THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF SEBASTIAN, FL
~~~ NEWSLETTER ~~~
Meeting 12 Noon, 2nd – last Wednesdays of the Month Captain Hiram’s Tiffany Room, Sebastian, Florida
Students of the Month
OUR YOUTH OF THE MONTH AWARD recognizes hard-working pre-high school and high school students who attain high levels of scholastic achievement, community involvement and leadership, and daily demonstrate good citizenship both at school and at home. Students recognized for the month of March were Morgan MacLeary from Sebastian River Middle School, Alicia Parker from Sebastian Charter Junior High School, Cody Clark from Storm Grove Middle School, and Marina Arnold and Devon White from Sebastian River High School.
Morgan MacLeary has all the attributes that the Exchange Club considers vital for their Student of the month: dependable, hardworking, motivated, well rounded and mature. She is dedicated to giving her best in any task she takes on. There is very rarely a time where Morgan settles for just “okay”, she is always going above and beyond to do better, learn more and try new things, even when its outside her comfort zone.
Aside from being in all advanced IB classes Morgan has been a student athlete each year, playing on the volleyball and softball team, where she is currently one of the team captains. She is naturally curious about the world. She uses her skills with communication to work with her team to solve problems, allowing her to also display her strong leadership skills. She is a great addition to any classroom! In accepting her award Morgan said, “I am very honored to be here. The IB program makes me a better student and I plan to carry forward to the SRHS IB Program.”
Alicia Parker is strong-willed, bold, opinionated, independent, and determined. A high academic performing student at SCJH, Alicia is enrolled in several high school classes. Alicia exhibits many outstanding character traits. She is respectful to teachers, staff, and her peers. She is responsible. She contributes great rhetoric as well as an insightful conversation to class discussions. Alicia rises to whatever expectations are put before her, and she is a very conscientious student. As an online student this year she has always been the first to log-in and completes work with excellence in a timely manner. She goes above and beyond and is a true leader and stand-out student among her peers. She is observant and quick-thinking, has a strong presence and uses it for good. She works hard from the time she arrives to class. She will never allow anyone to change who she is as a person. She takes on any challenge with ease and exceeds all expectations for any given task. She is dependable, respectful, and is set to accomplish amazing things in her future. In accepting her award Alicia said, “I’d like to thank all of my teachers, my mom and aunt who are always there to support me.”
Cody Clark is a remarkable young man who loves the arts; books of many genres. He loves his family and speaks of them with the highest respect and adoration. He is the type of young man who parents want their sons and daughters to be friends with. He always does the right thing and acts with integrity and honor. Cody comes into class every day with a positive attitude and a willingness to help his peers. His calm, thoughtful, and happy demeanor is consistent and makes a great addition to any classroom. He has incredible problem-solving capabilities, always completes his work on time or early, and does exceptionally well on his assignments. He works well in groups as well as independently. Outside of the classroom Cody has participated in beach and neighborhood cleanups. He has been certified as an Internet Web Professional. He plans to attend Vero Beach High School taking dual enrollment classes through IRSC and attend FIT to become a mechanical engineer. He has a quiet confidence and a positive outlook that will take him far… Cody Clark is an all-around stand-out stellar Stingray! In accepting his ward Cody said, “Thank you for allowing me to have this honor.”
Marina Arnold is an IB Diploma Candidate with a weighted GPA of 4.679 and is ranked 3rd in her class. She is National Honor Society Secretary and an AP Scholar with Honors. Marina has earned the Scholar Athlete Award and is a Varsity Tennis Player. She is an Equestrian Competitor – a World show finalist and 4-time qualifier. She is a member of the Harbor Branch Junior Scientist Fellows Program through Florida Atlantic University and earned her Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Certification. She conducted in-depth research on the potential effects of water quality and culverts on mangrove invertebrates. Her research was presented at a symposium for local scientists. In accepting her award Marina said, “I want to thank everybody for making this happen – it is really nice – thank you very much!”
Devon White is an IB Diploma Candidate with a weighted GPA of 4.438 and is ranked 17th in his class. He is a member of the National Honor Society. He has played on the Varsity Basketball and Varsity Football teams and has won a football Scholarship to Southeastern University in Lakeland. Devon interviewed veterans as part of the Laura Riding Jackson Foundation Program “Teens Listen.” He has also volunteered at the Shrimpfest and at beach clean-ups. Devon works at Publix by SRHS. In accepting his award Devon said, “Thank you to the Exchange Club for recognizing me – I am honored. I plan to attend SE University and major in math and business while playing football. Thank you so much!”
