Rotary Club of St. Petersburg, FL

Meeting Highlights: October 14

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:18:00 +0000

Rick Baker

“USF Update - Focus on Innovation"

Rick Baker is the Vice President for Public Policy at the University of South Florida. He supervises USF’s Government Relations and the Innovation Partnerships. From 2001 through early 2010, Baker served as Mayor of St. Petersburg - Florida’s fourth largest city. He led the city through an historic renaissance period – in downtown, midtown, the neighborhoods and the public schools. In 2008, Mayor Baker was named America’s Mayor/Public Official of the Year by Governing Magazine. In 2011 he was noted as “America’s greatest mayor of the decade” by Newsweek Magazine/The Daily Beast. Baker practiced corporate law for nineteen years, with extensive experience in business acquisitions, and was president of St. Petersburg’s oldest law firm. He was active in founding and leading many civic, cultural, and charitable organizations. In 2000, he wrote a book on the history of the St. Petersburg and Florida entitled Mangroves to Major League. He holds a BS in Management, an MBA, and a Juris Doctor (with honors) from Florida State University where he was Senior Class President

Meeting Highlights: October 7

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sun, 09 Oct 2011 13:43:00 +0000

Florida Orchestra Update

David Rogers

David Rogers has worked with The Florida Orchestra since 2003, and in his current capacity as Artistic Administrator since 2005. Prior to joining the orchestra staff, he taught music theory and composition courses at the University of South Florida in Tampa, and for ten years he served as director of Tampa's experimental Bonk Festival of New Music.

Meeting Highlights: September 30

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 21:02:00 +0000

Rotary Camp Florida

Jim Harmon, Executive Director

On January 5, 2009, Jim Harmon started as the Executive Director of Rotary’s Camp Florida, a project of the Florida Rotary Districts and Clubs. Rotary Camp Florida is a 501(c)3 NonProfit organization that works with children and adults with physical and emotional challenges. The camp hosts events for a variety of community churches and civic organizations such as the MDA, Diabetes, Shrine and the Tourette Syndrome Association.

Jim’s work experience has been in the business management sector specializing in turn around operations and marketing. He believes that customer satisfaction is the way to success. Jim worked for Walt Disney World for many years before taking on the position as the executive property director at a retirement community in Jacksonville. He managed this property for almost three years before accepting the position at Rotary’s Camp Florida.

Meeting Highlights: September 23

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:06:00 +0000

“Walkwise”

Julie Bond

Senior Research Associate

Center for Urban Transportation Research

University of South Florida

Julie Bond is a Senior Research Associate at the Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR) at the University of South Florida. She has over fifteen years of experience creating, managing, and promoting innovative transportation programs. She manages WalkWise and BikeSmart Tampa Bay and co-founded Tampa BayCycle. Her areas of expertise include: transportation demand management, community outreach, transit pass programs, bicycle programs and advocacy, university transportation, and transit marketing. She also serves as the Director of the New North Transportation Alliance (NNTA). As director, she is responsible for providing a forum for businesses, USF, local governments, residents, and commuters to address the transportation needs of the New North area.

Meeting Highlights: September 16

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 17:14:00 +0000

Chief James Large

St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue

Chief Large joined St. Petersburg Fire & Rescue in 1974 and was appointed Chief in 2006. As chief, he oversees over 300 employees in the Fire Administration, Prevention, Operations, Rescue, Emergency Management, and Training Departments. Chief Large graduated with honors with two associate's degrees in Fire Science (suppression and prevention), has a bachelor's with distinction in Organizational Studies, and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). He is also a graduate of the Eckerd College Management Development Institute's Leadership Development Program and the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership St. Pete Program.

Meeting Highlights: September 9

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 10 Sep 2011 13:27:00 +0000

Michael Mira

Rotary District 6950 Disaster Preparedness & Response Chair

Michael Mira is a native of Tampa and has resided in Zephyrhills for the last 26 years. He is the Rotary District 6950 Disaster Preparedness and Response Chair. Michael has been a Rotarian since 2005 and has maintained perfect attendance since joining. He is a Past President of the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills as well as a ShelterBox USA representative.

