ROTARY RAMBLINGS July 31, 2007

[Ellie Lowery]

ROTARY RAMBLINGS

ROTARY CLUB OF DELRAY BEACH

 

July 31, 2007

 

President Kurt Godfrey presided over our meeting today, doing another great
job.  Gerry Meeks gave the invocation.  Jim Pignato led the singing, shaming
us for our poor singing.  Did any of you notice Bruce Williams' "Christmas
in July" repertoire as you entered the room?   We applauded him before he
"got away" today!

 

Mickey and Sharon Manning are celebrating thirty years of marital bless.
Mickey was so happy, he gave $33.00 in celebration; we wish you many more
happy years together.

 

Since Harvey Brown was out chasing trains, Bruce Wenzel "filled in,"
welcoming our guests.  John Lempke, of S. Hill, VA gave us a banner; Steve
Bates gave him one of ours.  We also had Vison Chonsuksuri, owner of A1-Thai
Restaurant, S. Federal Highway, wearing his bright yellow Rotary blazer,
from Thailand.  He is a prospective member of our club. Tom Newberry was a
guest of Deb Ferrell.  Tom announced a "Bowlathon" slated for Sept. 8, to
benefit "Children, Hope and Horses," founder, Laura Newberry.  Tom is
looking for participants for this event.  

 

Dave Harden did a make up at the Sunrise Rotary Club of Delray Beach.

 

Sergeant at Arms Ernie Simon collected a total of $115.00 today. He
mentioned that Mike Campbell gave money to thank all those who participated
in the golf event at Delray Golf Club, to benefit Habitat for Humanity.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:  Next week, our lunch will increase one dollar!  Executive
Secretary Sally Dye wants to remind you DUES ARE DUE!  Also, please bring in
make ups and excuses for absenteeism.  

 

August 24-25, Membership Conference, featuring our RI President Wilifrid
Wilkinson; it will be held in Ft. Lauderdale.  

 

The Board of Directors will meet next week at 11:00 a. m. in the Marilyn
Room, with our current District Governor.

 

Have you marked your calendar for December 6, for our Holiday Party?  We are
holding it in conjunction with the Sunrise Rotary and the Boynton-Lantana
Club, at the Delray Golf Club Restaurant.

Sue Miller read a wonderful letter of gratitude from one of our scholarship
recipients, Altenese Phenelis.  This young person will make a great Rotarian
someday!

 

City Manager, David Harden (one of our own Rotary Club members) was our
guest speaker.  David discussed the City Budget Cuts, and why!  Our State
Legislature is to blame for all this "upheaval."  Many jobs and projects
have been affected.  It is a serious problem for our beautiful city.  It can
cause serious deterioration in our future here.  To mention a few cutbacks:
Maintenance; Police Department building repairs; Fire Department; Downtown
Shuttle; Plan Reviewer; Travel; Overtime; Street Lights; Parks and
Recreation.  Many of the recreation facilities will be closed certain days
and cutback on hours of operation.  Grants are cutback 15%. A big concern is
the cutback in funds for our beautiful new library, which is doing so well.

 

While this has happened, Utility Tax has increased 10%; Landlord Permits
cost up; Occupational License up 5%; Parking Permits up; Special Events cost
up; EM Transport Fees up.  These are only a few on the list.  Overall, "Save
Our Homes" Act of 1993 is our best bet!

 

David Harden serves our city well.  This is tough for him, our Mayor Rita
Ellis, City Commissioners, and all affected by this budget cut.

 

Our Green Hat is now over $786.50, thanks to Ernie Simon, not finding the
Ace.

 

Next Week:

Our District Governor Phil Lustig will be our guest speaker; be there!

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