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ROTARY INT. INFO |
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ROTARY PNP INFO |
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Secretary: rotarypnp@comcast.net
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PRESS RELEASE
Rotary Club Holds 81st Annual Track and Field Meet Track Meet Records
Athletes Compete for Medals and Ribbons in Forty Events 2008 Track Meet Medal Winners
For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 13, 2008
Contact: Michael R. Townley, Meet Director
Plainfield, NJ¾The Plainfield's oldest service club held their most important annual community service project on June 6 at the Hub Stine Athletic Field in Plainfield under beautiful, sunny skies and near-perfect weather conditions.
Long a mainstay in supporting the Plainfield and North Plainfield communities, the Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield again offered an afternoon of friendly but determined competition to young 12, 13 and 14 year-old athletes from five area schools.
"This invitational meet is the longest-running meet of its kind in the entire state," said Michael Townley, director of the meet. "We have offered this meet as a service to area youth every year since 1923, except during World War II and twice when heavy rains forced cancellation."
Eighty-one years of track and field meets has drawn many thousands of participants, including Olympic decathlon champion and Plainfield resident Milt Campbell. “We recognize that participating in our Track and Field Meet was but one step in Milt’s long and successful drive to achieve his decathlon championship,” said Townley. “In fact, our Club was proud to be one of the many community groups that financially supported his Olympic trip.”
According to Townley, each year the Club members learn something new about the athletes that participated in the Meet. “One of our volunteers was a member of a record-setting relay team in the 1980’s,” said Mr. Townley.
Schools sending athletes to this year’s Meet included longtime participants Plainfield Maxson Middle School, North Plainfield Middle School, and the Valley View School in Watchung. Athletes from the Queen City Academy Charter School in Plainfield also registered, but were unable to attend due to a scheduling conflict when rain forced postponement of the Meet from June 4 to June 11.
There are a total of forty-two events in the Meet, divided among three age groupings – twelve, thirteen and fourteen year old boys and girls. Events include the high jump, long jump, shot put, 55 and 100 meter dashes, the 4 by 100 meter relay, and the 800 meter run. A list of record-holders is kept by the Club and updated each year as records are broken. There were no records broken at this year’s meet.
“Our Club looks forward each year to this special service project,” said Townley. “Rotary International’s motto is “Service Above Self”. We truly enjoy sharing our time with these fine young athletes and presenting them an opportunity to win medals or ribbons for their athleticism.”
Medals were taken home by athletes from each of the schools, with Valley View leading the count of first place finishers with 26 gold medals, followed by Maxson Middle School with fourteen and North Plainfield Middle School with thirteen.
All officiating at the Meet is conducted by members and friends of the Rotary Club, using standardized interscholastic rules. Regular supporters include the Interact Club from North Plainfield High School. “Interact is the youth service club that is sponsored by Rotary International,” said Mr. Townley. “Members of the Interact Club help us throughout the year with our service projects.”
Not only were the athletes and officials blessed by great weather, but they also enjoyed a visit from Rotary District Governor Julie Ann Juliano. And not only did she stop by to visit, but Governor Julie Ann also pitched in and helped club president Linda Persichino and her crew officiate at the long jump event.
In addition to Interact, newcomers who helped officiate at the Meet this year included Carly Stoeckle at the Awards Tent; Mauro Altizio, Timer; and Sara Hardy and Damaris Feliciano (YMCA), Judges.
“We give a special thanks to our Interact Club and to all of the non-members who helped officiate” said Mr. Townley. “Without their assistance, our Meet would not have been possible.”
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the community for over 86 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit the Club’s website at www.rotarypnp.org.
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PRESS RELEASE
Rotary Club Enjoys Luxury Suite at Patriots Game
Club Wins Use of Somerset County Suite
For Immediate Release
Thursday, June 13, 2008
Contact: Michael R. Townley, Meet Director
Plainfield, NJ¾Twenty
members, relatives and friends of the Rotary Club of Plainfield-North
Plainfield enjoyed the luxury box accommodations at Commerce Bank Ballpark
for the May 27 game between the Somerset Patriots and the Camden Riversharks.
Despite an initial rain delay that pushed back the opening pitch until nearly 7:30 PM, the Patriots took the field and played a tight game.
