Welcome David Abramowitz, Dir. FL Dept. Children & Families, NE Region

Tuesday, April 30, 2013

WE MEET RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY

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

David Abramowitz

Director of the Florida Department of 

Children & Families' Northeast Region

David Abramowitz is the Region Director of the Florida Department of Children and Families’ Northeast Region, which covers 20 counties, including the metropolitan areas of Jacksonville, Gainesville and Daytona Beach.  Abramowitz joined DCF in January 2012.

As the Region Director, Abramowitz oversees DCF’s operations in the Northeast Region, including child welfare, adult abuse and neglect, economic self-sufficiency benefits and substance abuse and mental health services.

Abramowitz came to DCF from the U.S. Army, where he spent 30 years, rising to the rank of Colonel.  Most recently, he was an Inspector General with the United States Army Forces Command. 

“David’s experience as a leader of talented men and women in a complex organization will be a wonderful addition to our Department as we continue to enhance oversight of our structure and our contracted partners,” said David Wilkins, Secretary of the Department of Children and Families.

Abramowitz’s years in the U.S. Army began as an aviation officer.  He then served as a battalion commander in Germany and a brigade commander in Korea.  In 2007, he served as commandant of the Sergeants Major Academy in Fort Bliss, Texas, and then as chief of staff for the Iraq Assistance Group in Baghdad. 

He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in science from the United States Air Force Academy.  Additionally, he has a master’s degree in international security strategy studies from the United States Army War College and a master’s degree in military art and science from the United States Army Command and General Staff College.

During his years in the military, Abramowitz was responsible for several initiatives to help children and families.  Following Hurricane Katrina, his team at the Sergeants Major Academy helped the city of El Paso establish centers for people from the Gulf Coast who had been displaced by the storm.  He also made it mandatory for students at the academy to participate in projects to help the community, including Habitat for Humanity and mentoring children from area schools.

“David has a legacy of service to this country and will be a great addition in our Northeast Regional office,” Secretary Wilkins said.  “We are proud to have someone of his caliber join our agency and work with us to protect children, families and vulnerable adults.”

Rotary District 6970 Conference  

Friday, May 17 - 18, 2013

Hilton University of Florida Conference Center 

Gainesville, FL

 “A Day of Action, Ideas, and Inspiration”

Join Us to Relax, Renew and Re-ignite

• Exciting Keynote Speakers
• House of Friendship
• Inspiring RI projects
• Island Theme, casual dress
• Poolside party with live band and Caribbean food
• Fun and Fellowship

To register:       http://rotarydistrict6970.org/

Friday, May 17, 2013
9:00 am                         Open Registration Booth
11:30 am–1:00 pm     Lunch with Ken Frantz as keynote
1:00 pm                         Open House of Friendship (club displays)
1:30 pm-5:00 pm       Break Out Sessions
5:30 pm-10:30 pm     Caribbean Party at pool deck 

Saturday, May 18, 2013
7:30 am-8:30 am        Breakfast with Dr. Bethune, Keynote Speaker
9:00 am-10:30 am     Break Out Sessions                                                                                     
10:30 am-12:00 pm  Closing Session and Awards    

News From the Board

The Board is pleased to announce the following candidate has been approved for your consideration into membership; Reid Hartsfield-sponsor is PP Lee Mercier and the proposed classification is Finance/Banking-Financial Strategist.  Anyone having an objection should submit it in writing to the Board within ten (10) days.

Welcome New Member Alejandro Leon

Alejandro (Alex) Leon and his wife, Lina, are from Medellin, Colombia.  They have a 13 year old son who attends Bolles School.  Alex is President of Rampini Ceramics and prior to that was the General Manager of Metchemical for 10 years.  The family travels whenever they have the chance and they especially enjoy, Italy, Spain and France.  While in Florida, they ride bikes and head off to the beach.  Alex also enjoys golf.  

