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Rotary District 6940
Official Newsletter
Serving Northwest Florida and the World
Jan/Feb 2015
Volume 101, Issue 3
Feeding families
see page 11
What’s Inside?
Message from DG Dave Rauch.................... p. 2
Message from the Editor............................... p. 3
Upcoming Events............................................. p. 4
District ‘News For You’..........................................6
Clubs in Action.................................................... 11
District Club Directory...................................... 25
District 6940 Newsletter
Message from DG David Rauch
Our “Light Up Rotary” year continues to be a
whirlwind of exciting events, fund-raisers, challenges,
and growth. As we look to the newness of spring, we
stop to access our progress on our Club and District
goals. Now is the time to adjust and take action to
accomplish these goals as we near the final stretch
of this Rotary year.
The growth in the number of “signature” events
and the increased participation in those events is
a testament to the rock-solid focus and goal driven
Rotarians of our District.
In that spirit, I invite you to register now for the 2015
District Conference, May 15 – 17, to be held at the
Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens and Resort, Pine
Mountain, Georgia! This is our time to fellowship and
celebrate each other.
Our LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION weekend is shaping
up with great speakers and fun activities. Headliners
Include:
A “surprise” representative from the Bill and Melinda
Gates
Foundation,
providing an update on
the Gates Foundation’s
commitment
toward
and collaboration with
Rotary, to end Polio. The
speaker will also inform
us on other challenges
the Gates Foundation is
tackling.
We will hear a truly inspirational and
motivational presentation by Daniel “Rudy”
Ruettiger. As a young man, Rudy discovered he
suffered from Dyslexia. Undaunted by his condition
and despite being undersized at merely 5’6” and 165
pounds he continued to work hard to achieve his
dream--to attend the University of Notre Dame and
play Notre Dame football.
Additionally, David Beard will be speaking on
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
Ethics, Character and a
Moral Perspective on
Leadership. In 2006, he
retired from the Northrop
Grumman Corporation
to establish his ethics
speaking and consulting
company. In his 25 year
career with Northrop
Grumman, he spent
nearly half that time as
the sector ethics program
director responsible for
the design, development
and implementation of a
“values-based” ethics program impacting more than
15,000 employees located at multiple nationwide
sites.
In addition to the design and delivery of workshops
on “Ethical Leadership” to several thousand managers
and employees within Northrop Grumman, Mr. Beard
has conducted ethics workshops, presentations and
keynote addresses to numerous executive level
business, government, military as well as academic
audiences.
Attendees
will
have
the
opportunity
to
explore
local
attractions,
like
the
Wild Animal Safari, President Franklin Roosevelt’s
Warm Spring retreat, the Callaway Gardens
attractions or relax and rejuvenate at the Lodge’s
world-class spa. Several special interest workshops,
such as digital photography, will be exclusively
offered to us. Look for updates in the newsletter and
on the District Conference Facebook page.
Looking forward to seeing many of you in coming
months and at the conference.
Yours in Rotary Service,
District Governor Dave
p. 2
District 6940 Newsletter
Message from the Newsletter Editor
Dear Rotarians of District 6940,
We’re already a month into the new year
and here comes the third issue of the year’s
District Governor Newsletter.
I want to first of all thank each of the
club public relations folks who sent me a
bevy of photos and stories telling stories
of Rotarians doing good work in their
communities across the district.
All of this information not only makes for
a full newsletter, it also makes it easier on
me, because the photos and stories are just
about ready to be placed in without too
much work. For that, I’m especially grateful.
The newsletter continues to grow, and
this issue we’re at an amazing 27 pages-up from 21 pages last issue--with news
from the district as well as individual clubs.
I was happy to also receive some updates
about local Interact clubs as well this time
around. They are indeed future Rotarians
and bring “Service Above Self” into the
next generation.
Speaking of district news, be sure to
check out an update on our ongoing battle
against Polio, as well as one about our
Rotary Youth Exchange. And don’t forget
about the upcoming District Conference
on May 15-17. Registration is now open.
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
As always, I enjoy reading about what all
of the clubs in our district are doing. From
grilling competitions to honoring veterans,
the Rotarians of District 6940 show that
they can make a difference and have fun
doing it.
It’s hard to believe the Rotary year is half
gone, but there is still plenty of time for
more good work and more good fun. So,
with that being said, please be sure to send
your photos and information to me for
the next issue. The deadline will be Friday,
March 27.
Yours in Rotary Service,
Mark Viola
Perry Rotary Club
Submit photos, events
and reports to:
rotary6940newsletter
@gmail.com
And remember, you don’t have to wait until
the deadline to submit your information.
p. 3
District 6940 Newsletter
Upcoming Events
February is World Understanding Month
Feb. 23
Rotary’s 115th Anniversary
Rotary’s anniversary has been designated as World
Understanding and Peace Day.
Rotary Leadership Institute
Location: Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee
The Rotary Leadership Institute was designed to help Rotarians
become well informed about all aspects of Rotary. (For more
information, please see page 7.)
