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Vol. 66 No. 31 Notes from the Podium

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President's Time

Since January is Rotary Awareness Month President Debbie figured she would make us all aware of what's going on in our Rotary Club.  Nice preface for the usual announcements, huh?

RAFFLE TICKETS are still on sale. After the meeting today we will hold the first "Early Drawing" for two tickets.  Keep reading to find out who won ... we have lots more tickets to sell but give it a try ... after all there's a 1 in 300 chance somebody can win $20,000, a new car or a boat.

A NIGHT ON THE RED CARPET is coming on March 9th.  It's our annual fundraiser benefiting both our Foundation and Citizens for a Better South Florida.  Sponsorships are still available but not for much longer, we will be printing the tickets next week.  Don't want to be a sponsor?  You can buy your tickets through our Club's Website and still do your part.

Community Service Update

Deena Bell, Avenue of Service Chair

Tomorrow night is the first Community Service Meeting of the new year.  Please come to Deena's house at 6 p.m. with your bottle of wine and some good ideas for new projects for the club.  After the meeting everyone just - socializes.  Deena said she's having so much fun this year she agreed to be the Community Service Chair again next year under President Walter!

Coming up for February ... the 12th is a huge volunteer effort for Tour de Cure.  They need as many volunteers as they can get for a cycling fund raiser for Diabetes.  Shifts start at 4:30 a.m.  Deena's got registration sheets so you can pick your job and your shift for the day.  Saturday, February 18th is our monthly Bingo at the VA .  This month will have a valentine's theme.

And of course our favorite job in March is coming on Saturday, March 17 when we pour beer for John Martin's St. Patrick's Day celebration.  We need 75 volunteers for that day so we are partnering with  Shake-A-Leg this year and they will get a portion of the proceeds that we are paid for our hard work that day.  They literally couldn't pull this off without us!

Fat Tuesday Breakfast Fund Raiser

 
Gloria Burns invited everyone to breakfast on Tuesday, February 21 at the Westin Colonnade Hotel beginning at 7:30 a.m.  It's a fund raiser for Westin's favorite charity, "Give Kids the World".  Breakfast is only $10, AND here's the best part ...

$5 per person comes back to Rotary Foundation of Coral Gables.  Pretty cool, huh?

The food will be great.  You'll know everybody there.  We'll put $$$ into our Club's Foundation.  And you know how we like to spend money to do cool things for people from our Foundation!

The Magic of Rotary Does it Again!

Bill Quesenberry, International Service Chair, presented a check for $50,000 from our Club Foundatoin to Bill Murph, Executive Director of Alfalit International.  This huge check happened because Carol Brock brought in $15,000 that was specifically earmarked for Literacy Projects.  Through the magic of Rotary, and a 1 to 3 1/2 multiplier, the  matching grants from both Rotary International and our District that became the $50,000 we gave them today.

Alfalit is a 50 year old organization founded in Cuba and later moved to Costa Rica.  They operate Literacy programs in 25 countries, including, most recently, Africa, Nigeria, Angola and Mozambique.  Mr. Murph said this is the third grant they have received from our Club, largely through the efforts of Carol Brock, and that all of Alfalit wishes to extend their appreciation as we represent a significant portion of their funding.  

This $50,000 will provide tuition for 500 students who will be able to go from complete illiteracy to a third grade level in six months for a cost of $60 per student.  It will be used to purchase a new vehicle to transport the children as well as for the materials, books, supplies. Mr. Murph said that when in he told the officials in Santiago about the award this morning the roar of appreciation was so loud you hardly needed a phone to hear it.  Rotary Club of Coral Gables Rocks!!!

Quarterly Blood-Letting Today

The Community Blood Service Bloodmobile was parked outside today during the entire meeting and for an hour or so afterwards.  Lots of hearty, healthy Rotarians gave a pint to help our community.  Blood supplies are very low this time of year and the CBS was very grateful for our support and assistance.

Happy Rotary Anniversary this week to a bunch of great guys including Hank Collins who has been back in our Club for five years.  Chris Tyson for eight years this time, Bill Quesenberry celebrating 16 years of service, Greg Martini with 17 years and Dick Bullman with 18 years.  Thanks for everything and all your collective years of support to the Rotary Ideals.

Introduction of Guests & Visitors

Visiting us today from Puerto Rico, our friend and a former member, Telen Fernandez. Carlos Ruiz de Quevedo brought a guest today, we have his photo but not his name.  Same with Keith Phillips.  Fred Baddour re-introduced us to his amazing mother Ann Baddour.  Carol Brock brought Bill Murph.  Terry Long introduced us to another attorney, Dottie Joseph.  And the lovely, late Judy Pantoja brought her friend Vince Flor.

