March 9, 2010
Today’s Program
Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Today’s Speakers
June Liggins
June Liggins began volunteering at the SPCA Tampa Bay in 1985 and served on the organization’s board of directors from 1989 through 2008. Over the years June’s contributions to the animals have been many and varied including her founding of the SPCA Friends of Family Pets low cost spay-neuter program. June was president of the organization twice, 1991 to 1994 and 2000 through 2004. She currently serves on a number of board committees including Programs/Education and the Humane Care/Vet Advisory Committee. Over the years she has also chaired the Development and Major Gifts committees. June has six Cocker Spaniels – all adoptees from our SPCA.
June is an elected official, serving on the Pinellas County Republican Executive Committee.
More Scholarship Letters
Bob Byelick received the following letter from James H., a 7th Grader at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School.
Dear Mr. Byelick,
Thank you for giving me the chance to have a Doorways Scholarship. I really appreciate this opportunity, and I really need it. Without it college would be more expensive or even be tougher because I would have to pay so much tuition. I will try my hardest to keep this scholarship and do the best I can in school. Before I got this scholarship I thought that school was boring, and I didn’t have to really try. Now I am trying my hardest to get an A in every class possible. Thank you once again for giving me this scholarship.
Sincerely,
James H.
Update from the Al Muter Scholarship Winner
J.C. Russell read a letter from Hollins University sophomore Lana P., former Muter scholarship winner in her second year of the scholarship.
Dear Mr. Russell,
I am glad to be able to write you again with an update on my progress here at Hollins University. I am currently a sophomore. The classes I am taking this semester are Chemistry 102, Chemistry 102 Lab, Geology, Intermediate German, and Stage Makeup. That is eighteen credits.
This past January I went to Berlin for a J-term class. I was fortunate enough to win a study abroad scholarship which covered my expenses in Berlin. It was a great opportunity to learn a lot about the culture as well as practice my German language skills. I had never been out of the country before so the experience was really great.
As for my employment while at college, I am working for the University. This year I am working at the IT Help Desk. I answer the phone and fix computers. I feel like I am learning a lot of new things at this job.
My cumulative grade point average is 3.60.
I am very grateful for your continued assistance with my education. I look forward to keeping in touch throughout college.
Sincerely,
Lana P.
Al Muter Scholarship
Charles Stuart made a special presentation to the club. Jane Block, a longtime client of Charles’, remembered the Al Muter scholarship in her will, and Charles presented a check to the Muter Scholarship in the amount of $25,270.72. Many of you may remember that Jane Block donated $500 a year to the Al Muter scholarship. This final gift is the largest one time gift ever given to the scholarship fund.
Mrs. Block passed away on April 2, 2009. She and her husband, Robert “Tex” Block were active in the greyhound-racing industry. She was affiliated with The Florida Orchestra, St. Petersburg Yacht Club, Hospice of Florida Suncoast, Women’s Auxiliary of VFW, St. Anthony’s Foundation, and All Children’s Foundation.
Charles also encouraged us to think about any clients or customers who are charitably inclined, and encouraged us to invite them to the Al Muter scholarship program and show them how the funds are used to help these worthy kids. Charles first brought Jane Block to an Al Muter Scholarship meeting many years ago and that invitation led to this wonderful gift.
Last Week at Kiwanis
Kiwanian of the Day, Tom Nelson, introduced Tammie Souza, the Chief Meteorologist of Channel 10 WTSP. Tammie’s topic was the El Niño / La Nina Phenomenon.
Tammie presented an update on a subject that has been a major topic in her viewer mail lately. Many have asked if El Niño is responsible for the recent number of earthquakes and their severity. Tammie indicated that El Niño had nothing to do with the earthquakes. Historical data indicates an average amount of earthquakes and average severity.