Meeting Highlights: September 2

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 03 Sep 2011 17:46:00 +0000

Florida State Representative Jeff Brandes

Rep. Brandes was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2010. He serves on the Education Committee, Transportation & Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee, K-20 Education Innovation Subcommittee, Community & Military Affairs Subcommittee, and Rules & Regulations Subcommittee. He was born and raised in St. Petersburg. He joined the United States Army shortly after graduating high school. He graduated from Marion Military Institute in Marion, Alabama with an Associate of Arts degree and attended Florida Southern College and subsequently Carson-Newman College in Tennessee where he graduated in 1999 with a B.S. in Business Administration.

Meeting Highlights: August 26

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Mon, 29 Aug 2011 01:22:00 +0000

S4TL: “SEMINAR FOR TOMORROW’S LEADERS”

Mitch Hernandez, Chair

The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg sponsored two students who attended the annual week-long summer leadership training program at Florida Southern College in Lakeland, June 19- 25. Caleigh from St. Petersburg High and Kelly from Northside Christian, shared information about their experiences with other S4TL students from Florida and what they learned about life and leadership.

Mitch Hernandez (left), S4TL Delegates Caleigh and Kelly and Club President Jim Thompson

Meeting Highlights: August 19

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 17:34:00 +0000

Gary King

“THE HAPPINESS FORMULA”

Gary King is a speaker, author, and successful entrepreneur, his background is diverse and exhilarating including powerboat racing, internationally know artist and sculptor, honored by President Clinton, General Manager and Vice president of sales and marketing in the television industry.

Gary has successfully owned and operated King Marine Engineering formed in 1972 and King Productions International started in 1981, he is an expert in event production and logistics and has produced and directed some of the largest motor sports events in the Tampa Bay area including the 2001 APBA Offshore Powerboat World Championships.

Along with his personal company accomplishments, Gary has contracted as Director of Security, Road Manager, Operations Manager and consultant to Anthony Robbins and Robbins Research International currently and for the last 20 years.

Meeting Highlights: August 12

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sun, 14 Aug 2011 19:10:00 +0000

Matt Petit

INDIA/PAKISTAN RELATIONS

Matt Petit is a Foreign Service Officer about to begin his second tour in the State Department. Starting September, he will be in the Department's Bureau of African Affairs, working as a desk officer covering Somalia. Matt's first tour was in Chennai, India, where he served two years in a consular position. He graduated from the St. Pete High IB program in 2004 and went on to complete degrees in Political Science and Music Performance from Davidson College in North Carolina. He speaks Tamil, Spanish, and German and basic Russian, Hindi, and Malayalam. In his down-time, Matt enjoys spending time with his wife Abbie, practicing his trombone, and playing with his adopted Chennai street-dog Prithvi.

Meeting Highlights: August 5

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 06 Aug 2011 19:20:00 +0000

Annual Rotary Trust Fund Awards

Congratulations to the 2011 Rotary Trust Fund Award Recipients

St. Petersburg Rotarians, as a club, have contributed a great deal of community service – money, time, and leadership – particularly for the benefit for children and youth.

In 1930 the Crippled and Handicapped Children Committee was created. It has performed miracles at the American Legion Crippled Children’s Hospital now known as All Children’s Hospital. Rotary supported funds for a medical library and materials, while doctors contributed their work. The committee increased its work to include dental and corrective surgery, heart diseases and other work with needy children. Rotary also provided funds for uniforms, books and materials for the Boy Scout Troop at Nina Harris School. In 1961 a bequest to the Rotary Club for charitable work provided an opportunity to establish a permanent trust fund for this purpose.

In 1962, the first payments were made to charitable organizations from income earned from the Trust Fund. The Trust Fund consists of two accounts, one used exclusively for charitable work with disabled children; the other, known as the “undesignated” fund used for any worthy charitable purpose recommended by the Project Grants and Distributions Committee and approved by the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg.

Meeting Highlights: July 29

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 02:04:00 +0000

J. Sherwood White

"Holy Land Highlights"

J. Sherwood White is a Certified Financial Planner^TM professional. He is an Investment Advisor Representative with Transamerica Financial Advisers, and is a licensed insurance agent appointed with Western Reserve Life Assurance Co. of Ohio. He is also an appointed agent for a number of additional companies that are necessary to serve the best interests of his clients. He has held a General Securities license since 1970.

