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 20
October 31, 2020>
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 October were Connor Jones from Sebastian River Middle School, Jada Heppern from Storm Grove Middle School, Ty and Cassidy Olea from Sebastian Charter Junior High School, and Aldjine Charles and Nicholas Napoleoni from Sebastian River High School.
Connor Jones has been an exceptional student from the start of the school year. He is a new student to SRMS having moved here from out of state. His father is currently stationed in Korea and he lives with his mom and siblings here in Sebastian. He’s a perfect example of a principled, knowledgeable, and inquiring student which are all basic principles of the International Baccalaureate philosophy at Sebastian River Middle School. Connor is extremely responsible, well-mannered and hardworking, completes his assignments with accuracy and performs well on assessments. He is an amazing athlete and is always willing to help others including his teachers and his peers. He has outstanding science skills and is taking Honors Algebra. In accepting his award Connor said, “Thank you to everyone who has supported me. It is awesome being at SRMS.”
Jada Heppern is an outstanding student who is task oriented. She is respectful, polite, responsible, hard-working and consistent. She was recently awarded Storm Grove Student of the Month. She is in Algebra Honors and has played for 3 years in the Jazz and Symphonic band. She is a member of NJHS, African American Student Council and tutors elementary children. Jada hopes to attend VBHS and then on to UCF, FSU or Georgia Tech to become a web developer or computer programmer. She loves her family and enjoys spending time with them. In accepting her award Jada thanked our club and her teachers for supporting her.
Ty and Cassidy Olea are brother and sister equally honored by SCJHS. Ty is upbeat and full of energy while Cassidy is calm and serene. They both come to class smiling with a positive attitude and are hard workers. Both are kind, genuine and helpful to teachers and peers alike. In accepting her award Cassidy said, “I am so grateful to be chosen.” She likes participating in dress down days because its for a cause. She enjoys participating in beach cleanup, visiting nursing homes and the NJHS Christmas for Kids gift wrapping event “to make them feel special.” In accepting his award Ty thanked his teachers for truly caring about him. He has participated in Lines in the Lagoon awareness fund raising event. He said, “Being involved in the community is very important to me. Thank you all and thank you for this award.”
Aldine Charles is an IB Diploma Candidate with a weighted 4.13 GPA and is in the top 10% of her class. She is an English as a Second Language student who after starting high school decided to challenge herself in the IB Programme. She is in her 3rd year of the Certified Nursing Program and is a member of NHS. Aldine also participated in a documentary to help spread awareness of diseases in the Caribbean. She is quiet and hard working with a positive attitude and is kind and respectful and determined to succeed. In accepting her award Aldjine said she wants to get her AA and then continue on to UF or UCF and study in the medical field to become a neurologist.
Nicholas Napoleoni is also an IB Diploma Candidate with a 4.471 weighted GPA and is ranked 14th in his class. He is a member of the NHS and is SRHS Band Drum Major and Trumpet Section Leader this year. At the 2017 IRC Science Fair he was awarded and Embry Riddle scholarship and a Mathematics and Engineering Award. Nicholas is a hard worker and excellent student. He works very hard and has set high goals for himself, always taking advantage of opportunities to improve. He has flown solo as a pilot twice and is the owner of a small lawn business. In accepting his award Nicholas thanked his teachers, advisors and parents He hopes to attend Embry Riddle and study Aeronautics and Aviation Science and one day become a commercial pilot.
Guest Speaker Series
On October 28th our guest speaker was Chip Humphrey, Cliff Diver. Chip retired recently from the IRCSD as Assistant Principal at VBHS and was previously at SRHS and SRMS. He has lived in Florida for 30+ years after traveling the world as a professional high diver. Chip grew up learning aquatics at an early age attending the YMCA. He continued swimming through high school and then attended the University of Miami where he perfected his springboard diving to begin his high diving career. In 1980 at the age of 25, he won the coveted Acapulco Cliff Diving Championships as seen on ABC’s Wide World of Sports
Chip lived in Hong Kong for 14 years where he formed his own high dive exhibition company and traveled all around the world from Hong Kong to Dubai and from England to Australia. He gave shows in 22 countries around the world, sometimes giving 10 shows at a time. He has performed very dangerous dives such as the Spotter 3 ½ (reverse summersault to diving board and then into water) and the Human Torch Fire Dive where he was engulfed in flame before diving.
Chip says that control is the key in high diving. You must get enough forward rotation and speed to get away from the cliff and then be able to slow for a perfect entry into the water. You must have a “white hot burning desire” to succeed. He believes that all professionals should be able to enjoy what they do while winning. In closing he quoted an acquaintance who once said, “Don’t let pressure spoil pleasure.”
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!
Dennis Klamm from the Ecumenical Food Pantry accepts donations from Terry Gardner, Mike Natale and Paul Williamson
On October 14th we gave a check for $1000 to Adrian Garcia and John McIntosh of Step up America, 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.