Mark Your Calendar

South Jacksonville Rotary Club Event

Jacksonville Suns Baseball Game
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Food & fun 5:45 pm , game time 7:05 pm
Includes All You Can Eat Pre-game Buffet  $16.95

Recap of the April 23rd Meeting

Greeters:   Sandi Christiansen

The Pledge & Prayer:  Les Loggins

PET Update:  PPJames Chansler

Committee Selection Update:  PE Harlan Bost

Introduction of Visitors & Guests: PP Lee Mercier

Introduction of Guest Speaker:  Pepe Hill

 Guest Speaker:  J.J. Conners, Member, Board of Directors
Tom Coughlin Jay Fund 

All of the justices sit on the Supreme Court of the Republic of Tatarstan. They have been appointed for life by the President of Russia. L-R  Our own, PP Judge Harvey Schlesinger, Hon.Galina Romanova, Hon. Mansur Sultanov,  Hon. Ramil Sharifullin, Vice Chief Justice and Chair of the  Republic of Tatarstan's Council of Judges, Hon. Islam Shaykhiyev, Hon. Larisa Imamova. Far right is Dr.Konstanton Kostin, Ph.D., the group facilitator.  He is an Associate Professor at St Petersburg State University of Economics and Service.  He won a Fulbright Fellowship and will be at UNF for the Fall Semester.

Welcome J.J. Conners, Board of Directors Jay Fund

Tuesday April 23, 2013

WE MEET AT RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY

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

Meet J. J. Conners
Member, Board of Directors
Tom Coughlin Jay Fund

J. J. Conners is the founder and president of Chestnut Hill Investments, a Jacksonville-based commercial real estate development company, and a founding partner of Fairlead of North Florida, a real estate investment and operating company.

Prior to forming Chestnut Hill Investments and Fairlead of North Florida, J.J. was the vice president and market officer for North Florida for Flagler Development Company.  Before joining Flagler Development Company, J.J. worked for AEW Capital Management in Boston, sourcing, underwriting and managing new office, apartment and condominium developments in London, Toronto, Chicago and Washington D.C.

J.J. was born and raised in Jacksonville and attended Bishop Kenny High School. He is a 1992 graduate of Boston College, where he knew Jay McGillis, the namesake for the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, and first met Coach Coughlin.  In 2001, he returned to Jacksonville where he currently lives with his wife, Sarah, three daughters, Lauren, Maria and Anna, and their golden retriever, Rose.  He is the chair of the YMCA Duval Regional Board of Directors and has been a board member of Tom Coughlin Jay Fund Foundation since 2008.  

About the Jay Fund program:
The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund is a Jacksonville-based nonprofit founded by former Jacksonville Jaguars head coach and current New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin.  It assists families with children with cancer by providing emergency household expenses, funeral costs, gas and food necessities and hospital/clinic services as they deal with the emotional and physical adversity of childhood cancer. Coach Coughlin launched the Jay Fund in honor of former Boston College safety Jay McGillis, who battled leukemia.

The Jay Fund recently launched a new financial literacy tool to help families tackling childhood cancer.  Called the Financial Game Plan, the four-step approach helps families understand and manage financial challenges that result from helping a child battle cancer.

The financial game plan includes:

• A backpack with an organizer to help families manage doctor appointments, keep important contact information and track expenses. 
• Quarterly financial seminars that give families information, insight and support to manage their finances while battling pediatric cancer.
• Access to a financial coach that helps families develop and implement a budget and provides guidance to help families make difficult decisions to improve their financial health. Emergency financial assistance.

The Jay Fund worked closely with the families that the Jay Fund serves to develop the Financial Game Plan, finding many times families, consumed by their children’s health, were too overwhelmed to take a real look at their financial health. The Jay Fund realized that sharing with families best practices and tips for making smart financial decisions could significantly improve their financial situation and reduce stress, allowing parents to concentrate on the well being of their child.

