Rotary Ramblings - 9/2/08

[ynotsue at bellsouth.net]

                   Rotary Ramblings – September 2, 2008
 
We were entertained by our resident piano player, Bruce Williams. The meeting was called to order by President, Steve Bates.  Joyce Lundsford led us in the invocation followed by a lively rendition of “Smile” and “Rotary” led by Jimmy Weatherspoon, as well as a Happy Anniversary to Leo Phillips.
 
Harvey Brown introduced our local visiting Rotarians and our international visiting Rotarian and guests.  Carmen Blanco Riva who is president of her Rotary club in San Salvador Venezuela.  She had her husband, Dr. Pedro Riva and their son-in-law, Romulo Sagnotti, as her guests.  Their daughter and son-in-law live here in Delray Beach and he owns a Custom Cabinet company, Yogui, here in Delray Beach.  In addition, Marie from Dr. Stefani Martin’s office was present as Stefani’s stand-in.  Also, Bruce Williams actually remained for the meeting to review our speaker (who works with Bruce’s wife).
 
Fred Bonardi was in attendance, with a very upbeat stock report.  Market was up 180 points, NASDAQ was up 22 points and the S&P was up 32 points.  Oil is down $7 and gold is also down.

Fred also wore the Sargent-at-Arms hat, raising $102 from various sources including Leo’s anniversary (25 years) and “go away hurricanes”.  Harvey Brown also donated $2 in honor of his father’s birthday which would have been this Friday.  Harvey Brown, Sr. is missed by the club as well as his son.
 
President Bates announced that Betsy Owens would be delighted to have company as she visits the clubs in the District.  Let her know if you have the time to accompany her on one of these club visits.
 
Betsy Owens still is offering a matching $500 for anyone interested in becoming a Paul Harris Fellow.  This will only cost you $500 (instead of $1000) and can be used for a 1st or additional Paul Harris Fellowships.  Since we are her home club, President Bates hopes someone will step up to the plate.
 
September is Rotary Literarcy Month – we will be reading to the children at the Achievement Center for Children and Families.  Bob Teninga has more information, although he could not be in attendance today.
 
There is a board of director’s meeting next Tuesday, 9/9 at 7:30am at Ellie’s in the Marilyn Room.  Anyone is welcome.
 
Leo Phillips made an announcement regarding the Scholastic Achievement Foundation Golf Tournament.  It is Saturday, October 11th.  Players and sponsors are needed.  See Leo to sign up a foursome or to become a sponsor.  This event raises money for the Scholastic Achievement Foundation of Palm Beach County, which provides numerous scholarships to deserving high school seniors.  The recipient students are honored at a dinner at the Breakers Hotel.  Our rotary club has endowed a permanent scholarship for Atlantic High graduates, so supporting this event is supporting Rotary.
 
Fire Chief James announced an event on September 11th at Old School Square in remembrance of 9/11.  All emergency workers – fire, police, EMT’s – will be participating, and it is open to the public.  The hours are 9am-10:30am.
 
Service Above Self Application deadline is next Tuesday, 9/9.
 
Candace Etzler introduced our speaker, Fred Schott from the Deaf Service Center.  He spoke very eloquently about hearing loss.  Hearing loss affects everyone, even if not personally.  If you have a family member who is suffering a hearing loss, it affects you as well.  Many people lose their hearing every year and the number is expected to double in the next year.  If you know someone who is exhibiting hearing loss you have to be very careful how you point it out to them.  It presents a pride issue, since it is associated with aging.  Because it is an issue of communication, it affects many businesses as well.  There are phones available for free for the hearing impaired from the State of Florida.  These are available to anyone who is a Florida resident.  For more information, contact Fred Schott at the Deaf Service Center.  They have offices in Delray Beach and West Palm Beach.

The Green Hat contained $1,001 – Dave O’Connell did not pull the ace.  Better luck next time.
 
Second posting for Sid Berman, retired FAU professor, CPA.  Kate Handley will be officially joining our ranks next week.
 
Ellie Lowery’s new email address is:  mzellie at embarqmail.com
 
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