2008 NEWSLETTER ARCHIVE:

Our newsletter is published weekly to keep members informed about our club's activities. Feel free to browse back issues to learn more about our club and our initiatives. You can also download a color PDF of any issue for FREE.

[ 12/23/08 ] [ 12/16/08 ] [ 12/09/08 ] [ 12/02/08 ] [ 11/25/08 ] [ 11/18/08 ] [ 11/11/08 ] [ 11/04/08 ] [ 10/28/08 ] [ 10/14/08 ] [ 10/07/08 ] [ 9/30/08 ] [ 9/23/08 ] [ 9/16/08 ] [ 9/9/08 ] [ 9/02/08 ] [ 8/26/08 ] [ 8/12/08 ] [ 8/5/08 ] [ 7/29/08 ] [ 7/22/08 ] [ 7/15/08 ] [ 7/8/08 ] [ 7/1/08 ] [ 6/24/08 ] [ 6/17/08 ] [ 6/10/08 ] [ 6/03/08 ] [ 5/27/08 ] [ 5/20/08 ] [ 5/13/08 ] [ 5/6/08 ] [ 4/29/08 ] [ 4/22/08 ] [ 4/15/08 ] [ 4/8/08 ] [ 4/01/08 ] [ 3/25/08 ] [ 3/18/08 ] [ 3/11/08 ] [ 3/4/08 ] [ 2/26/08 ] [ 2/19/08 ] [ 2/12/08 ] [ 2/5/08 ] [ 1/29/08 ] [ 1/22/08 ] [ 1/15/08 ]

Volume 87
Programs

2008-2009

Volume 86
Programs

2007-2008

Click here to download Adobe Acrobat Reader® for free.

Tuesday, February 28, 2006        No. 22       Vol. 84                                                   return to top of page

Speaker:  Margaret Dalzell Lowman  LIFE IN THE TREETOPS

  Our speaker today is Margaret Lowman, Director of Environmental Initiatives at New College.  She will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Tom Nelson.  In addition to her position as Director of Environmental Initiatives, our speaker has professorships in biology and environmental studies.  She is actively building a new department of environmental studies to focus on conservation, outreach for students in the Florida community, create a subtropical field station for regional universities, and conduct conservation biology research in tropical ecosystems.  Her expertise involves canopy ecology, particularly plant-insect relationships, and spans over 25 years in Australia, Peru, Africa, the Americas, and the South Pacific.  She has authored over 95 peer-reviewed publications and three books.  Previously, Lowman served first as Director of Research and Conservation and then Chief Executive Officer of Selby Botanical Gardens, an institution that specializes in tropical plants, especially epiphytes.  Under her leadership, the Gardens have expanded membership by 45%, fund-raising by over 100%, and doubled both research and education programs.  After eleven years of service, she left Selby Gardens to devote more time to her passion for science education.

  Our speaker developed an expertise for the use of different canopy access techniques, including ropes, walkways, hot air balloons, construction cranes, and combinations of these methods.  She frequently speaks about her jungle adventures and about rain forest conservation to educational groups, ranging from elementary classes to corporate executives to international conferences.  She received the Margaret Douglas Medal for achievement in Conservation Education from the garden Club of America (1999), the Eugene Odum Prize for Excellence in Ecology Education from the Ecological Society of America (2002). Election to Leadership Florida (1997), serves on the Board of Directors for the Explorers Club, and is part of the senior management team of NEON for the National Science Foundation.  Carolyn Shoemaker of the US Department of the Interior named an asteroid after her (2003).  She co-chaired the First and Second International conferences on Forest Canopies (1994, 1998), and was chief scientist for the Jason Project in education (1995, 1999, 2004).  Her latest book, Life in the Treetops, received a cover review in the New York Times Sunday Book Review.  Its sequel, It’s a Jungle up There, is due out in March 2006 from Yale University Press.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!            

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.  What nickname was Kansas given during the Civil War?   2.  In what year was the cotton gin invented?   3.  What two presidents were sometimes referred to as “the Farmer President’?   4.  What Atchison, Kansas woman earned aviation immorality?   5.  When were Elvis Presley and Pricilla Beaulieu married?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS
   Matt Silverman, President of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays presented a very thorough insight into the 2006 Devil Rays.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Bob Byelick.  Our speaker began his program by stating that his introduction to his presentation will be the “stock” speech which the Rays leadership has been giving in their public appearances.  As he said, the four and one-half months of “Under Construction” is now ended.  We are a week away from the Spring games and baseball fever is in the air.  Matt thanked the group for the energy and optimism that he feels and is looking forward to a good year.  While the Rays are adopting a Regional approach to promoting baseball in the area, they are proud that St. Petersburg is the epicenter of the Rays organization.  The organization is looking to many sources for ideas on improvements, including the fans.

  A lively question and answer session followed.  Following are some of the responses given by our speaker:  There is no quick fix for the Rays.  It will take time.  Pitcher development is a numbers game as attrition rates are higher than other positions.  To improve the quality of the pitching staff, the new pitching coach has been charged with the responsibility of seeing that the instruction for the pitchers at all levels, “A,” “AA,” “AAA,” is consistent.  This will help insure continuity as they develop, and improve the chances the pitchers stay in the Rays organization.  A salary cap in Major League Baseball is unlikely.  The Rays are the only Major League team that has spring training in their home town.  If this changes, it would be to spread the interest in the Rays to areas either East or South of St. Petersburg.  The season ticket base is 30% smaller than the lowest attendance team in the league.  The Rays hope for a 10 to 20% growth in season ticket holders this year and a 20 to 30% growth in attendance.  One community outreach effort the Rays have implemented involves giving 250,000 vouchers to Hillsborough and Pinellas County schools for children to attend Ray’s home games.

  Many thanks to Bob Byelick for bringing such a timely program to our club.    

BOARD VACANCY FILLED
  Jim Beach was elected to fill the unexpired term of Tom Begley who had resigned from the Board.  Congratulations Jim!

VISITORS AND GUESTS
  Bill Bullock, Steve Siegel, Norman Kerr and Erik Pilet were the guests of Bill Allard.  Charles Stuart had his wife Judy and Bob Markley as his guests.  Rano McNeal was the guest of Steve Cunningham.  Dan Stone had Eric Brangs as his guest.   Jim Vine was the guest of Dave Jones and David Feaster brought Mike Nicjois as his guest.  Kiwanians Eddie Lee and George Stone attended from the Gulf Beaches club and we were honored with the attendance of our Lt. Governor Ray Watson.  Welcome one and all!  Please visit us again.   

WHAT’S HAPPENING?
  Ron Scoggins, co-chair of the Young Children Priority One Committee announced the next project for the committee which will be held on Wednesday, March 8^th, beginning at 6:30 p.m.  The project will consist of providing a supper to the two Ronald McDonald houses.  At least fifteen volunteers will be needed to handle this double-barreled project.  Sign up today and be part of the important work of Kiwanis!   

MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MIRACLE FIELD DEDICATION
  The dedication of Miracle Field will be held on Saturday, March 25^th at 10:00 a.m.  All Kiwanians from Division 13 are urged to attend this most auspicious occasion.  Devil Rays VP, Matt Silverman has been invited by the Gulf Beaches club to throw out the first pitch in the dedication of the baseball field for handicapped children. 

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SET FOR MONTREAL
  The upcoming Kiwanis International Convention is scheduled for Montreal on June 28 to July 2, 2006.  Members who go on the junket do not have to attend any of the scheduled meetings at the convention unless they want to as the club has two designated representatives in the form of President Cathy and President-elect Mitch.  A good time for all attendees is assured.  President-elect Mitch will take the entire group from our club to dinner at least one time during the convention.  So, start making your plans to attend NOW.  June 28 is not far off. 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR FISCHER BASH AUCTION
  John Biesinger announced that a Silent Auction will be held at the annual Jim Fischer Birthday Bash and that donated items from baskets to any large ticket items are needed to help raise additional dollars for the Jim Fischer Scholarships.  Contact either John or big Al for details.  Here is another way you can help make this year’s bash an even bigger success!

PRAYER OF THE DAY: 
  Heavenly Father, in whom we live and move and have our being, we humbly pray thee so to guide and govern us by thy Holy Spirit that in the work and activities of this Kiwanis Club, we may never forget thee, but remember that we are ever walking in thy sight.  Amen. 

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:
1.  Missouri was the state where Daniel Boone’s last home was located.   2.  Gunsmoke, set in Dodge City, ran on CBS from 1955 to 1975.   3.  The dove carried an olive leaf when it returned to Noah. (Genesis 8:11)   4.  Louisiana is known for its jambalaya.   5.  The National Foot League was established in Canton, Ohio, in 1920. 

ACTUAL SIGN POSTED ON A SCIENTIST DOOR…     Gone Fission.

return to top of page

Tuesday, February 21, 2006        No. 21       Vol. 84                                   return to top of page

Speaker:  Matt Silverman    TAMPA BAY DEVIL RAYS

  Our speaker today is Matt Silverman, President of the Tampa Bay Devil Rays.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Bob Byelick.  As President, Matt is responsible for leading the organization’s daily operations.  He has spent the past two years with the Rays and previously served as Vice President of Planning and Development.  In that role, he interfaced with all facets of the organization and focused on business planning, process engineering, and special projects.  Prior to joining the Rays full-time, Silverman worked closely with Stuart Sternberg to orchestrate Sternberg’s purchase of a controlling interest in the franchise. 

  Silverman’s previous experience includes several years at The Goldman Sachs Group Inc., in its Merchant Banking Division and Firmwide Strategy Group.  During this period, in which he first worked with Sternberg, Silverman worked on a variety of merger and acquisition opportunities across diversified industries.  While with this firm, Silverman also co-founded and served as CFO for a real estate software company. 

  A lifelong baseball fan, our speaker also enjoys running and writing in his free time.  He received a bachelor of economics degree from Harvard University.  A native of Dallas, Texas, he currently resides in Tampa.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!                   

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1. In what state was Daniel Boone’s last home located?   2.  What television Western, set in Dodge City, Kan., ran on CBS from 1958 to 1975?   3.  According to the Bible, what was the dove carrying when it returned to Noah?   4.  What state is known for its jambalaya?   5.  Where year was the National Football League established?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                    

  Our program last week was presented by Bob Dillinger, Public Defender, 6^th Judicial Circuit of Florida.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Bob Byelick.  Our speaker began his presentation by stating that the Public Defenders Office was created with the last words of the Declaration of Independence in mind, which states, “Liberty and justice for all.”  The Public Defenders Office in Pinellas Country was the first office in the United States with a full-time defender. It was created in 1961, two years before the concept became the law of the land in 1963.  The Pinellas/Pasco office is the second busiest Public Defenders Office in the State.  Its budget is one million dollars per month and it is State funded.  It has the largest number of Criminal Certified Attorneys in the State and it takes its legal service to the indigent very seriously. 

  In South Pinellas County, heroin, cocaine and crack cocaine creates the most cases affecting the Public Defenders Office.  This Office has the largest Drug Court in the country.  The average age of the defendants is thirty-five years, and is composed of people who have been addicted all of their lives.  One-third of all drug cases involve mentally ill people and 80% of the homeless today would have been in institutional care years ago.  Unfortunately, these facilities are closed so the jails have become the treatment facilities.  Pinellas County has established a Drug Court which has diverted over 900 mentally ill people from serving jail time at a cost of only $40.00 per day, half of the $80.00 per day cost to house them in jail.  This innovative Court has an 80% success rate. 

    However, the mentally ill problem is getting progressively more serious. In doing the math, just multiply the 3500 inmates times $80.00 per day times 365 days and you arrive at a big money cost.  If non-violent offenders are kept out of jail, and who stay sober and off drugs, they are having a record of not coming back into the criminal justice system.  The Public Defenders Office has proved that 100% of the homeless who choose community service under the control of a “healer shelter complex,” completed their service time and did not return to a homeless situation.  As our speaker stated, our Public Defender’s Office is trying to make a positive change by creating alternative programs that benefit everyone.  Many thanks to Bob Byelick for bringing such an informative program to our club!   

VISITORS AND GUESTS
  Donna Giles brought Bob Yakabisin to our meeting as her guest.  Herman Lessand was the guest of Bill Allard.  Louis Murphy brought Michel Jones as his guest and John Biesinger had his mother Jane as his guest.  Welcome one and all!  Please visit with us often. 

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

NEW MEMBER INDUCTED
  President-elect Mitch Cochran, sitting in for President Cathy, inducted Trent Shadwick into membership of our club.  Let’s all be sure to meet and greet Trent and be sure to sign his Kiwanis apron!  

BOYS AND GIRLS COMMITTEE ANNOUNCED GRANTS
  The Grants to be awarded to youth-serving agencies for this program year are as follows:

                                         This shows your Youth Investment Share dollars at work!

MIRACLE FIELD DEDICATION SET
  The dedication of Miracle Field will be held on Saturday, March 25^th.  All Kiwanians from Division 13 are urged to attend this most auspicious occasion.  More details later.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SET FOR MONTREAL
  Past President Charles Stuart promoted member attendance at the upcoming Kiwanis International Convention scheduled for Montreal on June 28 to July 2, 2006.  Charles pointed out that members who go on the junket have to option to attend as many or as few meetings as they wish, because the club has two designated representatives in the form of President Cathy and President-elect Mitch.  Charles predicted the cost for a couple to attend at around $1,000.00.  He guaranteed a good time for all and reminded the group that President-elect Mitch will take the entire group out to dinner at least one time during the convention. 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR FISCHER BASH AUCTION
  John Biesinger announced that a Silent Auction will be held at the annual Jim Fischer Birthday Bash and that donated items from baskets to any large ticket items are needed to help raise additional dollars for the Jim Fischer Scholarships.  Contact either John or big Al for details.  Here is another way you can help make this year’s bash an even bigger success!       

PRAYER OF THE DAY: 
  Almighty God, who art the giver of all good gifts and graces, we thank thee for the natural majesty and beauty of the United States of America.  We thank thee for the men and women who have made our country strong, and especially for the life of George Washington, whose sacrifices and leadership brought our country through the struggle for independence.  Help us to carry proudly the torch of liberty which our forefathers passed down to us, and enable us to continue the good work which you have begun in our land.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:
1.  Utah is known as the beehive state.  2.  Tahpenes is the only Egyptian queen mentioned in the Bible (I Kings 11:19)   3.  Jefferson Davis was the president of the Confederacy.   4.  Red Pepper is the world’s most popular spice.   5.  Wisconsin’s name is derived from the Indian word meaning “sleeping ones.”

ACTUAL SIGN POSTED ON A MATERNITY ROOM DOOR…    Push, Push, Push    

return to top of page

Tuesday, February 14, 2006        No. 20       Vol. 84                                                   return to top of page

Today’s Speaker:  Bob Dillinger  PUBLIC DEFENDER

  Our Speaker today is Bob Dillinger, Public Defender, 6^th Judicial Circuit of Florida.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Bob Byelick.  Our speaker is a native Floridian who has been a resident of Pinellas County since 1973.  He received his undergraduate degree from Columbia University in 1973 and received his Juris Doctor degree from Stetson College of Law in 1976.  From 1976 to 1982 our speaker was an Assistant Public Defender.  In 1981 he went into Private Practice until 1997 when he became the Public Defender, 6^th Judicial Circuit of Florida.  Bob is also an Adjunct Professor at the Stetson College of Law.

  Our speaker has received many awards for his achievements including the AV Rated Martindale Hubbell Attorney Award, and the Nelson Poynter Award (1982), St. Petersburg Bar Association Pro Bono Award (1990), Who’s Who in American Law (1998, 1999, 2000), Legislative Chair, Florida Public Defender’s Association (1999, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005), the Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award and many others.

  He has held many Civic and Professional Memberships including the Medical Examiners Commission, State of Florida, Juvenile Welfare Board of Pinellas County, Rotary Club of St. Petersburg, Florida Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the St. Petersburg and Clearwater Bar Associations, and many others.

  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!                        

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1. What state is known as the Beehive State?   2.  Who is the only Egyptian queen mentioned in the Bible?   3.  Who was the president of the Confederacy?  4.  What is the world’s most popular spice?   5.  What state’s name is derived from the Indian word meaning “sleeping ones’?  

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS
  Timothy T. Ramsberger, Vice President of Andretti/Green Promotions presented an information-packed program about the upcoming St. Petersburg Grand Prix.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day David Abbey.  Our speaker is a graduate of Gibbs High School who went on to FSU and received a BA in Business Administration.  He is also a graduate of FSU College of Law with a Juris Doctorate and an MBA from Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business.  Tim got into motor sport racing after spending some time as an Attorney which was followed by participation in the World Cup USA in Orlando, the Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and the Disney Sports and Disney’s Wide World of Sports at Lake Buena Vista. 

  Tim showed a promotional video produced by the City of St. Petersburg with highlights of last year’s St. Petersburg Grand Prix.  This year’s races will be held from March 31^st to April 2^nd and will involve different types of race cars including the headlining Indy Cars.  In addition to the races, interactive games, air shows and concerts by big-name personalities will be offered during the event.  Sponsor participation has been tremendous, according to our speaker.  Honda, Firestone, Seven/Eleven and many other well-known businesses have stepped up to the plate to sponsor this event.  Other facts revealed:  IRL controls what happens on the track.  Ethanol will be used as a fuel for the cars this year, and the race is won in the turns and not on the straight-a-ways.  In addition to the nation-wide coverage of the Grand Prix by ESPN, both Brazil and Japan will also broadcast the race back to their home countries.  All in all, it sounds like an action-packed three days are schedule for this year’s Grand Prix.  Many thanks to David for bringing such an interesting program to our club. 

GRANDFATHER BEACH PAYS BIG-TIME!
  Jim Beach announced the birth of a granddaughter, Ashley Elizabeth Beach on January 27.  She weighed in at 6 lbs., 7 oz. and was 19” long.  As is the custom in our club, a collection was taken up to begin a bank account for the new one and in the case of a grandfather, he has to double the amount collected.  $180 was collected from the membership.  Adding the grandfather’s $360 to the pot, Ashley Elizabeth will begin her savings with a whopping $540 in the bank!  Both baby and grandfather are doing fine! 

EIGHT CREDITED WITH INTER-CLUB
  Cathy Swanson, Frank Ranieri, Charles Kaniss, Charles Stuart, Biff Baker, Bruce McKelvey, Valerie Williams-Hoeneisen, and Tom Hallis all were credited by Inter-club Chair Harvey Ford for their attendance at the February 4^th meeting with the Florida Governor.  Have YOU earned your blue star for attending an inter-club yet?

VISITORS AND GUESTS
   Stan Shaver had his grandson, Matt Smith as his guest and Matt McKillen brought Nolm Boisvert to our meeting as his guest.  Also, David Abbey brought Jon Lord in to help in the visual display of our program.  Our annual winter Kiwanis visitor, Harry Benjamin from Birmingham, Alabama, was in attendance.  Welcome one and all!

WHAT’S HAPPENING? 

