| THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF SEBASTIAN, FL NEWSLETTER
Meeting 12 Noon, 2nd – last Wednesdays of the Month Captain Hiram’s Tiffany Room, Sebastian, Florida |
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| Volume 21, Issue 16 | August 31, 2020 |
Guest Speaker Series
On August 19th our guest speaker was John Johansson from AZAN Shrine Center. He gave us the history of Shriners Hospitals / Burn Centers and Treatment Centers. Shriner Research Centers support kids up to the age of 18 and can be extended if special circumstances exist.
Shriners began in 1920 across the country initially to help treat kids with polio. The first center was completed in 1922. In the 1950’s polio was eradicated and the shift in treatment was made to burns. There are now 4 Shriner burn centers in the US – Galveston, Cincinnati, Boston, and Sacramento. Many of the Shriners hospitals are associated with universities. Now there are 22 hospitals (20 in the US, 1 in Canada and 1 in Mexico). In 1980 the treatment was again expanded to include spinal cord injury and the first hospital for spinal cord surgery in the US was established. The centers also test unborn babies for osteo-bone disease. The UCF campus was opened in 1985. There are hospitals at USF, Mayo and Arnold Palmer centers.
In Tampa there is a state-of-the art Prosthetic Center. The Tampa Bay Bucs and Miami Marlins have their own areas of support for the kids in that location. Also the Tim Tebow Foundation has created a stadium themed waiting room where a display case holds his jersey, helmet and football. The Tim Tebow Foundation is a major contributor.
Treatments were always free until 6-7 years ago when Shriners hospitals began accepting insurance. Copay and deductibles are covered for families that need financial assistance. Sometimes a patient may have surgeries every 4-6 months which becomes quite costly. Treatment also helps with the emotional health of patients. Many former patients have come back to work with the Shriners “family.”
Transportation is the responsibility of all centers. It is very costly for private flights or ambulances. John thanked us for our donation today saying, “It is extremely appreciated and will be used for transportation needs for kids here in Indian River County.” Please encourage anyone with a need for this organization to visit shrinershospitalsforchildren.org.
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On August 26th our guest speaker was Wesley Davis, Indian River Property Appraiser. Wesley is no stranger to this community and has previously served on Indian River County Commission and School Board. Wesley has been IRC Property Appraiser for 2 years and has 4 more years remaining on his term.
Wesley began by explaining TRIM notices which show the previous year’s valuation and taxes as well as the current valuation and proposed taxes for the coming year. Homestead exemption and its portability as well as additional exemptions are things that will effect taxes.
Portability transfers homestead exemption from a previously homesteaded property to the new property being purchased. The maximum dollar amount of portability is $500,000 and it must be used no later than 2 years after the sale date. (There is currently legislation being considered to extend the time period to 3 years.)
Homestead Exemption Applications can be filed on-line, are confidential and include any possible exemptions. Florida statute requires that Homestead Exemption Applications must be filed by September 4th of each year. Confidential listing records (for law enforcement officers, those in witness protection, etc.) are not available to the public
Wesley says, “As your current county property appraiser, my staff and I would like you to know that your property is our priority and we are working towards a user-friendly PA office that truly serves the home and business owners of this county. Come on in and see us.” For more information contact ircpa.org.
This and That
Ali Qizilbash attended a joint club meeting. For collaborative club events, a beach clean-up in September, a Jack-o-Lantern sale in October and a social in November are being planned.
Phil Barnes stated that the Junior BWO is all set for October 24th. He will resume weekly committee meetings on September 2nd immediately after regular meetings. He needs volunteers for this event.
Eva Chapman announced that the 2020 BWO account finalized with approximately $40,000 received from generous donors. Thank you letters are being sent out. Donors are listed on our Facebook page as well as the website. She is ready to start planning for the 2021 BWO. Mike has the signature BWO t-shirts available for $30 each. For those who may want to purchase one contact Mike.
Ali announced that Fred Jones has made application for membership. He will be voted in at the September board meeting. Our club currently has 42 members. To increase membership Paul Williamson is planning a special “bring a guest day” but reminded us that every Wednesday is “bring a guest day!”
Ali also asked members to contact Jeff Kagan with ideas for future speakers. We have open dates 9/30 at this time. A second person working with Jeff would be helpful.
Terry Gardner is chairing the Community Involvement Committee. Karen McElveen will serve with her. They encourage members to give their ideas for activities. Youth Guidance will be pen pals along with any of our members to the seniors living in Pelican Landing Assisted Living Center. Letters can be mailed to Kim Sviben for distribution.
Ali spoke with member Rick Giteles who recently had a fall and surgery for his broken hip. He is now back at home. Rick says he is working with therapists and getting better each day. His email is rgiteles@aol.com and his cell phone is 772-643-4809. Well wishes for a speedy recovery Rick and we hope to see you soon on Zoom!
Lyse McDonough and Debbie Fitzpatrick are also asking for ideas for their Hospitality Committee to consider. Lyse sent an ecard to Rick Giteles from all club members.
Past President Mike Natale received our Big E credentials for the 2019-2020 fiscal year. In an email Mike wrote:
“Hello fellow club members! Congratulations are in order to each and everyone one of you. As past president of the club, it is my honor to share with you the attached picture. We accomplished a major goal last year and attained the highly coveted “Big E” award. National has provided “Big E” pins for all of us to proudly wear. Thanks again for your attention and your dedication.” Mike also has the pins available at his office.
