A Poem by Graham C. Miller

 Found this poem,  written by Graham Miller of our Club in a Rotarian Magazine from 1964...
 

The Tyrant

It takes your money to pay your dues,

It makes you do jobs you can't refuse,

It preaches to give as well as to take,

And makes you join boards for Charity's sake.

It makes competitors like one another

And expects you to act like the world was your brother.

The worst of it all, the part you can't fight,

It makes you do good, just because it is right.

Yes, Rotary's a tyrant, there's no question of it,

It first makes you work, and then makes you love it;

But stop to consider, when all's said and done,

Without it life just wouldn't be as much fun.

 

And this is the point, and one we all know --

In life, if you'd reap, then first you must sow.

And the ratio is this -- like a day to a minute

You'll get more from Rotary than you'll ever put in it.

Graham C. Miller

Rotarian from Coral Gables, FL

ROOTS by Cholly Capps

A Little History of Your Rotary Club

You probably didn't know that Cleve Allen was the second president of our club, 1947-48. But some things are known to only a few ... Cleve was a bit of an international celebrity. It seems that he came into the limelight by making flat-footed jumps over double beds at the Rotary International Conventions!

During his term, our Club received a special citation for outstanding accomplishments in the field of Club Service. He put special stress on attendance and the club average for 1947-48 was 95%. Over half the members had perfect attendance and our club's membership grew to 40 during that year.

Community Partnership for the Homeless Thankgiving Lunch

18 Serve Thanksgiving Lunch

Serving Thanksgiving lunch at Community Partnership for the Homeless has become a Club tradition.  For the past ten years our Foundation has donated the money for CHP to purchase the food to feed the residents of the HAC a terrific lunch and then we go there for a couple of hours to dish it up and serve it to the residents at the CHP North Miami Avenue facility.  It's just a couple of hours but it means the world to the the hundred or so families that are living there. 

There have been some changes in the past year ... Gloria, the longtime "Boss" has retired and left Eva, her personal trainee, in charge.  Eva doesn't rule by bossing anyone around.  She prefers the sweet and polite way of encouraging people to work hard.  It we did work hard.  By 1:00 we had served more than 300 meals.  GOOD MEALS.  Turkey and ALL the trimmings.
It sure makes you thankful for all the blessings you've received throughout the year.

 

Happy Thanksgiving

THANKSGIVING PARABLE

A young man named John received a parrot as a gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird's mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird's attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to "clean up" the bird's vocabulary.

Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hand, grabbed the bird and put him in the freezer.

For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he'd hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John's outstretched arms and said "I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I'm sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior."

John was stunned at the change in the bird's attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, "May I ask what the turkey did?"

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Vol. 65 No. 21 Notes from the Podium

 President's Time

This week in America the Wakefield Massachusetts Track and Field team handed out t-shirts with the team's initials WTF.  School officials said they were unaware of the initials meaning in text-speak.  LOL.  

Meanwhile, a Florida man is suing a restaurant for not teaching him how to eat an artichoke.  He claims he suffered severe abdominal pain and discomfort after eating an entire grilled artichoke.  Seems the restaurant failed to explain that you only eat the tender, inner leaves of the choke.

Yard Sale is over and can be acclaimed a terrific success.  We sold $4,572 of other people's treasures.  Thanks to everyone who donated, moved, worked, and cleaned up.  And a REALLY BIG THANKS to The Donald Trombly's Moving & Storage.

2010 is winding down really quickly now ... get ready for the end of the year AND ...

Christmas Toy Drive starts this week.  This year it benefits the LODGE, a non-profit organization serving children who have suffered domestic violence.  Bring your unwrapped toys to the meetings between now and December 16.

Thanksgiving Service Project at Community Partnership for the Homeless ... It's what Coral Gables Rotarians like to do on Thanksgiving morning.  Keeps us grateful and grounded. Join your fellow Rotarians from 10 until 1 next Thursday at the Homeless Assistance Center at 1515 North Miami Avenue.  Our Foundation bought the food and our members serve the meal to hundreds of homeless families.  Be sure to wear your Coral Gables Rotarian at Work shirt.

