Due to Govenor Corzine's budgetary restraints and his shutting down of the casinos, lottery, race tracks, etc., and Ted Levy's absence this newsletter is in this format for today. Although the Wheel has been passed once again to me, Ted has all that is needed to make The Wheel look as great as it has for the past year. So in the meantime here are the highlights from last week's meeting. Any complaints please contact the Govenor's office. He said he'd cover for me. JM

There were no visiting Rotarians. Three guests--David Ladado--Small Business Servces (Bill Tobolsky), Corey Honeyman (RYLA) and his mother Hope Honeyman, a LCSW.

Rich Lees was in Italy during the Charter Night celebration. Garden State Rotary via President Ilene gave him a plaque to thank him in appreciation for his years of service. He was also awarded him the perfect attendance pin for 19 years. Ilean also pinned our newest member, Joseph Tredinnick.


Cory Honeyman, a student at Cherry Hill East spoke about his week at RYLA. One hundred fifty-six students from SNJ participated. He described the RYLA training sessions "as great." Corey shared the importance of the friendship bonds he formed. Believed they "will last forever." He was confident the RYLA training will prepare him to be a better leader. He particularly liked Olympic night and Talent show where he got to show off his unique skill of “Beat Boxing” His mother told us he was born with the gift. He also thought career night was “cool” as he was provided the opportunity to learn about a variety of career choices.

Adam Mazories will be our new exchange student. He is fifteen and currently lives in Hungary. He will begin his school year here in the States with the Pang family. Adam will reside with two other families before his 2006-2007 school year is completed.

Marv mentioned there are still tickets available for Strike out Hunger night. The date is August 16th-- Phils vs the Mets.

Our guest speaker, Tina Fragoso, was introduced by Jeff Baron. She serves on the Council at Large for the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians of New Jersey. Tina dressed in traditional garb for her culture and explained that this is part of their heritage. She shared many of their struggles to maintain their identity. The home of the tribe was MD, DEL & NJ. Most of the culture has been passed via word of mouth. Their history is rooted in the land and tribal elders continue to be fearful of losing their land and rights based on what has transpired in the past.

Unlike the tribes in the west there has been little written about the Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape Indians. It appears what is written is not accurate causing problems in the tribe being afforded the recognition they deserve. It was not until 1924 that Congress recognized Native American people as citizens. More than fifty years later, on August 13, 1978 Congress signed into law the "American Indian Religious Freedom Act." This law gave Native Americans the right to practice their religious beliefs.

The Nanticoke Lenni-Lenape tribe passed a law not to allow casinos on the land, fearing it is detrimental to the growth and success of the tribe. There were a lot of questions from the group as everyone was shocked and surprised at some of statements detailing the struggles of the tribe. (For more info http://www.nanticoke-lenape.org/)

The gavel was passed from our 2005-2006 President Ilean Stein to Fred Levin, our President for 2006-2007.

Our speaker today is--Raquel DiGati of SaveAGrace.com--Historical Graveyards of Camden and Gloucester Counties.

July Birthdays

Robert Hardin July 18
Marv Axler July 23

Special thanks to Alan Stein for the photos (see our website) and to Mike Marino for taking notes during the meeting. If any fees were accrued in either endeavor please bill the Govenor's office.