President Andy Browne opened the meeting. Sherry Soutiere led us in the
Pledge of Allegiance, Gus Foster performed the Four Way Test and
Pastor Heather Sugden gave the invocation. Linda Rumick was our notetaker.
Caitlin Terry (right) distributed postcards from Hydromissions thanking our club for its support for water, sanitation and hygiene projects in Uganda. Contact Caitlin via email at caitlin@hydromissions.org and visit her blog at www.HowManyCows.com for the most recent project updates, photos and videos.
Speaking of Caitlin ... Congratulations to our newest Rotarian of the Week, Caitlin Terry! Caitlin (left) is a dedicated and helpful Rotarian who gives so much of herself to help others. Her ongoing work to improve the lives of those who don't have the benefit of clean water and sanitary conditions has changed the lives of hundreds through her Hydromissions Initiative. Caitlin is a kind-hearted person who is generous of spirit and heart.
Congratulations, Caitlin on a well-deserved award!
Melody Montgomery reminded everyone that we need volunteers for tomorrow night's National Night Out. The annual National Night Out will be held at Vineland High School tomorrow, Tuesday August 1.
Volunteer schedules are: 4 -6 pm (set up), 5-7 pm, 6-8 pm, 8-9 pm (take down). Even an hour would be helpful!
Josie Spinelli our VP of Fundraising asked club members to reach out to other members and bring them out to meetings! We need more of our members to attend weekly meetings and also to get out and support club fundraising.
Josie (at left with friend, Frosty) also reminded the club that plans are continuing for the third annual Olde Fashioned Christmas on the Avenue. This year’s celebration begins with the Tree Lighting at City Hall at 5 pm 12/1/23. The fun continues until 9 pm that evening. It starts again on Saturday, 12/2/23 at noon and continues through 7 pm. Mark your calendars!
Donna Perez (left) announced that the Charles A. Loyle Vocational Service Award will be presented at our 11/14/23 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:tetris0202@yahoo.com
Happy Dollars!
Sherry Soutiere and Frank Rumick collected
HAPPY DOLLARS from 11 members who shared
uplifting news that made them happy recently.
The Happy Dollar collection netted $126!!
Happiness is a powerful thing!
Our Program
Doug Albrecht, Director of the Board of Commissioners for Cumberland County was our featured speaker. Director Albrecht spoke of a number of initiatives undertaken by the board that have been focused on improving the infrastructure of the county with the ultimate goal of improving the quality of life for county residents. One example he cited was that the board has been working to find ways to improve the difficult situation for homeowners facing septic system failures in communities like Laurel Lake where sewage services aren’t available and the cost of rebuilding a septic system can range from $20,000 to $40,000.
He said the county needs to find solutions to help homeowners who are being forced to walk away from their homes because they cannot afford to replace failing systems. Additional issues he addressed included a number of roadway improvements, transportation solutions and long-term solutions to address the needs of homeless individuals and families. He noted that plans are being formulated to provide much needed trade training for adults in the county using facilities at CCTEC in the evenings. Transportation for adults to CCTEC from throughout the county may be addressed by providing shuttles.
Additionally, he mentioned that establishing a county park system is a priority for the board. He noted that employers trying to attract quality employees appreciate having park facilities available as an attraction for those seeking quality family living. The Commissioners are looking at a number of shared service opportunities to provide better, more affordable services for the small communities in the county. Additionally, he noted that grants are being sought to help finance improvements for cellular and internet service in the county. Commissioner Albrecht’s overriding message was one of cooperation between the county and its communities and between members of the commissioner board no matter what their political party affiliation.
We want make sure you get the latest Rotary news and alerts in a timely way -- so we are gathering member cell phone numbers so we can send you a quick text - regarding event changes, meetings reminders or breaking news.
In the coming weeks we will be gathering and confirming member cell phone numbers so that we can reach out to you via text. We want you to be informed!
Joe Botero:Joe was previously a Rotarian in Phoenix, Arizona. He has attended a number of our regular meetings and also participated in events. Joe, who was proposed for membership by Jay Einstein, is retired and lives in Dorothy, NJ.
KatrinaD’Alessandro: Katrina was a program speaker talking about the Veterans Boot Memorial. She is President of SJ Volunteers for Veterans. Katrina, proposed for membership by President Andy Browne, is an Event Planner and lives in Minotola with her husband Joe. She is involved with several veteran organizations.
Birthdays & Anniversaries
Member Birthdays
Kasie Harris
July 18
Denise Jackson
July 22
Anthony Fanucci
July 27
Justin White
August 1
Shirley Burke
August 2
Gail Marino
August 13
Eileen Duffy
August 19
Joanne Hewes
August 23
Join Date
Carol Sumoski
July 1, 2014
9 years
Michael Loyle
July 1, 1986
37 years
Susanna Philippoussis
July 5, 2011
12 years
M Jay Einstein
July 15, 2014
9 years
Ann Cantoni
July 17, 2019
4 years
Maryam Nassiri
August 2, 2010
13 years
Branko Najdanovic
August 9, 2016
7 years
George Steinbronn
August 12, 1998
25 years
Joe O'Rourke
August 14, 2007
16 years
Cait Terry
August 26, 2016
7 years
Club Information
Welcome to the Rotary Club of Vineland!
Service Above Self
Tuesdays at 11:30 AM
Larry's II
907 N. Main Rd.
Vineland, NJ 08360 United States of America
Lunch Meetings - every Tuesday . Gather at 11:30 AM, Meeting begins 11:45 AM