BELLEVILLE, NJ - Nutley Rotary welcomed its new president on June 17 at Nanina’s in the Park, in Belleville. Zachary Sebek is the Nutley Rotary youngest president, taking over the reins from President John Monaco.
The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. Although he never met him, Sebek is following in his grandfather’s footsteps. Sebek’s grandfather was also president of his Rotary in Clarence, New York from 1983 to 1984. “While I didn’t know him personally, I’ve been told what a kind and generous soul he was. And how he believed deeply in lifting others up,” said Sebek.
Sebek’s mother presented her son with a framed letter her father received from his Rotary Club.
The Rev. Jill Fenske, of Franklin Reformed Church, gave the invocation. Present was Nutley Public Safety Commissioner Alphonse Petracco.
After making a speech and thanking members for their service, the former president, Monaco, introduced their new president, Sebek.
“You have one year as president, make it count,” said John Dinan, district governor of Rotary International, shortly before he swore Sebek in.
“As someone born and raised right here in Nutley, this moment holds deep meaning to me. This town holds my foundation. And it's where I learned the importance of community, treating others with respect and most importantly, lifting other people up when they are down,” said Sebek.
He thanked his wife, Francesca, for her support, as well as his parents and brother.
According to Sebek, family and Rotary go hand in hand, pointing out how many Rotarians have family members serving right next to them.
Sebek then added that Rotary is inclusive, not exclusive. “That’s what makes Rotary so special,” he said. It brings people together and creates a ripple effect that touches entire families and communities,” he said.
Sebek says he hopes to carry “a legacy of kindness, compassion and, most importantly, service” to Nutley Rotary.
As president, Sebek’s top priority is to grow the membership. “There are so many people in town who want to make a difference, they just need a place to start,” he said.
“Rotary isn’t just a meeting, it's a commitment, it's a call to action, it's raising your hand and asking how can I help. Showing up day after day, not for recognition but because it matters because the people around us matter,” he said.
Each year the president chooses where the money they collect at every Rotary gathering goes towards. Sebek’s charity is Camp Happy Times. A one-week overnight camp for children who have or have had cancer and their siblings. The camp is free for them.
He closed by saying, “Let's go into our community with open hearts, let’s give generously, serve humbly and lead boldly, together we will make a difference in our town.
The next big event is the club’s car show on Sept. 21 on Franklin Avenue.