Youth Awards Chairman Adam Preuss with Devon White, Marina Arnold, Alicia Parker, Morgan MacLeary and Cody Clark
This Quarter’s Visitors – Please Come Again!
01/27 – Michelle Miller (Kim Sviben – Pelican Landing)
01/27 – Scott Theil (Jeff Kagan)
02/10 – Chris Cummings SRHS Principal (Jaime Sturgeon)
02/17 – Scott Theil & John Dobay (Jeff Kagan)
02/24 – Scott Thiel (new member application received!)
03/10 – John Dobay (Scott Theil – new member appl.)
03/17 – Rappy Perez (Diana Best)
03/17 – Buddy Render (Michelle Morris’ mom)
03/17 – Laurie Collings (District Director)
03/24 – Mark Patterson, Business Chaplain (Jeff Kagan)
03/24 – Sean Facey, Edward Jones (Lyse McDonough)
03/24 – Lonnie Chandler, retired Indian River County
Sheriff Deputy & sons (Eva Chapman)
03/31 – Joe Walsh District President Elect
03/31 – Lauri Collings District Director, Division 2
03/31 – Traci Preuss (Adam Preuss)
03/31 – John Dobay (Scott Theil)
April Birthdays
Alicia Hjalmeby 04/15
Rene VanDeVoorde 04/20
Marilyn Waldis 04/22
Michelle Morris 04/29
April Anniversaries
Randy Tremblay 7 Years
Paul Reeves 15 Years
Adam Preuss 23 Years
Guest Speaker Series
On March 24th our guest speaker was our own member Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers. Eric has been in office 78 days and commented on the accomplishments made:
• An American flag is now displayed on each member’s uniform. All 500 employees attended his inaugural celebration in which he expressed the importance of this. (He thanked all the other law enforcement agencies that covered for two hours to make this all-employee kickoff meeting possible.
• A new Sex Crime Unit has been established with agents trained for undercover chatting on-line with predators who are ultimately located and arrested. Lt. Joe Abollo is the Community Affairs Officer leading the unit. The unit is expanding to include officer participation with groups working with kids.
• The Traffic Unit has expanded to include a Civilian Road Ranger van equipped with equipment and LED signs to assist in directing and diverting traffic at non-emergency times of need.
• An Emotional Support Dog, “Gracie” has been received and is trained to interact with kids at school.
• The Indian River County Sheriff Application is up and running. Information can be accessed on traffic alerts, sex-offenders’ locations and crime mapping.
• New Uniform C has been introduced which includes dry fit shirts, outer carrier vest which shift weight from hips to back and are much cooler.
• Beards are now acceptable – officers are encouraged to donate to local charities to participate.
• Campus security upgrades have been granted by the Indian River County Commission which will include one single entry, improved visitation areas and security fencing.
• A Uniform Citizens Advisory Board consisting of 9 members will give community feedback to the Sheriff.
• All Deputies are now on 12 hour shifts which increases manpower and gives them longer periods of time off.
• All Deputies will soon have body cameras which are synchronized with other equipment officers use and will improve transparency.
• A Real Time Crime Center is being established where screens monitor school cameras, etc. to foil potential threats. The shared records management system is available to all other local agencies.
• Coverage zones have been adjusted to accommodate growth in the county.
• Peer counseling is available for fellow officers by partnering with the Mental Health Collaboration.
• Primary focus is given to the School Resource Officer Unit and a “gun dog” has been added to that unit. At present there are 6 patrol dogs and 1 “bomb” dog.
In closing Eric encouraged us to contact him with any questions, concerns or further information. eflowers@ircsheriff.org or (772) 473-8181.
Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers with Lt. Joe Abollo
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Guest Speaker
Our guest speaker on March 31st was Ken Brennen, Private Investigator and Cold Case investigator.
Brennan, a retired Suffolk County, N.Y., police officer and former DEA investigator, kept his private investigator’s license when he moved to Indian River County in 1986. Through his firm Olympian Investigative Services, based in Broward County, Brennan handles mostly cold cases, investigating crimes that many other police agencies have given up on.
