Don't miss our next meeting Tuesday, April 18, 2023  at Larry's II Restaurant  @11:45 am

Special Guest Speaker: 

Frank Piccioni III,

Director of Dual Enrollment at Rowan College of South Jersey

Let's catch up on meeting highlights, news and more!

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The meeting was called to order by President, Harry Maloney. Dennis Palmer led us in the Pledge of Allegiance, Steve Schiavo conducted the 4-Way Test and Pastor Heather led us in prayer. Gus Foster was Sargeant at Arms. Notetaker was Linda Rumick.  Rotarians wished VP Andy Browne a happy birthday for his April 11 birthday (check below for all birthdays and anniversaries for the month). 

Attendance was 41 with 6 guests - potential members: Nancy Spinelli, Joe Rotello, Casie Harris and Melissa King along with student guests (shadowing Dennis Palmer) Carley Kaiser and Savannah Prescott. The Vineland Rotary welcomed Joe Rotello who attended his first meeting and brought a $250 contribution for our Hunger Project. That $250 will fund 1000 meal packets/6000 meals! Thank you Joe!

Rotarian of the Week!!

Congratulations to our newest Rotarian of the Week, Membership Chairperson Josie Spinelli! Josie is a dedicated Rotarian who works hard to promote the Vineland Rotary and the community service projects that we support. Congratulations Josie on a well-deserved award. Enjoy your trophy and crown

photoalbums/rotarians-of-the-week

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Our Program - Mayor Anthony Fanucci

Our guest speaker, Mayor Fanucci, provided an in-depth update on what’s happening in the City of Vineland. He noted that the City has been rebranded over the past 6 years, earning national recognition and enjoying increased tax ratables. Ratables are now at $4 billion. Growth is likened to the Phoenix rising from the ashes.

The City weathered the Pandemic better than many other cities. Tax increases have been low. The mayor credited the city’s utilities (Vineland Electric Utility and Landis Sewerage Authority) for helping hold taxes down. “We are running on 8 cylinders and I’\m pushing for 12!” the mayor said. 

Mayor Fanucci, an honorary Vineland Rotarian, thanked the club for all that it does to help our community. “There’s so much value in what you do as Rotarians helping those in need in our community,

He complimented our own Dennis Palmer, Executive Director of the LSA as the “smartest guy in the room” no matter who else is in the room. He also complimented our own Sandy Forosisky, Director of Economic Development for the City because “she does all the hard work and I take the credit.” 

The Mayor said he is fortunate to have a City Council that buys into his vision and helps accomplish his goals. “Together, we are able to create a day that’s better for our children and our future.”

Mayor Fanucci addressed a number of other topics, including infrastructure improvements, long-range marketing and exceptional financial planning, investment strategies - all leading to a better environment for the city. He spoke of the Smart City broadband initiative designed to bring high quality internet service at reasonable prices to city residents. “My goal is to plan for today and prepare for tomorrow.”

Following his presentation, Mayor Fanucci answered a number of questions from our members. When asked about the future of the Senior Citizen Center, he explained what had been happening over the past several years (including the center being designated by the state as a spot for COVID testing and vaccinations). He assured us that the Center will be renovated and restored so that it once again serves the community, adding that “I am passionate about the Center - I volunteered there as a child with my grandparents.” He also answered questions about the planned reconfiguration of Chestnut Avenue - to three-lanes with a center turn lane.

“We received a $20 million grant from the Federal government for the project so we have to follow some of their guidelines.” 

Thank you Mayor Fanucci for a very informative presentation!

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Hunger Project - VOLUNTEER!!

Gail Marino mentioned she needs volunteers for the Vineland Rotary Club Hunger Project on 4/22  from 10-11 am. We need 10 table captains and 10 volunteers for each table. We will assemble 20,000 meals to be donated to those in need in our community. Setup starts at 8 AM. Please contact Gail @  gmarino@bayatlanticfcu.org to volunteer.

It's scholarship time and we need your help! VOLUNTEER!!

The applications are in and now it's time to review and select our scholarship recipients. Scholarship committee chairs Susanna Phillippoussis and Brian Rehm need your help, Can you join the committee and review and complete a score card for each application? Scoring must be completed by April 21. One in-person meeting (April 26 @ 6 pm) will be held to review and select the awardees. Contact Susanna @ susannapc@gmail.com to volunteer!

Challenger League Buddy Day! VOLUNTEER!!

Next Blood Drive is Tuesday 5/9/23 at the Ramada - we need volunteers! Contact Jim Siwek for more information @ jcsiwek@gmail.com

Photos: Please remember to send all of your Rotary-related pictures to Jay Parks @jayhparks@comcast.net -- Jay thanks you!