Person of the Year 2017

Julian Jackson

2017 Car Raffle Winners

The Literacy Club!

Presentation by Erva A. Denham, Literacy Chair & Past President

July 30, 2014

 

Good afternoon!  Seems like only yesterday when I had the pleasure of calling meetings to order, quietly organizing projects, and banging the bell with the gavel at the end of each meeting.  Somehow, once you’ve been a Club President, each one of us seems to retain a slight sliver of ownership in the podium mike.  It’s a lot like the proprietary feeling of coming home to be addressing you here today.

This time it is on the subject of Literacy and what the Club is doing that I have been asked to address.  For the longest time, Rotary II has been referred to as “The Fun Club.”  While the majority of what we do is really fun, when we consider our Club’s accomplishments, I’d like to think that Rotary II really should be called “The Literacy Club!”

So much of what our Club does is, in one way or another, related to Literacy. 

 

MATH COUNTS

Let’s begin with the oldest and still very active project, headed each year by Welby Warner – Math Counts.  With our annual sponsorship in that program, we promote numeracy which is the other major language we use each day.  Don’t think so?  Well, if you can still make change without the use of a calculator, your mastery of basic numerical principles is still pretty good.

 

BERRYMAN UVI SCHOLARSHIP

Probably the next oldest continuing project of our Club is the Macon M. Berryman Scholarship.  For those of you who are newer members of the Club, it consists of a scholarship to UVI, and is open to any graduate of any high school in the St. Thomas/St. John District who will be an incoming freshman at the University of the Virgin Islands.  There are no restrictions regarding field of study, and it’s good for four years’ worth of tuition, books and academic fees, or roughly $20,000.00.  We award one of these each year.  As of this year, we are changing the application procedure.  In order to save on legwork, gas, postage and printing, the scholarship application is now available online at UVI, and is open for application to any freshman who meets the basic local high school graduation requirements.  This eliminates several steps in the process because the applicants will have already been accepted at UVI.  As in the past, completed applications will be mailed to the Club’s Scholarship Committee which will review the applications and choose the recipient.  In addition, the application can also be posted on our Club’s website.  Since we are now looking directly at a pool of freshmen already at UVI, the application deadline will be the 1^st of November for selection and awarding at the beginning of the winning freshman’s spring semester.  Pending approval of the Club’s Board, the scholarship can be made retroactive to the fall semester to pick up any unpaid 1^st semester bills of the scholarship winner.

 

REACH

Another great literacy program of Rotary II is REACH, Rotary Educating and Caring for Humanity.  Each week, our Club’s radio program informs Rotarians and the general public on Rotary programs, projects and precepts on the RI, District and local level, as well as serving as a forum through the program’s guests on community issues, problems and solutions.  Another great service project with a major literacy component!

 

NEW GENERATIONS

As a sponsoring Club, Rotary II has contributed and continues to contribute directly to the teaching of Rotary principles and goals to the first community-based Rotaract Club on St. Thomas, to the Interact Club at Antilles School, the Interact Club at Addelita Cancryn Junior High School, and the Earlyact Club at Lockhart Elementary School.  This represents the instilling of Rotary literacy at its best.  How many other Rotary Clubs can say that they are the sponsors of not one, but four junior level Clubs?

 

CHESS CLUB

A few years ago, Rotary II acquired another educator among its membership, Sinclair Wilkinson.  With him came another great literacy-related program which the Club continues to support – a chess club aimed primarily at middle school students, but which also invites younger and older competitors.   Logic and strategy are key elements of the game – just as they are essential in expository writing.  See another cross-over?

 

ADOPTED SCHOOL

Our Club has taken on Addelita Cancryn Junior High as its adopted school, and with that are two literacy-related projects that have been continuing for more than 10 years.  First is the annual “Four Way Test Essay Contest.”  If you have not visited the school, Rotary’s Four Way Test is posted in the main lobby.  Each year we hold an essay contest based on the four way test.  The basic theme may change each year, but it all comes back to our four guiding principles.  For this we give a cash prize to the winner and the first runner-up.

Also at Cancryn, our former “Teacher of the Year” award has now been changed to the “Educator of the Year.”  In this contest, the students make the selection, and by changing the name of the competition, not only teachers, but administrators, teachers’ aides, librarians, and other staff members can be included in the pool for selection.  Who’s to say that you didn’t learn one of your most valuable life lessons in Junior High from the school nurse, guidance counsellor, or a member of the cafeteria staff?  In a way, this can also be seen as a vocational service project.  Traditionally, there is a cash prize for the first and second place winners, as well as a special cash donation to the school.

 

CAR RAFFLE

We have a major fundraiser each year – our signature car raffle.  Even that is related to literacy since part of the raffle proceeds often go to the scholarship fund.

 

GIFT OF WORDS PROJECT

A few years ago, our Club started a basic Dictionary Project in cooperation with the Community Foundation of the Virgin Islands.  That first year, the Club gave a dictionary to every third grade student at Lockhart Elementary School.  At that time, the Dictionary Project was open only to third graders in public schools.  Since that time, it has expanded to include every third grader in the territory.  That first year, we delivered about 120 dictionaries to Lockhart Elementary School.

Within our Club, it is no longer simply “The Dictionary Project.”  It is now called “The Gift of Words Project.”  Last year, to show how the project has expanded, we gave a dictionary to the third graders at Lockhart Elementary School and to the third grade class at Antilles School.  This rather makes sense since we have an Interact Club at the latter and an Earlyact Club at the former school.

Moving on with the “Gift of Words,” at Addelita Cancryn, we gave an atlas to each 7^th grader, and a thesaurus to each 8^th grader.

As if that weren’t enough, we gave a Webster Vocabulary Builder to each member of the 9th grade class at Ivanna Eudora Kean High School.

So, from a beginning gift of 120 books, last year we served 1,100 students, and it is my hope, with a little budget tweaking, that we can do a complete “Gift of Words Program” again this year.

 

PRACTICE PEACE INTIATIVE

Today, you’ve also heard about our Club’s involvement with the Practice Peace Initiative – yet another layer in literacy-related programs, especially when training is involved for special conflict resolution.  How proud I am to be a member of this Club at this time!

It must be obvious to you by now, that as an old high school teacher of English, literacy is a subject about which I am passionate.

 

READING & TUTORING

While not a regularly “structured” program within our club, I’d like to add that there are a few of us who quietly promote literacy by reading stories to young children, or by tutoring older students with reading problems.  These quiet and unsung Rotary heroes do this work for two reasons – because it needs to be done, and because those who do it love doing it.  Among us, Merle and I are guilty of this wonderful little obsession.  You too can quietly help children and young adults in the realm of literacy.  If you have the time, and feel that you have the competency to work in this wonderfully quiet, and basically one-on-one way, please contact me.  For a long time, Merle has been working with young children.  I have been working, one-on-one, with 18 to 30 year olds with reading problems.  Fix that, and the rest follows fairly easily.

 

GREETING CARDS

As you may know, I have set myself another goal of raising $1,000.00 for Polio Plus.  If we have another good sea grape crop this year, I will make more sea grape jelly as an enticement for a $10.00 donation to Polio Plus.  So what has this to do with literacy?  Well, not being sure of a good sea grape season, as you may know I was not really well for several months, and during that “stay at home” time, I made some hand embroidered bookmarks and general purpose greeting cards – see?  Reading and writing are necessary—which I’m selling for $5.00 each.  Today, thanks to all of you readers and letter writers, I am happy to turn in my second installment in the sale of these items – another $150.00, to bring my total collected as of last Wednesday, to $250.00.  So you see, because of good, basic literacy and numeracy, I have already achieved one quarter of my goal for Polio Plus.

 

So I ask you, is this not really “The Literacy Club”?

Anette Williams - President - Rotary Club of St. Thomas II 2014-15

PP Erva Denham was the guest on REACH Radio on Saturday October 5th.  As one of the mentors of the new E-Club of the Virgin Islands and the Caribbean, Erva discussed current programs and activities.

Michelle Downes via telephone also contributed to the conversation. 

Erva also talked about the Literacy programs of Rotary II.  Rotary New Generations Chair Sinclair Wilkinson also called in to report on the beach and school campus project of the Cancryn Interact club.

Members of the Cancryn Interact Club along with their advisers and New Generations Chair Sinclair Wilkinson conducted a campus cleanup project on Friday October 4.  The next day, the same group participated in a beach cleanup at Coki Point. 

Dion Parson Gives Young People a Chance for a Solid Career in Music or Elsewhere

Congratulations to our Rotarians of the Year:

LaVerne Ragster and Sinclair Wilkinson.

July 2, 2013

President Cassandra Mallory                                                                                                

Rotary Club of St. Thomas II

St. Thomas, VI

00802

Dear President Mallory,

Thank you so much for your donation totaling $1,250 in support of youth in Pistarckle Theater Education Program, specifically the Sumer Camp Production, Disney HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL.

 

As there were so many talented and needy students we divided you generous gift amongst three students: Justin Jacoby $500, Irvin Mason $250, and Sierra Boynes $500.

  

Justin (left), age 12, attends Cancryn Middle School,  is an extremely talented young man who first come to the theater’s attention this past spring in our after school classes.   He is innately talented.  We encouraged him to attend the summer camps even though we knew it would be a financial hardship for his family.   Your gift is making it possible for him to continue his path.

 

Irvin Mason (center), age 15, has been a working student or the past 3 years and has appeared in as many productions and summer camps as humanly possible.  He is talented, smart (a straight A student at All Saints Cathedral School and a Community Foundation VI Angel interning at Pistarckle Theater.   We think his future includes directing for the theater, or even film.   He is a leader.

 

Sierra Boynes (right), age 10, attends Gifft Hill School and commutes daily to Pistarckle from St. John.  She is new to Pistarckle this summer, is proving herself as an excellent singer and actress with a promising future.

   

All three families are touched by your gift which has made it possible to ensure their children’s participation.   Personally, I am gratified that Rotary II supports the future of theater within our community.

 

Thank you!  Your contribution makes a difference! 

 

For your records, Pistarckle Theater is a federally approved, not for profit, 501c (3) in good standing.   Our tax ID# is: 66-047-6405.

 

Sincerely,

 

Nicola Emerich

President

Artistic Producer

 

Cc Marilyn Blackhall

 

Rotary St. Thomas II Installs New Board and President

The Gavel is passed from Immediate Past President Cassandra Mallory to President Ray J. Barry.

 

Sheri            3rd

Michele       18th

Claude         28th

The following Rotarians had perfect attendance for the month of November:

Lorraine, Ray B., Eric, Marilyn, Horace, Kirk, Sheri, Erva, Tonia, Valerie, Cheryl, Vernice, Merle, Alphonso, Al, Beris, Cassie, Arthur, Archie, LaVerne, Albert, Edwin, Peggy, Lou, Mike, Turo, Ida, Sinclair, and Anette.

 

GOOD JOB!

 

Rotary II will be joining their adopted seniors at Project Strive at the Knud Hansen facility on Thursday, December 20, 2012

from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.  Rotarians will fellowship, sing carols and present gifts to the seniors.

 

The following Rotarians celebrate birthdays in the month of November:

 

PP Yvonne                               November 14

Anette                                     November 15

Hank                                       November 15

Kirk                                         November 15

Gershwain                                November 19

PADG Cheryl                             November 27

Welby                                      November 29

 

The following Rotarians had perfect attendance for the month of October:

 

Krim, PE Ray, PP Eric, PP Marilyn, PP Horace, Kirk, Sheri, PP Erva
Tonia, PAG Cheryl, Kenn, Merle, PP Al, Loiten, President Cassie,
PP Ash, LaVerne, Albert, Edwin, Peggy, Lou, AG Mike, Ida,
Sinclair and Anette.

Judjing from the enthusiam and estatic smiles of the Third Graders of Lockhart Elementary School, the dictionay project was a huge success.

Kudos to PP Erva and her team that distributed the dictionaries last Wednesday.

More photos can be found in Photo Albums.