Feb. 28
March is Literacy Month
March 5-7
March 9
March 21 10 a.m.
March 22 12 noon
Florida Rotary PETS
Location: Buena Vista Palace, Orlando
President Elects from across Florida and the Bahamas will be in
Orlando for training for their upcoming year as president.
Rotary Club of Pensacola’s Centennial
The Rotary Club of Pensacola will celebrate the centennial
anniversary of its founding. (For more information, see page 6.)
Gulf Breeze Rotary Gumbo Cookoff
Location: South Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze
Gulf Breeze Rotary’s Annual Gumbo Cookoff is where teams
compete to prepare and serve the area’s best gumbo. The contest
will be judged and the winning team will be recognized. The
food is ready to be served at 10 a.m. and by 3 p.m., 150 gallons
of gumbo will be gone. So come early!
Lake City Rotary Cow Chip Bingo
Location: North Florida Pro Rodeo at Columbia County Fair Grounds
Join Lake City for an exciting twist to Bingo as we have fun at this
annual fund-raiser. For more information, contact John Wheeler
at (386) 288-6709 or [email protected].
Find out about district and club events at any time on the
District and Club Database (DaCdb) at rotary6940.org
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
p. 4
District 6940 Newsletter
Register now for the 2015 District Conference, May
15-17 , to be held the Lodge and Spa at Callaway
Gardens and Resort, Pine Mountain, Georgia!
You can click in the link on the District 6940 web
page. Scroll down to find both a Rotarian and
Guest link. Look for updates on the Rotary 6942
Conference Facebook page.
Registration is now open on the District Database,
which can be found at www.rotary6940.org.
The conference fee is $150 (until March 31) for
Rotarians, spouses and children 18 and older. Kids
under 18 are free.
Book your room at the group rate of $159 through
Marriott Central Reservations at 1-888-312-8002
or online (the group-rate link is available on the
database). Use group code RID. The registration
cut-off is April 14.
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
Lights, Camera, Action Conference
sponsorship opportunities!
Sponsorship opportunities are available to
support the District Conference. Sponsorships
help to cover the cost of the conference. You will
receive
advertising
or recognition in the
conference brochure,
on the District Facebook
page and website. For
information on the
recognition levels and
perks associated each
contact Keri Anne
Schultz at KASchultz@
FountainLaw.com or
850-939-3535.
p. 5
District 6940 ‘News for You’
Thanks for your tribute to
First Lady Elaine Sherron
As many know, Elaine Sherron passed on
July 11, 2014. She was our “First Lady” when
Gene Sherron was Governor in 2006-07. She
accompanied him on all the Official Club Visits,
except for a handful of morning clubs, as she
simply was not a morning person.
An Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of
Tallahassee Northside, she participated in many
of the Club’s service projects. Each week she filled
a Northside coffee mug with candies to be used
as the Speaker Gift.
Elaine was a five-sapphire Paul Harris Fellow
and a Major Donor. With 20 years of devotion to
Rotary, the family added the following to Elaine’s
obituary:
In lieu of flowers, a remembrance donation to
“End Polio Now,” The Rotary Foundation, 14280
Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693 (Elaine’s
#5954476) would be appreciated as a lasting
memory of her work in Rotary.
The Rotary Foundation has just notified the
family that over $4,300 has been donated in this
memorial to Elaine S. Sherron. Many thanks to
the friends of Elaine for this final tribute.
Rotary Club of Pensacola
will celebrate centennial
The Rotary Club of Pensacola, the first club in
our district, was formed on March 9, 1915, with
54 charter members.
The club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of
Birmingham, Ala.
The Rotary Club of Pensacola was admitted
into Rotary International, then the International
Association of Rotary Clubs, on June 1, 1915, and
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
received its charter on June 15, 1915.
At the time, the Rotary Club of Pensacola was
formed, there were 186 Rotary Clubs worldwide, with 27,700 members. Today, there are 1.2
million Rotarians in 34,000 clubs doing good all
over the world.
* Excerpts from “Rotary in the Piney Woods of
Florida,” by Virginia and Paul Parks, 1995.
p. 6
District 6940 ‘News for You’
A look back at 2014 and
where we are with Polio
(The following information about Rotary’s fight
against polio in 2014 was provided by Cynde
Covington, Zone 34 End Polio Now Coordinator
2014-15.)
As we end 2014 and look forward in 2015, we
have much that has been accomplished and yet,
we also have challenges that must be met and
overcome if we are to rid the world of this disease
once and for all.
We had 350 total cases of the WPV in 2014,
less than the 416 reported in 2013. We did a
much better job of surveillance and containing
outbreaks in non-endemic countries. This year
we only had 19 cases of the wild polio virus in
non-endemic countries versus 256 in 2013.
The last few years have seen the Global Polio
Eradication Initiative (GPEI) evolve and grow in
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
response to the threats posed to the world by
the final strongholds of the poliovirus.
