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Club Information
Welcome to Our Club!
Washington

Service Above Self

We meet In Person
Mondays at 6:15 p.m.
VFW
33 Springtown Rd
Washington, NJ 07882
United States of America
Second and fourth Mondays of the month.
Home Page Stories

Washington Rotary Raffle 

 
The Washington Rotary Club is having its 50/50 annual Raffle on November 16th, 2020 @ 6:30 PM.  A maximum of 350 tickets will be sold for $100 each.  Don't miss out on the opportunity because there are 10 prizes that you might win!  See the ticket below for exact percentages.  Grand Prize drawn will win 30%.  Proceeds are used to support our many Community projects. See the list of projects below that your contributions have helped support.  There will be no public invited this year because of COVID-19 restrictions.
 
Hurry because tickets won't last! 
Call Carole Ann for tickets now 1-908-310-2983.
 
 
Washington Rotary has helped our community in the following:
 
Donated to Warren Hills Robotics Club to help produce face shields during COVID
A`Annual College Scholarships Awarded
Monthly Bingo at Warren Haven Nursing Home 
Assist in Washington Celebrates America
High School Recognition Awards - 6 a year
Supports the Rotary Foundation
Supports the Gift of Life Foundation
Supports Polio Plus Program
High School Short Term Exchange Program
High School Long Term Exchange Program
Holiday Gift Cards for the Senior Citizens at a Christmas Party
Supports Hurricane Relief
Supports the USO and other Veteran's Programs
Support Local Food Pantry
Supports the Abilities of Northwestern Jersey
Annual Charity Raffle - November $100 Ticket
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Applebee's
Funnel Cake State at the WCFF
Cook hamburgers and hot dogs at National Night Out
Sponsor Frying Pan Throwing Contest at WCFF
Support the High School Beater Board Game
Repairs and Clean up at Camp Warren
3rd Grade Dictionary Project - over 700 dictionary annually
End Hunger - meals prepared and packaged
Support other area clubs Corks and Forks, Golf Outings, etc.
Provide street signs for Washington Borough and Washington Township
Assist community in times of disaster - storms
Meals to elderly, clothes for fire victims, etc.
Assist Schools - families in need as advised
Support Habitat for Humanity
Supports Whispers from Angels with Holiday cards for children
Supports Family Guidance
Supports the ARC of Warren
 
 
 
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Washington Rotary Club Donates $1,350 to Support Abilities of Northwest Jersey

(Left to Right:  Mike Warring, Bob Pensaniello, Cindy Wildermuth, Ed Sharpless, Mike Taeschler, 
 
The Washington Rotary Club donated $1,350 to Abilities of Northwest Jersey in support of their updated flooring and mulch expense.  Abilities provides an invaluable support to qualified community members including employment and support services.    Click here for more details.  https://www.abilitiesnw.com/ The pandemic situation had a tremendous impact on businesses such as this one.  Aside from providing some financial relief, several Rotary Club Members have volunteered their time and energy in helping spread the mulch and maintain the Abilities' landscape.  Enjoy these photos.
 
Mike Taeschler
 
Ed Sharpless (green T-shirt), Bob Pesaniello (blue T-Shirt), Mike Taeschler (black T-shirt)
 
 
Bob Pesaniello
 
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The Washington Rotary Club Announces The Recipients of the 2020 Scholarship Awards

 
The Washington Rotary Club is proud to announce this year's Warren County Technical School Scholarship Award Recipients.  Each student will receive a check in the amount of $1,000.  There were many strong applicants from Warren County Technical School and we are proud of all your achievements. These two students rose above the rest and showed a deep desire to serve their communities, along with excellence in their academics.
 
 
Jayden Battle has been working at the YMCA for the last three years.  According to his Law & Public Safety Instructor, Mr. Robert Wheatley, he is a positive role model to his peers and very competitive in athletics.  Jayden will be attending Warren County Community College in the Fall 2020 in pursuit of a degree in education.
 
