Tony Vecchio is responsible for the entire operations of the Zoo, which welcomes more than 700,000 guests each year; its education program that serves more than 100,000 children annually; the animal program and its research and conservation efforts that recently resulted in the birth of a genetically-valuable jaguar; and the fundraising and management of the expansion plans for the Zoo. Planning that began for Monsoon Asia in 2006, continues under Vecchio’s leadership. It includes the construction of more Asian animal exhibits and a plaza twice the size of the Range of the Jaguar with a restaurant, gift shop and restrooms. The exhibits and plaza will open in phases over the next 10 to 15 years, depending on the availability of funds.

Vecchio’s zoo career spans a 32 year period. It began at Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, South Carolina, where he worked from 1979 through 1985. Between 1986 and 1988, he worked as curator of mammals at Zoo Atlanta. In 1988, he was hired as general curator of Roger Williams Zoo in Providence, Rhode Island, where in 1989 he was promoted to and worked as zoo director until February 1998. In March 1998, he was named zoo director at the Oregon Zoo.

Under Vecchio’s leadership, the Oregon Zoo achieved record attendance in nine of the past 11 years he has been there. It has become the most visited admission-based attraction in the Northwest with nearly 1.6 million visitors. Last fall, a successful bond campaign secured $125 million to help improve animal health and safety at the zoo.

Vecchio has a Master of Science, Biology, from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science, Environmental Resource Management/Wildlife Conservation from Penn State University. His honors and awards include the Vanguard Award, Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association in 1995; Outstanding Citizen Award, Mayor of Providence, Rhode Island 1994; and the Outstanding Service Award, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), 1991. He previously served on the Board of Directors, Board of Regents, Animal Welfare Special Committee, Pig and Peccary Advisory Group, and Science and Technology Committee of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is considered a leader in the organization. He has also been a member of the American Association of Zookeepers; Animal Behavior Society; American Society of Primatologists; International Bear Biology Association; Society for Conservation Biology; American Society of Mammalogists and the American Federation of Herpetoculturists.

Tony is married and has two children.

Notes
President john discussed the charity grants and the blueberry fundraiser to be held on July 10 in two locations.

President John announced President’s Night on June 30.

President John recognized Phil Bravo and Rotaract for their annual event.

Wally Barrs introduced Officer Alan Richardson and his wife Lana for our Quarterly Officer Award. Alan graduated form Ed White High. He has spent the last 5 years as a detective with JSO’s missing persons division.
Alan is a youth minister at Hillcrest Baptist Church.

Bob Kidd honored the Myers family for Bob Myers Sr. and Bob Myers Jr. by reading and presenting resolutions to their family members.

Jerry Spinks introduced the speakers, Bruce Dickinson and Corey Campbell, both with the SB/SE Division of the local IRS office. Corey spoke about the IRS office in Jacksonville. He informed us that Jacksonville is part of the South Atlantic Area. There are about 120 Revenue agents in the area. Twenty five locally here in Jacksonville. 60% of the agents have less than 5 years experience due to turnover.

Next he discussed the percentages of taxpayers that pay taxes. He said approximately 43.4% pay zero taxes. Next he discussed the tax gap.

Currently they estimated the tax gap to be about 345 billion dollars as of 2001.

There were few questions asked after the presentation.

Dr. Jim Shumacher have the 4 way test to conclude the meeting.

Visiting Rotarians:
Ed Witt, Sr — Downtown
Henry Beckwith — Downtown
Larry Turknett — Riverside

Rotary Guests:
Millie Myers — Guest of club
Cara Myers — Guest of club
William Myers — Guest of club
Caroline Myers — Guest of club

Birthdays
Veronica James — June 19
Earl Bright — June 21
Walter Williams — June 25

Next Meeting - June 30, 2010
President’s Night at Timuquana Country Club. No meeting at Holiday Inn.

Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online.

Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

Notes
President John Runion called the meeting to order at 12:41 pm on June 2, 2010. Bob Hyde gave the invocation. Harry Roddenberry gave the Pledge of Allegiance.

Greeters were Marshall Butler, Guy Leary, Frank Yong and Phil Risley.

President John thanked all those who organized and participated in the Suns game event. President John announced that June 30 was the Club’s President night at Timuquana Country Club.

Scott Imray thanked everyone for their participation on short notice in the Bahamas Trip by the Fleming Island Rotary Club which asked our club to collected dental supplies.

President John mentioned Robert Jones discussion of the Jacksonville Legal Aid last week and if anyone is still interested to see Patti.

Marty sack entertained with Family of Rotary, including a lawyer and doctor joke along with announcing the birthdays for the week.

President John thanked Mike Crumpler and Diane Ballard for updating the New Member Handbook.

President John mentioned the District 6970 Awards luncheon. Several members of our club received awards, including Cecil Gibson, Ken Baker, Patti and Bill Gay. The Club was recognized with two awards - 1) Premier Club Status Award and 2) Best Large Club International Service Project. Rob Overly has headed this project up for the past few years.

Nina Sasser announced the visiting Rotarians and guests.

Jerry Spinks introduced the speaker, Mike Hogan. Mike is the Tax Collector. He discussed the Tax Collector’s role. He presented a power point presentation revealing the facts and figures of the tax collection process. He discussed the tax roll statistics. He also provided an outline of approximately 3 1/2 years for the delinquent tax payer collection process. He also mentioned his office attempts to contact homestead owners prior to the final sale in a last attempt to resolve the issue. Various club members asked questions of the speaker.

