THE EXCHANGE CLUB OF SEBASTIAN, FL
~~~ NEWSLETTER ~~~
Meeting 12 Noon, 2nd – last Wednesdays of the Month
Captain Hiram’s Tiffany Room, Sebastian, Florida
Volume 21, Issue 19October 15, 2020
Guest Speaker Series
Guest Speaker J
Our guest speaker on October 14th was Jeff Prather, Division Director St. Johns River Water Management District. This district is one of 5 covering 12,283 square miles in 18 counties in northeast and east central Florida. The main water body in the district is the northerly flowing St. Johns River, the longest river entirely in Florida.
Ninety percent of the water supply comes from The Florida Aquifer. The SJRWMD oversees water supply planning and projects out supplies over the next 20 years. The water district researches water conversation and alternate sources for non-drinking purposes such as surface and reclaimed water, storm water recapture, and seawater conversion. There are also cost sharing initiatives with local governments. SJRWMD has invested $200 million in cost sharing initiatives since 2014.
District officials recognize the need to have water resources available for people’s needs and to balance those needs with nature’s needs. In its daily operations, the district tries to strike a balance in water needs by educating the public about water conservation. They also set rules for water use, conduct research, collect data, as well as restoring and protecting water above and below the ground, and preserving natural areas.
The district’s staff includes biologists, geologists, hydrologists, engineers, planners, financial officers, information technology specialists, land managers, laboratory technicians and others from scientific and nonscientific fields. Many staff members have advanced academic degrees and years of experience in their fields, both in the private and public sectors. In addition, many have been recognized for their work in the state, nationally and internationally.
For more information about SJRWMD visit the web site at sjrwmd.com or contact Jeff’s office with any questions or concerns at jprather@sjrwmd.com or 321-676-6609.
Community Giving
On Friday October 2nd, thanks to all of our generous members, our club delivered 1000 pounds of food valued at $2500 to The Ecumenical Food Bank. This effort was spearheaded by Terry Gardner. Pictured are Dennis Klamm from the food bank with club members Terry Gardner, Michael Natale and Paul Williamson. Way to go team!
On October 14th the club presented a check for $1000 to Adrian Garcia and John McIntosh of Step up America. Stand Up America uses an interactive approach to giving our children effective lessons on the roots of Americanism; the importance of our freedoms, our founding documents, the 3 branches of government and why it is important to be a good citizen using “The Ben Franklin Project” message.
This and That
Ali asked members to contact Jeff Kagan with ideas for future speakers. 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 ideas for activities. A collaborative beach cleanup day is scheduled for October 17th. Contact Terry for further information.
Kim Stadler said that the collaborative club e The 1st Annual Glow Walk & Pumpkin Carving Event will be held on October 24th at Riverside Theatre Loop from 5-9 p.m. This free event will have pumpkin carving competition ($10 entry) in several categories, music and games. The walk through is free, but donations are always appreciated. For more information contact Kim.
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.
Phil Barnes still needs volunteers for the Jr BWO on October 24th. Approximately 40 Kids from Boys & Girls, Youth Guidance, and Gifford Youth Achievement Center are expected. Contact Eva Chapman to sign up!
Paul Williamson reports that we are 42-member strong. Bring guests and ask them to join the best club ever!
Jaime Sturgeon, SRHS IB Advisor and his students attended our September 16th Awards luncheon. Before introducing the students Jaime thanked our club for all that we do for the community and students including Excel Club, monthly awards, and scholarships. He said that the 50+ IB students that graduated this past year earned over $3 million in scholarships! Way to go SRHS IB Students!
Birthdays
On October 14th we celebrated those members who have October birthdays:
Phil Barnes 10/08
Jeff Slade 10/10
Margie Duffell 10/18
Jeff Kagan 10/20
Kathy Burns 10/26
October Anniversaries
John Rooney 7 Years
2019-2020 SCHJS Jr Excel Officers with other club members. Meetings and elections of new officers will resume after the 2020 fall semester begins.
Excel Club of Sebastian River High School
Front Row: 2019-2020 Club Officers with Club Builders Terry Gardner, Kathy Burns & Margie Duffell
Our first meeting was held on Thursday October 15th with students in person and also by Virtual Zoom connection. We discussed basic Excel/Exchange Club Pillars and what we do here in the community. Several students were interested in participating in beach cleanup, Jr BWO, Glo Walk and BWO. Our next meeting will be on Wednesday October 28th when we will elect the officers for this year. Any club member wishing to participate may join Zoom Meeting at:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89286273923?pwd=d3h2Tkd5bFlaMWpFWlM4U0hzeUxiUT09
As this new school year unfolds we look forward to the 2020-2021 year’s club growth and achievements.
Sebastian Police Department is Re-Accredited with their Second Excelsior Status
Congratulations to the Sebastian Police Department for being re-accredited for their second Excelsior status by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation (CFA).
The Sebastian PD achieved Excelsior status by successfully attaining reaccreditation for 5 successful three-year cycles. They were initially accredited in 2002, and received their first Excelsior status in 2017.
“I am extremely proud of our staff for their performance and knowledge of our policies during the accreditation assessment. The committee of assessors who evaluated our agency expressed how impressed they were with everyone’s knowledge of our procedures and what we accomplish with the number of employees we have. The previous Police Chief, Michelle Morris, left our agency in great shape and our Accreditation Manager, Felicia Stoll, worked tirelessly to ensure we were prepared. I am honored to serve as the Chief of Police for this great agency, and I’m grateful for our team’s commitment and enthusiasm to our profession,” state Chief Dan Acosta.
The accreditation increases the Sebastian Police Departments’ ability to prevent and control crime through more efficient and effective and delivery of law enforcement services in our community.
The Sebastian Police Department consists of seven departments, including investigations, road patrol, special operations, support services, code enforcement & alarms, administrations, and volunteers.
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.
October
10/17 – Collaborative Beach Cleanup
9:00 a.m. South Beach
10/21 – Students
10/24 – Junior Blue Water Open
Riverview Park 8 a.m.-1:15 p.m.
1st Annual Collaborative Glow Walk & Pumpkin Carving Event 5-9 p.m. Riverside Theatre
10/28 – Chip Humphrey, Cliff Diver
November
11/04 – No Meeting (Board Only)
11/11 – Ron Bierman, Chief Administrative Officer
Sebastian River Medical Center
Birthday Cake
11/12 – Big Shots All Club Social 5-7 p.m.
11/18 – Students
11/25 – No Meeting (Happy Thanksgiving!)
December
12/02 – No Meeting (Board Only)
12/09 – Jim Miskel, Professor at IRSC on National Security Council
Birthday Cake
12/16 – Students
12/23 – No Meeting (Merry Christmas!)
12/30 – No Meeting (Happy New Year)
January
01/06 – No Meeting (Board Only)
01/13 – Chris Robertson – Hope Lives Foundation
01/20 – Students
01/27 – TBD
This Quarter’s Visitors –
Please Come Again!
10-14-20 – Michelle Morris (Several – she made application for
membership!)
10-14-20 – Janet Kennedy (Ali) Real Estate
10-14-20 – John McIntosh and Adrian Garcia (Ali)
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.
Margie Duffell