With a 1-0 lead into the fourth inning, the game was delayed again for rain. With the delay lasting past 9:15, the club members and guests began to leave for the evening. The Patriots resumed play shortly thereafter, and later won the game 6 to 5.
The Rotarians and their guests all enjoyed standard baseball fare - hot dogs with ‘kraut, hamburgers and cheeseburgers, plus delicious french fries and soft drinks, all supplied by the Club. The Club won use of the Freeholders’ luxury suite in an annual drawing that is open to non-profits who serve in Somerset County.
They also enjoyed a visit from Freeholder Director Peter Palmer, who was at the stadium to attend the game with another group. “We thanked him and the rest of the Freeholders for allowing us and other non-profits to use their suite,” said Michael Townley, secretary for the club and organizer of the trip. “Many of us have been to Commerce Bank Ballpark to see the Patriots, but none of us had the opportunity to view the game from the suite level. It was a great experience.”
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the Plainfield and North Plainfield communities for over 86 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit the Club’s website at www.rotarypnp.org.
Sparkee, the Somerset Patriots mascot, welcomed Jack Townley to the game.
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PRESS RELEASE
March 7, 2008
Seeking new members
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield is encouraging business and community leaders to consider membership in the world’s first service organization. Men and women Rotarians enjoy weekly lunch meetings while planning both local and international service projects. “Taking an active role in the two communities we serve greatly enriches our personal and professional lives,” said Linda Persichino, club president.
Membership in a Rotary club offers a number of benefits, including:
 | Effecting change within the community. |
| Developing leadership skills. |
| Gaining an understanding of — and having an impact on — international humanitarian issues. |
| Developing relationships with community and business leaders. |
Through Rotary's service programs, a Rotary club can have a significant effect on the quality of life in its community. Programs of The Rotary Foundation offer opportunities to form international partnerships that help people in need worldwide. More than 1.2 million Rotarians have improved the quality of life at home and around the globe working through the Rotary Foundation.
“Our Club supports students with college scholarships; gives a free dictionary to every third grade student in Plainfield and North Plainfield; provides meals for those in need; helps fund Rotary’s program to eliminate polio throughout the world; and raises funds for other local and international needs,” said Linda.
“During recent years, our Rotary Club has supported a variety of organizations including the American Red Cross, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the YMCA, the YWCA, Project Graduation, Star-Fish of Plainfield, InterFaith Hospitality Network (HomeFirst, Inc.), the Courier News Wishbook, the Scarlett Foundation, and many other community organizations.
“Please visit the Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield any Wednesday in March or April. Prospective members are invited to join us for lunch at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant, 1462 South Avenue in Plainfield. We will be happy to tell you more about Rotary, our goals and projects, and explain the qualifications of a Rotarian,” said Linda.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served for over 86 years. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club and its activities, or visit the Club’s website at www.rotarypnp.org.
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PRESS RELEASE
rotary club of Plainfield-NORTH PLAINFIELD
June 27, 2007
Rotary Awards $20,350 in Scholarships
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield recently awarded $20,350 in scholarships to graduating seniors from Plainfield High School and North Plainfield High School.
The local Rotary Club sponsors its own F.S. Mathewson Scholarship, awarding a total of $5,000 to students in the two high schools in its service area. “The scholarships are awarded in memory of Matty Mathewson, the first member of our club to serve as District Governor,” said club president Bill Parenti. “Matty was an active member of our club from 1928 until his death in 1993 at the age of ninety-eight. We honor Matty’s memory through our community service activities, including these scholarship awards to assist students as they continue their education. Candidates for this award must demonstrate a mix of academic achievement; financial need; community service; school service.”
Recipients of the F.S. Mathewson Scholarship Awards from North Plainfield High School were Daniel Sawyer, Michelle Velasquez, and Oraina Simmons. Plainfield High School recipients were Mark Williams, Lakendra Moses, Maria Escalante, and Andre Dubose.
The Rotary Club also awards scholarships on behalf of the Plainfield Foundation. This year, the Club awarded $1,850 from the Leo Albert Friese Scholarship Fund to North Plainfield High students Mabel Mayorga and Amrita Goraya. The Friese Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who will pursue a major course of study in science.
