Vineland Rotary Newsletter September 18, 2023 (Sep 17, 2023)

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Highlights from our September 12th Meeting

President Andy Browne opened the meeting. Steve Plevins 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. Photography by: Susanna Philippoussis, Cara Stanzione, Alicia Fichera and Dawn Hunter.

Our very happy club members shared their good news as Sherry Soutiere and Frank Rumick (below) collected $116 in Happy Dollars! Our weekly totals have been very impressive. Last week we collected $164 in Happy Dollars!

An additional $67 was collected in the Gift of Life Collection tins that are on each lunch table each week. Last week was our first week collecting for Gift of Life and $31 was receive

Rotarians are so very generous!

Sherry also reported that our next Road Cleanup Project will be on Thursday, September 28th at the Vineland Industrial Park at starting at 3:30 pm and continuing until 5:30 pm. Our club will receive $250 for our participation. More details will follow soon.d

We also need a volunteers and a Chairperson for the annual Alzheimer's Walk to be held Saturday, October 7th. If interested, let President Andy know.

Back to School Fun - School supplies and a delicious lunch!

Last week, Josie Spinelli challenged us to join the Back to School excitement by bringing a lunchbox filled with school supplies - and, not surprisingly, more than 20 members met the challenge!

More than 20 lunch boxes filled with school supplies were donated and additional supplies were also dropped off!

The highlight of the meeting was a contest to select the "best" lunchbox. Josie was assisted by Susanna Phillipoussis (below left) Kudos go to Dawn Hunter (below right) whose donation of a "Frozen" themed box was the win

ner.

Meanwhile, Rotarians enjoyed a delicious "back to school" luncheon featuring peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mac and cheese, grilled cheese sandwiches, tomato soup and much more! Tables were sprinkled with candy treats. Great job everyone! Thanks for the initiative, Josie!

Congratulations to our most recent ...

Congratulations to our newest

Rotarian of the Week, Jim Siwek!

Jim (above) is a dedicated and helpful

Rotarian who gives so much of himself to

help others. He has worked diligently to keep

our ongoing Blood Drives for the American

Red Cross going strong.

Because of Jim, this vital

activity continues to be very successful.

Jim is a kind-hearted person who is generous of spirit and heart.

Congratulations, Jim on a well-deserved award!

Wear your crown with pride!

Joe Botero is inducted as our newest member!

Joe Botero (far right) shows his enthusiasm as he was inducted as our newest member at the meeting in a ceremony presided over by Ed Morvay with Jay Einstein. Joe was previously a Rotarian in Arizona before his move to this area. Welcome Joe - we know you are going to be an excellent addition to our club!

Steve Plevins receives his 5-Year Pin ... a little late.

Steve Plevins (at left with Ed Morvay) received his

5-Year Pin. It was a little late as Steve has been a member for more than 7 years.

Congratulations, Steve! It won't be that long before you'll be receiving your 10-year pin!

Karen Bauman reminded us about the Vineland Rotary Family Barbeque at Parvins Park on Saturday, September 23 from 3-7 pm. We have both pavillions at the park reserved. We will be cooking and serving hot dogs, burgers and drinks but other barbeque goodies will be provided by our membership! Sign up sheets were passed around at the meeting and will be available again at tomorrow's meeting. Let's make this a great family event!!

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Donna Perez 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 at: tetris0202@yahoo.com

Click here for the nomination form: https://vinelandrotary.org/SitePage/vocational-service-award-nomination-form

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Our Program:

Lisa Tobolski

Challenger League

Lisa Tobolski (right) an active member of Challenger League who serves as the organization's Coordinator of Volunteers, was our speaker. Lisa graduated high school with two our of Rotarians - President Andy Browne and Rotary Charities Treasurer, David Schad.

Lisa spoke about her family, and specifically, about her son Matthew, who is a special needs child, She said she considers him a gift and a blessing from God. Matthew is her third born child. Because of her son, Challenger League is near and dear to her heart.

Challenger League dates for 2024 have not been announced yet. We will share them as soon as we have them. Typically, games begin in April.

Challenger League Divisions and Ages:

Challenger Division: Ages 5 years to 18 years of age.

Senior Division: Ages 15 years of age and older.

Thank you Lisa for sharing your family's story!

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