Volume 4, No. 8 January 2009         2008-2009

Tel: 305-284-3997 marcy@miami.edu

1283 SW 23rd Street Miami, Florida 33145 

SPREAD THE WORD, SHARE ROTARY … What do you really know about Rotary? Or the Rotary Foundation? January is “Rotary Awareness Month” – an opportunity to

celebrate our incredible organization. But it’s hard to do if you don’t fully understand the complexity, the internationality, and the vision of Rotary International. Since January is the month of beginnings, I encourage you to make one of your

resolutions: Learn more about Rotary. How? Read the Rotarian magazine. Chock full of good information, the Rotarian reports on activities and events happening world-wide with stories about clubs and Rotarians exhibiting “can-do” attitudes that change lives. Encourage club activities that focus on educating members about Rotary, the Foundation, programs of the Foundation, the international convention (and the benefits of attending), youth programs, water programs, Rotary Peace Fellows … well, you get my drift. Ask Rotarians to share their “Rotary” story – everyone has an experience to share that they wouldn’t have had if they weren’t Rotarians. There is a lot to learn and the more you discover, the better Rotarian you’ll be. Participate in the Rotary Leadership Institute (RLI). A three-part program, RLI is designed for both the new and veteran Rotarian to delve into the who/why/what/when/where of RI. The next

scheduled RLI for in our area this Rotary year is May 2, 2009. Want to know more? Visit www.rlitraining.org This is also a time for us to let the world know what Rotary is all about. While there has always been a need for “Service Above Self”, it is now more important than ever. How often have you been in conversation with someone, mentioned Rotary, and the response is “What’s that?” You might be surprised or disappointed that they haven’t heard of us, but use it as a teachable moment. Develop a 60-second elevator speech about Rotary. Think about the top three reasons to join Rotary. Purchase the business-card size “What is Rotary?” to hand to people. Have your club print business cards with information on your meeting and pass out to acquaintances and friends. The more people understand what Rotary is and does, the more opportunities we’ll have to grow. Rotary happens one-to-one, but we’re also taking advantage of the media to spread the word. Have you seen the billboard on I-95 south (and 195 to the beaches)? If not, see the December 2008 issue of the District News. Prominently displayed, we have Carter Advertising (and Rotarian Bob Hyde) to thank for this. I’m also negotiating with radio to further spread the message. We need to use every medium available get the word out about the good works of Rotarians and Rotary Clubs. You can help. The more you know, the better you can spread the word. Join me in spreading the word about Rotary.

Yours in Rotary Service,

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Marcy Ullom, DG

LEADERSHIP CORNER … Louis Melara, President, Rotary Club of Homestead

Born in Puerto Armuelles, Panama, Louis R. Melara grew up in various countries throughout the tropics. At the age of 13, he moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where he attended Holy Cross High School and was a member of the National Honor Society, The Crossmen Society and the swimming team. Louis was a leader even then, founding the first high school soccer team in the State of Louisiana. He subsequently attended Louisiana State University where he attained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology with a minor in Economics. Louis went to work for Pan American Air Lines and was based out of Miami, Florida. In 1974 he became a Firefighter/Paramedic with Metro Dade Fire Rescue, where he served for 30 years. Louis was one of the fire department’s first paramedics and was also trained as a flight medic, was on the dive rescue team and served on recompression chamber operations.

Before retiring Louis obtained a real estate sales license. Currently a Realtor® with the Keyes Company, he holds the prestigious CCIM (Certified Commercial Investment Member) designation and ALC (Accredited Land Consultant) designation. Louis transacts real estate in Florida, Panama and Honduras, and has been acknowledged as one of the best in the industry. He is also the President of Ashkelou LLC, a consulting and investment company. Louis was invited to join Rotary in 2004 by William E. Thibault. He has been on his club’s board of directors for four years serving as international service chair, president-elect, and now president. He was named Rotarian of the Year by his club for 2005-2006. The proud father of two daughters and one son, Louis somehow finds time for additional community activities outside of Rotary. He has been on the board of directors of the Little Angels Foundation, and is a member of the Greater Homestead Florida City Chamber of Commerce, the Miami Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Masons Lodge. Daniel Sullivan, President, Rotary Club of Davie/Cooper City

