Rotary Ramblings

[Ellie Lowery]

"Rambled" by Ellie Lowery 
  _____  


ROTARY RAMBLINGS

ROTARY CLUB OF DELRAY BEACH

October 16, 2007

 

I will begin by thanking Susan Miller for doing a fine job of writing the
"Ramblings" for the past two weeks, while I played hooky (actually, I had to
work).

 

ANNOUNCEMENT: The big news for the day is that our club has chosen our own
Ernest (Ernie) Simon, as recipient for our distinguished award, Service
Above Self.  This ceremony will take place on Tuesday, November 27, at Old
School Square, on the front walk, at 11:30 a.m.  Please put this on your
calendar now!  We all want to be there in support of Ernie.  Lunch will be
served in the gym, catered by Ellie's Diner, after the ceremony.  This would
be a wonderful time for you to bring a guest, "to impress!"  (When you bring
a prospective member to lunch, the club will pay for their first lunch.)

 

Our noon meeting was presided over by President Kurt Godfrey, doing another
fine job of officiating.  Ernie Simon gave our invocation.  Jimmy
Weatherspoon did an outstanding job, leading our "chorus" in some of our
favorites.  As always, Bruce Williams' renditions on piano were outstanding,
adding his own elegant touch.

 

We sang Happy Anniversary to Sam Altdoerffer, who has been married to the
same lady for 58 years!  We wish you both the best. Sam donated $58.00 to
the club, in honor of his anniversary. (By the way, Harvey Brown wanted Sam
to know he is running a close second; he has been married four weeks now!)

 

Harvey Brown stepped to the podium, and welcomed our visiting Rotarians and
guests, including Ed Rowan.  Tom Cook had a record thirteen make-ups. (We
all thought he was a visitor.)  Sylvia Pecaro had three make-ups.  Harvey
shared a real heart-warming story with us.  He told us about a young man he
met while running in the park.  This young man was in military, coming home,
but did not want to awaken his parents too early, so he slept on a park
bench, until time to go awaken them.  Harvey noticed how clean-cut and
thoughtful this young man was.  As he described how he had slept on a park
bench, I thought about all the hellholes he must have slept in while away at
war.  Welcome home, young man!

 

Sergeant at Arms Tony Allerton collected a whopping $254.00.  This included
a check for $80.00 and a letter from Wally and Jean Doud, honoring Bruce
Wenzel's eightieth birthday.  (For you newer members, Wally was a vibrant
member of our club for many years; has now moved north of here.)  Wally, we
miss you, and sure wish you had been here to see Bruce's expression, when
the announcement was made.  Anne Bright was so glad to be back, she donated
$20.00.

 

Sue Miller introduced our Student of the Month, Chivas Jones.  His parents,
Danny and Tara Jones accompanied this fine young man.  Chivas is quoted: "I
possess great leadership skills, determination and self-confidence.  I'm a
team player and believe in creating a positive attitude in any environment.
I enjoy helping people to do better for themselves."  Among his many, many
achievements, he is Atlantic High School Varsity Football Team quarterback
and captain.  He also is in National Society of High School Scholars.  He
received invitation to the Top 100 National Junior Athletes.  He works in
Student Government, and plans to major in Pre-Med.  He plans a career in
Physical Therapy.  We are proud to honor this young man.

 

Chivas introduced his choice of Teacher of the Month, Dr. Floyd Beil, who
worked as a Chiropractor for twenty years.  He also taught at PBCC, before
coming to Atlantic High School two years ago, where he has now found his
niche.  He teaches Anatomy, Physiology and Chemistry.  

 

Alan Kornblau reminded us of our ongoing raffle, to raise funds for
scholarships.  The tickets are $20.00.  Someone will win $4,000.00. The
drawing will be December 6.  This can be a big fundraiser for our club and
community; come on, let us get our tickets sold.

 

On October 27, the Rotary Red Sox will play in the Miracle League at 3:00
p.m., Miller Park.  Let us support our handicapped kids, especially that
day.

 

Bob Teninga, Vice-President, introduced our guest speaker, Gail Eaton, Chief
Marketing Officer at The Palm Beach Zoo.  She stated the zoo is only 23
acres, and fifty years old, but is one of the greatest zoos in the country.
Each year, nearly 300,000 people visit "our zoo."  Not only does it house
exotic animals, but it also includes over 100 species of trees, woody shrubs
and herbaceous plants; 10 species of grasses, 7 species of bamboo and 24
species of ferns.  

 

This zoo is the second largest educator in Palm Beach County.  Yearly,
86,000 school children increase their ability to learn by attending this
"living classroom."  Nothing can replace personal experience.  

 

I enjoyed her speech, but was disappointed that she did not bring along some
of the critters from the zoo.  A large Rotary Event is to be held there on
November 8.  This is your opportunity to visit the zoo, and meet other
Rotarians in this area.

 

Our green hat is now over $1,299.00, thanks to Ernie Simon, who did not draw
the Ace of Spades.

Next week's speaker: Stephanie Shipley, Delray Beach Historical Society.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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