Hugs, Halos and Gratitude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Public Relations Chair LaVerne outdid herself again last week and her true Rotary colors shined through.  The scenario:  LaVerne was scheduled for a weekend of seminars and board meetings for other organizations she belongs to.  After polling the membership and numerous phone calls, unable to find a host for our REACH Radio program, LaVerne asked to show up late at her board meeting so she would not leave REACH without a host.  Her guest was Dilsa Capdeville, a well-known social worker who has championed the plight of women and children in the territory. Dilsa was also our Person of the Year for 1990.  Thank You LaVerne & Dilsa !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Soup Kitchen!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Faithful Regular Rotarians!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you Rtns. Kirk, Merle & Peggy.  They were joined last week by Rtn. Annette and 2 Rotaractors from UVI.  Thank you All!!!!!!!!!!!!!

UP COMING EVENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  SAVE THE DATES!!!!!!!!!!!

November 10^th :   International Dinner Rotary Charlotte Amalie

                         Pilgrims Terrace:  7-11:00pm  $40.00 pp

 November 15^th:    Fellowship/Membership All Clubs USVI North

                               Bluebeards Beach Club:  5:30-8:00pm

                               Bring a Potential Member

 November 17^th:  BVI/USVI Friendship Day

                             “Old VI” Theme – Best “Peas & Rice” Competition

 November 24^th:  Flavors Rotary ST. John

                       Westin   6:00pm  $90.00 in advance & $100.00 at door

 Yours in Rotary Spirit:  Cassie

REACH Radio and host Public Relations Chair LaVerne welcomed guest Dr. Richardson last Saturday.  In keeping with Vocational Month Dr. Richardson shared his thoughts about the characteristics of vocations through his very interesting life journey as choreographer, polyglot, vocalist, English teacher, university faculty member and administrator. According to Rtn. LaVerne a very lively guest with the time passing very quickly.  Thank You Rtn. LaVerne for all you do for Rotary II.  ALERT: REACH needs hosts, please consider.  LaVerne has all the guidelines and format in place.

Soup Kitchen had its regulars with Sec. Merle and Rtn. Peggy serving.  Rtn. Jamil delivered the food, which was prepared by The Marriott.  Thank you for your continued dedication.  Also volunteering was our guest at Rotary last week Carol who said she would be there and be there she was. Did you need your wake up call?  Thanks Carol.  There are still more volunteers, 5 members from Rotaract of UVI assisted and they said they would be back in 2 weeks.  How wonderful.  Thank You All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SPEAKERS are needed for our weekly meetings!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please submit your suggestions of either a topic or an individual or both.  We want to hear from our membership as to who and what you wish for guest speakers. 

SAVE THE DATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  NOVEMBER 15^th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!  BLUEBEARD’S BEACH CLUB!!!!!!!!!

TIME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  5:30 – 8:00pm!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

FELLOWSHIP!!! ALL ROTARY CLUBS ST. THOMAS & ST. JOHN

MEMBERSHIP!!!!!!!!!!!!  BRING A POTENTIAL MEMBER

 
Yours in Rotary Spirit:  Cassie

Vocational Service Month is in Full Swing!!!!!!!!!!!!

Service Projects Chair Jerry updated us on The Mentorship Program taking shape at Ivana Eudora Kean High School.  Rtn. Jerry will need mentors, so do your vocation and your club proud by volunteering your time, experience and knowledge for this new program.  Rtn. Alma is overseeing our Seniors who always are in request of our presence, as they enjoy our interaction.  Remember it is the simple acts of kindness that people appreciate the most, so put those words into action and show the kindness that we as Rotarians resonate and share with those less fortunate.

Thank You Rtn. Toya !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  REACH RADIO HOST !!!!!!!!!!

In true Rotary II spirit when a host was needed for REACH last Saturday Rtn. Toya volunteered.  The show’s guest was Dr. Judith  Edwin who works with admissions at UVI.  It was very informative and hopefully we can have Dr. Edwin as a guest speaker at our weekly meeting.  Did you know that Seniors could take classes at UVI for free?  Thank you Toya, it is so good to have to back with us. 

ALSO BACK with us !!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Rtn. Lou Stern

How wonderful that you are home and feeling better and back at Rotary.  Accompanied by wife MaryLu everyone was smiling. 

I am so glad PP Ted was with us last week as well.  As Ted presented his birthday check PP Al led us in Happy Birthday song.  Unfortunately since then Ted has had a health set back.   Please keep PP Ted and his family in your thoughts and prayers.

Soup Kitchen Rocks !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PP Archie, PP Marilyn, Sec. Merle & Birthday Girl Rtn. Peggy !!!!!!!

Thank you all for your devotion and dedication.

Save the Date !!!!!!!!!!!!! November 15, 2012 Bluebeard’s Beach Club

USVI North Fellowship / Membership Event 

Fellowship with all 6 clubs – Bring a potential member – Have Fun !!!!!

Yours in Rotary Spirit:  Cassie

Sign up to serve!

New Generations Month Ends On A High Note!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Once again this month our youth embraced REACH Radio, thanks to the effort of New Generations Chair Sinclair. The show featured four Earlyactors  from Lockhart School who are just now becoming Intetractors along with their mentor Ms. Vanterpool.  Public Relations Chair LaVerne who stated that the hour was enjoyable and informative hosted the show.  Congratulations All!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last weeks meeting was birthday celebrations and celebrate we did indeed.  We were able to sing to PP Ash and Rtn. Toya (it was such a delight to have her back with us).  Yolanda Thomas entertained us in song with her beautiful voice.  SAA Al was able to get us up dancing, so we could burn some of the calories from the birthday cake. It appears everyone enjoys our entertainment / birthday celebration / fellowship meeting as there is always plenty of smiles and laughter going around the room. Laughter is Good, Keeps us Healthy & Stress free!!!!!!!!!!

October is Vocational Service Month !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We look forward to hearing from Service Projects Chair Jerry and what his plans are for the days ahead especially this month. Rtn. Jerry still has room on his various committees so pick an area of interest and join in service.  Our projects are only as successful as we Rotarians make them and much of that depends on participation from each and every one of you.  So remember why you became a Rotarian and put into action Service above Self.

Yours in Rotary Spirit:    Cassie

 

Ash and Toya combined their efforts to blow out the candles.



and Yolanda sang!

Reflection!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!    Gratitude!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

As the month of September comes to a close so does the first quarter of our Rotary year.  Where have the days gone?  It seems like only yesterday we were celebrating our Installation and a year of new beginnings.  It shows us how precious time is, how we should respect it and choose wisely how we spend our time.  We as Rotarians have chosen to use much of out time being good Rotarians with Service above Self.  For that I say thank you to each and every one of you who serve our club daily, weekly, monthly and all year long.  There are never enough words to describe what we as Rotarians accomplish just as there are never enough ways to express my great fullness to you the members of Rotary II.  Your board of directors is working hard with productive meetings to see that the club runs smoothly and effectively.  Many club members are serving on committees for our numerous club activities and services.  More members are still needed, please consider serving in an area that interests you.  Remember you will be the one receiving and here again there are not enough words to describe the feeling.  So let us not rest here after one quarter but embrace and reach out to those less fortunate in order to share and experience Peace through Service. 

Yours in Rotary Spirit:    Cassie

New Generations!!!!!!!!!!  Rotaract!!!!!!!!!!  REACH RADIO!!!!!!!!!

Shenel Day, Secretary of Rotaract ST. Thomas II, graced the airways on Reach Radio last Saturday.  Shenel shared the program with  Public Relations Chair LaVerne , New Generations Chair Sinclair and Past Assistant Governor Cheryl. Rotaract II members are our future Rotarians, embrace and support them and their efforts, attend one of their meetings and encourage their growth. Our Interact clubs at Antilles and Cancryn are even younger up and coming Rotarians.  Please, if you have any interest in our youth, contact Rtn. Sinclair and offer your assistance, he will greatly appreciate it.   

Saturday’s Soup Kitchen  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thank you to Rtn. Kirk’s faithful team:  Sec. Merle, Rtn. Glen & Rtn. Peggy.  I urge all of you to volunteer one Saturday; you will be the one who receives ten fold.

Peggy at work in the soup Kitchen

Saturday was an extra busy day!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The memorial service for Art Andrew (husband of Rtn. Toya) was held at the American Legion Hall.  Attending from Rotary II were IPP Lorraine, PP Ted, PP Marilyn, PP Al & myself.  PP Al accompanied PP Larry Benjamin in song.  The service was a wonderful tribute to Art, a man of so many accomplishments, many achieved with little fanfare.  The lives he touched were very evident as friends paid tribute to him through their words of appreciation and tears of emotion.  Please keep Rtn. Toya in your thoughts and we look forward to the time when she will be back amongst us.   

Yours in Rotary Spirit:    Cassie

Future Vision!!!!!!!!!!!!  Buzz!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We had the pleasure as our guest speaker last week Past President Roger White address the club on Future Vision.  Get used to it, as you will hear a lot about it from now until the end of the year.  At that time Rotary International will officially begin all the programs, which are now part of a 3-year test pilot.  Some programs as we know them will go away, others will stay just as they are and still others will be all new.  
Roger White



Every club must comply with certain criteria, so the work has already begun at District level by training and providing the clubs the resources to achieve this compliance.  Past President Roger is one of these individuals who are providing training and guidance for achieving this goal.  Public Relations Chair LaVerne is also our clubs Future Vision Chair; she has attended numerous seminars in order to garner as much information to help make this transition as smooth as possible.  Thank You, LaVerne. 

Media Lunch!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Television!!!!!  Radio!!!!!!  On-Line Newspaper!!!!

Each area of the media was represented at a luncheon hosted by Rotary II on Tuesday at the campus of The University of the Virgin Islands.  Public Relations Chair LaVerne had this vision and with it the hope that the media and Rotary II can partnership and service our community more effectively.  New Generations Chair Sinclair, Foundation Chair  Marilyn, Fellowship Chair  Ash, Public Relations Chair LaVerne and representing Service Projects Chair Jerry was Rot. Sean, all of who presented reports.  Past President Al was in attendance equipped with his camera along with Public Relations committee members Past President Val and Rot. Cathy. We came away enthusiastic and positive about the suggestions made by both Rotary II and the media.  Thank you to LaVerne and her committee and all the Directors who attended. 

New Generations Month!!!!!!!!!!!  Our Youth !!!!!!!!!!  Our Future!!!!!!!!!!

There are numerous committees of New Generations.  Rot. Sinclair needs assistance to carry forward and complete the programs of Rotary II successfully. Join him or one of the many other committees Rotary II has in place.  We are only as successful as our members, each and everyone one of you.  Remember why you are a Rotarian!!!!!!!!!!  Service above Self!!!!

ROTARIANS WITH

PERFECT ATTENDANCE

FOR THE MONTH OF AUGUST

 Lorraine, Ray, Eric, Marilyn, Kirk, Mac, Erva, Michele, Val, Merle, Alphonso,
 Al, Cassie, Ash, Cathy, LaVerne, Peggy, Glen, Gershwain, Mike, Ida, Sinclair,
 Anette,  Edwin, Cheryl, Jerry, Albert, Sheri, Rosetta

 

 

 

October Birthdays

 

Peggy                   1

Lorraine                4

Ted                      8

Alma                   12

Krim                    22

Eric                      26

 

The word is out.  Rotary II does ZUMBA!!!!!!!!!! We are the FUN CLUB!!!!!!! Look out reality show!  We’ve Got Talent here we come. Last week members and guests were led through dance and exercise moves by fitness professional Joni Jones.  Flamenco music was the rhythm and from there everyone joined in.  The result brought smiles, laughter, enjoyment as well as some elevated heart rates and beads of perspiration, all of which are good for us. 



 We also celebrated birthdays with Bethlehem House volunteer Yolanda Thomas leading us in singing Happy Birthday to Past President Al and President Cassie.  Yolanda will return end of September to entertain us with more of her singing talents.

September!!!!!  New Generations Month!!!!!!!!!!!

Students are back in school so with that we officially resume working with our Early Act at Lockhart and 2 Interacts, Antilles and Addelita Cancryn.  Since Addelita Cancryn is our adopted school numerous programs occur throughout the school year.  Our Rotary II sponsored Rotaract Club continues year round (no summer holiday for them).   New Generations Chair Rot. Sinclair has hit the ground running and already has several programs in place, some of which you will hear about during this month of New Generations. If you want to work with our youth (remember they are our future) speak with Rot. Sinclair as he is still in need of volunteers for various projects. 

