Rotary Ramblings News Re: Rich Connell story/ Sun-Sentinel
Elliesecondtime@aol.com
Elliesecondtime@aol.com
Wed, 5 Feb 2003 21:23:58 EST
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In a message dated 2/5/03 3:02:01 PM Eastern Standard Time,
RJMiller@sun-sentinel.com writes:
> WATER SPIRIT
>
> By Sar Perlman Special Correspondent
>
>
>
> When Rich Connell was an eighth-grader in Berkley, Mich., he had the good
> fortune to be at a Saturday movie matinee. "The movie I saw changed my life
> forever. The title was Gidget Goes Hawaiian starring Deborah Walley. I
> vowed as soon as I was old enough, I would move to a beach and become a
> surfer and hang out with Gidget and her friends," he said.
>
> Connell, 52, reached and surpassed his goal, having spent the better part
> of his adult life working on the beach. He worked for Delray Beach as an
> ocean lifeguard and then as ocean rescue superintendent for 27 years.
> Today, Connell, who lives west of Delray Beach, is assistant director for
> the Delray Beach Parks and Recreation Department.
>
> As superintendent, Connell saw that some lifeguards were more concerned
> with sitting on the beach than saving lives. Some were addicted to alcohol
> or drugs, he said. Using a point system, he required lifeguards to work
> out, practice rescues and learn emergency life support techniques. Those
> who didn't get enough points were fired.
>
> In 1987, Life Guard Lt. Chris Watton suggested Connell send a competition
> team to the U.S. Lifesaving Association's National Lifeguard Championships.
>
>
> In 1988, the Delray Beach team participated in its first competition and
> placed in eighth place even though pitted against larger and more
> experienced ocean rescue departments, such as the 1,200-man Los Angeles
> County unit.
>
> "It was pretty wild, and from then on everybody tried to do better,"
> Connell said.
>
> The team has remained a frequent Top 10 winner, taking fourth place in 2000
> and 2001. And in 1996, Delray Beach was the first lifeguard team in the
> nation to participate in the International Basic and Advanced Life Support
> Competition, placing in fourth place.
>
> "For a beach patrol of that size to be as competitive as they are, Richard
> must have had competition as a priority, not only in hiring but also in
> training current employees. Their performance speaks volumes about the
> quality of lifeguard protection that Delray residents have at their
> beaches," said Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol Lt. Jim McCrady, president of
> the southeast region of the lifeguards' association.
>
> Connell remembers how, as a child, he longed each year for the summer so he
> could visit his grandparents near Lake St. Clair.
>
> "My grandfather really had a love for the water and he took me out sailing
> a lot there, and my dad was a merchant mariner for a while, so that's where
> I got my love for the ocean," he said.
>
> Connell's favorite activity at his family's church camp on the southern
> shore of Wamplers Lake was swimming.
>
> When he was 20, Connell followed that love. He dropped out of college and
> moved to Florida.
>
> "The day I left, the thermometer peaked at 5 degrees. I took an Eastern
> Airline flight, fare $49, landed in Fort Lauderdale with a temperature of
> 78 degrees and a rainbow visible over the ocean as we landed. My life
> savings of $300 was tucked away in my pocket," he said.
>
> As he worked a nighttime restaurant job, Connell spent his days at the
> beach swimming, surfing and chatting with other beachgoers.
>
> George Evans, a lifeguard he befriended, told Connell the difference
> between them was that he was being paid to be at the beach and urged
> Connell to sign up for a Red Cross lifesaving course. Connell enrolled in
> the class, which was taught by John LaPointe, who was Delray Beach's
> aquatics supervisor. After Connell's graduation in 1975, LaPointe hired him
> to be a Delray Beach lifeguard.
>
> That launched Connell's lifeguard career and a long-lasting friendship
> between the two.
>
> "John has been a good friend. He gave me great inspiration, and I'll be
> forever indebted to him for sharing his love for the ocean," Connell said.
>
> He and LaPointe still have lunch every Wednesday.
>
> Connell took evening classes at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a
> bachelor's degree in fine arts and music. He joined a jazz band as a
> pianist and played at the Breakers, the Colony Hotel, and the Yacht &
> Racquet Club of Boca Raton among others. When he graduated in December
> 1981, Connell intended to pursue music. Instead he was promoted to
> lifeguard captain.
>
> He was promoted again in 1987 to ocean rescue superintendent, overseeing
> the city's ocean rescue operations. In September 2001, Connell became
> assistant director of parks and recreation.
>
>
>
> "I like it, even though it's a desk job and am grateful for the opportunity
> the city gave me to advance myself. I still work out with the lifeguards
> once a week, and I joke around with them that I might apply for a weekend
> lifeguard position," he said.
>
> "I always found peace and solace at the beach, and I do love the beach. If
> the world was coming to an end, that's the place where I'd want to be."