Nigeria, the only remaining endemic country on
the African continent saw its numbers reduced to
just 6 cases this past year with the last one over
5 months ago. While the Ebola crisis in Western
Africa has had an impact on polio eradication
activities, efforts were made to vaccinate children
in the surrounding region to provide a buffer
zone and no new cases of polio have surfaced.
Pakistan presents the greatest challenge to
the global eradication effort in 2015. Pakistan
and Afghanistan are the only countries where
the number of cases went up this past year.
Afghanistan had 28 cases compared to 14 in
Please see page 9
p. 7
District 6940 ‘News for You’
Pakistan, Afghanistan only
countries to see an increase
POLIO - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8
2013. The bulk of these cases are linked to crossborder transmission with neighboring Pakistan.
Pakistan had 297 cases versus 93 in 2013.
While we did have opportunities to get in and
do immunizations in tribal areas we hadn’t been
in for over five years, because of challenging
geography, lots of insecurity, difficult borders,
and the need for increased commitment at all
levels, we saw the number of
WPV cases go up significantly in
Pakistan.
Immunization activities are
continuing with particular focus
on known high-risk areas, in
previously inaccessible areas of
FATA. At exit and entry points
of conflict-affected areas, 100
permanent vaccination points
are being used to reach internally
displaced families as they move
in and out of the inaccessible
area.
We have more friends than ever
before to join us in partnership
for the final stages. The following
priorities have been set for the
partnership to build on the gains made so far
and to address the key risks and challenges of the
coming year:
• Fine-tuning Surveillance
• Ensuring Africa and Middle East are Polio-free
• Providing Surge Support to Pakistan and
Afghanistan
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
• Preparing of OPV2 Withdrawal
• Engaging with Routine Immunization
See more at: http://www.polioeradication.
org/mediaroom/newsstories/Looking-Forwardinto -2015/tabid/526/news/1187/Default.
aspx#sthash.x42rIsnC.dpuf
We have the tools and the knowledge to tackle
each problem that we will face in the coming year.
What we must have from each of you is to maintain
awareness and financial commitments so we can
keep up the momentum needed
to finish this!
I understand that many of
the Rotarians in your Districts
may be experiencing end polio
fatigue, but you don’t start “the
next project” before you finish
your signature project any
more than you would not stop
running a marathon with only a
few miles left to the finish line, or
stop playing the championship
game inside of the two minute
warning because you are tired
and beat up.
There is much more at stake
here than bragging rights…we
are on the edge of eradicating a
disease, winning a war, ensuring that no child will
ever have to face this devastating disease again.
We need you to lead the charge and motivate
the Rotarians and clubs in your District to
push harder than ever as we race to the finish
line. Thank-you for all that you have done and
continue to do in this fight to end polio now!
p. 8
District 6940 ‘News for You’
Rotary Youth Exchange—District 6940
While our current inbound students are enjoying themselves with Mid Term Exams, Disney, and Sea
Camp, our district was busy recruiting 9 panhandle students to be outbound students next year!
Since our district has only committed to 4 inbound students for next year, that left 5 students on the
“waiting list”… hopeful that they would get the chance to follow their dream. Well the good news is, that
since the balance of exchanges is statewide, we were able to share our spots with other districts and all 9
students were confirmed! This represents 8 students from Tallahassee and 1 from Destin.
In what I believe was our district’s first ever “Reveal Party” our original 4 students, and 5 hopefuls gathered together to find out where they would be spending their exchange year. At this party the 5 hopefuls
were also surprised with the good news that they too were selected and assigned countries… much to
their delight!!
Each of the students were given a picture of their country’s flags including:
Korea, Belgium, France, Poland, Hungary, Thailand, Italy and Germany.
A very special THANK YOU to William Dickerson (TLH) for hosting the party and for all the additional help
from the Tallahassee Club members... For ALL you do in support of RYE!!
Outbound Class of 2015-2016
Current Inbound Class at Disney
Outbound Class of 2015-2016
Now that you have the RYE Spirit, remember it is now time so make club commitments for hosting one
of our 4 inbound students for next year!! These students will be coming from Brazil, Sweden, Austria
and South Korea. If Tallahassee sponsors their usual two, and Emerald Coast sponsors one, that leaves
one more to place… so speak up quickly! For more information on all things RYE go to RYEFlorida.org.
To ALL who actively support RYE.. .THANK YOU !!
Dave Johnson
RYE District 6940 Chairman
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
850 234-2311
[email protected]
p. 9
District 6940 ‘News for You’
Rotary Leadership Institute
a good way to learn ‘Rotary’
Registration still open
for Tallahassee session
scheduled for Feb. 28
The Rotary Leadership Institute was designed
to help Rotarians become well informed about
all aspects of Rotary. Whether you are planning
to move up the ladder in Rotary or not, the
Rotary Institute will help you become a more
knowledgeable and better Rotarian. You will
also make new friends and share ideas that will
benefit your club.
Our District, 6940, scheduled three sessions
conducting RLI 1, 2 and 3. One session remains
open for registation.