Finally just because membership month has come and gone we cannot forget how important our club members are, each and every one of us.  Additionally continue to seek out those members of our community who may be considered as potential Rotarians.  Join a committee or two, reach out and remember WHY YOU ARE A ROTARIAN and embrace New Generations month by assisting Rot. Sinclair and all of our youth projects.

Yours in Rotary Spirit:

Cassie

Prayer:                                 Michele

Pledge:                                 Kenn

4-Way Test:                        Sinclair

RaffleMaster:                    PP Eric collected $159, PE Ray won $72, card draw $320 not drawn by Clarence.      

  
  

Visiting Rotarians: Brian Emerich, Rotary St. Thomas, IPP Rina Roebuck, Rotary East

Rotarians with guests: Sinclair, son Matthew;  PP Ash, Robert Moron; Ricky, Luis Osorio; PE Ray, son Joshua; Kirk, wife Tracy and Yolanda Thomas.

Joni Jones (Your fit guru) had us doing the flamenco and we surely had a good  zumba work out.  If you are inclined to want more zumba,  Joni’s website is www.yourfitguru.com/joanmartinez jones.

President's Corner

They came, they observed, they listened, they spoke and they served!!!!

It was a busy week for District Governor Vance , Past President Monica and  all of the Rotary clubs in USVI North.  The President’s Council hosted a dinner Monday night.  Attending were ADG Mike and his wife Jennifer, Club Presidents, PC Secretary, Public Relations Chair and New Generations Chair.  DG Vance caught us up on his travels to date in St. Martin and St. Croix.  He and Monica are enjoying each islands cuisine and at one point everyone was commenting on the difference of dough in making tarts, Johnnycakes and dumb bread.  It was Martha Stewart island style!!!!!!!! 

DG Vance and Monica met with each club’s board of directors at various times throughout the week.  Rotary II’s board met before our weekly meeting on Wednesday.  A complete portfolio was presented to DG Vance, which included a report from each officer and each chair.  Additionally copies of The Tattler, our classification list, installation booklet, club brochure, disaster plan and e-club guidelines were included.  DG Vance was very pleased with our progress to date, our plans for the rest of the year and thanked the board for their suggestions and ideas.  From our board meeting we moved quickly into our weekly meeting, which we co-shared with Rotary Club of St. Thomas.  It was a full house, festive with lots of laughter and heart warming moments.  DG Vance shared his vision for District 7020 along with the vision of RI President Sakuji Tanaka. 


Peace through Service resonates throughout the entire Rotary world.  In keeping with Family of Rotary and the close ties we have as Rotarians we presented DG Vance with two books of photographs.  One featuring The British Virgin Islands and the other featuring The Virgin Islands that when combined reflects  the bond each Territory has with the other. 

Saturday morning started with DG Vance and Monica as guests on REACH Radio along with ADG Mike.  The entire hour was devoted to Rotary, informative, educational and enjoyable. Then to Bethlehem House where they donned Rotary II aprons and served 60 meals.  So with their mission complete they bid farewell.  It was truly a memorable week for all Rotarians of USVI North, DG Vance and PP Monica!!!!!  We wish you a safe journey during your next few months of travels. 

Yours in Rotary Spirit:  Cassie 

 

Welcome District Governor Vance and Past President Monica!!!!!!!!!

Rotary II is honored and excited to have you address our board of directors as well as our entire membership today.  As our District Governor we embrace and support you and commit to you that as Members of Rotary II we will strive to accomplish the goals mandated to us.  Through our passion for Rotary we will engage one another while reaching out to our community to create Peace through Service. I hope you have time to fellowship not only with us but all of the clubs in USVI North.  May your travels in the months ahead be productive, engaging and passionate as well as safe.

Since I was unable to present a President’s Corner last week (for which I apologize) I will write a 2 for 1 and catch up this week.  As membership month continues we had the pleasure of hearing from PP Mac who is one of our earliest members to date, having joined the club in 1981 Mac shared his thoughts on the joys of being a Rotarian.  Mac’s ability to tell stories so cleverly engages all of us and reminds us why we became Rotarians.  His passion, devotion and loyalty to Rotary II are an inspiration.  Thank You Mac.   

In keeping with membership month our membership chair Sheri presented a how to for bringing potential members into our club.  Basic information that sometimes is overlooked and/or taken for granted was shared.  The classification list was distributed asking members to update and seek out individuals in our community who may fit the unfilled classifications.

Sadly we had to bid farewell to a much loved Rotarian who is relocating to Florida.  Rot. Ida just 2 weeks ago celebrated her 45^th year living on St. Thomas.  From the time Ida joined Rotary in 2004 she hit the ground running.  She never said no when asked by any President to do something for Rotary II.  The ENRICH program was a huge success as she worked closely with Rot. Michele.  Currently she is our disaster chair for our club and the District.  We are in good hands and hopefully we will not have to execute what she has put in place.  On a lighter note club members had fun sharing Ida stories, telling jokes and dancing.  Laughter was in the air, the only way to bid Ida FAREWELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Your positive energy and warm smile will be missed but Rotary II has you in their heart forever. 

As membership month continues, reach out to those individuals from our community you see as future Rotarians. Invite them as your guest.  Make an effort to get to know a club member you may not know that well.  Call a member who hasn’t been to a recent meeting.  Reach out, connect and inspire.  Nothing is too small and it can make such a big difference. Reflect and remember why you became a Rotarian and then share that passion with someone.

Yours in Rotary Spirit:

Cassie

Prayer: PP Ash
Pledge: Rot. Barbara
4-way test:  PP Yvonne. 
Visiting Rot.  IPP Rina Roebuck. 
Rot.w/guests:  PP Archie / Cal Bastian, PP Beris / sonBJ.
Raffle Master: Jamil collected $ 164.
Winner Rot. Roosevelt of
$74. 
Card Draw $304., Alma, no luck. 
Guest Speaker:  Maya Lyles.

Rotarian Peggi Simmons was in hospital
Rotarians Claude, Michele, PP  Mac are ill.

IPP Lorraine
Krim
PE Ray B

PP Eric
PP Marilyn
PP Horace

Kirk
Sheri
Vince

PP Erva
Michele
Eloi

Rosetta
PP Valerie
ADG Cheryl

Jamil
Merle
PP Al

Pres. Cassie
PP Ash
LaVerne

Albert
PP Fitz
Peggy

Glen
Gershwain
Tanny

ADG Mike
Turo
Ida

Sinclair
Anette

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Prayer: PP Eric

Pledge: PP Rina (Rotary East)

4-Way Test: Ida

Raffle Master: Peggy collected $150; Ricky won $68. Peggy was unsuccessful in pulling the joker.

Visiting Rotarian: PP Rina Roebuck, Rotary East

Rotarians with guests: Valerie, JoSandra James; Ricky, E. Marie Joseph; Barbara, son Ken Farrington, Jr., Crystal Daniel, Greenica Smith; Eric, daughters Renise and Satyra Baynes.

Speaker: Sheri Charles-Rogers

President’s Corner

Membership Month Moves Along!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We have embraced this first week and hit the ground running.  At last week’s meeting we were informed and enlightened by our newest Rotarian Peggy Simmonds.  Many of us (myself included) can remember our first time at the podium addressing our club wondering what to say or more to the point why am I up here?  Peggy you did great and you even got us to laugh, so for that we thank you.  Congratulations on being our newest Rotarian and hopefully that title will be brief. We also gave away our bottle of liquid sunshine to not only a visiting Rotarian and brother of Membership Chair Sheri but a new Rotarian himself of only two months, Dr. Joseph Charles.  How exciting to share these moments and be part of his early days in Rotary. Think back to your first few months as a new Rotarian, pleasant memories and more I hope. 

PP Val George hosted REACH RADIO last Saturday.  Can you guess the theme?  Even better do you know whom our club’s first woman President was (a membership trivia tidbit)?  PP Val served as President of Rotary II in 1996-1997. The theme on REACH was focused on membership and as organized and prepared as PP Val is the show was informative on all levels.  I encourage all of you to listen and participate whenever possible.  Many thanks to you PP Val for your expertise and leadership, not only Saturday but all the years before.

So Rotary II members, let us not lose our momentum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Keep moving forward reaching out to our own who are in need of a phone call, a visit or just a big hug!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Look into our community and invite as a guest to our club those individuals who you feel would make good Rotarians.  Remember to take photos and submit to PP Al so we can include them in our membership club of the month report.

Yours in Rotary Spirit:

Cassie

President’s Corner

August is here and that means Membership Month!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  A time to pay extra special attention to our entire membership. Fellowship with some members you may not know that well and/or make a point to sit at a different table each week this month.  Reach out to some of the members who have not been attending regularly, share all that the club is doing and encourage them to return as we miss them. Get to know each and every member of Rotary II. It is also a great opportunity to invite someone, as a guest who you feel would make a good Rotarian.

FUN, FELLOWSHIP & FUNDRAISER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  That is what Jazz in the Park was last Friday.  A big success and good time had by all.  Good music, food and drink.  Thank you to the members of Rotary II who worked our booth:  PP Ash, PP Al, PP Marilyn, PP Eric, Tres. Albert, Sec. Merle, Edwin, Ida, Sinclair,  Annette,  Turo , PADG Cheryl & our newest member  Peggy.  Thank you to those members who came by and fellowshipped: IPP Lorraine, PE Ray, PP Erva,  Michele,  Vince,  Eloi,  LaVerne,  Tanny, & PP Rina.  Thank you to  Jamil who is still recovering from surgery but worked behind the scenes assisting with the beverages.  Forgive me if I did not mention you as it is possible I didn’t even see you, as there were times I could not even look up it was so busy.  So again thank you to all!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Congratulations to Rotaract St. Thomas II for sponsoring a food booth as well.  They were organized and came out in full force to support the event as well as each other.  Way to go!

On a sad note we lost one of our former Rotarians this past week Frankie Stapleton.  Frankie always had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eye.  Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers. 

Embrace Membership Month, Embrace Rotary II, Embrace one another & Remember Why You Are A Rotarian!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yours in Rotary Spirit:

Cassie

 

Happy Birthday to the following Rotarians: 

Sutphin	Yvette			1-Aug
Blackhall      P.P.	Marilyn			2-Aug
Schouchana	Edwin			7-Aug
Ragster	LaVerne			11-Aug
Mallory	Cassandra			13-Aug
Kirkpatrick	Robert			15-Aug
LaBorde	Alphonso			21-Aug
Brown Ramos	Charlotte			23-Aug

President's Corner

CELEBRATE!

It is time for a celebration or celebrations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Today being the last Wednesday of the month we officially salute our members who have July birthdays.  We sing the Happy Birthday Song (some of us not always in tune like myself), there are candles to blow out  (hopefully we will not burn down the hotel) and last but not least we all enjoy a special cake (special because the calories don’t count, don’t say you heard this from me). So Rotarians Brenda, Cathy, PPMac, Pierre and Roosevelt, we salute you and send wishes that every day of your life be a celebration.

Did you know we have TV stars in our club??????????????  Rotarians Kirk and Jerry are ready to sign autographs.  This Friday kicks off the first of several TV spots (primetime during the Olympics Opening Ceremony) that feature Rotarians from our five St. Thomas clubs. This project is a joint venture (of the five clubs) with its purpose being mandated from Rotary International.  This purpose is to enhance the public image of Rotary and create a better community awareness of who Rotarians are.  So tune in Friday night to the Opening Ceremonies of The Olympics and cheer our own Olympians, Rotarians Kirk and Jerry.

Celebrate, Celebrate, Dance to the Music!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Friday night before the Olympics come to Jazz in the Park. Enjoy good music and fellowship with your Rotary II members.  Our club has the beverage booth and will be selling beer, wine, juice, soda and water.  See PP Ash to volunteer some of your time in between all the celebrating.  This is a chance to have fun while raising some funds for our community charities. 

CELEBRATE AND BE PROUD TO BE A ROTARIAN!

Yours in Rotary Spirit:

Cassie

JULY BIRTHDAYS CELEBRATED AT ROTARY II

 

Prayer.........  Rotarian Tany

Pledge.......... Rotarian Gershwain

4-Way Test....Immediate Past President Lorraine

Raffle Master: Rotarian Peggy collected $195; card draw $250 and Past President Thraen won $87.