>
>
>
>
>
>
> Publication Date: Sunday, February 2, 2003
> Edition: Delray Beach
>
> Section: COMMUNITY NEWS
> Page: 1
>
>
>
>
>
>
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=3D"#000040" style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D2 FAMILY=3D"SANSSERI=
F" FACE=3D"Arial" LANG=3D"0">In a message dated 2/5/03 3:02:01 PM Eastern St=
andard Time, RJMiller@sun-sentinel.com writes:<BR>
<BR>
<BLOCKQUOTE TYPE=3DCITE style=3D"BORDER-LEFT: #0000ff 2px solid; MARGIN-LEFT=
: 5px; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0px; PADDING-LEFT: 5px"></FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000"=
style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D3 FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" FACE=3D"A=
rial" LANG=3D"0"><B>WATER SPIRIT<BR>
<BR>
</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D2=
FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" FACE=3D"Arial" LANG=3D"0"></B>By Sar Perlman Special C=
orrespondent <BR>
</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D3=
FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" FACE=3D"Arial" LANG=3D"0"> <BR>
</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D2=
FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" FACE=3D"Arial" LANG=3D"0"><BR>
<BR>
When <B>Rich</B> <B>Connell</B> was an eighth-grader in Berkley, Mich., he h=
ad the good fortune to be at a Saturday movie matinee. "The movie I saw chan=
ged my life forever. The title was Gidget Goes Hawaiian starring Deborah Wal=
ley. I vowed as soon as I was old enough, I would move to a beach and become=
a surfer and hang out with Gidget and her friends," he said. <BR>
<BR>
Connell, 52, reached and surpassed his goal, having spent the better part of=
his adult life working on the beach. He worked for Delray Beach as an ocean=
lifeguard and then as ocean rescue superintendent for 27 years. Today, Conn=
ell, who lives west of Delray Beach, is assistant director for the Delray Be=
ach Parks and Recreation Department. <BR>
<BR>
As superintendent, Connell saw that some lifeguards were more concerned with=
sitting on the beach than saving lives. Some were addicted to alcohol or dr=
ugs, he said. Using a point system, he required lifeguards to work out, prac=
tice rescues and learn emergency life support techniques. Those who didn't g=
et enough points were fired. <BR>
<BR>
In 1987, Life Guard Lt. Chris Watton suggested Connell send a competition te=
am to the U.S. Lifesaving Association's National Lifeguard Championships. <B=
R>
<BR>
In 1988, the Delray Beach team participated in its first competition and pla=
ced in eighth place even though pitted against larger and more experienced o=
cean rescue departments, such as the 1,200-man Los Angeles County unit. <BR>
<BR>
"It was pretty wild, and from then on everybody tried to do better," Connell=
said. <BR>
<BR>
The team has remained a frequent Top 10 winner, taking fourth place in 2000=20=
and 2001. And in 1996, Delray Beach was the first lifeguard team in the nati=
on to participate in the International Basic and Advanced Life Support Compe=
tition, placing in fourth place. <BR>
<BR>
"For a beach patrol of that size to be as competitive as they are, Richard m=
ust have had competition as a priority, not only in hiring but also in train=
ing current employees. Their performance speaks volumes about the quality of=
lifeguard protection that Delray residents have at their beaches," said For=
t Lauderdale Beach Patrol Lt. Jim McCrady, president of the southeast region=
of the lifeguards' association. <BR>
<BR>
Connell remembers how, as a child, he longed each year for the summer so he=20=
could visit his grandparents near Lake St. Clair. <BR>
<BR>
"My grandfather really had a love for the water and he took me out sailing a=
lot there, and my dad was a merchant mariner for a while, so that's where I=
got my love for the ocean," he said. <BR>
<BR>
Connell's favorite activity at his family's church camp on the southern shor=
e of Wamplers Lake was swimming. <BR>
<BR>
When he was 20, Connell followed that love. He dropped out of college and mo=
ved to Florida. <BR>
<BR>
"The day I left, the thermometer peaked at 5 degrees. I took an Eastern Airl=
ine flight, fare $49, landed in Fort Lauderdale with a temperature of 78 deg=
rees and a rainbow visible over the ocean as we landed. My life savings of $=
300 was tucked away in my pocket," he said. <BR>
<BR>
As he worked a nighttime restaurant job, Connell spent his days at the beach=
swimming, surfing and chatting with other beachgoers. <BR>
<BR>
George Evans, a lifeguard he befriended, told Connell the difference between=
them was that he was being paid to be at the beach and urged Connell to sig=
n up for a Red Cross lifesaving course. Connell enrolled in the class, which=
was taught by John LaPointe, who was Delray Beach's aquatics supervisor. Af=
ter Connell's graduation in 1975, LaPointe hired him to be a Delray Beach li=
feguard. <BR>
<BR>
That launched Connell's lifeguard career and a long-lasting friendship betwe=
en the two. <BR>
<BR>
"John has been a good friend. He gave me great inspiration, and I'll be fore=
ver indebted to him for sharing his love for the ocean," Connell said. <BR>
<BR>
He and LaPointe still have lunch every Wednesday. <BR>
<BR>
Connell took evening classes at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a bach=
elor's degree in fine arts and music. He joined a jazz band as a pianist and=
played at the Breakers, the Colony Hotel, and the Yacht &Racquet Club o=
f Boca Raton among others. When he graduated in December 1981, Connell inten=
ded to pursue music. Instead he was promoted to lifeguard captain. <BR>
<BR>
He was promoted again in 1987 to ocean rescue superintendent, overseeing the=
city's ocean rescue operations. In September 2001, Connell became assistant=
director of parks and recreation. <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
"I like it, even though it's a desk job and am grateful for the opportunity=20=
the city gave me to advance myself. I still work out with the lifeguards onc=
e a week, and I joke around with them that I might apply for a weekend lifeg=
uard position," he said. <BR>
<BR>
"I always found peace and solace at the beach, and I do love the beach. If t=
he world was coming to an end, that's the place where I'd want to be." <BR>
<BR>
<BR>
</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D3=
FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" FACE=3D"Arial" LANG=3D"0"><BR>
<BR>
<BR>
<BR>
</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D2=
FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" FACE=3D"Arial" LANG=3D"0"><B>Publication Date:</B> Sun=
day, February 2, 2003 <BR>
<B>Edition:</B> Delray Beach <BR>
</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D3=
FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" FACE=3D"Arial" LANG=3D"0"><BR>
</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D2=
FAMILY=3D"SANSSERIF" FACE=3D"Arial" LANG=3D"0"><B>Section:</B> COMMUNITY NE=
WS <BR>
<B>Page:</B> 1 <BR>
</FONT><FONT COLOR=3D"#000000" style=3D"BACKGROUND-COLOR: #ffffff" SIZE=3D3=
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From: "Miller, Rhonda J" <RJMiller@sun-sentinel.com>
To: "'Elliesecondtime@aol.com'" <Elliesecondtime@aol.com>
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Copyright 2003 Sun-Sentinel
Does this help? to get a copy of the paper, give me a call 243-6605
Rhonda
WATER SPIRIT
By Sar Perlman Special Correspondent
When Rich Connell was an eighth-grader in Berkley, Mich., he had the good
fortune to be at a Saturday movie matinee.
