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November 2nd, 2026 Newsletter
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Highlights from our October 27th meeting:
 
Joe O'Rourke, Club President, welcomed everyone and conducted the meeting.
 
Notes Taken By: Alicia Fichera
Pledge: Andy Browne
4-Way Test: Caitlin Terry
Prayer: Preston Foster
Sergeant-At-Arms: Gus Foster and Harry Maloney
Program Speaker:
  • Our very own, Gus Foster
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Announcements:
 
Joe O'Rourke welcomed our members and guests to the meeting.
 
Joe O'Rourke thanked Josie for all of her hard work at the tree planting event this past weekend.
 
Steve Plevins reminded everyone about the Turkey Drive. They will be outside in front of Walmart again on 11/7-11/8.  
 
Alicia Fichera reminded everyone of the Pedals for Progress event taking place on 11/7 at DNS Solutions. Alicia encouraged everyone to help locate bikes or sewing machines. Donations may be brought to DNS Solutions during business hours prior to the event or on the day of. Please reach out if you need assistance picking up or dropping off donations! A sign up sheet was passed around. 
 
Melody Montgomery reminded everyone about the Big Brothers Big Sisters Red White and Wheels sweepstakes. A flyer was passed around. This year, BBBS used Tix for Good as their donation platform. They appreciate any support.  
 
Sherry Soutiere announced that the Special Needs Holiday Party will take place on December 2nd at Rossi School. Please save the date and come out to volunteer for this wonderful event. 
 
Caitlin Terry announced that she just got back from a missions trip. They will be doing their Walk for Water again in Ocean City on December 12th. Please consider joining the walk. Merch is available on their website. 
 
Karen Bauman announced that there is one fellowship opportunity on Saturday, 10/30 at the Bay Atlantic Symphony. (Josie will be putting a fun holiday spin on this event, come check it out). 
 
Joe reminded everyone about the Jingle Run, please visit the website for more details. There are still sponsorships available. There is also an event on our Facebook, please join and share to spread the word. 
 
Joe O'Rourke announced that we are looking for help on the Community Awareness committee for the online Zoom project. If you are open to help schedule and coordinate Zoom meetings, please reach out to Alicia, Cara or Preston Centuolo.
 
Joe O'Rourke reminded everyone to please pay your invoices!
 
$100 in Happy Dollars were collected by many Happy Rotarians! $340 were collected for Spirit & Truth in the blue cans. 
 
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Meeting Program:
 
 
 
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Additional Announcements:

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Hybrid meetings are now available!!! If you would like to be added to receive the zoom link, please email Alicia at alicia@dnssolutionsnj.com and Cara at cara@dnssolutionsnj.com
 
*** MEETINGS WILL ONLY BE LIVE ON ZOOM WHEN ROTARIANS REQUEST A LINK BY EMAIL! ***
 
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Welcome to the 2026-2027 Board of Directors
 
Immediate Past President - Josephine Orlando-Spinelli
President - Joseph O’Rourke
President Elect, Programs Chair – Sherri Prescott
Vice President, Fundraising Chair – Dominick “Nick” Surace III
Charities Treasurer - David Schad
Club Treasurer - Bonnie Laube
Club Secretary - Melody Montgomery
Community Service Chair - Sherry Soutiere
Club Administration Chair - Karen Bauman
Membership Chair - Preston Foster
Foundation Chair - Dennis Palmer
Youth Services Chair - Donata Dalesandro
International Chair - Susanna Philippoussis
Community Awareness Chair - Preston Centuolo
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💙💛 ROTARIAN PRIDE 💙💛
 
I’m proud to be a member of the Rotary Club of Vineland and to serve alongside so many dedicated people who truly live by the motto “Service Above Self.”
 
Now we want to hear from YOU!
 
📸 Share this graphic and tell us:
✨ Why are you proud to be a Rotarian?
✨ What does Rotary mean to you?
✨ What has been your favorite Rotary memory or service project?
 
Let’s fill Facebook with Rotary pride and show our community what makes Rotary so special!
 
Tag the Rotary Club of Vineland and invite your fellow Rotarians to join in.
 
#RotaryClubOfVineland #RotaryProud #ServiceAboveSelf #PeopleOfAction #RotaryInternational #VinelandNJ
 
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Sending Sunshine, Love and Support: 
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Please keep Julie Thompson (from O'Rourke Construction) in your thoughts and prayers.
Julie's father has been experiencing some health challenges. Julie is planning a trip to Florida to see him. Please keep Julie and her family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
 
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Please keep Norm Neill in your thoughts and prayers.
Norm is having surgery on his knee. Wishing him a speedy recovery.
 
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡
 
Please keep Carol Musso in your thoughts and prayers.
Carol was recently diagnosed with cancer and while the journey hasn't been easy,
she remains in good spirits. 
If you would like to send a card or a note of encouragement, they may be mailed to: 
Carol Musso 721 Morton Avenue, Bridgeton, NJ 08302.
Your prayers, kindness and support are deeply appreciated and mean more than
words can express to Carol and her loved ones.
 
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡
 

Please keep Linda Foster in your thoughts and prayers.
Linda announced at meeting 8/4 she was happy because she had the last of her treatments on 8/3/26!

We are happy to see Linda attend Rotary meetings when she is able to.
Please keep her in your thoughts and prayers as she continues her recovery.
Wishing her strength and healing.
Cards may be sent to: Linda Foster 1240 S. Spring Road, Vineland, NJ 08361
 
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Sending love and prayers to any of our fellow Rotarians who may have an unspoken need in their hearts. Whatever you may be facing, know that your Rotary family is thinking of you and wishing you strength, comfort, and brighter days ahead. 💙💛
 
♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ ♡ 
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Stay Connected:

Our club is always evolving—and now our website reflects it. 💙

From service opportunities to upcoming events and club news, everything is now right at your fingertips. Take a moment to check it out and stay connected:
👉 VinelandRotary.org

Service Above Self starts with staying informed.