Born in Fort Lauderdale, Dan Sullivan has lived in Dania and Davie most of his life and never moved far from home. He joined the RC of Davie/Cooper City in 2005 with a classification of Education, and was invited to join Rotary by Terrell Manyak. Dan served on the board of directors before being elected the club’s president. Dan attended the University of Florida where he earned his Bachelors of Science degree in Sociology before earning a Masters of Science in Psychology and a Doctorate in Higher Education at Nova Southeastern University (NSU). He worked in the mental health field as a social worker and as a work evaluation specialist for Florida's Vocational Rehabilitation Department before accepting a teaching position at NSU. At NSU, Dan has worked in three different academic centers and is now with central administration. He spent 16 years working with undergraduate programs, as enrollment

grew from 1,000 to over 4,000 students. His areas of expertise include experiential leaning, academic advising, enrollment management and students in transition. As Director of First Year and Transitional Programs for NSU’s Division of Student Affairs, he has developed student success programs for freshmen and seniors as well as improving the orientation programs at the Student Education Centers and helping the DOSA office assess the effectiveness of their programs. Dan is married 28 years to Kathy. They have two daughters, Allison and Ashley, both attending the University of Florida.

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FOUNDATION CORNER … An Evening with Foundation Chair Jonathan Majiyagbe

On Sunday, January 11, 2009, Districts 6990 and 6930 held a Foundation Gala to celebrate all the good works our Rotary Foundation does around the world. We were honored to have Chairman Jonathan join us as the Keynote Speaker. The 185 Rotarians present enjoyed great fellowship, sumptuous food, and an inspirational presentation by Chairman Jon. Both Major Donors and Paul Harris Society Members were treated to a VIP reception with the Chairman and his wife, Ayo.

Since July 1, 2008, 10 new Major Donors from both districts have stepped forward to make a significant commitment to The Rotary Foundation. They were recognized at this function. From District 6990 were: Steve Takach, RC of Key Biscayne; Fred Sadoff, RC of Weston; Steve Danner, RC of Miami, and Marcy Ullom, RC of Miami. In addition, the RC of Freeport made a $6,000 contribution to the Foundation. Many thanks President Rengin and Rotarians from RC Freeport! Though we were celebrating, we must remember why we support the Foundation. While we went home with full stomachs after a nice meal, there are many who went to bed hungry that night. There are those who have no home to call their own, or who must walk miles for a container of drinkable water, or whose very lives are threatened by a virus called Polio. In these economic times, what we consider “hardship” would be considered luxury by most of the world. Let us appreciate what we have and share it. Thank you for your gifts to the RI Foundation. A GIFT FROM THE HEART … During a vacation trip a member of the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club, Doug Morgan, met the mayor of Jelenia Góra County, Poland. The mayor, noticing Doug’s Rotary cap, asked about the location of his Rotary club, and so began the friendship and the conversation. During his visit with the mayor, Doug learned about the local County Home for Retarded Citizens, the 103 kids they serve, and a badly-needed transportation van. It seems the Home’s old van was inoperable. Upon his return to Key West, Doug brought the matter to the attention of his Rotary club. Matt Cochran, then club president, got excited about the idea and took it to his board. The Key West club raised the initial funds for a new van by raffling a Harley-Davidson motorcycle at the club's annual Poker Run. More funding was obtained from the Rotary Club of Jelenia Góra in District 2230 and also from the Rotary Club of Celle in northern Germany, District 1800. District 6990 threw in some district grant funds with the help of Grant Committee Chair Brad Vogt. Finally, application was made to the Rotary International Foundation for a matching grant. With emails flying between Morgan and Jens Kröger from the Jelenia Góra club, spirited club cooperation, and the ability to leverage funds through the grant process, the final combined total was enough to purchase a new van for the County Home. The local Mercedes dealer being a Rotarian himself provided it at cost.

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On November 8, 2008, the van was presented to the County Home. The resident children cheered and applauded. The local TV station was there to film the event and the County Mayor and other dignitaries were in attendance. Even the local priest was there to perform a blessing ceremony for the van. Some of the kids took short rides in their new van and all were most excited.

This is a great example of “Rotary at Work” and the value of matching grant opportunities. Rotarians from three countries, with the support of their clubs and district and RI Foundation grants, made a dream come true for over 100 disabled children. On the side of the van, inscribed in Polish, are the words “Dar Serca" – “Gift of the Heart."

