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Central Ocean Rotary

We meet In Person

Tuesdays at 12:15 p.m.

Olive Garden

1277 Hooper Ave
Toms River, NJ 08753
United States of America

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Breakfast to Benefit the TRPD K-9 Unit

Join us for a Flapjack Fundraiser breakfast at Applebee’s on Saturday, April 5th, from 8 AM to 10 AM to support the Toms River Police Department K-9 Unit! Hosted by the Central Ocean Rotary Club of Toms River, this event is a great way to enjoy a delicious meal while giving back to our local heroes—both human and canine.

TRPD police dogs play a vital role in keeping our community safe, assisting in search and rescue, detecting dangerous substances, and protecting officers and residents alike. By attending this breakfast, you’re helping to ensure they receive the training, care, and equipment they need to continue their incredible work.

Tickets are just $15—grab yours today and enjoy pancakes for a purpose! 🥞🐾

Breakfast includes: Pancakes, sausage, scrambled eggs, and a beverage (coffee, juice, soda or tea)

🎟️ Buy your tickets today! 🎟️

Certificate of Appreciation from St. Luke's

This past December, we had the joy of organizing a hugely successful toy drive for the St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Luke’s Church, bringing smiles to countless children in need.

Last Tuesday, we were honored to receive a Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of our efforts. While the certificate is special, the real reward is knowing we made a difference in our community.

Giving back is what we do, and we’re grateful for the opportunity to support such an incredible cause!

Guest Speaker Pastor Rhetta Jackson

We are thankful that Pastor Rhetta Jackson from True Vine Healing & Deliverance Ministries came and spoke about the Code Blue program! She manages two Code Blue sites in Ocean County and help coordinate the seventh Code Blue shelter in Ocean County. Thank you for your service to our homeless population

Guest Speaker Felicia Simmons

We were honored at our most recent meeting by the discussion on Black History by esteemed speaker Felicia Simmons for Black History Month. The informative discussion was eye opening and inspirational. Thank you Felicia for your presence and wisdom!

Welcome Honorary Member Jeff Bassett

𝐖𝐞𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞, 𝐉𝐞𝐟𝐟, 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐎𝐜𝐞𝐚𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐂𝐥𝐮𝐛 𝐨𝐟 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐬 𝐑𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫!

Jeff Bassett, a dedicated member of The Salvation Army Ocean County Citadel and the Rotary Club of Asbury Park, has been a familiar face at our meetings for the past few years. Since he works in Toms River, he has regularly joined us, and we couldn’t be happier to now officially welcome him as an 𝑯𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒓𝒚 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 of our club!

Jeff truly embodies Rotary’s motto, 𝑺𝒆𝒓𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝑨𝒃𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑺𝒆𝒍𝒇, and we are grateful for his commitment to making a difference in our community.

Welcome, Jeff! We’re excited to have you as part of our Rotary family!

: President Laurie Singer sponsored Jeff as a member.

Save The Barnegat Bay

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Graceanne Taylor from Save Barnegat Bay as our guest speaker. Grace shared valuable insights about the incredible work this organization does to protect and preserve the Barnegat Bay ecosystem.

We will be partnering with Save Barnegat Bay for an upcoming waterway cleanup project! This collaboration is a great opportunity for us to make a positive impact on our local environment while working alongside an organization dedicated to conservation.

Together, we can help keep our waterways clean and beautiful for generations to come.

To learn more about Save Barnegat Bay visit their website: https://savebarnegatbay.org/

We also had Ralph Cooper visiting from the Rotary Club of Ocean City-Upper Township and Rotary District 7505 Public Image Director. Thanks, Ralph for making the drive to visit us! It was great to have you

from left to right: Graceanne Taylor from Save Barnegat Bay, Laurie Singer our Club's President, and Ralph Cooper Rotary District 7505 Public Image Director

Salvation Army Bell Ringing

Some of our members embraced the cold weather today outside Walmart to ring the bell for the The Salvation Army Ocean County Citadel. Despite the frosty temperatures, their spirits remained high and their hearts warm as they collected donations to support those in need during the holiday season.

