The Charles A. Loyle Vocational Service Award (VSA) was presented to Brian Lankin at our 11/14/23 meeting. Nine previous awardees joined us at the presentation luncheon.
In addition to the VSA, Brian received a Paul Harris Fellow Award and pin, presented by Foundation Co-Chairperson, Bonnie Laube and a plaque commemorating his award, presented by VSA Committee Chairperson, Donna Perez.
The first VSA was presented in 1985. The Award was introduced to Vineland Rotary by the late Charles A. Loyle. Our club has presented the award 37 times since its introduction.
Who is Brian Lankin?
Brian graduated Vineland High School in 1993 where he received the VHS swim coaches’ award. He received his Bachelor of Arts in Business Management at Richard Stockton University in 1997. Brian started working in his family's store, Al’s Shoes, Inc. in 1986 at the age of 12. He is the 3rd generation carrying on the tradition in the shoe business that started in 1948 - a 75 year tradition!
In 2008 Brian became president of Al Shoes and created a donation arm to honor his parents. From 2008 through 2017 he privately donated up to 200 pairs of shoes each year to those in need. Starting in 2018, with 80 donors, 1,000 pairs of shoes were given out. In 2019 the Bombas Sock Company heard of this success and donated 2,500 pairs of Bombas, increasing that number annually, reaching 10,000 pairs in 2023. Each year Al Shoes has matched the number of socks given with shoes donated to match over 300 donors and 50 volunteers.
Brian is the current chairperson of the Vineland Downtown Improvement District. He is married to his wife, Colleen. They have a daughter Arabella and a son Luke. The hope is that one day they become the 4th generation of Lankins to continue the legacy of Al's Shoes.
Congratulations, Brian on your award. We thank you for your service to community!
Another Vineland Rotarian Marks a Membership Milestone!
President Andy Browne called the meeting to order. Shirley Burke led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ed Morvay led us in the 4 Way Test. Pastor Heather Sudgen gave the invocation. Linda Rumick was our notetaker.
Alicia Fichera assisted with photography. Andy announced that announcements would be deferred because of our lengthy program and would be posted on our website. Members are encouraged to view the current announcements at our website: https://vinelandrotary.org
We enjoyed a great turnout for our Vocational Service Award luncheon!
President Andy informed members of the passing of member Linda Foster's sister, Kathy Franzoi. Members offered their thoughts and prayers for Linda's and her family for their loss.
Donna Perez and Shirley Burke collected Happy Dollars - collecting stories and dollars throughout the room. Happy members included Ed Morvay, who contributed $56 Happy Dollars in honor of his 56th wedding anniversary. Other happy members included: Andy Browne, Jay Einstein, Donna Perez, Ed Morvay, Norm Neill, Biran Rehm, Stan Orzechowski, Sue Sauro, Ken Dondero, Dave Schad, Alicia Fichera, Linda Rumick, Caera Stanzione, John Casadia, Josie Spinelli and Richard Franchetta.
Again, please visit our website to view the current announcements and Vneland Rotary news at our: https://vinelandrotary.org
AMURTEL Christmas Boutique - Tuesday, December 5th!
Our December 5th meeting will feature the annual gift boutique benefiting AMURTEL. Items available at the boutique include excellent gift ideas for the holidays including jewelry, scarves, hats (adult and childrens), handbags and backpacks, ceramic dinnerware, Christmas ornaments and MUCH more! Pictured are just a few examples of items that will be offered for sale at the boutique.
Please remember to bring cash and/or checks for payments for your gift choices. No credit cards will be accepted.
Win a Trip to Dallas to see the birds take on dem boys!
Two lucky folks will travel to Dallas for the Sunday Night Rivalry Game on 12/10/2023! Donate below and select Rotary Club of Vineland as your favorite Non Profit Organization below and be entered to win today!
The winner of this sweepstakes will receive the following:
2 Lower Level Tickets to Philadelphia vs Dallas Professional Football Game in Arlington, TX on December 10th, 2023
Round-trip Airfare to and from Dallas for 2 People*
2 Nights Stay for 2 in a Hilton Property
Round-trip Airfare to and from Dallas for 2 People*
ollecting stories and dollars throughout the room. Happy members included Ed Morvay, who contributed $56 Happy Dollars in honor of his 56th wedding anniversary. Other happy members included: Andy Browne, Jay Einstein, Donna Perez, Ed Morvay, Norm Neill, Biran Rehm, Stan Orzechowski, Sue Sauro, Ken Dondero, Dave Schad, Alicia Fichera, Linda Rumick, Caera Stanzione, John Casadia, Josie Spinelli and Richard Franchetta.
s), handbags and backpacks, ceramic dinnerware, Christmas ornaments and MUCH more! Pictured are just a few examples of items that will be offered for sale at the boutique. 
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