In addition, the Club also awards PHS Alumni Association Scholarships and J. Wilbur Tovell Scholarships to Plainfield High School seniors on behalf of the Plainfield Foundation. The PHS Alumni Scholarship Fund was established in 1986 when the PHS Alumni Association, prior to disbanding, asked the Plainfield Foundation to award their scholarships. The Foundation established the PHS Alumni Scholarship Fund. Candidates demonstrate academic achievement, participation in school activities.
Recipients of the $3,500 in PHS Alumni Scholarship awards were Caleb Williams, Jordan Lindsay, Vontisha Fludd, Jade Coney, Ashley Johnson, Amber Douglass, and Janay Brundidge.
The J. Wilbur Tovell Scholarship Fund was established as a bequest from a Plainfield native and alumnus of Plainfield High School. Candidates must be male students only, with academic achievement and participation in school activities.
Recipients of the $3,000 in J. Wilbur Tovell Scholarships this year were Durelle Hill, Jarrel Carter, Joshua Jackson, and Carlos Pineda.
Finally, the Rotary Club also administers the Adele DeLeeuw Scholarship Fund. This fund was established in 1988 by a $1 million bequest in the will of the late Plainfield author Adele DeLeeuw. The Club has worked with other Rotary clubs in the area to see that the annual income from the bequest is awarded to students who pursue a course of study in poetry, art, journalism, writing, or engineering. A total of $804,000 has been awarded over twelve years that the Rotary Club has administered the program.
This year, the Club awarded a $2,000 Adele DeLeeuw Scholarship to Plainfield High School student Caleb Williams and a $1,500 scholarship to North Plainfield High School senior Arkor Kalubah. The Club also awarded repeat scholarships to two graduates of North Plainfield High School who are now in college. Ciera Green received a $1,500 scholarship award, and Kenya Nesbitt received a $2,000 scholarship award.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the community for over 86 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit the Club’s website at www.rotarypnp.org.
PRESS RELEASE
rotary club of Plainfield-NORTH PLAINFIELD
June 26, 2007
Rotary and KFC Provide Dinner at YMCA
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield served dinner on Monday, June 18 to the residents at the Plainfield Area YMCA.
Working with the local KFC restaurants, the Rotarians served up a meal of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, and corn bread for thirty women, men, and children at the YMCA. Rotarians also supplied salad, desserts and soft drinks to round out the meal.
“As one of our community service projects, we offer a dinner four times a year at the Y”, said Linda Persichino, in-coming President of the local Rotary club. “We try to partner with local businesses for the dinners, and this time we were pleased to have the enthusiastic support of Percy Fennell, franchise owner of the local restaurants. The residents enjoyed a filling, hot meal, with enough available to serve seconds.”
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the community for over 86 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit the Club’s website at www.rotarypnp.org.
PRESS RELEASE
rotary club of Plainfield-NORTH PLAINFIELD
June 23, 2007
Rotary Names June Students of the Month
Pictured left to right: Caleb Williams, Plainfield High School, Rotary President-Elect Linda Persichino, and Dondre Stuetley, North Plainfield High School.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield presented the June Student of the Month Awards to senior Caleb Williams of Plainfield High School and to freshman Dondre Stuetley of North Plainfield High School at a luncheon in their honor on June 10th at Giovanna’s Restaurant.
“We present these awards each month during the school year,” said Linda Persichino, in-coming president of the Rotary Club. “It is such a pleasure to hear about the students’ accomplishments and how well they are doing in their studies and in school activities.”
Caleb Williams was introduced by guidance counselor Jessica Fevrin. She recognized Caleb as the salutatorian of his graduating class, having placed second in class rank. She described him as a true role model for the other students. Caleb will attend Rutgers School of Engineering.
NHPS choral music teacher and Interact Club advisor Amy Six introduced Dondre Stuetly, a freshman who is an active member of the Interact Club. “Dondre, a trumpet player, is a very active member of the Marching, Concert and Jazz bands at NPHS. When he's not playing with the band, Dondre can be found singing with the Concert Choir or dancing across the stage, as Dondre is a blossoming actor. In fact, Dondre starred this past winter as Hysterium in the NPHS musical A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Forum. As an Interact member, Dondre has been involved in almost every project that Interact has worked on this year. He is energetic and dedicated to making the school and the outside community a better place. He will be a tremendous leader at NPHS in the future.”
