The Peddler’s Fair sponsored by The Rotary Club of Oakland & Franklin Lakes, and held on the grounds of the Korean Presbyterian Church, was a big success for both patrons and vendors who enjoyed a perfect autumn day. Over 55 vendors, artisans and crafters showed off their wares to residents and passersbys driving down route 202. Their was a little something for everyone with jewelry, crafts, and artwork mixed in with more practical items like Tupperware and clothes.
The final numbers on how financially successful the fair was as a fundraiser for The Rotary Club won’t be in for another week, but the fair is always an appreciated service for the community. Browsing is free, and one never knows if a bargain or a treasure might be found. It was that sensibility that packed the parking lots of the church. Folks of all ages, from seniors, to singles, to families strolled through the crisp autumn air munching a zeppoli, eyeing the toys, or trying on a necklace. There were decorative items for the home, lamps, rugs, and wind chimes, and also some antique furniture.
The popularity of the Antique Roadshow has made antiquing “cool”, and at the meeting following this Saturday’s fair the Rotarians discussed adding an Antique Fair to their schedule of fundraising events. The club also acknowledged the great assistance of the town’s DPW crew in helping to set up, and take down, the fair grounds so church goers on Sunday would not be inconvenienced.
Many people have heard of The Rotary Club, but not so many are aware of who they actually are. The confusion ranges from being a Rosary Club to a singing club; neither would be correct, although there is some singing. The Rotary Club was founded in Chicago in 1905, formed a national association by 1910, and by 1911 had spread across the pond to Dublin, Ireland. The founder, Paul Harris, began meeting with three friends weekly and today there are more than 1.2 million members in over 200 countries.
A secular organization open to all persons regardless of race, color or creed, Rotarians are business and professional leaders who provide humanitarian service, promote high ethical standards, and help build goodwill around the world. Members belong to local Rotary Clubs which support their own specific projects, but their international organization allows them to take on massive humanitarian projects.
One well known example would be the eradication of polio which began in 1917 with $26.50 raised toward the effort. Polio now exists in only four countries in the world today: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and Nigeria. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has recently given one hundred million dollars to Rotary International, with Rotarians expected to match that amount. In the last 15 years, Rotary has donated more than $600 million to fight polio, along with innumerable hours of volunteer work.
Locally, Rotarians have been working to fund pediatric heart surgery for children the world over. Beneficiaries have come from the Philippines, the Ukraine, and South America; and plans are in place for a mission to operate on children in Vietnam. Many of the members of the Oakland & Franklin Lakes Club have been around long enough to see these children grow into young adulthood, and apparently that is their greatest reward: “Service above Self”.
Rotary International offers members, especially retired folk with time to travel, the ability to get a more intimate experience when visiting other countries. Local members in our area report how enriching it is to travel the world over and visit other Rotary Clubs; share their common values and and experience their different cultures. One of the goals of The Rotary is to advance, “goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship”; towards that end The Rotary Group Study Exchange gives international experience to young professionals so they can learn about other cultures.
The Oakland & Franklin Lakes Rotary Club meets every Tuesday evening in the “old” Portobello’s in Oakland at 6:30pm. They share a sit down meal, and yes they do sing one song, which changes, in the beginning. Those shy about not being able to sing well can compensate by singing loudly. Readers are also welcome to check out The Journal’s article on the Anniversary & Fundraiser held by Rotarian Steve Hansil.
Below are two videos that give some history and some overview to Rotarians today. The first highlights their efforts towards international cooperation. The second video is a tribute to Paul Harris and employs some impressive special effects on a radio show that was broadcast worldwide. Being a radio show, it was not filmed, so special effects were used to create a documentary effect.
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Very nice article!! Thanks