Mr. White was born in Hamburg, Arkansas, and grew up in North Louisiana. His financial services practice has been in St. Petersburg, Florida area for over thirty years. He has a degree in Chemical Engineering from Louisiana Tech University where he attended on a track and football scholarship. He earned his Certified Financial Planner (CFP) designation from the College for Financial Planning in 1989.

Mr. White’s business background includes insurance agent for Mutual Benefit Life from 1969 to 1972, General Agent for Mutual Benefit Life from 1972 to 1981, Vice President and Director of Equities & Financial Planning with Wallace Welch & Willingham, Inc. from 1981 to 1987. From 1987 to the present , President of Sherwood Financial Group, Inc.

He is a past president of the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg

Meeting Highlights: July 22

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 13:45:00 +0000

Linda Benware & Goliath Davis

ST. PETERSBURG CHARTER SCHOOL

After 30 years as an exemplary public school teacher and administrator, Linda Benware became the founding principal of St. Petersburg College’s charter high school, St. Petersburg Collegiate High School, in 2004. Under her leadership, the new school received an A rating following its first year of operation and has maintained that rating each year since. Currently ranked among the top 10 high schools in Florida and the No. 1 high school in Pinellas County.

Meeting Highlights: July 15

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 13:32:00 +0000

Goals and Objectives for the New Rotary Year

James B. "Jim" Thompson

2011-12 Club President

Jim Thompson became the 91st President of the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg on July 1st. He joins a group of 90 distinguished community, civic and business leaders who have led our organization since it was founded in 1920. Jim has been a member of this club since 1998. Prior to his election as president, Jim served as treasurer and president-elect. He is a Paul Harris Fellow & Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member.

He is the managing partner and a board certified civil trial attorney with the St. Petersburg based Thompson, Goodis, Thompson, Groseclose, Richardson & Miller. He was born in Atlanta, but raised in St. Petersburg. He is a graduate of St. Petersburg High School. He received his bachelor’s degree and law degree from the University of Florida. Jim is a member of the Board of Directors and past Chair of the St. Petersburg Free Clinic, Chair of Finance Committee at St. Thomas Episcopal Church and a member of numerous legal societies, including the St. Petersburg Bar Association.

He and his wife Alice have three children, Jack, Jimmy and Maggie.

Meeting Highlights: July 8

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 04:19:00 +0000

Carl Treleaven, District Governor Visits our Club

New Rotary District Governor, Carl Treleaven was the guest speaker at our club meeting this week. Carl is a member of our very own club. It's been many years since a District Governor has been a member of the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg. Congratulations Carl! Have a great Rotary year!

Carl Treleaven (left) and Club President Jim Thompson

Meeting Highlights: June 24

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sun, 26 Jun 2011 02:17:00 +0000

Annual Roast of 2010-11 Club President - Chris Finch

A MESSAGE FROM CHRIS

Beth & Chris Finch

It is not possible to list all the members that have helped me these last several years, as it is every member listed in our membership roster. Every one of you has contributed in some way. My father, Bert Finch, Jr., introduced me to Rotary many years before he proposed me for membership in 1986. He was my first mentor and continues to be one today. I also wish to thank my wife, Beth, who encouraged me to accept this honor. She has been tremendously supportive and after attending numerous Rotary functions, she knows far more about Rotary that she ever anticipated.

Recently, we prepared a list of this year’s club accomplishments. I am so proud of you and all that our Club achieved. It is amazing how many people and organizations you have helped. You served your club, our community and the world. I am proud to be a Rotarian and honored to have had the privilege to serve as the President of THE Rotary Club of St. Petersburg. This has been one of the highlights of my life. Thank you.