2010 Caroling Competition begins Wednesday, December 1st.
It's how Coral Gables gets into the Christmas spirit!  Enjoy five nights of some of the most talented children in South Florida performing all kinds of holiday music.  Performances are free.  It starts nightly at 7 p.m.  
Volunteer to help Coral Gables Interact sell hot chocolate, cookies, brownies and other assorted junk for the five nights of the event.  It's their major fund raiser for the year.  But a little adult supervision never hurts.  Besides, you'll have a front row seat for the performances every night at 550 Biltmore Way, Coral Gables.  In front of the beautiful poinsettia tree.

Rotary Day at the Miami Dolphins is Sunday, December 5th.  Dick Golden has the tickets.  It promises to be a really fun day.

Ring Bells for the Salvation Army on Saturday, December 11th at the Publix at 2451 LeJeune Road, right here in Coral Gables.  It's a terrific opportunity to spend a couple of hours with your fellow Rotarians, raising money for one of the most dependable charities in the country.  It's also a great way to network with your neighbors as they do their Saturday shopping.  Sign up for a two-hour shift.  You'll really enjoy it.  


GET READY FOR MOOSE MILK.   New Year's Day will be the 40th anniversary of one of the best parties Coral Gables Rotary does all year long!  From 11 until 2 on New Year's Day we have some really awesome food and milk the moose for all he's worth.  You're not really a Coral Gables Rotarian until you've milked the moose at least once.  

Congratulations to Aaron Glasser

He received his Permanent Badge today!  Aaron hasn't stopped working since he walked in our door.  It's hard to believe that with all he does he was still a Red Badger.


Welcome PERMANENTLY Aaron.  

ROTARY CLUB OF CORAL GABLES RECOGNIZED at the District 6990 Conference Cruise.  We were one of four clubs in the entire district the be cited by Rotary International for our "financial support of Rotary's $200 Million Challenge to fulfill our promise to the children of the world to eradicate polio."  Pretty cool, huh?  It's because our club created (thank you Chris Morrison) and hosted the Gates Challenge Golf Ball Drop which by itself raised more than $130,000 over the past three years for Polio Plus.  We also produced a Concert to End Polio with the South Miami Club last year.  
ROTARY CLUB OF CORAL GABLES ROCKS!!

Golf Tourney and Helicopter Golf Ball Drop Report. 
Chris Morrison again thanked our many golf tourney sponsors and reported that this year's Rotary Golf Classic raised nearly $8,000 for our Charitable Fund and the Gates Challenge Helicopter Golf Ball Drop raised aproximately $35,000 to eradicate polio.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL THE OPTIMISTIC, INTELLECTUAL, IRRESPONSIBLE SAGITTARIUS MEMBERS OF OUR CLUB this week, including Gene Mariutto on November 19, Julio Velis on the 20th, Felix Pardo on the 23rd, Alfredo Iglesias and Keith Phillips on the 26th, Tom Dixon on the 28th and Rolf Frankfurter on December 1.

Fred Ortiz is celebrating 27 years as a Rotarian this week and Bill Oates is celebrating 22 years.  Thank you both for all your  years ofService.  

November is Foundation Month

70 Sustaining Members recognized for their donations

Foundation Chair, Rick Tonkinson spent a few minutes reading off the names of the 70 Rotarians who have already given their $100 to The Rotary Foundation.  But we have 120 active members so there a still many members who haven't contributed for this Rotary year.

Sustaining Membership in The Rotary Foundation is the real obligation of every Rotarian.  It's only $2 a week but it can make the difference between life and death for some child somewhere in the world.  Our Club's goal and promise to The Rotary Foundation for 2010-2011 is that we will have 100% of our members contributing to EREY.  Every Rotarian Every Year.  Because if all of the 1.2 million Rotarians give $100 every year, The Rotary Foundation can achieve it's goal of a $1 Billion by mid-century.  And that's money that comes back to every club in the form of matching grants that allow us the accomplish incredible things throughout the world. All of us can afford 27 cents a day to help save the world.  Become a Sustaining Member of The Rotary Foundation today.

