Phillipsburg Rotary Club Installs New President, Officers at Installation Dinner

PHILLIPSBURG, NJ—The Phillipsburg Rotary Club, founded in 1938, kicked off another year of "Service Above Self" by inducting new officers and Board members at its annual banquet and officer installation June 26, 2024.

New President Debra Shelly received the Club Gavel from outgoing President Dr. Marian Trapani after the symbolic bell was rung. Then, Shelly presented her vision for the 2024-26 term, led by Foundation Chair,Frank Geraghty.

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Joining the Rotarians and guests was Jeannie Tsukamoto, Assistant Governor for the 2024-2025 year.

Phillipsburg is part of Rotary District 7475. Tsukamoto, from the Madison Rotary Club, spoke to the 34 members present about how New Jersey, specifically Warren County, is fortunate to be one of the counties in New Jersey where the affordability and ability to make ends meet exceeds the state average. Phillipsburg, however, she noted, is an area where organizations like the Rotary can help improve their quality of life, so people who spend most of their income on housing, childcare, and education can be an area to focus on to make lives better. Noting Phillipsburg's statistics are below the state averages for poverty, income, and education, all fit with the goals of the Rotary Club.

The bottom line, Tsukamoto said, is that “as a community, we can make a big impact on those in our community.” As Rotarians, “we can come together and really think about what else we can do to make lives better here.” Referring to projects locally, our community is one that can continue to find ways to be supported.

Tsukamoto also pointed out to the members that 45% of all incoming Presidents of the local Rotary clubs are women.

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Tsukamoto installed the new Board:

• President - Debbie Shelly
• Treasurer - Bob Gould
• Secretary – Marian Trapani
• Foundation Chair - Frank Geraghty
• Membership Chair - Brian Grace
• Seargent-at-Arms - Carol Johnson
• Public Relations - Kelly Bray’
• Service Project Chairs - Hailey Fritzsch and Betsy Laferriere
• Administration Chair - Bernie Rooney
• Member at Large - Bob Valcich

Dr. Trapani, Past President, thanked everyone for their support over the last two years and congratulated Deb. Citing one of her accomplishments when she became President, Trapani sought to increase membership, which happened annually. Sadly, several members did relocate and or left for personal choice, which she hopes some previous members return in the coming years to continue the charitable work throughout Phillipsburg.

Shelly was born, raised, and resides in Phillipsburg. Joined the Rotary Club in 2020, was appointed Director of Service Projects in 2021, became Vice President in 2022, and President-Elect in 2023. Joking that her feet are bigger than Marian's, Shelly said, “It’s going to be very difficult to fill her shoes; it has been my honor working with Marion over the last three years, seven months, 22 days. Noting several accomplishments, Shelly looked forward to continuing the good work of Rotary and told the assembly about her first memory of knowing Rotary made a difference when they came to her school classroom and presented dictionaries. Knowing some people say “nobody uses dictionaries anymore”, Shelly continued to note the looks on the faces of the children say otherwise.

Trapani presented two Paul Harris Awards: one to Angelo Faillace for his years of service as Secretary and for stepping in for Jim Swick. Faillace modernized the club's computer software systems, QuickBooks, and organization. Faillace has moved and will be joining the Denville Rotary, where Trapani recognized he will be an asset to Denville. Faillace commented that “It’s like family, and I appreciate the club. Everyone here is so giving. We get things done, and everyone comes through. I’m never going to forget the people here (Phillipsburg Rotary); I love you all”.

Kelly Bray was also recognized for her work on the new Rotary website, brochure, and program for Corks & Forks.  Behind the scenes, Bray stepped in to improve the appearance of the website and quickly learned ‘club runner” to create a website in line with international and district sites, as well as another club. Bray also redesigned the Corks and Forks brochure, coordinating sponsors, history, and the fundraiser agenda. On short notice during the holidays, Bray was quick to learn all the club technology and register people for the events, and her timing as a new Rotarian was just right.

Bob Valcich was also presented with a Rotary Clock recognizing him for his 12 years of service as our Treasurer.

Guest honoree Betty Moretti was presented with a thank-you card and a monetary gift for taking such great care of the Rotarians at their weekly meetings at Flynn’s on the Hill, now Mainline Catering, and events. Moretti was organized, had everything in place for meetings, such as the flags, bell, and meeting needs prepared, decorated tables in Rotary colors, and made sure special foods and desserts were always on hand.

New President, Deb Shelly made a few comments and said she would be going over her 2024-2025 goals at the July meeting. She also mentioned there are several projects coming up and asked everyone to help make each initiative a success.

Frank Geraghty presented Trapani and her daughter with beautiful plaques, thanking them for their donations to the Phillipsburg Rotary Foundation, which helps continue to fund projects that matter in Phillipsburg. This year, the Phillipsburg Rotary Foundation made its largest contribution to date, which was a $25,000 donation to the new McWane Field, set for Walters Park in Phillipsburg, which will be a Cal Ripken Sr. Field, the first in New Jersey.

Neighbors Helping Neighbors

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Rotary is where neighbors, friends, and problem-solvers share ideas, join leaders and take action to create lasting change.

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