information about Denville Rotary, contact Tony Toriello at ttoriello@yahoo.com

   

George Gregor visited us at our Thursday luncheon meeting and gave us some very interesting facts and fun stories about "America's favorite Pastime."  George is the author of seven books all about baseball and is currently working on his eighth.  He was very gracious in presenting each of us with an autographed copy of "A Ride on the Mendoza Line."  Other books authored by George are Those Amazin' Mets...From Worse to Verse, The Chicago Cubs...and Moe, The BoSox of Beantown, From Coogan's Bluff to Baseball by the Bay...They Were Giants! and DID YOU KNOW: The Firsts and Onlys and Assorted Factoids.

 

As tradition holds, evey September Denville Rotary and Sunrise Denville Rotary join together to celebrate "Dictionary Day" by visiting our local elementary schools and distributing dictionaries to every third grader.  It's a fun and very uplifting day seeing the smiles, the enthusiasm and participation of the students celebrating "words".  Thank you to third grade teachers Ms.Cucci of Riverview School and Ms. Thomas of Lakeview School.

 

Denville Rotary was very happy to resume our annual community service project collecting school supplies for the new school year.  Through the generosity of Denville Rotarians and friends, we donated over $500 in much needed supplies.  No child should begin the school year without being prepared with the necessary tools.  All items were delivered to, and will be distributed through, the Denville Department of Social Services. Thank you to all who contributed to this valuable project.  Pictured are Rick Rafferty, Betsy Roberts and Mary Radicsh.

We had another great Rotary Blood Drive with 71 units of blood collected.  In the first eight months of this year, Denville Rotary and Denville Sunrise Rotary continued to sponsor the monthly drive and have so far collected 448 units of blood potentially saving over 1,000 lives.  Thank you to all donors from Denville and surrounding communities.  You truly make a difference!

 

President Patricia Agliata and members of Denville Rotary (June 30, 2022) present the Denville Public Library with a generous donation for the purchase and installation of a new drinking fountain.  The Library staff was thrilled to receive our gift.

 

Congratulations to the newly installed 2022-2023 Denville Rotary President, Joe Paci, and Board of Directors and Officers.  During the coming year, we are looking forward to continued growth, successes and many contributions to the community.  It is with heartfelt graditude that we say thank you to outgoing President, Patricia Agliata, for her two years of exceptional leadership. (Please take a look at the Installation Luncheon photo album.)

Incoming President Joe Paci

On June 11, 2022 Denville Rotary, Sunrise Denville Rotary and friends gathered together for a joint service project with Morris Habitat for Humanity.  The home was constructed in sections at Roxbury High School and transported to Landing where it was placed on its foundation.  All volunteers were assigned multiple tasks, working during the final stages of construction.  Congratulations to the new homeowners who will be taking possesion in July.  (Take a look at the progress under the photo album tab.)

 

We are sending a heartfelt thank you to all those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes and on the scene to make the 2022 Denville Rotary Street Festival a smashing success!  A special thank you goes to Mayor Andes, the Denville Township Police Department and the Department of Public works.  Without their assistance the street festival would not be possible. Thank you to McCarter's Towing, The Gup, to our many sponsors and to all those who contributed in so many ways.  Thank you Rotarians and to your family and friends who so graciously volunteered their time.  Many thanks to all of the vendors who participated and to all who came from near and far to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the day. It's good to be back!  See you all in 2023!  (Take a look at the photo album slideshow on the right.)

President Patricia Agliata places a wreath near the Obelisk at Veteran's Memorial Garden as the flag is raised and lowered by a fellow Rotarian. 

It is Denville Rotary's tradition to honor the memory of all who served in the armed forces of the United States of America.

 

The iconic Denville Rotary Street Festival is back - Sunday, June 5th, 11am - 6:00pm (rain or shine) on Broadway in downtown Denville.  The fun includes delicious food, carnival rides for kids, unique merchandise for sale, arts and crafts, 50/50 drawing, beer garden, and all-day live entertainment!  For nearly 40 years, Denville Rotary has organized and managed the festival which attracts vendors, sponsors and guests from all over Morris County and beyond.  The annual festival boasts an attendance over 20,000 and raises funds to support Rotary's local, national and international service and charity projects.

 

Join us on June 5th for the best of family, community and service!

 

Denville Rotary is having a paper goods and cleaning supplies drive on Saturday, May 21st, 10:00am to 12:00pm, at the Denville Municipal Building, 1 St. Mary's Place.  Papers towels, napkins, toilet paper, tissues, tampons/pads will be accepted as well as liquid laundry detergent and cleaning supplies such as all purpose cleaners, glass cleaners, etc.  The drive benefits local families in need through Denville Social Services.  Please answer the call to support our community by donating on Mary 21st.  Thank you!

