Next Meeting: August 27, 2026
5:30 p.m. at Gennaro's Surf & Turf
Club News & Announcements
Our most recent meeting was held on August 20 at Stoneforge and was led by President Jenn.
Thank you to everyone who attended the August 18 Board meeting.
Jenn thanked Carol for taking on this year's Backpack Project!
This week's meeting is our evening social meeting at Gennaro's Surf and Turf.
Reminder:
As we plan ahead, we are asking members to look at their calendars for availability for help with two promotion ideas:
Raynham Community Day on Sunday, September 27, 12-4 pm.
We are also gauging interest in participating in this year’s Taunton Christmas Parade, which will take place on Sunday, December 6. This is a great opportunity to showcase Rotary in the community and enjoy a fun holiday tradition together.
At Our Most Recent Meeting...
...Sarah Campbell introduced Rik Thetonia, Director of Operations at PRIDE, who oversees PRIDEWRX.
Rik shared an overview of the work PRIDEWRX does for local businesses, including packaging, assembly, quality control, and direct mailing. At the heart of their work is an integrated workforce model, providing opportunities for individuals to work toward meaningful goals, earn competitive wages, and participate in vocational training. Their mission is simple: to work to make a difference.
Rik also shared what's new at PRIDE: they have recently expanded into pet-toy distribution. Whittenton Hardware is their first customer, and PRIDE-distributed pet toys are now featured on an end cap in the store.
Rik encouraged Rotary members to support PRIDE by spreading the word, bringing projects to them, and coming for a visit. If you or your business has a project that could benefit from PRIDEWRX's services, they would be happy to explore how they can help.
We send our thanks to Rik for joining us for lunch and all the work he does in our community.
Happy & Sad Bucks
Santina shared a happy buck for accepting a new Associate Executive Director position. She is excited for the opportunity, but it comes with a sad buck—because the position is in Fall River, tomorrow will be her last day in Taunton.
Zulmira had several happy bucks: her son got married two weeks ago, and she said it was a perfect day. She will also get to enjoy some dog-sitting while the newlyweds are away. She added a sad buck for Santina's departure.
Carol Sullivan shared happy bucks for Rik joining us today and and for receiving a $250 donation from Morton to support the club's backpack project.
Dick had a happy buck because the 1950s-era bathroom in his house is finally getting an update to install a walk-in shower.
Kaylyn added a happy buck for Carol and the team for their work on the backpack project, which will be distributed on Saturday.
Sarah shared a happy buck for Rik and another for this weekend's college-friend weekend. The group has a bungee fitness class scheduled, so it should be quite an experience! She also shared a sad buck for the passing of Craig Silva, a longtime member of Pride.
Jenn had a happy buck for having Rik with us today and another for her cruise last week, where she enjoyed an entire week without using her phone. She also gave a buck to John for standing in while she was away.
Ed shared a sad buck for losing Santina from the club, along with a happy buck celebrating Pride and the long connection between Pride and Rotary, dating back to the Citrus Program.
This Week's Winners:
Carol Souza won the scratch ticket.
John did not win 50/50 raffle:
The pot stands at: $204.