For more information, contact:
PDG Gene Sherron, Dist. Registrar
[email protected]
850-893-6051
Innes Richards, District Director
[email protected]
850-380-5454
February 28, 2015
(Registration closes Feb. 24)
Tallahassee Community College • Tallahassee
Registration closes 10 days before the scheduled
event. There are no exceptions.
Breakfast and lunch will be served, and classes
start at 8 am. Registration cost is $95. Many clubs
cover this cost for their members, so be sure to
ask.
Please join us for a fun, informative, and
productive day. Classes fill up fast, so please
register soon by going to www.rlitraining.org or
clicking the link on the District Calendar.
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
p. 10
District 6940 in Action
Crestview Rotary Club
Meets Wednesday at 12 noon
Coach & Four Restaurant
114 John King Road, Crestview, FL
Shown above are: (from l to r) Crestview Rotarians Nikki Schneberger, Allyson Oury, Courtney Huffstutler, and Catholic Charities’
Office Manager (Western Deaneries), Matthew Knee.
Crestview Rotary supports new
Okaloosa County food initiative
The Crestview Rotary Club, in partnership with Catholic
Charities of Northwest Florida, is supporting a new fooddistribution initiative in north Okaloosa County.
With the help of Catholic Charity’s Caring Coach Project
and a matching grant from the Rotary International
Foundation, Crestview Rotarians help feed families in
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
some of the more rural areas of Okaloosa County, where
transportation to food-banks is often a challenge.
The club provides financial assistance as well as
volunteers to help with monthly food distribution. In
January 2015, the club helped serve 29 families currently
in need.
p. 11
District 6940 in Action
Panama City Northside
Meets Wednesday at 12 noon
Holiday Inn Select at the Mall
2001 N. Cove Blvd., Panama City
Panama City Northside awards Paul
Harris Fellowships for local service
On December 17, 2014, the Rotary Club of Panama City
Northside presented Paul Harris Fellowship awards to
two non-Rotarians, Bay County Sherriff Frank McKeithen
and Debra Peel.
These awards were made possible by the generosity
of two of our club members, Norm Gulkis and John
Newman.
Frank McKeithen is the Bay County Sheriff and has
served in law enforcement for more than 41 years. He
was appointed as Gulf County Interim Sheriff in 1995
by Governor Lawton Chiles and was subsequently reelected in that position twice. He was then appointed
as Bay County Interim Sheriff in 2003 by Governor
Jeb Bush and has been reelected three times in that
position.
Debra Peel is a private investigator, staff investigator
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
for the Florida Bar, and the media representative for
Panhandle Crime Stoppers, Inc. In addition she has been
featured in O Magazine by Oprah Winfrey as one of the
busiest women in the country who find time to serve
in their community. She has been involved with law
enforcement since the 1980s.
Both McKeithen and Peel are leaders in the community
who routinely put service above self and strive to make
our community a better place. Neither McKeithen nor
Peel knew they were getting the awards.
Local media attended the event and an article was
written in The News Herald regarding the award
presentation. The article can be found at the following
link: http://www.newsherald.com/news/crime-publicsafety/local-crime-fighters-receive-rare-rotary-awards1.414968?page=1.
p. 12
District 6940 in Action
R.C. of Panama City
Meets Tuesday at 12 noon
St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club
218 Bunkers Cove Road, Panama City
Rotary Club of Panama City
gives $14,700 to 18 agencies
The Rotary Club of Panama City, aka Downtown Rotary,
awarded $14,700 to eighteen community agencies
Tuesday, Dec. 16, at its weekly meeting held at St.
Andrews Bay Yacht Club.
Recipients include Panama City Rescue Mission; Family
Services Agency of Bay County; Children’s Advocacy
Center; United Way of Northwest Florida; Food for
Kidz; Warrior Beach Retreat, Inc; Boy Scouts Gulf Coast
Council; Girl Scouts of the Florida Panhandle and Enactus
Network/GCSC.
Additional recipients include Junior Achievement of
Northwest Florida; Bay Education Foundation; Salvation
Army Domestic Violence Shelter Program; New Horizons
Learning Center; Covenant Hospice; Girls Incorporated
of Bay County; Gulf Coast State College Foundation;
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
North Bay Haven Interact and Tom P. Haney Education
Foundation.
Rotary’s motto is “Service above self.” The object
of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of
service as a basis of worthy enterprise. Each year the
club seeks and identifies local service organizations
to support by providing funds raised through club
efforts.
The club is currently accepting new applications
through May 2015. Applicants may contact Club Service
Chairman Melissa Hagan at [email protected] or at
850-774-6705.
Founded in 1937, The Rotary Club of Panama City meets
each Tuesday at 12 noon at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club.
There are currently 125 members.
p. 13
District 6940 in Action
Rotary Club of Destin
Meets Tuesday at 7:15 a.m.