 

In the spirit of serving, Denville Rotary and Denville Sunrise Rotary joined forces with the Denville Beautification Committee to spruce up and renew the grounds at the Denville Senior Center.  Thank you to all who volunteered their time!  As you drive by, take notice of the new landscape.  Spring is definitely in the air!

The Rotary Club of Denville, Chartered March 26, 1947, has reached a very significant milestone in its deeply rooted history.  More than a hundred members, guests, dignitaries and friends gathered together to celebrate SEVENTY-FIVE YEARS OF SERVICE.  This joyous commemorative gala represents our strength as an organization, our belief in the power of community, our insistance on moving forward with truth, trust and friendship.  It means longevity never impedes change and progress, but rather provides the framework to be even better, to grow stronger and to again define who we are to our community, to those we serve, the friendships we enjoy and to ourselves as Rotarians living and serving through the ideals of Rotary. 

 

I would like to thank those who worked together so diligently to provide this very memorable and historic event in honor of Denville Rotary Club's many years of service.  Committee Chair Tony Toriello, Recording Secretary Sharon Toriello, President Patricia Agliata, Past President Bill Kader, Past President Betsy Roberts, President Elect Joe Paci, Past President George Hrobuchak and member Vicki Harrison.  Please scroll to the Photo Album section to view the slide show of the events of the evening.

 

 

 

  

 

The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International proudly holds the exceptional Four Star "Give With Confidence" Rating on Charity Navigator.  The Foundation has received a score of 100 out 100 in the following areas - Financial, Accountability & Transparency, Leadership & Adaptability and Culture & Community.  The Foundation's mission is to advance world understanding, good will and peace.  The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International is a 501(c)(3) organization.  To learn more visit www.rotary.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whenever Denville Rotary reaches out with a call to action, our community never lets us down and this was no exception.  The response to our Winter Accessories Drive was outstanding and demonstrates just how kind and caring you all are.  Whether you are a Denville resident, a Denville business owner or from a neighbouring community, we are so grateful and we thank all who gave hats, gloves and scarves so that others are sure to stay warm this winter.  All items will be distributed through Denville Social Services.  Pictured below are President Patricia Agliata, Mayor Tom Andes, Diane Grabowski, Betsy Roberts.  The second picture includes Tony Toriello.

The tradition continues!  On September 27, 2021 Denville Rotary and Denville Sunrise Rotary have once again partnered to present a Webster's dictionary to every third grade student at Riverview School and Lakeview School.  It's so uplifting to see the excitement and smiles as the kids receive their very own dicitonary.  Third grade is the perfect time to encourage students to learn new words and expand their vocabulary.  Pictured below are Teri LaSala, Patricia Agliata, Jim LaSala and Tim Fisher.

 

 

 

 

Last night, Wednesday, August 4th, the Denville Police Department sponsored "National Night Out" which is an annual community building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaradeire.  Denville Rotary is proud of our relationship with the Denville Police Department and have helped to acquire many tools necessary for the Officers to carry out their responsibilites when they respond to calls from the community. Last night we celebrated the gift of a special service bicycle.  This is an oversized bicycle to be used by Officer Adam Temporale when he is on patrol.  Officer Temporale is 6'7" tall and requires this special oversized service bicycle to accommodate his height.  Some of the other tools Denville Rotary has donated to the DTPD include spike strips to stop fleeing vehicles, ice rescue suits, helmets for the officers, helmet shields and more. 

 

As the New York Blood Center (NYBC) says, stepping on a Lego brick with your bare foot hurts, doesn't it?  So does hitting your thumb with a hammer!  A lot of things hurt, but donating blood to saves lives is not one of them.

 

This year, a rise in the number of trauma cases, organ transplants and elective surgeries that require blood products has depleted inventories, so the need for blood donors is great.

 

For over 11 years, the Denville Rotary Club and the Denville Sunrise Rotary Club have sponsored monthly blood drives with NYBC.  Thanks to the generous donors from Denville and surrounding towns, 2021 is proving to be an especially successful year for the Clubs.

 

Through July of this year, the two Rotary Clubs have combined to collect 400 units of blood, saving 1,200 lives, which surpasses 2019 and even 2020 during the height of the pandemic.  The last blood drive, on July 14th, netted 53 units of blood.  If they can maintain the current pace for the rest of this year, the Clubs will exceed last year's volume by 6%.  According to NYBC, in a geographical area with almost 300 active blood drives, Denville's two Rotary Clubs rank #8 in the number of donations received.

 

 

 

President Patricia Agliata places a wreath near the Obelisk at Veteran's Memorial Garden as a fellow Rotarian raises and lowers the flag. 