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES PLANS
  The Community Service Committee, under the chairmanship of Jane Baldwin announced their schedule of activities for this program year.  February will be the Mount Zion Baseball Camp under the leadership of Bill Holloway.  March will bring the Mount Zion Kings Academy again under the leadership of Bill Holloway.  May 5 will be the PARC/Blues Fest under the leadership of Bob Piplitz.  June will bring the Sallie House/ Salvation Army program under the leadership of Tom Nelson and Steve Cunningham.  August will be Horses for the Handicapped under the leadership of Jane Baldwin.  September will be the Happy Worker’s Literacy Fair again under the leadership of Jane Baldwin.  October will bring our annual Beach Clean-up under the leadership of Ron Holehouse.  This is certainly an ambitious program and it will take a lot of volunteer workers from our club to make each of these programs successful.  So, let’s all plan NOW to sign up when the time comes.  This is what Kiwanis is all about!     

MIRACLE FIELD DEDICATION SET
  The dedication of Miracle Field will be held on Saturday, March 25^th.  All Kiwanians from Division 13 are urged to attend this most auspicious occasion.  More details later.

INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION SET FOR MONTREAL
  Past President Charles Stuart promoted member attendance at the upcoming Kiwanis International Convention scheduled for Montreal on June 28 to July 2, 2006.  Charles pointed out that members who go on the junket do not have to attend any meetings as the club has two designated representatives in the form of President Cathy and President-elect Mitch.  Charles predicted the cost for a couple to attend at around $1,000.  He guaranteed a good time for all and reminded the group that President-elect Mitch will take the entire group out to dinner at least one time during the convention. 

ITEMS NEEDED FOR FISCHER BASH AUCTION
  John Biesinger asked that we announce that a Silent Auction will be held at the annual Jim Fischer Birthday Bash and that donated items from baskets to any large ticket items are needed to help raise additional dollars for the Jim Fischer Scholarships.  Contact either John or big Al for details.  Here is another way you can help make this year’s bash an even bigger success!

BOARD ELECTION SET FOR FEB. 21
An election will be held on February 21 to replace Tom Begley who has resigned from the club’s Board of Directors. Jim Beach and Steve Cunningham have agreed to be candidates to fill this vacancy.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:
  Eternal God, through whose mighty power our fathers won their liberties of old, grant, we beseech thee, that we, the people of this land, may have the grace to maintain those liberties in righteousness and peace.  Through obedience of thy law, may we show forth thy praise among the nations of the earth.  In time of prosperity, fill our hearts with thankfulness, and in the day of trouble, suffer not our trust in thee to fail.  Amen.   

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:
A rhubarb in baseball is a fight.   2.  The capital of North Dakota is Bismarck.   3.  The prairie dog is the member of the squirrel family who received its name because it has a shrill bark.   4.  Thomas Jefferson is the former president who is regarded as the nation’s most talented self-trained architect.  5.  Ron Howard’s character name in the sitcom “The Any Griffith Show” was Opie Taylor.

ACTUAL SIGNS POSTED BY BUSINESSES…     

            Sign on a Front Door:  Everyone on the premises is a vegetarian except the dog!   

return to top of page

Tuesday, February 7, 2006        No. 19       Vol. 84                                     return to top of page

Today’s Speaker:  Timothy T. Ramsberger  ST. PETE GRAND PRIX

  Our Speaker today is Timothy T. Ramsberger, Vice President Andretti Green Promotions Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day David Abbey.  Our speaker is a graduate of Florida State University with a BA in Business Administration.  He is also a graduate of FSU College of Law with a Juris Doctorate and an MBA from Rollins College Crummer Graduate School of Business.

  His professional experience includes practicing as an Attorney in Orlando, the World Cup USA 1994 in Orlando, the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta in 1996 and the Disney Sports & Disney’s Wide World of Sports at Lake Buena Vista.  He also participated in Outback Sports in Tampa, the Dover Motorsports/Grand Prix of St. Petersburg, the Champ Car World Series and finally the Andretti Green Promotions – Honda Grand Prix of St. Petersburg.

  Our speaker was born March 12, 1962 right here in St. Petersburg.  He resides in Treasure Island with his two sons, Joe and Jack.  He is an avid traveler, surfer, sailor and scuba diver.  He is currently serving on the Board of Directors for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1. In baseball, what is rhubarb?   2. What is the capital of South Dakota?   3. What member of the squirrel family received its name because it has a shrill bark?   4. What former president is regarded as the nation’s most talented self-trained architect?   5.  What was the name of Ron Howard’s character in the television sitcom “The Andy Griffith Show”? 

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS
  Jim McKean presented a fast paced and sometimes very funny presentation about umpiring in the great game of baseball.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Mark Shames.  Much of the program was provided by our member’s questions of Jim about umpiring.  He did say, however, that the challenges and scrutiny prospective Major League Umpires go through is exhaustive.  After formal training, candidates umpire in the minor leagues and instructional leagues for a minimum of four years, working with three other umpires for over 1,000 games.  As they are being considered for promotion to the Major Leagues, each umpire-in-training is observed by five umpires studying everything they do to determine if they have the necessary qualifications to handle the pressures of the “big leagues.”  While there are no female players and coaches in MLB, umpiring is a position women can hold, given they can handle the “politics” of sports entertainment.  Major League umpires work approximately 200 games per year, including spring training.  Their pay ranges from $100,000 to $300,000 per season.

  The questions from the audience brought out a lot of information.  The umpires have complete control over everything in the stadium, including the stands.  That is why there is a security guy assigned to each dugout that can aid the umpires throw unruly fans out of the stadium.  Steroids have affected the integrity of the game.  Tropicana Field is not the reason attendance is low.  “Losing 100 games each year, for ten straight years, tends to affect attendance,” Jim says.  “All you have to do is win games!”

  Many thanks to Mark for bringing such an entertaining program to our club!

VISITORS AND GUEST
   Mark Shames brought the wife of our speaker, Barb, and his wife Ann as his guests.  Stan introduced his son Frank as his guest and Don Munafo introduced his brother Mike.  Stephen Kirby introduced his father Bob and Louis Murphy had Eric Ford attending as his guest.  Also, attending from Birmingham is our perennial winter Kiwanian, Harry Benjamin.  Welcome one and all.  Please visit with us often!

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

THREE NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED
President Cathy inducted Robinn Johnson, Michael Harting and Tarres Evans at our meeting last week.  Let’s all be sure to meet and greet our new members.  Also, be sure to sign their aprons. 

GOVERNOR  BATELAAN’S VISIT
Eight of our members with their significant others attended the Florida Governor’s visit Saturday Night, February 4^th at the Feather Sound Country Club.  After Governor Donna Batelaan gave a motivational speech, President Cathy presented her with a check for $361, the amount collected at last week’s meeting in lieu of “fines,” towards the First Man’s cause, The March of Dimes.

MIRACLE FIELD DEDICATION SET
  The dedication of Miracle Field will be held on Saturday, March 25^th.  All Kiwanians from Division 13 are urged to attend this most auspicious occasion.  More details later.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:
  Almighty God, in whose Name the founders of our country won our liberties, and lit the torch of freedom, we beseech thee that we and all Americans may have the grace to maintain our liberties in righteousness and peace.  Let us go forth into the world, and be of good courage, hold fast that which is good, and love and serve the Lord.  And may the blessing of God go with you all the days of your life.  Amen. 

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:
  1. The “Beverly Hillbillies” called their swimming pool a cement pond.   2. Wendy’s made aging, hearing-impaired Clara Peller famous as she was the woman who asked, “Where’s the beef?”   3.  Joe Kennedy was the name of John F. Kennedy’s older brother, who was killed during World War II.   4. Topeka is the capital of Kansas.   5. Yellowstone Park is the oldest national park in the United States.     

ACTUAL SIGNS POSTED BY BUSINESSES…
Sign on a Maternity Clothes Shop:  We are open on Labor Day!

return to top of page

Tuesday, January 31, 2006        No. 18       Vol. 84                                                          return to top of page

Today’s Speaker:  Jim McKean  MAJOR LEAGUE UMPIRE LIAISON

  Our speaker today will be Jim McKean, of Major League Baseball.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Mark Shames.  Our speaker joined Major League Baseball in 2002 as an Umpire Supervisor after spending twenty-eight seasons as a Major League umpire.  In his current position, McKean serves as a liaison between Major League Baseball and the Major League umpires.  McKean worked in the Florida State (1970), Florida Instructional (1970, Eastern (1971), Puerto Rico Winter (1971), and International (1972-73) Leagues prior to joining the America League staff in 1973.  During his tenure as a Major League umpire, our speaker worked three All-Star Games (1980, 1982, 1993) and three World Series (1979, 1985, 1995).  He also called five League Championship Series (1977, 1983, 1987, 1991, 1998) and three Division Series (1981, 1995, 1999).

  McKean, a 1966 graduate of Concordia University with a degree in education, played quarterback for Saskatchewan in the Canadian Football League from 1963-1969).  He was named Rookie of the Year in 1963 and led the team to the Grey Cup title in 1966.  On June 26, 2004, our speaker was among four new inductees into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame in St. Mary’s, Ontario.  A native of Montreal, Quebec, McKean graduated from Monklands High school where he won the Principal’s Award as the High school Athlete of the Year.  In his spare time, our speaker works with the Holy Family Church Auction, Police Athletic League, Make-a-Wish Foundation and various children’s hospitals.  He resides in St. Petersburg with his wife Ann.  The couple has two children, James Scott and Brett George.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!            

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1. What did the “Beverly Hillbillies” call their swimming pool?     2.  Which company made the aging, hearing-impaired Clara Peller famous?     3.  What was the name of John F. Kennedy’s older brother, who was killed during World War II?     4.  What is the capital of Kansas?     What is the oldest national park in the United States?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS
  Yvette “Ginger” Baber, Ph.D delivered a fast paced, interesting program about an African-American Museum which is just about to open at old Jordan Park.  It will carry the name of Dr. Carter G. Woodson African-American Museum.  Our speaker related a number of historical facts about the black residents of St. Petersburg who helped begin the construction of what we now know as the City of St. Petersburg.  The first black resident of this area came in 1868, but as the Orange Belt Railroad came into the area, and streets needed to be paved and buildings were being built, the need for laborers increased.  All of the black residents were freemen as the slaves had all been freed as a result of the Civil War.  As these people arrived in the area, they settled in various sections, each carrying a distinctive name.

  Dr. Baber came back to St. Petersburg in June to make the museum a reality.  When other cities were asking the Federal Government for money for civic centers and housing, St. Petersburg asked for and received money for a black history museum.  Our speaker hopes to capture the stories from the older black residents and bring these stories to life in the museum.  Students from 13 to 18 are busy collecting these stories and will be building an exhibit in the museum of the memories of these elderly black residents.  Dr. Baber stressed that she wants this to be a museum for all of the people, not just the black community.  She is asking for the greater community to buy into the program and support the museum. 

  The Mission Statement of the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum is to preserve, present, and interpret African American history and to engage a broad and diverse audience through these activities.  To promote an understanding among various groups that make up the St. Petersburg community in order to enhance our ability as a society to respect and value diversity and foster equal rights and social justice.  Many thanks to Jane Baldwin for bringing this most interesting program to our club. 

VISITORS AND GUESTS
  Dr. Ron O’Neal brought Kirk Younger and Buccaneer Matt Stinchcomb as his guests.  They helped make the Project Save-a-Smile program such a great success.  Also, Trent Shadwack was the guest of J. C. Russell, Roj Johnson was the guest of David Feaster, and Gwen Fields was the guest of Kevin Kelso.  Norman Keer was the guest of Dimitri Constantin and Jim Vigue was the guest of Dave Jones.  Welcome one and all!  Please visit with us often.     

NEW MEMBERS GIVE THREE MINUTE SPEECHES

    Tom Hallis, after securing his required fifty signatures on his Kiwanis apron, told us that while working at his job as a realtor, Gayle Moore invited him to visit our club.  He cited our Kiwanis values and stated how proud he was to be a Kiwanian.  Tom was born and raised in Cleveland, did his undergraduate work at Ohio State University and his graduate work at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri.  After graduation, Tom worked in many different fields all over the world.  These included construction, off-shore oil and electric utilities.  In 1987 he moved to St. Petersburg and started a business which he later sold, retired for three months and then was invited to join a Real Estate Firm where he has worked for the past five years.

    Terry Hirsch is from Long Island and attended and graduated from Stetson College of Law.  He had planned to return to Long Island, but fell in love and married locally so he stayed in Florida, first settling in Sarasota.  His wife’s family owned a chain of Jewelry Stores so he moved to St. Petersburg and went into the jewelry business with his wife’s family.  Upon the death of his father-in-law, Terry was looking for something to do when Bob Byelick invited him to visit our club.  In addition, he went back into Law.  Terry and his wife have three boys, one who is receiving his Masters from the University of Florida, the second who is attending the University of Florida and the third who is a junior at Admiral Farragut Academy.  He is a season ticket holder for both the Bucs and the Rays. 

Let’s be sure to meet, greet and invite both Tom and Terry to join one of our many committees.  We all hope their association with our club will be long and fruitful.      

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

PROJECT SAVE-A-SMILE WAS HUGE SUCCESS
  Two of our members, Dr. Ron O’Neal and Dr. Michael Hess provided dental treatment for over 50 foster children at their offices last Saturday.  Dr. O'Neal provided dental exams, cleanings and x-rays and will select a limited number for future additional dental service at no cost.  Dr. Hess examined the children and determined the need for braces.  He will select two children each year for free braces and follow-up service for up to two years.  Community support was provided by ten of our members, six Key Club Members from St. Petersburg High School, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chick-fil-A and a host of other people and firms   provided food, dental hygiene products, a moonwalk and clowns and finances.  “Project Save a Smile” is a non-profit dental treatment organization founded by Dr. O’Neal and he hopes that the program will be even bigger next year.  Click here to see pictures.

LOOKING AHEAD
  Don’t forget that the visit by the Florida District Governor is scheduled to get underway at 6:00 p.m. on this Saturday, February 4, at the Feather Sound Country Club. 

MIRACLE FIELD DEDICATION SET
  Lt. Governor-elect Eddie Lee announced the dedication of Miracle Field for Saturday, March 25^th.  All Kiwanians from Division 13 are urged to attend this most auspicious occasion.  More details later. 

PRAYER OF THE DAY:  
    O God, whose eternal providence has embarked our souls in our bodies, not to expect any port of anchorage on the sea of this world, to steer directly through it to your glorious kingdom.  Preserve us from the dangers that on all sides assault us, and keep our affections still disposed to receive your holy inspirations, that being carried strongly forward by your Holy Spirit we may happily arrive at last in the haven of eternal salvation.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:

  1.   A baby giraffe weighs approximately 150 pounds.   2.  A reliever coming into a Major League baseball game gets eight warm-up pitches.     3.  According to the Bible, the best made shoes were the shoes of the Hebrews who left Egypt since they lasted for 40 years.     4.  The kidney was first trans-planted successfully in 1956.     5.  The first ten amendments to the Constitution are known as the Bill of Rights.

ACTUAL SIGNS POSTED BY BUSINESSES…      

Sign on an electrician’s truck:  Let us remove your shorts!

return to top of page

Tuesday, January 24, 2006        No. 17       Vol. 84                                   return to top of page

Speaker:  Yvette Baber, PhD.   DR. CARTER G. WOODSON AFRICAN-AMERICAN MUSEUM

  Our speaker today will be Yvette “Ginger” Baber.  She will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Jane Baldwin.  Dr. Ginger Baber is the Director of St. Petersburg’s newest museum, the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in Jordan Park.  She earned her PhD. in Applied Anthropology in May 1999, after a 24-year career in human services and higher education student services.  She has experience in researching community history and before coming to the Dr. Carter G. Woodson Museum in June of 2005, she taught at Penn “Valley Community College in Kansas City, Missouri.

  African Americans have played a crucial role in the growth and development of St. Petersburg since the late 1800’s.  They first came seeking work – finding it on the Orange belt Railroad and other emerging enterprises.  Settling near the downtown area to be near jobs and the railroad, they established neighborhoods and the community grew, creating independent institutions and a unique culture.  The history of this community will be the focus of programming at the Dr. Carter G. Woodson African American Museum in order to preserve it for present and future generations of St. Petersburg residents.

  The museum serves the immediate community of Midtown St. Petersburg as well as the greater Tampa Bay area.  The facility encompasses approximately 4500 square feet for gallery exhibits, classrooms, collection storage, meeting rooms and a reception area.  The museum will present the historical voice and experiences of African American through exhibitions and educational programming in the United States, Florida, and most importantly, the city of St. Petersburg.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!                 

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.  About how much does a baby giraffe weigh at birth?     2.   How many warm-up pitches does a reliever get coming into a Major League baseball game?     3.   What were the best-made shoes in the Bible?     4.  What was the first human organ to be successfully transplanted?     What are the first 10 amendments to the Constitution known as?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS
  Our program last week gave us all an insight as to what top management people pay big money to learn.  Jay J. Jamrog, Executive Director of the not-for-profit Human Resource Institute, which is affiliated with the University of Tampa, presented a very precise and understandable program on how businesses in today’s world need to work on developing future leadership for their companies.  The Human Resource Institute employs twenty-two researchers and has twenty-five corporate sponsors who fund their most important work.  A project team consists of twelve experts.  For the study which we were privileged to see, there were 1573 respondents from around the world, 46 companies were directly interviewed, six of which were in-depth interviews.  As our speaker emphasized, the better companies are relentless in “doing things right.”

  The Leadership Competencies outlined included the real characteristics needed to support the company strategy, a list of the needed competencies, an assessment of the Leadership Development Program effectiveness, the organizational elements necessary for an effective leadership development program and a determination of what the top leadership development needs really are. 

  Our speaker summed up his presentation by listing the seven key elements for successful leadership development.  They are:  1.  Deep involvement by senior management.  2.  Dedicated Resources.  3.  Consistency and Structure.  4.  Breadth and Depth of Performance Reviews.  5.  Meaningful developmental experiences.  6.  Motivation and retention.  7.  Mentoring the Leadership development programs. Our speaker concluded this presentation with the admonition that all companies should be thinking about leadership development.  Many thank to Al Karnavicius for bringing such an interesting and informative program to our attention.

VISITORS AND GUESTS
    Our Lt. Governor, Ray Watson, and fellow Kiwanian Thom Barnhorn, from the Seminole club, attended our meeting last week.  Also, Steve Cunningham had his son Andrew, a recent graduate of FSU in attendance as his guest.  Welcome, and please visit with us often!

