Guest Speaker Series
On August 21st our guest speaker was Keith Touchberry, Fellsmere Chief of Police. Mr. Touchberry has been Fellsmere Police Chief since 2013. Prior to that, he served 24 years with the Vero Beach Police Department before retiring as a captain. He serves on the Adjunct Faculty of Law Enforcement at FIT and IRSC where the primary focus is behavioral ethics. Chief Touchberry spoke on Policing Policy Theory and Practice.
In opening his presentation he quoted Robert F. Kennedy who said, “Every society gets the kind of criminals it deserves.” If this is not fixed it will manifest to worse crimes. The answer is a pro-active response to prevent and reduce (not simply respond):
- To protect self (be vigilant)
- To report (eliminate unreported incidences)
- To testify (be willing & have the courage to go to court)
Law enforcement officers have a social contract: The power given them by the people to protect them from fears and use those powers to protect them, not to exceed those powers, and to be worthy of public trust.
Officers take biased based criminal profile training every 4 years. The use of body cameras has recently emerged. In the United States 50% of police departments have 10 officers or less. Community relationships build trust with citizens. Officers interact with people at community meetings in different areas to gain the trust and understanding of the public. In Indian River County law enforcement officers are supported and recruiting is not an issue.
There has been a recent increase in property crimes (mostly drug related). Citizens must stay cognizant of their surroundings both for themselves and for others and use the “Citizen Beware” approach to recent scam reports.
The Neighborhood Watch Program has been successful.
Opioid overdoses are declining in our area but still presents problems and issues. Treatments have been expanded and are working. Drug related issues have declined in the last two years. An upcoming public presentation on Opioids will be held on Tuesday September 10th at 6:30 p.m. at Christ the King Lutheran Church, 1301 Sebastian Boulevard.
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Guest Speaker, August 28
On August 28th our guest speaker was Missy Weiss, Director of Citizen Science & Education at Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA). This organization works in five counties with efforts primarily on the Indian River Lagoon.
The goal of ORCA’s Citizen Science Program is to educate and engage community members in solving the problems that are leading to the degradation of the Indian River Lagoon. Educators and scientists train citizen volunteers to participate in different components of ORCA’s research programs and initiatives. This uniquely involves residents of all ages in measuring and monitoring local environmental conditions, identifying pollution in and around the lagoon, and arming and activating their own community to address these problems and develop solutions. Through Citizen Science ORCA aims to:
- Build relationships with volunteers, community organizations, and local business to develop a conservation focused community
- Cultivate an ethic of care and concern for the Indian River Lagoon and its watershed. Offer meaningful participation in real environment problem solving
- Open pathways to science and scientific literacy –
ORCA aims to unite educators, scientists, policymakers, and Citizen Scientists in the common goal of protecting and restoring our precious natural resources.
If you are interested in getting involved with one of the ORCA Citizen Science projects:
- Monitoring life in the Indian River Lagoon
- Living Shoreline Restoration
- A Day in the Life of the Indian River Lagoon
- Pollution Mapping
- Fish Monitoring
Contact: https://www.teamorca.org/citizen-science.html or 772-467-1600
Community Giving
On August 28th we awarded Boy Scout Troop 505 with $1000 to assist with equipment, tuition, and camping needs. Accepting the award were members, Colin McAdams and Jonathan Carley.
On August 28th we awarded Boy Scout Troop 505 with $1000 to assist with equipment, tuition, and camping needs. Accepting the award were members Colin McAdams and Jonathan Carley.
Our club also awarded a special plaque to Tom Oyler, owner of the Old Fish House Bar & Grill for his continued generosity in supporting our Blue Water Open. Tom has been a very loyal, long time, top sponsor who also donated his boat for us to use as our committee boat. After hearing the ORCA presentation, Tom generously donated $1000 to our club for the benefit of ORCA!
Other Exchange and Community news
Calendar of Events
September
09/04 – No Meeting (Board Only)
09/11 – Students
09/18 -TBD
Birthday Cake
09/25 – River Queen Cruise & Luncheon (Arrive 11:45 a.m.)
Patrick Merrell on Grover Cleveland (beer/fisherman)
October
10//02 – No Meeting (Board Only)
10/09 – Students
10/16 – TBD
Birthday Cake
10/23 – TBD
10/30 – TBD
Recent Visitors – Please Come Again!
07-10-19 Savannah Northrup (Phil Barnes)
07-10-19 Carolyn Mac Evoy (Michael Natale)
07-31-19 Gayle Heath and Jay Pruden (Michael Natale)
08-14-19 Dawn Biehl , Chris & Sam Penson, Tiki (Eva Chapman)
08-14-19 Sean Prescott, RE/Max Crown (Mike Natale)
08-14-19 Chris London (Jason Gillette)
08-14-19 Susan Baran & Charles Fischer, Fischer Realty & Investments (Eva Chapman)
08-14-19 Emily Wilcox, Senior Resource Center (Mik Natale)
08-28-19 Gayle Heath (Mike Natale)
SPD Community Outreach
On August 1st Sebastian Police Department hosted a Back to School Fun Day and school supplies distribution at Barber Street Sports Complex. Many community members attended for this fun event. Kathy Burns spearheaded a drive to support this event. Our club members brought in many items which were divided between the SPD Event and THE SCJHS student school supply distribution to be held during the first SCJHS Jr Excel Club meeting.
Thank you, Chief Michelle Morris and every Sebastian Police Department member for all that you do for our community!
Margie Duffell, Newsletter Writer, Exchange Club of Sebastian