Join us this Monday at Christ Church as we kick off our October programs featuring candidates for public office in Summit. This week, we welcome the Republican candidates, with introductions provided by the “Together for Summit” team.

Councilwoman Delia Hamlet, currently running for re-election in Ward 1, is a decorated U.S. Army veteran, small business owner, and committed civic leader who has proudly called Summit home for over a decade. She currently serves as President Pro Tempore of the Common Council and sits on several local boards, including the Board of School Estimate and the Planning Board. A passionate advocate for housing, education, and homelessness prevention, Delia brings deep experience in public service, security, and community organizing. Her leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic helped raise over $200,000 for local workers in need, reflecting her unwavering dedication to the people of Summit.

 

Councilman Kevin Smallwood is a longtime Summit resident, business owner, and dedicated community leader, proudly calling the city home since 2003. For the past 19 years, he has run a downtown business while raising his family and actively contributing to civic life through roles on the Summit Downtown Inc. and Police Athletic League boards. Kevin has also coached youth basketball for many years, believing deeply in the power of mentorship and community engagement. As a candidate for Common Council At-Large, he champions fiscal responsibility, transparency, and meaningful public participation in local government.

 

Tom Szieber is the Ward 2 candidate for Summit Common Council and a proud resident of Summit for the past six years. Raised in Clifton, Tom brings a lifelong commitment to public service, with a background in law, government, and community engagement. An attorney, he also serves on the Summit PAL board, covers local high school sports, and is actively involved in nonprofit and legal organizations supporting mental health and education. With a strong focus on public safety, responsible development, and preserving Summit’s unique character, Tom is dedicated to ensuring Summit remains a safe, vibrant, and welcoming community for all.

 

📅 Mark your calendar: The Democratic candidates are expected to join us on Monday, October 20.

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Just before the pandemic, our club began work on a new strategic plan led by Melanie Cohn. The board has recently revisited this initiative, and Melanie has agreed to reconvene a committee to review and revise the plan for the next five years. Volunteers are needed to serve on this task force. If you’re interested, please contact Melanie at melaco@gmail.com.

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World Polio Day – October 24
Rotary and Rotaract clubs worldwide will mark World Polio Day with events and activities to raise awareness and funds for polio eradication. Learn more and get involved: Rotary World Polio Day Info

 

New RI President Selected
Francesco Arezzo of the Rotary Club of Ragusa, Italy, has been appointed Rotary International President for 2025–26, following a recent resignation. Arezzo assumed the role on July 1.

 

🔗 For more updates and Rotary insights, visit the District website: njrotary.org