Monaco explained that the Belleville club recently closed due to declining membership. Belleville Rotarians are welcome to join the Nutley group.
Monaco said Rotary is “not just an old man’s club having coffee and cigars,” he then shared some of the club's accomplishments, including constructing a gazebo at one of the Nutley senior citizen housing buildings, the dictionary project for local third-graders, and delivering poinsettias to local seniors.
The focus of the meeting was the annual car show. Held every September, the local car show ranks number eight in the state according to Monaco. Each year, proceeds from the car show go back to the community in the form of $14,000 in scholarships annually and a gift to a local non-profit.
The 2024 car show benefited The Friends of the Nutley Public Library, known in the community as “the friends.” The friends support programs at the Nutley Public Library, including children's and senior programs. This year, the friends were presented with a check for $4700.
In June 2025, local real estate professional Zachary Sebek will be sworn in as president. Sebek was instrumental in planning and executing a musical fundraiser for Nutley Class of 2024's Nelson Matos who is handling serious medical challenges.
Work is underway for the 2025 car show. The Trebel Band will be performng live, and DJ Aaron Tripoldi of American Party DJs are already scheduled. Sideways Triangle, who provided videography and drone services, will also be back to capture the event.
More than 3000 people attended the 2024 event. Monaco expects more in 2025. The recipient of the 2025 grant will be the 'Cheer Me Up" foundation.