 Happy $$

Randy can't Groh Scholarships when he's not around and Diva's gone too.  But Tom Dixon is no neophyte when it comes to being happy.  He was happy because he has completed cataract surgery and the results are awesome.  Dan Scipione was ecstatic and with good reason ... several months ago he was diagnosed with acute leukemia.  After months of tests and analysis the results are in .. he's okay!!!  Hadley Williams was happy to have been to Phoenix to visit his daughter and granddaughter.  Ramon Ferrer announced three tickets, worth $112 each, for Saturday's Race at Homestead Speedway for a raffle today with proceeds to our Foundation.  Luis Boue just returned from a vacation in the Pacific Northwest which is beautiful. But folks out there reminded him that we live in a pretty spectacular place everyday and hardly ever take the time a see it.  Terry Long  was happy that her Scholarship Committee has identified $11,000 for scholarships to students at Coral Gables High School this year.  In addition to Happy Dollars we received $1,500 from the Tonkinsons, $3,000 from the California Community Foundation through David Sanchez, $1,000 through Joan Reitsma and Thrivent.  Chris Morrison also just got back from the Pacific Northwest but it rained the whole time HOWEVER, Stanford  won their game 41-0 which puts them at 9/1 which ranks them 7th in the country...their best since 1951.  J Guarch and his wife became empty nesters in August and he's happy that the kids are all coming home for Thanksgiving weekend.  Chris Tyson is just happy that he can make the special effort to come to weekly Rotary meetings because of all the special honors he's received Rotary is the best.  Dick Golden announced that he has the tickets for Rotary Day at the Dolphins and he told a really AWFUL joke that should have cost him extra.  Gabriel DeAramas of Santas for Seniors  wanted to thank us for our donations last week and he's happy to be celebrating his 5th wedding anniversary this week.  Happiness pays, keep on smiling.

TODAY'S PROGRAM

A Clean Energy Solution for the Future 

Daniel Hronec and Joey Padron

Florida Power and Light

FPL is in the planning stage of expanding the Turkey Point plant by adding two new nuclear plants.  In past years, they have instituted conservation programs that have defrayed the need for thirteen new plants.  However, they still need to add more capacity, replace facilities and add fuel diversity. Natural gas is currently used for 64% of power production. Gas is clean and available in the U.S., but there a risk relying on natural gas since it is only available through two pipelines into Florida.

Once the new nuclear plants are online, new transmission lines will be needed. Based on engineering studies and public input, routes have been proposed. Concerns from the public have included threat of magnetic fields related to large lines, and the preference to have lines installed underground. However, underground lines are significantly more expensive (15 times).

Anyone who wants input to be heard can still do so. The certification hearing will be in 2012, with the final decision to be made by the governor and cabinet.

Working Rotarians - November 18, 2010

Greeters - Rodney Langer & Deena Bell

Registration - Aaron Glasser

Collections - Abe Horowitz

Head Table Assignments - John Wallace

Special Needs - Ed Morris

Open the Meeting - Dick Golden

Invocation - Jim Hirschman

Pledge to the Flag - Dick Golden

 Singers - Arne Themmen & Dan Scipione

DeWitt Law Silver Dollars - Luis Boue

Given to - Gloria Burns and Marta from J's office

Pin Drawing Gift - Dan Brandt

Pin Drawing Winner - Jim Hirschmann

50/50 Raffle -  Gloria Burns

50/50 Winner - Trish Hoffman for Jim Skinner

5-Way Test - Steven Spann

NEXT MEETING ON DECEMBER 2ND

Javier Betancourt, Deputy Director Miami Downtown Development Authority 

"Downtown Miami - the Epicenter of the Americas"

Thought of the Week

by Dick Golden

"A Government that robs Peter to pay Paul,

can always depend on the support of Paul"

George Bernard Shaw

Scene Scenes

Chris Tyson introducing his daughter

J. Guarch was the high bidder for the racing tickets from FP&L.  But J says he doesn't even like racing!!!  Still he bought the tickets under duress from Auctioneer Dick Bullman and companion bidder Fred Baddour.  Thanks J.

See you December 2, same time, same place.  

