Welcome Commander David M. Gardella

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

WE MEET AT RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY

Lunch begins at noon - Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m.

Meet Commander David M. Gardella

United States Navy

 

Commander Gardella, a native of Fort Thomas, KY, graduated from the United States Naval Academy in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Aerospace Engineering.  Upon completion of flight school, he earned his coveted “Wings of Gold” and was designated as a Naval Aviator in April 1996.  He subsequently proceeded to Patrol Squadron THIRTY, Jacksonville, FL to receive instruction on how to fly the P-3C Orion.  He joined Patrol Squadron SIXTEEN, Jacksonville, FL the following year for his first operational tour.  While completing two tri-site deployments to Iceland, Puerto Rico, and Panama and a deployment to Sigonella, Sicily, he attained multiple qualifications, to include Patrol Plane Commander, Mission Commander, and Instructor Pilot.

In October 2001, Commander Gardella transferred to Patrol Squadron THIRTY to serve as a Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) Instructor Pilot.  His next assignment was to Special Projects Patrol Squadron TWO, Kaneohe, HI in March 2004.  Upon completion of this tour, he joined of Patrol Squadron FOUR in August 2006 for his department head tour and deployed to the Pacific theater of operation. 

In July 2008, Commander Gardella returned to the mainland serving again at Patrol Squadron THIRTY as a senior department head.  He specialized in standardization and procedural compliance for all P-3 and EP-3 units worldwide. 

Commander Gardella reported to Fort Dix, NJ in July 2011 for Army familiarization training and subsequent deployment to Afghanistan in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM. He was assigned to Rule of Law Field Force – Afghanistan, a specialized unit under Commander, Joint Inter-Agency Task Force – 435, to develop and sustain the Afghan statutory justice system.  He was embedded in the British-led Helmand Provincial Reconstruction Team in Lashkar Gah, Helmand Province.

In June 2012, Commander Gardella once again reported to Patrol Squadron THIRTY where he now serves as the squadron’s Executive Officer. 

Awards include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal (3 Strike/Flight Awards), Navy Commendation Medal (2), Joint Service Achievement Medal, Navy Achievement Medal, and various service and unit awards.  He has attained over 4500 flight hours in three different aircraft.

Commander Gardella resides in Fleming Island, FL with his wife Mona, and their three daughters.

Sign-up to Ring the Bell for the Salvation Army
Wednesday, Nov 21, 2012  

Publix at Southside Blvd and Old Baymeadows Rd.

Sign up sheets will be available on the tables during the weekly meetings.  There are open time slots available.  The current schedule is:

10:00 am - 12:00 pm:  Patrick Victor, Chris Bouton, John McCarthy, 
                                                 Martha Bogdan & Richard Dow       
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm:    President Jim Lanahan, Ken Wilson, 
                                                 PP Vicki-lynne Gloger and her Mom
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm:
4:00 pm - 6:00 pm:      Bea Fore, PP Mike Darragh
6:00 PM - 8:00 pm:

  WHERE DO THE SALVATION ARMY DONATIONS GO?
As a leader in Christian faith-based human services in the Jacksonville area, The Salvation Army of Northeast Florida strives to meet the physical , emotional and spiritual needs of people in crisis.  Our many service 
areas include the following…

Roy Neal

South Jacksonville
Rotary Club's

Newest Memeber

Roy works at CSX as a Senior Account Manager. He is married to Abby, they have four children and they live in Green Cove Springs.  When asked to provide a few words about his family life he wrote, "…….I believe that people who are developed and exposed to opportunities are more prepared to have an impact on society.   We carry this principle into our family life and work to provide experiences that reinforce excellence and a need to serve others.  Having a wife that’s an educator is invaluable and helps to keep our four children on a distinct path."

