ROTARY CLUB OF VINELANDAugust 15, 2006 Newsletter |
Editors: Linda Foster
Photos: Jay Parks
Website: www.vinelandrotary.com
Email: vinelandrotary@comcast.net
Flag Salute & Prayer
Marty led our singing,the flag salute and 4-way test.Bill Plick gave the blessing
Guests
Justus Livingston from the Bridgeton Club; John Wisda from the Elmer Club and Richard Volpe from the Glen Riddle, PA Club visited us today.Guest Speakers were Holly Gove and Lee Tortia from Spirit & Trush Ministries.
Announcements
PP George announced he is participating in the Susan Novack "Make a Difference" Run/Walk to be held Sept. 10th. George will be representing Rotary. Please see George if you would like to make a pledge.The Strike Out Hunger bus trip will leave from Loyle Lanes at 5:15 on Wednesday, August 16th.
Bonnie announced that she has 13 people signed up for the next Katrina Relief Mission to be held Nov. 5 - 12. There is a 30 person limit, so let Bonnie know as soon as possible if you are interested. Thank you Bonnie for chairing this project again.
Pat P. shared a joke with the group.
Finemaster
Finemaster Bill fined P. Mike, Sherry for compliments, Carol C. for being late to her own meeting, Charles Parrish for photo, Ted Lane for taking Betsy's seat. |
Today’s Program
Betsy Frank introduced today's progam, one of our charities we support, Spirit and Truth Ministries Soup Kitchen. Holly Gove, a native Vinelander, their new Executive Director, gave some background information on the Soup Kitchen. It began in 1988 at the First Presbyterian Church providing one meal per month feeding approximately 30 people. It is now preparing meals 5 days a week, over 20,000 meals at 5 locations.Approximately 15 volunteers are needed to operate each meal. The volunteers are responsible for setting up and breaking down at each location where they serve, sometimes providing transportation for food and clothing donations Volunteers serve the meals and sit down to talk to the attendees. They try to find out what their needs are. Groups come in to talk about job and drug assistance. The VA and healthcare organizations also come in to talk with those in need. Pastors and organizations also provide assistance.
Storage and freezer space is needed. There are times when there is no room to store large donations of food, expecially during the holidays.
No one is turned away. No referrals are necessary. They usually stay for about an hour, except when weather conditions are extreme. The particpants are encouraged to talk about their problems so they can be assisted or directed to the right place. 80% of participants are adults. 55-60% suffer some kind of addiction. There is a definate resource mission needed for rehabilitation.