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.

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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.

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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.

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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.”

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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.”

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