Meeting Highlights: June 17

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 18 Jun 2011 13:23:00 +0000

Christopher P. Marois

“LOBBYING FOR DUMMIES”

Chris Marois is co-owner of Anderson Marois & Associates where he specializes in representing disabled people in their attempts to obtain social security disability benefits (SSDIB) or supplemental security income (SSI). He has represented disabled people for over 20 years. For the last ten years, he has also been a member of The National Association of Disability Representatives (NADR). NADR is a national association of attorneys and non-attorney representatives that specialize in social security law. During his time in NADR he served as the Legislative Chairperson for several years and as President. Chris has directed the lobbying efforts of NADR for several years. He has been a Rotarian since 1989 and a member of the Rotary Club of St. Petersburg since 1993 where he has served in many capacities including a member of the board and President (‘04 -‘05). Chris is a Paul Harris Fellow and a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member.

Mitch Hernandez Receives the Four Way Test Award

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 17:36:00 +0000

Club President Chris Finch (left) presents Mitch Hernandez with this year's Four Way Test Award

Mitch Hernandez is the 2011 recipient of the Wallace G. Abell–Elizabeth “Betsy” Owens Four Way Test Award.

This award was established in 2000 as a tribute to Wallace G. “Wally” Abell. It is presented to a Rotarian that has demonstrated excellence in applying the ideal of service in his/her personal, business and community life. The Rotary Club also makes a donation to the Rotary Foundation in honor of the recipient of this award.

This year, the club’s Board of Directors has added the name of Elizabeth “Betsy” Owens to the Award. Owens, a long-time member of our club, passed away in 2009.

Mitch joined our club in 2005. He serves on our board of directors and is also a member of Finance & Investments Committee. He is a Paul Harris Fellow & Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member. He chairs our District Interact Committee, and is co-chair of the S4TL Committee and Rotary in Action Committee. His community involvement includes serving on the Board of J.West Prostate Cancer Foundation.

Meeting Highlights: June 10

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 23:39:00 +0000

CASEY’S COOKIES

Barry Torman, Co-founder of Casey’s Cookies

Barry Torman is a native of Rhode Island, and a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, although he spent most of his adult life working in the computer software industry in Chicago. Barry and his family moved to St. Petersburg, Florida from Chicago in 1995. He and his wife, Lori, are the owners of a for-profit online retail jewelry business, and the creators of Casey’s Cookies, a 501c3 non-profit social enterprise that you will learn about today. As Executive Director of Casey’s Cookies, Barry explained its mission of improving the quality of life for disabled adults through training and employment. He is also Casey’s dad. Casey was born with a severe to profound hearing loss, asymmetrical facial features, bilateral hip dysplasia, scoliosis, a single kidney, and brain injury. She is a 2010 special diploma graduate of Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg.

Casey’s Cookies offers a new employment opportunity for disabled adults like Casey. They learn the importance of teamwork and other valuable job skills while helping to build a business that will provide them with income and a safe place to live

Meeting Highlights: June 3

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 00:46:00 +0000

Boy Scouts of America and Rotary Collaborations

Gregg Hilferding

Gregg Hilferding has a long history with Scouting. From becoming a Tiger Cub and earning the Arrow of Light in Cub Scouts to earning over 50 merit badges and becoming an Eagle Scout, Gregg has literally grown up in the Scouting program. He is an ordeal member of the Order of the Arrow and has attended both World and National Jamborees as a camper, was on the staff of the 1997 National Jamboree, and was part of the BSA contingent at the 1996 Icelandic National Jamboree.

Welcome GSE Team!

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 28 May 2011 13:16:00 +0000

Welcome GSE Team!

The Group Study Exchange team visiting the District from Australia
will be spending time in South Pinellas over the coming week and
there are a number of opportunities to spend some time with them!
With a number of GSE alumni among our membership, we are
encouraging our club members to make an effort to attend any of the
following scheduled events. Click here to see schedule of events.

Meeting Highlights: May 27

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 28 May 2011 12:58:00 +0000

Susan Biszewski-Eber

SPC Student Internships & Externships

Susan is the Internship Coordinator for the College of Computer & Information Technology at St. Petersburg College. The program currently offers five Associate in Science Degrees, one Bachelor of Applied Science Degree and numerous workforce certifications. St. Petersburg College is the premiere community resource for educating a skilled and diverse workforce in the Tampa Bay Area.

