Paterson Rotary Club

"Rotary Brings Hope" was the International theme for the year, by Rotary International President M. A. T. Caparas of the Philippines, and our District Governor Art Scialla had as his District theme for the year "Focus on Youth. In one of the most active years in the history of our District, Governor Art truly put his District theme into action as he placed a very dedicated new emphasis on the youth programs of the District; at the same time he provided outstanding leadership for the other activities of the District.

For this active year Governor Art selected a fine supporting staff to include Bill Gates as his Chief Rep, Rev. Ray Salim as his Secretary, and Phil Shore as his Treasurer.

Under the chairmanship of Roger Anderson, the Interact program grew from one club to over a dozen, and this growth created the foundation for the further growth over the years for a program that now has over 40 clubs and 3000 members.

The year saw the increased emphasis on the Youth Exchange program, chaired by Jeff Wells, with eighteen outbound students and eighteen in board students involved in a very active program for the year.

Under the chairmanship of Don Terrace, Governor Art started a District RYLA program. This program has developed into a very successful program, which now serves over one hundred students each year.

The other activities of the District included, a successful President's Ball, which was held at the Westmont Country Club; there were 975 people in attendance. The annual New Jersey Vocational Assembly was held at the Birchwood Manor and was hosted by our District. The District Conference that year was also a very successful event being held at the Princess Hotel in Bermuda with a registration of 670 people and with Representation by 47 out of the 49 clubs in the District at that time.

A very noteworthy added highlight of Governor Art's year was the first half of the twooyear Rotary International campaign, which raised over $700,000, or twice our District goal, for the Polio Plus Campaign. Also a most important highlight of the year was thedecison by Governor Art to make our District part of the wonderful program of the "Gift of Life", which has become a major program of our District.

The Rotary International Convention was held in Munich, Germany, which included a year that was fast paced and exciting with many outstanding accomplishments. It was by far one of the most active years of our District.

Questions or looking for more information please contact district7490rotary@gmail.com

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