4 way test provided by Ron Bongiovanni.

Visiting Rotarians:
Nicole Mishko - Rotaract
Jeff Bell - Jax Oceanside
Andre Lanish - Washington, NC noon
Marcus Drewa - South Jax
Ed Witt, Sr - Downtown
Ed Witt, Jr - Downtown
Anne Renfroe - Downtown

Rotary Guests:
Jimmy Kelly - Guest of Stephanie Cain
Jill Dame - Guest of Nina Sasser
Ted Hewitt - Guest of Bob Goodwin

Birthdays
Dave Collier - June 10
Charlie Wilson - June 11
Bill Holyfield - June 13

Next Meeting - June 16, 2010
Speaker: Bruce Dickinson, IRS, Jacksonville Territory Manager
Greeters: Paul Broome, II and Tommy Platt
Invocation: Michael Prendergast
Pledge: John Schultz
Four-Way Test: Jim Schumacher

Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online.

Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

Notes
Scott Imray discussed the Bahamas Trip by the Fleming Island Rotary Club which has asked our club to collected dental supplies. These supplies
would be tooth brushes dental floss, tooth paste and any other dental necessities. The trip will be in June to address dental needs of the people in the Bahamas.

Robert Jones discussed Jacksonville Legal Aid requesting volunteers to provide legal assistance to the needy.

Frank Scheu discussed the end of Rotary Year gathering to usher in the new officers and board for 2010-2011 Rotary Year.

The Mandarin Rotary Club is sponsoring the Clark School of the Deaf by asking our club to participate in their fund raiser by purchasing tickets
for $100 each. There are very good prizes to be given away.

Terry Vereen asked all who participated in the Highway Clean Up to meet after the meeting for a group picture.

Ray Purvis asked all who had not signed up to go to the Friday Suns Baseball Game to do so and mentioned that tickets will be available for pick-up at the Will Call Window Also, the area where we are to meet and watch the game has been moved to behind Home Plate. Food will be plentiful, eat all you want.

Marty Sack presented everyone his eloquent discussion on the Family of Rotary. As always, Marty’s presentations gather laugh and many chuckles.

Marshall Butler led a Special Presentation to Bishop Snyder High School to Gigi Carroll and the Interact officers. They represented the club as President, Vice President Secretary and Treasurer. Each discussed their own special projects. Ms Spears, Wounded Warriors; Chris, the Afghan School Supply Project; Courtney, “Flush Cancer” where toilets were placed in yards and raised $250; and Mandy’s Senior Prom for Senior Citizens which provided fun and dancing for many Seniors and her Hang 10 Fund which garnered $10 each from Bishop Snyder students who wanted to dress down for a day.

Jerry Spinks introduced Kevin Hyde of the City Council to discuss Public Pensions in the cities Budget for next year. The cost of next years
budget will be $1,000,000,000. (notice all the zero’s) Almost 50% of the budget goes towards Police and Fire. Brave persons who protect us. 27% covers debt and the remaining 23% covers pensions and the general fund. The cost of Pensions has risen to 11% or $110,000,000. We cannot afford to keep funding our current Pension System. We need to make changes during the Collective Bargaining taking place with the Unions. City Employees who work 20 Years under the current plan then retire receive 60% of their highest 3 year work period. This is for life. If they work 30 years the receive 80% of their highest 3 years for life. This means employees who began working at 21 years of age can receive pension payments for 30 to 40 years if they live to 80. They do not fund the pension when they retire which means the rest of the city residents must pay. Also, at the present time the city has a $60,000,000 budget shortfall. Where is the money going to come from? Another thing to consider based on the way government employees (union) and regular employees are paid. According to news reports the average pay for a Government Worker is $79,000 with the average salary for a Nongovernment Employee being $49,000. If the City and the Unions come to an Impasse, it will be up to the City Council to make a hard decision. It is time to make a STAND to begin reducing cost. The information provided today is sobering and must be addressed. We need good people, but at what cost to the rest of the city.

Visiting Rotarians:
Jim Morency — Mandarin
Bob Broome — Riverside
Bert Ralston — Downtown
Ray Wolford — Mandarin
Major Harding — Mandarin
Lee Hollingsworth — Roswell, GA

Rotary Guests:
Robbie Kimball — Guest of Frank Surface
Meghan Tarsitano — Guest of Kevin Hyde
Mandi Vossman — Interact
Chris Sitjar — Interact
Courtney Brannan — Interact
Caitlin Sears — Interact

Birthdays
Jim Howard - June 3
Ron Bongiovanni - June 8
Lee wimberly - June 8

Next Meeting - June 9, 2010
Speaker: Marie Hane, Exec. Dir. MOSH
Greeters: John Bickerstaff and Joe Hayworth, III
Invocation: Chris Bergey
Pledge: Ed French IV
Four-Way Test: Shep Colledge

Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online. FIXED!

Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

Notes
The District Symphony Event will be Saturday May 22, 2010. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Polio Plus Campaign.

The District Awards Meeting will be Monday, May 10, 2010. We will not be having a meeting at the Holiday Inn that week.

A new club was announced: Rotary Club of Orange Park at Sunset will be meeting for cocktails.