A big thank you to everyone who stopped by to contribute and to our incredible members for their commitment to making a difference, no matter the weather!

Together, we’re spreading warmth and kindness throughout the community.

2024 Holiday Party

Toy Drive

Tis the Season of Giving!

Our Central Ocean Rotary Club is proud to spread holiday cheer in our community! Members Jill Rand and Michelle Williams delivered toys collected by our club to St. Luke’s in Toms River. The joy and gratitude from St. Luke’s were heartwarming, and we couldn’t be prouder to support such a wonderful cause.

Thank you to all our members for their generous contributions. Together, we’re making the season a little brighter for children in our community.

#RotaryInAction #SeasonOfGiving

50/50 Raffle Winners

Congratulations to Our 50/50 Raffle Winners!

We are thrilled to announce the winners of our 50/50 raffle:

1st Place: $3,479 - Ticket #2388, sold to Ron Kinion

2nd Place: $994 - Ticket #2312, sold to Dawn Girtain

3rd Place: $497 - Ticket #2098, sold to Jen McPherson

A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who purchased tickets and supported our raffle. Your contributions make a big difference in our community.

We also want to express our sincere gratitude to Insectropolis for graciously providing the location for us to hold the raffle. Your constant support is always appreciated!

A special shout-out to our amazing members for their hard work and dedication in making this raffle a success. We couldn’t have done it without you!

Congratulations again to our winners!

District 7505 Governor Steven Neuner

This past Tuesday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Rotary District 7505 Governor for the 2024-2025 Rotary Year, Steven Neuner, as well as former Assistant District Governor Stacey Cofka! District Governor Neuner shared updates on the exciting new initiatives the district is undertaking this year to make an even greater impact in our communities. He also presented our President, Laurie Singer, with this year’s Rotary theme banner, "The Magic of Rotary"

. We’re inspired and ready to make this year magical together!

He also talked to us about the new podcast series "Behind the Wheel". If you want to learn more about Rotary and what we do check out these interviews: https://district7505.org/.../behind-the-wheel-video...

#TheMagicOfRotary

50/50 Raffle is back

Our annual 50/50 raffle is back!

Tickets are just $20, and the funds raised will support our scholarship program and numerous local non-profit organizations.

This year, we proudly awarded $13,500 in scholarships to college-bound students and contributed over $12,000 to other charitable programs in our community.

If interested please message us, we accept credit cards!!!!

Joanne Ventura - Rotary Foundation

Last week, we had the privilege of hearing from Joanne Ventura, who delivered an inspiring presentation on the Rotary International Foundation. Joanne explained how our financial contributions are carefully invested and how a portion of these funds returns to our district, providing opportunities to apply for district grants that directly support our local initiatives and the broader Rotary Causes. From promoting peace and fighting disease to providing clean water and supporting education, our donations make a real impact.

To learn more visit: https://www.rotary.org/en/about-rotary/rotary-foundation

Blood Drive Success

Yesterday, the three Rotary Clubs of Toms River (Toms River Sunrise Rotary Club, Rotary of Toms River, Central Ocean Rotary Club of Toms River) came together once again for our annual Red Cross blood drive, and it was a tremendous success!

Thank you to everyone who took the time to donate blood and help save lives. Your generosity and support make a real difference in our community, and we couldn't do it without you. Together, we are helping to ensure a strong and steady blood supply for those in need.

See you next time!

Chris Koerner - 3rd Paul Harris Fellow

Last week, we had the privilege of honoring Chris Koerner with his third Paul Harris Fellow award. For 25 years, Chris has been more than just a dedicated member—he’s been the heart and soul of our club. Whether we’ve needed guidance, a helping hand, or a place to gather (Insectropolis), Chris has always been there, ready to support us with his wisdom and generosity. His commitment has touched us all, and we’re so fortunate to have him as part of our Rotary family.

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