Rotary Club of Roselle-Roselle Park New Members
Submitted by Bob Zeglarski
Rotary Roselle-Roselle Park welcomes Roselle Residents Rhonda Johnson and Rafael Simancas to its community service family.
Rhonda Johnson, a recent widow, and mother of a 19 year old son, has been a resident of Roselle Borough for 16 years, and “truly loved every minute of it.”
Rhonda is a graduate of Jersey City State College, now known as New Jersey City University, where she attained her baccalaureate degree. She then went on to obtain a Masters Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University.
A Social Worker/Supervisor for the State of New Jersey who is in the 33rd year of her career, Ms. Johnson is aware of most family resources in NJ. She is looking forward to helping those in need with referrals to the correct family service provider in their area.
Ms. Johnson also notes that she is in pre-retirement mode. “I am looking forward to volunteering with and for the people of Union County, enjoying my favorite NFL team, the Dallas Cowboys, and having a happy summer.”
Rhonda’s first experience with Rotary was during the club’s Sock Drive last fall. When the club put a call out for assistance, Rhonda responded by gathering many pairs of socks from family and friends. Her response was so impressive, club members asked her to join. And she did!
Rafael Simancas, a Roselle Park resident, joined the Rotary Club of Roselle-Roselle Park recently. As someone who enjoys being involved in his community, Simancas is proud of his work with the Roselle Park Community Garden.
Mr. Simancas is a licensed Medicare and Life Insurance Broker (908-590-3592) who has serviced the state of New Jersey for 6 years. In his own words, “From impoverished to affluent neighborhoods all across the nation, 10,000 people turn 65 every day and begin Medicare coverage. It’s an honor to be the professional beneficiaries go to for guidance for the plan that best suits their needs and helping them with any questions regarding Social Security & Medicare.”
Rafael also started an art management company, Agape Arts NJ Management, based on past volunteer efforts ranging from working with school districts to doing public art/mural initiatives.
Mr. Simancas notes that, “Both companies operate in the realm of doing things with the community’s best interest at heart.”
The Rotary Club of Roselle-Roselle Park is a 97 year-old service organization serving the Twin Boroughs. The club is part of Rotary International which has 35,000 clubs in over 200 countries around the world. Rotary’s motto is Service Above Self. Visit online at roselle-roselleparkrotary.org. Join our cause!