 
Natalee Segreaves is a student of Health Science and the recipient of this year's R. Jeffrey Strunk $1,000 Scholarship Award. Her instructor, Mrs. Maria Tamburro, says that she demonstrates the highest academic excellence and shows a desire to help others.  Natalee loves animals and has been a competitive rider for Top Notch Equestrian Team for many years where she placed first.  Her warmth, compassion, and dedication to her studies will make her a perfect candidate in today's healthcare system.
 
Congratulations to all for your accomplishments!  We wish you the best in your future endeavors.
 
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Washington Rotary Supports The Robotics Team In Making Valuable PPE

 
 
 
The Washington Rotary Club donates $1,000 to fund the Warren Hills Regional High School’s Robotic Team.  With leadership from high school instructor Daryl Detrick and partnership from Mount Olive, 
 
valuable face shields were 3D printed, assembled, and distributed to assist First Responders and the medical community during this COVID-19 pandemic.  This collaboration of Warren Hills with Mount Olive
 
teachers constructed over 26,000 pieces of much needed personal protective equipment to prevent the spread of COVID-19.  We are so humbled and proud to support these wonderful efforts that impact our
 
communities.  Click on the link below to read the full article.
 
 
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Congratulations to Nicole Kilhullen and Victoria Carucci

 
(From Left to Right:  Mr. Daryl Detrick, Nicole Kilhullen, Mr. Christopher Kavcak)
 
The Washington Rotary Club is proud to award Nicole Kilhullen, student from Warren Hills Regional High School, with a Student Recognition Award of $100.  She was nominated by her teacher Mr. Daryl Detrick.  Mr. Detrick states, "Nicole is an outstanding young lady who has shown tremendous growth as she progressed through high school.  She has taken four computer science classes and is very involved with the Computer Science Club (CS@WH).  She has helped lead Girls Coding With Girls and Coding With Kids, two activities that allow high school students to teach and inspire younger kids.  Nicole is currently working with another student to create a digital lending library in which CS@WH will loan classroom sets of robotics and other digital devices to local elementary schools.  The high school students will teach the teacher and students how to use the devices and then leave them for a month for the class to continue to use.  
 
( Above:  Nicole Kilhullen with parents after receiving her award.)
 
(From Left to Right:  Ed Sharpless, Victoria Carucci, Elden Mills).
 
Congratulations to Warren County Technical School's junior student of Cosmetology, Victoria Carucci.  Victoria was nominated for this $100 Student Recognition Award by her Cosmetology Instructor, Mrs. Tina Giraldi.  Mrs. Giraldi states, "student is doing great excelling on the clinic floor and has started doing her own clients.  Victoria is responsible, kind, and a hard worker in everything that she tackles in her day, while consistently maintaining excellent grades in her career and academic classes.  Although she does not seem outgoing she is always there to support and help others.  She is a member of the Cross Country team, Cheerleading squad, Key Club and a participant in Skills USA competition (Cosmetology Knowledge Bowl).  In key club she participated with Grow a Row, She supports animal charities and the animal shelters, because all animals deserve love and a home."
 
(From Left to Right:  Mr. Eugene Carucci, Ms. Gianna Carucci, Victoria Carucci, Mrs. Michelle Carucci, Nicholas Carucci)
 
(From Left to Right:  Mrs. Tina Giraldi, Victoria Carucci, Mr. John Mylecraine)
 
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Congratulations to Warren Hill Regional High School's Scholarship Recipient

(Pictured from left to right:  Ed Sharpless, Georgina Tamburro, and Elden Mills)
 
The Washington Rotary Club would like to congratulate Ms. Georgina Tamburro for her wonderful efforts through her first year at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ.  Georgina is a high school graduate of Warren Hills Regional High School that was the recipient of one of the four $1,000 scholarships endowed by the Rotary Club.  She demonstrates qualities of charity, compassion, community spirit, and a strong academic background as she completes her engineering program.  
 