Visiting Rotarian were Vince Danet (E-C;ub) and Rina Roebuck,  Immediate Past President, Rotary East.

Rotarians with guests: Immediate Past President Lorraine; Christine A. Aubain, and Hugh Hunte; and Rotarian Jerry; Cassie Christopher

PP Mac

Rotary Guests:  Eddie Bruce, April Newland and Cassie McConnell.

Rotary II was entertained by the inimitable Eddie Bruce.  My Bruce was kind enough to lend his talent from noon until the meeting began, and later when we sang ‘happy birthday’ for Past President Mac (the only July birthday celebrant who was present).  We

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Members were reminded to pay dues and submit make-ups.

Members were asked to mark August 22, 2012, on their calendars since that is the day when District Governor Vance will address the Club.  A special board meeting will also be held on that day.

Past President Ash asked for volunteers for the upcoming Jazz in the Park fellowship/fundraiser which will be held on Friday, July 27, 2012 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.  Past Assistant District Governor Cheryl, as employee of International Capital and Management,  personally invited the Club to the function.  Assistant District Governor Mike encouraged the membership to look at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics as there will be a media promo featuring Rotarians Kirk and Jerry among others.

 

Submitted by Secretary, Merle Kiture Morgan

Hi Fellow Rotarians:

If you have not done so, please go to VI-Alert through the VITEMA website and sign up for VI-Alert, (google it). VI-Alert, will give you the same info that VITEMA gets. As I mentioned last week, the Buddy Tree (telephone #and home area of members) will be organized for distribution again this summer for Rotary II. Thank you for your attention to this detail when it is sent out.

YIRS,

Ida
Rotary II Disaster Chair

Rotary II  will have the ONLY Beverage booth.  We will sell beer, wine, juice, soda  and water.
The event begins at 5:30 and ends at 10:30.  In addition to the music, various vendors will be selling their items
with a block party set up. 

Rotary II members are needed to volunteer their time to help set up 3:30-5:00,
work the booth hours of 5:00-10:30 and finally to break down and clean
up.  Please contact Past President Val to sign up. 

All members should wear their Rotary at Work shirt and Rotary apron if you have one.
This is a great oppportunity to hear some good music, fellowship, fundraise and
share Rotary with our community.

 

•  District Governor Vance will visit our club on Wednesday,  August 22nd.  All members are asked to mark  their calendar and be sure to attend as the District Governor addresses Rotary II. There will be a special board of directors meeting with District Governor Vance on  Wednesday. August 22nd at 11:00 a.m. in the Island Room .

 

• Monthly Board of Directors Meeting is on August.14th at West Indian Company's Conference Room at 6:00 p.m.  

Rotarian LaVerne was the acting secretary for the day, and kudos go out to her for a job well done!

Prayer......... Emanuel Israel (PP Raimer's grandson)

Pledge.......... Rotarian LaVerne

4-Way Test....Rotarian Ida

Visiting Rotarians: IPP Rina Roebuck, and Susan Anderson: Rotary Club East, PP Hubert Raimer, Charlotte Amalie, Vince Danet: E-club.

Rotarians with guests: Jamil: co-worker, Saura, Erva Denham, Michele Downes Sheri Rogers: husband Dale and daughter.

Raffle Master: Rotarian Jamil $175, the table with Immediate Past President Lorraine, et.al. won $79, Card draw is now $229.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

Members were reminded to pay dues and to pay directly to the club and not on- line.

Birthday greetings we extended to Rotarians Mac and and Pierre (absent) along with all July birthday celebrants. There was a request to bring in birthday checks.

Members were reminded to send or bring in make- ups.

Members were invited to attend the Rotaract II meeting scheduled for Friday, July 20th at Costa Java , beginning at 5:30 p.m.

PAG Cheryl invited Rotary II to participate as a concession in a community block party being sponsored by International Capital Management Corp. on July 27th. President Cassie indicated she would followup on the feasibility of taking advantage of the offer.
 

Presenting the Rotaract II 2012-2013 Board:

Officers: Yolande Joseph – President

Besha Liburd – Immediate Past President

Shenel A. Daly – Secretary

Yolanda Ottley – Treasurer

Takera Rieara – Sergeant- At-Arms

 Directors:

Shayla Solomon - Club Service

Dalese C. Brown -Service Projects

Simone Edwards – Fundraising

The installation was July 6, 2012 at Costa Java. President Cassie attended and so did PAG Cheryl George-Chance and AG Mike Toussaint
(Story by LaVerne Ragster)

PP Lorraine Baa presents  honors to Rtn. Jerry Smith,  Mr. Rotarian of the Year. Rtn. Michele Downes was honored as Miss Rotarian of the Year on June 20,2012

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II it is my distinct pleasure to welcome you to the installation of our 34th President Cassie Mallory.

As I reflect on my past year, I am honored and privileged to have served in the capacity of your 33rd President. Thoughts of the past year will never be forgotten. The work accomplished and our outstanding record of service to this community continues. My pride in our many accomplishments this year are a true testament to the high standards and ideals of those presidents who have gone before me.

I will hold dear to my heart when we rose to the challenge of giving to the Foundation with an October fundraiser that also created a special scholarship at UVI in Tourism Hospitality !

Some other memorable highlights were the creation of an additional Interact Club at the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School and the Early Act Club at the Lockhart Elementary School, we blazed new trails of becoming the FIRST Club to sponsor an E-Club in District 7020 sanctioned by DG Theodore Guy and Rotary International. We increased our website traffic  300%, introduced our senior citizens to modern technology through the donation of two computers, worked diligently and became a 100% Paul Harris Club, sustained our Every Rotarian Every Year Status, exceeded our goal by $7,000 for our car raffle despite challenging economic times, and finally became the first Club in USVI North to receive the coveted title of Club of the Month!

The honor and privilege to lead the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II came with many challenges as well as high standards. Thank you Rotary II for working together and helping us to exceed every goal this year. As I bid farewell I am confident that our incoming President Cassie will impact the many lives in this community in the days and weeks ahead. One thing is for certain, it was incredible we did it simply by embracing three important words… … “Service above self.”

There is a saying that goes…every ending has a new beginning and my prayer is that as I pass on the mantel of leadership to President Cassandra Mallory that God will continue to bless our club and take it to higher heights!

"Either  Lead, Follow, or Get out the Way..."

Rotary Club of St. Thomas II 2012-2013 Board of Directors

Cassandra Mallory, President
Lorraine Baa, Immediate Past President
Ray Barry, President Elect
Arturo Watlington, Vice President
Merle Kiture-Morgan, Secretary
Albert Richardson, Treasurer
Eric Baynes,  Assistant Treasurer
Alphonse LaBorde, Sgt-At-Arms
Sheri Charles-Rogers,  Membership Chair
Jerry R. Smith, Service Projects Chair
Marilyn Blackhall,  Rotary Foundation Chair
Laverne Ragster, Public Relations Chair
Rosetta George, Club Administrator
Sinclair Wilkinson, New Generations Chair
Arthur Newton, Fellowship Director
Glen Smith, Director
Kirk Callwood, Director
Horace Callwood, Consultant to President, without portfolio

Dear Fellow Rotarians,

It’s a great honor to serve as your 2012-13 RI president and represent you in Rotary. Since joining this organization in 1975, it has changed my life and given me more than I ever anticipated. I look forward to sharing some of that with you. Through Rotary, I learned the purpose of my life wasn’t to earn more, but to help others. Through our service, we learn that the problems that may seem large to us are really very small.

I also learned that through Rotary, we could build peace. As part of the first generation to grow up in Japan after World War II, I understand the importance of peace and its connection to our well-being. Peace can mean many things for many people, but however we understand peace, Rotary can help us achieve it. Rotary helps us meet the basic needs of health care, sanitation, food, and education. These can bring peace. In addition, we need peace as well for vaccinators to go into countries such as Afghanistan to prevent children from getting polio. It is through our work as Rotarians that we help to build the foundation for a more peaceful world.

Through service, we can bring peace. This is why our 2012-12 Rotary theme is Peace Through Service. 

Sakuji Tanaka
President, Rotary International

The following Rotarians have a Birthday Celebration in July: 

Brenda  N. Coulanges                                                   July 1

Cathy O’Gara                                                                July  6

PP Mac Davis                                                               July 10

Pierre Ducloux                                                              July 15

Roosevelt David                                                            July 21

 


St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, June 20, 2012 — Rotary Club of St. Thomas II has awarded a total of $13,000 to charities and raised money earlier in the year for a four year scholarship to a senior pursuing the field of Hotel and Tourism Management at the University of the Virgin Islands. Once the program gets underway at the University for the coming semester, there will be more information to tell. They also awarded monies last month to their own teacher of the Year at Adelita Cancryn School. The winner Alisande Donahue was given a cash prize in the amount of $1,200 while the first runner-up Anna Wallace-Francis was awarded $700 dollars and the school received $300. The following St. Thomas charities that received cash awards were : The United Way of St. Thomas, My Brother’s Workshop, Hope, Inc., Catholic Charities of St. Thomas, The American Cancer Society, Inc., The Women’s Resource Center and VI Council for the Disabled.

Lorraine Baa, President of Rotary II, said, she was proud to be part of giving back to the community. This is what Rotary stands for….It is a true mark of our motto…”Service above self” The money for the UVI scholarship will be awarded to a deserving senior who will pursue a degree in hotel hospitality! Her hopes are that it will encourage students to stay in the territory and learn about the exciting opportunities in Tourism and Hotel Industry once the program gets underway. The charities that received cash awards received amounts in increments of $2,000 to $3,000! Baa said,” these charities are doing so much good in our community and as they assist others with needs, they are encouraged to know some organizations are still willing to assist despite, our economic challenges here in the territory. Jose Gonzalez who assisted at the Marriott and is a member of Rotary II said, “We at the Marriott Hotel are very excited to partner with the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II to award such an important scholarship.”- He added that Tourism is the lifeline of our community and anything that will enhance our youth educationally is the right thing to do he added. As a member of Rotary II, being able to introduce them to this exciting industry makes me very proud.”

Rotary II’s primary goal over the past 33 years has been to give back to the community! The Rotary of St. Thomas is has funded 4 individual scholarships on a yearly basis to Virgin Islands Students attending the University of the Virgin Islands and all the charities that received monies were the result the annual car raffle sponsored by Rotary II every year.

