(above, r-l) Vicky Griswold accepts the Rotary Club of the Plainfields’ 2019 Service Above Self Award from club president Roberta Smith.
Victoria Griswold Receives The 2019 Service Above Self Award
The Rotary Club of the Plainfields recently presented the‘2019 Service Above Self Award’ to Plainfield resident and former owner of the Plainfield Music Store, Victoria “Vicky” Griswold at the club’s annual Wine Tasting Dinner held on May 1, 2019 at Giovanna’s Restaurant.
Vicky Griswold is a well-known and highly respected musician with a long history in the arts in Plainfield and the surrounding area. Her musicianship is highly regarded and respected, not only throughout the New York metropolitan area, but also internationally in Europe and Brazil. Vicky has recorded with prestigious symphony orchestras such as the Warsaw Philharmonic, the London Symphony, and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic.
Ms. Griswold has been a member of the Rotary Club of the Plainfields since 1999, and served as president of the club from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2011. She was instrumental in the success of the club’s scholarship program as a tireless advocate for the graduating students at Plainfield High School, in particular.
“We chose our friend Vicky to receive the Service Above Self Award because she is the embodiment of our Rotary motto, “Service Above Self,” said club president Roberta Smith. “Your spirit of volunteerism is manifested in the many ways that you have served the people in our area in both club and community activities.
“None of us on the Board can recall any club project that you did not raise your hand and volunteer to serve or chair. Third graders enjoy your presentation of dictionaries every year. Our scholarship program has benefited from your insightful review and selection of candidates every single year. Even after long hours at the Plainfield Music Store, you found time to volunteer for multiple games at Rutgers, staff concessions for our scholarship fundraiser. In the hot sun or cloudy shade, you are always there at our Track and Field Meet and for work at the Giving Garden, growing food for people in need. These are but a few of the projects that have benefitted from your participation.
“Your knowledge of Plainfield and its groups and organizations has been an invaluable asset to the club. Your participation and/or membership in many area arts organizations is second to none. You are a thoughtful, considerate, well-read woman deserving of recognition.
“We also will present this award in recognition of your service and accomplishments as a musician par excellence. Your dedication to music drove your decision to take ownership of the Plainfield Music Store and save it for music lovers everywhere. Under your ownership, the business expanded its reach with on-line sales and served as a resource for even more musicians throughout the world. You supported this business as a labor of love for music lovers everywhere.
“As we say in our induction of new members, your fellow Rotarians see you as a leader in your field, a person who has many, many times over manifested the qualities of head and heart to interpret, demonstrate, live and impart the message of Rotary as reflected in our motto, ‘Service Above Self.’ These are characteristics of a true leader, and you embody them with distinction.”
Ms. Griswold accepted her award with humility. She spoke of her time as a member of the Rotary Club of the Plainfields, where she has been a member for twenty years and developing long-lasting friendships with like-minded people interested in service to others.
For the past 10 years, the club has annually recognized an individual from the Plainfield area for the service provided to his or her community. Recipients include North Plainfield Police Chief Bill Parenti, former North Plainfield Mayor Janice Allen, Plainfield businesswoman Donna Albanese-DeMair, Rotarian Michael Townley from South Plainfield, former superintendent of schools Dr. Marilyn Birnbaum of North Plainfield, Plainfield Mayor Adrian Mapp, North Plainfield Mayor Michael Giordano, and South Plainfield resident Shirley Thompson, Plainfield’s Linda Carter, and now our own Vicky Griswold.
For more information about the Rotary Club of the Plainfields, visit their website at RotaryPNP.org. The club meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at Giovanna’s Restaurant, 1462 South Avenue in Plainfield, except for Social Hours at The Coffee Box at 8:30 a.m. on the first Wednesday of each month. Anyone interested in learning more about Rotary and the club is invited to attend a meeting as a guest of the Club.
Submitted by Michael Townley
