January 28, 2014

WE MEET AT RIVER CITY BREWING COMPANY
Lunch at 12:00pm - Meeting at 12:30pm 

Rotary Club of South Jacksonville's FOUNDER'S DAY

The meeting on Tuesday, January 28th, is the club's annual meeting to celebrate the founding of our South Jacksonville Rotary Club, its members, and the announcement of the honoree of the special Frank Sherman Award - named after South Jacksonville's charter President.

Frank was well known in Jacksonville as the founder of banking on the south side of the St. John's River.  People considered it "Frank's Folly", opening a business in the sparingly developed Southbank.  At the time he opened his business off King Street, it was still necessary to use the ferry to cross the St. Johns River. 

Frank was a true self-made man who started as a doorman at the St. James Hotel (previously located on the site of the current City Hall) and was one of the first Red Cross Lifeguards at Jacksonville Beach.  His photograph and name are still visible in the makeshift museum inside the Red Cross Lifeguard building at Jacksonville Beach.  A deeply religious man, Frank helped to establish San Marco's first Methodist Church and paid for its large pipe organ which his wife, Helen (an accomplished pianist and organist), played every Sunday well into her late 80's.  

Frank and Helen Sherman left $16 million to Emory University's Candler School of Theology to provide full scholarships for students working towards a  Master's Degree in Theology for many years to come.  In 1997, there had been 540 Sherman Scholar graduates.  Bishop Hunt stated at his funeral, "Frank is in heaven, and now heaven is a busier place."

Don't miss this fun and lively Founder's Day.  And, as always, consider bringing a guest.  Let them hear what the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville is all about.

SAVE THE DATE

YUKA'S BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION

Please join us for an evening social event to celebrate Yuka’s (our Rotary Youth Exchange (RYE) inbound student from Japan) Birthday!!  This is a great opportunity to meet Yuka, introduce Yuka to American culture (“a Birthday Party”-this will be her FIRST) and to socialize with fellow Rotarians.

When:  Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Time:  Doors Open @ 6pm, Food Ready @ 6:30pm

Where:  The Woods Community Clubhouse (near Hodges & Atlantic)

What to Bring:  Please bring a side dish to share* (meat & dessert will be provided)

*If you prefer to bring paper goods or a beverage, please contact Robyn or Leandra.

Please feel free to bring a guest.  RSVP is required for entrance at Guard Gate. Please sign the RSVP list during the 1/28 or 2/4 meeting or email Robyn at sandri@jea.com. 

PLEASE NOTE - Yuka has NEVER had a birthday party in her entire life!  Please join us to make this a very special birthday week for Yuka (actual birthday is Friday, February 14th).

CONGRATULATIONS!

On Tuesday, January 21, 2014, The Rotary Club of South Jacksonville held it's second annual speech competition.  Six intramural contest winners from the following high schools participated in the contest:  Bishop Kenny, The Bolles School, Douglas Anderson, Episcopal School, Stanton Prep and Wolfson High School.  

Erik Sampayo, Bishop Kenny; Ru Miles, Wolfson High School; Pres Harlan Bost; Summer Cuevas, Douglas Anderson; Desirae Lee, Stanton Prep; John Michael Currie, Episcopal School; Garrett Bennett, The Bolles School; and Doug Matthews, Event Chair

  And the winners are........

Doug Matthews (Event Chair), John Michael Currie, Ruski (Ru) Miles & Desirae Lee

1st prize scholarship $2000 - John Michael Currie, Episcopal School
2nd prize scholarship $1000 - Desirae Lee, Stanton College Prep
3rd prize scholarship $500 - the remaining 4 students each receive this prize
 
In the Community

In November 2013, members of the Rotary Club of South Jacksonville participated in the annual Salvation Army's annual bell ringing drive.  Total raised = $432.18.  Thanks to all club members who participated in this event!

Minutarian Update, Week 30

This past Friday, I had the pleasure of witnessing the power of networking and The Rotary Foundation. Our Orange Park Sunrise Club, held their weekly meeting at the Northfork Leadership Center & Girl Scout Camp, in Middleburg. On a clear and crisp morning, they dedicated a dock at the camp. Built from the partnership of Rotary, private enterprise, the Girl Scouts and our Rotary Foundation, it was a wonderful event. Because of the docks terrific design, it will enhance the camp experience for thousands of kids and adults, able bodied and physically challenged alike. This project is an example of your Rotary Foundation dollars, and Rotary partnerships at work.

Did you know you can add upcoming club events to the District Calendar, on the District Website? Send them in to our Webmaster, Howard Kelly. His contact info is on the site.
 
Rotary Has A Heart, our District and Zone wide hunger project for the week of February 14th has incredible things being planned by our clubs. Let’s do our part to put food on an empty plate, and fill an empty stomach. Engage your Rotaract and Interact Clubs to help! If your club still needs an idea, email me or DGND Marshall Butler. We can help!
 
Thanks so much,
Engage Rotary, Change Lives  
District Governor Art