The Rotary Club has invited Georgina and her family for dinner at our weekly Monday evening meeting at the VFW.  We can't wait to see what the future holds for you and are very happy to see such special talent in our community.
 
Any students from Warren Hills Regional High School or Warren County Technical School that are graduating this school year, 2019-2020, are invited to apply for the Rotary Scholarship.  Please contact your guidance counselors for more information.
 
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Washington Rotary Club Recognizes Outstanding High School Students

 
(Patrick Lilly, Ed Sharpless, Summer Hoover, Diana Mai
Congratulations to Summer Hoover who is a Warren County Technical School student enrolled in Culinary Arts.  Her teacher, Mr. Patrick Lilly, has nominated her for this award.  Mr. Lilly says, "Student was nominated because this student is a natural leader.  He can count on her in the kitchen.  She is kind, and patient and can handle the most difficult peers while cooking."  Summer is a dedicated Sunday School teacher at the Trinity United Methodist Church since 2017.  She has worked through the Caravan of Hope in Hackettstown and loves to help the homeless.  She plans on attending the Culinary Institute of America and dreams of working for Epcot in Disney one day.
 
(Ed Sharpless, Gretchen Fix, Principal Kavcak)
 
Congratulations to Gretchen Fix, a student from Warren Hills Regional High School.  Gretchen was nominated by her computer teacher, Mr. Daryl Detrick, for her outstanding character and performance.  Mr. Detrick says, "Gretchen is a caring, friendly, and empathetic young lady who is willing to help others.  She is intelligent, hard-working, and very inquisitive who sees things from other people's perspective.  Gretchen is always willing to volunteer when there is a need.  She is an outstanding young lady with a great personality."  Gretchen might consider joining the military and wants to get her EMT certification.
 
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Washington Rotary Raffle November 18th, 2019

 
The Washington Rotary Club is having its big annual Raffle on Monday, November 18th, 2019 @ 6:30 PM at the VFW in Washington.  A maximum of 350 tickets will be sold for $100 each.  Don't miss out on the opportunity because there are 10 prizes that you might win!  See the ticket below for exact percentages.  Grand Prize drawn will win 30%.  Dinner will be provided for each ticket holder.  Come and watch as each and every ticket is drawn!  
 
Hurry because tickets won't last! 
Call Carole Ann for tickets now 1-908-310-2983
or use this link
 
 
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Dictionary Program 2019

 
​​​​​​
Port Colden School 
 
The Washington Rotary Club has successfully distributed dictionaries to our local 3rd grades from Oxford, Memorial, Franklin Township, Mansfield Township, and Port Colden Elementary Schools.  These efforts were spearheaded initially by our beloved Rotarian Jeff Strunk and has continued to grow and expand.  This educational tool helps us ensure that these children grow and learn to meet their future goals.  They also learned about our Rotary Club and that Rotarians are "People of Action."  
 
 
 
 
Congratulations the 2019 Funnel Cake Booth's 50/50 Winner
 
 
Congratulations to the 50/50 Winners.  Washington Rotary Club represented by Mike Taeschler (right), awarded $1,500 to these winners.  We appreciate your support!
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Image result for Warren County New Jersey Fair 2019
 
                             The Washington Rotary Members are People of Action.  Members worked at the Warren County Fair selling funnel cakes and raffle. 
 
 
Frying pan throwing contest winners shown above.
 
 
Tammy, Mike, and Agatha (left to right) working the Funnel Cake Booth at the Warren County Farmer's Fair 2019.
 