Baa, the 33rd President will pass on her mantel Cassandra Mallory who will be installed as the 34th President of Rotary II at the Marriott on Wednesday, June 27, 2012 at 12:15. “It was an incredible year Baa said and with a deep sense of gratitude she admits…”I could not have done without the help and persistence of the members of the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II”

ADG Cheryl Presents Recognition of Service despite Illness Award to  PP Fitz

Michele Downes
Jerry Smith



Note: Jerry is accepting outstanding Business Award

SAMSON DELIVERS OUR FINAL TANTALIZING TRUTH: 
"AN INJURY TO ONE IS AN INJURY TO ALL,"  (michele)

Recognition of Ailing Rotarians Who Kept Serving  Despite illness

Elliott Davis
Michele Downes
Fitz Rowe

Presidential Appreciation Awards

Website and Virtual Administrator: Michele Downes
Publications: Val George, Al Laborde; Ida White, Laverne Ragster, Merle Kiture Morgan

Mentors
Interact: Sinclair Wilkinson, Ida White, Beris Lynch
Early Act:  Yvette Sultpin
Rotaract:   Cheryl-George Chance
EClub: Michele Downes; Erva Dehman; Yvonne Traen; Archie Ogden; Lorraine Baa; Ida White

REACH:  Clarence Payne. Alma Francis, Tonia Garnett
Scholarship and Literacy:  Erva Dehman
Assistant Editor: Merle Kiture Morgan

Club Service: Jamil Hussain

Bethlehem House: Alicia Boatright; Merle Kiture Morgan; Anette Smith; Glenn Smith, Ida White

Gala Commitee: Cassi Mallory; Marilyn Blackhall, Sheri CharlesRogers, La Vern Ragster, Arthur Newtown, Rosetta George, Mike Toussaint

Service Awards

Merle-Kiture Morgan
Al Laborde
Charlotte Brown Ramos

District Awards

Cheryl George Chance  (service as ADG and new position as District Interact Chair)
Mike Toussaint (incoming ADG)
Lorraine Baa (Incoming District Family of Rotary Chair)
Michele Downes (District Governor Special Rep)

Paul Harris Society
 Erva Dehman; Horace Callwood; Arturo Watlington, Marilyn Blackhall

Paul Harris Benefactors

Cheryl George Chance
Al Laborde

First Time Paul Harris

Kirk Callwood, Sean Georges, Clarence Payne; Ray Chesterfield

Outstanding Leadership

Marilyn Blackhall
Michele Downes

Club of Month Committee

Merle Kiture- Morgan; Michele Downes; Ida White; Jerry Smith,

Business Awards

Jerry Smith
Jose Espinosa
Kirk Callwood

Board Recognition:  VP Merle Kiture Morgan; PE Cassi Mallory; IPP Eric Baynes; Treasurer: Sheri Charles Rogers; Sec. Brenda Coulanges-Nazaire; CA Rosetta George; New Generations: Sinclair Wilkinson; Membership; Ray Chesterfield; Public Relations: Clarence Payne; Foundation: Marilyn Blackhall; Service: Edwin Souchana; Directors: PP Horace, PP ASh,  PP Beris, Ray barry, Arturo Wtaltington

I. Perfect Attendance

Lorraine Baa
Cheryl George Chance
Sheri Charles Rogers
LaVerne Ragster
Michele Downes
Erva Dehman
Al Loiten
Ida White
Melre-Kiture Morgan
Al Loiten
Al Laborde
Michael Toussaint
Krim Ballentine
Marilyn Blackhall
Marie Herman
Beris Lynch

II. Presidential Citations

Ida White
Marilyn Blackhall
Fitzgerald Rowe
Glenn Smith

III. Distinguished Service
 
Fitzgerald Rowe
Michele Downes

IV.  Rotary Innovator:  Michele Downes  (eclub)

V. Fundraising Award

Al Loiten, Fitz Rowe, Horace Callwood, Alicia Boatright, Lorraine Baa, Marilyn Blackhall , Marie Herman; Beris Lynch; Mike T,  Arthur Newton and Archie Ogden

Dearest  Rotary II Family and Friends,

As I reflect on this past year, I am honored and privileged to have served in the capacity as your 33rd President. Thoughts of the past year will never be forgotten. The work accomplished and our outstanding record of service to this community continues. My pride in our many accomplishments this year are a true testament to the high standards and ideals of those who have gone before me.

Our International President Kalyan Banerjee charged us all to live according to the theme “Reach Within to Embrace Humanity,” and most of us did and for this I will be forever grateful. Our coming together  in October to fundraise for the Rotary Foundation and the UVI Hospitality Scholarship will always be one of the highlights of my presidency. That evening we laughed out loud and raised money for two great causes. Some other memorable highlights that I will hold dear to my heart was the start of our Interact Club at the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School ,the Early Act Club at the Lockhart Elementary School, Sponsoring the first E-Club in District 7020 , honoring our Senior Citizens, Recognizing a Person of the Year as well as Teacher of the year, the Christmas Fellowship at Rotarian Neil’s home, our contributions to the Rotary Foundation’s Annual Fund , becoming a 100% Paul Harris Club, surpassing our written goal for the Car raffle by $7,000 despite challenging economic times and finally becoming the first Club in USVI North to receive the coveted title of Club of the Month!

My pride in being called the seventh woman to lead the Rotary Club of St. Thomas II came with many challenges as well as high standards. All my goals were met and that is a wonderful feeling of accomplishment! As I bid farewell, I would be remiss if I did not say thank you Rotary II for the awesome opportunity!

I am confident that our incoming President, Cassie will impact the many lives in this community in the days and weeks ahead. One thing is for certain, it was a fun filled year despite the challenges , the experience of leading this club certainly brought out the best in me. I made it to the end simply by one constant reminder of three important words… … “Service Above Self.”

My prayer is that God will continue to bless our club and take us to higher heights!

 

Warmest Rotary Regards,

Lorraine Baa

President 2011-2012

 Pic. 1. NEW EARLY ACT CLUB AT LOCKHART SCHOOL
 

Dear Readers, Fellow Rotarians, Family and Friends,

The time has come for me to bid you goodbye as Rotary II’s Publications and Website Editor. This is the time I find myself with a heavy heart, for I truly loved what  I was doing . However, I also see this time as a time of celebration of the past and the future.

This year we went from less than a hundred visitors to our website to nearly 2500. This year under President Lorraine’s commission we introduced a separate publication in itself, Tattler TIDBITS designed to be passed out at meetings while the electronic version of the newsletter, TATTLER was designed to be read at home.  Also new this year was a cadre of freelance writers and journalists who were on hand to produce feature stories. I was especially moved by PP Val George’s story,”Why Should I Care About Polio", while Rotarian Krim inspired me to  examine myself and adjust myself to make sure as a Rotarian I don’t become complacent but to be a Rotarian who lives out Rotary’s motto : Service Above Self.  Rtn. LaVerne interviewed and wrote a touching story about comedienne Hazelle Goodman.

We also developed a two man photography team of PP Al and PP Ted which enabled us to produce a weekly feature entitled 'Snapshots' that connected our Rotary family together even when  we weren’t together. I thought,  why read about what happens at Rotary when we can see. PP AL did a splendid job in getting candid photos and PP Ted was behind the scenes ready to jump in. Finally but not least, this was the first year Rotary II’s car Raffle went online as well as other electronic billings and transactions.

Other causes of celebration for the future of  Rotary II’s Publications and Website is 1) its  growth potential as was demonstrated by our increase in web traffic  and 2) the positive notes sent to me citing how well people enjoyed our website and publications.

I am forever grateful to Merle Kiture-Morgan who worked every week without fail. and PP Al Laborde  who also worked diligently every week. I appreciate PP Val, PP Ted , Rotarians LaVerne, Krim and Ida who were on call.

Fare thee well everyone.  I thank you for the honor to have served.

Rotarian Michele Downes

Publications and Website Editor 2011-2012

 

                                              My Final Tantalizing Truth:

Not how he died, but how did he live? Not what did he gain but what did he give ?

These are the units to measure the worth of a man as a man regardless of birth.

Not what was his church nor what was his creed but had he befriended those really in need?

Was he ever ready with a word of good cheer, to bring back a smile, to banish a tear?

APPRECIATION AND AWARDS DAY   
JUNE 20, 2012


 INSTALLATION  DAY             JUNE 27, 2012

Prayer: Rosetta
Pledge: PP Erva
4-way test: Ray B.
Raffle Master: VP Merle
Raffle winner: PP Beris, et. al. won $99

President's Council agreed to have 'Rotary Rocks' Team for American Cancer Society's Relay for Life.
Vernon Arajuo, Director of Development of the Family Resource Center spoke of the needs of the organization. and he distributed a wish list to the club.

President Lorraine reminded everyone to donate $35 as agreed from each member in honor of fellow Rotarians:

Michele Downes
Mac Davis
Claude Simmonds

Happy Birthday to:

June 6      Merle
June 10    Sean
June 15    Kenn
June 24    Bill

Executive Board
Cassandra Mallory                 Club President 
Lorraine Baa                           Immed. Past President
Arturo Watlington                    Vice President                         
Ray Barry                                President-Elect           
Merle Kiture-Morgan               Secretary
Albert Richardson                   Treasurer

    Directors

LaVerne Ragster                     Public Relations Chair 
Marilyn Blackhall                     The Rotary Foundation Chair 
Sinclair Willkinson                   New Generations Chair  
Sheri Charles-Rogers             Membership Chair
Jerry Smith                              Service Projects Chair  
Rosetta George                       Club Administrator  
Eric Baynes                             Club Director-Asst. Treasurer 
Arthur Newton                         Club Director-Fellowships  
Glen Smith                              Club Director
Kirk Callwood                          Club Director

 Horace Callwood                Consultant to President w/out portfolio

June is Fellowship Month:

Join a Rotary Fellowship

Fellow Rotarians:

This is the last month that I will have the opportunity to write in my role as President.  The question is: will I miss it…yes to a degree, because this special journey as your Rotary President has brought out the best in me. As I bid farewell, I want to say thank you Rotary II for the awesome experience!  It certainly will be memorable.

 Since this is the month where we celebrate Rotary Fellowship, I wanted to share that there are more than 80 Rotary Fellowships to choose from. These fellowships offer some benefits and they are  just one more way Rotarians are promoting international fellowship, friendship, and service.

Here are some Benefits :

* Fellowships provide opportunities for Rotarians to make lasting friendships outside of their own club, district, or country. *Fellowships contribute to the advancement of world understanding and peace. * Fellowships serve as an incentive for attracting new members to Rotary and retaining existing ones.  So this Rotary Fellowship month, please  think about joining one of the more than 80 fellowships that are available.  These were some that  I found that might be interesting:  Carnival, Parades & Festivals Fellowship Computer Users Fellowship Fishing Fellowship License Plate Collecting Fellowship Singles Fellowship Skiing Fellowship Photographers Fellowship Horseback Riding Fellowship Wine Fellowship Yachting Fellowship  Please feel free to browse our Rotary International website and find out more the possibilities of joining unique and interesting fellowships.   Warmest Rotary Regards,  Lorraine Baa President

 

For the second year in succession, Rotarian Al has been dubbed the 'Undisputed Raffle King'.  Rotarian Al increased his raffle sales for 2012  by 25% over 2011 or 175 books sold in 2011 and 219 books sold in 2012.

WELL DONE! ROTARIAN AL ! YOU ARE APPRECIATED BY YOUR FELLOW ROTARIANS!

 

 

Pres. Lorraine opened the meeting with the following words of inspiration:

“Love does not make the world go round, but it makes the ride worthwhile”.

 

Prayer:                                 Rotarian Roosevelt

Pledge:                                 Rotarian Kirk                     

4-Way Test:                          Rotarian Gershwain

Raffle Master:                       Rotarian Jamil collected $210

Raffle winner:                       Gershwain Sprauve collected $95.00

Visiting Rotarians:

PP Terry Robinson;  RC St. Thomas, Deon Tyson; Sunrise,Pres. Rina Roebuck, Rotary East, Alfred Heath, St. Thomas, PP Roger White, St. Thomas,  PDG Diana White, RC Charlotte Amalie,

Rotarians with Guests:

Shaun Pennington; Molly Morris, Roosevelt David; Levi Douglas, Barbara Petersen; aunt Phyllis Harrigan; PP Horace Callwood; Peggy Simmonds and Lt. Gov. Greg Francis, Sheri Charles-Rogers; Pat Justice, Lorraine Baa, Hugh Hunte.

Rotary II’s guests (Former Persons Of The Year ):

Shaun Pennington

Candia Petersen

Suzanne  Robinson

Alfred Heath

Diana White

Mac Davis

The Person of the Year for 2012 was announced by Mac Davis.  Prior to the announcement, everyone wonders who the recipient would be since the process of choosing the person is shrouded in secrecy.  The recipient for 2012 was Scott Bradley of 'My Brother's Workshop'.  A fitting tribute to someone who is humble, and from whom "patience and love exudes from every part of his body".

Congratulations Scott!  Thank you for all you do!

Dear Rotarians:

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude, for the financial support of The Rotary Club of St. Thomas II towards my college education.  Together we have done it! I graduated magna cum laude on May 12, 2012 from the University of the Virgin Islands with my Bachelors degree in Business Administration; it was a long, challenging, but fulfilling achievement. The challenge was made easier knowing that I had not only the financial support of the club, but emotional support as well.

I would like to personally thank several Rotarians for giving me guidance and that extra push when I needed it most. Michele Downes, Lorraine Baa, Erva Denham, Dr. Ida White, ADG Cheryl George-Chance, Berisford Lynch, Archie Ogden, Eric Baynes, Merle Kiture-Morgan, Marie Hermann, and others. To those mentioned above and all Rotarians “Thank You!”

I began my relationship with Rotary II many years ago when I was a young student in the ENRICH program and now as a young adult, I will remember the values of Rotary, and I look forward to becoming a Rotarian.