We will have a Suns baseball game event on Friday, May 28, 2010. Tickets will be $19.95 each for adults, $14.95 for youth, and free for children under 3. They will have all you can eat hamburgers and hot dogs from 6 to 7 pm. Sign up sheets will be going out in the next couple of weeks.

Next week we will have a blood drive. Please sign up.

The changes to the Club’s by-laws was motioned and passed.

John Runion thanked all those involved with the Youth Awards. He announced that we had a successful Clay Shoot last week. More news will be coming in the next few weeks. The raffle ticket winner was Caroll Mann.

New members were introduced to the club. Guy Leary sponsored by Ken Baker and Frank Young sponsored by John Runion.

John McCorvey Sr. (John McCorvey’s father) was introduced as a new Paul Harris Fellow by Preston Keys.

Guest Speaker:
Introduction of Steve Letro with NOAA Weather

• He is a meteorologist with over 30 years of experience
• Graduate from Florida State University

Steve Letro:

• May is the month before hurricane season.
• May flies:
  • Have a life span of 24 hours
  • Half of their life is experiencing global warming
  • The other half is experiencing global cooling.
• Global warming takes place over a long period of time.
• Nature does not flip a switch to turn on some effect such as global warming or increased hurricanes.
• The Atlantic Oscillation is a 20 to 40 year cycle of general warming and cooling cycles.
  • We are in an active period for hurricanes since 1995
  • Climate changes take place over a very long period of time, and one particular event does not prove or disprove it.
  • In 2005 we had 25 named storms breaking the previous record of 21.
  • Last year we had 9 named storms.
  • Climate change is not something that just happened.
  • The atmospheric conditions are in a constant state of change.
  • Think for yourself, and do not take for granted what is said on television.
  • Are we having global warming? Yes.
  • Is the warming caused by humans? Can not be determined. No one has yet to convincingly quantify humans impact on the environment.

  Hurricane preparedness:

  • It looks like this year has the possibility to be one of the peaks.
  • Waters in the Atlantic are warmer than 2005.
  • 2005 was actually a quite season for NE Florida.
  • We should prepare the same for each season no matter the predictions.
  • Even a slow season can have a major storm hit in your area.
  • Predicted numbers for this year: 15 named storms, 8 hurricanes, and 4 major storms.
  • the predictions do not tell us the locations the storms will hit.

  Questions:
  How does the Gulf Stream affect Jacksonville’s lower frequency of major storms?
  The Gulf Stream does not steer hurricanes. It just happens that the atmospheric conditions that create the Gulf Stream also affect hurricanes. It is the atmospheric conditions that steer hurricanes.The coast’s shape does help some, but it does not protect us.

  Why does Tampa have so many thunder storms?
  It is actually Brandon that sees the most storms. The land and sea breezes collisions just happen the more near the west coast than the east coast.

  Visiting Rotarians:
  Fel Lee — Oceanside Jacksonville
  Marcus Drewa from South Jax

  Rotary Guests:
  Chris Konernschild — Guest of Jim Riggan
  John McCorvey, Sr. — Guest of John McCorvey

  Birthdays
  Marshall Butler — May 5

  Next Meeting - May 12, 2010
  Regular meeting canceled. We will be attending the District Luncheon on Monday, May 10 at the Hyatt Regency Downtown.

  Quick Links:
  You can now report make-ups online. FIXED!

  Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

  Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it. ]]> http://westjaxrotary.org/dev/index.php/2010/05/west-word-for-552010/feed/ http://westjaxrotary.org/dev/index.php/2010/04/west-word-for-4282010/ http://westjaxrotary.org/dev/index.php/2010/04/west-word-for-4282010/#comments Tue, 27 Apr 2010 21:11:43 +0000 admindev http://westjaxrotary.org/dev/?p=902 Steve Letro
  NOAA Weather – Jacksonville

  Steve Letro is the Meteorologist in Charge at the National Weather Service in Jacksonville, a position he has held since 1994. Steve was born in the Buffalo, New York area, but raised in south Florida. He received his degree in Meteorology from Florida State University and has held positions as Lead Forecaster, Satellite Meteorologist, Hydrologist and Meteorologist in Charge with the National Weather Service at several offices around the country.

  Steve has received numerous awards in his career including the National Weather Service’s Modernization Award and the Department of Commerce’s Bronze Medal. Under his direction the Jacksonville National Weather Service office has received several national awards including the Department of Commerce’s Bronze and Gold medals, and the Tropical Meteorology Award from the Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference. The Jacksonville NWS Office has weather forecast and severe storm warning responsibility for 29 counties in northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

  A professional meteorologist for over 30 years, Steve has also served as a TV and radio meteorologist, private consulting meteorologist, and as meteorologist for the South Florida Water Management District. Specializing in tropical meteorology and hurricanes, Steve is a long time member of the National Hurricane Center’s Hurricane Liaison Team and is a Vice President of the Florida Governor’s Hurricane Conference. He also teaches tropical meteorology at State and national hurricane conferences, has authored numerous newspaper and magazine articles, and has appeared as a subject matter expert on hurricane related documentaries for the History Channel.

  Clay Shoot Recap
  Thanks to everyone who sponsored, volunteered, shot or organized the annual Clay Shoot. We will have a complete recap of the fundraiser in a future West Word.

  Youth Awards Recap
  Randy Thornton announced that 7 Westside High School students are being recognized for their academic achievements. Each school will have one student receive a $500 scholarship, and one additional $500 scholarship to one outstanding student. Randy thanked many of the folks who made the event possible:

  • Thank you to the Holiday Inn for hosting this event
  • Thank you to Rotarians.
  • Thank you to the guidance counselors and teachers.

