The Spoke – July 8th 2009

Last week Susan Scmitt our Speaker Chair for the month of July, introduced us to Rev. Dr. James R. Berger. Rev. Berger, a member of the Estero Club, is a graduate of Westminster College, the Fuller Theological Seminary and the San Francisco Theological Seminary. He also serves as Pastor of the Hope United Church. Reverend Berger serves on the Board of Directors for Beth-El Farmworker Ministry parent organization for Mision Peniel. He provided a very compelling overview of the plight of migrant farm workers. As workers always outnumber available jobs, they struggle to maintain themselves and their families. Mision Peniel attempts to offer outreach, a tangible sign of which is the meal program Reverend Berger described. Thanks Reverend Berger for your ministry and for a very thought provoking program.

Click here to download The Spoke

The Spoke – July 1st 2009

Last week we heard from Dr. Bruce Wheatley, who offered an overview and update regarding Café of Life. The Café of Life website offers as its purpose assistance “in meeting the basic needs of the less fortunate people of Bonita Springs, Florida, providing nutritional and supplemental assistance while preserving the dignity of the client. “ Bruce offered a number of examples illustrating the ways in which such mission is met. Presently located adjacent to the banyan tree in Old Bonita Springs, the Café receives an outpouring of support from local businesses who provide food and other resources. Bruce also outlined number of ways individuals can become involved in the Café’s mission. Whether it is a cook, server, transporter of groceries or committee work, the Café welcomes all help and support. You can contact the Café at info @ cafeoflife.org. Thanks Bruce.

Click here to download The Spoke

The Spoke – June 24th 2009

Last week we received a Public Education Initiatives Updates offered by Dr. Steve McIntosh and members of Interact leadership. Steve, pictured with Alex Chura, Interact President, Tejal Patel, Interact Vice President, and Jayne Klinker, Interact sponsor, offered a update and summary of the ways in which our partnership with public education makes a real difference in Southwest Florida. Alex, Tejal, and Jayne each presented and offered great insight and information.

Steve began his presentation by identifying the local projects that we support every year, namely Interact, Rotaract, I Like Me book program, Statewide Leadership Program, Student Teacher of the Month and the Estero High School Scholarship Program. The presentation then considered the fine work of the Estero High School Interact Club, now in its twelfth year. Steve paid special tribute to Jayne Klinker, the Interact sponsor. Not only is she very effective in that role, she was honored as the Estero High School Teacher of the Year.

Interact is the largest Club on the EHS campus, its members contributing approximately 700 community service hours. During 2008-2009 Interact participated in the following Service projects—Three Oaks Elementary Clean Up; Fort Myers Taste of the Town; Autism Walk; Taste of Bonita; Thanksgiving Community Outreach; EHS Angel Fund; Rotary Christmas Tree Sales; School Choice Open House; Gulf Coast Humane Society; I Like Me; Susan G Komen Race for the Cure and the Second Annual Rotary Run.

Thanks for a great and inspiring presentation.

Click here to download The Spoke

The Spoke – June 17th 2009

President Ray awarded Certificates of Appreciation to a number of Rotarians last week who provided Club service during the past year. A complete listing of award recipients will be published in next week’s Spoke. Congratulations and thanks to all.

Click here to download The Spoke

The Spoke – June 10th 2009

Last week we heard from Dr. Robert Beeson, Lee Campus District Dean of Instruction and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Edison State College where as the College’s website suggests he works to “develop academic goals and policies to support the College’s strategic plan in the area of arts and sciences.” Dr. Beeson has been associated with Edison State College in various capacities since 2000. Dr. Beeson provided an overview of the impact and mission of Edison State College in Southwest Florida. Edison’s enrollment this Fall is expected to exceed 14,000 students, half of whom attend classes on the Lee campus. The Edison student body is very diverse, being comprised of both traditional college age students and those returning to the classroom retooling for a new career or seeking a better job. Thanks Dr. Beeson for the “Edison update.”

Click here to download The Spoke

The Spoke – June 3rd 2009

Laura Van Gelder, a Rotary Exchange Student from Belgium. was our guest speaker. Laura offered an informative presentation introducing us to her family and her country. She also offered interesting insights focusing on her time here in Southwest Florida. Laura was introduced by Ken and Ruth Ruskin. Ken is our District Major Gift Advisor and Ruth our District Matching Grant Chair. Laura’s presentation once again underscored the importance of Rotary Youth Exchange. As Sue Masters, our RYE officer noted, “Hosting a RYE student benefits the host families, club, community, and the student. This excellent program also promotes Rotary’s goal of fostering World Peace and Understanding.”

Click here to download The Spoke

The Spoke – May 27th 2009

Last week we heard a presentation from Keith Grossman, President of the Lee County Bar Association. Keith is an attorney and certified family law mediator with the law firm of Burandt, Adamski & Grossman. Keith’s term as President of the Bar Association began in January, 2009 after serving in the positions of Member at Large, Secretary,Treasurer, and Vice-President.

Click here to download The Spoke

The Spoke – May 20th 2009

Last week we heard a presentation from Glenn Sabatka, Manager of the WGCU Radio Reading Service. Pictured here with Bill Banfield and Greg Holtz two reading service volunteers, Glenn provided an interesting overview of the history of the radio service and the constituency it serves. The Radio Reading Service is a member supported initiative of WGCU Public Media at Florida Gulf Coast University and brings printed materials to persons who are blind, physically impaired and print handicapped through a special radio broadcast. Volunteers produce hundreds of hours of programming each month. If you are interested in more information contact Glenn at 239-590-2530.

Click here to download The Spoke

The Spoke – May 13th 2009

A Proud Moment!  We were pleased and proud to witness the induction of Mike Liggins as a member of our Club. Mike, pictured above with President Ray and his sponsor John Mathes is the Director of Engineering at Bonita Springs Utilities. Welcome Mike.

Click here to download The Spoke

The Spoke – May 6th 2009

We were pleased and proud to witness the induction of Debra Quade and Jay Berube as new members of our Club. Pictured here with their sponsors Roger Brunswick and Sue Masters, we heartily welcome Debra and Jay as Rotarians. See this issue of the Spoke for Debra’s bio with Jay’s to follow. Again, welcome.

Click Here to View