Rotary Club to Honor Community Leaders

The Rotary Club of Monroe will be honoring community, student and adult leaders at its annual Service Above Self Awards Breakfast on May 23 at 7:30 a.m. at Whitney Farms Golf Course.

The event, which has become a valued tradition with the club's members and the entire town, will recognize students from St. Jude School, Jockey Hollow Middle School, Masuk High School and adult honorees. The club selects non-members who demonstrate Rotary International's motto: "Service Above Self.” Club members will be waiting on their guests that morning as they serve breakfast and work for "tips."

This year's honorees are the entire Monroe Volunteer Emergency Medical Service Squad, educator Bruce Lazar and business leader John Kimball. The roster of student winners, ranging from grades seven through 12, will be announced at the event.

"This year our club chose to honor the Volunteer EMS team in its entirety to recognize and thank them for their ongoing sacrifice and service to Monroe," said Club President Robert Zalinger. Monroe’s volunteers complete nearly 1,400 emergency runs each year.

Past President Jesse Treviño explained the criteria for adult honoree selections. "We look for people who go beyond their careers and job descriptions to give back and make our town a better place to live. We want to say thanks for living the Rotary Club motto to those who are not members of our club."

Bruce Lazar has served as a teacher and administrator in Monroe Public Schools for 21 years. His role changed dramatically after December 14, 2012 when we was called upon to help ensure the smooth conversion of the Chalk Hill school building to become the temporary home of Sandy Hook Elementary School. His promotion to Principal of Stepney Elementary School is effective July 1, 2013.

John Kimball, President of Kimball Group, has worked to help Monroe by sharing his professional expertise in real estate development as a former member of the Water Pollution Control Board. He also serves as a director of the Chamber of Commerce and a coordinator for Boy Scout troop 63.

There is no charge for the event and honorees are encouraged to invite families, friends and co-workers. Those attending are encouraged to tip their servers, with all proceeds used to support the Rotary Club’s ongoing work in the community and around the world.

Guests are asked to RSVP by May 21 at http://rotaryclubmonroesasawards.eventbrite.com. Questions can be directed to Club President-Elect Bill Florin via email to BillFlorin@yahoo.com or by phone to (203) 683-7434.