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the community for over 86 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit the Club’s website at www.rotarypnp.org.
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PRESS RELEASE
rotary club of Plainfield-NORTH PLAINFIELD
Rotary Club Holds 80th Annual Track and Field Meet
Two New Participating Schools Send Athletes to Compete for Medals and Ribbons in Forty Events
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Thursday, June 07, 2007
Contact: Michael R. Townley, Meet Director
Plainfield, NJ¾Two hundred fifty one student athletes from five area middle schools competed this year in the Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield’s 80th Annual Track and Field Meet.
The Plainfield's oldest service club held their most important annual community service project on June 6 at the Hub Stine Athletic Field in Plainfield under beautiful, sunny skies and perfect weather conditions.
Long a mainstay in supporting the Plainfield and North Plainfield communities, the Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield again offered an afternoon of friendly but determined competition to young 12, 13 and 14 year-old athletes from five area schools.
"This invitational meet is the longest-running meet of its kind in the entire state," said Michael Townley, director of the meet. "We have offered this meet as a service to area youth every year since 1923, except during World War II and twice when heavy rains forced cancellation."
Seventy-nine years of track and field meets has drawn many thousands of participants, including Olympic decathlon champion and Plainfield resident Milt Campbell. “We recognize that participating in our Track and Field Meet was but one step in Milt’s long and successful drive to achieve his decathlon championship,” said Townley. “In fact, our Club was proud to be one of the many community groups that financially supported his Olympic trip.”
According to Townley, each year the Club members learn something new about the athletes that participated in the Meet. “One of the seniors we interviewed at Plainfield High for our scholarship awards last year commented that not only did she win a medal at our Meet, it was also her first formal track event. It influenced her to go on to star on the PHS track team, and led to her decision to run track in college.”
Schools sending athletes to this year’s Meet included longtime participants Plainfield Maxson Middle School, North Plainfield Middle School, and the Valley View School in Watchung. The Meet saw athletes for the first time from South Plainfield Middle School and from the Queen City Academy Charter School in Plainfield.
“It was exciting to see athletes from the two new schools this year”, said Meet Director Townley. “We expect to see both schools become regular participants.”
Medals were taken home by athletes from each of the five schools, with Valley View leading the count of first place finishers with fifty-three gold medals, followed by North Plainfield Middle School with twenty-one, Maxson Middle School with eleven, and South Plainfield Middle School with six.
“Our Club looks forward each year to this special service project,” said Townley. “Rotary International’s motto is “Service Above Self”. We truly enjoy sharing our time with these fine young athletes and presenting them an opportunity to win medals or ribbons for their athleticism.”
PRESS RELEASE
rotary club of Plainfield-NORTH PLAINFIELD
May 4, 2007
Rotary Names May Students of the Month
Pictured left to right: Amy Six, North Plainfield High School choral music teacher and Interact Club advisor with Theresa Huynh; Rotary President Bill Parenti; Larry Peterman with Patricia Paylor, Plainfield High School guidance counselor.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield presented the May Student of the Month Awards to freshman Theresa Huynh of North Plainfield High School and to junior Larry Peterman of Plainfield High School at a luncheon in their honor on May 2nd at Giovanna’s Restaurant.
“These awards are presented each month to the outstanding student from each high school,” said Bill Parenti, president of the Rotary Club. “We are happy to recognize the great, hard-working students in each of these schools for their accomplishments. Our award certificate reads ‘In Recognition of Your Commitment to Attain High Scholastic Achievement while Participating in Activities that Develop Good Citizenship.’ This really sums up the significance of their efforts.”
Larry Peterman was introduced by guidance counselor Patricia Paylor. She recognized Larry as “a bright, articulate young man” who is “an outstanding member of the junior class…well-liked by his peers and by the staff”. She went on to say that Larry was the star of the recent PHS production of Zooman and the Sign, and described him as having “a strong moral character, positive attitude and ambition.” Larry is ranked in the top 25% of his class, and plans to major in theater either at Rutgers University or at Temple University.
