Ramblings - 7/29/08

[ynotsue at bellsouth.net]

Rotary Ramblings – July 29, 2008


Yea! Our pianoplayer, Bruce Williams, is back. The meeting was called to order by President,Steve Bates.  Hack Allen led us in theinvocation followed by a lively rendition of “America the Beautiful” and “Smile”  led by Jimmy Weatherspoon.  We all sang “Happy Anniversary” to Roy Simonon his 47th wedding anniversary.
 
Harvey Brownintroduced our one visiting Rotarian and discussed the several makeups.  Sue Miller introduced the 2 guests returningfrom last week, both of whom are interested in possibly joining Rotary, KateHandley the president of a private nursing firm and Carol Lang, realtor.   In addition, Steve Bates’ guest, Jason Floorfrom Brown and Brown Agency is also looking to possibly join our ranks.
 
Fred Bonardi was inattendance, as the stock market was up (180 points today) a far cry fromyesterday’s market close when everything was down.  In addition, oil was down again.  Fred wore the Sargeant at arms hat todayalso, collecting $130, $47 of which was for Roy’s anniversary with a chunk beingcollected in honor of Ellie’s last day. She is heading off the Mt. Dora this week.  By the way, I have been given permission topublish her address so here goes:  (EllieLowery, 100 S. Tremain Street,Unit F2, Mt. Dora, FL 32757).  I know she’d love to hearfrom you all.  In addition, her email isstill elliesecondtime at bellsouth.netif you’d prefer.  
 
Bill Adamsintroduced our newest Paul Harris Fellow, Fred Bonardi, after explaining to newpeople what the Paul Harris Fellowship is. Unfortunately, Fred had already left. In addition, Bill announced the Leo Philips purchased a Paul Harris Fellowshipfor his wife.
 
Bob Teningaintroduced our speaker, Dr. Gerald Berman from the Rand Eye Institute locatedin Deerfield Beach.  They do research, education and treatment ofall types of eyes diseases.  Eyesurgeries for vision correction (Lasek and laser lens exchange) are the mostperformed surgeries in the U.S.  He discussed the many diseases of the eyesand the substantial improvements in the treatment of cataracts (surgery onlytakes approximately 6 minutes and you can return to regular activitiesvirtually immediately); glaucoma (there are many treatments available today) (P.S.Although marijuana may relieve some of the pressure, the other risks such as itis only temporary and is illegal – far outweigh the benefits); maculardegeneration and dry eyes.
 
Green hat totaled -$884 and Dave O’Connell had the winning ticket – too bad he did not pull thecard.  Next week.
 
Meeting was closedby President Bates.
 
Two additional notes: 
First, there are still 8 Rotarians who have not paid their dues and these were due 60days ago.  You know who you are.
 
Finally, it is with deep sorrow that I advise all of youthat our long-time Rotarian, Egon Kurtz, has passed away.  More information will be announced next week.
 
See you next week, 
Sue Miller
 
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