It is Denville Rotary's annual tradition to celebrate the memory of all those who served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

 

On May 27, 2021 Denville Rotary, along with Denville Sunrise, enjoyed the great outdoors with a nature walk in Jonathan's Woods led by Dave Blinder.  Dave Blinder is a Denville resident and serves on the Board of Trustees for POWWW (Protect Our Water Wetlands and Woods).  The mission of POWWW is to protect wetlands, woodlands and potable water supplies throughout the Beaver Brook watershed in Denville, Rockaway and Boonton Township.  They identify and support land acquisition, provide site stewardship and provide public education programs.  Dave spoke about the history of the area, the wildlife and how the preserve came to be.  It was a great experience enjoyed by all!

What a fantastic night for Denville Rotary and some very special people!  On May 20th at Cafe Navona, we held our annual awards event and inducted five new members into our Rotary family.  (Please take a look at the photo album on the right.)

 

The recipient of the Claude Dickerson Recognition Award, Denville Rotary's most coveted award, is Diane Grabowski.  Diane became a Rotarian in October, 2019 and has since made many significant contributions not only to Rotary but also to events which greatly benefited the community.  She  lives by Rotary's Four Way Test and exemplifies our motto of "Service Above Self."  Congratulations Diane!  You are very deserving of this recognition!  Pictured with Board Member Mary Radicsh.

The recipient of the Citizen of the Year Award is Michael Anderson for his many outstanding contributions to the community.  Pictured here with President Patricia Agliata and Secretary Betsy Roberts.

The recipient of the Vocational Service Award is William Connelly.  Bill is an attorney, who through his vocation, has dedicated many years of his professional expertise to serving and mentoring others.  Notably, under his mentorship, the Mendham High School Mock Trial Team has won numerous NJ state first place awards as well as national awards.  Bill is President of Mendham Rotary.  Pictured with Board Member George Hrobuchak.

​​​​​​Our newly inducted Denville Rotary members, pictured left to right, are Andrew Agliata, Peter Zablocki, Vicki Harrison, Rich Lehmkuhl and Brigitte Mesa.  We are so happy you joined us and look forward to many years of service and fun times together.  Welcome!

The Rotary Club of Denville prides itself on its service to the community.  Our Denville Rotary Paper Goods and Toiletries Social Services Project was a resounding success due in large part by the overwhelming giving spirit of its Denville residents who answer the call of the needs of our community.  We appreciate the support!

 

On behalf of Denville Rotary, I extend my thanks to the residents and neighbors who never disappoint in their generosity.  To our members, thank you for your Service Above Self.  We had a great day embracing the opportunity to serve.

 

Patricia Agliata, President Rotary Club of Denville

"Embrace the Opportunity, Serve With Love, Work for Peace"

All are welcome and encouraged to join Denville Rotary at Gardner Field on May 22, 2021 at 10am for a One Mile Stigma Free Awareness Walk.  Pre-Register at https://njrotary.org/ (click on Denville Walkathon) or use the scan code on the flyer below.  Participating in the event will be Sentator Anthony Bucco, Assemblyman Brian Bergan, Sheriff Gannon's Hope One Van and the CARES Group.  Free NARCAN training will be available.

 

 

The Denville Rotary Club in partnership with Denville Sunrise Rotary are thrilled to collaborate on this community project.  We also worked in partnership with the Housing Authority and Denville Social Services to refurbish the Peer Place Basketball Court which is located on the property of the affordable housing complex here in Denville.  Click below to see additional photos.

Denville Rotary and Denville Sunrise Rotary are again hosting their monthly Blood Drive on Wednesday, November 18th.  Please see details on the flyer below and donate if you can.  There is a critical shortage.  THANKS FOR GIVING!

Our first ever Halloween Parade was a really fun time for all the spirited, costumed participants.  Take a look below at our three judges and the three winners of the costume contest.  Each winner received a gift card to either Denville Dairy or Sweet Expressions while all children received a treat bag filled with goodies! 

Chief Frank Perna of the Denville Police Department visited us at our weekly meeting on October 8, 2020 to discuss various topics of interest.  For the months of September and October, Denville Rotary is holding weekly meetings at noon every Thursday at Gardner Field.  It's been fun enjoying the beautiful fall weather in the park with fellowship and a picnic lunch.

 

September 29, 2020 was our annual Dictionary Day.  Denville Rotary and Denville Sunrise Rotary once again partnered to purchase and deliver a dictionary to every third grader at Riverview School and Lakeview School.  It's always so uplifting to see the excitment on the faces of the students as they each receive their own dictionary.  Third grade is the perfect time to encourage students to learn new words and expand their vocabulary.   Although this year the pandemic prevented us from entering the schools and visiting with the children,  we were still very pleased to participate in the Dictionary Project.  Pictured from Denville Rotary is President Patricia Agliata and Diane Vezzuto; from Denville Sunrise Rotary is Jim Harp; Lakeview School Principal Elizabeth Baisley.