People often ask why cold case? He has always “been good” at investigating; persistence, coupled with some good, old-fashioned detective work intrigue him. It is a challenge and he possesses intuitive on “How bad guys think.” Ken is contacted by family or friends of victims who reach out to him to solve the mystery. The oldest case he worked was from 1978 and the longest time he worked a case was for two years. The quickest case solved was 10 minutes!
Ken depends on leads and direction from law enforcement agencies to determine whether he has interest and whether he thinks he can solve. If a case is too old and all witnesses are deceased he will decline. He first sits with the detectives to review the case file, and then visits the crime scene.
Like most detectives, he said he always wants to catch the bad guy, something that has led him to handle diverse cases including insurance fraud, homicide, parental kidnapping and missing persons. Here are two links to interesting viewing of cases he has solved:
Welcome New Members
On March 10th we installed our newest member, Scott Theil. Please be sure to introduce yourself and welcome Scott to our club.
Community Involvement
On April 1st a dedication will be held in Riverview Park as a memorial to the children who died from child abuse this past year. Several of our club members participated installing the flags which will be displayed through April 15th and then moved to St. Helen’s Church in Vero Beach location. Eighty-three flags representing 83 children lost to child abuse this past year were installed at Riverview Park in Sebastian on March 30th. The flags and their presentation are a collaborative effort between the Sebastian and Vero Beach Exchange clubs. Try to go by and see the Field of Flags. It is a sobering experience. Each flag has a tag stating a lost child’s name and age.
Members from Sebastian and Vero Beach Clubs participated in installing the flags
Joni Mazzola with Mike Natale who shaved her head to raise funds for St. Baldrick’s Foundation. The St. Baldrick’s Foundation is a volunteer and donor powered charity committed to supporting the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. Joni was the first female Sebastian resident to raise over $10,000 for childhood cancer research. Way to go Joni and congratulations on your success in raising $11,578 for this wonderful cause!
Joni Mazzola and Mike Natale
On April 1st – 18th The Children’s Healing Institute will have a virtual walk-a-thon fundraising event. Participants can register at www.TurnontheLight.org.
A new meeting schedule will be coming soon for the remainder of the school year.
Excel Club of Sebastian River High School Congratulations to the 2020-21 Officers:
President = Sarah Cosner
Secretary = Maddie Tatro
Treasurer = Angela Zamarripa
At our last meeting members reported that they conducted a book drive during the month of January for Literacy Month. Books were delivered to the Sebastian Boys & Girls Club at the end of the month. (Pillars – Community & Youth). The club will display the Child Abuse Prevention flag at the school during the Month of April. (Pillar – Child Abuse Prevention).
Any club member wishing to participate in either of these meetings may attend in person or join via Zoom. Contact Margie Duffell for Connection Instructions.
Sebastian Police News
PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICER SHAWN DALEY’S 10 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT!!!
SRO Daley reached this milestone on March 7th, 2021. He is recognized for his dependability, his knowledge of law enforcement and his years of service to both the City of Sebastian and Indian River County Sheriff’s Office prior to that. Congratulations to Officer Shawn Daley for reaching this remarkable achievement!
Calendar of Events
All meetings will be offered in person at Captain Hiram’s or via ZOOM unless stated otherwise. ZOOM connection information will be sent out weekly.
April
04/01 – Dedication of Memory Field Riverview Park 5:30 p.m.
04/06 – IRC Commission Proclamation for April as National Child Abuse Prevention Month
04/07 – No Meeting (Board only)
04/14 – Pastor Joey Everington – One Can You Can
04/21 – Student of Year and ACE Awards
04/28 – Blue Water Open Planning Meeting
May
05/05 – No Meeting (Board Only)
05/12 – Michael Mash (ref: Eric Flowers)
05/19 – TBD
05/26 – Blue Water Open Planning
June
06/02 – No Meeting (Board Onlyl)
ALL HANDS ON DECK!!