NEW MEMBER THREE MINUTE SPEECH
  After securing the required fifty signatures on his Kiwanis Apron, new member Richard Gonlin introduced himself to the club.  He began his presentation by stating that he over-achieved in securing his signatures as he actually had 67 signers.  Richard thanked his sponsors for inviting him into membership and told how impressed he was by what our club members do for kids.  Richard was born and raised in Pittsburg, PA as the oldest of eight children.  He is a graduate of Duquesne University with a degree in Business Administration.  After a brief time as a hypnotist, he decided that he needed to follow what he studied for and went into retailing when he came to St. Petersburg twenty-three years ago.  He bought a house on Tierra Verde and is currently a Vice President/Business Development for Mercantile bank.  Richard is a member of the Leadership St. Petersburg Alumni.  On the weekends, he enjoys racquet ball among other diversions and raising his three cats.  Let’s all be sure to meet and greet Richard and invite him to participate on one or more of our committees.      

WHAT’S HAPPENING? 

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE TO MEET
  Committee Chair Jane Baldwin announced a meeting of her Community Service Committee for January 30^th.  The meeting will meet at 922 – 39^th Avenue NE and will last for only one hour and will focus on scheduling events for the remainder of the year.  No additional meetings are anticipated.  Beer/wine and hors d’oeuvres will be served.  Committee members are asked to please make every effort to attend! 

PROJECT SAVE-A-SMILE
  Two of our members, Dr. Ron O’Neal and Dr. Michael Hess provided dental treatment for 36 foster children at their offices last Saturday.  Dr. O’Neal provided dental exams, cleanings and x-rays and will select a limited number for future additional dental service at no cost.  Dr. Hess examined the children and determined the need for braces.  He will select two children each year for free braces and follow-up service for up to two years.  Community support was provided by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Chick-fil-A and some of our club members.  The Bucs signed autographs, gave away t-shirts and pennants and set up an obstacle course and practice dummies for the kids to hit.  Also, many other individuals and companies provided food, dental hygiene products, a moonwalk and clowns and finances.  “Project Save a Smile” is a non-profit dental treatment organization founded by Dr. O’Neal.  Click here to see pictures.

LOOKING AHEAD
  Lt. Governor Ray Watson promoted attendance at the upcoming visit by the Florida District Governor scheduled to get underway at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4 at the Feather Sound Country Club.  Cost of the meal is $25.00 per person payable to T. Bruce TODAY.  We would like to have a good representation from our club at this visit by our District Governor.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE TO MEET
  The Membership Committee is meeting today at Bill Allard’s office, located at 695 Central Avenue, Suite #207, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  All members are encouraged to make every effort to attend this most important meeting.

MIRACLE FIELD DEDICATION SET
  Lt. Governor-elect Eddie Lee announced the dedication of Miracle Field for Saturday, March 25^th.  All Kiwanians from Division 13 are urged to attend this most auspicious occasion.  More details later.

OXYMORONS… If Webster wrote the first dictionary, where did he find the words?

PRAYER OF THE DAY:
  Almighty God, who givest us all the talents to accomplish the tasks laid upon us as Kiwanians, we thank thee for the faithful service of these our fellow members in their several committees.  Continue, we beseech thee, thy mercies to them, guiding them to decisions and actions pleasing unto thee, who livest and reignest forever, world without end.  Amen. 

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:
1.   Arnold Palmer was the first professional golfer to earn more than $1 million.     2.  Praying mantis is the correct spelling.  3.  Graffito is the singular of graffiti.   4.  Columbia is the only country in South America to face both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean.   5.  Mark Sennett created the Keystone Kops.

return to top of page

Tuesday,  January 17, 2006        No. 16       Vol. 84                                  return to top of page

Today’s Speaker:  Jay J. Jamrog   UNIVERSITY OF TAMPA'S HUMAN RESOURCE INSTITUTE

  Our program today will be presented by Jay J. Jamrog, Executive Director of Human Resource Institute at the University of Tampa.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Al Karnavicius.  In his position as Executive Director, our speaker has devoted the past twenty years to identifying and analyzing the major issues and trends affecting the management of people in organizations.  Currently, he and his staff are following approximately 150 demographic, social, economic, technological, political, legal and management trends, and there are over 100 major corporations supporting this research with annual grants. 

  Over the years, Jay has helped some of the most innovative organizations gain a deeper understanding of the world’s changing business environment and has helped them think strategically about today’s actions and tomorrow’s plans.  He is currently an active advisor to more than a dozen leading corporations.  In addition, he conducts over fifty seminars annually for major corporations on subjects related to the changing nature of the workplace and workforce.

  Our speaker has articles published in major business magazines and is frequently quoted in business publications and newspapers.  In addition, he often collaborates with, and speaks before, other organizations and associations such as The Human Resource planning Society, Conference Board, The Mayflower Group, and the American Society of Training and Development.     

   Jay has an MBA and taught labor relations in the School of Management at the University of Massachusetts.  He is presently a Distinguished Lecturer at the University of Tampa.  Jay also spent five years living in the Far East, has a Black Belt and reads history for pleasure.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis Welcome!             

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.  Who is the first professional golfer to earn more than $1 million?     2.  Which is the correct spelling:  “praying mantis” or preying mantis”?     3.  What is graffito?     4.  What is the only country in South America to face both the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean?     5.  Who created the Keystone Kops?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                    

  James W. Furner presented a very colorful, informative and sometimes funny program for our enjoyment at our meeting last week.  Using a slide presentation about Sunken Gardens, the first half of which was composed of old post cards which advertised the attraction, our speaker took us on a tour of the Gardens from its opening in 1903 up to today.  In 1903, George Turner, Sr., a plumber by trade, began growing tropical plants in the rich fertile soil of an ancient lake.  What began as a passion for gardening, soon blossomed into this world famous botanical garden.  In 1935, Mr. Turner found that the people who were visiting the site were more interested in seeing the plants and tropical fruit trees than they were  in buying the fruit so he decided to turn the project into a paying tourist attraction.  Sunken Gardens was born.  It was a perfect site as it was eighteen feet below street level, had perfect soil, and generally avoided the dangers of the freeze which was attacking the tropical trees in the area.  As it became better known around the country, Sunken Gardens attracted from 300,000 to 500,000 visitors annually.  Operating costs kept climbing so in 1991, the gift shop was closed and in a short period of time, the Turner family found that they were going to lose the site as no one wanted to buy it to build condominiums.  As a result, the City of St. Petersburg came forward, took over the site and it was reopened to the public.  Currently, 70,000 people per year are touring the gardens.

  Many thanks to Mitch for bringing this most entertaining program to our attention.         

VISITORS AND GUESTS
  Eddie Lee, the Lt. Governor-elect was in attendance at our meeting last week.  Also, Rob Johnson was the guest of David Feaster and Logan DeVicente, a great grandson of Jay Starkey was the guest of Seymour Gordon.  Welcome, and please visit with us again!

 SEVEN ATTEND INTER-CLUB
  Bill Allard, Biff Baker, Bob Huber, Ed Lillich, Bernie Lodge, Cathy Swanson and Ted Wall all attended the Division Council Inter-club held at the Sunshine City Club meeting on January 7^th.  Each is entitled to get their blue star attached to their member badge indicating their attendance at an inter-club meeting this year.  Have YOU earned your star yet?

BELL RINGERS RECOGNIZED FOR HUGE RESULTS
  Human and Spiritual Values Chair Skip Carr recognized that Bell Ringers from our club who helped the Salvation Army receive over $300,000.00 in this year’s Red Kettle Drive.  Our team, in their one day effort, produced $2036.13 which is a new record for our club.  Congratulations, you Bell Ringers, for a great job well done!

FIRST NIGHT VOLUNTEERS RECOGNIZED
  Community Service Chair Jane Baldwin had the First Night volunteers to stand and be recognized for the great job they did on New Year’s Eve.  This is just another fine example of Kiwanis at work.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET THURSDAY
  Chairman Biff Baker announced an organizational meeting of the Vocational Guidance Committee for Thursday, January 12 at 100 – 2^nd Avenue South, beginning at 5:15 p.m.  This is the organizational meeting of this committee and all committee members are encouraged to make every effort to attend this most important meeting.

LOOKING AHEAD
  The Florida District Governor’s visit is scheduled to get underway at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 4 at the Feather Sound Country Club.  Cost of the meal is $25.00 per person payable to T. Bruce.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to indicate who plans to attend.  We would like to have a good representation from our club at this visit by our District Governor.

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE TO MEET
  Committee Chair Bill Allard announced a meeting of the Membership Committee for Tuesday, January 24^th, at his office, 695 Central Avenue, Suite #207, beginning at 5:30 p.m.  All members are encouraged to make every effort to attend this most important meeting.

MIRACLE FIELD DEDICATION SET
  Lt. Governor-elect Eddie Lee announced the dedication of Miracle Field for Saturday, March 25^th.  All Kiwanians from Division 13 are urged to attend this most auspicious occasion.  More details later.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:
  We commend to thee, O Lord, the Officers and Directors, and all who are engaged in directing the work of this Kiwanis Club.  Grant to them integrity of purpose and unfailing devotion to the cause of righteousness.  May all of their work promote the general welfare of our Club, and to the honoring of our proud traditions.  We ask this in your Holy Name.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:
1.   Fe is the chemical symbol for iron.     2.   I.Q. stands for intelligence quotient.     3.   Cross-country skiing and target shooting are the two events which are combined in the Winter Olympics.     4.  There are two hundred and six bones in the human body.     5.   Walt Chamberlain scored 100 points in a single game against the New York Knicks, in 1962.  

return to top of page

Tuesday, January 10, 2006    No. 15    Vol. 84                                             return to top of page

Speaker:  James W. Furner   SUNKEN GARDENS

  Our program today will be presented by James W. Furner, a member of the speaker’s bureau for both Sunken Gardens and the Florida International Museum.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Mitch Cochran.  Our speaker also volunteers at the Fine Arts Museum and with the Pinellas County school system through the Stavros Institute (home of Enterprise Village and Finance Park) and Reading Pen Pals.

  Mr. Furner has over twenty years experience in business research strategic planning, adult education and public speaking.  His academic qualifications include an MA in Adult Education from George Washington University, and MBA from Roosevelt University and a BA from Westminister College.

  Our speaker retired from AT&T’s strategic planning division in New York City and has lived in Seminole since 1987.  He lives and plays golf and tennis at Seminole Lake Country Club.  He also served as a Captain in the United States Army, receiving a Bronze Star for service in Vietnam.  His community activities include the Speakers Bureau for the Florida International Museum and a volunteer with the Pinellas County School System.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!     

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.   What is the chemical symbol for iron?     2.  What does I.Q. stand for?     3.  What two events does the Biathlon combine in the Winter Olympics?     4.  How many bones are there in the human body?     5.  Against what team did Wilt Chamberlain once score 100 points in a single game?

 LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS
  West Central Florida Council Scout Executive William “Bill” Davis presented a very informative program about Scouting in today’s world.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of–the-day Candice DeSam.  Bill began his presentation by reviewing his past professional history which showed that he began his Scouting career in the Valley Forge Council, was promoted to a position in the Toms River Council, also in New Jersey and then was promoted to the position of Scout Executive in Burlington County, New Jersey.  His success in this council allowed him the opportunity to come to the West Central Florida Council which is headquartered in Seminole.  Though he was born in New Jersey, he received his college degree in Youth Agency Administration from Salem College in West Virginia and then had the good sense to marry a native Florida girl from St. Augustine. 

  Our speaker pointed out that the Boy Scout program is preventative, not recreational in concept.  The Scout Oath and Law, combined with an adult leader who is a positive role model, makes Scouting effective in the lives of the youth which it serves.  Scouting is celebrating its 96^th birthday next month on February 8^th.  In all of its years of existence, the Scout Oath and Law have not been changed and its primary focus is to make America strong..   

  The Boy Scout program in the St. Petersburg area is primarily aimed at what is commonly called “Urban Scouting.”  Currently there are over 2200 youth being served in this area and a large amount of resources is being expended to make Scouting available to the youth of this area.  Scouting and Kiwanis in this area go back a long way in history.  Most of the structures at Camp Soule have our Kiwanis name on them.  Also, at the new Sand Hill Scout Reservation just two miles east of Weeki-Wachee Springs has a campsite that was donated by our club.  Many thanks to Candice for bringing this most timely program to our attention.

VISITORS AND GUESTS                           ATTENDANCE:  Members  60  Guests 3 

  Harry Benjamin, a Kiwanian from Birmingham, was in attendance at our meeting last week.  Also, Lorin Bridge brought his son Lorin, Jr., a recent graduate of Florida State University to our meeting.  Welcome, and please visit with us often. 

TWO MEMBERS GIVE THREE MINUTE SPEECHES

  Daniel J. Stone, after securing the required fifty signatures on his Kiwanis apron, told us about how he grew up in St. Petersburg, graduated from St. Petersburg High School and also graduated from the University of Florida.  Daniel stated that he is married to his wife Linda and that they have a new son of which they are both doubly proud.  Daniel is employed by Raymond James and is pleased to be a Kiwanian. 

  Harold E. Wells, Jr. is a retread as he was a member of our club back in 1971, 73 and 74.  He also secured the required fifty signatures and proudly announced that he is a third generation St. Petersburg resident.  Hal is married to Becky (also a native), and they have two sons and one daughter.  The daughter is married and has given Hal and his wife two grandchildren.  Hal went into the brokerage business shortly after his graduation from North Carolina State University.  In 1974 he opened his own trucking Company which he sold in 1986 when he opened his own manufacturing plant which he managed for the next twelve years.  Hal is now with Synovus Bank and is glad to be back in the Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg.  Let’s all be sure to meet and greet these two new members and above all, be sure that they get active on one or more of our many committees.   

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET THURSDAY

  Chairman Biff Baker announced an organizational meeting of the Vocational Guidance Committee for Thursday, January 12 at 100 – 2^nd Avenue South, beginning at 5:15 p.m.  All committee members are encouraged to make every effort to attend this most important meeting.

LOOKING AHEAD

  The Florida District Governor’s visit is scheduled for Saturday, February 4 at the Feather Sound Country Club.  More information later, but circle this date as we would like to have a good representation from our club at this visit by our District Governor.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:    

  Direct us, O Lord, in all our doings, with thy most gracious favor, and further us with thy continual help; that in all our works, begun, continued, and ended in thee, and especially in the program and activities of the Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg, we may glorify thy holy Name, and finally by thy mercy, obtain everlasting life.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:

1.   An average-size bald eagle has a full wingspan of approximately 5 ½ feet.     2.  James Cash Penney started the J. C. Penney Co. in Kemmerer, Wyo. in 1902.     3.  Jemima was the daughter of Job. (Job 42:14)     4.  Nashville, Tenn., is the Athens of the South.     5.  John Ritter is the son of musical legend Tex Ritter.

return to top of page

Tuesday,  January 3, 2006        No. 14       Vol. 84                                       return to top of page

Speaker:  William (Bill) M. Davis    LEARNING FOR LIFE, SCOUTING STYLE 

William (Bill) M. Davis, Scout Executive of the West Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, will make a presentation on Scouting’s  Learning for Life program for elementary, middle school and high school young people   He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Candice DeSam.

  Our speaker joined the Boy Scouts in 1973 in Washington, Pennsylvania and attained the rank of Eagle Scout.  He graduated from Salem College in West Virginia in 1984 with a degree in Youth Agency Administration, with the intent of working for the Boy Scouts of America.

  His career of twenty-one years includes positions in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, Toms Rivers, New Jersey, and Burlington County, New Jersey.  Bill has been a camp director and a camp staff member for fifteen years in eight different Boy Scout camps.

  Most recently, our speaker served as the Scout Executive in Burlington County, New Jersey, the state’s largest geographical county.  The operating budget in that Council grew from $429,000 to 1.1 million dollars during his eight years as Scout Executive.  During his total professional career, Bill has raised over five million dollars in support of the Scouting program.

  Bill and his wife Mary have been married for twelve years and have two daughters, Emily, age 10 and Caitlin, age 9.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome.     

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.   An average-size bald eagle has a full wingspan of about how many feet?     2.   What did James Cash Penney start in Kemmerer, Wyoming, in 1902?     3.    In the Bible, Jemima was the daughter of whom?     4.  What city is called the “Athens of the South?”     5.  John Ritter is the son of what musical legend?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                    

  Dave Goodwin, Economic Development Director for the City of St. Petersburg, delivered a very concise presentation on the economic development progress in St. Petersburg over the past ten years.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Paul Renker.  Our speaker emphasized the point that the development activity is city-wide, though his presentation centered on what is happening in downtown St. Petersburg.  Twenty years ago, there was little activity in the downtown area.  After five o’clock, the city died as there were very few people residing in the downtown area.  Today, there are 2100 businesses, 15,000 people living in 8400 units sharing the downtown area with 20,000 employees who mostly commute to work.  1.24 billion dollars has been invested in downtown development over the past ten years.  The permitted value of new construction in 2005 amounted to 413 million dollars.  Back in 1982, seven redevelopment areas were established in the downtown area.  The taxable value of downtown real estate amounted to 280 million dollars.  In 2005, this taxable value increased to 500 million dollars.

  St. Petersburg has become of interest to developers because the city has a great infrastructure and world class amenities.  Plans are being made to move some of this new development to underdeveloped neighborhoods.  Currently, there are 4400 new residential units either proposed or currently under construction.  In addition, there is currently 400,000 square feet of retail space in downtown and there is an additional 300,000 square feet of space being proposed.  Also, in the Medical Services arena, there is 330 million dollars of new construction currently being proposed in addition to a new 5-Star hotel which is currently under construction.

  After a rapid-fire question and answer session, our speaker ended his presentation by saying that St. Petersburg is where the sun shines on opportunity every day.  Many thanks to Paul for bringing us such an interesting program on what is happening in our city.   

VISITORS AND GUESTS                           ATTENDANCE:  Members 45  Guests  2

  Anthony Grieco was the guest of Tom Hallis at our meeting last week.  Welcome, Anthony, and please visit with us again.

 MARK WILLIS GIVES THREE-MINUTE SPEECH

  Mark told about being born in Newbern, Tennessee, a small town which had only one traffic light which has now been turned in to just one Stop sign.  However, this was not as small as the town which had the City Limits on both sides of one pole!  Mark is a graduate of the University of North Alabama with a degree in Finance.  He worked in Tennessee for a wireless phone company which later merged with Verizon.  Mark moved up into management and was transferred to a Verizon outlet in Brandon.  GTE had been the company which owned the wireless phone company he worked for in Tennessee and it had merged with Alltel.  This company persuaded Mark to come work for them so he is now employed by Alltel wireless.  He and his wife have a seven-month old daughter with which they had a very Merry Christmas this year.  He also thanked Dick Koch, who met Mark one day while he was out walking his dog, for inviting him to join Kiwanis.  We all hope Mark will have a long and fruitful membership in our club.  Let’s all be sure that Mark gets active on one or more of our committees.     

QUICK HAPPENINGS

  We had a lot of happy fines last week, most of which were the result of Anniversaries.  Stan Shaver celebrated his 55^th, Grant Wallin, his 54^th, Bill Stover, his 40^th and J. C. Russell his 25^th.  Congratulations to all of you guys for demonstrating that marriage can be long-lasting!   

