Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club

Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club As a group of leaders in Fanwood, Scotch Plains and other NJ communities, our members come together under the Rotary mission of: "Service Above Self"

We were pleased to welcome Merrill Altberg from the Mental Health Association in New Jersey as our featured speaker on M...
06/12/2026

We were pleased to welcome Merrill Altberg from the Mental Health Association in New Jersey as our featured speaker on May 27. For 80 years, MHANJ has supported children and adults facing mental illness and substance use disorders through advocacy, education, training, and services. We are grateful to Rosemary for sharing the organization’s important and compassionate work with us. Club President Julie Murphy is pictured below presenting a donation to Merrill.

At our evening meeting on May 27 at Darby Road, club president Julie Murphy had the pleasure of presenting a Paul Harris...
06/12/2026

At our evening meeting on May 27 at Darby Road, club president Julie Murphy had the pleasure of presenting a Paul Harris Society pin to a truly dedicated Rotarian—our former president, former mayor, and all-around good guy. The pin, featuring five red stones, represents the highest level of this special recognition. Receiving Paul Harris Fellow recognition is a meaningful honor and a testament to a lifetime of service, reflecting deep dedication to strengthening communities and supporting Rotary’s mission around the world. It was a wonderful moment to celebrate his generosity, leadership, and lasting commitment to service.

We were happy to welcome Katherine Balch as our speaker on Wednesday, June 10 at the Stagehouse. Katherine founded and c...
06/12/2026

We were happy to welcome Katherine Balch as our speaker on Wednesday, June 10 at the Stagehouse. Katherine founded and continues to lead Smart Plainfield, an organization that began as a small effort during Covid and has grown steadily over the past five years. Through book donations, grants, and other generous support, Smart Plainfield helps put books directly into the hands of children in Plainfield schools. Katherine shared how much the children treasure receiving books of their own and the joy they feel in being able to keep them. We are grateful to Katherine for joining us and for sharing the inspiring impact of this wonderful work. For more information, please visit the SMARTplainfield page. Katherine is shown below receiving a donation from club president Julie Murphy.

At Wednesday’s meeting, we were delighted to welcome three new inductees to the club, bringing our total number of new m...
06/12/2026

At Wednesday’s meeting, we were delighted to welcome three new inductees to the club, bringing our total number of new members over the past year to sixteen. Pictured below are Steve Goldberg (center), membership chair; Julie Murphy (right), club president; and our newest members—Mercy Otieno, Beth Kocet, and Ken Ashe, shown from left to right. Please join us in giving them a warm welcome!

Dr. Mercy Otieno joined us for lunch today at the Stage House. She is the founder and CEO of the Mercy and Love Foundati...
05/20/2026

Dr. Mercy Otieno joined us for lunch today at the Stage House. She is the founder and CEO of the Mercy and Love Foundation, a New Jersey-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving underserved communities in Kenya and around the world.
The foundation provides compassionate healthcare, educational support, basic needs, and disaster relief to help expand equitable access to essential services.
To learn more or get involved, please visit the foundation’s website. https://mercyandlovefoundation.org/
Pictured below, Dr. Otieno receives a donation from club President Julie Murphy and international coordinator Brooks Smith.

On Saturday, May 16, Rotary District 7475 held its Connect for Good Summit in Somerset, NJ. Fanwood-Scotch Plains Club P...
05/18/2026

On Saturday, May 16, Rotary District 7475 held its Connect for Good Summit in Somerset, NJ. Fanwood-Scotch Plains Club President Julie Murphy, President-Elect Gene Jannotti, and Program Chair Jenni Jeremias attended. Our club won $250 in the Public Image Contest and received a district grant. Pictured below are several district club presidents, including Julie.

On Wednesday, April 15, we were honored to welcome Emily Bakhitah, joining us from Kenya, for an inspiring presentation ...
05/18/2026

On Wednesday, April 15, we were honored to welcome Emily Bakhitah, joining us from Kenya, for an inspiring presentation about the Rise to Shine Education Foundation. The foundation was created to help bright, promising children stay in school when poverty, the loss of caregivers, or other hardships place their education at risk.
Since 2012, the foundation has helped hundreds of talented students in need continue through primary and secondary school, opening the door to brighter futures for them and stronger communities for all. Donations help provide school fees, uniforms, books, and basic living expenses, giving these students the support they need to rise above hardship and pursue their dreams.
Please visit their website to learn more about this meaningful work. https://www.rtsef.org/
Pictured below are Club President Julie Murphy and Program Chair Jenni Jeremias at the meeting, with Emily joining them by Zoom.

On Wednesday, May 13, our presenters were Leana Walcott and Tonya McNeil from the Chrysalis Project. The organization he...
05/18/2026

On Wednesday, May 13, our presenters were Leana Walcott and Tonya McNeil from the Chrysalis Project. The organization helps high school girls prepare for college and beyond through mentoring, hands-on projects, and educational and cultural experiences throughout the year. Monthly meetings focus on practical life skills, encouragement, and personal growth.
The program is free to participants, supported by generous donations, fundraising, and grants, and includes requirements to help ensure each participant understands the material.
Pictured below are Leana and Tonya receiving the club’s donation with President Julie Murphy.
For more information please follow this link. https://chrysalisprojectinc.com/

At our lunch meeting on Wednesday, May 13, we were pleased to induct Margaret Caprio Blanco into the Fanwood-Scotch Plai...
05/18/2026

At our lunch meeting on Wednesday, May 13, we were pleased to induct Margaret Caprio Blanco into the Fanwood-Scotch Plains Rotary Club. We were also pleased to welcome back John Campbell, who was re-inducted after several years away from the club. Please join us in warmly welcoming Margaret and John. With their addition, our club membership now stands at 56.

92 residents signed the mental health Stigma-free pledge in front of the Scotch Plains Town Hall as part of Rotary’s pr...
05/16/2026

92 residents signed the mental health Stigma-free pledge in front of the Scotch Plains Town Hall as part of Rotary’s program to highlight National Mental Health Awareness Month. Over 1275 pledges have been signed to date. We gave away several Paint The Town Green signs and 30 lightbulbs to residents to complement the business effort of having their storefronts painted green with ribbons, hearts, and inspirational sayings.

To learn more about the Stigma-free Pledge, please visit: fsprotary.org/page/stigma-free-communities/

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Scotch Plains, NJ
07076

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