We like to have visitors so please come again, soon. 

Happy $$$$

The absence of Dr. Groth didn't seem to hurt happiness one single bit today.  Either that or Ralph Cabrera is just really good at encouraging happy Rotarians to spend $5 for Scholarships, even though President Debbie warned that nobody could have the mic for more than 30 seconds.  First up was Trish Hoffman who, as a Penn State Graduate, wanted to pay tribute to the late Joe Paterno.  Fred Baddour was really happy to have his Mom here today and wantd us to know a few of her accomplishments (really proud son!).  She was a test pilot, the first woman, for Lincoln Labs Aerospace Division, she has flown 16 air races and broken 55 speed records AND won the coveted Harmon Trophy!  Awesome lady and really a good mom.  Reza Dehbozorgi wanted to share good news and bad news with us today.  First the good news ... he's a Grandpa!  Then the bad news ... his 54 year old brother, PhD., in Aerospace/Physics, an long-time advocate for humanity in Iran and held under house arrest there for a number of years, has been diagnosed with brain cancer.  John Wallace wanted to introduce everyone to RAGS (Rotary's Amazing Golf Society).  It's a little golf fund raising venture started by himself, Keith Phillips, Jon Arthur and George Reeves.  Join them for $1 mulligans and $3 high scores across the street on the Granada course after the meeting.  Bill Martinez was happy that his parents are celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary today.  Despite all her threats to the contrary, his mom never did get that divorce!  Bill Quesenberry is happy that next week he goes to Quito, Ecuador and then on to Peru with the ministries.  Ana Fournaris said that Fred Baddour stole her thunder but she just wanted to say how happy she is to see Ann Baddour at the meeting today.  She's also happy that Sunday is her daughter's 31st birthday.  Rumor has it she was only 9 when she became a mom!!  Margarita Tonkinson was happy about all the sponsors who have come forward for our upcoming Gala.  Happiness pays really good when Ralph's on the mic.  Keep on smiling.

Working Rotarians - January 26, 2012

Greeters - Steven Spann & Rolf Frankfurter

Registration - Aaron Glasser

Collections - John Porro

Head Table - Rodney Langer

Special Needs - Lan Nghiem-Phu

Open the Meeting - Jack Witty

Invocation - Kelly Sastre

Pledge - Diane Thurston

Singers - Bill Quesenberry & Dan Scipione

Pin Drawing Gift - Yoli Woodbridge

Pin Drawing Winner - Gloria Burns

50/50 Raffle - Gloria Burns

50/50 Winner - Visitor Vince Flor

4 Way Test - Reza Dehbozorgi

Today's Program

Mayor of the City of Coral Gables, James Cason, presented his State of the City Report.

A formers Rotarian from Maracaibo Mayor Cason is new to the job but that hasn't stopped him for a moment.  He spent his entire career as an international diplomat in the U.S. Foreign Service.  He speaks five languages fluently.  He and his wife Carmen retired here to Coral Gables because they love the city and it's endless possibilities.  He is honored to have the opportunity to direct the course of the community for a few years. 

Even though 2012 brings a new reality, jobs are limited, revenue is restricted and budgets are being re-evaluated the City was able to reduce the millage rate from 6.072 to 5.869.  Coral Gables was one of only 14 municipalities able to do that in Miami Dade AND Coral Gables is the third largest decrease in the County.  

The City's focus for the year ahead is on a Neighborhood Based Planning Initiative which is an action plan for an internal vision of our community.  We will be strengthening our infrastructure and implementing a program known as NRP - Neighborhood  Renaissance Program - that has 17 initiative that will be accomplished including resurfacing 39 miles of city streets, completion of the traffic calming  circles, renovation of the Granada Commercial Entrance, Granada Plaza and Segovia Plaza, city-wide landscaping to replace trees lost in the most recent storms and much, much more.  

As part of the plan to restore our fountains, the City will be holding an International Competition for Fountain Features.  We finally have the where-with-all to build the Senior Center that has been promised for so long.  There is so much work planned and underway - but they always keep our values in mind - everything is being don to maintain the City Beautiful  

Mayor Cason also urged everyone to go to the City Website for information about the new program, "Random Acts of Kindness" to recognize individuals in our city that contribute to making it a great place to live and work.  People who generally go unnoticed and never get the recognition they deserve.  You can download a form from www.coralgables.com.

NEXT WEEK'S PROGRAM:  No speaker - next week's meeting will be a social meeting.  You'll get to enjoy lunch with your favorite people.

  Thought for the Week

by Abe Horowitz

"A man who views the world the same at 50

as he did when he was 20

wasted 30 years of his life"

Mohammed Ali

Scene Scenes

 Rotarians Give,
Money, Blood, Time, Service
They just GIVE.

