Rotary Ramblings

[ynotsue at bellsouth.net]

Rotary Ramblings – August 26, 2008
 
We were entertainedby our resident piano player, Bruce Williams. The meeting was called to orderby President, Steve Bates.  Mike Campbellled us in the invocation followed by a lively rendition of “America the Beautiful” and “Home onthe Range” led by Jimmy Weatherspoon.  
 
Harvey Brownintroduced our one visiting Rotarian and discussed the several makeups.  Kurt Godfrey introduced his guest, daughterTara.  Mike Campbell introduced Gina,Development Director for Habitat for Humanity and Sue Miller introduced hermom, Patsy Foster.  Additionally, Sueintroduced our 2 proposed new members. This is the 2nd posting for Kate Handley, president of aprivate nursing firm, and 1st posting for Sid Breman, FAU RetiredAccounting professor.   2 guests returning from last week, both ofwhom are interested in possibly joining Rotary, Kate Handley the president of aprivate nursing firm and Carol Lang, realtor.  
 
Fred Bonardi was inattendance, with the stock report, which was very dull – summer doldrums –being up just a little.
 
President Batesannounced that several members of our club (including himself, Nancy Owens andLeo Philips) were in attendance at the Foundation Seminar in Vero Beach this weekend, while the RotaryLeadership Institute in Weston was attended by Bob Teninga and Sue Miller.
 
Betsy Owens still isoffering a matching $500 for anyone interested in becoming a Paul HarrisFellow.  This will only cost you $500(instead of $1000) and can be used for a 1st or additional PaulHarris Fellowships.  Since we are herhome club, President Bates hopes someone will step up to the plate.
 
Pat Archer is away becauseher daughter-in-law is in the Mayo Clinic with an immune deficiency disorderand Con Fletcher fell and broke his leg and him, but is recovering.  Let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers.
 
Marty Phillips,co-chair for the District Conference, announced the dates, 5/1, 5/2 &5/3/09 on Hutchinson Island.  As this it the weekend of the Kentucky Derby,the theme is Rotary Run for the Roses.
 
Marty also announced that the Group Study Exchange team fromour area is scheduled to go to Southern Brazil4/13-5/19/09.  They need a team leader(who can be a Rotarian) and team members. Team members must be between the ages of 25 and 40.  and professionals who have been in theirprofession for minimum of 2 years.  Allexpenses are paid.  These also must benon-rotarians.  If you or anyone you knowis interested in additional information, contact Marty.
 
Jess Sowards introduced our speaker for today, our newpolice chief Tony Strianese.  ChiefStrianese is the 14th chief since 1927.  Before that town was run by a TownMarshall.  When he joined the policeforce in 1989 he was joining a good police department.  Since that time, it has become a great policedepartment.  However, the challenge is tokeep it that way.   The national crimestatistics are staggering – violent crimes (1 per minute); murder (1 everyhour); sexual crimes (1 every 40 minutes).  However, during the first 6 months of 2008, crime in the City of Delray Beach has dropped3.2%.  This in all likelihood may changedue to the failing economy.  Consideringthis is a 16 square mile City with 66,000 full-time residents, the protectionof this City is a daunting responsibility. 160 officers are authorized although currently there are only 154 with78 civilians in the Department.  Theyhost several citizen police academies including separate ones for seniorcitizens, Haitian and Hispanics. Education in all levels of education is very important.  At the high school level, the Atlantic High Academyfor 9th graders gets kids started early and when they graduate theyhave the certification to be a community service officer and continue theireducation to be full officers. They are currently part of the Gang Task Forceand are aware of all gang activity in the City (primarily young Haitians).  In addition a question was asked about thelack of prosecution for cases that are not “slam dunk”.  Apparently the state attorney’s office willonly prosecute those cases that are virtually guaranteed a win in front of ajury which is very frustrating to the police. They are looking to “green” solutions for the department such as hybridvehicles for the community officers and smaller, more efficient vehicles forthe sergeants.  
 
Sargeant at Arms report given by Tony Allerton.  No birthdays or anniversaries, but donationsin numerous categories generated $62.00.
 
Green hat total was $966.00 – Ernie Simon had the rightticket – but wrong card. 
 
Next week’s speaker is Fred Schott from the Deaf Service Center.
 
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