Since 1996, the Jay Fund has provided more than $4 million in grants to approximately 1,000 families in Northeast Florida and the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area facing pediatric cancer. As childhood cancer continues to be the number one disease-related death among children under age 19, the Jay Fund is dedicated to not only expanding its financial services, but to also expanding the numbers of families it serves.

For more information on the Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, please visit www.tcjayfund.org or www.facebook.com/tcjayfund, or call 904-543-2599.
 

New Members’ Service Project!

Our Club appreciates our new Members (and Sponsors) for Rotary Year 2012-13!
As we’ve done in the past, the Club is planning a “PET workday” on Saturday, April 27. The volunteer effort has been specially arranged for our new members and their sponsors, and anyone else interested is more than welcome to join the group for our 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. visit to the Penny Farms workshop & warehouse. 

What is a PET? Most of us never give it a second thought. However, for more than 20,000,000 people in developing countries who are unable to walk, it is a major concern. These individuals have suffered the loss of mobility because of landmine explosions, illness, birth defects, disease, or accidents. The three-wheeled, hand-powered PET wheelchairs, manufactured by PET-Florida (and other PET affiliates), provide a means for these physically challenged individuals to achieve the “gift of mobility”. And you have an opportunity to help provide that gift!

A PET vehicle in Honduras

So whatever your skill level, if you want to build “wheelchairs on steroids,” send James Chansler an email ( jchansler51@hotmail.com ) to sign up and for carpooling information. We will be leaving around 8:00 a.m. and returning at 12:30 p.m. Thank you for being  South Jacksonville Rotarians!

Welcome New Member Sandi Christiansen

Sandi Christiansen has a master’s degree in computer science; and has been in the technical field for more than 20 years.  She currently works at JEA as the ERP manager; supporting their financial system.    Prior to that Sandi was the Network/Telecommunications manager; as well as a program manager

Born and raised in Jacksonville, new member, Sandi and husband, Mike, have been married for 21 years. Between them they have six children and 5 grandchildren with another grandchild due in June.  Sandi has two younger sisters and an older brother.  Her parents celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in July.  Since most of her family lives here in Jacksonville,  family gatherings are events with nearly 50 people in attendance! 

Their youngest child is an 8th grade cheerleader at University Christian School, so many of their nights and weekends surround her activities.  Sandi & Mike love outdoor hobbies -- camping and boating. In addition to children, they have three miniature female dachshunds; ranging from 4 to 11 pounds. 

Brynn, Chris, Lauren & PP Odette

Ladies Ladies Ladies!

From baby talk (Lauren Hopkins) to wedding excitement (PP Odette Struys),  welcoming a new member (Brynn Titone) and celebrating a sabbatical (Chris Bouton)!!

Mark Your Calendar

South Jacksonville Rotary Club Event

Jacksonville Suns Baseball Game
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Food & fun 5:45 pm , game time 7:05 pm
Includes All You Can Eat Pre-game Buffet  $16.95

Recap of the April 16th Meeting

Greeters:   Sandi Christiansen & Alejandro Leon

The Pledge & Prayer:  Sandi Christiansen

Presentation of Australian Club Banner:  Juan Miguel Gutierrez

Introduction of Visitors & Guests: Bill Jaycox

Introduction of Guest Speaker:  PP Mike Darragh

Guest Speaker: Sarah Boone, Executive Director of Theatre Jacksonville

Welcome Sarah Boone, Executive Director of Theatre Jacksonville

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

WE MEET AT RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY

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

Meet Sarah Boone

Executive Director of Theatre Jacksonville

Sarah Boone has had a diverse career in television, radio and theatre across the country as a performer, director, producer and manager.  She graduated from Florida State University with a BA in Theatre and continued her theatrical training in NYC studying acting with HB Studio founder Herbert Berghof and musical theatre with Tony award-winning actress Donna McKechnie.  