Funds raised will support our community in the following:
 
Annual College Scholarships Awarded
Monthly Bingo at Warren Haven Nursing Home 
Assist in Washington Celebrates America
High School Recognition Awards - 6 a year
Supports the Rotary Foundation
Supports the Gift of Life Foundation
Supports Polio Plus Program
High School Short Term Exchange Program
High School Long Term Exchange Program
Holiday Gift Cards for the Senior Citizens at a Christmas Party
Supports Hurricane Relief
Supports the USO and other Veteran's Programs
Support Local Food Pantry
Supports the Abilities of Northwestern Jersey
Annual Charity Raffle - November $100 Ticket
Breakfast with the Easter Bunny at Applebee's
Funnel Cake State at the WCFF
Cook hamburgers and hot dogs at National Night Out
Sponsor Frying Pan Throwing Contest at WCFF
Support the High School Beater Board Game
Repairs and Clean up at Camp Warren
3rd Grade Dictionary Project - over 700 dictionary annually
End Hunger - meals prepared and packaged
Support other area clubs Corks and Forks, Golf Outings, etc.
Provide street signs for Washington Borough and Washington Township
Assist community in times of disaster - storms
Meals to elderly, clothes for fire victims, etc.
Assist Schools - families in need as advised
Support Habitat for Humanity
Supports Whispers from Angels with Holiday cards for children
Supports Family Guidance
Supports the ARC of Warren
 
 

National Night Out 2019

 
(From left to right:  Sam McCathern, Rich Maguire, Angela Russo, DJ Pisanello, Carole Ann Sarson, Carmela Tamburro, Maria Tamburro, Bob Pisanello, Dave Dean, and Nita Dean)
 
The Washington Rotary Club of New Jersey supports the Washington Police Department and the National Association for Town Watch in this community event.  Families from the Washington Borough, Washington Township, and Oxford Township were invited to join in the festivities at the Meadow Breeze Park.  This day promoted stronger relationships with police-community partnerships.  The spirit of unity was felt in this family-fun filled evening.  
 
The Washington Rotary Club worked the hot dogs and burger station and provided free meals.  The turnout today was record-breaking and the weather was perfect!  
 
 

Congratulations High School Seniors

 
 
(From Left to Right:  Hunter Gilberti, Georgina Tamburro, and Elden Mills)
 
 
Each year, the Washington Rotary Club selects two graduating seniors  from both Warren County Technical School and Warren Hills Regional High School, to receive a scholarship award.  There were many wonderful applications reviewed by our committee members and we are so humbled and proud of the abundant talents and selfless acts of these young adults.   Two promising students from Warren Hills Regional High School that are passionate about helping others while serving their communities in various activities, received this award on June 5th, 2019.  Hunter Gilberti is the recipient of  a $1,000 Dr. Frank Bartolini Award.  Gina Tamburro is the recipient of a $1,000  Sin Barron Award.  We are so humbled by the good works that you have demonstrated throughout your high school years and wish you all the best in your future endeavors.
 
 
Congratulations to Briana Villegas and Joseph Stolte from Warren County Technical School.
 
 
 
 
Briana Villegas (above) will be pursuing a nursing degree from Warren County Community College.  She will complete her Associates Arts in Science Degree then sit for her New Jersey Board Exam to obtain a Registered Nurse license.
 
 
Joseph Stolte (above) will be continuing his studies in automotive technologies at Lincoln Technical Institute.  Each recipient received $1,000 for their hard work and dedication.  Keep up the great work!
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Student Recognition Award Ceremony 5/13/19

 
 The Washington Rotary Club recognized two local high school students for their significant service to the community.  We would like to nurture and encourage the continued acts of selflessness where they grow
and become the heart of our community.  Family members, administrators, and nominating faculty were invited to join us for a celebratory dinner.  
 
Ms. Emily Gilligan from Warren Hills Regional High School
 
 
Emily was nominated by Mrs. Lisa Pysher.  She states "Emily is the whole package of what you see from students. She is highly motivated earning top grades in her classes and is very active in the school community.  Emily has the personality which goes along with motivation and involvement and truly wants to make a difference.  She is polite, kind and respectful and treats others better than expected."  Emily is involved in Drama Club, School Musical, Concert Choir, and Best Buddies.
 