"The movie I saw changed my life forever. The title was Gidget Goes Hawaiian
starring Deborah Walley. I vowed as soon as I was old enough, I would move
to a beach and become a surfer and hang out with Gidget and her friends," he
said.
Connell, 52, reached and surpassed his goal, having spent the better part of
his adult life working on the beach. He worked for Delray Beach as an ocean
lifeguard and then as ocean rescue superintendent for 27 years. Today,
Connell, who lives west of Delray Beach, is assistant director for the
Delray Beach Parks and Recreation Department.
As superintendent, Connell saw that some lifeguards were more concerned with
sitting on the beach than saving lives. Some were addicted to alcohol or
drugs, he said. Using a point system, he required lifeguards to work out,
practice rescues and learn emergency life support techniques. Those who
didn't get enough points were fired.
In 1987, Life Guard Lt. Chris Watton suggested Connell send a competition
team to the U.S. Lifesaving Association's National Lifeguard Championships.
In 1988, the Delray Beach team participated in its first competition and
placed in eighth place even though pitted against larger and more
experienced ocean rescue departments, such as the 1,200-man Los Angeles
County unit.
"It was pretty wild, and from then on everybody tried to do better," Connell
said.
The team has remained a frequent Top 10 winner, taking fourth place in 2000
and 2001. And in 1996, Delray Beach was the first lifeguard team in the
nation to participate in the International Basic and Advanced Life Support
Competition, placing in fourth place.
"For a beach patrol of that size to be as competitive as they are, Richard
must have had competition as a priority, not only in hiring but also in
training current employees. Their performance speaks volumes about the
quality of lifeguard protection that Delray residents have at their
beaches," said Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol Lt. Jim McCrady, president of
the southeast region of the lifeguards' association.
Connell remembers how, as a child, he longed each year for the summer so he
could visit his grandparents near Lake St. Clair.
"My grandfather really had a love for the water and he took me out sailing a
lot there, and my dad was a merchant mariner for a while, so that's where I
got my love for the ocean," he said.
Connell's favorite activity at his family's church camp on the southern
shore of Wamplers Lake was swimming.
When he was 20, Connell followed that love. He dropped out of college and
moved to Florida.
"The day I left, the thermometer peaked at 5 degrees. I took an Eastern
Airline flight, fare $49, landed in Fort Lauderdale with a temperature of 78
degrees and a rainbow visible over the ocean as we landed. My life savings
of $300 was tucked away in my pocket," he said.
As he worked a nighttime restaurant job, Connell spent his days at the beach
swimming, surfing and chatting with other beachgoers.
George Evans, a lifeguard he befriended, told Connell the difference between
them was that he was being paid to be at the beach and urged Connell to sign
up for a Red Cross lifesaving course. Connell enrolled in the class, which
was taught by John LaPointe, who was Delray Beach's aquatics supervisor.
After Connell's graduation in 1975, LaPointe hired him to be a Delray Beach
lifeguard.
That launched Connell's lifeguard career and a long-lasting friendship
between the two.
"John has been a good friend. He gave me great inspiration, and I'll be
forever indebted to him for sharing his love for the ocean," Connell said.
He and LaPointe still have lunch every Wednesday.
Connell took evening classes at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a
bachelor's degree in fine arts and music. He joined a jazz band as a pianist
and played at the Breakers, the Colony Hotel, and the Yacht & Racquet Club
of Boca Raton among others. When he graduated in December 1981, Connell
intended to pursue music. Instead he was promoted to lifeguard captain.
He was promoted again in 1987 to ocean rescue superintendent, overseeing the
city's ocean rescue operations. In September 2001, Connell became assistant
director of parks and recreation.
"I like it, even though it's a desk job and am grateful for the opportunity
the city gave me to advance myself. I still work out with the lifeguards
once a week, and I joke around with them that I might apply for a weekend
lifeguard position," he said.
"I always found peace and solace at the beach, and I do love the beach. If
the world was coming to an end, that's the place where I'd want to be."