Looking for a partner for a matching grant project? ProjectLINK is a searchable database that lists Rotary club and district community service projects in need of funding, volunteers, donated goods, and/or partners for a Rotary Foundation Matching Grant. It also provides examples of completed projects that can be used to demonstrate best practices. For ideas and support, visit www.rotary.org >Service and Fellowship> Project resources> ProjectLINK.

AROUND THE DISTRICT …

Ron Leonard, President of the Rotary Club of Key West, and Mike Petro, Chair of the club’s World Sailfish Tournament Fundraiser, recently presented a check for $35,000 to various Key West kids' clubs. The Sailfish Tournament is a major fundraiser to benefit the children of Key West. Recipients of the proceeds include Key West High School Athletic Dept., Key West High School Snapper Newspaper, Wesley House, the Lions Club, St. Mary's Mission, Key West Soccer Club, Horace O'Bryant Middle School C-Team Teachers, Florida Keys Soccer, Silverliners, Key West Pre-School Co-op, and the AYSO under-10 soccer program.

The Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale Beach recently held a clothing drive. Rotarians, families and friends responded generously. As a result, President Bob Morris and past president Diane Adams delivered over 140 pounds of clothing to the Broward Partnership for the Homeless and over 160 pounds of high-quality women’s business wear to Women in Distress to help victims of domestic violence re-enter the workplace.

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On Saturday, December 20th, dozens of brightly decorated boats took to the canals of Fortune Bay to join the Rotary Club of Freeport's first annual Christmas Carol Canal Boat Cruise. As the boats cruised past two judging stations, participants sang Christmas carols for extra points in the official competition. Extra points were also given for bribing the judges with treats. The competition was immense, but the overall winner (by unanimous vote) was the brightly lit Cool Runnings captained by Steve Gunn and sidekick Captain Mike of the Outrageous, who rafted up alongside them. In addition to the beautiful lights, Cool Runnings had very enthusiastic singing aboard, highlighted by the vocal talents of Joan, a

visiting Rotarian from Canada whose spectacular solos were unmatchable. Finally, homemade cookie bribes sealed the victory. All look forward to next year’s Cruise!

INTERACTORS LEAVE FOR INDIA, NID TRIP … Noelle Galperin, Luis Ortega and a team of 44 Rotarians and volunteers from D6990, Zone 34, and the world leave on January 27-28 to participate in a National Immunization Day trip to Chandigarh, India. Among them, for the first time in D6990, will be Interact students! Sophia Hameed from the Miami High Interact Club is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Miami. Anna Holmbraker from Coral Shores High School Interact Club is sponsored by the Upper Keys Rotary Club. The planning and execution of a trip like this is no small accomplishment for these young people. For the Miami club, however, the team effort was spearheaded by Miss Hameed, with the support of the club’s board, Noelle Galperin, and District 6990 Interact Chair Jose Garcia. Congratulations to the Interact Clubs, Rotary Clubs and Rotarians who have worked so hard to make this trip possible for Sophia and Anna. D6990 ROTARIANS ATTEND POLIO HALL OF FAME INDUCTION …

On November 14, 2008, Rotary International was inducted into The Polio Hall of Fame located in Warm Springs, Georgia, so named for the warm spring spas that dot the area. Well-to-do families of decades past vacationed at the springs. One such place was the Merriweather Inn in the town of Warm Springs. Franklin Roosevelt was Assistant Secretary of the Navy under Woodrow Wilson when he contracted polio at the age of 39, becoming paralyzed from the waist down. He spent three years searching for any means possible to walk again. His friend, George Foster Peabody, owner of the Inn, told FDR of a young man who showed improvement after swimming in the warm, mineral rich waters of the Inn’s pools. FDR made the trip to Warm Springs. In the pool he could eventually stand, move his legs, and even walk. He visited

