March 14, 2014

Jill Carman being inducted into the Club by Pres. Mika Hon.  

 Welcome to the Rotary Club of Long Branch Jill.

Pledge -  Al Peskoe

Invocation: Paul Peacock 

50/50 winner: Bill Spence 

Visiting Rotarians: Mike Dimino, Barnegat Club about his club's 50/50 

Adele Sammarco - NJ Rep/ Guest of Brian Berry

Tom Farrell - Guest of Brian Berry

Jessica Shaw - Guest of Brian Berry 

Melanie Siano –Guest of Bill Boglioli 

Sari Alkhaleel  - Guest (son) of Fatin Alkhaleel

Jean Mckinney - Guest of Brian Berry

Rotary Clubs Honor Lombardi Recipients

On Thursday March 6^th at the Sheraton in Eatontown the Rotary Clubs of Monmouth County including the Rotary Club of Greater Long Branch honored the most outstanding coaches and high school offensive lineman at the 42^nd Vince Lombardi Awards Banquet.

The qualities that embody the players chosen for the award are discipline, courage, endurance, desire, ability and performance. These were all on display the evening of March 6^th.

The evening also served as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, The Center for Vocational Rehab, and the Monmouth County Rotary Clubs community projects. The highlight of the evening was the 2013-14 presentation of the John Tuggle Memorial Award to Tyler Fischer of Holmdel High School. The Tuggle award goes to a young person who has shown great perseverance in overcoming a disability, disadvantage, or other adversity. Mr. Fischer has battled a heart ailment all his life and recently has had two additional surgeries. His speech to the packed house was both moving and inspirational.

Ida Keiper of Starbrite Kids accepts thanks from Club President-Elect Brian Berry.

Traveling with Your Special Needs Child? Check out Starbright Kids

On Friday March 7^th at our regular meeting, the Club heard from Jesemine Jones and Ida Keiper, educators and founders of Starry Night Travel, LLC.  

Together, they have introduced Starbrite Kids, a program that specializes in providing travel accommodations for children with special needs.

Their program provides families the information to make travel a pleasant and memorable experience with special needs children. Starbrite has partnered with vacation suppliers who provide accommodations and support to families with children with special needs. They also organize group vacations throughout the year, assist families to choose and book destinations, and arrange for any special equipment or devices required.

Guest speaker Amy Zambrano, Amy's Yogabilities

Amy’s Yogabilities – Yoga for all ages and abilities

On Friday March 14^th Amy Zambrano spoke to the Club about her fascinating business: Amy’s Yogabilities. Amy’s Yogabilities is a special needs yoga program for children and teens that focuses on empowering the mind, body, and spirit awareness for maintaining a healthy well being. This program inspires students to reach their full potential and bring the benefits of yoga to ALL abilities.

Through positive affirmations and core strengthening exercises, students will enhance their concentration and coordination skills, sensory processing and integration. Students will engage in balancing exercises through games, support self regulating abilities, and engage children in breathing/meditation exercises for relaxation. Students will learn to incorporate yoga on and off their mats to bring it into their everyday life.

Amy’s Yogabilities inspires us to remember that we are all able to practice yoga because yoga is more than just poses on a mat.

3^rd Annual Rotary Club of Greater Long Branch Art Show

The Club’s 3^rd Annual Art Show will be held on Thursday, April 10^th at the fabulous Deal Country Club.

The evening will feature curated original artwork for sale from some of the Shore area’s finest artists, wine and beer tastings, and a light dinner. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by the legendary band “Pam McCoy and Familiar Faces.”

 A portion of the evenings’ proceeds will be donated to the Karen Hansen Memorial Scholarship Fund. Individuals who have an interest in pursuing a career in Special Education will have the opportunity to apply for an award from this Scholarship Fund. The Fund has been established in the memory of Karen Hansen, who passed away in September of 2012, and the wife of long time Rotarian and Club Service Chair, Roger Hansen.  Over the course of her 40-year teaching career, Karen dedicated her life to Special Education and making a profound difference in the lives of many young students. Tickets are $40 in advance and $50 at the door.