2015-2016 F. S. Mathewson Rotarian of the Year
John Lutz, Rotary Club of Hamilton
Rotarian of the Year Award Committee
David Breidinger, Chair
Contact Dave
Click here for a list of recipients to date
John Lutz of the Rotary Club of Hamilton was presented with the F. S. Mathewson Rotarian of the Year Award for 2015-2016 at the District Conference in Pocono Manor on Saturday, May 14. The award presentation listing John's many, many contributions of service to others are posted below. Congratulations to a most deserving recipient of the District's most prestigious award.
The F. S. Mathewson Rotarian of the Year Award
F. S. "Matty" Mathewson was the District Governor for what was then District 183, a position he held for the 1947-1948 Rotary year. He was a member of the then-Rotary Club of Plainfield, which he joined in 1928 and where he served in many capacities, including President in 1941-1942.
Matty served Rotary and his club for sixty-five years in both active and advisory roles. He was well known for his adherence to the principles of Rotary and to the rules and regulations that helped make the organization run smoothly. He could always be relied upon to offer sage advice on matters of service, governance, and parliamentary procedures, all of which he offered willingly and with humility.
Matty died on October 9, 1993. At a celebration of his life, PDG Anker Goldmann (1979-1980) remarked "Matty’s life was built around Rotary activities and 'Service Above Self'. He was always positive in his thinking and never had a negative comment about anyone. We, as members of the Rotary Club of Plainfield, were indeed fortunate to have been associated with the long and positive life of Matty, both as a person and as a true Rotarian."
In 1982, Rotary District 7510 established the Rotarian of the Year Award to recognize and honor those Rotarians in the district who have, over a period of time, best exemplified Rotary's motto of "Service Above Self." The first recipient was PDG F.S. Mathewson, a fitting honor for a man who gave so much to his club, his district, and Rotary International. To further recognize Matty's positive and long-lasting impact on the District, the award was thereafter given in his name.
Earning this award is the highest honor that can be bestowed on a Rotarian by our District. Without exception, every Rotary Club in our District has the opportunity to nominate a member who is worthy of this honor. A committee appointed by the District Governor will meet and select the Rotarian to receive this distinguished award which is presented annually at the District Conference in the spring.
Guidelines
- The committee will make their decision based upon, but not limited to the following:
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Rotary Club Offices/Positions/Activities
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District Offices/Positions/Activities
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International Offices/Positions/Activities
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Service to the Community
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Honors and/or Awards received
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Other important data that is submitted
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Each nominee must have held Rotary membership for at least ten (10) years, have the approval of their Rotary Club's Board of Directors and the nomination form must be signed by the Club President.
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Past District Governors, current and nominated District Governors and Honorary members are not eligible for this award.
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Nominations must be sent to the committee Chairman, David Breidinger, no later than January.
2015-2016 Presentation of the F. S. Mathewson Rotarian of the Year Award to John Lutz, Rotary Club of Hamilton Township
Once again, this year’s process was a difficult one due to the number of quality nominations. One outstanding individual with an incredible record of Rotary service did become the choice of the committee.
- Member of Rotary for nearly 27 years
- Club Treasurer
- Past President of their club
- Club Board member since 2011
- Treasurer of Club's charitable foundation
- Member of a District 7510 Conference Committee
- Past Treasurer for District 7510
- Served on many club committee's
- Harvest Brunch chairman and chef
- Soup 4 You Committee member
- Bridging the Gap Committee
- Mentoring Committee
- Dictionary Project Committee
- Mobile Meals on Wheels delivery
- Trenton Area Soup Kitchen Committee
- Ginny's Pantry volunteer - serving meals at a local food pantry at Christ Presbyterian Church
This Rotarian is educates his fellow club members about Rotary by presenting a Rotary Minute" at each club meeting.
He is a graduate of Rider University and a CPA Senior Partner with an accounting firm.
- He has served as President and Treasurer of the Mercer County Society of CPAs
- Member of the Mercer County Estate Planning Council
- Involved with Children International for over 40 years, personally supporting children from Guatemala, Philippines, and Haiti.
- Member and supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of Mercer County
- Board member at the Robert Wood Johnson Hospital at Hamilton for five years
- Board member and treasurer of Mobile Meals of Hamilton
- Member of the Planning Committee of the Hamilton Division of the Mid-Jersey Chambers of Commerce
- Soccer coach, little league coach, and assistant basketball coach
- Eucharistic minister, Team Leader for Christ Life Seminars in his parish.
He was born in Trenton, NJ and currently lives in Bucks County, PA. He is married to his childhood sweetheart, Pat, for 45 years. In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his daughter and three granddaughters, as well as traveling, bicycling, snorkeling, and golfing.
David Breidinger, Chairman
F.S. "Matty" Mathewson Rotarian of the Year Award
1717 Langhorne Newtown Road, Suite 302
Langhorne, PA 19047
If you should have any further questions, please contact David Breidinger at 484.398.0141.
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