Rutherfords 465 @ Regatta Bay
465 Regatta Bay Blvd., Destin, FL 32541
The Rotary Club of Destin sponsors the Destin Middle School Interact Club. Shown above are: (from l to r) Club President
Bill Lindsley, Student Interact President Kara Phillips, School Teacher Mary Lynn Bettinger and Destin Middle School Principal
Charlie Morello.
Destin Rotary Club provides $4,500
in scholarships, helps fight hunger
The Rotary Club of Destin maintains several endowed
scholarships at Northwest Florida State College.
“Through the Destin Rotary Club Scholarships, $4,500
was awarded to five deserving students from Okaloosa
County,” Destin Rotary Club Scholarship Chairman Bob
Hafner, announced.
Amber Wall of Destin received $1,000 from the Houston
Beaumont Scholarship towards her Bachelors of Science
in Elementary Education.
Cassaundra Pauley of Shalimar received $1,000 from the
Houston Beaumont Scholarship towards her Associate
and Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.
Jennifer Hunt of Niceville was awarded $750 from the
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
Destin Rotary Club Ethics in Business Scholarship to
pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management
with emphasis in Public Service.
Megan Gage-Shirah of Destin was awarded $1,000 from
the Gene Westerfeld Memorial Scholarship to pursue a
career in Nursing.
Nichole Marie Hart of Niceville received $750 from
the Destin Rotary Club Ethics in Business Scholarship to
pursue a degree in Business Administration.
The Rotary Club of Destin sponsors the Destin Middle
School Interact Club whose mission is “Soaring for
Please see page 15
p. 14
District 6940 in Action
Rotary Club of Destin
Meets Tuesday at 7:15 a.m.
Rutherfords 465 @ Regatta Bay
465 Regatta Bay Blvd., Destin, FL 32541
Crop Drop reaches 5,000 families
SCHOLARSHIPS - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14
Service.”
More than 54 energetic students under the leadership of
teacher Mary Lynn Bettinger and Interact Club President
Kara Phillips, recently briefed the club on their numerous
club activities and projects.
The Campus Pride Crew is a committee comprised of
students who maintain the gardens and clean-up around
the campus. Other committees include Bulletin Board
Builders, New Student Greeters and Teacher Helper
Program.
The Destin Middle School Interact Club is engaged
in numerous community projects such as the Destin
Seafood Festival, Destin Fishing Rodeo “Rootin-Tootin”
Rodeo Roundup, Alaqua Animal Refuge (collect donated
items for caring injured animals) and partners with the
City of Destin for the annual Pinfish Classic, Founder’s
Day Luncheon and Christmas Parade “Oodles of Noodles
of Love” to benefit the Destin Harvest House Food Pantry.
For the past several years, The Rotary Club of Destin
partners with Crop Drop, a food drive coordinated by
Thrivent Financial that reaches over 5,000 families in
need from Santa Rosa County to Bay County. Over 56,000
pounds of produce will benefit nearly 65 agencies (local
churches and non-profits) to distribute to those in need
for the Thanksgiving season.
Destin Rotarians welcomed 11 children of club
members to a Christmas breakfast to experience the
mission of Rotary…the next generation of Rotarians.
Destin Rotarians Jason Belcher and Dave Thompson participating in the Crop Drop.
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
p. 15
District 6940 in Action
Mid-Bay Bridge Rotary
Meets Wednesday at 7 a.m.
Bluewater Bay Golf Club
Bluewater Blvd., Niceville, Niceville, FL 32578
Mid-Bay Bridge contributes to USO
Mid-Bay Rotary Past President Henry Snider (L) and President Jeffrey Rink (R) presented a $500 check to Heidi Blair from the
USO. Mid-Bay thanks the USO for all they do for our Service Men and Women.
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
p. 16
District 6940 in Action
Rotary Club of Tallahassee
Meets Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
FSU Alumni Center
1030 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee
Shown above are four new Major Donors were introduced during the Rotary Club of Tallahassee Paul Harris Plus One event
held Jan. 8: Walt Colon, Jim Ryan, Larry Kubiak and Mary Pankowski, with Foundation Chair Bill Gunter. See more photos from
the event on page 18.
Rotary Club of Tallahassee’s Paul Harris
Fellow Plus Ones celebrate Foundation
On Jan. 8, 106 members of the Rotary Club of
Tallahassee, all Paul Harris Fellows Plus One, gathered at
the home of Dr. Walt and Marybeth Colon for a celebration
of their continued support for the Rotary Foundation.
The Tallahassee Club has been the top contributor to
the Rotary Foundation in District 6940 for many years.
Walt and Marybeth Colon began hosting the club’s Paul
Harris Fellows at their home five years ago, when he was
the club’s Foundation Chair. The event has become so
popular that it has now been limited to those members
who are PHF+1 or above. Because there are still another
47 Paul Harris Fellows in the club who continue to support
the Foundation, the event will surely become even larger
next year.
Announced at the gathering were four new Major
Donors and two new Bequest Society Members., along
with another Paul Harris Society member, bringing the
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
club’s total to 35.