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 

Be sure to join us at Community Partnership for the Homeless on Thursday from 10 until 1.  Gobble Gobble.

ROOTS by Cholly Capps

A Little History of Your Rotary Club

This community's leadership has always been closely tied to our Rotary Club. We've had more than our share of mayors and city commissioners in the Club. Further proof that our leaders are also community leaders is apparent when you look at the crossover between the Chamber and Rotary. Eight of the chairs of the Coral Gables Chamber of Commerce have been Rotarians from our Club. Ten of the 18 people named for the prestigious Robert B. Knight Outstanding Citizen Award have been our Club members. Many of our members have been founders of important community organizations or serve in leadership positions on City Boards, the Youth Center, the Coral Gables Community Foundation and some of the community's most important social service agencies. It has always been thus, so this too is part of your roots as a Coral Gables Rotarian.

2nd-Ever Rotary Yard Sale

Rotary Yard Sale
A BIG Success

Our Foundation raised $4,572.30
selling "treasures" Saturday and Sunday.

There were a lot of people who helped make our Second-Ever Rotary Yard Sale a big success. First and foremost all of you who have helped to stock our shelves for the past year as we moved and stored and stashed the good stuff that you contributed to the cause.

To name just a few of the DONORS ... John & Louise Wallace, Miki Spiejers, Diane Thurston, Clark Ainsworth, Ana Fournaris, Bill Quesenberry, Keith Phillips, Don Trombly, Bonnie Blaire, Joan Reitsma, Gloria Burns, and a whole lot of people referred to us by CoralGables@HOME. And of course to Dan Brandt owner of Antique Pool Tables, for donating a gorgeous pool table, which did not sell. But the work it took to move it, set it up, break it down and take it home was a tremendous donation of just Dan's time and we really appreciate it.

On Friday morning at the crack of doom, MOVERS Dick Golden, Bill Quesenberry, Bob Schreiber and John Wallace showed up at the warehouse and spent the morning lifting, moving and loading stuff on to the 25 ft. moving van which was donated to us by Withers Moving & Storage.

At the same time, THE Donald Trombly, his trusty Lincoln "truck" and Gene Witherspoon traveled around Coral Gables picking up last minute donations from generous citizens and Rotarians and delivered them to the sale site.

We could not have made it through the weekend without the able and never-ending assistance of Aaron Glasser, Bill Quesenberry and Walter Alvarez. All three of them spent their entire weekend in Cal's driveway helping to speed the sales along and move the lookers through. Thanks go as well to all of the Rotarians who came out to help for a couple of hours here and there throughout the weekend. It's a labor intensive project and you guys didn't let us down.

The Yard Sale Site and the long terms storage of our Junque was provided to the Club by Cal Rosenbaum. Although he's not in Rotary, he's of it and is a Major Donor to RI. So a big thanks goes to our Host and "Hondler" for making it all possible.

If you know anybody who has an interest in buying that pool table, it's still for sale. Dan will include delivery, set up, new felt and all the trimmings for the excellent price of $1,200. All of which will be donated to the Rotary Foundation of Coral Gables.

SEEN AT THE SCENE

Vol. 65 No. 20 Notes from the Podium

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President's Time
This week in America an Ohio sixth grader has been given a detention for flatulence on the school bus. The 11 year old thought it was pretty dumb, he didn't do it on purpose, but the bus driver said otherwise. Also this week in New York City a 13,000 square foot nighclub for dogs opened in lower Manhattan. It features massage, aromatherapy, an indoor lawn, a workout room, doggie sushi and a disco complete with a mirrored ball. And we wonder what's wrong with the world?

THE YARD SALE IS THIS WEEKEND we need people to work. We start at 7 a.m. on Saturday and 9 a.m. on Sunday and go til 5 p.m. each day. We've got lots of great stuff to sell and should make some decent money. But we need bodies. The proceeds will be split between the International Committee and the Community Service Committee based on the percentage of man hours contributed by each. The sale is being held at 7000 Old Cutler Road, on the Cocoplum (Cartagena) Circle on South LeJeune Road.

