West Milford Rotary celebrates 50 years of service

Contributed by Alan Edelstein, Rotarian West Milford — The West Milford Rotary Club observed its 50 anniversary of service on July 7, 2009. On that date back in 1959, 20 local businessmen became the charter members of the West Milford Rotary Club. Over the past 50 years, Rotarians have included men and women from various professions, occupations and trades, all with a common goal of service. Over the 50 years, the club has donated several hundred thousand dollars in scholarships to both the organization’s foundations and directly to West Milford High School graduates. The club has also supported local organizations including the first aid squad, West Milford Library and many other local causes and groups too numerous to mention. In addition to these donations, the club has many other accomplishments to be proud of, notable among which are: the mural of the township seal on the wall in the Town Hall meeting room, the gazebo at Bubbling Springs Park, lights for the high school athletic field, the annual Christmas party for special needs children, the sponsorship of the high school Interact Club to acquaint young people with community service, and from time to time equipment for the town’s first aid squad. Perhaps the most meaningful program in terms of playing a role in people’s lives is the sponsorship of West Milford High School’s Career Day for over 45 years. In addition we gave gifts of life to two foreign children brought to the U.S. for heart surgery. We’ve raised monies for all these programs with a lot of work and fun through art auctions, beefsteak dinners, golf outings, circuses, carnivals and more. It’s been a great 50 years of Service Above Self to the West Milford Township. We look forward to the next 50 years.