Montgomery’s Don Matthews receives Rotary award

Former mayor is Rotarian of the Year in five-county district.

By: Kara Fitzpatrick
   MONTGOMERY — A familiar township face has received the Matty Mathewson Rotarian of the Year award for Central New Jersey District 7510, which covers five counties.
   Don Matthews, former mayor and Township Committee member, received the award earlier this month during a ceremony in Alexandria, Va.
   Mr. Matthews, part of the 36-member Montgomery-Rocky Hill club, was a charter member when the club began in 1990, according to the nomination written by club members Lisa Youngberg and Kristina Hadinger. Ms. Hadinger is the township attorney. Also, according to the nomination, he served as the club president in 1991.
   "Simply put, Don puts a face on the Rotary motto of ‘Service Above Self,’" the nomination read.
   "Whenever the call goes out to club members to lend a hand, Don is quick to respond, and usually with much more than a mere hand," the nomination continued.
   Mr. Matthews, who served as mayor six times — first in 1986 — said he was pleasantly surprised by the honor, something he was unaware of until the ceremony. He explained that, due to complications at work — he is vice president of Mid-State Filigree Co., a manufacturer of pre-cast concrete — he almost didn’t make it to Virginia.
   After some convincing from his wife, Mr. Matthews said he decided to go.
   "I got there and was not feeling well," he said, recalling that he almost left the awards dinner just before he was recognized.
   Members at his table "kept pumping me up" to stay for one more award, Mr. Matthews said. Shortly after, he was honored with the recognition.
   "His years as a public servant are marked by unsung moments of compassion," the nomination read. "In times of natural disasters, such as hurricanes or snowstorms, he could be found bailing out basements or shoveling snow for the elderly."
   The nomination continued, "When asked to describe Don, many will tell you that he is always honest and fair. He is a true gentleman and a gentle man."
   The Rotary Club has a main goal of providing service to the community, Mr. Matthews said. "In our particular club, we are big into giving scholarships and we are big into helping people in need," he said.
   Rotary District 7510 includes 45 clubs in five counties — Hunterdon, Mercer, Middlesex, Somerset and Union.