Recap of the October 30th Meeting

Greeter:  Roy Neal

The Prayer & Pledge:  Bob Massey

Salvation Army Bell Ringing Update:  Dale Malloy

Dan Appelo Memorial Update:  President Jim Lanahan

Membership Program Update:  Bob Massey

Introduction of Visitors & Guests:  Doug McCullough
Sports Update:  Jeremy Miller
Craft Talk:  Roy Neal

Introduction of Meeting Theme & Speakers:  David Bissell 

The October 30th meeting theme was the Four-Way Test.  Four club members spoke about the elements of the test. 

Is it the TRUTH?

Tyrie Boyer

Is it FAIR to all concerned?

Jason Burnett

Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?

Jeremy Miller

Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned?

Rick Morales

The Four Way Test

Tuesday, October 30, 2012

WE MEET AT RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY

Lunch begins at noon - Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m.

Four Way Test

The Four Way Test was written by Herbert Taylor during a business crisis in 1932.  Herbert Taylor was the president of the Rotary Club of Chicago 1939-40.  He was also the President of Rotary International 1954-55.   In January 1943 the Four Way Test was adopted by Rotary International.   For Rotarians, the  test is the foundation for all action.

 

 The FOUR-WAY TEST of the things we think, say or do:

1. Is it the TRUTH?
2. Is it FAIR to all concerned?
3. Will it build GOODWILL and BETTER FRIENDSHIPS?
4. Will it be BENEFICIAL to all concerned? 

The "Four Way Test" will be the focus of the October 30th meeting for the South Jacksonville Rotary Club. 

Greetings From

Holly Kartsonis

Holly  sends greetings from her vacation in Malaga Spain.   The picture is a view from her hotel.

Opportunity To Meet

Taiwan Ambassador

Rex Fan Chiang, South Jacksonville Rotary Club's 2011-12 Inbound Exchange Student, had the opportunity to meet Taiwan Ambassador, Shan-lin Chin.  Rex attended a District 3460 event where Shan-lin Chin spoke about international etiquette.

Recap of the October 23rd Meeting

Greeters:  Christine Goldsmith, Dinkins Grange & Roy Neal

The Prayer & Pledge:  PP Gary Wilkinson

Dan Appelo Memorial Update:  William Harrell

Introduction of Visitors & Guests:  PP Odette Struys
Sports Update:  Jeremy Miller

Guest Speaker Introduction:  David Bissell
Speaker: Sam Kouvaris

Sam Kouvaris, Sports Director/Managing Editor WJXT addressed the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville.  He spoke about the Florida Georgia game, the tradition of the game and recruiting of the teams.  He shared his experiences working and living in Jacksonville.  In addition he shared his thoughts on the current status of the Jaguars and their future. 

In honor of the Florida Georgia game the Rotary Club of Mandarin joined the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville meeting.  Team colors were proudly worn!

Welcome Sam Kouvaris

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

WE MEET AT RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY

Lunch begins at noon - Meeting begins at 12:30 p.m.

The Rotary Club of Mandarin will join us for this meeting-be sure to wear your team colors!!
 

Sam Kouvaris

Sports Director/Managing Editor, WJXT

A native of Baltimore and a graduate of the University of Maryland, Sam Kouvaris began his broadcasting career in Charleston, S.C., as the sports director at the ABC affiliate, WCBD.

He also worked as a sports reporter in the Washington/Baltimore area.  In June 1981, Sam joined WJXT, formerly the CBS affiliate in Jacksonville, and was promoted to sports director in March 1982.  On Jan. 1, 2000, Sam was given additional duties as managing editor of the sports department at WJXT.

As sports director/managing editor, Sam's responsibilities include the presentation of the daily newscasts and the leadership of the sports department. Along with the news director and general manager, he helps determine the sports coverage policy throughout the year.

Sam's play-by-play experience stretches from football to polo, and he has called events for CBS, NBC, ABC and ESPN.  A three-sport varsity athlete in high school, Sam also participated in football and baseball in college and on the semi-professional level. He still stays active in sports as a tri-athlete and the occasional fantasy baseball camp. As part of his sports coverage, Sam has tried out for the Jacksonville Tea Men and the USFL Jacksonville Bulls.  He served as voice of the Tea Men of the NASL in 1983.

