Speaker - John A. DeSantis, Jr., Club Member, Investment Title Agency Commercial and Residential N.J. Licensed Title Producer

 

Highlights - John discussed the proliferation of fraudulent scams in the real estate market. The biggest scammers are involved in wire fraud in real estate transactions. Deeds, mortgages and home titles are commonly scammed. As “the Purveyor of Good Deeds” John requires calling him or the realtor for specific instructions before wiring funds. Scammers collect personal codes from the internet and change lower case letters such as an I to an L. Never answer a phone call saying your name or saying "yes" to anything asked.

 

Speakers - Louis Schwartz and Samantha White, Family & Children’s Service Monmouth County (FCS) receive Rotary mug from

club President Dave Brown

 

 

Highlights: Mr. Schwartz, Chief Executive Officer for Monmouth County related that this non-profit organization was established in 1909 by 3 businessmen who recognized the need to help challenged individuals such as underprivileged children, seniors, the disabled and abused. The mantra is to provide advocacy, compassion and trust and give dignity to individuals The organization is supported by donors and government grants. Samantha White, Director of Volunteers outlined some of the services. Some of these programs provided  by trained volunteers are adult protective services, home care assistance, education concerning health and medications , recreation in home for the isolated, reading buddies for at -risk school children, help with Medicare and related insurance  budgets, holiday events and toys  FCS is the sole county provider of unduplicated services for individuals and families in crisis.

 

Dave introduced Karl Vilacoba, Communications Director for Monmouth University and the Ocean Coast Institute.

 Karl gave an overview of the coastal communities and ocean resources and mentioned that this year is the 20^th anniversary of the organization. At the time, it was formed by Monmouth University President President Paul Gafney, who was a Navy Admiral and Oceanographer. He explained how interested parties can interact with the ocean and foster better leadership for the marine environment. There are a few focus areas such as, student support and fundraising for scholarships.  The program has funded coastal libraries, clean-up projects, and all sorts of research. Since its inception, 300 students have received funds toward their tuition. Each year students can apply as long as they demonstrate an interest to improve the coast.  Community resilience since Storm Sandy has been a large part of their work. Presently they are working on oyster restoration off Earl Weapons Naval Station. There is also a restoration taking place in the Barnegat Bay section of New Jersey for better water quality and eco-health. He explained that the students and faculty are currently working in areas from Long Branch to Spring Lake. They train people to take samples of the water to determine if it is healthy. He went on to say that chemicals used to dissolve ice and snow filter into the water, creating a bacteria buildup. These are the type of things they monitor. Another project which is similar to a crime scene investigation in that they look at marine life and try to get an idea of the fish population in the ocean, lakes, etc. This is done by taking a water sample to extract a bit of DNA that fish leave behind. In that way, they can determine what type fish have been swimming in the water. This also shows which waters have the most marine life or those that are struggling.  He encouraged the Members to attend University presentations.  A lively Q & A session followed.  

Dave presented Andrea, our longtime server, with a parting gift and a card signed by the Members and told her she will be sorely missed.  He went on to say that she accepted a full-time position within a New Jersey school district and, although she will continue working at Rooney’s in the evening, she will no longer be taking lunch shifts.

Andrea thanked everyone and introduced Michael who will be our new server beginning January 9^th.

Highlights: Tasha Y. Brown formed a new company called Learning Rx. The center is a scientific brain training solution to help clients ages 8 to 80 that are struggling with attention, learning, reading, and remembering. The training focuses on seven cognitive skills - attention, processing speed, working memory, auditory processing, visual processing, logic and reasoning and long-term memory. Skills are also taught for clients with ADHD and Dyslexia. Clients are pretested in order to design a program. Tasha distributed “Brain Training” brochures.

 

 

Speaker Bill Donnelly, Past Rotary Governor
Highlights: The Long Branch Club was founded in 1921 and sponsored by the Asbury Park Club. The Club was formed to collaborate with local government, businesses and non-profits for community service. The high school Interact Club and student loan programs were initiated. The Club transformed the Icehouse at Monmouth U. into an art gallery. The Paul Harris Award is given to thank members who contributed to Rotary’s humanitarian and educational programs. Paul Harris, a lawyer and three business associates in Chicago founded Rotary on February 23,1905. President Jimmy Carter and Mother Theresa are notable Paul Harris Fellows.