Publication Date: Sunday, February 2, 2003
Edition: Delray Beach
Section: COMMUNITY NEWS
Page: 1
Dateline: Delray Beach
Publication: SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL
Illustration: PHOTOS 2
Caption: Staff photos/Nicholas R. Von Staden
(color) in shape: Rich Connell, assistant director of the Delray Beach Parks
and Recreation Department, works out with the city's lifeguards one day a
week.
(color) Connection: "I always found peace and solace at the beach..."says
Connell.
Keywords: SPCL
-----Original Message-----
From: Elliesecondtime@aol.com [mailto:Elliesecondtime@aol.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 04, 2003 11:47 PM
To: Ramblings@delraybeachrotary.org
Subject: (no subject)
ROTARY RAMBLINGS
ROTARY CLUB OF DELRAY BEACH
February 4, 2003
We sure packed that banquet hall today! We had a full house of fellow
Rotarians and guests. President Pat Archer presided over the meeting. Bill
Adams (the real one) asked for a moment of silence, to pay respects to our
astronauts lost in the tragedy this week. As he called each one's name, a
chill came over the room. It was very moving for all of us.
Jimmy Weatherspoon, back as song leader, lead us in favorites, Home on the
Range and Smile. It sounded like there were a few coyotes in the room!
Bruce Wenzel greeted all our guests. There were about twelve visiting
Rotarians. We also had many guests, such as Bill and Charlotte Adams' son
Tyler, who has just returned from a trek all over Europe (and more). I
think we should have him as guest speaker in the future. We also had Jeff
Anstis, who has recently moved his business to Delray Beach. He is a
prospective member.
We had many make ups this week. Among them is Lou Cucci, Dave Harden, Dave
Van Gorp, Hume Rennick and Jim Atchison. (I think Jim has been cruising for
weeks.) Thank each of you for doing these make ups. It helps keep our club
at the top in attendance.
Leo Phillips paid for the banner he presented to Rick Kaufman, of
Burlington, Ont., who gave our club his banner in return.
Fred Bonardi regrettably gave the stock market report. Today it was down
152 points at noon. Hang in there Fred, it has to get better!
Sergeant at Arms, Tony Allerton collected $173.00 today. Of course, $77.00
was donated by Lyn Huckle for her birthday. (She was paying off her IOU.)
Gensie Bingham, one of our snowbirds, held the winning ticket to draw for
the "green hat" which is now up to $250.00. It is really getting lucrative
now.
Rich Connell was featured in the Sun-Sentinel this week. I tried to gain
access to the story, to no avail. I will try to have it for you next week.
I hear it is quite a story.
Egon Kurz gave us a report on our former member Gene Webb. Sounds like he
is freezing in North Carolina.
Don Thorpe, DVM, had his book, Volunteers for Glory, a book about Civil War
History, at our meeting today. It certainly caught the interest of some of
the history buffs in our group. He made donations to the club, on his
sales.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: The Community Potluck Dinner, chaired by Lula Butler will be
held at Old School Square this next Wednesday, at 6:00 p.m. Our club will
be servers; we need two more people. Servers should arrive around 5:30 p.m.
It is a fun evening for all.
Wine Tasting Party, March 1, Old School Square, in Orchard View Room.
Tickets are $45.00.
Jim Blocker, who is our computer expert, is offering 30 minutes computer
tech help, for a $40.00 donation to our club. His phone number is:
561-638-3402.
I would also like to mention the notoriety of Ernie Simon, in the play Other
People's Money, showing at the Delray Beach Playhouse through February 16.
It is a riot; some of his lines "poke fun at lawyers." It is so funny
coming from a real life attorney and former Judge. He rolls his eyes, as
though he can't believe it is coming out of his mouth. He's a born actor,
no wonder he is so good in the courtroom.
Wally Doud had the pleasure of introducing our guest speaker, Rob Moreland,
Director of Fire Rescue of Delray Beach. Rob has been with the Fire
Department for 25 years. He was a paramedic for three years, heading up a
group of twelve.
He spoke on Sudden Cardiac Arrest, imploring us to call 911 in all these
emergency cases. They are well trained, and time is of essence. There is
usually a four minute response to these calls. He explained Cardiac Arrest,
Heart Attacks, and Strokes to the audience. In each case, don't wait; it's
better to get help and not need it, than to wait; waiting can be deadly.
Recently, our Fire Rescue Team gained national recognition for our program
in this city. This team teaches volunteers to use the AED equipment;
including more than 80 trained in our police department.
Rob Moreland is a well trained man in his field. Holding the interest of
his audience, he was very informative; awakening the possibility of saving
someone's life who was in attendance today. Thank you Rob for being in
Delray Beach!
Next Week: Our speaker will be Digby Bridges, a former member of our Rotary
Club. He has interesting information for us.
Rel Moorcroft has asked me to notify all that he will have copies of the
Rotary Ramblings in the front foyer, on the badge table, for all those
wanting copies.