the springs 41 times, and his success generated national publicity. Other polio victims, hoping for similar results, began arriving from all over the country. Roosevelt eventually purchased the Merriweather Inn and turned it into what would become the world-famous polio treatment center eventually named The Roosevelt Warm Springs Institute for Rehabilitation. FDR went on to become President of the United States in 1932 but never forgot his dedication to the other survivors of polio, putting time and effort into making the Institute a world-class facility. The campus is a beautiful, peaceful place, patterned after the campus of The University of Virginia. FDR did not want it to look like a hospital. The facility still serves over 5,000 people yearly today. After polio diminished with the introduction of the Salk vaccine in 1955, the Institute began to focus on rehabilitation for all types of disabilities, including treatment of brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, strokes, amputations, and other neurological or orthopedic conditions, as well as employment preparation and academic programs for young people with physical, mental, and behavioral disabilities. FDR died in 1945 at The Little White House in Warm Springs. The Polio Hall of Fame, located on the grounds of the Institute, was dedicated in 1958 by Eleanor Roosevelt, honoring 17 heroes in the fight against polio. In the 50 years since, no other inductions have taken place until Friday, November 14th, 2008, when the four partners in the Global Polio Eradication Initiative – Rotary International, The World Health Organization, The Centers for Disease Control, and UNESCO – were inducted. Along with the representatives from the four Global partners, the event was attended by Dr. Peter Salk, son of Jonas Salk; Hall Delano Roosevelt, grandson of FDR; Heloisa Sabin, widow of Albert Sabin; and numerous polio survivors who had been residents of the Institute as young children. District 6990 Rotarians Bob Morris, President of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale Beach, and Sheila Ann Morris, past president of the Rotary Club of Fort Lauderdale North, were privileged to attend.

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Dr. Peter Salk and Sheila Ann Morris

CALENDAR OF CLUB EVENTS … February 21-22, 2009 – The 14th Annual Upper Keys Rotary Club Gigantic Nautical Flea Market An event as unique as the Florida Keys, admission is free to the public. Founder’s Park, US1 – Mile Marker 87, Bayside, Islamorada. Visit www.giganticnauticalfleamarket.com or call 305-453-3802 for more information. IMPORTANT DATES … January 24 – February 22, 2009 – Inbound GSE Team Visits from the Philippines February 2, 2009 – National Immunization Day, Chandigarh, India February 19-23, 2009 – District Conference with D7730 N. Carolina, Carnival Destiny, Western Caribbean Cruise to Cozumel while enjoying Rotary fun, fellowship and education! To book your cabin, call NOW 1-866-721-3225, Booking # 3XZ368. There is a high demand for cabins on this cruise, so register ASAP and secure your spot while there are still cabins left. All balcony cabins have already been taken. You’ll be registered for the Conference at the same time you book your cabin with Carnival. Don’t delay! For additional information contact Margarita Tonkinson, District Conference Co-Chair at 305-343-1240 or e-mail to mtonk@bellsouth.net. February 22, 2009 – Outbound GSE Team Departs for the Philippines March 5-7, 2009 – Rotary Florida PETS for Zone 34, International Hotel, Orlando April 17, 2009 – Ambassadorial Scholarship Deadline April 18, 2009 – District 6990 Assembly May 2, 2009 – Rotary Leadership Institute – Intercontinental University, Weston June 21-24, 2009 – 100th Rotary International Convention, Birmingham, England Visit the district website and read all about it as Harry Brogden of D7670 in N. Carolina takes us On to Birmingham! Register via www.rotary.org/convention by December 31 and save $100. See this month’s issue of The Rotarian for complete information. NEW MEMBER CORNER … RC of Miramar –Pines Shines in December As Rotary District 6990 ended the first half of its 2008-09 calendar year, we find the Rotary Club of Miramar-Pines conducting an impressive membership campaign resulting in five new member inductions. The RC of John Knox Village continued to lead the district in total new member inductions, followed by the Rotary Clubs of Key West and Miami. A big Rotary welcome goes out to the new members of the RC of MIRAMAR-PINES, Al Foster – Real Estate, Amy Tecosky – Healthcare Consulting, Marc Tecosky – Motivational Training, Pierre VIntejoux – Technology Transfer-Retired, and Ninfa Wilde – Information Technology.