Ms. Allison Ross from Warren County Technical School
 
 
Allison Ross was nominated by her coach, Mr. Ray Gara shown here to the far right.  Mr. Gara states, "Allison has been on the cross-country team for the last two years and is now the team captain.  She is a good leader and a pleasure to work with on the team.  Allison is the Chief of Police Explorer's and volunteered at Corks and Forks in Phillipsburg.  After graduation, she plans on attending a four year university for Criminal Justice.  Allison's dream job is to be a police officer.
 
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Ending Hunger Campaign at Raritan Valley Community College 2019

 
 
Members of the Washington Rotary Club joined forces with the Rotary Club of Branchburg and other community members at Raritan Valley Community College to help end hunger.  Boxes of nonperishable foods were packaged
in an assembly line fashion, then boxed to be transported to local families in need of nutrition.  This year our goal was to help package enough meals that will feed 90,000 people.  The Washington Rotary Club worked diligently to package meals that will reach 4,104 people.  We are so blessed and thankful to be a part of this outreach program that helps meet nutritional needs of people.  As Rotary Members, we choose Service before Self!
 
 
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Flapjacks and Easter Bunny Fund-Raiser at Applebee's

 
The Washington Rotary Club hosted a pancake breakfast fund-raiser at the Phillipsburg Applebee's.   Family, friends, and community members came to enjoy a wonderful meal along with the beautiful spring weather.
Miller-Keystone set up a blood drive outside to help replenish much needed tissue for donation.  And just when we thought nothing could make this morning better, the Easter Bunny took time off and paid all the guests a special visit.  Thank you for all who participated and helped support this worthy cause.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Easter Bunny Breakfast at Applebee's

April 7th, 2019 from 8AM - 10AM
$12/adult and $6/ child 12 and younger
Come support our local Washington Rotary Club
Tickets can be purchased at door.
 

Happy 150th Anniversary Washington Borough!

 
 
Washington Borough is celebrating  its 150th Anniversary.  Take a look at the banners from all sponsors that have been installed along Washington Avenue.  The Washington Rotary Club's banner is displayed next to Gibson's Gym.  For more information on the Washington Borough Business Improvement District, go to www.washingtonbid.org
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Student Awards January 28th, 2019

 
Double click on link below to see photo album.
 
 
 
Pictured above (from left to right) is Scott Meshulam, Hunter Gilberti, Garrett Szabanos, and D.J. Pesaniello.  Students from Warren Hills Regional High School (WHRH) and Warren County Technical School (WCTS) were awarded with a Student Recognition Award during our meeting.  The Rotary Club of Washington is very proud of these young community members and the selfless works they do in putting others first.
 
Hunter Gilberti was nominated by his Introduction to Mythology and English teacher at WHRH, Ms. Wight.  Hunter has served for Hope In the Hills where he helped renovate homes for the sick, elderly, and economically disadvantaged people.  He participated in the Human Rights Club for four years, and bagged for charity which supported Healthy Options Today & Tomorrow.  He is a four year member of the Key Club and helped raise money for the Salvation Army by ringing the bell at ShopRite.  
 
Garrett Szabanos was nominated by Gary Colucci (WCTS), Director of Curriculum and Athletic Director.  He is very helpful around the school and does stats for the Girls basketball team.  This month alone he helped bring in and unbox equipment for the fitness center and assembled the new rower and bike.  He helped run the snack stand for the last few games.  He participates in Cross Country and Baseball and has been a member for Building Trades Shop for the last three years.  After graduation, he plans to join the Air Force Reserves.  He would like to either be a contractor or attend college and become an architect.
 

The Rotary Club is very proud and we wish you both the best! 

