Robert Simon: Dedicated to Community Service

Robert Simon began his term as president of the Rotary Club of Pearl River last July with a plan.

“When you come into office you put together a list of goals," Simon said of his approach to a position that requires large measures of determination and expertise. "It’s a job that demands your time.  You can’t fulfill the duties of the office without that effort.” 

Simon’s term as president will end on July 1, when Carol McGrath will take over the position. While at times the work has been challenging, he characterizes the post as “enjoyable and rewarding.”  Chapter presidents are selected by a group of past presidents and this was yet another position filled by Simon for the Pearl River group since he joined the organization and its board of directors in 2000.

According to Simon, the role of the president is to, “Facilitate the workings of the club and to serve as a goodwill ambassador in the district, networking and visiting other clubs.” 

His duties include presiding over weekly chapter meetings and attending a presidents meeting every month (there are 14 chapters in Rockland County).  It was on his watch that the 75th anniversary of Rotary was celebrated in 2010 and that translated into a lot of additional promotional work.

Other aspects of the job are to set the agenda for each weekly meeting and actively participate in the formulation of the events in which his chapter will engage.  Those events make it necessary to participate in additional meetings each month to assure their viability and success. 

“There is a great deal of problem-solving," Simon said.

Simon’s roots in the Pearl River community run deep as his family has been in this area since the early 1900s.  He was born and raised in Pearl River and remembers being involved in community activities all along.  Whether it was being president of the history club in high school or as a 26-year member of the Naurashank Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons or serving as a member of the Pearl River Park and Activity Committee

“I try to participate in the community as much as I can," Simon said. "It was my networking in the community, including running for office and serving as receiver of taxes for the last eleven years, that that led me to join the Rotary.”

To truly understand what Simon’s efforts have meant to Rotary is encapsulated in the comments of Jeffrey Keahon, former president of the Pearl River chapter and a past district governor of the organization.

“Bob Simon is a straight arrow, very dedicated to the goal of the organization, 'Service above self,' Keahon said. "He walks the walk. He worked his way up through the offices in Rotary.”

Keahon says that it is Simon’s approach to the job that is a key element in his success. 

“He doesn’t take it lightly," Keahon said. "He is a loyal, dedicated team player that sees the larger picture.  He does a professional job even though there is no salary and he handles the responsibility and comports himself that way.”

To glance at just a fraction of the current projects in which the chapter participates and in which Simon is intimately involved completes the picture of his service and the work of the club.

• April 28—The Wounded Warrior Project at West Point where the assembling of model airplanes is employed to aid in rehabilitation
• Beautifying the garden at Braunsdorf Park
• May 5--Vocational Service Awards to recognize the achievements of five community members.
• May 7-- Jake Amann Fishing Contest at Veterans Park where the pool is stocked with fish for participants ages eight to 16.
• Polio Plus Campaign to aid in Rotary’s goal to end polio now.
• June 5 -- Soap Box Race that will include 60 participants.
• Annual scholarships for twenty Pearl River High School seniors.

“(These efforts would not be successful without) a great club that volunteers to help, including my officers, a secretary who takes the minutes and an excellent treasurer," Simon said. "They relieve the pressure on me.  And, our 80 members that are always there for you.”