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<DIV><FONT size=1><FONT face=Arial>Copyright 2003
Sun-Sentinel<BR> <BR><SPAN class=250011120-05022003><FONT color=#0000ff size=2>Does this help? to get a copy of the paper, give me a call
243-6605</FONT></SPAN></FONT></FONT></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial color=#0000ff size=2><SPAN class=250011120-05022003>Rhonda</SPAN></FONT></DIV>
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<TD align=middle width="100%"><STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=3>WATER
SPIRIT<BR> <BR></FONT></STRONG><FONT face=Arial size=2>By Sar Perlman
Special Correspondent <BR></FONT> <BR>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0>
<TBODY>
<TR>
<TD align=left width="100%"><FONT face=Arial size=2><BR> <BR>When <EM><B>Rich</B></EM>
<EM><B>Connell</B></EM> was an eighth-grader in Berkley, Mich., he
had the good fortune to be at a Saturday movie matinee.
<P>"The movie I saw changed my life forever. The title was Gidget
Goes Hawaiian starring Deborah Walley. I vowed as soon as I was old
enough, I would move to a beach and become a surfer and hang out
with Gidget and her friends," he said.
<P>Connell, 52, reached and surpassed his goal, having spent the
better part of his adult life working on the beach. He worked for
Delray Beach as an ocean lifeguard and then as ocean rescue
superintendent for 27 years. Today, Connell, who lives west of
Delray Beach, is assistant director for the Delray Beach Parks and
Recreation Department.
<P>As superintendent, Connell saw that some lifeguards were more
concerned with sitting on the beach than saving lives. Some were
addicted to alcohol or drugs, he said. Using a point system, he
required lifeguards to work out, practice rescues and learn
emergency life support techniques. Those who didn't get enough
points were fired.
<P>In 1987, Life Guard Lt. Chris Watton suggested Connell send a
competition team to the U.S. Lifesaving Association's National
Lifeguard Championships.
<P>In 1988, the Delray Beach team participated in its first
competition and placed in eighth place even though pitted against
larger and more experienced ocean rescue departments, such as the
1,200-man Los Angeles County unit.
<P>"It was pretty wild, and from then on everybody tried to do
better," Connell said.
<P>The team has remained a frequent Top 10 winner, taking fourth
place in 2000 and 2001. And in 1996, Delray Beach was the first
lifeguard team in the nation to participate in the International
Basic and Advanced Life Support Competition, placing in fourth
place.
<P>"For a beach patrol of that size to be as competitive as they
are, Richard must have had competition as a priority, not only in
hiring but also in training current employees. Their performance
speaks volumes about the quality of lifeguard protection that Delray
residents have at their beaches," said Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol
Lt. Jim McCrady, president of the southeast region of the
lifeguards' association.
<P>Connell remembers how, as a child, he longed each year for the
summer so he could visit his grandparents near Lake St. Clair.
<P>"My grandfather really had a love for the water and he took me
out sailing a lot there, and my dad was a merchant mariner for a
while, so that's where I got my love for the ocean," he said.
<P>Connell's favorite activity at his family's church camp on the
southern shore of Wamplers Lake was swimming.
<P>When he was 20, Connell followed that love. He dropped out of
college and moved to Florida.
<P>"The day I left, the thermometer peaked at 5 degrees. I took an
Eastern Airline flight, fare $49, landed in Fort Lauderdale with a
temperature of 78 degrees and a rainbow visible over the ocean as we
landed. My life savings of $300 was tucked away in my pocket," he
said.
<P>As he worked a nighttime restaurant job, Connell spent his days
at the beach swimming, surfing and chatting with other beachgoers.
<P>George Evans, a lifeguard he befriended, told Connell the
difference between them was that he was being paid to be at the
beach and urged Connell to sign up for a Red Cross lifesaving
course. Connell enrolled in the class, which was taught by John
LaPointe, who was Delray Beach's aquatics supervisor. After
Connell's graduation in 1975, LaPointe hired him to be a Delray
Beach lifeguard.
<P>That launched Connell's lifeguard career and a long-lasting
friendship between the two.
<P>"John has been a good friend. He gave me great inspiration, and
I'll be forever indebted to him for sharing his love for the ocean,"
Connell said.
<P>He and LaPointe still have lunch every Wednesday.
<P>Connell took evening classes at Florida Atlantic University,
pursuing a bachelor's degree in fine arts and music. He joined a
jazz band as a pianist and played at the Breakers, the Colony Hotel,
and the Yacht & Racquet Club of Boca Raton among others. When he
graduated in December 1981, Connell intended to pursue music.
Instead he was promoted to lifeguard captain.
<P>He was promoted again in 1987 to ocean rescue superintendent,
overseeing the city's ocean rescue operations. In September 2001,
Connell became assistant director of parks and recreation.
<P>
<P>"I like it, even though it's a desk job and am grateful for the
opportunity the city gave me to advance myself. I still work out
with the lifeguards once a week, and I joke around with them that I
might apply for a weekend lifeguard position," he said.
<P>"I always found peace and solace at the beach, and I do love the
beach. If the world was coming to an end, that's the place where I'd
want to be."
