President Charles opened the meeting at 12:15pm

Pledge of Allegiance: President Charles

Prayer: Barbara Miller

Song: Mark Hontz

 

Guest: Nathaniel Hontz

 

Charles welcomed our guests and thanked the Rotarians for attending the meeting.

 

Happy Dollars:

Denise's dentist gave her 48 toothbrushes for the Homeless Project.

Mike Hanifan was happy that the Hontz's attended today's meeting. 

Jim Taylor reminded us that we don't have the Food Booth.

John Cuozzo dittoed Jim's sentiments.

Caroline Ottenbreit's son worked directly across from 345 Park Ave. where the massacre occurred, but fortunately, he was transferred to San Francisco.

Mark Hontz was happy for his memories of the fair. The Hontz Family Band will be performing German music at the fair.  Suzanne is out of her apartment and waiting to move into a new apartment.  Thomas is halfway through his Bar.  

Tom Russo has served 18 years as Newton Town Manager and as Helen LeFrois would put it, 2 years from retirement. 

 

Announcements:

9/11/25 Dine to Donate at Friendly's, Newton

9/13/25 Farm to Table at the Current Barn

Tickets available at Fran's Farmhouse Kitchen, Route 206, Branchville

9/24/25 Annual Golf Outing at Newton Country Club

Helen and Steve Wescott are the honorees. 

3/7/26 Pancake Breakfast at Applebee's, Newton

3/7/26 St. Patricks Day Parade, Newton

End of April 2026 Pickleball Tournament

 

Barbara Miller reported that the grant is on hold.

 

Guest Speakers: 

Newton Mayor Helen LeFrois and Town Manager Tom Russo

 

Helen and Tom provided us with a great deal of information about the town.

 

Newton, the county seat, serves the residents and businesses.  The judicial system, hospital, county college and 30% of the town is non taxable.  They are working with non profits to secure grants.  The council works well with government officials.

 

The officials are working to better understand and service the homeless community.  Landlords need to register their rentals annually.  The high rise at 33 Mill St. pilot expires 2026.

 

The planning and zoning board are working to complete a project with the old Armory property behind the Shop Rite.  Once the project is complete Ronetco will purchase and build a new Shop Rite.

 

The council is working with the college to develop more on the McGuire lot.

 

There is a grant opportunity to connect the rail trail with Memory Park. 

 

Upcoming Speakers:

8/13/25 Sussex County Community College President Dr. Cory Homer 

8/27/25 Dr. Dov Rand Health and Aging

 

50/50

Buz Tomasino won $3.00.  The pot still grows.

 

Adjourned at 1:22 pm

 

Editor: Denise Current