Again Thank you,

Sincerely,

Vandel D. M. Percival

l

The installation of the 34th president of Rotary Club of St. Thomas II will be held at the Marriott Frenchman's Reef's Aqua Terra Lounge  on June 27, 2012  at 12:30 p.m.  
  

 
   

The top sellers for the raffle were: Rtn. Al Loiten, PP Fitz Rowe, PP Horace Callwood, Rotarian Alicia Boatwright, and President Lorraine.

FORMER ENRICH STUDENT AND MACON BERRY SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT VANDEL PERCIVAL

 GRADUATES WITH HONORS.

Interesting Fact: Rotary II has been working with Vandel since he was in seventh grade : when President Lorraine and Rotarian Michele under ADG Cheryl’s administration. started the ENRICH program. This program focused primarily on mentoring children who weren’t the smartest nor the baddest but those who  often don't get attention.

Fellow Rotarians:

“The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now.

As I reflect on these past weeks during our car raffle, we started off doubting ourselves, telling ourselves that it would be difficult and unattainable.

I kept encouraging everyone to believe that we could reach the $100,000 mark for this year’s car raffle!  There is a saying that goes…”Reach for the stars and if you fall among the clouds you’re still on high ground”

To say that I am truly grateful would be an understatement!  A million, million thanks to every Rotarian who forged their way through to help us surpass our goal.  Together we did it!  Thank you to Rotarian Glen Smith who took on the challenge to lead the way despite his lack of experience.  Glen thank you for all that you  did although we did not provide you with a script.  A million thanks to Past President Michael Toussaint who kept the numbers straight and tirelessly helped in the calculations as well as assisting in the separation of thousands of raffle books at his office..

Halos and kisses to Rotarian Alfred Loiten who sold 219 books!!!!  He reminded me two nights before the drawing of the raffle that the car was paid for in full!!!….Thank you, thank you Rotarian Al!  Loads of thank you’s to Past President Fitgerald Rowe whose determination to stick by the car and sell as many books as he could was truly remarkable .Fitz…you are indeed a committed Rotarian!  To Past President Horace Callwood who sat in the sun many Saturday’s and lured most of the community to purchase a ticket…I send hugs unending to you! To Rotarian Alicia Boatwright whose annual sales are a God send …“Boaty” you are amazing!!!.  To Past President Marilyn Blackhall who had the tenacity to sell 10 books to one person..... catapulted.  Congratulations…great job!!! To Rotarians Merle, Sinclair & son, Thraen, Al Loiten and Sheri who stayed late to separate tickets…thanks so much for going the extra mile!!! To each and every Rotarian who tried with all their hearts to sell their books despite these challenging economic times….I cannot thank you enough!

Please continue to spread the word that the coupons that were connected to the raffle can be used until June 30, 2012! 

 “The single greatest thing you can do to change your life today would be to start being grateful for what you have right now.  As President of this magnificent Rotary II Club, I am most grateful and could not have done this without  the help of each and every Rotarian!

 

Lorraine Baa

 President

President Lorraine started out by saying "Today we are to celebrate those in Educaton...who by any means necessary...... have developed the greatest abilities in our children, because in each child there are private hopes and dreams. When these two things are fulfilled, they can be translated into a benefit for everyone as well as a greater strength for our community and our nation."

 

Rotarian Laverne Ragster read the biographies of both Teachers...

 Alisande Donahue-received $1,000!

 She returned home in 1992 after completing her education at FIT -Fashion Institute of New York. In 1996 she joined the Addelita Cancryn Junior High School's Family and Consumer Science Department where she was able to share her talents with the students there. She realized shortly that this was her true calling and started spending time with students after school, on weekends, and during her summer vacations which became a powerful means of impacting their self esteem, and developing their personal and social growth.

Today, she is the coordinator of the Mr. and Miss Addelita Cancryn Pageant, Cancryn In-Session Carnival Troupe, Advisor of the FCCLA program, Mentor for the JUMP program, Cheerleading Coach & Advisor for Rose Court 21st Century CCLC Program. Ms Donahue is credited with making the uniforms for the Cancryn Maypole and Quadrille dancers, Rose Court, Cancryn Dance Team. as well as Choir uniforms and any other activiy that the school participates in. When asked how she finds time to give back so much of her time, talent and energy? She responded "I only do for children...what others did for me". She ended by saying..."If my children learn to give, then the circle of reciprocity will never be broken".She is a mother of two, an Educator, A Seamstress and the 2012 Rotary II Teacher of the Year.

 Our First runner-up was Anna Wallace-Francis who promotes the importance of knowing our history, culture, and environmental heritage. She received $700.00

 The school received $500.00

ROTARY CLUB OF ST. THOMAS II

Annual Car Raffle Results

1 Prize: - 2012 Red Jeep Compass

Atty. Henry L. Feuerzeig - Ticket#: 09328

2nd  Prize: -Cruise for Two – Compliments of WICO

Joy Stanley - Ticket#: 06097

3rd Prize: - 5 Nights/6 Days for 2 at Marriott Frenchman's Reef or Morning Star Beach Resort

Erol Dawson - Ticket#: 03890

4th Prize:-  $1,500.00 Cash

Kai Vincent Richardson - Ticket#: 01994

5th Prize:- $1,000.00 Cash

Tessa Hugh - Ticket#: 04917

6th Prize: Apple TV from Smartnet ISP

Rose Labadie - Ticket#: 02919

7th Prize:  32 “ Flat Screen TV from Kmart

Jeni Smith - Ticket#: 06081

Emmanuel Jal began his keynote speech at the 2012 Rotary World Peace Symposium in Bangkok, Thailand, not by talking about peace but rather by singing about it. The former Sudanese child soldier, now an international peace advocate and hip-hop star, energized the morning session crowd with his song “We Want Peace.” At the opening plenary session of the symposium, Thursday, 3 May, Jal talked about what peace means to him, the atrocities he witnessed as a child soldier, and the horrors he experienced while escaping Sudan’s bloody civil war. “Peace means different things to people all around the world,” said Jal, a spokesman for Amnesty International, who has also worked on behalf of Save the Children, UNICEF, the World Food Programme, and Christian Aid. “Peace is when you leave home and come back safely. Peace is when you have a full stomach. For me, peace is justice, equality, and freedom for all.

In conjunction with food fair we shall meet at the Fire Station
to promote Car Raffle

Please take the time to send cards and well wishes to our ailing Rotarian Claude. He is a senior and long time member of the club.
Trust me, I know what it is like to be homebound .




PP Mac… I, Michele spoke to him yesterday via cell phone…he gave me permission to make his plight public. These are his words:

Find out in our May Club Meetings:

Raffle Winner        May 16
Person of Year      May 23

Rotary Club of St. Thomas II is humbled and honored to be named “Club of the Month,” for District 7020. During literacy month we touched all ages.  Some of the service projects we engaged in included : Senior citizens who were educated on new  e-readers and technology as well as given new computers. To ease the pain of homelessness we shared magazines with those who don’t have disposable income to buy them. Our Interact Club at ACJHS read to preschoolers. MATHCOUNTS touched youngsters on all three islands.

 

Prayer:  Ida
Pledge:  Barbara
Four Way Test:  Al
Raffle Master:  Jamil
Raffle Winner:  Cassie $78

Card Draw $265
Card Puller: Hugh Hunte
Card Not pulled

Rotarian w/Guests
PPHorace-Peggy Simmonds

Visiting Rotarians
Dennis A Oster, Rotary Club of Des Plaines

Guests of Rotary
Arlene Monaghan, Guest Speaker
Leonard Matthews

Arlene Monoghan of Clear Blue Sky spoke of mental illness in the territory.
She stressed that victims of mental illness can recover.
Arlene started the organization in her home many years ago and it is now run from the "Club House" in Charlotte Amalie.
However in addition to grants the organization is in need of funds.
Leonard Matthews, a Bipolar patient sought help from Blue Sky. He introduced Rotarians to his experience as someone successfully living and managing his life with bipolar.
Donations can be given at www.cbsvi.org

Prayer: VP Merle
Pledge:  Rtn. Ray C
4 Way Test:  Rtn. Sinclair
Raffle Master: Rtn.  Jamil
Raffle Winner: PP  Yvonne $72
Card Draw: $248

 President's Quote: The Beautiful Thing About Learning is That No One Can Take It Away From You.-BB King

Rotarians with Guests
Merle - Claire Johnson
Jamil-Mohammed Jamil
Horace-Cherri Carty & Peggy Simmonds & Tony Greene
Ray C-Luis Osorio
Jerry-Sharifa Smith

Visiting Rotarians
Rina Roebuck, Rotary East
Rich Morrison, Alexandria VA
Yegin Habtes, Rotary Club of St Thomas

                   

April    2       Clarence    

April    4       Glen

April    12     Ida

April    17     Boaty

April    25    Vince

April    28    Jamil

April    28    Lou

April is Magazine Month, a time to celebrate the opportunity to network through  Rotary’s official magazine, The Rotarian, which provides valuable information to over 1.2 million Rotarians and their families is a wonderful magazine!

The RI Bylaws require that all club members subscribe to The Rotarian or a Rotary regional magazine. Rotary leaders, district governors, and club presidents are encouraged to support magazine editors in their country or region by submitting story ideas, promoting readership, encouraging timely subscription payments, and assisting with other communication efforts.

When I take time out to read The Rotarian , it simply helps to promote a unified and global image of this wonderful organization we love called Rotary International.  The collaboration of editors from different parts of the world can help put together a tool for communicating the strength and appeal of Rotary International.”

So for Magazine Month, I encourage every member of Rotary II to take some time and read the wonderful stories that are written so beautifully in The Rotarian.  Make an effort to peruse the pages that introduce you to  wonderful words of wisdom from our International President, Kalyan Banerjee, learn about essay documents that talk about clean and pure water, polio plus campaigns, letters from Rotarians around the world, information on health and nutrition , travel and cultures just to name a few.  Check out the resource guide that can give you information on New Rotary Foundation Facts, and collections of video magazines, and new Rotary Foundation giving opportunities. Engage yourself in the monthly crossword puzzle and see where you can stay if you’re traveling and don’t care to stay in a hotel! I would suggest staying  at a Rotarian’s villa somewhere around the world.  So Rotarians, enjoy our magazine this April.  After all it is  Magazine Month and there is so much we can all learn!

 

Warm Rotary Regards,

 

Lorraine E. Baa

President

Prayer: Rtn. Lou Stern
Pledge:  Rtn. Ricky
Four Way Test: Rtn.  Al Loiten
Raffle Master: Rtn. Jamil

Raffle: $95  PP Al Laborde Winner
Card Draw: $228

Secretary's Report: Motion to approve new member Sherry Carty approved by Board.