Following a Rotary Foundation graduate scholarship in Scotland, Sarah was honored to win a theatre teaching fellowship at American University in Washington, DC where she earned an MA in Arts Management and Communications.  She has held management positions at LA’s Geffen Playhouse and New York's Westside Theatre off-Broadway and has overseen the production of more than 70 plays, musicals and concerts over the past 15 years.  In addition to her producing credits, she has enjoyed continued success as a cabaret artist with appearances in Florida (including the Happily Red concert series she created at Theatre Jacksonville), Los Angeles (First and Hope Supper Club) and in New York (The Duplex, Don’t Tell Mama, The Triad, The Metropolitan Room).   

Sarah is currently the Executive Director of Theatre Jacksonville and has been a Consulting Producer with the California International Theatre Festival since 2008.

New Members’ Service Project!

Our Club appreciates our new Members (and Sponsors) for Rotary Year 2012-13!
As we’ve done in the past, the Club is planning a “PET workday” on Saturday, April 27. The volunteer effort has been specially arranged for our new members and their sponsors, and anyone else interested is more than welcome to join the group for our 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. visit to the Penny Farms workshop & warehouse. 

What is a PET? Most of us never give it a second thought. However, for more than 20,000,000 people in developing countries who are unable to walk, it is a major concern. These individuals have suffered the loss of mobility because of landmine explosions, illness, birth defects, disease, or accidents. The three-wheeled, hand-powered PET wheelchairs, manufactured by PET-Florida (and other PET affiliates), provide a means for these physically challenged individuals to achieve the “gift of mobility”. And you have an opportunity to help provide that gift!

A PET vehicle in Honduras

So whatever your skill level, if you want to build “wheelchairs on steroids,” send James Chansler an email ( jchansler51@hotmail.com ) to sign up and for carpooling information. We will be leaving around 8:00 a.m. and returning at 12:30 p.m. Thank you for being  South Jacksonville Rotarians!

Photos from PP Mike Darragh's Visit to Russian Rotary Club


Recap Of the April 9th Meeting

Greeters:  Christine Goldsmith, Ryan Maloney, Robyn Watson, Sandi Christiansen, Mike Manuele,  Cheryl Robitzsch & Rick Hartley

The Pledge & Prayer: Dinkins Grange

Blue Badge Recipients: Ryan Maloney, Travis Peters, Robyin Watson & Cheryl Robitzsch

Presentation of Russian Club Banner: PP Mike Darragh

Wolfson's Rotaract Update:  PP Vicki-lynne Gloger

Foundation Update: President Jim Lanahan

Introduction of Visitors & Guests: PP Jay Plotkin

Introduction of Guest Speaker:  David Bissell

 Guest Speaker: Matthew Rapp, Executive Director of TPC

Past Meeting Photos

 

Welcome Matthew Rapp, Executive Director TPC

Tuesday, April 9, 2013

WE MEET RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY

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

Meet Matthew Rapp

Executive Director, TPC

 

Matt has worked for the PGA TOUR since the beginning of 2005.  Before taking over
The PLAYERS Championship in May of 2010, he worked in the TOUR’s corporate
marketing department where he focused on title sponsor sales and was responsible for
over $500 million in sponsorship agreements with companies that include: Crowne
Plaza, The Greenbrier, Children’s Miracle Network, RSM McGladrey, Transitions
Optical, Northern Trust, Norwegian Cruise Lines, the Royal Bank of Canada, Boeing
and Regions.

Since taking over as Executive Director of The PLAYERS Championship, Matt has
focused on significantly enhancing the fan experience, increasing the event’s charitable
impact and reinvigorating its vital connection with the local community.

Prior to joining the PGA TOUR, Matt held several senior executive positions in public
relations and communications with the ATP World Tour, governing body of men’s
professional tennis and Burson-Marsteller, a leading global public relations firm.  His
first job was working on Capitol Hill with the former assistant majority leader of the
US Senate, Wendall Ford.