<P><BR></FONT></P></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <BR>
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<TD width="50%"><FONT face=Arial size=2><B>Publication
Date:</B> Sunday, February 2, 2003 <BR></FONT></TD>
<TD width="50%"><FONT face=Arial size=2><B>Edition:</B> Delray
Beach <BR></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD width="50%"><FONT face=Arial size=2><B>Section:</B>
COMMUNITY NEWS <BR></FONT></TD>
<TD width="50%"><FONT face=Arial size=2><B>Page:</B> 1
<BR></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD width="50%"><FONT face=Arial size=2><BR></FONT></TD>
<TD width="50%"><FONT face=Arial size=2><BR></FONT></TD></TR>
<TR>
<TD width="100%" colSpan=2><FONT face=Arial size=2><BR><B>Dateline:</B> Delray Beach
<BR><B>Publication:</B> SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL
<BR><BR></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> <BR><FONT face=Arial size=2><BR><B>Illustration:</B> PHOTOS 2 <BR><B>Caption:</B> Staff
photos/Nicholas R. Von Staden<BR>(color) in shape:
<EM><B>Rich</B></EM> <EM><B>Connell</B></EM>, assistant director of
the Delray Beach Parks and Recreation Department, works out with the
city's lifeguards one day a week.<BR>(color) Connection: "I always
found peace and solace at the beach..."says Connell.
<BR><B>Keywords:</B> SPCL
<BR><BR><BR><BR></FONT></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<DIV><!---
<HR>
<h2>WATER SPIRIT<br>
<<br>
DELRAY PARKS, RECREATION OFFICIAL STAYS CONNECTED TO THE ROOTS OF HIS CAREER.
<br></h2><br>
<br>Section: COMMUNITY NEWS
<br>Page: 1
<br><br>
<p>
When <em><b>Rich</b></em> <em><b>Connell</b></em> was an eighth-grader in Berkley, Mich., he had the good
fortune to be at a Saturday movie matinee.<p>
"The movie I saw changed my life forever. The title was Gidget Goes
Hawaiian starring Deborah Walley. I vowed as soon as I was old enough, I would
move to a beach and become a surfer and hang out with Gidget and her friends,"
he said.<p>
Connell, 52, reached and surpassed his goal, having spent the better part
of his adult life working on the beach. He worked for Delray Beach as an ocean
lifeguard and then as ocean rescue superintendent for 27 years. Today,
Connell, who lives west of Delray Beach, is assistant director for the Delray
Beach Parks and Recreation Department.<p>
As superintendent, Connell saw that some lifeguards were more concerned
with sitting on the beach than saving lives. Some were addicted to alcohol or
drugs, he said. Using a point system, he required lifeguards to work out,
practice rescues and learn emergency life support techniques. Those who didn't
get enough points were fired.<p>
In 1987, Life Guard Lt. Chris Watton suggested Connell send a competition
team to the U.S. Lifesaving Association's National Lifeguard Championships.<p>
In 1988, the Delray Beach team participated in its first competition and
placed in eighth place even though pitted against larger and more experienced
ocean rescue departments, such as the 1,200-man Los Angeles County unit.<p>
"It was pretty wild, and from then on everybody tried to do better,"
Connell said.<p>
The team has remained a frequent Top 10 winner, taking fourth place in 2000
and 2001. And in 1996, Delray Beach was the first lifeguard team in the nation
to participate in the International Basic and Advanced Life Support
Competition, placing in fourth place.<p>
"For a beach patrol of that size to be as competitive as they are, Richard
must have had competition as a priority, not only in hiring but also in
training current employees. Their performance speaks volumes about the quality
of lifeguard protection that Delray residents have at their beaches," said
Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol Lt. Jim McCrady, president of the southeast
region of the lifeguards' association.<p>
Connell remembers how, as a child, he longed each year for the summer so he
could visit his grandparents near Lake St. Clair.<p>
"My grandfather really had a love for the water and he took me out sailing
a lot there, and my dad was a merchant mariner for a while, so that's where I
got my love for the ocean," he said.<p>
Connell's favorite activity at his family's church camp on the southern
shore of Wamplers Lake was swimming.<p>
When he was 20, Connell followed that love. He dropped out of college and
moved to Florida.<p>
"The day I left, the thermometer peaked at 5 degrees. I took an Eastern
Airline flight, fare $49, landed in Fort Lauderdale with a temperature of 78
degrees and a rainbow visible over the ocean as we landed. My life savings of
$300 was tucked away in my pocket," he said.<p>
As he worked a nighttime restaurant job, Connell spent his days at the
beach swimming, surfing and chatting with other beachgoers.<p>
George Evans, a lifeguard he befriended, told Connell the difference
between them was that he was being paid to be at the beach and urged Connell
to sign up for a Red Cross lifesaving course. Connell enrolled in the class,
which was taught by John LaPointe, who was Delray Beach's aquatics supervisor.
After Connell's graduation in 1975, LaPointe hired him to be a Delray Beach
lifeguard.<p>
That launched Connell's lifeguard career and a long-lasting friendship
between the two.<p>
"John has been a good friend. He gave me great inspiration, and I'll be
forever indebted to him for sharing his love for the ocean," Connell said.<p>
He and LaPointe still have lunch every Wednesday.<p>
Connell took evening classes at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a
bachelor's degree in fine arts and music. He joined a jazz band as a pianist
and played at the Breakers, the Colony Hotel, and the Yacht & Racquet Club of
Boca Raton among others. When he graduated in December 1981, Connell intended
to pursue music. Instead he was promoted to lifeguard captain.<p>
He was promoted again in 1987 to ocean rescue superintendent, overseeing
the city's ocean rescue operations. In September 2001, Connell became
assistant director of parks and recreation.<p>
<p>
"I like it, even though it's a desk job and am grateful for the opportunity
the city gave me to advance myself. I still work out with the lifeguards once
a week, and I joke around with them that I might apply for a weekend lifeguard
position," he said.<p>
"I always found peace and solace at the beach, and I do love the beach. If
the world was coming to an end, that's the place where I'd want to be."<p>
<P>
<center>
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republished without permission.<br>
Send comments or questions to <A
HREF="mailto:newslib@infi.net">newslib@infi.net</A>
</FONT>
</center>
<p>
<hr><i><FONT SIZE=-1>All archives are stored on a SAVE (tm) newspaper
library system from MediaStream Inc., a Knight-Ridder Inc.