  Randy introduced Ed Pratt-Dannals.  Ed is a Rotary member, raised through the ranks of Duval County Public Schools.  He holds a BA from Georgia State University, a MA from UNF, and is working on his PHD at UF. Ed is the current Duval County School Board Superintendent.

  Ed recognized the parents and guardians for their investment in the lives of the students being recognized.  Ed discussed leadership and pointed out that the world is crying out for strong leaders.

  Leaders:

  • Have a strong set of core beliefs.
  • Are often unappreciated.
  • Need a foundation to move forward.
  • Have a passion for what they are doing.
  • Need to have compassion to understand the thoughts and feelings of others.
  • Need to be able to build a strong team.
  • Are persistent.
  • Difficult times will happen
  • Find a direction and go for it
  • Find mentors
  • Ask what is it going to take to get to the next level

  Ed explained the Rotary Four Way test will help if you follow the prinicples:

  • Is it the truth,
  • Is is fair to all concerned,
  • Will it build good will and better friendships,
  • Will it be beneficial to all concerned.

  The award winners:

  • Baldwin High School:
    • Science award: Emily Bunker
    • Arts & languages award: Chelsy Newman
    • Math award: Cecelia Donaly (Scholarship winner)
  • Robert E. Lee High School:
    • Science award: Tremel Williams
    • Arts & language award: Sabina Philszame
    • Math award: Brandon Scintino (Scholarship winner)
  • Forrest High School
    • Math award: Jeremy Bohack (Scholarship winner)
    • Arts & language award: Samantha Herst
    • Science award: Claudia Borges
  • Paxon School for Advanced Studies
    • Math award: Tyler Morris (Scholarship winner)
    • Science award: Jessica Overmiller
    • Arts & language: Robby McKay (Scholarship winner)
  • Bishop John Snyder
    • Science award: Daniele Schuff
    • Arts & language: Alana Elisa Morales (Scholarship winner)
    • Math award: Chelsy Corrigan
  • Ed White High School
    • Arts & language award: Cody Dickertorino (Scholarship winner)
    • Science award: Michael Kingsley
    • Math award: Song Win
  • Frank H. Peterson Academy
    • Arts & language award: Amelia Harris
    • Science award: James Arnold
    • Math award: Nicoli Seminalf (Scholarship winner)

  Birthdays
  Jerry Mackoul — May 26

  Next Meeting - May 5, 2010
  Speaker: Stacy Ridenour, Executive Director, Jacksonville Symphony
  Greeters: Scott Houser and Drew Story
  Invocation: Mark Hulsey
  Pledge: Ed Varnes
  Four-Way Test: TBD

  Quick Links:
  You can now report make-ups online. FIXED!

  Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

  Note: There is a print link embedded within this post, please visit this post to print it.

This week’s program will be our annual Youth Awards program where students from 7 Westside High Schools are recognized for their academic acheivements. $4,000 worth of scholarships will be awarded. Each school will have one $500 scholarship recipient, and the awards committee will also pick one additional student from the schools to receive a scholarship. Duval County Public Schools Superintendent and West Jax Rotary member Ed Pratt-Dannals will also address the students.

Notes
Terry Vereen announced that on April 10 we will meet a 8:30 am at the McDonalds on Blanding and the McDonalds on Ortega Blvd for the Adopt-a-highway project.

The Clay Shoot is scheduled for 4/22/10. There will be no meeting at the Holiday Inn that week. Instead we will have a BBQ lunch on that Thursday at the Clay Shoot. See Marshall Butler for raffle tickets are 1 for $10 and 3 for $20. If interested in sponsoring a stand, please contact Ike Sherlock. Contact Will Craft to register a team. They still need at least 5 more volunteers to work the event. If interested in volunteering please contact Jerry Fuller.

President John Runion announced that next week’s program is the Annual Youths Awards Banquet. We have approx. 24 students from 7 local High Schools that will be honored for their High School achievements. Please try to get to lunch 15 minutes early. We would like for everyone to be seated as close to 12:25 pm so we can start the program at 12:30 pm.

President John polled the club about the possibility of attending a Suns Baseball Game Friday May 28.

Frank Scheu is working on committee assignments for next year. If you are interested in a particular assignment please contact Fran Scheu or a board member.

John McCorvey spoke about the upcoming By-Laws changed and the upcoming vote in a couple of weeks. Please review the proposed By-Laws that will be distributed by email, and provide any feedback.

Captain Phil Voss introduced the guest speaker Steve Grossman with the JAA.

JAA as a business:

• JAA should be involved in the community and the community understand JAA.
• JIA is a domestic airport.
• Delta has JIA as the second highest business class travel in the United States.
• JAA does not receive general Tax revenues.
• JAA actually pays the the City for services such as fire protection.
• JAA is a sponsor for this year’s Jazz Festival.
• JAA takes risks and hopefully they are educated risks.
• He has spent the last 6 months asking questions to understand JAA himself.
• Proposed policy change will be going in front of the board for a “local preference program” to promote using locale vendors.
• Focusing locally.

