Barry Kroll, Madison Rotarian, will speak regardingClub Runner Mobil App and how to navigate our new and updated website.

New Member Inductions & Classification Talk

Joe Smith, Madison Rotarian, will speak to the club about membership, how to attract, recruit, and maintain new members.

Rotary District 7475 Governor will update members on the current issues and plans for our district.

This event is a festival celebrating our hometown and downtown with over 10,000 in attendance.  Madison Rotary operates a food consession selling hamburgers, hot dogs, beverages, etc as a club fundraiser to support Madison Rotary's charitable distribution program.

Volunteers are needed to help with the operation of our booth including set up, break down, food sales, and more.  

Sign up to volunteer (click Bottle Hill Day button)  or contact event chair Joe Smith - contact Joe at jtsmith0443@gmail.com if you have questions or need additional information

For those that like competition with other clubs like Morristown, Morris Plains, Somerset Hills, and others, this is for you.  It will be at Tiff's Restaurant and Bar, located at 231 Speedwell Ave, Morris Plains.  While it starts at 6:30PM, Amul suggests that folks show up by 6:00PM to get a table together.  Please RSVP to Amul by Thursday Oct 2, 2025 so that we have a head count.  There is no limit to the number of participants as we can have multiple teams represent our club. 

Thursday, October 9th at both the moring and afternoon meetings, Madison Rotary will kick-off its 50/50 raffle.  Thickets and materials will be distributed at both meetings.  Plan now to attend one of these important club meetings.  7:45 am at the MYMC and 12 Noon at Firehouse Pizza.

If you have questions or need additional information, Contact Lois Bhatt 50/50 raffle chair.

Service Workshop and Planning Session & 50/50 Kickoff

Paul and Avery Mantell will update members on the Maasai Girls Fund.

Madison Rotary Serves Warm Meals and Warmer Smiles at Homeless Solutions

Members of  Madison Rotary Club will gather  Homeless Solutions in Morristown to prepare and serve dinner to residents in need. This long-standing partnership reflects Rotary’s commitment to “Service Above Self” and its ongoing mission to support those facing housing and food insecurity in Morris County.  Curt Beaudouin is orgainzing the event along with Steff Codey.  3 additional volunteers are needed to help with this event.  Contact Curt at jbeaudouin1286@gmail.com

Rotarians will plann and cook a full homemade meal, complete with a hearty main course, sides, and dessert. Volunteers worked together in the kitchen and dining room, taking the time not only to serve food but also to sit down, chat, and share stories with the residents—reminding everyone that kindness and connection matter just as much as a hot meal.

“For many of our members, this is one of the most meaningful service projects we do all year,” said Club President Jim Fraser. “It’s humbling and heartwarming to spend time with people who are working hard to get back on their feet, and we’re proud to be part of that support system.”

In a world that often moves too fast, evenings like these serve as a powerful reminder: compassion is best served warm.

We are excited to invite you to a special evening of fun and fellowship at Game Night with the residents of Cheshire Home on Monday, October 21st from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm.

We’ve had light Rotarian turnout at past Game Nights, and we truly need more members to get involved. Your presence can make a big difference—not only for the residents, but also for building the spirit of our club.

This is a wonderful opportunity for us to share smiles, laughter, and camaraderie with the residents of Cheshire Home (www.cheshirehome.org), a facility dedicated to empowering adults with traumatic spinal cord or neurological injuries to achieve independence. By spending time playing games together, you’ll brighten their evening and strengthen your commitment to service above self.

Some may feel uncertain about how to engage in this setting, but please don’t worry—it’s not at all uneasy. At the end of the day, everyone appreciates kindness and a genuine smile. A friendly conversation can quickly put everyone at ease, and sharing a game is a simple, enjoyable way to build connections. The residents are always glad to meet new friends and will warmly welcome your presence.