A native of Louisville, KY, Matt has lived and worked in many cities throughout the
United States and around the world including Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, DC,
London and Brussels, Belgium but is proud to call Jacksonville his home since 2001.
Matt graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1991 where he rowed crew and
studied international relations.

He is married to Kimberly Woods Rapp, a Bishop Kenny and UF graduate and
together they have 7 children.

A Message from President Elect, Harlan Bost to New Members

I am in the process of forming committees for next year and am requesting all new members, those joining this calendar year, to send me their interests.  What are your passions?  Where would you like to serve?

Look under the COMMITTEES tab of our web site to see how the current service options are structured.  Your response sent to hbost@floridacustommarble.com. by April 15th is much appreciated.  Thank you!

New Members’ Service Project!

Our Club appreciates our new Members (and Sponsors) for Rotary Year 2012-13!
As we’ve done in the past, the Club is planning a “PET workday” on Saturday, April 27. The volunteer effort has been specially arranged for our new members and their sponsors, and anyone else interested is more than welcome to join the group for our 9:00 – 11:30 a.m. visit to the Penny Farms workshop & warehouse. 

What is a PET? Most of us never give it a second thought. However, for more than 20,000,000 people in developing countries who are unable to walk, it is a major concern. These individuals have suffered the loss of mobility because of landmine explosions, illness, birth defects, disease, or accidents. The three-wheeled, hand-powered PET wheelchairs, manufactured by PET-Florida (and other PET affiliates), provide a means for these physically challenged individuals to achieve the “gift of mobility”. And you have an opportunity to help provide that gift!

A PET vehicle in Honduras

So whatever your skill level, if you want to build “wheelchairs on steroids,” send James Chansler an email ( jchansler51@hotmail.com ) to sign up and for carpooling information. We will be leaving around 8:00 a.m. and returning at 12:30 p.m. Thank you for being  South Jacksonville Rotarians!
 

Dr. N. Graff-Radford, M.D.

Alzheimer's Study

Dr. Neill Graff-Radford spoke at the South Jacksonville Rotary Club meeting about the connection between physical exercise as reducing the risks of Alzheimer’s. He mentioned volunteers for a new study with one group focusing on stretching and toning, while the other will do aerobic activity. These classes are taking place at the Brooks Family YMCA and the Y is a partner in this research. You don’t have to go all the way out to Mayo to participate. If you are interested in more information, please contact Lauren Hopkins.

Lauren Weedon Hopkins, CFRE
Regional Director of Development
YMCA OF FLORIDA'S FIRST COAST
12735 Gran Bay Parkway West, Suite 250 Jacksonville, FL 32258
Phone: 904.309.6578  Cell: 904.472.4206  Web: FirstCoastYMCA.org

The Y: We’re for youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Les Loggins

Who Catches the 

Biggest Fish?

Les Loggins hooked this 30 pound red fish while fishing off the coast of Ponte Vedra this weekend with Capt. Rick Ryals. The boat landed two red fish and an ice chest full of whitings.

News From the Board

The Board is pleased to announce the following candidate has been approved for your consideration into membership:  Stevan Jones-sponsor is PP Gary Wilkinson and the proposed classification is Finance/Banking-Financial Advisor.  Anyone having an objection should submit it in writing to the Board within ten (10) days.

New Members of South Jacksonville Rotary Club

Red Badge

Rookie Greeters

Nice healthy long line of newbee Rotarians are our greeters...

Recap Of the April 2nd Meeting

Greeters:  Ryan Maloney & Rick Hartley
The Pledge & Prayer:  Lauren Hopkins

New Member Charge:  PP Lee Mercier

New Member:   Alejandro Leon

Introduction of Visitors & Guests:  Ron Patrick
Introduction of Guest Speaker:  David Bissell

 Guest Speaker:  Jeff Grady, FAIA President/CEO