06/04 – BWO Captain’s Meeting
06/05 – Blue Water Open
Blue Water Open
Eva says posters and sponsor packets are now available – please distribute the posters around town as you are out and about. The sponsor packet has also been sent out via email. The website has been updated with the new information. Save the date emails will be sent the end of February. Please contact sponsors early to get them on board for June 4, 2021! Sponsors are posted on the web site immediately after receiving a completed sponsorship packet. Save-the-Date emails have been sent out. Hiram’s is offering a block of 8 rooms available with discounts to anyone wanting to stay over. Use code BWO21 when making reservations. Performance shirts are available for $30 each. Contact Mike Natale if you are interested. A volunteer sign-up sheet will be sent out soon. Johnathan Rhodeback will head up the Cooler of Cheer raffle for the Captains’ meeting Friday night. He is accepting bottles of liquor or cash to fill the cooler. Paul Williamson received a cash donation from Paul Szafarz aka Paul Can Do to purchase the cooler. We also need gift cards and certificates for the baskets and a volunteer photographer for the festivities. Diana has the volunteer list – please contact her to sign up for Friday and/or Saturday spots.
Paul Williamson announced that this year’s BWO raffle tickets will be for a Rockies to Red Rocks adventure trip including a 3-night 4-day train ride with hotel accommodations through the Rockies and includes air fare for two. The winner can also elect to take $3,500 in cash or travel anywhere else for the $4500 value. Tickets are now available at $25 each or 5 for $100. See Paul to get yours to sell! Tickets can also be purchased at Fishingforcharity.org.
Paul Williamson reports that we are 45-member strong including our newest applicant Scott Theil. Please welcome new members and get them involved on committees as soon as possible. Don’t forget to contact members to let them know meetings can be attended via ZOOM if not in person. Also, bring guests and ask them to join the best club ever!
This and That
Please continue to keep Jeff and Bonnie Slade who are experiencing serious health issues in your thoughts and prayers. Jeff is receiving immunotherapy treatment at Moffitt several times a week and maintains a very positive attitude. He reports that first results show good progress. Phone calls are welcome. Please reach out to Jeff and let him know we are all here for him.
Please contact Jeff Kagan with ideas for future speakers. Suggestions are appreciated!
Lyse McDonough and Debbie Fitzpatrick are also asking for ideas for their Hospitality Committee to consider.
Eva Chapman needs to know of any volunteer work a member has done outside of Exchange Club. This counts toward credit we get from national toward year end awards. Please use her log or send her the name of the organization and number of hours you spent volunteering.
Paul Williamson reports that we are 45-member strong including our newest applicant Scott Theil. Please welcome new members and get them involved on committees as soon as possible. Don’t forget to contact members to let them know meetings can be attended via ZOOM if not in person. Also, bring guests and ask them to join the best club ever!
Terry Gardner is chairing the Community Involvement Committee. Karen McElveen will serve with her. They encourage members to give them ideas.
Ali reminded us that April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. He stated that a collaborative club effort will place flags and blue ribbons at Riverview Park for two weeks and again in a Vero Beach location for two weeks to commemorate those children who have died of child abuse. Ninety flags will be placed honoring the children who died in 2020. A dedication ceremony will be held on April 1st at 5:30 p.m. at the park. If you would like to participate, please let Karen know. Here is the schedule:
• Friday April 16 Remove Flags
• Saturday April 17th Install Flags at St. Helen’s Vero Beach (Bring mallets)
Our annual election for Board of Directors will be coming soon. Johnathan Rhodeback has agreed to step in now as President-elect. If you are interested in serving on the board please contact Johnathan, Margie Duffell, or Ali Qizilbash.
District Director Rene’s Corner
Rene VandeVoorde recently attended a district meeting via Zoom.
• Anyone wishing to serve on our scholarship committee should contact Rene
• There were 16 scholarships given in the district this past year.
• The Sebastian club had the highest number of activities (35) in the district.
• There is a district Walk-a-thon on 4/25. Participants can choose their own venue & report to district for club credit.
• There is interest from the other clubs in our BWO – suggests sending info. out to them.
• District Convention will be held June 4th-6th in person and virtually
• Overall, the district has lost 60 members (8%) and Excel clubs are down 30%
• The National Convention will be held in Memphis sometime after Labor Day
• Awards are shown on National website
Greater Palm Bay Club: Club members have packed and distributed another 25 Blue Bags with children’s items for donation to the Melbourne Police. These bags are for use when police are working with children in stressful situations. Contact Ron Smith for more information at ronlsmith45@gmail.com.
A car show is planned for the future – date to be determined.
Indian River Club: The club has postponed its 5th Annual Toss Out Child Abuse Charity Cornhole Tournament until October of this year. Last year 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!
Margie Duffell