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

BOYS & GIRLS COMMITTEE TO MEET

  All members of the Boys and Girls Committee should plan on meeting at Bob Byelick’s office on the 12^th floor of the BT&T building at 8:00 a.m. on January 10, 2006.  This is a most important meeting as decisions will be made concerning this year’s grants to youth serving agencies.  Please make every effort to attend!

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET

  Chairman Biff Baker announced an organizational meeting of the Vocational Guidance Committee for Thursday, January 12 at 100 – 2^nd Avenue South, beginning at 5:15 p.m.  All committee members are encouraged to make every effort to attend this most important meeting.

LOOKING AHEAD

  There will be an Inter-club at the Division Council Meeting on January 6.  The meeting will be held in conjunction with the Sunshine City Club gathering at the Piccadilly Cafeteria, 1900 34^th Street North, beginning at 12:15 p.m.  Plan now to attend.

  Also, the Florida District Governor’s visit is scheduled for Saturday, February 4 at the Feather Sound Country Club.  More information later, but circle this date as we would like to have a good representation from our club at this visit by our District Governor.                                              

PRAYER OF THE DAY:    

  O Almighty Lord, who fashionest the hearts of thy people, and considerest all their works, grant we beseech thee, to us and to all the people of this land, the spirit of obedience to thy commandments, that walking humbly in thy fear, we may, under thy almighty protection, possess our liberties in righteousness and peace.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:

1.   The full moon in October is called the hunter’s moon.    2.   The Finger Lakes are located in New York State.     3.   The cook must keep the flies away from the Shoofly Pie while it’s cooling.     4.  The Mississippi River is known as the Father of Waters.     5.  R.F.D. stands for Rural Free Delivery.

return to top of page

Tuesday,  December 27 2005        No. 13       Vol. 84                                  return to top of page

Speaker:  Dave Goodwin    ST. PETERSBURG’S ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

  Dave Goodwin will present our program today on the economic development of St. Petersburg.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Paul Renker.  Our speaker started his career with the City of St. Petersburg in 1985 as an entry level city planner.  He became the Economic Development Director in early 2005.  In his current position, he is responsible for the City’s economic development strategy, business recruitment and retention activities, annexation, community redevelopment area programs and the development of regional impact programs. 

  Dave has a Bachelor’s Degree in urban planning from the University of Cincinnati, and a Master’s Degree in urban planning from Florida State University.  He is an active member of the Florida Redevelopment Association, the International Economic Development Association, the National Association of Office and Industrial Parks and the American Planning Association.  He also participates in the Mayor’s Mentors and More Program as a mentor, and is a National Teach-In Day volunteer.

  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!   

  Your Officers and Board wish everyone a most Happy and Prosperous NEW YEAR!!!!          

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.  What is the full moon in October called?     2.  Where are the Finger Lakes located?     3.  What dessert, with its sweet aroma, must the cook keep the flies away from while it’s cooling?     4.  What river is known as the Father of Waters?     5.  In an address, what do the initials R.F.D. stand for?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                    

  Our membership was treated to a very inspirational Christmas program last week.  Rev. William J. Oakley, pastor of the First Methodist Church of Pinellas Park presented a program that brought the Spirit of Christmas home to our membership.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Steve Cunningham.  Rev. Oakley began his presentation by stating that this is a great time of year.  He then proceeded to ask the questions that an alien might ask if he arrived on earth at this time of year.  Among his questions might be what is Christmas, why give presents, why is a green tree in the living room and why is it decorated?  Why is holly and mistletoe in evidence, and why a fruit cake and Christmas cards and what are the twelve days of Christmas.

  Rev. Oakley did not answer all of these questions, but focused on the twelve days of Christmas.  It seems that in the 1500’s, the song about the twelve days of Christmas was written and it became a Catechism song for the English Catholics.  Each element of the song had a code word.  For example, in the First Day of Christmas, “true love referred to God and our speaker proceeded to tell about all of the code words in the twelve days.  It truly was a beautiful story of Christmas and what it means.  It commemorates the birth of Jesus and Rev. Oakely then went on to relate Mary’s relationship to God.  In fact, he then said that we all say “Merry Christmas,” but what of we were to say “Mary Christmas?”  In fact, as our speaker said, it’s all about placing our life in God so he can place his life in us.   

  Many thanks to Steve Cunningham for bringing Rev. Oakley and making this Christmas one to be remembered.

VISITORS AND GUESTS                           ATTENDANCE:  Members 55  Guests 6

  Judy Nicholson, a member of Sunshine City visited with us last week.  Also, Dick Koch brought his grandson Jeremy Koch as his guest and Ron Holehouse had his son Jake as his guest.  Dale Wachner brought his wife Sarah to enjoy our program.  We were also very pleased to have Lt. Governor Ray Watson in attendance at our meeting.  Welcome one and all!  Please visit with us often.

NINE MORE EARN BLUE STARS

  Lorin Bridge, Harvey Ford, Charles Kaniss, Bob Piplitz, Stan Shaver, Will Slicker, Bill Stover, Cathy Swanson and Jim Wehle all attended the Inter-club with Midtown on December 14^th.  Remember, our goal is for every member to attend at least one Inter-club during the year.

CHRISTMAS WRAP & ASSEMBLE PROGRAM SUCCESSFUL

  President Cathy thanked the following members for their participation in the wrapping and assembly of gifts for physically challenged foster children:  Wayne McKay, David Jones, Jane Baldwin, Frank Raneiri, Pat Bisciotti, Ruth Kamide, Bruce McKelvey, Scott Boyle, Kathy Condon and Rex Stuckey. 

DISTINGUISHED KIWANIAN PIN PRESENTED

  Lt. Governor Ray Watson presented a Distinguished Kiwanian pin to Tom Nelson in recognition of him stepping in to chair our big new member reception when Chairman Bill Allard was called out of town for a family emergency.  Congratulations Tom.  You did a great job and the results were outstanding.

FIRST NIGHT PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

  Community Service Chair Jane Baldwin passed a sign-up sheet around for volunteers to assist the First Night program on New Years Eve day.  Sign up, get a badge and an assignment and when you have finished your tour of duty, your First Night badge will get you into all of the venues at no charge.  What a wonderful way to help the citizens of St. Petersburg celebrate the New Year in an alcohol-free environment.

QUICK HAPPENINGS

  President Cathy welcomed Susan Doll back.  We were sure glad to see her in attendance.  The Progressive Dinner was a huge success.  Over thirty people attended.  Doug Lampe and Bill Allard were thanked for steering this program to a successful conclusion.  Jack Collins, reporting the results of a Sinawik meeting, presented a check in the amount of $646.00 to the Salvation Army.  Bernie Lodge accepted the gift and announced that it would feed 5,000 people this Christmas.  Also, the new 2005-2006 Roster Books are available.  Be sure to pick your copy up at the check-in desk. 

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

MEMBERSHIP INITIATION FEE TO RISE

  The Board, at its meeting of December 6, 2005, recommended that the club increase its initiation fee from $50.00 to $100.00 due to increased New Member fees being charged by both Kiwanis International and The Florida District of Kiwanis.  This increase will be effective January 1, 2006.  This increase will be voted on at our meeting TODAY!

BOYS & GIRLS COMMITTEE TO MEET

  All members of the Boys and Girls Committee should plan on meeting at Bob Byelick’s office on the 12^th floor of the BT&T building at 8:00 a.m. on January 10, 2006.  This is a most important meeting as decisions will be made concerning this year’s grants to youth serving agencies.  Please make every effort to attend!

VOCATIONAL GUIDANCE COMMITTEE TO MEET

  Chairman Biff Baker announced an organizational meeting of the Vocational Guidance Committee for Thursday, January 12 at 100 – 2^nd Avenue South, beginning at 5:15 p.m.  All committee members are encouraged to make every effort to attend this most important meeting. 

LOOKING AHEAD

  There will be an Inter-club at the Division Council Meeting on January 6.  The meeting will be held in conjunction with the Sunshine City Club gathering at the Piccadilly Cafeteria, 1900 34^th Street North, beginning at 12:15 p.m.  Plan now to attend.

  Also, the Florida District Governor’s visit is scheduled for Saturday, February 4 at the Feather Sound Country Club.  More information later, but circle this date as we would like to have a good representation from our club at this visit by our District Governor.

 PRAYER OF THE DAY:    

O Almighty God, kindle, we beseech thee, in every heart the true love of peace, and guide with thy wisdom those who take counsel for the nations of the earth, that in tranquility thy dominion may increase till the earth is filled with the knowledge of thy love.  Amen. 

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:

1.   Dick and Tom were the first names of the Smothers Brothers comedy team.     2.  The NFL football league was formed in Canton, Ohio on September 17, 1920.     3.  The U.S. Army, which was established in 1775, was the first military service established in the U.S.     4.  The compact disc player first went on sale in 1982.     5.  Kansas is known as the Sunflower State.  

return to top of page

Tuesday,  December 20 2005        No. 12       Vol. 84                                   return to top of page

Speaker:  Rev. William J. Oakley    MERRY CHRISTMAS ONE AND ALL

  Today’s Christmas Program will be presented by Rev. William J. “Oak” Oakley.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day and Human and Spiritual Values Chairman Skip Carr.  Rev. Oakley was born in Philadelphia, PA, but graduated from Pompano Beach Senior High School here in Florida.  He received a BA Degree from Florida Atlantic University, a Master of Divinity Degree from Duke University and a Doctor of Divinity Degree from High Point University in High Point, NC.

  Our speaker was a Veterinary Technician in the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1971 when he entered the employ of the U.S. Postal Service as a letter carrier, a position he held until 1979.  Since 1979, Rev. Oakley served as Pastor of Methodist Churches in North Carolina and Florida.  His Florida churches were in Englewood, Gulf Cove (Port Charlotte), Spring Hill, Lakeland, Lake Placid and he is currently the Pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Pinellas Park.  Rev. Oakley is married to his wife Marsha and they have two children, Cindy and Greg, and two grandchildren, Luke and Jaxon.  His hobbies include “handyman” type projects, movies and exploring.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!

             Your Officers and Board wish one and all a Very Merry  Christmas!                

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.  What were the first names of the Smothers Brothers comedy team?     2.  Where was the National Football League formed?     3.  What was the first military service established in the United States?     4.  In what year did the compact disc player first go on sale?     5.  What state is known as the Sunflower State?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                     ATTENDANCE:  Members 69    Visitors 5

  Eric Feder, Chief Operating Officer for Bayfront Medical Center, presented an update on the major construction projects planned for the Center over the next few years.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Scott Boyle.  Using a slide presentation, Mr. Feder explained how Bayfront is the home to Pinellas County’s only Trauma Center and Bayflite, the nation’s largest hospital-based flight program.  It was the first hospital to offer revolutionary treatment options such as Deep Brain Stimulation and Gamma Knife through the Institute of Neurosciences.  Bayfront is an Accredited Primary Stroke Center – one of only two in Pinellas County.  It is also an Accredited Chest Pain Center and is recognized as one of the country’s top 40 community teaching hospitals.  Also, it is one of only three sites in the nation selected to train Special Forces medics.  Bayfront is a private, not for profit hospital.

  Reporting on the new construction planned for Bayfront, our speaker showed that Phase One of the construction will be the expansion of the surgical suites to twelve state of the art suites and six more cardiac surgical ICU suites.  Also, a new East Entrance to the hospital will make entry into Bayfront easier.

  Phase Two will include the addition of five catheterization labs and a new Medical Office Building with an attached parking garage.  Phase Three will provide a Mother and Baby facility with a dedicated entrance to Bayfront Medical Center at the new All Children’s Hospital.  The cost of this new construction is as follows:  Phase One – twenty-nine million dollars.  Phase Two – fourteen million dollars and Phase Three is seven million dollars.  The Bayfront Board of Trustees is looking for sources to provide this fifty million dollar expansion of the Center.

  Many thanks to Scott and Mitch for bringing this most informative program to our attention.

VISITORS AND GUESTS

  Chris Lillich visited our club last week as a guest of her husband Ed, and Ralph Benincasa was the guest of new member Matt McKillen.  Welcome, and please visit with us often!

TWO MORE THREE MINUTE SPEECHES PRESENTED

  Matthew McKillen stated that he was born in Canada, but moved to the states in 1970.  Being led astray as a young person, he moved to California, and then spent four years in the Air Force before going into the Financial Services business for seventeen years.  Matt is single and enjoys fishing, the out-of-doors, scuba diving, playing pool and classic cars.  He is a relatively new resident to St. Petersburg and can’t figure out why he didn’t move here sooner from across the bay.  Kiwanis is the first civic organization he ever joined and is looking forward to working on club projects.

   Worth Blackwell also secured the required fifty signatures on his Kiwanis apron and related that he is a life-long resident of St. Petersburg, having been born in St. Petersburg and graduating from St. Petersburg High School.  He has two sons and four grandchildren.  He is an attorney, but previously had a career in the Investment Banking Business.  His hobbies include golf and being a BIG Gator fan.  Let’s be sure to welcome both of these fine new members and be doubly sure that they get active on one or more of our many committees.

Our wish for both of them is that their membership in Kiwanis be long and fruitful.

BILL ALLARD THANKS CLUB

  Membership Chair Bill Allard thanked the members of the club for their efforts in making the 2005 membership drive such a huge success.  Twenty-one new members joined our club as a result of this program.

FIRST NIGHT PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

  Community Service Chair Jane Baldwin passed a sign-up sheet around for volunteers to assist the First Night program on New Years Eve day.  Sign up, get a badge and an assignment and when you have finished your tour of duty, your First Night badge will get you into all of the venues at no charge.  What a wonderful way to help the citizens of St. Petersburg celebrate the New Year in an alcohol-free environment.

NEW MEMBER INDUCTED

  President Cathy inducted Joe Scanlan into membership in our club.  Gerald Shotts was his sponsor.  Let’s all be sure to meet and greet Joe and above all, be sure to sign his apron!

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

MEMBERSHIP INITIATION FEE TO RISE

  The Board, at its meeting of December 6, 2005, recommended that the club increase its initiation fee from $50.00 to $100.00 due to increased New Member fees being charged by both Kiwanis International and The Florida District of Kiwanis.  This increase will be effective January 1, 2006.  This increase will be voted on at our meeting on December 27^th!

SEVENTY-FIVE KIWANIS ANGELS TO RECEIVE GIFTS

  The dining room of the Orange Blossom looked like Christmas came early as the presents began to pile up.  Seventy-five Angels were selected by our membership to receive gifts and Mentha Thomas, of the South Pinellas Foster Child Association, was present to pick them up and see that Santa delivers them on time.  This is what Christmas and Kiwanis is all about. 

LOOKING AHEAD

  There will be an Inter-club at the Division Council Meeting on January 6.  The meeting will be held in conjunction with the Seminole Breakfast Club gathering at Sher’s Kitchen, 10251 Seminole Boulevard beginning at 7:15 a.m.  Plan now to attend.

  Also, the Florida District Governor’s visit is scheduled for Saturday, February 4 at the Feather Sound Country Club.  More information later, but circle this date as we would like to have a good representation from our club at this visit by our District Governor.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:    

  Almighty God, who hast given us thy only begotten Son to take our nature upon him and as at this time to be born of a pure virgin:  Grant that we, being regenerate and made thy children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed by thy Holy Spirit;  through the same our Lord Jesus Christ; who liveth and reigneth with thee and the same Spirit ever, one God, world without end.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:

1.   Sanford and Son were in the junkyard business.     2.  The 26^th Amendment lowered the voting age to 18.     3.  Disneyland was the name of America’s first theme park.     4.  Walter Lantz created the cartoon character Woody Woodpecker.     5.  People will find poverty and shame if they do not listen to wise advice (Proverbs 13:18). 

return to top of page

Speaker: Eric Feder    BIG DOIN’S AT BAYFRONT MEDICAL CENTER

  Our program today will be presented by Eric Feder, Chief Operating Officer of Bayfront Medical Center.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Scott Boyle.  Mr. Feder has a long history of study in the hospital management field.  He is a graduate of George Washington University, graduating with a BA degree in English with honors.  He then earned his MA degree in English at the University of Texas at Austin.  Following his stint at the University of Texas, he attended Cornell University graduate School of Management earning a Master of Hospital and Health Services Administration.  Our speaker then was honored by being named an Administrative Fellow at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

  Mr.Feder’s work trail continued to follow the hospital management field.  From 1980 to 1082, he was the Administrator of a Joint Program in Neonatology, a faculty neonatal group practice incorporating the Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Beth Israel Hospital, Children’s Hospital Medical center and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts.  From 1982 to 1986, our speaker was Assistant/Associate Administrator at Sinai Hospital of Detroit where he managed core clinical and support programs.  From 1986 to 1997, Mr. Feder was Associate General Director at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, PA where he was responsible for multiple centers of clinical excellence including Cardiology, Oncology, Orthopedics and Liver Diseases.  Then from 1997 to 2000 our speaker was Chief Operating Officer of Rochester General Hospital/The Genesee Hospital where he led the overall operations of two acute care facilities.  In 2000, our speaker became Chief Operating Officer of our own Bayfront Medical Center.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!        

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.  On the television show Sanford and Son, what type of business were the Sanfords in?     2.  Which amendment to the Constitution lowered the voting age to 18?     3.  What is the name of America’s first theme park?     4.  Who created the cartoon Woody Woodpecker?     5.  According to the Bible, what will people find if they will not listen to wise advice?   

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                     ATTENDANCE:  Members 64    Visitors 6

  Pat Mason, Executive Director of First Night St. Petersburg, briefly discussed the venues being presented at this year’s First Night St. Petersburg.  She was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day, Jane Baldwin.  First Night programs are being presented in two different locations – Midtown on 22^nd Street South and Downtown.  In the midtown area, the four venues are the Clay Factory, the Royal Theater, the new Woodson African/American Museum and a stage presentation across the street from the soon to be opened Manhattan Casino.  Two of the downtown locations are the Art Center and the Soulful Arts Dance Studio.  Our speaker stressed that First Night is an Arts Celebration which gets the artist out on the street for the public to enjoy.  It is a performing arts and visual arts presentation.

  Pat then proceed to show the slices of last year’s First Night after which she answered many questions from the floor.  The budget for First Night is $120,000 of which one-half comes from sponsors and the other half from the sale of First Night Buttons which allows admittance to all of the various venues.  These buttons cost $8.00 if purchased before December 31^st and $10.00 at the door on First Night.  Pat estimated that 20,000 people witnessed the various arts presentations last year of which 9,000 buttons were sold.  The sale of the buttons is important as the funds from these sales produces one-half of the total budget.  However, as our speaker said, no one is turned away from the presentations.  Also, it takes 150 volunteers to stage First Night and Pat said that as of today, she only has fifty volunteers signed up.  Jane Baldwin asked that our members produce some of the volunteers for this event.  It is a great opportunity to help St. Petersburg usher in the New Year.

  Many thanks to Jane for bring us this update on the First Night activities.      