November 20 is Thanksgiving VA Bingo. Join us at Veteran's Hospital from 1 until 3 p.m. on Saturday afternoon to entertain the Vets. They love it.

COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP FOR THE HOMELESS is where Coral Gables Rotarians like to spend Thanksgiving morning. Sign up now to feed the homeless from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. Our Club's Foundation donates $1,000 to buy the food and then we serve it. You'll have a great time and do something really nice for those in need.

SAY HELLO TO OUR NEWEST MEMBER - STEVEN SPANN

His sponsor, Yoli Woodbridge said he was stalking us when she picked him up and brought him to a meeting. He's a family attorney here in Coral Gables. Married with a wife and kids. He really is enthused about becoming a Rotarian. Say "hello" when you see him. Maybe at the Yard Sales this weekend?

Happy $$

Diva did it – she was happy about completing the NY Marathon George Reeves went to hear the Singing Miamians. Dan Scipione remembered his brother in law who passed away 2 weeks ago Dick Golden just returned from Morroco and told an awful joke about the Police in Morroco who stay safe? Mike Freeman was happy to be here for the first time in a year even though he’s been a member for 35 years. Jm Roen’s son Brandt’s Belin Rowing Team took 2nd in the largest regatta in the US. J Guarch was happy his mom got a new knee or her 86th birthday and also happy that Diva finished the marathon in 5:32. Abe Horowit was happy to have played in the Golf Tournament and thanked Chirs Morrison and Rolf Frankfurter for all their hard work. Gloria Burns is excited to see Oliver and was happy to be at Joan Reitsma’s grand reopening last night because the food was awesome catered by Lovables and Chris Tyson was happy to be here to keep up his weekly $5 for scholarships. Keep smiling, happiness pays!

Program Today:

We are treated with the Actors' Playhouse at the Miracle Theatre with a preview of their next week's show, from which three wonderful songs are performed just for our club. How spoiled can we be?

OLIVER!
November 17 - December 26, 2010
WINNER! 2 TONY AWARDS
One of the most beloved musicals of all time, Oliver! vividly brings to life Charles Dickens' timeless characters with its ever-popular story of the boy who asked for more. With a cast and orchestra of over 50, the sensational score is full of Lionel Bart's irresistible songs including Food Glorious Food, Consider Yourself, You've Got to Pick-a-Pocket or Two, I'd Do Anything, Oom Pah Pah, As Long As He Needs Me and many more. The winner of two Tony Awards, Oliver! has played in 22 languages worldwide and is sure to be a holiday treat for the whole family.

Next week program - November 18, 2010:
Presentation by Florida Power and Light

Working Rotarians - November 4, 2010

Greeters - Langer/Bell-Llewellyn

Registration - Aaron Glasser

Collections - Carlos Bolado

Invocation - Pastor Perry

Pledge - Rodney Langer

Singers - Bill Quesenberry, Arne & Tammy Themmen, Dan Scipione & Cal Winter sang “For Those at Sea” in honor of Veteran’s Day.

DeWitt Law Silver Dollars - Ana Fournaris

Given To - George Corrigan & Barbara Stein

Pin Drawing Gift - Deena Bell

Pin Drawing Winner - John Wallace

5-Way Test - Gloria Burns
50/50 Collections - Gloria Burns

50/50 Winner - Sally B

Thought for the Week

by Dick Golden

"If I am not for myself, who will be?
If I am only for myself, what good am I?
If not now, when?

Rabbi Hillel

Scene Scenes - November 11th, 2010


That's all, folks... See you next week... Don't forget our garage sale! So... See you this weekend!

Vol. 65 No. 19 Notes from the Podium

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President's Time
This week a Maryland firm is renting drug-sniffing dogs to parents for $200 an hour.  It's called Dogs Finding Drugs.  Purdue has announced they will be holding a Quidditch tournament with 9 other universities. But instead of flying around like Harry Potter they will stuff broom sticks between their legs and run around on a field.  This week Michael Jackson was named the world's top-earning dead celebrity by Forbes, with $275 million in music and movie revenues in the past year. And finally, a street person in Manhattan who dresses as Elmo has been getting aggressive because people take his picture but don't give him any money for it.  He thinks that's just rude!