Cecil Field

• Board priorities were a runway at Craig Airfield and Cecil Field.
• Cecil has 1.3 million square feet of leasable space. They are currently almost entirely leased out.
• The majority of tenants are government.
  • Navy
  • Army Guard
  • Coast Guard
  • Border Protection
  • Education Facilities
• Cecil already employs over 3,000 people.
• He projects that in the next 5 years that Cecil will still have a majority of government leasing.
• JAA is in Cecil to win.

Grossman  plans to be able to hit the deck running in June of this year. JAA needs to position themselves now to be ready for the economic recovery.

Questions:
What are some examples of doubles and triples? Growing 60-100 jobs at a time. He will be looking for those supporting vendors such as supplies to Boeing and the government to play an increased role at Cecil.
What are some examples of non-air side uses at Cecil? They will need housing, hotels and restaurants.
What about a spaceport? 6 weeks ago Cecil was designated the 8th commercial spaceport. Horizontally launched vehicles can reach low earth orbits. In the future they could have a Jacksonville to Asia suborbital commercial flight that takes about 1.5 hours.
How soon before a flight should we plan to be at JIA? at least 1 hour if you are checking luggage, and 45 minutes if you do not need to check luggage.
When will JIA get a machine that we do not need to take off our shoes? It is hard to say. JIA does have a full body scanner.

Visiting Rotarians
John Noseworthy — Wilmington, DE
Peter Condaxis — Riverside
Connie Green — Ponte Vedra (Stewart Green’s mom)

Rotary Guests
Chip O’Steen — Guest of Mark O’Steen (son)

Birthdays
Hugh Blanton - April 8
Jim Marlier - April 8

Next Meeting - April 22, 2010
CLAY SHOOT. NO MEETING AT HOLIDAY INN ON 4/21/2010.
Buy your raffle tickets!

Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online. FIXED!

Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

Steven J. Grossman graduated from Michigan State University in 1977 with a Masters Degree in Urban Planning. In August of 1992, Mr. Grossman was appointed Director of Aviation for the Port of Oakland. In this role, he was responsible for the operation, management and marketing of the Aviation Program for the Port of Oakland. He coordinated all activities related to Oakland International Airport and provided guidance on aviation issues to the Port’s Board of Commissioners and staff.

Mr. Grossman has been a member of the Airports Council International World Governing Board and is the past chairman of Airports International— North America, the association which represents airports all across North America.

As a result of an international search by the Jacksonville Aviation Authority to replace its Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, the Board of Directors selected Mr. Grossman from an extensive candidate pool.

Notes
Adopt A Highway was changed from Saturday, April 3 to April 10 due to this weekend being Easter.

The Clay Shoot is on schedule for April 22. There will be no meeting at the Holiday Inn that week. The Shoot will be held at W W Sporting Clays,
1445 Otis Rd, Jacksonville, FL (904) 266-1121. Please see Marshall Butler for raffle tickets. They are $10 each or 3 for $20. Grand prize is a big screen TV, dove shoot for 4, or $500 cash. Please see Ike Sherlock if you would like to sponsor a stand, and Will Croft if you would like to register a team.

Ambassador Lisa Phelps (Italy) is now working at a local TV Station as an Account Manager.

Phil Risley was recognized.

Jim Overton introduced Keith Ashley, Archeologist at UNF as our guest speaker.

Dr. Ashley has worked mostly in North Florida with his research. The College strongly supports the Archeology studies of the area and his main
study is the Native American who lived in this and surrounding area. His goal is to bring as much knowledge as possible about the history of the Indian in this area.

Some amazing facts:

• Studies find evidence of Native Americans dating back 10,000 years to the tail end of the Ice Age.
• 6,000 BC you begin to see signs of Indians living in the Jacksonville Area
• 4,000 to 5,000 BC you begin to find signs where fish and animal bones were buried in the same sites suggesting tribes or families living in one place.
• 3,000 BC you begin to see more stabilization of tribes staying in one place 2,000 BC Pottery is found along the Savannah River
• 1,000 BC Giant Mounds reflecting burial grounds where people were interned then dirt placed above them, and this goes on for several years with several layers of bones.
• Between 1562 to 1568 there are signs that the French began arriving.
• There were many groups of Indians, some were friendly and some were aggressive. (not so friendly).

These are just a few of things discussed by Dr. Ashley.

Partnership with his project and the college are shared by:

• U.S. Park Services
• City of Jacksonville
• Big Talbott Island Reservation Project, just to mention a few.

It is amazing that when we go back in time through these studies that we find how people lived, developed and prospered before civilization as we know it settled in North Florida.

Birthdays
Hugh Blanton - April 8
Jim Marlier - April 8

Next Meeting - April 14, 2010
Speaker: Youth Awards
Greeters: Robert L. Jones and Barry Allred
Invocation: Doug Milne
Pledge: Tommy Gower
Four-Way Test: Alberta Hipps

Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online. FIXED!

Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

Please review the 2009 - 2010 Duty Roster and mark your calendar with your responsibilities for the upcoming year.

Ed Pratt-Dannals was named the Superintendent of Duval County Public Schools, the nation’s 20th largest school district, in October 2007.

A life-long educator, Pratt-Dannals began working in the Duval County school system in 1976 as a math teacher at John Gorrie Junior High, and rose through the ranks as a principal, regional superintendent, associate superintendent for curriculum and instruction and chief academic officer. Prior to being named superintendent in 2007, he served as Chief Academic Officer.

