So. Bruns. Rotary Club celebrates 45th year
BY CHRIS MURINO Staff Writer

SOUTH BRUNSWICK - The Rotary Club of Hightstown- South Brunswick celebrated its 45th anniversary on Oct. 17 with the naming of Mayor Frank Gambatese as an honorary Rotarian, the first time the group has given anyone this honor.

"It was a real eye-opener for me," Gambatese said. "I didn't realize just how invested Rotarys are in the state of New Jersey."

The goals of the Rotary Club are to serve the local community at large and the international causes of Rotary International, of which each local organization is a part.

"The goal of Rotary International is world peace," said Pat Darcey, the communications director of the club.

Darcey said the club has done many things on the local level, including a program throughout Middlesex County that helps disadvantaged parents who are having trouble raising their children.

"It's partly for people who speak a second language," she said. "It's for those who may have difficulty when their child brings home a paper and it's written in English."

They have also distributed free dictionaries to third-grade students. The New Jersey Gateway Federal Credit Union pays for half of the cost of the dictionary program.

"We also collectively support all of the acts of Rotary International," Darcey said. "They have brought water to underdeveloped countries. Also, teaching women to establish their own base in Third World countries."

Darcey went over the club's values.

"There's a four-way test we say at every meeting in every one of the clubs," the communications director said. "Is it the truth? Is it fair to all concerned? Will it build goodwill and better friendships? And will it be beneficial to all concerned?"

She said she is proud about the club's work and longevity.

"It's a very long time for a club to be in existence," she said.

Darcey said that because of this, Gambatese definitely deserved his honor.

"He deserved it because of all of his acts in South Brunswick," she said. "He's done a good job, and we felt he deserved to be an honorary Rotarian. It's a great honor because we never did that."

"Just their existence in our town is important," Gambatese said. "They've raised money to help different people. They all try to help various people in the township who need additional help."

Gambatese also said the town needs to support its business community.

"I'm very much interested in our business community," the mayor said. "I don't think we do enough to promote business in town. Their success is important to South Brunswick."

There are 15 members of the Hightstown- South Brunswick Rotary Club, and Darcey has been a part of it for two years.

Meetings are held Wednesday mornings at 7:30 a.m. at Pierre's Deli on Georges Road in Monmouth Junction. For information, call Darcey at (732) 329-3838, ext. 7104.