NHPS choral music teacher and Interact Club advisor Amy Six introduced Theresa Huynh, a freshman who is an active member of the Interact Club. Theresa is an honors student, a member of the Science League, a flute player in the Concert, Marching Band and Jazz Band, and also sings in the Mixed Chorus. As a member of the Interact Club, “Theresa is the first person to raise her hand and volunteer for a new project,” said Amy Six. Some of those projects included the penny drive to benefit children in need; helping at the North Plainfield Food Bank; working at the Beach Sweep at the end of April; painting the NPHS music room. Theresa is also active with her church’s youth group, teaches religious education, and is a member of the church’s folk music group.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the community for over 86 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit the Club’s website at www.rotarypnp.org
PRESS RELEASE
Rotary Names Students of the Month
Pictured left to right: Jerard Stephenson, North Plainfield High School principal with Arkor Kalubah; Rotary President Bill Parenti; Malcolm Moye with Jodi Mochel, Plainfield High School guidance counselor.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield presented their “Student of the Month Award” to senior Arkor Kalubah of North Plainfield High School and to junior Malcolm Moye of Plainfield High School at a luncheon in their honor on April 18th at Giovanna’s Restaurant.
“These awards are presented each month to the outstanding student from each high school,” said Bill Parenti, president of the Rotary Club. “We want to recognize the great, hard-working students in each of these schools for their accomplishments. Our award certificate reads ‘In Recognition of Your Commitment to Attain High Scholastic Achievement while Participating in Activities that Develop Good Citizenship.’ This really sums up the significance of their efforts.”
Malcolm Moye was introduced by guidance counselor Jodi Mochel. She recognized Malcolm as “a strong student who is well-liked by his peers and by the staff”, identifying his positive character as the trait that led to his recognition. “Malcolm initiated the idea to create a committee of students from each grade level to voice concerns, develop solutions, and formulate ways to implement them,” said Jodi. “From his idea, the Student Advisory Council was born. He is a wonderful role model for the students at Plainfield High School.” Malcolm plans a future in business and hopes to attend Hampton University.
NHPS Principal Jerard Stephenson praised Arkor Kalubah for his hard work, involvement in multiple school activities, and especially for his work with the Interact Club, a youth service program of Rotary International. In addition to Interact Club, Arkor is a member of the Math/Science League, the National Honor Society, serves as art editor for the Canuckling newspaper, and is a member of the Student Council. He has taken a number of advanced placement and honors courses at North Plainfield High School. Arkor plans to attend Houghton College, where he will major in chemistry. His career goal is to become a physician.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the community for over 86 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit the Club’s website at www.rotarypnp.org.
PRESS RELEASE
April 13, 2007
Nanny’s Kitchen Helps Rotary
Claire Lamont, owner of Nanny’s Kitchen in North Plainfield, accepts a “Certificate of Appreciation” recently behind the counter at her cozy restaurant on Route 22 in North Plainfield. The certificate was present by Linda Persichino, left, and Bill Parenti, right, on behalf of the Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield for Claire’s contribution of food to the Rotary Club’s hot meal for the residents of the Plainfield Area YMCA Shelter on Monday, March 19th.
“Nanny’s Kitchen baked a delicious tray of sweet potatoes that were the hit of the dinner,” said Linda Persichino, co-chair of the event. “Claire also worked with her Thumann’s representative, Todd Gandolfe, to provide a beautiful ham that Claire and her husband Anthony baked and sliced that served almost 40 women, children and men. We are extremely grateful for their generous support of our community service project.”
Nanny’s Kitchen is located in the Dante Plaza at Route 22 East and Columbia Avenue, North Plainfield. They are open six days for breakfasts, plus lunches Monday through Friday and dinners on Friday evenings only.
“It is particularly gratifying to have Claire and Anthony Lamont help us with our service project,” said Bill Parenti, president of the Rotary club. “This is a fine example of how local business owners support their neighbors in need by doing what they do best. Our motto is ‘Service Above Self’, and Claire, Anthony and Tony’s contributions to the dinner exemplify that motto.”
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the community for over 86 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit the Club’s website at www.rotarypnp.org.
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Rotary Concludes Dictionary Distribution
December 13, 2006
For immediate release: Plainfield, New Jersey. The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield concluded its distribution of dictionaries to all third grade students in Plainfield and North Plainfield last Monday.