company.</FONT></i>
--><!--
<form method="get" action="http://www.sunsent.trb/editorial/system/jhtest/texttest.asp">
<input type="hidden" name="mylead" value=" When <em><b>Rich</b></em> <em><b>Connell</b></em> was an eighth-grader in Berkley, Mich., he had the good
fortune to be at a Saturday movie matinee.<p>
"The movie I saw changed my life forever. The title was Gidget Goes
Hawaiian starring Deborah Walley. I vowed as soon as I was old enough, I would
move to a beach and become a surfer and hang out with Gidget and her friends,"
he said.<p>
">
<input type="hidden" name="myrest" value=" Connell, 52, reached and surpassed his goal, having spent the better part
of his adult life working on the beach. He worked for Delray Beach as an ocean
lifeguard and then as ocean rescue superintendent for 27 years. Today,
Connell, who lives west of Delray Beach, is assistant director for the Delray
Beach Parks and Recreation Department.<p>
As superintendent, Connell saw that some lifeguards were more concerned
with sitting on the beach than saving lives. Some were addicted to alcohol or
drugs, he said. Using a point system, he required lifeguards to work out,
practice rescues and learn emergency life support techniques. Those who didn't
get enough points were fired.<p>
In 1987, Life Guard Lt. Chris Watton suggested Connell send a competition
team to the U.S. Lifesaving Association's National Lifeguard Championships.<p>
In 1988, the Delray Beach team participated in its first competition and
placed in eighth place even though pitted against larger and more experienced
ocean rescue departments, such as the 1,200-man Los Angeles County unit.<p>
"It was pretty wild, and from then on everybody tried to do better,"
Connell said.<p>
The team has remained a frequent Top 10 winner, taking fourth place in 2000
and 2001. And in 1996, Delray Beach was the first lifeguard team in the nation
to participate in the International Basic and Advanced Life Support
Competition, placing in fourth place.<p>
"For a beach patrol of that size to be as competitive as they are, Richard
must have had competition as a priority, not only in hiring but also in
training current employees. Their performance speaks volumes about the quality
of lifeguard protection that Delray residents have at their beaches," said
Fort Lauderdale Beach Patrol Lt. Jim McCrady, president of the southeast
region of the lifeguards' association.<p>
Connell remembers how, as a child, he longed each year for the summer so he
could visit his grandparents near Lake St. Clair.<p>
"My grandfather really had a love for the water and he took me out sailing
a lot there, and my dad was a merchant mariner for a while, so that's where I
got my love for the ocean," he said.<p>
Connell's favorite activity at his family's church camp on the southern
shore of Wamplers Lake was swimming.<p>
When he was 20, Connell followed that love. He dropped out of college and
moved to Florida.<p>
"The day I left, the thermometer peaked at 5 degrees. I took an Eastern
Airline flight, fare $49, landed in Fort Lauderdale with a temperature of 78
degrees and a rainbow visible over the ocean as we landed. My life savings of
$300 was tucked away in my pocket," he said.<p>
As he worked a nighttime restaurant job, Connell spent his days at the
beach swimming, surfing and chatting with other beachgoers.<p>
George Evans, a lifeguard he befriended, told Connell the difference
between them was that he was being paid to be at the beach and urged Connell
to sign up for a Red Cross lifesaving course. Connell enrolled in the class,
which was taught by John LaPointe, who was Delray Beach's aquatics supervisor.