 
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Recent Events:
Tree Planting: 10/24/2026
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Hope Center Soup Kitchen: 10/17/2026
 
A Message from Dave Schad:
 
Thanks to all who volunteered and served 
the lunch meals today at the Hope Center in Millville.
 
Gail Marino, project leader-SPECIAL THANKS TO GAIL!  
Karen Bauman, Preston Foster III, Denise Jackson, Harry Maloney, Suzanne Martinelli, Dave Schad, Sherry Soutiere
Eight (8) Rotarian Volunteers served the lunch 
 
Additional thanks go to Becky Lein and the students at Cumberland Christian School for preparing "yummy"  desserts to be served to the clients. 
  Total volunteer hours for this project were about 20 hours
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The Hope Center program offers a hot midday meal 365 days a year
to anyone needing a meal. 
The program is well organized and the clients are genuinely
grateful for the meals.
There are three high rise apartments within 
a couple of  blocks of the Hope  Center.
Many of these local residents face food insecurity concerns. 
Our group was blessed to assist by serving hot, delicious, nourishing,
sustenance to those in need.
 
We plan to help assist this program with some of their paper supply needs.
The program gets food from Rural Development and Gateway Funding in Bridgeton.
But paper supplies need to be purchased by the program from their limited financiual resources. More to come later as we work out the details for how to efficiently make this happen. 
 
We would also like to do this "service" project with some type of regularity (quarterly, bi-monthly, etc.)
The program has a very organized online system for scheduling of volunteers.
Gail has access to this online scheduling. 
 
More than 8 volunteers would be excessive and less than 6 volunteers would be too few. Eight volunteers is the ideal number of volunteers for this project.
 
Yours in Rotary Service,  
Dave Schad
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Save The Date:
 
 

Our Next PB&J: 11/6/2026

CLICK HERE for more information!

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Pedals for Progress: 11/7/2026

We need your help finding donations of bicycles and sewing machines for our upcoming event. If you’re able to locate any donations and need assistance with coordinating pickup or delivery, please reach out to Alicia: 856-301-0306 or email Dave Hanrahan: bikes@centurysb.com.

Thank you for your help and support!

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5K Jingle Run: 12/5/2026

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Wreaths of Remembrance: 12/12/2026

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Reminder: the Hydromissions Store is open! 🎉

 
Now you can show your support for water projects with every shirt, hoodie, or mug you buy. All items are printed on demand, so there’s no inventory, no waste — just impact.
Your purchase helps Hydromissions provide water wells, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education to communities in need across the globe. 🌍💙

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Membership Announcements:

Get to know our Newest Members:

~ Welcome Dr. Dana Palma!

Dana Palma is a Financial Advisor from Edward Jones sponsored by Rotarian Jim Siwek. Dana was inducted on 9/8/26 by Ed Morvay.

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Proposed New Members:

 

Lea Weiner is proposed by Rotarian Sherry Soutiere. Lea is retired from the Cumberland County Courthouse and Department of Justice.

Additional Notes:

Any concerns or objections to new memberships should be directed to President Joe O'Rourke, josephorourke@comcast.net

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Contact Bonnie at: bll@GreenblattLaube.com or 856-691-0424

 

The club now accepts Zelle as a form of payment!
Search: bll@GreenblattLaube.com  

Here are the step-by-step instructions:

    1    Log in to your bank's mobile app or online banking: to access Zelle. 

    2    Navigate to the Zelle section: by looking for options like "Send Money with Zelle" or "Pay & Transfer". 

    3    Select a recipient: from your contacts or by entering the recipient's email address. 

    4    Enter the amount: you wish to send and add an optional note if desired. 

    5    Review: the transaction details to ensure they are correct. 

    6    Tap "Send": to complete the payment. 

 

If your bank isn't a partner, you can still use Zelle by downloading the standalone Zelle app, but you'll need a U.S.-based bank account, a U.S. mobile number, an email address, and a valid U.S.-based debit card. 

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Upcoming Events
Spirit and Truth Lunch Project
Nov 06, 2026 8:45 AM
Pedals for Progress
Nov 07, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Membership Meeting
Nov 12, 2026 7:30 AM
Board Meeting
Nov 17, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Spirit and Truth Lunch Project
Dec 04, 2026 8:45 AM
2026 Jingle Run
Dec 05, 2026
9:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Membership Meeting
Dec 10, 2026 7:30 AM
Wreaths of Remembrance
Dec 12, 2026
9:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Board Meeting
Dec 15, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
View entire list
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Charles Girard
October 1
 
Donna Bennett
October 2
 
Josephine Neill
October 8
 
Nick Surace
October 9
 
Maureen Simmons
October 15
 
Donata Dalesandro
October 24
 
Joseph Cortez
November 6
 
Dave Schad
November 11
 
Stan Orzechowski
November 24
 
Join Date
Dave Schad
October 1, 1985
41 years
 
Joseph Ianni
October 1, 2008
18 years
 
Alan Burkhardt
October 22, 2024
2 years
 
Heather Sugden
October 23, 2018
8 years
 
Keith Petrosky
November 1, 1983
43 years
 
Norm Neill
November 1, 2002
24 years
 
Harry Maloney
November 24, 2008
18 years
 
Suzanne Martinelli
November 26, 2024
2 years