ROTARY RAMBLINGS 2-26-08

[Ellie Lowery]

"Ramblin's by Ellie" 
  _____  


ROTARY RAMBLINGS

ROTARY CLUB OF DELRAY BEACH

 

February 26, 2008

 

President-elect Steve Bates conducted the meeting today, due to the fact our
"fearless leader" President Kurt Godfrey is suffering from the "flu bug."
Steve did a good job while training for next year.  Kurt, you were missed.

 

Bob Teninga gave a meaningful invocation.  Then, Jimmy Weatherspoon took
over, "rocking the place" with his music.  Bruce Williams, as always, added
his "touch of class" on piano.

 

Craig Hammett, stealing Harvey Brown's applause, stepped to the podium to
welcome seven visiting Rotarians.  Make ups were done by Craig Hammett and
Dr. Stephani Martin; we thank you for taking the time to help make our
attendance percentage among the top in our District.

 

Kay Johnson beamed as she introduced her husband, Norm, visiting from
Vermont.  William King was a guest of Dr. Deri Joy Ronis.  

 

Fred Bonardi stepped lively to the podium, bringing us good news about the
stock market.  The DOW was up 125 points; the NASDAQ up 22%; the S&P up 12%.
Although, at present, the figures are somewhat down for YTD.  Oil is selling
$100.10; gold is $943.00.  

 

Sergeant at Arms Ernie Simon gathered in a total of $108.00, with no
birthdays and no anniversaries; good going, Ernie.

 

We said hello and good-bye to our Ambassadorial Scholar Christina
Dumbrowsky.  She is leaving on Saturday for Buenos Aires.  She has promised
to keep our club updated on her adventures there.  She holds a Master of
Arts in International Business, and Bachelor of Science in Business
Administration.  We are very proud to be her sponsor.  Her email is:
cnd528 at ufl.edu; her website: www.christinadombrowsky.com
<http://www.christinadombrowsky.com/> .  

 

Bob Teninga reminds us of the coupon savings books, on sale for $20.00.
$10.00 of this comes back to our club.

 

Bob is also looking for volunteers for the upcoming Delray Affair, March 28,
29, 30.  Please see Bob ASAP, so you can get your desired time slot.  You
will enjoy working the booth; it is always such a rewarding experience,
letting people know about Rotary.

 

Bob Teninga is also looking for volunteers for Thursday afternoon, to help
read and help with homework at the Achievement Center.  He needs help from
3-4 p.m.  Bob may be reached at 561-752-9460.  His Email: rteninga at msn.com.

 

Jess Sowards informed us about a fundraiser for the Boy Scouts in our area.
It is called "A Taste of Delray," being held this Thursday, at Northern
Trust Bank, 5:30-7:00 pm.  If you like to eat, this is the place for you!
Many of the top name restaurants will be participating.  Admission is free,
but a donation is requested.

 

Ernie Simon read a Resolution, in memory of Arthur Reef, who passed away on
January 15, 2008.  He joined our club in 1994.  Arthur was a very
interesting man.  His occupation was listed as International Consulting.  He
quietly worked in Espionage Service; also served in WWII.  He worked in
Public Relations in his company, Reef and Barnett.  Our condolences were
sent to his family, along with a copy of the Resolution.

 

Governor-elect Betsy Owen introduced our guest speaker. Deri Joy Ronis,
Ph.D., who is back from Belize, where she was teaching, through a Rotary
Teaching Scholarship.  We are proud to be part of her sponsorship.  Her
partner, David was with her on this trip, serving as Goodwill Ambassador,
Photographer, and teacher.  We saw San Ignacio, Belize and the surrounding
area, as he saw it through the lens of his camera.  We saw the poverty, as
well as the wonderful Mayan Ruins, built thousands of years ago. 

 

 Dr. Ronis, after spending time, teaching there, has learned to appreciate
the "creature comforts" we are afforded in this country. Some of the
pictures showed her teaching in "Un-air-conditioned" classrooms.  

 

Dr. Ronis's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in
Bi-Lingual Educational Studies from the State University of New York-Empire
State College, New York, 1983; Licensure as a Unity Teacher (Pastoral
Counseling and Metaphysics) from the Unity School of Religious Studies, a
Doctorate in International Peace Studies and Conflict Management from the
Union Institute, Cincinnati, Oh, 1987; Post-Doctoral Studies in
Addictionology through the Miami Institute of Addictions, Miami, FL, 1997;
and numerous trainings in Meditation and Process-Oriented Psychology from
various organizations.  

 

Dr. Ronis has a resume that space does not permit me to print.  I will print
one quote: "In every faith tradition there is a theme that calls for humans
to live with each other in peace.  This is evident in the emphases of Jesus'
teaching to give of yourself that you might live with peace.  The world
famous former leader of India, Mahatma Gandhi advised us to "be the change
you wish to see in the world."  The idea is to motivate one another to do
the best we can and be what we want to become.  It is not about competition
as much as it is about cooperation.  This doesn't imply that others are not
to be held accountable, but rather they are invited to be come enlightened."

 

Dr. Deri Joy Ronis's pioneering work in Conflict Resolution and Peace
Psychology has been presented in seminars and with individuals from all
walks of life. She is a Florida State Certified Family and County Mediator
and a licensed counselor.  For more information, visit www.drderi.com
<http://www.drderi.com/> . 

 

Our condolences go out to Bill Talen and Family, in the loss of his wife,
Caroline.  A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 1, 2008, at
First Presbyterian Church, on Gleason Street, Delray Beach, at 11:00 a.m.

 

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