After Connell's graduation in 1975, LaPointe hired him to be a Delray Beach
lifeguard.<p>
That launched Connell's lifeguard career and a long-lasting friendship
between the two.<p>
"John has been a good friend. He gave me great inspiration, and I'll be
forever indebted to him for sharing his love for the ocean," Connell said.<p>
He and LaPointe still have lunch every Wednesday.<p>
Connell took evening classes at Florida Atlantic University, pursuing a
bachelor's degree in fine arts and music. He joined a jazz band as a pianist
and played at the Breakers, the Colony Hotel, and the Yacht & Racquet Club of
Boca Raton among others. When he graduated in December 1981, Connell intended
to pursue music. Instead he was promoted to lifeguard captain.<p>
He was promoted again in 1987 to ocean rescue superintendent, overseeing
the city's ocean rescue operations. In September 2001, Connell became
assistant director of parks and recreation.<p>
<p>
"I like it, even though it's a desk job and am grateful for the opportunity
the city gave me to advance myself. I still work out with the lifeguards once
a week, and I joke around with them that I might apply for a weekend lifeguard
position," he said.<p>
"I always found peace and solace at the beach, and I do love the beach. If
the world was coming to an end, that's the place where I'd want to be."<p>
">
<input type="submit" value="test">
</form>
--></DIV>
<BLOCKQUOTE dir=ltr>
<DIV class=OutlookMessageHeader dir=ltr align=left><FONT face=Tahoma size=2>-----Original Message-----<BR><B>From:</B> Elliesecondtime@aol.com
[mailto:Elliesecondtime@aol.com]<BR><B>Sent:</B> Tuesday, February 04, 2003
11:47 PM<BR><B>To:</B> Ramblings@delraybeachrotary.org<BR><B>Subject:</B> (no
subject)<BR><BR></FONT></DIV><FONT face=arial,helvetica>
<P align=center><FONT lang=0 face=Arial color=#000040 size=5 FAMILY="SANSSERIF"><B><I>ROTARY RAMBLINGS<BR></I>ROTARY
CLUB OF DELRAY BEACH<BR></FONT><FONT lang=0 face=Arial color=#000040 size=3 FAMILY="SANSSERIF"></B>February 4,
2003<BR><BR>
<P align=left><BR>We sure packed that banquet hall today! We had a full
house of fellow Rotarians and guests. President Pat Archer presided over
the meeting. Bill Adams (the real one) asked for a moment of silence, to
pay respects to our astronauts lost in the tragedy this week. As he
called each one's name, a chill came over the room. It was very moving
for all of us. <BR><BR>Jimmy Weatherspoon, back as song leader, lead us
in favorites, <I>Home on the Range </I>and<I> Smile. </I>It sounded like
there were a few coyotes in the room! <BR><BR>Bruce Wenzel greeted all
our guests. There were about twelve visiting Rotarians. We also
had many guests, such as Bill and Charlotte Adams' son Tyler, who has just
returned from a trek all over Europe (and more). I think we should have
him as guest speaker in the future. We also had Jeff Anstis, who has
recently moved his business to Delray Beach. He is a prospective
member. <BR><BR>We had many make ups this week. Among them
is Lou Cucci, Dave Harden, Dave Van Gorp, Hume Rennick and Jim Atchison.
(I think Jim has been cruising for weeks.) Thank each of you for doing
these make ups. It helps keep our club at the top in
attendance.<BR><BR>Leo Phillips paid for the banner he presented to Rick
Kaufman, of Burlington, Ont., who gave our club his banner in
return.<BR><BR>Fred Bonardi regrettably gave the stock market report.
Today it was down 152 points at noon. Hang in there Fred, it has to get
better!<BR><BR>Sergeant at Arms, Tony Allerton collected $173.00 today. Of
course, $77.00 was donated by Lyn Huckle for her birthday. (She was
paying off her IOU.)<BR><BR>Gensie Bingham, one of our snowbirds, held the
winning ticket to draw for the "green hat" which is now up to $250.00.
It is really getting lucrative now.<BR><BR>Rich Connell was featured in the
Sun-Sentinel this week. I tried to gain access to the story, to no
avail. I will try to have it for you next week. I hear it is quite
a story.<BR><BR>Egon Kurz gave us a report on our former member Gene
Webb. Sounds like he is freezing in North Carolina.<BR><BR>Don Thorpe,
DVM, had his book, <I>Volunteers for Glory,</I> a book about Civil War
History, at our meeting today. It certainly caught the interest of some
of the history buffs in our group. He made donations to the club, on his
sales. <BR><B><U><BR>ANNOUNCEMENTS</B></U>: <B>The Community Potluck
Dinner</B>, chaired by Lula Butler will be held at Old School Square this next
Wednesday, at 6:00 p.m. Our club will be servers; we need two more
people. Servers should arrive around 5:30 p.m. It is a fun evening
for all.<BR><BR><B>Wine Tasting Party, March 1, </B>Old School Square, in
Orchard View Room. Tickets are $45.00. <BR><BR><B>Jim Blocker,
</B>who is our computer expert, is offering 30 minutes computer tech help, for
a $40.00 donation to our club. His phone number is: 561-638-3402.
<BR><BR>I would also like to mention the notoriety of Ernie Simon, in the play
<I>Other People's Money, </I>showing at the Delray Beach Playhouse through
February 16. It is a riot; some of his lines "poke fun at
lawyers." It is so funny coming from a real life attorney and former
Judge. He rolls his eyes, as though he can't believe it is coming out of
his mouth. He's a born actor, no wonder he is so good in the
courtroom.<BR><BR>Wally Doud had the pleasure of introducing our guest
speaker, Rob Moreland, Director of Fire Rescue of Delray Beach. Rob has
been with the Fire Department for 25 years. He was a paramedic for three
years, heading up a group of twelve. <BR><BR>He spoke on Sudden Cardiac
Arrest, imploring us to call 911 in all these emergency cases. They are
well trained, and time is of essence. There is usually a four minute
response to these calls. He explained Cardiac Arrest, Heart Attacks, and
Strokes to the audience. In each case, don't wait; it's better to get
help and not need it, than to wait; waiting can be deadly.<BR><BR>Recently,
our Fire Rescue Team gained national recognition for our program in this
city. This team teaches volunteers to use the AED equipment;
including more than 80 trained in our police department. <BR><BR>Rob
Moreland is a well trained man in his field. Holding the interest of his
audience, he was very informative; awakening the possibility of saving
someone's life who was in attendance today. Thank you Rob for being in
Delray Beach!<BR><BR>Next Week: Our speaker will be Digby Bridges, a former
member of our Rotary Club. He has interesting information for
us.<BR><BR>Rel Moorcroft has asked me to notify all that he will have copies
of the <I>Rotary Ramblings </I>in the front foyer, on the badge table, for all
those wanting copies.<BR><BR><BR><BR><BR><BR></P>
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