 
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Student Awards

 
 
Above (left to right) is Lawrence Menegus and Ed Sharpless.  Larry is an honors student at Warren County Technical School.  We are most proud of his work with the geriatric residents at Clover Rest Home and his support through the Knight's of Columbus.  Larry also volunteers with Peer-to-Peer and Key Club.  He has aspirations of becoming a nurse or physician's assistant.  With his selfless characteristics, he is well on his way. Congratulations to Lawrence Menegus for your outstanding work! 
 
"I would like to thank you all for honoring me at your Washington Rotary Club's High School Student Recognition Ceremony.  I am honored that you chose me.  My family and I thoroughly enjoyed the awards dinner and meeting all of you.  It was great to know what your organization does and all the services you provide to the community."
 
 
Matthew Moreno is an outstanding student from Warren Hills Regional High School.  We are so impressed that he is an aspiring U.S. Marine.  Above see (left to right), Ed. Sharpless, Matthew Moreno, Principal Kavcak, and Elden Mills.  
 
 
Matthew Moreno is pictured above with his U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corp, Travis Manion Battalion, laying wreaths on Veteran grave sites during Wreaths Across America on 12/15/18.  We could not be prouder of Matthew and wish his the best in his future endeavors.
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Senior Center Gift Cards

 
 

The Washington Rotary Club shared holiday cheer for the holidays of 2018!  Gift Cards, in the amount of $4,000, were distributed to help during these holidays.  It is a way of helping out the elderly of our community and bringing them Christmas cheer.  In addition, Gift Cards were distributed to some of the home bound that were not present.  Jeff Strunk started this program several years ago, and we are continuing these efforts with the same spirit of giving and sharing .  Dave Werkheiser was shown here as the DJ for this celebration.  Tammy, Carole, DJ, and Gary (Santa Claus) were instrumental in the continued success of this program.  We wish you all a happy and safe holiday season!

See the photo slide show by clicking here.

Read below what the grateful recipients of these gift cards had to say.

"It was a real surprise and so unexpected.  I thank you all for your kindness."

"Rotary Members, Our hearts are uplifted by your kindness.  Thank you for the gift cards to ShopRite. Very much appreciated."

"Just to let you know how wonderful you made our Christmas party at the Senior Center." 

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Induction of New Rotarian

 
On October 22nd, 2018, the Washington Rotary Club was proud to induct our newest member Bret Haas.  Bret is a loving husband and father of three beautiful children ages two, three, and eight years.  He is the manager of the Washington One Stop and loves to serve the Washington community with honor, service, and truthfulness.  His favorite pastime is bowling and spending quality time with family and friends.  We are thrilled to have someone like Bret join our group.
 
Below see Bret Haas and his beautiful wife.
 
 
Welcome!
 
 

Dictionary Program 2018

Richard Maguire of the Washington Rotary Club, was the first to spearhead the dictionary program for our local 3rd graders from the Warren Hills school district.  The Washington Rotary Club distributed more than 6,000 dictionaries to 3rd graders since we started in 2001.  To date, Rotary Clubs nationally have distributed over 17 million dictionaries to children throughout the US.

 
The face of our Dictionary Program is R. J Strunk (Jeff) shown above, as he enthusiastically speaks to 3rd graders.  
Carole, Tammy, Jeff and Bob are shown above.
 
Dictionaries were awarded to 3rd graders from Mansfield Twp Elementary, Washington Twp Elementary, Memorial School (Washington Boro), Franklin Twp Elementary, Oxford Elementary, and Good Shepard Christian Academy.  We are especially thankful to Carole Sarson for her exceptional work in coordinating the Dictionary Program this year. 
 
 
 
 
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Annual Rossi Festival of Trees 2018

The Washington Rotary Club members celebrate the annual Rossi Festival of Trees.  These efforts helps support Abilities of Northwest Jersey Inc and Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DASAAC) organizations.  The club was eager and proud to sponsor the event with the Rotary themed tree. 
 
Wishing you a happy and peaceful holiday season!
 
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