Meeting Highlights: May 20

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Mon, 23 May 2011 01:15:00 +0000

QUARTERLY CLUB ASSEMBLY

Summary of Club Accomplishments

CLUB SERVICE: Inducted 10 new members; established a mentoring program for new members; witnessed the chartering of the new Rotary Club of St. Petersburg Sunset Club, which was sponsored by our club in 2009-2010.

VOCATIONAL SERVICE: Sponsored the annual Middle School Speech Contest; had members share Vocational Moments; awarded the Ned March–Bud Purdy Award to two outstanding St. Petersburg Police Officers.

COMMUNITY SERVICE: The Club made contributions to: St. Petersburg College Foundation for the John Thompson Scholarship; Operation PAR; Suncoast Law Enforcement Charities; St. Petersburg Audubon Society; District 6950 for the Chile Fund; Rotary Camp Florida; The Rotary Foundation for Polio Plus Campaign; $11,500 in grants to various local charitable organizations were awarded from the Charitable Trust. The Club donated money and volunteered at: The St. Petersburg Free Clinic; Special Olympics Golf Tournament; Tampa Bay Watch; Happy Workers Children’s Center Easter Event. The Club collected items needed for: Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary; Clothes to Kids, Inc.; Safe Harbor Homeless Shelter. Members volunteered at: St. Petersburg Folk Fest; Salvation Army Bell Ringing; Jim West Prostate Cancer Inaugural 5K Race;

Conducted fundraisers: The Bruce Watters Jewelers Illuminated Boat Parade and Holiday Festival which raised $20,000; the Annual Pig Roast in conjunction with the Sunrise Club, raising $3,000 to $6,000 for ShelterBox USA.

International Service: The Club sponsored two members of outgoing Group Study Exchange (GSE) teams, one to Australia and one to Chili, and acted as hosts for the incoming GSE team.

Meeting Highlights: May 13

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Sat, 14 May 2011 00:24:00 +0000

Annual Middle School Speech Contest

Thaila Schug with Al Bennett

Congratulations to Thaila Schug from St. Paul's Catholic School who was this year's winner of the Rotary Club Middle School Speech Contest. The topic was: “Are electronic devices and social networking sites an educational opportunity or an unwanted distraction?”

The Rotary Club of St. Petersburg’s Middle School Speech Contest started with four schools in 1961 and now includes most of the 6th, 7th and 8th grade students attending St. Petersburg public and private schools. Students write and deliver talks on an assigned subject. Winners from each school compete for one overall winner and runners-up awards. Today, the finalists get the opportunity to deliver their speech before our club.

Al Bennett has served as chair of the Middle School Speech Contest for the past four years. He is the Principal of St. Petersburg High School. Al joined our club in 2007.

Jim Watters Receives the 2011 Charlie Martin Award

noreply@blogger.com (H. Roy Adams) — Wed, 11 May 2011 00:59:00 +0000

(l-r) Chuck Martin, Bob Carter, Jim Watters, Chris Finch

Congratulations to Jim Watters who is the 2011 recipient of the Dr. Charlie Martin Award. Jim joined our club is 1984. He is third generation Rotarian, a Paul Harris Fellow and a Rotary Foundation Sustaining Member.

He is a partner with his father in Bruce Watters Jewelers, a 100 year-old jewelry store in St. Petersburg. His company has been generous to Rotary, supplying numerous gifts and awards for club members and others in the community.

In addition to serving on the club’s Board of Directors and number club committees, Jim’s business (Bruce Watters Jewelers), has been the title sponsor of the Rotary Illuminated Boat Parade since its inception. Funds raised at this event benefit numerous Rotary charities. He and his family also sponsor an annual pig roast to raise funds for the Rotary Shelter Box program.

The Dr. Charlie Martin Award is presented to a Rotarian who has lived life much like Dr. Martin, through the application of the ideal of service in one’s personal, business and community life. These characteristics include: a long-time member of this or another Rotary club; Regular in Rotary attendance; a person who has neither sought nor received the limelight, as in unsung hero; one who has placed personal family values high in the order of life; one who walks his or her talk with God and a Rotarian with a sincere interest in the members

Meet the Past Recipients