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Also extend a warm Rotary welcome to the new members of the Rotary Clubs of CORAL SPRINGS PARKLAND, Mitch Feld – Clergy-Rabbi; FORT LAUDERDALE, Susan Lobianco – Insurance Brokerage; HOMESTEAD, William "Rusty" Rucsh – Landscape Design; KEY LARGO, Sue Reich – Customer Service; KEY WEST, Melanie Elder – Marketing, and David Carter – Entertainment & Sports; MARATHON, Josh Mothner – Restaurateur; MIAMI, Aaron Peller – Clergy-Retired, David Williams – Real Estate Leasing & Management, and Jonathan D'Oleo – Financial Advisor-Planner; MIAMI SHORES, Mark Adorno – C.P.A.; POMPANO BEACH, Edmond J. Harris – Block Trading and Investment Advising; WESTON, Deborah (Debbie) Maymon – Corporate Executive.

New Members July thru December 2008 John Knox Village 22 Key West 20 Miami 13 Miami Beach 10 Weston 10 Ft Lauderdale 9 Miramar-Pines 7 Pompano Beach 6 Ft Lauderdale South 4 Miami Dadeland Pinecrest 4 Coral Springs-Parkland 3 Davie/Cooper City 3 Ft Lauderdale-Cypress Creek 3

Ft Lauderdale North 3 Key Largo 3 Marathon 3 Miami-Granada 3 Coral Gables 2 Deerfield Beach 2 Homestead 2 Key West Sunrise 2 Miami Lakes 2 Miami Shores 2 North Dade 2 Perrine CR-Palmetto Bay 2 Pompano Beach-Lighthouse 2

Sunset Key West 2 Allapattah 1 Big Pine & Lower Keys 1 Coconut Grove 1 Coral Springs 1 Ft Lauderdale Beach 1 Freeport 1 Grand Bahama Sunrise 1 Hollywood 1 Key Biscayne 1 Miami Airport 1 South Miami 1 Upper Keys 1

ATTENDANCE CORNER … For the Month of December 2008 Club Meetings Avg. Attend% Club Meetings Avg. Attend% Pompano Bch-Lighthouse 5 100.00 Weston Sunset 1 100.00 Coral Gables 3 90.00 Perrine-Cutler Rdg/Palmetto Bay 3 89.25 Key Largo 5 86.00 Coconut Grove 3 85.00 John Knox Village 3 82.50 Coral Springs 3 81.16 Miami Sundown 4 80.00 Oakland Park 5 80.00 Opa-locka & Miami Gardens 3 80.00 Weston 3 79.24 Coral Springs-Parkland 5 78.40 Miami Dadeland-Pinecrest 5 76.40 Fort Lauderdale North 3 74.75 Hialeah-Miami Springs 3 74.36 Plantation 5 73.33 Key West 3 72.95 Fort Lauderdale Beach 3 70.60 Miami Beach 2 70.00 Davie/Cooper City 3 69.93 Key West Sunrise in Conch Rep. 3 68.75 South Miami 3 67.50 Pompano Beach 2 67.19 Miramar-Pines 3 66.00

Hollywood 4 62.50 Lucaya,G.B.I. 5 62.27 Upper Keys 3 62.17 Bal Harbour 2 60.00 Miami Lakes 4 59.20 Fort Lauderdale 3 59.00 Hallandale Beach-Aventura 4 58.20 Grand Bahama Sunrise 4 58.00 Deerfield Beach 4 56.00 North Dade 3 55.13 Miami Airport 2 54.47 Freeport,G.B.I. 3 53.76 Big Pine & Lower Keys 3 52.35 Fort Lauderdale South 3 51.61 Fort Lauderdale/Cypress Creek 5 51.00 Marathon 3 50.00 Miami Shores 3 49.79 Sunset Key West 5 48.39 Homestead 4 46.00 Allapattah (Miami) 3 45.00 Miami-Granada 3 42.00 Miami 3 40.00 Key Biscayne 3 38.90 Doral 0 0.00

Average attendance with 48 of 49 clubs reporting: 66.23%

EDITOR’S CORNER … Many thanks to those who send in stories, photos and news items from around the district to share! Send your items and information for publication by the 27th for the subsequent month’s issue to: Editor@rotary6990.org. Your D6990 News is brought to you by Editors Pat “Where’s my red pen?” Hornsby (RC of Coral Springs-Parkland) and Ron “Where are my new member names?” Lieberman (RC of Miami Dadeland-Pinecrest) and Publisher extraordinaire Lan “Big File” Nghiem-Phu (RC of Coral Gables).

© Copyright 2009 Rotary District 6990 Southeast Florida and the Florida Keys, USA, & Grand Bahama Island, Bahamas

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