As superintendent, Pratt-Dannals is committed to making Duval County Public Schools the top performing urban school district in America by providing high quality educational opportunities that will inspire all students to acquire and use the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in a global economy, and culturally diverse world.

Under the leadership of Pratt-Dannals, Duval County Public Schools launched a long-range Strategic Plan that will guide the work of the school district during the next four years. This plan outlines the school board’s vision, mission, core beliefs and commitments, as well as details the district’s goals and specific strategies to successfully implement the Strategic Plan.

Pratt-Dannals is a member of the Duval County Association of Secondary School Administrators, the Florida Association of School Administrators, the Association for Supervisors and Curriculum Development, the National Association of Secondary School Administrators and the Westside Rotary Club of Jacksonville. He has also served as president of both the Duval County Secondary School Principals and the Vice Principals’ Association.

Additionally, Pratt-Dannals is the recipient of several educational honors, including Outstanding Alumnus from the University of North Florida College of Education (2005); the J.J. McCranie Service Above Self Award from the West Jacksonville Rotary (1997); the Commissioner’s Award for Outstanding Principals Among High School Principals in North Florida (1995); a nomination by the Duval County Secondary School Principals as Outstanding High School Principal for Burger King’s In Honor of Excellence Program (1994); and recognition as the Assistant Administrator of the Year by the Duval County Secondary School Administrators (1984).

Pratt-Dannals holds a master’s degree in education from the University of North Florida and a bachelor’s degree from Georgia State University. He is completing a doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Florida, which he expects to finish in 2010. The focus of his doctorate program is large, urban school district reform.

Notes

President John Runion opened the meeting by asking Scott Imray to lead the Invocation and Jerry Spinks to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ron Roberts gave an update on RYLA, we have 3 applications.

Andy Hariton brought us up to date on the Youth Exchange. We need families to host 4 exchange students beginning in either August or September.

Drew Story reminded everyone the River Clean Up is scheduled for March 20th and for asked more volunteers. We will meeting at Lamb’s Boat Yard.

Scott Houser discussed the Clay Shoot scheduled for April 22, 2010. We need teams and lunch will be served before the competition.

Jim Kelly reminded all that the meeting of March 24, 2010 will be held at the Timuquana Country Club with golf and tennis following. He asked all to sign up for an accurate head count.

John Runion reminded all about the March 27, 2010, District Assembly meeting in Palatka, Florida. Please go as we need to have as many present as possible.

John also reminded all that the Blood Mobile was outside and if you had not signed up to give, please go after the meeting.

Terry Vereen asked for volunteers for the Highway Clean Up Project. Date is April 3, 2010.

Marty Sack gave a good presentation on the Family of Rotary. Boy does he have wit and humor. On a serious note Marty let everyone know about Alberta’s surgery for Cancer and wished her well. She is doing fine after the surgery.

President John exchanged Bud’s Red Badge of Courage for his Permanent Club Badge. Well done Bud. It is someone else’s turn to be there every week. Hope you were able to remember everyone’s name.

David Long presented Marjorie Nolan our “Teacher of Year” award. Marjorie is the Reading Coach at First Coast High School.

Our Guest Speaker was Noel Antonio an Engineering Student at the University of North Florida.

Noel spoke about a small Filipino farming town and the St. Anthony School which he help start. The school is dedicated to education and development of local under privileged children. The class size is approximately 20 students compared to the regular school system where each class has 50 to 60 students.

The smaller class size allows for more teacher time with each student which help provide a great emphasis in their development. Noel received a donation from a friend in the amount of $5,000. This money was his beginning and he has received cash and non cash assistance since its beginning. To keep the school operating it only takes approximately $100 to $200 per year. He has received help from a local Rotary Club, churches and friends from here in the United States. The school is located in the Bulacan Province. The school asks parent to participate in the education of their children and this has been a great help. Not only do the children learn, but also the parents. This education helps parents find better employment and helps the children learn as the parents who participate are required to be pro-active in their child’s learning experience. Over the next couple years Noel, with the help of local Florida people would like to expand the school by adding more classrooms and teachers. Over a 10 years period he hopes to develop the school to educate all 12 grades.

Visiting Rotarians
John Noseworthy from Wilmington, DE
Bob Broome Riverside
Marcus Drewa South Jax
Chris Winsett Orange Park Sunrise

Rotary Guests
Guy Leary — Guest of Ken Baker
Margie Nolan, Teacher of the year — Guest of club
Jill Jackson — Guest of the speaker
Peter Braza — Guest of the speaker

Birthdays
Joe Hayworth — March 22

Next Meeting - March 24, 2010
OFFSITE MEETING AT TIMUQUANA COUNTRY CLUB
Greeters: Bill Howey and Ham Cooke
Invocation: Rob Conolly
Pledge: Falsario Arnold
Four-Way Test: Diane Ballard

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In an impoverished Filipino farming town, preschool and kindergarten students learn in the two-room building of St. Anthony School. Neighbors from the tiny village volunteered to build the school by hand, using only $5,000 worth of materials. The 60 kids in three classes learn from used textbooks and computers shipped from Florida. The parents even help clean the school. It hardly sounds perfect. But it’s much better than what 34-year-old Noel San Antonio grew up with in the Philippines.

The public school in his hometown packs 50 to 60 students into each of its elementary school classrooms. That’s why the University of North Florida electrical engineering student founded a nonprofit foundation to support the St. Anthony Development and Learning Center. He keeps it going by scrounging up $100 here and $200 there from churches and friends.

