March 7, 2014
Ida Keiper, Starbrite Traveler being thanked by Pres. Elect Brian Berry
The meeting was called to order by President Elect Brian Berry. Bob Celli led the Pledge of Allegiance and Paul Peacock delivered the Invocation. Welcome our guest speaker, Ida Keiper from Starbrite Kids/Starbrite Travel providing travel agent services to families with special needs children and people with disabilities.
President Elect Brian made the following announcements:
- Breakfast with Joe Tordella on March 1st was successful recapped by Barb.
Lombardi Dinner attendees
- Annual Rotary Lombardi Dinner was last evening, March 6th at Sheraton Eatontown Hotel. Most present at the meeting were also at dinner so a brief recap was given by President Elect Brian.
- The Club’s 3rd Annual Art Show will be held on Thursday, April 10th 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.
For tickets, more information on sponsorship opportunities or if you are an artist looking to display and sell your artwork, please email Club President Mika Hon at:mika@njinkshop.com, or call him 848-391-5181.
- The District 7500 Conference is being held May 2nd – 4th in Point Pleasant. They decided to have the conference locally because of the need to give back to the area after the affects of Sandy. The Conference will be a la carte, meaning you can attend only those events that you wish. There will be Plenary sessions on Friday and Saturday along with wine tasting, Friday night murder/mystery, Rotary sing-off, guest speakers from around the world, and a Sunday run/walk to raise funds for polio plus.
- Change Over Dinner will be held June 19th at McLoone's Pier House here in Long Branch. Honorees include Jack Kiely and Dan George. Brian Berry will be sworn in as President and Mike Ciavolino as Vice President.
Speaker: Ida Keiper
President Elect Brian introduced our guest speaker, Ida Keiper of Starbrite Kids/Starbrite Travel. Ida and her business partner, Jesemine Jones provide travel agent services for families with kids with special needs. Ida has had decades of experience as an educator and decided to make a change in her career path when retirement was entirely too boring. Authors of two Starbrite Traveler books: A Travel Resource for Parents of Children with Special Needs and Special Needs Destinations for Kids - East Coast Edition as well as an activity/coloring book.
The program is broken down into 5 Steps: Dream, Determine, Dry Run, Depart and Destination. These steps help to prepare children and help reduce stresses from change in routine and environment.
Prior to the trip the family is provided with
-Pre-Trip Questionnaire to determine and work within parameters of disabilities (wheelchairs, lifts, dietary needs)
-Suggested hotels, all inclusive resorts and cruise lines that have special provisionsto decide what trips will work best for the family
-Important tips and information to prepare for trip
- Visual stories to work the children to manage expectations and reduce behavioral/sensory issues.