Sometimes they have to wait to Give 
But they even wait with a smile on their faces!

The Dick and Jerry Team,
Mentor and Mentee?

Steve Spann has a NEW LOOK!

The Women of Rotary are pretty cool too!

 Mayor James Cason & President Debbie Swain

Judy "says" Vince is just a good friend.  But Gloria is there just in case ...

                         

Community Service Chair giving directions - probably to the meeting on Friday night.                                    

Join us again next week.

Same time, same place,

Same great bunch of Rotarians!!

Vol. 66 No. 30 Notes from the Podium

President's Time

Lots of announcements today but the most important was that January is "Rotary Awareness Month".  So President Debbie made sure that we are all aware of the outstanding things that have happened in Rotary so far this month including ...

1.  India is Polio FREE!  India passed the one year point with NO new cases of Polio!  Rotary is winning the battle to rid the world of Polio!

2.  The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation awarded an additional $50 million dollars to fight the Polio battle with Rotary!

3.  We met the first challenge from the Bill and Melinda Gates foundation matching the $200 million dollar grant on January 17 with $207 million and still growing!

4.  The new theme for the 2012-13 year was announced  "Peace Through Service" at the International Assembly in San Diego, CA  www.rotary.org

Rotary Night on the Red Carpet is gaining steam!  We have a whole host of new sponsors and silent auction donations.  Soon we will begin selling tickets but if you want to get a jump on it - there's a Paypal button on our website where you can get your tickets early.  So far, sponsors of the event include Mercedes Benz of Coral Gables, FP&L, Millian Swain & Associates, Community Newspapers, Carol Alexander, CPA and Coral Gables Country Club.  Stay tuned for breaking news!

Buy Your Raffle Tickets NOW!

In addition to being eligible for the $20,000, the Fiat 500 or a brand new Mako Flats Boat (winner's choice), those who have purchased early will be entered in two separate early drawings, the first of which is coming up this month.  Winner will receive two nights at a Starwood Resort of their choosing AND they will still be eligible for the BIG drawing on March 9th.  So make THE Donald happy, buy early and often and sell to your friends.  It's a great deal with only 300 chances to win!

COMMUNITY SERVICE UPDATE:  This Saturday is Veteran's Bingo from 1 until 3 o'clock at the VA Hospital.  It's a monthly service project that we really enjoy.  It's only two hours out of your life but it means the world to the Vets.  Join us.

 Blood Drive Next Thursday, 
January 26th

This is the ultimate service project.  Community Blood Center's Bloodmobile will be in the parking lot from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. for donations.  Besides feeling good about what you're doing to help our community,  you get a free blood test.  Think of the money you'll save on lab work ... one of the perks is you get to learn your "vitals" without a separate trip to the doctors office. 

Vocational Service Minute 

(a/k/a Craft Talk)

Lorraine Sheldon is new to our club.  In fact, she is the very first Associate Member to be inducted into the club under the RI Pilot Program.  Today we got to learn more about her vocation.  Her interior design company is called Quetzal Designs.  It's named after a bird that's prominent in South American history.  She selected it because it speaks to nature, color and light, the three most important aspects of her interior designs. Her passion is taking "dead space" and turning it into useful vibrant space.  She specializes in commercial space, offices, medical clinics, etc.  Some of her clients include Gibraltar Bank and HBO Latin America.  She recently completed a 6,000 sq.ft. oncology center.  She's been in business for 20 years here in South Florida.  She is licensed, bonded and insured.  In addition to commercial design, she also does residential construction and remodeling.  Check with your architect and find out if interior design services are included in his package, if not, give Lorraine a call and get more nature, light and color into your life.  After all, you spend more than 1/3 of your life in your office, it should be a place that is comfortable, it should be pleasant to be there.  

City of Coral Gables

Employee of the Month

Carmen Olazabal from Code Enforcemeent introduced us to her star employee, Michael Kattou from Development Services.  She said that he's personable, has a positive attitude and communicates well with the residents of the City.

Michael said he loves his job, it's a hard job, but he's passionate about it. He keeps the contractors in line and the City Beautiful!  Congratulations and keep up the good work.  We appreciate all you do for us.

Here come those cusp babies again ... remember they share the positive and negative traits of two signs.  Right now that's Capricorn and Aquarius.  Natives born under this cusp are practical, disciplined, independent and inventive and a little unpredictable.  Say Happy Birthday this week to Lloyd Miller today and Joan Reitsma on January 23.

Only one Rotary Anniversary this week.  Carol Brock celebrates eight years of service on January 22.  

