Karla joined CU Maurice River (CUMR) in 2015 and currently serves as Executive Director. She has lived half her life in other countries and speaks three languages fluently. Karla taught English Literature and Language Arts at an Italian high school in Peru and business English to executives in Argentina. Her Bachelor of Arts degrees from Colorado State University are in Political Science and German Literature, Culture & Language, while her Master’s studies involved human rights and equity. Karla has an affinity for South Jersey,where she attended high school. Karla became familiar with the issues facing agricultural laborers while at South Jersey Family Medical Center,educating migrant farm workers on healthy living and local medical services. She learned about the region’s environmental resources while working as a naturalist for the Wetlands Institute, providing a natural bridge to her current position.
We look forward to hearing more about CUMR with Karla!
President Andy Browne opened the meeting. Sandy Hearing led us in the
Pledge of Allegiance, Dawn Hunter performed the Four Way Test and
Jay Einstein gave the invocation. Alicia Fichera was our notetaker and Cara Stanzione assisted with photography.
Josie Spinelli surrendered her reins and stepped down as the bearer of the official Helping Hand Award! Josie announced that this year’s newest recipient is someone who is always there to lend a hand, always happy and does so much for Rotary! Josie expressed the club’s immense appreciation for this individual. Congratulations to Sandy Hearing -- this year’s Helping Hand Award recipient! Much deserved!
Donna Bennett shared some of her experiences with us about her 4-day hiking trip to Yosemite for Shelter Box where she and her husband, Jim Crawford slept in a tent and hiked. During this trip she met two other Rotarians from Oregon and Wisconsin. Donna and her group raised approximately $27,000 and they are still accepting donations! To help Donna and Jim meet their fundraising goal, click here: https://shelterboxusa-yosemite-2023.raisely.com/donnabennettjimcrawford
Sandy Hearing reminded us of the Friends Helping Friends Boscov’s coupon sale!! The $5 donation goes entirely to our Rotary charity fund! This coupon will get you 25% off of most purchases and 15% off of perfumes! Sandy has reached about 2/3 of her goal of $500. She will be selling them up until 10/18. Don’t forget to grab some for you and your family members to enjoy!
Josie announced that the downtown clock on Landis Avenue has been fixed and it is functioning - with music! - and ready to go. Vineland Rotary contributed $500 to the renovation which was completed by the City. A date for the dedication of the clock will be announced soon. Stay tuned!
Members were reminded that volunteers are needed for the Spirit and Truth lunch project will take place on Friday, September 1 at 8:45 am at the First Methodist Church!
Jay Einstein noted that three years ago, Frank Rumick introduced himto the Gift of Life. This year, the Rotary District 7505 Gift of Life Foundation is celebrating 25 years of healing little hearts around the world. The program was established in 1997. Between June 1997 and April 1998, we sponsored our first 3 children for heart surgeries. Since then, we have helped to heal the hearts of thousands of children in need from nearly 20 countries. Thanks to generous donors and partnerships, we also funded the equipment to open the first-ever pediatric cardiac intensive care unit at Hospital Benjamin Bloom in San Salvador, El Salvador where more than 200 children per year are now being treated on a sustainable basis by local healthcare professionals for their heart ailments. Countries of focus are The Dominican Republic, Kosovo, The Philippines, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, Egypt, Lebanon, Jordan.
Vineland Rotary has graciously put $1,000 in its annual budget for the Gift of Life.
Sherry Soutiere (right) presented the third of "50 Things Every Rotarian Should Know About Rotary". See below for the newest installment of Rotary knowledge from our membership committee.
Harry Maloney (left) reminded us that the Charles A. Loyle Vocational Service Award will be presented at our November 14th luncheon meeting. The award, presented annually to a non-rotarian, is awarded to someone who uses their vocation to help others in the community. For more information and to make a nomination, please contact Donna Perez at: tetris0202@yahoo.com
A little history: In 2019, Mike Loyle took over Bernhardt Limousines Unlimited,Kevin Bernhardt’s limousine company and changed the name to Loyle Limos LLC. Two months later, the pandemic hit!! Mike did not let that deter him and has since then flourished in the limo business.
Mike shared many stories with us. Some remain nameless, some remain unsaid! Just like medical facilities have HIPAA regulations, limo drivers have similar top-secret information!
Mike mentioned that some of the famous individuals he or Kevin Bernhardt have driven include Pete Rose and Earth Wind and Fire. Also on his list of fame remains a certain three-time American League MVP who is local to our area (wink wink). Regarding this unnamed superstar, during one trip, he had fans chase his limo down the streets of New York City and through the tunnel
in hopes to catch this MVP!!!
Kevin mentioned that you can tell that Mike is truly loving what he is doing! The club is happy for him and we thoroughly enjoyed hearing Mike's stories. We look forward to more stories and wish him so much success in the future with Loyle Limos!Loyle Limos specializes in airport transfers, weddings, proms, bachelorette/bachelor parties, winery & brewery tours, birthday parties, corporate events, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, night outings, anniversaries, medical appointments, golf outings, sporting events, concerts and more! Call him to schedule your next event!
We received this message on August 24 from Mark Merriam,
District Governor of Rotary District 5000, Hawaii, USA:
August 9, 2023 was a tragic day for our Rotarians, families and friends on the Island of Maui. The fires across the island have changed lives forever. Truly devastating. Our sympathy, thoughts and prayers are with everyone impacted.
As people of action, we can take immediate action. As we come together to recover and rebuild, we need to support each other. We need to Create Hope for Maui.
Through our Rotary District 5000 Foundation, a relief fund has been established. Foundation President Dave Hamil and Treasurer Sharon Amano will handle all donations. A committee will be organized shortly to find the greatest needs for distribution of monies. A single fund will be the most helpful over time to provide the most significant benefits.
Our Membership Committee presents "50 Things Every Rotarian Should Know About Rotary".- learn something new each week!
Fact #3:
Rotary’s Wheel Emblem
A wheel has been the symbol of Rotary since our earliest days. The first design was made by Chicago Rotarian Montague Bear, an engraver who drew a simple wagon wheel, with a few lines to show dust and motion. The wheel was said to illustrate “Civilization and Movement.” Most of the early clubs had some form of wagon wheel on their publications and letterheads. Finally, in 1922, it was decided that all Rotary clubs should adopt a single design as the exclusive emblem of Rotarians. Thus, in 1923, the present gear wheel, with 24 cogs and six spokes was adopted by the “Rotary International Association.” A group of engineers advised that the geared wheel was mechanically unsound and would not work without a “keyway” in the center of the gear to attach it to a power shaft. So, in 1923 the keyway was added and the design which we now know was formally adopted as the official Rotary International emblem
Courtesy of "50 Things Every Rotarian Should Know About Rotary" which was written by Steve Garret, District 5450 Governor 1994-1995
Mark your calendars for our annual Pedals for Progress event! Last year we collected 82 bicycles and 7 sewing machines. Our goal this year is to exceed those numbers! Start collecting bicycles now - ask others to donate. Check yard sales and flea markets. On Saturday, October 21 we will gather at DNS Solutions 2898 S Main Rd, Vineland, NJ 08360 to prepare the bicycles for shipping,
Make sure you volunteer to help!! For more information about Pedals for Progress, visit their website https://www.p4p.org/
Start collecting bicycles now!
Let's make this another successful collection event!