VISITORS AND GUESTS

  Joe Staferri was the guest of Matt McKillen and Tom Nelson brought Cinchy Mulligan who is filing her application for membership in our club.  Welcome, and please make this your Kiwanis home.

NEW MEMBER GIVES SPEECH

  Another one of our new members, after securing the necessary fifty member signatures on his apron, presented his three-minute speech.  Rex Stuckey and his wife lived in Toccoa, Georgia for 35 years, but immediately after retiring, they realized that they had no family in the Toccoa area so they flew into St. Petersburg to be near the family of one of their three married daughters.  Rex is a graduate of Auburn University (WAR EAGLE) and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  He was employed by Copes North America, a manufacturer of sewing thread.  His wife retired from teaching the First Grade at the same time Rex retired from his job.  Rex says that he has met a lot of interesting people in St. Petersburg, among which, our own Stan Shaver was one.  Stan invited him to join our club and Rex is happy to be here and looks forward to many years in Kiwanis.  Lets all be sure to welcome Rex and be sure that he get active on one or more of our committees.  Rex, may your membership in our club be long and fruitful. 

FIRST NIGHT PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

  Community Service Chair Jane Baldwin passed a sign-up sheet around for volunteers to assist the First Night program on New Years Eve day.  Sign up, get a badge and an assignment and when you have finished your tour of duty, your First Night badge will get you into all of the venues at no charge.  What a wonderful way to help the citizens of St. Petersburg celebrate the New Year in an alcohol-free environment.

HELP A CHILD RECEIVED YIS CHECK

  Ron Scoggins presented a $2,000 YIS check to Bobbi Gilgosh of the Help a Child organization which serves 282 special medically challenged young people.  Both the Young Children Priority One and the Boy and Girls Committee share in this presentation.  Bobbi thanked the club for this generous gift and stated that they could now go out and buy the presents for these 282 children.  This is a fine example of your YIS dollars at work! 

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

INTER-CLUB SET FOR DECEMBER 14

  President Cathy announced an Inter-club with the Midtown Club for Wednesday, December 14, at the St. Petersburg Yacht Club, beginning at 7:30 a.m.  Here is your opportunity to get a BLUE star to put on your member badge.  Don’t forget, our goal is for every member to attend at least one Inter-club during our program year.

GIFT WRAPPING SET FOR DECEMBER 16^TH

  Young Children Priority One Co-chair Ron Scoggins reminded the membership that the gift assembly and wrapping is scheduled for Friday, December 16^th from 9:00 a.m. till noon at the First Methodist Church.  Be sure to bring your own scissors, wrapping paper and small tools.  You will have the time of your life and leave with a new understanding of Christmas.  These gifts are all scheduled to be given to the medically challenged children for whom our club has provided a YIS gift for the presents.  Show up.  You will be glad you did.

B 8 G GRANT REQUESTS DUE BY DECEMBER 16^TH

  Please remember that Grant Requests addressed to the Boys and Girls Committee must be received by December 16^th to be considered for this program year.  Request forms can be secured either from co-chair Tom Begley. 

INITIATION FEE TO INCREASE JANUARY 1ST

  Prospective members and Kiwanians working on recruiting a prospective member should be informed that on January 1, 2006, the Initiation Fee for joining Kiwanis will be raised by $50.00!  Get your new member applications in to the Board in time for them to be approved BEFORE January 1st.

$250 ADDED TO AL MUTER SCHOLARSHIP FUND

  Paul Renker announced the annual gift from a non member, Dave Fagan, who bowls on our Red Bowling Team.  This has been an annual gift which has made to the Al Muter Scholarship Fund for the past several years.  Many thanks to Dave for this most generous act.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:    

O Judge of the nations, we remember before you with grateful hearts the men and women of our Armed Forces who in the day of decision ventured much for the liberties we now enjoy.  Grant that we may not rest until all the people of this land share the benefits of true freedom and gladly accept its disciplines.  This we ask in your name.  Amen.   

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:

1.   James Naismith was Kansas University’s basketball coach at the turn of the century.     2.  The Cowboy Hall of Fame is located  in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.     3.  The Beverly Hillbillies called their swimming pool the cement pond.     4.  Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake which does not border Canada.     5.   Pinocchio’s noses grew longer every time he told a lie.    

return to top of page

Tuesday,  December 6, 2005        No. 10       Vol. 84                             return to top of page

Speaker:  Pat Mason    FIRST NIGHT ST. PETERSBURG

  Our program today will be presented by Pat Mason, Executive Director of First Night St. Petersburg.  She will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Jane Baldwin.  She will be discussing First Night (the alcohol-free New Years Eve celebration here in St. Pete.  A sign-up sheet for volunteering at this event will be passed around following her presentation.

  Pat is a graduate of Florida State University with a degree in English Literature.  She taught high school English for three years and moved to St. Petersburg after marrying her husband Ron and living in Miami for two years.  Our speaker was the planner and director of St. Petersburg’s celebration of the U.S. Bicentennial Celebration which included starting the St. Petersburg Folk Fair, hosting a visit by the OP SAIL ships, and starting a historical tour of the downtown.  She served as President of the junior League of St. Petersburg, then on the Southeast Area Council of the Junior League International.  During this period of time, she raised three children and baked a lot of cookies.

  Pat was the first chairperson of First Night St. Petersburg, volunteer chair for two and a half years, and then was hired as the Executive Director, a position she has held for the past eleven years.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!             

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.   Who was Kansas University’s basketball coach at the turn of the century?     2.  Where is the Cowboy Hall of Fame located?     3.  What did television’s “Beverly Hillbillies” call their swimming pool?     4.  Which of the five Great Lakes does not border Canada?     5.  When did Pinocchio’s nose grow longer?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                     ATTENDANCE:  Members 71    Visitors 2

    J. P. Peterson, Sports Anchor at Channel 8, delivered a hard hitting presentation of the University of Florida, Florida State football teams and the Bucs, Lightning and Rays professional teams.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Mitch Cochran.  J.P. related how he saw two T-shirts at the Florida-FSU game which struck his fancy.  One simply said – “Urban Crier” and the other – “Nepotism Sucks.”  He then went on to say that the Florida program is in good hands, but the days of seven championship seasons is over because of the parity in both the ACC and the SEC.  Regarding FSU, J.P. described how Bobby  Bowden has lost a lot of good coaches and the new ones are not making adjustments on the field.  He suggested that FSU needs to overhaul their entire offensive coaching staff. 

  Talking about the Bucs, he described the Bears offensive line as the best that you will see this year.  Gruden has done a good job this year.  He has changed his offense to better suit Chris Sims, but the team does not match up well with the Panthers.  J.P. then stated how disappointed he was about their last lost which cost them a bowl bid.  He stated that USF was clearly the better team and Coach Leavitt has done a great job in building the team to where it is today.  He said that he hopes that USF can keep from losing the coach.

  In discussing what the Devil Rays are currently doing, he classed their actions as fantastic.  However, he doubted that they would ever be able to compete with the Yankees and the Red Sox.  In any event, he likes what they are doing.  His advice to the Rays management is to put a good product on the field and don’t disrespect your fans.  J.P. ended his presentation by personally thanking our club for its work with children.  He stated that many people talk about helping the kids, but we as a club were doing something about it.  Many thanks to Mitch for bringing such an interesting and informative program to our club. 

VISITORS AND GUESTS

  Only one visitor entered our portals last week.  Frank Ranieri brought Melissa Thompson from Channel 10 as his guest.  Welcome, and please visit with us again!

GERALD SHOTTS GIVES THREE MINUTE SPEECH

  Hearing from another one of our new members after securing the necessary fifty member signatures on his apron, Gerald comes to us as a Distinguished President from the Seminole Club.  Gerald works with Century 21 in the Real Estate field.  He is married, having met his wife in Taiwan.  They have two children, a son who is attending the University of Florida and will soon enter Law School there and a daughter who is attending FSU and will soon be entering Medical School.  Gerald stated that he bleeds Kiwanis and loves charity work for children.  He thanked our own Ed Lillich for the help he gave him as Lt. Governor during Gerald’s term as President of the Seminole Club.  He ended by stating that it is a pleasure being a member of this fine organization.  Let’s not forget to get Gerald active on one or more of our committees. 

FIRST NIGHT PROGRAM NEEDS VOLUNTEERS

  Community Service Chair Jane Baldwin passed a sign-up sheet around for volunteers to assist the First Night program on New Years Eve day.  Sign up, get a badge and an assignment and when you have finished your tour of duty, your First Night badge will get you into all of the venues at no charge.  What a wonderful way to help the citizens of St. Petersburg celebrate the New Year in an alcohol-free environment.

GATOR HEAD BRINGS $110.00 TO FISCHER FUND

  Jim Beach donated a Gator Head to be auctioned off to benefit the Jim Fischer Scholarship Fund.  Don Munafo was the high bidder paying $110.00 which will accrue to the fund. 

BOARD DOIN’S

  Your Board of Directors announced the acceptance of resignations from Todd Robins and Terry Buchert.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

THE BELL RINGERS LIST IS FULL  

  Human and Spiritual Values Chair Skip Carr announced that the list of Bell ringers is full for our stint in helping the Salvation Army on December 21^st.  He announced that he wants our bell ringing to be the winning kettle in dollars raised for the Army.  This is another fine example of what Kiwanis is all about!

PROGRESSIVE DINNER DECEMBER 17TH      

  Social Committee Member Tom Nelson announced that only five spots remain open for our club’s annual Christmas Progressive Dinner.  As previously announced, hors d’oeuvres will be served at Doug Lamp’s residence from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15, the entrée will be served at the Holehouse residence from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 and the dessert will be hosted at the Allard residence from 8:30 p.m. until ?.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around so if you are interested in attending, SIGN UP NOW!  You will be glad you did.

BLUE STARS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTER-CLUB ATTENDANCE

  Inter-club chairman Harvey Ford announced that members will be awarded a Blue Star to be placed on their member badge for attending an Inter-club this year..  Let’s try to make it 100% with every member attending at least one inter-club during our program year.       

B 8 G GRANT REQUESTS DUE BY DECEMBER 16^TH

  Please remember that Grant Requests addressed to the Boys and Girls Committee must be received by December 16^th to be considered for this program year.  Request forms can be secured either from co-chair Tom Begley. 

YOUNG CHILDREN PRIORITY ONE PROGRAMS ANNOUNCED

  Co-chair Ron Scoggins announced that the Assembly and Gift-Wrap program for the foster children with special needs is scheduled for the First Methodist Church on Friday, December 16^th from 9:00 a.m. to noon.  Be sure to bring your tools and wrapping paper.  Also, Ron announced the Christmas Angels program where members pick one or more foster children to purchase a gift for.  These gifts are to be brought to the December 13^th club meeting, wrapped with the Christmas Angel card firmly attached at which time, the Foster Parents Association of South Pinellas will be in attendance and pick up the presents for distribution.

  This also is another fine example of how Kiwanis helps kids!  

IF YOU MISSED GETTING A NEW ROSTER PICTURE

  Don Munafo will be more than pleased to accommodate you at his place of business so you can have a new picture for our 2005-2006 Membership Roster.  Cost for the picture will be $5.00 which is being returned to the club by Don for use in our charitable work.  All members, both old and new, needing new pictures for the Roster should plan to take advantage of this most generous offer.  

PRAYER OF THE DAY:    

  Heavenly Father, you have promised to hear what we ask in your Name.  Accept and fulfill our petitions, we pray, not as we ask in our ignorance, nor as we deserve in our sinfulness, but as you know and love us.  Amen. 

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:

  1.  Nine musicians would be in a nonet.     2.  There are forty-six chromosomes in every human cell.     3.  A cow’s stomach has four compartments.     4.  Emmett Kelley played the famous clown “Weary Willie.”     5.  Louisiana uses the Napoleonic Codes of law.

return to top of page

Tuesday,  November 29, 2005        No. 9       Vol. 84                              return to top of page  

Speaker:  J. P. Peterson    NEWS CHANNEL 8 SPORTS ANCHOR

  Our program today will be presented by the Sports Anchor at News Channel 8, J. P. Peterson.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Mitch Cochran.  Our speaker is the Game Day anchor for the Bucs’ preseason broadcasts, handling pregame, halftime and postgame duties, as well as sideline duty.  J.P. is very excited to be a part of News Channel 8’s fall programming.  He also remains their main weekday sports anchor.

  A native Floridian, J.P. grew up in Hollywood, Florida before attending Florida State University, where he graduated in 1986.  Peterson joined the Channel 8 sports staff in 1999 as the weekend sports anchor.  Prior to his arrival at Channel 8, he was Bucs’ preseason Game Day anchor at WTOG-TV where he was sports director.  He co-hosted a national sports talk show, “The Daily Sports Source,” on Fox Sports Net., and worked in Greensboro, NC and Tallahassee.  While at Tallahassee’s WTXL, J.P. also served as Game Day anchor for FSU football on Radio Network and served as analyst for FSU basketball broadcasts alongside Gene Deckerhoff, the voice of the Buccaneers.

  Among the many awards our speaker was won, the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award is

One of which he is very proud.  He also has brought home a Florida Emmy and multiple Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists awards.  J.P. lives in Tampa with his wife and two children.  Besides spending time with his family, Peterson enjoys golf, basketball and playing his guitar.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!                   

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.  If you have a nonet of musicians, how many people would be in the group?     2.  How many chromosomes do human cells carry?     3.  How many compartments does the cow’s stomach have?     4.  What actor, born in Sedan, Kansas, played the famous clown “Weary Willie”?     5.  What farm state uses the Napoleonic Codes of law?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                     ATTENDANCE:  Members 62    Visitors 11

  Our own Pastor Louis M. Murphy, Sr. presented our Thanksgiving program for this year.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Skip Carr.  Louis began his presentation by stating that Thanksgiving is an awesome time.  There is a war on terrorism being fought and people are facing many personal challenges which can be openly acknowledged.  He then began to talk about the standards of Thanksgiving – the settlers in the 1600’s who endured many difficulties and Abraham Lincoln who decreed a National Day of Thanksgiving in 1864.  All of these built the foundation for what we all today call Thanksgiving.

  Louis then presented numerous Bible passage, all related to what God has given to all of us and how we should all be time investing by reflecting on the time that God has given to each of us.  As Louis said, “God has given us everything we have.  We should be thankful!”

  He ended his presentation by saying the “truly we can find something to be thankful for!”      

What a beautiful message.  Many thanks to Skip for bringing such a timely message to our membership.      

BILL STOVER  PRESENTED LEGION OF HONOR

  President Cathy presented Bill Stover with a 35 Year Legion of Honor Certificate and Pin.  Bill joined our club December 1, 1970.  He stated that he now has a Kiwanis pin to wear.  We hope he wears it proudly.

VISITORS AND GUESTS

  We had eleven guests at our meeting last week!  Cathy Swanson had Richard Sanchez and her brother and sister in law Mike and Kathy Purkiss as her guests.  Ed Lillich brought his wife back to our meeting as his guest and Tom Nelson had his wife Nancy and his mother-in-law Joyce Pate as his guests.  Gerald Shotts had Jim Tibby as his guest and Mitch Cochran had David Earl attend as his guest.  Debbie Deeb, who announced that she had arrived at the meeting on time, brought Gary Starr as her guest.  T. J. Evans, a former member of the Kiwanis Club of Port Charlotte also was in attendance.  Welcome one and all!  Please visit with us often.   

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

BOARD ELECTION HELD TO FILL BOARD VACANCY

  Pat Bisciotti was elected to fill the vacancy created when Mitch Cochran was elected to the position of President-elect for the 2005-2006 program year.  Pat will fill his unexpired 2003-2006 term on the Board.  Congratulations to Pat.  We know he will do a great job!

RING THE BELL FOR THE SALVATION ARMY  

  Human and Spiritual Values Chair Skip Carr announced that our Club members will be ringing the bell for the Salvation Army from 10 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 21^st.  He announced that he wants out stint at the bell ringing to be the winner in dollars raised for the Army.  Two members are required for each hour of service so sign up NOW as space is limited.  You will be glad you did.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER DECEMBER 17TH      

  Social Committee Member Tom Nelson announced the program for our club’s annual Christmas Progressive Dinner.  Hors d’oeuvres will be served at Doug Lamp’s residence from 5:00 p.m. to 6:15, the entrée will be served at the Holehouse residence from 6:45 p.m. to 8:15 and the dessert will be hosted at the Allard residence from 8:30 p.m. until ?.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to determine how many members and significant others are planning to attend.  The number of participants is limited so – SIGN UP NOW!  You will be glad you did.

GOLD STARS ARE AVAILABLE FOR RECRUITING

  President Cathy announced that members will be awarded a Gold Star to be place on their member badge for every new member they recruit.  A prize awaits the member with the largest number of Gold Stars at the end of the year. 

GRANT REQUESTS DUE BY DECEMBER 16^TH

  Please remember that Grant Requests addressed to the Boys and Girls Committee must be received by December 16^th to be considered for this program year.  Request forms can be secured either from co-chair Tom Begley or club secretary Bruce McKelvey. 

NEW MEMBERS TAKE NOTE

  This is a reminder that if you have not turned in your YIS pledge card to Secretary Bruce, please do so as soon as possible.  This will allow the Board to determine how much money will be available for the Boy and Girls Committee and the Young Children Priority One Committee to allocate to various youth-serving agencies during 2006.  

IF YOU MISSED GETTING A NEW ROSTER PICTURE

  Don Munafo will be more than pleased to accommodate you at his place of business so you can have a new picture for our 2005-2006 Membership Roster.  Cost for the picture will be $5.00 which is being returned to the club by Don for use in our charitable work.  All members, both old and new, needing new pictures for the Roster should plan to take advantage of this most generous offer.  

THREE MINUTE SPEECHES GIVEN BY WAYNE AND ADAM

  Wayne McKay, after securing the required fifty signatures on his Kiwanis Apron, reported that he had lived in Florida for 36 years since moving here from Reno, Nevada.  He and his wife have two children and one adopted child who is now a RN at the VA Hospital at Bay Pines.  He and his wife have been married for 42 years and were foster parents for 48 children.  His hobbies are fishing and bowling and he loves kids which is why he is proud to be a Kiwanian.

  Adam Erickson also secured his required fifty signatures, is a USF graduate and decided to go into business for himself so he earned a Real Estate License.  He is currently with Century 21.  He is getting married in April and is excited to be an active Kiwanian.  He thanked Gerald Shotts for sponsoring him to membership.  Let’s all be sure not only to meet and greet these new members, but be sure that they are invited to be on one of our many committees.    

BUMPER STICKERS -      Guns Don’t Kill People...  Drivers With Cellphones Do!