Today's meeting was held in conjunction with the 7th Annual Rotary Golf Classic, we had hamburgers and hot dogs at The Biltmore Hotel.  Some 85 people were in attendance including the golfers AND the Rotary Club of Miami who decided a wet day was a good day to have a joint meeting of our two clubs.  Welcome to President Ann de LasPozas, Robin and Susan Shelly, DGEE Ted Eldridge and other members of the Miami Club.  Glad you could make it.  The rain didn't appear to "dampen" any of the golfers spirits but they seemed a little "drippy" when they came to lunch.  But the weather held until the 12th hole.  

Next week - 2nd-Ever Rotary Yard Sale.  We need volunteers to set up on Friday and to man the sales on Saturday and Sunday.  The proceeds from the sale will be split between the committees that provides the most volunteers.  The split will be based on the % of volunteers that come from International and Community Service.  It's Fair to All Concerned!


Determined, forceful and secretive describes the Scorpios with birthdays this week including Dick Golden on November 5, Mayor Don Slesnick on the 7th and Aaron Glasser on the 10th.  Happy Birthday boys!

David Mitchell is celebrating 11 years as a Rotarian this week as well.  Thanks for all your service David.

 Happy $$

Diva pinch-hit for Dr. Randy again today and found a few wet but happy Rotarians.  She was happy she's going to run the NYC Marathon this coming weekend!  Frank Sextion was happy to wet and cold playing golf/  Bill (Digger) Martinez had some golf story about playing at the ladies T?  Ann de LasPozas, President of the Miami Rotary Club was just happy to be here.  Walter Alvarez (has pretty good legs!) and he was just happy the other guys let him play.  He has his worst round ever but a great time.  Linda Singer also from the Miami Club was happy we were finally having a joint meeting of our two clubs.  Ana Fournaris just returned from Cartagena and a convention but was pleased to have made the acquaintance of Coral Gables' first Sister City.  George Reeves just wanted to thank everyone for their support of the baskets for the troops in October.  We sent 800 care packages.  Thomas Eugene of the Miami Club was happy to see a Florida Gator who was overdressed.  Margarita Tonkinson is happy that her son Steven has returned home.  J Guarch (who will never let Susan down) is happy he has adopted a new college football team.  Auburn - and they beat the Gators.   Keep smiling, happiness pays!

Working Rotarians - November 4, 2010

Greeters - Deena Bell & Rodney Langer

Registration - Aaron Glasser

Collections - Carlos Bolado

Invocation - Pastor Perry

Pledge - Deena Bell-Llewlyn

Singers - Rosendo Castillo & Linda Singer

DeWitt Law Silver Dollars - Yolanda Woodbridge

Given To - Ann de LasPozas & Rodney Langer

Pin Drawing Gift - Dan Brandt

Pin Drawing Winner - Trish Hoffman

5-Way Test - Aaron Glasser

Thought for the Week

                                                    by Fred Baddour 

"It's better to be out in the rain playing golf

than to be stuck in the office."

  

Today's Speaker


Adam Grossman,
Senior Vice President for Public Affairs
Miami Dolphins



Sun Life Stadium was the host of both the Super Bowl and the Pro Bowl earlier this year. When the Marlins move out, improvements are planned that will make it a more football friendly stadium. There are plans to add a canopy that would cover the entire facility in case of inclement weather, and a reconfiguration of the seating bowl to bring seats closer to the field. They hope to attract other venues to the stadium, and look forward to a waterpark to be constructed across the street that should attract visitors to the area.

The Dolphins and Sun Life Stadium are actively involved in community efforts. After the earthquake in Haiti, they raised enough money to send more than 30 Shelter Boxes to Haiti. Next weekend they are teaming with the University of Miami to host a bicycle ride to raise money for the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Mr. Grossman brought Miami Dolphins logo caps and polo shirts, which they gave to Rotarians that asked questions.

NEXT WEEK'S MEETING:   We return to the Westin Colonnade and we will be entertained by selections from Actors' Playhouse new production of "Oliver".

Scene Scenes - November 4th