In the future, he’d like to add another building and expand classes to 12th grade. “I really think there’s so much we can do to make sure the needy get the right education,” he said. “It really will lift the community.” Jerry Merckel, UNF professor of electrical engineering, said he believes San Antonio “has done far more than most will do in a lifetime in terms of giving back.” After high school, San Antonio spent nine years traveling the globe as a Catholic missionary, helping the less fortunate. Now, he’s encouraging others. There’s just something about him, Merckel said, that makes people want to help his cause. “Some leaders tend to be more vocal and take the bull by the horns,” he said, “but he’s a quiet leader who really brings people together with his passion. “It’s almost like he’s on a mission.”

Most of the people in town of Cut-cut in the Bulacan province are mango, rice and cabbage farmers who don’t make much money. San Antonio’s mother was a dressmaker who would work long hours. He shined shoes and sold newspapers to earn money. As a missionary, San Antonio traveled to Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia, giving speeches to young people about how to live morally. He talked to them about their problems with their parents or friends and guide them through tough situations. While doing his work around the world, he looked online and found — and earned — a National Science Foundation scholarship to attend Daytona Beach Community College in 2004. He moved to Palm Coast, then transferred to UNF to earn his bachelor’s degree. It was always his dream, though, to found a school to help others.

Through his Palm Coast church, San Antonio met Josefina Garcia, a fellow Filipino who shared his passion for helping back home. He told her about his dream and, in 2005, Garcia donated a small amount of land in Cut-cut and $5,000 of her own money. A few months later, the school opened. He named it after St. Anthony, not just his namesake but also the patron saint of poor people. He had a building, but not much else, so San Antonio contacted anyone he could think of to try to find supplies. Flagler County schools donated used textbooks and refurbished computers to send over. San Antonio’s relatives back home organized the school and picked the neediest students to attend. His mother sewed the children’s uniforms. “All I said is ‘This is what I want to do. Do you want to help?’ ” he said, “and people jumped on board.” At the school, students are taught basic math, science and reading along with a Catholic education.

The school even offers classes for parents to help them find better work. San Antonio raises $300 a month to pay for the school’s two teachers, which is actually a good paycheck for the area. The impact of those few thousand dollars — what some people spend on a TV — has been astonishing. San Antonio said the kids he’s met are excited to be learning, and those who were quiet and shy are now outspoken and enthusiastic. subhead San Antonio has visited the school every summer and winter break since it opened, but his main function is to raise funds for the Joy and Care Giving Foundation, his 501c3 nonprofit. If he raises enough money, San Antonio would like to add another building, which would cost $8,000. Ten years from now, he hopes the school will be teaching students up to 12th grade, which he thinks would cost $60,000 to $80,000 to build and $20,000 a year in operating costs.

He’ll continue to send money to the school after he graduates next year, when he plans to take a job in electrical engineering. Eventually, he’d like to go to the Philippines to teach, which is why he’s taking some education courses at UNF. Through education, he said he thinks one of his students could become the next Martin Luther King, Mother Teresa or Pope John Paul II. One person, he said, can make a difference. “When I grow old, I want to be able to say I made an impact on one child,” he said. “Maybe that one child will make an impact on the world.”

Reprinted from jacksonville.com

Notes
John Runion called meeting to order by asking Peter Michaelis to lead the Prayer and Frank Scheu to lead the Pledge of Allegiance.

Ron Roberts spoke of RYLA’s meeting/training to be held June 10, 2010.

Andy Harrington discussed Youth Exchange and asked all interested parties to complete the exchange application as soon as possible. Applications and Rotary Family Volunteers are need ASAP.

John Bickerstaff reminded everyone that the Blood Mobile will be at Rotary on March 20, 2010. The need for blood is great so please give. The Blood Alliance has a daily need of 140 units.

John Runion reminded everyone of the District Assembly to be held March 27, 2010 at the St John Community College in Orange Park. John also reminded all that on March 24, 3010 the meeting will be at the Timuquana Country Club. Meeting, Lunch, Golf and Tennis.

Charlie Wilson reminded all of the St Johns River Celebration (cleanup) both side of the Ortega River on Saturday, March 20, 2010

Diane Ballard’s family received Paul Harris pins for Jody and her son.

Wally Barrs recognized Richard Futch as Police Officer of the Month.

Wyman Dugan, Chairman, Charter Revision Committee was introduced to explain the committee function and as a rebuttal to former Mayor Jake Godbold. Mr. Dugan explain the committee’s job was complete and that its recommendations have been presented to the City Council. The council may or may not accept, act on or reject their suggestion. Nothing is in stone as this was basically and fact finding committee which could or could not make recommendation to change the city’s charter. The committee is designed to be set up during the year prior to the 10 census and can operate for only 8 months. The committee visited various areas to see if the present form of the charter serves the city properly. Areas visited were JEA, Sheriff’s Office, Mayor’s Office, JAA, School Board, Property Appraiser and JPA. Items discussed pertained to appointed position versus elected, recommended that all local elections be moved to the general November Elections cycle. Veto by the Mayor was discussed and suggested a 2/3 majority vote of City Council for overrides. Education was reviewed and compared to state. In the state 77% of schools failed to meet minimum standards. Duval County School’s are ranked #6. There is much need for improvement in our school system. When companies look to move to Duval County and the surrounding area the first thing discussed is the quality of possible employees. If a qualified work force is not available then companies will not locate here. Lack of employment has an enormous social cost, higher police cost and lower work force. Also, the city should look at more charter schools as the quality of education tends to be better. Public School accountability should be addressed. The committee report may be viewed by looking it up on the city web site: COJ.NET or going directly to chamberrevison@coj.net