“The Club’s goal was to celebrate the importance of literacy by initiating its first Dictionary Project,“ said North Plainfield’s Police Chief William Parenti, who is also the president of the local service club.
Monday’s distribution included both standard dictionaries and a supply of Spanish-English dictionaries to those in bilingual programs. Rotarians met with the students in their classrooms and handed the students their own, personal dictionary. “This dictionary is yours to keep,” said Beverly Howard to students in Miss Hernandez’s class at Clinton School. “You can use the dictionary this year, next year, and for many more.”
The children in every class were excited to get their own books, eagerly coming forward as their names were called, shaking hands with the Rotarian and receiving their copy of “A Student’s Dictionary”.
“I am not sure who was more excited – the students, the teachers or the Rotarians,” said Michael Townley, club secretary. “The teachers were so happy to have a new resource that they could use with their lesson planning, and the Rotarians were just beaming at the excited and happy faces of the children, writing their names in their new books.”
The Rotary Club handed out the books to students at Barlow, Clinton, Cook, Washington and Woodland Schools. Previously, the Club distributed books to the other five schools in Plainfield, and to the three elementary schools in North Plainfield. A total of 1200 books were purchased by the Club and distributed to the students.
The Rotary Club purchased the dictionaries from The Dictionary Project, a non-profit organization in South Carolina that encourages distribution of dictionaries to students in local schools. More information on that organization can be found at their website, www.thedictionaryproject.com, and more information about Rotary International can be found at www.Rotary.org.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the community for over 84 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit www.rotarypnp.org.
Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield
Press Release
August 30, 2006
William G. Parenti President
Rotary to Distribute Dictionaries to 3rd Grade Students
Plainfield, New Jersey. North Plainfield Police Chief William G. Parenti has announced that September 8, 2006 is International Literacy Day, a day in which Rotary International celebrates its partnership with the International Reading Association.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield will use this occasion as a way to celebrate the importance of literacy by kicking off its own local Dictionary Project. “The goal of this project is to provide a dictionary to every third grader in Plainfield and North Plainfield,” said Chief Parenti, who is also the president of the local service club.
The kick off begins in North Plainfield with Borough officials and fellow Rotarians Janice Allen (Mayor), Dave Hollod (Business Administrator), Marilyn Birnbaum (Superintendent of Schools), William G. Parenti (Chief of Police) and club secretary Michael Townley passing out dictionaries to each student in the Borough’s three elementary schools. The first stop is East End School, which is scheduled for 9:00 AM, followed by Stony Brook School and then West End School.
“Reading is probably the most important skill we learn,” Parenti said. “In addition to helping students learn the correct spelling, pronunciation, definition, and uses of words, these dictionaries will assist them in developing their reading, writing and creative abilities.”
Mrs. Beth Sobel, Principal of West End School wrote this note upon learning of the project. “I would just like to thank the Rotary for doing this for our kids. The children will be thrilled; and, for many this will be the first dictionary that they can call their own”.
Each student will receive a copy of “A Student’s Dictionary”, with a label inside that has a place for the student’s name, and that reads “This book is a gift from the members of the Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield. We hope that it will help you, and that you will give it to someone else when you no longer need it.”
The Rotary Club is also distributing Spanish-English dictionaries to students in both school districts’ bilingual classes. “Between the standard version and the Spanish-English version, we will be helping over 1200 students in the two school districts,” said Parenti.
The Rotary Club purchased the dictionaries from The Dictionary Project, a non-profit organization in South Carolina that encourages distribution of dictionaries to students in local schools. More information on that organization can be found at their website, www.thedictionaryproject.com, and more information about Rotary International can be found at www.Rotary.org.
The Rotary Club of Plainfield-North Plainfield, founded in 1921, has served the community for over 84 years. Members are community and business leaders in the area who meet weekly on Wednesdays at 12:15 pm at Giovanna’s Restaurant in Plainfield. Contact Michael Townley, club secretary, at rotarypnp@comcast.net for additional information about the Rotary Club, and its activities or to inquire about membership, or visit www.rotarypnp.org.
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This page was last updated on 07/01/08.