Ali Qizilbash with Adrian Garcia and John McIntosh
On October 17th club member Phil Barnes participated in a collaborative beach club with the Vero Beach clubs at South Beach. Members from the Youth Guidance Pathfinders club also helped out. Our teams collected a total of 20 bags and 400 pounds of trash!
L-R: Youth Guidance Pathfinders members Krystal, Alyssa and Tatiana with Kevin Moree, Alexis Krasotkin, Jim Boggs, Kim Prado, and Phil Barnes
Junior Blue Water Open
Our Junior Blue Water Open was held on October 24th at Riverview Park. We had 37 children participate. There were plenty of volunteers including some of our SRHS Excel students. The children loved being out on the docks. The weather was great — overcast with a nice breeze. Jason Gillette and The Sebastian Police Department Explorers served up snow cones and popcorn. Woody’s provided the food (bbq chicken, mac & cheese, cornbread, baked beans and cole slaw), McDonald’s provided the drinks and ice, and Captain Hiram’s provided the cookies. Tables and chairs were provided by the City of Sebastian. Trophies were awarded and each student received a tee shirt and fishing rod. Phil gives a huge thank you to our volunteers and JBWO committee, who made this event possible!
This and That
Ali asked members to contact Jeff Kagan with ideas for future speakers. A second person working with Jeff would be helpful.
Ali said that the collaborative club event The 1st Annual Glow Walk & Pumpkin Carving Event will be postponed until October 2021. He also said that we need a head count for the collaborative club social at Big Shots. The cost is $100 for the club and $25 for each member attending.
Terry Gardner is chairing the Community Involvement Committee. Karen McElveen will serve with her. They encourage members to give ideas for activities.
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 42-member strong. Bring guests and ask them to join the best club ever!
Kathy Burns has a spread sheet for signup for the holiday gifts for Guardians for New Future children. She and Karen McElveen are heading up this project and this year our club will sponsor 18 children with 3 wishes each. Kathy will also accept cash and do the shopping for you! We have 9 children on the list that still need gifts. The deadline is Wednesday November 25th. Karen and Kathy say, “Thank you for considering sponsoring a child this holiday season. Your generosity will have a positive impact on the lives of the children. You may never know the true impact of your gift, but please know that in many cases this may be the first gift a child has received or simply a gift without ‘strings’ attached.”
November Birthdays
Jason Gillette 11/02
Justin LeFebure 11/02
Mike Natale 11/10
Rick Giteles 11/12
Adam Preuss 11/18
John Rooney 11/22
Diana Best 11/24
November Anniversaries
Charles Fischer 1 Year
Lori Reilly 1 Year
Bill Kriener 11 Years
Kathy Falzone 15 Years
Jeff Slade 38 Years
Rene VanDeVoorde 38 Years
Excel Club of Sebastian River High School
Front Row: 2019-2020 Club Officers with Club Builders Terry Gardner, Kathy Burns & Margie Duffell
Our meeting was held on Wednesday October 28th with students in person and also by Virtual Zoom connection. We held officer elections. Congratulations to the 2020-21 Officers:
President = Sarah Cosner
Pres Elect = Not elected at this time
Secretary = Maddie Tatro
Treasurer = Angela Zamarripa
Our next meeting will be on Wednesday November 18th. 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.
2019-2020 SCHJS Jr Excel Officers with other club members
Meetings and elections of new officers will resume after the 2020 fall semester begins.
Sebastian Police News
Making sure the kids have some snacks at the Sebastian Exchange Club’s Junior Bluewater Open.
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.
PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING K9 OFFICER COLBY SMITH’S 5 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT!!!
Officer Smith reaches this milestone today, October 26th, 2020. Officer Smith is recognized for his dependability, his eagerness to help others and his passion for being in the K9 Unit! Congratulations to Officer Smith for reaching this remarkable achievement!
PLEASE JOIN US IN CELEBRATING 911 Emergency Dispatcher JOANN PATTERSON’S 15 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE SEBASTIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT!!!
Ms. Patterson reached this milestone on October 24th, 2020. She is recognized for her diligence, her knowledge of the duties of an emergency dispatcher and for her dedication to the City of Sebastian. Congratulations to Joann Patterson for reaching this amazing 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.
November
11/04 – No Meeting (Board Only)
11/11 – Ron Bierman, Chief Administrative Office 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 of the Month
01/27 – TBD
This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY
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)
10-28-20 – Tom McDonough (Lyse)
Margie Duffell
Newsletter
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.
The history of Halloween goes all the way back to a pagan festival called Samhain. The word “Halloween” comes from “All Hallows’ Eve” and means “hallowed evening.” Hundreds of years ago, people dressed up as saints and went door to door, which is the origin of Halloween costumes and trick-or-treating.