Tammie explained El Niño was originally recognized by fishermen off the coast of South America as the appearance of unusually warm water in the Pacific Ocean, occurring near the beginning of the year. El Niño means “The Little Boy” or “Christ Child” in Spanish since the tendency of the phenomenon to arrive around Christmas. La Niña means “The Little Girl”, also known as anti-El Niño. This year’s El Niño has been responsible for the unseasonably cold winter, most notably in Florida, recorded at the sixth coldest winter. The El Niño effect also helps explain the lack of snow and rainy conditions at this year’s Olympics in British Columbia.
La Nina is defined as cooler than normal sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean that impact global weather patterns. La Niña conditions recur every few years and typically last approximately 9-12 months but can persist for as long as two years. La Nina tends to bring nearly the opposite effects of El Niño to the United States - wetter than normal conditions across the Pacific NW and dryer and warmer than normal conditions along the southern United States. The El Niño and La Nina impacts are most clearly seen in wintertime. During El Niño years temperatures in the winter are warmer in the North Central states and cooler than normal in the southeast and southwest. During a La Nina year, winter temperatures are warmer than normal in the southeast and cooler than normal in the northwest.
When asked about her feelings on The Weather Channel, Tammie indicated her preference was for local weather reporting. She indicated she passed on two job offers from The Weather Channel in favor of local weather. She loves her own community, and enjoys forecasting to viewers she considers her friends and neighbors.
When asked if it was time to cut back our bushes and/or replant flowers and other plants, Tammie indicated to wait as another cold snap might be in the offing.
Tammie, thanks for the informative report. We look forward to seeing your reports on Channel 10 WTSP.
Attendance Last Week
We had members 48 and 4 guests.
Judith Nicholson, Allen Yergovich, and Henry TenBruck of the Sunshine City Club
(Allen announced that he would be running for Lt. Governor for the term after Markus.)
What’s Happening
Don’t Forget Fischer/Carr Committee Meeting
The Fischer/Carr committee will meet on Wednesday, March 11, at 5:15 p.m. at 721 – 1st Avenue North.
Sign the Papers
We need volunteers for the Special Olympics March 13, and the Blues Fest April 9-11. Please get on board and sign up to volunteer.
Shorecrest Preparatory School Key Club News
On February 24, 2010, the Leadership Development, Second Series, was held by our club. The panel participants were: Mrs. Kathleen Ford, Attorney; Reverend Louis Murphy, Senior Pastor; and Mr. Michael Brown, Financial Consultant. The theme for this series was, “Ethical Decision Making from a Leadership Perspective”. Thus educated, these Key Club members have a stronger sense of the impact that current decisions make on their later lives and those around them. Jerry Little thanked each of the panel participants.
This Week’s Quiz
- What are the top five most popular breed of dogs?
- What are the top three smartest breed of dog?
- What are the top five most popular breed of cats?
- What are the top three most friendly breed of cats?
- How much do Americans spend a year on their pets?
- 41 billion b. 20 billion c.12 billion d. 55 billion
Last Week’s Quiz
- The highest temperature recorded in Florida was 109 degrees in Monticello, in the Florida panhandle, on June 29, 1931.
- The coldest temperature in Florida on record is a -2 degrees in Tallahassee on Feb 3, 1899.
- The four hurricanes that hit Florida in 2004 are: Charley, Ivan, Frances, and Jeanne. Bonnie also struck Florida as a tropical storm.
- Florida is the thunderstorm capital of the United States. The "lightning belt" in Florida is an area between Orlando and Tampa to south along the west coast to Fort Myers and east to Lake Okeechobee.
- Snow in Florida is a rare occurrence, especially on the peninsula. During the Great Blizzard of 1899, Florida experienced blizzard conditions; the Tampa Bay area had "gulf-effect" snow, similar to lake-effect snow in the Great Lakes region. During the 1899 blizzard was the only time the temperature in Florida is known to have fallen below 0 degrees Fahrenheit (−18 °C). The most widespread snowfall in Florida history occurred on January 19, 1977, when snow fell over much of the state, with flurries as far south as Homestead. Snow flurries also fell on Miami Beach for the only time in recorded history. Gainesville had 3 inches of snow as recorded by Doug Lampe while a student at the University of Florida.
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