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October 12th, 2026 Newsletter
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Highlights from our October 6th meeting:
 
Joe O'Rourke, Club President, welcomed everyone and conducted the meeting.
 
Notes Taken By: Alicia Fichera
Pledge: Eileen Duffy
4-Way Test: Dave Schad
Prayer: Pastor Heather Sugden
Sergeant-At-Arms: Harry Maloney & Gus Foster 
Guests:
  • Shania Witherspoon, daughter and guest of speaker
  • Carl Maxwell, guest of speaker
  • Esther Plevins, guest of Steve Plevins
  • Lindsey Bowers, club guest
  • Jason Vail, guest of Joe O'Rourke
  • Dominic Baruffi, guest of Joe O'Rourke
Guest Speakers: 
  • Tim Witherspoon
 
Together, Rotarians sang "God Bless America".
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Announcements:
 
Joe O'Rourke welcomed our members and guests.
 
Rotarians sang Happy Birthday to Josie Neill who celebrates her birthday on October 8th and Nick Surace who celebrates his birthday on October 9th.
 
Steve Plevins reminded everyone about the Turkey Drive. Their goal is to feed 5,000 people. If you are interested in helping, please reach out to Steve.
 
Norm Neill encouraged everyone to come to the offsite meeting on 10/13 as it is fascinating to see.
 
Alicia Fichera reminded everyone of the Pedals for Progress event taking place on 11/7 at DNS Solutions. Alicia encouraged everyone to "think outside the box" for anyone who may have bikes or sewing machines. Example of an idea: Post the P4P flyer in your neighborhood watch groups. Donations may be brought to DNS Solutions during business hours prior to the event or on the day of. Please reach out to her if you need assistance picking up or dropping off donations! 
 
Joe O'Rourke reminded everyone about the Jingle Run on 12/5. Signup sheets and sponsorship opportunities were passed around.
 
Jason Vail visited us from the A.J. Meerwald. A.J. Meerwald is New Jersey’s official tall ship and an authentic, restored 1928 oak-hulled, two-masted gaff schooner. Visit www.bayshorecenter.org for more information. 
 
$73 were collected in the blue cans to benefit the Spirit & Truth Turkey Drive.
 
Pastor Heather Sugden reminded everyone that the service/memorial for Diane Alcantara will take place Friday 10/9 at the Millville Women's Clun from 3-5PM.
 
Sherry Soutiere announced to please see Suzanne Martinelli for your Boscov's Coupons!!! 
Friends Helping Friends Day is Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Donate $5.00 to receive your 25% off coupon. 100% of the donations will go to Vineland Rotary Club.

***We’re up to $190 in pass sales so far!***

 
Click here to find your nearest store
 
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Steve Plevins introduced our guest speaker.
 
Program:
CLICK HERE to learn more about Tim!
 
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Dennis Palmer had the honor of presenting Lindsey Bowers of CCTEC with a Paul Harris Fellow Award in recognition of her dedication and hard work with students involved in the Rotaract and Interact Clubs. Her commitment to mentoring and encouraging young people through Rotary’s programs is truly appreciated and deserving of this special recognition.
 
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Additional Announcements:

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Hybrid meetings will launch on September 29th. If you would like to be added to receive the zoom link, please email Alicia at alicia@dnssolutionsnj.com or Cara at cara@dnssolutionsnj.com
 
*** MEETINGS WILL ONLY BE RECORDED 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 Dawn Hunter in your thoughts
and prayers.
 
Dawn is recovering from an illness which resulted in an injury. Please send your love and prayers her way. 
 
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Please keep Maureen Simmons and family in your thoughts
and prayers.
Maureen's mom passed away on September 9th. 
Cards can be sent to: 3281 Grace Ann Drive Vineland, NJ 08360
 
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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.
 
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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.
 
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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:
 
Foundation Dinner: 9/22/2026
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Save The Date:
Service Opportunity: 10/17/2026
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Boscov's Coupons: 10/21/2026
Please see Suzanne Martinelli for your Boscov's Coupons!
Click here to find your nearest store
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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
Membership Meeting
Oct 08, 2026 7:30 AM
Board Meeting
Oct 20, 2026
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
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
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
 
Rachael Seaman
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