ROTARY CLUB OF VINELANDNovember 21, 2006 Newsletter |
Editors: Gus Foster & 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. Today’s singers were Loren, Dan, Sherry, Dave Hanrahan, Carl and Jay Einstein.
Dan gave our Thanksgiving prayer, remembering our blessings.
Guests
Program speakers Lt. Col. Anthony LaSure and Capt. Yvonne Mays.Membership
Please visit the "Members Only" section of the website for important prospective membership announcement.Birthdays
Pat Procaccino - November 22ndAnnouncements
President Mike Loyle introduced Sergeant-at-arms Bruce Middleton.Bruce announced thankgiving greeting were received from our long time member Bruce Garlock, all the way from Arizona.
As chairperson of the event, Bruce reminded us of the Tiny Tim Caroling on December 12th, meeting at the home of Marianne and George Lods. Members with good singing voices, and others who just want to carry the can are invited to get into the holiday spirit.
Bruce introduced our newest members and guests.
Newest Members: Gerry Dooley and Dave Hanrahan. Guests: Bill Dudley introduced our Interact Advisors, Robert Hoff & James Smith.
We sang to Pat Procaccio for his birthday on the 22nd.
P. Mike welcomed the Waveland, Mississippi crew back from their week of service down south.
Fundraising Chair Betsy Frank reminded us of the good projects our club undertakes each year. As such we need to generate a funding budget. She said the Dream Date Raffle will kick off in the coming weeks, so get ready to really sell some tickets as it is for a great cause.
Ken and Sherry announced the Holiday Party for Special Needs Children in the Vineland schools. This year will be the first year of the Single Party. All 275 children will meet at the Ramada Inn at one time for a party. Members are asked to stay later on Tuesday December 5th after the regular luncheon meeting to help get the gifts and room ready for the party the following day, Wednesday the 6th. The party will be held on Wednesday morning, and volunteers are needed then as well. It is an experience first-time attendees will never forget, and really sets the mood for the holiday season. Food is needed. Be sure to sign up and attend.
Dan Leslie announced the Community Thanksgiving Service on Wednesday at 7PM at the St. Isadore church. Following the service, there will be a social time in the community hall.
Ron McMahon announced the next Blood Drive on December 26th. Posters are available for Rotarians’ places of business. We get over 60% of donations from walk-ins and other non-club members, so ask someone to attend and give.
P. Mike announced that over $8.000 was generated from the recent “Dining with Rotary Chefs” event.
Pat provided an insanely funny joke for us today.
Finemaster
In Bill’s absence, sub-underassistant-finemaster Ed Duffy did the honors. Among the more inventive fines, Pat Procaccino for his recent donation of defibrillators to Vineland schools, P. Mike for too many phone calls to Ed, Gerry for being a great greeter, and Betsy for not being more upbeat about fundraising that hasn’t even started. Ed declared that he faced an ethical dilemma regarding fining late members. He put his ethics aside and fined all latecomers at $3 a pop. Way to go Ed!Today’s Program
Bill Dudley introduced Anthony LaSure who provided an interesting visual presentation on the 177th Fighter Squadron of the NJ Air National Guard. A commercial airline pilot, Anthony has served in the Air National Guard and his tours of duty included combat missions in Iraq, and flying during the September 11th terrorist attacks. Anthony’s father, James LaSure was originally from Vineland.The presentation outlined the history of the Air National Guard since its inception with the Massachusetts Bay Company in 1636. The location at the Atlantic City Airport is strategic to protect this area. During the Cold War, fighter aircraft were routinely flown to monitor Soviet bombers just off the Jersey coast. Since 9/11, the site has been manned 24-hours to guard the northeastern US. Within 20 minutes, a fighter can intercept aircraft from Boston to Virginia. The Warren Grove bombing range has been used for practice for many military and law enforcement groups. Anthony said the aircraft they are currently using are 1980’s vintage and will be replaced with newer F-16 models, and eventually with F-35 aircraft. A interesting presentation to let us know someone is watching to protect us all!
50/50
Mike Benson was today’s lucky winner. |
Upcoming Programs
11/28 Alan Dickinson, Rotary Foundation12/5 Classification Talks: Chris Miller and Chalky Ottinger
12/5 Holiday Party preparation following the luncheon meeting
12/6 Holiday Party for Special Children, Ramada Inn, 9:00 AM to 1:00PM
12/12 Jay Parks: Rotary Year in Revue
12/12 Tiny Tim Caroling
12/26 Blood Drive