ENGLEWOOD, N.J.—The Rotary Club of Englewood on March 20 hosted a memorable evening at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, celebrating four remarkable community leaders: Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur, Sheriff Anthony Cureton, Englewood Police Chief Thomas Greeley, and Englewood Deputy Police Chief Matthew de la Rosa. These honorees embody the Rotary’s core mission of “Service Above Self,” dedicating their lives to making a profound impact on their community.
The event, attended by 115 members and guests, was organized by Gala Chair Janet Sharma, with support from President Janet Pagan and President-elect Walter Young. It was a night filled with camaraderie, gratitude, and recognition, as several elected officials and community leaders came together to honor the evening’s honorees.
Among the attendees were Senator Gordon Johnson, Assemblywomen Shama Haider and Ellen Park, Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes, and many other influential figures from across the region. The evening provided a wonderful mix of celebration and reflection on the power of community service.
Award-winning television news anchor Harry Martin served as Master of Ceremonies, and live music from Damien D’Original Gauch set the festive tone for the evening. Guests enjoyed a sumptuous buffet dinner and had the opportunity to participate in a 50/50 raffle, all while honoring the incredible contributions of the evening’s honorees.
The evening commenced with opening remarks from Gala Committee Chair Janet Sharma, President Janet Pagan, District Governor Scott Reddin, and Mayor Michael Wildes. Pagan spoke passionately about the ongoing work of Rotary, emphasizing the organization’s unwavering commitment to fostering peace, addressing public health challenges, providing access to clean water, advancing education, and promoting local economic growth.
The gala also recognized Robert Tedesco, Past District Governor, and the first Dean of the District 7255 College of Governors, with a prestigious President’s Award. In addition to the awards for the community leaders, the event celebrated the SAORI Project, a collaboration that resulted in a stunning 20-foot tapestry, created by 200 participants at eight outdoor citywide events. Diane Jansen was honored for her leadership in the project, which was showcased prominently during the event.
Six new members were inducted into the Rotary Club of Englewood, including Englewood Councilman Kevin Wilson. Resolutions from the Englewood City Council, the NJ State Legislature, and the office of the Mayor of Englewood were presented to the honorees, recognizing their significant contributions to the community.
As the evening drew to a close, Harry Martin reflected on the global impact of Rotary’s work and announced that all proceeds from the gala would go toward supporting Rotary programs and initiatives.
The evening ended on a heartfelt note, with Janet Pagan reading a beautiful poem about unity and love, which she had written. She read the poem in Spanish, with her sister, Olga Guach, following by repeating it in English, creating a touching and inclusive moment for all in attendance.