A popular feature on WJXT's Channel 4 News at 5:30 p.m. is "Stump Sam." Viewers are invited to send in their sports questions to see if they can "stump Sam." Sam has maintained about an 80 percent correct answer rate since the feature's inception in 1990.

Sam also maintains a sports-themed Web site -- SamSportsline.com -- with current sports information, as well as personal commentary.

Sam calls his experience flying Navy tactical aircraft the highlight of his career.  After a promotional flight with the "Blue Angels," Sam completed six weeks of training from the U.S. Navy at Naval Air Station Jacksonville and Cecil Field, and was qualified to fly in the FA-18.  He has done stories with several squadrons in the Atlantic Fleet and has one carrier arrested landing and launch.

His sports commentaries can be heard twice each day on WFYV-FM in Jacksonville and on the syndicated Lex and Terry radio show, which is broadcasted throughout the country.

A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee, Sam is one of 38 electors asked each year to vote on candidates eligible for induction into the hall.  He also is a designated voter for the Heisman Trophy and the College Football Hall of Fame.

Sam is an Emmy Award winner and has won the Associated Press Broadcast Award, as well as other honors, including Sportscaster of the Year by numerous organizations.  Music and drama are among his hobbies. Sam plays several musical instruments, including the trumpet and guitar. He has appeared as the lead vocalist for the St. Johns River City Band at several "Big Band" concerts.

He serves on the Board of Directors for numerous charities in North Florida and is active at St. Joseph's Catholic Church.  Sam lives in the Mandarin area of Jacksonville with his wife. Together, they have three children.

                        The 4-Way Test

The October 30, 2012 meeting will focus on the 4-Way Test.  The following link has essays about the 4-Way Test written by children: http://thefourwaytest.com/

James Chansler Receives Benefactor Award

PP James Chansler recieved the Rotary Foundation Benefactor Award during the South Jacksonville Rotary Clubs meeting October 16, 2012.    The Benefactor Award is given when someone includes the Foundation in a will or other estate plan, or makes a special gift or commitment to the Foundation's Permanent Fund. James is also a sustaining member of the Foundation's Annual Fund.





Neil McGuinness Moving to Residential Real Estate

A recent Wall Street Journal article indicated that the housing crisis was ended according to both Wells Fargo and J.P. Morgan. It probably isn’t a coincidence that Neil is selling his Murphy Business Brokerage Franchise and joining his wife Kathie in her residential real estate business at Keller Williams Atlantic Partners in Jacksonville Beach. They will be doing business throughout the greater Jacksonville area and their website is www.JacksonvilleNeighborhood.com

Kathie currently has listings or recent sales in areas ranging from the horse country near Cecil Field to Northside to Riverside/Avondale to Del Webb Ponte Vedra (Nocatee) and through The Beaches communities.

Effective November 1, 2012, Neil will be a Realtor with Kathie at Keller Williams but will continue his role as chairman of the board of the SEI Private Trust Company in Oaks Pennsylvania, a national thrift with $200 billion in custody assets. In addition to being a member and board member of Rotary of South Jacksonville, Neil is a board member of Semper Fidelis (Marine Corps veterans organization), a board member of The Beaches Area Historical Society and a member of the estate planning Council Northeast Florida.

Past President Odette Is On The Air

Past President Odette Struys was on the air the week of October 15th encouraging listeners of WJCT to support public broadcasting.  

Recap of the October 16th Meeting

Greeter:  Christine Goldsmith

The Prayer & Pledge:  Doug McCullough
Benefactor Award Recipient: PP James Chansler

Blue Bade Recipient:  Kevin Hyde

Literacy Project Update:  President Jim & Richard Dow

Introduction of Visitors & Guests:  Juan Gutierrez
Sports Update:  Jeremy Miller

Guest Speaker Introduction:  David Bissell
Speaker:  Rick Catlett

Rick Catlett, President of the Gator Bowl Association, spoke to the South Jacksonville Rotary club about the association and answered questions from club members.