ROTARY RAMBLINGS Nov. 27, 2007

[Ellie Lowery]

Rambled by Ellie 
  _____  


ROTARY RAMBLINGS

ROTARY CLUB OF DELRAY BEACH

 

November 27, 2007

 

What a picture perfect day!  Rotary was all about our Ernie Simon, as
friends and family gathered on the walkway at Old School Square, to pay
honor to him, our latest recipient of the prestigious award "Service Above
Self."  This was a well-attended event, as everyone gathered around to view
the opening ceremonies, emceed by Nancy Owens, Past President of Rotary Club
of Delray Beach (1996-1997).

 

Jim Pignato, Past President (1965-66, 1999-00) offered opening remarks.
Ernie was then presented with a plaque; his name is embedded in the walkway,
along with ten other prestigious recipients.  

 

The former recipients are:

1996 - Barbara Dodge Smith 

1997 - C. Spencer Pompey

1998 - Alexander "Sandy" Simon (Ernie's "little brother")

1999 - Frances Fontaine Bourque

2000 - Dr. E. Monroe Farber

2001 - Leon M. Weekes

2002 - George T. Elmore

2003 - Elizabeth "Libby" Wesley

2004 - Dr. Fred W. Love

2005 - Robert Paul "Bob" Miller

 

Each of the above recipients is well-known citizens of this area, who have
selflessly given of themselves to the betterment of the community and, those
around them.  Space does not permit the long list of accolades of each.
Delray Beach, today, is a culmination of efforts of those like the above
mentioned.

 

Ernest George Simon was born in Delray Beach on May 7, 1925.  He is the
oldest brother of four (Ernie, Roy, Charlie, Sandy).  He was educated in
Delray Beach Public Schools (including where OSS now stands).  He is a proud
graduate of Bucknell University, and University of Miami Law School, Juris
Doctor Degree.

 

Ernie is a partner in the law firm of Simon and Schmidt; practicing in Palm
Beach County since 1956 and in Delray Beach since 1967.  He has served as
Municipal Judge, Delray Beach; City Prosecutor and Assistant City Attorney,
WPB; City Attorney, Boynton Beach, just to name a few of his professional
accomplishments.  He served in the U. S. Navy during WWII.  

 

Just to name a few of Ernie's Community Involvements, he is presently on:

Board of Directors, Drug Abuse Foundation of PB County

Board of Directors, DeVos-Blum YMCA, Boynton Beach

Chairman of Board of Directors, Mae Volen Senior Center

Board of Directors, Mizner Foundation of Boynton Beach

Board of Directors, Rotary Club of Delray Beach

Board of Directors, Delray Beach Rotary Fund

Board of Directors, U. of Miami Hurricane Club of PBC

Board of Directors, Delray Beach Playhouse

 

He has held a plethora of offices in the past, as well as serving on many
local projects and activities, including the "Visions 2000, and Visions
2005" (re: community planning), President of Greater Delray Beach Chamber of
Commerce, Vestryman, St. Paul's Episcopal Church (two terms), United Way, to
name a few.

 

Ernie has been active in the community theater (Delray Beach Playhouse),
onstage, and backstage since 1956, including performances in 62 productions.
He has served as their president for seven terms.  He is responsible for
creating the Delray Beach Playhouse Ernest G. Simon Scholarship Awards,
providing annual scholarship awards in the performing arts.  He has been
writer and director of annual Christmas shows at this facility for more than
45 years.  He wrote and produced for the city's Diamond Jubilee Celebration,
"Delray, How I Love You."  He also wrote and directed the show for the
city's Centennial Celebration, entitled "From Linton With Love."

 

Ernie has many awards and honors to his credit; far too many to list.  He is
a fifty-year member of the Florida Bar.  He is a Past President (1976-77) of
Rotary Club of Delray Beach.  He has 40+ years perfect attendance.  Is it
any wonder why Ernest G. Simon was chosen by our club to be the present
recipient of our prestigious award Service Above Self?  Ernie, we salute
you, and love you!

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

 

Holiday Party - Thursday, December 6, 6:00 P. M. Delray Beach Golf Club
Restaurant.  Admission: $50.00 per person; sign up by Tuesday, Dec. 4.  Our
club will be holding this party in conjunction with Delray Beach Sunrise
Rotary, and Boynton-Lantana Rotary Clubs.  There will be a delicious buffet
dinner, and dancing.  Let us all get out and get acquainted with our fellow
Rotarians; bring a friend (or two).

 

Our Holiday Wreaths are in.  Bill Arnst will be distributing the last of
these at the luncheon on Tuesday.  They are lovely live wreaths with
wonderful fragrance.  If you ordered one, please pay for them on Tuesday.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: http://lists.ssu.net/pipermail/ramblings/attachments/20071128/28e1cae6/attachment.html