Introduction of Visitors & Guests

Dick Bullman is really pleased that we're again in the big room.  He pointed out that when he joined Rotary (a long, long time ago) we had the entire ballroom because our membership was nearly 200 people.  Maybe we'll get there again!  Visiting us today from the Rotary Club of Miami is Roger Langer.  and from the Bella Vista Rotary Club in Santo Domingo, Mauricio Operino who exchanged Club flags. 

Terry Long brought her brother and sister in law, Ken and Kathy Long.  Mead McCabe introduced us to Max Pecina and Kevin Good.  Andrea Fusero brought his mom and dad all the way from Italy. Yolanda Woodbridge introduced us to Joe Lancaster, a past president of our Club who is back!

Happy $$

The good Dr. Randy returned to Groh scholarships today, and admittedly he has that extra something that gets people to voice their happiness each week.  Jon Arthur was first up to tell everyone that he and Keith Phillips have worked out a deal for next week - $5 for scholarships and you get to play golf for free.  Tom Dixon was happy that he and son Andrew completed the 2011 Industrial Report and presented it to 1,600 people.  Greg Martini reminded everyone to sign up to give blood next Thursday. Dick Golden told a lame joke about wedding cake being the worst possible food a man can eat!  Carlos Ruiz was $10 happy today because 1) on Friday his son completed his check flight and became the newest F-22 pilot in the U.S. Airforce and 2) on Sunday at 4:30 River Isley Ruiz de Quevedo came into the world weighing 8'11.  Carlos Bolado was happy that his Guyabera designer, Mauricio became a Rotarian in the Dominican Republic at his urging.  Rick Tonkinson was happy that the love of his life is nearly fully recovered from her surgery and was on the treadmill this morning.  Rob Hatfield  is ecstatic that his youngest daughter Maggie (the actress), now married, is expecting.  And he gave $10 because she's expecting twins!  Dan Scipione is happy (sort of) that after a meeting last week he acquired his fourth dog, a miniature, long haired, dachshund.  THE Donald Trombly was begging again ... sell raffle tickets, buy raffle tickets, whatever you have to do, do your part.  Proceeds go to our club's Foundation.  Margarita Tonkinson was happy for her husbands kind words and glad to be back.  Happiness pays so keep on smiling!

Working Rotarians - January 19, 2012

Greeter - Steven Spann & Rolf Frankfurter

Registration - Aaron Glasser

Collections - John Porro

Head Table - Rodney Langer

Special Needs - Lan Nghiem-Phu

Open the Meeting - Jack Witty

Invocation - Kelly Sastre

Pledge - Jerry Santerio

Singers - Bill Quesenberry & Dan Scipione

DeWitt Law Silver Dollars - Serre Murphy

Given to - Steve Spann & Greg Martini

Pin Drawing Gift - Yoli Woodbridge

Pin Drawing Winner - Dick Golden

50/50 Raffle - Donald Trombly

50/50 Winner - Rob Hatfield

4 Way Test - Paolo Possenti

Today's Program

Max Pecina, Operations Manager of Faithful Home Services, "Changing Lives One Family at a Time".

Max says he has always felt a need to give back.  His father-in-law, Kevin Good has given him that opportunity.  Faithful Home Services is a not for profit organization that does emergency based home repairs for needy individuals and families throughout Miami Dade County.  Founded in 2009, this group has performed more than 40 repairs in the past year.  

Faithful Home services exists to help the economically disadvantaged homeowners of our community maintain a safe and healthy living environment for themselves and their families by making a network of home improvement resources available to them free of charge by licenses contractors in the Miami Dade County Area.  The do not provide Mortgage subsidy, utility subsidy, cosmetic or architectural maintenance or upgrades, asset enhancement to the property work on any rental property.

The services they do provide are limited to what is essential in preserving the health, safety and welfare of the home’s occupants.  Plumbing repairs, electrical, window/exterior door repairs, roof repairs, upgrades for physically disabled persons.

The people who can qualify for their Services include single mothers, wives of inmates, wives of deployed military personnel,widows, handicapped or physically disabled persons, the elderly and foster & adoptive parents.

Max urged Rotarians to recommend them anytime we see a need.  That's what they're here for and we are out there enough to help them to make a difference.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING:  Coral Gables Mayor Jim Cason with the State of the City Address.

Thought of the Week

by Abe Horowitz

"A man is not finished when he is defeated.  He is finished when he quits."

                                                                        Richard M. Nixon

Scene Scenes

Special guests show up all the time!

Rotarians doing what Rotarians do,
Planning projects!

Flag Exchange from Rotary Club
of Bellavista, Dominican Republic, presented by Mauricio.

Fellowship is important to us!

Andrea Fusero brought his parents all the way from Italy.

Yes it's THE Donald, begging people to buy raffle tickets again!

See you next week,

Same time, same place,

Same great bunch 
of Rotarians.