ROTARY CLUB OF VINELAND

September 12, 2006 Newsletter

Editors: Ron McMahon & Linda Foster
Photos: Jay Parks
Website: www.vinelandrotary.com
Email: vinelandrotary@comcast.net

Flag Salute & Prayer

Flag Salute, Pledge of Allegiance and recitation of the 4 Way Test was led by Marty, assisted by Bruce R., Gus, Ron M., Carl and Jay E. God Bless American was sung “archipellago” due to the absence of a piano in the Continental Room.
The opening prayer was led by Cornell Brunson

Guests

Loretta Brunson was the guest of her husband, Cornell. Charles Ottinger, incoming superintendent of the Vineland Public Schools, was the guest of Glenn Kahley. Rich Volpe visited us from the Glen Riddle Club.
Program speakers today were Jack Dilks from the Rotary District and Carlos Mercado from Habitat for Humanity.

Birthdays

Norm Neil - September 13th
Lou Tramontana - September 13th
Louann Ferrari-Brooks - September 18th

Announcements

Carol Captis announced a 50 mile Breast Cancer Walk, October 6-8. Carol and Linda Foster are participating, and would welcome Rotarian sponsors.

Joe Delgado announced that the next Adopt-a-Road cleanup of Landis Avenue will be on Saturday, October 7. The cleanup crew will meet for breakfast at Larrys II at 8:30AM.

Bonnie Laube announced that 20 people have signed on for the next trip to help hurricane Katrina victims. They include Rotarians from other clubs, as well as non-Rotarians. Bonnie, Gail and Jay Parks made a presentation to the Berlin club this week, seeking their participation and/or sponsorship. Members of the Voorhees Breakfast Club attended the Berlin meeting, and donated the proceeds of a recent fund raising event for the trip. Presentations are planned to 4 additional Rotary clubs.

The wrap-up of the annual Pedals for Progress bike collection will take place in Henry Hansen’s barn this Saturday morning, starting at 9:00AM. All able-bodied bike mechanics are invited. Tools will be provided. There are over 120 bikes, and several portable and treadle sewing machines, to be made ready to be shipped.

The first dictionary distribution to 3rd grade students in 2 Vineland Schools will be next Tuesday morning, Sept 19th. Meet at Bill Jannarone’s office on Landis Ave at 10:15AM.

Pat Proccacino entertained us with his “joke of the day”.

Membership

Please view the "Members Only" section for prospective member information.

Finemaster

Finemaster Bill started out by saying that this was a slow day with few fines, and then came up with a long list of “creative” fines, as usual.

Today’s Program

Program Chairman / President-elect Bill Dudley introduced two programs at today’s meeting.
Jack Dilks of the Gloucester City Club and District 7640 Foundation Chair, spoke of the upcoming Rotary Foundation fundraisers.

August 2006 Strike Out Hunger night was held at a Phillies game.
Nov. 19 - Dining with the Rotary Chefs, Tavistock Country Club. $25 donation, with all proceeds going to the donors’ clubs credit to the Rotary Foundation.
Feb. 23 - Rotary night at the Phantoms. $20 ticket cost, with $10 going to the club’s foundation credit.
March Madness - Culmination of the year long foundation fund raising activities of the clubs in the district, with prizes and awards going to winning clubs.
John Buckley 5K Walkathon, to be conducted at the annual district conference in Hershey, PA.
There are also plans in the works for a Rotary / Phantoms carnival.

Carlos Mercado, President and Executive Director of the Cumberland County Habitat for Humanity, presented a program on the activities of that organization. It’s a Christian based organization, with the objective of reducing poverty and homelessness in the world. There are over 2000 affiliates worldwide. The organization provides housing to qualified families. There’s a thorough selection process to select eligible families.

The houses are sold, not given, to the families, with Habitat holding the 20 year, interest-free mortgage. The average selling price of habitat homes in Cumberland County is $60,000. Ownership transfers gradually from Habitat to the owner, over the life of the mortgage. The home must remain single family, owner occupied, for all future purchasers.

14 homes have been built in Cumberland County since 1989. The group is starting an entire new neighborhood in Millville in the near future. They’re also starting their first handicap accessible home later this year.
More information is available on the web site: www.habitatcumberlandnj.net

50-50

Winner - Ron Pierson

Upcoming Programs

9/12/06 Jack Dilks - Rotary District Update
9/19/06 Dave Fixler - Health, Exercise and Fitness
9/26/06 State Senator Nick Asselta
10/3/06 First Tuesday - RYLA Program
10/10/06 Assemblyman Frank LoBiondo
10/17/06 Jane Galetto – The Wild and Scenic Maurice River
10/24/06 Becky Schad - Exchange Student Experience - Red Cross Blood Drive
10/31/06 Vocational Service with Mike Benson
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