When asked how the Tallahassee club has generated
so much support for the Rotary Foundation, President
Dr. Mary Pankowski replied, “We have carefully cultivated
a culture of support for the Foundation by making it an
important feature of every club meeting.”
Club Foundation Chair Bill Gunter, added, “The
Foundation is not only top of mind, it is deep in the heart
of the club as shown by our numerous community service
projects, as well as global projects in St. Lucia, Mexico,
Panama and India. We give to the Rotary Foundation
because it helps us give back, to both our community
and around the world.”
With its current membership of 206, the Rotary Club of
Tallahassee is not the largest in D6940, but its support for
the Rotary Foundation and “Doing Good in the World” is
unsurpassed.
p. 17
District 6940 in Action
Rotary Club of Tallahassee
Meets Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.
FSU Alumni Center
1030 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee
DGN Roger Champion and Donna, new Bequest Society
members, with Mary Pankowski, president.
PDG Wayne and Betty Edwards (Major Donors, level 2, and
Bequest Society members, and President of the Rotary Action
Group for Diabetes) being acknowledged by Mary Pankowski,
president.
AG John Medina and Dee Dee, also new Bequest Society
members, with Mary Pankowski, president.
President Mary Pankowski, Assistant Regional Rotary
Foundation Coordinator Ivan Johnson and Foundation Chair
Bill Gunter celebrate the Rotary Club of Tallahassee’s record as
Number 1 Club in D6940 for support of the Rotary Foundation
over the past five years.
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
President Mary Pankowski enlists Foundation Chair and
President Nominee Bill Gunter in the Paul Harris Society,
as she also recognizes the other 34 PHS members in the RC
Tallahassee.
p. 18
District 6940 in Action
R.C. of Panama City Beach
Meets Thursday at 12 noon
Fishale Taphouse
7715 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach
‘Grills Gone Wild’ barbecue cook-off
has raised $120,000 in the past 7 years
Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) was the scene for the
Rotary Club of Panama City Beach (RCPCB) to host the
seventh annual Grills Gone Wild (GGW) BBQ Cook Off and
Swine Tasting on Nov. 22, 2014.
Even with the threat of some rain, club President Erven
Sewell said, “We were not about to let a little rain stop us
now!”
And it did not as over 20 Grillers converged on GCSC
setting up shop to grill through the night as they
anticipated
thousands
of BBQ lovers coming to
sample their wares. GGW
is the signature fund raiser
of the RCPCB having raised
$120,000 over the past 7
years. These funds go back
into our community by
way of local non-profits
applying online line at
www.grillsgonewildpcb.
com, being vetted by the club’s Board of Directors and
the final cut by the club’s Foundation: PCB Rotarians at
Work, Inc.
More than 30 local charities made the final cut for this
year’s event and received a combined payout of nearly
$40,000. All of the funds are distributed in the Bay County
area.
The 75 club members all turned out on event day to
help with all aspects such as selling tickets, serving
cooked food, making sure the grillers have everything
they need, working the Boston Butt pick up tent, garbage
collection and helping the Florida Barbecue Association
tally the votes for the Grand Champion Griller.
The winner this year for the second year in a row was
The Sandbar Restaurant of PCB. They squeaked out the
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
win by less than one half of one percent over Deep Smoke
BBQ.
The event is simple, folks pay to enter and can go to any
or all of the competitive grillers, hobby grillers or GCSC
Culinary Department offerings and sample the swine.
This year there was a dessert tent of donated pies and
cakes that was a big hit and more value for our visitors.
Earlier that morning the 5K Hog Jog and 1K Chicken
crawl was held starting at the GCSC campus going over
the Hathaway Bridge and back. It is a very scenic course
and was attacked by more than 150 runners this year.
All proceeds from the Hog Jog/Chicken Crawl event go
to Polio Plus. Past District Governor Jeannie Retherford
(2011-2012) and her husband Chris have been run
coordinators for us since its inception four years ago. The
Hog Jog raised $3,400 this year to help eradicate Polio.
All proceeds are distributed back to the Bay County
Community. On Dec. 18, 2014, the club held its annual
charity giveaway in conjunction with our weekly club
meeting. It was an inspiring sight to witness the hard
Please see page 20
Rotarians work in the rain during the seventh annual Grills
Gone Wild.
p. 19
District 6940 in Action
R.C. of Panama City Beach
Meets Thursday at 12 noon
Fishale Taphouse
7715 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach
Participants ready themselves for the 5K Hog Jog and 1K Chicken crawl. The event featured more than 150 runners
this year in 2014.
2,000 children impacted
GRILLS GONE WILD - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19
work and dedication of our club as it culminated in this
great act of kindness presenting to those 30 charities that
make their life’s work helping the young, disadvantaged
and underserved. “We know these funds will impact over
2000 children and countless adults in the coming year.”
“A special thank you to all our members, their spouses
and significant others, friends of Rotary, our Northern
Rotary visitors without whom we would not be the club
we are and most importantly the sponsors of the Grills
Gone Wild event who more than any other make this
event possible.
