{"id":5126,"date":"2020-09-03T16:16:08","date_gmt":"2020-09-03T20:16:08","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.fishingforcharity.org\/bluewateropen\/?p=5126"},"modified":"2020-10-22T15:07:19","modified_gmt":"2020-10-22T19:07:19","slug":"newsletter-august-2020","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.fishingforcharity.org\/bluewateropen\/news\/newsletter-august-2020\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsletter – August 2020"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n
THE EXCHANGE CLUB<\/strong> OF SEBASTIAN, FL  <\/strong>NEWSLETTER <\/strong><\/p>\n

Meeting 12 Noon, 2nd<\/sup> – last Wednesdays of the Month Captain Hiram\u2019s Tiffany Room, Sebastian, Florida<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Volume 21, Issue 16<\/td>\nAugust 31, 2020<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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  Guest Speaker Series<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n

On August 19th<\/sup> our guest speaker was John Johansson from AZAN Shrine Center.  He gave us the history of Shriners Hospitals \/ Burn Centers<\/a> and Treatment Centers.  Shriner Research Centers support kids up to the age of 18 and can be extended if special circumstances exist.<\/p>\n

\"serbastian
John Johansson with Ali Qizilbash<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Shriners began in 1920 across the country initially to help treat kids with polio.  The first center was completed in 1922.  In the 1950\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

In Tampa there is a state-of-the art Prosthetic Center<\/a>.  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.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cfamily.\u201d <\/p>\n

Transportation is the responsibility of all centers.  It is very costly for private flights or ambulances.  John thanked us for our donation today saying, \u201cIt is extremely appreciated and will be used for transportation needs for kids here in Indian River County.\u201d  Please encourage anyone with a need for this organization to visit shrinershospitalsforchildren.org<\/a>.<\/u><\/p>\n

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Guest Speaker Series<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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\"Sebastian
Ali Qizilbash and Wesley Davis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

On August 26th<\/sup> 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. <\/p>\n

Wesley began by explaining TRIM notices which show the previous year\u2019s 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. <\/p>\n

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.)<\/p>\n

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<\/sup> of each year.  Confidential listing records (for law enforcement officers, those in witness protection, etc.) are not available to the public<\/p>\n

Wesley says, \u201cAs 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.\u201d  For more information contact ircpa.org.<\/u><\/p>\n

 <\/u>This and That<\/u><\/em> <\/em><\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Phil Barnes stated that the Junior BWO<\/em><\/strong> is all set for October 24th<\/sup>.  He will resume weekly committee meetings on September 2nd<\/sup> immediately after regular meetings.  He needs volunteers for this event.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u201cbring a guest day\u201d but reminded us that every Wednesday is \u201cbring a guest day!\u201d<\/p>\n

Ali also asked members to contact Jeff Kagan with ideas for future speakers<\/strong><\/em>.  We have open dates 9\/30 at this time.  A second person working with Jeff would be helpful.     <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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<\/a> and his cell phone is 772-643-4809. Well wishes for a speedy recovery Rick and we hope to see you soon on Zoom!<\/em><\/strong> <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Past President Mike Natale received our Big E<\/em><\/strong> credentials for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.  In an email Mike wrote: <\/p>\n

\u201cHello 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.\u201d  Mike also has the pins available at his office.<\/p>\n

SPD Community Involvement<\/u><\/em><\/h3>\n