ROTARY CLUB OF VINELANDJuly 24, 2007 Newsletter |
Editors: Linda Foster
Photos: Jay Parks
Website: www.vinelandrotary.com
Email: vinelandrotary@comcast.net
Flag Salute & Prayer
God Bless America, Flag Salute, Pledge of Allegiance and recitation of the 4 Way Test was led by Marty, with Ron M. on the piano.
The opening prayer was led by Dan Leslie.
Guests
Leslie Durham, who is leaving Vineland for Florida and has resigned from our club, was introduced as a guest. She was introduced by a man on a box, Bruce.Program speakers today were Arianne Hegeman and Kelly Wilson from Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Birthdays
Charles Loyle - July 24thShaye Kotok - July 26th
Jay Parks - July 28th
Announcements
Ron McMahon thanked the blood donors in the club for their donations to “The Gift of Life” at last week’s successful blood drive. 39 units of blood were collected. He also expressed the club’s appreciation to the Kejzman family and the Ramada Inn staff for their continued support of the Rotary blood drives. Next blood drive will be October 23rd.Alan Dickinson reported that he has recently sent statements to the Paul Harris sustaining members. Traditionally, the club donates credit for the last $100 towards a Paul Harris fellowship, after the member donates $900.
Betsy Frank reminded the club about the Phillies Strike Out Hunger night on August 22. If unable to personally participate, please make a donation to the project, to support children from the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program to attend the game with us.
Gail Marino reported that the Maurice River Cruise on July 22 was a success and a lot of fun, enhanced by donations of food by Mike Loyle. She also reminded us of the trip to see the show “Spamalot” on September 15.
Gail also presented a tribute to Leslie Durham, for taking such an active role in our club from the day she joined. Best wishes to you from all of us Leslie, we’ll miss you!! Be sure to visit us when you come to Vineland.
Mike Loyle presented a birthday check to his Dad for $1,500,000. This represents principal and interest on a check he presented to his Dad 5 years ago for $1,000,000, which was never cashed. He also reported on Carl and Connie Kirstein’s cross country motorcycle trip.
Finemaster Bill
Finemaster Bill, as usual, came up with many creative fines: Tim Jacobsen, for the box for Bruce to stand on; Leslie, for talking too much; Henry Hansen, for asking too many questions. |
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Program
Program Chair Betsy Frank introduced Arianne Hegeman, program director of Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem Counties.Arianne began her presentation by thanking the club for the continued support of her organization, and for the financial and volunteer support of many Rotarians. The program has grown exponentially. In 1999, there were 59 children in the program. Today, there are 338 kids active in the program, with another 115 on the waiting list. The number of kids in the program is limited only by the number of volunteers (hint-hint!!).
The program was started nationally in 1904, with local activity beginning in the 1970s. It became coed, including girls as well as boys, in 1982. The local organization branched out to Salem County last year. There are already 60 matches there.
There is a cost of about $1000 per match, which covers training of volunteers, and background checks. The program has proven results in improving the lives of children. Arianne related stories about some of her personal experiences with little sisters that she mentors.
Kelly Winters, an active Big Sister, related some of her experiences with her little sister Nancy. She told of how Nancy has improved in her ability to relate to others, and has shown more interest in life. She pointed out that being a Big Sister doesn’t take a lot of time, and doesn’t cost a lot of money.
To become involved or to help Big Brothers/Big Sisters, cal the office at 692-0916, or visit www.bbbscsnj.org.
50-50
Won by Mike Loyle, who contributed the proceeds to help cover the $1,500,000 check to his Dad, so that it doesn’t bounce.Up Coming Programs
July 31st - Who’s line is this?August 7th - Foundation program/1st Tuesday
August 14th - Elwyn
August 22nd - Phillies Strike Out Hunger Game
September 15th - NYC Spamalot Bus Trip - See Gail for signup