 

To Our Rotary Friends:

 

Every year the Denville Rotary runs its Annual Rotary Street Festival on the first Sunday of June, from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm in downtown Denville. This year the 39th Annual Street Festival will be on June 7, 2020. This is a great opportunity for businesses in the area to advertise and make themselves known around thousands of people. For anyone interested in becoming a sponsor, a vendor crafts, food or professionals, please scroll down to the bottom of this page and see Home Page Download Files. There, you will find all the applications should you wish to participate. 

Tuesday, September 17, 2019 was "Dictionary Day" for the Third Graders of the Denville School System.  For the past 19 years, the Rotary Club of Denville and the Sunrise Rotary Club of Denville have been sponsors of The Dictionary Project.  As sponsors, we purchase and give a dictionary as a gift to every third grade student at Riverview and Lakeview Schools. To date we have distributed over 4100 Dictionaries. Third grade is a time to open up language to children and improve reading and writing skills with the use of a dictionary.

 

 

SANTALAND OFFICIALLY OPEN!!! All are welcome! 

Denville Rotary has partnered with the Denville Township Police Department to bring Police Trading Cards to Denville.  Officers of Denville Rotary, Mary Radicsh, Rita Ambrosi and Betsy Roberts, presented the idea to Police Chief Christopher Wagner in late September, 2016 and were met with great enthusiasm and support.  Chief Wagner indicated he wanted to make the Trading Card Program available but had not yet found a vehicle to do so.  The perfect partnership was formed.  The program is well underway.  Officers have submitted their biographies, all officer photos have been taken by Jody Johnson of Glide by JJ and an exciting kickoff event is being planned.

 

DENVILLE ROTARY SANTA LAND TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY....Followed by the Santa Land Official Opening Day, November 27, 2016 3pm.

Interact Fall Festival was a great success. 

With the beginning of another school year, the Rotary Clubs of Denville are again prepared to distribute dictionaries to all Township third graders on Tuesday, September 13, 2016.  
 

Marget Rahill, District Governor. Is stopping by for a visit this Thursday, August 11, 2016. We are excited to have her come. 

The 35th Annual Denville Rotary Street Festival

The Rotary Club of Denville is well on its way planning the 35th Annual Denville Street Festival scheduled for Sunday June 5, 2016 from 11:00 am – 6:00 pm. This event will be RAIN or SHINE!

For 35 years, the Denville Rotary has produced the Premier Street Festival along the beautiful tree-lined streets of this lovely, old-fashioned town located in affluent Morris County. The town is filled with quaint shops, cozy restaurants, and spas. This event draws people directly from three bordering counties, as well as New York and Pennsylvania. We provide an enjoyable, high quality experience for the whole family, including live music, Beer Garden, 50/50 Ticket sales, rides, gourmet foods such as fresh seafood served at an outdoor cafe, and many other crowd-drawing activities.

Admission and Parking is free. Our thorough advertising provides coverage in many newspapers, storefronts, TV, radio, internet, and flyers along busy street intersections. This event boasts an enormous attendance of 20,000 plus! The wide streets provide for easy driving up and unloading.

All proceeds from the Street Festival will be applied to local, national, and international Service Projects and Charitable Endeavors.

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TO Download Applications for 2016 PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO THE BOTTOM OF THE PAGE! tHANK YOU.  

 

For years, Angalia Bianca had slept in abandoned buildings throughout Chicago. She stole. She did drugs. She spent time in and out of jail for forgery, theft, trespassing, and possession of narcotics. But after she landed in prison for the seventh time, something changed -- Bianca knew she wanted a better life. She just didn’t know how to make it happen.

 

After serving her time, Bianca sought help from a local homeless organization, A Safe Haven, and moved to its shelter in the Rogers Park neighborhood. Bianca followed the program closely -- she attended all the required meetings, passed drug tests, and volunteered at every opportunity.

What is it like taking a large team to Africa?  It has probably been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. In mid February, I began leading Rotary members from all over the East Coast of the United States through Ghana. I’ve tried to give the team a warm Ghanaian welcome like I’ve received on my earlier trips. A large trip is a real blessing because each person sees Ghana and our work in a different way.

A highlight for the team was greeting the chief of Sagadugu. The team got excited about buying goats and food for children in the villages where I support eight churches. It was good to see the pastors of most of the eight churches, and I had to explain that we were just passing through on our way to Bolgatanga.

Throughout India and around the world, Rotary clubs are celebrating a major milestone: India has gone three years without a new case of polio. The last reported case was a two-year-old girl in West Bengal on 13 January 2011. To mark this historic triumph, Rotary clubs illuminated landmarks and iconic structures throughout the country with four simple but powerful words, "India is polio free."

 

The three-year achievement sets the stage for polio-free certification of the entire Southeast Asia region by the World Health Organization. The Indian government also plans to convene a polio summit in February to commemorate this victory in the global effort to eradicate polio.