PRAYER OF THE DAY:    

  O God, I  the course of this busy life, give us times of refreshment and peace and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits  may be opened to the goodness of your creation.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:

  1.  Quito is the capital of Ecuador.     2.  Ayn Rand wrote Atlas Shrugged.     3.  The indirect object in the sentence “John gave Mary an apple” is Mary.    4.  Ann Bancroft won both a Tony and an Oscar for portraying the same role in The Miracle Worker.     5.  The Dead Sea is the world’s saltiest body of water, containing nine times more salt than any ocean.    

return to top of page

Tuesday,  November 22, 2005        No. 8       Vol. 84                              return to top of page  

Speaker:  Pastor Louis M. Murphy, Sr.    THANKSGIVING       

    Our program today will be presented by Pastor Louis M. Murphy, Sr.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Skip Carr.  Rev. Louis is a Native of Florida and was educated in the school system of DeLand, Florida.  He continued his studies at Florida A & M University, University of Central Florida and Chaminade University of Honolulu, receiving a Bachelor of Science Degree (1986) in Business Administration while serving in the United States Marine Corps in Honolulu, Hawaii.  He is currently pursuing a Masters Degree in Theology at the Dallas Theological Seminary.  As a District Executive for the West Central Florida Council, Boy Scouts of America, with a mission to “revitalize scouting” in the African-American Community, the program grew from two units serving approximately twenty youth to thirty-five units serving over five hundred youth.

  In April 1999, Rev. Murphy was called to pastor Mt. Zion Progressive Missionary Baptist Church here in St. Petersburg.  Under his leadership, Mt. Zion has grown from 400 members to over 3,000 members, representing the largest African-American congregation in St. Petersburg.  His primary focus is on continuous spiritual growth for the members of Mt. Zion and bringing about effective change in the community in which the church is located.  To this end, our speaker has challenged his congregation with a Vision for Community Renewal.  The initiative has raised over 1.6 million dollars toward a goal of 2.1 million to retire the Church’s mortgage debt.

  Rev. Murphy maintains active participation with community and civic organizations throughout the County.  He is an Executive Board Member of the West Central Florida Council BSA and a Board Member with the Pinellas County Urban League.  He is also a graduate of Leadership St. Pete and has received awards from the NAACP, Coalition for a Safe and Drug Free St. Petersburg, the Boy Scouts of America and many other organizations.  He is also a featured columnist with the St. Petersburg Times, and a noted speaker.

  Louis is married to Filomena B. Murphy and has two children, Chiriga and Louis, Jr.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!                

TODAY’S QUIZ:  1.  What is the capital of Ecuador?     2.  Who wrote “Atlas Shrugged’?     3.  In the sentence:  “John gave Mary an apple,” what is the indirect object?     4.  Who won both a Tony and an Oscar for portraying the same role in “The Miracle Worker”?     5.  What is the world’s saltiest body of water, containing, nine times more salt than any ocean? 

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                     ATTENDANCE:  Members 71    Visitors 7

  Brigadier Neville J. Reilly presented a very interesting travelogue about New Zealand at our meeting last week.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Dick Koch.  Our speaker told the club up front that he was going to talk about New Zealand, a country of about 4 million people, about the size of the State of Florida.  Agriculture is the main resource of New Zealand.  The global war on terrorism has increased tourism as the country is out-of-the-way of the terror war.  The best time to visit is in February and March.  January is like our August and in February and March, many of the citizens are on holiday.  A visit should last about two weeks minimum to allow sufficient time to see most of the country.  It is a twelve hour flight from LAX to Auckland and when you land, your baggage will be searched for any imported fruit.  Not declaring this fruit can lead to a very serious fine.

  The Brigadier suggested that when you land, you will need a car.  He suggested that a RV might be one good suggestion, but there are a number of excellent bed and breakfast establishments and other hotel accommodations.  Also, he suggested that one should be aware that the natives drive on the “wrong” side of the road.

  Over 1,000 years ago, Kupe’s great waka (canoe) carried the first Maori people to New Zealand.  Captain Cook claimed New Zealand for the English Crown in the 1700’s which then caused the area to be settled by English immigrants.  New Zealanders are often called “kiwis” after the flightless bird that has become the national symbol.

  Many thanks to Dick for bringing such an interesting and entertaining program to our club.

LEWIS KENT PRESENTED LEGION OF HONOR

  President Cathy presented Lewis Kent with a 45 Year Legion of Honor Certificate and Pin.  Lew joined our club October 25, 1960 and though we have not seen too much of him lately, he said how glad he was to be back and that he would try to be more faithful in his attendance.

VISITORS AND GUESTS

  Steven Cronk was the guest of Lewis Kent.  Don Freese was the guest of Dick Koch and Tom Nelson brought Cindy Mulligan to our meeting as his guest.  Eric Allard, son of Bill Allard, was the guest of Dimitri Constantin.  New member prospect Joseph Scanlan was the guest of Gerald Shotts and Sarah Lind was the gust of Bob Byelick.  Welcome, one and all!  Please visit with us often.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

BOARD ELECTION SET FOR TODAY

  When Mitch Cochran was elected to the position of President-elect for the 2005-2006 program year, a vacancy was created on our Board of Directors to fill his unexpired 2003-2006 term.  Your Board of Directors has nominated Pat Bisciotti and David Oliver as candidates for this position.  This article serves as official notice that an election will be held at our club meeting on today for this purpose.

PROGRESSIVE DINNER DECEMBER 17TH      

  Social Committee Co-Chair Kim Horstman announced our club’s annual Christmas Progressive Dinner.  Hors d’oeuvres will be served at Doug Lamp’s residence, the entrée will be served at the Holehouse residence and the desert will be hosted at the Allard residence.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to determine how many members and significant others are planning to attend.  The number of participants is limited so – SIGN UP NOW!  You will be glad you did.

BOARD DOIN’S

  Diana Leavengood has resigned from our club.  The Board voted to accept her resignation with regret.

JIM FISCHER DOORWAY SCHOLARSHIPS PRESENTED

  Bob Byelick, chair of the Jim Fischer Scholarship Committee, presented a check in the amount of $26,202.00 to Sarah Lind of the Mayor’s Office to fund twenty-one Doorway Scholarships.  Bob mentioned that last year, the committee awarded two Doorway scholarships, but enough money was raised this past year to increase that number to the 21 figure.  Ms Lind thanked the club for the gift and stated that the Mayor has a goal of raising enough money to fund 100 scholarships this year and this gift is the largest single organization gift ever received.  This is what Kiwanis is all about!   

GRANT REQUESTS DUE BY DECEMBER 16^TH

  Bob Byelick announced that Grant Requests addressed to the Boys and Girls Committee must be received by December 16^th to be considered for this program year.  Request forms can be secured either from co-chair Tom Begley or club secretary Bruce McKelvey.   

NEW MEMBERS TAKE NOTE

  This is a reminder that if you have not turned in your YIS pledge card to Secretary Bruce, please do so as soon as possible.  This will allow the Board to determine how much money will be available for the Boy and Girls Committee and the Young Children Priority One Committee to allocate to various youth-serving agencies during 2006.  

IF YOU MISSED GETTING A NEW ROSTER PICTURE

  Don Munafo will be more than pleased to accommodate you at his place of business so you can have a new picture for our 2005-2006 Membership Roster.  Cost for the picture will be $5.00 which is being returned to the club by Don for use in our charitable work.  All members, both old and new, needing new pictures for the Roster should plan to take advantage of this most generous offer.

KIWANIS FACTS – NOW YOU KNOW: 

  A Division Council is the name given to meetings, usually of a division’s club officers, staged regularly under the leadership of the lieutenant governor.  The council is purely advisory and requires no dues.  It has no power to direct action except as the district bylaws provide for the formation of a division meeting to carry out official business.  A division council can be of great benefit to the division, because it provides a clearinghouse for the exchange of ideas on club administration and service projects, promotes a closer friendship and better understanding among clubs, aids and strengthens clubs, reviews the goals of the division, and measures progress toward reaching such goals.   

PRAYER OF THE DAY:    

  Almighty and gracious Father, we give thee thanks for the fruits of the earth in their season and for the labors of those who harvest them.  Make us, we beseech thee, faithful stewards of thy great bounty, for the provision of our necessities and the relief of all who are in need, to the glory of thy Name.  Amen. 

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:

  1.  The Greek word arithmoi comes from the book Numbers.     2.  Charles Darrow invented the board game Monopoly.     3.  Acoustics is the branch of science that deals with sound.     4.  Super Bowl I was played in the Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles.     5.  Bart Starr was picked as Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl I.

return to top of page

Tuesday,  November 15, 2005        No. 7       Vol. 84                                return to top of page

Speaker:  Brig. Neville J. Reilly    U.S. CENT COM                

  Our speaker today will be Brigadier Neville J. Reilly of the U. S. Central Command.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Dick Koch.  Brigadier Reilly is the senior national representative from New Zealand to the U.S. Central Command coalition forces.  He was assigned to USCENTCOM at MacDill AFB in April 2004, and is scheduled to complete his tour next March.  Brigadier Reilly represents his country as one of the 65 countries supporting the war against terrorism being waged in Afghanistan and Iraq by USCENTCOM.  Our speaker visited our club approximately a year ago when he accompanied Brig. Gen. “Chip” Diehl, USAF.

  Brigadier Reilly enlisted in the New Zealand Army in March 1971.  He was sent to officer training in Australia and was subsequently commissioned in the Royal New Zealand Armored Corps.  He served in such exotic places as Dunedin (New Zealand), New Guinea, England, Malaysia, Bosnia, Eastern Slavonia, Jakarta, and Afghanistan before being sent to Tampa.  He was made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1996 and was awarded the New Zealand Gallantry Star in 2000.  He is accompanied to our meeting by his wife, Pauline.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!           

TODAY’S QUIZ:            1.  What book of the Bible gets its name from the Greek word arithmoi?     2.  Who invented the board game ‘Monopoly”?     3.  What is the branch of science that deals with sound?     4.  Where was Super Bowl I played?     5.  Who was picked as Most Valuable Player in Super Bowl I?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                     ATTENDANCE:  Members 68    Visitors 6

David C. Rogers, Ph.D. of David C. Rogers, Ph.D. & Associates presented a very interesting program concerning stress and anger.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Scott Boyle.  Dr. Rogers pointed out that he does classes on anger management which in his view is in a dead heat with stress management.  He stated that stress is a killer and is causing untold numbers of medical problems.  As a person becomes more stressed, the eyes get bigger, the ears hear better and blood rushes to the brain as the body tries to eliminate the stress.  Our speaker stated that being irresponsible will not eliminate stress.  A person must know what he or she wants in life and must be his or her own person.  They need to take life more seriously.

  There is positive stress.  Even the environment brings on a lot of stress.  Women want to feel safe whereas men want a cheer leader.  Dr. Rogers also stated that how one uses words helps to determine anger.  He suggested anyone can control their own life and people should do something constructive, not destructive.  Believe in the use of “please” and “thank-you.”  Love each other more, care more deeply about each other and above all, get rid of their anger.  Only good things happen for those with no stress or anger.  Many thanks to Scott for bringing such an interesting and informative program to our attention.    

VISITORS AND GUESTS

  Prospective member Andrew Brittain, who found out about us on our website, was in attendance as was Joseph Scanlan, a guest of Gerald Shotts.  Staci Haahr was the guest of Kathy Condon and Amanda Gilroy as the guest of Kevin Kelso.  T. J. Evans was the guest of Louis Murphy and Dan Stone was a guest of the club.  Welcome one and all.  Please make this your Kiwanis home! 

TWO THREE MINUTE SPEECHES PRESENTED

  Ron Braun, after securing the required fifty signatures told the club that he was born in Australia, but from three-months on, he called St. Petersburg “home.”  He attended local schools and graduated from the University of Florida where his two children are also now in residence.  Ron was a banker for fifteen years and then turned to his present profession of Real Estate Appraiser for banks.  He ended his presentation by telling a very funny “dog” joke.  Let’s be sure to meet and greet Ron and get him active on one or more of our committees.

  Dimitri Constantin also was successful in securing his required signatures on his Kiwanis apron and proceeded to tell us how proud he is to be a Kiwanian.  As a youth of 18, he left his homeland to look for an education and ended his search at the University of Illinois.  He then went on to Chicago and enrolled in DePaul University.  In his  travels of the world, he came to Florida where he met Bill Allard, who was from Chicago, and he invited him to join Kiwanis.  We should also be sure to meet and greet Dimitri and also to get him active on one of our many committees. 

  We hope that both Ron and Dimitri will have a long and fruitful membership in Kiwanis.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

BOARD ELECTION SET FOR NOVEMBER 22^ND

  When Mitch Cochran was elected to the position of President-elect for the 2005-2006 program year, a vacancy was created on our Board of Directors to fill his unexpired 2003-2006 term.  Your Board of Directors has nominated Pat Bisciotti and David Oliver as candidates for this position.  This article serves as official notice that an election will be held at our club meeting on November 22^nd for hit purpose.

FIVE NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED

  President Cathy Swanson inducted five new members into our club last Tuesday.  They were Tom Hallis sponsored by Gayle Moore, Dr. Mike Hess sponsored by Dr. Ron O’Neal, Scott Lamer sponsored by Weyman Willingham and Mark Willis sponsored by Dick Koch.  Let’s all be sure to meet and greet our new members and above all, be sure to sign their Kiwanis aprons.

NEW PAPA INTRODUCES NEW SON

  Daniel Stone proudly announced the birth of his son Grayson Lee Stone to him and his wife Linda on the 28^th of October..  Grayson weighed in at 7 ½  pounds.  Mother, father and son are all doing fine.  The club members donated $100.00 for Grayson, which when this amount is matched by daddy Daniel, will produce a $200.00 bank account for the new arrival. 

LAST CHANCE TO SIGN UP FOR USF GAME

      Today is the last change to sign up for the USF Bulls vs. Cincinnati on Saturday,

November 19^th which kicks off at 12:00 p.m.  A gala tail-gate party will ensue and all are invited.  Tickets for the game cost $18.00 each of which $2.00 will be returned to our club for charitable purposes.  These tickets come with Club Access to the East Club Lounge of Raymond James Stadium.   In addition, if you want to participate in the gala tail-gate part, the cost is an additional $10.00.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to arrange for your tickets to this game and to see how many to plan for at the tail-gate party. Please attach your check payable to the Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg to the sign-up sheet.   

PROGRESSIVE DINNER SET FOR DECEMBER 17TH      

  Social Committee Co-Chair Kim Horstman announced our club’s annual Christmas Progressive Dinner.  Hors d’oeuvres will be served at Doug Lamp’s residence, the entrée will be served at the Holehouse residence and the desert will be hosted at the Allard residence.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to determine how many members and significant others are planning to attend.  The number of participant is limited so – SIGN UP NOW!  You will be glad you did.

GRANT REQUESTS DUE BY DECEMBER 16^TH

  Bob Byelick announced that Grant Requests addressed to the Boys and Girls Committee must be received by December 16^th to be considered for this program year.  Request forms can be secured from either from co-chair Tom Begley or club secretary Bruce McKelvey. 

IF YOU MISSED GETTING A NEW ROSTER PICTURE

  Don Munafo will be ,more than pleased to accommodate you at his place of business so you can have a new picture for our 2005-2006 Membership Roster.  Cost for the picture will be $5.00 which is being returned to the club by Don for use in our charitable work.  All members, both old and new, needing new pictures for the Roster should plan to take advantage of this most generous offer.

KIWANIS FACTS – NOW YOU KNOW: 

At a meeting of the club’s board of directors, only officers and elected directors may make or second any motion.  At a club meeting, any active, privileged, or senior member may make or second any type of motion.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:    

  Almighty God, we commend to your gracious care and keeping all the men and women of our armed forces at home and abroad.  Defend them day by day with your heavenly grace.  Strengthen them in their trials and temptations.  Give them courage to face the perils which beset them and grant them a sense of your abiding presence wherever they may be.  Amen. 

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ

1.  Irving Berlin wrote the patriotic son God Bless America.     2.  Hannah, the mother of Samuel, made her son a new coat each year.  (Samuel 2:19)     3,  Alabama is known as the Heart of Dixie.     4.  Winston Churchill delivered the famous “Iron Curtain” speech at Westminster College in 1946.     5.  The soap opera “As the World Turns’ made its debut on television in 1956.

return to top of page

Tuesday,  November 8, 2005        No. 6       Vol. 84                               return to top of page

Speaker:  David C. Rogers, Ph.D.    HOW YOU CAN IMPROVE YOUR LIFE           

  Our speaker today will be David C. Rogers, Ph.D. of David C. Rogers, Ph.D. & Associates.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Scott Boyle.  Dr. Rogers is a professional consultant to attorneys, chiropractors, and members of the medical profession.  He is a business coach/consultant and has been a national lecturer and speaker for twenty-seven years.  He has served as a psychotherapist for thirty-two years and has authored two books – one titled Change Your Life in 28 Days and another titled Change Your Business Life in 28 Days.  Our speaker has hosted both radio and television shows, has been a motivational speaker to national organizations and businesses and has been a frequent guest commentator for the media.

  Dr. Rogers attended Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana where he earned both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees.  He then attended Heed University in Hollywood, Florida where he was awarded a Doctor of Philosophy degree.  In addition, he has received training in gestalt, bio-energetics, organizational development and team building.

  Some of our speaker’s common topics are Live Your Life Your Way, Stress Free Living, Career Versus Family:  Winning at Both, Team Building, Anger Management and Setting Goals and Objectives.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!                    

TODAY’S QUIZ:            1.  Who wrote ;the patriotic song “God Bless America”?     2.  In the Bible, what doting mother made her son a new coat each year?     3.  What state is known as the Heart of Dixie?     4.  Who delivered the famous “Iron Curtain” speech at Westminster College in 1946?     5.  In what year did the soap opera “As the World Turns” debut on television?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS                     ATTENDANCE:  Members 69    Visitors 2

  Tom Elman, owner of the Jade Tree Wellness Center, presented a very interesting program on traditional Chinese medicine including acupuncture.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Kathy Condon.  Our speaker opened his program by presenting the two most asked questions concerning Acupuncture:  does it hurt?, and does it work?  His answer to both was “yes.”  Once the needles are inserted, the patient is very relaxed and most everything can be treated.  The exceptions are acute trauma, broken bones, cancer and diabetes. The treatment of Acupuncture will stimulate various points and channels on the body, using sterile, one-time use needles that are nearly as fine as a human hair.  This stimulation produces local effects on tissues and organs, as well as systemic effects on the whole body.  This therapy aids in balancing, smoothing, and building the body energy.  The idea is that when the body is in balance, there will be complete health. 

  Our speaker also discussed the use of herbs and massage as other forms of treatment.  Herbs are prescribed to strengthen and support that which is deficient, and calm that which is excessive.  Massage manipulates the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues of the body using a variety of techniques.  These therapies help loosen or release adhesions, increase flexibility, and relax the body and the mind.  Debbie Deeb volunteered to let our speaker demonstrate some of these techniques on her.

  Many thanks to Kathy for bringing this most interesting program to our attention.

VISITORS AND GUESTS

    At meeting last week, we were pleased to have Mike Harting as a guest of Steve Cunningham and Ya’Saeaka Campbell as the guest of Bob Byelick,   Welcome and please visit with us again!