Cassie distributed: "Start, Stop & Change" Forms
-These forms are being used to collect club members views and ideas of
Club Administration, Membership, Service, Rotary Foundation, Public Relations, & New Generations
Please submit forms to Pres Elect Cassie or Secretary Elect Merle

ADG Cheryl gave report on Rotaract.s activities
President Lorraine reviewed reports from Board Meeting
and made emphasis on Literacy Month activities

Rotarians With Guests
Rtn.Ray Barry - Wanda Morris
Rtn. Glen Smith- Vincent Rivera
Rtn. Horace Callwood-Peggy L Simmonds

Visiting Rotarians
Bob Hill Aindrie, Alberta Canada
Michael A Simmonds, St Croix West

Alain Haspil
Feb 22, 2012
	The 2012 Conference Committee for the District 7020 welcomes all Rotarians to our website. My name is Alain Haspil, your website host. I would like to take this opportunity to point out a few things you should do to ensure a successful registration. 1. There are 2 forms available on the website, and must be filled out. They go to different people, so please make sure you do both correctly. http://www.clubrunner.ca/Data/7020//HTML/139372//registration_form1.pdf http://www.agencecitadelle.com/Tourrotary.pdf First, fill out the Conference Committee form. It must be sent to 2012districtconference@gmail.com . This will ensure your Conference Registration. Second, fill out the hotel accommodations form, which must be sent to Rotary7020@agencecitadelle.com . If Agence Citadelle does not receive its form, your accommodation reservation will not be confirmed. So remember, fill out both forms on the website - one to the Conference Committee, and the other to Agence Citadelle. Address for registration: 2012districtconference@gmail.com Address for accommodation: Rotary7020@agencecitadelle.com PLEASE DO NOT MAKE ANY RESERVATION TO THE INDIVIDUAL HOTELS BUT ONLY ON THE FORM PROVIDED TO AGENCE CITADELLE OR ELSE YOUR HOTEL RESERVATION WILL NOT BE MADE.YOUR COOPERATION AND UNDERSTANDING WILL BE GREATLY APPRECIATED 2. Those interested in the "Jaipur" project (Rehab Project and prosthesis assembly shop, on Monday April 23, 2012), for relative information as well as travel information to Pignon: Please contact: Adele ROMELUS <nr_adele@yahoo.com>; (509) 37026060 3. All hotels listed for the conference are along the beach and are within 10 minutes from the conference site. They all meet international standards and have Wi-Fi. For more info please visit their websites, available on the Conference site. For your info, Hotel Indigo has a capacity of 280 rooms and is the Conference location. 4. Once you finalize your registration, you will receive a confirmation e-mail within two days. Should you not receive a confirmation e-mail, please contact: Margareth DELAQUIS <margaretfdelaquis@gmail.com>;phone (509) 37563388 Dominique BAZIN< nikabazin@yahoo.com>; (509) 36055924 Thank you for taking this walk with me. We wish you a successful registration, and look forward to seeing you in April! Alain Haspil Website Host District 7020 Conference 2012

Prayer: Krim
Pledge: Cathy
4-Way Test:  Ida
Raffle Master: Jamil
 Visiting Rotarian Ira Posen
Raffle $73; Card Draw $206

Announcements: Hotel will not accept cash next week
Rotary Club St Thomas II is now 100% Paul Harris recipients and  has met the goal for Every Rotarian Every Year


Guest Speaker: Dr. Michael Hughes, Headmaster for Antilles School
Dr. Michael Hughes moved to St Thomas from California and is a former Rotarian.
He discussed the Antilles school priorities:
- Educational Excellence and  Diversity 
He forged partnershps with other principals in the community
-Example Antilles and Eudora Kean High School collaborated on Black History Month initiatives
Dr. Hughes introduced the school's Interact Club President and Vice President; they discussed their community initiatives such as donating prom dresses to those who may not have the means to purchase new dresses for their special event.

These literacy programs help girls enroll and stay in school and help women gain access to or create new educational, financial, and social resources in their communities. These programs also help girls and women improve their own lives, the lives of their families and the conditions in their communities. For parents - and especially mothers - this means creating conditions that ensure their daughters have equal access to basic education and are able to make informed decisions about their future.

By improving educational opportunities for girls and women, some of Rotary and its literacy programs help women develop skills that allow them to make decisions and influence community change in key areas. In turn, these programs have a positive impact on some of the most profound issues of our time: population growth, HIV and AIDS, peace and security, and the widening gap between the rich and poor.

So let’s celebrate the month of March as Literacy Month and realize its vast importance especially when more than 770 million adults worldwide do not know how to read!

 President Lorraine Baa

Rtn. Edwin’s mother passed away lastTuesday in
Brazil. Please keep Rtn. Edwin and his family in your thoughts
and prayers.

New Paul Harris Society Member This Year (Contributes $1000 Each Year)

Arturo Watlington-Our newest member of the Paul Harris Society.   (2X contributed $1000)

Paul Harris Society Founding  Members (Contributes $1000 Each Year)

Marilyn Blackhall-Past President and founding member of the Paul Harris Society (7X contributed $1000)

Erva Denham-Past President and founding member of the Paul Harris Society ( 7X contributed $1000)

Horace Callwood-Past President and founding member of the Paul Harris Society (7X contributed $1000)

Rotary St. Thomas II-Our club is a Paul Harris Society Founding Member

Multiple Paul Harris Fellows

ABOVE: ADG Cheryl George-Chance( with spouse Dennis)-Current Assistant District Governor and Past President  (Contributed 5x)

PP Al LaBorde-Long time Rotarian and Past President (Will have contributed twice at end of this year) PP Al is not pictured since he is the photographer of event.

 
Rtn. Glen Smith with ADG Cheryl


New Paul Harris Fellows (Self contributors)

Ray Chesterfield-Board Member and Club Membership Chair

Kirk Callwood-A new Rotarian rolling up his sleeves and working conscientiously with the Foundation Committee

Vincent Danet- Working  as part of our Newsletter online support team.

Gershwain Sprauve-One of our newest members

Sean Georges-Works with youth and participates in the Soup Kitchen project

Awarded Anonymously

Glen J. Smith- Glen J. Smith is proud to be a Rotarian and in only one year has worked in the Bethlehem House  Soup Kitchen, is on the Foundation Committee, and now chairs the Rotary II Car Raffle.   

Awarded by Rotarian Neil Weiss

Brenda Nazaire-Coulanges-Each Year Rotarian Neil Weiss awards a Paul Harris Fellow to a deserving  individual.

Awarded by PP Marilyn Blackhall

Kaeche Liburd is a promising new Rotarian and former Ambassadorial Scholar.  Kaeche is making her mark on Rotary II as well as the community. She is a member of Rotary II’s New Generations Committee, a Bethlehem House Soup Kitchen volunteer and an Advisor to Rotaract. 

 Dr. Jerome Reisberg is a retired dentist, who contributes charitably and has done so for most of his 91 years in order to  improve the lives of those less fortunate. He also has a unique way of recognizing those who do good works and contributes  to his favorite charities in their honor.  As a resident of St. Thomas and New Jersey he has supported Rotary II’s projects, the Nana Baby Home, The Hebrew Congregation of St. Thomas, organizations for battered women in  New Jersey and at least 10 other causes each and every year. 

 

 

CONGRATULATIONS TO:

Shayla Solomon-Successfully spearheaded Rotaract as its past President.

Christine Aubain-Dedicated to working with cancer patients at St Thomas-St John American Cancer Society. 

Rtn. Michele Downes-A  great Rotarian of Rotary II since 2003  who works 24/7 developing our Publications, Website and Social Media, oversees Facebook,and created Tidbits under the mandate of Pres. Lorraine; edited Tattler, designed the website to accept online payments for dues, raffles and special events.  She also introduced Rotary II to Twitter and Youtube, and played a key role in developing and implementing the ENRICH program along with now President Lorraine. and spearheaded Conflict Resolution Seminar for VI Youth, worked on the Literacy Commitee, RYLA, and many others.

PE Eric G. Baynes-Immediate Past President Eric Baynes has served many key roles in Rotary II. These have included Club Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Membership Chair, RYLA Chair, Car Raffle Co-Chair, Newsletter Editor and ENRICH Mentor. He was Rotarian of the Year in 2006 and has been a productive member of many committees.  He is friendly, funny and ready to lead or help. Eric emanates the best of Rotary ideals, especially Service Above Self. 

In attendance were PP Mike,  PP Ash,  
PE Cassie,  Rtn. Kirk, Rtn. Kaeche, Rtn. Glen,  PP Horace, ADG Cheryl, PP Al LaBorde , PP Eric, PP Yvonne Thraen, Rtn .Ida and our community honoreees: Shayla Solomon & Christine Aubain.

ROTARY II 
                     is 


   

Antilles School won the Mathcounts competition. They will go to St. Croix in March for  the territorial championships. Rotary II again sponsored this year's contest last Thursday  at Palms Court Harborview Hotel on St. Thomas. Teams came from eight private, public, and parochial schools. 

Photos: by Pres. Lorraine Baa

Second Place: All Saints Cathedral School 
Ulla F. Muller Elementary School
Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School.

 

Rotarians have Reason to Celebrate as Rotary Reaches 107 Years
Rotary International News – 23 February 2012


Rotarians have significant reasons to celebrate Rotary's 107th anniversary this  February 23rd.
Major gains have been made in the fight to eradicate polio, Rotary's top priority. In January, India reached a historic milestone by marking a full year without recording a new case of polio. The country has been an epicenter of the crippling childhood disease.Worldwide, fewer than 650 polio cases were
confirmed for 2011, less than half the 1,352 infections reported in 2010.
 
Overall, the annual number of polio cases has plummeted by more than 99 percent since the initiative was launched  in 1988, when polio infected about 350,000 children a year. More than 2 billion children have been immunized in 122 countries, preventing 5 million cases of paralysis and 250,000 deaths.

Also in January, Rotary leaders announced that Rotary clubs raised more than US$200 million in
response to a $355 million challenge grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. In
recognition of Rotary's commitment, the Gates Foundation contributed an additional $50 million.

All of the resulting $605 million will be spent in support of immunization activities in polio-affected
countries. “We'll  celebrate this milestone, but it doesn't mean that we'll stop raising money or spreading the word about polio eradication,” Rotary Foundation Trustee John F. Germ told Rotary leaders at the International Assembly in San Diego, California, USA. “We can't stop until our entire world is certified as polio-free.”

Prayer: Merle
Pledge: Dr. Glenn Metts
Raffle Master: Glen Smith
Raffle $: 222.00
Raffle Winner: $100.00 Dr. Hall
Card Draw: $149

Discussion on Club of the Month
President reviewed her Presidents Report
Raffle tickets can be purchased online

Guest Speaker: Dr Glenn Metts professor at UVI
Discussed Entrepreneurship curriculum and Student Entrepreneurship Competition
60K is the grand prize. (Editor's Note: Rotary II's former ENRICH student and current Macon Berryman scholarship recipient Vandal is competing in this program)

Eight teachers from St Croix and St. Thomas trained to teach Entrepreneurship course in Virgin Island schools.

Submitted by Secretary Brenda.

Prayer: PP Ash
Pledge: Pres. Rina (RC East)
4 Way Test: PP Marilyn

Raffle Master: Jamil
Raffle Collected: $210.00
Raffle Winner: $94.00 President Lorraine bought tickets with her winnings
 to Montessori Schools Taste of the Nations Event. She will raffle
the tickets at next week's meeting.

 
*Pres. Lorraine announced Neil Prior as the club's Honorary Rotarian

*Pres. Rina reminded all of the Paul Harris event taking place on 
March 10th, tickets are $75

 
*Pres.Marston Winkles announced on March 4th there will be the 
St. Johnathon a 13 mile marathon to support My Brothers Workshop 
and his club's community efforts.

 
*Guest Speaker: Michael Bornn, Head of School for Montessori School
 discussed the Montessori school's focus on children's natural inclination
 to learn; International Baccaleurate Program; History, Present and future
 of the Montessori School
 

*Visiting Rotarians: Franklyn Eaton, RC Montego Bay East
Hubert Raimer,Marston Winkles, RC of St. Thomas, and Rina Roebuck, RC East

 
*Rotarian w/Guests:VP Merle- Eunice Smith; Rtn.Jamil-Mohammed Jamil
PP Ash-Myrtle Williams; PP Hubert-June Thomas;Rtn.Jerry-Jelani Rollins 
& Craig Matthias

Neil Prior, newly installed honorable member being 
pinned PP Marilyn

Feb. 5

 

Feb. 14 

 

Feb. 17

 

 

 

Feb. 25

 

 

 

  

 Pres. Lorraine and ADG Cheryl with DG Guy

 Fellow Rotarians:

This month we should all remember and understand that February is World Understanding Month.  In this month in the year 1905 Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Hiram Shorey and Silvester Schiele met to talk about their personal and professional experiences as businessmen.  This simple meeting was the start of the world's first international service organizaion which has grown from 4 men to over 1.2 million members throughout the world.  To say we should be proud to be one of the Clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas is an understatement.  There are over 33,000 clubs with new clubs emerging every month.  Yes, it's been 105 years of major accomplishments by Rotary International.  The sobering challenge that we are faced with in our efforts to end the disease of Polio still exists in only four countries!  The disease is on its way out and the countries that still show a small percentage of Polio presence ironically spells PAIN....and they are Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Nigeria.