“Make plans to join us for 8th Annual Grills Gone Wild
on Nov. 21, 2015, for food and fellowship as we work to
make a difference in our community.”
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
p. 20
District 6940 in Action
Interact Club of Arnold High School
Arnold High School Interact Club members with Rotarian Liaison Linda Radcliff. For more photos, see page 22.
Arnold High School Interact Club
holds Sept. 11 memorial program
On Sept. 11, 2014, the Interact Club of Arnold High
School in Panama City Beach held its Annual 9-11
Memorial Service remembering the attacks and loss of
life sustained on Sept. 11, 2001.
The Interact Club at AHS is a healthy 30-member club
that undertakes many service projects throughout
the year. The club coordinates speakers, schedules the
itinerary and emcees the program. They are sponsored
by the Rotary Club of Panama City Beach.
In addition to honoring the memory of those lost on that
fateful day and recognizing the brave efforts of the first
responders, attendees heard the story of the “Pentagon
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
Rock” that is on a 99-year loan from the U.S. Department
of Defense. Four members of the PCB Rotary Club were
allowed to retrieve the “Rock,” which is actually a piece of
the destroyed walls of the Pentagon in Washington D.C.,
sustained by the hijacked plane that crashed into it on
9/11.
A small number of Pentagon artifacts were allowed to
be removed and AHS is the only high school in America
that has one of them. The 600-pound piece of sandstone
has been mounted for display for all to see in the Fine
Arts Auditorium. The 9/11 service attracts 500 attendees
every year and its goal is to “never let us forget.”
p. 21
District 6940 in Action
Interact Club of Arnold High School
Arnold High School ROTC cadets with Pentagon Rock.
Past Rotary President, Judge Chris Patterson, speaks at the
9-11 event.
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
Rotarians and Interactors honored first responders at the
memorial event.
p. 22
Emerald Coast Rotary — First Half Year in Review
Pizza For
Polio
On
World
Polio
Day
Vocational Service at Work
Rotary Youth Exchange Display
Tyndall AFB
Hornet’s Nest
Remodel
Providing a
safe
place for some
R&R
U.S. Masters
Synchronized
Swimming
Service Above Self
Award
Panama City Beach
Police Department
Assisting Others in Service
Acton
Up
With
Downs
Buddy
Walk
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
Ringing
The Bell
With Style
And a
Smile
p. 23
Emerald Coast Rotary — First Half Year in Review
Putting the ‘Fun” in Service!
Youth and Veterans Services
Rotary Youth Exchange - YiXi and Host Family - Tim, Noel, Chloe West
And
Nana
YiXi’s Arrival from Spain
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
p. 24
District 6940 Club Directory
CLUB
DAY TIME
LOCATION
Apalachicola Bay
Tues.
12 noon
Blountstown
Wed.
12 noon Branford
Tues.
12 noon Cantonment
Wed.
12 noon Chattahoochee
Mon.
12:30 p.m. Chiefland
Wed.
12 noon Crestview
Wed.
12 noon DeFuniak Springs
Wed.
12 noon Destin
Tues.
7:15 a.m. Dixie County
Wed.
12 noon Emerald Coast
Mon.
5:30 p.m. Fort Walton Beach
Wed.
12 noon Gulf Breeze
Tues.
7:00 a.m. Lake City
Thurs.
12 noon Lake City Downtown Wed. 7:00 a.m. Live Oak
Mon.
12 noon Lynn Haven
Wed.
7:00 a.m.
Madison
Wed.
12 noon
Marianna
Wed.
12 noon
Mayo
Wed. 12 noon
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
Tapa’s Bar
73 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FL
Calhoun Liberty Hospital Dining Room
20370 Burns Avenue, Blountstown, FL 32424
Sprinkles
Hwy. 129 North, Branford, Branford, FL
Scenic Hills Country Club
8891 Burning Tree Road, Cantonment, FL
Captains Table
8110 Veteran’s Memorial Hwy (US 90), Sneads, Fl. 32460
The Hudson Room
116 North Main Street, Chiefland, FL 32626
Coach & Four Restaurant
114 John King Road, Crestview, FL
McClain Family Steak House
622 Hugh Adams Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435
Rutherfords 465 @ Regatta Bay
465 Regatta Bay Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541
Cook House at the residence of Hayward Anderson
131 NE 256 Ave, Cross City, FL 32628
Triple Js’ Restaurant
Panama City Beach, FL 32408
Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club
180 NE Ferry Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548
Andrews Institute-Athletes Performance Center
1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway , Gulf Breeze, FL 32561
First Baptist Church
182 NE Justice Street, Lake City, FL 32055
Quail Heights Country Club
161 SW Quail Heights Terrace, Lake City, FL 32025
Farm Bureau Building
407 Dowling Ave., Live Oak, FL
Panama Country Club
100 Country Club Drive, Lynn Haven, FL
Villa Maria Hall, St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church
301 NW Orange Avenue, Madison, FL 32340
Jim’s Buffet & Grill
241 W. Lafayette, Marianna, FL 32446
Lafayette County Farm Bureau Building
874 E. Main St., Mayo, FL 32066
p. 25
District 6940 Club Directory
CLUB
DAY TIME
LOCATION
Mid-Bay Bridge
Wed.