MIKE HUMLICEK GIVES THREE-MINUTE SPEECH

  After securing the required fifty member signatures on his Kiwanis Apron, Mike proceeded to tell us that he is a native-born son of St. Petersburg who was raised here and graduated from St. Petersburg High School where he was a member of the Key Club.  He graduated from USF with a Finance Degree and then went to work for an untold number of banks.  He was working in North Carolina when he accepted a position with the firm of Gregory, Sharer & Stuart, P.A.  He likes fishing, camping and scuba diving and is looking forward to working with his fellow Kiwanians in many service projects in the future.  Welcome, Mike, and we hope your membership in our club will be long and fruitful.

ANOTHER NEW MEMBER INDUCTED

  President Cathy inducted Terry Hirsch into our club membership last week.  Terry was sponsored by Bob Byelick.  Let’s all be sure to meet and greet Terry and above all, be sure to sign his apron.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

FIRST INTER-CLUB OF THE YEAR HELD
  Lou Averbeck, Ed Lillich, Bruce McKelvey, Ted Wall and Grant Wallin all attended the Divisional Council Meeting with the Seminole Club on Thursday, October 27^th.  These members all earned their flag for their member badges signifying their attendance at an Inter-club. 

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES PROJECTS
  Committee Chair Jane Baldwin announced the following projects for her committee this year:  November/December – Mount Zion Human Services project.  January – Feed the Homeless.  March – PARC/Blues Festival.  May – All Children’s Telethon Parking.  June – Sallie House project.  July/August – Marine Institute project.  September – Happy Worker’s Literacy Fair.  October – Beach Clean-up project.

  It looks like this committee has a full plate for this year.  Members are asked to sign up to help make each of these projects successful.  This is what Kiwanis is all about!  

USF FOOTBALL GAME SET FOR NOVEMBER 19^TH
  The planned attendance by our club members at the USF Bulls vs. Cincinnati is set for Saturday, November 19^th at 12:00 p.m.  A gala tail-gate party will ensue and all are invited.  Tickets for the game cost $18.00 each of which $2.00 will be returned to our club for charitable purposes.  These tickets come with Club Access to the East Club Lounge of Raymond James Stadium.   In addition, if you want to participate in the gala tail-gate part, the cost is an additional $10.00.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to arrange for your tickets to this game and to see how many to plan for at the tail-gate party. Plan NOW to attend!

PROGRESSIVE DINNER CHANGE TO DECEMBER 17^TH
  Social Committee Co-Chair Kim Horstman announced our club’s annual Christmas Progressive Dinner.  Hors d’oeuvres will be served at Doug Lamp’s residence, the entrée location is still to be announced and the desert will be hosted at the Allard residence.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to determine how many members and significant others are planning to attend.  So – SIGN UP NOW!  You will be glad you did.

GRANT REQUESTS DUE BY DECEMBER 16^TH
  Bob Byelick announced that Grant Requests addressed to the Boys and Girls Committee must be received by December 16^th to be considered for this program year.  Request forms can be secured from either from co-chair Tom Begley or club secretary Bruce McKelvey. 

LAST CHANCE FOR NEW ROSTER PICTURES!
  Don Munafo will be set up on the balcony today to take picture of our membership for the 2005-2006 Membership Roster.  Cost for the pictures will be $5.00 each which is being returned to the club by Don for use in our charitable work.  All members, both old and new, needing new pictures for the Roster should plan to take advantage of this most generous offer.

KIWANIS FACTS – NOW YOU KNOW:
  According to the Club Meeting Attendance and Participation Rules, one member-participation credit shall be given for personal attendance ”at any club sponsored programs, board meeting, or sponsored programs service project,” provided the participation at the sponsored programs event occurs during the calendar month or seven days immediately preceding or following the month the club meeting is missed.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:
  O God, the Father of all, who’s Son commanded us to love our enemies, lead them and us from prejudice to truth.  Deliver them and us from hatred, cruelty, and revenge, and in your good time enable us all to stand reconciled before you.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:     1.  William Howard Taft was the only U.S. president who also served as chief justice of the United States.     2.  The name of the first public school to open in America was the Boston Latin School which opened April 23, 1635.     3.  McDonald’s opened their first walk-up drive-in in 1955 in Des Plaines, Ill.     4.  Paul Revere was a silversmith.     5.  The first Academy Awards were given in 1929.   

return to top of page

Tuesday,  November 1, 2005      No. 5       Vol. 84                                  return to top of page 

Speaker:  Tom Elman, A.P., L.M.T.    JADE TREE WELLNESS CENTER          

  Our speaker today is Tom Elman, the owner of Jade Tree Wellness Center.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Kathy Condon.  He is a graduate of the Florida Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The Humanities Center School of Massage, and Eckerd College, where he graduated with Honors.  He is Diplomat of the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine (NCCAOM), and holds licenses as an Acupuncture Physician and Massage Therapist.  He was a member of the Academy of Item Writers for the National Certification exam in Acupuncture for two years, and served as an examiner for one of the National Acupuncture Exams.  His business, Jade Tree Wellness Center, was the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Businesses of the Year in 2003.  Also, just to make things interesting, he also used to sell Alligator meat in a previous career.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!         

TODAY’S QUIZ:            1.  Who was the only U.S. president who also served as chief justice of the United States?     2.  What was the name of the first public school to open in America?     3.  In what year did the first McDonald’s open?     4.  What was Paul Revere’s occupation?     5.  In what year were the first Academy Awards given?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS
  Paul C. Tash, Editor, CEO and Chairman of the St. Petersburg Times presented our program last week.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Cathy Swanson.  Our speaker came to the Times in 1978 as a reporter and discussed how much the St. Petersburg area has differed over the past 27 years.  It has had waves of growth and he proceeded to mention many of these major changes.  Even the State of Florida has changed dramatically.  When our speaker arrived in 1978, Pinellas County was a Republican Island in a sea of Democrats.  Now, of course, the State is basically Republican. 

  As Mr. Tash pointed out, the St. Petersburg Times is a very different newspaper than it was when he arrived 27 years ago.  Today it is the largest circulation paper in Florida.  Advertising revenues went from 100 million dollars in ’78 to over 250 million dollars today.  Also, the paper has a more diverse audience.  There have also been some dramatic technical changes in how the paper is reported, assembled and produced which makes the whole operation more complex.  The news items which come from many more sources now have to be sorted in order to give priority to the items which would be of the greatest interest to the readership. 

  What has not changed, however, is the ownership of the Times.  The Times is a “for-profit” company which is wholly owned by the Poynter Institute which is a “not-for-profit’ institution.  How long can this continue?  Our speaker said that it has survived two previous editors, CEO’s and Chairmen, and that it would certainly not change on his watch.  It is totally up to the CEO to make that decision.

  After a spirited question and answer session, our president presented Mr. Tash with our traditional Kiwanis pen so he can enhance his editorship.  Many thanks to Cathy for bringing this insight into the Times to our collective attention.    

VISITORS AND GUESTS
  We welcomed Ray Watson, Lt. Governor of our District.  Courtney Marshall was the guest of Bob Byelick and Dave Marshlack was the guest of Bill Allard.  James Wade was the guest of Louis Murphy.  Welcome one and all!  Please visit with us again. 

SIX NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED
  President Cathy inducted the following new members into our club last week:  Worth Blackwell, Richard Gonlin, Terry Hirsch, Cynthia McGowan, Matthew McKillen and Dr. Ronald O’Neal.  Each was presented with a Kiwanis packet which contained among other important items, their coveted Kiwanis apron upon which they are to get the signatures of fifty of our members.  Their personal information will appear in the new Membership Roster.  Let’s be sure to meet and greet our new members.  Invite them to be a member of your committee, and above all, be sure to sign their aprons.

WHAT’S HAPPENING? 

USF FOOTBALL GAME SET FOR NOVEMBER 19
  The planned attendance by our club members at the USF Bulls vs. Cincinnati is set for Saturday, November 19^th at 12:00 p.m.  A gala tail-gate party will ensue and all are invited.  Tickets cost $18.00 each.  $2.00 of each ticket sold will be returned to our club for charitable purposes.  These tickets come with Club Access to the East Club Lounge of Raymond James Stadium.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to arrange for your tickets to this game.  Plan NOW to attend!  

PROGRESSIVE DINNER SET FOR DECEMBER 3^RD
  Social Committee Co-Chair Kim Horstman announced our club’s annual Christmas Progressive Dinner.  Members living in the South St. Petersburg, the Beaches and Tierra Verde are encouraged to volunteer to host a part of this dinner.  There is no cost to the host and hostess.  Members agreeing to host a part of this dinner should contact Kim for more information.

GRANT REQUESTS DUE BY DECEMBER 16^TH
  Bob Byelick announced that Grant Requests addresses to the Boys and Girls Committee must be received by December 16^th to be considered for this program year.  Request forms can be secured from either from co-chair Tom Begley or club secretary Bruce McKelvey. 

NEW ROSTER PICTURES AVAILABLE TODAY!
  Don Munafo will be set up on the balcony today and next week to take picture of our membership for the 2005-2006 Membership Roster.  Cost for the pictures will be $5.00 each which is being returned to the club by Don for use in our charitable work.  All members, both old and new, needing new pictures for the Roster should plan to take advantage of this most generous offer.

LEGION OF HONOR PIN PRESENTED
  Past President Charles Stuart presented a Legion of Honor pin to Bryant Boydstun in recognition of his 30 years of membership in our club.  Congratulations Bryant!

KIWANIS FACTS – NOW YOU KNOW:
 Only current officers and directors of the club can be counted in determining a quorum at a board of directors meeting.  No other member of the club can be appointed to serve in the place of a missing officer or director, and there is no voting by proxy.  If a simple majority is not present, arrangements must be made for another meeting.  Remember that in a board meeting without a quorum, there still can be valuable discussion.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:     Almighty God and Heavenly Father, we give thee humble thanks because thou hast been graciously pleased to deliver many of your servants from sickness and poor health.  Grant, O gracious Father, that they may live in this world according to thy will, and also be partakers of everlasting glory in the life to come.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:     1.  Bonanza opened each week with the burning of a map.   2.  The 1982 football strike lasted 57 days.   3.  The average American consumes 210 pounds of meat annually.   4.  James Madison was known as the “Father of the Bill of Rights.”   5.  Elvis Presley was born in 1935 in Tupelo, Mississippi.  

return to top of page

Tuesday,  October 25, 2005      No. 4       Vol. 84                                 return to top of page

Speaker:  Paul C. Tash    THE ST. PETERSBURG TIMES

  Our speaker today is Paul C. Tash, the Editor, Chairman and CEO of the St. Petersburg Times.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Cathy Swanson.  A native of South Bend, Indiana, Tash graduated summa cum laude from Indiana University in 1976.  He received a Marshall Scholarship and graduated with a bachelor of law degree from Edinburgh University in Scotland in 1976.  He started with the Times that fall as a local news reporter.  He also has been a Tallahassee reporter, the city editor, metropolitan editor, Washington bureau chief and executive editor for the Times.  From 1990-91, our speaker was the editor and publisher of Florida Trend, a statewide business magazine owned by the Times Publishing Company. 

  Tash is active in First Amendment issues, as chairman of the Florida First Amendment Foundation and a director of the Committee to Protect Journalists.  He serves on the board of the Newspaper Association of America and the Michigan Journalism Fellows.  He also has been a judge in various journalism contests, including the Pulitzer Prizes.

  Our speaker is married to the former Karyn Krayer of St. Petersburg, and they have two daughters, ages 20 and 16.  The St. Petersburg Times is Florida’s largest daily newspaper, with an average circulation of 330,000 and it has a Sunday circulation of 410,000.  The Times has won six Pulitzer Prizes, and it is widely considered one of the country’s best newspapers.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!                                 

TODAY’S QUIZ:           
1.  Which famous television Western opened each week with the burning of a map?     2.  In days, how long did the 1982 football strike last?     3.  In pounds, how much meat does the average American consume each year? (A) 210 (B) 305 (C) 380     4.  Who is known as the “Father of the Bill of Rights”?     5.  Which famous entertainer was born in 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi?    

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS
  Michael Williams, a Certified Financial Planner with Wallace, Welch and Willingham, delivered a very concise and explanatory program on the very complicated subject of Long Term Care.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Bob Byelick.  Our speaker defined Long Term Care as help for chronically impaired people who are unable to perform acts of daily living.  The need for LTC is not dictated by age.  The types of Long Term Care are skilled care, personal or custodial care and assistance in daily living.  The costs range from home care at $16.00 per hour to assisted living at $22,000 per year to Nursing Home care at $153 per day.  Inflation generally adds about 5% annually to the cost.  The cost of this Long Term Care is paid for by the Government through Medicare and Medicaid, the VA in some instances and by personal resources.  LTC insurance is very complex.  Approximately 65% of the population is expected to need LTC so these needs to be addressed while the individual is young enough to evaluate the risk.

  Most LTC policies are sold by local agents.  There are two types of policies:  the tax qualified and the non-tax qualified.  The tax qualified is the one that is suggested to be the best as it is tax free and the cost can in many cases be a deduction on income taxes.  The policies are flexible, but the buyer has to pick the benefits.  Each benefit has its own cost factor which needs to be considered.  These factors include age, health of the individual, level of coverage, and options that are available  As our speaker said, when considering a LTC policy, ask yourself, do you need it, can you afford it and what benefits await.

  Lynn Chalache, a personal caregiver from Daughter on Call, pointed out in the time remaining that there are two types of LTC.  One is covered by Medicare which only covers skilled nursing care and the patient must have spent at least three days in the hospital before going to a skilled nursing facility.  The other type is “all other care.”  Lynn suggested that everyone should thoroughly check their home for anything that might cause an accident as most people that require LTC had some type of serious accident.  Many thanks to Weyman Willingham for arranging for this most interesting and informative program and to Bob Byelick for introducing our speakers. 

VISITORS AND GUESTS
  Mark Willis was the guest of Dick Koch and Scott Lanier was the guest of Weyman Willingham.  Kiwanian Eddie Lee of the Gulf Beaches Club was also in attendance.  Welcome, and please visit with us often!                   

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

BOARD ELECTION SET FOR NOVEMBER 8^th
  Due to the election of Mitch Cochran to the position of President-elect for the 2005-2006 program year, a vacancy has been created on our Board of Directors to fill his unexpired 2003-2006 term.  Your Board of Directors has nominated (I WILL FILL IN THIS BLANK AS SOON AS I RECEIVE THE NAMES!)           as candidates for this position.  This article serves as official notice that an election will be held at our club meeting on November 8^th  for this purpose.    

BOY & GIRLS COMMITTEE SEEKS POSSIBLE GRANTEES
  Our membership represents a good cross-section of St. Petersburg and is members of many different youth-serving agencies.  If you know of an agency that is serving children and could use some financial help, please give the name and address of the Agency contact to Tom Begley by calling him at 804-1594. 

LILLICH PRESENTED DISTINGUISHED KIWANIS PINS
  Secretary Bruce McKelvey, acting on behalf of last year’s Florida Division Governor Bill Rushing, presented Ed Lillich with a Distinguished Kiwanian and Distinguished Past Lt. Governor pins.  Congratulations Ed, and keep on keeping on!

BERNIE CLEARS UP CONFUSION
  A letter was received from the Salvation Army that indicated that our club’s grant by the Boys and Girls Committee to them went to hurricane relief.  Bernie was quick to secure another letter from the Army indicating that every cent of our grant went to the Sallie House and not to hurricane relief.  He then went on to state some of the facts about the Salvation Army help in hurricane relief.  Many thanks to Bernie for clearing up this matter.

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE SEEKS MEMBERS
  Committee Chair Jane Baldwin thanked the members of her committee who attended a meeting at her home last week.  She then looked at the many new members who had just been educated in Kiwanis and asked if they would not like to serve on her committee.  Every club member should serve on at least one committee.  Have you signed up yet? 

USF FOOTBALL GAME ATTENDANCE RE-SCHEDULED
  The planned attendance by our club members at a football game on October 22^nd has been re-scheduled for Saturday, November 19^th. A gala tail-gate part will ensue and all are invited.  A sign-up sheet will be passed around to arrange for ticket to this game with Cincinnati.  Plan NOW to attend!

KIWANIS FACTS – NOW YOU KNOW:
  Kiwanis International procedures states that whenever a Kiwanis club changes either the time or place, or both of its regular meeting, a round table meeting may be held at the time and place of the regular meeting.  If the club president cannot attend the roundtable meeting, the president shall appoint another officer or member to act as chairman.  The chairman shall be responsible for an official record of attendance of members and visiting Kiwanians, which shall become part of the club’s records.  A roundtable meeting also can be conducted to take the place of a regular meeting.  If a national holiday precludes a club from meeting on a Tuesday, for example, it could conduct a roundtable on Thursday, in place of its regular meeting.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:     O God, by whom the meek are guided in judgment, and light riseth up in darkness for the godly, grant us, in all our doubts and uncertainties, the grace to ask what thou wouldest have us to do, that the Spirit of wisdom may save us from all false choices, and that in thy light we may see light, and in they straight path may not stumble.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:     1.  Traces if copper gives turquoise its distinctive color.     2.  Twenty-seven bills are given to each player at the beginning a game of Monopoly.  3.  Babe Ruth hit a three-run homer in the first opening-day game at Yankee Stadium.  4.  Ernest Tubb was known as the Texas Troubador.     5.  Jacob favored son was Joseph.

return to top of page

Tuesday,  October 18, 2005      No. 3      Vol. 84                                     return to top of page

Speaker:  Michael Williams    LONG TERM CARE

  Our speaker today offers a broad range of knowledge with over 29 years experience in the financial services industry.  He will be introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Bob Byelick.  Mike enjoys assisting his clients to achieve financial security and peace of mind in all areas of insurance, investment, retirement, business, and estate planning.  He believes that financial planning provides direction and meaning to financial decisions. 

Mike is a Certified Financial Planner licensee and has a B.S.B.A. degree from the University of Florida.  He holds general insurance and securities licenses, including a Series 7 and 66.  His work experience includes 16 years in commercial banking with Bank of America and four years with Northwestern Mutual Life as a Financial Representative.  Mike joined the Financial Planning Division of Wallace Welch & Willingham Inc. in 2000.  Mike has lived in the Tampa Bay area since 1956 and has been active in many community and industry organizations.  He currently devotes his time to the Tampa Bay Research Institute as Chairman of the Board of Trustees and as a member of the Planned Giving Council.  He is also a member of the Financial Planning Association of Tampa Bay and the Tampa Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.  He will be assisted in today’s program by Lynn Chalache, a Daughter On Call here in Pinellas County.

  Lynn has developed a management team who designed and implemented corporate Home Care and Care Management Programs for Elderly and Frail Adults.  This includes clinical policies and procedures, documentation systems, human resources, training and supervision, marketing and sales systems, and quality improvement systems.  She has participated in the program as a care manager, completing assessments, developing care plans, implementing and monitoring services.  She has used this experience to expand the care management program to include additional care managers and services for clients. 