Let's be mindful that during World Understanding Month-February 23, 2012 will be an important day in all of our lives as Rotarians.  Some clubs, cities and countries are going above and beyond to make a difference by proclaiming that we should End Polio Now.  The Rotary Club of Chicago will celebrate its own 105th anniversary after lighting the Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago with the End Polio Now logo.  Other sites scheduled for illumination will include the Pyramid of Khafrein Egypt; the Taipei Arena in Taiwan; the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain; the Old Port Captain's Office on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, with the world-famous Table Mountain as the backdrop; the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, Argentina; the Lake Marathon Dam overlooking the historic Marathon Memorial Battlefield in Greece; and the Royal Palace at Caserta in Italy.

In our backyard, Puerto Rico, the House of Representatives has approved a measure setting aside the week of February 23 to be celebrated as "the week of Rotary movement".  It would be awesome if we here in the US Virgin Islands could find some way to be a part of this World Understanding Month by celebrating the wonderful accomplishments of Rotary in our own way and by joining together and saying it Caribbean style "End Polio Now Mon"!!!

Warm Rotary Regards,

Lorraine Baa

Fellow Rotarians:

This month we should all remember and understand that February is World Understanding Month. In this month in the year 1905 Paul Harris, Gustavus Loehr, Hiram Shorey and Silvester  Schiele met to talk about their personal and professional experiences as businessmen. This simple meeting was the start of the world’s first international service organization which has grown from 4 men to over 1.2 million members throughout the world.  To say we should be proud to be one of the clubs in over 200 countries and geographical areas is an understatement.  There are over 33,000 clubs with new clubs emerging every month. Yes, it’s been 105 years of major accomplishments by Rotary International.  The sobering challenge that we are faced with in our efforts to end the disease of Polio still exists in only four countries! The disease is on its way out and the countries that still show a small percentage of Polio presence  ironically spells PAIN….and they are Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Nigeria.

Let’s be mindful that during World Understanding Month- on February 23, 2012 will be an important day in all of our lives as Rotarians.  Some clubs, cities and countries are going above and beyond to make a difference by proclaiming that we should End Polio Now.  The Rotary Club of Chicago will celebrate its own 105^th anniversary after lighting the Wrigley Building in downtown Chicago with the End Polio Now  Logo.  Other sites scheduled for illumination will include the Pyramid of Khafre in Egypt; the Taipei Arena in Taiwan; the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela  in Galicia, Spain; the Old Port Captain’s Office on the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town, with the world-famous Table Mountain as the backdrop; the Obelisk of Buenos Aires, Argentina; the Lake Marathon Dam overlooking the historic Marathon Memorial Battlefield in Greece; and the Royal Palace at Caserta in Italy.

In our backyard, Puerto Rico, the House of Representatives has approved a measure setting aside the week of February 23 to be celebrated as “the week of Rotary movement”. It would be awesome if we here in the US Virgin Islands could find some way to be a part of this World Understanding Month by celebrating  the wonderful accomplishments of Rotary in our own way and by joining together and saying it Caribbean style “End Polio Now Mon”!!!!  

Warm Rotary Regards,

 Lorraine Baa

President

 

Pres. Lorraine With Honored Senior 

 The St. Thomas/St. John Scholastic Chess Club conducted the third scholastic chess tournament on Saturday, January 21, 2012. This was the third major chess tournament held this school year that was supported by St. Thomas Rotary II. Nearly 60 students from our public and private schools participated in this tournament. The conclusion of this event, trophies and special awards were presented to the top three winners in three different categories.  The students observed and analyzed games that were played by grand masters. They received autograph books, met new friends, emerged with better ratings, and returned home as improved players. The memories from this event would last

for a lifetime.

Prayer:  Rtn. Rosetta

Pledge: PP Al LaBorde

 4-way test: Rtn. Sheri. 

Rot.w/guests: Rtn. Glen: George Bowdanaure. 

Visiting Rtn.  Pres. Rina Roebuck:  RC East.

Rafflemaster:  Rtn. Jamil  collected $150. Rtn. Sinclair winner of $67.  Card draw at $55..

Speaker: Rtn. Michele discussed the state of Rotary II’s publications and internet personality. She taught members how to access the website. She announced that  online payments are now possible. She urged members to direct their family, friends and associates to our website.

Directors Report: Sinclair; PP Marilyn

 Secretary's Report:

 Dues are past due, please see Treasurer Sheri. 

Review of Actions from board meeting.

 1. Minutes passed with corrections.

2. Board voted to allow Foundation Chair PP Marilyn to pursue a matching grant
 with RC of St. Thomas; proceeds to benefit My Brother's Workshop.

3. Board voted to accept Neil Prior as an honorary member.  He was proposed by
PP Marilyn and PP Horace.

4.  PE Cassie and PP Mike talked about RLI training they attended the previous weekend.  It was very educational  and motivational.  It is open to all Rotarians, not just officers and board members.  All Rotarians should attend whether you have been a Rotarian for 2 months or 20 years. 

 

 

 

 

President Lorraine has set the bar for the Club  to raise  $100,000 to provide relief to many local charities  which are suffering including  many that help  children. We are asking Rotarians to reach deep inside,  to help humanity, and  to put forth a  herculean effort to reach their families, friends and the community. Let’s  go beyond our quotas. To assist in that effort, raffles are available for purchase online starting Jan. 28; a campaign will be launched on facebook and twitter. We plan to get the world to help us help others. Please friend us on Facebook and follow us on twitter.

 

Rotarians Ida, Michele and Sinclair served as judges at ACJHS   Scripps National Spelling Bee which lasted  close to three hours on  Friday, Jan. 13, 2011. The winners were : Akari Jeffrey (center) 2nd place Dylante Dehaarte, 3rd Place Amauris Matos. One has a chance to go to the National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. if he wins in the district.

 

 

 

 

 

Sherri Charles- Rogers

Club Treasurer

scharlesrogers@gmail.com 

January 3, 2011 

*************************************************************

Neil Weiss

New Member to RotaryII; but

longtime Rotarian

neilweiss24@yahoo.com

Jan. 16

 

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Michele Downes

Publications and Technology Editor

micheledownes@hotmail.com

Jan 18 

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Claude Simmonds

Pillar of Rotary II

PO BOX 2957 ST VI 00803

Jan 28

 

 

 

 

 

                                      

                              RI CONVENTION 2012

 

For Makeups Visit A Club Or GO ONLINE: ROTARY.ORG

Rotary Club f St. Thomas- Sunrise Tues. 715 am Windward	Rotary Club of Charlotte Amalie Tues. 6:00pm Windward	Rotary Club of St. Thomas II             Wed. 12:15pm Marriott	Rotary Club of St. Thomas East Wed. 6:00pm Bolongo	Rotary Club of St. Thomas Thurs. 1230 Bluebeard’s	Rotary Club of St. John Fridays 1230 Westin	Rotary Club of St. Thomas II‘s Rotaract Club Alternate Fridays	ROTARY Special Events
Jan 3	Jan. 3 Club Meeting	Jan 4  tba	Jan 4	Jan 5	Jan 6             Jason Corley	Jan 6 Rotaract II@ Coasta java 5:30pm
Jan 10 TBA	Jan. 10 charles Consolvo	Jan 11 tba	Jan 11 Skye Van Renesselear	Jan 12 TBA	Jan  13  tba	Jan 12          UVIRotaract@ UVI Business Center 7:00pm
Jan 17           TBA	Jan. 17 TBA	Jan. 18  tba	Jan 18 Fiona Stuart	Jan 19  Karen John	Jan 20  tba	Jan 19 Rotaract II@ Coasta java 5:30pm

 

 

 

 

 

Rotary II Family for bringing or sending Christmas Presents for our Seniors.

Our Annual Christmas Luncheopn with the Seniors was a great success, 

Prayer: PP  Mac Davis
Pledge: PP  Ash Newton
4 Way Test: Rtn.  Lou Stern
Raffle Master:  Rtn. Jamil
Raffle: $310

Senior Recognition Presentation:
Alice Olivia Leonard
Zephaniah Alexander Fahie
Ebenezer Zephaniah Fahie

President Lorraine, Rtn. Ida and PP  Al led the audience in the song   "Twelve Days of Christmas With a Rotarian Twist".
Gilbert Gerard, Senior attendee sang "O Little Town of Bethlehem"
Pres. Lorraine rendered many beautiful solos  including "Feliz Navidad"
Rotarian Welby sang "Silent Night"

Reminders:

Rtn. Michele (on sick Leave) was present and President Elect Cassie is home sick with the flu. We send you get well wishes Cassie from your Rotary II Family!
Car Raffle will start soon;  the cost per ticket is $10.00.

                     on being elected ADG

                                     

 

                        PP Michael Toussaint

 

 

Joint Club Meeting:
Clubs Represented:

Rotary Club St Thomas
Rotary Club St Thomas II
Rotary Club of Charlotte Amalie
Rotary Club St Thomas East
Rotary Club St Thoms Sunrise
Rotary Club St John

Prayer: Rosetta George, St. Thomas II
Pledge: PP Joseph Felicien, Rotary Charlotte Amalie
Four Way Test: Past AG Larry Benjamin, Rotary St Thomas
Raffle Master: Rtn. Ray Barry & Rtn. Glen Smith, St. Thomas II

Raffle Collected $540.00
Raffle Winner Received: $243.00 Rotarian Michelle of Charlotte Amalie
Card Draw: $835.00
Card Not Pulled
 

A warm welcome was given to DG Guy Theodore of Haiti
DG Guy Theodore discussed the highlights of his visit and praised all the clubs for their accomplishments.
He motivated all to embrace the new direction of Rotary International.
He updated the audience on Rotary District  and International news.

ADG Cheryl announced PP Mike Toussaint as the incoming ADG.

Off Island Visiting Rotarian: Jim Snell and wife Patsy of New Port Arthur, Texas

There were 75 persons in attendance.
 
 

 The ABC’s of my Senior Life...Laugh and the World Laughs with You

 

Available at amazon.com

Book Signing at Dockside on Saturday, December 17 from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

 

This month is Family Month and we at Rotary II should take pride in celebrating the family of Rotary, which in addition to individual Rotarians, includes all of those who are involved in Rotary's work from the Rotary Foundation program alumni to participants in Rotary youth programs in thousands of communities around the world.

 Spouses and children of Rotarians should play a vital role in Rotary too. Rotary clubs benefit immensely when they strive to achieve a balanced interaction between Rotarians and their families, enhancing home lives and family interactions.

 This month as we extend ourselves to our adopted Senior Citizens, all the participants in our Rotary Youth Programs our District Governor Guy Theodore for 2011-2012 as he visits with us,  our extended family the community….let us Reach Within to Embrace Humanity and enjoy the true meaning of family!

 I would be remiss if I did not take this special opportunity to wish each and every one a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year!

 

Best Rotary Regards,

Lorraine E. Baa

President

 

 

· Our planned Guest Speaker was stranded with a flat.

· Pres. Lorraine formally announced her recommendation for District Governor for 2014-2015 as ADG Cheryl George-Chance.

· PP Cheryl discusses the current District Governor's quick visit.

· Shaun the bartender is back which brought cheers from the crowd.

 

Prayer: Rtn. Glen Smith
Pledge: Rtn. Gerry Smith
4 Way Test: Rtn. Barbara Petersen
Raffle Master: PP Ash Newton
Raffle Winner: $63 Rtn. Ricky Francois
Card Draw: $781.00, Rotarian Ray Chesterfield had a chance to pull the joker.
Joker was not pulled.

VIsiting Rotarians:
Rotarian Bob From Denver, Co.

Rotarian w/ Guests
President Lorraine's guest was Bob from Colorado.

Car Raffle begins 12/15: Prizes include Jeep, Cruise for 2, One Week's stay at Marriott, Cash prizes, and more.

The Fun Club Strikes Again!

Our Guest Speaker Dr. Tonjia Coverdale was left stranded with a flat tire and was unable to make her scheduled appearance at the club. She was to do a Calypso Revue for us. The members of Rotary II came to the rescue with an out pouring of talent. Taking turns at the podium were, Rtn. Ida White, Visiting Rtn. Bob, PP Eric Baynes ( Slightly blue joke) who told jokes. The Singers were out in full force and put us in a festive mood. Rotarian Krim sang, "I'm Dreaming of a White Christmas," Rtn. Al LaBorde sang a sweet rendition of "The Christmas Song" (Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire), and Krim and President Lorraine sang the "Lord's Prayer" together.