SPD Community Involvement
After the torrential downpour on August 20th members of the Special Response Team fired up the department Humvee and took to the streets in an attempt to help citizens. Corporal Richard & Officer Antosia were able to assist several marooned citizens with getting to their homes & loved ones. This duo, along with the other officers working that shift were also able to identify some high flooded areas & tape them off before other residents got stranded in the floods.
PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING LOGISTICS SPECIALIST RACHEL CANNON’S 5 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT!!!
Ms. Cannon reached this milestone on February 23rd, 2020. She is recognized for her thoroughness, her dedication and helpfulness. Congratulations to Rachel Cannon for reaching this grand achievement!
PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING POLICE VOLUNTEER ROBERT “MICKEY” DAUBERT’S 5 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT!!!
Volunteer Officer Mickey Daubert reached this milestone today, on August 26th, 2020. Mickey has selflessly served this community with professionalism, dedication and pride. Congratulations to you sir, for this great achievement!
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On August 26th we celebrated those who had birthdays in June, July and August:
August Birthdays
Lori Reilly 08/15
Gayle Heath 08/16
Ellen Smith VanDeVoorde 08/22
Eva Chapman 08/23
Kathy Gutierrez 08/24
August Anniversaries
Sean Prescott 1 Year
Youth Guidance (Phil Barnes) 3 Years
Sebastian Police (Jason Gillette) 6 Years
Kathy Gutierrez 35 Year
2019-2020 SCHJS Jr Excel Officers with other club members
Excel Club of Sebastian River High Schoo
Front Row: 2019-2020 Club Officers with Club Builders Terry Gardner, Kathy Burns & Margie Duffell. Meetings and elections of new officers will resume after the 2020 fall semester begins.
Congratulations to the members and advisors of both of these clubs’ accomplishments! As this new school year begins we look forward to the 2020-2021 year’s club growth and achievements.
Calendar of Events
All meetings will be offered in person at Captain Hiram’s or via ZOOM unless stated otherwise. ZOOM connection information is sent out each week.
September
09/02 – No Meeting (Board Only)
09/09 – Michael Marsh, Founder Team Success Enterprises
09/16 – Students of the Month
09/19 – Collaborative Beach Cleanup
09/23 – Caryn Toole, Director of Communities Connected for Kids
09/30 – TBD
October
10/07 – No Meeting (Board Only)
10/14 – TBD
10/21 – Students of the Month
10/24 – Junior Blue Water Open
10/28 – TBD
November
11/04 – No Meeting (Board Only)
11/11 – TBD
11/12 – Big Shots All Club Social
11/18 – Students
11/25 – No Meeting (Happy Thanksgiving!)
| This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY |
This Quarter’s Visitors – Please Come Again!
07-22-20 Laurie Collins, District Director Division #2
Laurie is a member of the Exchange Club of Treasure Coast. She has served as the club’s president twice and in other initiatives. Her district includes the Exchange Clubs of Vero Beach, Indian River, Treasure Coast and Pathfinders Excel Club at Youth Guidance. Glad you visited our Zoom meeting and we invite you to return whenever you are able.
08-12-20 Fred Jones is a Marine Corp veteran and recently retired from the Florida Highway Patrol after 31 years. He has lived in Sebastian since 1991. He was the President of the local chapter of the Fraternal Order of Police and the local chapter of the international police association among other affiliations. Fred is a candidate in the re-call elections for Sebastian City Council. He made application for membership to our club today! Welcome aboard Fred! (Paul Williamson)
08-19-20 – Fred Jones (see above – Paul Williamson)
08-19-20 – David Moshier, Owner and Publisher of City Guide of Sebastian & Vero Beach, a quarterly publication for focusing on causes & issues in our community, and promoting our local businesses and events (Susan Baran)
08-26-20 – Fred Jones (see above – Paul Williamson)
District Director Rene’s Corner
Sebastian Club: Rene reports the scholarship recipients of the Sebastian Exchange Club Scholarship Foundation for 2020 are:
Leticia Ovalle $2,000
Alexander Ortiz Velez $2,000
Madison Hula $2,000
Sofia Carmona $2,000
Alyssa Sturgeon $1,000 (H.R. “Rappy” Perez Scholarship)
Adam Preuss Student Chairman has announced the following recipients:
Youth of the Year:
Alexander Ortiz Velez $1000
Alyssa Sturgeon $1000
ACE:
Rian Butler $1000
DISTRICT ACE:
Rian Butler $2500
Indian River Club: The club held its 4th Annual Toss Out Child Abuse Charity Cornhole Tournament on March 7th at Walking Tree Brewery. Thirty sets of partners teamed up, some arriving early to warm up and hoist a few limited-edition craft beers made especially for the tournament. A total of $3000 was raised for the prevention of child abuse and other local youth-oriented activities. Congratulations Indian River Club for your successes!
Fellsmere Club: Due to the Covid19 Virus the 2020 Shrimpfest & Craft Brew Hullabaloo scheduled for Friday, March 20th through Sunday March 22nd was cancelled. Watch the website at shrimpfestfl.com for any rescheduling possibilities.
This is a joint effort with the Rotary Club of Sebastian and will raise funds to support youth sports and organizations throughout north Indian River County.
Greater Palm Bay Club: The club cancelled its Junior Fishing Tournament at Pineapple Park in Melbourne scheduled for Saturday April 18th. Contact Ron Smith for more information at ronlsmith45@gmail.com.
The One Nation Under God Pancake Breakfast will be held on Saturday November 21st. Location to be determined.
A car show is planned for the future – date to be determined.
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Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.