Perna Inducted; The Learning Bank Presents

Anthony "Nino" Perna was inducted into membership.  His sponsor was Josephine Perna-Stahl.  Nino followed his father into the restaurant business, and is co-owner of Nick & Nino's Coal-Fired Pizza in Monroe, one of the area's most popular casual dining spots.  Nick & Nino's is also the site of the Friday night (10 PM) weekly Monroe Rotary Ace of Spades drawing.

Dr. Dave Nixon, Rotarian and President of Monroe County Community College, introduced Vuncia Council, Director of The Learning Bank Network in Monroe.  The Learning Bank and its community partners prepare adult learners to complete the GED, retrains workers for new employment skills, and provides other remedial education.  Ms. Council explained the challenges of many of Monroe's unemployed including lack of high school diplomas and low literacy rates.  In addition to providing GED testing, this grant-funded program offers career readiness certification and financial literacy training in addition to life skills programs such as computer basics and esteem building workshops.  She noted the many community partners involved in the Learning Bank Network. Volunteers are needed to serve as tutors to those enrolled in the Learning Bank's programs.

QUOTE:  "What is Rotary? Thousands have made answer each in his own way. It is easier to note what Rotary does than what it is. One recently has said, 'If Rotary has encouraged us to take a more kindly outlook on life and men; if Rotary has taught us greater tolerance and the desire to see the best in others; if Rotary has brought us pleasant and helpful contacts with others who also are trying to capture and radiate the joy and beauty of life, then Rotary has brought us all that we can expect.'"  Paul Harris, October 1945