Visiting Rotarians
Charles Hyatt — South Jax
Bill Abare — St. Augustine
Jody Ballard — Riverside

Rotary Guests
Doug Wilson — Guest of Earl Bright
Guy Leary — Guest of Ken Baker
Eleanor Colledge — Guest of Shep Colledge
Phil Risley — Guest of Mark O’Steen
Jode Ballard — Guest of Diane Ballard
Deborah Ballard — Guest of Diane Ballard
Gartrell Milam — Guest of Mike Prendergast
Boyd Zimmer — Guest of Chad Miller

Birthdays
None.

Next Meeting - March 17, 2010
Speaker: Ed Pratt-Dannals, Superintendent, Duval Public Schools
Greeters: Robert Jones and Scott H. Hudson
Invocation: John Barley
Pledge: David Barksdale
Four-Way Test: Terry Bahn

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Wyman Duggan is a shareholder at Rogers Towers, P.A. His practice includes land use law, growth management issues, property tax issues, and governmental relations. He is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell. He is active in community affairs, having served as Chair of the 2009-2010 Charter Revision Commission; Chair of the Rotary Club of Jacksonville’s charitable grant committee; Chair of the Cornerstone Commercial/Industrial Development Task Force; and as a Board Member of JCCI; a board member of NAIOP of Northeast Florida, the commercial real estate development association; a member of the Leadership Jacksonville Class of 2009; and a member of the Vestry of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church. He received undergraduate degrees from The University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee and his law degree from William & Mary. He was born in Jacksonville and is married with three children.

Notes
Jim Kelly announced that Westside Rotary would be having a golf and tennis tournament at TCC on March 24th in lieu of the regular meeting.

John Bickerstaff announced that there will be a blood drive on March 10th. All members are encouraged to participate.

Drew Story reiterated that the Rotary Club of West Jacksonville will join with the City of Jacksonville for the 2010 Jacksonville-St. Johns Celebration and River Clean Up. Members with a canoe, kayak, johnboat or other personal water craft are to meet at Lamb’s Yacht Center on March 20th at 8:00a.m. Notify Drew if you are planning to participate. Speedo’s are optional.

Members were reminded that the Clay Shoot will be on April 22nd.

Bill Scheu introduced Former Mayor Jake Godbold as the guest speaker. Godbold was elected to the Jacksonville city council in 1967 and served until 1979; he was city council president from 1971 to 1978. When mayor Hans Tanzler announced he would be resigning his position to run for govenor of Florida in 1978, Godbold was appointed to take his place for the last six months of the term. He was elected in 1979 and re-elected in 1983. During his time as mayor Godbold initiated a number of “brick and mortar” projects to revitalize the city’s failing downtown. He inititated the efforts to secure an NFL team, started the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, initiated the construction of the Jacksonville Landing and the Southbank Riverwalk, and secured funds for public housing that had been taken away by the federal government. His creative use of bond financing meant eight years of capital construction projects by the city.

The former mayor spoke on his strong objections to having the Mayor of Jacksonville appoint School Board Members and the Sheriff. Currently, both the school board and Sheriff are elected by Jacksonville voters.

His remarks seem to stem from a report that the “Charter Revision Commission” has recommended dramatic changes to the Duval County school system, including how School Board members are selected.

Recently a report was released showing that a majority of the 15-member commission now supports proposals that could allow Jacksonville’s mayor to appoint one or more School Board members. The report said “the mayor should have the power to influence what is one of the main issues of concern to voters”.

Visiting Rotarians
John Noseworthy — Wilmington, DE
Charles Denny — Mandarin
Wyman Duggan — Downtown
Steve Rodesney — Orange Park
Chris Winsett — Orange Park Sunrise
Meg Folds — San Marco
Tommy Hazouri — San Jose
Martha Barrett — South Jax (she brought a guest, Greg Smith)

Rotary Guests
Dan Griffin — Guest of Jim Griffin
Herb Sellers — Guest of Jim Riggan
Frank Young — Guest of Jim Lanier
Gordon Boyer — Guest of Bill Scheu
Warren Alvarez — Guest of Bill Scheu
Mack Bissette — Guest of Alberta Hipps
Jim Roberts — Guest of Eric Schultz
Paul McLaughin — Guest of Bob Goodwin
Vicki Drake — Guest of Ed Pratt-Dannals
Mike Taft — Guest of Jim Overton
Greg Smith — Guest of Martha Barrett

Birthdays
Stew Irwin — March 1
Bill Schmidt — March 2
Bob Smith — March 2
Mark Frost — March 4
Tommy Platt — March 7
Dale Crisp - March 8

Next Meeting - March 10, 2010
Speaker: Noel Antonio, UNF Engineering Student
Greeters: Joe Myers and Marty Sack
Invocation: Scott Imray
Pledge: Ray Purvis
Four-Way Test: Veronica James

Quick Links:
You can now report make-ups online. FIXED!

Submit “Family of Rotary” information online.

Please review the 2009 - 2010 Duty Roster and mark your calendar with your responsibilities for the upcoming year.