  Let’s give our speakers a very warm Kiwanis welcome!          

TODAY’S QUIZ:           
1.  What gives the mineral, turquoise, its distinctive color?     2.  In a game of Monopoly, how many bills are given to each player at the beginning of the game?     3.  Who hit a three-run homer in the first opening-day game at Yankee Stadium?     4.  What country and western singer was known as the “Texas Troubadour”?    5.  In the Bible, which of his sons did Jacob favor?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS

VISITORS AND GUESTS
  Mike Harting was the guest of Steve Cunningham.  Terry Hirsch was the guest of Bob Byelick and Rex Stuckey was the guest of Stan Shaver.  Cynthia McGowan was the guest of Bill Allard and Tom Hallis was the guest of the club.  Welcome one and all!  Please visit with us often.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?
  Our program last week was presented by Randy Price, an on-the-air radio personality with WQYK.  He was a last minute substitution for J. P. Peterson who found out at the last minuet that he would be unable to appear.  He was introduced by our Kiwanian-of-the-day Mitch Cochran.  Randy began his presentation by tracing his announcing history in the Midwestern U.S. up until the time he found that he had been fired from his job in Chicago.  He suffered through a seven-hour interview with a Tampa radio station and he got the job.  He has been with WQYK for twenty-three years and loves every minute of it.  Randy and Dave co-host an afternoon show from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and he claims that not only is it a great show, but the whole family can enjoy it.

  WQYK is owned by Infinity and for the past thirty-five years and seventy-three rating periods, the station has ranked 1^st for 32 of these periods and in the top 5, seventy-two times.  Most of the on-air people have been with the station for a long period of time, the youngest being ten years.

  Randy gave a very entertaining insight into the radio industry and capped off his presentation with a spirited question and answer session.  Many thank to Mitch for bringing such an interesting personality to our club on such short notice. 

BOARD ELECTION SET FOR NOVEMBER 1ST
  Due to the election of Mitch Cochran to the position of President-elect for the 2005-2006 program year, a vacancy has been created on our Board of Directors to fill his unexpired 2003-2006 term.  Your Board of Directors has nominated (I WILL FILL IN THIS BLANK AS SOON AS I RECEIVE THE NAMES!)           as candidates for this position.  This article serves as official notice that an election will be held at our club meeting on November 1^st for this purpose.    

SIX MORE 2004-2005 NEW MEMBERS INDUCTED
  Cathy Swanson inducted six more of the new members which resulted from out big membership recruitment meeting on September 13^th.  Ronald Braun, Constantin Dimitri, Adam Erickson, Gerald Shotts, Jr., Dan Stone and Harold Wells all joined our ranks at our meeting last week. Four of these were recognized in last week’s bulletin for insertion in your membership roster.  Following is the information on the remaining two:

Daniel J. Stone resides with his wife Linde at 1028 -  41st Avenue NE, St. Petersburg, 33703.  Phone:  (727)502-5582.  Daniel is a Financial Advisor with Raymond James and Assoc. at 1 Progress Plaza, Suite 165, St. Petersburg, 33701.  Phone:  (727) 551-5262.  J. C. Russell was his sponsor.

Harold E. Wells, Jr. resides with his wife Becky at 350 – 2^nd Street N. #19, St. Petersburg, 33701.  Phone:  (727) 822-5863.  Harold is Vice President of Synovas Bank, 333 – 3^rd Avenue North, St. Petersburg, 33701.  Phone (727) 824-8775.  Weyman Willingham is his sponsor.

  Let’s all be sure to meet and greet our new members!    

BOY & GIRLS COMMITTEE SEEKS POSSIBLE GRANTEES
  Our membership represents a good cross-section of St. Petersburg and are members of many different youth-serving agencies.  If you know of an agency that is serving children and could use some financial help, please give the name and address of the Agency contact to Tom Begley by calling him at 804-1594. 

RUSTY LAMPE STILL AT ARBOR OAKS
  Rusty has moved to a new re-hab facility, the Arbor Oaks.  It is located at 1701 – 68^th Street North and his phone number is 345-8900.  He has had quite a siege in his battle to get well and could sure use some visitors.  If you have some time, please drop by.  If you don’t, please give him a call.  We know he would appreciate it.

USF FOOTBALL GAME ATTENDANCE RE-SCHEDULED
  The planned attendance by our club members at a football game on October 22^nd has been re-scheduled for Saturday, November 19^th. A gala tail-gate part will ensue and all are invited.  A sign-up sheet will be passed around to arrange for ticket to this game with Cincinnati.  Plan NOW to attend!

NOW YOU KNOW – THIS WEEK’S HISTORY DAY BY DAY
Oct.11– The first political telecast in the U.S. took place as the Democratic National Committee sponsored a program from a CBS television studio in New York, 1932.      Oct. 12 -  Christopher Columbus discovered the New World as his ships arrived in the present-day Bahamas, 1492.     Oct.13 – The cornerstone of the executive mansion, later to be known as the White House was laid during a ceremony in the District of Columbia, 1792.     Oct. 14 – The first live telecast from a manned U.S. spacecraft was transmitted from Apollo 7, 1968.     Oct. 15 – The television situation comedy, “I Love Lucy,” starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, premiered on CBS, 1951.     Oct. 16 – Abolitionist John Brown led a group of about 20 men in a raid on Harper’s Ferry, 1859.     Oct. 17 – Albert Einstein arrived in the United States as a refugee from Nazi Germany, 1933.

PRAYER OF THE DAY:     Look with mercy, O God our Father, on all whose increasing years bring them weakness, distress, or isolation.  Provide for them homes of dignity and peace.  Give them understanding helpers, and the willingness to accept help, and, as their strength diminishes, increase their faith and their assurance of your love.  Amen.         .

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:     1.  A glockenspiel is a percussion instrument.  2.  The Treaty of Versailles established the League of Nations.   3.  The name of the constellation Draco means Dragon.   4.  The sapphire is the gemstone for September.   5. Auguste Rodin sculpted “The Thinker.”

return to top of page

Tuesday,  October 11, 2005     No. 2      Vol. 84                                     return to top of page

Speaker:  J. P. Peterson    SPORTS ON CHANNEL 8

A native Floridian, J.P. grew up in Hollywood, Florida before attending Florida State University where he graduated in 1986.  Peterson joined the News Channel 8 sports staff in 1989 as the weekend sports anchor.  Prior to his arrival at News Channel 8, he was The Bucs preseason Game Day anchor at WTOG-TV, where he was sports director.  He co-hosted a national sports talk show, “The Daily Sports Source,” on Fox Sports Net, and worked in Greensboro, NC and Tallahassee.  While at Tallahassee’s WTXL, J.P. also served as Game Day anchor for FSU football on Radio Network and served as analyst for FSU basketball broadcasts alongside Gene Deckerhoff, the voice of the Buccaneers.

  Among the many awards J.P. has won, the prestigious Edward R. Murrow Award is a recent addition of which he is very proud;.  He also has brought home a Florida Emmy and multiple Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists awards.

  Our speaker lives in Tampa with his wife and two young children.  Besides spending time with his family,  Peterson enjoys golf, basketball and playing his guitar.  Let’s give our speaker a very warm Kiwanis welcome!              

TODAY’S QUIZ:            1.  What kind of instrument is a glockenspiel?     2.  Which treaty signed after World War I established the League of Nations?     3.  What does the name of the constellation Draco mean?     4.  The sapphire is the gemstone for which month?     5.  Who sculpted “The Thinker”?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS 
  Our Installation Banquet at the Mansion by the Bay was great!  After our usual opening, Dick Koch set the stage with a perfect Invocation.  A very fine dinner preceded the special presentations.  J. C. Russell, chair of the Human and Spiritual Values Committee presented the Layman of the Year Award to Jack Collins.  President Al then announced that he was unable to select a single “outstanding chair person” so he selected three chairmen instead.  For Enthusiasm, he selected Jane Baldwin for her leadership in the Community Service area. For Effort, he selected Bill Allard in recognition in his outstanding work in the Membership recruitment area.  And for Impact, he selected Bob Byelick for his great leadership in launching and awarding twenty-three scholarships from the Jim Fischer Scholarship Committee.

  Secretary/Treasurer T. Bruce McKelvey then presented the Legion of Honor Awards.  Seymour Gordon and Bob Byelick were recognized for attaining 25 years of service in Kiwanis.  Bryant Boydstun was recognized for attaining 30 years.  Ted Wall and Bill Stover were recognized as 35 year Legion of Honor members. T. Bruce McKelvey was recognized as a 40 year Legion member and Lewis Kent was recognized as a 45 year Legion of Honor member.  Congratulations to one and all for these achievements.

  Outgoing President Al Karnavicius, in his parting comments, then stated that he had “had a blast” and truly enjoyed his year as president of our club.  This night brought an end to twenty years of volunteer leadership in many different organizations, but his service as president of the Kiwanis Club of St. Petersburg was the most satisfying of all his community service.  He stated that our club is very well organized and that most of what we plan gets done.  He gave credit to the membership for this success and thanked everyone for their participation in club activities.

  Lieutenant Governor Ray Watson then presented Al with his well-deserved Past Presidents Pin and proceeded to induct the 2005-2006 Officers and Directors.  Newly inducted Present Cathy Swanson acknowledged how proud she was to be a Kiwanian and how she was looking forward to another great year for our club.  Bernie Lodge closed our meeting by leading everyone in God Bless America. 

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

FOUR NEW MEMBERS END MEMBERSHIP YEAR
  The following four new members to our club have been educated in Kiwanis and ended our 2004-2005 program year with a BIG plus!  Please put the following information into your Membership Roster:

Ronald W. Braun and his wife Bonnie reside at 1163 Snell Isle Blvd. NE, St. Petersburg 33704.  Phone:  (727) 823-0382.  Ronald is President of McLoran, Braun and Seaman at 1262 Dr. MLK, Jr. St. N., St. Petersburg 33705.  Phone:  (727)821-6601 Ext. 26.  Cathy Swanson was his sponsor.

Dimitri Constantin resides at 3870 Mariner Drive, St. Petersburg 33705.  Phone: (727) 480-4168.  He is a sales associate with Allard Investment Realty at 695 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg 33701.  Phone:  (727) 894-5002.  Bill Allard was his sponsor.

Adam Erickson resides at 6338 Cedar Street NE, St. Petersburg 33702.  Phone:  (727) 522-8501.  He is a Realtor with Century 21 at 129 2^nd Street N, St. Petersburg 33702.  Phone (7270 824-7200.  Gerald D. Shotts, Jr. was his sponsor.

Gerald D. Shotts, Jr. (a former member of the Seminole Club) resides with his wife Su-Chien Hong at 8515 140^th Street N., Seminole 33776.  Phone:  (727) 458-4640.  He is a Commercial Manager with C-21 Sunshine Commercial Realty at 129 2^nd Street North, St. Petersburg 33701.  Phone:  (727) 824-7200.  Ed Lillich was his sponsor.

  Please be sure to meet and greet our new members!   

COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE DINNER SET
  Committee Chair Jane Baldwin has invited her Community Services Committee to a dinner at her house at 922 – 39^th Avenue NE on Monday, October 17^th at 5:30 p.m.  She is asking that the committee members call her at 459-4092 to confirm their attendance.    

RUSTY LAMPE STILL AT ARBOR OAKS
  Rusty has moved to a new re-hab facility, the Arbor Oaks.  It is located at 1701 – 68^th Street North and his phone number is 345-8900.  He has had quite a siege in his battle to get well and could sure use some visitors.  If you have some time, please drop by.  If you don’t, please give him a call.  We know he would appreciate it.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL ?
  The club will attend the USF-West Virginia game on Oct. 22nd. It will be preceded by a gala tail-gate party.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to see who wants tickets to this BIG game!  Sign up NOW.  October 22nd will be here before you know it.  

NOW YOU KNOW – THIS WEEK’S HISTORY DAY BY DAY 
Oct.11– The first political telecast in the U.S. took place as the Democratic National Committee sponsored a program from a CBS television studio in New York, 1932.      Oct. 12 -  Christopher Columbus discovered the New World as his ships arrived in the present-day Bahamas, 1492.     Oct.13 – The cornerstone of the executive mansion, later to be known as the White House was laid during a ceremony in the District of Columbia, 1792.     Oct. 14 – The first live telecast from a manned U.S. spacecraft was transmitted from Apollo 7, 1968.     Oct. 15 – The television situation comedy, “I Love Lucy,” starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz, premiered on CBS, 1951.     Oct. 16 – Abolitionist John Brown led a group of about 20 men in a raid on Harper’s Ferry, 1859.     Oct. 17 – Albert Einstein arrived in the United States as a refugee from Nazi Germany, 1933.

BUMPER STICKERS -    “4 Out of 3 People Have Trouble With Fractions!”

PRAYER OF THE DAY:     O God, in the course of this bushy life, give us times of refreshment and peace and grant that we may so use our leisure to rebuild our bodies and renew our minds, that our spirits may be opened to the goodness of your creation.  Amen.      

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:     1.  Mount Kilimanjaro is located in  Africa.   2.  The Greek prefix “Cosmo” means universe.     3.  Aeschylus wrote “Prometheus Bound.”     4.  The king was in the counting house when “four and twenty blackbirds were baked in a pie.”

5.  The deltoid muscle is in the shoulder.

return to top of page

Tuesday,  October 4, 2005        No. 1       Vol. 84                                    return to top of page

Installation Banquet  at  Mansion By The Bay

Program

Call to Order………………………………………………………….....Al Karnavicius

Song…………………………………………………………………….….Bernie Lodge

Pledge of Allegiance

Invocation

Welcome and Introduction of Head Table/Special Guests………..…Al Karnavicius

Dinner

Special Presentations

            Layman of the Year…………………………………………….....J. C. Russell

            Outstanding Chairperson……………………………………...Al Karnavicius

            Legion Honor Awards……………………………………......Bruce McKelvey

Parting Comments…………………………………………………..…Al Karnavicius

Installation of New Officers………………………………………………Ray Watson

                                                                                                        Lt.  Gov., Division 13

Acknowledgements/Comments…………………………………… … Cathy Swanson

Song……………………………………………………………………….Bernie Lodge

Adjournment      

TODAY’S QUIZ:           
1.  Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?     2.  What does the Greek prefix “Cosmo” mean?     3.  Who wrote “Prometheus Bound’?     4.  Where was the king when “four and 20 blackbirds were baked in a pie”?     5.  Where is the deltoid muscle?

LAST WEEK AT KIWANIS
  Our President, Al Karnavicius, presented a very entertaining program in celebration of his fifty-one weeks in office.  With the assistance of Frank Ranieri, a computer generated photo montage of Kiwanis activities for the entire year was presented.  These included club meetings, pictures taken at various club activities, both service oriented and social events, Kiwanis International pics and other activities where members congregated. 

  This was followed up with another shorter series of pictures where our president, reading from a prepared script, took some fun-filled shots at various members.  These included a litany of pictures of some of our past presidents.  The pictures were provided by Frank Ranieri, Don Munafo, and Al Karnavicius.  Al thanked Frank for arranging the pictures for presentation and ended his presentation by saying that it has been a great honor being president this past year.  The club members rose en masse and with a great round of applause, thanked Al for being such a great president.  He truly did a great job!       

VISITORS AND GUESTS
  Most, if not all of our guests last week are prospective new members.  We welcome them all!  Tom Hallis was the guest of Gayle Moore.  Rex Stuckey was the guest of Stan Shaver.  Mark Willis came as the guest of Dick Koch and worth Blackwell was the guest of Scott Boyle.  Richard Gonlin was the guest of Donna Giles and Matt McKillen was the guest of Debbie Deeb.  To celebrate the occasion, Al Karnavicius brought his wife Nancy to help enjoy the meeting with him.  Welcome one and all!  

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

HAPPY WORKERS DAYCARE HAD HAPPY DAY
  Community Service Chair Jane Baldwin reported that fifteen Kiwanians helped distribute books, passed out snow cones, led the pony for the kids and just had a ball.  Over 200 children were served during this activity and everyone -  kids, Happy Workers and Kiwanians all had a great time.  This is what Kiwanis is all about – helping children!

2005-2006 COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS NOW BEING ACCEPTED
  Cathy Swanson passed around a list of the Reporting Committees and requested members to make their choice of which committee on which they would like to serve.  Members can volunteer for the Administrative.  Every member should be active on at least one committee.  So, SIGN UP NOW!

SALVATION ARMY SENDS THANKS FOR KATRINA DONATION
  Your generous gift of $1500.00 is a tremendous help in our commitment to making sure that the needs of the people affected by Hurricane Katrina are met.  Your trust in The Salvation Army is a blessing and you can be assured that every penny of your donation will be used for the relief efforts.  May god bless you today and please keep those affected by the storm in your prayers.  Sincerely, yours, Major Gary Elliott, Area Commander

RUSTY LAMPE HAS MOVED
  Rusty has moved to a new re-hab facility, the Arbor Oaks.  It is located at 1701 – 68^th Street North and his phone number is 345-8900.  He has had quite a siege in his battle to get well and could sure use some visitors.  If you have some time, please drop by.  If you don’t, please give him a call.  We know he would appreciate it.

ARE YOU READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL ?
  The club will attend the USF-West Virginia game on Oct. 22nd. It will be preceded by a gala tail-gate party.  A sign-up sheet is being passed around to see who wants tickets to this BIG game!  Sign up NOW.  October 22nd will be here before you know it.  

NOW YOU KNOW – THIS WEEK’S HISTORY DAY BY DAY
Oct. 4 – The comic strip Dick Tracy, created by Chester Gould, made its debut, 1931.      Oct. 5 -  Portugal was proclaimed a republic, 1910.     Oct. 6 – The Naval War College was established in Newport, R.I. , 1884.     Oct. 7 – Artie Shaw and his orchestra recorded Hoagy Carmichael’s Stardust for RCA Victor, 1940.     Oct. 8 – The 14^th president of the United States, Franklin Pierce, died in Concord, N.H., 1869.     Oct. 9 – Religious dissident Roger Williams was banished from the Massachusetts Bay Colony, 1635.     Oct. 10 - Fiji became independent after nearly a century of British rule in ceremonies attended by Prince Charles, 1970.

PRAYER OF THE DAY       Almighty and everlasting God, you made the universe with all its marvelous order, its atoms, worlds, and galaxies, and the infinite complexity of living creatures.  Grant that, as we probe the mysteries of your creation, we may come to know you more truly, and more surely fulfill our role in your eternal purpose.  Amen.

LAST WEEK’S QUIZ:     1.  George Washington had no political party affiliation when he ran for president.     2.  Keturah became Abraham’s wife after Sarah’s death.  (Genesis 25:1)     3.  CBS became the first network to televise the Summer Olympics in 1960.     4.   The ridges that lie across the neck of a guitar are called Frets.     5. Alabama  is known as the Camellia State.

return to top of page