History of the Rotary Club of As

History of the Rotary Club of Asbury Park

Back to the 1980's The 1990's To the 2000's

Rev. Vern Matthews (1990-91) led the club into the nineties with the induction of the first women members into the Rotary Club of Asbury Park -- Betty Ericksen, Eileen Sheridan, and Susan Sovwo. An outstanding Holiday Party was held at the home of Bill and Pat Adams with Keith Olson emcee the events. Other wonderful holiday parties, before this, were hosted by Charlie and Ethyl Gspann as well as Joan and Keith Olson.

During Hunt Parry's (1991-92) term and with his knowledgeable support, the Holiday Party continued to gain popularity as Lois and Steve Carton opened their beautiful lakeside home to the Club's revelers.

Dr. Lorenzo W. "Rennie" Harris (1992-93) Mowed with attempts to clarify the Club's function m the Four Avenues of Service. He tried to reintroduce Club singing. Although the "Celebration Singers"' concert was a Club fund raiser since Al Beemer started it in 1988, their talent didn't rub off on the members. Working with the Salvation Army, the Club assisted the victims of Hurricane Andrew by sending trailer loads of food to Florida. Keith Mon had become well-versed in orchestrating the major social events of the year whether at home with his wife, Joan, or pool side at the Bennett's cocktail parties. Former member Bill Hutzley, with wife Patty, hosted the 1992 Holiday Party.

Gene Kirsch died after an extended illness and President "Rennie" delivered a compassionate and loving eulogy.

William "Bill" Folk (1993-94) introduced improved budgetary procedures, insuring that the Club would be operating on a sound basis. Former President Mike Fornino immediately summoned all clubs in the new Rotary District 7510 to contribute $200 to the Edison Rotary Club to assist the victims of the Durham Woods Apartment complex gas explosion. This commitment raised $8,000 for a summer camp outing for over 40 children displaced by the tragedy.

The 1993 Holiday Party was held at the family home of former President Hunt Parry and featured Jim Jeffries' unforgettable "This Is Your Life" production of Bob Hope's South Sea Adventure.

It should be noted that when the Club adopted a project, made a financial contribution or engaged in an activity, the successor administrations continued to support many of these commitments. This history does not repeat the many accomplishments that the Club has continued to support on an "on-going" annual basis.

As we enjoy this seventy-fifth anniversary year, our Club's leadership has been entrusted to Rev. Albert L. "Al" Beemer (1994-95) and his administration. Rotary International now has 1,189,363 members in 26,917 clubs, with 502 districts in 150 countries, covering 35 geographical areas. The Rotary PolioPlus Fund, to immunize all the children of the Third World, has raised over 324 million dollars and is well on the way to accomplishing one of the world's most outstanding humanitarian projects. The goal is set for the year 2005, Rotary's 100th Anniversary.

This program, together with all other programs of Rotary International and the numerous projects in the various districts and individual clubs, makes all of us proud to be part of the Rotary legacy.

(Later 1990's need to be added)

Back to the 1980's The 1990's To the 2000's

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