Contact Frank Desantis to sign up to volunteer  

Peter Hinge, Madison resident, will talk to the club about the Civil Air Patrol. Civil Air Patrol is a congressionally chartered, federally funded, 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation and serves as the civilian auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force. Founded Dec. 1, 1941, to mobilize the nation's civilian aviation resources for national defense service, CAP has evolved into a premier public service organization that is a cost-effective force multiplier for Air Force-assigned missions. 

Learn the basics of the new ClubRunner mobile app and the new highlights of the Club's updated website.

Diane Mann, President, Madison Area YMCA, and Madison Rotarian, will update members on the current and planned events and programs of the YMCA.

Jerry Vezza, Jazz Pianist and Piano Maintenance, and Chair of the Board of the Madison Arts and Culture Alliance, will speak about arts and culture in Madison and his 40 years of experience as a jazz musician.

Tim Gulick, Outreach Coordinator at The Milestone House, will tell us about his organizations mission and plans. The Milestone House is one of New Jersey’s oldest and most trusted sober living communities. 

Bottle Hill Tavern on Waverly Place will be providing "free" Thanksgiving Dinners on November 27th, Thanksgiving Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., first come, first serve.   There is no cost for the dinner, but donations will be accepted from those who can help.  Donations will be made to  Madison Rotary and earmarked to alleviate food insecurity locally.

Madison Rotary volunteers are neeedd to help with logistics - There will be 4 one hour shifts from 10:30 am to 2:30 pm.  2 volunteers are needed per shift.

Click the link on the left to sign up for a shift.

Please join your fellow Rotarians  by marching in the Holiday Parade on Friday, November 28th.  Meet at the Ambulance Corp building on Keep Street at 5:30 pm.   The parade itself will begin at 6:00 pm. Madison Rotary has participated in the Madison Christmas Parade for over 25 years.  Rotarians walk alongside the Santa Claus float and make sure excited children don't run out to greet Santa.  The event is generally over by 6:30 pm.  Immediately after the parade is the lighting of the town Christmas tree at 6:30 pm.  We need about 20 volunteers to help with this service project.

• Saturdays 9:30 – 6 PM
• Sundays 10 AM – 6 PM
• Monday – Friday 4 PM to 8 PM

🎉 Rotary New Member Orientation Announcement 🎉

📢 Greetings Madison Rotarians 📢

We are thrilled to announce our upcoming New Member Orientation session, an integral part of our Rotary family's growth and community engagement.

This orientation session is designed to welcome and acquaint new members with the values, goals, and opportunities within our esteemed Rotary club. It's a fantastic chance for new members to network, learn, and get involved in our various initiatives aimed at making a positive impact in our community and beyond.

The event is for new members who have not previously attended a new member orientation. Dinner will be on you own at Romanelli's. Plan on going through the ordering/eating starting at 5:30 pm. Orientation program starts a 6:00 p

Let's continue to inspire and serve together! See you there!

Regards

Barry Kroll

Membership Committee

Jonathan Golden, Drew University Associate Professor and director of Drew's Center on Religion, Culture & Conflict (CRCC) as well as the program director of Drew's Conflict Resolution & Leadership program, will join us for a discussion of his work.

Soup Making

50/50 Raffle Drawing at the breakfast meeting.  

Grant Recipients

Claire Whitcomb, Chair of the Madison Environmental Commission, will discuss the newly completed Environmental Resource Inventory.

Madison Rotary will sponsor a food packaging event on March 7,2026 held at Grace Church aimed at combating food insecurity. 

The goal is to package 60,000 meals which will be distributed to local food banks, shelters, and organizations supporting individuals and families in need. The event not only addressed immediate hunger needs but also raised awareness about food insecurity, with a call to action for continued community support.

Thanks to the generosity of donors, sponsors, and the dedication of volunteers, the Madison Rotary continues to make a significant impact in the fight against hunger. The initiative reinforces the Rotary's mission of Service Above Self and highlights the power of collective action in creating meaningful change.

To donate or volunteer to help contact Joe Smith at jtsmith0443@gmail.com