[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 49 (Friday, April 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E452-E453]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE ROTARY CLUB OF MADISON'S 90TH ANNIVERSARY

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                      HON. RODNEY P. FRELINGHUYSEN

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 12, 2013

  Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rotary Club 
of Madison, located in Madison, New Jersey, which is celebrating its 
90th anniversary.
  The Rotary Club of Madison is a branch of the worldwide network of 
Rotaries, which inspire individuals to transform their passions into 
relevant social causes to improve lives in communities. The first 
Rotary Club in the world was organized in Chicago, Illinois in 1905 by 
Paul P. Harris, a young lawyer. He gathered together a group of men, 
each from a different sphere of public service, to form the first club. 
The club would rotate their meeting place between the places of 
business of the members, which suggested the name ``Rotary.'' These men 
met with the goal of developing fellowship and understanding among 
businesses and professionals in the community, promoting improvement of 
the community through high ethical standards in occupational practice, 
and the advancement of international understanding, goodwill, and 
peace. These ideals of thoughtfulness and helpfulness to others are the 
same that are held fast by the nearly 33 thousand Rotary Clubs, with 
over 1.2 million members, that exist today.
  The Madison Rotary is among these clubs that carry on the proud 
tradition. In the early

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1920s, citizens of Madison began to take note of the vibrant qualities 
of Rotary as demonstrated elsewhere. The ideals of ``Service above 
Self,'' ``He profits most who serves best,'' and the fellowship and joy 
that comes from going beyond the daily routine of life to help others, 
greatly appealed to them. The testimonies of members of other Rotary 
Clubs, as well as Madison residents who witnessed other Rotaries in 
action, encouraged W. Kelton ``Kelly'' Evens to write to Same Clarke of 
the Morristown Club asking for sponsorship. Morristown agreed, and 
commissioned Wilber Day of Day's Restaurant, a Morristown landmark, to 
arrange the sponsorship. Day worked with Preston Borroughs, who, in 
January 1923, gathered interested business and professional men at the 
Ridgedale Inn for discussion. After further followup meetings, 
Borroughs confirmed to Day in March that the group was prepared. With 
Day as the liaison for the charter arrangements with the Governor of 
the 36th District, the Rotary Club of Madison held its Charter Night on 
May 24, 1923 in the Refectory of Drew University. Wilbur F. Day 
presided and read the names of the new charter members, while the 
District Governor Lion L. Woodward presented the charter to Joseph F. 
Ruzicka, the first President of the Rotary Club of Madison.
  Throughout its 90 years, the club has assisted people in need in the 
community and internationally. Currently, the club donates 
approximately $50,000 annually to non-profit organizations and local 
initiatives. The Madison Rotary is active in the community, working on 
local projects, including maintaining gardens for seniors and the 
library grounds, participating in Bottle Hill Day, distributing 
dictionaries to grade school children, and sponsoring the annual Taste 
of Madison and the Rotary Family Festival. They have also supported 
Rotary projects worldwide. The Madison Club boasts 86 talented and 
accomplished men and women dedicated to the core values of Rotary: 
Service, Fellowship, Diversity, Integrity, and Leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating 
the Rotary Club of Madison as they celebrate their 90th anniversary.

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