7:00 a.m.
Milton
Tues.
12 noon
Monticello
Fri. 12 noon Navarre
Fri.
12 noon
Niceville-Valparaiso
Thurs.
12 noon
Pace
Thurs.
7:00 a.m.
Panama City
Tues.
12 noon
Panama City (East Bay) Mon.
12 noon
Panama City Beach
Thurs.
12 noon
Panama City-Northside Wed.
12 noon
Pensacola
Tues.
12 noon
Pensacola - Seville
Tues.
5:30 p.m.
Pensacola North
Fri.
12 noon
Pensacola Suburban West Thurs.
12 noon
Pensacola-Cordova
Thurs.
7:00 a.m.
Pensacola-Five Flags Mon.
12 noon
Perdido Key
Wed.
7:30 a.m.
Perry
Tues.
12 noon
Port St. Joe
Thurs.
12 noon
Quincy
Tues.
12 noon
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
Bluewater Bay Golf Club
Bluewater Blvd., Niceville, Niceville, FL 32578
Grover T’s BBQ
5887 Hwy 90, Milton, FL 32570
First Presbyterian Church
290 East Dogwood St, Monticello, FL
Tuscan Grille at Hidden Creek Golf Course
3070 Pga Blvd (Hidden Creek Golf Club), Navarre, FL
Student Services Center
Northwest Florida State College Niceville Campus, Niceville, FL
Stonebrook Village Country Club
Pace, FL
St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club
218 Bunkers Cove Road, Panama City, FL
Rodeo’s Steak House
Tyndall Pkwy, Callaway-Parker, FL
Fishale Taphouse
7715 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FL
Holiday Inn Select at the Mall
2001 N. Cove Blvd., Panama City, FL
New World Landing
South Palafox St., Pensacola, FL
Seville Quarter / Rosie O’Grady’s Room
130 East Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502
Asbury Place/Cokesbury United Methodist Church
9th Ave. at College Blvd., Pensacola, FL
Pensacola Yacht Club
1897 Cypress Street, Pensacola, Pensacola, FL
Gulf Coast Kid’s House
3401 N 12th Ave., Pensacola, FL
New World Landing
600 S. Palafox Street, Pensacola, FL
Triggers Restaurant
12700 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FL
Holiday Inn Express
601 Everett Way, Perry, FL 32348, Perry, FL
Sunset Coastal Grill
602 Highway 98, Port St. Joe, FL
Women’s Historical Society Building
304 W King St. Quincy, FL 32351
p. 26
District 6940 Club Directory
CLUB
DAY TIME
LOCATION
South Walton County Thurs.
7:30 a.m.
Suwannee Valley
Thurs.
12 noon
Tallahassee
Wed.
12:30 p.m.
Tallahassee (Capital) Tues.
12 noon
Tallahassee Northside Thurs.
12:30 p.m.
Tallahassee Southside Mon.
7:30 p.m.
Tallahassee Sunrise
Tues.
7:30 p.m.
Tallahassee Sunset
Tues.
6:30 p.m.
Trenton
Mon.
12 noon
Wakulla County
Thurs.
8:00 a.m.
Williston
Tues.
11:45 a.m.
Embassy Suites Hotel
Old Hwy 98, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FL
Haven Hospice in Chiefland
311 NE 9th Street, Chiefland, FL 32626
FSU Alumni Center
1030 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL
Logan’s Roadhouse
750 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Holiday Inn and Suites
2725 Graves Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303
Four Points by Sheraton Downtown (1st/2nd weeks)
316 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FL
Civic Center
505 W. Pensacola, Tallahassee, FL
Hotel Duval (1st/3rd weeks--other weeks vary)
415 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32301
Woman’s Club
2107 SE CR 339, Trenton, FL 32693
Best Western Plus Wakulla Inn & Suites
3292 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville FL 32327
1st Presbyterian Church
247 NE 1st Street, Williston, FL
Need a makeup? Have you tried an e-club?
What is an e-club?
Any Rotarian can make up a missed meeting by
Rotary e-clubs are a lot like other Rotary clubs: they participating in an e-club online meeting.
meet weekly, carry out service projects, support The
To find an e-club, visit online at:
Rotary Foundation, and socialize with each other. So
what’s different about e-clubs? You join your meeting
www.rotary.org/en/search/club-finder
online when it’s convenient for you, day or night, any day
of the week.
How does an e-club operate?
E-club members use webinars, videoconferencing,
message boards, instant messaging, or tools like Skype
and Google Hangout to communicate. For example, a
club member might post content online for that week’s
meeting, then other members join the discussion
throughout the week. Some e-club members also meet
in person at service projects, social activities or the RI
Convention.
Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015
p. 27