September 13, 2011

Well, it has been awhile.  We've brought a new team in for the Rotary Year, led by Susan George.  We're also adding Stephen McGee back to the masthead as Secretary for this year and David Gornstein as Treasurer.

The last month has been a bit hectic, between Hurricane Irene and Tropical Storm Lee.  Vernon Township has had more than its share of water, that's for sure!

Let us also not forget the 9/11 memorial services of last weekend, both nationally and in Sussex County.  A sad time for this country and important to remember as it gives us all a perspective for the trials and tribulations of our own lives.

For those of you that are into social media, Vernon Police has a Facebook page.  If you "Like" it, then you'll get important updates on road closings and openings.  It has been invaluable these past few days with all the flooding, road collapses, etc.  Particularly useful if you have a smartphone with Facebook access.

March 22, 2011

Spring has sprung...then bounced back into Winter.  Eventually, we'll actually have warm weather, but Old Man Winter is hanging on.

In two weeks, we will have the Group Study Exchange here from Brazil.  GSE groups are always fun to host as they afford us all an opportunity to learn about other countries and cultures.  In the past, we've had groups from New Zealand, India, Switzerland, and Brazil and it was always entertaining.

For the group coming in, we'll have a day of mine exploration as well as visiting local resorts to educate them about the history of the area and about what drives much of the local economy.  If you're interested in joining them for the day, please see Reg Phillips.

March 8, 2011

Tonight, Suzanne Swank joined us along with the Sussex County United Way Scholar Athletes from Vernon and Newton.  We had a good turnout as this is always an interesting evening to hear from the young people in the community.

Shown here is Kellianne Baumann and her parents.  Kellianne is a senior at Vernon High School and is captain of both the varsity soccer and varsity basketball teams.  She also has an outstanding grade point average.  Please click here http://sussexunitedway.org/2011_Scholar_Athlete_Nominees.php  for more information about all the scholar athlete nominees.

Shown in this photo is Brian Lawrey and his family.  Brian is a senior at Newton High School and academically is #1 in his class.  Brian also runs cross country and swims.  Outside of school, Brian is active in his church and in the community.  See the United Way website (above) for more information.

January 11, 2011

Due to the impending snowstorm, we did not have a meeting tonight.  It was a difficult call, as the snow did not actually start until around 8 pm, but when it did, it came down steadily so that by morning, we had a good 8-9 inches.

Better safe than sorry is a good motto to live by.  We'll see everyone next week, on the 18th!  In the meantime, send your ideas for programs or speakers to mcguire_bob@hotmail.com.

January 4, 2011

Happy New Year!  We hope everyone welcomed in the new year safely and had a good holiday spent with family and loved ones.  Please check the calendar of events on the panel to the right - we have an exciting schedule for the remaining months of the current Rotary Year with more to be added.

We are moving our Annual Golf Outing to The Farmstead Country Club in Lafayette this year.  This is a very nice golf course and should make for a nice change of venue.  Check out their website at http://farmsteadgolf.com/.

December 7, 2010

We had our annual Family Christmas Party at Heaven Hill Farm tonight.  It was a very enjoyable time and Martin and his crew did a wonderful job with the food.  Of particular note was the apple crisp.  Nice job!

This annual get-together offers a chance for us to get together with spouses and family members and enjoy some good old holiday fellowship.  The Club thanks Martin for his hospitality and generosity in supporting this annual event for us.

November 9, 2010

Tonight we had two guests with us for our meeting.  The first was Michael Roux and his father, Roger.  Our second guest was Gerry Giaimis, Vernon Township Manager.

Michael, who graduated from High Point University this spring, participated in the Journey of Hope, a cross-country bicycle trip that raises awareness and money for people with disabilities.  Our Club contributed to the effort in support of Michael.  See this link for more information and pictures of the effort:  http://www.pushamerica.org/events/joh/.

Gerry Giaimis is the latest township manager that we've had in Vernon.  (I think 3rd or 4th this year...)  Though we haven't had all of them present to us, his comments were frank and to-the-point.  While some of the initiatives that the township are considering are not greeted with unanimous fanfare, it is clear that the township is facing some real challenges.  However, Gerry stated that he has seen townships with worse problems.

While it is not clear exactly how long he will be manager, given the change in township government that was passed in the recent election, he is certainly ready for the task ahead.  We thank Gerry for his time in joining us and hope that he will return for periodic updates.

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